Carroll Shelby, designer of the Shelby Cobra and other sports cars that placed him in the pantheon of auto industry legends, has died at age 89 on Thursday at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Shelby had been hospitalized for pneumonia.

Shelby was one of the few prominent designers to work with all three major American car companies, starting with Ford Motor Co in the 1960s. His last collaboration with Ford was on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500.

“My name is Carroll Shelby and performance is my business,” Shelby said in an early commercial for the Cobra.

Born in Leesburg, Texas, in 1923, Shelby started racing cars in the 1950s, and in 1959 he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

Diagnosed with a serious heart condition in 1959, Shelby was forced to quit racing; he drove one race with nitroglycerin pills under his tongue to prevent against a heart attack. He complained that he would have won if not for the pills.

Turning his attention toward designing, Shelby approached Ford Motor Company’s Lee Iacocca, about building a lightweight A.C. roadster with a Ford engine. That car became the famous Cobra. 

In 1962, the Cobra was introduced at the New York Auto Show and Shelby’s company began making the cars in California later that year. In 1964, Ford asked Shelby to develop a high-performance Mustang. That same year the song “Hey Little Cobra” by the Rip Chords embedded the sports car in pop culture.

“Whether helping Ford dominate the 1960s racing scene or building some of the most famous Mustangs, his enthusiasm and passion for great automobiles over six decades has truly inspired everyone who worked with him,” said Edsel Ford II, grandson of the No. 2 U.S. automaker’s founder Henry Ford.

He parted ways with Ford in the 1970s and headed to Chrysler, where he revamped the K car and worked on the initial design of the Dodge Viper. He also worked for General Motors Co’s Oldsmobile division.

Shelby is survived by three children six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and his wife, Cleo.

 

  

 

 

www.mecum.com

www.vipermotorcycles.com

www.valeriethompsonracing.com

Viper Motorcycles has selected 2-Time Bonneville Land Speed Record Holder Valerie Thompson to present their new Special Edition Viper Diamondback at Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Car Auction on May 16 in Indianapolis.   

Touted as the world’s fastest production V-Twin Supercruiser, the Diamondback is built in Auburn Alabama and is the product of 8 years of design and testing. Powered by a proprietary 152 C.I. Viper/Ilmor engine, it produces 165 ft. lbs. of torque while delivering 130 HP to the rear wheel, according to Viper. The Diamondback offers the superior handling characteristics of a Sportbike due to it’s patented “on-the-fly” adjustable air-ride suspension and runs 20% cooler than standard air-cooled V-Twins, says Viper. With fully adjustable forward controls allowing a customizable riding position, the bike fits a wide size range of riders from 5’3″ to 6’7″.

“We felt it was appropriate to have one of the world’s fastest females present the world’s fastest Supercruiser at the world’s largest collector car auction,” stated Colbert Seagraves, VP Marketing & Race Operations for Viper Motorcycles. “Valerie has extensive experience presenting vehicles at the best auctions in the country and is a real crowd favorite. We expect the bike and Valerie to be a big hit at the Spring Classic. We told her she will be known as the “Viper Vixen” after successfully presenting the Special Edition Diamondback,” added Seagraves.

Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction will offer over 2,000 vehicles at the Indiana State Fairgrounds located at 1202 E 38th Street, Indianapolis Indiana. The event will be televised live on Discovery’s Velocity Network May 15-20, 2012.

Complete the look of your Harley-Davidson(r) Blackline with a coil cover from Drag Specialties(r). These coil covers come with a steel body and are available with or without a mesh insert. Choose from either smooth or skull designs. Both designs are available in chrome with a black mesh insert or black powder-coat with a chrome mesh insert, complementing any bike. 

These coil covers fit 11-12 FXS models. The suggested retail is $39.95 for the smooth design and $45.95 for the skull design. Stop in and see your Drag Specialties dealer to order your new coil cover today.

For more information, go to www.dragspecialties.com or contact your local

Drag Specialties dealer.

 

Police are investigating whether two 17-year-olds are behind recent shootings in Sydney’s west.

