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INTERCHANGEABLE BILLET SOFTAIL SHIFT ARMS–Developed specifically for use on all Softail models with heel-toe or single toe shifters, these awesome SoftBrake Billet Shift Arms and cross shafts allow you to quickly and easily install the sleek and rugged SoftBrake arm to all Softail models from 1983 to present. Each kit includes 2 pieces.
One kit includes a long shaft for use with 2-piece shifters and one with a shorter shaft for single arm operation. No more spacers or cover-up caps required. SoftBrake Shift Arms are machined from solid 6061 billet aluminum, splined, flawlessly chrome plated and available in 3 styles.
Each cross shaft is splined on both ends for easy installation, removal and precise adjustment. Individual kits with your choice of arm styles retail for $119.95.
The complete line of SoftBrake precision replacement components and accessories is available exclusively from NORTH COUNTY CUSTOMS the kits retail for just $119.95.
For complete application information call 714-680-0911. DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED.
LITTLE STURGIS CLARIFICATION–STURGIS, S.D. ? The City of Sturgis, SD and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Department would like to offer this clarification regarding the March 20, 2008 news release issued by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in connection with a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court against the organizers of the Little Sturgis Rally and Races in Sturgis, Kentucky.
The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce filed this lawsuit without the knowledge or consent of the City of Sturgis, SD.
The City of Sturgis, SD is not a party to this legal proceeding.
RETRO CHOPPER BY BRASS BALLS BOBBERS & CHOPPERS–The Red Retro Chopper is unique, fast, cool and proud… Dar Holdsworth of Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers is building sano Choppers that have everything you need and nothing you don’t.Darwin Motorcycles, the creator of Brass Ball Bobbers, builds high-caliber bobbers that are unique, stand out in a crowd and don?t cost an arm and a leg. It?s considered by many enthusiasts to be ?The above average bike for the average Joe.? The Bobber lifestyle can be had at an introductory price of just $16,995.
?The reason we can deliver such a sharp and creative motorcycle at such a competitive price is because of the economies of scale that are built into our manufacturing process,? says Dar Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles President and Master Designer. ?We feel that everyone who wants a custom Choppe should get one, and we have built a motorbike that has everything that you need at a smokin? price.?
Check out the Chopper Show on Flickr. here to see the Chopper Gallery.
HEADS UP: USA TODAY SPINS LIDS AND LAWS TO SELL PAPERS AND CASH IN ON CLICKS–Reporters John Yaukey (jyaukey@gns.gannett.com) and Robert Benincasa (rbenincasa@gns.gannett.com) of Gannett News Service are serving up a major spread of lid and lid law spin in USA TODAY:
“Motorcyclist deaths spike as helmet laws loosen”
“WASHINGTON — Death rates from motorcycle crashes have risen steadily since states began weakening helmet laws about a decade ago, according to a Gannett News Service analysis of federal accident reports…”
Read the entire article and post your comments here…
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-03-26-bikehelmets_N.htm
…or here:
http://tinyurl.com/2rnaje
You can email the reporters here:
jyaukey@gns.gannett.com
rbenincasa@gns.gannett.com
BC roared in to the lot fresh from a long ride.
He threw her over hard and did a 180 broadslide.
Hitting the kill switch he surveyed the scene.
Good-natured brothers and sisters; laughter and screams.
A poker-run gathered on one of their stops.
Everyone loose, no sign of the cops.
With flask of JD he climbed up on a table,
And looking around he surveyed the rabble.
Clearing his throat he bellowed a cheer,
Brothers and Sisters, lift high your beer,
While I toast to our lifestyle,
lived in high gear!
Here?s to the feel of the wind in your hair,
The smell of wood smoke while splitting night air.
Here?s to straight pipes, that boom and that crack.
To the feel of soft breasts pressed firm to your back.
To the soft squeaky feel of a new leather seat.
These are the things that make life complete.
It?s a bikers life for me, and I?ll have no other.
It?s the bond that I live for, Brother to Brother.
So smile that ol? wicked grin my friends.
Let?s fire up our scooters and head into the wind.
Let?s blast on down to the gulf and The Reef.
With his flask held high, HERE?S TO BUGS IN YOUR TEETH!!
— Blue Cat 2008
Houston, TX
POWDERCOATING UPDATE– It has been awhile, how is everything going in your neck of the woods? I thought I would send a couple of pics your way of some pipes we coated on our personal bikes.
–Bob jr.
