Hey,
Well, I’m settling in from the Thailand adventure. I will tear into the Assalt Weapan next week. My 1929 Overhead Valve Peashooter engine is almost rebuilt. It’s a stroker, and the frame has been modified for the taller engine.
On another front, Bikernet Metric is growing. We went from a web site to a blog, now back to a web/blog. Trent Reker works around the clock to make it fly and now it’s cresting nearly 10,000 unique users a month.
We tried to fire up Doctor Hamsters 1934 VL yesterday and still experienced gas leaks. I’ll tinker with it this week. Looks like my S&S tech with Bubs exhaust is coming up for my son’s Dyna. We’re going to bump it from 88 to 97 inches and plug an S&S super E into place.
I also have one of D&D’s new hot rod shorty mufflers. Jeremiah is going to be a responsible human being and let me install it on his straight pipe Shovel. I’ll bet it will run stronger. Let’s hit the news, then I’ll tell you about content coming to Bikernet this week:
1st International Motorcyclists’ Conference – June 28-29, 2010 Brussels, Belgium “Motorcycling into the 21st century”– The European Union reaches out to motorcyclists with an open forum for discussion: the first and only continent-wide space for direct dialogue between users and lawmakers. For the first time, the European Commission invites the motorcycling community for an open discussion, along with experts from the field. What do riders think of safety campaigns? We ask the users what they need, what they want, and how politics can deliver. How can we see better awareness campaigns, better safety plans? A unique opportunity to join the debate and bridge the gap between users and public administration .
And for another first, an international event will discuss the impact of Intelligent Transport Systems on motorcycling. On the road, in cars and bikes alike, these communication and assistance systems could change the shape of road transport. Can they be beneficial to riders, affordable, practical, adapted to their needs? What are the risks involved, have all user been taken into account in current technology? How can riders express their concerns? Renowned experts will present the current state-of-the art, public policies, ongoing research efforts and the latest plans of the motorcycle industry.
There is a lot of talk on the future of road transport, but what of the future of motorcycling? See how two wheels can still make the difference in a changing world, with an increasingly more mobile population. Join the debate on environmental issues, solutions to congestion, new technologies and fuels and the motorcycle industry’s response.
The next generation of motorcyclists is also our focus, with the evolution of the motorcycling community across Europe, North America and Australia – as seen by policy-makers, transport managers, insurers, industries, and of course, riders themselves.
OLD MOTORCYCLE PHOTOS FROM A READER– Bandit, I know you like old motorcycle photos. Some of these are from the St Louis area @ 1914. There was an old board track there at one time.
–Eric Kinkhorst
Hey Eric, I can’t thank you enough. These shots are terrific, historic, and I can’t get enough of them. Over the next couple of weeks I’ll use them in the news, on the blog, and with appropriate stories. Great stuff!–Bandit
BIKERNET DATING ADVICE FROM PIERRE, THE FIGHTER PILOT, SPONSORED BY DANNI ASHE–Pierre, a brave French fighter pilot, takes his girlfriend, Marie, out for a pleasant little picnic by the River Seine. It’s a beautiful day and love is in the air.
Marie leans over to Pierre and says: “Pierre kiss me!”
Our hero grabs a bottle of Merlot wine and splashes it on Marie’s lips.
“What are you doing, Pierre?” says the startled Marie.
“I am Pierre the fighter pilot! When I have red meat, I have red wine!”
She smiles and they start kissing. When things began to heat up a little, Marie says, “Pierre, kiss me lower.”
Our hero tears her blouse open, grabs a bottle of Chardonnay and starts pouring it all over her breasts.
“Pierre! What are you doing?” asks the bewildered Marie.
“I am Pierre the fighter pilot! When I have white meat, I have white wine!”
They resume their passionate interlude and things really steam up. Marie leans close to his ear and whispers, “Pierre, kiss me lower!”
Our hero rips off her underwear, grabs a bottle of Cognac, and pours it in her lap. He then strikes a match and lights it on fire.
Marie shrieks and dives into the river. Standing waist deep in the water, Marie throws her arms upward and screams furiously, “Pierre, what in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Our hero stands up, defiantly, and says, “I am Pierre the fighter pilot! If I go down, I go down in flames!”
SECRET MESSAGE FROM BIKERNET INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER– Something new, late for work, sending more photo’s and info.
— Mark Shubin
What to Wear and Not to Wear to Miller USA World Superbike!– Salt Lake City, UT, May 28-31st – Please excuse FastDates.com’s Pit Lane News if their coverage of the United States World Superbike round at Miller Motorsports Park from Salt Lake City, Utah, is a little late this week. FastDates.com will be on location at the race to photograph the next edition of the official SBK Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar with all the top factory race bikes!
Above, newest Calendar Kitten Laya Bella helps photographer Jim Gianatsis test their All Access SBK Track Passes just to make sure they’ll be able to get through airport and track security. We don’t expect any problems?
Jim also just hooked up Bella for her dream job to shoot with Playboy this month. Look for Bella in Playboy and the FastDates.com Calendars very soon, Ciao Bella!
THE BEST ORIGINAL PAINT RACER OF THE YEAR– This is the bike Marcus shot at my house. The owner wants to sell it so he can purchase John Parham Henderson for $350 K. I think he’s nuts, but it’s available for $150K.
–Don Whalen
drwhalen@verizon.net>
626-358-9696
Catalina Island Grand Prix Returns in 2010 — “Clutch Cargo” sent this information: Yes, a definite go. The first weekend of December, 4th and 5th, a 2-day, probably 14-race schedule like District #37, with modifications. It is about a 6 1/2 mile loop, which will use the original start and a shorter old course on upper and lower trail. Look for updates and more at www.thecatalinagrandprix or info hot line (310) 749 8811.
by Paul Crowe – “The Kneeslider”
Maybe we shouldn’t all take cop training…. By the way, what do you think the chances are that we could avoid a ticket after that embarrassing mess?
