Hey,
It’s the Sunday of the World Championship of Motorcycle Builders in Vegas and the weekend before Thanksgiving. We flew to Vegas at the crack of dawn, yesterday for the Big Twin West dealer show. Paul Garson roamed the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Halls until they ran us out. We drug our sore asses onto a midnight flight and returned to the coast.
As of next week I’ll share more news with you. My mind is packed with a host of Bullshit facts, tips, new product descriptions and more. We will see a line of Gardner Wescott Fastener suggestions on Bikernet in the near future. I stood picking his brain for an hour. Did you know that after an extended period of time that stainless steel fasteners will bond with aluminum? Did you know that when you install new fasteners into factor aluminum components that the threads need to be cleaned with a wire brush to remove yellow locktite used by H-D. Don’t chase the threads with a tap, just a wire brush and blow them out with an air hose.
There’s a bunch more and I’ll start reports next week. Let’s hit the news:
Hey, what?s not to like? Las Vegas in November with ?coolish? (for Vegas) 70 degree temperatures and the hottest show bikes gathered from around the globe plus some 250 of the motorcycling industry?s top manufacturers showcasing their latest bike products. The scene was the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino, the date Friday through Sunday, Nov. 18-20, and Biker.net was their rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers of the custom bike world, kicking tires (very carefully) and warming up for the L.A. Marathon. We did an estimated 26 miles of pavement pounding, one of the perks of visiting Vegas. But the hike around the casino and convention center was well worth the effort.
While the event billed as the ?only big twin industry trade show in the Western states,? has taken place for the past couple years, this time it got a serious performance upgrade with the addition of the AMD ProShow and its World Champion of Custom Bike Building (presented by Custom Chrome) that brought out some of the most staggeringly radical bikes (over 150!) we?ve seen, period, with U.S., Canadian, European and Australian master builders pulling out all the stops.
When the dust settled over the chrome and billet the best of show top three winners were Canada?s Roger Goldammer for his mind bending 965cc single cylinder masterpiece called ?Trouble,? Belgium?s Krugger Company for their radical retro bike ?Speedbowl? and Independent Cycles for one of their totally unique show stoppers, the 120-inch Made in the USA ?Hardlife.?
In addition CCI held its annual dealer?s meeting which helped swell the ranks while on Sunday, the last day of the event, the doors were flung open to the general public who got to shop til they dropped. Just a sampling of the vendors included ACCEL, Accessories Unlimited, American IronHorse, Andrews, Avon Tyres, BDL, Luster Lace, Baker Drivetrain, Big Bear Choppers, Big Dog, Compu-Fire, Carroll Leather, Crane Cams, Dave Mackie Engineering, DNA Specialty (who gave away a free motorcycle), Engenuity Motors, Gardner-Westcott, Hawg Halters, Headwinds, Hellbent, JIMS, K&N, Redneck Engineering, Rivera Engineering/Primo, S&S, Saddlemen, Samson, Sifton, Spyke, SU carbs, SuperTrapp, Titan, Weld Racing, Wiesco, Works Performance, Xtreme Cycle and Zippers?literally the A-Z of the bike world.
Looks like the show will hit Vegas again next year around the same time. Mark it on your Biker.net calendar.
Story and Photos by Paul Garson
Now available for the custom bike builder or rider. These one off wheels were built for Willwood H-D in New Jersey a themed ’50s dealership. The rims were the work of that Madman Chris Chrome of chromeservices.com they are designed from a sketch from customer or an Idea, in this case free range was given to Chris and he created the ultimate themed wheel.
Owning his old ’55 Buick special, Chris remembered in ’55 James Dean died at his prime when Marylin Monroe and Elvis was king! “It took a week of Jack to think outside the box,” Chris said sipping his Gentleman Jack Neat, but a 3-spoke wheel was proposed to the dealership.
They had one request, he makes the wheel drive and brake same side rear. He requested the old wheel be sent in to make fitment, designed Rotors and Pulley with stars and made the Nautical stars on rims 3d.
