IT’S ALL OVER. The 7th Annual V-Twin Expo by Easyriders in Cincinnati is over, The Super Bowl is over, I guess the Colts won, and my Pajama party on Saturday night that ran in to Sunday is over. What a weekend!
Saturday night I had about fifteen gals come over for a pajama/slumber party. These women partied until four in the morning. While I cleaned, four of them invaded my bed. Talk about spooning? Good food, great conversations, truth or dare, spin the bottle and scantily clad bodies? Yeah, I missed Bandit all right.
Sunday I taped the game for Bandit so he wouldn?t miss any Super Bowl action while he wandered the halls of the convention center. Bandit checked in regularly and from all indications, the industry is rocking. Vendor attendance as well as attendees is up over last year. Not bad.
Sorry for the delay with the Post, I just couldn?t see news from bullshit yesterday. Today all is clear. Hangover is gone, girls are gone, and I?m ready for business?
Here?s your Sunday/Monday Post–
STRIKE THREAT LEAVES HARLEY PLANT IN DUST– Production is halted as workers at York, Pa. plant overwhelmingly reject proposed contract offering lower wages and benefits for new workers. February 1 2007: 1:39 PM EST CHICAGO (Reuters) — Harley-Davidson Motor Co. said Thursday that it halted production at its largest assembly plant after workers there rejected a proposed three-year contract and authorized a strike that could begin early Friday. The workers at the motorcycle maker’s York, Pennsylvania, plant voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to reject a proposed new contract that called for lower wages and benefits for new workers and forced all union-represented workers to pay more for health insurance. The 2,798 York workers, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175, also voted to authorize a strike beginning a minute after midnight, when the current contract expires.
In a statement released Thursday that acknowledged the vote, Harley said it was disappointed by the potential disruption, which one analyst said could cost the company $11 million in lost sales and shave a penny off earnings per share for each day it lasts. In 2006, Harley earned $3.93 a share on sales of $5.80 billion. Harley said the contract concessions were necessary to help the company, which is currently enjoying growing sales and profit, avoid finding itself “in the same position that the Detroit auto industry is in now” 10 years down the road. Harley said it was immediately suspending production of the Touring and Softail motorcycles the York plant produces. No strike since ’91
The stakes in a prolonged walkout are potentially high. In a note to investors, Tim Conder, an analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons, pointed out that the two bikes that come out of York are Harley’s highest-margin products and account for about 60 percent of all the units it makes. Michael Savner, an analyst at Bank of America Equity Research, estimated a strike would cost the company roughly $11 million in sales, and about a penny per share of profit for every day the production shutdown lasts. But Conder said he was optimistic that the issues would be “quickly resolved,” and a strike averted, citing Harley’s “long history of extremely good company/labor relations.” Harley, which faces similar contract expirations in Kansas City later this summer and in Milwaukee early next year, hasn’t experienced a work disruption since 1991. At that time the York workers, who make between 700 and 800 bikes a day, staged a walkout that was quickly resolved.
Craig R. Kennison, an analyst at R.W. Baird, said he thought any strike this time would be similarly “short-lived.” Harley had planned for a short strike when it issued its first-quarter shipment guidance last month and that shipments of the two bikes the plant makes during the fourth quarter left dealers with “ample supply to satisfy demand during the off-season,” he said. “While a prolonged strike could do some harm to the brand,” Kennison wrote in a note to investors, “a short disruption would do little damage.” Shares of Harley (up $0.71 to $68.98, Charts) rose 1 percent in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Harley’s stock has lagged competitors in the last three months. It has risen 0.9 percent, compared to gains around 11 percent for Ducati (Charts), Honda (Charts) and Polaris (Charts). Harley earnings speed past Wall Street Honda results disappoint
Rogue
HEY GUYS, I GOT A NEW SET OF WIPER BLADES FOR MY CAR.– I think they might be too big because they hang over the edges a little, but I don’t care, they work great and I would have to say that they are the only blades I have ever had that I actually like to watch working. Call me crazy, but lately I have been driving around non-stop with them on. I’ve even been pulled over and the cop asked to go for a ride so he could watch them work. They were outrageously expensive, but safety is my main concern and like I said, they work great. Let me know if you would like a pair for your car ..