HOTTEST ITEM IN THE SADDLEMAN LUGGAGE LINE– As a product submission, we?d like to spotlight our TR3300DE. It?s one of our most popular and most universally useful items in our luggage line, both in function and appearance. TR3300DE Deluxe Rack Bag ? MSRP $134.95 ? Model: 3515-0076
SaddleStow TR3300DE Deluxe Rack Bag SaddleStow? motorcycle luggage is designed to be at home on the widest range of machines and offers the perfect look for cruising the highway. Style is not the only concern – function is paramount in the design of each SaddleStow item. A perfect blend of rugged materials make this luggage tough, weather-resistant and long lasting. Our unique combination of features set these bags apart from all others.
? Versatile mounting system fits virtually all trunk-mounted or stand-alone racks
? Universal strap mounting system designed for easy attachment to trunk or separately mounted luggage racks
? Fully rigid construction; looks great even when empty
? Big, easy-open top for quick packing
? Four exterior zippered pockets
? Top carry handle and shoulder straps included for easy carrying
? Constructed of UV-, water-, and weather-resistant 1200 denier Saddle Tuff? and leather-like vinyl panels
Dimensions: 24″ W x 11.5″ H x 12″ D; measures 3,300 cubic inches
— Eric Nyquist
Internet Sales & Marketing
Saddlemen
(800) 397-7709
RIGHT SIDE DRIVE ELECTRIC STARTER– I am sending a couple of shots from Larry in Vallejo, Ca. who is enjoying the Right Side Electric Starter on this beautiful swingarm pan. A total knee replacement ended kick starting, RSES is keeping him in the wind!
Cost to convert is around $1500, installation is simple. Info at www.4speedelectricstart.com
Thanks to Bikernet for spreading the news.
Seize the day, Russ
Sturgis Vendors & Exhibitors Get A Deal On Their Insurance!– Your friends at Bikernet Insurance have made arrangements for qualifying vendors and exhibitors to buy Event liability insurance at huge savings by purchasing as part of a special group for the upcoming 70th annual Sturgis Rally.
All you do is go to the “Stugis Banner” on the main page of Bikernet.com and click on the $65 button. Then, complete the quick application online, add your “Additional Insureds” , and if you like paying only $65 plus taxes and fees for $1.0M/$2.0M in limits simply buy your event liability policy and certificates with your credit card. So easy even a biker who’s near broke can do it.
If you would rather have your very own individual exhibitor’s event liability policy and not be part of the special Sturgis Group event liability policy, we can get that for you cheap too.
Only $150 plus taxes and fees for a $1.0M/$2.0M aggregate limit policy. Just click on the $150 button located on the right side of the Sturgis banner, complete the quick application online and your are ready to show.
Go Ahead Sturgis Vendors & Exhibitors. This is the best insurance deal in America. You’ll pay too much for your Event Liability Insurance if you don’t buy here.
Got questions? Just contact us. Toll Free: 888-467-8703 Email: >clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
WTF???– My ol? grandpappy always said ?only date women with SMALL hands. They make yer dick look bigger!? I?ll have to pick up a copy of yer new book!
–Buckshot
BANDIT’S CANTINA QUIP– Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, “Pour me a stiff one – just had another fight with the little woman.”
“Oh yeah?” said Charlie. “And how did this one end?”
“When it was over,” Mike replied, “She came to me on her hands and knees.”
“Really? Now that’s a switch! What did she say?”
She said, “Come out from under the bed, you little chicken-shit.”
–Art Friedman
THE HEMP CHRONICLES– Planting only 6 percent of the continental United States with biomass crops such as hemp would supply all current domestic demands for oil and gas.
Did you know the average American spends 33 of 40 working hours to support their need for energy? It’s true; 80 percent of the total monetary living expense for everything we do is ultimately wrapped up in energy costs; from the energy it takes to make the food we eat, to fuel for the cars we drive, to the manufacturing, storage and transportation of the products we buy. And 80 percent of solid and airborne pollution in our environment can be blamed on fossil energy sources.
It is estimated that America has already exhausted 80 percent of its fossil fuel reserves. Industrial hemp is the number one biomass producer on earth, meaning an actual contender for an economically competitive, clean burning fuel. Hemp has four times the biomass and cellulose potential and eight times the methanol potential of its closest competing crop – corn.
Burning coal and oil are the greatest sources of acid rain; biomass fuels burn clean and contain no sulphur and produce no ash during combustion. The cycle of growing and burning biomass crops keeps the world s carbon dioxide level at perfect equilibrium, which means that we are less likely to experience the global climactic changes (greenhouse effect) brought about by excess carbon dioxide and water vapors after burning fossil fuels.
–from Bruce P.
THE SAN FELIPO COLUMN–Vicki and I attended the memorial ride on May 1, 2010. It was an emotional ride and the personal testimonials by people who lost loved ones or suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of distracted drivers was very powerful. It put a human element into this all, so often excluded in printed page accounts of these tragedies.
Despite the fact that many fatalities and injuries are caused by distracted drivers or right of way violations, the toll is added to the statistics on motorcycle crashes and is used to argue for mandated helmet laws, unfair insurance requirements placed on victims and other unjust practices. We need to find a solution to this problem, place the blame where it belongs and stop the mandates that are nothing more than band aid approaches and feel good legislation by safety advocates.
–Tony San Felipo
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