November 5, 2006 Part 1

BIKERNET SUNDAY POST–DREADFUL FULL MOON COVERAGE, GRIPES, ARRESTS AND CONTROVERSY

ACCURATE ENG. BANNER WHITE

Harold p

Wow,

There’s a full moon over Los Angeles, and often that means crazy shit. You’ll witness some of it in the news. This morning I also received a note that the Sturgis Kids and Chrome fundraiser has been replaced with a Hamster fund Raiser, in Sturgis annually, to support Kid’s Charities involving motorcyclists all over the country. Just when we thought this was a long-term effort. It is, but a new name will emerge.

You’ll get a kick out of this news column. Let’s hit it.

Antique breakdown
Hey buddy, can you fix this belt?

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO BUILD U.S. ENGINE PLANT– MILWAUKEE (October 16, 2006) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company will move forward with plans to build an additional U.S. manufacturing and assembly plant outside of Wisconsin for expanded production of Big Twin motorcycle engines and transmissions, in support of the Company’s future needs.

The announcement follows an Oct. 16 vote by members of Harley-Davidson’s largest Milwaukee union, the United Steelworkers (USW), not to accept a plan that would have expanded capacity in Milwaukee, tied to cost reductions and improved manufacturing flexibility.

The Company said that the jobs of current Milwaukee production workers are not at risk in the plan to build a new plant elsewhere in the U.S.

In keeping with its normal practice, Harley-Davidson had advised its international and local unions of the need to add capacity and to do so in a way that would significantly reduce future costs and improve flexibility. The USW subsequently asked the Company to identify the specific wage, benefit and work rule changes that would be needed to keep the expansion in Milwaukee, so that it could consider whether to seek the additional work.

Among other things, those wage and benefit changes would have included a reduced wage rate for new union workforce hires, and migrating union employees to a health care plan that achieves cost savings while still providing a premium level of service.

“We’re disappointed with the vote but we need to address capacity, cost and flexibility in tandem,” said Rod Copes, Vice President and General Manager of Harley-Davidson’s Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls. “The proposal the union voted on would have made expansion here comparable to what we can achieve in a new unionized plant in some other part of the U.S.”

“Harley-Davidson is very successful today and all of us want to keep it that way. That means being good stewards and actively managing costs across the entire organization that could be detrimental to our business over the long term if we don’t start to control them now,” said Copes.

The Company and representatives from the international unions will now work together to find the best possible U.S. location for the new engine and transmission plant.

In the last 10 years, the Company’s annual shipments of models containing Big Twin engines have nearly tripled. The last significant investment in V-Twin production in the Milwaukee area was $175 million between 2004 and 2006. In July 2006, Harley-Davidson introduced the newest generation Big Twin engine – the Twin Cam 96 – to enthusiastic consumer and dealer response.

The Company currently has powertrain manufacturing operations at Wauwatosa, and Menomonee Falls, Wis. and Kansas City, Mo.; final assembly operations at York, Pa. and Kansas City Mo.; and components manufacturing at Tomahawk, Wis.

CONFEDERATE WRAITH

CONFEDERATE MOTORCYCLES ARE ALIVE– I saw something on your Bonneville coverage that suggested a guy named “Leo” designed Goldammer’s front end. After just seeing the Discovery show air, it’s pretty sad to see Goldammer claiming it was his own unique concept. The exact aluminum pieces he used for his multi-links are so similar to my own design on the Wraith, that it almost looks like he used the same CNC program.

In fact, we were at Bonneville in September of 2004 validating the Wraith design. No cartoon-build-off bike TV shows, no bullshit, just good clean Bonneville ingenuity. My new design provides near linear wheel trajectory through it’s travel (an inherent problem with girders), unlike my previous design that Goldammer must have ripped off at the dealer show last year. I’d be happy to show it to anyone who’s interested.

–C. Brian Case, IDSA
Chief Operating Officer
Industrial Design
Confederate Motor Company, Inc.
mailto:bcase@confederate.com
confederate.com
Toll Free: 1-877-324-9888
tel: 205-324-9888
fax: 205-324-8047

CBRIAN CASE saltracer2

Wraith

Response from Leo Di Orio– It’s my understanding that Confederate motorcycles or an engineer from Confederate motorcycles has contacted you about Roger Goldammer copying their girder. Let me shine some light on this first, and most important I have known Roger as a friend and customer from the beginning of his climb to the top of the custom motorcycle Industry. Not only is he limitless in styling, he and his small crew have the talent and drive to make it come to reality. They have never taken credit for something they didn’t do and they didn’t take credit for this.

