BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS SPECIAL REPORTS–OLD SCHOOL EXPLAINED, NEW H-D TRIKE REVEALED

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET OLD SCHOOL / NEW SCHOOL / ALL COOL STUDY BY RICK KROST FROM U.S. CHOPPERS–

All is Kool today as we endeavor to put the pieces together in our search to define what exactly we mean by ?Old School? and ?New School?.

Websters Dictionary describes ?Old School? as:
1 : adhering to traditional policies or practices
2 : characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form

However, Websters doesn?t seem to define what exactly ?New School? is; we can only assume that we take the converse relationship to ?Old School? and apply the rule.

This appears to present it?s own conundrum. While trying to prevent the replication of prior styles, the artist must create something that is absolutely unique. With over 100 years of motorcycle history and hundreds of American manufacturers, this poses a significant challenge in the search for ?New School? applications.

However, we are always challenging ourselves as Americans to rival any prior works, and top them with a new slant and distinct change. Today we witness fine examples of new era creations done by artists who would not accept limitations. In the words of Napoleon Hill, ?Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.?

Our ?New School? artists are a testimony to this fact, bringing with them a plethora of ideas which were born from the passion of creation and an unwillingness to accept ?no? for an answer.

So, you say, what then do we make of the clich? term ?Old School?? In my practical relationship with old school practices, I understand it as not only evocative of an earlier style, but more importantly, reflective of a bygone era where craftsmen were unwilling to let a small detail go unnoticed. These craftsmen and artists created history.

Giving homage to these craftsmen, we endeavor to emulate both their style and their skills while paying heed to their (old school) policies and practices hoping to re-claim the underpinnings of our Nation and what has made us great.

Thus, I have come to the conclusion that whether you have a passion for the ?Old School? or ?New School?, you are really one and the same. If you create your art without compromising yourself or others and do it in a fashion which honors your family and our Nation, your creation will stand the test of time; and your ?New School? approach will become the next ?Old School?.

–Rick Krost
U.S. Choppers
U.S. Choppers
8941 Atlanta Ave #266
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714-546-4699
http://www.uschopper.com/

IMAGE MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS NEW LOCATION–Effective 08/01/08 we will be moving our corporate offices to a new locaiton! All phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same. We appreciate your patience during this move which will be taking place this week. Our office staff will be available to serve you during move.

IMAGE MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS
918 CALLE PORTILLA
CAMARILLO, CA 93010
PH 800-304-5838

— THE REICHS
Image Motorcycle Products

Wire Plus Introduces their New Line of Power Ports– Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Powersports Electronics is proud to introduce their new line of Power Ports. They?re stylish solutions for the connection of phones, GPS devices, laptops, heated vests and gloves, cigarette lighters, portable music systems and the list goes on. Best of all you can maintain and charge your battery through this port when not riding.

Any device that connects to a 12V power supply through a standard cigarette lighter can be charged with one of these Power Ports. Available in dual port or single port, they can be installed in minutes by connecting 2 wires to your battery and attaching the unit directly on either the horn bolt or to any other location with one bolt mounting. Simple, effective and immediate power right at your fingertips every time you ride! These high quality billet Power Ports are available in luxurious chrome or black powder coated and start at $69.00 MSRP for the Bullet Single Port and $94.50 MSRP for either Dual Port style. (Double Barrel or V-Twin)

Reliability?Ease of Installation?and Quality all in One?Wire Plus!

For those interested in obtaining more information on Wire Plus? new Power Ports or to order direct, you can reach them at (620) 221-2417. Check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.

ZIPPER’S/THUNDERMAX IN STURGIS–Just a heads-up that the Zipper?s and Thunder Heart group will be at Black Hills H-D in Rapid City, SD for the annual Sturgis Rally between Thursday, July 31st to Saturday, August 9th. We?ll be there for ThunderMax product support, updates and new installations. If you?re curious as to how ThunderMax can improve your EFI-equipped Harley, or are a current ThunderMax user please stop by and say hello!

ZIPPER?S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828Fax 410.579.2835
www.ZippersPerformance.com
www.Thunder-Max.com

Or you can click the banner for Bikernet Advertising Rates and services.

NEW CUSTOM BIKE WEB SITE TO ADVERTISE ON–Dear Bikernet.com Ad Director, I am the Advertising Director for Customcycle.com, Custommotorcycle.comand Custommotorcycles.com. We receive over 1,000 random uniques per dayfrom people looking for anything and everything related to the businessthat has to with the custom motorcycle experience.

We have space available on each site (ad size 250px x 250p) placing yourlink and logo for $99 per month. (minimum 3 months)There are 9 spaces available on these sites, we would like you to promoteyour related site on our page and take advantage of these random uniques!

