BIKERNET THURSDAY GOOSE, DUCK AND PEACH OR CHERRY PIE NEWS

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ZIPPERS NITROUS SYSTEMS WILL LIGHT YOUR FIRE–ThunderMax N.A.D.S. is a complete bolt-on nitrous system. Add up to 25 to 40 additional horsepower! All nitrous override functions are completely controlled by the ThunderMax, unlike other devises TMax NADS requires only one base map for all engine operation. Fits 2001-2010 Big Twin Delphi Fuel Injected Harleys (except 2008-2010 FLH models)

Note: Installation is (bolt on) for 96 CI engines with aftermarket exhaust. Modified engines or larger displacement engines will require larger injectors and custom mapping for proper, safe operation of the engine when Nitrous is activated

Expert installation of this product is available by qualified dealers Please contact Zipper’s Performance for more information: Phone: (410)579-2828 or Email: Zippers@ZippersPerformance.com

Simple installation
Includes: Backing plate, Zipper’s HiFlow air filter, arming switch, nitrous solenoid, and injector nozzle
Brackets available to mount the 12-oz bottle to Softails, Dynas and FLs

Legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway. Actually nothing is legal in California, including Bikernet.com staff offices, motorcycles, and women. We are moving to a small island off the coast of Portugal.

15% Off,FreeGroundShipping

This item qualifies for a special promotional 15% discount and FREE GROUND FREIGHT in the lower 48 states within the continental U.S.A.

To order, call Zipper’s Performance Products at 410-379-0909Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM E.S.T.Orders received by 5pm E.S.T. ship same day!

SUNDAY POST REVIEWED–Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Great Sunday post in Bandit’s Cantina…I don’t know how you do it! Got the DVD’s from Hupy & Abraham…fast service! Keep the info and tech coming…Bikernet is the #1 source for all things on two wheels and much more! Whiskey,women and wind!

Ride hard!
–Mike

Quick, Join the Cantina

Avoid getting busted, but know your rights, if it happens. Click on this banner to order your safety net tutorial DVD.

BIKERNET OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS CONTEST– Once again, I was disqualified from my neighborhood?s “Best Decorated House” contest!

–Charles P.

Robotic Hamsters Sell Out at Walmart–Nov. 15 (Bloomberg) — Selling retailers on this season?s must-have toy, robotic hamsters called Zhu Zhu Pets, was like gambling millions in blackjack, said creator Russell Hornsby.

?This is a Christmas where a lot of people didn?t want to take big risks,? Hornsby, 56, founder and chief executive officer of closely held Cepia LLC, said in a telephone interview. ?You?re gambling because you?re selling to kids. That?s a pretty fickle group.?

The bet is paying off. U.S. and U.K. retailers, such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Toys ?R? Us Inc. and Tesco Plc, can?t keep them in stock. Target is limiting them to four per customer. Some parents are resorting to Amazon.com, where the critters sell for at least twice the $8-to-$10 price.

?It?s the hottest toy I?ve seen since I?ve been at Toys ?R? Us, and old-timers tell me this is one of the hottest toys in history,? said CEO Jerry Storch, 53. He has been at Toys ?R? Us for almost four years.

A must-have toy may spur more foot traffic and purchases at retailers, and Zhu Zhu Pets is the first since Mattel Inc.?s 10th anniversary Tickle Me Elmo in 2006 to spark as much buzz, said Gerrick Johnson, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. He projects sales of $50 million this year.

U.S. consumers plan to spend 30 percent less this season, according to a survey by Port Washington, New York-based NPD Group Inc.

–from Louis Kimzey

Promise us you won’t shop at Wal-Mart this year. Buy American.

500,000th Care Package Celebration on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 9am-1pm– We will assemble this milestone package and publicly acknowledge the many donors, supporters and volunteers that have enabled us to reach this great goal.

California National Guard Armory in Van Nuys
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(corner of Victory and Louise).

The Celebration will be part of our regular workday of assembling packages. The Assembly Line will open at 9am. The 500,000th package will hit the line at about 11:15am. When that happens, we will halt all activity, gather everyone together (we are likely to have 800-1000 people at that point) and start the Celebration program, during which I will introduce dignitaries (Military and Political), Celebrities, Special Supporters and the Corporate Sponsors and volunteer groups that are present.

Santa Claus will arrive with the special “gift” to be included in the package. Immediately following that, we will organize a mass photo op of everyone in the facility to use for the Magazine and Greeting Card for next year’s Drives.

