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READER FROM SOUTH AFRICA STEPS UP TO HELP 5-BALL RACING– I have to admit that I always look at the articles on the bikes and have never really looked at the bottom of the Bikernet.com home page. When you wrote last time about your Bonneville Project I never gave it much thought but this morning for some reason I went to the bottom of the page where you have your free Department and saw your section on your Bonneville bike. Man I’m pissed. I am an aeronautics “genius” and have proved the fact here in South Africa having spent long hours in the wind tunnel at the C.S.I.R. and have done work for all the major auto manufacturers involved in racing here. I know this mail will probably reach you too late to influence the outcome of your attempt at this speed record but I do have an opinion based on what I have seen and read regarding the articles.
Any data coming from Nascar is largely useless as a car and a bike are two different animals. Their aim is to create downforce to allow the car to get around an oval at the highest speed possible without creating too much drag. The trade off as you probably already know is “more downforce=more drag. That eliminates trying to get the bike much lower etc. I believe your problem to be streamlining and without knowing the class rules that apply to your bike I can only advise you on boundary layer etc. Air attaches itself to smooth surfaces thus creating drag. There are quite a few ways to decrease these effects. Have a look at a Simpson Speedway Shark helmet, it has raised ripples on it starting at the upper front to eliminate “buffeting” which is a term used when air attaches itself to the helmet (Boundary Layer) and rocks the wearer’s head sometimes violently from side to side. You riders helmet should be one designed the same way. She should also wear a leather suit with a built in back support/aero hump similar to the ones worn by Motogp riders and should be as tight fitting as possible.
As for the bike, a belly pan will definitely help. Put a curve on the bottom and when it reaches the rear swing arm allow it to wishbone a short way round the sides. I’m not sure why you have built the rear fairing in steel and if it is not due to the rules then you would be much better off using a composite material. Much better and effective shapes can be achieved not to mention the weight saving. I have been working with composites since I was Twelve (NO BULL) and I want to help. I will send you drawings if time allows and if by some chance it is possible I am prepared to build you an aero package free of charge. Let me know. If all else fails I’m prepared to come over there next year and for room and board I will build you the best “shit” ever. I have about six or seven other ideas that will improve what I have seen but you need to contact me with more on rules etc. I have to ask that you don’t judge me because I live in South Africa. I know my shit and was a biker long before I got into aeronautics and I’m so frustrated that I don’t live where you guys are. I really want you to succeed and hope to hear from you soon.
–Mike Peter
Thanks so much for this note. We haven’t gone to paint yet. Should we go with a wrinkle or rough type finish? I’m trying, within the rules to shape the bike’s exterior (from the top) like a slice of a plane’s wing or a teardrop. I use steel panels to keep the bike firmly on the ground for the best traction.
We have one vital element that needs to be completed with the above in mind. Since I put a dash and cowling on the tank that moved me into the partially streamlined category, and we need a fairing for the front end. I’m now using new 49mm H-D Dyna Glide forks. Could you build me a fairing? Of course there’s that nasty time element.
Thanks so much for your interest. If you think you can do it, I’ll review all the fairing rules and share them with you. –Bandit
SUNDAY CULTURE, PHOTO ART EXHIBIT– She painted the tank in her own likeness – me like!
Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net
MORE AMERICANA PHOTO ART FROM TBEAR– I thought you’d get a kick outta this shot I took yesterday at the Road Agents Rockabilly Rumble in Ct. 2007 or 1957?
–TBear
RETIRED MILITARY WORKS FOR BIKERNET–Tom was in his early 50’s, retired and started a second career. However, he just couldn’t seem to get to work on time. Every day, 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, real sharp, so the Boss, BANDIT, was in a quandary about how to deal with it. Finally, one day he called him into the office for a talk.
“Tom, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job, but you’re being late so often is quite bothersome.’
“Yes, I know Boss, and I am working on it.”
“Well good, you are a team player. That’s what I like to hear. It’s odd though, you’re coming in late. I know you’re retired from the Air Force.
What did they say if you came in late there?”
“They said, “Good morning, General.”
–From Arturo G.
