HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION FROM BIKERNET!

Continued From Page 3

MASTER MECHANIC, ROGUE, USES ONLY SPECTRO OILS–I just did the 1,000 mile service on my new 2009 Electra Glide Classic.I changed the engine, transmission and primary oils to SPECTRO because of how well they have worked in my other motorcycles.

Oils used were Spectro Golden Semi-Synthetic 20/50 in the engine. Spectro 6 Speed Full Synthetic in the transmission and Spectro Heavy Duty in the primary

–Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com

MEMO FROM THE BIKERNET SECURITY OFFICES–The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terroristthreats and have raised their security level from “Miffed” to”Peeved.”

Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to “Irritated”or even “A Bit Cross.”

The English have not been “A Bit Cross” sincethe blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists havebeen re-categorized from “Tiresome” to a “Bloody Nuisance.” The lasttime the British issued a “Bloody Nuisance” warning level was duringthe great fire of 1666.

The Scots raised their threat level from “Pissed Off” to “Let’s getthe Bastards”. They don’t have any other levels. This is the reasonthey have been used on the front line in the British army for thelast 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised itsterror alert level from “Run” to “Hide”. The only two higher levelsin France are “Collaborate” and “Surrender.” The rise was thoughtto be precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France’s whiteflag factory, effectively paralyzing the country’s military capability.

However, it’s not only the French who are on a heightened level ofalert. Italy has increased the alert level from “Shout Loudly andExcitedly” to “Elaborate Military Posturing.” Two more levelsremain: “Ineffective Combat Operations” and “Change Sides Now”.

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and theonly threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all terribly excited to see their new submarinesready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottomsso the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanishnavy.

–from Sam Burns

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA–Hey folks, just sending you some warmth. Hope it thaws you out a little. This is Christmas Aussie style.

–Nicole Brosing

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER TEAM LEADER DISCOVERS THE ELIXIR OF LIFE–Four Reasons to Eat (or Drink) Pomegranates.

The pomegranate is an extraordinary fruit, steeped in history: the number of seeds (roughly 613) found in a single fruit were said by ancient scholars to correspond to the 613 commands of the Hebrew Torah. Now, renowned herbalist James Duke, a former ecologist with the USDA, has published (in the April, 2008 issue of Alternative & Complementary Therapies) an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the pomegranate. His conclusion: it is “one of the most promising of health foods” with “a dozen known anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and some 3 dozen antioxidants.” Duke found studies that suggest pomegranate fruit and/or juice may help prevent or alleviate:

1. Heart disease and atherosclerosis
2. High cholesterol
3. Prostate cancer
4. Alzheimer’s disease

If you have access to inexpensive pomegranates (as many in the southern U.S. do; the trees grow prolifically with little tending) or can afford the delicious but rather expensive juices now on the market, by all means indulge. And if you can’t, remember that deep-colored fruits such as cherries, blueberries and raspberries, and deep-colored vegetables, all offer similar benefits. Enjoy!

–DrWeil.com

BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT IN TEXAS EXPERIENCES TIRE PROBLEM–Noticed my front tire was cupping badly and wearing more on the left side than the right, past the wear bars. No, I don’t take left turn only.

Anyways, I searched the forums and found this to be a common problem with the OE Dunlops. Went to my local H-D yesterday and with my Gold 15% discount, a new Metzeler would cost 180 bucks, a Dunlop $ 174. That’s tire only, no install.

Through the forums, I found a website that offered it for $134.99 plus free shipping! Needless to say I ordered the tire and it will be here in 5-7 days. Pretty sweet deal.

I know it’s not an Avon, but I have heard good things about Metzeler and always had good luck with them in the past. Thought I’d let ya know about it. Happy New Years, biyatch!

Here’s the website I ordered through: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/

–Johnny Humble

WHAT THE SENATE HEALTH BILL WOULD DO, A REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY BIKERNET INSURANCE– A sweeping healthcare reform bill appears headed for passage in the U.S. Senate after surviving a test vote early Monday morning.

Here are some questions and answers about the Senate bill.

Q: What does the Senate bill do?

The bill would significantly change the 2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system that almost everyone agrees costs too much and leaves too many people without medical coverage. For the first time in U.S. history, citizens and legal residents will be required to purchase a health insurance policy.

Federal subsidies will be available to help them afford coverage. The subsidies will be available for people with incomes up to 400 percent of the poverty level, about $88,200 for a family of four. The poverty levels for 2009 is $22,050 a year for a family of four and $10,830 for an individual. Small businesses will be able to tap into federal tax benefits to help buy medical plans for employees.

Employers are not required to provide health coverage for workers, but they would have to pay a penalty if any employees use federal subsidies to purchase insurance.

Q: Where will people get their medical insurance?

Most people get their coverage through their employer and that will not change under this bill.

Small businesses and people without employer-sponsored insurance have struggled in recent years to obtain affordable health coverage. For those groups, the bill creates new state-based insurance exchanges where they can shop for policies. Federal subsidies will be available to people purchasing medical coverage through the exchanges, which are expected to be up and running by 2014.

Liberal Democrats wanted a new government-run insurance plan to be one of the options offered on the exchange to compete with private insurers and help keep a lid on insurance premiums. Republicans and a few moderate Democrats opposed the idea and it is being dropped from the Senate bill in order to win the votes necessary to pass it.

The government option remains in the bill passed by the House in November.

The Senate bill now will ask the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which oversees health plans for 8 million federal workers and their families, to contract with private insurance companies to offer plans on the exchanges.

Millions of people, with income up to 133 percent of poverty, will be newly eligible for Medicaid, the health program for the poor. Currently many states set eligibility requirements well below that level of poverty.

Q: Are there protections for consumers?

Yes. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to anyone because of a pre-existing condition. They also will not be able to charge higher premiums because of gender, health history or occupation. Insurers also will be prohibited from dropping people when they get sick.

There will be no more lifetime limits on coverage and annual limits will be restricted. Insurers also will be required to cover preventive healthcare services. Co-payments and other out of pocket expenses for beneficiaries also will be limited.

Q: What do insurance companies and hospitals get?

Insurance companies will get 31 million more customers, many of them subsidized by the federal government. However, in addition to new coverage regulations, insurers will be required to spend a minimum of 85 cents of every premium dollar on medical care for large group plans and 80 cents on every premium dollar for individual and small group plans.

By requiring everyone to obtain insurance, hospitals will have fewer cases of uncompensated care. Many people without insurance seek care at hospital emergency centers because they do not turn away patients. When patients are unable to pay, hospitals make up those losses by charging more to those with insurance. Democrats say that pushes premiums higher by about $1,100 a year.

Q: How does the bill reduce costs?

The bill seeks to save money by streamlining paperwork and providing more information to consumers to help them make decisions about their healthcare.

Other cost savings will be driven through Medicare, the government healthcare program for the elderly and Medicaid. Lawmakers hope that payment reforms that reward quality rather than quantity of services and treatments will help drive down costs. The bill aims to encourage coordinated care for patients particularly those with chronic conditions.

Studies have shown that better coordinated care can save significant amounts of money and improve the quality. The bill will provide for pilot programs to explore some of those cost saving methods for Medicare and Medicaid.

It also will encourage creation of Medical Homes and Accountable Care Organization where doctors, hospitals and other health providers can better coordinate care.

— By Donna Smith
(Editing by Sandra Maler)

SNOWMOBILE OF THE YEAR–Now THIS is a snowmobile

–Bob Clark

Don’t miss this feature in the Cantina historic archives.

GOOD NEWS, States Get Tough on Distracted Drivers in 2010– Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire and Oregon will bring in the new year with new state laws aimed at cracking down on distracted driving, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

Of the four states with stronger laws regarding cell phone use and texting that take effect Jan. 1, 2010, Oregon goes the farthest by banning the use of hand held devices and texting for all drivers. The new law in Oregon also prohibits people under age 18 from using any type of cell phone while driving.

Illinois is placing new restrictions on hand held devices and bans their use in construction and school zones.

Kansas is implementing a ban on all cell phone use and texting for young drivers who have learner’s permits and intermediate licenses.

New Hampshire is banning texting for all drivers.

?These four states are joining a growing number states and localities that are implementing or strengthening restrictions on cell phone use and texting,? said Robert Passmore, senior director of personal lines for PCI. “In 2009, 17 states implemented or strengthened cell phone and texting laws.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the worst offenders are the youngest and least experienced drivers: men and women under 20 years of age.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are statewide bans on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone in seven states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia.

The use of all cell phones by novice drivers is restricted in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Text messaging is banned for all drivers in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, novice drivers are banned from texting in nine states (Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and West Virginia)

Source: PCI

LET’S PARTY–There’s a Red Bull Rally Car Jump in Long Beach this evening. Here’s what Kurt Helin wrote:

What are you doing for New Year?s Eve? Tom Pastrana has you beat. He is going to try to jump his little Red Bull rally car more than 200 feet off the end of a pier in Long Beach to a floating barge, all with the Queen Mary in the background. All so he can set a new world record, that or go for a New Year?s swim.

My son wants to ride down to the action on the pier.

We are tinkering with Dr. Hamster’s VL.It has Indian bars, which we might replace with stock Harley bars.

It’s been a helluva year, and everyday it tested our resolve. I wish something made sense, but it doesn’t. I’m sure the majority of the citizenry have resolved themselves to except whatever the government dishes out. I’m not sure how long that will work or if it is working.

My big Christmas present this year, with the help of Gard Hollinger, of LA ChopRods. I’m going to learn to TIG weld. You’ll see the bad weld during the learning process.

I know one thing, we are very fortunate to have a network of motorcycle rights organizations fighting to keep riding and freedom a priority in their respective states. If you don’t like to get involved, at least join your local motorcycle rights association, the MRF, NCOM, and or SEMA. I’m still working on creating a Motorcycle Council under the umbrella of SEMA. I believe bikers and hot rod enthusiasts will need all the clout we can get in the future.

Enough, break out the bubbly, the whiskey, the redheads and the candles. Let’s get down. We’re going to be damn busy in 2010.

Happy New Year, goddamnit,

–Bandit

HAPPY NEW YEARS THURSDAY NEWS ROCKS ON

Continued From Page 2

CLASSIC FXR CHASSIS FROM CALIFORNIA CUSTOMS–Joe Cree of California Customs introduces his latest Cree-ation. The Maverick model is going to help set the standard for budget Bobber styled bikes. Instead of going with the cheapest parts available like most builders are doing now California Customs will not go that route. We are going to use the best quality parts available and still be able to offer this model at a great price. We have worked closely with our suppliers to be able to Cree-ate a great new model with an affordable price tag.

Here is the list of technical specs for the Maverick.
FRAME: RUBBER MOUNT DAYTEC BUILT FOR CALIFORNIA
CUSTOMS. 28 DEGREE RAKE, 0 STRETCH
FORKS: 41MM WIDE GLIDE
SHOCKS: PROGRESSIVE 4 WAY ADJUSTABLE
WHEELS: 60 SPOKE WHEELS- 21 X 2.15 FRONT, 18 x 5.5 REAR
TIRES: AVON
BRAKES: PM 4 PISTON FRONT AND REAR
MOTOR: S&S 96″
TRANSMISSION: BAKER 6 SPEED
PRIMARY DRIVE: BDL BELT
BARS: FLANDERS
HAND CONTROLS: CHROME
ROTORS: 11.5″ POLISHED
FINAL DRIVE: KEVLAR BELT
REAR FENDER: PRO-STREET STYLE
GAS TANK: 1 PIECE CONTOURED
SEAT: CUSTOM CORBIN 2-UP
EXHAUST PIPE: 2 INTO 1 HACKER HEADER
FOOT CONTROLS: ACCUTRONIX BILLET
ELECTRICAL: ALL HIDDEN WIRING
BRAKE HOSES: GOODRIDGE HOSES
CABLES: BARNETT
PAINT: ONE COLOR STD., CUSTOM PAINT AVAILABLE
MISC: BILLET MOTOR MOUNT/COIL MOUNT BY YANKEE ENGINEUITY, SOLID STATE WIRING, SEALED BATTERY

As with all of our bikes we offer almost limitless options to custom tailor your bike to meet your needs. For more information go to www.calcustom.com or call Joe Cree at 408-954-8972 or 888-707-CUSTOM

THIS JUST IN FROM BIKERNET LOWER ALABAMA WEATHER BUREAU–This might be of interest to people in the western states, we have received anywhere form 60 to 90 inches of rain this year so far, and we are not done yet. THAT’S 5 PLUS FEET OF RAIN! Tomorrow it is supposed to rain again and we hope to only get at most 1 inch. We all feel like we need webbed feet.

Ride safe,
–Camy

ZIPPERS Power to the Sportster!The Wide-Band, Closed-Loop ThunderMax EFI System is now available for all 2010 XL-model Sportsters– The ThunderMax with AutoTune has been re-designed to fit in the new-for-2010 ECM location, making installation a breeze. The ThunderMax for 2010 XL Sportsters? includes a PigTail Harness for easy access to the communication port.

Simply install, plug-In, download a base map and go for a ride! Let AutoTune fine-tune your base map to you riding habits and conditions… as you ride!

See your favorite dealer or contact:

ZIPPER?S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828Fax 410.579.2835
www.ZippersPerformance.com
www.Thunder-Max.com

Click the banner for Bikernet Advertising Rates and services.

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL BIKERNET ADVERTISERS FROM THE CEO OF BIKERNET–I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support during this tough-as-nails 2009. I hope we’ve done a damn good job for you and it shows in sales through Bikernet readers. Don?t hesitate to let us know if we can do more.

I’m actually excited about 2010, although I wish this year was wrapped in a much stronger economy. But what the hell, we’re going to make the best of it and enhance our Bikernet services. We are moving Bikernet to Columbus, Ohio servers and taking on a team of new web masters.

The project list is a mile long, but here are some high points:
? The tech side of Bikernet will be entirely upgraded by the end of January.
? We will change the homepage design to make it easier to navigate and read.
? We will also change our sponsors logos to make them pop more, and we have a couple of exciting plans to give our sponsors additional play on the home page.
? In addition we are kicking off a new and improved blog, and for the first year we will add all of our sponsors to the frame. The same system will go into place around our Forum department. No additional charge. We want to do all we can to support you through these tough times.

We will not change the general look of Bikernet content to a cluttered format like so many other sites. Plus, we have several expanded readership building goals we will implement, including another run at Bonneville, and our work to build a motorcycle council within the SEMA organization. We believe it’s important to reach out of the box for more and new motorcycle enthusiasts. Bikernet is a major Sponsor of Bonneville 2010, the SmokeOut Events, the Cannonball Rally and a Sturgis venue (yet to be decided). We plan to attend, with a booth, the Grand National Roadster Show and several other shows and events this year.

Again, if there is anything we can do to help drive customers to your company, don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best for the New Year,
–K. Randall Ball
Emperor, High Command
V.P. of small shop tools, Janitor

CONFEDERATE EMBRACES THE REBEL–On some level, every man is a rebel. Every man craves to feel the unabated wind in his face, the vigorous breath of freedom. There is nothing new in this ? it is the nature of mankind, and it?s as old as time. It?s a restlessness that moves us forward, that makes us always crave to feel the open road, to pursue horizons.

This rebellion inside us, the sometimes whispered, sometimes shouted voice of our individuality, is the voice of wheels under our seats. A motorcycle captures our very essence of our need to roll. It feels the texture of the path and communicates it directly, with no ambiguity. There is simply no more consummate expression of the individual than the motorcycle. And there is simply no better expression of the motorcycle than the CONFEDERATE P120 FIGHTER COMBAT.

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE NEW YEAR– 2006 ROAD KING,NOW ONLY $13,995.00!–Looking for a deal on a clean pre-owned 2005 Road King? Look no more! This bike features a powerful factory 88 cubic inch motor, 5-speed transmission, Vivid Black paint, Stock dual exhaust, chrome front end, engine guard, chrome controls, leather saddlebags and way too many extras to list.

Come in and see it in person! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician.

2005 ROAD KING,JUST REDUCED! $9,995.00!–

Now this is one clean Road King! It’s super clean, and is ready to ride where ever you want to go! It features a powerful 88ci factory motor, 5-speed transmission, quick release back rest, luggage rack, Vance & Hines Big Oval exhaust, Beach bar handle bars and much much more! Come in and see it in person! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician.

QUICK, TELL ‘EM BANDIT SENT YOU AND SAVE A GRAND–One more day to save $1,000 on a Model 1.