The cost for custom one of a kind wheels $2000 ea. Delivered in triple plated chrome. Not bad when you think of a 50k bike running the same wheels as 100 others, this rim can be made in any size to fit stock Harley’s or Customs, Pulleys and rotors are extra for quotes e-mail Chris at : MRCHRISCHROME@AOL.COM. Tell him Bandit sent you only on bikernet.com
A DEDICATED team of IT specialists spent a year creating a new web site for Holley Performance. On-line visitors can gain access to more than 15,000 products from leading brand names such as Holley, Hooker, Lunati, Weiand, Earl’s, NOS and Flowtech. New products are easily located as they are ‘hot-linked’ on the product brand pages. This also covers consumer special offers such as rebates, discounts and coupons.
The site allows visitors to access all product instruction sheets. The search function can locate products by year, make and model. Complete brand catalogs are available in pdf format.
Motorsports enthusiasts can keep pace with the latest developments on the circle track and drag race scenes, including the event/race trailer schedule as well as the contingency programs for racers.
HOLLEY PERFORMANCE
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Tel: 270 782 2900
Fax: 270 745 9544
E-mail – jasonbruce@holley.com
http://www.holley.com
Just heard back from The AMA. Laconia Rally is June 10-18, ’06. Week after Americade.
Ride safe,
–Bob Cole
I was with Donnie Smith the other night and we layed out the Bike build challenge that we will do with my students against another MN school to be judged at the Donnie Smith bike show this March..you should come over for that show!
Here are the pictures of our bike so far, Sucker punch frame, Spartan Springer, Indian Larry Legacy tank, will be getting cooper customs “drunk n’ monkey” bars, custom air ride seat from Paul Regan and Outlaw custom seats, a 6-speed tranny from dumbassbiker.com, and a motor built and donated from Kokesh Motorcycles. The kids are working on a fender strut design right now to match the rivet look on the springer.
–Kevin “TEACH” Baas
BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
“When in doubt, burn out!”
Here’s a pic of Bert Munro’s Indian Streamliner I took in Ruapuna, Christchurch earlier this year…It’s owned by a collector now, rumor has it.
–Cheers,Dean
“Dean”
This is from a friend of mine from my old ABATE chapter in Ohio. Get a load of what this Ohio Congressman is trying to do. Ohio has been a helmet free state for as long as I can remember but this guy, Patton, is taking it to a whole ‘nuther level.
— Pat
House Bill 406
H.B. 406 was just introduced (November 3, 2005) to Ohio by Representative Thomas Patton._He is from Dist 18(Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga Counties)._It’s not “just another Helmet Bill”, it has alot of changes in it.
If you are found or plead guity of…__*driving under license suspension…._*driving without a valid driver’s license…._*driving under OVI suspension…._*driving under financial responsibility suspension…._*failing to produce proof of financial responsibility….__Oh, Yea… one more…__”…require persons who are under 25 years of age to wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle either as the operator or as a passenger”…. __You could pay a mandatory $500 fine,_Plus_a jail term of two consecutive weekend days_OR_attendance at a “safe and responsible driving instructional class”.
On the next page you see the full text of HB 406, Please read through it all to learn what this is all about._
://geocities.com/abatezero/hb406/index.html
The weekend weather is pretty shitty here in N. Florida, even for the hardcores, so I worked on a couple of pieces between coats of paint. Hope you dig it.
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
Back in Austin after 10 days, front yard was floating away due to broken water line on my side of course! Not sure how many days, but from half way down the garage to the street is a swamp. And all the tools I need to fix it are in Houston at the Devil’s. Next the Little Red Rigid would not start, it is on a trickle charger, battery is going and then the post office could not find my mail I had them hold.
How is everyone else?s’ day going?
–RFR
I have taken the liberty of attaching some of the shots from the photo shoot with John Farr. I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed such reactions to a motorcycle before. Otherwise conservative, middle-aged housewives came running out of the little boutiques which populate Marietta Square, hollering “STOP! I WANT TO SEE IT!” and breaking out their camera phones to take snap shots to show their families.
