Hey,
I’m reading the Last Lecture again, by Randy Pausch. Dying of cancer at a rapid rate he was asked to give a Last Lecture speech at Carnegie Mellon University. His book is short and incredibly inspirational.
I think I needed it. I read it a couple of years ago and sent copies to lots of friends; it was that impressive.
Sometimes we need some external direction. Our own thoughts can scramble and need a new tune-up. It kicks ‘em right back into shape.
You’ll get a kick out of this Billy the Kid piece.
BRASS BALLS — The F3 Rocketeer launched onto the scene with a bang, winning the AMD World Championships of Custom/Production Bike Building. In honor of that prestigious award, we are limiting production to 15 examples for discerning customers.
Several have already been reserved & built. Each is hand crafted, bespoke for it’s owner. The F3 Rocketeer is functional art with limited availability. As such, each is signed & numbered. Click here to see a beautiful lady sitting on the F3 for the first time!
https://brassballscycles.com/blog/?p=2039
WHY WE SHOULD VOTE— A buddy of mine complained about the Political Class, and all the evils associated. Like automatic pensions after only two or four years of service. Here’s something new.
Rep, David Jolly (R-Fla.) introduced a bill requiring members of the “do-nothing” Congress to work at least 40 hours a week. “A workweek in Washington,” he said, “should be no different than a workweek in every other town.”
–from The Week Magazine
THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO STURGIS–
This photo shows 131st Avenue as it heads south from Buffalo Chip Campground east of Sturgis. As proposed, the road will meet with Cardinal Place coming from the south to form the new Fort Meade Way.
Meade County Commission Chairman Alan Aker announced Wednesday that the county has hired outside legal council to advise them on proceeding with an ordinance that prohibits the commission from planning or financing the proposed Fort Meade Way.
Meade County Taxpayers for Responsible Government members gathered enough signatures through the initiative process to force the Meade County Commission to pass the ordinance.
The road, which would be gravel, would connect two other gravel roads, 131st Avenue to the north and Cardinal Place to the south. Cardinal Place connects to Pleasant Valley Road, which leads to Interstate 90 Exit 37. At the north end, 131st Avenue connects to a single east-west road marked both S.D. Highway 34 and S.D. Highway 79. The road is known as a bypass because it allows drivers to avoid driving into Sturgis to get to I-90.
Meade County Auditor Lisa Schieffer confirmed Wednesday that the taxpayers’ group had presented her office with enough valid signatures –762. She then, as part of the initiative process, presented them to the commission.
The commission can’t ignore the request. State law says the commission “shall” enact the proposed ordinance, said Meade County Deputy State’s Attorney Ken Chleborad.
Just as with any ordinance, the commission must set a time and date for the first reading at which they will take public comment. The commission set that first reading for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.
“I don’t want there to be any surprises at first reading, so at this time I am going to disclose that the county commission has retained the firm of Gunderson Palmer to advise us about this ordinance,” Aker said.
He said the law firm will be compiling a report that will be made available to the public at the same time the commission members get it.
“I wanted everyone to understand there will be legal advice given to us at that first reading,” Aker said.
Then, there must be a second reading, at which comments will also be heard. Following that, the ordinance will be approved and signed by the commission chairman.
An election must then be set within 60 days of publishing of the ordinance.
Aker is calling the initiative the “roadless area ordinance.”
Aker has referred to the ordinance as “the state’s first-ever county-imposed roadless area on private property.”
He says the ordinance would prohibit private landowners from building privately-funded roads on their own land, and would also prohibit the county from maintaining the public road in front of its highway shop without gathering hundreds of signatures and holding a $25,000 county-wide special election.
“This is a radical concept, and deserves a lot of discussion time,” Aker has said.
Garland Dobler, who lives along the proposed route of the new Fort Meade Way, says Aker is trying to convince people that the ordinance is something different than what it really is.
She said that if people read the petition closely, there is nothing that states that it would be a roadless area.
“There is nothing that says that property owners can’t build and pay for their own roads or that they would have restrictions to their own private property,” she said.
