Happy New Year, goddamnit,
Economy or not, let’s make the best of it. We’re going to have a fantastic year. First the Bikernet staff will do whatever we can for the industry to keep it vibrant, from our SEMA organization effort to spreading the word all over the world about new products, builders, bikes, you name it. Don’t hesitate to send us info. There’s no charge to spread the word on Bikernet here in the news.
Goals for 2009 include five bike builds, a 1929 Peashooter for Bonneville, 1940 WR with K-model heads also for Bonneville (being built with the assistance of Departure Bike Works in Richmond, Virginia), Nyla’s Root Beer Bobber being wrapped up by the Devil’s master Kent Weeks in Houston. The Mudflap girl FXR Pro Street Touring project that will come together here at the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarters and the 5-Ball Factory Racers Designed by Rick Krost for the ride to Sturgis in 2009.
We’re making a plan to return to Bonneville in 2010, because 2009 is already packed and vintage racers take time. You’ll get to see each project bike come to life on Bikernet.
Let’s hit the news then I’ll spill my guts about Books, goals, new workout regimes and Bikernet objectives. Our bottom line includes being here for you. If you need anything covered, tech info, you name it drop us a line:
SPECTRO OILS NAMED OFFICIAL OIL OF SUCKER PUNCH SALLY?S–Sucker Punch Sally?s, the Old school expert?s name Spectro Oils their brand of choice for all their motorcycle lubricant needs.
Brookfield, CT? Spectro Oils of America announces its newest partnership with Sucker Punch Sally?s. ?A motorcycle is only as good as the sum of its parts, right down to the quality of fuel and lubricants used,? said Christian Clayton, president of Sucker Punch Sally?s. ?We take pride in building great-looking, ride-able bikes, and by using a premium product like Spectro Oil, we?ll help our customers maintain their motorcycle?s performance so they spend more time on the road and less time in the shop.? As a trusted brand in the motorcycle industry for over 40 years, Spectro Oil consistently delivers a top quality product. ?Their extensive line of products is custom-tailored to help motorcyclists keep their bikes in top performance condition. No matter what type of motorcycle or how many miles it has logged, Spectro Oil?s unique blends help ensure a quieter, smoother ride? finished Clayton.
Spectro products span the full range of fully-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all classes of ?powersports? engine and transmission applications. The Spectro line also includes a wide range of suspension fluids, fork oils, brake fluids, coolant, chain lubes/waxes, filter cleaners and oils and protection/appearance products, all of which will be available through Sucker Punch Sally?s dealers nationwide.
?The Sucker Punch Sally?s brand is well respected in the motorcycle industry, and we?re excited to partner with a company that shares our dedication to quality,? said Spectro Oil Vice President of Sales, Rollin Karoll. ?Spectro Oil has a long-standing history in the motorcycle industry, and we?re looking forward to meeting the needs of the Sucker Punch Sally?s crew and customers for many years to come.?
Spectro brands are manufactured and marketed by Intercontinental Lubricants Corp. of Brookfield, CT, ILC, one of the world?s foremost manufacturers and packagers of quality lubricants.
For more information on Spectro Oils, please visit: www.spectro-oils.com
ONE-PIECE CONTRAST CUT ALUMINUM WHEELS– Roland Sands Designs Contrast Cut finish is unlike anything else on the market. It starts with a polished wheel, then PM black anodizes it and re-cuts the wheel on the CNC machine to open up the design. The newly machined area is left raw for an aggressive, eye-catching style that’s turning heads everywhere. Now available in three styles including the NEW Diesel and Diesel chrome that feature a contour lip design for a graceful arc from spoke to tire.. Available in both stock and wide sizes. Proudly Made in the U.S.A. by Performance Machine.
NOTE: Custom rear wheels require the use of rotors and pulleys with a 2.50″ i.d. flange
NOTE: V-Rod wheels only work with Performance Machine calipers and RSD rotors.
2008 REFLECTIONS FROM BIKERNET TECH EDITOR– Three of my Hero’s. All 3 had made me laugh and think.Tom Waits-SongSmith www.tomwaits.com
Charles Bukowski-WordSmith www.bukowski.net
Romeo Palamides-Jet Car Builder/Fabricator/Hot Rod builder
Joe Mondello-Best Cyl. Head Porter of all times
–Pablo
P.S. Of course you on the short list, Bandit. Ron Trock and Gary Johnson are among the others.
CDMSC SELECTS HARLEY-DAVIDSON AS WINNER OF 2008 QUALITY LEADERSHIP AWARD–The Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission (CDMSC) is proud to announce the selection of Harley-Davidson Motor Company as the winner of its 2008 Quality Leadership Award, recognizing excellence in disability management, intervention, and wellness programs.
The CDMSC presented the award at the National Business Group on Health’s (NBGH) 22nd National Conference on Health, Productivity, and Human Capital, held in San Diego, Calif. The NBGH is a leading voice in the employer market, and its conference draws a large audience from across the country.
