Hey,
Just before Friday the 13th I’m going to pour as much good news all over you from the V-Twin Expo, plus gobs of reports are in the news. The show was up in many respects and heavy biz took place both days. In general I felt pressed to see everyone in a short two days.
Lotsa new products from Performance Machine from 16-inch rotors and 8-piston calipers for big wheels and even 21s. They have a new line of grips call Xccelerator with rubber for riders, and there are a couple of hot air cleaners and adjustable velocity stacks. The list goes on with headlight contrast cut bezels. In 2011 PM bought Xtreme Machine and life is good. You’ll see more reports on the Xtreme and PM lines, including lots of bagger accessories.
Headwinds continues to research LED technology headlights. Did you know there is a heat issue with LED bulbs. The cooler they run the hotter they glow. We may do a tech on how to adjust your headlight.
Lotsa techs are headed your way from the growing team at BDL. Since they took over JAMAR brakes, more caliper technology has rubbed off on GMA and we will work directly with Don, from JAMAR, about new products. BDL has a new narrow belt combination, which allows guys to switch out their system without buying a complete new one.
Let’s hit the news, and then I will touch on more teasers from the show.
The Bikernet news is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine and the Iron Trader News.
QUICK, OPEN THE BAD JOKE LIBRARY— pulled into the crowded parking lot at the local shopping center and rolled down the car windows to make sure my Labrador Retriever Pup had fresh air. She was stretched full-out on the back seat and I wanted to impress upon her that she must remain there. I walked to the curb backward, pointing my finger at the car and saying emphatically, “Now you stay. Do you hear me?” “Stay! Stay!”
The driver of a nearby car, a pretty young blonde, gave me a strange look and said, Why don’t you put it in Park?
‘PAUGHCO SPECIAL’ Springers Won’t Break the Bank-–Paughco’s all new, all American Made “Special Springers” provide a low-cost alternative for custom bike builders who demand USA craftsmanship at an easy to live with price.
These Special Springers feature sandblasted steel components and welded-only finish, no polishing and solid half round rear legs for a no frills hand crafted appearance. Lengths offered include standard 27” and plus 3” for 30” overall.
You also have your choice of narrow and wide widths. All t3 shown here are wide versions. The unique high quality front ends are available in gloss black, textured satin black, and red powder paint with tumble finish, chrome springs and rocker studs.
Additionally each unit comes with a standard top clamp and dual brake tabs for single or dual discs. Optional items such as axles, fender mounts and shocks are offered at additional cost.
And get this, these awesome springers featuring Paughco’s world renowned quality and attention to detail retail for a mere $699.95 each!! For additional details and ordering information visit www.paughco.com or call direct to 775-246-5738
NARROW WIDE
180STSPB 181STSPB Stock length – Gloss Black
180-3SPB 181-3SPB 3-INCH over stock – Gloss Black
180STSPTB 181STSPTB Stock length – Satin Textured Black
180-3SPTB 181-3SPTB 3-inch over stock – Satin Textured Black
180STSPR 181STSPR Stock length – Gloss Red
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION,Washington Weekly Updates—
Your tax dollars are hard at work! NHTSA released a study titled “Motorcycle Helmet Use in 2014-overall results.” NOPUS, or National Occupant Protection Use Survey conducted the study. The survey claims to be “the only nationwide probability based observed data on motorcycle helmet use in the Untied States.”
The study observed certain stretches of road, at 1581 sites. They did the observing over 3.5 weeks last June. Over that time they ended up observing 684 motorcycles carrying 806 motorcyclists. So the survey isn’t really a survey, it’s a snapshot; a brief capture of bikes and bikers on the road. “Probability based” means they take the snapshot and enlarge it. They account for riding season length and so on before they extrapolate the numbers.
Our government needs to get on the same page when it comes to statistics. In NHTSA’s last issue of their periodic “Traffic Safety Facts” series they identified that motorcycle fatalities had dropped 6.4 percent and injuries dropped 8.3 percent the report called the drops “not statistically significant.”
Well this new report claims that use of non-compliant motorcycle helmets “decreased significantly from 7 percent to 5 percent”. Just another example of how government is biased against the most affordable and energy efficient modes of transportation Americans can use.
The survey goes into some detail about helmet use during different riding conditions, solo riders versus two up riders. You can read more here:
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812110.pdf
H.R. 21, the bill that would study the effects of ethanol on vehicles, is up to seven cosponsors. Keep the pressure on to cosponsor this important legislation.
Net Neutrality was a big issue this week with the FCC chairman Tom Wheeler circulating his proposed rules to regulate the internet like any other telecommunications utility such as cable, TV, telephones and other common carriers.
The chairman summed up his proposal with this statement: “An open Internet allows consumers to access the legal content and applications that they choose online, without interference from their broadband network provider. It fosters innovation and competition by ensuring that new products and services developed by entrepreneurs aren’t blocked or throttled by internet service providers putting their own profits above the public interest. An open internet allows free expression to blossom without fear of an Internet provider acting as a gatekeeper. And it gives innovators predictable rules of the road to deliver new products and services online.”
It’s a complicated issue but the simplest explanation is this. The government wants to be able to ensure the American public that their providers of internet access do not block or throttle access to lawful content and services. It also prohibits internet service providers (ISP) from allowing content providers to pay to get speedier delivery of their content, a practice known as “paid prioritization”. The ISP’s claim that the heavy regulation will only drive up costs that will be passed on to you, the user.
The commission should vote on regulation on February 26th.
EXTREME BIKERNET BAGGER WIND SCREEN TEST RESULTS–This is a big deal folks, anyone purchasing the new Road Glide will want a new windscreen and two of these are advertisers on Bikernet. I was fair and diplomatic but this is the FIRST windscreen comparison of aftermarket windscreens for the new Road Glide on planet earth. Please help spread the love.