BOB T’S NEW DYNA STREET BOB–We just received a first glimpse of Bob T’s new Street Bob, designed and build in the evil desert community of 13 Palms, California. This bike reflects his stature as the man who runs Marengo Valley. The rubbermounted chop was build boot tough and rattlesnake mean. It’s as sleet as a Coyote at full gate and black as a desert cave bat. It’s faster than a Tarantula pack heading west, more deadly than a Brown Recluse and as slippery as a black widow’s underbelly. Watch for more reports as he puts the final touches to this beast.
ANOTHER BRASS BALLS MODEL NAME– FAKAB (F**kin awesome kick-ass bike!)
Why not? If the San Diego Wild Animal Park can name their trolley thru the park WGASA (Who Gives a Shit Anyway) Bushline, then a totally awesome kickass bike can have a different name too!
Be nice if the winner would get a bike. I have a ’99 Sportster… although my soon-to-be husband is on his 3rd Harley, there was never any help with my getting a newer bike or even fixing mine. This man I’m finally leaving cost me my home of 40 years and custody of my youngest daughter and he’s got the newer Harley!
I figured it’s way beyond time for me to leave… so I am so I can enjoy riding before I’m too old (I’ll be 53 on September 13th). I would love to have one of your motorcycles, but can’t afford it because I am moving out alone with no support other than my reception job. Not much credit now that I had to get a newer used vehicle (hadn’t had a car payment in years).
Anyway, I figured the best payback to the soon-to-be ex would be to live well – and a new scoot would help!
Let me know when you pick a winner… (hope it’s me… I never win anything…lol)
Terry Bell (formerly of San Diego, California)
EASYRIDERS RODEOS STARTING OFF STRONG FOR THE SEASON PLUS STURGIS PLANS– Just finishing up the Rodeo in PA right now The rodeos have rocked so far this year VERY GOOD
I am leaving out in the morning from PA to Sturgis Riding out man I need the ride right now Going to attempt a 1500 mile in 36-hour run.
The Centerfold Truck will be set up at the Downtown Spoke. Jireh Cycles is sponsoring Jimmy Van Zant Kashimire and Slow Ride on 8/6 through 8/9. Perfect Angels are bartending
I will try to check in with you mid week once I get settled in the Badlands.
–John G
NEW NICK THE DICK SOON TO BE LAUNCHED ON BIKERNET– Artist paints self portrait to promote his cartoon series. We’re not sure it will work. Let us know.
–Wrench
MESSAGE FROM THE SQUAMISH DIRT BIKE ASSOCIATION (SDBA)– We are going to lose our riding area at Cat Lake to the proposed Garibaldi at Squamish Resort. Please help and fill out the comments form before August 5, 2007.
An electronic copy of the Project Report (April 2003), as well as information on the environmental assessment process, is available through the EAO?s electronic Project Information Centre (ePIC) on line at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Information on the MTSA master plan process is available online at http://www.tsa.gov.bc.ca/resotrs_rec/
The comments will be considered in the review and assessment of the April 1, 2003 report and master plan, provided they include a full name, address and / or email address, and telephone number. If you do not wish to have the following personal information (address and/or email address and telephone number) posted on the ePIC, please indicate this on the comments you provide to the EAO.
Please pass this information on to any groups that may be able to help in assisting us.
–Scott Ellis, President
SDBA
(Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions 604-815-0991 or scotterin@telus.net)
http://www.squamishdirtbikeassociation.com/
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– 5-Speed Transmission Stand (No.1008-5). Big Twin – Fits all rubber mount 5 – speed transmissions ( Except 1993 – present, FLT and all Dyna Models. This kit provided a solid and versatile work center for a variety of engine types.
With this kit an engine builder can freely position complete engines and transmissions into the most optimum working position. The base stand allows 360? of rotation while the modular cradles swivel and lock in 180?, 90?, and 45? angles. The base easily bolts to a work bench, and comes ready to use with all hardware included.
Each piece is constructed from high quality steel. Suggested Retail $84.05
–Jeff Derge
Senior Manager of Marketing & Sales
JIMS
555 Dawson Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone 805-482-6913 / Fax 805-482-9224
ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE SCORE OF THE WEEK–Members of Sierra Madre Motorcycle Company just hobbled back into town after a five state journey to score a number of antique motorcycle for various collections, but a few are for sale:
One of three in the country, a 1912 Yale Twin
Rare, 99 point restoration, 1928 Boston Police Indian
1930 Excelsior Henderson inline 4 KJ Indian inline 4
1937 Knucklehead
1930 Indian four cylinder
For more info and prices, call Don Whalen at (626) 358-9696. He delivers.
