Hey,
The weather cleared in Daytona, the sun warmed the sand and the party was on. While the industry tears it up on the coast I’m sanding a hardwood floor. What the hell? But no matter, we’ll bring you all the news as Bikernet’s secret agent roams the saloons and Rogue studies the use of Jack Daniels by Bike Week patrons. This weekend we will bring you the lastest 5-Ball Factory Racer mods and shots of our 23-inch Black Bike Wheels. Hang on.
BIKERS STIMULUS IN DAYTONA–The city of Daytona Beach is looking to stimulate it?s economy to the tune of 300 Million Dollars during Bike Week and the local police seemed to be doing their part of getting some of that money as everywhere I went I saw motorcycles pulled over and blue lights flashing. I am not sure what they were being stopped for but I am just happy I was not one of them.
The first Saturday was warm and there seemed to be a good amount of people around town. I and many others took that as a good sign of a strong turn-out. Sunday turned cold and many of those seen the day before were no longer around. The cold weather stayed and though there are motorcycles everywhere the numbers seemed down. The weather has that effect–folks stay in bars. Hopefully it will pick up some the rest of the week
There is plenty to do and see as well as parties going on. Limpnickie Lot is a place I like, and I did get to spend some time there. The lot at the race track is packed with vendors and a good turn out when I was there.
Thursday Evening will be the Biker Fusion event at the Dog House on Main Street and it is expected to be a blast. I will miss it this year as I ride to Texas Thursday morning.
Okay I know this is short but I am burning daylight and need to get on the road.
–Rogue
MORE FROM THE BIKERNET CODE– Never do less than forty miles before breakfast.
If you don’t ride in the rain, you don’t ride.
A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.
Respect the person who has seen the dark side of motorcycling and lived.
Young riders pick a destination and go… older riders pick a direction and go.
–Sarge
NEW HARLEY HAMMOCK TOURING SEAT WITH INTERNAL SUSPENSION–New Design Delivers 30 Percent More Touring Comfort.
MILWAUKEE (Feb. 23, 2009) ? Long-range riders will enjoy unmatched touring comfort with the new Harley Hammock Touring Seat (P/N 53051-09, $499.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The Harley Hammock seat, which is original equipment on the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide model, features a sling-like fabric suspension system manufactured from a blend of fibers that offer flexibility and durability.
The fabric acts like a hammock, providing two inches of suspension above the seat pan, and is topped with an additional two inches of traditional foam cushioning. The internal suspension prevents ?bottoming out? and provides a 30 percent improvement in comfort and endurance by isolating the rider from harsh road conditions.
The black vinyl surface is easy to clean and maintain, and is finished with a ?Harley-Davidson? embossed script logo. The seat can be equipped with a rider backrest (sold separately) on most models. Seat width is 17.5?; passenger pillion width is 15?.
The Harley Hammock Seat fits 2008-later Harley-Davidson Touring models (except Tri-Glide). It does not fit models equipped with Passenger Grab Rail P/N 91583-99.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
ORWELL MAY COME TRUE–Hey Bandit, love the site, have been a member for @ least 3 years. Just finished reading your book Orwell, simply loved it. It makes us Bikers think! Anway take a look @ this pizza ordering.. When I open this up and read it, it’s all from your book… The Future!!
Keep up the great work!!
— Captain America from the cold tundra here in Peoria IL. http://aclu.org/pizza/images/screen.swf
BIKERNET CODE 101 CLASS NOW IN SESSION– Moaning about the brand of free beer in a buddy’s fridge is forbidden. However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.
No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your buddy’s birthday is strictly optional. At that point, you must celebrate at a strip bar of the birthday boy’s choice.
On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.
When stumbling upon other guys watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who’s playing.
BLAIR HOLT FIREARM LICENSING & RECORD OF SALE ACT– Very Important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House. This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009. We just learned yesterday about this on the Peter Boyles radio program. Even gun shop owners didn’t know about this because it is flying under the radar.
To find out about this – go to any government website and type in HR 45 or Google HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. You will get all the information.
Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm – any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless: ?It is registered ?You are fingerprinted ?You supply a current Driver’s License?You supply your Social Security #?You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing ?Each update – change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25
Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.?There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18. They would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.