RS Performance Coatings
(650) 678-9216
BIKERNETMETRIC AND BIKERNET.COM ARE THE LARGEST CRUISER WEB SITES– Los Angeles, California, March 27, 2008 ? Bob Osias, President of MetricThunder.com, has assumed the editor position at BikernetMetric.com, the online destination magazine for bikers who enjoy the metric cruiser lifestyle. Mr. Osias, aka Thunder Bob, will oversee the development of the online publication, source cruiser-oriented content and manage the new sales team.
Thunder Bob?s goal is to duplicate the success at Bikernet.com, which boasts a 70% annual increase in viewership and over 400,000 visitors monthly. BikernetMetric.com is publishing weekly news columns, bike features, event coverage, tech articles, new model introductions, and reviews. It’s designed to deliver the fun, facts, achievements, ingenuity and the freedom of riding metric cruisers here and overseas.
Utilizing his connections and market knowledge from operating www.metricthunder.com
BikernetMetric.com will be producing a metric bike show in conjunction with Bikernet in Sturgis, SD at Thunder Road for 2008. BikernetMetric.com will report on the rally and conduct interviews with seasoned veterans and up and comers in the custom metric world.
The Bikernetmetric.com staff is experienced and passionate about reporting on anything and everything in the world of Metric Cruisers. The team includes George Najar, Matt Osias, George Fleming, Nyla Olsen, Joshua Placa, Jeff Leitner, Jeff Najar, Keith ?Bandit? Ball and a rag tag group of field reporters from around the world.
BUELL ON PODIUM AT HOCKENHEIM 1000–New 1125R Makes German Racing Debut on Easter Weekend.
Cologne, Germany (March 25, 2008) ?The brand-new Buell 1125R delivered a stunning debut at the start of the German racing season on Easter Saturday, posting 2nd and 5th place finishes on Hockenheim?s demanding Grand Prix circuit.
Over the past 33 years, the 1000-km of Hockenheim has not only become the established prelude to the German motorcycle racing season, the traditional endurance race is also considered the most important German production-based racing event for motorcycles. This year, BMW and KTM each supplied selected teams with extensive factory support, both competing in Class 4 for four-stroke motorcycles of unlimited displacement with three cylinders or less that features the best and most popular riders. No fewer than four BMW HP2 Sports and five KTM RC 8s claimed chances to win in a grid of 32 motorbikes that also held numerous Ducatis and Aprilias.
But as it turned out, others were to provide the true sensation on March 22nd ? the only two competing Buell 1125R, entered into the race by the Buell dealers of Bonn and Hannover. Both bikes had only arrived in Germany three days before Easter, but despite minimal preparation, caused a stir right from the start with scorching lap times at low ambient temperatures on a dry track. In the sprint race over 14 laps, riders Axel Reimann and Ray Buchmann realized the 1125R?s full potential and left nearly the whole field behind, beaten only by the factory supported BMW under former Moto GP racer J?rgen Fuchs and professional racer Marcus Barth.
Volker Schirmer, manager of Buell Hannover, could not disguise his enthusiasm over his team?s second place finish. ?I am absolutely ecstatic. The 1125R is a quantum leap in output and performance. The 146hp twin-cylinder engine, developed by Rotax to Buell specifications, is a perfect match for the best chassis that Erik Buell has ever designed.?
After coming in fifth, riders Julius Ilmberger and Martin Kratzer were also delighted with the new Buell. ?With slightly harder tires, our chances would have been even better,? said Andreas Binner, boss of Buell Bonn. ?But even so, I am really happy ? my boys have done a fantastic job, and the 1125R is up for success.?
To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com
LEGEND OF THE RIDING BELL–Legend has it that Evil Road Spirits have been latching themselves on to motorcycles for as long as there have been bikes on the road. These Evil Road Spirits are responsible for mechanical problems and bad luck along the journey.
Legend goes on to say that by attaching a small bell onto your scoot, the Evil Road Spirits will become trapped inside the bell where the constant ringing drives them insane, making them lose their grip until they fall to the ground. (Ever wonder where potholes come from.)
Legend also has it that the bell carries twice as much power when purchased by a friend or loved one and given as a gift. Get yours or give a gift of the Riding Bell.
ARTISTRY IN IRON SPONSORED BY AMERICAN CYCLE AND AMERICAN BAGGER MAGAZINES–Spearfish, SD 3-26-2008 – American Cycle and American Bagger magazines are pleased to announce their sponsorship of Artistry in Iron at the 2008 Las Vegas Bikefest from Oct 2-5th. You will see over 25 of the hottest custom builders show off their latest bikes. See the famous and soon to be famous with a very progressive list of builders from Jim Nasi, Cory Ness, Roger Goldammer, Fred Bertrand and more.
