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NEW VICTORY SLIPONS FROM D&D PERFORMANCE ENT.–
D&D 2008-2010 Victory Vision Boss Slip-ons for the ultimate Victory touring motorbike. The slipons increase power and torque. You can install them in less time than it takes to complete your lunch.
The Victory Vision Boss Slip-ons come in midnight black or show-quality chrome. They utilize stock heatshields.
More Good Biker Stuff in Bikernet Studio.
SEMA POWERSPORTS SURVEY–Gart Sutton & Associates (GSA), a leading authority of retail profitability in the powersports industry, recently polled some of its 20-group powersports dealers to get a better picture of what was happening in the powersports industry from the front lines.
Sutton and his team of industry experts will present Powersports Dealer Update Workshops at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 1?2, at the Renaissance Hotel next to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
GSA’s poll revealed the following:
1. Dealer failures have been at a record high level for two years. Since some of these dealers were heavy discounters, this should help surviving dealers in affected regions. Many dealers who were not up on their performance-to-industry benchmarks and didn’t respond quickly to reduce expenses relative to revenue never had a chance.
2. Current motorcycle sales continue to be down; 2008 was off 30%?40% from 2007 and 2009 was considerably off compared to 2008. Many dealers reported that March 2010 business was much better than last year, however.
3. Floor traffic is picking up, dealers are holding better margins, and some banks and credit unions are starting to free up money and “buy deeper” (lower credit scores).
4. Most dealers have reduced old inventory and are no longer “warehouses” for the manufacturers.
5. Parts sales and service work are strong, as customers are repairing rather than replacing their units.
Other positive indicators from March 2010 year-to-date compared with 2009 include:
* Overall store gross profit: up 2%
* Overall net operating profit: up 2.5%
* Personnel and administration expenses as a percentage of GP: down
* Percentage of revenue change: up more than 18% for groups reviewed
* New and pre-owned unit gross profit: up for all products except scooters
* Service labor margin: up 9%?10%
* F&I net operating profit $ PVS: up more than 160%
Current Unit TrendsMidsize street motorcycles and models with rebates are selling to today’s budget-conscious customers. Sport bike sales remain slow but have picked up somewhat. Financing and insurance have been a problem here. These customers tend to be younger and many have poor credit. Off-road bike sales have been slow, except for a few models with high demand and low availability. Scooter sales have suffered as fuel prices remain relatively low.
ATV sales have been soft for the last few years, but are up from last spring. UTV (“side-by-sides”) sales have been doing well. This market has grown due to wholegoods and accessory product expansion and improvements, combined with the need for utility vehicles. Some farmers, for example, are using these as a low-cost alternative to trucks and tractors for certain jobs.
Consumer Trends
Dealers report that today’s consumers tend to be more mature with higher incomes and good credit histories, but take longer to close. They may come in four or more times before making a buying decision. Many have completed considerable web research. They know more about the products and what is on sale on dealer websites.
Marketing Trends
Most dealers report that traditional advertising is not producing. They are finding better results from social marketing, working trade/sports shows and community events.
Other Trends and Opportunities
Dealer Internet sales and using eBay to move obsolete inventory have changed dealership business structures. This profit center will only continue to grow. Social marketing through services such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube has become more significant to powersports businesses. Dealers must become more creative and Internet-savvy to keep pace with the market.
Due to the reduction in the size of the dealer network, there is a huge opportunity for profitable growth as the economy slowly turns around. Product shortages and reduced competition mean dealers can hold better margins.
There are positive signs that the powersports business is improving. In order to survive the ups and downs of this market, controlling inventory and expenses must remain a priority. Dealers must also pursue a customer-satisfaction business philosophy. It is vital to have the right people in place to maximize every customer opportunity. There?s no reason to have “B” and “C” players on staff when “A” players are out there looking for work.
Keep your team sharp by providing ongoing, high-quality training, including the Powersports Dealer Update Workshops held in conjunction with the 2010 SEMA Show, November 1?2, in Las Vegas. Dealer Update Workshops at the 2010 SEMA Show are open to all powersports dealers. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to receive high-level training from industry experts.
Eight powersports dealer-specific education workshops will cover essential P&A, F&I, sales, service and dealership management topics. Registration also includes two industry keynote speaker lunches and a special state-of-the-industry powersports panel you can’t afford to miss.
