Man, what a week!
I’ve been scrambling in the Bikernet Dungeon to put your Thursday News online. In the meantime, Bandit must be sailing around the South Seas. I can picture him right now, surrounded by his customary entourage of sultry sirens and lascivious vixens, as he steers a white sailboat… right into an atoll or a sand bar… I guess that this would explain why he hasn’t checked in as of late.
What do I care; I’ve got the keys to the joint. So if I don’t hear from Bandit soon, there will be a huge yard sale and you’re all invited!
In the meantime here’s something you won’t want to miss. Free shit… Yes, free stuff for you. So read on, my friends.
Win prizes from Wire Plus by filling out the Bikernet.com reader survey.
We’re launching a Readers Survey this month. It’s brought to you by our sponsor, . Check out their site to see what you can win. It will only take a few minutes of your time and in return, you get a chance to win cool stuff from Wire Plus.First Prize winner brings home a digital motorcycle speedometer valued at $400.Second Prize winner gets a Chromed Port from Wire PlusThird Prize winner bags a cool, Black Power Port.What do you have to lose? Quick, fill out your survey or click the banner below.
–Canyon Carver
.Suspension Technologies Rides the Brawler to the World Championships
Brass Balls Bobbers latest 2 Wheel weapon, the Brawler, will make its debut at the 2010 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Sturgis later this year. It will be running Suspension Technologies? shocks and forks package, which is a race-tuned dyno-tested solution that provides uncompromising comfort and control.
Mike Alex, President of Suspension Technologies, stated that he is excited to be a part of the Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers program and that the Brawler will be one of the best handling custom-production motorcycles available on the market today.
?We have been looking for the right suspension partner and found it with Mike Alex and his team,? explained Dar Holdsworth, BossMan. ?His NASCAR and NHRA racing background has increased the stability of the bike and allowed us to increase corner speed by as much as 30MPH. The Brawler not only looks good, it handles like a rocketship!?
Get more details at Suspension Technologies.
Book Review
Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers
Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers from Motorbooks is an idea book for building custom motorcycles. The book is full of hundreds of photos from famed motorcycle photographer Michael Litchter with text by Howard Kelley. ?
The format is simple, there is a basic introduction of the different styles of bikes followed by nine chapters covering everything from frames to paint. In between there are chapters and close up shots of fenders, tanks, seats, suspension, wheels, engines, handlebars and commentary on the similarities and differences between the different styles. It?s like walking through a bike show with an expert at your side comparing the different bikes and the subtle nuances of each bike compared to others and the values of each bike alone.?
I can see this book being a useful tool for anyone with the idea of building a custom bike. From an expert builder to someone just starting out if you need some inspiration just whip out this big paperback and dive in. It?s like a custom bike show in your own garage.
Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers
ISBN 978-0-7603-3607-6
Cycle Sounds Introduces Victory Vision 8-Ball Sound System
Cycle Sounds, a leading manufacturer of audio equipment for the Powersports industry, has just introduced their Victory Vision? 8-Ball fairing audio system.
Kit includes 5.25 inch full range speakers, amplifier, and all necessary wiring and connectors to hook the system up. Wiring harness includes quick disconnect for easy installation and removal of the fairing with the sound system installed.
With Cycle Sound?s easy mp3 hookup, there is no need for a CD player or head unit. Just connect the standard 3.5mm earphone jack to any audio source and enjoy the music. Cycle Sounds systems are compatible with most any mp3, GPS, satellite radio, etc.
Ed Files, President of Cycle Sounds, has over a dozen patents regarding their audio products and has recently introduced some revolutionary new products, including the new water-resistant Bagger Audio lids and the new Rock Box. All Cycle Sounds products must pass a battery of rigorous tests based on ?real? road condition simulations as well as extreme temperature changes.
Cycle Sounds, LLC produces a wide variety of audio components, not just for the Harley or Victory markets, but also for sportbikes, metric cruisers, ATV, UTV, scooters and the new Can Am. These are the only audio systems designed and engineered specifically for the motorcycle market and complete systems start at only $249.95.
For dealers, OEM?s and distributors that are interested in adding Cycle Sounds products to their parts line up, please call (866) 427-2346 or email them at sales@cyclesounds.com. Check out their website at .
Tickets available for Ace Cafe London’s Streetfighter & Stunt Festival
Following the lamented loss some while ago of the cafe’s infamous Streetfighter Sunday, as a consequence of outgrowing the historic North Circular Road premises, Ace Cafe London, in association with Stunt UK and the international StuntBike Freestyle (SBF) competition, have teamed up to present this new Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival, to be held at Wembley Sunday 25th July.
