Departure Bike Works Turns 35
By Bandit | | General Posts
What goes into 35 years of being in the motorcycle “business”? It’s more than just hard work, a job, burning the midnight oil and trying to make your customers happy. It is a life that defines you and who you are that can’t really be put into words. After 35 years of eating, breathing and loosing sleep over the next motorcycle project you create more than a “business” but rather an essence that can be felt, better than it can be described. Nobody knows this more than Lee and Brenda Clemens who have been creating the essence of Departure Bike Works in Richmond, Virginia for the past 35 years.
It really started out before all that, making choppers from used parts in basements of old apartment buildings and running from the law. After years of doing it under the landlord’s nose, what was the next logical step… open up a business of course! With only a few nickels to rub together where could someone open up a business? Pick the roughest part of Richmond that no one wants to move into and open up shop. It took more than just a little entrepreneurialism and a dream… it took stones… big ones.
When most shop owners were worrying about keeping the place clean, Departure had to worry about taking over the block and running out the unsavory element keeping their business away. Through a band of friends and supporters, the Hull Street Meanies were born just for the task. You don’t learn how to run a business in a part of town like this by getting your MBA…unless that’s your Motorcycling Bad-Ass degree. With the higher education from the school of hard knocks the job was handled and business rolled in the door. From year to year they forced Departure Bike Works to fly when other shops failed and did whatever it took to follow the dream.
Years past and Departure built a reputation as one of the premiere bike shops on East Coast. It wasn’t long until the Clemen’s family took to the race track, where they laid down record times on performance Harley-Davidsons. Lessons learned on the race track were passed onto the performance oriented Departure customers. The muscled harmony of performance race machines and customizing motorcycles became Departure’s trademark. The bikes rolling out the back door of Departure were featured on the pages of big name magazines like Easyriders on a regular basis.
Lee and Brenda built the essence of Departure, along with a family, around timeless motorcycles. With the Departure electricity running through him, Lee & Brenda’s son Travis took to motorcycles like chrome to steel. Like father, like son, Trav’s bikes began to cover the glossy pages of motorcycle publications. Times were good and the shop was moving up the street to a new and bigger shop in a better part of town. With the newfound motorcycle craze hitting mainstream America, Departure felt a broadening customer base.
In April of 2001 tragedy struck the Departure family. Travis Clemens died in a motorcycle accident. The untimely loss of a son smack at family and friends like vice-grips to a thumb, each responding differently to the grief and loss. When it came to the Departure family business, Travis left more than a painful void. For most Travis’ death by motorcycle would be enough to close up shop.
Brenda stepped to the forefront for the second time in Lee’s life. Lee was carted off to prison in the ‘70s and Brenda kept the shop alive and his hopes high. When Travis died the impact to Lee was severe and he needed time to understand himself and the meaning of the experience he was forced to swallow. Brenda again stepped up, with Andrew and the Departure team to keep the doors open. It was tough to look at any tool, any crate of parts, or bike Travis touched without seeing his son, remembering the dreams and good times. Lee needed some time to himself.
Departure kept its doors open and stayed the path. One man who helped keep the dream alive was Andrew Williams. Part of the Departure family for almost 10 years. Andrew came aboard with bare welding skills and a passion for motorcycles. Working along side Travis, Andrew honed his skills as a fabricator, builder and developed a friendship. That relationship will forever be remembered on Andrew’s left forearm in ink and on the most unique single loop chopper ever built, Titties & Beer.
Turning sadness into fuel, today Andrew is now a growing talent in the custom motorcycle world. With many of his own custom creations recorded in major publications, Andrew forms his signature style into every part he fabricates. Quietly and humbly working on the next customer’s dream and a few of his own, Andrew continues to sharpen his skills. With an imagination that never sleeps it is a lifelong endeavor to make the next one better than the last. When Andrew and Departure were selected for an episode on TLC’s “Biker Build-Off” you knew it was going to be something special.
With decades of building record breaking race bikes and the 2007 season being decided by a race, do you think Departure could dominate? Of course they could, but they had to do it Departure style. Knowing they were going up against the latest and greatest sport bike technology, Departure picked a set of 1967 Harley-Davidson Panhead cases and went to work. With all the trademark Andrew Williams styling and the expert assistance of Ernie Coates the Virginian was created on camera for the entire nation.