Here is the format: http://www.braintrustmarketing.com

Your company can take one banner for 3 months with any graphics that youwant, or we can design and place the ad at no additional cost. As statedabove, our 1,000 random unique visitors per day want to know how to get to KNOW YOU!

–Scott McGinn
Advertising Director
Customcycle.com
Custommotorcycle.com

Custommotorcycles.com

sales@braintrustmarketing.com

860-625-7257

Hot Bike’s World Champs Special to get three months on the newsstand–Official World Championship consumer Media Partner Hot Bike Magazine is to publish a special edition later this year, dedicated to the 5th annual Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building.

Featuring complete coverage of the 2008 World Championship, this collector’s special will showcase all the great custom motorcycle design and engineering that will have been seen at the event at Sturgis this year.

In-depth Official Partner and ’08 competitor profiles, reviews of parts and accessories used and created by this year’s contestants, and special end-of-year round-up of the International Scene will bring together bikes and builders from all around the world in a unique one-off guide.

Targeted at the highest spending, highest mileage custom motorcycle riders and the serious enthusiast there’ll be a 95,000 print run with three months on the newsstand and a pre-Christmas on-sale of October 28th (materials due 8-26).

Contact your sales rep or associate publisher David Roe for details of this exciting opportunity to showcase your products in this Official World Championship endorsed special edition.

Tel: 661 252 6129
david.roe@sourceinterlink.com

BAAS METAL CRAFT CUSTOM CYCLES SCORED A NEW TOY–Kevin Baas was kind enough to help the Bikernet Brouhaha with Best of Show plaques. Right now they’re with Jim Murillo for some candy tangerine. Hang on. Here’s Kevin’s new toy. If you need custom made motorcycles, steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts get in touch with the Teach.

www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
“When in doubt, burn out!”

IN SEARCH OF STEVEN TYLER– I am going to Sturgis for my first time this Year. Need some help, Need to know What day/days is Steven Tyler going to be at ThunderRoad this year and What Time on those days?

I am coming from Texas and cannot come the whole week is why I need your help. I want to meet Steven and get an autograph and need to know what day/s and time each day he will appear.

I DO NOT WANT TO MISS HIM AND NEED YOUR HELP DESPERATLEY. I have been told that he would be there Aug. 4th-8th and then heard Only on the 8th, and heard he will come out at 12 noon til 3pm from one site and one says only from 5:30pm to 6;15pm????

I am very confused and need more information that is correct and I can count on, Can you pleeeeeeeee-ase help me?

~Laura~

Rumor has it Steven Tyler is planning to be at Thunder Road on Wed & Thurs at 3 and Friday at 12 noon.

This is the schedule but subject to change…it has twice already! 🙂

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC–Designed from the Frame Up for Reliable, Comfortable Three-Wheel Touring

MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) ? Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment with the introduction of the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle. Based on a new chassis designed specifically for this three-wheel application, the Tri Glide offers the classic styling and popular touring features of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network of Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by a two-year Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri Glide will have an MSRP of $29,999.

Harley-Davidson launched a ?wheels-up? strategy in the development of the Tri Glide, and has created a frame and associated chassis structure that is engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. Changes to the front-end geometry enhance steering control by reducing steering effort up to 25 percent. The forks have been lengthened by 1.775 inches compared to the regular Touring motorcycle, and rake is increased from 29.25 degrees to 32.00 degrees. A steer damper controls coast-down wobble, and minimizes bumps and other road inputs during turning events.

Harley-Davidson has designed a new rear-axle assembly for the Tri Glide that utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. The Tri Glide retains the high-strength and low-maintenance advantages of belt final drive, and the smooth operation of a rubber-cushioned, compensated rear drive. The rear suspension features dual air-adjustable rear shock absorbers.

The Tri Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. It retains the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission used on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, but adds an optional electric reverse ($1,195) integrated with the rear differential assembly that is engaged with a handlebar-mounted reverse module. The Tri Glide has dual front disc brakes and a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated park brake.

See all the new model specs and info on Bikernet in the next couple of days.

GREG?S CUSTOM CYLES ADDS TO THE DEEPSICKNESS LINE WITH THE NEWVENGEANCE BARS–Clearwater, Fl ? July 2008 – Synonymous for his custom motorcycles and Deep Sickness Front End; custom bike builder Greg Rice adds to his line with the DeepSickness Vengeance Bars. The V-bars are offered two ways; pre drilled for external wiring or internal wiring to give your bike that clean, sleek look.

These bars are top quality 1? inch DOM steel tubing. Standard bars measure 32 inches end to end and have 6-inch risers. MSRP is $495 raw. Customizing is available; the risers can be made longer or shorter to fit your riding style and comfort. They?re offered in raw, chromed, and powder coated with pinstriped finishes or painted to match your bike. The V-Bars will fit all Harley-Davidson? models and Metric cruisers. Made is the USA. MSRP $495 raw. For further information, call Greg?s Custom Cycles at (727) 461-4840 or visit www.gregscycles.com

and high quality motorcycle parts. We pride ourselves on our eye catching and ahead of the curve designs, transforming even the most basic stock bike into a one-of-a-kind ride. Our parts are proudly manufactured in the United States and have been featured in some of the most reputable bike magazines in the world.

