November 26, 2009 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
THIS YEAR’S FIRST CHRISTMAS JOKE– Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.
“In honor of this holy season” Saint Peter said,”You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.”
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. “It represents a candle”, he said. “You may pass through the pearly gates” Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, “They’re bells.” Saint Peter said “You may pass through the pearly gates”.
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women’s panties. St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, “And just what do those symbolize??
The man replied, “These are Carols.”
And So The Christmas Season Begins……
–Nicole B.
Christmas is coming SOON! HANG ON FOR LICK’S BLACK FRIDAY — For all those eager shoppers, the coveted Black Friday Sales are approaching. Lets face it, THE ECONOMY STILL SUCKS and people are struggling to make ends meet. To offer a little wallet relief to our loyal customers, Licks has announced a huge BlowOut sale on some of their most popular products.
This is the first time Licks has run a holiday sale of this size and they are hoping it lends a helping hand. The Black Friday BlowOut Sale will start Thursday night midnight and run through Sunday night midnight.
Log on after midnight Thursday and go right the Specials section for Huge Savings!!
BAKER DD6 Builder’s Kits (Fits 1990-2006 Big Twin Bikes)–
99% efficient in 6th gear with a 400-500 rpm reduction at highway cruising speeds.
The end-all proven and perfected helical gear design for smooth and silent operation in the cruising gears (4th – 6th).
5 year / 50,000 mile warranty
Your Price: $1,996.00
Retail Price: $2,495.00
BAKER OD6 Builder’s Kits (1987-2006 Big Twin – see store for more on fitment)
The original, often imitated but never duplicated 6spd design.
6th gear is .86:1 ratio good for a 500 rpm drop at highway crusing speeds.
5 year / 50,000 mile warranty.
Your Price: $1,916.00
Retail Price: $2,395.00
Frankentranny Kits (1990-2006 Big Twin (except 2006 DYNA)
Convert your existing 5spd transmission to a 6spd kickstart.
BAKER Klassic Kicker Gears are included!
5 year / 50,000 mile warranty
Your Price: $1,916.00
Retail Price: $2,395.00
BIKERNET GEOGRAPHY CLASS AUSTRALIAN TERM PAPER–All you ever wanted to know about Australia. These were posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a great sense of humour (not to mention a low tolerance threshold for cretins!)
Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia ? I have never seen it rain on TV, how do the plants grow? ( UK ).
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.
Q:I want to walk from Perth to Sydney – can I follow the railroad tracks? ( Sweden)
A: Sure, it’s only three thousand miles, take lots of water.
Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia ? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Hervey Bay ? ( UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?
Q:Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia ? ( USA )
A: A-Fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe . Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not … Oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked.
Q:Which direction is North in Australia ? (USA )
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we’ll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia ? ( UK )
A:Why? Just use your fingers like we do… Q:Can you send me the Vienna Boys’ Choir schedule? ( USA ) A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is Oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? ( UK )
A: You are a British politician, right?
Q:Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round? ( Germany )
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers.> Milk is illegal.
Q:Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? (France )
A: Only at Christmas.
MORTAL SKULLS MC3rd Annual Winter Bar-B-QSunday January 31st 2010–From Noon to 6pm at the Loose Caboose 133 Railroad Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901, $5 Donation gets you Bar-B-Q, Bikini Girls, Raffles, Music and Summer Time fun!!!
(LOOSE CABOOSE IS ACROSS FROM RIVERHEAD TRAIN STATION)
DIRECTIONS: FROM I-495 LIE EXIT 71, TAKE THE RT-24 EXIT TOWARDS HAMPTON BAYS,AT THE TRAFFIC CIRCLE TAKE THE 2ND EXIT ONTO CENTER, STAY STRAIGHT MAKING SLIGHT RIGHT AT COURT ST, A LEFT ON OSBORN AVE,RIGHT ON RAILROAD AVE
FOR MORE INFO GO TOMORTALSKULLS.COM
BIKER LOWDOWN RADIO SHOW (LIVE WEDNESDAY’S AT 8PM East Coast Times – 5pm West Coast Times)–CHECK FOR TIMES NEAR YOUALL SHOWS ARCHIVED AND AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY FROM EVERY COMPUTER WORLD WIDE !!!
LISTEN TO THE SHOW AT BIKERLOWDOWN.COM
Guest call-in number: (347) 237-4874
ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA (AMCA) Releases 2010 Calendar–The Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) is rolling out its 2010 calendar, featuring some of the world?s most beautiful, and historic, motorcycles.
The annual AMCA calendar always focuses on gorgeous machines of the past, but this year?s edition highlights a particularly choice selection of vintage iron, ranging from a restored 1919 Henderson Four to a perfectly preserved, all-original 1954 Harley-Davidson FLH. Other American rarities include a matched pair of late-?20s Indian 101 Scouts, an Ohio-produced 1913 Flying Merkel board-tracker and a 1909 Reliance from New York. For international flavor, there?s a French-built 1897 De Dion Bouton, a 1926 Brough Superior Alpine Grand Sports, a 1973 Kawasaki Z1 and a 1974 BMW R90S.
In addition, the calendar features dozens of photos of AMCA members and their classic machines, along with plenty of important dates in motorcycling history and a guide to AMCA vintage meets and road runs for the entire year.
Calendars are $12 each and are available through the AMCA website at www.antiquemotorcycle.org For more information, visit www.antiquemotorcycle.org. –Bill Wood ROLAND SANDS MAKES THE COVER–Roland is on the cover of Hardcore Chopper this month, a top mag over in Japan. Roland, Rodney and Jun are heading to Japan for the Mooneyes show in December. Check out the video, Mooneyes Mag and Hardcore Chopper article. Super Trick LED Turn Signal/Marker Lights by Joker Machine–Joker Machine keeps coming up with more bolt-on goodies for the discriminating rider. Visibly inspired by modern aircraft technology, these turn signals/marker lights make use of the latest computer-assisted design. They look great on Caf? Racer motorcycles and special project bikes alike. Each signal uses a set of nine bright, amber-colored LEDs, arranged in a horizontal array module for major light output. Signals mount onto surfaces that have a 5/16-inch hole (8 MM) and only need 2 wires each. These small units may be placed in a multitude of positions, anywhere on the side of the fender and/or headlight bracket or basically anywhere, and rotated into virtually any upward-and-downward setting. Signals measure 1-13/16″ (L) X 5/8″ (W) X 7/8″ (H) and are available in clear or hard black anodized finishes. They retail for $129.95 a pair. The Metric dudes are going to really like Joker Machine?s license and turn signal bracket for the late-model Ducati Hypermotard. All parts (body & bezel) are fully CNC-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum. Drop by www.jokermachine.com to check this and many more cool things out. ?Canyon Carver BRASS BALLS THANKSGIVING GREETING–Brass Balls Bobbers would like to send a special thanks out to all the ethusiasts that have come to our website, that we met at Sturgis and other events in 2009. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving… http://www.BrassBallsBobbers.com”>BrassBallsBobbers.com > DUBLIN MOB BURN INSTITUTE REPORT–This thank you is a little late, but like Grand dad said “We may not be very good, but at least were slow!!” The boys here at Dublin Mob feel pretty fortunate. We’ve got the best friends and supporters that money can buy! We really want to thank everyone especially our sponsors for making a truly successful event that raised thousands for a good cause (San Diego Burn Institute) in the name of some good ol’ boys ( San Diego Firemen) including: Shamrock Social Club, Hot Dog Kustoms, Smoke Eaters MC, Boozefighters MC, Und1sputed Training Center, Riviera Supper Club,Firehouse Brewing Co, and West Coast Choppers. We are shooting to do a repeat of this Run next year. For anyone interested the ride shirts are still available ( very cool T’s). Don?t forget Christmas is here and you might as well burn the tree down if there?s no Dublin Mob gear wrapped under it. There?s a special for December only, prices 50% more than usual and we guarantee you?ll receive it by mid January, I KNOW, HOW DO THEY DO IT..because we care, that?s how !! St. Pats is around the corner and SD’s best party all year Dublin Mob PADDY RIDE is comin!! Keep yer head up and well let ya know…….. www.dublinmobchoppers.com VICTORY MOTORCYCLES CORE concept makes first appearance outside the USA–CORE is a concept motorcycle designed and built by the Victory Motorcycles Industrial Design team to show what a performance cruiser of the future could look like. It consists of only the essentials: engine, frame, wheels and front suspension, with a hard-tail rear end. The Carole Nash Motorcycle Show will be the first opportunity to see the CORE concept outside the USA and British bike fans are expected to marvel at the futuristic design concept. When the Victory Motorcycles design team decides to build a concept motorcycle, they go all-out and push every aspect of their own performance. Leveraging decades of design and fabrication experience and the considerable knowledge that comes only from designing full-on production motorcycles, Polaris Lead Industrial Designer Michael Song will be available to meet visitors and the press on the Victory stand and is looking forward to seeing the reaction of British consumers, ?CORE is pure motorcycle,? Song said. ?We wanted to strip everything not critical and build a motorcycle that uses some of the production technologies we have incorporated into the Victory Vision. The frame and engine architecture of the Victory Vision was our inspiration ? but we wanted to make a statement beyond ?custom? and create something completely unique.? Song, known for his design input on the Victory Vision luxury-touring models that debuted in 2007, chose to go a completely different direction with his latest design project. One notable difference between the Victory Vision Street and Tour production motorcycles and the CORE Concept Motorcycle is the absolute absence of bodywork on the CORE. In fact, the concept bike?s frame, which was made by pouring molten aluminium into a sand core, is the body; incorporating fuel, airbox, battery box and the entire electrical system. Maintaining the minimalist theme, the motorcycle is a rigid frame without rear suspension and features a contoured mahogany seat. The overall impression is a thin, low, sharp and purposeful motorcycle that is elemental and fierce at the same time. The Victory CORE concept motorcycle incorporates technologies and construction methods that only a major manufacturer could engage. Built around a Victory Freedom? 106/6 Stage 2 power plant (1731cc), producing 97 horsepower and 113 ft/lb of torque, the CORE introduces a completely modern take on an American motorcycle using both personal design values and industrial production techniques to create the ultimate useable concept machine. Come and see for yourself; the CORE will be on display at the NEC on Stand 1E30 in Hall 1, along side Victory motorcycles full 2010 model line up. A WORD FROM THE BIKERNET OFFICE STAFF IN GERMANY–Thanks for the warm words on Sunday regarding your contributors.I’ll be at Essen three or four days and could make a roundup for you.We started today with a biker-breakfast, the traditional start forthe (kinda small) section of bikes on that show. Though the Motorshowis first of all a car- and car-tuning-show there is still a place forbikes and bikers. I’ll keep you informed. The show itself starts onSaturday for the public and lasts 10 days. A video from last year’sshow with masterbuilder Fred Kodlin can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/pixelgarage2008?gl=DE&hl=de#p/u/43/2QRE1plLmAQ Sure, it is in German, but still nice bikes to be seen. –Andreas I don’t care if it’s a go-cart show, photograph the babes.–Bandit RECESSION HITS BIKERS–This just in from the desert outside 13 Palms, California. –from Bob T. Continued On Page 3
Bikernet Editor, Germany
November 26, 2009 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Happy Thanksgiving, goddamnit,
I’m trying to relax. It’s a sunny So Cal day, like summer outside on the day before Thanksgiving. The girls are running around the headquarter arguing over tomorrow’s recipe. They’re cooking a greasy duck and a gamey goose. No cranberry sauce, something with apricots and rum. I don’t know. I’m attempting to handle the news on my own. Hang on.
Did you check Bikernet Betsy’s Alaskan adventure on the Home Page? I started a ramble about all the staff members and contributors I wanted to thank for this Holiday. Politically this year has been bananas, but our Bikernet Team has grown substantially. I look forward to 2010 for what our team will deliver to Bikernet readers all over the world. So I want to continue to thank our terrific artists, George Fleming, Dick Allen, Jon Towle and Chris Kallas. We look forward to more stellar photographic contributions from Andreas in Germany, Markus Cuff, Mike Lichter, Peter Linney, Colleen Swartz, Chris Callen, the editor, and Paul Garson.
We’ll bring you more stories by Katmandu, Uncle Monkey, PJ, Felicia Morgan and Marilyn Bragg with the editing help of Bruce Snyder. And I want to thank all the terrific industry connections and readers who send us cool lost treasures, like Dale Walksler, from Wheels Through Time, Donna and Arlin, from 2Wheelers and Fatbob, with his rare antique finds. The list goes on, but it takes all these folks, including the bastard Josh Placa, to make Bikernet sing. Let’s hit the news before I start drinking whiskey too early.
HOT LEATHERS HOLIDAY SPECIAL–
In 2010 the new Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on motorcycle emissions come into effect. These ?Tier 2? guidelines will basically bring the rest of the country up to the EPA rules that are already being applied to in California. For California motorcycles there will be no real changes in 2010–
Below, find some excerpts to point out a few paragraphs for us :
Tier 1.By the 2006 model year and later, a Class III engine (having adisplacement of 280 cc’s or more) will be limited to no more than 1.4grams of HC (hydrocarbons) + NOx(nitrogen oxides) and no more than 12grams of CO (carbon monoxide) per kilometer. (CO levels remainconsistent with current levels)
Tier 2.By the 2010 model year and later, a Class III engine (having adisplacement of 280 cc’s or more) will be limited to no more than 0.8grams of HC (hydrocarbons) + NOx(nitrogen oxides) and 12 grams of CO(carbon monoxide) per kilometer. (CO levels remain consistent withcurrent levels)The more stringent EPA standards won’t affect existing motorcycles. The
Emissions limits will only apply to motorcycles and scootersManufactured after the effective date.The standards are based on comparable requirements adopted inCalifornia. The final rule extends the California requirementsnationwide two years after they initially take effect in California.This gives manufacturers the opportunity to work out any productionkinks with California being the guinea pig.
Small volume manufacturers, producing 3000 motorcycles or less peryear, with 500 or less employees worldwide, will only need to meetTier 1 standards by 2008 and are not required to meet Tier 2 standardsat all. This could always change, but is seen as a major victory.There is a once-in-a-lifetime exemption for a “custom” or “kitmotorcycle” for your own personal use, as long as you don’t sell itfor at least five years.
While some motorcycles emit less carbon dioxide, a 2005 EPA report showsThat even after the 2010 emissions standards are implemented, they willStill emit more hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide per mile than large SUVsAnd cars.
The EPA has given concessions where we expected none. Why? Because ofyour letters and efforts by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). The EPA received comments from a wide variety ofstakeholders, including the motorcycle manufacturing industry,motorcycle rights groups, various governmental bodies, environmentalgroups, and the general public.
Search the EPA’s Final Rule online at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/roadbike.htm#finalIn this regard, the ruling could be described as a relative victoryfor motorcyclists. Good job!
Thanks to Splatt for his research
–John Del Santo
ABATE of California
WWW.GREENPEACE.ORG
QUICK GIFTS FOR BIKE BUILDERS FROM WOLFGANG–What started in the mid-90s when a few people decided to build ?stock Softails? from aftermarket parts ? because they couldn?t buy one at the dealer ? has evolved into a full-blown industry. Today, every small town has a Chopper or Custom bike shop and every cable TV channel has a Biker-Build-Off series. No longer content to build copies of stock motorcycles, today?s builder wants a motorcycle that?s longer, lower and sexier than anything approved by a factory design team.
Wolfgang Publications and Timothy Remus were there at the very beginning of the trend with their Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle book. Today they?re back with their new book, Advanced Custom Motorcycle Assembly & Fabrication. Part catalog, part service manual and part inspiration, this new book offers help with Planning the project, getting the right look and actually assembling that custom bike you?ve dreamed about for years.
Three start-to-finish sequences show not just how the best bikes are bolted together, but how the unique one-off gas tanks are shaped and then covered with candy brandywine paint. With 144 pages and over 400 color photos, this book from Wolfgang Publications and Tim Remus offers the help you need to build your very own custom motorcycle.
Available from Wolfgang Publications, order by mail at PO Box 223, Stillwater, MN. By phone at 651-275-0194, or on the web at www.wolfpub.com, priced at $27.95 + $5.50 S&H.
Advanced Custom Motorcycle Assembly & Fabrication #4-3054
Author: Timothy Remus
ISBN: 1-929133-23-5
ISBN -13: 978-1-929133-23-9
$27.95
HOW TO BUILD A CHOPPER
Choppers are back. This new book from Tim Remus and Wolfgang Publications helps builders choose the right stretched frame, aftermarket V-twin engine and radical chassis components. Interviews with long-time builders like Donnie Smith help put the chopper in perspective and give sound advice to new builders. Three start-to-finish photo sequences document and explain the assembly of a chopper in the shop of Arlen Ness, Donnie Smith and American Thunder.
Eleven chapters cover History, Frames, Engines, Suspension, Sheet metal, Wiring, Wheels, Tires and Drivetrain choices. With 144 pages and over 250 photos (over 50% in color) this book contains the information needed to choose and assemble your own very unique chopper.
Available from Wolfgang Publications, order by mail at PO Box 223, Stillwater, MN. By phone at 651-275-0194, or on the web at www.wolfpub.com, priced at $27.95 + $5.50 S&H.
How to Build a Chopper #4-3035
ISBN: ISBN: 1-929133-06-5
ISBN -13: 978-1-929133-06-2
Author: Tim Remus
$27.95
SPRINGER OF THE WEEK FROM ENVY CYCLES–We are about to launch a build series on Bikernet metric. In each article Trent Reker will document Terry’s classic 750 Honda chopper project. This is the hand made springer Terry built to match other elements on the bike. Watch for the features soon.
–Wrench
NEW HOT BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR, KIMMY CRUZ– I guess you could say for the past 10 years I have got more and more involved in the motorcycle lifestyle. I started working for Thunder Roads of ARK as a sales rep and photographer. Within the first two years I went to work for The Ride Magazine of ARK, doing the same job. I was traveling to all the major events and rally representing the magazine on stage and setting up their booth as a vendor.
I started to fall in love with all my biker friends, and I was excited to travel all over the place taken pictures.
One day while taking pictures at the Broken Spoke I was asked if I would like to bartend out of Jay Allen’s 57 Chevy. I had never been a bartender before that moment. I said Ok, 38 Special was playing in the background. I sold over 90 cases of beer in less than 5hrs. It was on from there.