Gary Koz Mraz
Editor BikernetTrikes
Cell 818-625-6540
Arizona Bill # HB-2345 URGENT – LEGISLATIVE ALERT!!!--AZ has a Bill running to eliminate a handle bar law completely.
We need people from our neighboring states and riders who visit AZ to email our legislators that you travel here and support HB-2345.
Email contacts are below.
–Deborah Butitta
ABATE of AZ Board Member Yavapai Chapter – http://abateofaz.org/
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Inc., Ex-Officio Board Member – www.mrf.org
928.308.1117 cell deb@mrf.org
Proud to be a part of the “Circle” in the “MC Rights Business” since 1990.
Members,
Our Bill, HB2345 is being heard in the House Transportation Committee on 2/10/15 at 2pm after floor recesses. Following is a list of House Trans Committee members and their individual phone numbers and emails. Please take the time to call/email each of them and leave the following message:
“As a motorcyclist, I am asking for your support of HB2345 being heard in the TRANS Committee 2/10/15. I would like to see the current motorcycle handle bar height restriction lifted.”
Rep Fann and Campbell are our sponsors – please call/email them and thank them for sponsoring HB2345.
All legislator numbers begin with 602-926-xxxx
John Ackerley 3077 jackerley@azleg.gov
Richard Andrade 3130 randrade@azleg.gov
Sonny Borrelli 5051 sborrelli@azleg.gov
Charlene Fernandez 3098 cfernandez@azleg.gov
Victoria Steel 5683 vsteel@azleg.gov
David Stevens 4321 – dstevens@azleg.gov – Vice Chairman
Rick Gray 5993 – rgray@azleg.gov – Chairman
Karen Fann 3058 – kfann@azleg.gov – Our Sponsor
Noel Campbell 3124 – ncampbell@azleg.gov – Our Co-Sponsor
NEW MOVIES DEPARTMENT OPENS ON BIKERNET–Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Dan Stevens join Richard Gere in ‘Oppenheimer Strategies’.
Principal photography to begin next week in New York and Israel. The Solution Entertainment Group Handling International Sales.
Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Josh Charles, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Stevens, Isaach De Bankolé and Israeli actor Lior Ashkenazi have joined the cast of OPPENHEIMER STRATEGIES, the new feature film written and directed by Joseph Cedar, it was announced today by Gideon Tadmor and Tadmor Entertainment. The film is produced by Gideon Tadmor and Tadmor Entertainment, Miranda Bailey and Cold Iron Pictures, David Mandil and MoviePlus Productions, Lawrence Inglee, Eyal Rimmon and Oren Moverman; executive producers are Michal Graidy, Caroline Kaplan, Amanda Marshall, Jim Kaufman and Doug Mankoff. Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel are also co-executive producers.
In OPPENHEIMER STRATEGIES, which begins principal photography on February 8th in New York and Israel, Gere plays the titular character, Norman Oppenheimer, whose life dramatically changes after the young politician he befriended during a dark period in his life becomes an influential world leader.
The film is director Joseph Cedar’s first project since his 2011 film FOOTNOTE, which marked his first collaboration with actor Lior Ashkenazi and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as the Prix du scénario (Best Screenplay Award) at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
Gere and Moverman previously teamed up on TIME OUT OF MIND, which was both written and directed by Moverman and premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Inglee and Bailey were also producers.
OVERSEAS SHIPPING ISSUES SOLVED—
The actual bike moves overseas is one thing, and I want to follow up on that more, but helping companies with their orders from factories overseas to the US, and all of the Customs Compliance issues is where I can really help.
I’m helping a company now importing H-D clicks from China with the delivery to the port in China, movement via ocean carrier, then the US Import. We are also now helping Kuryakin with some brokerage and compliance issues soon. So yes, I’ll make sure to keep this going.
–JACK MCINTYRE, PHOTOGRAPHER
Director of Photography Bikerpics.org
Co-Editor Bikernet Baggers.com
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR INVESTIGATES SAIGON–Friday was a day for a museum tour. The photo of “Uncle” Ho and Uncle” Ton seems to be most famous. Ho was the leader of the revolutionary forces fighting for communism and freedom from French rule in the mid ‘40s. Ton was the exemplification of the cause and for the people. It seems that life under French rule was rather harshly regulated in the early 1940s.
Then a walk along the famous Mekong River. Lots of new construction is visible from there as well as the construction on the city side of the river where I stay.
One of many photos in museum made of little pieces of wire. Others made from. Rice. Buttons. Stamps etc are quite good uncle Ton was VP under uncle Ho.
Moto taxi waits outside – moto taxis wait everywhere until you need one.
Tonight, Saturday, meet with one of the original HOG Harley club members for dinner and drinks. I stay in touch with a few of the guys all year long.
The other HOG member I dined with has four companies and seems to be doing quite well. One company is a bauxite mining firm. Vietnam is the third richest deposit of bauxite in the world.
–Art Hall
Extreme Emperor of Bikernet International Content
RED ROCK HARLEY-DAVIDSON – RIDE! PARTY! PRIZES! MUSIC! – DON’T MISS IT!–
Mardi Gras Kick-Off Party – Vegas Style! Get ready for some filé gumbo, a little fais do-do & some Zydeco music! Red Rock Harley-Davidson located at West Sahara & South Rainbow (behind Aloha Braddah’s & a stone’s throw from Mr. D’s).
The party is free, the music is loud & the fun last all day! We’ve got free Louisiana style gumbo right out of Lola’s kitchen from noon to 4 p.m.! We’ve got king cake with $$Mystery Prizes$$… And we’ve got some kick-ass Zydeco music right out of the bayou!
And, it’s all free ‘cause we’re kickin’ off Mardi Gras all day Saturday, February 14! Bring your Krew, bring your sweetheart, but don’t miss the fun and a little flavor of New Orleans – Vegas Style. Ride! Party! Prizes! Music! The team at Red Rock Harley-Davidson goes all out for every event… Don’t miss this one!