Rogers bike
Here’s a shot of Roger’s bike. It set a record at Bubs Bonneville and won the Discovery build-off.

I designed this version of a girder front-end and Roger used it because of its tune-ability and style. Here is some information about this front-end. This one is built with upper and lower control arms like every girder. My background in motorsports led me to building the legs out of streamline tubing much like that used on the rear wing mounts of top fuel cars (light, strong and stylish ). I built one completely out of tubing about four years ago. The choice to machine the A arms from solids was based on the fact that they are built to order so the arm lengths change with every application (with welding you need a new fixture every time with computerized milling it only requires a limited computer time and your back at it). As far as the legs go you might find this information interesting. A fellow named Dave Cody, a major talent and great concept artist and one of the best frame guys in north America motorcycle industry, drew a similar concept front end in 2003. I met another builder in Bonneville, he built a girder like mine, with the same streamline tubing and it held a land speed record. I think in the early ’80s, his name was Dennis Manning. Just a week ago a guy sent me a picture of a turbo charged flathead with a streamlined girder for salt flats

I have looked at the girder offered on the Confederate. It has two distinct features separating it from the girders mentioned. One is the distinct carbon blades. The only other place I have seen this is on the late John Britton’s bikes. He built girders that are far superior and proven. The Britton group build Carbon blade girders over a decade ago .

roger goldammer bike

The other feature that is distinct is the suspension in the neck itself. I have seen this feature on more than one occasion long before the Wrath existed. I’m not sure, but I believe that’s how the bike in the World’s Fastest Indian worked in the late ’60s. I met the guy who holds the patent on the girder suspension in the neck. He’s from Detroit and he had nothing to due with Confederate when I met him. The most unique features on Roger’s front end are radial brakes and an adjustable shock built by Penske mounted in a conventional manner for easy access. None of the other front ends mentioned contain this element.

Respectfully
–Leo DiOrio

The point Leo is making is well taken. About the time I think I’m doing something unique to one of my bikes, I spot it in an old chopper book.

I’m please to see Confederate on the road. I have always been impressed with their bikes and wish them the best.

–Bandit

CALIFORNIA GOES HANDS-FREE– California lawmakers have joined New York and New Jersey in requiring drivers to use hands-free headsets, earbuds or speaker phones.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the ban on handheld cell phone use while driving, and the new law goes into effect in July 2008. Violators face a whopping $20 base penalty – local fees can be added in – that rises to $50 for subsequent offenses.

LAW OF NATURAL SELECTION– “2 Killed In Motorcycle Crash; Police Say Rider Was On Phone. On October 9, a man and his wife were killed when the motorcycle they were riding missed a curve and ran into a concrete median in Ellettsville, Indiana, and police report that the driver was simultaneously talking on a cell phone and operating the motorcycle when the crash happened. Neither was wearing a helmet.”

This newspaper report was sent to us by Tiger Mike Revere, State Director of ABATE of Oklahoma and member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors. He has this to add as editorial:

“This is one heck of a shame, especially when so many of us are actively campaigning to reduce the number of motorcyclist deaths and injuries associated with OTHERS yakking on cell phones! We certainly don’t need to contribute to these totals ourselves by violating the Law Of Natural Selection, which is always out there to weed out the stupid,” said Tiger Mike, adding “Of course, the idiot media had to address that they weren’t wearing a helmet, but I don’t think it would’ve mattered in this case. The most important piece of safety equipment that needed to be used wasn’t, and that is what’s UNDER the helmet, not the helmet itself!”

MONTANA FACES HELMET LAW THREAT– In a request sent to NCOM News Bytes from AMA Chairman Dal Smilie; “The MT Head Injury group is having a state Senator draft a helmet bill. First one they have tried in Montana since the early ’80s,” going on to explain that ABATE of Montana is an NCOM Member Group that may need assistance “since we have not had a helmet law in a long time. So, let the folks out there know.”