In addition to trade and industry stands and displays, this inaugural event combines the cafe’s legendary Streetfighter Sunday, now relocated to the iconic and world famous venue of Wembley, with showcasing the live action Finals of Stunt UK’s StuntBike Freestyle competition. Together with a static Streetfighters “Best Bikes” display, tyre frying burnouts, Show Up n’ Shine competition, prizes, awards and entertainment, the Ace is looking for a “Face” to represent the cafe and to act as the Official Ace Hostess for a year, being chosen and crowned live on stage as part of this first, adrenalin fuelled, Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival.
Call the ticket Hotline: Tel: ++44 (0)20 8782 5629 or get them from the cafe’s shop “in person”. Those purchasing a ticket will get a free tea or coffee!
The latest introduction to the ever growing line of quality intakes and products from Wimmer Machine is The Better Sucker and the EBS Basic System. Both provide better air flow and are part of the world famous line up of products from Wimmer Machine.
The Better Sucker is a low cost (MSRP: $135.00), high performance alternative to the Screaming Eagle or the Ness Big Sucker and are 100% made in the USA. The EBS basic system was developed for Big Twins and Sportsters. It starts at $170.00 MSRP and is shown with optional chrome tribal face plate. (MSRP: $250.00)
Call Wimmer Custom Cycle directly at 1-866-Hot Cycle ( 1-866-468-2925) and 215-721-4160 . You can also view their complete product line at . Dealer inquiries invited!
GoPro Hero?s On-Board Video Cameras
This product highlight is reprinted from the J&P Cycles
They tell us that a picture is worth a thousand words, which means a video must be like reading War and Peace. Problem is, if you don?t have a camera or video when you head off for an adventure on your motorcycle, you?re pretty much restricted to describing the trip in words. You might illustrate your tale with a few pitiful gestures, but that also pales in comparison with a video of your trip.
There have been many rides in the past when I wasn?t able to share with my family and friends the places and adventures my bike has taken me. I?m sure we?ve all been there, talking with some riding buddies, swapping stories over some cold ones, telling a story about an unbelievable back road you turned into a race track or a close call you had with an 18-wheeler, or being the sole witness to a late afternoon sun reflecting off a smooth lake. But you just can?t seem to convey the coolness of your story to your friends.
The only way to truly document these awesome experiences is to record them. And that can get a little dicey. You can go for the daredevil approach and try and hold a camera in your hand (not recommended), or you can try to rig up a mount to your gas tank or bars, which can be result in damage to the camera or ? worse yet ? your bike.
GoPro has developed two fantastic solutions to these issues. These are the GoPro HD HERO and the GoPro Wide HERO. These are small, made-for-action cameras that come complete with a variety of mounting systems, enabling you to place them in various ways designed for motorsport use.The Wide Hero features a staggering 170-degree,wide-angle lens for the most immersive point of view you can get, short of actually being there. It sets up in seconds and can be easily moved between different mount locations. The Wide Hero shoots 56 minutes of high-resolution video and five mega pixel photos automatically in ?photo every two seconds? mode, and is shockproof and waterproof to 100 feet.
The HD Hero is the world?s highest performance 1080-pixel HD on-board video and still photo camera. Professional quality 1080p, 960p and 720p HD resolutions record at 30 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). It includes two mounts for helmets and three vehicle mounts. In addition, it records up to 2.5 hours on a single charge via the 1100mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery. GoPro has also found a way to combat wind noise at speeds up to 85 mph on a motorcycle, offering the throaty sound of your motor, not the wind. The camera can also shoot automatic five mega pixel photos at 2-, 5-, 10-, 30- and 60-second intervals during your drive or ride, hands free. It is also waterproof to 180 feet and shockproof, thanks to its polycarbonate housing.
So stop trying to duct-tape your camcorder to your handlebars or hold your cell phone as you cruise around the corners. All you?re going to get is a grainy, unwatchable film ? or, God forbid, footage of another vehicle slamming into you while you ?multitask? on the move. Pick up one of these slick units and you?ll never have to hear your skeptical friends say, ?Yeah, right man,? or ?Sure you did.? You?ll have all the evidence you need, right there in high-resolution splendor for everyone to enjoy.