I was hired by Jay to work for all of his locations. I still worked for The Ride magazine for another year. I had already modeled for Easyrider with Matt Hotch and other builders. I kicked-off my website by myself and became . Kimmycruz.com I love my job, it makes my heart smile being around bikers and being involved as much as possible. I’m always looking to grow. Dreams still come true, right.
–kimmycruz
BIKERNET ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY–skulduggery skul-DUG-uh-ree, noun;also skullduggery:
Devious, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior or activity; also: an instance thereof.
And then the inquests, and the coroner’s reports, and the hints of diplomatic cover-ups, and skulduggery in high places.
— Hilary Mantel, Eight Months on Ghazzah Street
I need a pot of rum. I’m becalmed in a sea of treachery and need to fill my sails.
–Bikernet Skullduggery Editor
Treasure Island
For instance, the Federal Trade Commission already goes after some kinds of Internet skulduggery, like selling products that promise more than they deliver.
— David Stout, “New Internet Anti-Fraud Center Announced by Attorney General”, New York Times, May 8, 2000
The origin of skulduggery is unknown. Of course, goddamnit. Only Bob T. knows the answer. It’s buried in the desert in the rusting fin of a ’59 Cadillac.
CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, TRUCK SALE–This Kentucky Air Ride trailer has tons of custom upgrades that made it perfect for vending. Custom wide stairs, double side doors plus a third side door curb side, removable etrack lofts and racking, Ramps to load car or full size truck not to mention 10 motorcycles. Water tight, air tight and insolated. Custom belly boxes built strong to carry tables and or heavy parts not just blankets like most. Water proof awning with side walls is a 45 min job for 2 people. 22,000 just to replace the awning and it comes free with the rig. This rig is clean bumper to bumper and ready to go. You won’t be sorry.
–Seth
E-Mail Seth at sethhpp@yahoo.com
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM D&D EXHAUST– Our entire team from D&D Exhaust would like to wish you an outstanding Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down – Exhaust.
TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR BANDIT’S CANTINA–What I would like to know is there anyway to pay for my membership when it runs out, besides using a charge card. Can I mail you a check or money order? Also, can I buy more than one year @ a time. Thank you for a great web site. I check it out everyday to see what your up to..
–Mike (CAPTAIN AMERICA)
Sure, and you could send us a small bag of gold. We promise, no skullduggery.?Snake
Another tale of the economy hitting shops hard–A friend is closing and liquidating to keep from starving.We said we would try to help him get some parts sold so, here goes.Parts list is long and on two pages. If there’s anything you or a friend want, email him at SPTWIndsor@aol.com
He’s a Salt Flats racer and mechanic.His name is Dennis and tell him Northern Nick sent ya.
SPTWIndsor@aol.com
BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING CENTER ON HOW TO HANDLE A HUSBAND (or boyfriend)–A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on the beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica . Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town.
People would say, “What a peaceful & loving couple”The local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.
The Husband replied: “Well, it dates back to our honeymoon in America,” explained the man. “We visited the Grand Canyon, in Arizona , and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon, by horse. We hadn’t gone too far when my wife’s horse stumbled and she almost fell off. My wife looked down at the horse and quietly said, “That’s once.”
“We proceeded a little further and her horse stumbled again. Again my wife quietly said, “That’s twice.”
We hadn’t gone a half-mile when the horse stumbled for the third time my wife quietly removed a revolver from her purse and shot the horse dead.
I SHOUTED at her, “What’s wrong with you, Woman! Why did you shoot the poor animal like that, are you crazy!?”
She looked at ME, and quietly said, “That’s once.”And from that moment….. We have lived happily every after.”
–from Jim Waggaman
Bikes & Beats Features Live Music, Tuner Girl and Custom Bike Competitions–Nothing brings the motorcycle lifestyle to bikers across the country like the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows. Come join the nation and uncover a heart pumping new look into the world?s largest powersports tour. Reawakened.
Presenting Bikes & Beats ? an all new tour-wide mega stage designed to blast you in the face with vision, sound, and soul:Live Music & DJ | Custom Bike CompetitionHip Hop Dancers | Fashion ShowsThe Tuner Girl Nationwide Search | Rap-OffFreestyle Stunts & Entertainment
Get $10 to Spend at a Harley-Davidson? Dealer Near You
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows and Harley-Davidson have partnered up to bring you even more value to your show ticket purchase. After visiting the show, redeem your e-ticket or ticket stub for $10 off your next purchase at a participating Harley-Davidson? Dealership. Program Detail
Order Tickets Now to Qualify for $15 Gift Card Giveaways
Get your $15 Gift Card to BikeBandit.com by being among the first 35,000 online ticket orders for any of the upcoming Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows! With an average online show ticket price of $12 (when you buy at least one week in advance), it’s like getting FREE admission to the premier motorcycle show, coming to a city near you! Make Like a Bandit.
XMAS IRONWORKS MAGAZINE FOR THE HOLIDAYS–It features,American Idle Winner.Maybe it was the allure of the story about a bike loved, lost, and finally brought back home. Or perhaps IW readers simply gave the thumbs up to a cool XL. In any case, Jason ?Shoe? Shoemaker is the lastest IronWorks American Idle winner.
Then there’s Letters & Bloggers,Motor Mart,Speed?s Secrets.For many of us the ?09 season is winding down, maybe with some thoughts and dreams about a brand-new bike for 2010. But we?ll bet that for more than a few of us that?s just not in the cards.
Plus don’t miss The Works,Feature Bikes, andAgent of Chaos by Wade Ramsey.Occasionally we stumble on something really special in our own backyard. In this case we found Rich Coon?s ?03 Anniversary Sportster in Birmingham, Alabama. Purchased last year for five grand off Craig?s List, the 883 was ?brand new,? showing only five miles on its odometer.
BIKERNET ROLLIN SIXES CHOPPERS SERVICEFOLKS XMAS T-SHIRT DRIVE–Happy Thanksgiving and here’s a T shirt drive update. We’r e guessing we have over 600 shirts and CDs, with more boxes on the way. We will soar over 1,000 presents this year. The closer we get to the deadline the more stuff we receive.
Don’t forget to mention the ebay auctions we set up to help pay for shipping. We have a great red, white and blue patriotic hand made quilt. A terrific family friend worked on it for three months. The pictures in no way do this quilt justice. Folks can find the quilt by going to ebay search and typing in this item?number 360210007951.
We also have a real cool Harley Davidson cuckoo clock, when it chimes the door opens and a bike comes out and revs up. You can find this on ebay by typing item number 360210014581.
So come on everybody this is a great cause, and if you want some really cool stuff to keep, or to give someone for Christmas, throw in a bid. Don’t forget, we’ll take T- shirts and other stuff up to December 7th. Don’t forget it’s expensive to send this stuff so any help with that would be greatly appreciated.Donations for shipping can be made out to Rollin Sixes No Apologies Kindness.
I’d like to take the time to tell everyone who so far has helped us out- Thanks! And we really mean it. Without regular folks like you this would never happen.?I’d also like to tell everyone on this?Thanksgiving day to really stop and think about what you have to be thankful, because I have a feeling you’ll find out you are?more blessed that you think. Happy Thanksgiving Bandit, to you and yours and to everyone else.?
–Jerry,?Jeremy, Elvis,?crew, and families of Rollin Sixes Choppers?
phantom5100@yahoo.com>
Continued On Page 2
Saxon Assembly Line Sweat Shop
By Bandit | | General Posts
I woke up this morning with the head of my girlfriend’s dog (I called it the rat dog, it was so small), pinned to the pillow beside my head with a note. Remember last summer, Mofo, the Saxon ride to the desert. You need to write an article about they’re factory or die trying. Oh, what’s with your ol’ lady’s dog? Didn’t put up much of a fight.—X
It took me months to get over the peyote buttons the girls at Rocky Point slipped into my cheap tequila shots. I thought for sure they wanted desperately for me to forget that weekend. I didn’t know whether to pack my shit and run or celebrate the death of that fuckin’ rat she called a dog.
It started to come back to me. It reminded me of a dusty berg on the outskirts of Vegas, in the desert, where you take people to bury them in shallow graves. I remember looking around and wondering, at the time, if that was my fate. The decrepit town was filtering back into my memory. I remembered one Spanish mission, a faded Foster’s Freeze and a bar. Then on the outskirts of town we came across a residential area that reminded me of something out of one of those dust bowl, depression era movies. No pavement streets, straddled with tents and plywood shanties, thin emasculated women wore tattered, faded threads carrying buckets of water from one stone well.
Just beyond the nasty smell of open privies stood the massive block encased Saxon Assembly Plant, except it looked like a federal prison facility surrounded by hot wired 15-foot chain-link fencing laced with barbed wire and topped with rolls of jagged concentration camp concertina wire.
I tried to remember whether there were armed guard posts at the corners? I think the peyote kicked in as we pulled up to the gates and David Schwam, the Marketing director jumped out of the jet black, Saxon Humvee, screaming at starving, sullen women begging at the gates. From nowhere he snatched a leather riding crop and began to lash at them in a madman’s rage. “Get these bitches away from the gates,” He snarled whipping their frail sun burnt backs. “I told the manager we were bringing the press.”
I attempted not to stare. The women weren’t pleading for food, although they needed it bad. They were begging for the return of their men. I didn’t get it. They looked as though they had taken up housekeeping outside the vast iron gates. Our entourage crept past the weeping damsels into the guarded Saxon Fortress.
I half expected to find a line of small Chinese men lashed together with chains, building Saxon motorcycles. Was it the Peyote or the strange smoke I had with breakfast that was making me paranoid and vividly imaginary. The Saxon partners immediately led us into a lavish conference room and disappeared. I had the munchies and dove into the donut buffet, steaming java and juices. The smoke induced paranoia that seemed prevalent among this array of motojournalists seemed to suddenly diminish and I noticed a giggling banter pick-up between the editors and writers. I looked at the sugarcoated donuts and wondered, then I noticed a mist filtering from the air-conditioning vents. Suddenly I was laughing with the rest of them and life seemed immersed in joy. The Saxon team returned to give us a full tour of their new facility.
The Saxon partners bought the 65,000 square foot building and rebuilt every element from the wiring to the office interiors, roofing and insulation to avoid the strident Arizona desert temps. I suddenly felt comfortable and lucid as if I had snorted brain Drano laced with Valium. I couldn’t find the Chinese laundry with forced labor. The facility was clean and open as if a bunch of partners working together to build bikes in ideal surroundings. Even the offices were open with windows facing the small assembly line in the middle of the vast concrete industrial building. It was as if the master builders worked and could signal to the plant manager, or the supply clerk for help, questions or ordering concerns.
Saxon kicked off their bike building process, a year ago, with two man teams in cells building bikes. Each team built a bike from start to finish and they produced eight bikes a week. Saxon bikes began to sell and the crew sensed a need for elevated numbers. The Saxon partners hired John Bishopp, with a vast 17-year background in the auto industry. John grew up in engineering, program management, to become a product line director and ultimately the director of operations for an automotive plant.
I got the impression he was imprisoned aboard a container ship and forced into the Table Top Wilderness to build motorcycles. I shook my head and snorted another line of powder off my donut. I’ve been to the Harley-Davidson factory. I’ve seen automobile assembly operations and this was a miniature by comparison, but it was cool, like a close family operation or Santa’s Elves making toys. That’s a tough one to swallow, but imagine if you had to set up a system to build all your brothers tight, fast choppers. Imagine the perfect scenario—that’s the Saxon Plant.
“We started the assembly line with the bike building tables,” John said. “We added wheels and a small track and we were underway.”
The track, tables and tools are arranged in the center of this industrial building and surround by sub-departments that work to feed the line complete assemblies and components to make the line assembly operation as efficient and assembly-friendly as possible. It’s the same crew who started in the Saxon build teams.
The Saxon warriors now produce 16 bikes a week and each custom motorcycle is road tested for 30 miles and quality inspected and tuned afterwards.
“Our assembly line is based on the Kaizen, Japanese philosophy,” John said. “It’s a thought process that revolves around continuous improvement and sequential assembly.” Stage one involved adding the power train to the frame that’s partially assembled in a sub-assembly area. Station II adds forks, wheels, pulleys and belts. Station or stage III is all about electrical. Stage IV includes all sheet metal and adding fluids to the finished motorcycle.
The Sub Stations surrounding the line included wheels sets, mounting tires, rotors, and pulleys. Handlebars are pre-wired, controls and gauges added and cables matched so they go right onto the forks on the assembly line during stage III. The frames are pre-prepped as mentioned before, with neck bearings, swingarms, motor mounts and exhaust mounts. The engines are brought to the line with carbs in place, ignition set and tuned and prepped for final assembly.
That’s the basics, but keeping the ball rolling involves all aspects of the team working together. “Getting and keeping the parts flowing is a constant hurtle,” John said. “We give our suppliers a six month forecast to keep them appraised of our building needs. We back that with six to eight week purchase orders. This is especially important for frame, and sheet metal manufacturers. We work predominately with Phoenix and Southern California suppliers, so shipping obstacles are minimized.”
Eight men run the assembly line and everyday they look for quality and assembly improvements. Since the purchasing and support staff is only a few feet away, the reaction time to make corrections was cut significantly. Every element involved in building Saxon motorcycles is checked daily. Oil bags were tough to install and a line mechanic made a suggestion that was implemented immediately and improve the assembly process. Another item caused the team to scratch the frame during assembly. A special guard tool was designed to prevent the damage and added to the line in a day. If a product error was discovered, purchasing passed the word immediately to the vendor to prevent the problem at the manufacturing level. “The production manager, Jack Frye, spends 95 percent of his time on the floor, working with the assembly team,” John said.
This Saxon plant will build 760 Saxon motorcycles this year and projects to construct 1,100 in 2007. Suddenly I felt rats running up my legs and I freaked. I could swear I saw little Chinese guys in chains crying out for their women at the gates. A couple of guys grabbed me and pushed me toward the Gard Hollinger designed Saxon Black Crown. I straddled it as paranoia raged up my spine. I cut a dusty trail toward the Mexican border.
I’m still wondering where I ended up. A sandy beach over looking the Las Palmas resort, or was it a lap dance is a dusty bar in a small coastal town surrounded by Federales lifting our gear from that Humvee? I still don’t know what really happened.
November 23, 2009
By Bandit | | General Posts
COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
BAD DRIVING IS IN THE GENES
Medical researchers say they?ve unraveled the mystery to bad drivers, and their genetic makeup may be to blame. A study recently published in the journal of Cerebral Cortex led by University of California, Irvine neuroscientists found that people with a certain gene variation performed more than 20% worse on a driving test than those without the gene and they also retained less of what they had learned.
About 30 percent of Americans have the particular gene variant, though a test to determine whether someone has the gene variant is not commercially available.
?This gene variant limits the availability of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor during activity,? according to the senior author, Dr. Steven Cramer, neurology associate professor at UCI. ?BDNF keeps memory strong by supporting communication among brain cells and keeping them functioning optimally. When a person is engaged in a particular task, BDNF is secreted in the brain area connected with that activity to help the body respond.?
Earlier research had found that in those individuals with the gene variant ?a smaller portion of the brain is stimulated when doing a task than in those with a normal BDNF gene.?
The driving test was taken by 29 people – 22 without the gene variant and seven with it. They were asked to drive 15 laps on a simulator that required them to learn the nuances of a track programmed to have difficult curves and turns. Researchers recorded how well they stayed on the course over time. Four days later, the test was repeated.
Results showed that people with the variant did worse on both tests than the other participants, and they remembered less the second time.
“I’d be curious to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes,” Cramer said. “I wonder if the accident rate is higher for drivers with the variant.”
INCREASED MOTORCYCLIST DEATHS BLAMED ON BAD ECONOMY
Since gas prices increased, experts say more inexperienced riders have hit the road — literally.
Because of the fuel efficiency of motorcycles, more drivers are switching from four wheels to two, and what used to be a symbol of freedom and adventure is now also a symbol of thriftiness. “Last year, our sales were the best we ever had for 33 years,” said Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda, pointing out that bike sales peaked last year before dipping and rising again this year.
But Dr. Fernando Wilson, a professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said for every dollar increase in gas prices, 1,500 more motorcycle riders die each year nationwide.
Some say car drivers need to hang up their cell phones and pay more attention, but many bikers attribute higher crash rates to the influx of new, inexperienced riders on the road.
“If you mess up on a motorcycle, it’s probably a lot more tragic than in a vehicle,” motorcyclist Stephen Dutcher told TV-33 News, recommending that new riders should get trained beyond state testing requirements. “I would recommend everyone to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.”
MOTORCYCLE SALES ARE RUNNING OUT OF GAS
Last year, fuel-efficient motorcycles proved to be a viable option for motorists facing higher and higher gas prices, but following more than a decade of steadily increasing sales figures, the economic downturn has caught up to bike makers.
For 14 years, through 2006, U.S. motorcycle sales had increased every year. Sales started to drop in 2007 but still topped the 1 million mark.
A year ago, as gas prices pushed toward $5 a gallon, fuel-sipping two-wheelers got a boost. Despite the worsening economy, street bike sales were down only 3.3% in 2008 and smaller scooters enjoyed their best year ever, posting a 41.5% gain, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.
Now, little seems to be working for motorcycle manufacturers as sales have plunged 38% in the third quarter from the same period a year ago (falling from 218,242 last year to 136,876), with the biggest drops coming in two of the industry?s biggest product lines: cruisers and sport bikes. Scooter sales are also down 62% through the first three quarters of 2009.
The only bright spot was that sales are dropping at a slower pace: The number of bikes sold in the second quarter fell 53.5 percent from the same period a year earlier. Historically, the second and third quarters are strong for the industry because the weather generally is warm and buyers are gearing up to ride, according to an article appearing in the Chicago Tribune.
Despite a federal stimulus that allows bike buyers to write off the sales tax, sagging sales have prompted bike builders to begin cutting staff and other expenses.
Last week, publicly held Harley-Davidson Inc. reported an 84% drop in quarterly earnings to $26.5 million. The company said it was getting out of the sport-bike business, shutting down the longtime Buell line and selling its MV Agusta operation, a high-end Italian brand it bought last year.
Already this year, the Milwaukee manufacturer joined the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and Victory in laying off employees, reducing production and dropping prices to help dealers shrink swollen inventories.
Mark Blackwell, vice president of Victory Motorcycles, which suffered a 56% decline in the July-September period, told the Los Angeles Times ?We haven?t laid everybody off. We haven?t totally stopped advertising. We?ve kept up the product development because we?re positioning this business for when the market stabilizes and grows.?