Each year, the CDMSC ? the only independent, nationally accredited organization that certifies disability management specialists ? honors a company, organization, or individual for demonstrating leadership in disability management.
“Harley-Davidson has a strong commitment to employee education, which is the foundation of its health, safety, wellness, and disability management programs, from early intervention to return-to-work,” stated David Rosenthal, Ph.D., chairman of the CDMSC.
With more than 8,000 employees globally, Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a leader in worksite health management. Performance metrics for Harley-Davidson’s integrated disability management program, which began in 2000, show noticeable positive results.
“We are honored to receive this award recognizing our integrated disability management program and the positive results it has shown,” said Sue Gartner, manager of corporate health and wellness for Harley-Davidson Motor Co. “The success of this initiative is due in large part to the close collaboration between our Occupational Health Departments and the team of safety, PT/OT, fitness providers and case managers. We’re always working to improve the health and wellness of our employees. The integrated approach is well-received by employees and we anticipate it will continue to evolve and benefit the organization and those we serve.”
At most facilities the program also incorporates short-term disability and general health, along with workers’ compensation components. Harley-Davidson is taking a more active approach to onsite prevention and wellness programs as well.
Harley-Davidson also is proactive with workers as they age, emphasizing programs to reduce the risk of injury and serious illness. For example, occupational health nurses and disability management specialists work together, and early intervention services are offered at company facilities for immediate access and continuous awareness.
Highlighting Harley-Davidson’s collaboration within its therapeutic provider network, physical therapists, occupational therapists, fitness trainers and trained ergonomists are involved with workstation assessments and individualized and group exercise and stretching programs. Transitional duty, onsite therapy, and a graduated RTW program are also available to assist employees in returning to safe, timely employment.
For more information on CDMSC and its Quality Leadership Award, please visit www.cdms.org.
Darwin Motorcycles Introduces the New 2009 Brass Balls Bobber “Model 1”–
Brass Balls Bobbers’ Model 1 – Quality High Options Low December 29, 2008 Oklahoma City, OK – Henry Ford created the Model T and Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers has created the Model 1, a 2009 essential bobber that retails at an industry leading $15,995 and comes with everything you need and nothing that you don’t. Just like the Model T, the Model 1 is a value price leader and comes in midnight black.
The place where the Model 1 diverges from the Model T is in the performance arena. The new motorbike didn’t scrimp on premium components like a Harley-Davidson 80″ EVO, NASCAR supplier – Wilwood Brakes, Tauer machine belt drive, D Performance Enterprises’ exhaust, Metzeler tires and Hawg Halters controls.
“The Brass Balls Bobber Model 1 is the very essence of our bikes, explained Dar Holdsworth,” Brass Balls Bobbers’ Bossman. “Built with no compromises, the Model 1 delivers outstanding performance using racebike quality components and inspired by the cool no nonsense bikes of old. This bike accelerates, turns and stops in a manner that rival performance cars.”
It is important to stay true to our mantra “The above average bike for the average Joe” and this bike does just that with Quality High and Options Low. This value-priced custom-production motorbike is simply the coolest, best built bike for the money, period! The Model 1 comes in midnight wrinkle black with a signature antique brass tank badge. The 2009 model is available right now.
Model 1 Technical Specifications:
Motor: H-D 80″ EVO natural finish
Tranny: 5-speed
Exhaust: D&D Performance Enterprises’ Black Ceramic Coat
Primary: Tauer Machine Warlord belt drive
Brakes: Wilwood performance 4 piston front and rear
Hand controls: Hawg Halters
Tires: Metzler ME 880’s (front 21″ x 90mm rear 16″ x 150mm)
Wheels: 40 spoke chrome
Frame: BBB Digger frame 36 degrees, 0″ up, 0″ out
Front end: Black springer, 2 under
Gas tank: Flat side sporty, frisco mount with antique brass badge
Rear Fender: Flat
Finish: Wrinkle black tins with antique brass tank badge and wrinkle black or black chrome frame
The Oklahoma-based custom bike manufacturer specializes in building a line of track-inspired quality bikes for the “average Joe.” The factory is located at 401 S. Blackwelder Avenue in Oklahoma City. Visit the company online at www.darwinmotorcycles.com
With a strong team at the helm and a slate of innovative, high-performance designs that blend vintage with contemporary, Darwin Motorcycles is primed and quickly becoming one of the leading motorcycle shops in the country attracting new riders and setting trends through their Above Average Bobber program.
For custom bike and dealer information please contact:
Dar Holdsworth, 405.285.0808,
EVOLVE@DARWINMOTORCYCLES.COM.
–Jeff Najar
ROT RALLY GEARING UP FOR NEW YEAR–Pre-Registration Opens Jan. 12th at 10Am.Register to win a FREE signed Evel Knievel Bike! 20% Off ROT Merchandise (Select Styles)Hotels / RVs / Tents
ROT Rally is gearing up for the 15th Annual Biker Rally! THINK BIG, THINK REALLY BIG…with more nail-biting action, bigger musical acts and twice the giveaways! ROT offers the biggest bang for your buck with FOUR DAYS OF MUSIC, MOTORYCYCLES AND MAYHEM FOR ONLY $55. That’s less than $15 a day, it’s a deal you can’t beat. Where else, can you find tens and thousands of bikes, professional MMA Fights, motorcycle giveaways, celebrity bike builders and national music line-up, 300 vendors and more to be announced!