Written By: Patrick Garvin
SX-Series Component Speakers by Hawg Wired
The next step towards high fidelity is separating the highs from the lows properly, and that?s where component speakers come into play. These integrated component 5.25″ speakers offer a lot of performance in a small package.
With the tweeter bridge-mounted over the mid-range cone, you don?t have to give up gauge holes to achieve crystal clear quality sound that only component speakers can deliver.
Like all of our speakers, they are designed to fit your stock fairing and speaker rings. See your Road Force rep or visit for more details.
1.25″ bridge-mounted component tweeter
5.25″ solid polypropylene cone
10 oz. magnet with rubber boot
60 watts RMS, 150 watts peak (rated 60w)
2 ohm, fits 06-10 models equipped with H-D OEM equipment
4 ohm, fits all models with Hawg Wired or other aftermarket amplifier
8 ohm, fits 98-05 models equipped with H-D OEM equipment
This week Hot Leathers is headed for the Grand Strand, an arc of beautiful beach land along the Southeastern coast to take in the sights at the renowned Myrtle Beach Bike Week. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel, synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road is looking forward to a large presence at the much anticipated event being held May 7-16.
One rally destination that you won?t want to miss, Myrtle Beach Bike Week is also referred to as the Grand Strand Spring Rally, Grand Strand Rally, or Cruisin? the Coast Spring Rally. Whatever you call it, it?s sure to be high octane good time. Hot Leathers will be rolling in and making their presence known at this year?s celebration from May 11th through the 15th. Myrtle Beach Bike Week, which promises to be an action-packed eight days of motorcycle-centric festivities, also provides the perfect opportunity for Hot Leathers to showcase a number of their superior products. Rally-goers will have the chance to browse amongst a significant selection of Hot Leather?s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children.
Notorious for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers? simple one-stop-rally-shop.
Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. As a result, the company?s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America?s top 50 volume screen printers. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It?s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.
Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve. Check out www.hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.
Stop Burning Rubber!
STOP BURNING RUBBER!New for Harley-Davidson 2009 Later Heritage Softail Classic or Softail Cross Bones.
Heel Guards were designed by riders, for riders to protect foot ware from being burned by the exhaust pipe. Easily fit to stock floorboards. These great looking, fully functional guards are fabricated from high-grade steel, triple chrome plated for a brilliant, durable, long lasting finish. We offer chrome for the Heritage and Black Powder Coat for the Cross Bone models.
HEEL GUARD installation is a simple bolt on process. Once installed, provides a barrier between your boot and the exhaust system. Carl Miles’ HEEL GUARD retail for just $69.95 each, with free shipping in the lower 48 states.
Order by phone 406-689-3102, or see our complete line of products at .
Guards shown here are installed to existing factory floorboards. HEEL GUARD, INC. can provide the same protection for most motorcycles with footboards. All Heel Guard TM products are protected by U. S. Patent 6,626,448 and 7,017,932.
Rick Fairless Custom Bike Show Features SS TRike
Attendees of the first Rick Fairless Custom Bike Show and Parts Expo were treated to a pleasant surprise when Jason Neiman from SS Trike showed up with a new 117″ X-Wedge powered SS Trike prototype. They got to see firsthand how the X-Wedge fits seamlessly into the SS Trike bodywork. Jason was able to adapt the different mount system of the X-Wedge to his steel framed swing arm chassis with no apparent difficulty, just many hours of hard work.
The SS Trike was quite a hit with the locals who kept Jason busy all weekend answering questions, while potential buyers sat on the trike and tried it out for size and comfort.
Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers is the Official Bike Week Motorcycle for 2011
The Brass Ball Bobbers & Choppers? custom-production 69 Chopper has been selected as the 2011 Official Bike of Daytona Bike Week.
Each year, for the last 16 years, The Daytona Beach Community Foundation holds a drawing for the Official Bike Week Motorcycle. $50 enters you into the drawing. Since there are only 4500 tickets printed, the odds to being a winner are incredible.
The Daytona Beach Community Foundation will receive Brass Balls? latest model and first softail-version of the 69 Chopper.
?We had planned to release the 69 Chopper softail in the first or second quarter of 2011 but after understanding the importance of the foundation we decided to move up the production date to assist in the promotion with the rollout of our new model,? explained Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls BossMan.
Daytona Bike Week, is a motorcycle event and rally held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida. Approximately 500,000 people make their way to the rally area for the 10-day event. The festivities include motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, and street festivals. The event is usually held on the first full week of March and contends with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States.