Harley-Davidson and Victory, a division of Polaris in Minnesota, hope to stem U.S. losses, in part, by growing overseas sales. Harley is pursuing emerging markets such as India and China; Victory is going after Europe.
But with the riding season over for much of the country, summer 2010 can?t come fast enough for the industry.
NEW MOTORCYCLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS TAKING EFFECT
As 2010 motorcycles hit dealer showrooms, new EPA emissions standards will be making them greener?both environmentally and economically.
Starting next year when stricter Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on motorcycle emissions come into effect for all new two- and three-wheelers built or sold in the U.S., the EPA projects a 50% reduction in pollutants emitted at their tailpipes — but such drastic reductions come with a bigger price tag: According to a 2003 EPA report, the average estimated cost per highway motorcycle to meet the 2010 standards is $45, which is likely passed along to consumers. At the same time, motorcyclists are likely to save money at the pump as the new technology brings with it better fuel efficiency.
Increased use of technologies demonstrated as effective in 4-stroke motorcycle engines, such as the catalytic converters, secondary air injection and electronic fuel inject systems, are expected to decrease harmful emissions, according to a 2003 EPA report. The report also reads, however, that the standards will not result in universal use of catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters are pollution control devices that reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and while not specifically required by the EPA rules, catalytic converters will have a hand in reducing emissions in the new standards.
“We already have the 2010 models coming in, and they all have the catalytic converters on them,” Steve Tuchschmidt Sr., owner of Mid-America Harley Davidson, told the Columbia Missourian newspaper. “That’s new.”
The more stringent EPA standards won’t affect existing motorcycles. The emissions limits will only apply to motorcycles and scooters manufactured after the effective date.
PHOENIX SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM MOTORCYLCLE EMISSIONS TESTING
The state of Arizona is asking the federal government to lift emissions testing requirements for motorcycles in the Phoenix metro area.
Following prolonged and extensive lobbying by statewide motorcycle rights organizations, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to exempt motorcycles from such testing.
According to lobbyists for ABATE of Arizona, the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC), Phoenix is the only major metro area in the U.S. where motorcycles are required to be tested for emissions. The biker advocacy groups have already fought successfully to exempt motorcycles from emissions testing in the Flagstaff area, and several years ago the Kentucky Motorcycle Association succeeded in exempting motorcycles from such testing.
According to the Phoenix Business Journal, the ADEQ said motorcycles make up only 3.5 percent of vehicles tested in the Valley and not only are emissions failure rates among motorcycles down, repairs to put them in compliance do not substantially help air quality.
The EPA requires metro areas and regions of the U.S. with air pollution and air quality problems to test cars, trucks and other vehicles for emissions. EPA would need to approve an exemption before next July for it to take effect.
NYC MAYOR CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is donating $125 million to road safety programs in middle and low income countries.
Bloomberg gave $9 million in 2007 to a pilot program on road safety in Vietnam and Mexico, and his latest gift expands the effort to a 5-year program in eight other countries that have high numbers of traffic injuries and fatalities.
His philanthropic foundation announced that the donation will help efforts to reduce speeding and drunken driving, and increase the use of motorcycle helmets, child seats and seatbelts.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: ?For years governments have been promising more than they can deliver, and delivering more than they can afford.?
–Paul Martin (1938 – ?), 21st Prime Minister of Canada
November 19, 2009 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET FREE CONTEST WINNER–NICK DOOLEY FROM PIERRE, SD is our winner today.
Suggestion: A SECTION EITHER WRITTEN BY OR ABOUT MILLITARY RIDERS, RALLIES, AND ORGANISATIONS (CVMA, AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS ECT.)
Wanted: WOULD LIKE THE PIN UP AIR BRUSH BOOK.
Nick gets the book. Remember, the contest is free. All you have to do enter! We still have lots of books, t-shirts, bandannas?
THE FASTEST MAN ON TWO WHEELS RUNS D&D EXHAUST– What does multi-National Dirt Track Champion Chris Carr run on his race bike at Chris Carr Racing? D&D Baby!
He only runs D&D pipes on his race bikes. D&D helps him win championships and run competitively. Checkout the latest D&D pipes for your Harley, Triumph, Buell, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha at http://www.danddexhaust.com.
ONE SLING BAG FOR ALL YOUR SWAG–Hipster Bag – A sling type backpack with one strap across the chest. It is ideal when you need to stop off and get something without the bulk of luggage or backpack. It was designed for getting around in Sturgis and keeping stuff safe. It is great for a commute or a late night blast to the corver store. Comes with an embroidery of BIKERNET.COM on the front.
This backpack features a flap that covers an organizer that hold pens and has a zipper pocket. The flap also has a security pocket. Inside the bag there is one padded pouch for MP3 player/phone with an opening for earphones. These biker bags come in black with gray, dark blue, light blue, red or pink accents.
Get all the details in the Black Market.
EDGE RUNNING TORIAN CHOPPER LEATHER– Our Torian Race Shirt is designed for those times when you need a little something, something under your jacket or before it is cool enough for a jacket.
Features 2 chest flap pockets, 2 hand warmer pockets and a full lining. When the weather turns chilly we recommend wearing the shirt under the Race Jacket.
Our shirts are made from hand-selected goat skin. This hide provides the soft feel of lamb and the durability of cowhide in a light weight. Edge, from the Smoke Out, is pictured on his chop sporting a Torian Race Shirt.
More details are right here…
BRASS BALLS BOBBERS SET TO RELEASE 4 NEW MODELS FOR 2010–Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers are on a roll for 2010 – They have already released 2 new motorcycles ( Model 1 and the 69 Chopper) and will be releasing 2 new motorcycles before the end of the year.
The final work is being done on the look and feel as the chassis and mechanicals have already been green lighted. Stay tuned to see the latest creations from that little Bobber Shop from Oklahoma City where they build the “Above average bike for the Average Joe.” Brass Balls Choppers and Bobbers are located at www.brassballsbobbers.com
150 Plus HP V-Twin Salt and Pepper Shakers– Put some spice in your life with Dewey’s 150 HP Plus V-Twin 4″ Salt and Pepper Shakers. These 4- inch tall V-Twins shake just like an old Harley. Dewey’s Shakers are machined on a CNC lathe and milled out of a block of 6061 T-6 Billet aircraft type Aluminum. They have a smooth machined finish which makes them very easy to polish out. One jug holds the pepper and the other holds the salt.
This is the perfect gift for the V-Twin aficionado. $55.00, FREE SHIPPING!
You have been asking for matching billet handgrips to go along with your Dewey’s Pegs. I’ve had fantastic response to these new custom parts. Machined from a solid bar of 6061-T6 aluminum on a CNC lathe, triple plate show chromed, these custom grips have an aggressive “Knarly-Knurl” so your hands won’t slip under hard acceleration. As with our famous footpegs, lifetime replacement of rubber bands is free. $130.00 the pair, Triple Plate Show Chromed. www.deweyspegs.com
BIKERNET READER REVIEW OF THE SUNDAY POST–Good stuff as always…compact but informative. As an seasoned (old) trucker, I am really enjoying the old truck photos especially the one on Thursday with the load of Packards. My dad and I were leased to that company starting in the late ’60s into the ’90s.
Diesel smoke makes me horny, but not as horny as linquini girl. Keep it up…Sin Wu needs ya!
–Mike
WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS RESEARCH BY BIKERNET SCIENTISTS– It’s late fall and the Indians on a remote reservationin South Dakota asked their new chief if the comingwinter was going to be cold or mild.
Since he was a chief in a modern society, he hadnever been taught the old secrets. When he lookedat the sky, he couldn’t tell what the winter was goingto be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribethat the winter was indeed going to be cold and thatthe members of the village should collect firewood tobe prepared. But, being a practical leader, after several days, hegot an idea He went to the phone booth, called theNational Weather Service and asked, ‘Is the comingwinter going to be cold?’
It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,’ themeteorologist at the weather service responded.
So the chief went back to his people and told them tocollect even more firewood in order to be prepared.
A week later, he called the National Weather Serviceagain. ‘Does it still look like it is going to be a verycold winter?’
‘Yes,’ the man at National Weather Service againreplied, ‘it’s going to be a very cold winter.’
The chief again went back to his people and orderedthem to collect every scrap of firewood they could find.
Two weeks later, the chief called the National WeatherService again. ‘Are you absolutely sure that the winteris going to be very cold?’
‘Absolutely,’ the man replied. ‘It’s looking more andmore like it is going to be one of the coldest winterswe’ve ever seen.’
‘How can you be so sure?’ the chief asked.
The weatherman replied, ‘The Indians are collectingfirewood like crazy.’
Remember this whenever you get advice from agovernment official!
–from Rik Savenko
New Sexy Apparel From Triumph–How may times have you said ?This is not what you think?? Well, this ain’t either. Motorcycle manufacturer Triumph over in Hinckley, UK, is not the only brand with the name Triumph. There is also lingerie and underwear manufacturer Triumph, founded in Germany in 1886 and now headquartered in Switzerland. While the two brands have no connection with each other, they both have hot models.
Top model Franziska Knuppe from Potsdam, Germany, for example presents the new Christmas collection of Triumph. While this does certainly heat up the season, the brand is also doing something good with their X-Mas collection of satin and lace: From the sale of every set from Triumph’s X-Mas collection, a contribution is made to the German Tribute To Bambi foundation for children in need.
We just thought we tell you…
– – C.S. Berg
ILLUSION BUILDS DUECE FOR CARLINI DESIGNS–Check this deuce out we are doing for Carlini Designs.
–Rusty
HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. SELECTS INVESTMENT BANKING FIRM TO ASSIST IN SALE OF MV AGUSTA– BNP Paribas in Milan Will Help Harley-Davidson Move Sale Process Forward
MILWAUKEE (November 19, 2009) ? Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) has selected the investment banking firm, BNP Paribas in Milan, to assist Harley-Davidson in the sale of MV Agusta. Harley-Davidson is currently identifying potential buyers for the Italian-based motorcycle company.
?MV Agusta is a highly desirable company for the right buyer,? said Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Olin. ?MV Agusta has a proud heritage and strong brand, high-quality exciting and beautiful products, and passionate enthusiasm on the part of its customers, employees and dealers, and we are confident in our expectation that we will identify an appropriate buyer.?
Harley-Davidson announced its plans to divest MV Agusta in October, as part of its go-forward business strategy to focus its effort and investment on leveraging the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand to reach new customers, strengthen relationships with existing customers, and grow the Harley-Davidson brand worldwide.
While Harley-Davidson intends to sell MV Agusta, MV Agusta has continued to move forward on the road to revitalization. Under Harley-Davidson?s ownership, MV Agusta has restored production operations and continues to invest substantially in product development, as evidenced by the recent unveiling of the all new Brutale and F4 models, which generated a highly enthusiastic response among customers and key trade media at the Milan show. MV Agusta is also returning to a position of prominence in the premium performance sport motorcycle category.
INCREDIBLE TWIST OF FATE–What a wild day and tomorrow will be a whirlwind of content flying at Bikernet. I have news about the Essen Show in Germany, Vibranator product testing. I’m working on the final 5-Ball factory racer tech after grappling with my new Imac’s ability at gathering photos off the camera card. If I ask Sin Wu or Coral to help with images they piss and moan for a week and I receive only half the images I wanted.
I’ve got news on more new models, a simple Cruise Mate Tech. I’m still trying to find time to launch a couple of pieces of fiction and a story I wrote about Tahiti. Yesterday was nuts. I cooked through Monday and Tuesday, launching articles and taking care of business. Then Wednesday hit like a creek fulla mud. I could receive e-mails, but I couldn’t send anything. That kicked off hours of trying to solve the problem and calling tech support. Nyla handles that. We accomplished absolutely nada, zilch.
I shut the computer down last night, walked away, and all was well this morning. Somebody explain that. The gods of AT&T weren’t on our team yesterday. Quick find the Jack Daniels. It’s time to relax:
Ride forever,
Bandit
November 19, 2009 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
Wanna Win An OCC Chopper? You’ve got ’til Friday–You could become the new owner of the custom chopper recently featured on TLC’s American Chopper and gracing the cover of the album OCC Rocks, which is available now at all major retailers. The bike was designed and built during the October 29th episode of the current season.
Enter to win the custom chopper at www.occrocks.com. Contest closes Friday, November 20.
– – C.S. Berg
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED RIDLEY MOTORCYCLES COMING IN 2010 OKLAHOMA CITY– There are new Ridley motorcycles. There are used Ridley motorcycles and then there are those in their own category. Ridley Certified Pre-Owned (“CPO”). In times where stretching every dollar counts, Ridley Genuine Parts creates a new program to help build confidence by offering an incredible new service. Not just any pre-owned Ridley can be a Ridley CPO motorcycle.
HAND SELECTED
Not all pre-owned Ridley Motorcycles are worthy of the coveted “Ridley CPO” designation – Only the very best. If the motorcycle does not meet our standards, it is immediately rejected. Without exception. OWNERSHIP HISTORY CHECKEDWith our extensive background in dealing with Ridley Motorcycles, we have historical information on each and every Ridley including the build specification documents, warranty and service claims, and ownership history.
METICULOUSLY INSPECTED
Before being certified as a Ridley CPO motorcycle it must pass our comprehensive inspection by a Certified Ridley Motorcycle Mechanic/Technician. In most cases, our certified technicians have worked side by side next to Ridley assembly builders.
THOROUGHLY RECONDITIONED
Certified pre-owned Ridley motorcycles must be in “Like-New” condition. That means using only genuine Ridley parts for any necessary repairs. Each year model Ridley has a specific list of upgrades and modifications that are performed by Ridley Genuine Parts in Oklahoma City. These upgrades are performed before being certified. Our process goes deep into the heart of every Ridley. There are a host of parts replaced regardless of condition which includes the CVT automatic transmission, brake pads, oil, oil and fuel filters, spark plugs, battery, and more.
CONFIDENTLY BACKED
Because every Ridley Genuine Parts CPO Ridley is thoroughly reconditioned, we confidently offer each CPO with a six month limited parts warranty. This, of course, is fully included in the purchase price.
The Ridley CPO program is being unveiled nationwide in January 2010 through several participating Ridley Dealers and Service Centers. Once Ridley Genuine Parts certifies a Ridley as a certified pre-owned that model is offered through the network of participating locations.
“The feedback we are receiving from Ridley Owners is that they want to upgrade into a newer year model and take advantage of some of the great bargins that are out there. But too often the motorcycles just aren’t as described. We are hoping to help buyers feel more confident in their purchases by bringing these “deals” back to Oklahoma City, thoroughly inspect and recondition them, and offer these CPO motorcycles through a network of Dealerships.”
A list of currently available Ridley CPO models can be found by visiting www.RidleyMotorcycle.com.
For further information, please contact:
Jay Ridley, President
2 Wheel Ventures
(877) 311-0008
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ECONOMIC CLASS STUDY REVEALED–The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in themail.
The economy is so bad I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behindthe counter asked, “Can you afford fries with that?”
The economy is so bad that CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.
The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked “InsufficientFunds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higherthan GM.
The economy is so bad McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies andlearned their children?s’ names.
The economy is so bad a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking intoMexico .
The economy is so bad Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
The economy is so bad Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.
The economy is so bad the Mafia is laying off judges.
The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
And finally…
Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal …OhGreat! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated bythe people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!
–from Buckshot
LICKS DELIVERS Bandito Goggles– Do you like the unmistakable look and convenience of a cool set of riding goggles, but are unwilling to part with you first born to get em? Licks has just come out with a no frills, working man?s goggle that won’t drain the bank account! The Licks Bandito Goggles feature a comfortable poly-foam rim insert that provides an exceptional air seal and comfortable fit for all faces. The air intakes in the frame are positioned perfectly for maximum ventilation and the high quality polycarbonate anti-fog lenses ensure exceptional visibility in all weather conditions. Lets not forget that?DAMN….you can’t beat the price at $19.99!!
BIKERNET OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF MOTORCYCLE CANNONBALL FOR 2010–Check out the route page on the website. We finally got a route to work with.
Thanks for your support.
–lonnie
www.motorcyclecannonball.com
Cannonball run schedule
Fr Sept. 10 Kitty Hawk, NC, to Greenville, NC (140 Miles)
Sa Sept. 11 to Concord, NC (240 Miles)
Su Sept. 12 to Maggie Valley, NC (220 Miles)
Mo Sept. 13 to Chattanooga, TN (200 Miles)
Tu Sept. 14 to Tupelo, MS (250 Miles) (gain an hour?time zone)
We Sept. 15 to Pine Bluff, AR (240 Miles)
Th Sept. 16 to Fort Smith, AR (200 Miles)
Fr Sept. 17 Day off; Fort Smith, AR
Sa Sept. 18 to Lawton, OK (280 Miles)
Su Sept. 19 to Clovis, NM (300 Miles) (gain an hour?time zone)
Mo Sept. 20 to Albuquerque, NM (250 Miles)
Tu Sept. 21 to Gallup, NM (180 Miles)
We Sept. 22 to Grand Canyon, AZ (250 Miles) (gain an hour?time zone)
Th Sept. 23 to Laughlin, NV (250 Miles)
Fr Sept. 24 to San Bernardino, CA (240 Miles)
Sa Sept. 25 to Santa Monica, CA (80 Miles)
Report from Contestant Matt Olsen
The route has been finalized for the Cannonball, looks like it will end up in your backyard. Here are some pics of my bike. I have a really long way to go, but it is a lot of fun, and I am learning how fabricate a lot of neat things.
–Matt Olsen
BIKERNET TATTOO OF THE WEEK–This is a tattoo done by Davey Volpe , the kid you met that wanted to start Death Grips, with the green black dyna.Davey works at my shop.
–Your Son
BIKERNET BANDANA ROAD TEST–Hey Bandit! Not sure if you like pics of your products in use but I wear mine!
–Sully in AZ.
Send me shots of our product in use anytime.–Bandit
TEXAS SALOON SCHEDULE– Wednesday Night-Bike NightSponsored by: Long Horn Harley Davidson & Marie Red’s Bar Arlington, Texas 76010
Every Wednesday Night
Marie Red’s Bar 3007 E. Abram Street Arlington, Texas 76010 (1/4 Mile East of Hwy 360 on Abram Street)
Live Music
Drink Specials
$1 Jello shots
$2 Hot Sex
$2 Lemon Drops
$2 Kamikazes
$2 Washington Apples
$2 Sex on the Beach
$5 Bush pitchers
$2.50 Long Neck Domestics
Door Prizes From LONGHORN HARLEY-DAVIDSON, Marie Red’s & Doug Stanley Ford-DeSoto
Plenty of Bike Parking-Never a Cover Charge Always A Party-All Bikes Welcome
Hope to C-y’all there
–Tina Marie
OFFICIAL BIKER JEWELER–Skull and Cross Bones Ring ring with white cubic zirconia. If you would like different color eyes, please contact us.