You can save $1,000 by ordering before the end of the year. The Top 10 custom-production bike will have a price increase of $1,000 on January 1, 2010. Currently the value-priced Model 1 retails for $15,995 and the softail-style Model 1S comes in at just $1,000 more… a $1,000 initial schedule deposit secures your bike in our schedule at the current price.

email: evolve@DarwinMotorcycles.com
call: 405-270-0995 x208

SHINE THEM SCOOTERS UP FOR!!!!!!!!!!The 8th Annual – DALLAS CHOPPER SHOW & SWAP MEETSUNDAY – JANUARY 10th– ……………Judged Competition For : Manufacturer Built Choppers (Big Dog, Iron Horse, Ect) ..Shop Built Choppers (constructed by motorcycle shop) Home Built Choppers (constructed by owner)….1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Trophys – PLUS Peoples Choice & Judges Choice Awards – NO ENTRY FEE

LIVE BAND !!! Everybody?s FAVORITE – Pete Barbeck & 7th SonAND – BARGAINS !!! BARGAINS !!! BARGAINS!!!! CHEAP Leather Deals – Used Parts – Distributor Over-Runs – Lifestyle Necessities – New PartsGarage Clean-Outs – Jewelry – Traveling Discounters – Dragbike Displays & Much More!!!!!!!!

LOCATION: Longhorn Ballroom, Corner of Riverview & Corinth – Take Riverview Blvd. Exit from I-30 or I-35 at Downtown Dallas & go South 5 blocks.
(NOTE: Industrial Blvds NAME has been changed on all signs to Riverview Blvd.)
DATE: Sunday, January 10th
SHOW HOURS: 11am – 5:30pm
ADMISSION: $8 Adults, $5 5-14, Under 5 Free
INFORMATION – DOWNLOADABLE FLYERS – BIKE SHOW ENTRY FORMS & MUCH MORE
WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM
254-687-9066 Office
214-428-4500 Day of Show ONLY

THE GREENROD PROJECT–SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma For Hobbyist Vehicles–Under a looming threat of prosecution faced by thousands of California specialty-vehicle owners, SEMA, working on behalf of California enthusiasts and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General?s office, has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves.

?This breakthrough procedure allows owners of certain illegally titled specially constructed vehicles (SCVs) to avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated cars and law enforcement action against vehicle builders and owners. Further, the program now permits these vehicles to demonstrate state emissions-compliance requirements,? said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs. Specially constructed vehicles in California include certain street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas.

Last year, a law was enacted requiring the DMV to develop and administer a vehicle registration amnesty program. The amnesty program will be in effect from January 1, 2010?December 31, 2010 and will apply to vehicles that were previously registered or classified under erroneous or illegal circumstances.

Under the program, vehicle owners that have knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact in any document filed with the DMV or the California Highway Patrol will need to apply for amnesty. Examples of this would be failing to report the actual value of the vehicle; failure to pay the correct sales tax when the vehicle was first titled/registered in California; or incorrectly stating the actual age of the vehicle.

The consequences of not applying for amnesty and paying back taxes and penalties could be severe. If an owner understated the value of the vehicle to the extent that the state lost more than $1,000 in revenue, the owner could be charged with a felony. If the amount is less or the owner incorrectly stated the age of the vehicle, the owner could be charged with a variety of misdemeanors. Recent prosecutions for this type of offense required owners to pay back-taxes and fees averaging $4,000 per vehicle. In some cases, owners will be forced to surrender the title to their car. To receive amnesty from future prosecution, any and all back-taxes must be paid in full and the vehicle?s title must be factually corrected.

Recently a process was established to allow specially constructed vehicle owners that have been granted amnesty to avail themselves of emissions requirements that recognize the unique nature of these vehicles. While there are still details to be concluded, SEMA has reached a tentative agreement with the state to provide for three methods to achieve compliance.

? The owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and apply for one of 500 (per year) smog-check exemptions. Under California law, these 500 exemptions for specially constructed vehicles are available each year on a first-come, first-served basis. For vehicles with an exemption, a smog-test referee compares the vehicle to production cars of the era that the specially constructed vehicle most closely resembles to determine the model year. The vehicle owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle model year by body type or by the engine model year. Only those emissions controls applicable to the chosen model year are required.

? The owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and then choose to install one of several OEM engines and related powertrain components (including specifications for the construction of a fuel tank and delivery system) that are intended to meet California emissions compliance requirements.

? The owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and a SEMA-engineered ?retrofit kit? of parts can be installed. Major components in the kit include an aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, an EFI controller, exhaust headers, a camshaft, mufflers and catalytic converters.

While the engine SEMA used to develop the retrofit kit was considered a worst-case configuration, it still passed smog-check requirements. Variables, such as engine condition, accumulated mileage, and related factors affecting emissions from these parts, may, in some cases, cause similar engines not to meet acceptable emissions levels. Nonetheless, transitioning from a carbureted environment to a fuel-injected environment while utilizing the latest controller technology and emissions parts upgrades available from the specialty-equipment industry resulted in dramatic and unprecedented reductions in tailpipe and evaporative emissions on the test vehicle. The retrofit kit actually improved performance and efficiency while not limiting power in a full acceleration mode, compared to a carbureted engine.

GreenRod Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation should I take to the DMV office when applying for amnesty?Applying for amnesty will re-start the titling and registration process for your specially constructed vehicle. You will need to submit a new DMV 343 Application for Title and Registration form. You will also be required to file a DMV 5063 Statement of Construction form, listing the origin of the vehicle?s parts and their purchase price. It would be helpful to have a bill of sale for the vehicle or any appropriate receipts for parts/labor that can be used to establish the actual value of the vehicle. If it is likely that your car had a fraudulent title and will need to pass a smog check, it is advisable to apply for one of the 500 smog-check exemptions granted per year by the DMV.

How much should I expect to pay for the ?retrofit? kit? How much should I expect to pay for the GM engine and powertrain?

The retrofit kit is a collection of emissions-related parts with specifications developed by SEMA for which a variety of aftermarket manufacturers will be able to supply components. On average, the kit should cost approximately $6,000. The labor to install the package will likely cost an additional $5,000. If you choose to use a new engine and powertrain package from GM, the current LS3 package will retail at an estimated $7,900. GM will also offer a number of other emissions-approved engine packages with a variety of performance options and price levels. Estimated installation cost for the GM system is approximately $6,000.

If I use a GM engine, how will I know if I?ve used the correct parts and properly installed them?

GM will include comprehensive instructions that leave little room for error. If you feel that you do not have the mechanical experience to install the package, there are local hot-rod shops, independent repair facilities and dealerships capable of installing the parts. Even when parts are correctly installed, there are variables involved when attempting to meet certain compliance requirements, such as engine condition, other modifications and related factors that can affect emissions.

KENTUCKY GOVERNOR Beshear calls special election to fill vacant legislative seat–FRANKFORT, Ky. ? Gov. Steve Beshear today set the date for a special election to fill a legislative vacancy. The vacancy in the 24th district of the House of Representatives is the result of the resignation of Rep. Jimmy Higdon, who resigned by letter on December 14, having been elected to represent the 14th district of the State Senate. The special election will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 for the district that encompasses Casey, Marion & Pulaski Counties.

KRS 118.730 dictates that governor must issue the writ for a special election for a member of the General Assembly if the vacancy occurs when the legislature is not in session.

In accordance with KRS 118.760, nominations to fill vacancies at special elections are made pursuant to the governing authority of the party in the territory which the election is to be held. Petitions and certificates of nomination may be filed 28 days before the day of election, and if filed with the Secretary of State, shall be immediately certified by the Secretary of State to the proper county clerks per KRS 118.770.

KMA/KBA
–president@kmakba.com

THIS IS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL PIECE OF ADVICE THAT I CAN GIVE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON….

–Chris T.

California: Hunting Threatened In Mojave National Preserve!– The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), in concert with the Sierra Club and other anti-hunting organizations, has filed a petition with the California Fish and Game Commission to ban most hunting in the Mojave National Preserve, including rabbit and varmint hunting. What hunting remains (resident game birds, deer, and bighorn sheep) would be restricted.

The “Petition for Rulemaking Regarding Hunting in the Mojave National Preserve” blames hunters for the declining population of the desert tortoise, a threatened species under the state’s Endangered Species Act. CBD filed a similar petition in 2003, but the Commission did not act on it. The Commission will likely consider the CBD’s petition next week and could schedule a hearing on it early next year.

The petition contains the flimsiest of evidence that hunting in the Preserve is the cause or even a contributing factor of the decline in the tortoise population. Contrarily, statistics confirm that vehicular traffic and increased tourism within the designated critical habitat of the tortoise have increased substantially since 1994 when the Preserve was established. Those activities are believed to be the leading causes of tortoise mortality.

Further, there is sufficient research to suggest that predation by ravens and coyotes is also taking its toll on this protected species. The objective of the petition is not to protect and enhance the tortoise population; rather it is an attempt by this coalition of anti-hunting organizations to permanently ban hunting from the Mojave National Preserve. CBD was behind the ban imposed on the use of lead ammunition for hunting big game within the range of the California condor. Earlier this year, CBD attempted unsuccessfully to extend that ban to all game species.

Please take a few minutes to write a letter requesting that the Commission deny the petition and address and mail it to:

John Carlson, Jr., Executive Director
California Fish and Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street, Room 1320
Sacramento, CA 95814
fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Hunters are continually being harassed with restrictions on hunting and access to hunting areas for reasons not based on science. Please do not let CBD impose their pseudo science on those who hunt in the Mojave National Preserve.

BIKERNET ARTIST DISCOVERY, AIR ILLUSIONS BY OKLAHOMA–THE ARTIST CUSTOM BIKE PAINT CUSTOM BIKE PAINT DODGE VIPER / F-16MURALS / FINE ART 1MURALS / FINE ART 2BODY ART and MORE. SHOP CONTACT US*CUSTOM AIRBRUSH ART and BIKE PAINT * * FREEHAND LETTERING * PINSTRIPE DESIGNS * * WALL MURALS * FINE ART * BODY ART * and MORE !!! by OKLAHOMA

With over two decades of experience in custom art and design , AIR ILLUSIONS by OKLAHOMA offers a wide range of possibilities to fullfill your creative dreams . Whether your project is small or large , mild or wild , “old school or ” new age ” we will design artwork for you that will make your project stand out and be one of a kind .Browse through our galleries and see for yourself examples of our work . If you desire artwork that is unique and created especially for you.

www.airillusionsbyoklahoma.com
Contact Info. mailto: oakstr@airillusionsbyoklahoma.com

LAST SPRINGER DEAL OF THE YEAR–Twisted front legs. Classic ’70s stuff. Wish I had the cash, but I don’t. Anytakers??

Subject: springer front end – $150 (Hanford)

Visit the posting at http://fresno.craigslist.org/mcy/1529098775.html
call 559-584-6734

Or buy a new springer from K&G, they’ll treat you right.

HEAT TRANSFERS IN LONG BEACH–

RPL Supplies, Inc.
141 Lanza Avenue, Bldg 3A
Garfield, NJ 07026
(800) 524-0914 ext 212
after 5 pm call Michael (201) 963-9738
(973) 767-0880
fax (973) 772-6601

WOMEN RIDERS NOWS REPORT, Why Women Love The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe–One of the more popular bikes for female riders.

If you asked me which motorcycle among Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin models is the most popular with women riders, I’d answer the Softail Deluxe FLSTN, judging by my own observations attending events and getting out there among the female motorcycling community. Ever since the motorcycle’s introduction in 2005, I’ve seen more women riding that motorcycle than any of the other Softails, Dynas, and Touring model platforms, those considered the “Big Twins.”I caught this woman riding a Softail Deluxe in Laughlin. She added a rear tour pak and saddlebags.

The reason, I believe, for its popularity among the fairer sex is because up until this year it boasted the lowest seat height of any Harley at 24.5 inches. That alone is enough to pique womens’ interest. For the record, in 2007 the Rocker was introduced with the same seat height measurement as the Softail Deluxe. And now for 2010, the Fat Boy Lo, a new model, has bragging rights as the Harley with the lowest seat height at 24.25 inches, a quarter inch lower.

–By Genevieve Schmitt

Read the entire story on WomenRidersNow.com, and check Gen’s story on seat heights with many makes and models covered.–Wrench

Continued On Page 4

NEW YEARS NEWS CONTINUES…

Continued From Page 1

Open Road Radio Presented by National Cycle Shifts Into High Gear For 2010!Featuring New Industry Guest Hosts, New Larger Expansive Network and Heading To Satellite Radio– Jan 2nd, 2009 – After thirteen years of crafting the industry’s number one motorcycle lifestyle talk radio program, Gina Woods and the Open Road Radio crew are heading into overdrive with a new deal signed with the worldwide Sports Byline Radio Network. Beginning January 2nd, 2010 Open Road will travel the airwaves to over 200 new stations through the Sports Byline, giving the program an extended reach to 2.2 million additional listeners each week. This will also give them access to the American Forces Radio Network with 500 additional stations in 177 countries. AFN’s daily audience is nearly four million service men and women and their families. As long time supporters of the troops, both active and retired, the staff of Open Road Radio are very proud to have reached this new platform.

The award winning line-up of the program will still stay the same with Ideal Dave, the Doz, Panhead Bobby Grand and Jo-Jo Giovannoni delivering their patented brand of information and entertainment each and every week.

Additionally, they have recently added new segments through partnerships with industry leaders who bring a whole new perspective with them to the show. With segments like: Iron Work?s ?Motorcycle News & Previews;? ?Products Reviews,? Presented by: National Cycle; ?Biker Billy Cooks With Fire,” flaming road recipes; Cycle Source?s, Chris “Wildman” Callen?s ?Generation Next;? and Motorcycle Events’ ?Two Wheel Rides, Runs & Rallies;? there is a new and exciting energy being plugged into each power packed week.

The whole package will also be moving to the limitless reach of space through the Satellite Radio Network. Beginning in first quarter of the new year, Open Road will no longer be bound by terrestrial radio.

Open Road Radio is broadcasted on The Sports Byline Radio Network every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. www.sportsbyline.com (check for stations in your area) The program is also streamed globally through the Power Up Motorsports Channel every Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with repeats on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Segments include info and tips on riding destinations, new products, motorcycle maintenance, legislation, insurance, rallies and charitable events. ORR also covers current industry related news from the AMA, Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), and ABATE, an organization devoted to motorcycle rights.

Gina Woods loves to talk. And she talks a lot. But no idle gossip flows from this Chicago natives lips. Gina, who is gregarious, whimsical, fun-loving and charismatic, is the co-creator and co-producer of Open Road Radio (ORR), the first and most successful talk radio show to focus exclusively on the history, passions, evolution and culture of motorcycling. ORR, which was Gina’s brainchild, debuted on January 2, 1997 and has been running strong ever since. Over the years, it has collected a trunk-load of awards from leading charities and other organizations including Toys for Tots/Marine Corps, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, MDA, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and the prestigious MVP Award (Most Valuable Program) from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

Open Road Radio can be heard through the following links: www.openroadradio.com every Saturday at 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PST; on the Sports Byline Radio Network http://www.sportsbyline.com/affil.htm every Thursday 4p.m.-6 p.m. PST; and on the Power Up Motorsports channel http://www.powerupchannel.com

Photo by the Sheriff.

Federal appellate court limits cops’ use of Tasers– A federal appeals court on Monday issued one of the most comprehensive rulings yet limiting police use of Tasers against low-level offenders who seem to pose little threat and may be mentally ill.

In a case out of San Diego County, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals criticized an officer who, without warning, shot an emotionally troubled man with a Taser when he was unarmed, yards away, and neither fleeing nor advancing on the officer.

Sold as a nonlethal alternative to guns, Tasers deliver an electrical jolt meant to subdue a subject. The stun guns have become a common and increasingly controversial tool used by law enforcement.

There have been at least nine Taser-related fatalities in the Sacramento region, including the death earlier this month of Paul Martinez Jr., an inmate shot with a stun gun while allegedly resisting officers at the Roseville jail.

As lawsuits have proliferated against police and Taser International, which manufactures the weaons, the nation’s appellate courts have been trying to define what constitutes appropriate Taser use.The San Diego County case is the latest ruling to address the issue.

The court recounted the facts of the case:In the summer of 2005, Carl Bryan, 21, was pulled over for a seat-belt violation and did not follow an officer’s order to stay in the car.Earlier, he had received a speeding ticket and had taken off his T-shirt to wipe away tears. He was wearing only the underwear he’d slept in because a woman had taken his keys, the court said without further explanation.

During his second traffic stop in Coronado , he got out of the car. He was “agitated ? yelling gibberish and hitting his thighs, clad only in his boxer shorts and tennis shoes” but did not threaten the officer verbally or physically, the judges wrote.That’s when Coronado Police Officer Brian McPherson, who was standing about 20 feet away watching Bryan ‘s “bizarre tantrum,” fired his Taser, the court said.

Without a word of warning, he hit Bryan in the arm with two metal darts, delivering a 1,200-volt jolt.

Temporarily paralyzed and in intense pain, Bryan fell face-first on the pavement. The fall shattered four of his front teeth and left him with facial abrasions and swelling. Later, a doctor had to use a scalpel to remove one of the darts.Bryan sued McPherson, the Coronado Police Department and the city of Coronado, alleging excessive force in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.The officer moved to have the claim dismissed, but a federal trial judge ruled in Bryan’s favor. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit affirmed the trial judge’s ruling on Monday, concluding that the level of force used by the officer was excessive.

