Hey
It’s a mellow weekend at the Cantina. We’ve been working our asses off. Sin Wu’s under the headquarters fixing the plumbing while I mounted a console in the ’53 Pan Americana Race Lincoln. It’s running better, the suspension is killer and the transmission was recently rebuilt.
We’re just weeks away from the race effort and still clamoring for sponsorship bucks. We currently have three sponsors: Nick Roberts from Amsoil is putting up all the lubes, Richard Kranzler, a Bikernet reader, and Ray Russell, another Bikernet Reader from Australia volunteered to underwrite the entire effort next year, if we install a diesel engine. We appreciate the support.
We are attempting to raise $10,000 to help up see this effort through. Just a handful of loyal sponsors, at $1,000 a pop, could help us pay our expenses. Let’s hit the news:
Thanks for posting the bit on bike theft. Hope it’s helpful to folks. Speaking of which, you gotta help us B …
Who is that fine thing called “takin tits” from Florida, on the Sunday post? You’re killin’ me Bruddah! Name? Website? Anything? That’s what we call “Wahine Heaven”! Share the Aloha my man!
Mahalo nui, ride on!
–wesmann
Bandit just packed all his shit and moved to Florida
The Brothers at Pyro Tec in Alton, Illinois have put up a sheet metal paint job for our Cantina Door Prize winner. Just sign in and wait. They will paint your fenders, tanks and oil bag in classic style. You pay for the shipping out and they’ll ship it back.
Any additions can be worked out with the crew at Pryo Tec. The winner will be announced 13 November, Love Ride Sunday. Enter the Door Prize Contest and don’t miss out.
In February, 2006 Open Court Publishing Company will be releasing Harley-Davidson and Philosophy, the 18th volume in it hugely successful Popular Culture and Philosophy series. I was hoping, if your schedule allows, that you might review the manuscript and consider providing a comment or two to be used on the back cover.
In Harley-Davidson and Philosophy words like Sturgis, Hollister, and panhead will share the page with Marx, Hobbes, and ethics. Fourteen badass contributors, philosopher/bikers all, give you a piece of their minds in these provocative essays. They address such intriguing questions as: Why are the motorcycles the real stars of the movie Easy Rider? And what?s it like to live a dual life as a philosophy professor who wrenches his own 1965 Electra Glide? What does a Hell?s Angel have in common with a philosopher?
Here, you will encounter bad attitudes. We?ll stick it to the man, we?ll wale on helmet laws, and we?ll put advertisers and cage-riders through the wringer. You?ll also find exciting tales of biking adventure, jokes, and even a cool picture or two.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle, legendary symbol of the outlaw and of American individualism, is the ultimate ride for cool people. This book will be the ultimate read for cool people. But you don?t have to be a member of H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) or any M.C. (motorcycle club). If you?ve ever admired a gleaming Harley or envied its rider or even if you just thought Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was profound, this book is for you.
If you would like to participate in this exciting project, please let me know at your earliest convenience via e-mail or phone and I will forward the manuscript to you immediately.
Carolyn Madia
Marketing and Publicity
Open Court
cmadia@caruspub.com
This is a public message clip and I hope everyone can see it. It’s terrific. http://www.seanfrancisfoundation.com/html/quicktime/spot320.mov p>–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
Before you read this, u better get a sweater,
Cuz this is gonna be one cold ass letter.
You said you loved me and could handle this bit,
But now I know you were just talking shit.
You said you’d visit and write without bail,
But there has been no visit and no fucking mail.
I didn’t think I was askin’ to damn much,
Just $.37 so we could stay in touch.
But that’s alright They got to let me go,
And it ain’t no problem to find another fuckin ho’
And I’ll be out sooner than you think
So you can keep that shit about shortage of dick,
And just one more thing before I ditch,
Go fuck yourself you dirty ass nasty bitch.
–Christopher Livingston
This is a letter from my stepson, who’s in jail, and got screwed around.
–Julie
Almorz Hit’s Concours, Soon To Be On Bikernet
I’m attaching three photos from the Concours: “Wicked” “Kosmic Orange” and “Mr. Big.”
–Al
The NFL announced today that for financial reasons, they had to eliminate one team from the league.