We will serve lunch to everyone in attendance.

Please email or call Marty Martin (ptmarty@aol.com ; 310.476.5653 or 310.569.9156) with any questions about the 500,000th Package Celebration on December 19th and to let us know if you will attend so I can greet you personally and introduce you during the program. We can provide information on travel arrangements and local hotels.

BANDIT RECOGNIZED IN LASTEST ISSUE OF HORSE–Just got the latest issue of THE HORSE. Congratulations on being on of top 5 editors of all time! In my book, you are #1 !!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Nyla!

–Mike Pullin

Thanks, that’s cool, and I want to congratulate Frank Kaisler for coming in first. He was always the tech mastermind. Ed Roth, I believe, was next on the list, then Lou Kimzey (my boss and the EASYRIDERS mastermind), me and Snow, the original HORSE editor. I’m goddamn honored. Do I get a bottle of whiskey?–Bandit

BIG BEAR CHOPPERS HITS TV SCREENS–Big Bear Choppers will be featured as part of the Discovery Channels High Definition Sneak Peak week the show is ?World?s most expensive rides? playing for 3 days, check Discovery HDTV for your local listings. I am not sure we are on Part one or two so watch both to be safe!

–Mona Alsop
Vice President,Big Bear ChoppersBig Bear Lake, Calif.
Phone (909)878-4340

THANKS FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL HUPY–We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and we wanted to share some things we are thankful for. First, we are thankful that you are part of our news family and we hope you continue to look forward to receiving bits of news we think are of interest to bikers. We are happy to see Erik Buell is establishing a new business, Erik Buell Racing.

We are also happy to announce that William Shatner is the new spokesperson for Hupy and Abraham, S.C, and we’re grateful that we are able to assist Rescue Riders again by donating much needed funds to continue training riders in Accident Scene Management. Please enjoy these articles and we hope you and your family have a joyous holiday season.

DELTA CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY WEATHER REPORT–With the holidays upon us, I thought I’d share a Delta hospitality tip with ya since we river folk like to feel we’re prepared for most anything. In case out-of-towners decide to drop in, the planters can always be called in to service.

–River Rat

NASH SPORTSTER FRAME–Have you been looking for that frame that resembles how the old school guys used to do it back in the day? This frame is exactly what you?re looking for! Designed by Rowdy in the late 70?s, a long time die hard rider, this frame doesn?t get any closer to being the real deal. Built out of a 160 wall 7/8?s tubing, and designed specifically for your next retro build.

This frame has a 38 degree rake, 1? stretch in the backbone and 2? stretch in the down tube. Built for sportster engines, but if you?re interested in this frame for Big Twin application or have any other questions feel free to give us a call.

Anybody can join Sema, large companies, small, dealers and individuals.

AUSTRALIAN JOURNALIST RECOGNIZES BIKERNET EFFORT TO FORM MOTORCYCLE COUNCIL WITHIN SEMA ORGANIZATION–On behalf of motorcyclists everywhere I thank you for your ongoing (andobviously time consuming) efforts to advance our cause.

Good luck withfurther progress in this area.

Cheers
–Doc

STROKERS’ DALLAS KEEPS THE PARTY GOING OVER THE HOLIDAYS–Saturday, December 19th is Strokers’ Annual Holiday Open House.

We will have prizes and giveaways all day. If you donate a canned orpackaged food to our Holiday Food Drive, you will receive raffle ticketseligible for major gift items all day. Drawings will be held every hour foritems including a leather jacket, brass balls bobber seat, gloves, chaps,Strokers Merchandise, and much more.

Every purchase on Saturday is eligible for a discount or free gift. Drawyour “gift” at the register and see what you win!

Get your pictures taken with Santa and Sexy Ms Claus all day. First 30 kidsget a free Texas Rangers Bobblehead.

It is also the Official Pre-Party for the Big Texas Toy Run. They will behere auctioning off VIP ride packages and much more.

C-Ya there!

–Meghan DeFreeuw
Strokers Dallas and Strokers Ice House
9304 Harry Hines
Dallas, TX 75235
214-357-0707
meghan@strokersdallas.com
www.strokersdallas.com

NEW HOT ROD HOLLEY New 850 and 950 Street HP Carburetors–Bowling Green, KY ? Holley Performance Products is proud to announce the introduction of two new Street HP Carburetors in 850 CFM (P/N 0-82851) and 950 CFM (P/N 082951).