For more information, visit . www.SEMAShow.com/PowersportsDealerUpdate
Vagabond Chick Likes Harbor Town Seduction?Sir Bandit, Wow! Incredible, that book was so F*%&ing awesome- I cannot thank you enough for sending it, with a wonderful autograph-
I was captivated and had to read it again days after I had finished it. I could not put it down either time even though through the second read, I knew the whole scene. I have read hundreds of books and can honestly say that very few have reached in and grabbed my being that way- It was sensational and I cannot wait for the next one. The characters come to life in a way I understand, and I enjoyed it all immensely.
You truly rock!!!! Give my love to Ms. Nyla, family and crew
All my love & respect,
Athena
Athena ” Chickie ” Ransom
Vagabond Chopper Company
4700 N. Dixie Hwy. Suite 11
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334
Phone: (954) 360-0075
Fax: (954) 642-8658
www.vagabondchoppers.com
www.vagabondchickie.com www.chicksruleandboysdrool.com
REPORT FROM COLORADO OR UTAH BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT, WHO KNOWS– The Vincent story I’m working on is about Deckers 4th custom bike. You know, “We take longer and cost more”. Any how, I am meeting with Jeff in a day or two to get more details on the work that has been done. Then article will be sent. Very nice and subtle. Great lines and proportion.
Last Sunday I rode the White Rim Trail in southern Ut. 110 miles on rough, sandy and at times pretty steep jeep trail. Beautiful ride and have good photo’s. That story is almost done. One guy did it on a 600lb BMW 1200 GS. He used to race moto and desert and it showed! Send a photo tonight so you can decide if it fits your format.
–Mark Shubin
TATTOO OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY ELECTRIC TATTOO–This shot came from Mike “Balls” Farabaugh, back east. Mike is responsible for the Penthouse show in Sturgis every year with Biker Magazine.
CycleVisions Memorial Weekend RideThe roads are calling and weather is fine…let’s ride!!Join us atCycleVisions Sunday May 30th at 10:00 am. ride leaves 10:30. See you in thewind!
Don’t have a bike to ride on Cycle Visions ride?? Call us at 619-546-5066 for a special daily rate so you can join us on the ride!!
-Bikes For Sale-
2008 Blue Pearl FLHX Street Glide $15,599
2009 Pewter Pearl FLHX Street Glide $16,999
2009 Black FLHR Road King $14,599
2009 Black FLHTCU Ultra Classic $19,599
2009 Black FLSTC Heritage Softail $15,599
For a complete list of bikes for sale please email us San@EagleRider.com [mailto:san@eaglerider.com]
Cycle Visions
4263 Taylor Street
San Diego, California 92110
619.295.7800
Museum to Give Away 500 American Flags Memorial Day Weekend!Memorial Day has always been a day of remembrance. Dating back to the end of the civil war, Memorial Day was created to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives for our country in war. Over the past 200 years, it has developed into a national day of patriotism, as millions of American’s across the country remember those who fought for our freedom, flying American flags to share their respect and appreciation for our country’s fallen soldiers.
Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC has announced that they’ll be giving away 500 American Flags during its Memorial Day Celebration from Thursday-Monday, May 28-31. The museum, which is now open five days per week throughout the spring, summer, and fall, is holding its 8th Memorial Day Celebration since its relocation to Western North Carolina and is marking the event by offering a free American Flag to the first 500 visitors to the museum.
As part of the celebration, Wheels Through Time will be offering free admission to all veterans, as well as both former and current members of the military throughout the weekend. Beginning Thursday, active and former military members will also be awarded a complimentary 2-year membership to the museum, free of charge.
“We are proud to honor our nation’s military on this day of remembrance,” says museum curator, Dale Walksler. “Our veterans have given so much to our country, and this is our way to pay tribute to them and recognize their contribution to our freedom.”
Wheels Through Time, which houses an all-American collection of many of the world’s rarest motorcycles and automobiles–each in running and operating condition, will be showcasing its Military Motorcycles exhibit throughout the weekend. Over a dozen military machines will be on display, including several of the rarest American military motorcycles ever produced. Exhibitions and demonstrations of those machines will be held regularly all weekend.
For more information on the Wheels Through Time Museum, visit their website, located at www.WheelsThroughTime.com, or call (828) 926-6266.
–Matt Walksler
Wheels Through Time Museum
P.O. 790 / 62 Vintage Lane
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
(828) 926-6266
mattw@wheelsthroughtime.com
IS YOUR BIKE TOUGH ENOUGH? TRY KNUCKLE LEVERS FROM AEROMACH–Our good friend Leslie Barry sent pictures in of his motorcycle with the Aeromach Knuckle Levers. We say he is lookin good and stylin. He sez that he likes the style and gets a lot of comments wherever he stops Heritage Softail. Get more details at www.aeromachmfg.com.