So they’ve decided to combine the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and form one team, therefore saving jobs.
They will be known as the TAMPACKS. Unfortunately, they’re only good for one period and have no second string.
–from Joe Lankau
“Rack ’em Up” is what a chopper should be! No frills, no billet doo-dads, just a clean, no-nonsense ride with classic lines. Buy the Rolling Chassis kit, pick out either our Pandemonium or S&S Shovelhead engine, a RevTech? 4-speed kicker tranny and hook them up together with one of our new 4-speed primary drive kits and you’re well on your way to having a ride that’ll take you right back to the 70’s……. an era when being a “Biker” was a whole different trip!
We’ve put together just the right parts to build a bike that shouts “Cool”!:
Straight leg style rigid frame for chain rear drive. 4″ stretch in down-tubes and 38 degree rake. (Includes frame cups and heavy-duty bearings)
Chromed 41mm billet Triple Trees with 7 degree rake
Bottom mount 12V headlight assembly.
6″ over chromed Fork tubes and dual disc lower leg assembly. (Includes chrome fork boot covers)
16 inch Apehanger handlebars, risers and heavy-duty bushing kit
21″ chromed 40 spoke front wheel (dual flange) with 3.00 X 21″ Avon? ” Speedmaster”? tire, rim strip, tube and axle kit
16″ chromed 40 spoke rear wheel (dual flange) with 5.10 X 16 Avon? “Road Runner”? AM 21 tire, rim strip, tube and axle kit
Chromed 3 1/2 quart side-fill horseshoe oil tank
3.3 gallon Mustang style gas tank with double cap
6″ flat rear fender with chromed tall sissy bar
Chromed Sparto style taillight
Chromed forward control kit with heavy-duty kickstand and bracket
Assorted hardware
Part number 171020, Retail Price $3,999.00
Jammer Cycle Products are distributed exclusively through Custom Chrome. Call 1-800-359-5700 for details.
When the Sons Of Liberty Riders (SOLR) asked me to evaluate Harley-Davidson’s Riders Edge safety training, I jumped at the chance. Having recently taken the Basic Riders Course offered through the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center at the local technical college, I was curious as to what extra training could be expected from a class that is 8 hours longer (24 compared to 16) and $225.00 more ($350 compared to $125). The following is my Riders Edge experience and comparisons to the state administered course.
While the handouts were similar to my first class, there were many examples of Harley-Davidson marketing being inserted into the curriculum. We were told we would have two instructors. Our first day in the classroom was lead by only one instructor who was very polite and also very young. I would guess 25 years old, but she said she had been riding for years. After we introduced ourselves to each other, we took a tour of the dealership. Our host welcomed us to the world of Harley Davidson (H-D) and motorcycling and also explained all of the good things that H-D does for the community and motorcyclists. The millions donated to MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Assoc.) and other local charities, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Harley Owners Group (HOG).
She also explained the dealership’s promotions, hog roasts, and sales programs. We met the salespeople who told us all about the new models of H-Ds and Buells. It was interesting to hear the names given to the paint, both stock and custom. The parts department manager said they have over 44,000 parts in stock for H-Ds built from 1915 to present. Then we met the service manager who told us about the various check up programs they offer. One thousand, three thousand, ten thousand mile check ups, etc. They also offer free storage with service work. The overall message was one of total service. Anything you need, H-D can take care of.
After two hours of orientation, we hit the classroom, where we were asked if we’ve learned anything new about H-D dealerships and what kind of new bikes we would prefer to buy. Then the six of us, three men and three women, looked through the handouts and books. The main knowledge base – the Student Workbook was the same as my previous course, but we went through it very slowly and read the answers to the questions, making sure that everyone understands the material.
One of the most striking differences was in the videos we watched. They seemed very much the same as the state sponsored course, but had an incredible amount of “product placement”. The H-D name was everywhere. From the view of the shifter (H-D logo on boots), handlebars (logo on gloves) to the motorcycles used. To help us to evaluate needed safety gear the instructor brought up products from the dealership’s clothing department. When questioned about the safety of the leather riding gear, our instructor informed us that H-D researches all of their clothing products and they are the best available. This conflicted with what we were taught at the state run course. I clearly remember the instructor from the previous course explaining that although leather provides fairly good protection, when you fall it makes you tumble which results in broken bones while the nylon motorcyclists’ gear makes you slide. Large buckles and gloves with the seams on the inside look good, but could actually hinder your safety.