BRASS BALLS NEW MODEL CONTEST CONTINUES–After seeing the pics on Bikernet I get strong images of bar room brawls and cool Saturday nights .so: The Brawler or The Saturday Night Special.
Best I can do guys.bitchin’ bike no matter what you call it..
RIGHT TO REPAIR BILL INTRODUCED IN THE US HOUSE– The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the U.S. House of Representatives has re-introduced legislation that would return the right to repair to the vehicle owner instead of the original manufacturer.
Thanks go to Rep Ed Towns, D-NY who introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep Towns as original co-sponsors were Reps G.K. Butterfield, D-NC; Anna Eshoo, D-CA; Steven LaTourette, R-OH; George Miller, D-CA and James Moran, D-VA.
The need for right to repair legislation has become apparent due to the increasing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every motor vehicle function from fuel delivery, braking, lighting, and emissions to entertainment.
Although computers provide many benefits to motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for motor vehicle manufacturing companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where owners choose to obtain service for their vehicles. HR 2694 would require that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.
HR 2694 is similar to last years measure (HR 2048); however some differences exist between the two bills. This year’s legislation had to take into account several factors, including the new leadership in Congress and Committees. In addition, although sponsored by the sitting Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) last Congress, HR 2048 barely limped out of subcommittee and failed to be taken up by the full committee or the House floor.
Dealing with the new Chairman John Dingell (D-OH), who has been extremely outspoken against this bill, is certainly a challenge. Dingell, who has defended Detroit manufacturing against the environmental lobby for decades, has had a change of heart. Now that the Motor City isn’t the vast field of smoke stacks it once was, that change may be sincere. As the newest environmentalist, perhaps Dingell can understand that a well-tuned and maintained vehicle gets higher mpgs, is therefore better for the environment, and we should be removing barriers to convenient and proper vehicle maintenance.
HR 2694 now has eleven co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce committee. No Senate legislation has been introduced as of press time. The MRF encourages you to contact your Federal Representative and ask them to co sponsor HR 2694. As always, the MRF will keep you posted on any developments.
–Jeff Hennie
SUGGESTIONS KEEP FLYING IN– For Dar’s new scoot, how about “Big Balls Bobber” or “Bad Brass Bobber”? (still BBB or BBB)
WTF, there wasn’t a mention as to where to submit the name for this awesome scoot, so I figgered you could handle it since you don’t have anything on your plate. At least assign it to someone to take care of.
Bonnie bike looks like it’s gonna kick some ass. Can’t wait to see the results.
BTW, A lot of folks will have a hard time thinking of anything, especially a name for a bike as long as keep putting pics of Megan in the article.
Peace
—Tinman
BCCOM SAFETY ALERT– It is becoming more and more of a problem for motorcyclists to stay alive, what do we do? Training yes and experience yes, both are important but I think it tends to go deeper than that. Riding beyond your ability is killing us as well as the left hand turning car, do you have a solution? Please email the office with your opinions, and please let’s be logical!
–Adele Tompkins
Executive Director
B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists
adele@bccom-bc.com
1-877-580-0111
“Working for your freedom to ride”
BIKERNET SUNDAY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO, TPP VARIABLE PRESSURE CLUTCH ASSIST ASSEMBLY– Easy on the hand but with increased clutch pack pressure at higher rpm, Rivera Primo’s TPP VARIABLE PRESSURE CLUTCH ASSIST ASSEMBLY is the best of two world’s.
Easy to pull at the clutch lever when shifting, but a dramatic increase in clutching power under the influence of high horsepower, resulting in up to 60% more clutch pack compression. Now you can use a lighter diaphragm clutch spring which, in itself, means that you will extend up to 50% less clutch lever effort with no loss of performance.
This precision-machined assembly includes a highly polished billet aluminum cover for fitment on our Brute IV & Brute V belt drives.
There’s a good bunch of riding time left this season, so why not make the best of it !
For these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com
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