Dobler says this is Aker’s typical method of “trying to confuse people.”
–Deb Holland Meade County Times-Tribune staff
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN– Two prostitutes were riding around town with a sign on top of their car which said: Two Prostitutes – $50.00 A policeman, seeing the sign, stopped them, and told them they’ll have to remove the sign or go to jail.
At that time, another car passed with a sign saying: “Jesus Saves.” One of the girls asked the officer, “How come you don’t stop them?”
“Well, that’s different,” the officer said. “Their sign pertains to religion.” The following day the same police officer noticed the same two hookers driving around with a large sign on their car. He figured he had an easy arrest until he read their new sign:
Two Fallen Angels Seeking Peter — $50.00
–from Jerry and Rogue
MORE LAST LOVE RIDE ACTION–
Grand Marshall & Master of ceremonies Jay Leno, with Oliver, & singer of the National Anthem- Lorenzo Lamas! Peter Fonda three wheelin’ in a Morgan powered by S&S.
There was a full honor guard and a Marine w/ bison horns on a dresser. The weather was great and The Foo Fighters & Mike Ness & Social Distortion rocked hard.
–Markus Cuff
Supreme Bikernet Feature Photographer
CONFUSED SUNDAY POST for October 4th, 2015
Seems as though Stor-Bordz have bit the dust. Since the timeline for Scotty’s evo rebuilt is not known to me…have wondered how long it was before his engine crapped out after this rebuild.
Timelines on these reports and stories…particularly parts and accessories would be greatly appreciated.
–Sam
rotorkat@yahoo.com
I’m sure Scotty will be glad to help in future reports. He’s talking about a new bike right now.–Bandit
TRANSPORTING MOTORCYLES AND ATV’S JUST GOT A LOT EASIER–
Condor Products, best known for building the finest wheel chocks in the industry, is announcing a brand new product that will revolutionize the transportation of all motorcycles, ATV’s, Side x Sides, and other powersports equipment with a pick-up truck:
The Condor T-Ramp Trailer-Ramp System.
In its RAMP mode, the T-Ramp offers a 12 foot long ramp, for the easy, safe loading of a motorcycle into the truck bed. Then, with the push of a button, it will convert to a sturdy TRAILER mode that can carry up to 2,200 lbs. The T-Ramp can haul 1 or 2 motorcycles, or ATV’s, or a large Side x Side UTV.
The unit will then fold up compactly, with its wheels off the ground, and can be driven away, with the tail gate open or closed. When not in use, it folds up to store neatly and compactly in the garage. No matter how you use it, the T-Ramp takes up no room in the trucks cargo bed, and allows one person to load and unload any powersport vehicle quickly and securely.
There is nothing else like it in the marketplace to transport all your toys. We invite you to click on the link below to watch a brief video and see how versatile and easy the T-Ramp operates, and to share our product with you readers:
The NEW T-Ramp Trailer by Condor
For more information and videos, visit our web site www.condor-lift.com
or call Ken Glassman, Marketing Director (847) 394-2646.
EASYRIDERS OFFICES COMMENT–
Good for Joe Teresi, selling those buildings. They should move into a single small building now; there’s plenty of office space available around Agoura Hills, California these days.
I think there’s a crew of under 20 people by my estimate. Should be an easy squeeze.
–L.B.
BOOK OF THE WEEKEND, BIKER TO SAILOR– Now it’s even easier
Bob Bitchin Books Now Available For For The First Time On Kindle, In Print or as PDF Download!
Biker to Sailor
This is the true story of how a tattooed outlaw biker ended up as a world-cruiser. It is as true as a 70-year-old’s memory can recall stuff that happened over 40 years ago!
Sail on the flagship for Greenpeace to Guatemala with no engine with four 21 foot sweeps and kerosene running lights.
Experience a hurricane that put 27 boats on the beach. See how much fun it is to discover you are 800 miles from where you thought you were.
But most of all find the 10 Rules for cruising that Bob discovered which has kept him alive for over 100,000 miles of sailing.