Buy now from Nino925 for $125
Frank has the capabilities to manufacture any custom jewelry you want. Check his website for a myriad of wild designs.–Bandit
BAGGER PARTS SADDLEBAG STAND– To go along with the Tour Pack last week, this particular unit is for your saddlebags. Keeps them up and safe while you clean, polish or service your bike, or, when you just don?t want them on the bike. Retailing for $124.95, this is also a bargain for the bike enthusiast.
This unit is easy to use and easy to store. Simply open the stand and set the saddlebags in place. It requires no additional hardware and requires no assembly. Compatible with H-D Street Glide, Electra Glide Standard and Classic, Ultra Classic, Road King and Road Glide.
For more information on this and other products we carry, visit www.Bikerschoice.com Happy and Safe Riding!! –Carmen 
KEYBOARD SHIPPING SPECIAL TIE-DOWN STANDS FOR MOTORCYCLES–We didn’t show you the stands Keyboard shipping devised to haul motorcycles all over the country.
They were specifically built to ship motorcycles securely, yet make them easy to move around during transit without fear of dings or dents. I’ve seen bikes strapped down with webs of tie-downs. That works fine until you need to move a bike to unload another one.
This system creates a constant barrier around each bike, plus the bikes are strapped to the containers, so they can be relocated in the shipping trailer without messing with the tie-downs.
If you need a bike shipped Keyboard is worth considering.
A Match Made in Motorcycle Heaven- Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers Partner To Create Clothing Line–MANCHESTER, CT- November 16, 2009- Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers have teamed up to become the number one purveyors of coolness. Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories and Fuller Hot Rods, the home of award-winning hot rod and motorcycle builder and designer, Bryan Fuller, have partnered to create a full line of clothing and accessories sure to top any biker’s wish list.Working overtime, the creative minds at Fuller Hot Rods and Hot Leathers have melded their individual fields of expertise and have joined forces to create a line of clothing that embodies Fuller’s motorcycle savvy and Hot Leathers’ unbeatable design and selection.
Fuller Hot Rods, the inspiration for this new line of apparel, has been building innovative and award-winning machines for over five years. Fuller’s mastery and prowess in bike-building has set him apart from other builders. He is has currently the co-host of the oldest “how-to” car show on SPEED, “Two Guys Garage” and caught the eye of Hot Leathers, who is always on the look out for design inspiration.
“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. They have provided me with great designs that I know everybody is going to love.”
In addition, Hot Leathers who is known for their unbeatable selection of motorcycle merchandise for over 25 years, has earned its place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. If you love the bold and original merchandise that has become synonymous with Hot Leathers, you’ll love the all-new designs available through their new line of Fuller clothing and accessories.
“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’re thrilled with the new line and you will be too.”
For a superior product, innovative designs and huge selection, check out the new Fuller Hot Rod line of apparel and accessories available exclusively through Hot Leathers available online January 1, 2010 at www.hotleathers.com and www.fullerhotrods.com.
–Sarah Wozniak
Rise Above Consulting
BIKERNETVILLE POST OFFICE HIRING–A guy goes to the Post Office to apply for a job.The interviewer asks him, “Are you allergic to anything?”
He replies, “Yes, caffeine.”
“Have you ever been in the military service?”
“Yes,” he says, “I was in Iraq for two years.”
The interviewer says, “That will give you 5 extra points towardemployment.” Then he asks, “Are you disabled in any way?”
The guy says, “Yes. A bomb exploded near me and I lost both of mytesticles.
The interviewer grimaces and then says, “O.K. You’ve got enoughpoints for me to hire you right now. Our normal hours are from 8:00A.M. to 4:00 P.M. You can start tomorrow at 10:00 – and plan onstarting at 10:00 A.M. every day.”
The guy is puzzled and asks, “If the work hours are from 8:00 A.M.to 4:00 P.M., why don’t you want me here until 10:00 A.M.?”
“This is a government job,” the interviewer says, “For the firsttwo hours, we just stand around drinking coffee and scratching ourballs. No point in you coming in for that.”
–from Rik Savenko
HOW THEY DO IT IN KENTUCKY–Hey Bandit, See if you would like more pictures of what I built here in good ol’ KY.
–Huston bogle
Custom Chrome Showcases Fulk?s latest ‘La Muerta Negra’ creation featuring products from the ?09 Summer Update– MORGAN HILL, CA ? Date: 11-188-2009Fast, Black and Furious is the best way to describe this 2009 FXD-I. After years of building and riding, Rich Fulk, Custom Chrome’s Product Line Manager, decided it was time to build a bike where form, function, and style merged. First there were a few criteria that had to be met. It had to be fast. It had to have that aggressive look. And last, it couldn’t be a ‘Bagger’!
We think with ‘La Muerta Negra’, Fulk has met his goal. And with the help of an S&S 106″ kit, some Zippers cams and Thundermax ECM the fast part was taken care of. Then the Revolution ‘King Knurl’ accessories gave it just the aggressive edge it needed while the RevTech Midnight Series wheels finished it off. This is just another example of what a little vision and a Custom Chrome catalog can do!
Go to www.customchrome.com to view the entire Custom Chrome catalog and summer update for these and other industry leading products for your next project.
Royal Enfield Brings The Classic Home–The Royal Enfield 500 Classic and 350 Classic are established in the North American and European Markets since 2008. Now the motorcycle manufacturer brought the two retro models, inspired by the legendary 1950s J2, home to India.
While this seems an unusual strategy for Royal Enfield, most of the development and design of the Classic 500 and 350 has actually been done in Europe. The engine and powertrain design of the Classic 500 have been validated by Dr McGuigan of Cranfield University, and Ricardo in the UK. The design team has been in collaboration with Xenophya Design, also in the UK, right from the concept stage.
The chassis engineering was designed with Vepro, UK, Engines Engineering, Italy and the fuel injection system is from Keihin, Japan. Just to suit the Indian emission norms, the final validation of the complete vehicle was carried out by ARAI in Pune.
– – C.S. Berg
Wimmer Custom Cycle Introduces Old School Style S&S Replacement Air Cleaner–Myrtle Beach, SC- The latest introduction to the ever-growing line of quality intakes and air cleaners from Wimmer Custom Cycle is this totally old school look air cleaner with new school performance. Simply remove the teardrop cover and place filter adapter and new oversized filter in along with the new cover and make an amazing transformation to your bike. This CNC machined billet intake fits all S&S carburetors and is available in several finishes?satin and wrinkle black along with satin nickel. You can mix and match to achieve your desired look. The ?lifetime? filter is easy to service and rain protection is available. MSRP starting at $225.00
When it comes to aftermarket intakes, Wimmer Custom Cycle continually outperforms its competition. For over a decade, Wimmer has stayed on the cutting edge of technology, producing some of the best intakes on the market. Top custom bike builders and award winning bikes from around the globe use Wimmer intakes. All Wimmer products are proudly made in the USA.
For further information on intakes, please contact Wimmer Custom Cycle directly at 1-866-Hot Cycle (1-866-468-2925) and 215-721-4160. You can also view their complete product line at www.wimmermachine.com or drop them an email at info@wimmermachine.com. Wimmer Custom Cycle, 11670 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Dealer inquiries invited!
BIKERNET METRIC BLOG REBUILT BY NEW MASTER–Another new member of the Bikernet team, Trent Reker, the mad computer scientist Texas rider, took over the BikernetMetric area, and redesigned the blog.
http://bikernetmetricnews.blogspot.com
He’s a metric bike rider, a parts designer and a web master. Plus, he can write and edit copy, and is proof reading Bandit’s latest novel, soon to head to the printers. Hang on for update and growth from the metric side.
“Tonight I spent a lot of time not only writing (three posts), but completely re-designing the site,” said Trent, “while adding a handful of functionalities that will keep people on the blog longer and make it easier for them to use.”
BARTELS’ TEAM HOG WILD RACING, Meets the Ultimate Challenge–Team Hog Wild Racing is a world class off-road sidecar racing team. Competing on a beautifully prepared custom Harley-Davidson V-Rod powered sidecar not only attracts a lot of attention, but it puts Scott Whitney and Joe “Hauler” Desrosiers in a category all their own in the off-road world.
Their objective is to do what’s never been done before; take a Harley through the tortuous Sahara desert in Africa, all the way to the finish in the prestigious Dakar Rally. Many say a sidecar can’t make it through the grueling Dakar, the toughest race on Earth. But they clearly don’t know the excellence of their custom built sidecar, the V-Rod motor, and the skill and determination of Scott and Joe. It is indeed a huge challenge, but that’s what motivates them the most.
Between Scott and Joe, they have well over a hundred race wins, including two Score Baja 250 Pro (class 21) championships, two Baja 1000 class 21 wins, several record setting wins at the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb, two stage wins in the sidecar category in Dakar 2006, several motocross National Championships, and more. Their dedication to the task, and proven off-road racing skills position them well to achieve their racing goals.
Cycle Source Indian Larry Commemorative Issue News– With the recent announcement of their Indian Larry Commemorative Issue, Cycle Source staffers are working overtime to make sure that you will get extraordinary content in that offering. The latest effort to these ends are one, in the way of a weekend excursion, where they will be in New York city at Indian Larry Motorcycles conducting video interviews and shooting extra images for the issue. If anyone is interested in participating in this, just drop them a line atsourceeditor@comcast.net .They will be in town Friday 11/20 through Monday 11/22, so try and stop by if you can. For directions go towww.indianlarry.com
The second piece of news in this undertaking is the addition of rare, never seen before, photography by artist and ?Art of the Chopper? author, Tom Zimberoff. Tom has signed on to provide additional imagery for the special issue and the work is unbelievable. It is a super huge honor for the staff at Cycle Source to be able to work with him in this capacity. For more information on Tom?s Work go towww.artofthechopper.com
The Indian Larry Issue, ?Five Long Years? will be packed full of special content that has for the most part never been seen before. Their will be commentary from people out of Larry?s past that haven?t been heard from, stories of his life that haven?t been shared and additional industry insights into the man they called the Chopper Shaman. This issue will become available at the beginning of 2010 through an exclusive national deal with Barnes & Nobel stores and through a regional south deal with Books A Million. For more information on advertising in this issue or for advanced copy sales go towww.cyclesource.com
–Chris Callen
Editor In Chief
The Cycle Source Magazine
“On The Road”
sourceeditor@comcast.net
Continued On Page 4
November 19, 2009 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
Greetings to all of our California Big Dog Motorcycles owners and riders!–“Gene Simmons Family Jewels”, a television program on the A&E channel starring Gene Simmons, movie star and member of the rock band KISS, and his family, will be filming an episode in southern California on Thursday, November 19, 2009. We cannot release all of the details at this time, however participation from Big Dog Motorcycles owners and their bikes has been requested.
–John Nasi
Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
MARK YOUR CALENDAR, KUSTOM KULTURE PINSTRIPING DOPE–KRB–mark it on yer calendar– 10a.m.–4 p.m. Kustom Kulture @ Coast Airbrush , 401 N. Anaheim Blvd. @ Club Ember food, cars, bikes, airbrush, pinstripin’… these guys are dope! I saw their work at the Art & Ink Conv [ Ex-Inksligers] . Interested??
–M.
ORIGINAL COPY OF IRON HORSE DISCOVERED–Bandit you ever read “Iron Horse” back in the ’80s? I see the Publishers were Lou Kimzley, Joe Teresi and Mil Blair. I know….. I know, you were with Easyriders and I was reading it too. But…… here I was supposed to be welding up some parts to go to powder-coaters….. and well I just started goofing off.
I Started looking for something (I can’t remember) in my pile of old bike magazines and came across this old “Iron Horse” (pictured). There was a guy penning a regular (High Gear) by the name of “Dismal Dan”. Shit he was one funny dude! I have attached one of my favorites from him……. What ever happened to him?
Ah, Dismal Dan, or Tex to the staff. He was one of the most talented, yet down, depressed guys we ever met. He could do anything better than the rest of us, but couldn’t do anything, because of himself. Funny guy. Don’t know if he’s still alive or still drunk.–Bandit
FANTASTIC CUSTOM LEATHER BY CARRIE BASHAM– Carrie visited the Bikernet Headquarters last weekend during the No Love extravaganza (see the report on the home page). Sin Wu talked me into buying a super-cool, hand made leather vest from Carrie’s stash. She’ll make anything you need, to fit, by hand. Hell, all the girls riding with her wore her tightly fitted leather apparel including jackets, vests and chaps.
A BANDIT SEA STORY– A man was washed up on a beach after a shipwreck. Only a sheep and a sheepdog were washed up with him. After looking around, he realized that they were stranded on a deserted island. After being there awhile, he got into the habit of taking his two animal companions to the beach every evening to watch the sunset.
One particular evening, the sky was a fiery red with beautiful cirrus clouds, the breeze was warm and gentle – a perfect night for romance. As they sat there, the sheep started looking better and better to the lonely man. Soon, he leaned over to the sheep and put his arm around it. But the sheepdog, ever protective of the sheep, growled fiercely until the man took his arm from around the sheep. After that, the three of them continued to enjoy the sunsets together, but there was no more cuddling.
A few weeks passed by, and lo and behold, there was another shipwreck. The only survivor was Nancy Pelosi. That evening, the man brought Nancy to the evening beach ritual. It was another beautiful evening – red sky, cirrus clouds, a warm and gentle breeze – perfect for a night of romance.
Soon, the man started to get ‘those feelings’ again. He fought the urges as long as he could but he finally gave in and leaned over to Nancy and told her he hadn’t had sex for months. Nancy batted her eyelashes and asked if there was anything she could do for him, and he said, ‘Yeah, take the dog for a walk’
–from James Schnarr
ILLUSION HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE– We have the Illusion motors here at the shop and one Illusion motor in a bike here if you want to check it out. I have the engine stand here with 3 motors on it for display. One is an Evo, one is a Shovelhead and one is a Panhead.
Also, we are hosting an open house and customer appreciation day here at the shop Sunday, Nov 29th from 10am-4pm.
First U.S. marijuana cafe opens for business in Portland– Cancel your flight to Amsterdam ? the U.S. just got its first marijuana cafe on Friday. Located in Portland, Ore., the Cannabis Cafe shows how attitudes have changed since the Obama administration moved into the White House. A month ago, President Barack Obama told federal attorneys to ease off medical marijuana prosecutions.
The widening use of medicinal marijuana has forced governments into a tenuous legal balancing act, according to a Reuters report Madeline Martinez, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws “Our plans go beyond serving food and marijuana,” Martinez continues. “We hope to have classes, seminars, even a Cannabis Community College, based here to help people learn about growing and other uses for cannabis.” The Food is For Sale, but the Pot is Free The Cannabis Cafe’s new home is a two-story building with an interesting past. Once upon a time, it was occupied by a speakeasy, and later, an adult entertainment club called Rumpspankers. The Cannabis Cafe is a private club, but any Oregon resident who is a member of NORML and has an official medical marijuana card can gain entry. Members pay $25 a month for use of the cafe, which has a capacity of 100. The product offered is not sold. Rather, it’s provided free over the counter from the “budtenders” employed by the establishment. Food, of course, is available for purchase, but the club doesn’t have a liquor license. (Why bother?) The potential market for the Cannabis Cafe is small, but likely committed. Approximately 21,000 patients are registered to use medical marijuana in Oregon, with doctors prescribing the drug for a wide range of illnesses, among them Alzheimer’s, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Tourette’s syndrome. Eric Solomon, the proprietor, says he still just runs a coffee shop and events venue, as he did before he converted it to the current format, but he says, “now it will be cannabis-themed.” Film festivals and dances are expected for the second floor ballroom, not to mentioned marijuana-themed weddings. Neighboring businesses have mixed feelings about the new cafe, but they are hopeful that it will benefit them, too. David Bell, who works at a nearby boutique, is “withholding judgment.” He notes, “There’s no precedent for it. We don’t know what to expect. But it would great if it brought some customers into our store.” –Tom Johansmeyer –from Rogue
WEATHER REPORT FROM SOUTH FLORIDA–see what you?se guys are missing by not living in SOFLA,unreal huh
–Geno
BANDIT TO BE TAPED FOR OPEN ROAD RADIO LATER TODAY, WATCH OUT– Open Road Radio presented by National Cycle cruises the airwaves Thursdays 6-8pm CDT on www.powerupchannel.com Call in at (877) 778-8987 to comment or question us. Open Road Radio debates the ever changing face and demeanor of the motorcycle rider. What is the stereo typical perspective for today?s two‐wheeled riders?
Open Road Radio interviews the Sons of Anarchy discussing how they portray the motorcycle lifestyle.
Dozer National VP of the FUGARWE TRIBE raps about the reality of the motorcycle club lifestyle.
Iron Works Magazine hosts the newly debuted segment ?Motorcycle News & Reviews?
?Biker Billy Cooks With Fire? and presents his best recipes
?Wildman? Callen presents ?Generation Next? the latest on the new breed of riders. And Amanda Richardson ?Two Wheel Rides, Runs, and Rallies? powered by Motorcycle Events Association.
Call us at (877) 778-8987 Toll Free. Go to www.openroadradio.com.
Big Bear Choppers introducing the under 20k Bear Bones to its 2010 lineup– BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA (November 13 2009) Big Bear Choppers (BBC) The manufacturer on the Mountain is going back to its roots, ?A Chicken in every pot, A Chopper in every driveway,? by answering the call for a high quality no nonsense motorcycle with the same top quality components you expect from Big Bear Choppers at an amazing $19,500 price tag with the addition of the new Bear Bones to its 2010 lineup. Now available worldwide the Bear Bones was first introduced at European Bike week in FAAK A SEE Austria in September.
The flat black sets the tone on this aggressively styled chopper with a hardcore edge that is keeping with tradition by including the same top quality components you have come to expect from Big Bear Choppers. The S&S 100 inch motor is here, as well as Baker 6 speed overdrive raw transmission with polished covers making sure the gas from the14 guage steel 3.5 gallon custom designed fuel tank makes it to all the right places. Progressive softail suspension helps support the steel 12 guage fender that covers the 18×250 rear tire. The 1 inch rear axle along with the chain drive and heavy duty clutch complete this strong drive train for the guy who wants to lay rubber.