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing is grateful for the support of their sponsors– Yoshimura R&D, Suzuki Motor of America, Dunlop, Motorex, Showa, Renthal, Vortex, Renegade Rentals, Shorai, Elf Racing Fuels, Seven, Hinson Clutch Components, RG3, Matrix, Works Connection, GET, Excel, NGK, D.I.D., Twin Air, Moto Tassinari, Roy’s Cyclery, Guts Racing Products, Mechanix Wear, Kokusan Denki, N-Style and Ogio.
To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
For more information, visit www.suzuki.com
–Jake Klingensmith
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing PR
The Creative Works
5362 Bolsa Avenue, Suite A
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-546-2088 office
714-501-6549 mobile
jake@thecreativeworks.com
BRASS BALLS WILD DEAL OF THE WEEK—
One of the most recognizable bikes we’ve ever built can be yours! Don’t miss it.
Only 314 Miles On This Feature Bike— This Brass Balls Cycle is for sale. And it’s the deal of a lifetime!
It’s a 2012 Digger with only 314 miles, mostly of which we put on it when we took it to Sturgis for a Travel Channel TV feature.
It was delivered new to its owner in September 2013.
Some of the significant upgrades are:
111-inch S&S motor, 6 speed Rivera transmission, Reverse meg exhaust.
Softail suspension with Suspension Technologies shocks.
Upgraded Wilwood / Brass Balls Brakes.
Custom signature Brass Balls Cycles wheels.
Custom mini hand controls / switches.
Custom one of a kind paint.
It is the most incredible air brush paint work I’ve ever seen. People swear the art pieces are actual photos decals… but they are not. It’s really paint/art.
Why only 314 miles on it you might ask? Unfortunately the owner is a military serviceman with a back injury and has not been able to ride the bike. It has been garage stored on a trickle charger since delivery.
If you’ve ever wanted one of our bikes and you wanted a smoking good deal, this is the bike for you.
If we were to build this bike new today, retail cost would be approximately $37,438 USD
We are selling it in the low $20K’s
It is an awesome bike… which is just like new. Serious inquiries only email: evolve@DarwinMotorcycles.com
5-BALL RACING™ DEAL OF THE WEEK–Where do Bikers Carry their Valuables? Special Ops Jacket from 5-Ball Racing™ Leathers
5-Ball Racing™ Leathers’ (12 Pocket) Special Ops Club Jacket is designed for the biker on the go, with room for wallet, keys, smart phone, garage door opener and everything else a busy, modern American biker carries nowadays.
This makes the Special Ops a perfect jacket for carrying gear of all kinds: gear including the two gun pockets that are stitched in such a way to as be wider and deeper than the typical pocket.
The light-weight milled buffalo leather keeps riders warm in the morning, and the zip-off removable sleeves will keep them cool in the afternoon. Additional features include heavy-duty gun-metal-grey zipper front, bound leather neck trim and double-needle seam construction.
“The Special Ops Club Jacket makes sense for riders as it supports the needs of bikers, including their safety and gear storage,” explained Keith “Bandit” Ball, Bikernet.com President. “Our 5-Ball Racing Leather’s Genuine Riding Leathers fits like a glove and provides all the functions a rider needs on the road.”
Ball assembled a core team, including Andrew Calogero of Crank and Stroker and Bob Kay of Biker Pros. Calogero is the operations and sales arm, and Kay provides design expertise with his 30 years in the chopper industry.
The Special Ops Club Jacket is available at CrankandStroker.com, J&P Cycles and Bartel’s Harley-Davidson.
About 5 Ball Racing™ Leathers
Keith “Bandit” Ball, Bikernet.com President, and Bob Kay, Biker Pros Partner, designed a line of Genuine Riding Apparel™ for cruiser, chopper and bobber riders. The shirts, jackets and vests are known for their innovation, functionality and quality craftsmanship.
THE QUEEN OF WOMEN RIDERS NOW REPORTS IN–As I write this, the northeast is getting slammed with more snow—the most it’s seen in years— while I’m looking out my Montana office at a spring 50-degree day in February! I even saw a motorcycle out yesterday! We need some of that snow.
To get my snow fix, I headed to Aspen, Colo., in January to check off a bucket list item: see the Winter X Games. While I went for pleasure, it was hard for this motorcycle reporter to not “cover” the event and just enjoy. I did manage to sniff out a motorcycle while there. Harley-Davidson was a major sponsor of the X Games and was giving free “rides” on its Jumpstart Machine, a platform that lets you throttle and shift through the gears on a motorcycle, in this case the new Street 750, without going anywhere. The motorcycle is locked in place. Fun, fun!
Speaking of fun, we’ve got a few spots left for our WRN Tour of Italy happening in May. Another motorcycle industry VIP has signed on to join us. You can read about that here. Hope you can pull the trigger on this. It’s going to be one of those trips of a lifetime.
Lastly, my schedule has me showing up at two motorcycle events in the next few months if you’re in the area and can join me:
– Feb. 22: Chester’s Harley-Davidson, Mesa, Ariz. I’m going to hear 89-year-old rider Gloria Struck speak at a Garage Party.
– June 11-14: Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit, Loveland, Colo. I’m “interviewing” Ms. Gloria on stage; she’s the keynote! Registration is now open for that event. More details to come on WRN.
Now be sure to check out the new and recently posted stories on WRN.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and love!
–Genevieve Schmitt
Founder / Editor, WomenRidersNow.com
[page break]
SAMSON EXHAUST IN STURGIS NEEDS EMPLOYEES—We spoke to Kenny Price in Cincinnati and he needs manufacturing and shipping help in Sturgis, South Dakota at their new state-of-the-art facilities.
This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the motorcycle industry, and get your feet wet in the custom motorcycle industry working under one of the masters of custom bike parts, Samson.
Reach out to them, quick.
STEVE HUNTZINGER FEATURE COMING TO BIKERNET— A bit of a peek at the Huntzinger images, here with a blk & wht treatment, which works really well w/ the subject, I believe…
Steve is one of the rare masters of motorcycle restorations. He turns ordinary antiques into jewels.