If this idiot can do it, anyone can!
SPORTSTER PROJECT FOR KATE— This is not just your regular bike build, but it’s a project for the attorney who is a single mom and keeps the Smoke Out safe and secure. She’s amazing and is always available to help riders.
I’m making progress on the Sportster and I will have a few articles for you in a month. The attached image is a coil on plug product from Accel.
I need to follow up with Chop Rods on the internal throttle.
–Jeff
New Bikernet TRIKES Reader Comment!–
That was the coolest shot I think has ever been done . I loved it. Thanks so much Gary, for covering a little of my life on the road. It’s been a bumpy one for many years but the assault is finally getting smooth.
–Rocky
low.rocky@yahoo.com
Placentia, CA
LOVE AND HATE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 22, 2015
Loved the article although sad to see the end of the Love Ride in my lifetime. Great information.
— Curt Kimball
ghostrdr66@yahoo.com
Memphis, TN
QUICK, KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN– Having a cold drink on hot day with a few friends is nice, but having a hot friend on a cold night after a few drinks – PRICELESS
Arguing over a girl’s bust size is like choosing between Budweiser, Miller, Guinness and Heinekens. Men may state their preferences, but will grab whatever is available.
–from Rogue and Jerry
RIGID FRAME RICHARD BREAKS THE CODE– Picked this up last Wed, and have the S&S lower end for the Shovelhead. Once it’s back together time for another rigid and/or an FXR!
No riding this weekend, due to the hurricane that’s a big, bad storm!
Waiting to shoot Jackson Browne, Garbage was last Tues and then we had Buzz Fest on Sat with 14 bands
–RFR
Official Bikernet Texas Photographer
LONE STAR RALLY NEWS– Houston Area Chevy Dealers at the Lone Star Rally.
The Lone Star Rally warmly welcomes its returning Official Automotive Sponsor, The Houston Area Chevy Dealers to this year’s event! Stop by their display in Harborside East during the rally to check out Chevrolet’s latest lineup of 2016 vehicles. You can also score an awesome prize!
See the 2016 Silverado… a bold new look with rugged capability that you can depend on day in and day out! And, the all-new 2016 Colorado, offering a superb blend of safety, versatility and efficiency.
Plus, view a world-class superstar… the all-new 2016 Corvette!
Come check out all the hottest rides your Houston Area Chevy Dealers have to offer and, score some prizes!
HOPE FOR THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD– Buffalo Chip owner pledges $1 million for bypass road. A million here, a million there, pretty soon you have the cash for Fort Meade Way–
Million-dollar pledge for road isn’t always popular
STURGIS, S.D. –
Rod Woodruff, owner of the Buffalo Chip Campground, pushed back Wednesday against opposition to a Sturgis bypass road.
The Meade County Commission didn’t take any action on Woodruff’s proposal although they did vote to open bidding for the project.
Two commissioners, Bob Bertalotto and Galen Niederwerder, wanted to stall that bidding process until the council handled a voter-initiated ordinance turned in earlier this month.
That ordinance, if approved, would stop the proposed Fort Meade Way.
Copyright 2015 by KOTATV.com. All rights reserved.
WEEKEND GUN NUT REPORT– California: County Sheriffs Sue Los Angeles over Ordinance Prohibiting Possession of “Large-Capacity” Magazines
As previously reported, the City of Los Angeles has adopted an ordinance that prohibits the possession of standard capacity magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds. These magazines are possessed by millions of law-abiding Americans for a variety of legitimate purposes, including self-defense. This ordinance will not prevent violent crime. Instead, it will limit the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners who choose these magazines to defend themselves and their families.
Now, 30 duly elected California Sheriffs, two law enforcement organizations, the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), and several other individuals have filed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the ordinance. The lawsuit challenges the magazine possession ban on legal “preemption” grounds, because California state law specifically allows for the possession of such magazines.