BBC premium machined raw billet triple trees and BBC billet lower legs along with Performance Machine brakes and calipers are all standard on this Bear.
?This is a serious rider?s ride? commented Kevin Alsop CEO and President of Big Bear Choppers ?This Bike is built around the drop seat configuration for a low center of gravity adding stability at high speeds. This bike is comfortable,reliable and built for the customer who doesn?t want to worry about chrome or paint, Its Hard core it?s the real deal, just maintain and ride!?.
?This new bike represents what our focus is for the 2010 lineup, top quality, low price? commented Mona Alsop Vice President of BBC ?People are ready to start having fun again, this Bear Bones bike will help them do just that? The goal of BBC is to drive this market forward and deliver a product line to their dealers that is not only sellable in the market of today, but will be in high demand by the new demographic of consumer for the future. Just wait and see what’s next from Big Bear Choppers.,
Complete specifications are available at www.bigbearchoppers.com or at any authorized Big Bear Choppers dealer.
Viper V10 Motorcycle Coming To Birmingham NEC Bike Show–Move over, Boss Hoss: Fresh from hitting over 207mph on its first ever speed test, Allen Millyard?s 500bhp Viper V10 motorcycle will make its first public appearance at the Birmingham NEC Bike Show from November 27 to December 6. That is the original Birmingham, over in England, NOT the Birmingham in Alabama.
Allen, a mechanical engineer, hand-built this mad machine over a period of more than two years without drawings, computers or help from others. With a mighty eight liter Dodge Viper V10 engine as the guts, this thing puts out 500 bhp and 525ft-lb of torque. As if that wasn’t enough of an achievement, Allen is now aiming to break the world land speed record. ?The mass for the power I?ve got, and the aerodynamics, put the theoretical maximum speed at 280mph but my tyres would restrict that, he says. ?The world land speed record for an unfaired motorcycle is 252mph on Bonneville Salt Flats. We?re going to try and beat that next spring, in the UK, at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground.?
While Allen himself has taken the bike to a speed of 195mph, at a recent run by a professional speed tester, the bike made it to 207mph with a straight acceleration curve, pulling 2G force, and not busting the tires. But it is not just a tool for the proving grounds: The bike has already accumulated almost 1,000 miles on regular roads. Believe it or not: The Viper is fully street-legal in the UK, having secured Department of Transport Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval with flying colors, paving the way for it to go into production. ?I want to build a pre-production prototype and get some drawings done. So far everything?s been done from images in my head and built from what I had around and could afford. When that?s done I can see very limited production of maybe ten bikes, handmade to individual specifications.?
Weighing in at over 630kg (1.390 lbs), the nine foot long bike is sure as hell no streetfighter. ?It weighs half a ton but it?s built in proportion,? explains Allen. ?It?s got massive 20in wheels with a 280 tyre on the back and a 190 on the front so it?s well balanced.?
The bike will be on display at the Carole Nash stand (2C20) at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle Show, Birmingham NEC, November 27 to December 6th – and don’t get too distracted by the girls at the show.
– – C.S. Berg
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED AT PETERSEN MUSEUM AUCTION– Went to the Petersen auction. I skipped the first few hours of McQueen memorabilia, stayed for the bikes and cars.This was a real case of “If Rust You Must and All that Glitters” –
A few nice bikes…an Vincent went for 80K. Whalen’s H-D went up to 135,000 but he didn’ttake it. There was about 20 rust buckets someone dragged in from their father’s garage and a few cool cars.
Lot of stuff went overseas as euro was kicking the dollar’s ass. Naturally I took a bunch of photos. Leno was there, looking a bit haggard. Small crowd otherwise, if “crowd” was the word. Some halfway good deals.
–PG
TEASER FROM LUCK DEVIL METAL WORKS–At some point I’ll send you some more shots of the projects I have been working on. I still don’t have the camera and computer playin’ well together, It’s on the list but unfortunately it’s still not at the top. . . . .
–Kent
BIKERNET TO BE AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE 2010 BUBS INTERNATIONAL BONNEVILLE SPEED TRIALS?It’s official. Bikernet will bring you all the reports from now until September, when the 5-Ball Racing team will head back to the Bonneville salt flats for all the action.
Hang on as we attempt to build a 45 cubic inch streamliner. Here’s a historic version wrapped around an Indian Scout.
–Wrench
Dubbed the ?Showdown at SEMA,? Team Fel-Pro needed just 44:22 minutes to take apart and reassemble a high-performance Chevy 350 engine in the championship round, besting Team MSD?s 56:54.
Hailing from the Elkhart Area Career Center (Elkhart, Indiana), each member of Team MSD was awarded individual $7,500 scholarships.
To qualify for the championship round, Team Fel-Pro and Team MSD eliminated teams Hedman Hedders, from Loara HighSchool (Anaheim, California), and Team Edelbrock, from Van Buren Tech Center (Lawrence, Michigan), respectively.
The Ohio Technical College and the University of Northwestern Ohio each donated $125,000 toward scholarships to the high school students who participated in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National Championship.
A total $250,000 in scholarships were awarded to the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finalists.
For more information on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.
Continued On Page 3
November 19, 2009 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
Life is nuts. Just when the economy hits bottom we decide to spend thousands on restructuring Bikernet. What the hell? I had a meeting with the SEMA VP of councils, and we’re planning a meeting at the Bikernet Headquarters in December. We are still investigating a motorcycle committee under the umbrella of SEMA, the automotive aftermarket organization. In a sense they are the NRA for the Hot Rod world.
We are a minute market compared to the automotive side, so I believe they can add to our legislative punch, to keep our industry free. They fight many similar automotive battles. We’ll see. I also think this open our little niche market to the guys on the 4-wheel side and could reach out of the box for additional customers for our struggling industry. What the hell, ya gotta give this lifestyle our best shot.
It’s up to the bros to decide, I’ll keep you posted. Each Thursday rolls around like a weekly dust devil threatening to become a serious hurricane. Every Thursday morning I grab a cup of coffee and storm to my desk in our Bikernet Tech Lab (or the shop). I pray for uninterrupted focus on the news. Each week throws a new and exciting jalapeno into the mix. The computers act up, the internet shuts down, we face an abrupt power-outage or Sin Wu demands sex. Stop the presses. Today was no different.
Anyway, we’ll cover some of the issues in the news, while I scramble through the news and eat my chicken, cactus, and avocado burrito, because Sin refused to cook breakfast. Something to do with hormones. Let’s hit it.
ROLLIN SIXES/BIKERNET ANNUAL XMAS T-SHIRT DRIVE FOR THE TROOPS NEWS– Hey guys just giving a short update on the T-shirts for Troops drive. The down economy is apparent in every daily chore these days and our T-shirt drive is no exception, but thanks to the great guys and gals that help by getting involved and working almost constantly on this project we are still looking at having about 1,000 shirts as of now to get wrapped and sent out.
Keep in mind that’s just shirts, that doesn’t include the stickers, keychains, goodies, and CDs rolling in. I am very pleased to say that the Ft Myers Beach Lions not only donated about 200 shirts after they invited me to one of their dinner functions as a guest speaker to talk about T-shirts for Troops, they even stepped up further and donated a generous donation to also cover the shipping of their shirts!
I would also like to say thanks to the guys who put on Viva Las Vegas for sending a few shirts and about 100 CD’s. These are by far not the only donation we have received, but possibly the largest so far! I would also like to take a moment to let everyone know we are posting 2 items on ebay for auction, all the proceeds from which will help cover the shipping and printing costs we incur in doing this effort.
As always we will be producing a Christmas card with names of all who donated to our annual cause that will be wrapped with every shirt. A little bit more about those Auction items they will be up as 10 day auctions the first of which is a handmade American Flag quilt made by a good friend of the family just for this cause the other is a Harley Davidson Cuckoo clock both are high quality pieces and whomever wins either item will be very pleased!
Both items will be posted tomorrow and I will have item numbers and pictures once they are posted good luck and happy bidding! Don’t forget there is still time to ship your shirts or other donations. Any items should be recieved by Nov. 30 to insure it included with this years mailing if it makes it a little late no problem we will put it aside for next year or send out a late package.
please send all donations to:
T-shirts for Troops
311 Aviation Parkway
Cape Coral, Fl 33914
All checks and money orders please make payable to: Rollin Sixes Choppers No Apologies Kindness
BIKERNET WORD OF THE WEEK–stentorian sten-TOR-ee-uhn, adjective:Extremely loud.
Around his family, Sergeant Charles Mingus Sr. was easily angered and often violent and closemouthed the rest of the time, except when he gave orders in a stentorian voice that carried the assumption of command.
— Gene Santoro, Myself When I Am Real
He broke the tradition of stentorian tenors, whose big voices and melodramatic high notes were needed to fill the concert halls and vaudeville houses.
— Richard Corliss, “The Book on Bing Crosby”, Time, May 17, 2001
Then a stentorian voice blared an all-points bulletin: “Calling the G-men! Calling all Americans to war on the underworld!”
— Strobe Talbott, “Resisting the Gangbusters Option”, Time, October 15, 1990
The bearded, often curmudgeonly Knoller can be found in the press filing center on most every presidential trip, his stentorian voice booming out 35-second takes for radio — as many as 20 a day — and shaping the day’s news for dozens of journalists who can’t help but hear him.
— Dana Milbank, “Bush by the Numbers, as Told by a Diligent Scorekeeper”, Washington Post, September 3, 2002
Stentorian comes from Stentor, a Greek herald in the Trojan War. According to Homer’s Iliad, his voice was as loud as that of fifty men combined.
JIMS Tools for next week, from K&G CYCLES–JIMS Universal Bearing PackerThis is an indispensable tool for around the shop. There is no way you can pack a bearing by hand as fast, or as well, as this little gem. Just put the bearing between the cones, hook up your grease gun, and start squeezing. Perfectly packed bearing every time.
JIMS Final Drive Locking Tool
Use this dude to lock final drive sprocket while you are wrenching on a mainshaft nut or whatever. It works a damn site better than a 2 x 4 and its indestructible. Use on all Shovel or EVO 1980-1999 Belt Driven. Use on Twin Cam? 1999-05 FXD, 1999-06 FL, and 2000-06 FXST. It even works on aftermarket 5 or 6-speeds.
BENEFITS FROM NEW K&G SITE REBUILD– The new K and G Cycles website is just too big to cover all in one big story. We covered the whole shooting match in one big story last week but now it’s time to get down to some of the details. In the next few weeks, we are going to get you all the details one cool feature at a time.
One of the coolest new things you’ll find on the new web site is the K and G Cycles Forum. This is for all of you — our customers — to sound off, join in, find an answer to a question, buy some used parts, or some some of your own. All of that, and more, is yours in the Forum.
Kyle has started a forum devoted specifically to Women and Motorcycling. Her first post is focused on getting started learning to ride. She already has several more threads planned based on her experiences. Come check it out and join in a chat with her.
George has started several of his own, too. His big passion, other than Kyle, of course, is Antique and Vintage Restoration. Come start a thread and get in the game. This is where all of the restoration questions get asked and answered.
Another current topic is the new website itself. K and G wants you to let them know what you think. Look it over and give them feedback on what is just right and what needs some work. If you have an idea for a new feature, let them know and they’ll likely launch it. It will also likely result in some cash to spend at K and G Cycles!
OK, enough about the forum for now. Go to www.kandgcycles.com and check out the new forum. Drop a line in the forum and someone will answer you. You never know who’ll you’ll meet.
Harley-Davidson at the IMS SHOWS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY–The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) kicks off its 29th season in Dallas. Harley-Davidson will have a presence at each show and will have product communication staff to assist media at both the Long Beach and New York City shows.
International Motorcycle Show Schedule
Location
Dates
Dallas, Texas
Nov. 13 ? 15, 2009
San Mateo, Calif.
Nov. 20 ? 22, 2009
Long Beach, Calif.
Dec. 4 ? 6, 2009
Seattle, Wash.
Dec. 11 ? 13, 2009
Novi, Mich.
Jan. 1 ? 3, 2010
Greenville, S.C.
Jan. 8 ? 10, 2010
Washington, D.C.
Jan. 15 ? 17, 2010
New York, N.Y.
Jan. 22 ? 24, 2010
Cleveland, Ohio
Jan. 29 ? 31, 2010
Minneapolis, Minn.
Feb. 5 ? 7, 2010
Chicago, Ill.
Feb. 19 ? 21, 2010
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Web site features a wealth of information including news, product information, interactive video clips and in depth coverage of the shows across the country. For more information on any of the IMS shows, visit www.motorcycleshows.com.
RE: Honor Among Soldiers -By Joseph L. Galloway– I am surprised, honored, and humbled that you choose this picture to augment your piece.
I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness. For me it is a validation of what am I doing to promote what “WE” stand for. This class of motorcycle (Harley, Indian, etc.) is America. The [Veteran] Soldier is what represents the strength and ideals of America. And on Veterans Day, your photo represents patriotic America.
The bike is ’41, 741 Indian Army motorcycle, the uniform is WWII Warrant Officer, and the individual is myself, a Senior Warrant Officer (CW-4), U.S. Army, Transportation Corps, Senior Chief Engineer, of 37 years.
Gratefully appreciative,
CW4r James E. Bundgaard
WE TURN ANOTHER PAGE IN THE UNCLE MONKEY DOCTRINE–Live hard and die young. For many of us it is a philosophy that we fully embraced. Life was meant to be lived and we lived it to its fullest. No temptation left undone, no road unridden. Forty and heaven forbid fifty were far off distant things. That was ancient, it was left for those that sat on the sidelines and didn?t get in the game.
We trudged through life until one day we wake up to a worn and haggard face in the mirror. Our forties and now our fifties are behind us in the rear view mirror. We are left muttering that if we had know we would have lived this long we would have taken better care of our bodies. Our bodies are beaten and broken from a hard life that we have lived to the fullest.
As I laid another friend to rest, I look back on my life and all that I have accomplished. A beautiful wife, two wonderful kids, and a sassy granddaughter who keeps this ?papa? on his toes. I have been on top of the world and I?ve been at the bottom wondering which way to turn. What were once gatherings for parties became weekends for weddings have now become gatherings for funerals.
It is said life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. I write this still waiting for my forties to come knocking at the door. For most of us decades, have clicked off faster then the years. We have seen technology come and go and change the way we live our lives. While it would be simple for us to take a knee and head to the locker room to live for another day, it is today that will define the rest of lives. We may have to watch what we eat and put our bravado to the side for a moment but that does not mean we have to stop embracing life, stop tasting the variety that life has to offer.
Life is to be celebrated, cherished and enjoyed. We don?t know what life has in store for us and for our friends, so take the time to stop in and say hello to a friend, to lay rest to family squabble and let bygones be bygones, to travel those distant roads. In the end live happy and die fulfilled.
-bad Uncle Monkey
![SSK_WebAd1 [800x600]](http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID50321.jpg)
A NEW SHOP and a NEW BASE MODEL all in one week!– NEW BASE MODEL FOR 2010 – THE VALIANT EVOLUTION Comes Standard with:S&S 113″ – S&S Super G Carb – Baker 6 Speed Transmission – Tauer Machine Primary – Kraft Tech Frame – Dragon Springer by American Suspension – Ride Wright Wheels – White Wall Tires – Custom Exhaust – Custom Seat. Starting at a modest $29,995.00(watch for more pictures to be loaded shortly)
Designed by Custom Eyes Concepts and built by South Side Kustoms
South Side Kustoms
596 Michigan Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14203
1-716-823-6279
1-800-675-3191
www.south-side-kustoms.com
Jason McCudden~OWNER
info@south-side-kustoms.com
Jeff is the Grand Prize winner of the 2009 Wheels Through Time Museum Raffle!– This past Saturday, November 14, 2009, thousands gathered at the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC for the museum’s seventh annual motorcycle raffle Held during the annual Haywood County Toy Run, put on by the local Blue Ridge Thunder Motorcycle Club, this year’s drawing drew one of the largest crowds since the museum’s opening in 2002.
With sunny skies and countless eager toy runners and raffle entrants, the atmosphere was perfect for giving away the beautiful 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead to one lucky winner.
Just before 3:00 p.m., museum curator and founder, Dale Walksler, stepped to the podium to let everyone know the moment had arrived. A random visitor from the crowd was chosen to draw the winning ticket, and as she approached the drum full of tickets, the crowd fell silent.
The winner was Jeff Kunz from St. Louis, MO. Jeff had visited Western North Carolina in August with a friend. Staying in Maggie Valley, Jeff and his friend decided to rent a few motorcycles from Gryphon Bikes, the local motorcycle rental shop to take in a bit of the mountains. Upon leaving the rental shop, owner Ken Brown, a long time museum friend and supporter, told them about the Wheels Through Time Museum.
The two decided to make an afternoon out of it……a choice that Jeff wouldn’t regret.After a great visit at the museum, Jeff decided to take a chance on the museum’s raffle. After buying one ticket, they went on their way….and the rest is history.
The 2009 Grand Prize was a genuine 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead beautifully restored in the Wheels Through Time Restoration Shop. Held since November of 2002, the WTT Raffle has featured such machines as a 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH, a 1951 H-D custom Panhead, a 1940 Harley Knucklehead and more. Winners have emerged from Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and this year, St. Louis, MO.
As for next year’s raffle, the museum has already completed another 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead to be given away next November. “Although the same year as the 2009 machine, we feel this is one of our best raffle bikes yet,” said museum curator Dale Walksler. The bike has many great period and original features, including leather saddlebags, special Hanson Sportshield roll-up windshield, plenty of chrome, and an awesome “period” red and black scalloped paint scheme.
To order tickets, visit the museum’s website at www.WheelsThroughTime.com.
KING OF THE RAT BIKES, PROOF SHOVELS WILL NEVER DIE– It is now 2009 and I have been riding the same Shovelhead rat bike for over 34 years. You presented a Shovelhead class trophy to me in Vacaville, Calif at an ER bike show back in ’92 or ’93.
I have logged over 600,000 miles and still counting with the same bike (18 or so different Shovel rebuilds, a couple of trannys and etc…..). I have ridden to Washington DC the last 4 years in a row, joining the National Veterans Awareness Ride, to honor Veterans (the northern version of the RTW).