–Markus Cuff
THE BIKERNET BULLSHIT LAW FILES—
I’m working with a biker who received a few tickets, the law that I am posting is because many are not aware of this. It is really a bullshit fuck with ya law…. If you have a turn signal…you have to use it. You cannot use just hand signals.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE § 24951 – TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM
(a) Any vehicle may be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left.
(b) The following vehicles shall be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(1) Motortrucks, truck tractors, buses and passenger vehicles, other than motorcycles, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1958.
(2) Trailers and semitrailers manufactured and first registered between December 31, 1957, and January 1, 1969, having a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or more.
(3) Trailers and semitrailers 80 or more inches in width manufactured on or after January 1, 1969.
(4) Motorcycles manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1973, except motor-driven cycles whose speed attainable in one mile is 30 miles per hour or less. The requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to special mobile equipment, or auxiliary dollies.
(c) Turn signal lamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches.
CREDIT(S)
(Stats.1959, c. 3, p. 1720, § 24951. Amended by Stats.1959, c. 1996, p. 4633, § 32.5; Stats.1961, c. 118, p. 1128, § 2; Stats.1963, c. 292, p. 1059, § 4; Stats.1965, c. 1012, p. 2643, § 3; Stats.1967, c. 859, p. 2300, § 2; Stats.1968, c. 980, p. 1870, § 14; Stats.1973, c. 135, p. 370, § 1; Stats.1975, c. 475, p. 984, § 1.)
ROADSTER SHOW TRIUMPH ALMOST ON BIKERNET–This one was sold at the roadster show and taken back east!!
–Peter Linney
Bikernet Feature Bike Photographer
Too bad!–Bandit
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
Bikernet Sites 2013 Media Kit
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10416
I buy media for Fix My Hog. We produce Harley-Davidson Maintenance Videos. I came across your site and was wondering if there might be any advertising opportunities for us.
–Sid Pedersen
Wayzata, MN
We look at our program more as a service than a place for advertising space. We share info about our clients’ products almost constantly, and never give up for our readers or our sponsors. –Bandit
2015 V-TWIN EXPO DELIVERS—
Over the weekend, the V-Twin Expo welcomed motorcycle dealers from the across the US and globe. The V-Twin Expo delivered solid results to its exhibitors.
With nearly 200 exhibitors, the V-Twin Expo welcomed motorcycle dealers from over 40 states across the US plus many, many countries around the world.
V-twin motorcycle dealers came looking for the latest trends in the v-twin industry, newest products and learning opportunities and the exhibitors delivered in spades. Increased dealer registrations were clearly visible Saturday and Sunday. Long running exhibitors as well as new exhibitors spoke about the overall success of the show. At show close yesterday, exhibitor renewal rates for the 2016 V-Twin Expo taking place February 6th and 7th at the Duke Energy Center are well ahead of last year. Exhibitors spoke highly of both the traffic and the quality of dealers present at the V-Twin Expo.
The location of the V-Twin Expo continues to prove accurate as pointed out by Ryan Keefe, of NPA “We like this location because we have a ton of dealers within a 500 mile radius of the show”.
Recently, Show management reserved the Duke Energy Center for multiple years moving forward. The 2016 V-Twin Expo show dates are February 6th and 7th 2016. For 2016 exhibitor and dealer information, please visit us at: www.vtwin-expo.com. For more info and to see videos, visit us online: Facebook at V-Twin Expo, Twitter @VTwinExpoCincy and YouTube.
WOMEN WANTED–Daytona Bike Week’s Big Marketing Push to Attract Women
Women make the majority of household purchasing decisions. That’s a fact widely understood among savvy marketing and advertising agencies including the marketing specialists at the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. They know that those purchasing decisions include family vacations and travel that includes motorcycle rallies. So at this year’s Daytona Bike Week, slated for March 6 to 15, organizers are reinforcing that notion with an advertising campaign that includes messaging specifically for women riders.
Women represent 25 percent of the U.S. motorcycle riding population.
“Motorcycle events are huge economic generators in Daytona Beach, and women are a growing part of that mix,” explains Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Market Development Director Shawn Abbatessa. “We saw strong results last year from our marketing efforts to motorcycle groups, and this year we’re increasing our total marketing spend by 38 percent for both Bike Week and Biketoberfest, the CVB’s October 15-18 motorcycle rally.”
This year, 2015 marks the 74th Annual Bike Week and is expected to draw more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts, many of them women, to the Daytona Beach and surrounding areas. Gas prices, which have reached their lowest level in years, are also expected to have a positive impact on the event.
“Statistics and website analytics show that women as a market segment are the strongest and most influential consumer emerging in the bike event arena. We’re confident that our marketing efforts will not only enhance our motorcycle events, but also pay big dividends for 2015 and beyond.”
Genevieve Schmitt, founder and editor of WomenRidersNow.com, says, “The folks at the Daytona CVB get it! They have been marketing to women through WRN for the last several years and consistently WRN has delivered large numbers of engaged female motorcycle enthusiasts—women who have time and money to spend—to the events’ websites.” WomenRidersNow.com is the longest running and most widely read international resource for and about women motorcycle riders.
METALSPORT WHEELS SPECIAL—
SAVE ON THE 120/70/21 WHITE WALL TIRES
VEE RUBBER 120/70/21 WHITE WALL
FROM NOW TILL THE END OF THE MONTH, 120/70/21 WHITE WALL TIRES ARE AT $169.00
METALSPORT WHEELS
10112 MILLER WAY
SOUTH GATE, CA 90280
PH# 562-7769594
FAX# 562-7769635
www.metalsportwheels.com
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
How Saxon Bikes Are Built
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8164
I have a 2007 Saxon 96 co S&S motor. I’m not getting any spark to the plugs and I’m not very knowledgeable with bikes. Can you tell me where the fuses are or what might be causing this problem.