McPherson could have waited for backup or tried to talk the man down, the judges said. If Bryan was mentally ill, as the officer contended, then there was even more reason to use “less intrusive means,” the judges said.

Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Police Department, said his agency’s policy on the use of stun guns mainly covers safety considerations. It doesn’t list behaviors or situations that warrant using the devices, he said.

“Ideally, in every circumstance, we try to gain compliance verbally, and force is the last option we ever want to use,” he said.

–Mark Temple
Charter Member
BOLT of California
(916) 402-7981

RARE NEW YEAR’S EVER BLUE MOON–LOS ANGELES ? Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year’s Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don’t expect it to be blue ? the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor.A full moon occurred on Dec. 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year’s countdown.

“If you’re in Times Square, you’ll see the full moon right above you. It’s going to be that brilliant,” said Jack Horkheimer, director emeritus of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium and host of a weekly astronomy TV show.

The New Year’s Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year’s Day, making January a blue moon month for them.

However, the Eastern Hemisphere can celebrate with a partial lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve when part of the moon enters the Earth’s shadow. The eclipse will not be visible in the Americas.

A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month ? a blue moon ? occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year’s Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won’t come again until 2028.

Blue moons have no astronomical significance, said Greg Laughlin, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.”`Blue moon’ is just a name in the same sense as a `hunter’s moon’ or a `harvest moon,'” Laughlin said in an e-mail.

The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer’s Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month. In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, not the usual three.

Though Sky & Telescope corrected the error decades later, the definition caught on. For purists, however, this New Year’s Eve full moon doesn’t even qualify as a blue moon. It’s just the first full moon of the winter season.

In a tongue-in-cheek essay posted on the magazine’s Web site this week, senior contributing editor Kelly Beatty wrote: “If skies are clear when I’m out celebrating, I’ll take a peek at that brilliant orb as it rises over the Boston skyline to see if it’s an icy shade of blue. Or maybe I’ll just howl.”

–By ALICIA CHANG, AP Science Writer

BIKERNET NEW YEARS PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–In the New Year I suggest we all make a concentrated effort to support working moms!

–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net

DAVID MANN CHOPPERFEST 2009 WINNERS SHOWCASE–Since the story ain’t done, we’re biding out time, bobbing and weaving, with the winners list. We should have the story up sometime next year?

California Bobber
1st place
Jim Frankel
1942 Knucklehead

Old Skool Skooter
1st place
Orlando Flores
1947 Knucklehead

Antique
1st Place
Don Whalen
1923 Ace 4 Cylinder

Modern Bobber
1st Place
Landy Brakke
1957 Panhead

Rat Bike
1st Place
Kiyo
1947 Knucklehead

Metric Chopper
1st Place
Duane Ballard
1970’s Honda “Pink Taco”

This is not the winner, I don’t think.

Koolest Paint
1st Place
Mike Ruedas
2007 Shovelhead Custom

Radical Design
1st Place
Ben Faiella
1993 Sportster

Bagger
1st Place
Hogties
2009 Roadking

Big Twin
1st Place
John Bateman
2006 Custom

Sportster
1st Place
Scott Bryce
1973 Sportster

British
1st Place
Scott Bowling
1970 Triumph Daytona

Best of Show
1923 Ace 4 Cylinder
Don Whalen

David Mann Memorial Award
Bob Carrillo
1947 Knucklehead

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY JOURNALIST NORTH DAKOTA EXTENSION PROGRAM POEM SPONSORED BY ER BIKE SHOWS FOR 2010–

It’s winter here in North Dakota ,
And the gentle breezes blow,
Seventy miles an hour,
At twenty-five below.
Oh, how I love North Dakota ,
When the snow’s up to your butt,
You take a breath of winter,
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
So, I guess I’ll hang around,
I could never leave North Dakota ,
My ass is frozen to the ground!

–from Rik Savenko

REPORT FROM BIKERNET SPACE PROGRAM– We launched another Delta II a few weeks ago with a space telescope for NASA. My bud Rocky the Perverted Phillipino road his Road King in the nite of launch preps. Rain and all we got her out on time and in proper orbit.

Rocky road home happy, wet and perverted as usual. I finally got my 2009 FXST but no proper endorsement on my license kept me from entering the base.

Enjoy the pictures. We enjoy Bikernet too.

–Softail Billy

ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS BUILDS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRIKE FOR CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION–You may already have received an email telling you about this fabulous news, but I wanted to make sure you had personal note to follow up as well. We are so excited that the talented group at Orange County Choppers has built a custom wheelchair accessible trike-bike for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation!

Reeve Foundation supporters and friends from across the country will be tuning in on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 9 p.m. ET on TLC to see how the bike was built, as well as the big reveal.

We?re reaching out today to see if you?d be interested in holding or attending an American Chopper Viewing Party. Party hosts and guests will receive special prizes, particularly those that raise the most money for the Reeve Foundation! Even if you cannot host or attend?you can help us out by going to the website and donating.

Please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org/OCC for more information about the Viewing Parties, a sneak peak of the bike, and for more information about the contest.

Thank you for your support and we hope you?ll join us on the 7th!

–Stephen M. Coleman
Vice President, Military Programs
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Office—(973) 379-2690 ext. 7133
Mobile–(973) 309-4933
Fax—–(973) 912-9433
www.ChristopherReeve.org
www.ChristopherReeve.org/military

GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW, POMONA SUEDE PALACE SPONSOR–Stromberg Carburetor Announces Suede Palace Sponsorship at 2010 Grand National Roadster Show.

Stromberg headquarters?Stromberg spotlights its traditional line of carburetors and more at the 2010 GNRS Suede Palace.

Stromberg Carburetor is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Suede Palace at the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show, L.A. County Fairgrounds, Pomona, CA, January 29 ? 31, 2010.

The Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) needs little introduction to hot rod and custom enthusiasts. Started way back in 1950, the GNRS attracts hundreds of the world?s best hot rods, customs, muscle cars, motorcycles, street machines and classic trucks. And the prestigious, 9 ft tall America?s Most Beautiful Roadster award is the most sought after of prizes for car enthusiasts.

Introduced in 1996, the Suede Palace is a celebration of the show?s roots. Housed in the oldest building on the LA County Fairgrounds, it adds a real vintage flavor to the world?s oldest hot rod and custom car show weekend. Featuring hand-picked retro hot rods, vintage custom cars, drag racing machines, and vintage clothing and lifestyle vendors, it?s the perfect opportunity for Stromberg to spotlight its Genuine Stromberg 97 carburetors and accessories.

Stromberg owner Clive Prew said, ?The Stromberg 97 has been the carburetor of choice for generations of hot rodders, racers and custom car builders. We?re very excited to build on that legacy by sponsoring the Suede Palace, cementing our close relationship with the traditional hot rod style which continues to gain popularity.

?The Stromberg brand remains stronger than ever and the show is the perfect opportunity to highlight our Genuine 97 range of carburetors and associated products. Visitors can look forward to a new, fully warranted chrome 97 carb, new linkage and fuel line kits and an exciting new line of branded clothing and other merchandise.?

For more information please contact Thom at hotrodthom@cox.net
Email: sales@stromberg-97.com
URL: www.stromberg-97.com
Email: info@rodshows.com
Web: www.rodshows.com
Phone: 1-877-ROD-SHOWS

Robbie Knievel To Attempt Father Evel’s London Bus Jump–Robbie Knievel, son of stunt legend Evil Knievel, is planning to complete a double-decker bus jump that his late father failed to achieve. Robbie will attempt to clear 16 buses while riding a classic Harley Davidson XR-750, similar to the bike used by his father.
On May 25, 1975, Evil Knievel attempted to jump 13 buses at London’s Wembley stadium but crashed in front of an audience of 90,000, breaking his pelvis and ending his career.
Robbie has successfully completed more than 350 professional jumps, including 20 world records. He plans to attempt a 16 bus jump compared to the 13 bus jump of his father. ?I?ve never jumped a Harley-Davidson before and I am ten years older than my dad was when he retired,? Robbie said in an interview. “I always wanted to do the Wembley jump that my dad attempted and failed. Daredevils are a dying breed. I’m proud to have been raised by one and to be one myself.”
The jump will take place in London, possibly at Wembley Stadium on May 22.

– – C.S. Berg / photo EvelKnievel.com

BIKERNET DISCOVERS CONNECTION FOR VINTAGE PARTS AND HANDLEBARS, FABERCYCLE–1910-1914 STANDARD HANDLEBAR RAW FINISH, $ 375.00
1915-1918 STANDARD HANDLEBAR RAW FINISH, $ 375.00
1919-1924 STANDARD HANDLEBAR RAW FINISH, $ 375.00
1925-1929 STD PULLBACK HANDLEBAR RAW, $ 375.00
1929-1930 JH JDH FACTORY ?HIGH BAR? RAW, $ 375.00
1929-1934 JD VL SPORT SOLO WIDE BARS BLACK, $ 375.00
1930-1934 SIDE CAR PULL BACKS BLACK ENAMEL $ 375.003307-30
1930-1934 STANDARD SOLO BLACK ENAMEL, $ 375.00
1935-1939 VL RL WL STANDARD SOLO BLK ENAMEL, $ 375.00
1935-1939 VL RL WL SPORT SOLO WIDE BARS BLK, $ 375.00
1926-1934 SINGLES DL RL VL SPEEDSTER BLACK, $ 350.00
1935-1939 RL VL WL SHORT GRIP SPEEDSTER BLK, $ 350.00
EL, UL, WL,1936-1937 ONLY, INLINE STANDARD BRAZED CONST $ 475.00
1936-1942 INLINE BRAZED CONST. SPEEDSTER BLACK, $ 375.00
1938-1942 INLINE BRAZED CONST STANDARD BLACK, $ 375.00
1943-1946 INLINE WELDED CONST STANDARD BLACK, $ 375.00
1943-1946 INLINE WELDED CONST SPEEDSTER BLACK, $ 375.00
1943-1946 INLINE WELDED CONST HOLLYWOOD BLK $ 425.00
LATE 46-1948 OFFSET STANDARD BLACK, $ 375.00
LATE 46-1948 OFFSET SPEEDSTER BLACK ENAMEL, $ 375.00
LATE 46-1948 OFFSET HOLLYWOOD BLACK ENAMEL, $ 425.00
K-MODEL,SPEEDSTER COMPLETE CHROME, $ 280.00

And the list goes on.
–fabercycle.com

THE DEVIL CAN RIDE, The World?s Best Motorcycle Writing–Authors, poets, and songwriters like Tom Waits, Arlo Guthrie, Hunter Thompson, and Robert Pirsig have written about the motorcycle, that icon for outlaws, rebels, thieves, and beat poets. This collection of motorcycle tales features the best of the vast collection of motorcycle writing created since old Gottlieb Daimler first bolted a crude internal-combustion engine to his wooden two-wheeled Einspur in 1876.

In addition to essays from writers like Hunter S. Thompson and Robert Pirsig, The Devil Can Ride features writers like Peter Egan, Fred Hafele, Patrick Symmes, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Rogers. Photographs, old posters, tickets, and other appropriate art and memorabilia illustrate this literary collection.

Edited by Lee Klancher

The book features:
Al Culler, Motorcycle Travels and Travails
Ann Ferrar, Hear Me Roar
Chris Scott, Desert Travels
Daniel Meyer, Life is a Road
Dave Barr, Riding the Edge
Ewan McGregor, Long Way Round
Flash Gordon MD, Blood, Sweat & Gears
Fred Hafele, Rebuilding the Indian
Hunter S. Thompson, Hells Angels, Revenge of the Sausage Monster
Jerry Smith, Into the Heart of Africa
Jim Rogers, Investment Biker
Jonathan Gregson, Bullet Up the Grand Turk Road
Maxwell Gardiner, Four Legs, Two Wheels and Half a Brain
Michael Fong, A Tankful of Time
Owen L. Riess, La Ropa Sucia: A Motorcycle Adventure Through Mexico
Patrick Symmes, Chasing Che
Peter Egan
Richard La Plante, Hog Fever
Rik K. Haffar, Away From My Desk
Robert E. Fulton Jr, One Man Caravan
Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Ron Ayres, Against the Wind
Sam Manicom, Into Africa
Steve Krzystyniak, Bitten by the Bullet
Ted Simon
Tom Cunliffe, Good Vibrations
Tom Smith, In the Long Run
Werner Bausenhar, Africa: Against the Clock on a Motorcycle; Into theDen of the Bear and the Lair of the Dragon on a Motorcycle

Title: The Devil Can Ride
Editor:Lee Klancher
ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-3477-5
Retail: $26.00 US, $32.50 CAN; ?16.99 UK
Binding: Hardcover
Dimensions: 6 x 9
Page count: 304
Publication Date: June 2010
Imprint: Motorbooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Klancher?s work has appeared in Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider, Motorcycle Cruiser, ATV Rider, and Motorcycle Escape magazines. Motorbooks published his most recent work, Motorcycle Dream Garages in 2009. Klancher has been riding, racing, and crashing motorcycles since he was 11 years old, and reading since he was three. He lives in Austin, TX.

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEW YEARS EVE THURSDAY NEWS

Happy Goddamn New Year,

I mean that in many ways. I hope the economy improves, our government’s regulatory nature subsides, and freedom and innovation become King once more. It’s sorta like the Helmet laws. They passed like crazy in the late ’60s. Bikers organized and protested in the ’70s and 13 helmet laws were repealed. Then some smartass came up with the public burden notion, that made helmets a taxpayer problem.

That’s what we face in Washington now, a terrible notion that regulation is King, and new agencies need to be established to protect us from everything. One of the inherent problems is corruption between the agencies, and overlapping agencies fighting for turf and making deals. We need to roll that aspect of government back. I like the notion of education over legislation.

Enough of that bullshit. Here’s the condensed Bikernet State of the Union address. Actually it’s a handful of 2010 goals. First we’re heading back to Bonneville with the Assalt Weapan and the Bonne Belle. You’ll see the Assalt Weapan testing and tuning with the Accurate freshened engine and Pegasus Fuel injection with Nitrous. You’ll see us modify the rear fender to be consistent with the new sleeker Bonneville rules. And you’ll watch as we take the Departure Bike Works 45 flathead from 1940 and try to build a Burt Munro streamlined chassis around it.

The 5-Ball Factory Racer.

My first Chance Hogan book will be printed in January, and the second installment should be completed by the end of 2010. Motorbooks is talking to me about another Book Project and you’ll see it come together on Bikernet. The 5-Ball factory racer will be featured in some magazine this year, and I’ll begin the Mudflap girl FXR around Redneck bags and a new Paughco frame.

Finally, we are making major changes to Bikernet. We have a new team of web masters in Ohio. And we are going to bend over backwards to bring you an easier to navigate site, with more content and services than ever before. Hang on. Let’s hit the news and break out the Baileys for my second cup of coffee. It’s New Year’s Eve.

Don’t miss a chance to pick up a rare 2010 Girls of Bikernet Calendar.

BIKERNET RESEARCH CENTER PRELIMINARY SURVEY–As we dial-in Bikernet, we will hit you with various survey question. We want your input on changes to Bikernet:

Do you like the article blurbs on the home page.

Suggestions for the home page?

What do you like about blogs?

What don’t you like about blogs?

Just drop me a note:
E-Mail Bandit

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, THIS SERIES OF LAWS WENT WAY OVER THE TOP, UNTIL THEY ARE ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT–WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a complete idiot.

“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel doesnot go nearly as well with pizza.”
~ Dave Barry

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

To some, it’s a six-pack, to me it’s a Support Group. Salvation in a can!
~Dave Howell

–from Jim Waggaman

NEW CASTINGS FOR STOCK REPLACEMENT FRAMES–Thanks Bandit for taking a look at my parts. I am attaching some shots of my new cast steel frame parts for wishbone frames. I am presently reproducing necks, sidecar loops and rigid frame axleplates. Will offer motor mounts very soon.

All my castings come in steel or special order stainless steel. Necks can be special ordered raked to 50 degrees. Allow 4-5 weeks on special orders. Made in USA. these castings are produced using the lost wax technique, far superior to sand castings.

We will show you how it’s done next week in a tech feature on Bikernet.

Remember, BUY AMERICAN FIRST ! See all my parts at www.hardtailchoppers.com or e-mail
john@hardtailchoppers.com . Thanks Bandit. You know you got big play here . Respects, John

ERIC HERRMANN SCHEDULED TO PAINT THE 5-BALL FACTORY RACER ON CANVAS DURING NEXT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION ON LIVE TV–“Last year Live TV followed my entire process of painting a bike on canvas during the auction,” Eric said. “I look forward to painting a unique, masterpiece like the 5-Ball Factory Racer. I will send you shots of the process.”

To have your bike painted on canvas or tin shop signs, click on Eric’s banner.

STAY WARM WITH HOT LEATHERS–

Hot Leathers?, the Leader in Motorcycle Apparel, has a huge selection of pull-over hooded sweatshirts and zip-up hoodies for men and ladies.