Under the conditions of the ordinance, the mere possession of any “large-capacity” magazine within Los Angeles after November 19, 2015 will be a misdemeanor offense. Los Angeles residents must get rid of their banned magazines by that date. The lawsuit asks the court to stay enforcement of the ordinance while the matter is litigated, so that law-abiding city residents can maintain possession of their lawfully acquired property pending a resolution of the case. But if the court refuses to stay enforcement of the ordinance, Los Angeles residents who possess any “large-capacity” magazine generally have the following four options available to them:
Option #1: Surrender all such magazines to the Los Angeles Police Department- Although state law allows you to sell or transfer any “large-capacity” magazine to any California peace officer, the ordinance as written only allows you to transfer all such magazines to the LAPD. If you choose to surrender your magazines, you must do so by November 18th, 2015.
DO NOT attempt to surrender your magazines to law enforcement within Los Angeles after November 18th, as you will be in violation of the ordinance and could face a potential misdemeanor charge.
Option #2: Sell or transfer all such magazines to a properly licensed person- There are limited options available to civilians under state law when transferring or selling “large-capacity” magazines. One of the few is to sell your magazines to a properly licensed firearm dealer in the state of California.
Option #3: Remove all such magazines from the City of Los Angeles- If you are able to do so, you must remove your magazines from the City of Los Angeles before the ordinance takes effect. But you must also be careful not to unlawfully transfer the magazines to another person. To avoid doing so, only you can have access to the stored magazine (e.g., only you have the key to the safe or storage area where the magazines are kept outside of the city). Once outside of the city, you can also sell or transfer your magazines to any California peace officer.
Option #4: Permanently alter all such magazines- The ordinance does not consider magazines that have been permanently altered in a way that will only allow them to accept 10 or less rounds to be “large capacity magazines.” Unfortunately, it is not clear what constitutes a “permanent” alteration.
If you are a Los Angeles resident and you fail to exercise one of these options for any of your “large-capacity” magazines before the ordinance takes effect on November 19, 2015, you should contact an attorney experienced in firearms law to discuss your situation.
Stay tuned for further information on whether or not the ordinance will be stayed pending resolution of the case. As the case progresses, you will be able to view all of the filings in the case here. In the meantime, please refer to the information below on ways you can help fund this lawsuit and others like it that seek to preserve and promote your Second Amendment rights.
For a summary of some of the many actions the NRA and CRPA has taken on behalf of California gun owners, including the Peruta case, click here.
CHECK OUT CUSTOM BIKES, VINTAGE BIKES AND NEW MODELS AT THE SHOW. SAVE $4 OFF NOW!– Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes!
Enter your bike in the world’s largest motorcycle builder competition which features more than 400 motorcycles and the talents of dozens of local builders at each tour stop. Elite-level, custom motorcycle creations compete for cash and product prizes.
At our Chicago stop we will host the Championship Round of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show where builders from throughout the US will compete for cash and product valued at $100,000.
Come admire the hottest bikes in town including custom, vintage, retro and new models. Click here to save $4 off tickets!
LAST AIMEXPO REPORT– The EXPO was an International Motor Sport Event held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida October 15-18 with the first two days for Trade & Media.
Being a Motor Sports Event meant that it included products for numerous types of vehicles not just motorcycles. There were seminars, workshops, powersport speakers and awards to people in the industry.
I normally prefer shows that are for the V-Twin only and there was a section there for them as well as a custom bike show. I also got to see some new items and hopefully will produce some tech articles about them in the future.
I will say that I was impressed with how the show was run and the attention to detail the promoters put into it.
Because of the show being presented during the same days as Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach I attended on Friday. I have some friends in the industry I wanted to see and talk to and Dee had her motorcycle in the Continental Tire Booth. I heard it did get a fair amount of attention because it is a daily rider.
Reports from AIMExpo said that when the event opened to the public on Saturday they had a record day although Biketoberfest kept the majority of the crowds in Daytona. I am sure the people with booths there needed some attendance.
This is the last of this short run show, three years. It changes hands next year.
–Rogue
INDIAN NEWS– Indian has released a new King of the Road, the Chieftain Roadmaster.