?I have been associated with Las Vegas BikeFest since its inception, Las Vegas BikeFest is the premiere west coast bike event and Artistry in Iron has developed into the most prominent west coast bike show. We are honored to have our magazines associated with Artistry in Iron.? ? Dave Withrow, Publisher. This is an ?invitation only? master builders? championship ? see and meet the builders putting out the most insane and beautiful bikes in the industry. 2008?s Las Vegas BikeFest is turing out to be better than ever. ?I can?t tell you how excited we are to have American Cycle on board as a sponsor for the next few years, it is a relationship that will be great for both of us.? – Pam Schwartz, Full Throttle Events.
For online booking go to www.lasvegasbikefest.com
–Murdoc Jones – Advertising Sales Director
American Cycle and American Bagger
murdoc@americancyclemag.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM ROLLS OUT INVITATION TO ADVENTURE– MILWAUKEE (March 25, 2008) ? Harley-Davidson is inviting people worldwide to become a part of the Harley-Davidson Museum family through its new Membership program. Opening its doors in July 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum is offering several membership levels, and those who join the Museum by June 1, 2008 will be invited to a pre-grand opening preview of the Museum, subject to capacity. All who have signed up in 2008 will forever be known as ?Founding Members.?
Museum members will receive exclusive benefits and privileges reserved for those who want access to the back roads of the Harley-Davidson experience. Special access to a members-only Web site and exclusive events throughout the year are just a few of many exciting benefits. In addition, members will enjoy perks not available to the general public, such as behind-the-scenes information on Museum exhibits, ?fast lane? admission to the Museum, a discount at the retail store and a members-only dog tag.
Just as riders have many route options, the Museum is offering five Membership levels to create the best ride for its new members. Memberships start as low as $40 annually, and each was created to meet the needs of customers, whether they are from Milwaukee or Milan. For example, ?Open Road,? an online membership, was designed specifically for the global audience base of Harley enthusiasts who may not be able to visit the Museum?s physical location frequently. With primarily Internet-based benefits, this membership level also offers one-time free admission and discounts to the Museum retail store.
Other Membership levels include Individual (?Serial #1?), Couple (?Two-up?), Family (?Wrecking Crew?) and Premier (?Hill Climber?). These levels include free, unlimited visits to the Museum. The ?Hill Climber? Membership also allows members to bring up to four extra guests to the Museum during any visit and includes a three-inch Living the Legend rivet for customization and installation on the Museum grounds.
?Membership will allow our visitors to get the most out of their Museum experience,? said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum director. ?Through exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access, our members will be able to connect to the Museum and the history and culture of Harley-Davidson in a very meaningful way.?
For those who prefer a shorter road trip, general admission tickets are also available. General admission tickets for the general public are $16 for adults; $12 for students and seniors; $10 for children (ages 5-7 years) and children under five years of age will be admitted free with an accompanying adult. Visit the Web site for additional updates on group sales and tour information.
To join the Harley-Davidson Museum family, log on to www.h-dmuseum.com/members. Those who sign up prior to the opening in July 2008 will receive Membership that extends until one year after the official Museum opening date.
RICK FAIRLESS? STROKERS DALLAS AND KAT FINE ART RAISE FUNDS FOR TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN —Dallas, TX (March 24, 2008)- Custom motorcycles, original paintings, and Rock and Roll all came together on February 23 for the first annual ?KAT Fine Art Charity Benefit? hosted by Rick Fairless? Strokers Dallas. The night included an auction of 25 original Rock and Roll paintings donated by Texas artist, KAT, in support of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC).
Auction bids, combined with donations that evening, totaled $18,763 for TSRHC. ?We are extremely pleased with the amount of money we raised for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children,? said Fairless. ?I have been in business here for 13 years and I wanted to give back to the community in a big way, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has always been my number one charity of choice.?
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, located in Dallas, Texas, is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. All treatment at TSRHC is at no charge to patient families making the hospital rely on donations from individuals, foundations and corporations and proceeds from special events to fund their patient care.
?We are so fortunate to have friends in the community like Rick Fairless? Strokers Dallas,? said Stephanie Brigger, vice president of Development at TSRHC. ?The wonderful contribution that Strokers Dallas and Texas artist, KAT, have made to the hospital will allow thousands of Texas children to receive the highest quality orthopedic care at no charge to patient families.?
In addition to the 25 original paintings up for auction, KAT, known as The Art & Soul of Rock N? Roll, completed a painting of Johnny Cash at the event while the disc jockey played songs by the famous ?Man in Black.?
Strokers Dallas has supported TSRHC for the past 12 years. ?This is just the beginning,? says Fairless. ?We have big plans for the future and are hoping to bring in a lot more money for the patients at TSRHC!?
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