As most of you have noticed, this year we’ve changed the opening date of Pre-Registration and RV Reservation, to Jan. 12th at 10Am! Can you believe it no more staying up on New Year’s Eve trying to reserve your RV space! Happy New Year!
While ROT will continue the tradition of the Military Bike Giveaway, ROT has partnered up with Knievel Cycles to spice up the rally with a little added incentive to join the party! All PRE-REGISTERED ATTENDEES will be automatically entered into a drawing to WIN A CUSTOM BUILT MOTORCYCLE SIGNED BY STUNT LEGEND HIMSELF EVEL KNIEVEL! This bike is one of ten that Knievel signed before dying in 2007. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and never before has ROT offered two great giveaways in one wild weekend!
Pre-Registration opens Jan. 12th, 2009…GET YOUR ROT TICKETS!
BIKERNET CHRISTMAS NEWS REVIEW– Nice theme. All Santa-y and such. Glad not too much time was spent on elves. Elves, trolls and garden gnomes really get my ass.
Talking about the SEMA hookup? Opportunity knocks, but you’ve got to answer the door. They’re so deep into marketing it’s almost laughable.
I participated in one of their seminars at PRI a couple weeks ago over in Orlando – it was great, and just one of several during the show.
Do you get the SEMA weekly newsletter? Good stuff.Bottom line, from my end – if SEMA can’t provide guidance and leadership, launch the lifeboats.
–John Siebenthaler
HARLEY-DAVIDSON BEATS TRACK RECORD–2008 motorcycle sales hit record numbers in just 11 months.
Harley-Davidson Australia is celebrating another year of outstanding sales with the news today that 2008 sales results are the best on record ever in Australia.
In just 11 months of 2008 the iconic brand has sold 7,150 motorcycles, surpassing all previous yearly results with December, traditionally one of the best retail trading months of the year, still to be recorded.
The exceptional year-on-year sales increase highlights Harley-Davidson Australia as one of few companies prospering in a challenging economic environment.
A key strategy underpinning the growth is the diversity of appeal in the Harley-Davidson suite of motorcycles. In 2008 the Softail Fat Boy (FLSTF) remains the highest selling model with 874 motorcycles sold to date, continuing the 2007 trend. Strong sales performance is also recorded by the Night Rod Special (VRSCDX), part of the new ?Dark Custom? range.
In 2007 Harley-Davidson introduced a new range of motorcycles collectively referred to as ?Dark Custom?. The range is a distinct break from the classic chrome styling for which H-D is renowned. Dark Custom is instead defined by black monochromatic finishes and modern urban street styling.
Harley-Davidson Australia Managing Director, Peter Nochar, said ?although our classic Softails continue to sell extremely well the introduction of ?Dark Custom? has boosted our outstanding sales result. In addition, our Sportster range is on the rise thanks to fantastic new models and the sheer affordability. When you can buy the genuine article from as little as $10,995 + on-road costs why settle for anything less.?
The Dark Custom range includes the Nightster, Cross Bones, Night Rod Special, Night Train, Street Bob & Fat Bob.
BIKERNET PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–The email I sent with the other pictures was to big of a file to send.Here are the pictures of the bulldog. The balls on the bulldog are the brake lights***
2009 MOTORCYCLE CONCOURSE EVENT POSTPONED– For immediate release. San Francisco ? 19 December 2008 ? The annual Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d?Elegance, which takes place the first weekend each May, will be postponed in 2009. Instead, the fourth annual event, highlighting Indian and NSU as the featured marques, is scheduled to resume in 2010.
The decision is due to the effect the world economy has had on many sponsors, and while deciding not to produce the show next year was very difficult, it was the most prudent. ?We?d never do anything to compromise the quality of the Concours,? says co-founder Jared Zaugg. ?We?d rather suspend the event than see it done halfway and I?m sure those that have participated would agree. This has been a true labor of love and something we strongly believe in, so we look forward to reinstating it after this hiatus.?
The good news is that the postponement is temporary and plans are already underway for May 2010. From legendary racers and builders, to celebrities and industry executives, to owners and enthusiasts, Legend of the Motorcycle brings together a unique audience from around the globe representing all the wonderfully diverse facets of motorcycling. The weekend celebration is centered around a display of 200 of some of history?s most important motorcycles judged by an international panel of experts, and combines never-before-seen exhibits, contemporary product unveilings, exclusive presentations, a collector?s auction and charity auction, receptions, and rides, for an event unlike anything else in the motorcycle world. (A list of select press quotes about Legend of the Motorcycle is following below.)
Information and updates will be posted to the website, LegendoftheMotorcycle.com, throughout the year.
For contact info@legendofthemotorcycle.com.
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