One of the more curious things I heard was when the instructor told us we would start later the next day to give us more time to shop around. True to her word, the class started at 4:00, not 3:30. But this day was different. The second instructor joined us in the classroom and she was all business. I could tell she was very serious about rider safety training. However, the videos we watched kept emphasizing the H-D logo everywhere. Strange how often the H-D logo was prominently displayed.
On Saturday morning, we headed to the high school parking lot for the on-bike training. This course was approximately the same as my previous course, with the same exercises. I was trying to compare the way the exercises were explained on the state run course. I could immediately tell the difference in our two coaches. The younger instructor was reading instructions from the book forgetting helpful hints for the exercise completion, while the second instructor was very dedicated, passionate and patient, paying attention to each student and providing very detailed explanation for every exercise.
One of the things that bothered all of the students was the choice of training motorcycle. The 492cc Buell Blast, while a single cylinder small bike, is not well suited to the beginning rider. In my view, it is very “touchy” with motor impulses that make the bike jumpy. Most of the range exercises had to be done at a very slow speed. In order to complete them properly the students had to feather the clutch all the time, which was difficult to do for the ones that had never ridden before. Even our instructor killed the Buell while demonstrating. At the state sponsored course, we used a variety of 250cc single cylinder bikes (Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc.), which were very easy to control. That variety also provided you with a choice of the height of the motorcycles, which made some of the taller students feel more comfortable.
On Sunday, we had to wait a while for another student. Our instructors told us that this person flunked the test a few weeks ago and would like to take it again. This was not allowed in my previous class. This new arrival stalled the bike at least a dozen times. The on course exercises were again the same as my previous course. And our older instructor was top notch. However, one of the things that struck me as odd was the amount of attention being paid to the new gal. Seems they were going to make sure she passed this time.
After the tests, we had a “Graduation Celebration” back at the dealership. And again, a marketing survey was taken. “What motorcycle are you most likely to purchase in the future?”, “Would you like to buy a Buell or an H-D?”, etc. We evaluated the instructors and I gave our younger instructor a thumbs down and the second instructor a thumbs up.
Every day during the course our classes would end earlier than scheduled from half an hour to two hours with approximately an hour for lunch during the last two days. Which summed up the total amount of hours during the course to 20 (that is counting the two hours we’ve spent touring the dealership).
Overall, I would rate the knowledge given to novices on the course good. The incredible amount of marketing through the dealership during classes was very time-consuming and distracting. I also noticed that many of the participants made remarks that they will never buy a Buell as they are not user friendly. Yes – I would recommend Rider Safety Skills training to my fellow beginning riders only through the state sponsored program.
In closing, I want to thank the Sons Of Liberty Riders for sponsoring my additional training. Safety riding skills training is very important to me.
–Olga
–from Rogue
Is Harley behind wanting to make motorcycle courses mandatory? It sure appears that way. More money for the factory.–Rogue
The latest ploy to defeat the Iraqis terrorists is to send in a team of Tennessee Army Special Forces.
Billy Bob, Billy Joe, Billy Ray, Bubba, Boo Boo, Scooter, Slick, Bucky & Cooter are being sent in with their 1968 Ford four wheel drive pickup trucks. They will be given only the following information about the enemy:
1. There is no limit.
2. The season opened last weekend.
3. They taste like chicken.
4. They don’t like women, beer, pickup trucks, country music, barbecue,or Jesus.
5. They were responsible for Dale Earnhardt’s death.
It should be over in about a week.
–from Jack Drew
Paughco, manufacturers of the most respected and sought after line of custom and OEM style Springer front ends, recently unveiled an entirely new collection of their trend setting TAPERED LEG SPRINGERS. Featuring the company’s exclusive, tapered rear legs they are superior in strength and more closely resemble the original factory front ends than any other springer on the market.
These latest legs are offered in sizes ranging from stock to 24 inches over in increments of 3 inches. Lengths 15-24-inch over units are supplied with 3 degrees of additional rake only.