Glen Fengstad, one of the leaders of ABATE of Montana, and Vice Chairman of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, reported during the 2006 NCOM Convention that “Montana was vulnerable, and it seems to be coming to pass. We have a new State Board, which seems to be very ‘gung-Ho’ and hopefully with guidance of Dal and myself and a few other ‘old hands’ we will again stave off this threat.”

ANGRY DRUNK DRIVER RUNS HIMSELF OVER– A drunk driver, who drove at a gang of bikers while waving a pool cue, ran himself over after getting out of his car. The 50-year-old was driving along Highway 4 near Concord, California, when he saw the bikers, many of whom were wearing leather and skull caps.

California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Yox told the San Francisco Chronicle the man waved a pool cue at the bikers and swerved his car towards them. The bikers split into two groups to get away and the irate driver aimed his car at two bikers who had pulled off the highway. He got out of his car with the pool cue – but before he could do anything, he was knocked down by his own car which had been left in reverse. The man was knocked into the highway and his car reversed into the center divider. Some of the bikers grabbed him and pulled him out of danger.

Authorities said they had no idea why Brooks reacted the way he did to the bikers, who kept calm and didn’t retaliate. “We don’t believe they went to fisticuffs with him,” said Officer Yox. The man suffered cuts and scratches and was taken to a near by hospital. He could face charges of assault with a deadly weapon and drink driving.

WIERDER NEWS: SOBER BIKER RUNS HIMSELF OVER– A 17-year-old youth allowed 408 vehicles go over his body in Orissa’s Malkangiri district in India. Debraj Senapati, who practices martial arts, placed himself between two wooden slabs on a mud field and allowed the vehicles – 404 motorcycles and four cars – to run over his stomach one by one in 20 minutes in the presence of thousands of people on October 9th.

In the past, Senapati had allowed 70 vehicles – all motorcycles – to run over his body. He now plans to break the world record by allowing 500 motorcycles and five cars to run over his body.

“I aim to create a world record,” Senapati was quoted as saying by a local newspaper.

Big Dog Banner

BIG DOG BULLDOG GRABS AWARD–WICHITA, Kansas (September 25, 2006) – Big Dog Motorcycles, the leader in the high-style cruiser niche and number two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, announced that its award-winning Bulldog, named the 2005 V-Twin Bike of the Year and one of Robb Report magazine’s 2005 Best Bikes, receives improved performance and style details for 2007.

Most notably, the new Bulldog – with style refinements such as a massive 300 rear tire and curved down tubes – is the company’s first motorcycle to adopt electronic fuel injection.

“After the 2005 Bulldog won the industry’s top award, it was a tough decision to take it out of the 2006 line-up,” explained Nick Messer, President, Big Dog Motorcycles. “But we knew, with more engineering, we could make it even cooler. On the new Bulldog, we integrated sleek styling with more performance features and style refinements, and in turn, reinvented the pro-street custom cruiser.”

“The new generation Bulldog is second to none,” Messer continued.

BIKERNET READER TECH RULES– Just read the story on the rare EFI problem and quick fix by E-Man and J Humble on Bikernet. This is excellent and the type of information readers need to file in the nether-regions of their skulls for future reference when broken down on the side of the road in middle of fuckin’ nowhere. I no longer have my E Glide and now have a carbed Fatboy but will have another E Glide next year.

I thank you for this type of article and hope you continue putting out this type of gospel to the two wheel masses. If it can help someone then please post it. I know that you make the decisions and calls as to what is posted and what is not. This is just afirmation that ya made an outfuckinstandin’ call on this one.

–Johnnie Gutierrez
johnniegutierrez@hotmail.com>

Samson

SAMSON REVAMPS ENTIRE PRODUCT LINE– Brea, California, September 2006: Samson Exhaust is making bold moves in the motorcycle industry. Many models of the original Big Guns and Big Guns 2 is being replaced by the all new Big Guns 3. The new Big Guns 3 have the same great styling you are used to see from Samson but with improvements that will make the pipes stronger and more durable. “We have always had the best looking pipes,” said Company President Kenny Price, “and now we have engineered in improvements that will make them a better value to our customers.”