I still live in Roseburg Oregon and have been putting my last few years of riding adventures on my web site at www.ratbikemilo.com . Milwaukee Wisconsin saw me and the rat bike for the 100th, and the 105th as well. I hope you have time to look at the web site and smile at some of my adventures.
–Rat Bike Milo Anderson
Hector Arana On Buell Wins First Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA Championship–When Pro Stock rider Hector Arana won his first NHRA national event after 19 years in Norwalk, Ohio, the Puerto Rican native thought it couldn’t get any better. Well, it did: In Pomona, California, last Sunday, 51-year old Hector clinched his first Full Throttle Championship on his Lucas Oil Buell.
Hector gives credit for a great portion of his success to Pro Stock racer Larry Morgan’s engine shop in Newark, Ohio. Morgan is his teammate under the Lucas Oil umbrella and he had offered to look over and modify the power plants. Morgan was able to make some modifications that paid immediate dividends.
“Larry Morgan, he is one of the blessings I have,” Hector says. “He wanted to see the cylinder head and see what he could do for me. He looked over it, he worked on it, and he said, ‘You’re going to be in good shape; you’re going to do it.’ He is a big part of this. When he gave me more performance, my confidence was higher, and that was one less thing to worry about. To have the horsepower to run those awesome numbers was great. Those bonus points I collected by qualifying No. 1 added up for me to be here and win this championship. Larry did his job, he did it all.”
With these modifications, Hector’s results improved dramatically at every national event that followed. Wins in Brainerd, MN, and Indianapolis lifted him to third, qualifying first at four of the final five races and racking up two more victories in three final-round showings. Krawiec and Hines were the closest runner-ups, with Krawiec ending up second with two points difference, and Hines on third.- – C.S. Berg
WIRE PLUS Announces Pre-Christmas Special On-Line Pricing– Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Power Sports Electronics announced today that they are offering all of their dealers and consumers an additional 10% off their earned discount on all their products now through January 31, 2010. Now through 1/31/10, you can order any product on-line and if you mention the promo code ?NEWWEB?, you?ll receive a 10% discount and free shipping on all Wire Plus products? Dealers and consumers ordering Smooth or Diamond Cut Power Ports will earn another 10% off for a total of 20% off normal pricing on these above-mentioned styles of Power Ports
?This is a great promotion for our dealers to make some extra money during the slow time of the year?, stated Rick Marler, President of Wire Plus. Dealers can make a much better profit margin during this winter special, as well as make additional dollars simply by installing them on customer?s bikes. Installation only takes a few minutes, but dealers can charge customers up to an hour for labor. All that?s necessary is to connect two wires to the battery and attach the unit directly on the horn bolt or to any other location with one bolt mounting.
The ?Smooth? single Power Port is available in a luxurious chrome finish as well as a black powder coated finish. Their ?Diamond Cut? single Power Port is only available in a chrome finish. Now you can power your cell phone, heated vest, air compressor, cigarette lighter, GPS device or any electrical device up to 15 amps, anytime you ride. Get rid of dangling wires and connect a battery charger through the port when you?re not riding. You can actually maintain and charge your battery through this port.
All Power Ports can be installed in minutes by connecting two wires to your battery and attaching the unit directly on the horn bolt or to any other location with one bolt mounting. These small compact Power Ports are constructed from billet aluminum and are manufactured right here in the USA. With Power Ports from Wire Plus, you will always have immediate power right at your fingertips every time you ride ?Anywhere! MSRP: $99.95.
Call Don Bromlow, National Sales Director for more information regarding this special winter discount promotion. For those interested in buying a Power Port direct from Wire Plus, please call (620) 221-2417 (Major credit cards accepted) Check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.
Continued On Page 2
November 12, 2009 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
EDSEL DEAL OF THE WEEK–So I decided to sell my 1960 Edsel ranger 2 door sedan. It’s 1 of only 777 ever made. I purchased it from a collector & find I just dont have time & opportunity for it. I have the paperwork for it but the tags are not at the moment up to date.
It was a barn find when I got it, all orig and still is. I got it started, but of course after sitting for many yrs in a storage it needs an update on fluids, wires ect. I’m thinking $4500 is my price ….. Call me if you?re interested… Serious inquires only please, it?s located in central coast/ valley calif.
–Joe
661-623-5463
Good Morning America Shoot on Motorcycling the Mountains To Air This Sunday!–This past Monday, November 9, 2009, Good Morning America weekend anchor, Bill Weir, made his way to the mountains of Western North Carolina to ride the famed “Dragon” aboard the new Indian motorcycle for a 6 minute segment for one of America’s number one morning news and talk shows. Focusing on Western North Carolina as one of the premier motorcycle destinations in the country, the segment will air during Good Morning America’s weekend broadcast on Sunday, November 15.
“The Dragon”, a stretch of U.S. Highway 129 from North Carolina to Tennessee which contains over 318 curves in 11 miles, is renowned as one of the area’s premier motorcycling roads and plays host to hundreds of thousands of riders annually. During the segment, Weir met with several representatives from the new Indian Motorcycle Company, and took a ride on the challenging stretch of Hwy 129 aboard the newest incarnation of America’s first motorcycle brand. Located in Kings Mountain, NC, the Indian Motorcycle Company is the newest of few America motorcycle companies and has been developing the re-emergence of the brand since 2005.
Wheels Through Time Museum curator, Dale Walksler, of Maggie Valley, NC was also along for the shoot, to highlight a bit of history on the Indian Motorcycle, and to join the ride aboard one of the museum’s 300+ vintage motorcycles. “It was an honor to play a role in this weeks Good Morning America shoot,” said Walksler. “Anything that we can do to bring more tourism to the mountains is a win for everyone, and GMA choosing to highlight motorcycle tourism brings some of our area’s best offerings to one of our largest demographics.”
For more information on Good Morning America’s shoot at “The Dragon”, visit the museum’s website at www.WheelsThroughTime.com.
Now Its Official: Santa Monica Pier Designated Western Point Of Route 66–It seems we knew that all along, but finally, after 83 years, the Santa Monica Pier was officially designated the official Western Terminus of Route 66 this Wednesday in a ceremony at the Southern California landmark, where a replica of the once lost ?End of the Trail? sign was unveiled by local dignitaries and civic officials.
The ceremony was preceded by a processional motorcade of 66 vintage cars and motorbikes that drove the final western tip of the highway, beginning at Santa Monica Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd. and ending on the Santa Monica Pier.
The official designation of the Santa Monica Pier as the West Coast?s end to Route 66 during the Pier?s centennial year was developed in partnership with the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, Route 66 Alliance, 66 to Cali Inc. and the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation to acknowledge a commonly held public perception that the pier was the end of the historic roadway, although never officially recognized.
?This Veterans Day marks the 83rd anniversary of Route 66, and we are proud to on this day unite the nation once again from Illinois to California by commemorating the national link the ?Main Street of America? delivered so many years ago,? said Jim Conkle, chair of the Route 66 Alliance, ?We believe that unveiling this sign at the iconic Santa Monica Pier today will resonate deeply with those across the country who are passionate about the roadway?s enduring legacy.?
The sign?s unveiling was a tribute to a historic and famous sign that read ?End of the Trail? that once stood overlooking the Santa Monica Pier during the 1930s. Although long ago disappeared, the sign played a role in creating the national public opinion that the end of Route 66 was at the Santa Monica Pier, even though the official terminus was under debate throughout the road?s history.
– – C.S. Berg
BAGGER PARTS TOUR PACK STORAGE RACK– Bagger Parts has the perfect solution for storing the Tour Pack for your bike. Now you don?t have to put it on the ground when you?re cleaning your bike or set it on a shelf somewhere when you don?t need it. Retailing for $99.95, it won?t break your wallet.
This unit mounts securely to a garage wall or entryway and keeps it out of the way. This unit uses existing detach hardware to lock it in place for safety. It comes complete and is made out of 1? square tubing and the cross bars are made out of ∏? solid round stock. The entire rack is powder coated black.
For more information on this and other products, click on the banner below, or visit your nearest dealer.
Ride Safe!!
–Carmen
Biker?s Choice
LATEST PROJECT FROM AIRSTREAM STUDIO IN CARLSBAD, CA–Here are some pics, sorry they’re not the best, of some artwork I just did on a dashboard for a ’40 Willys coupe. It’s tough getting good pics with soooooo much reflection. We shot the whole dash in black for the guy, then I did the art and did the final finish.
–Jim Waggaman
Saddlemen Sponsored Jared Mees wins National Championship– After a long, tough, year of racing, Saddlemen sponsored Jared Mees?s 5th place finish at the Gene Romero promoted National Flat Track event in Pomona, California clinched the AMA Pro Twins Grand National Championship for the 23 year old rider.
Recognizing his talent at an early age (16), Saddlemen President Tom Seymour decided to sponsor Jared with the belief that Jared had the desire and talent to become a #1 rider. Saddlemen was Jared?s first ?name? sponsor and we are extremely proud to have helped Jared attain his first AMA National Championship.
Jared went into the final race with a 16 point lead in the standings but had to transfer into the main event from a semi-final race. Jared rode a strategic main event knowing he had to just finish 8th or better to clinch the championship.
Jared races a Harley Davidson XR750 with major support from Harley Davidson Motor Company and Blue Springs Harley Davidson,
–Larry Langley
Saddleman
17801 S. Susana Rd.
Rancho Dominguez, CA. 90221
800: 1-800-397-7709
Local: 1-310-638-1222
Fax: 310-761-1234
saddlemensales@msn.com
CYCLE ART BY EARL HAND CRAFTED PART DISCOVERED BY BIKERNET–Earl is the master of the handcrafted Triumph Bobbers. He’s been building bikes since he was eight years old and no one builds a Triumph bobber like Earl. We will bring you his product line next week on Bikernet and follow as his product line grows.
See his bikes at WWW. Earlsbikes.net.
BURN-OUT OF THE WEEK–My friend went for a little ride last night and now his wife isn’t speaking to him.
He doesn’t get what’s the big deal . . .
–Rodan
KRAWIEC READY TO BATTLE FOR A SECOND NHRA TITLE AT POMONA–Hines Set Sights to Finish Season in Third-Place
MILWAUKEE (Nov. 11, 2009) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec knows all about come-from-behind victories. Last season, Krawiec arrived at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., 19 points out of first place in the Countdown to the Championship, yet managed to power his Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle to the Pro Stock Motorcycle title when the leader faltered ? and Krawiec stayed steady ? in Sunday eliminations.
On Thursday, Krawiec returns to Pomona for the Finals as the defending champion, but faces the challenge of overcoming a 54-point deficit to Buell rider and points lead Hector Arana.
?No question we are going to need Hector to stumble,? said Krawiec. ?It?s his race to lose. But if he makes a mistake, I?m going to be there to take advantage. This is drag racing and a lot can happen. We are not out of this championship chase yet.?
To take home the title, Krawiec knows that the Screamin? Eagle/Vance and Hines team needs to come off the trailer red-hot for the first rounds of qualifying on Thursday.
?We?d really like to do well in qualifying and earn enough bonus points to cut Arana?s lead to just two elimination rounds, or 40 points,? said Krawiec. ?We?d need to be the quickest bike in each qualifying round, and hope that he never does better than fourth. That would give us 12 bonus points, plus the bonus for being top qualifier. There?s also the possibility, with the temperature predicted to be only be in the 60s, of setting a new class ET record, which is worth a 20-point bonus. There?s really a lot that can happen.
?The bottom line is that we just have to do our best and continue to race the way we have all season,? said Krawiec. ?If we race as well as we can, we can?t be disappointed no matter what happens.?
Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines, who won his third event of the season on Nov. 1 at Las Vegas, comes to Pomona 153 points behind Arana and out of contention for the title. But the three-time world champion is just 38 points ahead of Nitrofish.com Suzuki rider Matt Smith in the race for third place in the season standings.
?I?m racing to hold on to that third position, and look for an opportunity to help Eddie bring home the title again this year,? said Hines. ?The Screamin? Eagle team will be racing hard all weekend.?
The Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals will take place at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., with qualifying rounds on Nov. 12-14, and final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15.
The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.
Win A Warlock Guitar from Lita Ford–Heavy Metal Queen Wants to Hear Your Kinky Thoughts – Storytellers and poets with a love for kink and a talent for creative writing can win a kick-ass B.C. Rich Warlock Guitar autographed by hot rocker Lita Ford in a contest sponsored by Stockroom.com.
Lita herself will choose the winner of The Stockroom’s “Wicked Wonderland Fantasy Fiction Contest,” a creative writing competition that invites Lita fans age 18 and over to share their fantasies about what their own “wicked wonderland” would be like.
The Stockroom is accepting submissions for the Wicked Wonderland Fantasy Fiction Contest until Wednesday, December 9, 2009. For more information, go to www.stockroom.com/contest.
Talking about Guitars: Gene Simmons has just unveiled his new Axe Bass collector’s edition. Each Gene Simmons Axe Bass is personally hand-numbered and signed by Gene himself. It also includes a specially designed leather case that will bear his painted demon face and autograph.
Gene has owned the Axe trademark as well as the distinctive shape of his bass for over 25 years, and it is the same bass model he uses live in all KISS shows around the world. This beautiful black and silver bass guitar carved from a single extraordinary piece of wood defies all expectations.
When you purchase one of these bass guitars, you will also have the opportunity to meet Gene in person. The whole package sets you back $5,000.
– – C.S. Berg
SCOTT JACOBS LENDS A HOLIDAY SPIRIT A HAND–As everyone begins to feel the holiday spirit with Black Friday almost upon us, Scott Jacobs has decided it?s his turn to play Santa this year. So, in the spirit of giving, Santa (Scott), is making all of you who have been good this year the following promise. From now until Black Friday weekend (ending 11/29) you can acquire ANY available large limited edition giclee on canvas; either unframed @$1550 or framed @$1950 from our price list below.
Once you?ve picked a favorite, your Christmas present from Santa/Scott will be your choice of ANY regular sized giclee either unframed @$1050 or framed @$1345 or less. Artworks must be ordered either both framed or both unframed and Scott will do personal dedications on the back of all framed pieces.
The dedications are your choice and can be personal or Holiday in nature. The easiest way to see the images is to pick titles from the list below (columns show framed and unframed prices), click this link http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/ , then click site map at the bottom of the page. The artworks are listed in alphabetical order. Click the title you want and you?re there!
The choices here are virtually limitless and as we all have experienced a rough past year, Scott and his family feel this is a small token to give back to those of you who have supported his career since joining Harley-Davidson seventeen years ago. Let?s have some fun with this whether it be for Christmas gifts for loved ones or to expand your art collection very cost effectively.
Happy Holidays to all and I am here so don?t hesitate to call or email your questions or wish list.
Wimmer Custom Cycle Ends Relationship with Drag Specialties–Myrtle Beach, SC- In an effort to be more price competitive in the industry, Wimmer Custom Cycle has recently decided to end our distribution relationship with Drag Specialties. Lee Wimmer, President of Wimmer Custom Cycle stated, ?Now, more than ever, the consumer is shopping for the best price and we have found that having a distribution price level makes the MSRP too high.
We want all the dealers that have purchased from Drag in the past to know they will be approved dealers directly with us with a minimum of paperwork. We are also creating better dealer sales incentives to deal directly with us. We will still offer the great factory technical support and will continue making the best intakes the market has to offer.
Please continue to monitor our web site wimmermachine.com for all the new parts, information and specials we are offering. We are also pleased to announce that we have relocated our sales and distribution facility to Harleysville, PA. (all phone numbers are the same) along with supporting sales and service in Murrells Inlet, SC.?
For further information on intakes, please contact Wimmer Custom Cycle directly at 1-866-Hot Cycle (1-866-468-2925) and 215-721-4160. You can also view their complete product line at www.wimmermachine.com or drop them an email at info@wimmermachine.com. Wimmer Custom Cycle, 11670 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Dealer inquiries invited!
Roland Sands Design on Display (Right in Your Store) —Not content just creating radicals parts and doo-dads for custom V-twins and sportbikes, the evil geniuses over at Roland Sands Design are cooking up some new POP displays to help dealers showcase the merchandise. Additionally, the company has also come up with new packaging for the products that helps create a unified look that can more easily be merchandised within the dealership.
For dealers interested in the new displays but don’t want to break the bank, RSD is working on a sales program for ordering the POP, says Cameron Brewer, the company’s product coordination specialist. Brewer was manning the RSD booth during the Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties Reno Showcase in early November.
The displays are designed to hold several RSD products, including a new lineup of casual apparel the company is launching. Interchangeable panels depicting RSD’s latest ad campaign are inserted on all sides of the display.
Brewer says the company is working to make it easier for dealers to merchandise and sell the RSD line, an approach that also has the custom parts manufacturer retooling many of its popular products to lower their MSRP. “We’re starting to look for more pricepoint items,” he says.
Once a month, the company will pick the best pic or video and feature it on the official Roland Sands Design blog (RSD Blog). The RSD crew will also award a $100 gift certificate to one of the first five customers to get 10,000 hits on their video.
–DealerNews
By: Dennis Johnson
Ex-NYC police commissioner freed on bail–Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik walked out of federal court a free man Tuesday. But a federal judge assured the now-convicted Kerik that it?s a temporary situation.Two weeks after revoking Kerik?s bail for violating a court order, Judge Stephen C. Robinson in White Plains reinstated Kerik?s bail Tuesday, upping his bond to about $1.5 million from $500,000 and ordering him confined to his home in New Jersey.Robinson told Kerik that getting out of jail Tuesday would only mean more time on the back end of his sentence.
“I think it?s fair to say that it?s a mortal lock that there will be jail time at the end of this,” Robinson said during a bail hearing.
Kerik pleaded guilty Thursday to eight felonies stemming from two indictments that accused him of public corruption, tax fraud and lying to White House officials who vetted him for two Homeland Security positions, including secretary of the department. Kerik?s lawyers and federal prosecutors agreed that the likely prison sentence would be from 27 to 33 months though he faces up to 61 years by statute.
Kerik ignored reporters? questions as he strode down the courthouse steps, adjusted his cufflinks and climbed into a waiting black Chevrolet Suburban.He said nothing in court, either, though he appeared more relaxed ? laughing and joking with his lawyers ? than at any time since Sept. 28, when Robinson was made aware that Kerik had given confidential case documents to a New Jersey lawyer who used the information to craft an e-mail to The Washington Times that was never published.
Robinson ordered Kerik jailed Oct. 20 over the infraction. Stress from his stay at the Westchester County jail caused Kerik to check himself in to the jail?s psychiatric ward for 10 days.Robinson warned Kerik on Tuesday that he wasn?t doing himself any favors by asking for bail now, noting that whatever time he spends in Westchester County jail awaiting sentencing gets subtracted from whatever sentence he gives him.”In some ways it?s postponing the inevitable,” Robinson said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Jacobson said federal prosecutors and Kerik?s lawyers had been in bail package negotiations since Kerik?s guilty plea last week. He said there was some concern that Kerik could be a risk of flight.Kerik?s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 18.
By Timothy O?Connor
–from Rogue
House of Harley-Davidson Vet Monument Helps Soldiers and Their Families–As a nod toward military veterans and their families, Milwaukee’s House of Harley-Davidson has created the Star Monument, which will be adorned with personalized dog tags and presented each year on Veteran’s Day. For $10, customers can purchase a glistening dog tag that will be hung on the custom-made Star Monument.
Proceeds from the dog tag sales will go to the Wisconsin Legion and, specifically, the American Legion’s Family Support Network, which offers services to active service people and their families.
?We are happy to present this simple yet meaningful salute to Veterans and their families, without whom we know our lives would be much different than they are today,” said John Schaller, House of Harley-Davidson owner. “We are grateful for their sacrifices and honored to acknowledge them in our dealership.”
?The House of Harley-Davidson?s Star Monument is a wonderful way to acknowledge the work that military families do,? said Department Commander Leo Endres of the Wisconsin Legion. ?The Family Support network helps families of active duty service people and we are delighted that the proceeds from the Star Monument will support such a worthy cause?.
The Star Monument will be on display at the House of Harley-Davidson. Customized dog tags are available now for just $10. For more information on The American Legion and their programs, visit wilegion.org.
For more information on the Star Monument call 414-282-2211 or click here for the House of Harley’s website.
Posted by Dennis Johnson
–DealerNews
THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL STUDY FINDINGS–One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.
“Oh yeah,” said the son.
“So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?” asked the father.
The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.
The boy’s father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
–Later, Chop
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER EXHAUSTIVE RESEARCH STUDY FINDINGS NOW PUBLIC ALERT–4 Worst Holiday Appetizers. Holiday parties are notorious for finger foods filled with high-glycemic carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. To help guide you to better nutrition choices this holiday season, follow the advice in my Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid, and use this list of appetizers to avoid:
1. Dips. Skip the creamy, cheesy dips and opt for low-calorie, low-fat fresh salsa instead.
2. Cocktail franks and mini-meatballs. Neither is a good source of lean protein and both can pack a big serving of calories, sodium and saturated fats. Choose peel-and-eat shrimp or sushi instead.
3. Anything fried. From mini-eggrolls and quiche to chicken wings, deep-fried foods contain altered fats that are detrimental to the body. Wholegrain crackers and a small slice of low-fat cheese can satisfy a savory craving with far fewer calories and fat.
4. Foie gras. Its controversial origins aside, foie gras is a high-fat spread that has little nutritional benefit. Give it a pass and choose hummus instead – an animal-friendly source of soluble fiber.
RELAX, here’s 4 Healthy Holiday Appetizers. We went over four appetizers to steer clear of this holiday season – Now we serve up healthy options for your cocktail plates!
1. Crudit?s. The fiber in veggies will help fill you up, and they provide a nice, satisfying crunch. Choose a spectrum of colors (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots are good choices) and serve with low- or non-fat plain yogurt. Add some fresh herbs and seasonings for flavor.
2. Mixed nuts. When eaten sparingly, nuts are a terrific snack. Walnuts are a favorite, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds and roasted soy nuts are also good choices. Nuts can be high in calories and fat (even if it’s the healthy monounsaturated kind) so don’t overindulge.
3. Smoked salmon. Salmon (especially wild Alaskan sockeye salmon) provides omega-3 fatty acids, the anti-inflammatory, essential fats our bodies need for optimum health.
4. Grilled figs and bleu cheese. Figs are high in fiber and antioxidants, and when combined with a bit of bleu cheese, provide calcium and protein – all in a delicious, easy-to-eat package.
For contact with the Doctor himself, go to DrWeil.com.
Moto Guzzi introduce three new prototypes around the V12 engine–Miguel Galluzzi and Pierre Terblanche are without a doubt two of the most brilliant motorcycle designers out there. The former being an industrial designer born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the inventor of Ducati’s highly successful Monster family, the latter a native of South Africa and responsible for Ducati’s most controversial and successful models: the 999 and Sport Classic series. These two have teamed up to center their combined expertise around Moto Guzzi’s legendary in-line twin-cylinder engine. The result are three futuristic V12 prototypes, developed around the 1,200 cc 4-valve 90-degree V-twin from Mandello.
While the company’s tribute to the one engine that turned the Italian brand with the eagle into a myth of motorcycling, Moto Guzzi also intends it to be a reinforcement of its commitment to keep developing and improving its flagship engine for the years to come.
Pierre Terblanche’s prototypes stand out for their minimalist design, utilizing an aluminium cast frame that allows for a simple layout of the bike with compact dimensions. Tank, saddle and tail are integrated into one monocoque structure, combining the fine art of design with technology, style and practicality. Not a single cable is left visible, giving the prototypes and uncluttered appearance.
The V12 models are true to the Moto Guzzi tradition and the brand’s commitment to innovation that goes back nearly nine decades. With these quintessential Italian bikes Moto Guzzi wants to return to their bikes being a statement of style combined with technology. Rather than putting the focus on performance for performance’s sake, the V12s showcase the mechanics, essential design and riding fun.
The prototypes feature innovative details and solutions, like the concept bikes they are. The most noteworthy innovative details are the rear suspension of the V12 LeMans, the LCD rear-view mirrors, the LED light units, the suspended passenger footpegs and the heat sinks.
The Moto Guzzi V12 LM is the Italian sports bike reinvented, true to the legacy of the legend of Le Mans it is named after. This bike is for those who want an exclusive motorcycle to ogle and to own for the utmost riding pleasure. Moto Guzzi claim this bike provides excellent performance under all riding conditions and easy rideability for all to enjoy. Like the other two versions, the V12 LM combines luxury details like height adjustment for top fairing and handlebars with innovative, yet well-proven components.
The Moto Guzzi V12 STRADA is designed to be the most essential bike and the most versatile model in the V12 range. Perfect for everyday commuting, comfortable for two-up riding, with perfect ergonomics. The touring-style handlebar is matched by a generously sized tail fairing capable of accommodating a passenger comfortably. The V12 Strada sports a range of technical solutions and aesthetic details built around the Moto Guzzi twin-cylinder engine.. The passenger footpegs are connected to the swingarm through a linkage system which makes them look as if floating in midair, enhancing the sleek, uncluttered look of the styling concept.
The Moto Guzzi V12 X is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, true to the character of the Guzzi twin-cylinder. The focus is on riding fun, enhanced by its aggressive design. The V12 X is intended for aggressive riders who want to push it to the limit. Born to show off and fun to ride, its spirited personality is highlighted by the aggressive riding position, a sports-like chassis set-up, longer suspension travel and a rev happy engine.
?There is an impalpable, yet very real force in the history of Moto Guzzi. It lies in the ideas and in the unrelenting research work that led Moto Guzzi to build its tradition on innovation,? says Miguel Galluzi, Manager of Piaggio’s styling center. ?Mentioning all the accomplishments of Moto Guzzi and their significance in the history of the Italian motorcycling industry would seem like indulging in some kind of vain celebration. Throughout its history, Moto Guzzi has put forward a unique concept of motorcycle. Everything started with an idea, and new ideas have always been the lifeblood of the ‘Italian eagle’. He continues with an ambitious promise, that may almost sound a like for the competition: ?New ideas once again mark a turning point in our history. The prototypes showcased today are only the beginning: such unparalleled care for detail and neat design would be unthinkable without our twin-cylinder engine. Keep an eye on Moto Guzzi because this is just the first step. We are back to relying on ideas, and we have plenty of them. This is just the beginning?.
As of this writing, there is no word yet when the production of these models may be anticipated.
– – C.S. Berg, photos Piaggio
PINKY CHARITY BIKE EVENT SHUT DOWN–MARSHVILLE ? Organizers said it was a bike rally for charity. County officials said it was one in a series of illegal events hosted by Thomas ?Pinky? Marsh.
On Thursday night, Superior Court Judge David Lee signed a temporary restraining order for events on Marsh?s property and ordered sheriff?s deputies to blockade the entrances to the Marshville farm, Plaza de Toros Rio Grande.
?I?ve never been through so much trouble trying to help somebody in my life,? said James Parker, the rally organizer.
Marsh has been at odds with the county over the use of his property for two years, holding rodeos there, which the county has said are illegal; an injunction was granted to the county last month. The county says that a special permit is required for events on Marsh?s property ?in which live music, vendors, bike games, camping, bike shows, bike rodeos, and/or disc jockeys with amplified music is involved.?
On a flier, the Old Skool Motorcycle Rally was promoted to have ?live music, Old Skool contest, vendors, bike games, camping, bike show, bike rodeo, DJ, 50/50, Horse racing, tattoo contest, food.?
Marsh said he leased his property to Parker for only $1 for the weekend so they could maximize their donation to Turning Point. He said he was not involved with the event and was not in town Friday.
?I said, ?I won?t have anything to do with it,?? he said.
Parker said he plans a biker rally to benefit Turning Point, Union County?s battered women shelter, every year.
He planned this year?s event at Marsh?s farm to coincide with a Toys for Tots drop.
?We didn?t know we needed permits, bottom line,? Parker said. ?All they had to do was tell us we need a permit and we would have gotten one. … It?s all about the county wanting to get in a (expletive deleted) contest with Pinky Marsh over his land.?
Parker said there would be alcohol at the event, but that noise would be shut down by 11 p.m. and everyone would be respectful.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey did not trust that it would be a quiet event. ?It?s a motorcycle rally,? he said, indicating that there would be loud partying all weekend. ?It?s not going to happen. Period.?
Parker said he did not have a contingency plan worked out because he could not have fathomed that police would shut him down.?They got us between a rock and a hard place,? he said. ?The ones that are really going to get hurt are the kids.?
Full Throttle Magazine advertised the event in a list of similar upcoming events. The event this weekend was advertised as the ?OLD SKOOL BIKE RALLY? and did not mention a charity. Other listed events have ?Poker Run,? ?Toy Run,? or ?Ride To Remember? in the title.
–from Rogue
WE HOPE THE BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS WILL NEVER CAUSE A SOPORIFIC REACTION–soporific sop-uh-RIF-ik; soh-puh-, adjective:
1. Causing sleep; tending to cause sleep.
2. Of, relating to, or characterized by sleepiness or lethargy.
noun:
1. A medicine, drug, plant, or other agent that has the quality of inducing sleep; a narcotic.
Hamilton’s voice droned on, hypnotic, soporific, the gloom beyond the windows like the backdrop of a waking dream.
— T. Coraghessan Boyle, Riven Rock
They were almost an hour behind in their daily schedule, and both women looked tired after a soporific afternoon of three executive meetings.
— Gabriel Garcia Marquez, News of a Kidnapping
Happily, these three lullaby books offer the sort of comforting bedtime soporific that has delivered generations of children, young and older, into deep, safe slumber.
— Lisa Shea, New York Times, January 30, 1994
Soporific is from French soporifique, from Latin sopor, “a heavy sleep” + -ficus, “-fic,” from facere, “to make.”
BIKERNET LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK–This was a one-off seat Le Pera did for a customer. The seat started with aKing Cobra style with white vinyl, Gold Diamond stitch and gold piping…
–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.
WELL, HERE WE ARE–Another week flew by in the blink of an eye. We still have some food in the fridge and Jack Daniels in the cupboard. Every weekend there are events and rides. We can still buy some gas, find a beautiful woman, build a very cool bike and ride. Strange times. I’ve never seen the country so divided politically since the Vietnam war years.
We’re living in hetic times. We’ve got four times as many projects on our plates. I’m building a couple of vintage bikes for Bonneville, finishing a book, starting another one, researching a screenplay about freedom and motorcycling, contributing to magazines, writing like crazy for Bikernet, trying to do my part to keep our industry free by initiating a SEMA motorcycle council, attending community meetings, working out, restoring this old hotel from 1925 we live in and what else?
I tell myself every year to slow down, then take on a half-dozen new projects. I suppose it keeps life vibrant, but I know we need to slow down enough to get involved in the important stuff, like keeping motorcycles free. If they pass this healthcare business, it’s going to be tougher on us. Even now, they’re trying to insert amendments restricting smokers, women who want abortions, and what else? That’s all we hear about on the tube. Watch out. We need to make the time to join our local motorcycle rights groups and follow the fight.
In the meantime let’s party.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
November 12, 2009 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
OHIO SEAT MAKER CHECKS IN–Just a quick note to show ya a seat and points cover I just finished.The seat is for a 1975 FLH, and I made the points cover out of Brass and Stainless Steel.
–Tom Sawyer
Sawyer’s Motorcycle Shop
10995 Oakridge Dr. Harrison ,Ohio 45030
www.Sawyersmotorcycleshop.com
BIKERNET HORSEPOWER FREIGHT LINER DEAL OF THE WEEK–1993 Freightliner 400,000 miles one owner and driver since new, 425 hp Detroit 13 spd. Super clean roving satellite TV in the double bunk cab. 45 foot Kentucky Trailer with 44 X 14 foot tent with side walls.
Custom throughout with loads of lights and plugs. Great rubber with 2 extra spare tires.
Ready to go with loads of vending extras like, stairs, racks and decks. Truck runs perfect. Ramps to load full size car in rear or haul up to 10 bikes. $75,000.00 will deliver, must sell, lost my storage.
–Seth
805-896-1548
BIKERNET STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS–?My present and future financial and personal well-being are totally in the hands ofBarack Obama, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Tim Geithner, Rahm Emmanuel, Chris Dodd and Barney Frank!?
–Bruce Snyder
Bikernet Copy editor
Zodiac International to exhibit and sponsor World Champs Affiliate Freestyle class at Ace Cafe ‘Ally Pally’ London Custom Show–No sooner had news about the planned first annual Ace Cafe London Motorcycle & Custom Show been made public, than the first of Europe’s aftermarket majors, Zodiac International, stepped up to announce its backing for the new show project.
Zodiac will be exhibiting with their Show Truck, and has announced cash prize fund sponsorship of some 1.500,00 euro for the World Championship Affiliate Custom Bike Show Freestyle Class that will see the Best Of Show scoop the AMD Affiliate Grand Prize, of ?5,000.00 (approx US 8,000/5.000,00 euro) to represent the show at next year’s 7th annual Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building.The event is being staged at an iconic landmark venue in London, the famed Alexandra Palace, a Victorian era hill-top facility overlooking London which was originally built in 1873.
Set in 196 acres of parkland, ‘Ally Pally’ (as the facility is affectionately and almost universally known) has many claims to fame, not least that it was the home of the BBC back in the 1930’s and was where the world’s first-ever televisions broadcasts were made.
More recently ‘Ally Pally’ is no stranger to hosting motorcycle shows. The formula for this new event is being specified from the ground-up to move the so far ‘stop-go’ history of attempts to establish a custom expo for the UK market into a new era.
As a follow-up to the initial promise (but ultimate disappointment) surrounding the London International Custom Show (L.I.C.S.) when it burst onto the European custom show scene for one year only in 2008, the market reaction has been enthusiastic.
The event will run for three days, from Friday February 26th to Sunday February 28th. It will feature live-action, stage entertainment, three halls of exhibitors in total, representing all sectors of the UK’s motorcycle industry, with one entire hall given over to the Ace Cafe Custom Show and v-twin industry vendors.
Judging of the custom bike show will be independently conducted and supervised by World Championship personnel to the program’s internationally recognised standards, and in addition to the well known World Championship formula Freestyle competition for the top prizes, additional classes are slated to include Modified Harley-Davidson, ‘Old Style’ bikes, Street Fighter style customs, Custom Scooters, and, in keeping with the Ace Cafe’s heritage, ‘Brit Bikes’.
Contacts
Exhibitors & Trade: Chris Gothard +44
(0)1732 362 845 or email chris@esnevents.co.uk
Show Competitors: Neil Blaber +44 (0)1892
511 516 or email neil@amdchampionship.com
TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS
In times of danger,not before.
The danger past and all conflict righted,God is forgotten,
the soldier slighted.
— Honor Among Soldiers -By Joseph L. Galloway
If you have fed from a steady diet of Hollywood movies about Vietnam you probably believe that everyone who wore a uniform in America?s long, sad involvement in war in Vietnam is some sort of a clone of Lt. William Calley—that all three million of them were drug-crazed killers and rapists who rampaged across the pastoral landscape.
Those movies got it wrong, until now. There is one more Hollywood film now playing called We Were Soldiers and it gets it right. Ask any Vietnam veteran who has gone to see the movie. In fact, ask any American who has gone to see it. It is based on a book I wrote with my lifelong friend Lt. Gen. (ret) Hal Moore; a book written precisely because we believed that a false impression of those soldiers had taken root in the country which sent them to war and, in the end, turned its back on both the war and the warriors.
I did four tours in Vietnam as a war correspondent for United Press International- –1965-66, 1971, 1973 and 1975. In the first three of those tours at war I spent most of my time in the field with the troops and I came to know and respect them and even love them, though most folks might find the words ?war? and ?love? in the same sentence unsettling if not odd.
In fact, I am far more comfortable in the company of those once-young soldiers today than with any other group except my own family. They are my comrades-in- arms, the best friends of my life and if ever I were to shout ?help!? they would stampede to my aid in a heartbeat. They come from all walks of life; they are black, white, Hispanic, native American, Asian; they are fiercely loyal, dead honest, entirely generous of their time and money. They are my brothers and they did none of the things Oliver Stone or Francis Ford Coppola would have you believe all of them did.
On the worst day of my life, in the middle of the worst battle of the Vietnam War, in a place called Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam, I was walking around snapping some photographs when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. It was a tall, lanky GI who jumped out of a mortar pit and ran, zig-zagging under fire, toward me. He dove under the little bush I was crouched behind.
?Joe! Joe Galloway! Don?t you know me, man? It?s Vince Cantu from Refugio, Texas!? Vince Cantu and I had graduated together from Refugio High School, Class of ?59, 55 boys and girls.
We embraced warmly. Then he shouted over the din of gunfire:
?Joe, you got to get down and stay down. It?s dangerous out here. Men are dying all around.?
Vince told me that he had only ten days left on his tour of duty as a draftee soldier in the 1st Battalion 7th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). ?If I live through this I will be home in Refugio for Christmas.?
I asked Vince to please visit my mom and dad, but not tell them too much about where we had met and under what circumstances. I still have an old photograph from that Christmas visit—Vince wearing one of those black satin Vietnam jackets, with his daughter on his knee, sitting with my mom and dad in their living room.
Vince Cantu and I are still best friends.
When I walked out and got on a Huey helicopter leaving Landing Zone X-Ray I left knowing that 80 young Americans had laid down their lives so that I and others might survive. Another 124 had been terribly wounded and were on their way to hospitals in Japan or the United States. I left with both a sense of my place, among them, and an obligation to tell their stories to any who would listen. I knew that I had been among men of honor and decency and courage, and anyone who believes otherwise needs to look in his own heart and weigh himself.
Hal Moore and I began our research for the book-to-be, We Were Soldiers Once?and Young, in 1982. It was a ten-year journey to find and ultimately to bring back together as many of those who fought in LZ Xray and LZ Albany, a separate battle one day after ours only three miles away in which another 155 young Americans died and another 130 were wounded. We had good addresses for perhaps no more than a dozen veterans, but we mailed out a questionnaire to them to begin the process.
Late one night a week later my phone rang at home in Los Angeles. On the other end was Sgt. George Nye, retired and living very quietly by choice in his home state of Maine. George began talking and it was almost stream of consciousness. He had held it inside him for so long and now someone wanted to know about it. He described taking his small team of engineer demolitions men into XRay to blow down some trees and clear a safer landing zone for the helicopters. Then he was talking about PFC Jimmy D. Nakayama, one of those engineer soldiers, and how a misplaced napalm strike engulfed Nakayama in the roaring flames. How he ran out into the fire and screamed at another man to grab Jimmy?s feet and help carry him to the aid station. My blood ran cold and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I had been that man on the other end of Nakayama. I had grabbed his ankles and felt the boots crumble, the skin peel, and thoseslick bones in my hands.
Again I heard Nakayama?s screams. By then we were both weeping. I knew Nakayama had died a day or two later in an Army hospital. Nye told me that Jimmy?s wife had given birth to a baby girl the day he died—and that when Nye returned to base camp at An Khe he found a letter on his desk. He had encouraged Nakayama to apply for a slot at Officer Candidate School. The letter approved that application and contained orders for Nakayama to return immediately to Ft. Benning, Ga., to enter that course.
George Nye is gone now. But I want you to know what he did with the last months of his life. He lived in Bangor, Maine, The year was 1991 and in the fall plane after plane loaded with American soldiers headed home from the Persian Gulf War stopped there to refuel. It was their first sight of home. George and some other local volunteers organized a welcome at that desolate airport. They provided coffee, snacks and the warm ?Welcome home, soldier? that no one ever offered George and the millions of other Vietnam veterans. George had gone out to the airport to decorate a Christmas tree for those soldiers on the day he died.
When we think of ourselves we think Shakespeare, Henry IV, Act IV, Scene 3: ?We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;For he today that sheds his blood with meShall be my brother.?
Honor and decency and uncommon courage were common among these soldiers and all the soldiers who served in Vietnam. I think of how they were, on patrol, moving through jungle or rice paddies. Nervous, on edge, trying to watch right, left, ahead, behind, all at once. A friend once described it as something like looking at a tree full of owls. They were alert for sign, sound or smell of the enemy. But they also watched each other closely. At the first sign of the oppressive heat and exhaustion getting to someone the two or three guys around would relieve him of some or all of the heavy burden that the Infantryman bears: 60 or 70 pounds of stuff. Rifle and magazines. A claymore mine or two. A couple of radio batteries. Cans of C-Rations. Spare socks. Maybe a book. All that rides in the soldier?s pack. They would make it easier for him to keep going. They took care of each other, because in this situation each other was allthey had.
When I would pitch up to spend a day or two or three with such an outfit I was, at first, an object of some curiosity. Sooner or later a break would be called and everyone would flop down in the shade, drink some water, break out a C-Ration or a cigarette. The GI next to me would ask: What you doing out here? I would explain that I was a reporter. ?You mean you are a civilian? You don?t HAVE to be here?? Yes. ?Man, they must pay you loads of money to do this.? And I would explain that, no, unfortunately I worked for UPI, the cheapest news agency in the world. ?Then you are just plain crazy, man.? Once I was pigeonholed, all was all right. The grunts understood ?crazy? like no one else I ever met. The welcome was warm, friendly and open. I was probably the only civilian they would ever see in the field; I was a sign that someone, anyone, outside the Big Green Machine cared how they lived and how they died.
It didn?t take very long before I truly did come to care. They were, in my view, the best of their entire generation. When their number came up in the draft they didn?t run and hide in Canada. They didn?t turn up for their physical wearing pantyhose or full of this chemical or that drug which they hoped would fail them. Like their fathers before them they raised their right hand and took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is not their fault that the war they were sent to fight was not one that the political leadership in Washington had any intention of winning. It is not their fault that 58,200 of them died, their lives squandered because Lyndon Johnson and, later, Richard Nixon could not figure out some decent way to cut our losses and leave the Vietnamese to sort the matter out among themselves.
As I have grown older, and so have they, and first the book and now the movie have come to pass I am often asked: Doesn?t this close the loop for you? Doesn?t this mean you can rest easier? The answer is no, I can?t. To my dying day I WILL remember and honor those who died, some in my arms. I WILL remember and honor those who lived and came home carrying memories and scars that only their brothers can share and understand.
MARILYN MONROE AUCTION, Faces and Figures on artnet–From November 10-19 artnet Auctions is featuring Faces & Figures, a special sale of 375 photographs by 185 renowned modern & contemporary artists. The works offered in the sale celebrate the human form as seen through the lens of some of the greatest photographers of our time. But careful: These things don’t come cheap!
The auction includes portraits of some of the most unforgettable faces of the 20th-21st century by legendary photographers including Bert Stern, who is perhaps best known for his luminous portraits of Marilyn Monroe. The auction features ten photographs of a flirtatious Monroe taken just weeks before the actress? death in what is now known as the “Last Sitting”.
The sale also celebrates the body in motion from actors to athletes, including a classic 1955 photograph of James Dean walking in Times Square and a fearsome 1970 photograph of Muhammad Ali. More recent works include David LaChapelle?s Pamela Anderson in Terrarium, Los Angeles.
Rounding out the sale ? we know you have been waiting for this ? is an extraordinary collection of nudes, including, in addition to numerous historic pieces, contemporary works such as the provocative Nude, Setagay-ku, Tokyo, 1986, by Daido Moriyama and two C-prints from Thomas Ruff’s 2002 series Nudes, estimated at a bargain price of $6,500-$8,500 each.
So, if you happen to have a couple of grand laying around you desperately wanna get rid off, head on over to www.artnet.com/FacesandFigures. Otherwise just keep it here on BIKERNET for the hottest babes around.
– – C.S. Berg
MCQUEEN HAD ONE – A FLYING SQUIRREL–Motorcycle Classics editor Richard Backus takes a ride on Mark Scott’s 1927 Scott Flying Squirrel at the 2009 Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
See more and read about more cool old stuff at http://www.bikernetstudio.com.
YANKEE ENGINEUITY OFFERS HUNDREDS OF GAUGE MOUNT, BASE CLAMP AND GAUGE CUP COMBINATIONS– Paughco?s line of Yankee Engineuity Base Clamps and associated Gauge Top mounting brackets include precision machined, direct replacement assemblies for virtually any stock or custom application. Additionally they offer a very cool, do-it-yourself, Universal Base Plate that can be modified to meet your requirements.
For your convenience the Universal Plates are sold in raw aluminum for 1? and 1 ?? bars and retail for just $66.07. Chrome gauge mounts come in sizes and styles for stock, VDO, Digital Dakota, Auto Meter and other gauges with diameters from 1.9? up to 3 3/8?.
Base Clamps and Gauge Tops can be purchased individually and are universal so you can mix styles and shapes. While YE custom base clamps cover most H-D models, the brackets can be adapted to a wide variety of Cruiser and custom machines.
Base plates retail starting at $87.70, Top Brackets from $112.78 and Cups start at $100.81. For complete details contact Paughco direct at 775-246-5738, email info@paughco or catch them on the Web at www.paughco.com
TECH OF THE WEEK–What do you do with old Bumper Cars?
–from Rev CarlR
DOMAIN NAME FOR SALE–I’m Magiel Greeff, a software developer from Montreal, Canada. I seethat you are associated with bikernet.com and that your websiteappears for the search term “bikers direct”. I thought that you mightlike to know that I am seeking a buyer for my domain name BikersDirect.com.
BikersDirect.com is a defining name for this industry and owning such aname will attract targeted customers. In addition, you will find thatGoogle will boost your ranking for “bikers direct” once you start addingcontent to the website.
Because I am looking to clear out my domain names, I would be willingto offer you BikersDirect.com at a good price. If you would like toconsider acquiring this domain name, or would like more information,please reply to this message.
–Magiel
GM52.com
Tel: +1 (518) 213-3660
E-mail: magiel@gm52.com
NEW WEB SITE AND SERVICES BY TP ENGINEERING–TP Engineering has opened a new website; www.tpengines.com
It?s still in progress but customers can now order parts on line. They can also get some technical info directly from the site.
Viper Motorcycle Company Reveals 2010 Diamondback–Viper Motorcycle Company Launches Branding Campaign With Motorcycle Displays and Prepares for Formal Launch
Viper Motorcycle Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc., is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 Viper Diamondback 152. 2010 models are a continued result of ongoing development and a joint venture effort with Ilmor Engineering. Product availability will be limited as we move into 2010 and prepare for a formal industry wide launch.
Terry Nesbitt, President of Viper, stated, “The first 2010 models are ready for release and will be shipped immediately to key dealers such as Rick Fairless’s Stroker’s Dallas, Eddie Trotta’s Thunder Cycle, Low Country Customs, Ronnie’s Harley Davidson, Creagers Cycle Center, Extreme Customs, Victory of Grand Rapids and more.”
Nesbitt added, “In an ongoing effort to increase our exposure and add overall value to the Viper brand, we are announcing an innovative merchandising campaign designed to give Viper motorcycles their own space, enabling our brand identity to grow. We are providing to our dealers a branded motorcycle showroom display stand. The high performance 2010 Diamondback Super Cruiser has no equal and will be appropriately displayed. As we move forward preparing for a formal launch, including additional models and large scale production, we will continue to make available to our dealers the best and most effective merchandising tools available in order to increase value in the Viper brand.”
Viper Powersports designs, manufactures and markets a line of premium American V-Twin Super Cruiser motorcycles, V-Twin aftermarket engines and other related aftermarket products through an independent dealer network. Joint venture partner Ilmor Engineering (www.ilmor.com) provides technical developmental support for the proprietary 152 cubic inch Viper V-Twin engine, utilizing their 25 years of engine design expertise, ensuring Viper’s long term success as America’s newest domestic OEM of motorcycles. Viper Powersports and Viper Motorcycle Company’s websites are www.viperpowersports.com and www.vipermotorcycle.com.
Twilight’s Christian Serratos Poses Naked Against Fur–Christian Serratos, star of the movie Twilight, just turned 19 and now takes it all off for an advertising campaign with Peta (People For Ethical Treatment of Animals). After doing a campaign earlier to save the seals fully clothed, it is said Christian was looking forward to becoming the youngest person to bare it all for her “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign ad. We really appreciate it, Christian!
– – C.S. Berg
Polk man arrested for crashing while on cell phone– Stephen Wade Horne was taken into custody today on a Warrant filed by the State Attorney’s Office (10th Judicial Circuit, Jerry Hill,
Investigators documented a 54’8″ long skid mark that Horne created from breaking before slamming into the stopped, well lighted truck.
Horne also struck 19-year-old Emmanuel “Manny” Mejia of Winter Haven (He has since turned 20-years-old). Mejia was severely injured in the crash and was transported by helicopter to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Mejia lost both of his legs as a result of Horne’s failure to stop. He is still at LRMC, as of November 9, 2009, recovering from his serious injuries and receiving physical
Investigators have concluded from their investigation that Horne was distracted by using his cell phone at the time of the crash.
Emergency personnel from the scene told an investigator from the Florida Highway Patrol that Horne had said he was texting on his phone. Investigators have also documented that at the time of the collision there were no environmental or visual conditions that would have contributed to the crash.
PCSO investigators served a search warrant in late September at Horne’s residence and have collected his cell phone for analysis.
Horne works for a temporary employment agency as a surveyor working for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.Polk County Sheriff
by Theresa Collington
–from Rogue
ILLUSION UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE WCC STYLE CAPT. AMERICA COMMEMORATIVE CHOPPER– As Godfather to the production chopper industry, Illusion Cycles is responsible for some of the most stylish yet brutally hard core production choppers ever. In keeping with their flare for running on the edge, Rusty Coones and Rod Requejo, co-owners of Illusion, just announced the availability of a limited number of Capt. America Commemorative choppers.
Working closely with West Coast Choppers, the bikes will have an unmistakable WCC look and feature many of that company?s exclusive components. Each Illusion Capt. America will be hand fabricated at the Illusion factory in Westminister, California to meet personal the requirements of each customer. As with Illusion?s much sought after line of in-your-face HELLRAZOR bikes, Capt. America Commemoratives will feature driveline components that are CARB certified to California specifications and 49 state EPA compliant.
Additionally, each machine is covered by a full one year factory warranty and qualify for extended warrantee coverage from aftermarket companies.If you?re looking for a truly unique scooter that is as dependable as it is visually striking, look no further. In this economy, where you spend your money is as important as what you spend it on.
At Illusion you get exactly what you pay for; quality, performance, longevity and image. It should be noted that a testament to Illusions continued high regard among professional manufacturers, is the fact that Illusion motorcycles continue to be listed in both the Kelly Blue Book and NADA directory.
For complete detail call Illusion Cycles at 714-894-1942. Be sure to visit them on the Web at www.Illusionmotorcycles.com
ILLUSION CAPT. WCC/CAPT. AMERICA SPECS
*Engine: Fully polished CARB and EPA certified S&S 114?
*Transmission: Prowler RSD 6-speed (patented steady bar w/bearing support)
*Exhaust: WCC EPA compliant header with Supertrapp muffler
*Intake: 42 mm Mikuni with CARB approved air box
*Ignition: Spyke optical multi-spark/80 thousand volt coil
*Starter and charging: Spyke Stealth
*Charging system: Compufire 40 amp 3 phase
*Drive: Primary 3? open belt. Final 530 O-ring chain.
*Frame: WCC 250 CFL rigid w/ spider web neck gusset and 35? rake
*Front end: 41 mm wide-glide telescopic w/ 3? raked trees
*Wheels: Colorado Custom forged Spider Web 18 x 8.5 front, 21 x 3.25 rear
*Gas tank: WCC 3.6 gal modified King Sport
*Bars: Illusion Mini Ape 9?
*Hand controls: Brembo with OEM switch housings
*Tires: Metzler 240 rear, 21 frontBrakes: Brembo 4-piston full floating front and rear
*Fenders WCC 10.5 with Spider Web struts rear, 5.5 front
*Seat: Illusion 10 gauge pan with hand tooled leather and adjustable billet shocks
KTM Cranks It Up Across The Board At EICMAAustrian manufacturer KTM has evolved into an almost full-line manufacturer over the past couple of years. Form a small manufacture of highly specialized offroad tools, KTM today offers a full range of on- and offroad motorcycles, ATVs and even a car. The only thing missing in the lineup is a cruiser. While this year’s EICMA has destroyed the hope to see one of those from KTM, the Austrians introduced two new concepts along with a new Duke.
KTM 350 SX-F FACTORY RACING
By presenting a 350cc pre-series racing bike, KTM again illustrates the typical determination of the Austrian company to go its own way. With the confirmation in Milan of the key data of the 350cc, including injection and linkage, the tradition-rich offroad specialist is forging a new path in Motocross.
While the company’s 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F models have been highly successful and oriented to suit the specific displacement regulations of the competition classes, KTM is now the first manufacturer in the world to present a 350cc displacement bike for the sport of Motocross. The completely new bike, which will be ready to race from 2010 carries the distinct development signature of MX legend Stefan Everts right down to the finest detail. With this project, the KTM MX team-boss deploys meticulousness and all his unique ambition to catapult it to a new MX level. A concrete date for series production of this already very mature prototype has not yet been decided.
KTM 125
The Duke, Super Duke, RC8R and Adventure are living proof of tKTM’s philosophy of consistency. Now this same dynamic also becomes evident in a smaller displacement bike segment with the introduction of a range of 125cc bikes that have been one hundred percent developed at the company headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria.
The four-valve cylinder head, water cooling, fuel injection, two overhead cam shafts and 15hp demonstrate the desire for the highest level of technological development. The latticed tubular steel frame promises perfect riding fun. As always, the very succinct KTM appearance comes from the extremely creative Kiska design team. Components from high quality suppliers like WP Suspension and Brembo add premium quality throughout. Coming with individual design possibilities, the completely newly constructed motorcycles are a breath of fresh air for the segment.
Duke 690R
For KTM, the range of single cylinder LC4s represent tradition, legend and future as well as performance, rideability and the smooth, quiet, harmonious running of the engine. When KTM introduced this motor concept in 2007, it elevated single cylinder enjoyment. With the presentation of the Duke 690 in 2008 KTM caused another sensation among the worldwide community of Duke fans. Yet KTM is still set on constant improvement and innovation.
Now 70 hp packed into a vehicle weight of just 148 kg lend the Duke 690 R unrivaled panache. Highest quality components and the unique optics are also typical KTM. Along with the highly potent motor, the 690R features the orange frame specially reserved for the R models. Carbon mudguards, a sophisticated fork and the new orange rear damper spring are among the outstanding features of the Duke R. Other improvements include an extended maintenance interval
Along with these latest additions, KTM exhibits other models at EICMA that make their model year 2010 broader and more attractive. These include the RC8R Akrapovic Race Replica, an homage to KTM’s first season in Superbike, and the twin Red Bull Replica. In honor of KTM MX factory riders Max Nagl and Marvin Musquin, the company also displays replicas of the MX1 and MX2 racing machines.
– – C.S. Berg, photos KTM
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