Behold it’s beauty. Bask in its magnificence. Witness the awe-inspiring quality and techno-retro architecture. Samson’s contemporary designed roaring Sturgis Edition mufflers for the Hard Bag Indians are here, and they are glorious.
You may not think you need to make your Indian look and sound exquisitely better by equipping Samson Sturgis Edition mufflers, but you do. Trust us. We’re the experts.
As you glide your freshly Samson Sturgis Edition equipped Indian through your prized roadway, your mellow thunder will be heard, your pass will turn heads, the brilliance of your chrome will astonish. Envy.
Samson’s new Sturgis Edition mufflers will make your Indian a whole new motorcycle. You will feel a distinct increase in performance, sound, pride and character.
Specs:
Sturgis Edition End Caps
Massive Rolling Thunder Mufflers w/Hard Bag Brackets
High Performance Torque Baffles
MSRP Starting at $779.95
Some decorative accessories on that motorcycle would be perfect on a Volkswagen Beetle. It has a good large market.
–Lerner
cuernavacancia76@hptmail.com
Mexico
Do you know anyone who works for VW? I’ll turn them on to 2Wheelers in Denver, my Mudflap Girl connection.–Bandit
LOVE RIDE DISCOVERY– Ron Maldonado–I chanced upon his work at the Peter Fonda Bike show & Contest at The Last Love Ride, where he won his class. His board tracker has now been selected by Cycle Source for a feature.
–Markus Cuff
“This is a movie with soul. You laugh, you learn, you grow, and you come away thinking it’s time to go get a project bike and start wrenching. All you need is a vision, a garage, and a buddy or two by your side.” ~AMA News
We even have a special discount Dirtbag Bundle for anyone who hasn’t seen the first one yet – Don’t miss it!
Stay independent,
–Zack and Scott
www.Choppertown.com
THE PRAY FOR SURF REPORT– Two at once, surfing AND beautiful whale watching all in one.
–El Waggs
JAPANESE HOT RODS COME TO BANDIT’S CANTINA– The Japanese love their traditional hot rods and customs.
–Jim Waggaman
STRONG SALES GIVE POLARIS ANOTHER RECORD QUARTER– Polaris is firing on all cylinders, turning in a solid third quarter performance on increasing sales of motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
“Polaris has delivered solid financial performance in the first nine months of 2015, and despite facing stiff headwinds that show little sign of abating in the near term, our financial position remains robust and our growth opportunities plentiful,” said chairman and CEO Scott Wine.
The company’s sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2015, totaled a house record $1,456 million, an increase of 12 percent over last year’s third quarter sales of $1,302.3 million. Third quarter net income was $155.2 million, an increase of 10 percent from the prior year’s third quarter net income of $140.8 million. Earnings per share were a record $2.30 per share for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $2.06 per diluted share for the same period in 2014.
“Our record third quarter results continue to reflect the efficacy of our long-term strategy and the resiliency of the Polaris organization, as MOTORCYCLE GROWTH ACCELERATED, ORV share gains continued and our developing adjacencies built momentum. We accomplished this in a difficult environment, with the combination of weakening currencies and softening economies adding to the pressure we face from the sluggish oil and agriculture markets, all in the midst of the most competitive powersports landscape we have seen in nearly a decade.
It is encouraging to see our Polaris team use these challenging times to get better and
stronger, while displaying renewed determination to win across all our markets,” said Wine. “After our people, arguably our strongest asset is our innovative culture, which spurred the delivery of 15 new vehicles to our unsurpassed ORV armada and drove the introduction of hundreds of new PG&A items.”
Off-Road Vehicle sales increased 3 percent to $822.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014. Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales increased low-single digits percent during the 2015 third quarter compared to strong prior year third quarter retail sales growth of high-single digits percent.
Consumer purchases of side-by-side vehicles and ATVs increased at similar rates during the 2015 third quarter. The company estimates North American industry ORV retail sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased low-single digits percent year-over-year, resulting in Polaris market share gains for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.