–Dan Kattwinkel
West Chester, OH
Hey Dan. I reached out to Gard Hollinger, since he worked with Saxon for years. Did you pop the seat? It probably has circuit breakers. Check the wiring from the coil to the ignition switch. You may just have a loose wire. Check all your ground wires. Let me know what you find.
UNCLE MONKEY ON THE WINTER BLUES-–
As the outside temperature slides deep down into the thermometer and snow blankets everything it is easy to get swept up dreaming of warmer days.
For us in the Snow Belt winters can be long and brutal. We pass the time working on our bikes, visiting friends, planning out our brief summers to the greatest detail to maximize every moment. We flip through old copies of Easyriders lingering on the live action shots of smiling faces, open roads, warm air against their skin.
Most of the time we can muster our way through but it is the days when we can’t. It is the days when spring should be on the horizon but the weather man is telling us otherwise. It is the days when the multiple layers we have put on still are not enough to keep the cold from nipping at us, when the chill has worked its way to the bone. It is on those days when we dream of August in the Black Hills.
We think about riding the pigtails heading for the Needles. The cold beer and hot women on the scorched asphalt. We think about the long roads across this great nation and warm summer nights around campfires with good friends.
The destination, the journey is nothing; it is the brushing of wind across the hairs on our arms, the vibration of the machine beneath, the hot air injected into our lungs. We know it is out there, just beyond our reach, beyond the snow.
We ignore the sting of insects on our face; forget the smell of the livestock yards, the pelting rain, the frigid late nights when the temperature dropped and all we had was our t-shirt. So for today all we can do is throw some more coal on the fire, pour another Jack & Coke and wait for the good days to return.
-bad Uncle Monkey
GANGSTER CHOPPERS IN THE NEWS–Just your neighborhood bike shop. Gangster Choppers, The Shop In The Ghetto
–John Dodson aka Welderman
Gangster Choppers
804-790-1890
www.gangsterchoppers.com
LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST MAJOR VENUE CHANGE TO DOWNTOWN–This year we will be celebrating the 15th annual Las Vegas BikeFest, October 1-4! Have you heard our big news? We just announced today that we are moving our Event out of Cashman and onto the streets of Vegas.
Rally Central will be in the heart of Downtown on Fremont Street East. More information will be coming soon and our website will be updated by the end of this month.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to serve on the 2015 Advisory Council for Las Vegas BikeFest. You are a key representative in the motorcycle industry and your insight and participation is invaluable.
–Mindi
We are always glad to help anyone in this crazy, hard-riding industry.–Bandit
GUN NUT REPORT OF THE WEEK–Surprise, surprise, surprise!!
CYCLE SOURCE MAGAZINE EDITORS’ CHOICE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW IS BACK FOR BIKE WEEK— We’re talking about getting the Editor’s Choice show series going again this year. The Broken Spoke Saloon is open again and have been offered their facility for Daytona and Sturgis, and Las Vegas Bikefest is again on board. We have the ability to put together three shows across the country to promote our media outlets and put a face to them.
Heather and I are already working on the Daytona Event and are willing to do all the legwork again. Trophies will be provided for each publication, lunch for the editors as well. We will develop social media ads that everyone can use or you can come up with your own.
–Chris Callen
Editor In Chief Cycle Source Magazine
118 Dellenbaugh Rd
Tarentum, PA 15084
724-226-2867
cyclesource69@comcast.net
BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING INDIAN PROJECT—The new handlebars are in from the powder guy, and no more whitewall tires.
–Rich Worley
American Biker
Charleston, SC
ULTIMATE BUILDER HITS CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND–As you probably know, the International Motorcycle Show hits the road to Chicago this weekend. As Chicagoans head to the convention center to check out the latest models, the dense concentration of motorcycle enthusiasts in the city shows a significant population that could be adversely affected by proposed E15 mandates on the table for Chicago’s City Council.
E15 – a blend of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, as opposed to the current mandated 10 percent – comes with significant prices to pay for motorcyclists. Motorcycles cannot handle ethanol blends higher than E10 without risking problems like corrosion and rubber swelling, which cause engine damage and even failure.
Motorcyclists who accidentally fill up with E15 due to improper labeling at the pump face a heavy cost. In fact, chance of damage is so great that major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen, have stated that engine damages related to these fuels will void consumers’ warranties, and AAA has publicly objected to E15 sales.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is passionate about raising awareness about the damaging qualities of blends higher than E10 and would be happy to discuss the topic if you’re interested in covering it. Let me know if you’d like me to put you in touch.
–Samantha Stratton
Edelman
1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 900 | Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 326-1762
UNBRAKO FASTENERS—Send us a wish list and we will hopefully give you terrific prices on bulk fasteners.
Unbrako is committed to making fasteners that out perform all others. We build our fasteners for life, to help you build your products for life.
KEY FASTENER CHARACTERISTICS
HIGHER MIN ULT TENSILE — 10,000 PSI stronger than industry standard
COMPOUND FILLET RADIUS — Doubles fatigue life at critical head-shank juncture
WIDE RADIUS THREADS — Maximizes fatigue resistance where it is needed most
3R (RADIUSED ROOT RUNOUT) THREAD — Increases fatigue life up to 300%
E CODE “LOT CODE” MARKINGS — The ultimate in fastener traceability
We have the ultimate connection.
–Ray C. Wheeler
Bikernet Performance Editor
Wheeler@Bikernet.com
THE HUPY/ABRAHAM LEGAL FILES–Snooping Eyes of the DEA Now Prowling Gun Shows.
It’s not surprising to learn that there is yet another program uncovered dealing with government surveillance of individuals participating in legal activities. We’ve known for some time that ALPR (automated license plate readers) have been used by law enforcement agencies to locate criminals or “persons of interest” on the so-called BOLO lists (Be On the Look Out).
It’s also widely known that certain agencies have used ALPR devices to identify who was attending certain rallies or political functions. The Department of Justice (DOJ) gathers this information and makes it available to law enforcement agencies across the country.