The shop, family and friends glistened with pride as the Virginian came together under the Discovery Channel Build-off deadline clock… as we knew it would. Even though Departure didn’t take home the trophy, we came out on top by staying true to the essence of Departure and giving the competition a run for their money with an old Panhead. How close was it? In the words of Lee Clemens, “We were just a fart-skin away”. A “fart-skin” is the technical term for really friggin’ close!
The Departure Bike Works of today is what 35 years of life driven by an American V-Twin and a dream gets you. You will still find Lee and Brenda working around the shop and greeting customers at the counter daily. With their son-in-law, Justin, working the salvage bikes and keeping everything straight, it’s still a family biz.
In the back you will find “Scotty” Massie passing along his years of knowledge to Steve Hodges. The two of them define Chopper in their own way of, “What is the bare minimum I need to do to this bike so I can ride it.” Next to them under a rising pillar of cigar smoke Billy Wheatley can be seen working like the well-oiled motors that he builds. If building motors is a science Billy is the professor. When you want to talk to someone about just about anything on your bike you will find Ernie Coates. Ernie can tell you something about riding through all “48” along with just about anything on your scooter, because he’s seen it all. If you are lucky enough to get on the list, you might find your bike sitting on Andrew’s self-designed custom frame table. Watching your dream bike come together is a service that can only be found at Departure… if you have the dream. With RB (veteran of everything), Tommy, Sean along with the rest of the colorful cast at DBW, you can certainly find a little of everything under one roof.
It is safe to say that the typical biker has changed since the ‘50s and ‘60s. Once an outlaw and a rebel, now an executive and family man (or woman) today’s “biker” has adapted faster than Cro-Magnon Man. Departure Bike Works has offered service to them all over the years. Even though the bikes and the people riding them have changed, the dream of Departure Bike Works hasn’t. Creating the motorcycle that has been in your mind, keeping you dreaming at night is what it is all about.
It’s still amazing for me to watch a transmission, frame and motor go together without a book or manual. When you’ve been around for 35 years and you have more than 100-years of experience under one roof it doesn’t matter what the book says, you know what it doesn’t say. Be it a Knucklehead, Twin Cam or a Shovelhead mixed with an Evolution stuffed in a one-off single loop frame, there is nothing that can’t be done at Departure.
Let’s all hope that the dream stays alive for everyone who shares it with us. With young men like Steve who want to know everything about their Panhead and willing to throw on a skinny rear tire and “just ride it” becoming scarce and the people who know enough to teach them even scarcer… the dream seems to be in jeopardy. They aren’t doing it for the money (because there is none) and they aren’t doing it to become famous. They do it because they are passionate about peeling down the road on their own two-wheeled dreams. Like our friend Robert Earl Keen says, “The road goes on forever and the party never ends.” When you try your best to live by it and keep the dream alive, Travis and all of those lost along the way will always “ride forever”.
October 6th, DBW Open House and Drive-in Style Shin Dig. We are going to replaythe BBO on the side of the building again and get drunk at the shop. Live musicand live women… are we going to see you there?
September 24, 2009 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
FIRST MOTORCYCLE CANNONBALL CROSS-COUNTRY RUN FOR PRE-1916 MOTORCYCLE IN OVER A CENTURY–This is the race we’ve waited a century for. San Francisco to New York, winner takes all. Sounds like fun doesn’t it? Sure it has been done before. George Wyman was the first to do it in 1903, and many followed after, considering it a badge of honor to traverse the great expanse of our wonderful nation on these new fangled contraptions we call motorcycles. Hearty men and women to say the least, the adventure of a lifetime for sure, they all did it for one reason: they loved to ride motorcycles and they loved America.
In early September 2010 we will follow in the tire tracks of our forefathers and prove that 100 years later it can still be done. Have the comforts of technology made us weak? Can we endure nearly two weeks in the saddle of a machine that was built before our grandfathers were born? Can the machine endure the stress of day after day of being pushed to its limits? Understand that this will not be a race of speed, yet a race of endurance, of man and machine. Many will start, few will finish.
Those who choose to join this ride should understand that this is a run of endurance, not a race at all. If your machine is in tip top running shape, that is great, but can you endure riding it? That’s the question. Most riders would have a hard time doing a ride of this nature on their late model bikes.
The riders of the cannonball will need to be well ridden, hardened, ingenious, patient, and mechanically inclined. Most important, they must not be afraid to push the limits of their machine and themselves.
The ones who choose to enter this event must know how much this ride will demand, both physically and mentally. Tomorrow, pull out your 1913 Excelsior and drive it 300 miles before the sun goes down. It will be a long day, a well earned day. It will be a day when you will know whether or not this 12 day cannonball is really for you.
In such a run the route will be critical. We don’t want to end up on the interstate, or get caught amongst the wildlife that venture out after dark. How does your machine do in certain elevations? How many miles can you go between gas stops? Which route will be the most hospitable, and the most scenic? How many miles can you really do in a day? The questions are many. We have given you four options here to study. The route with no freeways, no dirt roads, and lots of America is what we all want. Less than three hundred miles a day would be ideal. These are only suggestions.
Gene Romero?s West Coast Flat Track Series goes National–The only AMA National on the West Coast will take place Saturday night, October 24 at the Pomona, California Fairgrounds. The race will also be a West Coast Flat Track event featuring all the regular riders taking part in the series. Saddlemen is proud to sponsor the series and we?ll be at the race cheering on all the Saddlemen sponsored racers.
The National Championship for the Twins class will be decided at the race. Hope to see you there.
Saddlemen?s Custom Motorcycle Exhibit Proves A Popular Attraction– A photo gallery of the great machines, artistry and design ideas we had the pleasure to show the public during the Orange County (Calif) Fair (sponsored by Saddlemen)
The brainchild of Saddlemen?s president Tom Seymour, the exhibit was designed to bring the attention of custom Harley?s to thousands of non-motorcycling OC Fair attendees and was a huge success. Thanks to all the builders who participated (Freedom Cycles, Huntington Beach Hogs, HBMC, LA Chopper Mods, Matt Hotch, Mitch Bergeron Customs, Roland Sands, Russ Wernimont and Todd?s Cycle.
–Larry Langly
Saddleman
17801 S. Susana Rd.
Rancho Dominguez, CA. 90221
Phone: 1-800-397-7709 1-310-638-1222
Email:saddlemensales@msn.com
KRAWIEC TAKES V-ROD TO SEMI-FINALS AT CAROLINA NATIONALS–Krawiec and Hines are 2-3 in Points After First Round of Championship Countdown.
CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2009) – Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec rode a Harley-Davidson V-Rod to the semi-final round of Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway. Krawiec lost that round to top qualifier Hector Arana, who won the event by defeating Gieco Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer in the finals.
The loss to Arana dropped Krawiec, the defending NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, from first to second place and nine points behind Arana in the Countdown to the Championship points race, which began with the Carolina Nationals.
“If we take the V-Rod to the semi-finals, that?s a good showing,” said Krawiec. “You win a championship by being consistent, and if we can make it as far as the semis in each of the remaining races, we can win the title again.”
Arana paced the field in qualifying with a run of 6.965 seconds. Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines qualified second at 6.980. Krawiec was fifth with a pass at 7.024 seconds.
“We were lacking performance early in the weekend, which we sorted out for race day,” said Krawiec. “But with the bonus points now being awarded during qualifying rounds, we need to focus on being quick right away.”
The new NHRA bonus system, which went into effect at the Carolina Nationals, awards points to the teams in each pro category with the quickest elapsed time during each of four qualifying session. The rider or driver with the quickest time receives three bonus points. Those with the second- and third-quickest elapsed times during each qualifying session will receive two and one points, respectively. Hines topped the Pro Stock Motorcycle class with eight qualifying bonus points at the Carolina Nationals.
Hines lost to Junior Pippin on the Stone Mountain/Granite Mountain Harley-Davidson Buell in the first round of Sunday eliminations. Hines and Pippin both fouled at the start, but Hines left 0.005 seconds early while Pippin left 0.003 seconds early, and Pippin advanced to the second round.
Krawiec advanced in the first round after Suzuki rider Jim Underdahl fouled at the start. Krawiec fouled in the second round, but his opponent, Horne Racing Bull rider Douglas Horne left earlier, and the Screamin? Eagle V-Rod rider moved on the semi finals.
In the semi-final, Arana got the hole shot with a 0.003-second reaction time to Krawiec?s 0.010. That proved to the be the difference in a very close race, as a 6.991-second run by Krawiec was not enough to get past Arana, who had an ET of 6.997 seconds, a total advantage of 0.001 seconds. Stoffer fouled at the start in the final to give Arana his second-straight event win.