‘It is fair to say that,’ state crime command commander Mal Lanyon said when asked if police were investigating other possible links.

‘Certainly something that is part of the motorcycle gang culture is to get much younger and more junior people to commit their crimes.’

The teenagers were arrested separately on Wednesday over the shooting at a unit block on Oxford St, Merrylands, on April 23.

The teenagers have been charged with firing a firearm at a dwelling with disregard for safety.

One of them, arrested at a residence in Auburn, was also charged with firing a gun as part of organised criminal activity.

Mr Lanyon said the charges are very significant criminal offences that carry jail sentences of up to 16 years imprisonment.

He said it was part of the outlaw motorcycle gang culture to insulate more senior members of gangs by recruiting younger henchmen who have less significant criminal histories.

‘It’s obviously very disappointing to police that males of that age are involved in such serious criminal activity,’ he told reporters.

‘We will continue to investigate these people as individuals but certainly other members of those groups (bikies) are under investigation).’

Both youths were refused bail and will appear in Parramatta children’s court on Thursday.

Eleven people have now been arrested as a result of Strike Force Kinnarra, established on April 17 to investigate shootings at five homes and businesses across western Sydney. 

There has never been a better time than now to ride a new 2012 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. With the new Twin Cam 103(tm) powertrain as standard equipment on Softail(r), Touring and most Dyna(r) motorcycles and four new models: the Sportster(r) Seventy-Two, Softail Slim(r), V-Rod(r) 10th Anniversary Edition and the Dyna Switchback, you don’t want to pass up one of these free test ride opportunities. 

The first way to demo is at over 150 free Dealer Demo Events. These are usually hosted over a weekend with other items such as food and music. In addition on a daily basis, a dealership near you offers free individual test rides. Check out www.h-d.com/demos where you can schedule a test ride online or find a Dealer Demo Event nearest you. 

Another opportunity to test ride is at events the Motor Company hosts in more than 15 locations, including places such as Americade and Sturgis. Also for non-riders, we offer an opportunity to experience our JUMPSTART. This stationary motorcycle allows aspiring customers to learn how to start, shift and twist the throttle on a fully-functioning motorcycle that does not move www.h-d.com/JUMPSTART.

Lastly, if you are attending Americade, Wing Ding 34 or the Bikes, Blues & Barbeque motorcycle rallies and own a competitive motorcycle, you should check out Harley-Davidson’s Dare to Compare Experience. It is only for riders of competitive brand motorcycles. On a first-come, first-serve basis, we offer day-long test rides on select 2012 Harley-Davidson models. 

Paughco’s exclusive Drop Seat chassis provides great lines and a perfect 23 1/2″ seat height. The new Right Side Drive frames accept 300 rear tires and feature a 1 3/4 backbone stretch, 2″ diameter single front leg and 1 3/4″ diameter tubular swing arm. Additionally the chassis comes with a 1″ hidden axle assembly and integral forward control mounts. The Paughco 13 1/2 fender, oil bag and solo seat in this photo are sold separately. Goin’ Pro-Street? Try the model with 5″ stretch in the backbone and 38° neck rake. The chopper version, shown here, has 4″ in the backbone, 7″ in the front leg and 38° neck rake. For complete details call Paughco direct at 775-246-5738 or visit them on the Web at www.paughco.com

This year Mike Corbin finally caved in to the myriad of requests and has redesigned the famous Warbird, a series of components designed to work together for a unified look or can be used individually to convert a stock Harley-Davidson FXR into a rolling work of art. 

Warbird Fairing takes its lines from the tank and carries them through the front of the machine. Frame mounted design installs independently of the forks and works with the stock legs or a wider set like we’ve done here (from VRSC model). Warbird fairing stays straight regardless of the handlebar direction so it always looks tight and aggressive. Corbin fairing hides frame tubes and wiring around the triple trees giving a very clean appearance.

Chin Spoiler is designed to integrate the lines of the FXR into the bottom end for a more visually streamlined look. Our spoiler flows over the frame downtubes with a large duct built into the design for proper engine cooling. Corbin designed this piece to work with the stock FXR foot controls, but will work with forward controls with a simple modification.