If you think this is a joke – go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this. It is long and lengthy.
–from Cindy, Century Motorcycles
2009 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM IN ANAMOSA, IOWA–ANAMOSA, IOWA – 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the National Motorcycle Museum, located in Anamosa, Iowa. To commemorate the event, the museum has included a special paint design for the 2009 National Museum Motorcycle Fundraiser Bike.
The 2009 bike is a custom, modern day version of a 1955 Panhead. It has all the styling of a classic with the reliability of a modern machine. It even features some replica parts as well as modern parts to make this baby easier to start, stop, be faster and have more power!
Custom-built by J&P Cycles Bike Builder Kody Wisner, it features a P Series 93 inch engine from S&S Cycle. The 4-speed transmission is a Rev-Tech from Custom Chrome and connected to the engine by a Primo belt drive and Rivera pro clutch. The Panhead replica frame was donated by Ted?s V-Twin. These items and more were generously donated for this year?s motorcycle. In fact, this year?s support from various manufacturers has surpassed that of other years.
Paughco generously donated exhaust pipes while Jammer threw in the primary parts and Performance Machine donated hand controls and brakes. Pac-Kit Saddlebags donated a set of replica Panhead leather saddlebags. Wires Plus donated the wiring components, Auto Gem the gem lights and baby bullets and Coker, the tires. Custom Chrome additionally donated the starter, alternator and belt drive and Bikers Choice donated the front end and sheetmetal.
?Again this year we are extremely humbled to have the top names in the motorcycling industry donating products for this bike,? said John Parham, president of the National Motorcycle Museum Board of Directors. ?Without their support, this raffle would not be possible. This year?s bike is a true beauty. We?ve gone way back with this one, incorporating the technology of today with the appropriate safety measures, all while keeping the styling classic,? Parham adds.
Painted by Scott Takes and his crew at Underground Art Studios, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the bike is a wonderfully blended two-tone paint job featuring silver with red as the primary color. To further stylize the bike, an ornate silver scrolling design will be used throughout the machine. The front fender features a custom 20th anniversary National Motorcycle Museum logo. This is a bike YOU will want to win!!
Tickets are NOW available! A $5 donation gives you one entry into the drawing or donate $25 for six entries. Tickets can be ordered by sending your check to the National Motorcycle Museum at P.O. Box 405, Anamosa, Iowa 52205. An order form can also be downloaded from their website at www.nationalmcmuseum.org, you can order online via electronic check or simply send in your request along with payment.
The drawing will be held on Dec. 31, 2009, and you need not be present to win.
Cruise into the National Motorcycle Museum, located in downtown Anamosa, Iowa, and experience their extensive line of over 225 motorcycles from around the world as well as thousands of photographs, posters, postcards and pieces of motorcycle memorabilia, plus a fabulous collection of antique toys.
The National Motorcycle Museum is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. For more information, contact the National Motorcycle Museum at 319-462-3925 or visit them on the web at www.nationalmcmuseum.org.
BIKERNET TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK– I have a 2007 XL 1200 Sportster low. I changed the springs to Progressive and went 2 inches over stock on the tubes (26.25). The stock tubes were 24.25 in length. I wanted to install 3-degree triple trees, mid-glide conversion kit on front end of this bike. I already have 2 inches over at the present on the tubes. My rake and trail on this 2007 Sportster Low from the factory was 29.6 / trail 4.70 inches.
Question: Should I use the 2 inches over stock on the fork tubes with a 3 degree triple tree? Or should I use 4 inches over stock on the fork tubes with a 3 degree triple tree? I had one guy tell me 2 inches over, and I had another tell me to go with 4 Inches over. If I go shorter ( presently 2″ overs with a 3 degree tree ) the calculator decreases the trail. If I go 4 inches over, then it increases the trail some. If the trail ends up being around 3 + inches would I be safe? Or would 3 + inches on the trail be too loose at higher speeds? (Don’t want a tank slapper). Could you give me an educated guess as to how much a 3 degree triple tree would drop my front end? Maybe an inch or a little over do you think? With a 3 degree triple tree my trail would be somewhere around 3.37 give or take a little. I would appreciate some help and expertise. The 1200 Sportster Low sets probably about 28.5 or 29 inches when in the upright postion with a rider. This measurement is from the top of the fork tube (Not the top of the fork nut) to the center of the axle. With 2 inch over stock tubes my bike with me on it has a measurement of 29.5 from the top of the fork tube to the center of the axle. My 2 inches over sets me up in the front end about an extra inch higher than the stock setup. The following is what I calculated in the calculator below.