As disturbing as that might be, a new scheme was uncovered involving the use of ALPRs at gun shows. This time, it appears the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was leading the charge. Of course, the DEA denies that the plan was implemented, and we should believe them because they’re with the government and they would never do anything unconstitutional. But why was such a plan even considered, if indeed it wasn’t implemented? Why use ALPR devices to capture license plate numbers of anyone attending a gun show? And why is the DEA involved instead of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), which would make more sense?
Capturing license plate numbers seems relatively harmless, except that databases are being filled with the plate numbers of law-abiding citizens without any explanation about what happens to this stored data?
Current ALPR technology is able to capture and store up to 10 photos per vehicle from static cameras poised on poles or other stationary objects. No need to chase the cars around; let the cars pass by the cameras. Besides the front and rear license plate, the cameras also store photos of the front and rear of the vehicle as well as photos of up to four occupants in the vehicle. Even more concerning is the facial recognition technology that can identify the occupants of the vehicle.
Despite denials from the DEA about utilizing photo recognition, the American Civil Liberties Union submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to learn more about the surveillance program. The DEA suggested that photos of the occupants of a vehicle were incidental, but according to the ACLU, “…occupant photos are not an occasional, accidental by-product of the technology, but one that is intentionally being cultivated…”
The ACLU went on to say, “Tracking movement and saving individuals’ photos is particularly worrisome if the DEA is targeting First Amendment-protected activity. As we stated in our blog post on the DEA’s plans to monitor gun shows, an automatic license plate reader cannot distinguish between people transporting illegal guns and those transporting legal guns, or no guns at all; it only documents the presence of any car driving to the event.
A photo of a car’s occupants, however, documents much more — and intensifies our concerns about the targeted use of this technology. We don’t want to see someone’s photo entered into a facial recognition database simply because a person’s presence at a gun show (or any other gathering) is considered suspicion of illegal activity.” Is this an attempt at creating some sort of defacto gun registration?
Read the whole story in the next couple of days on Bikernet in Special Reports.
–Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo is the senior accident investigator at Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
For more articles of interest to bikers, visit http://www.hupy.com/news/current-news-for-bikers/
GREAT STORY, New Bikernet Reader Comment!— Harley-Davidson, The Sweet Years
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10594
THIS article is right on!
Very well written, EVOs are still the best engine Harley built. I own a 2003 FLHTC with 55,000 miles on it. Changed the cam support bearings to Torrington needle bearing. Got rid of the INA needle bearings before they blew up. Original tappets, cams, mechanical chain tensioners. Pinion shaft run out .004.
My 1993 FLHTC Pinion shaft run out .001.
Good qualty clean oil is key. I use mineral oil, no noise, never over heats.
–Smiley
Matheson, ON, Canada
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2008 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob FXDB.
Our Price: $10,995
Was: $12,995
Exterior: Black
VIN: 1HD1GX4178K388277
Mileage: 32,683 miles
– See more
V-TWIN EXPO INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS—
Performance Product of the Year
Cobra Engineering
Power Port Exhaust
Accessory of the Year
Leatherworks Inc.
Genuine Leather Single-Sided Swingarm Bags
Value Product of the Year
Alloy Art
Strong Arm FL Fairing Support Brackets
Tech Product of the Year
Vance & Hines
Fuelpak FP3
Audio Product of the Year
Hoppe Industries
Batwing Fairing for Softails
Cruiser Motorcycle of the Year
Indian Motorcycle
Indian Scout
Custom Production Motorcycle of the Year
Arlen Ness and Victory Motorcycles
Victory Ness Magnum
Motorcycle of the Year
Harley-Davidson
Road Glide Special
Industry Leader of the Year
J.A. Lacy, CEO of Motorsport Aftermarket Group
Lifetime Achievement Award
John Andrews
Andrews Products
THIS JUST IN, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
V-TWIN EXPO WILD BIKERNET NEWS FOR THE WEEK February 5, 2015
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12102
A good read… like the diversity, good points of view on various subjects.
Good shot of the Bandit and Babe…ya’ll checkin for a bun in the oven?
Seriously good shot, and enjoyed pics and articles. .. keep up the good work…all who contributed.
— Dr. feng
Bigwater, Pacific Ocean
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
The Future Of TAM’s Motorcycle Magazines
Buzz Kanter vows to evolve and adapt to changing trends and readers expectations, keeping his publications relevant and engaging. Edited by Ben Lamboeuf
After publishing motorcycle magazines for over 25 years, Buzz Kanter feels 2015 will be the year of big change. “We have studied the motorcycle magazine field,” he explained. “And we’re convinced there is simply no longer enough reader interest or advertisers to support them all.”
Bikernet New World Global Warming Investigation
We Discovered a Hole in the Control Freak Mantra. Dr. Ature De Temp – Certified Bikernet Cosmic Scientist
I am not a scientist but neither am I an idiot. We live in an age where it is almost rare to question anything that has been termed “science,” and I find this a bit scary because it is a mistake to think science is pure and free of personal and political motivation. Scientist and non-scientist alike should maintain healthy dose of cynicism and the application of common sense. What can “common sense” help us discern about Global Warming? A lot actually.
Harley-Davidson, The Sweet Years
At Last the Final Report: Evos Rule, By Scooter Tramp Scotty
Old Harleys such as Pan and Knuckleheads are generally remembered very romantically as the “golden era” of Harley heritage. Hell, everybody wants a Panhead. But even more-so, people want the new, high-tech bikes with their big engines and extra-gear transmissions. These two classes are highly coveted while the “Sweet Years” of those bikes that were built in between sell for almost nothing and hold absolutely no place in Harley lore.
Time To Fender Up With Klock Werks
Clean lines and great fender designs from the bagger experts, Edited By Ben Lamboeuf
Known for having the best fenders in the industry, Klock Werks brings you their ONE-PIECE front Fender for your 23″ and 26″ front wheels.