Rally Week 2010: K&G Cycles to be a Major Event Sponsor at the Legendary Buffalo Chip–Legendary Buffalo Chip, SD (May 27, 2010) – Two ‘legendary’ motorcycle industry magnates are coming together to get the party going during this year’s 70th Annual Sturgis Rally Week festivities. K&G Cycles, the virtual motorcycle parts and accessories superstore will be a major sponsor at Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination, the Legendary Buffalo Chip.
Eager to become an integral element at Sturgis’ best party anywhere, K&G Cycles will be making a large presence at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during Sturgis Bike Week. An official sponsor of the 3rd Annual Legends Ride and the 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibition, K&G Cycles has also recruited the help of a couple carefully selected K&G girls that will be distributing K&G bandanas- you won’t want to miss it.
Founded in 2006 by George Marakas, K&G Cycles was born out of his love of motorcycling and a desire to turn his hobby of restoring antique bikes into a business. With the advent of K&G Cycles’ Web store in February 2009, Marakas has successfully created a revolutionary approach to online merchandising without sacrificing his personal touch or passion for the industry.
Since its inception in 2009, K&G Cycles has pioneered one of the industry’s most exciting new concepts in motorcycle parts retailing. With 1,200 categories of parts from over 250 manufacturers and 6 major motorcycle parts distributors, motorcyclists can find everything they need all in one location. Hoping to one day become the “Amazon.com” for motorcycle parts and accessories, it’s inevitable that customers will eventually realize that if K&G Cycles doesn’t have it, it probably doesn’t exist.
Also with new lines being added daily, K & G’s goal is to provide their customers with the widest possible selection of American and foreign-made motorcycles parts as well as clothing, apparel and gear at prices you simply will not believe. Driven by their love of motorcycling and the idea of creating a new kind of shopping experience within this marketplace, K&G Cycles have streamlined the buying process while still offering competitive pricing and great customer service. For more information about K & G Cycles, please call (785) 542-9227 or visit them on the Web at www.kandgcycles.com.
–Sarah Wozniak
BIKER’S CHOICE IS IN A RUSH–Rush introduces new 2:1 Pipes. Made in the USA, they are coated, inside and out, with ceramic, which improves the performance and keeps them running cooler keeping both rider and passenger more comfortable. Interchangeable baffles are compatible with all motor sizes and available for Touring, Dyna?, Softail?and Sportster?models, and available in stainless and black.
For more information on fitments and applications, visit www.bikerschoice.com ice or visit one of our many Biker?s Choice dealers.
Happy Riding!
–Carmen
THE WERA RACING LEGEND–This guy is the starter for WERA up north?..I?ve heard stories about him, but have never been flagged by him.
The man has lived in the house his father built with his own hands for eight decades. He was married to his junior high school sweetheart for 61 years. He had one job his whole life, a truck driver. He was racing motorcycles in Daytona when they let you run on the beach, right after World War II. He was a Harley-Davidson factory racer when Ike was in the White House.
He raced more than 3,000 times on more than 360 tracks from Canada to Florida. He stopped racing (at age 47) and started flagging races before men landed on the moon.
Three page article, very cool sheeett?..
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/25/AR2010052505063.html?hpid=artslot
CUSTOM BIKE CHRONICLES: 2009 KEINO CYCLES: PEACE & QUIET–Custom Bike Chronicles: Keino Sasaki first came to note as a custom bike builder when he joined Indian Larry?s business. During his time there he learnt a great deal about engine building and with Peace & Quite, which he built in his own shop Keino Cycles, that knowledge shines through.
Keinosuke ?Keino? Sasaki was born and raised in Fukuoka , Japan. Just like the other motorcycle enthusiasts, Keino grew up surrounded by motorcycles, mostly father?s.
He remembers when he was small, he constantly climbed up on dad?s Yamaha 650, tried to reach for handle bar which is way too far for him, and also remembered that he used sketch that Yamaha and change handlebar and seat so he can reach on drawing.
The 93ci engine, in the Keino built Redhook frame, combines a Panhead cylinder and head at the front of the engine with a knucklehead at the rear along with an Andrews B cam, S&S Super E carb and custom pipes.
Custom Bike Chronicles: Showcase of custom sleds from the past and present of the AMD World Championship Motorcycles.