Another addition to the Rapide lineup – Crime Scene Choppers Rapide Air Cleaner–Santa Cruz, CA July 2008 ? The evocative design of Crime Scene Choppers Rapide Air Cleaner takes us back to another era. This Air Cleaner features the distinctive Rapide scallop design polished on the satin-finished body with a brass grill or, all in chrome. Go ahead and paint the body of the Air Cleaner to match your bike for that unique custom look.

The Rapide Air Cleaner fits S&S Super E or G, and stock CV carburetors, as well as a Mikuni carburetor with an adapter (sold separately). It includes the stainless steel mounting plate, attachment clip, and filter support screen plus all stainless steel hardware and two filter elements (one high flow and one standard).

Retail Price $319.00 to $339.00. The full Rapide line includes Tail Lights and Headlight. 100% made in the USA.

For more information check it out at: www.crimescenechoppers.com or give us a call at 831.406.0126.

MOTORCYCLES MADE FROM… OLD WATCH PARTS–You thought you had seen it all.

–from Art Friedman

BIKERNET HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY LESSON–If any of you have doubt about what we kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworths in the 1950s, here’s proof of the era we lived……..and it was a GREAT ERA to live as a teenager !!!!

D&D LOW CAT PIPES KICK ASPHALT–New Pipes For Performance Harley Softail Riders – D&D Performance LOW CAT Exhaust pipes are dyno-tuned for Harley Softails. They are up swept in the back to allow for spirited cornering and increased performance.

12th Beast of the East: States Winning The Fight

/ Free Departments / July 24, 2008

April 21-22, 2006, Charlotte, NC—The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina, Inc. hosted Beast of the East, which drew 122 people from 14 states. Biker’s rights issues are rooted in the core values of the American system—freedom and equal treatment under the law. As the gathering of activists attests, where bikers choose to work the system, the system works for them. Progress is made in state legislatures and on federal issues by the most active motorcyclist’s rights organizations(MROs).

At Friday evening’s general session, state reps shared their strategies and results.Everyone is capable of influencing government, MRF president Karen Bolin made an example of Washington State’s last governor’s race, won—by a margin of 129 votes after three recounts —by the candidate that the MRO opposed. “So don’t tell me your vote doesn’t matter,” she said. The SMRO had some success in passing a secured loads law for trucks.

As in most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime; in North Carolina, penalties have been increased.

In Colorado, ABATE is working with the Department of Transportation to update the state’s rider education rules. Their Right-of-Way penalty legislation was weakened from license revocation to suspension.

In New York, ROW bills were redrafted to include road users and pedestrians beyond motorcycles, but now face the journey through the country’s slowest legislature.

In Tennessee, like many other states, the government plays fast and loose with designated rider education funds. ABATE is watching closely and fighting for every dollar. They won an exemption to the mandatory helmet law for parades under 30 mph. Tennessee has also sanctioned the use of certain bicycle helmets certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, for use on motorcycles (motorcycle helmets are subject to Dept. of Transportation-NHTSA standards, a separate agency.) Handlebar height restrictions were also removed; Delaware, Kansas, and New York have loosened their laws to shoulder height.

New Hampshire residents had unlimited opportunity to pass a road test after acquiring a 30-day learner’s permit. A new law effective July 1 requires anyone who fails a road test twice to take the state’s rider training course. Effective January 1, 2007, permit applicants must take a written test, similar to other states. NH also now requires a 45-minute motorcycle-awareness module in driver education curriculum.

Ohio currently allows riders over the age of 18 the right to choose helmet use, ABATE helped defeat a bill that would raise the age to 25 and increase penalties for failure to comply.

Wisconsin’s Senate and Assembly Transportation Committee passed Roadway Users Responsibility Act in March. The RURA toughens right-of-way violation penalties; allow motorcycles and bicycles to pass red lights after 45 seconds when sensors don’t recognize them; and mandates motorcycle awareness in driver education. It awaits Governor Doyle’s signature.

Tom Greenbank of Maryland found a loophole in the state’s law that allows him to ride without a helmet legally. The statutes that apply to only antique motorcycles classify a helmet as part of the bike’s equipment, not the rider’s. Tom keeps a copy of the law in his pocket when he rides.

Michigan’s helmet choice bill has been approved by the state senate, but faces a rough ride through the house.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association expects their helmet choice bill will become law by July 1.

California joins Florida’s steps at graduated driver’s licensing. There are plenty of practical reasons, but the devil is in the details. The European model is far stricter.