Following true Klock Werks style, these fenders were designed to add a clean yet dramatic flow to your custom motorcycle. Great style with ultra clean lines, rivetless smooth sides, stretched rear section and a slammed stance; this fender is a perfect match for your big wheel and any rear fender combination, says Klock Werks.
J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Baggers Take Over Bike Show in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis edition of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show hit town on Friday, February 6th with the weather so warm that builders were pushing their bikes in short sleeves. Who knew these crazy Minnesotans would think 34 degrees would be considered warm?
This is my 10th show in as many weeks I have produced for the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. I always circle Minneapolis on the calendar because of the outstanding old school bobbers and choppers and the new school baggers. This year didn’t disappoint.
From BAGGERS we bring you:
2015 RoadGlide Windscreen Shootout
Windscreens for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Story Gary Koz Mraz and Dennis Cherewick Photos: Mraz
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is available this year in a Standard, Special and CVO model. The feature that most distinguishes the Road Glide is of course its frame-mount “Shark-nose” fairing. It’s new “triple slipstream vent” system improves airflow while reducing buffeting. Side vents and a centrally located top vent in the top of the dash can be closed in inclement weather. The Standard and Special are factory equipped with a small tinted windscreen that looks great but is all show and no go for touring. The CVO comes with a tall 14” windscreen but also comes with a CVO price tag. Distance riders will inevitably purchase another windscreen for the long haul. A big fan of the new and improved Road Glide I was on a mission to test out several windscreen options currently available for this exceptional touring motorcycle.
From TRIKES we bring you:
Mustang Does Trike Seats Too
A Trio Of Deluxe Touring Seats For Trikes, By Mustang Seats
Mustang is proud to announce the launch of a trio of touring seats. The new Deluxe Touring Seat fits the Tri Glide Ultra Classic and Street Glide Trikes, as well as all the two-wheeled FL Touring models from 2008-15. “The more time in the saddle, the more you really need to discover what a difference comfort makes,” says Marketing Director Marilyn Simmons.
Mistress Chris
Women’s Editor & Internet Content Coordinator
BIKERNET BAD BLONDE JOKE OF THE WEEK– AN IRISH BLONDE IN A CASINO
An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland arrived at the casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty-thousand Euros on a single roll of the dice.
She said, ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I’m completely nude’.
With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, ‘Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!’
As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed…’YES! YES! I WON, I WON!’
She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.
The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded.
Finally, one of them asked, ‘What did she roll?’
The other answered,
‘I don’t know – I thought you were watching.’
MORAL OF THE STORY –
Not all Irish are drunks,
not all blondes are dumb,
but all men…are men.
–from Jim Waggaman
DON VESCO’S ESTATE SALE–SDRC that we will be selling many items from Johnny and Don Vesco’s estate. Some of the trophies, programs, etc. date back to the early days (1930s & ‘40s). We have engines, parts, trophies, plaques etc.
We would like the racing community to have first crack at the inventory before we put them on ebay. The major items that are ready for sale now are shown on our web site: teamvesco.com.
They include Johnny Vesco’s 1917 Power Plus Indian Motorcycle, and his 1946 Lou Fageol supercharged Offy engine which was raced at Indy in 1946 in Fageol’s “Twin Coach Special.” We believe only two of these Offys were produced that year. Also, we have Don’s 1956 Triumph T-100 R which Don raced at the TT/Flat track, drags and Bonneville. It has been in our family since its purchase in 1956.
We will be adding to the items available as we get them ready to sell.
MYSTERY INDIAN–Bandit, here is a bike my grandpa had. I was trying to figure out what it is?
–Matt
I figured an in line four Indian, but reached out to one of the masters, Don Whalen.—Bandit
Can’t be a 100% but I would bet ya lunch its a 1940-42 Indian model 401 Indian Note the lefthand shift !! After further review, it’s a ’38 or ’39 four cylinder Indian.–DW
BUFFALO CHIP EXPANDS--The first-ever biker city in the world? It could happen if recent rumor becomes reality: the Sturgis Buffalo Chip might soon be known as the City of Buffalo Chip, South Dakota.
The posted agenda for the February 12 Meade County Commissioners meeting lists “Municipal Incorporation of Buffalo Chip” as one of the items to be considered, meaning this isn’t just a pipe dream. On the cusp of the Sturgis Rally’s 75th anniversary, the thought of bringing the rally back to its authentic grassroots is undoubtedly appealing.
Longtime Sturgis Rally riders who have felt the sting of “special pricing just for bikers” know it wasn’t always this way – and it doesn’t have to be.
As of this writing, there’s no comment from the Buffalo Chip, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, here’s something we DO know: It was the Buffalo Chip that decades ago first proffered the tag line: By Bikers For Bikers. That concept just might be taking on a whole new meaning.
–Richard Kranzler
Bikernet Baggers Supreme Editor
BAD COP INVESTIGATION–I was just informed about an incident in Orange County. Biker on the freeway, cop pulls ‘em over, demands all documents. Biker says what is the stop for, cop says you changed lanes without signaling.
Biker says you’re nuts I have been in this lane for miles. Cop goes back to his car and says okay, here are your papers…have a nice day.
Biker takes off, two miles up the road another cop pulls him over…give me your papers. Bikers says what is the stop for. Cop says you changed lanes without signaling. Biker hands the cop his papers and says your douche bag partner just stopped me for the same trumped up charge.
Cop says your insurance papers are missing…an $800 fine if you don’t fight. The first cop kept his insurance papers. In California it is now legal to keep a copy of your insurance card on your phone
–Mac
Bikers of Lessor Tolerance
KENTUCKY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION ALERT–Well folks, it is time to start calling again. The number is 800-372-7181. Please call and leave a message for your State Representative and members of the House Transportation Committee. You can do it with just one phone call. The message is simple: “Please Cosponsor HB 370”
You can keep track of this and all bills by going to www.lrc.ky.gov and click on the link for the 2015 Regular Session. You can get alerts to your email by signing up for Bill Watch on the same site.