The new Big Guns 3 have one piece 2 _” heat shields that covers the entire pipe. You will never see discoloration with these pipes! The large diameter pipes will attract attention to any bike. The heat shields are made to add to the overall looks and strength of the pipes. Every BG3 system has integrated baffles to produce a deep throaty sound that only come from Samson pipes. The baffles have been specifically tested to improve low end torque and overall performance.

Big Guns 3 are available in Rip Saws, Street Sweepers, Slashers, Cannons, Boloney cut, Big Swoopies, Staggered and Right Side Drive. Many popular Fishtails have been built to the same BG3 standards including Upswept, Side by Side and High/Low Fishtails. See your local dealer today!

Samson Motorcycle Products designs, markets and manufactures premium quality motorcycle exhausts at their state of the art facilities in Brea, CA. Every product has been thoroughly tested to improve performance, enhance appearance and give the sound customers are looking for. As the industry leader in aftermarket exhaust, every part is inspected for the highest quality standards. Samson Motorcycle Products markets products under the Samson®, Caliber® and Shogun® Brand Names. For more information visit our website www.samsonusa.com.


BUELL RIDERS GROUP CANCELED– Since the club’s formation, members of the Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) have been some of Buell Motorcycle Company’s biggest fans and some of our very best mutual customers. Based on the feedback we’ve received from them and from you, we’re making significant changes to BRAG. Specifically, we are phasing out the BRAG membership program, including clubs. This means, effective immediately, we will no longer take membership applications or renewals for membership.

Beginning in November 2006, we will be rolling out a more comprehensive (and we believe better) approach to our interactions with owners. These interactions will primarily take place through www.buell.com and plans for expanded event presence. Most importantly, we’re opening things up to all Buell owners.

Overview: More specifics will be announced over the next few months; until then, here’s an overview of the changes:

A new “Owners” section of www.buell.com is being created. This section will be THE destination to find information about local Buell owner clubs and events, as well as the place to communicate with other Buell owners. Look for these enhancements in early 2007.

FUELL? magazine will continue, and be available at no cost to Buell owners who reside in the United States. Owners simply need to go to the Owners section of www.buell.com and update their online profile to receive FUELL in 2007. If they do not have an online profile, they must create one in order to receive (or to keep receiving) this magazine.

The annual Buell Homecoming will continue and will be open to all Buell owners. It is tentatively planned for June 2007.

We will continue to offer special hospitality for Buell owners at races, rallies and International Motorcycle Shows. In fact, our offerings will be enhanced. Look for more details in the near future.

Some previous BRAG member benefits (e.g., Shipping, Roadside Assistance Program, Travel Insurance) will be available to all Buell owners, for a fee and where applicable.

Local gatherings of Buell riders, such as the Wicked Twisty tours, will continue to be promoted via FUELL and, starting in 2007, at the Owners section of www.buell.com. Existing BRAG clubs are encouraged to continue; however, those with “BRAG” in the title will need to adopt new names. In addition, each dealer will be responsible for obtaining insurance of their club and/or dealer-sponsored events.

Attached is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers so that you are prepared to answer questions Buell owners may have over the next few weeks. These FAQs will also be prominently posted on www.buell.com.

The bottom line is that we are improving the privileges and ownership experience for all Buell owners more than ever before. And we’re giving you the flexibility to engage sport bike customers the best way you see fit in your market.

If you have specific questions about BRAG please call BRAG at 888.432.BRAG. Your SPOC representative can assist with all non-BRAG related inquires.

Best of Roads Ahead,

–Jon Flickinger,
President and Chief Operating Officer

and

Erik Buell,
Founder and Chief Technical Officer

Color postcard
Memorbilia from Bob T.

KNOXVILLE TO GET H.O.G. WILD IN 2007– Harley to hold national rally in Knoxville; event expected to make millions for economy Harley-Davidson is holding its 2007 national rally in Knoxville, according to the company’s Web site. The rally, Harley’s 24th annual, is a major coup for city officials. It would bring in thousands of riders and is expected to generate millions for Knoxville’s local economy. It will be held Aug. 24-25, according to Harley.

“We are thrilled Knoxville has been selected for the H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Rally,” said Janet Muller, director of promotion and marketing for Knoxville Harley-Davidson. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to show off Knoxville to the biking community.”

By CYNTHIA YELDELL, yeldellc@knews.com _November 3, 2006

–from Karl Keierleber

Continued On Page 2

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