You can order either the traditional “Wide” style with or without the factory style shock, or you can choose Paughco’s popular Narrow Chopper design.
While the standard finish is Paughco’s legendary chrome, bare metal or powder coat are offered as options.
100% manufactured in the USA, from the sizing and intricate tapering process through meticulous welding, polishing and in house chrome, Paughco’s latest collection of TAPERED LEG SPRINGERS represent the very finest in American craftsmanship and ingenuity.
You can catch the entire Paughco lineup at
Nightclubs can’t hold wet T-shirt contests in Myrtle Beach unless they are located in an area zoned for sexually oriented businesses, a judge has ruled.
A temporary restraining order was placed Tuesday against three nightclubs. It will remain in effect until a hearing can be held to decide whether the order should be made permanent.
One of the nightclubs, the Freaky Tiki, will appeal, saying the zoning laws are too broad and violate free speech and equal protection rights, lawyer Ralph Wilson said.
The other two nightclubs, Hog Wild and Marti’s, don’t plan to fight the injunction. During the hearing, Judge Stan Cross heard from undercover officers who say the contests often get racier and racier until the contests end up nude.
Cross also watched a video of a contest, but asked City Attorney Michael Battle to turn it off before it ended, saying “I think we’ve seen enough.”
–from Rogue
Three friends from the local congregation were asked, “When you’re in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?
Artie said: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.”
Eugene commented: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people’s lives.”
Don said: “I’d like them to say, “Hey look, he’s moving!”
–from Chris T.
There is a $5,000 reward out for information on the whereabouts of a missing biker known as “Big Red.” Melinda Moore rode off on her bike a little more than a week ago. The 6-foot-tall redheaded motorcycle enthusiast from Santa Rosa has not been seen for 8 days. Police say she missed class at Santa Rosa Junior College last Monday morning.
That same day, the 40-year-old reportedly dressed in her leather riding attire, and headed out on her motorcycle.
“She didn’t take her books. She didn’t take her cell phone,” says Moore’s friend Kim Davalos. “She didn’t take cash that was available to her here. There’s been no activity on her credit card. There’s been no activity on her bankcard. She just vanished.”
A massive grass roots search is now underway. Her friends have put together a website, and motorcycle riders have fanned out all over the Bay Area. They’re hoping somebody has seen a sign of their friend.
Police say there is no indication Melinda Moore was taken against her will or any other kind of foul play. Their primary concern right now is that she may have crashed her bike on the side of the road.
“My biggest worry is that she fell off the side of the road somewhere and she’s hurt,” says Moore’s fianc? Mark Hindeman. Police say Melinda may have been depressed, and that she often took a ride when she was upset. Investigators say they’ve talked to her fianc? several times. They say he is fully cooperating, and is not a suspect in her disappearance.
“We’re very, very, very much in love,” Hindeman says. “We’re going to get married this spring ? I don’t know what else to say. I just ? I want her back.”
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Santa Rosa Police Department.
Chris Hill or ChromeServices.com have designed a glide leg cap, the final detail to any glide front end. They will be available in _ or 1-inch axle sizes. He also offers a chromed out set of lower legs with the cap.
Bob met Sharon in a Bandit’s Cantina. Everybody gets lucky at the Cantina. They enjoyed each other’s company very much and at the end of he evening Sharon invited Bob to her place, where they quickly got involved in a very passionate and energetic session in bed together.
Finally, tired and satisfied, they both lay back in the bed and snuggled up close to each other. After a short while, Sharon began tenderly stroking Bob’s manhood. Surprised but appreciative, Bob comments, “Surely you can?t be ready for more already?
Sharon replies, “No, but every now and then I get a bit nostalgic, and I miss the days when I had mine.” Oops!
I BETTER ESCAPE AFTER THAT JOKE–Next week I’ll fly to Richmond, Virginia for Departure Bike Works 30th Anniversary party. We’ll hook up with Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron and discuss the tribute party for Gary, his long time associate. “I spent more time with Gary than I did my wife,” Randy said of his bro.
Randy’s memorial will take place on the weekend of Halloween. If you’re in the neighborhood, Lynchburg, Virginia, don’t miss it. Paul Cox and a bunch of other famous builders will be on hand.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