Smooth Side Covers provide a very simple and clean look that molds gracefully into the contour of the frame, filling the space and smoothing out the lines. 

Corbin side covers are available in two styles: FULL covers give a smooth line that fills in the entire “triangle” of the FXR chassis and therefore do not allow for passenger foot pegs. If you are using the Warbird tail section, this is an excellent choice. Corbin’s SHORT covers give a very similar look, but allow for passenger foot pegs.

Warbird Tail Section is designed to replace the fender and inner fender as a single unit. It gives the bike a fast and clean line at the back that really puts the Warbird look over the top. Includes an integrated license plate frame that is frenched in to keep that clean line. Inside the Warbird Tail is a small hideaway for items like cell phones, summer gloves, GDO remotes and keys. We’ve even lined the inside to keep these items safe and secure.

Warbird Saddle is designed specifically for use on the above tail section. Using high density Comfort Cell foam to provide firm support with a very low profile, the Corbin saddle is the perfect finish. Wide, dished seating provides excellent weight distribution so you’ll be happy to spend time on your bike. Topped off with genuine leather seating in your choice of colors and styles. Includes custom stitch pattern and Warbird logo embroidery. 

 

Warbird System Includes: 

Warbird Fairing for FXR-$593.00

Corbin Chin Spoiler-$232.00 

Smooth Side Covers -$263.00

Warbird Tail Section-$493.00 

Warbird Custom Saddle-$263.00 

Complete Warbird Kit for Harley-Davidson FXR-$1659.00

All Warbird products are ready for your painter to scuff and primer or can be ordered pre-painted in gloss black and ready for installation right out of the box. Mounting is simple and Corbin includes all needed hardware and detailed instructions.

For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com. Visit Corbin Headquarters at 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. 95023 or Corbin Florida at 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

 

You have time to kill? Why not check out a Bike Feature? Bikernet has published so hundreds of them over the years, and they are always available. It’s literally like going through a pile of your favorite biker magazine. Cantina Members can also enjoy the Girls Of Bikernet, where awesome motorcycles and beautiful women are featured together in one titillating and tantalizing package. What are you waiting for? Hit the picture below and enjoy the ride!

 

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1992 dyna!  New tires, windshield,  lowered, corbin seat,  S&S cam, S&S E carb,  sissy bar with pad,  luggage rack,  saddlebags included not shown, 23k on the counter.  A great bike at a great price!  Go check out the bikernet classifieds, where the adventure is just waiting to begin!  You never know what you will find! Click on the photo to link to the sale.

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1. The one true American-made motorcycle is the Harley-Davidson,

and thou shalt put no other motorcycles before it.

2. Thou shalt not bow down and worship nor serve the god of chrome;  

for, lo, he is a false god and will not get thy butt home.

3. Honor thy authorized dealer and thy HOG Chapter Officers,

that thy days may be long and fruitful in the Land of  Harley.

4. Remember the weekend, and keep it open. For it is written, five days shalt thou labor,

and for two days shalt thou ride thy Harley, drink beer, and screw off.

5. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Harley, nor her manservant, nor her maidservant,

nor her ox, nor her cute little ass.

6. From the throne of thine Harley, thou shalt not stoop to wave at sinners who ride jap-crap,

for jap-crap is known to be the handiwork of the devil.

7. Thou shalt not pass by nor turn away from thy brother Harley rider who is in mechanical 

distress. Remember this &  live by it!!

8. Thou shalt not pose. Verily, I say unto you, it is easier for a poser to pass his Gold Visa Card 

through the eye of a needle than to enter into the true fellowship of Harley-Davidson heaven.

9. When riding thy Harley on the road of life, thou shalt not whine nor snivel,

and thou shalt not suffer to ride alongside those who do.

10. Park not thy Harley in the darkness of thine garage, that it may collect dust for want of 

being oft ridden.  Ride thy Harley with thy brethren, and rejoice in the spirit of the road!