Help, professional tips would be deeply appreciated. Thanks! Sincerely, Tom G.Rapturetj@comcast.net
I think it?s more of ground clearance and style consideration. Some guys always recommend against raked triple trees, but 3 degrees is minimal. So if you want the bike up in the front go for the longer front end and have the bonus of more trail. Go with the shorter front end and have the bonus of better cornering.
You might make some measurements. Check the chart below against your calculator. I picked up the Harley info on V-rods with 2 degree raked triple trees. Note the trail. The V-rod without the raked trees has 5.6 inches of trail.
Overall Width 34.50 in. (876.30 mm)
Overall Height 47.70 in. (1211.58 mm)
Ground Clearance 5 in. (127 mm)
Rake (steering head) 34?
Fork Angle 36?
Trail 4.50 in. (114.30 mm)
Check these Road King numbers:
Ground Clearance 5.10 in. (129.54 mm)
Rake (steering head) 26?
Fork Angle 29.3?
Trail 6.69 in. (169.93 mm)
These are 2009 King numbers. I just spoke to a pal back east who was talking with a custom springer manufacturer who sets his front ends up to run between 1-6 inches of trail. I like between 4-5.–Wrench
TRUE DUAL SYSTEMS FOR SOFTAILS FROM CUSTOM CHROME–This is not your average 2-into-2 exhaust system. Freedom True-Duals are the most stunning display of engineering and precision on the market, consisting of blue-proof heat-shield technology throughout the entire pipe and stainless steel hardware for muscle. Freedom also finishes every performance exhaust system with their signature show-stopping chrome plated finish or black ceramic coated on some models. ?Feel the power of Freedom? while you burn asphalt with the true duals power.
True Duals with 32? Sharktails
689788Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$879.99
689789Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$879.99
689810Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006 Black$1099.99
689809Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009 Black$1099.99
True Duals with 36? Sharktails
689794Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$899.99
689795Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$899.99
True Duals with 2.5? Slash Cut
689792Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$938.99
689793Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$968.99
True Duals with 2.5? Straight Cut
689790Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$938.99
689791Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$968.99
True Duals with 3.5?? Freedom Signature Slip-ons ?Chrome with Chrome Tips
689814Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$989.99
689815Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$989.99
True Duals with 3.5?? Freedom Signature Slip-ons ?Chrome with Black Tips
689813Fits all Softail? models 1997-2006$989.99
689805Fits all Softail? models 2007-2009$989.99
Note: O2 sensor port bungs installed and O2 sensor port plugs included EXCEPT on any models that come standard with O2 sensors. Bung plugs can be purchased separately CCI # 689707
Exhaust System Accessories Replacement End Caps
689708Freedom End CapChrome ? Sold each$104.99
689709Freedom End CapBlack ? Sold each$104.99
689710Racing System End Cap ?Sold each$104.99
689711Star End Cap ? Sold each$49.99
689712Sharktail End Cap ?Sold each$77.99
689713Slash End Cap ?Sold each$74.99
Quiet Baffles
689714Quiet Baffles for Liberty& Freedom Systems ?Sold in pairs$119.99
689715Quiet Baffles for RacingSystem ? Sold in pairs$119.99
689716Quiet Baffles for 4?Classic & Inverted SlashCut Systems ? Sold in pairs$119.99
689717Quiet Baffles for 2 into2 Systems ? Sold in pairs$104.99
689718Quiet Baffles for SharktailSystems ? Sold in pairs$104.99
Miscellaneous
689707O2 Sensor port plug ? Sold in pairs$15.99
GERMAN WOMEN GET PREGNANT TOO– Allowedly a bit later than usual but finally here it is: The new catalogue 2009.