Here are some shots of Toby Gordin and Bryce Gaugh (the dual bike shoot of the guys from Memphis, which took on May 22nd):
And here’s a shot of Kimmer’s new trike, which I’ve been telling you about:
–Stephen H. Moore
Ace Photographer
“You round ’em up, I’ll shoot ’em”
(770) 579-6254
(678) 777-3768 (cell)
I just got word from Karol at Scooter Promotions that several motorcycle companies from that area have folded. She told me that it is so horrifyingly devastating there.
Is anyone creating a fundraiser drive for our New Orleans *family*? I thought Easyriders was going to. I had presented them a giant proposal to do such a thing and didn’t hear back. This was only a week after it happened that I did that.
What can we do? I’m going to send you a copy of Karol’s letter to me, albeit confidentially so you know what’s happening.
****Sasha****
sasha@bikerlady.com
www.bikerlady.com
The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in Washington, DC this Christmas season.
This isn’t for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the nation’s capitol.
There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.
–from Art Friedman
We received Nielson ratings today for the Billy Lane Project that aired on Discovery Channel 10-31-05. Billy’s show received .8 Rating resulting in approx 800,000 viewers tuning in. I do not have lead in or out numbers yet, but know the 800,000 viewer ship is a solid number during prime time, Billy’s show aired at 11PM EST.
–Darcy Betlach
Chrome Marketing Inc
Polishing and Building Brands
952-470-4297 Office
952-470-4597 Fax
darcy@chromemarketing.com
1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You’re adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5 You’re using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: “How’s my driving-call 1- 800-“.
6. Everyone’s head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from “outer space”.
8. You can’t believe they don’t make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
9. You’re sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday..
Hollywood?s most talked about venue celebrates its anniversary on December 9TH
HOLLYWOOD, FL (November 18, 2005) ? Pangaea & The Gryphon, Hollywood?’s ultimate entertainment venues located at the heart of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s Paradise Live! Entertainment complex, will celebrate their one-year anniversary on Friday, December 9th, 2005, with an unforgettable party.
Since bringing New York’s trendy style to Hollywood, Florida, Pangaea & The Gryphon have enjoyed a year of South Florida success with chic parties, high end fashion shows and celebrity soirees. The one-year anniversary party will be no different, including live performance and ‘Cirque du Soleil’ style entertainment.
A successful spin-off of the enormously successful Pangaea lounge in New York City, Pangaea has brought high energy, high-end nightlife to Hollywood, Fla. Pangaea and the Gryphon rank among the finest upscale and exclusive lounges and nightclubs in the country delivering the ultimate nightlife experience through a successful mix of two sensational yet distinctive lounge and nightclub concepts transformed into one sensual, vibrant nightspot. From its extraordinary and sexy d?cor, renowned DJ?s, spectacular dancers, hosts of percussionists and exclusive parties, Pangaea and the Gryphon offer an unparalleled experience in classic South Beach style.
Meaning all lands? in Greek, Pangaea is an appealing mixture of Asian, African and European elements. The atmosphere of Pangaea pays tribute to the Dark Continent, with West African adobe structures, animal skulls, spears and cartographic art. Candlelight casts eerie shadows across the tribal artifacts, conveying the sense of being on an elegant Serengeti safari.
Similarly, Gryphon?s interior is both dynamic and chic; inspired by the mythological creature that symbolizes the domination of both the earth and sky. The Gryphon’s architecture combines stylish, innovative and modern design elements, highlighted by a dramatic ceiling installation.
Pangaea and the Gryphon are the only high-end lounge and nightclub venues in South Florida with the exclusive benefit of being located at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Resort with access to world-class gaming and resort amenities. As part of Paradise Live!, Pangaea and the Gryphon can remain open 24 hours a day. Those seeking the definitive sophisticated nightspot will find it at Pangaea and the Gryphon. Pangaea and Gryphon are located at 5711 Seminole Way at the Seminole Paradise.