Street HPs have gained a reputation for great performance at a great price. Although they are called Street HPs they are equally at home on the track. They feature the popular Holley HP Series race-ready mainbody, but are calibrated for street/strip duty. The base plate has several vacuum ports to cover PCV, power brakes etc.

Other features include mechanical secondaries for optimum tire-turning performance, power valve blow out protection, non-stick gaskets, adjustable air bleeds, four corner idle system, Ford kick-down and down leg boosters.

Their larger CFMs make them perfect for hot small blocks as well as big blocks. Street HPs have been available for sometime in 650 and 750 CFM.For more information contact Holley Tech Service, 1801 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Telephone 270-781-9741 (now available on Saturdays). For nearest dealer: 1-800-HOLLEY-1. Or visit us on the web at www.holley.com

CONFEDERATE MOTORS ANNOUNCES NEW APPAREL LINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KUSHITANI–New line will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Birmingham, Ala. – Confederate Motors, Inc., the premiere American-made luxury motorcycle manufacturing company, will unveil a new apparel line, created exclusively for Confederate by Kushitani at the Los Angeles Auto Show December 4-13.

“It’s a thrilling time to be a part of Confederate,” Matt Chambers, CEO and founder of Confederate Motors, said. “We have made some important and exciting partnerships with the world’s best creators of motorcycle apparel and helmets and it is an honor to be able to provide these items for our current and future clients.” Chambers spent several years meeting with the world’s top clothiers before developing an exclusive line of motorcycle apparel with world-renowned Kushitani. Designed exclusively for Confederate, Kushitani will hand craft two leather jackets and a leather jean for the company.

“We were immediately impressed with the caliber of materials and hand-craftsmanship that went into the creation of our new apparel line,” Chambers said. “It’s not easy to match our sensibilities for design, style and luxury, but Kushitani rose far above the challenge and we could not be happier with the end product. We are ecstatic for the opportunity to show off the new line at the LA Auto Show.”

Also on hand at the LA Auto Show will be the latest Confederate creation, the P120 Fighter Combat. As with previous Confederate models, the new Fighter has caused a sensation amongst motoring connoisseurs. Incorporating a massive 120cu motor (1966cc) into a lightweight aluminum frame, producing an astounding 145 foot pounds of torque and 160 rear wheel horsepower, the agile and powerful machine also takes Confederate’s hallmark design to new heights, resulting in a creation that can only be described as breathtaking.

.38 Special Returns to Sturgis at the Broken Spoke Campground–Sturgis, SD- November 23, 2009- The Broken Spoke Campground is proud to announce the booking of .38 Special for the 70th Anniversary Sturgis Rally. After the great response from their standing room only show last year, it was necessary to bring them back again. They will be tearing up the stage on Sunday, August 8, 2010, belting out all of the songs you love to hear. Be sure to check out their website for more tour dates, www.38special.com.

All concerts are free when you camp at the Broken Spoke Campground, and for a limited time, camping is available for only $99 per person, plus tax. Camping rates will increase on January 1, 2010. For more information on the 70th Sturgis Rally at the Broken Spoke Campground, please go to www.brokenspokecampground.com.

To see all of the new updates for all of the Broken Spoke Saloons, please go to www.brokenspokesaloon.com.

SCOTT JACOBS COFFEE TABLE ART BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS–Scott?s new 300+ page coffee table book will arrive in the states from Singapore tomorrow according to our shipper.

Scott had the first 500 units airlifted in ($$$) so we could get your orders sent in time for the holidays. Confirmation that your order was received will either be the charge to your credit card or deposited check. Your assistance is greatly appreciated due to the multitude of orders we have received. Sorry the books were so delayed but believe me you will love it when you get your copy as it covers Scott Jacobs? whole career and every painting he?s done is in the book. FYI: Out of 500 units in first shipment, only 45 remain unsold. We will take orders from now until they are sold out by date and time of the incoming emails. They WILL go fast so don?t wait if you want one. The price is $55 with signed personal dedication and $15 shipping.

Also, many thanks to those of you who took advantage of the Holiday Special and for those who are still considering, here is a recap: Buy a large canvas framed from our extensive inventory of images and you get a medium sized canvas framed, absolutely FREE. Its your choice of which two images you want and we can also send them to separate addresses (Christmas gifts?) We will guarantee delivery by Christmas if your order is received either via email or phone by Sunday Nov. 29th.