These are great for layering on chilly rides. Warm and stylish, Hot Leathers? hoodies are quality-constructed cotton/ polyester blend and available in many sizes. Each hooded sweatshirt has an original Hot Leathers? design created by our own artists! Your friends will want to know where you bought such a cool sweatshirt and you can tell them HotLeathers.com, of course!

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IS OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS–BUT THE ENGLISH TEAM PRESIDENT SLIPPED THIS WORD UNDER MY DOOR–Maybe this should be the 2010 word to live by: recalcitrant rih-KAL-sih-truhnt, adjective:
Stubbornly resistant to and defiant of authority or restraint.

If they lingered too long, Clarice hurried them along in the same annoyed way she rushed recalcitrant goats through the gate.
— Kaye Gibbons, On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon

Even then it took a sympathetic bankruptcy judge to convince a group of recalcitrant lenders that it was in their best interest to drop their opposition.
— “So Far So Good”, New York Times, May 18, 2009

This recalcitrant group grew in strength until the government changed its regulatory ways.
–Kirk Willard, President
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

Recalcitrant derives from Latin recalcitrare, “to kick back,” from re-, “back” + calcitrare, “to strike with the heel, to kick,” from calx, calc-, “the heel.”

BANDIT-LIKE TABLE DISCOVERED AT DEALERSHIP–This is a table at Dudley Perkins HD in San Franciso.Happy New Year!! (I’m on the east coast right now)

–Steve “hiway” T.

CORRECTION FOR RIDLEY PRESS RELEASE–Yesterday we forwarded you the following press release. It has come to our attention that this news has caused some confusion for owners of motorcycles with the Auto-Glide brand mark. The owners of Auto-Glide model Ridley motorcycles should know that this settlement in no way effects their motorcycle. The settlement only effect the naming of future models for Ridley and that Ridley will not produce another model using the Auto-Glide name. Ridley and Ridley Dealers will continue to refer to previous year model Auto-Glides as Auto-Glides.

We apologize for not clarifying that detail in yesterday’s press announcement.

Settlement Reached in Seven Year Legal Battle

(Okla. City, Okla.-12/28/09) Ridley Motorcycle Company announced today that it had reached a settlement with Harley-Davidson in a lawsuit the manufacturing giant brought against Ridley over the trade name Auto-Glide in 2003.As part of the settlement agreement, Ridley has agreed to discontinue use of the Auto-Glide name in any future models. The full terms of the settlement have not been disclosed as part of the settlement agreement.

The case was tried in the Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court in August 2007, but a verdict had not been announced before the suit was settled. Ridley introduced its automatic transmission Auto-Glide models in 2003 and remains the only U.S. motorcycle manufacturer to offer a fully automatic transmission.

Since 1995, the Ridley’s have been reinventing motorcycles through an innovative CVT transmission design.

In 1999, Ridley introduced the first fully automatic street/cruiser motorcycle known as the Ridley Speedster. The 3/4 scale motorcycle featured a nearly 600cc Ridley V-Twin engine, fully automatic CVT transmission, low 24 inch seat height, and weighed less than 270 pounds.

The next innovation for Ridley was announced in 2003, when the company introduced its first “full size” automatic motorcycle, the Auto-Glide. By focusing on key features such as a low seat height, light weight and fully automatic transmission Ridley was able to capture the new rider segment with great success. Sales of the Auto-Glide boomed along with the dramatic increase of new riders.

Now in our fifteenth year, Ridley Motorcycles are more popular than ever. A fun, easy ride that will keep any rider fully entertained and engaged. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be surprised at the comfort and ease of the Ridley.

Visit a Ridley Dealer for a demonstration and to purchase your new or pre-owned Ridley Motorcycle.

Ridley Motorcycle Company
35 NW 42nd Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA 73118
(405) 525-5400

MONKEY ROCK PLANS FOR STURGIS 2010Sturgis, SD, December 27, 2009 – – Always on the cutting edge, Monkey Rock USA introduced rally goers to a truly unique and provocative event experience in August at the 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

After recognizing a demographic shift at major motorcycle gatherings across the country we determined to provide a higher standard of service and entertainment to our clientele. Monkey Rock not only set the benchmark in event and entertainment excellence, we also recognized the value of offering unprecedented professional services for our A-list exhibitors and builders.

As a raw start up in 2009, Monkey Rock USA was designed to expand through acquisitions and organic growth. Equipped with a sophisticated business model, a Fortune 1000 philosophy and propelled forward by improving market conditions, our limited liability company based in South Dakota, is positioned to acquire high quality assets within the industry at or below market rates and capitalize on substantial growth opportunities.

In addition to our commitment to several large motorcycle rallies, we intend to expand the Monkey Rock brand to year-round fixed sites in large, leisure-focused markets in the US such as Las Vegas, Miami and Los Angeles, and ultimately back to the birth place of Monkey Rock ? Europe. Not so distant future plans also include Asia.To date all Monkey Rock USA operations have been funded by its founder and CEO and the company carries virtually no debt. We are confident that by the strategic selection of acquisitions we will add significant value to the business and provide excellent growth opportunities for investors in a rebounding economy. Given the huge success attained so far and the massive potential for future growth within the industry, Monkey Rock USA is excited to announce it is going public, listing in early 2010 on the NYSE.

Monkey Rock?s post-listing financial requirement has already been pledged by institutional investors. As institutional investors are unable to purchase stock allocations prior to a company?s listing, this forms the basis for pre-IPO investors to make substantial returns by investing in promising companies as they come to market.

Investors should contact the Monkey Rock Investor Relations team for details and information at: investorrelations@monkeyrock.us.

SWEDISH SHERIFF INVESTIGATES BIKERNET HEADQUARTERS–Great memories from my short visit at Wilmington. Hope to see u somewhere 2010.I will celebrate my 55th birthday in Daytona plus my 25th visit!Enclosed some retroshots from days gone by.

Live free

–CHRIS
http://youtube.com/user/sheriffmediagroup
http://www.myspace.com/sheriffmediagroup
http://picasaweb.google.com/SHERIFFMEDIAGROUP
SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
SWEDEN

LAST CHANCE KNUCKLEHEAD SALE–Flathead power/performance Knucklehead for sale at LA ChopRods. This is a classic from the stock frame and springer, to the stock springer front brake. Although most of the parts are repop, it’s a very correct vintage chop.

–Chop
CHOPMAN CHOPPERS
18001 S. FIGUEROA ST. UNIT F
GARDENA, CA. 90248
310-591-0179
chopmanchoppers@gmail.com

BIKER?S CHOICE WIDE-ASS SWINGARM KITS BY ZODIAC– Biker?s Choice Wide-Ass Swingarm Kits by Zodiac allow the use of w-i-d-e wheels and tires in a cost-effective manner. These kits allow stock Harley-Davidson Dyna, Softail Evolution?, and Twin Cam models to accept up to a 250mm tire with only minor modifications.

The kits are complete and include everything you need for the conversion. The one pictured here comes with:
Tig-welded swingarm
Pivot with bolts and spacers
Stainless steel fender extension plate
Crankshaft extension and nut
Primary spacer and bolts
Longer inner primary mounting bolts
Tranny offset plate
axle with chrome nuts and adjusters Complete bracket and hardware kit for the 5th transmission mounting stud and all necessary hardware and gaskets.

With the wide variety of wheels and tires available, fenders and struts are not included. Swingarms and Dyna? fender struts come ?raw? and ready for powder-coating or paint.

For more information on the various kits and other parts we carry, visit www.Bikerschoice.com , or visit one of our many dealers.

Happy New Year!!
–Carmen

Click To Join!

CANTINA LIFE AND TIMES REVIEW– Enjoyed your views on code of the west in conjunction with having your ride stolen. The weather’s turned cold (well, Florida version of) and your musings sent me down memory lane, which is where I spend a lot of time these days.

Dug out my 30-yr-old Bates chaps which when I really suck it in I can strap on by tugging on that last damn notch in the belt. Threw on some other equally antique garb – Tony Lamas I’ve walked out of a couple of times over the last 20 years, a pair of remarkably still intact cold weather gauntlets that nobody sells anymore ’cause the new tech stuffs just so much better, my ride jacket over a hoodie w/bandana to keep my throat warm and topped it all off with my very comfortable Scorpion 3/4 w/flip up bubble shield.

I hit the road for a couple hours of early Sunday before they all head home from church riding around on the EZ start shovel, traveling entertainment courtesy of my iPod (Shure E2C ear plugs are absolutely the tits) bouncing random tunes around inside my lid. The countryside and orange groves are long gone, but the the lack of early morning traffic meant I could relax and enjoy the vibes in comfort and solitude.

–John and Sue

Choctawhatchee River in flood

BIKERNET Lower Alabama Weather Report for December 27, 2009– Our weather is headed down hill fast. We have had an unusually wet year. Normally we receive around 56 inches of rain, this year without any major storms (i.e. hurricanes) we received much more than our share and more is expected before the new year arrives. And to top it all off we are expecting lows in the mid to upper twenties and highs only in the low fifties for the end of 2009 beginning of 2010. Hopefully these temperatures won?t hang around long; they seldom do in our area.

Drenched Cotton fields

As I rolled past the bank in town this morning, sometime around 11AM, the marquee read 53 degrees. I figured it would be the last ride of this year for me. Tax season is headed our way and that is when my hours of work increase and play time will definitely be curtailed for approximately five months. Camy is not a happy camper during that time, just ask Richard.

Heron in flight

The serenity and peace was broken only by the sound of my pipes as I cruised around the back roads almost totally alone on a Sunday morning. It was pure unadulterated joy being out on the bike and seeing the birds soaring overhead, even with the clouds hanging low and an occasional sprinkle of rain dancing across the windshield.

This is my kind of worship service, me in humble adoration to the creator of all this natural beauty. I feel very fortunate to have been born in the United States of America where I have this freedom and thankful, more so every day, to those brave men and women who have fought to make and keep us free. God bless them all.

As this year comes to a close I will leave you with a few photos of local scenes. There is no telling just what you may run across on the back roads of Lower Alabama. May each of you have a great and prosperous NEW YEAR!

Ride safe,
–Camy

Read Camy’s Roads and Eateries in the South book review: http://www.bikernet.com/reviews/PageViewer.asp?PageID=3001

TED FROM MORTAL SKULLS MC ON TV 1/2/2010–This Saturday January 2nd Ted Mortal Skulls MC will be on “Underdog to Wonder dog” on Animal Planet the show will air at 8pm and again at 11pm! Friends are welcome to the Clubhouse to watch the Show with us!

— MortalSkulls.com

Official Cannonball pace car.

The Transcontinental Motorcycle Cannonball Adds an Extra Day and a Stopover in Hot Springs, Arkansas–Sturgis, South Dakota, Dec. 29, 2009 ? Lonnie Isam, Jr., the promoter and owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, and the Motorcycle Cannonball announced today that an extra day has been added to the transcontinental event now set for 17 days in September 2010. Additionally, a rest day in the event will now be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

According to Isam, the endurance ride for pre-1916 classic motorcycles will still get underway in Kitty Hawk, NC on Friday, September 10. A week into travel on September 17, riders will have a day of rest, repairs, and some festivities in the resort town of Hot Springs, AR. After a total of some 3,325 miles, the ride is now slated to conclude on Sunday, September 26 in Santa Monica, CA.

?With input from our participants and other experts, we?ve been fine tuning the Motorcycle Cannonball route by adjusting the mileage for some days and re-mapping a couple of the stages,? Isam said. ?As a result, we really like the way the route has shaped up.?

During the Motorcycle Cannonball event, participants will ride vintage pre-1916 motorcycles such Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson?s Silent Grey Fellows. According to Isam, the event is not a race but will be a test of both the riders? endurance and the roadworthiness of their respective machines as they navigate non-Interstate roads across the United States.

Isam said that, while organizers and Motorcycle Cannonball Course Master John Classen are still working out the final details of some of the stops, it?s clear that the first week of the event will be challenging as riders make their way along the initial 1,400 miles from the Atlantic shores to Hot Springs. Throughout the run, according to Classen, riders will follow several scenic national parkways and roads like historic US Route 66. Plans are also being made to include some social events as well, with more details to follow.

The Motorcycle Cannonball 2010 has drawn entries from around the world and all walks of life, including motorcycle museum owners, authors, bike collectors and restorers. Entrants come from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and across the continental United States as well as Hawaii. Complete information about the Motorcycle Cannonball, including route details and some rider profiles, is available at . www.motorcyclecannonball.com

Continued On Page 2

Things have been going really good for the whole HighSchool chopper building idea I started over five yearsago. Many new school have been able to getsimilar programs going, which makes all my struggle doubly worthwhile. There are schools across the country nowimplementing the bike building projects and classesall over the country and even in Canada.

My dream,when I started this, was to try and get at least oneschool going from every state and hopefully somedayhaving all the project bikes on display at a big event likeSturgis. With the way things have been progressingthat dream may become a reality before I retire! Ialso have been donating custom made cnc cut parts frommy own business Baas Metal Craftwww.baasmetalcraft.com to new schools that need help.

The High School builds also presented me with theopportunity to write a book with Wolfgang Publicationson the style of bike we build. “How to build an OldSkool Bobber” is now available through Wolfgangpublications.com, or you can contact me for a signedcopy. This book walks you through many aspects ofputting together a vintage styled scoot and also highlights three of our class builds from start to finish.

This year my school class is building two build-off bikes, one to compete at the Donnie SmithInvitational this March in the High School ChopperChallenge with St Francis, and the other with Mazz inCanada to be displayed at a, yet-to-be-determinedevent. Our builds consist of a Sucker Punch Sallyfoundation for one and a vintage Harley Panhead buildfor the other. For the Sucker Punch build we got aMeathook 250 rear tire frame as our foundation with asoon to be completed Pearson Customs springer.

Spartan Frameworks donated a copper oil bag,Dumbassbiker.com donated a 5-speed tranny, and othervarious parts. Kendall Johnson gave us a starter andignition, Milwaukee Iron and Twisted Choppers donatedfender and tank blanks so the kids can create thereown sheet metal for the project as well asAnokapowerhammer.com donating a English wheel andpower hammer so the kids can make the gas tank fromscratch. No catalog off the shelf tinhere! We are still in serious need of finding a motorand open belt primary..any help please let me know, asthis may bring the project to a halt! I can bereached at 952-681-5224 or through e-mail atkbaas@yahoo.com.

For the second Panhead build this one I am fundingcompletely and consists of a 1957 straight leg rigidframe which we are cleaning up and bringing all thestock pieces back that were chopped off in the past(sidecar loops, toolbox mount etc.) The picture alsoshows that my wife and I recently welcomed our thirdson to our family on Sep 15th, which has made thingsmore hectc around here. The motor is a 1958 FLH withS&S stroker 4.5 inch flywheels to get the ole girl to84 inches.

We will heavilymodify a Wassell tank and use it with an original inlinespringer with 16-inch front and rear tires and wheels. The bike will shift by hand and include a rocker clutchset up with original floorboards. The rear fender isa polished aluminum ribbed fender from Jammer, and theseat is one of my custom pans covered by Gremlin withFab Kevin mounts.

This bike will be a tribute to myfather as well, who has been riding a bobbed Panheadsince before I was born. The picture of my dad on thePanhead from over 38 years ago is similar to the styleI want this bike to look like.

Any sponsor interestedin helping out with the Sucker Punch Build please letme know. It is only because of the support we get fromthe industry that this program stays alive.

–Kevin “TEACH” Baas

COAST TO COAST LEGISLATIVE NEWS FOR THE END OF 2009, WITH AMA NEWS ADDED ON–FROM NOISE SNITCHES, TO DIRT TRAILS, AND LEAD PAINT

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at www.ON-A-BIKE.com .

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

UNITED NATIONS LAUNCHES GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVEWith traffic accidents causing the deaths of more than one million people worldwide every year, more than malaria or diabetes, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told participants at the First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Moscow that more must be done to tackle the global ?crisis? of road traffic fatalities. In addition, some 50 million people are severely injured, costing governments 1 to 3% of their gross national products.

Opening the conference, the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev called for action on a worldwide crisis running at 1.27 million road deaths every year, with about half of those deaths occurring among vulnerable road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

The conference culminated with ministers of more than 70 countries around the world approving the Moscow Declaration, which calls for a ?Decade of Action for Road Safety? and to begin to set out plans for global coordination of the unprecedented effort to reduce road traffic injuries 50% by 2020.

The Safe Systems strategy advocated in the Moscow Directive requires the entire road?traffic management system to be designed around compensating for the errors of road users, so that people can survive the consequences of their mistakes. ?Simple measures such as introducing and enforcing compulsory helmet and seat belt laws can make a large difference in the trauma that comes with motorization,? write risk management researchers from Australia.

Only 40% of countries currently have motorcycle laws that stipulate helmet use for the rider and passenger, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and fewer than 60% of countries have laws in place that require all car occupants to wear seat-belts.

The four-page Decade of Action declaration includes specific action on vulnerable road users. It reads: ?Make particular efforts to develop and implement policies and infrastructure solutions to protect all road users in particular those who are most vulnerable such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and users of unsafe public transport, as well as children, the elderly and people living with disabilities.?

On signing the declaration, governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and private companies will agree to set ?ambitious yet feasible? targets for reducing traffic casualties in each country.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION SOUGHT TO PROTECT YOUTH CYCLE SALESBecause the Consumer Product Safety Commission has refused to lift a ban against the sale of kids? dirt bikes and ATVs due to lead content of some parts, although the CPSC agreed to stay the ban until May 1, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an appropriations bill on July 16th that would prohibit funding for the ban.

An amendment by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) to the House fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill prohibits the use of funds by the CPSC to implement or enforce section 101(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 regarding banning the sale of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles intended for use by children 12 and under.

The CPSIA was intended to limit the lead content of children?s toys made in China, but as an unintended consequence resulted in motorcycle manufacturers ordering dealers nationwide to stop selling youth-oriented vehicles and parts.

Similar legislation introduced in the Senate does not contain the Rehberg Amendment language, and has not reached the Senate floor for a vote.

Help protect access to youth-model off-road vehicles and parts by contacting your federal legislators and ask them to support language in the final appropriations bill that excludes children?s motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA.

PENNSYLVANIA NOISE LEGISLATION COULD TURN NOSEY NEIGHBORS INTO NARCSHouse Bill 2104 on noise control was introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature on November 18 and referred to the House Committee on Transportation to consider allowing citizens to report loud vehicles and noisy mufflers to authorities for further action.

As introduced, HB 2104 reads;
Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control.
(f) Enforcement for violations –
(1) A person who reasonably believes that a motor vehicle is in violation of this section may file a complaint, containing the registration plate number, with a magisterial district judge.
(2) Based on the information in the complaint, the magisterial district justice may issue a search warrant for the vehicle and shall forward the search warrant and information contained in the complaint to the Pennsylvania State Police for investigation.
(3) Upon receipt of the search warrant, the Pennsylvania State Police shall investigate whether the vehicle is in violation of this section and shall take appropriate action to enforce the provisions of this section.
(4) A person who files more than one complaint under this section which, after investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, are determined not to support a violation of this section shall be prohibited from filing any additional complaint under this section for a period of 12 months.

ALWAYS-ON HEADLIGHT LAW PROPOSED IN ILLINOISA state lawmaker has introduced legislation requiring Illinois motorists to turn on their headlights even during daylight hours to make it easier for motorists to see each other, thus reducing accidents. “It would enhance safety,” Rep. Dan Brady said.

It also would put Illinois alone in the U.S. Although day-time running lights are required in some European countries, the only other state where it is even being considered is Alaska. In Juneau, state lawmakers say long twilight periods and low sun angles there produce shadows and make it difficult to see vehicles.

Most motorcycles are already required to have a headlamp on at all times for increased conspicuity, and many riders feel they would lose their visibility and be lost in a sea of headlight beams if all vehicles were to run with their lights on.

If House Bill 4701 is approved, someone caught for not turning on their lights could face a fine of $75. Brady said he wants to study the issue more before he asks his colleagues to vote on the matter.

S.C. SUPREME COURT COULD RULE ON MYRTLE BEACH HELMET LAWSUITSTwo lawsuits against Myrtle Beach over the city?s helmet law could be heard by the state’s high court in the new year. The S.C. Supreme Court clerk sent a letter to Myrtle Beach and the plaintiffs saying the lawsuits filed by business owners and a group of motorcyclists might be heard in the February session. The plaintiffs are suing the city to stop it from enforcing the motorcycle helmet law it imposed last year as part of a package of 15 new ordinances designed to deflect the May motorcycle rallies from the city.

Attorneys for the city, BOOST (Business Owners Organized to Support Tourism) and the 49 riders who protested the city’s helmet ordinance on the day it became effective and were ticketed have filed their briefs with the high court, allowing judges to read the issues that will be argued orally if the hearing is slated.

Lawyers representing BOOST have filed more than 30 pages of briefs containing multiple sections, contending among other issues:
The city is overstepping its bounds by making such a law;
The General Assembly intended people older than 21 to have freedom of choice on wearing helmets;
The helmet ordinance violates the state’s Uniform Traffic Act;
The ordinance should be voided because it is vague and ambiguous;
The ordinance is arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable;And ending a motorcycle rally isn’t a legitimate government purpose.

But Tom McGrath, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) attorney for Virginia who is representing the protesters filed a much shorter brief, saying among other things that most of the arguments don’t matter because the city’s ordinance is at odds with state law, and for that reason alone it should be tossed out.

“The gist of the city’s arguments is that it has the right to do whatever it wants to do as long as it declares something to be a public nuisance and decides to abate it,” McGrath’s brief begins. “…If the ordinances conflict with state law, the ordinances are void. If the ordinances are void, their underlying merits are irrelevant.”

ARIZONA BIKERS PROTEST DISCRIMINATION AND POLICE HARASSMENTAs a state highway patrol helicopter circled low over head and the state gang task force took photos from across the street, several hundred bikers from 40 motorcycle clubs throughout Arizona assembled after their regularly scheduled Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs meeting on November 7th for a protest ride past four Kingman bars that recently adopted a ?NO COLORS? policy.

ACMC advocates for biker rights and meets twice a month, discussing issues like helmet or emission laws or pushing for biker-friendly legislation. Dan Balentine, president of the Desert Road Riders Motorcycle Club and secretary for the ACMC told the Daily News that the confederation of clubs is in the process of hiring a third lobbyist to work on the no colors policy initiated by some bars and restaurants in Kingman. Balentine said ACMC’s mission statement is to educate the public of the positive aspects of motorcycle clubs and lawfully oppose intrusion to biker rights.

One of the ACMC lobbyists, Skypilot, is based at the state capital in Phoenix and works with the legislators while a second lobbyist works on federal issues in Washington, D.C. Skypilot reported that he is talking with state legislators on motorcycle issues such as right of ways, emissions, discrimination by law enforcement, correctly fastening license plates and extended yellow lights.

ACMC’s president Ray “Still Ray” Fitzgerald, said the object of the protest ride was to draw attention to the way the gang task force illegally forces bars to adopt the no colors policy or face having their liquor licenses pulled.

Riders wearing their club colors on the protest ride arrived armed with discrimination forms to document people who were turned away for a possible class-action lawsuit.

“Why would they turn us away?” said Steve Musgrave, a member of the Desert Thunder MC and a registered motorcycle rights lobbyist for eight years. “Our money should be as good as everyone else’s.” Musgrave, who also serves on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, said it is unfair for police to label motorcycle clubs as gangs. “We are a club, not a gang. We have regular meetings and pay dues,” he said. “Almost everybody here is a law-abiding citizen who has a job and pays their taxes, just like everyone else.”

AUSTRALIAN BIKERS THREATEN TO SUE PUBS OVER COLORS DISCRIMINATIONMembers of at least 21 of the state’s ?bikie gangs? are preparing to sue the 53 pubs, clubs, hotels and cocktail bars from Wollongong to The Entrance where they are banned if they turn up for a drink wearing club colors or their trademark bikie jewelry.

They claim the bars are breaching the Anti-discrimination Act, the Human Rights Commission Act and probably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which has been adopted by Australia.

After gauging reaction from the bars, the United Motorcycle Council NSW plans to take action on behalf of all the clubs. The council was formed earlier this year as a reaction to government efforts to ban motorcycle clubs through the strictest anti-gang laws in the world.

JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE EXPORTS DOWN BY HALF–Motorcycle exports from Japan have slumped by over 50%, according to shocking new figures released by the industry watchdog.

In October 2009 global exports of motorcycle from Japan were recorded at 41,143 units, compared with the 90,702 units total recorded for the same month of the previous year. The 54.6% export decrease is the twenty-fifth consecutive month that export figures have dropped, according to a recent JAMA report.

The total value of motorcycles exported for October was 334.12 million U.S. dollars including 229.94 million U.S. dollars for vehicles and 14.18 million U.S. dollars for parts. This is a decrease of 263.09 million U.S. dollars or 44.1 percent, as compared with 597.21 million U.S. dollars recorded for the same month of the previous year, the report stated.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: ?Too bad that all the people who really know how to run the country are busy driving taxi cabs and cutting hair.?
–George Burns, comedian (1896 ? 1996)

AMA REPORTS FOR JANUARY–

AMA NEWS FOR JANUARY 2010

News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events around the world, News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Legislative Assistant Sheila Andrews by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.

Protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easier than you think. Visit us at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Rights, then Get Involved to learn how you can help.

Sign up and stay informed: AMA’s electronic Action Alerts and News & Notes will keep you informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials. By signing up to receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by e-mail when and how you can make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent Action Alerts, and click here to sign up.

In addition to signing up for our Action Alerts, you can sign up to receive AMA’s monthly electronic edition of News & Notes. News & Notes keeps motorcyclists informed of rights-related issues and events around the world. Click here and check the “Sign me up for AMA’s Government Relations News & Notes” box at the bottom of the page.

The AMA offers its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Hugh H. “Harry” Hurt, who died of a heart attack on Nov. 29, 2009 at the age of 81. Professor Hurt was an award-winning author best known in the motorcycling community for conducting a benchmark motorcycle safety research study in 1981 entitled “Volume I: Technical Report, Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, January, 1981 – Final Report.”

Commonly referred to as the “Hurt Report,” the study was widely viewed to be the most comprehensive motorcycle safety study of the 20th century. In addition to that groundbreaking study, Hurt was the author of dozens of publications in the fields of motorcycle handling, safety, crash analysis, and helmet performance. It was on this basis that Hurt was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007.

Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1577

The AMA announced the 2009 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year with a twist: This year’s recipients are a group, rather than an individual. The winners? Kids who ride motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). America’s youngest riders were at the center of the biggest story of the year in 2009, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforced a ban on selling youth-model off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

At the center of the controversy is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) provision that strictly reduces the levels of allowable lead in children’s toys. Because OHVs include lead in parts such as battery terminals, valve stems, engine cases and controls, in early 2009 the law banned the sale of OHVs intended for kids 12 years old and younger.

Thanks to the efforts of AMA members, AMA staff and others, more than 70,000 motorcyclists used online tools provided by the AMA at AmericanMotorcyclist.com to voice opposition to the law. As a direct result, the CPSC issued delayed enforcement of the law until 2011. With congressional leaders reluctant to re-write a law that they had just passed, the delay of enforcement was critical to the efforts to resolve the issue because it secured valuable time for the AMA and its allies to continue to pressure regulators and lawmakers to permanently exempt youth-model OHVs from the CPSIA.

Full story: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1579

The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on S. 2843, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, on December 8. The U.S. House companion bill is H.R. 3246. S. 2843 would authorize the Department of Energy to conduct advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development. This will increase the production of new technology in vehicles and trucks in the United States. The AMA is encouraged that language to include motorcycles will be included based on the exchange between Senator Wyden and Under Secretary Johnson of the Department of Energy at the hearing.

On September 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3246 with a vote of 312 to 114. During consideration of the bill, Representative Patrick Kennedy introduced an amendment to ensure that manufacturers of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles are included in the list of eligible industry participants. The amendment was adopted unanimously.

The American Motorcyclist Association, in conjunction with the National Motorsports Coalition, is asking all organizers, promoters, track owners and others to contact their members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act of 2009 (H.R. 1974/S. 1400). The Act would make permanent the current seven-year depreciation tax standard for motorsports entertainment complexes.

For more than 20 years, permanent motorsports facilities have operated under this classification, but in 2004 the IRS raised some questions on the issue. Congress eventually reaffirmed that seven years was appropriate, and extended the treatment through the end of 2007. Last year, Congress acted diligently to extend the depreciation method through the end of 2008, however until permanency is obtained, the motorsports industry will continue to have to petition for an extension of the tax method. This consistently affects the more than 900 permanent motorsports facilities operating in the United States that have tremendous economic and job creation impact, both regionally and nationally.

In order to pass legislation providing for security of the depreciation schedule, owners, operators and everyone involved needs to contact their Senators and Representatives to ask them to cosponsor their respective bills. H.R. 1974 and S. 1400 are needed to ensure the viability of permanent tracks and the sport of motorcycle racing. For more information on how to reach out to your members of Congress log-on to www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

Congress will hold a hearing on a bill that will negatively impact Montana’s off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreational opportunities. The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has scheduled a hearing on December 17 to consider S. 1470, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act of 2009, introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.). As it is currently written, the OHV community will lose access to many miles of popular riding trails.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) appreciates Senator Tester for reaching out to the OHV community in attempting to make this bill better for every user of our public lands. However, the AMA continues to oppose this bill as it is currently written, and urges the Subcommittee and Senator Tester to work with our Association and other groups to more fully address rider concerns so that families can continue to enjoy OHV trails in a responsible manner.

San Francisco, Calif: Bridge Toll Hike Proposed for Earthquake Safety. The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) is seeking public comment on a toll increase on the seven state-owned Bay Area toll bridges: the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.

Ideas being considered include raising the $4 toll for cars to $5; charging carpools and motorcycle riders a discounted toll instead of allowing them to cross for free; increasing truck tolls; and charging commuters extra for crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge during peak traffic hours. Written comments, which will be accepted until 4 p.m., December 21, 2009.

Source: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/news/info/toll_increase.htm

Albuquerque, N.M.: The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) plans to use more than $322,000 in federal funds and $126,000 in matching contributions for trail work in the Cibola National Forest. NMOHVA will use the funds to construct new trail segments, rehabilitate existing trails and install signs on over 60 miles of trail. Some of the money will also go toward trailhead improvements and trail entry control. The group’s partners include the Sandia Ranger District, New Mexico 4 Wheelers, the Black Feather Trail Preservation Alliance and R&S Powersports.

Work is expected to start in the spring of 2010. Recreation planning experts from Pan Pacific Services will help manage the project.

Source: http://www.nmohva.org/main/index.php

Hollister, Calif.: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks comments on Clear Creek draft plan. The BLM Hollister Field Office is inviting the public to comment on the draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement on the Clear Creek Management Area, covering public lands in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties. The draft RMP/EIS was developed through a public planning process and analyzes seven alternatives. The primary issues addressed are public health risks from asbestos exposure, recreation, protection of sensitive resources, energy and mineral development, land tenure adjustments, and other resource issues.

Source: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2009/december/CC1009_CCMA_drmp.html

Missouri: Pre-filed for the upcoming 2010 Missouri General Assembly session, House Bill 1217, sponsored by Rep. Gary Dusenberg (R-Blue Springs), would permit adults 21 years of age or older to make their own decisions regarding motorcycle helmet use.

Also pre-filed is House Bill 1332, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart), which proposes strict penalties for motorcycle stunt riding on public roadways. A “dangerous stunt” is defined as any dangerous activity by the operator or passenger, including standing or performing handstands on the seat, frame or handlebars, operating on one tire, or removing both hands from the handlebars. Offenses would be classified as misdemeanors; a second offense involving a motorcycle without license plates, or third or subsequent offense on any motorcycle, would be classified as a felony.

Pennsylvania: House Bill 2104, sponsored by Rep. Michael K. Hanna (D-Lock Haven), would permit a person to file a complaint against the owner/operator of a motor vehicle that violates provisions in Section 4523 (Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control) of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. A magisterial district judge could issue a search warrant, authorizing the Pennsylvania State Police to inspect the motor vehicle and take appropriate action.

Coos County, Ore.: A coalition of environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to allow Coos County to build a one-mile connector trail for off-highway vehicle use through part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The proposed road, called the Riley Ranch Access Project, would connect a county park to other county lands within the popular dunes area on the Southern Oregon Coast. The Forest Service believes it has sufficiently addressed any unresolved environmental and resource issues after conducting a lengthy three-year public planning process and environmental review.

Source: http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/05/30/outdoors/doc4a20d4eb0a1ca928257049.txt

Craig, Colo.: The Craig City Council recently approved final passage of an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on city streets. All residents who wish to drive an ATV or OHV on city streets must first register their vehicle with the Craig Police Department. Additionally applicants must be at least 18 years old and must provide proof of insurance for non-recreational use.

The ordinance only covers vehicles with four wheels. Three-wheelers and snowmobiles therefore are excluded.

Source: http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2009/dec/08/council-approves-atvs-ohvs-city-travel

British Columbia, Canada: New all-terrain vehicle (ATV) regulations have recently been adopted. These regulations aim to improve safety and address environmental concerns. These new rules include registration and licensing fees at the time of purchase as well as a mandatory helmet law for riders. A compliance and enforcement strategy will be developed and will include an education component to help ensure voluntary compliance.

Additional rules include new sound standards for mufflers, requiring spark arrestors as well as giving local government the ability to designate crossings on public roads to assure ATV rider’s access to local communities.

Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/news/69849087

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NEWS…

Continued From Page 2

THE PERFECT GLOVE! These Gloves Offer you the Protection of a Sports Glove, but with the Refined Styling of a Classic Leather Glove Made with the finest Drum Dyed Cowhide.

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?Integrated flexible Kevlar protective knuckles offer discreet protection
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NEW BATCH OF GIRLS OF BIKERNET CALENDARS ARRIVED AT THE HEADQUARTERS–We got into the holiday spirit by taking a gaggle of girls, had them disrobe, took their picture and made them keep track of your appointments and important dates.

And for just $14.95 you can keep these ladies hard at work in their pantiesfor a full year.

Get your Girls of Bikernet Calendar right here.

BAD SANTA Robs Tennessee Bank NASHVILLE, Tenn. ? He may have been dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, but this Santa was no saint.According to Metropolitan Nashville Police, a man wearing a Santa Claus suit ? including hat, beard and mustache ? and dark sunglasses robbed a SunTrust Bank on Tuesday morning, demanding money from the teller at gunpoint.

After the teller complied, the man fled in a gray midsize car.

–from Rogue

BAD MAYOR,Former Wisconsin Mayor Pleads Guilty in Underage Sex Sting–Tuesday, December 22, 2009 RACINE, Wis. ? Former Racine Mayor Gary Becker has pleaded guilty to two charges stemming from an Internet sex sting.

In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss six other charges during Tuesday’s hearing.The 52-year-old Becker pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault of a child under 16 and child enticement.

He faces up to 45 years in prison when he’s sentenced March 3.Defense attorney Patrick Cafferty declined comment until after Becker’s sentencing hearing.Becker was arrested at a shopping center on Jan. 13 in a sting operation after authorities said he was involved in explicit Internet chats with a state agent posing as a 14-year-old girl.

Becker was charged Jan. 15 and resigned as mayor five days later.

–from Rogue

D&D – FOR POWER, TORQUE & TONE–D&D slip-on pipes are designed to get the power and the tone back for the stock Harley-Davidson set-up. D&D loads up the dyno and runs test after test to find the optimal settings for the pipe.One of our latest successes has been with the Sportster. It comes from the dealership sounding like a washing machine and after a little D&D love it sounds ready to rock.D&D recomends a Hi-Flow aircleaner from Zipper’s or K&N to increase the efficency from both ends. So if you want more power and a better sounding motorbike then give a call to the pros at D&D.Call D&D Performance Enterprises at 817-834-8961 for more details.

Hundreds gather to protest Global Warming–This exclusive report just in from Bikernet International News Desk.

–Marilyn Bragg

HELMET ARREST REPORT FROM B.O.L.T.–Before I tell you how my local police department pulled my friend and me over because of my home made helmet, then threatened to put me in jail because I was recording the traffic stop, let me explain the end result.

No ticket was issued and nobody went to jail. So why are the details of this traffic stop such a big deal? Because I do what most riders think will get you ticketed, tazered and jailed.

I?ll explain. While riding through my neighboring city, I was pulled over. He said he was going to write a ticket because ?you can?t just make your own helmet.? Ya see, I know you can. It is not illegal in California to make your own motorcycle helmet. When the officer walked away to make a phone call to the headquarters, the backup officer was making small talk for 6 minutes until he told me I could not record the traffic stop. He claims he didn?t know I had been holding the recorder up to his face the whole time. I mean, I was holding the recorder like a reporter interviewing the basketball player after the game. It was half the distance between my head and his. So I told him I?d turn it off if he could show me the law that prohibited what I was doing.

That?s when he began the aggressive steps toward me, completely invading my ?space,? and telling me he was going to take it out of my hand and take me to jail if it stayed on.

When the cop that originally pulled me over got off the phone, he told the 2nd cop it was legal to record, then proceeded to explain what the lieutenant said over the phone. I would not be ticketed because I found a ?loophole? in the law. I absolutely refuted that description of the situation. I follow the law, and I know the federal regulation that our state law incorporates well enough to be certain I am legal even though the helmet is about the size of a music CD. A Manufacturer Certification, otherwise known as a DOT sticker is the rebuttable presumption that the helmet is legal and meets the federal standard. Either way, the Lieutenant said if they ticket me they will lose.

Before the police ?let us go? the aggressive un-informed one gave me advice, to never tell an officer he is wrong about law, even if he is wrong. Well, that advice will simply not be followed. Not by me.

When I called a few days later to begin the process for filing an Internal Affairs complaint, the supervisor began siding with the cop who said it was illegal to record. He agreed to let the District Attorney research it, and I even told him if the DA found a law prohibiting me from recording my own traffic stop I would turn myself in and they could prosecute me for whatever crime I had supposedly committed.

Well, of course the DA called him to say their research discovered there is nothing illegal about recording a cop who pulled you over. The supervisor said he would send a memo so all their officers knew, and would not violate anyone?s Rights, as my Rights were violated that night. That was my hint. There will be something in writing. California law also allows for citizens to ask for certain information from the police, and usually they must provide it. Look into the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Government Code sections 6250-6276.48

Within 10 days of asking for the written memos or bulletins regarding any citizen recording their own traffic stop, they mailed the document to me. It was an email from the supervisor that I talked to, and he had sent it to almost everyone in the city PD. Well, now the email memo is public information, so you can read it, too.

While they were at it, they sent me the info I asked about criteria they use to determine the legality of helmets.

You will find the information interesting, very close to legally accurate, and above all useful. Wouldn?t it be a good idea to have documents like this with you when you ride? Or if you get a ticket because the officer doesn?t think your helmet is legal, use the Folsom PD documents in court. Best case scenario, use the CPRA to request info from your local PD. Folsom Police have read and understand the memos from the boss that tiny little helmets are not illegal, and if you pull someone over the citizen can record the police during the traffic stop.

Much of the information we use to craft these procedures can be found at www.boltofca and if there are questions, email me – nolistnolaw@sbcglobal.net

–Mark Temple
BOLT of California

Numero uno.

THE FUTURE OF MOTORCYCLING ACCORDING TO ILLUSTRATOR DICK ALLEN:

1. Future tactical use of 5-Ball bar mounted tank concept.

2. Long Rider.

3. Drag bike tow vehicle. Mission Drags.

4.Terrific illustration for Lowson Fiction.

–DA

ANOTHER NEON XMAS–We at Dr. Neon’s wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and Remember times are tough things are hard here’s your Fracking Christmas card

with all my love, Doc

BADASS SKULL BRACELET FROM NINO 925–This heavy BadAss Skull Bracelet is a more substantial version of SB01. Each skull link is aprox. 12mm wide and 37mm long, it features incredible detail and workmanship. Check out the matching wallet chain (WC01).

Nino also does girl’s apparel.

Shop Toll Free 877.646.6925, Quick, Free Over-Night Shipping.

ROGUE STUDIES THE CODE OF THE WOMEN WEST–

Women want what?s off limits

In the Garden of Eden, Eve sinks her teeth into the one piece of fruit that God instructed her to avoid — so began a long line of women who wanted, oh so badly, what they could not have.

We see the same trend continue today with women staring longingly at designer shoes, fawning over limited-edition jewelry and above all, chasing after already spoken-for men. Be it human or handbag, the more tantalizingly out of reach it is, the more appealing it becomes.

Women like what is popular

This one is fairly straightforward. Girls want what other girls have. To women, the simple fact that a guy is someone?s favorite flavor makes him worth a try. A guy in a relationship is wanted by at least one person — the girl on his arm, who confirms that he has been tested and approved as boyfriend material — and therefore attracts the buzz of many others.

–Rogue

RUMBLE WITH A CAUSE– Help support active and retired members off the Military for a chance to win one of two Military themed motorcycles.

The Armed Forces Foundation, with the support of Oshkosh Defense, announced that the ?Rumble With a Cause? sweepstakes is off to a rousing start. Through April 15, 2010, donations raised from this sweepstakes campaign will support active and retired members of the U.S. Military and their families.

Entrants to the sweepstakes will have the chance to win one of two custom-painted Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycles, donated to the AFF for the sweepstakes by Oshkosh Defense. On the entry form, participants are asked to select entry into either the sweepstakes for the Marine Corps-themed ?Semper Fidelis Salute? or the sweepstakes for the Army-themed ?American Soldier Salute? motorcycle.

Enter or donate online at www.rumblewithacause.org, or at these upcoming events:

Dec. 30-31 : Armed Forces Bowl, Fort Worth, TX
Jan. 4?9 : All-American Bowl, San Antonio, TX
Jan. 15-17 : Cycle World, Washington, D.C.
Jan. 27?28 : Marine West, Camp Pendleton, CA
Feb. 7?9 : NDIA Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Conference, Monterey, CA
Feb. 24?26 : AUSA Winter, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 3 : Armed Forces Foundation Gala, Washington, D.C.
March 26?28 : Texas National Guard State Conference, Austin, TX

No donation or purchase is necessary to enter. Entries may be made at events attended by the AFF and Oshkosh Defense and on the sweepstakes Web site at www.rumblewithacause.org.

Individuals will receive one entry for each $10 donation made up to a total of $200 or 20 entries. All rules, including instructions for entry without donation and eligibility requirements are on the sweepstakes Web site.

– – C.S. Berg

“Special Event Liability Insurance” – Choice and Economically-Stimulated Pricing. That’s what you’ll get from the Bikernet Insurance Center LLC– Event Organizers, Sponsors and/or Champions of Motorcycle-Related Events, like the Bikernet Insurance Center LLC, can offer exhibitors coverage from a group liability insurance policy for only about $65 bucks.

Individual exhibitors who want to purchase their very own policy can buy $1,000,000 in general liability insurance, with a $2,000,000 aggregate limit, for around $100 bucks. Now, no one can match this coverage-pricing range combo.

Wanna pay around $65 bucks for an Event Liability Policy?

Then jump on our Special Group Insurance Policy. We have set one up for the 2010 V-Twin Expo. Send us your email and we’ll send you a “quick-link” to our agency portal for you to complete the V-twin Expo Group Insurance application. Its fast, simple and dare we say, cheap.

Email:clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com

Want your very own Event Liability policy for around $100 bucks?

This is a policy in your name/company name only. Not part of the Group Policy.Then go to our Insurance Department at www.bikernet.com/insurance. Click on the “Check out our website at TotalEventInsurance.com” then click on #1. Event Liability Insurance.Complete the quick application, pay up, wait for confirmation of coverage and you are done.

Happy Holidays to our Biker Community. Connect with us anytime if you have any questions.

From the BossMan@Bikernet-Insurance.com

Classic Indian Chief motorcycle ready to roll–The revived brand, already for sale in 16 other states, clears California’s tough emissions standards. But it arrives during the worst motorcycle market in decades.

The classic Indian Chief motorcycle, prized for its fanciful fenders and an American heritage different from its much bigger rival, Harley-Davidson, is back and finally ready to roll in California.

The Chief just hasn’t been available on the West Coast. But that’s about to change this spring with the 2010 Chief, selling for $26,000 plus. This month the latest incarnation of the 108-year-old Indian brand announced the names of two of its five planned California dealerships — one in Harbor City and the other in Fresno.

Steve Heese, the boss, said the delay was caused by the state’s emission requirements and a lengthy search for the right dealers. California, which accounts for 10% of all U.S. motorcycle sales, has tougher emissions standards than the rest of the country.

For a company to sell motorcycles in the state, California’s Air Resources Board must provide an additional emissions certification to the one issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that allows a manufacturer’s products to be sold in other states.

Indian secured its California emissions clearance only last week. Heese is confident that the motorcycles will arrive well before the planned April openings of California Harley-Davidson Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles in Harbor City and Indian Motorcycle Fresno, based out of a car dealership, Herwaldt Subaru.

Stephen Julius and Steve Heese purchased the Indian brand in 2004, having had success reviving well-known, but bankrupt, luxury boat brands Chris-Craft and Reva.

The company reported net income of $163.6 million in that nine-month period of 2009, down 71.6% from the year-earlier period. It said the income drop partly reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effect of the economy on its retail and wholesale loan business. As a public company, Harley-Davidson’s financial data is released quarterly. Indian is privately held and does not release similar information.

–by susan.carpenter, latimes.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT BIKERNET–We feel very fortunate to be able to eek out a living in these tough times, and live a life around constantly creative endeavors and custom motorcycles.

Biker Xmas California delta haute decor from the River Rat.

We try our damnest to share our fortune and love for our lifestyle with our readers and the industry. As you see weekly we enjoy publishing any article that might entertain you or help any reputable motorcycle company.

We know it’s tough out there and everyday we reach out to help a shop or company, no charge. It’s the least we can do during these harried, bad economic times. Plus, we’ll do anything we can to spread the legislative word and promote Bikers Rights Organizations. It’s the Code of the West, especially at Christmas.

Next year we plan to offer more services, more content, more tech and more company assistance. Don’t hesitate to contact us with suggestions, or requests. It’s our duty, goddamnit, to keep the faith, and the Chopper Code alive.

Merry Christmas!

–Bandit and the Crew of Bikernet

BIKERNET HOLIDAY CHEER NEWS CONTINUES–

Continued From Page 1

Forget Limousines,Forget Horse & Buggy–“The Bridal Carriage” is the only grand entrance you will ever need.A unique, special and luxurious way to travel on the most magical day of your life!

–from Lou Kimzey

Bikers Converge on Fort Lauderdale Marking another Successful Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run–HOLLYWOOD, FLA -December 18, 2009 – The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour made its final stop for 2009 at the Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson “Bikers Bash” on Friday, December 4th, for a night of motorcycle entertainment and fun with all proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County.

Bike enthusiasts from across the country converged on Fort Lauderdale for the legendary and charitable motorcycle event December 3-6. Weekend festivities kicked off Friday evening at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the Bikers Bash VIP event and culminated at the 22nd Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run- the world’s largest motorcycle parade, the combination of the two raised over $250,000 for two local charities.

Hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, this year’s event included dinner, live entertainment and a Charity Auction to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, where they raised over $175,000. Party-goers enjoyed the Jake and Elwood Blues Revue as well as a stunning and sexy performance by the Purrfect Angelz. The highlight of the evening featured an FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide presented one lucky winner.

An impressive line-up of great bike builders were also present at this year’s festivities and had motorcycles on display at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse. The machines on display were built by Paul Yaffe, Eddie Trotta, Anthena Ransom and the late Jerry Graves.

The 22nd Annual SFPC Christmas Toys in the Sun Run was held Sunday, December 6, with all proceeds going to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. Thousands of bikers participated in this year’s ride and raised $75,000.

This year’s Biker Bash festivities included a myriad of police-escorted rides to some of the area’s hottest spots, great food, open bars, live music and casino fun as motorcyclists celebrated their passion for riding while helping the children of Southern Florida.

For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1-800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.

–Sarah Wozniak

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM EUROPEAN BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR–Many thanks for this exciting year on bikernet. Have a great X-Mas and roaring change of years. All the best for you and all of your people!

–Andreas, the Viking from Germany

Click the banner for Bikernet Advertising Rates and services.

BIKERNET WEEKLY READER REVIEW–Hey Man, good stuff lately?.Betsy in AK was great?.and that AMA Awards story was perfect, short and sweet as written by a racer! No muss or fuss.

Also good exposure for the Hot Leathers / Fuller HotRods stuff, thanx. I was at the shop last week, making a bellypan for the racebike?shaved 800 grams! Those guys are great, I bring my own stock and they let me use what I need?and even guide me when they see me straying?.probably cuz they know they would fix what I screw up!….truely talented crew there?.Special thanx to Dean and B for this last trip.

Hey, I stumbled across this short video, my buddy TC Christensen over in the UK with his dual engine Norton?.way back for sure?.but thought you might like it. http://www.ukdrn.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1796

On another note?.the forum?I by no means meant to stir or reinforce anything offensive, and understand Hiways stance?hopefully no harm done.

I?ve also thought about posting up on your Metric blog?..but have no clue how to join or navigate?.it does look interesting tho.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the crew.

–Mysterious Bikernet Reader

Watch for changes to our Forum and Bikernet blog. The BikernetMetric Blog will also be updated next week.–Bandit

FLAME ON – AEROMACH”S FLAMES DELIVERS A HOT LEVER–The flame levers are CNC machined from T6 extruded billet aluminum, chrome plated and designed to mount to Harley Davidson’s 1996-2007, Hydraulic clutch and VRod applications. Will also fit American Iron Horse, 2003 and earlier Big Dog Motorcycles, Vengeance and Saxxon.

Flash some chrome and get all the details here.