LIMITED EDITION REAL DIVAS RIDE–Only 20 will be built, each one numbered with limited edition badge on frame, and a beautiful 6″x3″ enamel pink with gold trim ribbon on top of gas tank.WHERE THE MONEY GOES – ($1,500.00 from the sale of every bike will be donated to DIVAS FOR A CURE to go to Breast Cancer Research)
RETAIL= $22,995.00
FROM NOW ON — All South Side Kustoms Motorcycles come standard with with Ride Wright Spoke Wheels / Baker 5 Speed Transmission / Choice of Tires / Jay Brake or Hawg Halters Brakes/ Tauer Machine Open Belt Primary and Kraft Tech or Wyatt Gatling Frames. BIKES WILL NOT COME WITH DNA PARTS!
South Side Kustoms is an ALL AMERICAN BUILT MOTORCYCLE WITH AMERICAN PARTS!
Motor – Crazy Horse 100″ or S&S 96″ Raw or 80″ EVO (black and chrome) or 100″ FATSO MOTOR(see specs below)
Paint – See rendering for paint scheme – you will be able to also put survial date and name inside pink ribbon.
choice of tires dunlop/metzler/avon
choice front end standard harley or springer
Choice of sportster tank indented or non indented
Softail 5 speed transmission by Baker
chain or belt
Jaybrake or Hawg Halters brakes
Ride Wright Wheels – 60 or 80 Spoke (powdercoating extra)
South Side Kustoms
596 Michigan Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
1-716-823-6279
1-800-675-3191
http://www.south-side-kustoms.com
Jason McCudden~OWNER
info@south-side-kustoms.com
mailto:southsidekustoms@verizon.net
Now Standard: The SS Trike Runs 117? X-Wedge Engine– SS Trike is proud to announce that, effective immediately, all SS Trikes will be shipped with an 117" S&S X-Wedge EPA certified engine. In the firm?s never ending quest to provide the hottest Trike in the market today, they have figured out how to increase power and satisfy the EPA in one swoop.
This new X-Wedge is actually a better match to the race-inspired and bullet-proof automatic transmission that comes standard with all SS Trikes. The broad power band matched to a 2 speed with lock up torque converter will provide the ultimate power train that any 3-wheel enthusiast could desire.
Get more details at SS Trikes
1937 Ford House-Car — One of only six said to have been made per year in the mid-30’s at the Ford plant in St.Paul,Minnesota, according to an article on this car in a 1993 “Old Cars” magazine article.
Very few others–perhaps none–remain on the road, and certainly not in such amazing original condition. The only other known example that I heard of was supposedly housed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. But that turned out to be an early 1920s Model T conversion, the curator told me. He said he’d never seen anything like this ’37!
When discovered in a garage (under a heavy cover) in Northern Minnesota in August 2001, she had only 19,000 miles, and the owner’s manual was actually still in the glove box in like-new condition!
She had always been garaged and treated with ‘Much TLC’ as a collector vehicle.
The interior, all wood lined, was still the way it appeared in the ’30’s and ’40’s, complete with framed photos of the original owner on his travels (mainly to Florida) and his cabin in the North Woods, plus and other memorabilia from the era.
Built on the ’37 Ford Pickup frame and cowling (powered by a 60-hp flathead V8 with aluminum heads), the rear framing is all wood, with the metal skin wrapped around it. The roof structure, too, is all wood, over which the heavy, waterproofed canvas top is still very securely fitted. The structure of the Body is solid, appearing from underneath to be all oak, and still in a remarkably unaltered, undamaged condition.
The door frames are thick, solid oak, and oak is visible around the window openings (as on the four side windows in back) — though it is painted over.
She was a big hit at this campground once we got that Great old flattie V8 hummin’! Note her expanding roof and the original dark green color, which had been repainted. I figure the canvas roof was originally painted in reflective silver to keep it from getting too hot inside. All four side windows open, while the back one tilts out to three positions. The windshield also tilts open at the bottom for natural AC while driving.
Here are a few shots of her in August 2001, out on the road in the Chippewa National Forest north of Grand Rapids, MN… Practicing for her next adventure: “Destination Wavecrest 2001.”
–from CarlR
MYSTERY MOTORCYCLE OF THE WEEK–Chicago police commissioner told Harley-Davidson Motor Company, if they wanted to compete for the contract to provide the city with police motorcycles, they would have to design them like the Indians the city was already using. They felt the motor officers would be confused if the controls and other engine designs did not conform to what they already knew… THE INDIAN POLICE MOTORCYCLE!
So here you have it ladies and gentlemen. The bike Harley built to gain the confidence of Chicago’s finest. A rare bike indeed.
–from From Chessies Photos
LATEST NEW SPONSOR ON BIKERNET, TORIAN LEATHERS–Torian Chopper Leathers believes in old-school design and functionality. It?s back to basics at Torian and it has never looked or felt so good.