During the 2015 third quarter, the company introduced new ORV models in the value
and premium segments including the company’s first full-sized value Ranger priced below $10,000 and the high-performance RZR XP Turbo, delivering more horsepower and torque than any other high-performance side-by-side on the market today. Polaris North American ORV dealer inventories during the quarter increased about 10 percent year-over-year, in line with company expectations, as the company began shipping the new 2016 model-year products.
MOTORCYCLE SALES INCREASED 154 PERCENT TO $160.4 MILLION for the third quarter of 2015 compared to same period last year due to continued strong demand for INDIAN MOTORCYCLES and the new SLINGSHOT ROADSTER.
VICTORY, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE and SLINGSHOT NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL SALES, combined, increased more than 60 PERCENT during the third quarter,
driven by INDIAN MOTORCYCLE and SLINGSHOT. INDIAN MOTORCYCLES retail sales were up significantly in the third quarter with ongoing strong demand for all models. Product availability for Indian motorcycles improved during the 2015 third quarter as the company continued to increase throughput at its Spirit Lake, Iowa, motorcycle factory.
“Throughout the third quarter we made consistent enhancements to our Spirit Lake paint system, which helped us stabilize our operations and, by improving production output each week of September, outpace shipment goals for the first time this year,” Wine said. “We have a clear plan to further optimize and upgrade that system over the next six months, and with the recently acquired paint facility in Spearfish, South Dakota, we will further augment paint capacity in the latter part of the fourth quarter.”
Victory retail sales in the quarter were lower than the prior year partly due to low product availability.
Retail sales for the new SLINGSHOT THREE-WHEELED ROADSTER continued to outpace company expectations. Polaris North American motorcycle dealer inventories, including Slingshot, during the 2015 third quarter increased about 30 percent compared to the same period in the prior year, but remain below levels needed to meet current and backlogged retail demand.
Snowmobile sales increased 14 percent to $185.5 million for the quarter compared to $162.7 million in 2014. The increase is due to an increased quantity and richer mix of snowmobiles being shipped in the 2015 third quarter compared to the same period a year ago. While the snowmobile retail selling season is just beginning, Polaris’ market share performance season-to-date through the 2015 third quarter is pacing with the company’s expectations, led by the award-winning model year 2016 PRO-RMK. As planned, Polaris North American snowmobile dealer inventories during the third quarter of 2015 increased significantly year-over-year in preparation for the upcoming snowmobile retail season.
“Successful innovation requires agility, in order to react quickly to ever-changing market conditions. This applies not only to product design but also to our internal organization, which we demonstrated in the third quarter by realigning our international business structure to become more efficient and effective in response to challenging markets outside North America,” Wind said. “Quick reactions demand excellent execution, and Ken Pucel and his global operations and engineering teams continue to build momentum and gain traction in our efforts to improve throughput, quality and cost.”
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS OPEN NEXT TO THE CANTINA– I haven’t verified this on Snopes or Google but it sounds legit. A recent study found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.
–from Rogue and Jerry
TIME FOR PLANNING— I will have some damn exciting reports for you next week. I feel like a man on the brink!? I’m going to work on my Indian for the first time. It’s minor, but I’m going to perform an oil change, and then install a power commander styled system. I can’t wait.
I need to work with Lee Clemens on my 45 Bonne Belle engine, Rick Whitehead from Custom Cycle Engineering on Dynas, and Steve Massicote, from Paughco on our Krash Kranzler tribute bike.
Thanks to readers, we are beginning to receive serious bandana bids. I would like to have a new supply. I would also like to give a Bikernet Bandana to every customer who buys a 5-Ball Leather jacket, vest, or shirt.
Here’s a brief Inspiration from the Venerable Master Hsing Yun:
Broken things can be restored
But not broken affection and honor,
Thus we should treasure friendship,
Lost wealth can be regained,
But not time,
Thus, we should treasure time…
Regarding time, we are hoping for a report from the Lucky Devil in Houston on our Salt Torpedo, one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever come across.
Rest and be kind,
–Bandit