For more information please visit
Okay, this is a strange one, but this is also the home of the Seminole, Hard Rock, Roadhouse location where the finale will take place and a luck winner will take home either the Doug Keim bike above, a Jesse Rooke custom, Roland Sands bike or the Johnny Chop special. Wild. Keep your eye open for more report.–Bandit
I can hear my Mom now……
“Don’t play with those! You’ll put somebody’s eye out!”
–from Joe Lankau
Hey, I thought you would enjoy these for the Sunday Post.
–Art Parry
Yo Bandit,
If you run across any rallies happening in Hawaii or if one of your members just wants to get their scooter there at a reasonable cost, please keep my name for your reference as we operate a ship out of San Diego to Hawaii and offer very reasonable rates on bikes. $399 if its palletized and $499 if we palletize. They don’t have to be crated, we move them strapped below deck on a car carrier vessel.
Dana P Marks
Hawaii Sales Manager
Pasha Relocation Services
5882 Bolsa Ave., Suite 200
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Tel: 714 889-2467
Fax: 714 889-4033
Cell: 562 449-5332
We’re in the process of working with Rigid Frame Richard (photog) and Kent Weeks, from Lucky Devil Metal Works on two tech tips. We have a 5-speed kicker system being installed with and easy-pull clutch mechanism from Germany.
Next Bret Barker is supplying us with a new Geroter oil pump for installation and testing.
“I have arranged to get you a sample gerotor oil pump to test and write about. Also, I need to know if you are running an S&S, OEM or Revtech shaft as this dictates which drive gears you get.”
“Let me know and I’ll get it out as soon as I can. What are you installing it on? Beat the hell out of it please!”
–Bret Barker
“bretbarker”
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – Nov. 16, 2005 – Saxon Motorcycle Company today announced that they have added Mark Long Cycles, located in Fredericksburg, to their growing dealer network. Saxon Motorcycle Company is known for offering semi-custom production motorcycles with unparalleled performance and reliability at a reasonable price.
“We bring on dealers that believe in the Saxon philosophy of customer service and want to be an active part of our growing dealer network,” said David Schwam, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By partnering with dealers like Mark Long Cycles, we are confident that we can continue to develop our reputation as a quality manufacturer of great looking American-made motorcycles and ensure that our owners get the level of support they deserve.”
The line-up of 2006 Saxon Motorcycles includes five models starting in the low $20’s; The all new Griffin, featuring a massive 300mm rear tire, single down tube and inverted front end, the flagship Warlord chopper, the long and low Firestorm pro-street, and the entry level Sceptre, all of which feature right side drive. The lineup is rounded out with the signature series “old school modernistic” Black Crown, designed by master builder Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods. All of the 2006 models come standard with an S&S engine, a 6-speed transmission, softail suspension and a two year factory warranty.
“Saxon allows us to offer our customers a less expensive custom bike that has all the features of much higher priced lines. They have been getting a ton of attention since they arrived.” said Mark Long, owner of Mark Long Cycles “We like that even though Saxon is a newer company, they really support their dealers. They already have financing in place for customers and all their motorcycles come complete with a two year factory warranty. All of the people that are involved with Saxon are dedicated to building a motorcycle that offers reliability and custom styling at a reasonable price, which are all great selling points.”
SUNDAY SLOW-DOWN–Okay, that’s that. More coming next week. I’m going to take the aluminum gas tank off the Shovel for the third time and get it fixed. It’s leaking. We’ll replace the petcock with a new CCI job with a reserve. Need that reserve. I’m looking forward to a minor overhaul on the Shovel in the near future.
It’s one of those things. I dig the bike, but I’m not happy with some elements. I can’t take the plugs out of the heads without pulling the threads. I’ve green Loctite’d them, but they still won’t hold. I’m going to replace they only old factory part on the bike with S&S heads, then I’m going to re-align the intake manifold, and I might remove the copper hard lines, since they are mounted to a rubbermounted oil bag and are threatening to crack. Or I’m going to remake them with vibration dampening fittings. There’s a couple of other items I’m going to dial in for an even more reliable ride.
Have a helluva holiday. Man its beautiful today. Maybe I could squeeze out one more ride.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