All Torian Chopper Leathers jackets feature a mid-weight natural milled cowhide which has a supple feel while still providing protection without bulk. Our Torian Leather Shirts are made from a soft goatskin that has the feel of lambskin with the durability of cowhide.
We select the raw materials that feel good to the skin and wear like iron. All leather come in black.Every Torian Market product is checked for quality and usability. We don?t offer it until we have checked it out. With our 10 pocket Road Vest you have a place for everything and everything has a place.
The Torian Chopper Leather Road Vest is made with the same heavy duty features and supple naked cowhide as our premium leather jackets.
The front zipper keeps you snug and does not allow wind in like a snap vest often will.
Get the details here.
RESEARCH FROM BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER- Natural Treatments for Vertigo–True vertigo is characterized by the inability to maintain balance, and can involve disturbing sensations; for example, of movement around you when standing still, or a sense of the body actually revolving in space. Often debilitating, it can have a variety of causes, including circulatory disturbances in the brain, damage to the nerves involved in hearing and balance, or viral infections in the inner ear.
The conventional treatment for vertigo is meclizine, a prescription drug that can have unwanted side effects, including drowsiness. In addition, the following natural approaches can be useful:
T’ai chi. The slow, rhythmic movement of this Chinese martial art requires concentration, helps to recalibrate the inner ear, and can help to improve balance
Cranial osteopathy. The gentle manual manipulation of the bones in the skull by a trained osteopath can subtly influence the function of the cranial nerves, including those of the inner ear.
Acupuncture. This traditional therapy aims to restore a balanced pattern of flow through energetic channels called merdians, and may be helpful in recovering from injuries to the head and nervous system.
For more info see: www.drweil.com
SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR SALE–Arizona Builder – 20′ Cargo/Shipping ContainerArizona – we are selling the 20 foot long Cargo/Shipping Containers throughout Arizona if you are in any need of them for storage. A link to pictures and prices is at the end of this e-mail – They are waterproof and we can deliver to your site. Thank you,Turner. Picture & Pricing link -www.PrescottShedandGarage.com/shippingcontainers
SoCal – Bikernet Insurance Center LLC – Bikers can now protect their adventures with Travel Insurance from Bikernet– Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods, Boss Cancels Your Vacation, Coverage for Job Loss, Medical Coverage. . . Why worry? Travel Smart.
Bikernet Insurance now offers high-quality but “cheap-to-buy” travel insurance and travel assistance services. We’ve teamed up with one of the best in the business, “Travel Guard” to bring you a wide variety of ways to protect your travel investment and experience. Here’s a summary of the products available – allpurchased online quick for your convenience. Check out the Travel Guard banner in our insurance department. www.bikernet.com/insurance.
Summary of Biker Travel Products:
1. MedVac – covers emergency evacuation from anywhere in the world. Transports you to the hospital of your choice or back home.
2. Flight Guard – provides life and accident insurance while flying on commercial airlines
3. Car Rental Collision – provides a great alternative to the insurance car rental companies offer.
4. Medical Health Coverage Worldwide – covers medical expenses up to $1,000,000.
5. The Basic Coverages – Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Missed Connection, Baggage Loss & Delay,
Other important benefits:
1. 24-hour emergency travel services – you get your personal “911” hotline when you travel
2. Children under 17 covered at no additional charge
3. You can upgrade to “Cancel for any reason.”
4. Concierge Services – you name it, Travel Guard Assist can likely plan it for you.
5. Business Assistant – need to do some business? They offer help here too.
Go Ahead! Travel smart from now on. So easy even a biker who rides less than 1,000 miles per year can use it.
Travel Guard insurance from Bikernet. Don’t leave home without it.
Got questions? Want more info? Contact us anytime.
Toll Free: 888-467-8703
Fax: 858-463-8703
Email: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
Photo from Rigid Frame Richard.
THERE YOU HAVE IT–If you didn’t receive your daily quota of Bikernet news here, check out our blog. It’s packed with heavy meaningful shit.
Just today, the list of upcoming Bikernet Content exploded with fiction from India, Cannonball bikes report from Doc and just now the Canyon Carver is posting the Bub’s/Wimmer’s tech.
Oh, yeah. I spoke to our European correspondent, the Viking, and he’s sending me a pastel of girls to choose from, for another Girl of Bikernet. Let’s sharpen our editing pencils and see how well the Bikernet Editorial Staff delivers on a half-day Friday. Time will tell and shit will smell.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