Click on the following link http://kentucky.gov/services/pages/billwatch.aspx
–Jay Huber
Kentucky Motorcycle Association
Watch for the full report in a couple of days on Bikernet. Kentucky is being hit with various legislation from a multitude of directions.–Bandit
AZ BIKE WEEK 2015 REMINDER-–
Only 6 weeks to go until the big event!
–Dan Roche
Phone AZ 480 478 6635
Cell 204 955-5005
dan@ncmachine.com
LAST NIGHT IN SAIGON—
–Art Hall
Supreme Commander of Biker International Bureau
NEW BUZZ RAG AVAILABLE–Buzz Walneck’s “The Buzzzzz Rag” is now at issue # 19. If you have not seen a copy, please give Pixie or me a call at 630 / 985-2097 and we will send a FREE one right away.
It is like a comic book, funny, casual cover to cover. Nothing is in order just 60-pages in full color of some classic type, and regular bikes and parts nationwide. American, British, Japanese, and European are in all issues. Also you will find old road tests, Jerry Barnett cartoons and stories. A yearly subscription for 12-issues is $25. and you get a FREE color photo ad to use whenever you want to. Walneck’s Inc., 7923 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL. 60517 “Try it. . .. you’ll LIKE IT !”
Buzz Walneck started back in 1978 and accidentaly sent out a 1-page Xerox list of old bike parts he had for sale. Soon some readers asked if they could add their “stuff” on his. Sure. . was his answer. For the next 17-years Pixie and Buzz got it to grow into the “Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader.” Along came Auto-Trader / Dominion and bought the name, and kept Buzz working for them for the next happy 15-years. Two years ago, Dominion decided to go E-Book with all their publications, and “no paper.”
Times change, and Buzz & Pixie decided to do the thing they know best. . start a new magazine all over again. It had been in the back of his mind for about 5-years, but this being “fired”, made the decision very simple ! ”Let’s do it !”, and “The Buzzzzz Rag” became a reality. Family, friends and old printing sources joined in just like “The old days.”
Now at issue # 19, 60-pages a month of color as for classic or older bikes, old road tests, and sources for dealer parts are in it. A simple call to 630 / 985 – 2097 will get you to Pixie or Buzz and ask for a FREE SAMPLE ! A yearly subscription of 12-isses, and a Free color photo ad to use or save comes with it too. 7923 Janes Av., Woodridge, Il. 60517 www.thebuzzzzzrag.com
PROS 4 VETS AND BRASS BALLS RAFFLE EFFORT--Here are the pics of the 1974 Honda CB 750 being raffled by Pros4Vets.org
Tickets are $10. There are 2,000 tickets for sale. Raffle is over when all tickets are sold.
All original bike in great condition. Runs good.
Pros4Vets has teamed up with world champion motorcycle builder Dar Holdsworth to raffle this amazing 1974 all original Honda CB750. This classic motorcycle was donated to Darwin Motorcycles as part of their Recycle For The Troops program.
Raffle Rules and Restrictions:
Void where prohibited. Chances of winning are 1 in 2000. One Grand Prize, 1974 original Honda motorcycle named the CB750 to be awarded. Raffle sponsored by and net proceeds to benefit Pros 4 Vets, Inc., which is an Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) organization. Money given to purchase tickets is not a tax-deductible donation. Tickets will be sold from November 2014 until the 2000th ticket is sold. A random drawing will be held. Need not be present to win. Must be 18years or older to be eligible. Winner is responsible for registration, taxes, title, tags, insurance, any fees and delivery. Pros 4 Vets, Inc. employees and their immediate family members are ineligible. All tickets sales are non-refundable.
–Dar
BrassBallsCycles.com by Darwin Motorcycles
UNCOMPROMISING AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES
BIKERNET INDIAN AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS BUYERS GUIDE— Here’s a bike being built by Gregory, Polaris in Arkansas, above. We are working on a complete guide to Indian aftermarket parts. Feel free to point out parts. And hang on for the results!
–Richard Kranzler
RC COMPONENTS COMES TO BIKERNET BAGGERS—A couple of very sharp baggers were displayed in the RC Components booth in Cincinnati at the V-Twin Show.
We aimed our Bagger team directly at these bikes.
“ I did speak with RC for a bit,” said Jack McIntyre, co-editor Bikernet Baggers. I have their cards as well they do mine. I’ll reach out to them tomorrow, I’ll share some of the pics I took of their booth to get things rolling.
DON’T FORGET VALENTINES DAY ON SATURDAY—It’s going to be a heated operation. Hell, every five minutes I receive an e-mail pitch from FTD.
I need to get started on the CV Performance carb rebuild story, but I’m welding shift linkage for the Bonne Belle and just received a new Bare Knuckles rear fender. Let’s see how I do with this one.
We now have several sharp features headed your way and two from Cycle Visions in San Diego. One is destined for Bikernet Baggers and the other, a bobber for Bikernet, like only Randy Aron can build. He’s a very sharp guy, and builds bikes to last long miles and abuse.
We are working with a new line of boots for motorcyclists called Bates Moto. They build lightweight boots for the military and law enforcement. It’s incredible what they can do with boots today. They are light as a feather, breathe, and are seriously comfortable. Makes a difference.
Peter Linney ran into a couple of snags shooting bikes from the Chopperfest and the GNRS, then suddenly the negative waves broke and we will bring you some hot new features.
We will test ride the new ARCH wondermotorcycle soon as journalists from all over the country fly into Los Angeles for a taste.
Tyler, above, took over the Bikernet Bagger editorial duties. Soon, we will need a shot of him straddling a big wheel bagger. Hang on for that one.
I have one more mission before I finish my next fiction book. I hope to complete it before the end of this weekend. I have a dispute with the VA and need help with it. I decided to go after it myself.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit