December 10, 2009 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
I wish I knew where to start this brisk morning. I attended a CRA (Community Redevelopment Association) steering committee meeting for the Wilmington, California Industrial Area. I sat in the back, ate my free breakfast, and listened as they discussed a homeless program, closing the Bonnie Lee (drug haven) Hotel, diesel truck idling regulations, and modifications to some of the local streets. Here’s what struck me. We are becoming a very highly regulated society. If you are going to build a manufacturing plant in this region here’s a rough list of the agencies you’ll need to deal with: the City of LA, planning commission, the CRA (this one), the Wilmington Neighborhood Council, the EPA, OSHA, AQMB, and CARB (California Air Resoures Board). That’s just scratching the surface.
Get this, the city is kicking off a new homeless program. The plan is to find homeless and discuss options. You can’t kick them out, but you can give them free housing, medical care, job training, or if they like their spot under the palm tree on the corner, leave them alone. Hang on! Let’s hit the news. Should we give in or return to our old outlaw ways:
LICKS HOLIDAY FORK BOOT COVERS– Looking to transform the front end of your bike, but can’t part with a lot of cash? The Retro style fork gaiters are the perfect solution. The fork boot covers are made from high quality durable rubber that will last for years. They are collapsible and will conform to any size or look you?re after.
The Licks Fork Boot covers are adaptable to 35mm or 39mm down tubes and will accent the front end of your Sporty with class!
AMCA Brings Kick-start Demo Back to Daytona– Rallygoers will get a chance to test out some old machinery during Bike Week in Daytona, thanks to a unique exhibition by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.
For the second year in a row, the AMCA will host an Antique Bike Show on Wednesday of Bike Week (March 3 this year) at the Limpnickie Lot, which is a place where young custom-bike builders show off their work and talent. The show is open to all motorcycles at least 35 years old.
But the exhibit will also include an interactive feature that debuted last year, the AMCA Kick-start Demo bike display, in which visitors will get a chance to fire up two authentic antique motorcycles?a 1946 Harley Knucklehead and a 1945 Indian Chief. The bikes? owners, Matt Olsen and Rocky Halter, will be on hand to guide visitors through the process of setting throttle, spark advance and choke controls before kicking the V-twin engines to life.
?It seems like whenever I?m out for a ride on an old bike and have to stop for gas, a crowd of curious onlookers gathers to watch me start the thing,? says Halter. ?What better way to teach people about old bikes than to let them try one out for themselves!?
The AMCA Bike Show and the Kick-start Demo will run from 1 to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Limpnickie Lot in the Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona. Trophies will be handed out for best Antique Chopper, Bobber, Survivor and Restored, so bring your old bikes out!
If you can?t make it to the festivities on Wednesday, then make sure that you mark Friday, March 5, on your calendar and check out the Cycle Source Ride-in Bike Show. The AMCA will sponsor an antique class in this show, also based at the Limpnickie Lot.
The Antique Motorcycle Club of America is the nation?s largest organization for vintage-bike enthusiasts. Its sister organization, the AMCA Foundation, is dedicated to preserving the history of motorcycles and educating the public about the heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.antiquemotorcycle.org.
Sucker Punch Sally’s Adds Paul Devine as Director of Sales and Marketing–Scottsdale, AZ (December 7, 2009) – Sucker Punch Sallys, prominent bike-builder renowned for their old school and no-nonsense style of bikes, is proud to announce an addition to their qualified and accomplished team of professionals. Paul Devine, a former and integral part of the executive team for Harley-Davidson Motor Company is joining the predominant masters of Old School as their new Director of Sales and Marketing.
Devine formerly held a variety of leadership roles in marketing, licensing and business development for Harley-Davidson. He also has extensive experience in the power-sports industry including training, coaching and mentoring sales. He brings an unparallel passion for the V-Twin industry and is a self-described motorcycle fanatic who has been riding motorcycles since he was 8 years old.
“I have always had a motorcycle and have logged hundreds of thousands of miles in the saddle,” Devine says with a smile.
Devine currently lives in Milwaukee, WI with his wife, Amy and two young sons. In addition to riding, he also takes time to enjoy music, golf, hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. Prior to working with Harley-Davidson he directed industrial graphics for Fujifilm.
Devine is eager to get started promoting the award-winning bike manufacturer synonymous with retro style and quality construction. His first item of business will be creating and further generating an awareness of Sucker Punch Sally’s unique brand by meeting their vast array of satisfied customers and dealers. He also plans to actively increase their distribution channel by signing up new dealers to be a part of the one-of-a-kind Sucker Punch Sally’s experience.
To check out their complete line of bikes, dealer info and SPS news visit www.suckerpunchsallys.com .
–Sarah Wozniak
HOT LEATHERS TEAMS WITH FULLER HOT RODS–Manchester, CT- Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers have teamed up to become the number one purveyors of cool. Hot Leathers has been working overtime to produce a line of high-end apparel for the award-winning hot rod motorcycle builder and designer, Bryan Fuller. The new Fuller apparel line conveys gritty personality, distinguished taste, and robust durability.
If you love the bold and original merchandise that has become synonymous with Hot Leathers, you?ll love the all-new designs available through our new line of Fuller clothing and accessories.
The creative minds at Hot Leathers have developed a line of clothing that embodies Fuller?s motorcycle savvy and Hot Leathers? unbeatable design and selection. Customers can now peruse this exciting and original line of clothing which includes men?s long sleeve and short sleeve design selections, a mechanic?s shirt and jacket, hats and knit cap, as well as ladies t-shirts.
Fuller Hot Rods, the inspiration for this new line, has been building innovative and award-winning machines for over five years. Bryan Fuller?s mastery and prowess in bike-building has set him apart from other builders. He?s currently the co-host the oldest ?how-to? car show on SPEED ?Two Guys Garage?, and caught the eye of Hot Leathers, who is always on the lookout for design inspiration. ?We?ve been looking to partner with a bike builder who shares our tastes and passion,? explains Hot Leathers? retail operations manager, Andy George. ?Bryan is the perfect fit and our type of guy. We?ve created strong designs that highlight Bryan?s hot rod roots.”
?I?ve been looking to expand my existing apparel line and am stoked to have partnered with Hot Leathers,? says Fuller, ?They have been an industry standard for years. We collaborated on some great designs that I know everybody is going to love.?
THE BOYS IN NORCAL KNOW HOW TO PARTY–Get on a Bagger and ride like you stole it. Amazing Stuff… Watch Slow Joe do his thang.
GET MORE FUN IN BIKERNET STUDIO.
–Jeff Najar
WHY DO YOU RIDE WITHOUT WEARING A HELMET–As we begin a new year, I thought we?d re-visit the question some bikers are being asked consistently: Why do you ride without wearing a helmet?
Wearing a helmet has limited benefits. However, let?s talk about some mostly unknown points, and bring them to light.
First, to simulate the impact a helmet experiences while your head is in it during a crash, the DOT requires helmet manufacturers to drop the helmets on an anvil at 4.7 MPH to 13.4 MPH. Some of the research I?ve read even tries to sell the idea that if you?re traveling at 67 MPH and crash, your head encased in a helmet will impact somewhere at the equivalent of hitting an anvil at 11 MPH! I think most of us are much more intelligent than that. Hell, I?m almost insulted at that assumption!
Since the government has spent years and so much money to convince us, the ones that actually ride, that helmets are the next best thing since sliced bread, consider this: helmets can offer a false sense of safety. Many will hate to admit it, but if they look deep inside, they?ll admit that when they?re riding with a helmet on, they possess a belief on some level that if they are involved in an accident, the helmet will keep them from harm. I know years ago when I laid my Kawasaki GPZ750 down at 55 MPH, I ended up with road rash. I was riding stupidly I did have the feeling that the helmet would save the day. Yeah, I walked away from the accident. Not because the helmet saved my life for a reason much simpler than that: my head never hit anything during the accident.
Wearing helmets have additional drawbacks such as limited peripheral vision. They often prevent riders from turning their heads to check traffic. They limit many of the necessary preventive measures a helmetless rider has access to, because he is not restricted. There is the inability to hear and sense dangerous movement around them. For year spinal cord injuries, we more prevalent than head injuries. Spinal injuries are often exacerbated because the ride was wearing something heavy on his head.
This conveniently brings me to my next point. For years, we keep hearing that the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents involve bikers not wearing helmets. They never seem to break down the type of fatality that caused the tragedy, just that it involved a motorcycle, involved a death, and did not involve a motorcycle helmet. Therefore, a majority of the pro-helmet people have been hanging their hats on these statistics.
However, that ends now. In late 2008, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) reported that ?58% of motorcyclists and their passengers killed WERE wearing helmets.” Specifically, the DHSMV further stated that of all the 2007 motorcycle-involved accidents in Florida, 57.39% of them resulted in an incapacitating injury in which the riders/?drivers? were wearing a helmet. It appears the helmet wearers are now a MINORITY. Statistics no longer support the anti-helmet choice advocate?s claims.
I don?t wish to preach doom and gloom about the helmet/no-helmet issue. Safety aside, one thing does remain true: we live and ride in the United States of America. As legal adults, as the individuals riding the motorcycles, and as some may say; the ones putting ourselves at risk, we should have the right to make our own choice if we wish to wear a helmet or not. Helmet laws are simply another way for the government to tell grown men and women what to do.
Oh yeah, in case you?re asked; this is not an issue tied to the seatbelt laws; those in cars don?t have to pay extra for insurance to ride without a seatbelt. FL law requires us to hold a Personal Insurance Policy to ride without helmets.
Helmet use is a choice. Let those who ride decide.
— Dave ?Lockdown? Rich
State PR/Communications Trustee,
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
BED ROLL BAG LETS YOU DROP THE HAMMER & GO–We designed this storage roll to cover all the bases, ’cause I don?t like a lot on my bike. The bag itself is about 2 feet long and 6 inches in diameter.The ends have zipper pockets for incidentals. I usually put my lock, keys, matches and chapstick in one end and slip maps, tickets, receipts and acouple of bungie cords into the other one. The entire length of the bag unzips for packing ease and I found I could pack enough clothes for a longweekend.
— Bandit
Got your Bed Roll Details… Right Here!
–Jeff Najar
Harley-Davidson Gift Cards Now Available Online–Just in time for the holiday gift season, Harley-Davidson Gift Cards are now available for purchase online by visiting h-d.com/giftcard Gift Cards can be purchased in any amount from $25 to $250 and are redeemable at 700 authorized, participating Harley-Davidson retail locations nationwide visit h-d.com/giftcard for a list of participating dealers), at H-D Factory Tour locations, and at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The H-D Gift Card can be used to purchase most any products sold at H-D dealers including Genuine Parts, Accessories, MotorClothes, Official H-D Licensed Products, Rider?s Edge rider education training, etc. Harley-Davidson Gift Cards can be shipped directly, along with a special message or greeting, to the recipient or can be mailed to the purchaser. Harley-Davidson Gift Cards have no expiration date, no service fees, and there?s never a fee to use or activate the card. Lost or stolen cards can be replaced if the cardholder provides the gift card account number and proof of purchase. THE BEST EVENT OF 2010, MOTORCYCLE CANNONBALL, IS SUPPORTED BY BIKERNET.COM, Gentlemen start your engines!–In Honor of Bud Ekins. Motorcycle Cannonball Coast to Coast Antique Motorcycle Race. This year’s Cannonball we are honored to dedicate to our friend Bud Ekins. Aside from an accomplished racer and stuntman, Bud loved pre-1916 motorcycles and rode them every chance he got. He always encouraged me to make the cannonball a reality. He was a pioneer, a hero, and just one of the guys. Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson?s Silent Grey Fellows. These are but a few of the vintage, pre-1916 motorcycles that will be thumping their way across these great United States for the Motorcycle Cannonball endurance run in September 2010. Riders will virtually dip their tread in the salty waters of the East Coast?s Atlantic Ocean as the officials wave the green flag, then come to rest some 3,320 miles later, at the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean?s West Coast. Cannonball?s Course Master, John Classen, has painstakingly mapped out a route for the hearty men and women motorcyclists that squarely address the particular nuances of this ride. “Our route was chosen in order to avoid having the riders enter a single interstate whenever possible. We?ll have 12 hours of daylight each day, and a goal of having every rider check in at the day?s ending point 1 hour before sunset. We don?t want anyone having to deal with the safety issues of meeting up with the local wildlife after dark, and we are expecting some break downs.” For more info go to: www.MotorcycleCannonball.com IT’S OFFICIAL AN ONLINE BIKER SHOP HOLIDAY SAVINGS–K and G Cycles couldn’t decide what to put on sale for Christmas. So, they decided the only thing to do was to put the entire store on sale! Everything is priced up to 20% off retail prices and in-stock items will arrive for Christmas if you act now. While we’re at it, everyone at K and G Cycles wants wish the entire world a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year! Thanks to everyone who have made 2009 a year to remember and be proud of at K and G Cycles. www.kandgcycles.com Custom Chrome and Cole Foster of Salinas Boys Customs Partner for 40th Anniversary 70?s Era Chopper Build– MORGAN HILL, CA ?12-02-2009Custom Chrome and Cole Foster of Salinas Boys Customs are pleased to announce that they have teamed up to produce another show-stopping custom ? a 70?s era custom and one of 2 bikes CCI has commissioned to commemorate their upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2010. ?I got a call from Steve Veltri and Holger Mohr about helping them celebrate Custom Chrome’s 40th Anniversary by building a bike to commemorate their 4 decades of commitment serving the American V-twin industry?, Said Cole. The idea was to have one bike be representative of Custom Chrome in its early days and reflect what was being done back in the 70?s when they first started out. Kirk Taylor of Custom Design Studios was commissioned to work on the other half of the effort by customizing an earlier bagger project Custom Chrome had used in their 2009 catalog. The plan was to build as period correct as possible a 1970’s chopper using parts and products from the CCI catalog. They started with a Paughco rigid frame, Jammer shovel style engine and a RevTech? 4 speed kicker transmission as the platform to build around. Then, 16″ & 21″ star hub wheels were sourced from the CCI catalog and mated to a Paughco narrow springer. ?The frame showed up while I was on a motorcycle safety tour with the USO visiting U.S. Navel bases in Europe. Aaron and Andrew chopped the frame out a few inches and raked the neck to 46 degrees? said Cole. Upon his return from the tour, it was rolling chassis and had the stance he was looking for. With a little over a month to finish the project and the pressure of having it ready for Michael Lichter to shoot for the upcoming anniversary catalog cover the Salinas Boys rolled up their sleeves and went to work. ?We dug deep into the catalog and picked out all the dinosaur parts we could find that matched the ’70s era theme we were looking for?. Here?s what they found: hydraulic rear drum brake, stock style forward controls, tin primary, horseshoe oil tank, mustang fuel tank and much more. ?We massaged and fabricated the Jammer and Custom Chrome parts to ensure they flowed the right way and gave the bike that true 70?s feel?. A fabricated seat pan was then sent off to Christine and the crew at LePera for leather. The Salinas boys then went to work on the handlebars and sissy bar to make sure all the finishing touches were just the way they wanted them. Those and some other items were then sent to ?Sherms? for chrome plating to get just the right finish and they had them back in just 4 days! ?We pulled a few goodies out of our own stash of vintage parts too? said Cole. After all of the fabrication and assembly work was complete components were sent Kirk Taylor for paint on the new old girl. ?It is quite an honor to have Cole Foster and Salinas Boys Customs put together such an era perfect bike to celebrate our upcoming anniversary? said Steve Veltri, VP of Sales and Marketing for Custom Chrome. Holger Mohr, CEO of Custom Chrome went on to add, ?We are very pleased with how the bike turned out and Cole and his guys hit the nail right on the head with this one.? NEW BONNEVILLE RULES ADD AERO-DYNAMICS TO REAR FENDERS– Frank said you might be interested in a trade for the fender. I can send you some better pics tomorrow. I got the bike from freedom cycles in Orange its made from spun aluminum I would be willing to trade for a fully installed stock fender on my bike its a ’98 heritage FLST. Let me know what you think… –Jeff BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH CLASSMATES ARE BONHOMIE–bonhomie bah-nuh-MEE, noun: That bonhomie which won the hearts of all who knew him. And what of the salesman’s fabled bonhomie, the Willy Lomanesque emphasis on the importance of being liked? I would carefully study the exploits of positive role models like Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Carter, and Alec Baldwin, and attempt to emulate their radiant bonhomie. Bonhomie comes from French, from bonhomme, “good-natured man,” from bon, “good” (from Latin bonus) + homme, “man” (from Latin homo). D&D DELIVERS THE HP – NEW VICTORY KINGPIN / VEGAS BOSS SLIP-ONS–BOLT & GO – Increase of 10ftlbs torque and 5-7hp without any further modifications. Just install and go. Easy bolt on installation, on average, takes less than a lunch hour. DYNO RUN D&D spent significant time on the dyno to fine tune the performance and tone. We focus the performance on where you ride the motorbike, not at full open throttle where you might be for just a few seconds. We deliver power at the stop light and when you are ready to make a pass. –Jeff Najar Continued On Page 2
A good nature; pleasant and easy manner.
— Washington Irving, Oliver Goldsmith
— “How to Manage Salespeople”, Fortune, March 14, 1988
— Joe Queenan, My Goodness: A Cynic’s Short-Lived Search for Sainthood
First Woman Biker Build-off
By Bikernet Contributor Rogue | | General Posts
When Gypsy Charros the female bike builder out of Houston Texas was informed by the Discovery Channel that she had been selected to be the first female to compete in their Biker Build Off she was more than happy. Not only was she to be the first, but the doors had finally opened to women many of who have been an important part of the biker lifestyle for years.
Gypsy gave a lot of consideration to who would make up her team and she started with Berry Wardlaw the owner of Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama. Berry is well known for the show winning engines he has built for many of the build off winners. He was also named Engine Builder Of The Year at the V-Twin Expo this year.
It was also decided to use Accurate Engineering as the place the build would take place as it had almost every thing needed in house to do the build. Okay they don’t chrome, but handle most everything else.
Next was Larry Curik the well known builder from Lone Star Choppers in Waterloo Illinois. Larry has built numerous motorcycles that have won shows and had articles done on them in Easyriders. He is also the New Products Manager for MID-USA. OOPS! I almost forgot to mention a Top Notch Welder.
The paint was to be done by Robert Pradke of Eastford Connecticut. Robert is well known for being the late Indian Larry’s painter and a master in his field. Other support would be up and coming builders from the local area as well as the staff of Accurate Engineering. This experience allowed those who have reached a certain level in their field to further learn from some of the best.
Jeff Byars is Berry Wardlaw’s assistant and works for Accurate Engineering. Foy runs the machine shop at Accurate and is assisted by David McKnight Big John Dady is in charge of metal finishing and polishing. Larry Philips who owns JABA Rod & Cycles in Dothan assisted Larry Curik.Jay Haistings who owns Ground Floor Customs in Dothan helped Robert Pradke.
Now I Got To Tell You. This Is A Winning Team.Gypsy and her team were up against a Big Dog Motorcycle dealer and builder Kim Suter of Kim Suter KC Creations in Kansas City. He’s a helluva builder and we look forward to his creation.
I will keep you informed as new info is available.
— ROGUE
December 03, 2009 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
LATEST LEATHER FROM LAST RIDE CUSTOMS– Just thought I would shoot you a picture of my newest hand tooled leather seat I made for Craig Fraser at Kal Koncepts. Craig came up with the design he wanted on the seat, I put it into leather.
He is one of the top painters in the world as far as I am concerned and you can view more of his work at www.gotpaint.com — Adam Croft
www.lastridecustoms.com
LICKS Slicker Exhaust Kit –Promo–Slicker Exhaust Kit ? fits all XL Sportster from 2004 through 2010Everything you need for a no-nonsense, hardcore custom pipe set-up minusthe FAT price tag.
The Slicker Exhaust Kit Features :
? Cool slip on drags with removable baffles in your choice of chrome orbrushed finish.
? Package of 2?? x 25? black exhaust wrap
? 8 pack of stainless exhaust straps
Anyone can install this awesome slip-on kit in their garage in about anhour. Just use your stock header pipes…hell…you can even rattle canthem like we did.
This kit looks bad ass…sounds bad ass….and best of all you won?t haveto bust your ass to pay for it!
www.lickscycles.comlink to — http://www.lickscycles.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=26_217
WARLOCK CLUB FILM COMING FROM PRODUCER CHARLIE BRECHTEL– Goodtime Charlie Brechtel and wife Sabrina have been busy preparing for a Documentary type movie venture, that Charlie and co-producer Billy Warlock, A 39-year Brother have been collaborating on, about the real 40+ year History of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club. For the past two years Charlie and Sabrina collected personal interviews with different Warlock Brothers from 1967 up to the present day.
They have collected miles of video taken at various Warlocks’ parties and events such as, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia and even Europe. Charlie said what a great job I have, not only to be able to travel around the states, meeting other Bikers and performing my Brand of real Biker Music. But now thanks to the Warlocks, I have recently had the opportunity to perform in Europe.
The Warlocks are a great bunch of guys! They have treated Sabrina and I like part of their Family, even before this movie ideal came about. In fact it was their Warlocks Brand of real Brotherhood that I experienced at my first encounter with them, that got me talking to Billy Warlock about him writing a book about their Club History, his laughing off that ideal soon evolved into us deciding to make this movie.
The Warlocks have already had a few documentaries done on them, going all the way back to 1991 with a film crew from Japan. But as Billy Warlock said, ?We openly cooperated up front with all these Production Companies in an attempt to show who we really are, that is a real Brotherhood and a fact we are quite proud of?.
But Production Companies tend to edit the real facts to sensationalize their productions for commercial profits. Billy Warlock points out that one Company tried to paint us as just another Gang or OMG, but still our true Brotherhood came through, at least according to our Feedback and the company’s admitted Sales popularity of their Warlocks MC segment.
So what?s next for Goodtime Charlie? Well along with his bands current appearances at various up coming Biker Events, He is already preparing for Daytona Bike Week in Florida which He will end that weekend in March at the Warlocks 39th annual Bike Week Party at Fort Lockhart, Their Clubhouse in Orlando.
Charlie says, this movie documentary will be about the real Brotherhood and history of the Warlocks and will also feature a cool Soundtrack. Charlie and Billy Warlock hope to have this Movie Project completed, edited and ready for production by late 2010 or early 2011.
VANCOUVER MOTORCYCLE PARKING– MOTION: Scooter and Motorcycle on-street parking WHEREAS the City of Vancouver should do everything in its power to encourage its residents to use environmentally friendly modes of transportation; and WHEREAS Canada is committed to the Kyoto Protocol; and WHEREAS Vancouver residents are being urged to do their part in the federal government?s One-Tonne Challenge (Canada to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne); and WHEREAS the Greenest City Initiative mandate includes reducing pollution, improving transportation and its action plan will identify best practices from leading cities around the world; and WHEREAS there are greater than 26000 motorcycles and scooters in Vancouver and the rate of growth for usage has been 5 times that of passenger vehicles in BC over the last 5 years; and WHEREAS motorized scooters use up to 90 percent less gasoline than passenger cars and trucks, and motorcycles use less fuel than cars and trucks; and WHEREAS scooters and motorcycles are significantly lighter than other vehicles, thus cause less wear and tear on roadways and thereby leave a small footprint; and WHEREAS scooters and motorcycles regularly encounter problems when currently parking because other vehicle operators often do not see the cycles thus damaging them which incurs increased costs for all insurance ratepayers; and WHEREAS there is very little on-street parking available on Vancouver roadways, forcing motorized cycle operators to find innovative solutions which are often illegal and sometimes dangerous; and WHEREAS most tourist destinations worldwide facilitate scooter and motorcycles transportation; and WHEREAS best practices in neighboring cities with similar transportation challenges to Vancouver’s (including San Francisco, Portland and Toronto) all have established free and abundant parking to encourage and accommodate scooter and motorcycle use;
THAT Vancouver City Council request Parking and Engineering staff to initiate a revenue neutral change to present bylaws to free up street parking by designating free of charge parking for motorized scooters and motorcycles in all 6 meter spaces between pedestrian crosswalks and auto parking
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
AIR BRUSH EXHIBIT THIS WEEKEND–This weekend Coast Air Brush is throwing a wild art exhibit in Los Angeles, at 401 N. Anahiem. Just around the corner from the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarters. The exhibit runs from 10:00 to 4:00.
Markus Cuff
THE SWISS ARMY SANTA ATTACKS BIKERNET–‘Tis the season to pick the perfect gifts from Victorinox Swiss Army for everyone on your list! From Swiss Army Knives to Cutlery to Timepieces and Fashion, we’re your one-stop shop for holiday cheer!
Advanstar Communications PARTNERS with TapouT To Bring UFC Fighters and TapouT CULTURE to 2009-2010 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows NATIONWIDE TOUR– Irvine, Calif. (December 3, 2009) ? Advanstar Communications, a leading worldwide media company, today announced a breakthrough partnership between the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows and mega lifestyle brand TapouT to bring TapouT?s counterculture alive at the remaining ten stops on the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows nationwide tour. Commencing at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, Calif., Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, a ?TapouT Friday Night Fights? feature will come alive right on the motorcycle show floor. Motorcycle show attendees are invited to relax in the ?TapouT Fan Lounge,? meet TapouT-sponsored UFC fighters, gather autographs and watch previous UFC fights and select episodes of TapouT?s original reality TV-series on big screens.
?We?re opening up the tour to an entirely new youth audience that is passionate about motorcycle culture,? said Advanstar?s Group Show Director and Director of Business Development Jeff Dentremont. ?To address their unique point of view, the TapouT/Bikes & Beats lifestyle area will feature music, video, fashion shows and everything else that will raise their pulse.?
To kick-off this new partnership, TapouT crew members Punkass and Skyskrape and TapouT UFC fighters Mike Brown, Anthony Johnson and UFC Superstar Dan Hardy will greet fans and sign autographs on Friday, December 4, at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, where a TapouT tribute custom Suzuki built by VooDoo Industries Founder Rob Uecker will be unveiled.
The ?TapouT Friday Night Fights? feature with UFC fighter meet and greets, autograph signings and more will take place at the ten remaining Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows:
December 4-6, 2009 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
December 11-13, 2009 Qwest Field Event Center Seattle, WA
January 1-3, 2010 Rock Financial Showplace Novi, MI
January 8-10, 2010 Carolina First Center Greenville, SC
January 15-17, 2010 Washington Convention Center Washington D.C.
January 22-24, 2010 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York, NY
January 29-31, 2010 I-X Center Cleveland, OH
February 5-7, 2010 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, MN
February 19-21, 2010 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Chicago, IL
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO REMAIN IN YORK–Major Restructuring, Including New Labor Agreement, Provides Path to Significant Gains in Cost-Competitiveness, Flexibility, Efficiency.
MILWAUKEE, December 3, 2009 ? Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) today announced it will keep its motorcycle operations in York, Pa., and move forward with plans to restructure those operations.
The announcement follows yesterday?s ratification of a new seven-year labor agreement by company employees at York, represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge 175, and today?s decision by the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors to approve the restructuring plan and related funding.
?A restructured York operation will enable the plant to be competitive and sustainable for the future, and the new labor agreement is critical to making that happen,? said Keith Wandell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. ?On behalf of the Company, I want to thank the employees at York for their vote to make the changes necessary to create a more flexible and efficient operation, and we look forward to moving ahead together to achieve that goal,? Wandell said.
The New York operation will be consolidated under one roof and focused on the core areas of motorcycle assembly, metal fabrication and paint.
The operation will have a smaller, more flexible workforce, corresponding to the scale and scope of the operations, with about 1,000 hourly employees compared to about 1,950 today. The workforce will consist of about 700 to 800 full-time unionized production and maintenance employees and, on an annualized basis, approximately 200 to 300 unionized ?casual? employees. Casual employees work as needed, depending on seasonal production and volume needs and to provide coverage for vacations and other absences. The operation will also employ about 150 salaried employees, compared to about 270 today.
When fully operational in 2012, the restructuring is expected to generate about $100 million in annual operating savings compared to the current structure.
The Company expects to incur approximately $200 million in restructuring charges related to York into 2012, of which about $100 million will be cash charges. The Company also expects to make capital expenditures in connection with the York restructuring of about $90 million into 2012.
On a combined basis, the Company expects previously announced restructuring activities, together with the additional restructuring of the York operations approved today, to result in one-time charges of $415 million to $445 million into 2012, and to produce annual ongoing savings of $240 million to $260 million upon completion of all announced company-wide restructuring activities. In 2010 on a combined basis, Harley-Davidson expects to incur restructuring charges of $175 million to $195 million and related savings of approximately $135 million to $155 million.
The financial impact of the York restructuring reflects approximately $15 million in incentives that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has committed for capital improvements and training.
?I want to acknowledge and thank Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell and his team for their support of the changes we are embarking on at York. They have been terrific to work with throughout our decision-making process,? said Wandell.
The decision to remain in York concludes a two-path assessment that began in May to determine whether the York operations could be restructured to be cost-competitive and sustainable, or alternatively whether the company would relocate those operations elsewhere in the U.S. In recent weeks, the Company identified Kentucky as the focus of its alternative site assessment.
?We also thank Kentucky Gov. Beshear and his team for their tremendous efforts, as well as the many Kentucky state and local officials who have been so helpful and gracious and who have devoted significant time and attention to our possible relocation,? said Wandell.
Schwantz School Announces 2010 U.S. Dates!–Six dates are scheduled for the school’s home base, Barber Motorsports Park, with two more to be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway prior to August’s Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Barber Motorsports Park
March 20-21Saturday – Sunday
April 19-20Monday – Tuesday
May 13-14Thursday – Friday
June 12-13Saturday – Sunday
September 27-28Monday – Tuesday
October 2-3Saturday – Sunday
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
August 19-20 Thursday – Friday
August 21-22Saturday – Sunday
Kevin Schwantz and his all-star team of instructors will offer a comprehensive, corner-by-corner look at each 16-turn venue. Classroom instruction, conducted by Schwantz and his chief instructor, will cover visual awareness and concentration, body position and steering, lines and reference points, gear selection and shifting, and braking. Schwantz will also lead a track walk to further enhance the learning experience. Come ride their Michelin Pilot Power-shod Honda CBR600RRs and Suzuki GSX-R600s with Arai helmets and Dainese riding gear available for rental.
As an additional learning incentive, there is the Michelin Most Improved Student Award, which awards the most improved student of each class a new set of Michelin motorcycle tires of their choice as well as various other runner-up awards. Continuing with their safety partner program, a Dainese Wave Back Protector will be awarded to the Dainese Safest Student at every school. New for 2010: A drawing at each school for two VIP passes to a MotoGP race of the winner’s choice.
Visit schwantzschool.com for further information and on-line registration. Follow the Schwantz School on Facebook and Twitter @schwantzschool.
Spectro Oils On Board with Cory Texter for 2010–AMA National #65 Cory Texter is pleased to announce a partnership with Spectro Oils for the upcoming 2010 flat track race season. Spectro brand products, manufactured and marketed by Intercontinental Lubricants Corp, has been dedicated to providing ?a full range of fully-synthetic, semi-synthetic, and petroleum lubricants for all classes of ?powersports? engine and transmission applications? since the company?s inception in 1966 by Robert Wehman.
Spectro will supply oils, lubricants and more of their quality products in support of what Texter is hoping to be an improved 450 singles program. ?2009 was an up and down year on the 450?s but I am continuing to train hard and ride consistently this winter in preparation for the 2010 season. My goal is to have a strong and more consistent race year.? Texter continues by saying, ?I am happy to be working with Spectro Oils for the 2010 race season and seasons to come and appreciate their commitment to me and flat track racing.?
Rollin Karoll, VP of Sales, adds, ?Spectro is excited to be working with up and coming AMA pro racer #65 Cory Texter for the 2010 race season. Cory?s talent and drive, coupled with unbeatable Spectro oils, is a winning combination. Everyone at Spectro looks forward to a great year for Cory and his team.?
As Texter prepares himself and his bikes for an exciting 2010 season, he is thrilled to have Spectro joining him for what promises to be a great year.
To learn more about Spectro and to see their full line of products visit www.Spectro-Oils.com.
ASSALT WEAPAN RETURNS TO THE BIKERNET HEADQUARTERS–Highly trained Bikernet tech team inspected the Assalt weapan after it was unloaded from a KeyBoard Shipping truck.
According to Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering, “The Assalt Weapan is race ready.” We hoped to test it at the Maxim Mile in Alabama, but the economy got the best of the Accurate team. She’s back now and kicks off the Bikernet Bonneville 2010 effort. Hang on as the reports begin to filter onto the pages of Bikernet.
American Motorcycle Specialties IntroducesNew Comfort Max Ortho-Deluxe Gel Seat Pad–American Motorcycle Specialties, USA (www.amspecialtiesusa.com) announces a new addition its innovative line of Comfort Max Gel Pads. The new Ortho-Deluxe gel pad is designed to offer today?s riders unparalleled comfort on any bike, or any style of riding.
Joe McNeil, President of American Motorcycle Specialties stated, ?We narrowed the pad in front so that it won’t cause riders to spread or raise their legs while delivering uncompromised riding comfort on big bikes. As with our old design, an orthopedic notch in the cushion relieves pressure on the tailbone. The gel pad?s unique cut-out section eliminates painful pressure on the tailbone and helps your spine relax.? Designed for large cruiser and touring riders, the Ortho-Deluxe gel pad measures 18? x 17? long.
At the core of the Comfort Max Ortho-Deluxe Gel Pad is an advanced Viscoelastic molded gel used in medical and sports applications. Its unique properties include the elimination of pressure points or ?Hot Spots? which can cause rider discomfort. In addition to absorbing vibration, small bumps and road irregularities, it helps relieve back ache, fatigue, discomfort, soreness and numbness.
Comfort Max Gel Pads feature a unique, maximum grip bottom. This rubberized surface prevents the pad from sliding off the seat and does not require the use of permanent straps. You just put the pad on the seat and ride away. When you make a stop, just take the pad with you or toss it in your saddlebag.
The new Ortho-Deluxe gel pad comes in a stretch vinyl or genuine sheepskin cover. The sheepskin cover provides increased comfort and allows air to circulate, virtually eliminating perspiration.
Four other sizes are also offered: Buddy Pad 11? x 7? wide, Medium Pad 12? x 12? x 5?, Large Pad 14? x 11? x 8? wide front and the Jumbo 16.5? x 12? x 9? wide front. MSRP $69.95-$124.95
For complete details and all available options call (800) 710-7237, go to the online secure shopping site? American Motorcycle Specialties, 2944 Salmon River Circle, Westlake Village, CA 91362 www.amspecialtiesusa.com
MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE DEER FOR THANKSGIVING–After coffee and a quick check of what’s happening in the world, I checked my e-mail and thought I’d check in on the Bandit. Hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and the duck wasn’t too greasy.
I’m mending from my close encounter of the worst kind with a deer. My friend that the jacket was for got the famous left turn gift the other day. His CVO Ultra is toast. The insurance company for the gal that cut him off balked at the numbers for the CVO and just couldn’t justify the payout.
His insurance company had a fine group of lawyers with nothing else to do, and suddenly they understood CVO completely. Gonna take a new frame and all new sheet metal. Chip got busted up pretty good and a bruised heart tried to give out on him awhile back. Screwed up his on-board insulin injection equipment as well. He slammed into the side of the car and the bike slammed into him. Big man sandwich, big time. We’re both gettin’ too old for this shit, but whatcha gonna do? Heal up, fix up, and get back in the saddle I reckon.
–Sam Burns
CODE OF THE WEST LESSON FOR THURSDAY–The world is just getting toocomplex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to thegrocery store. You would think they could settle onsomething themselves but this sudden “Paper orPlastic?” every time I check out just knocks me for aloop.
Now I toss it back to them. Whenthey ask me, “Paper or Plastic?” I justsay, “Doesn’t matter to me. I ambi-sacksual.” Then it’s their turn to stareat me with a blank look.
–SB
NEW STRETCHED SADDLEBAG BOTTOMS FOR TOURING MODELS–A Color-Matched Replacement Bottom Creates a Slammed Profile.
MILWAUKEE (November 30, 2009) ? The new Color-Matched Stretched Saddlebag Bottoms (P/N 92003-10, $1,299.95 color-matched, $1,099.95 primed) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories give Harley-Davidson Touring models with hard bags a ?slammed? look without compromising the suspension travel and ride height. These Stretched Saddlebag Bottoms wrap around the exhaust to add visual length and storage capacity, and conceal the muffler bracket and hanger.
They are manufactured of the same materials as the latest original-equipment saddlebags for a glass-smooth painted surface, and are available primed or factory-finished to match an original-equipment, single-color painted finish. Simply attach the pre-drilled Stretched Saddlebag Bottoms to the original saddlebag lids with the included hardware, and install on the bike like the original bags. Color-Matched Stretched Saddlebag Bottoms fit 1993-later Touring models equipped with color-matched hard saddlebags.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
Continued On Page 3
December 03, 2009 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Ho, Ho, Holy Shit,
Hang on for this news. We cover everything from holiday deals to air-powered motorcycles, legislation and events. I actually forced myself to watch some DVDs last night, so you might stumble into a one paragraph review of the Caf? Society program. I know, you’re agog. I finally stepped up.
A quick Bikernet Readership report. According to Google 147,000 readers came to Bikernet last month. According to Web Trends, 270,000 unique users came to Bikernet in October, and visited 491,000 times for 778,260 impressions or page views. Not bad. Google said that we improved 25 percent in a month. Let’s rock:
DiMora Launches Custom Motorcycle Division–With all the bad news of dealerships closing and manufacturers downscaling their production capacity, we could almost not believe it: Alfred DiMora is adding a motorcycle division to his exclusive vehicle manufacture. Name sound familiar? Di Mora Motorcar is the maker of the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan that comes with a price ticket of about $2 million.
?This country was built by inventors, pioneers and entrepreneurs. It is time we showed the world what Americans can do again, and we don?t have any time to waste? stated Alfred DiMora regarding the timing for his new motorcycle division. “In building the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan, we have been working with the finest technologies, companies, and engineers in the world to deliver the ultimate in advanced automotive engineering. We wanted to offer some of what we have learned in an immediate and accessible way by building what we know will become the best motorcycles in the world.”
As an initial line-up, DiMora will display three softail models at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, which runs from December 4 to 6: The DiMora 180 Night Move is a classic pro street springer, the 250 Dragon?s Breath an upper range softail chopper and, when money is no object, the DiMora 300 ZTango is claimed to be the ultimate softail chopper. The bikes will be available worldwide through a DiMora dealer network now being established.
– – C.S. Berg
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEVER SLEEPS–agog uh-GOG, adjective:
Full of excitement or interest; in eager desire; eager, keen.
Kobe Bryant left the Minnesota Timberwolves agog after a series of eye-popping moves in a game last week.
— New York Times, February 5, 1998
By the second day he had found his sea-legs, and with hair flying and double-waistcoats flapping, he patrolled the deck agog with excitement, questioning and noting.
— Richard Holmes, Coleridge: Darker Reflections, 1804-1834
Agog derives from Middle French en gogues, “in mirth; lively.”
ONE MAN’S FIRST GROUND UP BUILD, NOT BAD– I just wanted to send you some pics of my first ground up build. I have done far too many Harley accessorizing, and I had lost my mom and dad and decided to build a bike in their memory .
–Chip Kastelnik San Diego Customs .
Wet Roads, Dry Pubs Don’t Deter Protesters– Sunday, 29 November 2009, Torrential rain failed to deter hundreds of protesting South Australian bikers, who faced a massive police presence and the forced closure of three Hills pubs on their route yesterday.The peaceful convoy of nearly 200 motorcycles headed to the Hills and southern areas of Adelaide on a poker run, in the rain yesterday, to raise funds to fight the State Government’s anti-association/anti-biker laws.
Police set-up roadblocks on major roads leading into the city before the event, subjecting all motorcyclists to intense scutiny.Various speakers including FREE Australia Party candidates Paul Kuhn and Ki Meekin spoke to the protesters, condeming the Rann governments abuse of civil rights and judicial process.
The peaceful rain soaked convoy of over 200 motorcycles headed to Macclesfield, before heading to Mclaren Vale and Seacliff and returning to Whitemore Square late in the afternoon. Locals and publicans in the towns visited were outraged at the orders to lock up the three hotels, instead provided street refreshments and telling them they were welcome back.
At least 13 police vehicles led the procession at noon from Whitmore Sq and up the freeway, before slowly winding through Hahndorf and arriving in Macclesfield about an hour later.
Sources estimate the massive police presence to vary in number from 200-300 – buses along with dozens of operational police vehicles were utilized to transport the oversized contingent.
As the bikers pulled into Macclesfield they were welcomed by a hand-painted sign announcing: “Bikers welcome, Rann’s Nazis piss off.”
United Motorcycle Council committee member Tom Mackie said he was happy with the turnout. “We expected about 300 to 400 (riders and passengers) and that’s what we got today,” he said. “The grog was not an issue, we’d only consume one beer at each stop, it’s just an irritation.”
Riders representing various groups joined together under the United Motorcycle Council banner, including the Gypsy Jokers, Rebels, Finks, Descendants,Hells Angels,Red Devils,Vietnam Veterans,along with christian clubs Longriders and the God Squad, members of social clubs including Easyriders and Ulysses, anti-child abuse advocates BACA.
Representatives from interstate clubs showing supports included the Fourth Reich, Gods Garbage, Club Deroes and the Outcasts.
They were all barred from entering the Macclesfield Hotel, the Macclesfield Three Brothers Arms Hotel and the McLaren Vale Hotel after police successfully argued that they (the pubs) could not cope with the expected crowd. Macclesfield Hotel publican Michael McMahon, who has been running the hotel for seven weeks, said he was licensed for 185 patrons.
“I tried to stay open. These guys aren’t here to cause me grief,” he said. “I’ve lost trade, I could have got four or five kegs out of this if they all had a beer each, and I’ve already ordered up the stock.”
One resident, known locally as Maccy Bob, said: “It’s outrageous. It’s politicians hiding behind coppers, using the liquor licensing legislation.”
The 62-year-old claimed the previous week’s Classic Adelaide Rally proved the local pubs could cope with large crowds. “A sporting car club might do a run of 300 to 400 cars, and they wouldn’t close (pubs) down and the locals are up in arms. It’s a democracy,” he said.
Biker groups are fighting an appeal by the State Government in the Supreme Court following a ruling that the Government’s controversial control order laws were invalid.
Premier Mike ‘randy’ Rann said yesterday he would never change his stance on motorcycle clubs no matter how many protests were held, and he supported the large police presence and the closure of various pubs. “It’s a matter of public safety,” he said.
Police said there had been only one arrest during the event by 5pm yesterday, on a warrant. The 23-year-old, allegedly a member of the Rebels motorcycle club, was arrested over firearms charges and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 23.
–from Doc Robinson
www.heavyduty.com.au
?BAD ASS? ETCHED MOTORCYCLE CHROME REDEFINING BIKE CUSTOMIZATION–SAN PEDRO, CA (June 2, 2009): Bikers and tattoos have a long and storied history, and Eric ?The Sandman? Haase hopes to add another chapter with the launch of a new way to customize rides across the country.
Haase, a tattoo artist with 17 years of experience, is the man behind Bad Ass Chrome & Glass. The company provides bike enthusiasts with a truly-custom way to add ?bad ass? designs and details to their bike?s chrome, faux-chrome and windshields.
Unlike generic laser or computer-stenciled pieces, Bad Ass Chrome & Glass provides bikers with 100-percent custom art that is hand drawn and sandblasted. The result is a unique, multi-dimensional image that looks cool in any light. And, because each piece is done by hand ? never a computer or a laser ? nearly any chrome part can be customized. Derby covers, gas caps, pipes, horns and coil covers ? even handlebars ? can be etched with an unlimited variety of designs. Just like tattoos, chrome etching can now be customized with the individual?s taste and bike?s lines in mind. Popular designs include skulls, flames, ?in memory of?? honors, dragons, snake scales, ?Sailor Jerry?-style pin ups, and ?dead man?s hand? playing cards, but when it comes to design, anything is possible.
Anyone with tattoos will tell you that they?re addicting. In the same vein, Bad Ass Chrome & Glass is an affordable addiction. Prices start at just $75.
Clients can ship their parts to Bad Ass Chrome & Glass?s San Pedro, CA headquarters or the company can provide parts. Bikers in the Southern California region may also arrange for pick up or delivery.
An online portfolio, FAQ page and more can be found at www.BadAssChromeAndGlass.com. High-resolution images and interviews available upon request. Complimentary custom product samples available for review.
— Eric Haase
info@badassautoglass.com
310-938-6963
Confederate Motorcycles To Raise Hell at the L.A. Auto Show–December 4 ? 13, Confederate Motorcycles invites all L.A. Auto Show visitors to view the company?s new P120 Fighter and production Wraith motorcycle.
The manufacturer will also have on hand an assortment of helmets from Ruby and a new apparel line from Kushitani, as well as a collection of T-shirts. Confederate Motorcycles is also working on a new dealer program and wants to share that with all of you.
You can find Confederate Motorcycles in the Kentia Hall at booth K-420 and complete a survey for a chance to win a new Ruby helmet made exclusively for Confederate Motors.
Go to www.confederate.com to find out more about Confederate bikes and products. Go to www.laautoshow.com for information about the Los Angeles Auto Show.
BIKER ART EXHIBIT COMING TO SOCAL– Here’s the Flyer for for the gallery showing. Give Kirk a call for details if you have any questions (415)328-0660. Hope to see you there.
–Lisa
Kirk Taylor
Lisa Taylor
Custom Design Studios
56 Hamilton Drive # A
Novato, Ca. 94949
(415) 382-6662
www.customdesignstudios.com
BIKERNET STAFF VOTES UNANIMOUSLY–BEST NEW VALVE CAPS OF THE YEAR FROM WESTBURY– New ?Low-Baller? valve stem caps from Westbury Handcrafted Motorcycles.
Hot off the C.N.C. machine is the latest offering from the Westbury product line of unique motorcycle parts
They say the devils in the details, and one of the most overlooked areas on any vehicle are valve stems lets face it, there pretty boring! Well we?ve come up with a pretty cool solution the draw some serious attention to your valve stems. The new ?Low-Baller? caps they are a perfect scaled down copy of our very popular ?Big-Baller? crown gas cap. The best part is they fit anything with a tire from the company Lear-jet right down to your backyard wheel barrow!! And at only $14.95 a pair you can afford to have them on everything in between.
Dealer inquiries invited. contact Westbury Handcrafted Motorcycles. 925-682-9482or whri@comcast.net
NEW BOOM! AUDIO HIGH-PERFORMANCE BAGGER FAIRING SPEAKERS–Enhanced Clarity and Response Overcomes Wind and Road Noise.
MILWAUKEE (November 30, 2009) ? The new Boom! Audio High Performance Boom! Bagger Fairing Speakers (P/N 77181-10, $149.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories are designed for maximum performance in the harsh motorcycle environment. A two-way speaker design with separate full-range element and grill-mounted tweeter provides improved high-frequency response that helps cut through road and wind noise. Increased speaker sensitivity provides 25 percent louder output than original-equipment speakers at the same volume setting, resulting in reduced distortion for improved clarity at speed.
These 5.25-inch, water-proof speakers mount in the Electra Glide? style fairing with no modifications. The complete kit includes speakers, electronic crossovers, and plug-and-play wiring connections, and fits 2006-later Electra Glide and Trike models equipped with the Advanced Audio System.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
Exhibitors upbeat after Sydney Motorcycle Show– Saturday, 28 November 2009, Excellent sales and interest from exhibitors has marked last week?s 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show at Sydney Showground as a successful event, with the industry showing its resilience and ability to adapt in tough economic times. Organisers received incredibly positive feedback from a range of attending manufacturers and accessory, apparel and service providers, with many reporting a response on par with 2008.
Event Manager Mark Petersen said, ?The show looked fantastic and we had the most exhibitors present at any event and many of our exhibitors reported it was their best show ever.?
With 2010 on the horizon, the range and diversity of new models on display ensured the show maintained its place as the nation?s largest motorcycle showcase. Sports bikes, cruisers, tourers, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVS and mini bikes covered 12,500 square metres of the Sydney Showground dome and halls, with an extra 750 square metres of exhibitor space outside. An array of attractions and guests kept visitors entertained in between checking out over 110 exhibitors and their latest offerings. Three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and renowned author and adventurer Charley Boorman had crowds lining up for hours to grab an autograph and a photo.
The Stuntz Inc. team put on an awesome show despite the 104F-degree heat. The Mini Moto playground and Trials arena added to the multi-discipline action display. Other popular attractions included the Harley-Davidson Drag Dyno and the East Coast Custom Australian Custom Bike Championship display. The industry will now turn its attention to the 2010 Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 19-21.
TAKE A NEWS BREAK AND STEP INTO THE BIKERNET GALLEY–She was standing in the kitchen, preparing our usual soft-boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, wearing only the t-shirt that she normally slept in.
As I walked in, almost awake, she turned to me and said softly, “You’ve got to make love to me this very moment!”
My eyes lit up and I thought, I am either still dreaming or this is going to be my lucky day! Not wanting to lose the moment, I embraced her and then gave it my all, right there on the kitchen, table.
Afterwards she said, “Thanks,” and returned to the stove, her T-shirt still around her neck.
Happy, but a little puzzled, I asked, “What was that all about?”
She explained, “The egg timer’s broken.”
–from Bruce Snyder
National Hot Rod Association and AMA mandate helmet removal system, for2010 Race Season–-The National Hot Rod Association and the AMA have both mandated that racers in the 2010 season must wear helmets equipped with the Eject Helmet Removal System. This product was developed by Shock Doctor, an innovative leader in safety gear technology in sports. In the upcoming race season, Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock series racers must have the helmet removal system installed in their helmet. Also, Indy Racing League, NASCAR, Grand-Am Racing and AMA Motocross and Supercross riders will be required to have helmets with Eject installed.
What will we see on the street?
It’s foreseeable that some street riders will incorporate the Eject system in their personal helmets. With the anticipated increase in the use of such a system, it’s necessary that bystanders, First Responders and EMT’s become familiar with the product and how to recognize if a helmet has the Eject installed. There is a rollout program underway for both the riding public and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community nationwide. More information about this can be found at www.ejectsafety.com
Visit Hupy and Abraham, S.C. for full storyHupy and Abraham, S.C. has more information about this new system on the firm’s web site, under current news for bikers.
Hupy and Abraham, S.C. On September 18, 2009, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. was honored with the Law Firm of the Year award by Career Youth Development, Inc. The award was given in recognition of the many years of service our law firm has provided to the communities we serve.
Hupy and Abraham, S.C. was also voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Milwaukee, 2008 and 2009, in a public poll conducted in the Shepherd Express.
![Paul_BarberMotorcycle[1]](http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID50708.jpg)
BIKERNET READER TRIPS DOWN MEMORY LANE– Thanks for a great web page. I read it every chance I get for the tech articles, the fictional stories and the jokes.
Here are some pictures, one of my grandfather Paul Barber at a stop in Malone New York. I think the year was the early 1930s.I was passing through the same town totally by accident on a trip back to Tororonto from Laconia Bike week and had my buddy take a picture of me and my own 1997 bagger.
–Mike Barber
BIKERNET ROLLIN SIXES ANNUAL TROOPS XMAS T-SHIRT DRIVE SET-BACK–We just found out today that one of our major backers who spilts the shipping cost with me cannot help this year due to a serious illness in the family, and family comes first. Without him, shipping the gifts would not have been possible because I cannot pay for the shipping cost myself. Our prayers go out to him and his family.
We would appreciate if you help spread the word that we need help with the shipping cost. The gifts have to be sent out by Dec.11th.
All donation info is at the bottom of the page. We usually don’t bother folks about the T-Shirt Drive, we just try to take care of it ourselves because we don’t want people to think we are shoving it on them, but these men and women are giving up a lot for us and if had the chance would rather be home. I think they are worth it. If you just help get the word that would be great.
Don’t forget, we have a great homemade quilt up for auction on ebay. Info and item number is below.
Thanks Jerry, Rollin Sixes
The Bikernet Staff upped our bid for the quilt to $300.–Sin Wu
please send all donations to:
T-shirts for Troops
311 Aviation Parkway
Cape Coral, Fl 33914
239-770-6024
All checks and money orders please make payable to: Rollin Sixes Choppers No Apologies Kindness
Continued On Page 2
December 03, 2009 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
HELLS ANGELS Headlines speak to innocence–Judge urged to drop criminal organization charges against East End Hells Angels. Judges Refuse to Ban Hells Angels. Hells Angels win another Dutch legal battle. Charge against a member of the Regina chapter of the Hells Angels fell apart. BC Court rules, Hells Angels not criminal organization. Judge stops Crown from proceeding with case against Hells Angels. Angels win four-year legal fight to regain clubhouse. Denver police apologized to the Hells Angels motorcycle club for violating their rights. NYC paid $450,000 to seven members of the Hells Angels and two of the bikers’ girlfriends.
There is a simple reason why headlines like these are common – The Hells Angels have done nothing wrong.
Law Enforcement are costing taxpayers hundreds of millions persecuting the wrong people. It’s time they change their direction and focus on the real criminals.
–William Perry
Victoria, BC
We even put together a couple sweet holiday combo deals to save you guys a bit of dough.Every time you guys grab a DVD or shirt from us it helps us produce and discover new films like The Harbortown Bobber, Icy Riders and Cafe Society.
Thanks for keeping our dreams alive, we’ll keep working hard to bring you the best we can.CLICK ON THE COVER, ABOVE, FOR THE HARBORTOWN BOBBER DVD.
BIKERNET ARTIST INVENTS FUTURE CRUISER–Dick Allen, fantastic line artist who follows our Bonneville builds came up with the futuristic approach to the cruiser.
Hang on for more illustrations for the master.
–Wrench
BIKERNET FREE CLINIC DISCOVERY, SPONSORED BY BARTELS’ H-D, Peppermint: Not Just For Candy Canes–Food is a focal point for many holiday gatherings, and not all of it is healthy. To help reduce the symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), consider peppermint. The dried leaves of the peppermint plant come in teas (look for 100 percent pure peppermint leaves), oils (both enteric-coated capsules for swallowing, and essential oils for topical use – I recommend essential oil containing at least 44 percent free menthol), as well as creams and rubs.
While peppermint can help many, children should not be given peppermint tea – it can cause a choking sensation. Similarly, adults with gastro-esophageal reflux syndrome (GERD) should avoid peppermint as it can worsen symptoms. In addition, be sure to never ingest undiluted peppermint oil, which can be toxic.
Suddenly I’m afraid of Peppermint. For help with this issue, contact DrWeil.com.
OKAY, I GIVE UP. WHERE THE HELL DO THEY GET THESE WORDS–roborant ROB-uh-ruhnt, adjective:
1. Strengthening; restoring vigor.
noun:
1. A strengthening medicine; a tonic; a restorative.
A major field study of the effect of pollen extracts on the common cold and its roborant . . . effects in 775 Swedish military recruits did not give unequivocal results in relation to the prophylactic effect of the preparation used against the common cold.
— James P. Carter, Racketeering in Medicine
That day, I felt the need of a roborant after my ghost-ridden night, and I swigged down two doses of Bulliet Whiskey.
— William Least Heat Moon, River Horse
Roborant derives from the present participle of Latin roborare, “to strengthen,” from robur, roboris, “strength.”
BIKERNETMETRIC SPEAKS UP–WEgot the Terry Lee cb750 chopper tech article up. Check it out. Thanks Wacko.
I’ve been keeping track of the viewers on the news blog. When I started, we were getting a handful every day. Once I re-designed it and started throwing up a bunch of stuff, we were averaging 60 viewers a day.
In contrast, bikernetmetric.com received 538 readers last Wednesday, after you posted links to it in the Bikernet News. But because I haven’t added anything new since, the readership dropped considerably to about 155 a day. But hold on. With new the new content, and if you mention Bikernet Metric in the news, we’ll rock once more.
I’m still working on the blog and shooting for 600 readers a day (18,000 a month) to read the posts (news, editorials, polls, builds, and the occasional bomb) IMMEDIATELY. In January, I expect to get closer to 1000 visitors a day.
–Trent Reker
BikernetMetric Editor in Chief
Perry King To Be Master Of Ceremonies At Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony–The American Motorcyclist Association has announced film, television and stage star Perry King as the Master of Ceremonies for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductions on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. King, a longtime motorcyclist and a member of the AMA Board of Directors, is excited about the event.
“I’m an actor, but the people in my life I’ve admired the most have been motorcyclists and racers,” said King. “They’re some of the most honorable, courageous, loyal and humble people I’ve ever known.”
King said he jumped at the chance to be part of the festivities. “When I was asked to preside over a gathering of these guys and gals, many of whom are good friends, and honor them as they should be honored, well let me tell you, I’d walk on fire to be there,” King said. “It’s about the nicest present I’ve ever been given, and I know it’s going to be a high point in my life.”
This year’s inductees are industry innovator Robert Bates, off-road champion Randy Hawkins, motorsports giants Bob and Geoff Fox, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, legendary race team manager Gary Mathers and successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren.
Tickets can be purchased for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, as well as the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas Box Office on the day of the event. Ticket purchase includes dinner each night, and costs $59 (plus a service charge) per person per single event, or $99 (plus a service charge) per person for both events. Admission to the Hall of Fame autograph session and the Concours d’Elegance, presented by FOX Racing Shox, bike show is free. – C.S. Berg
A Bikernet Correspondent and member of the 5-Ball Racing team, Ray Wheeler, will be on hand to cover the event. He holds two AMA World Land Speed Records.
D&D DEALER DIRECT PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXPAND–Here’s new dealers, who signed up this week. You can contact them for D&D performance exhaust products, or slip over to the D&D web site for a complete list of dealers.
1) Frontier H-D 205 NW 40th St Lincoln, NE 68528 402-466-9100
2) Jacks Motorcycle Works 10053 Lovejoy Bryon, MI 48418 810-266-6776
3) Trikes Trailers & Acc 1405 S Council Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73128 405-495-7822
4) Maverick Motorsports 3320 E Lincolnway Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-638-8307
–Jennifer Millican
D & D Performance Ent
And as always RIDE SAFE & LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES
817-834-8961
Fx: 817-831-4260
BIKER?S CHOICE CHOPPED HANDLEBAR CONTROL KITS– Biker?s Choice offers a wide variety of handlebar control kits. This one is priced at just $259.95.
These chrome plated custom styled handlebar control kits are designed after the ’96 and up Big Twin models. Each kit contains a front brake master cylinder, clutch lever and perch, left and right switch housing and all the required hardware to install on your bike. The switch housings accept OEM and aftermarket switches.
These come in two different sizes, 9/16? Bore master cylinder for single disc models (BC # 48-9838) and 11/16? Bore master cylinder for dual disc models (BC #48-9839).
For more information visit www.Bikerschoice.com Ride Happy!!
Carmen
Biker?s Choice
Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Act–It seems as though we seldom have good news to tell you, but the Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Act of 2009, H.R. 765, has the potential of becoming very good news for OHV enthusiasts living in the Las Vegas area. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Dean Heller of Nevada, would create an OHV recreation area of more than 10,000 acres by using lands owned by Clark County and the Bureau of Land Management. The legislation would authorize the conveyance of approximately 1,200 acres of BLM land to Clark County so the County can develop an active off-highway vehicle recreation park. An additional 9,000 acres would be designated as an off-highway vehicle recreation area to be managed by BLM.
The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands recently held a hearing on H. R. 765. Further action on the part of the full Committee is required before this legislation can move forward. A portion of BLM land would also be transferred to the Nellis Air Force Base, so the legislation must also be reviewed by the House Armed Services Committee before it can be sent to the full House. We will keep a close eye on this bill as it moves forward in the House of Representatives and hopefully in the Senate. In the meantime, OHV enthusiasts will have to wait for final action. It’s sort of like Christmas for a child; waiting only makes Christmas morning all that more exciting.
Thanks to all the ARRA members who weighed in on this important legislation in response to ARRA’s alert. We appreciate your involvement.
Looming Deficits
Now that you have read the potentially good news about Nellis Dunes, let me provide you with some very sobering news. The federal budget deficit tripled in size in one year. At the end of fiscal year 2008, the deficit stood at $459 billion. At the close of fiscal year 2009, it was $1.42 trillion. The simple explanation for this increase is that tax revenue plummeted due to the recession, while government spending increased in an effort to get the economy back on track. Fortunately for us, interest rates are at an all time low, so servicing this massive debt isn’t all that burdensome, but future prospects are less than favorable especially if interest rates eventually rise.
To put this in very stark terms, the current budget deficit is 10 percent of the overall national economy, the highest it has been since World War II. Even more troublesome, the Obama Administration is now projecting $9 trillion in additional debt by the end of the decade unless steps are taken to get things under control. Potential remedies include tax increases or drastic cuts in government spending.
–Larry E. Smith
Executive Director
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access
![SSK Year End Sale copy [800x600]](http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID50739.jpg)
WE HAVE LOTS GOING ON AT SOUTH SIDE KUSTOMS FOR CHRISTMAS TIME — OUR TOY DRIVE FOR TOYS for TOTS – BRING IN A BRAND NEW UNWRAPPED TOY FOR TOYS FOR TOTS RECEIVE 10% OFF ANY INSTORE ITEMS or ORDERED ITEMS!
Our 4th Annual Christmas Party is December 12th 2009 at Recckio’s 2426 South Park Ave Buffalo, NY 14220 – Paul “VON” Strauss – Madd Grafix Tattoo and Biker Brand Apparel (our special guest vendors) Jagermeister – Blue Rocket Trio – Drink Specials and Bowling Specials – 50/50 and a Chinese Auction! – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/EVENTS.html
South Side Kustoms is in the January 2010 issue of Easyriders Magazine – get your copy here – http://www.easyriders.com/
Stripper Juice Now Available for Online Purchase and In store – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/HouseholdShopItems.html
Gift Certificates – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/HelmetsApparelMagazines.htmlNew Biltwell Helmets – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/BiltwellHelmets.html
South Side Kustoms is a great place to get your Christmas Shopping done at – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com
Most important to us is The Buffalo Dream Center – They Need Food and Toy donations for their Boxes of Love campaign – as always SSK will be doing our part to support them – if you can Please Help by donating some food or a Toy or your time to help feed the Homeless or deliver food or wrap all the presents they need to get done – see their website for more info! – http://www.buffalodreamcenter.org/
You can also help support the Buffalo Dream Center by purchasing one or a few tickets for the charity raffle bike-drawn July 31st 2010 – http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/EVENTS.html
Watch for our Yearly Christmas Letter – Everyone Have a Blessed and safe Christmas Season.
–Jason – SSK
South Side Kustoms
596 Michigan Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
1-716-823-6279
1-800-675-3191
www.south-side-kustoms.com
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Tonight On CBS–Ain’t no bikes here, but plenty of sexy babes: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will air on CBS tonight Tuesday, December 1, at 10/9 central. Supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Marisa Miller and a bevy of other Victoria’s Secret Angels star in this holiday infused lingerie runway show, which also includes musical performances by the Black Eyed Peas, red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world’s most celebrated fashion show.
The runway show will also feature the $3 Million Harlequin Fantasy Bra designed by renowned Italian jeweler Damiani and worn by Supermodel Marisa Miller.
– – C.S. Berg
Help your Santa cruise through the holiday season with these gift ideas from Zipper’s Performance Products– Forward (or print) this email and give it to the gift-giver in your family. It will help them get what you really want for the Holidays – a better running motorcycle. Don’t forget to include your motorcycle information and part numbers.
Can’t Decide? Zipper’s Performance offers Gift Certificates in Every Amount!Zipper’s Gift Certificates never expire. and can be used towards any purchase.
Let the Zipper’s Elves Help Make Your Christmas Powerful!
Need a little help? Contact Us!
Give Zipper’s a call: (410)579-2828
Visit Zipper’s On-Line:
www.zippersperformance.com
PPG REPAINT REPORTER CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF PUBLISHING–STRONGSVILLE, Ohio ? December 1, 2009 ? The PPG Repaint Reporter is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, making it one of the automotive refinish industry?s longest-running publications. The magazine is circulated to PPG Automotive Refinish distributors and users throughout North America.
The Repaint Reporter was first published in 1936, debuting at a time when the introduction of the spray gun and alkyd enamels contributed to significant advancements in paint application and drying times and automobile color and gloss surfaced as critical product differentiators. As the repair of auto finishes took on greater importance and the need for technical information grew, the Repaint Reporter stepped in to fill the need.
From its simple beginnings, the Repaint Reporter has evolved through the years expanding its content and coverage to include all aspects of refinish repair as well as the custom color and commercial coatings segments of the industry.
?In many ways, the changing nature of the Repaint Reporter has mirrored the ever-changing nature of our industry,? said Cristina Fronzaglia, PPG Automotive Refinish communications manager and Repaint Reporter executive editor. ?Yet, its guiding mission ? to ensure the distributors and users of PPG products are well-informed and up-to-date ? has never changed. Rest assured, as the automotive refinish industry advances and PPG provides new, innovative products and services, the Repaint Reporter will continue to play its key role and keep our customers informed.?
For more information about the PPG Repaint Reporter, call 800/647-6050 or visit the PPG Automotive Refinish website at www.ppgrefinish.com to view issues.
Green Speed Motorcycle: new concept motorcycle Pneumatics– Assuming that the compressed air will replace gasoline engines in the future, a young industrial designer Australian of Chinese origin, Edwin Conan, has devised a motorcycle air … based on a Suzuki GP100 70s!
While the era of “post-oil” is generally discussed in terms of electric vehicles, compressed air engine, less publicized, has still many supporters who are developing projects in principle very attractive .. .
Thus, in the line of work over the past fifteen years by Zero Pollution Motors (Motor Development International) French Guy Negro – our most loyal readers remember the compressed air engine developed by his former Air QED structure solution (see Moto-Net.Com 1 July 1999: the charm of the air engine) – The young Australian student design Edwin Conan works on a motorcycle compressed air that could “overcome two major obstacles usually associated with this type of engine: insufficient autonomy or speed too low”.
BIKERNET APPROVED TATTOO OF THE WEEK–Who’s that baby? Where did he get that hat? Are all Russians born with hats like that? Bikernet research continues.
Your Action is Needed to Fight the CPSIASupport Congressional Action to Adopt Language to Prohibit Use of Funds to Implement or Enforce the CPSIA,Take Action!Contact your Senators and Representative Today!– On July 7, Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) attached an amendment to the House fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill which prohibits the use of funds by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for the implementation and/or enforcement of section 101(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) as it relates to youth-model off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). To see Rehberg’s press release on his amendment, please click here.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds the Rehberg amendment, and submitted a letter of support that was placed in the Committee Report on June 23. To see the AMA’s letter of support, please click here.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill – with the Rehberg amendment – on July 16 with a vote of 219 to 208.
However, the U.S. Senate’s fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill does not include the Rehberg language, and it has not been considered on the Senate floor. The Senate may not consider the Financial Services Appropriations bill individually, but may soon instead consider a larger all-encompassing bill called an Omnibus Appropriations bill.
Therefore, the AMA needs your help to let your lawmakers know how you feel about the lead-content ban and it’s impact on the sale of youth-model off-highway vehicles. Riders should contact their Senators and Representatives and let them know how the CPSIA has created a severe and unwarranted disruption to families who recreate together responsibly, and a deleterious effect on youth amateur racing. Urge your Senators and Representative to support the inclusion of the Rehberg language, already in the House Financial Services Appropriations bill, in the final version of the fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill or the Omnibus Appropriations bill.
The quickest way to reach your Senators and Representative is to call them. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your zip code on AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to immediately send to your lawmakers by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.
–AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Rapid Response Center
Contribute to the Cause
Get Involved
Register To Vote
VINTAGE BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–Here is a 45 bobber deal of the week, $8500.00. It has an ELC frontend. That is an inline 2-over stock, like the XA, but with a one inch stem. They used them on the Canadian military Knuckles.
The bike has milled heads, Mikuni carb, runs and starts great. Owned by Terry Nails, bassist for many famous players. The frontend is unaltered. An eighteen on the rear and twentyone on the front.
–Fatbob
WILDEST CHOPPER OF THE WEEK– This is my buddy’s 1948 500cc single Norton. Kewl Chopper huh?? It’s his latest restoration project. The bike will go back to stock. Already has the correct frame an a extra engine for parts.
–Pablo
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO-ART EXHIBIT– So Whiplash is still shooting bikes and events, but he’s also now selling bikes at Adamec Harley Davidson/Baymeadows location/Jacksonville Florida. Stop by to say hi when you are passing through.
–Whiplash Biker Photog
aka Bob Sofford
http://whiplashbikerphotog.blogspot.com/
THE NEWS OF NEWS–Another whacky day in paradise. What a riot life is, and I have high hopes for 2010. We’re going back to Bonneville. We are rebuilding Bikernet from a tech standpoint. We’re not going to change the way we deliver content. Except for the blog, you won’t see content surrounded by ads.
But you’ll see some damn exciting action on Bikernet in 2010. And I swear, in the next couple of days I’ll launch my final 5-Ball Racing tech. It’s written and the shots are cropped. I just need to code the photos and edit the crappy copy.
I’m excited to move onto the Bonne Belle. It will be damn exciting building adventure. I will also make some mods to the sleek Assalt Weapan. Rumor has it new rules will apply to Bonneville next year. You’ll see the changes as we roll into the new year. So keep the faith, and buy American for Xmas, or Canadian, or Australian.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
Illusion Custom Motorcycles
By Bikernet Betsy Huelskamp | | General Posts
This story will curl your toes. It’s basically about a couple of hardworking bikers who own a shop in a small industrial strip in Orange County, California. They aren’t television stars, but they are hardworking tough sonsabitches with tons of talent and dreams. There’s one other steel driving aspect to this story. They both faced life in prison at one time; both were innocent and had to fight for their lives.
To many folks in the straight world the word arrest means guilty. In the justice system often the word Biker means drugs, gangs, murder, mayhem and no good sonsabitches. As you know, nowadays, it ain’t so, and here are too completely separate stories. I’ll make it quick, because this is basically a report on their shop and their efforts in our industry, but this needs to be told. It’s an eye-opener.
Rusty Coones, an 11- year member of the Hells Angels was recently released from prison after a five year case and he was sentenced to 8 years of his life spent in cells in Oregon and Texas. Rusty was scooped up in a drug ring raid and accused of everything from trafficking to organized crime. He didn’t run in those circles, just knew a few folks who did, but because of his club affiliation the boom was dropped severely on his massive frame. The guy’s a monster. Add to that the factor that he wouldn’t roll on anyone, club affiliated or not the indictments grew.
At one point the DA became aware that Rusty had no Meth connection, so he offered him a 8-year deal and Rusty went away for nothin’ except being a member of the Hells Angels. That’s the short story.
His partner is Rod Reguejo, an Argentinean. “They call me the Gaucho,” Rod said. At one time Rod was a Hells Angel prospect, in his truck on his way home when he became a victim of road rage. “It was two days before Christmas,” Rod said. “There was heavy traffic everywhere.” His truck was in a bumper-to-bumper jam-up on an off ramp, at a dead stop, when two brothers yanked open his doors and pulled him out of the cab. On the pavement they began to kick his ass, while his running truck rolled away.
He had no choice but to defend himself and pulled a knife. One of the brothers died and the other ran off injured. Because Rod was a club prospect he was arrested for murder and spent 30 days in jail, during which time the living brother told the authorities several stories about this gang member attacking them. Finally three witnesses came forward. “Must have been 50 people who saw what happened,” Rod told me. “Finally three stepped up to the plate.”
All the charges were ultimately dropped. Rod is no longer a prospect but a member of the notorious Sinners, a group of Old School bike builders in Southern California. It’s not a club and they don’t have rules or patches.
Completely wild one-off custom, but it works.
When Rusty was released from prison, by law he had to get his shit together quick or face a parole violations. Ultimately these two got together after Rusty bought the Illusion Motorcycle Name and they moved into this shop on Edinger in Santa Ana, California.
Here’s where we leave the dark side to another breed and move into the light glowing above the creative and hard working. Before Rusty went away he was a hard working entrepreneurial Hells Angel who developed a motorcycle manufacturing facility called the Big Red Machine. Before Big Dog and many other manufactures were cemented in this industry, Rusty and his crew cranked out production choppers and they’re still on the road today.
Rusty is the businessman. He knows how to take care of day-to-day operations. Rod, on the other hand, came from three generations of metal smiths. His grandfather won four formula 1 championships in Argentina. “He had six brothers and they all worked on the team,” Rod said. “Each one had an assignment. One was the welder, one the engine builder, one the body man and one the butcher.”
They were middleclass working stiffs and needed to raise their own racing funds. “Every Wednesday they threw Penas,” Rod said. “My great uncle cooked and people paid to come hang at the race car shop and eat.”
Rod’s dad came to the States and went to work for Metal Crafters, who built Chrysler concept cars. He also worked for Boyd Cottington building custom cars. Rod learned the trade, the tools and fell in love with the craft. He has an entire tool cabinet full of his father’s and grandfather’s body working hammers. Even has one of his grandfather’s handmade hammers tattooed on the back of his hand.
So what’s Illusions all about? They build bikes, manufacture two Illusion models, a chopper and a pro street, and designed a motor configuration that is EPA certified and can be bumped from 97 cubic inches to 139 overnight.
Shortly we’ll bring you more about the Illusion models. “We developed an engine that begins with a massive skin and 1-inch taller cylinders,” Rod said. “We’re not trying to squeeze excessive power out of a smaller engine configuration. We began with the biggest then toned it down for more reliability. They run dual sparkplug STD heads, with STD barrels and cases. With JIMS internals and Spyke electrics there boxed motors are delivered with EPA certification at 97 inches. “For just about $500 we can bump them to 139 inches (5-inch pistons and 4.25 stroke), and 200 hp,” Rod told me.
But building bikes is flowing through Rod’s veins 24/7. He was making a shapely gas tank while I roamed the shop. Not just any tank, but an art piece that flowed like a Ferrari’s fender. He builds frames or modifies them. He’s developing Illusion oil tanks and components.
That’s the story and we’re stickin’ with it. It’s not the end, though. We’ll bring you a feature on an Illusion model as soon as we can straddle one. We’ll bring you a feature of the bike Jesse James built in Rusty’s honor, with Rusty’s wife KO, just before he got out of the joint. And we’ll bring you the full story of Rusty’s life before and during his club years. Hang on.
Donnie Smith Behind The Scenes
By Johnny White | | General Posts
I was sitting at the dinner table unveiling my plan to my wife. Usually, this tactic ends with her screaming and hollering about me being a horrible and selfish bastard who never listens to her. I don’t really remember what she calls me, as I don’t really listen to her.
Anyways, I was explaining to her my plan to ride to Sturgis for the first time this past August. Not only was I going to Sturgis, but I was going to take a week off without pay from my job.
Well, she was really….weird. First of all, she only smiled and said, “Whatever you want to do is fine with me.” Of course this remark was followed by the standard rolling of her eyes.
Then she got a sort of nervous look on her face like I had just farted or something. Not knowing what to expect, I braced my legs under the table so the force of her punches wouldn’t knock me over backwards.
Instead of hitting me, she just smiled and said,“Hey, I was going to send you to Minnesota to see your little brother Ricky, for your birthday.”
Inside my head, I was ecstatic. I love hanging out with either of my brothers, and I looked forward to seeing them whenever I can. On the outside, I acted insulted. She was trying to control me again by using my brother as bait. She is famous for trying to ruin my good times, and she was at it again!
*Note* I didn’t realize it, at the time, but my wife had already bought my ticket and was planning on surprising me for my birthday. I was being the pig-headed lout I have become famous for, and tried to turn it into a big controversy theory to steal my fun. In fact, I seem to suspect the wrong thing many times and should probably seek professional counseling. So, in spite of it all, I rode to Sturgis. I had the adventure of a lifetime and created many memories on that 7 day 4000 mile round trip. But now it was back to real life.
I work for a chemical plant in Houston, Texas, monitoring distillation columns. My job is an important one, as an error could result in loss of many lives, but not very demanding. Working 4 day, 12 hour swing shifts, I end up flying through months before realizing what day it is. Seriously, when you work days and nights, time doesn’t matter anymore. I used to look forward to the weekends, but now a Wednesday is the same as a Saturday. It just doesn’t matter.
So here it was, the last weekend in September, and I came home from work feeling exhausted from the mundane tasks I must perform day in and day out. Although I rode to Sturgis on vacation in August, my body and schedule never seemed to line back up. I was running on fumes and I needed a break. Between work, the kids in school, and the hurricanes, I ran non-stop for several weeks. I planned on walking in the front door, opening an ice cold beer, and vegging out on the couch.
When I got home, my wife called me to the bedroom. Knowing it was for some tedious honey-does, I grimaced silently and plodded around the corner. My heart sank as I rounded the corner and saw an open suitcase on the bed. Oh my God, she’s going to leave me. I was surprised to find out she wasn’t leaving me at all. She had bought the plane ticket for Minnesota, and I was flying the next morning! She was packing my clothes, but she knows how picky I am. Yeah right, everything I own is Black, Orange, or Blue. So the next morning, I headed to Cologne, Minnesota to visit my baby brother.
Four days with no callouts from work. Four days completely away from the computer and articles due. Four days without …my bike. That sucks, but I can take it for only four days. I was ready to go to Minnesota and just hang out with absolutely nothing on the agenda. This would be the best trip I had ever taken. Boy was I wrong!
I awoke the next morning and high-tailed it to the airport. My flight left at 7:30 am, and thanks to the towel-headed Punjab’s, I had to be there an hour ahead of time. The boarding of the plane was fine, and the flight went very smooth. I printed up the Saxon Motorcycle review off Bikernet and read it on the plane. As I landed and headed for baggage claim, I turned my cell phone on awaiting my mongoloid brother to call and tell me he was late or lost. No sooner had I turned the phone on and put it back in my pocket when it began to vibrate. Damn, that was quick!
“Hello, fat bastard,” I greeted my little bro with my normal salutation.
“Fat?! I’ll kick yer young ass! Fat?!!! What the hell are you talking about?”
“Oh, Bandit, sorry. I thought you were my brother.”
“If I was your brother, I would have killed our mother, you idiot. Hey, you just landed in Minneapolis, right?”
How does he do that?
“Uh, yeah. How’d you know?”
“That’s what I do kid. Hey, go by Donnie Smith’s place and get me a few shots for Bikernet. I want to do a feature on his shop.”
“Donnie Smith lives close to here? How do you know he’ll even talk to me? He’s probably busy and won’t have time for my little ass.”
“Nah. He’s a really down to earth guy. He’ll talk to you. Just tell him you are doing an article for me and that should get you in the door. Just don’t act like yourself. Be cool. Try to act like you know what you’re talking about. Don’t bullshit him, just be confident.”
“Ok, ok. I will try to give him a call…”, I heard the phone go dead.
Great, now I have to work. I’ll bet this guy won’t even talk to me. Shit, it’s Donnie Smith, one of The Big Three along with Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz.
I was still disoriented by the call when my 235 pound ex-football player brother blindsided me with a picture perfect open field tackle. We must have slid twenty five feet across the linoleum airport floor before finally skidding to a stop.
“Good to see you, Bro! I have been waiting for you since August when you bailed out on me for some bike rally.” He helped me to my feet before giving me a nice jab to the ribs.
“Sorry, Rick! I had to work the rally. Bikernet.com has been floundering and needed some young blood to bring some life in.”
“Yeah, right! You probably hounded the guy with e-mails until he finally agreed to let you go so you would shut up and stop whining like a bitch.” He always had a way of looking at things where I ended up looking like a chump.
“Whatever, Rick, at least I can still see my dick when I piss.”
“Hey, that’s cuz you got Mom’s Italian genetics. I was cursed with Dad’s Irish blood and got stuck with this beer can between my legs. Still works, though. So, shaddup before I hold you down and smack you in the face with it.”
Ah, brotherly love.
We went to his place to relax and drink some beer. Well actually, immeasurable amounts of beer. You see, we were really close and used to hang out all the time before life took us by the sacks and tied us to a post. Once we got married and I started having babies, we only got to talk on the phone. No more hunting trips, no more weekends playing Playstation, no more riding our bikes together. I know that’s what happens as you get older. People grow apart and get on with their lives, I’m just saying it sucks and I don’t like it.
The next morning I woke up with a terrible hangover and a bad case of cottonmouth. I was trying to find my bearings when my brother came bounding down the stairs with my cell phone.
“Hey, wake up sunshine. It’s some guy named Bandit.”
Damn it! I’ve only been here one day, what’s the rush?!
“Why haven’t you called Mr. Smith yet?”
“I called yesterday. He never called me back.”
“Bullshit! Get your ass over there and do the story. Don’t make me call you again.” With that he hung up.
I crawled out of bed and started getting ready for the day. Because I was on vacation, I wasn’t able to get my morning protein shake mixed with coffee, so I settled on some dark lager my brother referred to as “Liney’s”. I wasn’t too sure about it, but anything tasted better than his breakfast burritos. Yeesh!
We decided to give Donnie’s shop, Donnie Smith Custom Cycles, a call to let him know we were coming. I ended up leaving a message on his voice mail and deciding to wait till he called me back before dropping in unannounced. I had to get ready for the interview. There were lots of questions I wanted to ask him, but I didn’t want to do it in an amateur style exuding my novice status. I wanted to get to a gym and pump some iron, but things didn’t work out that way.
My phone rang again as I was getting out of the shower. I checked the voice mail to discover Donnie Smith had called me back! He was happy to do an interview and said he looked forward to my call. I’m not sure what I said when I called, I just remember saying I’d be there in an hour.
My brother and I jumped in his camouflaged pick-up, and headed for Blaine, Minnesota. Now, if you have never been to Minnesota, it is really beautiful country. The lay of the land reminds me of a mellow southern Colorado. Mountains are more like hills, and roads are a little wider and less spaghetti-like. The place is a wilderness worth visiting, but I don’t know about moving there. It gets down below zero degrees farenheight there, for God’s sake!
We pulled up to the shop, which looks like an industrial delivery service, and parked out front. No bikes lined the front. No giant neon signs proclaiming “Look at me!!” Just a couple of trucks, a custom painted trailer, and a blue tin sided building that houses the proprietorship of one of the most innovative builders to ever pick up a wrench.
Standing in the doorway was none other than Donnie Smith! He greeted us as if he’d known us for years. Inviting us inside, he stepped into his office to take a phone call as my brother Richie and I took a lay of the land. The shop was very clean and orderly, but was a bustle of activity. As soon as you walk in, you notice the custom bikes parked to the right. Looking like a row straight out of a magazine, each bike boiled with Donnie’s talented design touches.
“Those are past and future projects,” Donnie startled me with his statement.
“Their beautiful. I guess you don’t do rigids anymore?”
“Bullshit! I’ve rode to Sturgis and back more times than you can count on a rigid with a girder front end. I’ve never had a problem.”
Original hard ass!
“Oh, I rode from Humble to St…”
“I bet you rode a Softail, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“Lucky guess. Take a look around and I’ll get back with ya’ll in a minute.”
We walked around the shop noticing pieces of history adorning the walls. There was the pinstriped, ribbed, frisco-style, gas tank on the wall. There were the numerous magazine covers and articles pasted to the walls in blown up laminated form. The place emanated class. Just standing there realizing some of the sickest bikes to ever be seen by human eyes were created under the tutelage of this man seemed so surreal and dreamlike. I literally had to keep pinching myself to be sure it wasn’t all a dream.
Richie was looking at photos of bikes and talking with Donnie while I took some shots of the shop. The place was a bit smaller than what I would have expected, but that’s where he feels comfortable. Unlike his close friends Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz, he doesn’t plan on getting into any other areas besides building his bikes.
“Life gets way too complicated.”
The guys in the shop were all very polite and helpful. Unfortunately, I cannot remember any of their names. One of the downfalls of not taking notes is not remembering names two months later when writing an article.
The visit went faster than I had expected and it was closing on lunch time. So, not wanting to be a pest, we decided to excuse ourselves and let him get back to work.
“Nonsense, I’m hungry too. I know a place up the street that sells great meatloaf.”
We were shocked. Now he was eating lunch with us. So we went to lunch and shot the shit for a few hours. To not know this guy was a legend probably made my brother feel comfortable. Unfortunately, I knew exactly who he was, and I was shitting my pants!!! Not only was he nice, polite, and very gracious.
We took him back to the shop and said our goodbyes. He gave my brother his cell number, and they will probably hook up at the SEMA show in Vegas next year. Maybe Richie will be able to save up enough change to get a bike built by him one day.
My brother and I left that day feeling very awestruck because of the man we had just met. Even though he had been building bikes longer than I had been alive, he seemed truly thankful that we wanted to talk with him. He still seems to appreciate the fan-fare and popularity. The main thing I got from Donnie Smith was trends come and go, but relationships with people can last a lifetime. No matter how famous you may get, or how popular you become, never forget where you came from.
Enjoy the pictures of the shop. Take your time and look at some of the bikes. Try to vision yourself there; the sound of classic rock music competing with the clatter of wrenches being turned and phones ringing off the wall. The place was magical, and I look forward to my next trip there!
November 26, 2009 Part 5
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 4
BUELL WILL NEVER DIE, Erik Buell to Sell 1125R-Based Race Bikes–Buell streetbike production may be over, but 1125R-based racing motorcycles will soon be available from a new independent race shop founded by Erik Buell, who will be leaving Buell Motorcycle Co.
The new company, Erik Buell Racing in East Troy, Wis., also will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles. The company will build and sell the racing motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson. Erik Buell Racing will provide technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.
?I?m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,? Buell said in a Harley-Davidson press release. ?We?ve got some exciting race development projects in the works, and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.?
Buell president and COO Jon Flickinger said, ?I?m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so much passion for over the years. Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Co. will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.?
Erik Buell Racing will be staffed by Erik Buell and a veteran team of personnel. For more information, after Dec. 1, contact:
–Erik Buell Racing LLC
www.erikbuellracing.com
info@erikbuellracing.com
–Dealernews
A HEFTY WORD FROM THE BIKERNETMETRIC EDITOR–Hey all you metric riders! Have you heard about the best place to discover metric motorcycle news? It’s the Bikernet Metric News blog In the last week alone, we’ve posted almost 40 photos and information about Ducati, BMW and Honda, while profiling custom metric builds by Slingshot Cycles, Last Ride, Thunderbike and the amazing Dave Cook. On top of that, renowned motorcycle photographer Colleen Swartz sent us some killer shots of a 1954 Victoria Bergmeister. “What is that,” you wonder? Click hereto find out, and remember, METRICS KICK ASS!
HAWAIIAN BIKER Jim Russi debuts Fine Art Surf Photography in inaugural gallery show– The thomadro Art Gallery in Haleiwa is proud to announce the premier showing of world renowned in water photographer Jim Russi. A reception will be held at the Gallery on the evening of Haleiwa Art Walk, Saturday, November 28th, from 6:00 p.m. ? 9:00 p.m.
Over the last three decades Jim?s trained eye for capturing light and form has brought us images of soft and subtle elements of water that few have ever seen.
We will be showing large limited edition canvas giclees and photographic prints in handcrafted one-of-a-kind frames by Jennifer Holmcy.
The evening is open to everyone and will include art, food & drink. This is the perfect start to the North Shore surf season. The artist will be at the gallery during the reception.
The gallery is located at 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy in the Haleiwa Town Center.
Please call thomadro Art Gallery for more information at 808-637-8010.
THIS JUST IN, Pittsburgh OKs $50K ‘Middle Finger’ Settlement– PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh City Council has tentatively approved paying $50,000 to settle a free speech lawsuit filed by a man cited for giving a city police officer the middle finger.Thirty-five-year-old David Hackbart, of Butler, made the gesture at a driver in April 2006, then did it again when someone yelled at him — realizing only later the second person was a police officer.The American Civil Liberties Union sued saying Hackbart’s gesture was constitutionally protected speech. A federal judge postponed a September trial indefinitely at the request of attorneys on both sides.
Council gave initial approval to the settlement Tuesday, but must vote again next week to finally approve the payment. No court documents settling the case have been filed.
–Rogue
SADDLEMAN PRODUCT OF THE WEEK, Deluxe Saddlebag Chaps with Storage Bags for Harley Davidson FLH–Protect your bagger?s saddlebag lids with these handy covers. The soft backside is gentle to your paint, and the durable, weather impervious exterior keeps away road debris, boot scuffs and other dangers to your expensive bags.
When you need just a little bit more luggage capacity, attach the handy expandable Lid Storage Bags for an extra few days? worth of gear. The black SaddleTuff? material and artful contours blend seamlessly into any bike?s design, and they couldn?t be more convenient.
Easy to install, ten minutes without drilling or modifying bike
Also available as Lid Cover only.
Easy access bags
Secure, but easy on, easy off
Model: 3501-0454 MSRP: $129.95
Saddlemen products are available at your nearby Parts Unlimited (for metric)and Drag Specialties (for Harley) retailers
800: 1-800-397-7709
Local: 1-310-638-1222
saddlemensales@msn.com
THE UNCLE MONKEY DOCTRINE TURNS A FAST PAGE–From the very first time William S. Harley took that first trip around the block and said ?That was amazing? can we make it faster?? we have been obsessed with wringing the very last ounce of performance out of our motorcycles. We can hardly be blamed for it. The need for speed has been hard wired into us from the very beginning when we began our ultimate pursuit, the pursuit of Eve. Can we be faster? We certainly think so.
Very few bikes roll out onto the street before we start tweaking and changing in the pursuit of performance. From the tried and true, no replacement for displacement to the orientation of the spark plug gap in the cylinder, to exotic cocktails of fuel mixtures there is no stone left unturned in search of our goal. I know it is hard for many of my readers on crotch rockets to believe but yes, us Harley guys are obsessed with speed. Millions of dollars have been poured into our Harleys over the decades to make them almost as quick as your stock bike. In fact many of my friends have a speed demon listed somewhere on their resume of bikes they have owned. It seems like a frivolous pursuit. There is always something new to try. One of my friends dumped tens of thousand of dollars into his brand new Wide Glide before it even left the showroom floor. He is now the proud owner of a slightly faster Harley. Was it a waste of money? He (and his dealer) certainly doesn?t think so.
Very few of us actually use the power that even the stock bikes have to offer. No, other then the odd blast up an on ramp or the occasional burn out in a pit at a rally we rarely open our bikes up. But it is there. We know it and that is good enough to satisfy our inner demon.
Quickness has served us well over the millennia. It has provided food for our tables, survival when under attack. Having a fast horse is as important today as it was when Jesse James and Billy the Kid blazed a path across the Wild West. Speed offers us a freedom that society can no longer give us. There is no eminent survival instinct. There will always be food on the table at the end of the day and well Bob in accounting doesn?t hold a candle to us when it comes to getting that big promotion next week. But out on the highways, when we are alone in our heads, each vehicle becomes our prey speeding across the open prairie to be stalked and devoured before moving on to the next one. No, out on the highways we become primitive and wild. We believe we would do our ancestors proud.
Is our never-ending pursuit of speed futile? You?ll have to ask that sabre tooth tiger nipping at our heels.
-bad Uncle Monkey
TATTOO OF THE DAY–Okay, so I’m promoting my son’s tattoo shop. It’s a small part I can do for my son, Frank, and his family. He has three amazing kids. And I’m damn thankful, he’s doing so well, a good father, and I’m proud of him. Except he rides a dyna glide. Rigids and FXRs rule.–Bandit
WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM HOLIDAY TRIBUTE–Each year, as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, our riding season here in the mountains unfortunately comes to a close. Its during these times that I have an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the year that’s gone by, hopefully with joy, happiness, and thanks.
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, we’re reminded of the great people, places and things that come into our lives and have an opportunity to recognize how those aspects have made us better people. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for….too much to mention in just a few words. The love and support of family, good health, great friends with whom I’m fortunate to share my passion. Its during this time of year that its so important to make the most of what you have and give thanks to those who care.
So, Happy Thanksgiving, from myself and everyone at Wheels Through Time. May the rest of 2009 be a great one, and may 2010 bring you all happiness, love, and joy.
This year has been a great one. The museum is currently bigger and better than ever, with more rare machines than ever. Some of the rarest bikes in the museum have made their way here this year, including the 1929 DAR boardtrack racer, Jack Pine endurance racers, several great dirt-track machines from the earliest days of dirt track history, and last but not least, a 1916 Harley-Davidson Sidecar….that you drive from the sidecar. Most of these machines have already been brought back to running and operating condition, and a few more are on the workbenches as we speak.
We’ve had a lot going on back in the shop this year. We’ve finished a total of 10 new machines for the museum so far this year, and have a few more planned to be finished by year’s end. Currently, I’m working on two Harley-Davidson VLs…one a 1936 hot-rod and the second a 1934 crustoration. They’re both going to be great project. Last year, I asked my friend Brian Haenlien to build a hopped up motor for our land speed racing VL — a task that Brian took with pride. He did such a good job on the motor, that I’ve convinced him to build another one to put in a road bike. We’re pretty excited about the build, and have all the confidence in the world that it’ll do a 100 mph when its done….full fenders and all.
Matt’s been hard at work in the shop on a great project that’s sort of new ground for all of us — building a genuine 1920s-era Harley Cutdown. “What’s a cutdown?” you ask. Its a customized, literally “cut-down” Harley from the early days of motorcycle customization (before choppers, there were bobbers, and before bobbers there were cutdowns). Matts made some serious progress so far. The engine, which came to us as sort of a mystery motor, with parts from different years, and combinations for a fast motor, has already been rebuilt as of last week, and the transmission and clutch will be wrapped up any day now. We found a clean frame in the back of the shop that’ll fit perfect with the project. Its a 1918 or ’19 frame, that needs a bit of straightening. Then the plan is to modify it to lower the engine and shorten the wheel-base. The original style teens and twenties Harleys sit pretty high, and aren’t your most agile bikes, so the plan is to drop it way down, get it closer to the ground, and make it more “race friendly”. Matts really excited about this…..”Its not too often that you get to chop a teens harley” he says.
We’ll be producing new videos on each of these builds as they progress, and will be posting them, as well as countless other shows about whats going on at the museum and in the shop, in the video section of our website. So stay tuned in….I know that you’re going to like what you see!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, GODDAMNIT–It’s getting damn close to midnight the night before turkey day. While rumbling through the news once more, I thought of another contributor I failed to mention. I apologize if I missed anyone. I appreciate every member of our team, and look forward to 2010. I’m pumped to see the changes to the site, a more active blog, more services for readers and an even more active Bikernet.
I thought of one, the Canyon Carver, our new advertising director. He’s seriously bolstering the team for next year and watching over my shoulder. So, give thanks today/tomorrow/everyday and make a point to buy American this holiday season. You’ll be proud you did.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
November 26, 2009 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Company Makes Strategically Planned Business Move to Enhance Efficiency, Customer Service, and to Facilitate Growth!– MITCHELL, SD ? Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Company is alive and well?and growing! After years of friendship and business conversations Kiwi Indian and Klock Werks Kustom Cycles have formed a joint venture to help move both companies forward. Mike Tomas remains the sole owner of Kiwi Indian, and has already moved his parts distribution from California to Mitchell, South Dakota, with plans to move new engine manufacturing, engine rebuilding, and motorcycle restorations and repairs to the South Dakota facility in 2010. Said Mike, “Brian and I are close friends who share the same work ethic and long-term vision about the future of our respective businesses.”
?This is a project Mike, my wife Laura and I have talked about for three years, so in light of the economy, yes it?s a good move. But more so there?s an interest for both entities in working more efficiently and a desire to be gentlemen of the industry,? said Brian Klock. ?I have long held Mike and his wife Carolyn in high regard for their upstanding moral outlook on business; thus Laura, I, and our team at Klock Werks are proud to be associated with them.?
Kiwi stated that financially both companies are fortunately strong. The venture makes Kiwi?s parts line more centrally located providing access to parts distribution routes, and positions him to more easily reach many industry events. ?One warehouse, better shipping contracts, and improved customer service are all goals we hope for,? Mike said. ?Yes, growth and change are difficult in any setting, let alone a down economy. Our families and teams have prayed for guidance and thought the time was right. We all are smiling about this new venture and look forward to the challenges ahead. The camaraderie that is motorcycling lives on!?
If you are in Riverside, California, stop by and visit Kiwi Indian at 4183 Fairgrounds Street as his facility there is still running in the interim, or if you happen to be headed east toward I-90 for Sturgis, stop off in the Corn Palace city and see the new setup, just off exit 332 in Mitchell, SD.
Kiwi Indian Motorcycle For more information, please contact Melissa Waddell (melissa@kustomcycles.com) by email or at Kiwi Indian (605) 990-8880.
www.kiwiindian.com
Klock Werks Kustom Cycles
www.kustomcycles.com
www.kustombaggers.com 
American Motorcycle Specialties IntroducesNew Comfort Max Ortho-Deluxe Gel Seat Pad–New from American Motorcycle Specialties, USA, the Ortho-Deluxe gel pad is designed to offer today?s riders unparalleled comfort on any bike, or any style of riding. Joe McNeill, President of American Motorcycle Specialties explains, ?We narrowed the pad in front so that will deliver uncompromised riding comfort on big bikes of all makes. The gel pad?s unique cut-out section eliminates painful pressure on the tailbone and helps your spine relax.? Designed for large cruiser and touring riders, the Ortho-Deluxe gel pad is 18 inches wide and 17 inches long.
At the core of the Comfort Max Ortho-Deluxe Gel Pad is an advanced Viscoelastic molded gel that?s used in medical and sports applications. Its unique properties include the elimination of pressure points or ?Hot Spots? which can cause rider discomfort. In addition to absorbing vibration, small bumps and road irregularities, it helps relieve back ache, fatigue, discomfort, soreness and numbness.
Comfort Max Gel Pads feature a unique, maximum grip bottom. This rubberized surface prevents the pad from sliding off the seat and does not require the use of permanent straps. You just put the pad on the seat and ride away. When you make a stop, just take the pad with you or toss it in your saddlebag.
The new Ortho-Deluxe gel pad comes in a Neoprene or Genuine Sheepskin cover. The sheepskin cover provides increased comfort and allows air to circulate, virtually eliminating perspiration. Four other sizes are also offered: Buddy Pad (11 inches x 7 inches); Medium Pad (12 inches x 12 inches x 5 inches); Large Pad (14 inches x 11 inches x 8 inches wide front); and the Jumbo (16.5 inches x 12 inches x 9 inches wide front). Pads retails between $69.95 and $129.95 .
For complete details and all available options call 800-710-7237, go to the online secure shopping site www.amspecialtiesusa.com.
THE SERIOUS SILVER MOTORCYCLE CHAIN BRACELET FROM NINO 925–Close your eyes and think Biker? think Motorcycle? better yet, think Chopper. What jumps to mind? Chrome, steel, skulls, chains? Not just any chains, we are talking dyed in the wool biker chains. Modern machines may run off a belt drive, but we all know that the real muscle, the bikes that we imagine when we close our eyes, were all chain driven. And ever since the chain was used on a radical chop, bikers have been wearing the chains around their wrists, necks, and as security for their wallets.
Well, Nino925 has come out with a version of this look that is tough, classy, and steeped in tradition but won?t leave grease stains on your clothes. That?s right, beautiful silver biker chain jewelry that comes in a variety of sizes to fit any wrist.
There is the ladies version that any biker chick would be proud to wear to a rally or to a PTA meeting. Versatile, clean, and chic, this bracelet brings out a little bit of an edge and attitude to any woman wearing it.
For the guys there are three versions: the ?Medium,? ?Large,? and ?Serious.? Just like the ladies chain, all are made from .925 silver and fit any situation or attitude. And the best part about it is that you can have this style made into a custom necklace. Plus, if silver is not your bag, try it out in 14K gold! Nothing could be finer.
Nino has taken a biker look and tradition, bringing it full circle, to become some of the finest jewelry available. And just like back in the day, these chains can serve as security for your wallet. With prices starting at only $155 dollars, these pieces will really get your motor running. Oh, and did I mention that the chains can be custom made into wallet chains? Now that is serious security for your greenbacks.
ALASKA REACHES OUT TO BIKERNET BETSY–Thanks for sending the link……. Lovely story. I’m so pleased the brief encounter proved to be such a memorable and special day for you. I’m rushing from a coffee shop to view houses as we are selling ours. I’ll pass the laptop to my wife as we drive in the rain – Juliette is a writer/photographer and would really appreciate your words and pictures. You two would get on like a house on fire. www.monkeyfeatures.com
I’ll catch up in more detail later, but for your information, Stranger Among Bears episodes 1-6 will be shown back to back this coming Sunday afternoon on Animal Planet US – I hope you enjoy them. The recent film is still being edited and I will let you know when it will be on and what it’s called.
Keep up the good work – It was a pleasure meeting you.
–Richard
Happy Thanksgiving from V-Twin VineyardsCelebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living– From our Home to yours – a special offer to help you celebrate the holidays with your friends & family.
Get ready for the Holidays with Special Savings – Save 30% on mixed case! Only $183.90 Your V-Twin Vineyards “Holiday 12-pak sampler” consists of : 6 Btls – 2005 V-Twin Zin. GOLD MEDAL -Riverside International Wine Competition. 3 Btls – 2007 Del Fava Family Cabernet Sauvignon. DOUBLE-GOLD – 2009 Sonoma County Fair. 3 Btls – 2007 River Run Chardonnay NEW RELEASE
LE PERA CUSTOM SEAT OF THE WEEK–This is Le Pera’s Black Tribal embossed leather shown on a Bare Bones styleseat. The Tribal Embossed leather looks like hand tooled leather without thehigh cost.
If you are interested in anyof our custom seats for sale please let me know. Please note we will be closed for the holidays December 18th-January 4th.
–Christine Le Pera
1-818-767-5110
Please visit our web site www.lepera.com You can also read our article on www.bikernet.com click on the Le Pera Icon.
BIKER?S CHOICE RIGID FRAME BY KRAFT TECH– Winter is here and its time to start building that custom bike you?ve always wanted to. Biker?s Choice and Kraft/Tech have many frames.
The one featured is a rigid frame with a 30 degree rake with a zero downtube stretch and 1-1/4? tubing. It?s made to support a stock width rear tire.
The frame uses 86-99 Softail style rear brakes, flatside tank mounts, Softail style or custom oil tanks. Spring solo seat mounts are built into the frame and it uses a removable tranny plate.
For more information on this and other frames offered by Biker?s Choice, visit www.Bikerschoice.com or one of our many dealers.
We, the crew at Biker?s Choice, would like to take a minute to wish all of our customers and friends a Happy Thanksgiving!! Be safe and eat LOTS!!!
Happy Riding!!
–Carmen
PASADENA MOTORCYCLE CLUB REACHED OUT TO BIKERNET–My name is Todd Hodge. I am the current road captain for the Pasadena Motorcycle Club, and I am interested in purchasing a photo I saw on your website. This shot was taken on the same beach and shows the finished Pismo Beach pier from the other side. All club banners were held high in this 8×42-inch (3.5 feet) panoramic view of the 1929 W.F.M Rally. It’s also printed on the finest archival paper.
Also, I wanted to let you know, that we plan on recreating that photo in September, and would love for you to be a part of it, if you are at all interested.
I am attaching a flyer for you to check out.
Let me know, if you can help.
–Todd
These rare panoramic photos from 1923 are still available in the Bikernet Black Market.
NEW BIKER ONLINE CARTOON STRIP– letting you know I’ve got a weekly strip at my site. www.cartoonthunder.com
If nothing else, let me know what you think.
–Rob
Well, let me know what you think, or go to his site and tell Rob directly. I’m staying out of it. I have no sense of humor.–Wilburn Roach
NEWS FROM THE NRA, Manteca club’s women-only gun class teaches empowerment, overcoming fear.MANTECA ? Donna Matthew was shaking and nervous when she squeezed the trigger of her first handgun. Although scary, it’s an experience she hopes to repeat ? and she’s not alone.
The Tracy resident was one of more than 45 women who participated recently in a free, women-only firearms class at the Manteca Sportsmen’s Club. The objective of the class, Ladies’ Pistol I, was to teach women the basics about guns.
Many of the participants said they came to the class to learn more about firearms, which some of them have in their own homes but have never shot or handled.
“I was surprised I hit anything,” Matthew said, standing outside the club’s outdoor firing range just off Airport Way in Manteca. Her group had just finished shooting .22-caliber revolvers and now she was waiting to shoot a .38-caliber weapon.
“It was the first time I ever (shot a gun),” Matthew said as sounds of gunfire echoed around her. “I enjoyed it. There’s a lot more to it than I ever imagined. I thought I’d be more afraid of a gun, but they give you solid information.”
The classes are open to women across San Joaquin County. One thing that makes the program unique is that participants only need to show up ? everything is provided, including safety gear, ammunition, one-on-one instruction, and a variety of different pistols to use on the range.
Nancy Randall, of Manteca, said she and her husband own guns, but she’s never shot them.Advertisement”This is something everybody needs to know,” she said.
Each month, club instructors, all volunteers, teach different firearms in both women-only classes and unisex classes with men and women.
Classes are offered for both beginners and experts in the use of firearms, including pistols, shotguns or rifles. The idea is to promote gun safety and show people that guns, when handled properly, are not to be feared, instructors said.
“Our goal is to spread the word that guns aren’t evil,” said club member and certified instructor Mike Gutterres. “It’s a tool like everything else. We’ve got people that literally have never held a firearm before and it’s a scary thing. To show up to the class is huge “… (to) take that first step. It teaches people how to be safe.”
Funding for the class is made possible through an annual grant from the National Rifle Association, Gutterres said. Each class runs three to four hours and begins in a classroom.
–By Denise Ellen Rizzo
Correspondent
For information, call 209-823-7919 or go to
www.mantecasportsmen.org.
The Legendary Buffalo Chip Announces Release of Seger Album- Voice of Bikers for Decades–Sturgis, S.D. (November 24, 2009)- The Legendary Buffalo Chip is notorious for offering Sturgis rally-goers an array of celebrated and equally legendary musical acts including ZZ Top, Aerosmith and Toby Keith. The Chip personally takes it upon themselves to provide bikers with a rocking and diverse selection of musical guests that truly speak to the essence of motorcycle enthusiasts and the culture that has defined them.
One such artist, that has yet to grace the stage at the Buffalo Chip, has successfully provided the soundtrack to many bikers’ journeys through his evocative and blue-collar American musical style. Bob Seger is the classic and raspy roots rocker that has serenaded the spirit of motorcyclists throughout the world. A 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Seger has provided such musical gems as Against the Wind, Night Moves, Old Time Rock & Roll, and Like a Rock.
Seger is currently putting the finishing touches on a compilation album entitled Early Seger Volume 1, a collection of re-recorded out of print songs and previously unreleased material. The album is due for release on November 24.
The Legendary Buffalo Chip knows what kind of music bikers like, and they want to make sure all the loyal Chipsters know that Bob Seger has come out with a new album on the tails of Bob’s new book release “Travelin’ Man On the Road and Behind the Scenes with Bob Seger”, neither of which have gotten much main stream press coverage.
When a true legend of the world of motorcycle music, who wrote and performed the platinum-selling anthem that will always define the feeling of freedom on two-wheels puts out a new album the Legendary Buffalo Chip feels like it is definitely newsworthy and worth going and getting a copy. So mark your calendars November 24th you can pick up your copy exclusively at Meijer or starting November 30th you can go to www.bobseger.com and get your copy of Early Seger Volume 1.
Get the full scoop on Seger’s new compilation album, Early Seger Volume 1 at www.bobseger.com and check out www.buffalochip.com, your foremost rock and roll provider for Sturgis Rally Week 2010.
–Ken Conte
Holiday Specials & Spirits Throughout The Store!– From Thanksgiving until Christmas, Sales & Spirits Shopping…At RENEGADE MOTORCYCLES!
Holiday Shopping Specials;
All Apparel, 20% Off!
All Parts & Accessories, 10% Off!
All In-Stock Bikes, Year End Clearance Priced!
Holiday Snacks and Spirits every Friday and Saturday Noon-6PM !
Food & Adult Beverages While U Shop!
Renegade Gift Certificates!
Free Gift Wrapping!
You’re gonna like shopping at Renegade this Christmas Season!
Santa?s Official Bike Shop!
4 Top American Motorcycle Brands, ONE GREAT STORE!
We Finance – We Trade – We Deliver
Visit Our Web Site For Previews!
Rider Apparel
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Ride Like a RENEGADE!
2618 I-20 West, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
At the NW Corner of I-20 and Great Southwest in Grand Prairie
Local 469-348-2222, Toll free 877-976-BIKE
Or visit us online at www.renegadecycles.com
2010 CA HIGHWAY SAFETY PLAN —Because 36 % of the motorcycle riders who die on our highways are NOT licensed to ride a motorcycle, The DMV has been given a grant of $157,000 to make a list of all registered motorcycles. This program is called ?TR? for Traffic Records. They made a list of all registered owners of motorcycles, and matched it against a list of people who are licensed to ride, or NOT licensed to drive.
They have already sent a letter to HALF of the people who OWN bikes but are not licensed to drive them, and the letter asked them ?why? are they not licensed? They expect to get a number of cases where a spouse is the rider, but their spouse is the registered owner. Then, at intervals of six months, and 18 months, they will go back over the traffic records of everyone involved, compare the two lists, and see how many people went out and got licenses, attended MRF motorcycle training classes, were involved in collisions, or didn?t do anything, etc. I have not heard yet of anything they might do beyond that.
TWO-WHEELERS HAS THE HOLIDAY PARTY SPIRIT–Harley Chopper model never opened at 2wheelers Garage Sale Blowouts in their online store. Only 1 available, first one to e-mail and buy gets IT! More one-of-a-kind items to come in the Garage. 2wheelersmc.com
The girls should be reading up on the latest biker news at Bikernet. It’s a must READ for the Girls in the NO Happy Holidays from 2wheelersmc.com
AMA Pro Racing Announces 19 Dates for 2010 Flat Track Grand National Championship Schedule–Expert Twins, Expert Singles and Pro Singles Series will Return for 2010, Racing in Key Markets.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (November 24, 2009) – AMA Pro Racing announced today the 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship schedule that features an increased number of races plus new and former events back on the schedule.The 2010 schedule features 19 dates in 13 markets across the country with a mixture of Short Track, TT, Half-Mile and Mile dirt tracks.
Once again the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship will consist of three series; Expert Singles, Expert Twins and the highly successful Pro Singles.The season will open during Daytona Bike Week at the new DAYTONA? Flat Track with a TT on Wednesday, March 3rd. Thursday, March 4th will see the first Expert Singles and Pro Singles National on the Short Track configuration.
Next on the schedule will be the first Expert Twins National at a new venue with a Mile at Yavapai Downs in Prescott Valley, AZ, located just north of Phoenix. This will be the first motorcycle race at Yavapai Downs and the only track in the western part of the country to feature Mile Nationals. The series will return to Yavapai Downs in October with back-to-back Nationals.
Inaugural events will be held at Gas City I-69 Speedway in Gas City, IN; The Red Mile in Lexington, KY; Calistoga Speedway in Calistoga, CA; Canterbury Park in Minneapolis, MN and after a long hiatus, the return of I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI.
Annual events will continue at the Springfield Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL; Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, OH; Hagerstown Speedway in Hagerstown, MD; Beulah Park in Grove City, OH; Peoria Race Park in Peoria, IL and the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, IN.
“The expansion of the series is exciting news for our fans, riders and sponsors,” said Mike Kidd, Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. “We continue to work hard to showcase one of the most exciting forms of motorcycle racing in various parts of the country. Our goal is to continue to work with our existing promoters while going out to find aggressive promoters near key markets that will benefit the series.”
AMA Pro Racing will continue to look for additional events to help complete a travel pattern as the series moves across the country.
2010 Confirmed Events
March 3
DAYTONA Flat Track (Daytona Beach, Florida) TT
March 4
DAYTONA Fla
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November 26, 2009 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
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ZIPPERS NITROUS SYSTEMS WILL LIGHT YOUR FIRE–ThunderMax N.A.D.S. is a complete bolt-on nitrous system. Add up to 25 to 40 additional horsepower! All nitrous override functions are completely controlled by the ThunderMax, unlike other devises TMax NADS requires only one base map for all engine operation. Fits 2001-2010 Big Twin Delphi Fuel Injected Harleys (except 2008-2010 FLH models)
Note: Installation is (bolt on) for 96 CI engines with aftermarket exhaust. Modified engines or larger displacement engines will require larger injectors and custom mapping for proper, safe operation of the engine when Nitrous is activated
Expert installation of this product is available by qualified dealers Please contact Zipper’s Performance for more information: Phone: (410)579-2828 or Email: Zippers@ZippersPerformance.com
Simple installation
Includes: Backing plate, Zipper’s HiFlow air filter, arming switch, nitrous solenoid, and injector nozzle
Brackets available to mount the 12-oz bottle to Softails, Dynas and FLs
Legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway. Actually nothing is legal in California, including Bikernet.com staff offices, motorcycles, and women. We are moving to a small island off the coast of Portugal.
15% Off,FreeGroundShipping
This item qualifies for a special promotional 15% discount and FREE GROUND FREIGHT in the lower 48 states within the continental U.S.A.
To order, call Zipper’s Performance Products at 410-379-0909Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM E.S.T.Orders received by 5pm E.S.T. ship same day!
SUNDAY POST REVIEWED–Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Great Sunday post in Bandit’s Cantina…I don’t know how you do it! Got the DVD’s from Hupy & Abraham…fast service! Keep the info and tech coming…Bikernet is the #1 source for all things on two wheels and much more! Whiskey,women and wind!
Ride hard!
–Mike
BIKERNET OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS CONTEST– Once again, I was disqualified from my neighborhood?s “Best Decorated House” contest!
–Charles P.
Robotic Hamsters Sell Out at Walmart–Nov. 15 (Bloomberg) — Selling retailers on this season?s must-have toy, robotic hamsters called Zhu Zhu Pets, was like gambling millions in blackjack, said creator Russell Hornsby.
?This is a Christmas where a lot of people didn?t want to take big risks,? Hornsby, 56, founder and chief executive officer of closely held Cepia LLC, said in a telephone interview. ?You?re gambling because you?re selling to kids. That?s a pretty fickle group.?
The bet is paying off. U.S. and U.K. retailers, such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Toys ?R? Us Inc. and Tesco Plc, can?t keep them in stock. Target is limiting them to four per customer. Some parents are resorting to Amazon.com, where the critters sell for at least twice the $8-to-$10 price.
?It?s the hottest toy I?ve seen since I?ve been at Toys ?R? Us, and old-timers tell me this is one of the hottest toys in history,? said CEO Jerry Storch, 53. He has been at Toys ?R? Us for almost four years.
A must-have toy may spur more foot traffic and purchases at retailers, and Zhu Zhu Pets is the first since Mattel Inc.?s 10th anniversary Tickle Me Elmo in 2006 to spark as much buzz, said Gerrick Johnson, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. He projects sales of $50 million this year.
U.S. consumers plan to spend 30 percent less this season, according to a survey by Port Washington, New York-based NPD Group Inc.
–from Louis Kimzey
Promise us you won’t shop at Wal-Mart this year. Buy American.
500,000th Care Package Celebration on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 9am-1pm– We will assemble this milestone package and publicly acknowledge the many donors, supporters and volunteers that have enabled us to reach this great goal.
California National Guard Armory in Van Nuys
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(corner of Victory and Louise).
The Celebration will be part of our regular workday of assembling packages. The Assembly Line will open at 9am. The 500,000th package will hit the line at about 11:15am. When that happens, we will halt all activity, gather everyone together (we are likely to have 800-1000 people at that point) and start the Celebration program, during which I will introduce dignitaries (Military and Political), Celebrities, Special Supporters and the Corporate Sponsors and volunteer groups that are present.
Santa Claus will arrive with the special “gift” to be included in the package. Immediately following that, we will organize a mass photo op of everyone in the facility to use for the Magazine and Greeting Card for next year’s Drives.
We will serve lunch to everyone in attendance.
Please email or call Marty Martin (ptmarty@aol.com
BANDIT RECOGNIZED IN LASTEST ISSUE OF HORSE–Just got the latest issue of THE HORSE. Congratulations on being on of top 5 editors of all time! In my book, you are #1 !!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Nyla!
–Mike Pullin
Thanks, that’s cool, and I want to congratulate Frank Kaisler for coming in first. He was always the tech mastermind. Ed Roth, I believe, was next on the list, then Lou Kimzey (my boss and the EASYRIDERS mastermind), me and Snow, the original HORSE editor. I’m goddamn honored. Do I get a bottle of whiskey?–Bandit
BIG BEAR CHOPPERS HITS TV SCREENS–Big Bear Choppers will be featured as part of the Discovery Channels High Definition Sneak Peak week the show is ?World?s most expensive rides? playing for 3 days, check Discovery HDTV for your local listings. I am not sure we are on Part one or two so watch both to be safe!
–Mona Alsop
Vice President,Big Bear ChoppersBig Bear Lake, Calif.
Phone (909)878-4340
THANKS FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL HUPY–We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and we wanted to share some things we are thankful for. First, we are thankful that you are part of our news family and we hope you continue to look forward to receiving bits of news we think are of interest to bikers. We are happy to see Erik Buell is establishing a new business, Erik Buell Racing.
We are also happy to announce that William Shatner is the new spokesperson for Hupy and Abraham, S.C, and we’re grateful that we are able to assist Rescue Riders again by donating much needed funds to continue training riders in Accident Scene Management. Please enjoy these articles and we hope you and your family have a joyous holiday season.
DELTA CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY WEATHER REPORT–With the holidays upon us, I thought I’d share a Delta hospitality tip with ya since we river folk like to feel we’re prepared for most anything. In case out-of-towners decide to drop in, the planters can always be called in to service.
–River Rat
NASH SPORTSTER FRAME–Have you been looking for that frame that resembles how the old school guys used to do it back in the day? This frame is exactly what you?re looking for! Designed by Rowdy in the late 70?s, a long time die hard rider, this frame doesn?t get any closer to being the real deal. Built out of a 160 wall 7/8?s tubing, and designed specifically for your next retro build.
This frame has a 38 degree rake, 1? stretch in the backbone and 2? stretch in the down tube. Built for sportster engines, but if you?re interested in this frame for Big Twin application or have any other questions feel free to give us a call.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNALIST RECOGNIZES BIKERNET EFFORT TO FORM MOTORCYCLE COUNCIL WITHIN SEMA ORGANIZATION–On behalf of motorcyclists everywhere I thank you for your ongoing (andobviously time consuming) efforts to advance our cause.
Good luck withfurther progress in this area.
Cheers
–Doc
STROKERS’ DALLAS KEEPS THE PARTY GOING OVER THE HOLIDAYS–Saturday, December 19th is Strokers’ Annual Holiday Open House.
We will have prizes and giveaways all day. If you donate a canned orpackaged food to our Holiday Food Drive, you will receive raffle ticketseligible for major gift items all day. Drawings will be held every hour foritems including a leather jacket, brass balls bobber seat, gloves, chaps,Strokers Merchandise, and much more.
Every purchase on Saturday is eligible for a discount or free gift. Drawyour “gift” at the register and see what you win!
Get your pictures taken with Santa and Sexy Ms Claus all day. First 30 kidsget a free Texas Rangers Bobblehead.
It is also the Official Pre-Party for the Big Texas Toy Run. They will behere auctioning off VIP ride packages and much more.
C-Ya there!
–Meghan DeFreeuw
Strokers Dallas and Strokers Ice House
9304 Harry Hines
Dallas, TX 75235
214-357-0707
meghan@strokersdallas.com
www.strokersdallas.com
NEW HOT ROD HOLLEY New 850 and 950 Street HP Carburetors–Bowling Green, KY ? Holley Performance Products is proud to announce the introduction of two new Street HP Carburetors in 850 CFM (P/N 0-82851) and 950 CFM (P/N 082951).
Street HPs have gained a reputation for great performance at a great price. Although they are called Street HPs they are equally at home on the track. They feature the popular Holley HP Series race-ready mainbody, but are calibrated for street/strip duty. The base plate has several vacuum ports to cover PCV, power brakes etc.
Other features include mechanical secondaries for optimum tire-turning performance, power valve blow out protection, non-stick gaskets, adjustable air bleeds, four corner idle system, Ford kick-down and down leg boosters.
Their larger CFMs make them perfect for hot small blocks as well as big blocks. Street HPs have been available for sometime in 650 and 750 CFM.For more information contact Holley Tech Service, 1801 Russellville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Telephone 270-781-9741 (now available on Saturdays). For nearest dealer: 1-800-HOLLEY-1. Or visit us on the web at www.holley.com
CONFEDERATE MOTORS ANNOUNCES NEW APPAREL LINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KUSHITANI–New line will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Birmingham, Ala. – Confederate Motors, Inc., the premiere American-made luxury motorcycle manufacturing company, will unveil a new apparel line, created exclusively for Confederate by Kushitani at the Los Angeles Auto Show December 4-13.
“It’s a thrilling time to be a part of Confederate,” Matt Chambers, CEO and founder of Confederate Motors, said. “We have made some important and exciting partnerships with the world’s best creators of motorcycle apparel and helmets and it is an honor to be able to provide these items for our current and future clients.” Chambers spent several years meeting with the world’s top clothiers before developing an exclusive line of motorcycle apparel with world-renowned Kushitani. Designed exclusively for Confederate, Kushitani will hand craft two leather jackets and a leather jean for the company.
“We were immediately impressed with the caliber of materials and hand-craftsmanship that went into the creation of our new apparel line,” Chambers said. “It’s not easy to match our sensibilities for design, style and luxury, but Kushitani rose far above the challenge and we could not be happier with the end product. We are ecstatic for the opportunity to show off the new line at the LA Auto Show.”
Also on hand at the LA Auto Show will be the latest Confederate creation, the P120 Fighter Combat. As with previous Confederate models, the new Fighter has caused a sensation amongst motoring connoisseurs. Incorporating a massive 120cu motor (1966cc) into a lightweight aluminum frame, producing an astounding 145 foot pounds of torque and 160 rear wheel horsepower, the agile and powerful machine also takes Confederate’s hallmark design to new heights, resulting in a creation that can only be described as breathtaking.
.38 Special Returns to Sturgis at the Broken Spoke Campground–Sturgis, SD- November 23, 2009- The Broken Spoke Campground is proud to announce the booking of .38 Special for the 70th Anniversary Sturgis Rally. After the great response from their standing room only show last year, it was necessary to bring them back again. They will be tearing up the stage on Sunday, August 8, 2010, belting out all of the songs you love to hear. Be sure to check out their website for more tour dates, www.38special.com.
All concerts are free when you camp at the Broken Spoke Campground, and for a limited time, camping is available for only $99 per person, plus tax. Camping rates will increase on January 1, 2010. For more information on the 70th Sturgis Rally at the Broken Spoke Campground, please go to www.brokenspokecampground.com.
To see all of the new updates for all of the Broken Spoke Saloons, please go to www.brokenspokesaloon.com.
SCOTT JACOBS COFFEE TABLE ART BOOK JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS–Scott?s new 300+ page coffee table book will arrive in the states from Singapore tomorrow according to our shipper.
Scott had the first 500 units airlifted in ($$$) so we could get your orders sent in time for the holidays. Confirmation that your order was received will either be the charge to your credit card or deposited check. Your assistance is greatly appreciated due to the multitude of orders we have received. Sorry the books were so delayed but believe me you will love it when you get your copy as it covers Scott Jacobs? whole career and every painting he?s done is in the book. FYI: Out of 500 units in first shipment, only 45 remain unsold. We will take orders from now until they are sold out by date and time of the incoming emails. They WILL go fast so don?t wait if you want one. The price is $55 with signed personal dedication and $15 shipping.
Also, many thanks to those of you who took advantage of the Holiday Special and for those who are still considering, here is a recap: Buy a large canvas framed from our extensive inventory of images and you get a medium sized canvas framed, absolutely FREE. Its your choice of which two images you want and we can also send them to separate addresses (Christmas gifts?) We will guarantee delivery by Christmas if your order is received either via email or phone by Sunday Nov. 29th.
Go to website to see selections and pick any two available. http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/ghd/at_journeys_end.html
ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES: buy ?Invitation Only? large framed for $1995 (includes signed bottle of wine) and get ?At Journey?s End? framed ($1300 value FREE)
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