–Jeff Najar

HOUSE OF THUNDER, A bargain for X-Mas:The worlds most expensive Motorcycle!German Custom-Specialist ?House of Thunder? and their ? 16 million Custombike: This Ride will blow your mind!–Are you short of ideas for a last-minute x-mas present? This might be the solution. Given that you have the necessary pocket-money of ? 16 million (yes, that?s 16.000.000,–!) for the latest creation of Luebeck/Germany based ?House of Thunder?. Some may think ?that?s an outrageous price for a Harley-Davidson Custombike?, but you may consider: The bike has been build by one of the premier european Custombike builders, painted by one of the best european airbrushers and ? last but certainly not least ? comes along with its own (and mobile!) garage, a 45 meter transoceanic Yacht of the same name: Africa

?The age of the boys is determined by the size of their toys? is a quite common slogan and it is not only true in the Custombike-scene! Introduced at the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show (www.monacoyachtshow.com) is a stunning new concept which combines the spirit of Custombikes with the scene of custom-build high-end yachts. New Antalya/Turkey-based Yacht manufacturer Sunrise Yachts (www.sunriseyachts.com), founded by german Harley-Davidson and Custombike Enthusiast Herbert Baum is delivering their incredible 45 meter ship with a rear garage, which houses a rescue-boat, two jet skis and one Custom-build Harley-Davidson, build and painted to match the theme of the ship! The name “Afrika? for the 2 x 1070 horsepower equipped 380 tons ship gives away the interior decoration and the paintjob of the bike. Build by german top-shop “House of Thunder? at L?beck (www.house-of-thunder.de), ?Africa? has been custom build for the ship, based on a stock Harley-Davidson ?Rocker?. House of Thunder took the bike completely apart, cleaned up the frame and hand-hammered their own fenders and fuel tank. A new feature for any motorcycle is the foldable handlebar which allows the bike to be lifted in and out of ?parking position? in the small ?garage? in the rear.

?We still will build our ?normal? Custombikes for our german and international customers, but this is a completely new market and we always welcome new impulses for markets yet unexplored?, says Eric Vauth of ?House of Thunder?. His connection to Herbert Baum is decade-long and lasted through several high-end projects, including the unforgettable ?Simply the Best? which literally won every Bikeshow of the 2001/2002 season, including the Rats Hols Show at Daytona. ?We comissioned House of Thunder because of their dedication to the job, the reliability and the quality of craftmanship?, says Baum, ?as the ships will be named and themed to the owners request, so will the motorcycles.? With the only Custom-build motorcycle at the worlds premiere Yacht Show ? not to forget the location in scenic Monaco harbour ? the team-up created an real eyecatcher! And imagine the Yacht delivers your ride to the next bikeshow ? that is well worth the price tag!

?You can do Daytona Beach BikeWeek without all the airport hassle and sleep in your own bed?, smiles Eric Vauth, it?s like a dream come true!? If you fancy other ?themes?, House of Thunder in connection with Sunrise Yachts can serve that too ? just check your purse!

Text: HRF, Fotos: Motographer & Sunrise Yachts

Contact:House of ThunderTaschenmacherstr. 6, 23556 L?beckGermany

Telephon_ +49 (0)451-472717E-Mail: info@house-of-thunder.dewww.house-of-thunder.de

TOLBERT TUNES HIS RACEBIKE WITH D&D EXHAUST–Kenny Tolbert, Crew Chief for Chris Carr Racing, uses the exhaust pipe to tune the motorcycle to the race track. The XR750 makes more horsepower than most tracks can handle so tuners have to adjust the delivery of horsepower for the specific track.

At the start of the season Kenny Tolbert and D&D build new exhaust systems for the team’s Harley XR750 and Honda 450cc racebikes. The guys look at the tracks and determine how the horsepower and torque need to come on in order to get the best response and traction from the motorbike. Tolbert looks to modify the exhaust system at the track because it is a quick fix and it allows him to make changes fast during the race day.Get more of the good stuff in Bikernet Studio.

OPERATION GRATITUDE WRAP STORY– Six years ago a wonderful charity was started in the San Fernando Valley by two visionary American patriots: Mrs. Carolyn Blashek, a wife and a mother of a Marine Corps Officer and SSG Elizabeth Cowie, a mother and military career person. The charity?s mission is to raise the morale of every American Service Member deployed in a hostile region by mailing them individual care packages filled with useful goods accompanied by a personal letter of gratitude from an appreciative American citizen. The charity was simply named, ?Operation Gratitude.? Over the last 6 years ?OPGrat? has received thousands of emails and letters from American Military Personnel of every rank thanking the volunteers and sponsors for caring.

With over $50,000,000.00 in donated goods shipped to date at a cost of over $5,000,000.00 in postage (the US Postal Service does not donate mailing costs), Operation Gratitude was preparing to ship its 500,000th care packages* to two American Service Members deployed in one of the most hostile regions in the world. Saturday, December 19, 2009 was going to be an epic day.

?As Americans, the most important thing we can do is to support our troops.?
? Mrs. Carolyn Blashek, founder, Operation Gratitude HQ, 1130 hrs, Saturday, December 19, 2009

There is no larger, freedom-loving, patriotic group in the USA than American bikers. Three years ago South Bay Biker Productions joined the ranks of ?OPGrat?s? corporate sponsors which include: Chrysler Corporation, Checkers Industries/Rally Burger, Disney, HBO, Target, Hershey?s and American Airlines, just to name a few. During South Bay Biker Productions association with ?OPGrat? we have donated thousands of T-shirts and DVDs documenting famous motorcycle events (including our own) so American Service Members can ?have a taste? of home and see the freedom we enjoy on America?s roads and highways courtesy of their sacrifices. Both Carolyn and Liz have spoken to our patrons at the Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally.

Our Staff never misses an opportunity to tell bikers about ?OPGrat?s? mission. After discovering Operation Gratitude during this year?s Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally, the latest sponsors to join our ranks are American Veterans Traveling Tributes (AVTT) and Sands Resorts.

South Bay Biker Productions Staff has looked forward to being an integral part of this milestone event for a long time. The day before, OPGrat co-founder, SSG Liz Cowie, rode her pearl white Vulcan from San Jose escorted by Hollister, CA HOG Chapter member, ?Darlin Danny? Howe on his black HD Softail and his wife, ?Hollister Christy? Howe in the chase truck. Shasta Rally motorcycle photographer, Henry ?Photoshooter? Aparicio, accepted our invitation to cover Saturday?s event and also made himself available to ?OPGrat? for formal portraits, free of charge. Gary ?Boogieman? Nadler & Lorrie ?Tequila Rose? Nadler ?caged-it? all the way from New River, AZ to join us. One of my closest friends, national bestselling author, Bill Hayes (?The Original Wild Ones?), carved out time to cover for Thunder Press. Quick Throttle?s Chris and Lisa Dalgaard dispatched staff photographer, Art Hall. Several weeks earlier, Jack (who was present last Christmas to cover OPGrat?s program), let me know he couldn?t make it. He asked me to write an article and for permission to use Henry?s photos to tell the story. Finally, Keith Ball, the former Editor-in-Chief of Easyriders Magazine and head of Bikernet.com, has published every PSA and article about ?OPGrat? I have submitted. What is most important is after 3 years, bikers all over America and the world are finding out about and supporting ?OPGrat.?

When the big day arrived we mustered in Redondo Beach at 0800 hrs and 7 motorcycles rode together as a unit to OPGrat?s HQ, the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, CA. We were filled with anticipation. The chilly morning turned warm and the Holiday weekend traffic was light. It was going to be (as Bill Hayes always says) an ?excellent? day. As we headed north on the 405 we spotted a huge yellow school bus packed with youngsters who waved as we rode by. We didn?t realize we would see them again shortly. Upon our arrival we noticed the parking lot next door to the Armory was packed with hundreds of cars! SSG Cowie directed the pack to pull into a VIP parking area where the bikes were safe from OPGrat?s crabby forklift driver. A few moments later, that same yellow school bus pulled into the parking lot, too! We watched the smiling youngsters pile out of the huge bus, eager to get to work. Once we parked, Bill took some photos of our crew. We were thrilled to see over a thousand volunteers of all ages inside the Armory packing, sealing boxes and addressing and taping mailing labels to the packages, 1 by 1. Outside were a hundred or more volunteers lined up waiting for their chance to sign-in and help. There were Boy Scouts, high school athletic teams, cheerleader teams, pretty girls in quasi-military uniforms, one lazy spoiled teenager, senior citizens and military personnel. As always the faithful nucleus of blue t-shirted well organized OPGrat Supervisors headed by ?right-hand-man,? Charlie Othold were present. Most were quietly going about the business of keeping things running smoothly. None of us, including SSG Cowie, had ever seen so many people at OPGrat?s HQ. FOX news had their van strategically parked outside the Armory and their personnel were working on their second full day of coverage. It was exciting and heartwarming to witness this beehive of activity filled with patriotic selfless individuals of all ages and from all walks of life.

Right on schedule at 11:15 AM, #500,000 came off the assembly line. Packing came to a halt and over a thousand volunteers gathered around the podium where ceremonies and speeches began amongst a sea of beta cams & photographers. Carolyn triumphantly held the milestone care package over her head as flashes went off and everyone cheered. Carolyn is always well spoken, completely sincere and usually not too emotional. Last Saturday was different. As she introduced several dignitaries, politicians, entertainment people and acknowledged all those who have given their time, money and consistent support to Operation Gratitude, she had to occasionally stop to regain her composure ? especially when her fine son, 2nd Lieutenant Jordan Blashek, home on leave after completing Basic Training at Officers Candidate School for the Marine Corps was introduced. To cap off this amazing patriotic day, SSG Cowie rode her motorcycle into the Armory and presented the keys to 2 Harley Davidson Sportsters donated by new ?OPGrat? sponsors, AVTT & Sands Resorts. The keys to the bikes were added to the contents of the milestone packages. Boy will those soldiers be tickled when they open those boxes and find those keys! Wish I could be there to see their faces! They will take delivery of their bikes once their deployment is complete and when they return stateside.

On behalf of South Bay Biker Productions and all American bikers and the biker media, it has been a privilege to support Operation Gratitude and its mission of ensuring that deployed American Service Members know Americans love and appreciate them.

Merry Christmas & may the Good Lord send His Angels to watch over all those who guard our nation at home and abroad, Love & Respect,EzJ, Wings2Fly, Boogieman, Tequila Rose, Pinky, Sluggo, Hollister Christy, Darlin Danny, Photoshooter, Jose & Martha – South Bay Biker Productions

–Jeff Kraus – EZJ
President
877-688-4229
www.shastarally.com

SUCKER PUNCH CHOP OF THE WEEK–St. Mikes bike is a great one. Jeff Cochran shot that bike in Daytona a few years back. Jeff found a great location in front of a church, turned out to be great shoot. The bike is one of my favorites it was hand painted by Sara Ray.

It says on the rear fender in latin “If I can’t move heaven, I’ll Raise Hell”.

Saint Mike is the field commander of the Army of God so sounds like he has some clout if you believe in that sort of stuff.

–Ken Conte

HOLIDAY HISTORIC QUOTES SPONSORED BY SOCAL SPEED SHOP– Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drinkI feel shame. Then I look into the glass and thinkabout the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopesand dreams ..

If I didn’t drink this wine, they might be outof work and their dreams would be shattered.Then I say to myself, “It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreamscome true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”

–W.C. FIELDS

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning,that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day. “

~Frank Sinatra

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”
~ Henny Youngman

–from Jim Waggaman

QUICK, BEFORE SANTA HITS THE ROAD–Buy American this Christmas. Baker’s products are made in America by bikers. We gotta support this gang of ruthless characters, who design and build top-of-the-line products.

LATEST BIKERNET SPONSOR, ILLUSION CYCLES–We have only terrific companies on Bikernet and this is one of them. Illusion Cycles builds nothing but top-of-the-line, hard riding scooters. Check their site, and you’ll see what I mean. Over the next year you’ll experience Illusion bike features, the components they build in tech articles, and their performance engines. It’s going to be exciting, goddamnit.–Renegade

BROKEN SPOKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL– When you book any campsite, RV spot or cabin at the Broken Spoke Campground for Sturgis 70th Rally between now and December 25th, you will receive a free one-year subscription to Cycle Source Magazine. Offer includes one subscription per reservation. Offer ends December 25, 2009 at 11:59pm EST.

Happy Holidays from Cycle Source and the Broken Spoke Saloon & Campground!

–Lisa Ballard
http://www.brokenspokecampground.com/
http://thebrokenspokesaloon.wordpress.com/

WRAP HER IN TORIAN CHOPPER LEATHER–Nothing looks better and nothing says I’m a biker better than leather.

Torian Chopper Leathers’ Race Shirt has the feel of lamb and the durability of cowhide in a light weight.This hand-selected goat skin wears like iron and features 2 chest flap pockets and 2 hand warmer pockets with a full lining.

Get all the details here. She’ll love it and appreciate your thoughtfulness. On sale right now for just $136.99.

–Jeff Najar

Tending Bar at Major Motorcycle Rallies Is Profitable, But No Easy Task– Michael Ballard?s Full Throttle Saloon has been the subject of a reality series on truTV called, appropriately, Full Throttle Saloon. Unlike other rally documentaries this one stayed with Ballard and his Full Throttle crew the whole time, giving us an insider?s view of what it really takes to run the self-proclaimed ?World?s Largest Biker Bar? during the make-it or break-it ten day event. If you were a fan of the show, you more than likely caught a few glimpses of Kimmy Cruz.

Kimmy lives in Mabank, Texas, with her boyfriend Christian Dotson, with whom she has a hot rod shop where Christian builds hot rods, custom cars, and custom motorcycles. But she?s spent enough time tending bar at the Sturgis Rally to give us an insider?s view of what it takes to serve the thousands of bikers who attend the rally each year. ?I?ve worked in Sturgis for nine years, but I?ve worked for Michael Ballard at Full Throttle off and on since 2003,? she said. ?It?s a total trip, there?s nothing else like it.?

Kimmy took three months off to educate herself on the art and nuances of bartending, upgrading her photography skills, and building a website for herself, her photography, and her modeling career. That was nearly nine years ago, and she?s been going strong ever since.

Kimmy goes to rallies that draw 400,000 people and more. ?I picked at least six different locations where I knew I could make money. I introduced myself to every vender and took photos of them, and I try to promote everyone across the board, whether they?re a client, a vender, a bar owner, a customer, or a friend,? she said. ?I made sure I made lots of friends and I helped out wherever I could. So all these people were seeing me. That?s how I met Michael Ballard. I was a model for aftermarket retailer Dennis Kirk at the time.? Kimmy was set up at the Dennis Kirk booth on the Full Throttle property, and she says Michael asked when she planned to work for him as a bartender. ?At that time I wasn?t working full time, I was trying different things, so in 2007 I went to work at Full Throttle. It?s an awesome atmosphere. Everybody loves Full Throttle.?

Being a bartender at Full Throttle isn?t all fun and games, however. Bartenders work very hard. If you watched the show on truTV, you know that surveillance cameras catch all the action at each bar, and the security team is watching every move the staff makes. You saw employees go through the rigorous hiring process, and you probably some of them being ?let go? before the rally was over. As a bartender customers are allowed to photograph you, and you?re required to comply and you cannot charge money for photographs taken.

But Kimmy says despite the hard work, working as a rally bartender helps her to make contacts to other jobs. ?Plus, I get to meet all the top builders,? she said. ?I get to meet Ron Finch, Billy Lane, and Jesse James, all of them really. And they?ve always been super nice to me.?

So making good money, having fun and making friends, tending bar at major bike rallies is something Kimmy highly recommends. But the competition is steep. ?They don?t call you or anything,? she explained. ?To get back with Full Throttle I?ll have to go through the application process just like everybody else.?

To check out Kimmy Cruz, or ask her advice on how to get started as a rally bartender, visit her website at www.kimmycruz.com.

INTERNET XMAS CARD FROM MARKUS CUFF–I was too busy, lazy, or stoopid to get my ‘hard copy’ cards printed this year, but here’s the image as an ‘e card’ … the side of the RRL Ralph Lauren store on Melrose, where the rich and famous purchase ratty , paint splattered $700.00 jackets!

Have a trrrrrific holiday,
–MC

THERE’S STILL TIME TO GET A BIKE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!–Yep, there’s still plenty of time to get a pre-owned or bank owned bike from LifeStyle just in time for that ride after all the presents have been opened. Come in today and see what we can do for you! Call us today at (714) 490-0155.

Tell ’em Bikernet sent ya.

OPEN ROAD RADIO GOES NATIONAL–Open Road Radio, Presented by National Cycle is pleased to bring you a fine tuned gift of our year?s best education, information, and entertainment interviews from us to you and yours!

Thanks to all the wonderful folks at the Power Up Motorsports Channel and our great sponsors such as, National Cycle, Iron Works Magazine, Battery Tender, Hupy & Abraham, Cycle Source Magazine, Cycles Focus Magazine, Guests that are listed on www.powerupchannel.com, Contributors by way of Wade Ramsey, Biker Billy, Chris ?Wildman? Callen, and Amanda Richardson and last but certainly not lease our friends and listeners. Open Road Radio is riding into 2010 for the 13th year.

Tune into Open Road Radio (www.openroadradio.com) in 2010 to hear more Motorcycle Lifestyle News, Reviews, and Two Wheel Chat.

Continued On Page 3

MERRY CHRISTMAS BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS STYLE

Hey, Ho, Ho, Ho,

This is amazing. Christmas is sort of a dreamland of elves, Santa, and joy. It’s warm and dreamy inside, when snow piles up outside. For a few moments every day it transports us to somewhere serene.