The reason for the delay actually is a positive one! Our leading marketing member got pregnant and unfortunately with the usual morning sickness and all. Meanwhile she is well and at home awaiting the childbirth!
A lot has happened here as well – likewise gave birth. However our birth this time is a new product for a market we admittedly have neglected a bit in the past. The Harley Davidson market!!For the Harley Rod models we designed completely new products thus the Nigh-line serial in beamless black was created for the Night Rod Special! We used the winter month and now have a product range of 37 Harley vehicles that can be supplied with our suspension!Next to the new GP steering damper there are uncountable new models that can be equipped with immediate effect. In case of any questions, don?t hesitate to contact us at anytime!
We wish you all the best for a successful season 2009 and keep well and fit!
With best regards from Germany
–Benny Wilbers
WOMEN RIDERS NOW HIT THE DIRT FOR CANCER EFFORT–WRN editor, Genevieve Schmitt, is hitting the dirt this summer jumping right into dual sporting after 20 years of riding on the street. She’s planning on traveling miles of gravel trails in what will be a bumpy, muddy no frills camping journey to raise awareness and money for a women’s cancer charity. And she’s asking for your help in raising the $2,000 she needs to participate on this ride — all of it going to charity.
In August, Genevieve will ride nearly 500 miles of dirt trails from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Keystone, Colorado. “I’m very excited about this ride as I’ve always wanted to try dual sport riding,” said Genevieve. “My experience off road is limited so this ride will give me an opportunity to learn more while doing something good for charity.”
Genevieve will be arriving in Keystone in time for the AMA Women in Motorcycling Conference, August 19-22, 2009. She and 11 other women in the group are riding to raise money the Gynocologic Cancer Foundation through the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation’s Adventures for the Cures ride.
Most of you probably know a woman who has shown her strength fighting a gynocological cancer. Now it’s time to show support by donating to the charity that helps find cures for these cancers. Genevieve is asking you to help her raise at least $2,000 for the Gynocological Cancer Foundation through her trip this summer. Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/genevieveschmitt to find out more about the ride and how you can donate.
SON OF LOU KIMZEY, PUBLISHER OF EASYRIDERS STILL RIDES–Good to hear from you. All is well down here in Florida. I been riding more than ever. Don’t laugh but I been riding BMW’s. The older airhead style’s. For three thousand bucks a person can get a good running bike and the fun part is they are easy to work on (when they need it, and easy to learn how to fix). I’m off to Daytona tomorrow. I guess some of the Yankees from up north have been snowbound and unable to get through the snow, but they are on their way. The tempts down here are warming and should be in the 70s for the rest of the week.
I don’t do much roaming when I get to the camps. I pretty much sit tight and visit or I hang out in the bike repair tent for those who limp into town. It is a lot like the old Harley days where we rode with little money and knew how to keep our bikes rolling.
The picture of you and Dad was a good one. Nancy was mostly responsible for the induction into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. She will probably be riding up to Sturgis for the breakfast.
I been a subscriber to Bikernet for years and I’m glad you are doing well and in the lead of the Internet publishing.I guess it is your birthday this month if I remember correctly ….. so happy birthday. Mine is to ….
Peace
–Louis Kimzey
BILANSKY RIDES BUELL TO THUNDERBIKE WIN AT DAYTONA–Buell 1125R Riders Win Three CCS Sprint Races.
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (March 1, 2009) ? Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky rode a Buell XB12R to win the Thunderbike National at the first round of the 2009 ASRA Michelin Pro Series at Daytona International Speedway. Bilansky executed a perfect last-lap drafting pass of the defending Thunderbike champion, BMW of Atlanta rider Nate Kern, to take the win.
In Motosport.com Championship Cup Series sprint racing on Saturday at Daytona, Bruce Rossmeyer?s Daytona Racing Buell rider Danny Eslick scored a convincing victory in Expert SuperTwins, the first Daytona victory for a rider aboard a Buell 1125R. On Sunday, Bruce Rossmeyer?s Daytona Racing Buell rider Michael Barnes, testing his injured hand in preparation for the March 6 Daytona 200, rode a Buell 1125R to second place in Expert Unlimited SuperSport.