In the two years since the American Motorcyclist Association began the Justice for All campaign, a total of eleven states have passed new legislation. Penalties for drivers convicted of right of way violations that cause serious injury or death have been increased: in OK it’s a fine up to $1,000, In GA, the fine is at least $250, in addition to other penalties. They join Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

MRF president Karen Bolin overviewed the national issues since the highway appropriations bill was passed after two years of delay in July, 2005. The bill includes $25 million in grants for motorcycle education, safety, and awareness programs over the next four years. Contact the MRF to learn how your state can apply, if the money is not spent, it will not be renewed in the next budget cycle.The long-awaited crash study has been funded, and a National Motorcycle Advisory Council has been created. It will be comprised of: a member of a national safety organization, the AMA, MRF, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a state motorcycle safety administrator, a highway construction expert, two state DOT officials or engineers, and two SMRO members.

The loophole in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that permits an insurance company to exclude benefits based on source of injury still stands. Keep after your senators and representatives to support S577 and HR2793, all the more important now that the state of Massachusetts just passed a law requiring everyone to have health insurance. The mandated insurance product currently does not exist.

HR2048 is the Right to Repair Act for all motor vehicles. It forbids manufacturers to withhold tools or training from owners or mechanics, current law makes only emissions tools available. If HR2048 does not pass, independent repair shops could eventually be forced out of business.

Gang legislation in both houses does not directly mention motorcycles, but refers to garments and other details too vague to avoid misinterpretation. The House version calls for more educational programs, the Senate version calls for more law enforcement.

The National Highway Safety Administration has been holding quarterly safety meetings; the AMA, MRF, MSF, members of the major manufacturers, law enforcement officials, MROs, and alcohol distributors. They are working to reduce alcohol-related deaths, which are on the rise.

Another disturbing trend—as many as 65% of all rider deaths are from single-vehicle crashes, most involving alcohol. Alcohol (and pharmaceutical drug) advertising in motorsports is still increasing, could there be a connection?

The Environmental Protection Agency issued new emissions rules affecting all motorcycles produced from 2006 forward. United Nations committees are working on international standards (not rules, compliance is voluntary) for emissions. Currently, the European Unions are the most stringent, the United States are the least, and Japan’s standards are in the middle. A new emissions test will be developed, which will force the EPA to reexamine its rules yet again.

Sound regulations are still controversial within the UN, Germany supports the toughest four-part test, roadside enforcement and penalties including confiscation. The US and many others want a two-part test with no post-factory follow-up. A NGO comprised of the AMA, MRF, FEMA, and FIM serves to represent the interest of over 35 million riders.The MRF has received over seven thousand responses to its survey of motorcycle shops. They are still compiling data, so tell your mechanic to log on to MRF.org-links to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=98991669717

A lengthy discussion on rider education was presented by state directors of Rider Education Dave Galloway(North Carolina) and Jay Jackson(Indiana). Most programs were started by SMROs, who created their funding structure of license and registration fees. The MRF views rider education as a state issue which should not be co-opted a marketing tool for the industry. NHTSA’s own survey of rider training found three of the top five programs in the country are not from the MSF.

The MSF is selling its program, then trying to control its use or threaten to pull certification from the provider. Jackson related how the MSF tried to insist that Colorado, which certifies more than one curriculum, use only the MSF program, then told Oregon to allow other programs besides TEAM OR to operate. Illinois is testing the MSF’s Beginning Rider Course against the TEAM Oregon program for efficacy.

Galloway observed that the most under-served segment of the market is longtime riders who have never had formal training, which accident rates bear out. North Carolina waives regular skill tests if one successfully completes a BRC or an ERC, but this has not increased demand for ERCs. Seems those old dogs don’t want to learn any new tricks. Riders over 40 have more accidents, and returning military personnel have been pushing up the death rate. Takes a different set of skills to survive insurgents than motorcycles.

Honda has developed a motorcycle simulator, the same concept as a cockpit simulator for training. Some instructors fear that factory-sponsored rider training courses would use this as a replacement for riding module, others acknowledged that it could be very helpful as an additional module.

As one who must step outside the biker realm with far too much regularity, I’ve found biker’s rights conferences, whether sponsored by one of the national organizations or the SMRO, are far better focused and in general, meatier than professional groups. Yet the level of camaraderie and support is exactly what most bikers would expect of one another…everyone’s eager to share. Motorcycle riders are just two percent of the road users. We’re a pretty small part of the gross domestic product, we don’t generate very much tax revenue and we’re not the richest special interest group in the capitols. But despite the lies, corruption, and incompetence, we still have the most accessible system in the world. We’ve got the precious right to vote, and so much more.

Contact: Motorcycle Riders Foundation http://MRF.org
American Motorcyclist Association http://ama-cycle.org/
Motorcycle Safety Foundation www.msf-usa.org/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/

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July 24, 2008 Part 3

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