This analogy might not work, but I feel like we created a chopper wonderland with Bikernet, almost 14 years ago. It’s allowed me to escape regular jobs, commuting, and office politics. We can be creative every goddamn day, tinker with bikes, ride and chase girls around the Bikernet headquarters.

I hope some of this metal motorcycle nirvana rubs off on each reader, and you can find some escape from the humdrum on Bikernet every day. That’s our fuckin’ Christmas Wish. Have a blast on Xmas day. Let’s hit the Christmas Eve News:

Last Buell Motorcycle Donated to Barber Motorsports Museum–The final Buell motorcycle produced at the company?s East Troy, Wis., factory, a 2010 Buell Lightning XB12Scg, has been donated to the Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala., along with several other representative models from the company?s 26-year production history. A total of 12 motorcycles were donated to the collection, including a 1996 S3T Thunderbolt, a 1999 X1 Lightning, several clay model prototype mock-ups, and a pair of modified motorcycles used by stunt riders Craig Jones and Bubba Blackwell.

?We?re very pleased to be able to add to the Barber Museum?s already extensive collection of Buell motorcycles, and hope that the many motorcycle enthusiasts who visit their museum will enjoy seeing these motorcycles along with the rest in their fine collection,? said Jon Flickinger, President and Chief Operating Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company.

Fuck it. We want to help Erik keep Buell alive. But first he needs to untie all the strings to the factory.–Wrench

Check as Trent builds and test the BikernetMetric Blog.

HOLIDAY WARNING SPONSORED BY THE BIKERNETMETRIC BLOG–Alcohol does not make you FAT

– it makes you LEAN….. against tables, chairs, floors, walls and ugly people.

–from Chris T.

BIKERNET ENGLISH CLASS WORD FOR 2010 SPONSORED BY AEROMACH– intrepid in-TREP-id, adjective:
Fearless; bold; brave; undaunted; courageous; as, an intrepid soldier; intrepid spirit.

But the stubborn descendants of the twenty-one intrepid people who plowed through the mountains in search of the sea to the west avoided the reefs of the melodic mixup and dancing went on until dawn.
— Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude

Not as energetically, certainly, as Walt– who was intrepid, who flung his body into every new circumstance with faith and grace and with temerity.
— John Irving, The World According to Garp

Britain’s World War I-era prime minister, David Lloyd George, whom Jones had once served as an aide, said the intrepid journalist might have been killed because he “knew too much of what was going on.”
— Associated Press, “Diary That Helped Expose Stalin’s Famine Displayed”, New York Times, November 13, 2009

Intrepid comes from Latin intrepidus, “calm,” from in-, “not” + trepidus, “anxious, disturbed.”

BLACK BIKE WHEELS KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE–Black Bike now offers a custom wheel set that sets the standard for giving your bike the look of class and style while enhancing the vintage tradition that made Harley-Davidson the leading motorcycle company for over a century. We combined our black rim and hub to a wide white wall tire, producing a look like no other in creating the legacy that is Harley Davidson.

All our vintage wheels are direct bolt on and come with tires mounted, so the installation is fast and painless, and allows you to retain your stock wheels and tires if needed.

Starting at about $1000/ set

Blackbikewheels.com
(818) 341-2550

LETTERS TO SANTA– Dear Santa,

I want a new bike, a Playstation, a train, some G.I. Joes, a dog, a drum kit, a pony and a tuba.

Love, Francis

Dear Francis, Who names their kid “Francis” nowadays? I bet you’re gay.
— Santa

Dear Santa, What do you do the other 364 days of the year? Are you busy making toys?

Your friend, Thomas

Dear Thomas, All the toys are made in China. I have a condo in Vegas, where I spend most of my time making low-budget porno films. I unwind by drinking myself silly and squeezing the asses of cocktail waitresses while losing money at the craps table. Hey, you wanted to know.

–Santa

Dear Santa,

Do you see us when we’re sleeping, do you really know when we’re awake, like in the song?

Love, Jessica

Dear Jessica, Are you really that gullible? Good luck in whatever you do. I’m skipping your house.
–Santa

Dear Santa,

I really really want a puppy this year. Please please please PLEASE PLEASE could I have one?

Timmy

Timmy, That whiney begging shit may work with your folks, but that crap doesn’t work with me. You’re getting a sweater again.
–Santa

–from Chris T.

BIG RIG DEAL OF THE CENTURY–Merry Christmas ! Let’s drop the price to 65,000.00 OBO. This is a one of a kind rig. Cost almost 200,000.00 to build. Ready to roll! Call anyTIME to talk or for info.

A vendors dream all set up right down to the cash registers.

–Seth Doulton
805-896-1548

Sethhpp@yahoo.com

Harley-Davidson Unveils New Part Number System–On Dec. 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson launched a new part number format that will be used for all newly created Original Equipment and Genuine Parts & Accessory part numbers, replacing the current part numbering system that dates back to the early 1960s.

The new part number format change was driven by several factors, with a primary reason being that after decades of new part introductions, unused base part numbers were running out. The new part number system replaces the legacy format of a five-digit base part number and a two-digit model year code (e.g., 12345-09) with a three-digit part type and a five-digit index number (e.g., 34500008). The model year of introduction will no longer be embedded in the part number but it will be readily available on part labels, parts books and other systems. Alphabetical suffixes will be added as needed to indicate retrofit and color options, along with other information.

Legacy parts introduced prior to the adoption of the new system will continue to be stocked under the old format, but all newly created parts will be assigned the new format.

60th GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOWConstructs the Build-A-Rod On Stage–Pomona, CA?The Grand National Roadster Show celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1933-34 roadster with the construction of ?Build-A-Rod,? a Speed 33 roadster, on stage all three days of the show, January 23-25, 2009, at the Pomona Fairplex.In celebration of the 1933-?34 Ford?s 75th anniversary, the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) will feature the construction of the Build-A-Rod Speed 33 roadster on stage starting opening day Friday, January 23, 2009.

Emceed by Muscle Car TV host Lou Santiago, the 1933 Roadster will be built by Extreme Automotive of Corona, California, and features some of the top hot rod builders in the United States helping assembly on stage including Bob Bauder, Zane Cullen, Troy Ladd, Dave Lane, Chuck Lombardo, Steve Strope, Scott Sullivan, and more.

Manufacturers of components used in the Build-A-Rod roadster will be on hand all three days to discuss their products in a seminar-type format backed by big-screen videos with product info, instruction, manufacturing and design lowdown.

Build-a-RodCustom upholsterers Ron Mangus of Rialto Ca & Eric Thorsen of Agoura Hills Ca. will team up on the red leather interior and will also appear to answer questions about their work on the Build-A-Rod project and present other examples of their work.

The roadster features components from top manufacturers like American Speed Company?s all-steel 1933 roadster body. A TCI chassis features a Speedway Engineering quick-change rear end with Wilwood brakes. Power comes from a Roush 347 fuel-injected engine hooked to a B&M AOD transmission, Lokar shifter, cables and dipsticks, Sanderson headers, Dan Fink grille, US Radiator radiator, Ididit steering column, American Autowire wiring, Autometer gauges, Billet Specialties wheels, Vintage Air air conditioning, Sacramento Vintage Ford reproduction parts, Glide seat, Unisteer rack and pinion steering, Edelbrock shocks, and Paint by Planet Color.

The tradition of building a hot rod on stage at the GNRS started with the 1958 show, and once more in 1990. 2009 marks only the third time in the history of the show a hot rod will be built before the public.

Email: info@rodshows.com
Web: www.rodshows.com
Phone: 1-877-ROD-SHOWS

K and G Cycles is pleased to announce PEEL BACK PRICING!Each Thursday, K and G Cycles will announce the Peel Back Pricing sale of the week. The deals will be spectacular and will only last a short time. To see these great deals, go to the K and G Cycles website (www.kandgcycles.com) and “peel back” the upper right hand corner of the front page.

You’ll see it when you get there and it will be as simple as moving your mouse over to the peel back corner of the page and clicking. From there, just click on the revealed peel back graphic and you’ll go straight to some of the best deals ever!

This week is all about battery chargers. How about a BikeMaster Chargemaster 365TD. Retail on this advanced charging system is $89.95 but the Peel Back price at K and G is only $62.99! That’s 30% off!

Come see the rest of the Peel Back Pricing items of the week at www.kandgcycles.com. Run by bikers just for bikers.

THE FATBOB FIND OF THE WEEK–I guess I’m not the first, at least I used a Briggs+Stratton, made in Milwaukee. Shows what the racers thought about Indians.

–FB

The Fatbob Web Site

THE PAN CODE OF THE WEST–If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.

–Tony Sanfelipo

Don’t forget to support your favorite magazine. Tough times out there for mags.

397 MAGAZINES CLOSED IN 2009–Mediafinder.com, via Crains NY Business, shows that The Reaper is actually slowing down and may find some vacation time soon: 367 magazines closed so far in 2009, and that’s down from 573 in 2007.Prize under-statement goes to Trish Hagood, president of Oxbridge Communications, parent company of MediaFinder: “This is not a propitious time to launch a magazine.”

Biker?s Choice FAT RISE DRAG BARS– Biker?s Choice offers a wide variety of handlebars for all your bike needs. The two shown are just a sample of what?s available.

Both proudly made in the United States, they are predrilled and dimpled for wiring and work with all standard controls, grips and risers. Risers are polished and chrome finished and measure 3-1/2? at the center.

Priced between $169.95 and $225.95 depending on application, they?re easy on your pocket.

For more information, visit www.bikerschoice.com or visit one of our many local dealers.

We here at Biker?s Choice would like to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. It has been a rough one for most everyone, so let?s look upon 2010 as a rebuilding year. Remember what and who matters this season, your family and friends. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the shows this year!!

Happy Riding!!

–Carmen

WELCOME TO THE SECRET WORLD OF UNDERGROUND CHOPPERS–Some folks were asking for a pre-registration for the Long Road. That is up on the website now and available now under ?Merchandise? and registration will be $ 40.

NOTE: We do not make any money on your registration. You can ride the Long Road or any portion of the Long Road WITHOUT being registered. If you want to ride the Long Road and not register? PLEASE DO. (However, we want to recognize the people that complete the entire Long Road and we can only do that for people who are registered.)

What registration gets you: A wristband that will get you into as many of the events along the way as I can arrange with no cover (or as little cover) as I can arrange. This gets you out of almost all of the fees and cover charges during the week.

The idea is to get the Long Road riders out of those type cost. Another sponsor is considering giving free T-shirts for all the registered Long Road riders.

We minted a silver pendant in actual .925 silver. It looks awesome and it cost us a bunch o? money. That will be presented (free) to all registered riders that complete the Long Road. The registration fee helps us with some of that cost also.

Finally, the registration will helps us know how many people to plan for? and I can say that it will be well worth the $40.

Thanks, Edge

Official Laconia 2009 shirts now available only at HotLeathers.com– Get yours while they last! These 100% cotton tees are available in short or long sleeve in your choice of black, white, grey, blue, green or orange shirt. Short sleeve shirts are available in sizes small through 3XL. Long sleeve tees are available in small through XXL. What a great way to remember the 86th Laconia Motorcycle Week!

And don’t forget to check HotLeathers.com for the new 2010 Laconia Motorcycle Week shirts coming soon! These original designs are sure to be the talk of the rally in June!

Laconia Motorcycle Week will be June 13-21 for the upcoming year and takes place in picturesque Laconia, New Hampshire. Hot Leathers has been setting up shop at the rally for over 20 years! Laconia boasts the largest motorcycle gathering in the Northeast with over 300,00 bikers in attendance! There’s lots of great riding on New Hampshire’s scenic byways…from mountains to seacoast, the state’s beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression. Make sure you swing by Hot Leathers at the Lobster Pound at Weirs Beach and get your official motorcycle week shirt during your stay!

SHOVELHEAD DEAL OF THE WEEK FROM HARDBALL INK TATTOO–This bike is selling for 4500.00. Shovelhead looks like a good deal.

–Frank Ball

hardballink@hotmail.com

MOTORCYCLE RESTORATION GUIDE BOOK NEW FROM MOTORBOOKS TECH LIBRARY–The market for used motorcycles is vast and deep, with many popular motorcycles available for a fraction of what they cost when new even a few years ago. With a little hard work and know-how, a restored used bike can become a reliable and stylish commuter vehicle. But restoring an older motorcycle can be challenging. Often you’re dealing with old technology, parts that are hard to replace, rusty and stubborn bolts, etc. How to Restore Your Motorcycle walks the reader through the process of tearing down an old motorcycle and building it back up again. This revised edition adds color photography throughout, as well as new information covering bikes and technologies new to the collector realm.

Authors, poets, and songwriters like Tom Waits, Arlo Guthrie, Hunter Thompson, and Robert Pirsig have written about the motorcycle, that icon for outlaws, rebels, thieves, and beat poets. This collection of motorcycle tales features the best of the vast collection of motorcycle writing created since old Gottlieb Daimler first bolted a crude internal-combustion engine to his wooden two-wheeled Einspur in 1876.

In addition to essays from writers like Thompson and Pirsig, The Devil Can Ride features writers like Peter Egan, Fred Hafele, Patrick Symmes, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Rogers. Photographs, old posters, tickets, and other appropriate art and memorabilia illustrate this literary collection.

The book features:
Peter Egan
Fred Hafele, Rebuilding the Indian
Patrick Symmes, Chasing Che
Ted Simon
Ewan McGregor, Long Way Round
Robert E. Fulton Jr, One Man Caravan
Dave Barr, Riding the Edge
Werner Bausenhar, Africa: Against the Clock on a Motorcycle; Into the Den of the Bear and the Lair of the Dragon on a Motorcycle
Ron Ayres, Against the Wind
Michael Fong, A Tankful of Time
Rik K. Haffar, Away From My Desk
Flash Gordon MD, Blood, Sweat & Gears
Steve Krzystyniak, Bitten by the Bullet
Jonathan Gregson, Bullet Up the Grand Turk Road
Chris Scott, Desert Travels
Maxwell Gardiner, Four Legs, Two Wheels and Half a Brain
Tom Cunliffe, Good Vibrations
Ann Ferrar, Hear Me Roar
Hunter S. Thompson, Hells Angels, Revenge of the Sausage Monster
Richard La Plante, Hog Fever
Tom Smith, In the Long Run
Sam Manicom, Into Africa
Jim Rogers, Investment Biker
Jerry Smith, Into the Heart of Africa
Owen L. Riess, La Ropa Sucia: A Motorcycle Adventure Through Mexico
Daniel Meyer, Life is a Road
Al Culler, Motorcycle Travels and Travails
Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Hall of Fame Custom Car Designer Gene Winfield’s “Maybellene” To Be Offered at Auction– Listening to Chuck Berry’s hit song “Maybellene,” with lyrics about a wayward girlfriend in a fast Cadillac Coupe DeVille, legendary custom car builder and designer Gene Winfield decided he would build his own custom Cadillac that would be worthy of the name “Maybellene” and to serve as his personal drive-around custom.

When Gene finished his dream car, he had created a masterpiece, a showstopper and a jawdropper, a unique Cadillac that is signature Gene Winfield. And now this masterpiece will cross the auction block at the Russo Steele auction in Scottsdale January 20-24, 2010.

Winfield is well known in the custom car and hot rod community. Winfield has been profiled in a newly released book titled The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield. Gene has been inducted into Darryl Starbird’s Custom Car and Hot Rod Hall of Fame and in 2008, Winfield was honored as “Builder of the Year” at the prestigious Detroit Autorama. At the Autorama, classic examples of Winfield’s custom car genius were displayed from his breakthrough “Jade Idol” to his Hollywood creations for productions such as Bladerunner, Star Trek, and Back to the Future II along with his Bonneville racecar and many more. Among the array of history making customs, Winfield proudly displayed his wild Caddy ?Maybellene? and autographed photos of the Caddy for countless fans.

When Gene started imagining Maybellene, Gene knew what he wanted, something long and low and Genechose a finned 1961 Cadillac as the starting point. To achieve the long low look, Gene chopped off the stock Cadillac roof and grafted on a sleeker roof from a 1959 Olds lowering the roofline four inches. Gene resculpted the body, smoothing out the lines, extending and remolding the tailfins, and adding features like hidden pop-up door mounted rear view mirrors. Winfield built an air bag suspension that adjusted the ride height from street ride height to a dropped down ground-hugging ride. Winfield labored over every detail even constructing a hand made golden translucent steering wheel with embedded 14kt gold flakes. Winfield installed a modern drive train powered by a Cadillac Northstar engine. Winfield topped it off with one of his signature ?fadeaway? paint creations in shades of cream and butterscotch.

Winfield will be on hand at the Russo Steele auction and will proudly drive Maybellene onto the auction stage. And although Winfield will say goodbye to his personal custom Cadillac, he can be expected to return to his custom shop in the Mojave, California and continue customizing as he has done since first opening his shop in 1946.

Auction Contacts:
Russo and Steele
5230 S. 39th Street
Phoenix, AZ. 85040
Phone: 602.252.2697
Fax: 602.252.6260

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