The Thunderbike win confirmed Bilansky?s last-minute decision to make the trip from Wisconsin to race at Daytona, despite a tight budget.
?It was like d?j? vu out there, because that was exactly the same pass I made on Kern to win the Thunderbike championship at Daytona in 2006,? said Bilansky. ?And I think it was just as close, maybe half a bike length. My Hal?s Buell had the power to get the job done.?
Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider David Estok posted the fastest lap in Thunderbike qualifying with a time of 1:57.801, but was penalized three positions when his Buell XB12R was 0.7 horsepower over the class formula in post-event testing. That moved Kern to the pole with a lap of 1:58.026.
A sudden weather change on Sunday morning produced rain, dropping temperatures and high winds before the start of the nine-lap Thunderbike National. The track was mostly dry, and Estok took the lead for the first lap before retiring with a mechanical problem. Kern and Bilansky then opened a wide lead on the rest of the field.
?Nobody wants to be leading on the last lap at Daytona, and at about the mid-point of the race Kern ran way wide at the chicane to let me know it was my turn at the front,? said Bilansky. ?I let him through later, but then on lap seven I made a legitimate mistake and he got about 25 bike lengths on me and I was afraid I would lose the draft. On the last lap I had to go really deep on the brakes at turn one and at the chicane, and got back to about 10 lengths behind, which was the perfect set-up for the last lap. It was really blowing hard so he was making a big hole in the wind.?
Bilansky used that draft to accelerate past Kern and was leading by only 0.001 seconds as the pair crossed the finish line. Third place went to Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Joel Spaulding, making his Expert debut on a Buell XB12R. Spaulding ran alone in third place for most of the race. Fernando Ferreyra was fourth on a Bimota, followed by Soundwaves.com rider Sam Rozynski on a Buell, Eric Helmbach on a Honda, and Joe Rozynski on a second Soundwaves.com Buell. Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Jordan Richardson finished eighth on a Buell.
After one ASRA Michelin Pro Series Thunderbike race, Bilansky leads the series with 35 points, followed by Kern with 31 points and Spaulding with 26 points.
The next event on the 10-race ASRA Michelin Pro Series schedule is April 25-26 at Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka, Kan.
Buell Riders Win Motorsports.com CCS Sprint RacesOther Buell winners in Motorsports.com CCS sprint competition at Daytona include Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Jordan Richardson in Amateur SuperTwins and Amateur GTO on a Buell 1125R, and Bilansky in Expert GT Lights on a Buell XB12R. Kegel H-D/Buell rider Jay Smith rode a Buell XB12R to win in Amateur Lightweight Super Sport and Amateur Lightweight GT.
VICTORY VISION ROAD TEST FRO DOC OF HEAVY-DUTY MAGAZINE, AUSTRALIA COMING TO BIKERNET–We promised an addition to our Victory Vision article, and we deliver on our promises, even if it takes a few months. Here’s an excerpt from Doc’s 15-state road test:
I?d say that eight thousand test miles on a Victory Vision across some 15 states and through all sorts of terrain, and in all imaginable weather conditions except hurricanes and tornados ? though one of the latter came close ? somewhat qualifies me to have an opinion on the big tourer.To say that the Victory Vision ain?t your grandpa?s bagger is somewhat a statement of the obvious, but it isn?t until you put some serious miles under you that the full truth of that statement comes home.
All motorcycles, in essence, are a motor, tranny and two wheels, but how those components are arranged and how they function varies wildly.A bit over a decade or so ago I read an article that explained how Polaris, the parent company of Victory, had purchased a number of cruiser motorcycles and had experienced riders evaluating these machines various strengths and weaknesses in order to be able to come to market with a well sorted out machine.
Now, whether they took the same approach with the Vision, or just started with a squeaky clean slate I do not know. But however the Victory designers and engineers went about creating the Vision, I?d have to give them full marks for the end result. It?s not a perfect motorcycle, there?s no such thing. But damn, it comes very close in terms of both looks and function.
To be sure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but one has to admire the sheer exuberance of the stylists, the bold and sweeping curves and angles which make this motorcycle different to all that have come before ?
Hang on for the full report in a couple of days–Bandit
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