After the first of five events in the 2009 Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to the Championship, Arana leads with 2194 points. Krawiec is second with 2185 points, followed by Hines with 2125 and Horne with 2010.
The next Pro Stock Motorcycle event on the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is the O?Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals, Sept. 24-27, at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas.
Thanks to everyone who showed up for the FREE Joe ‘n Dough on Saturday morning. It was a super day for a ride!–As I mentioned in the Fall Flood Run mailing sent out last week, we were giving away a Free Fall Detailing by “Mr. Fussy” – Terry Miller here at the shop. All that was required was to drop your contact info in the hat. Well, the lucky winner is Scott Merritt!
So when he’s ready to put that filthy pig of a Road King away for the season, all he’s gotta do is drop it off and let Terry take over from there! Not a bad investment of Scott’s time on Saturday morning – he swung by for about 20 minutes, slammed a donut and some mud, and walked out with a detailing service worth $90 bucks!
–Doug Wozney
DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication LLC
2323 Palace St. La Crosse, Wi. 54603
(608) 783-3684
doug@dougz.com / www.dougz.com
CUSTOM CYCLE CONTROLS is Having a Sale!–Henderson, NV- Autumn is here again?yes Autumn, you know, the time of year where the leaves turn colors, and the time changes. If you?re lucky enough to live on the west coast, we can ride for almost 365 days a year. Unfortunately, everyone isn?t as lucky as us. Custom Cycle Control Systems is having an Autumn sale on its merchandise offering 20 percent off of any product that they have in inventory. Perfect timing for those fall/winter rebuilds. Take advantage of this opportunity as the sale ends on October 31, 2009?Halloween!
Custom Cycle Control Systems offers a complete series of award winning “Climax Controls” or Complete Climax Hand Control/Handlebar systems. They have a wide variety of handlebar styles, gauge options and grip choices. Need something custom made – call them; they can accommodate just about any custom order. The sale also covers their Simplified Air Suspension/SAS units and The B-MAC Bagger Mini Air Control systems. Custom Cycle Control Systems: Creating Simple Solutions to Common Problems. For more information on what?s available, check out the Custom Cycle Controls website for more details.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Custom Cycle Controls, you can reach them at (866) 438-2129, or 702-438-2129. Check them out online at www.customcyclecontrols.com or email them at info@customcyclecontrols.com.
ROLLIN’ SIXES HOLIDAY T-SHIRT DRIVE FOR THE TROOPS SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM KICKS OFF 2009 EFFORT– Hey guys, it’s that time again when Rollin Sixes gets together with our friends at Bikernet and the Hot Rods Inc. Girls to collect some badass T-shirts for our brave military men and women who won’t be able to spend the holiday with their friends and family but instead will be dodging bullets and dealing insurgents!
We are looking to get as many shirts from as possible from as many bike & rod shops, Tattoo parlors, Car & Bike clubs, rockin’ ass bands you name it. There are lotsa fans overseas workin’ hard for our freedom and security. Let’s give ’em some of what they love, and let them know that we have not and never will forget all they do for America.
Please check send your contributions to:
T-shirts for Troops
311 Aviation Parkway
Cape Coral, FL 33904
We need to get all donations by November 28th. This allows us to wrap all the shirts and get them sent out the first week of December so they will arrive on or before Christmas to Iraq and Afghanistan. Don’t forget to check out our pictures from the last few years effort and lets look to make this one even bigger! Stay tuned for more exciting news next week!
Thanks again everybody!!!
BIKERNET MEDICAL STAFF HEADS TO THE MOUNTAIN WITH DR. WEIL–We researched 4 Ways to Be Happy.
Being pessimistic can be more than a just an emotional drain on yourself and those around you – pessimism has been linked to a higher risk of dying before age 65.
The good news is that expressing positive emotions such as optimism is associated with a variety of health benefits: lowered production of the stress hormone cortisol, better immune function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. If you are stressed-out or anxious, which can be either a cause or an effect of a pessimistic outlook, try the following:
1. Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep.
2. Express your emotional reactions honestly so you can effectively deal with what’s bothering you.
3. Confide in someone – your mate, a good friend or a trusted relative.
4. View the cup as half full instead of half empty.
Feeling Stressed Out?