Go to website to see selections and pick any two available. http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/ghd/at_journeys_end.html

ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES: buy ?Invitation Only? large framed for $1995 (includes signed bottle of wine) and get ?At Journey?s End? framed ($1300 value FREE)

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Saxon Assembly Line Sweat Shop

/ Behind The Scenes, Free Departments / November 26, 2009

Madmen riders and writes brave enough to take the Saxon assembly line tour.

I woke up this morning with the head of my girlfriend’s dog (I called it the rat dog, it was so small), pinned to the pillow beside my head with a note. Remember last summer, Mofo, the Saxon ride to the desert. You need to write an article about they’re factory or die trying. Oh, what’s with your ol’ lady’s dog? Didn’t put up much of a fight.—X

Saxon Black Crown designed by Gard Hollinger.

It took me months to get over the peyote buttons the girls at Rocky Point slipped into my cheap tequila shots. I thought for sure they wanted desperately for me to forget that weekend. I didn’t know whether to pack my shit and run or celebrate the death of that fuckin’ rat she called a dog.

I got out of bed and washed the speckles of blood off my face, and tried to remember the Saxon Plant in Mesa Arizona just 50 miles south of Phoenix.

It started to come back to me. It reminded me of a dusty berg on the outskirts of Vegas, in the desert, where you take people to bury them in shallow graves. I remember looking around and wondering, at the time, if that was my fate. The decrepit town was filtering back into my memory. I remembered one Spanish mission, a faded Foster’s Freeze and a bar. Then on the outskirts of town we came across a residential area that reminded me of something out of one of those dust bowl, depression era movies. No pavement streets, straddled with tents and plywood shanties, thin emasculated women wore tattered, faded threads carrying buckets of water from one stone well.

Tough looking crowd works at Saxon.

Just beyond the nasty smell of open privies stood the massive block encased Saxon Assembly Plant, except it looked like a federal prison facility surrounded by hot wired 15-foot chain-link fencing laced with barbed wire and topped with rolls of jagged concentration camp concertina wire.

John Bishopp, the head engineer, program planner, assembly line designer and boss, telling me how the hog ate the cabbage.

I tried to remember whether there were armed guard posts at the corners? I think the peyote kicked in as we pulled up to the gates and David Schwam, the Marketing director jumped out of the jet black, Saxon Humvee, screaming at starving, sullen women begging at the gates. From nowhere he snatched a leather riding crop and began to lash at them in a madman’s rage. “Get these bitches away from the gates,” He snarled whipping their frail sun burnt backs. “I told the manager we were bringing the press.”

All Saxon components are checked.

I attempted not to stare. The women weren’t pleading for food, although they needed it bad. They were begging for the return of their men. I didn’t get it. They looked as though they had taken up housekeeping outside the vast iron gates. Our entourage crept past the weeping damsels into the guarded Saxon Fortress.

Saxon wiring master making sure all wire looms are protected with heat shrink tubing.

I half expected to find a line of small Chinese men lashed together with chains, building Saxon motorcycles. Was it the Peyote or the strange smoke I had with breakfast that was making me paranoid and vividly imaginary. The Saxon partners immediately led us into a lavish conference room and disappeared. I had the munchies and dove into the donut buffet, steaming java and juices. The smoke induced paranoia that seemed prevalent among this array of motojournalists seemed to suddenly diminish and I noticed a giggling banter pick-up between the editors and writers. I looked at the sugarcoated donuts and wondered, then I noticed a mist filtering from the air-conditioning vents. Suddenly I was laughing with the rest of them and life seemed immersed in joy. The Saxon team returned to give us a full tour of their new facility.

Saxon king pin partner. We call him Rocky.

The Saxon partners bought the 65,000 square foot building and rebuilt every element from the wiring to the office interiors, roofing and insulation to avoid the strident Arizona desert temps. I suddenly felt comfortable and lucid as if I had snorted brain Drano laced with Valium. I couldn’t find the Chinese laundry with forced labor. The facility was clean and open as if a bunch of partners working together to build bikes in ideal surroundings. Even the offices were open with windows facing the small assembly line in the middle of the vast concrete industrial building. It was as if the master builders worked and could signal to the plant manager, or the supply clerk for help, questions or ordering concerns.

Young Saxon team members.