FROM THE WTF FILES– Hi Bandit, I’m sure you love motorcycling. Motorcycling looks like fun, and the bikes look cool, but boy, I sure don’t like the noise. I think it’s pretty childish to expect everyone else to listen to a loud motorcycle. BMW makes some nice, quiet, fast bikes. Even Harley claims that the bikes coming out of their factories meet noise standards. So why do I keep hearing all of this unnecessary noise? Must be everyone’s modifying them. I drive a car, and I really enjoy driving on winding roads. I’m sure motorcyclists love the same thing. I’m just tired of listening to their noise. The laws have already been passed. It’s just a matter of enforcement and public awareness at this point.
I can be really effective at getting what I want when I’m pissed, and I’m getting there over this issue. As a motorcyclist, what do you think the solution is?
Dan S.
Oakland, CA
Anyone have any suggestions for the guy?
EASYRIDER TOUR —Well 4 shows under our belt for the 2007 season. The number of bikes has been up this year and I am seeing a lot of top shelf new builds this year. The pro class has been a real success so far. These are builders competing for a position in the 2008 Centerfold Tour. When the final show in KC comes around I think we are going to see some great talent in the industry. We are going to see some of the favorites and perhaps a couple of new builders that are really showing they have what it takes to make a mark in the Custom Bike World.
A big surprise this year has been the quality of the Metric V Twin Customs. Don’t be shocked if one of the Metric Builders comes out on top this year in the Centerfold Competition.
I personally am a fan of All V Twin Custom Bikes.
I have great memories of riding with my bro’s in the Late 70’s when it did not matter what you rode. We measured the our friendships on values that were far more important than what you rode. I know you understand what I am talking about.
The attendance is in line with last years numbers and the vendors have reported satisfying sales numbers.
The reports I have received from builders has really varied regionally. Some areas are a little slow and others are doing petty well. The builders that are focusing on quality and customer service have gained in this unsteady market. I can’t stress enough the importance of creating a 100% customer satisfaction goal to everybody in the custom world. Your reputation will make you or break you. Go out of your way because you love what you do and people will remember you.
My sponsors are reporting tangible results this year with our programs business is starting pick up very well.
Keep your eye on the road and never forget where you come from.
John Green
A NEW LEAF– A new year, a new beginning. Still, the very best wishes. To tell you right away, I had enough of all the pictures of young, half-naked young girls in disgusting poses and all other porno crap. In the long run everybody will think we all are sex obsessed.
From now on I am only sending you pictures from old monuments, nature and other cultural sights which are healthy and educational for your mind
Therefore, here’s a picture of the bridge “Pont Neuf” in Toulouse, France
Isn’t it beautiful?
CAN YOU FOCUS ON THE PARROT FOR TEN SECONDS?– I failed miserably. See if you have what it takes to be a pilot…..
WD-40– I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do, probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job. I’m impressed! WD-40 who knew?
Water Displacement #40, aka WD-40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a “water displacement” compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the “shower door” part, try it. It’s the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It’s a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop… Voila! It’s now shinier than it’s ever been. You’ll be amazed.
Here are some of the uses:
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn’t seem to harm the finish and you won’t have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children’s play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida’s favorite use is: “cleans and removes love bugs from grillsand bumpers.”
38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it’s a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Also, if you’ve discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient in WD-40 is FISH OIL.
SUNDAY POST WRAP-UP– My last day to goof off, Bandit comes home tonight. I did miss the big guy. I missed working 12-hours a day, I miss running back and forth from my office to his, I miss the military style drilling I get every morning and night on what I did or am gonna do, I miss his warm feet at night and I miss his hugs and kisses.
Have a great week! Layla