Saxon kicked off their bike building process, a year ago, with two man teams in cells building bikes. Each team built a bike from start to finish and they produced eight bikes a week. Saxon bikes began to sell and the crew sensed a need for elevated numbers. The Saxon partners hired John Bishopp, with a vast 17-year background in the auto industry. John grew up in engineering, program management, to become a product line director and ultimately the director of operations for an automotive plant.

Another Saxon Warrior.

I got the impression he was imprisoned aboard a container ship and forced into the Table Top Wilderness to build motorcycles. I shook my head and snorted another line of powder off my donut. I’ve been to the Harley-Davidson factory. I’ve seen automobile assembly operations and this was a miniature by comparison, but it was cool, like a close family operation or Santa’s Elves making toys. That’s a tough one to swallow, but imagine if you had to set up a system to build all your brothers tight, fast choppers. Imagine the perfect scenario—that’s the Saxon Plant.

A tuning table used to inspect all the bikes after their 30-mile test ride.

“We started the assembly line with the bike building tables,” John said. “We added wheels and a small track and we were underway.”

The small shit is organized and easy to access.

The track, tables and tools are arranged in the center of this industrial building and surround by sub-departments that work to feed the line complete assemblies and components to make the line assembly operation as efficient and assembly-friendly as possible. It’s the same crew who started in the Saxon build teams.

All frames are powder coated for a lasting durable finish.

The Saxon warriors now produce 16 bikes a week and each custom motorcycle is road tested for 30 miles and quality inspected and tuned afterwards.

Saxon uses warranteed S&S engines exclusively.

“Our assembly line is based on the Kaizen, Japanese philosophy,” John said. “It’s a thought process that revolves around continuous improvement and sequential assembly.” Stage one involved adding the power train to the frame that’s partially assembled in a sub-assembly area. Station II adds forks, wheels, pulleys and belts. Station or stage III is all about electrical. Stage IV includes all sheet metal and adding fluids to the finished motorcycle.

Custom Black Crown oil bags.

The Sub Stations surrounding the line included wheels sets, mounting tires, rotors, and pulleys. Handlebars are pre-wired, controls and gauges added and cables matched so they go right onto the forks on the assembly line during stage III. The frames are pre-prepped as mentioned before, with neck bearings, swingarms, motor mounts and exhaust mounts. The engines are brought to the line with carbs in place, ignition set and tuned and prepped for final assembly.

Pre-paint gas tanks.

That’s the basics, but keeping the ball rolling involves all aspects of the team working together. “Getting and keeping the parts flowing is a constant hurtle,” John said. “We give our suppliers a six month forecast to keep them appraised of our building needs. We back that with six to eight week purchase orders. This is especially important for frame, and sheet metal manufacturers. We work predominately with Phoenix and Southern California suppliers, so shipping obstacles are minimized.”

Wheels rims are powder coated then the sub area laces, trues, fits tires, and adds the bearing for the assembly gang.

Eight men run the assembly line and everyday they look for quality and assembly improvements. Since the purchasing and support staff is only a few feet away, the reaction time to make corrections was cut significantly. Every element involved in building Saxon motorcycles is checked daily. Oil bags were tough to install and a line mechanic made a suggestion that was implemented immediately and improve the assembly process. Another item caused the team to scratch the frame during assembly. A special guard tool was designed to prevent the damage and added to the line in a day. If a product error was discovered, purchasing passed the word immediately to the vendor to prevent the problem at the manufacturing level. “The production manager, Jack Frye, spends 95 percent of his time on the floor, working with the assembly team,” John said.

“By engaging the employees in the building process and listening, we’ve reduced quality issues by 30 percent.”

This Saxon plant will build 760 Saxon motorcycles this year and projects to construct 1,100 in 2007. Suddenly I felt rats running up my legs and I freaked. I could swear I saw little Chinese guys in chains crying out for their women at the gates. A couple of guys grabbed me and pushed me toward the Gard Hollinger designed Saxon Black Crown. I straddled it as paranoia raged up my spine. I cut a dusty trail toward the Mexican border.

This guy looks like he’s on drugs, right?

I’m still wondering where I ended up. A sandy beach over looking the Las Palmas resort, or was it a lap dance is a dusty bar in a small coastal town surrounded by Federales lifting our gear from that Humvee? I still don’t know what really happened.

Chris Maida, the editor of American Iron, was always out of focus.

Chris Maida flying toward the border.

Now I remember the reason we were hauling ass through the desert, besides it was 110 degrees.

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November 26, 2009 Part 3

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