Practice breathing exercises, get proper rest and physical activity, and consider the Stress Support Formula available through Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor. It contains an array of B vitamins, which help support adrenal function and calm the nervous system. Check DrWeil.com
D&D CONTINUES TO EXPAND DEALER DIRECT PROGRAM–D&D exhaust systems are not as sexy as some, but they are built strong, come with all the fasteners needed, no scrimping, and each system is performance dyno tested and tuned. Here’s the new dealers for this week.
1) A & D Cycles 431 Elbert St Elberton, GA 30635 706-213-0010
2) Henley’s Kustom Painting 1310 N Capitol Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-637-6257
3) Rio Grande Valley H-D 1201 S Bentsen RD McAllen, TX 78501 956-687-9646
1) 2 Wheel Body Shop 7651 Houston Rd Byron, GA 31008 478-785-9090
2) Bell’s Suzuki of Lexington 667 E New Circle RD # 4 Lexington, KY 40505 859-299-3521
3) Baker Boys Yamaha 420 S Eagle Ln Oklahoma City, OK 73128 405-789-3535
4) MEH Enterprises 8000 Weddington Downs Dr Matthews, NC 28104 704-361-7623
5) Indigenous Motorcycle Supply 513 N 1st Ponca City, OK 74601 580-762-2100
6) Diva Customs 501 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-428-3482
7) M & M Finance 1001 S Broadway Carrollton, TX 75006 972-446-9900
8) Dago’s Custom Cycles 325 W Prien Lake Rd Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-480-4180
9) Todd’s Cycle 15665 Commerce Ln Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714-901-4516
–Jennifer Millican
D & D Performance Ent
And as always RIDE SAFE & LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES
817-834-8961
Fx: 817-831-4260
TOLBERT TUNES HIS RACEBIKE WITH D&D EXHAUST–Kenny Tolbert, Crew Chief for Chris Carr Racing, uses the exhaust pipe to tune the motorcycle to the race track. The XR750 makes more horsepower than most tracks can handle so tuners have to adjust the delivery of horsepower for the specific track.
At the start of the season Kenny Tolbert and D&D build new exhaust systems for the team’s Harley XR750 and Honda 450cc racebikes. The guys look at the tracks and determine how the horsepower and torque need to come on in order to get the best response and traction from the motorbike. Tolbert looks to modify the exhaust system at the track because it is a quick fix and it allows him to make changes fast during the race day.
Get more of the good stuff in Bikernet Studio.
–Jeff Najar
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Announces Events for Biketoberfest 2009–DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. –September 23, 2009–The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will return to the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street in Daytona. The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse is also going to be a part of the brand new Irongate Biker Bar located right next to the Doghouse, be sure to stop by and see the newest addition to Main Street Daytona. In keeping with The Doghouses’ reputation as “the place to party in Daytona,” this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse line-up will feature some of the industry’s best custom bikes, builders, and special events.
In addition the Doghouse main stage will feature live music from bikers favorite southern rock bands Rebel Son and DB Bryant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Friday and Saturday night will also feature, the Betty Bangs bikini contest. Sure to be a crowd favorite, Betty Bangs brings a crew of the hottest models from South Beach and adorns them with her limited edition bikinis. Prepare to be BANGED by Betty and her crew of stunning South Beach models!
Friday night will be a Military Tribute for active duty service members and veterans. You can also party at the Doghouse with Phil Pitzer and Sheree Wilson from the movie “Easyriders The Ride Back” along with their bikes. Biketoberfest at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse wouldn’t be complete without bike builders and their bikes. Industry giants Dave Perewitz and Eddie Trotta along with relative new-comers Lefty Brother Cycles will all have motorcycles on display at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse.
With over 30 years experience building and customizing bikes, Dave Perewitz is truly an industry legend and leader. His custom-fabricated motorcycles are a delicate blend of engineering, design, power, performance and beauty. A self-taught designer, mechanic, painter and fabricator Perewitz’s creations have been featured on a number of magazine covers and television programs. He has also built for an array of celebrities including Hulk Hogan and Tony Stewart.
Custom bike builder, Eddie Trotta has been designing and building custom motorcycles for over 30 years and in so has created the Thunder Cycle Design Legacy. He has quickly become one of the planet’s pre-eminent custom motorcycle designers. His personal touch, imagination and craftsmanship have awarded Trotta a long list of honors including V-Twin Magazines’ Bike Builder of the Year and the Biker Picaso Award at the Discovery Channel’s Ultimate Chop Awards Show. He is currently working with Lorenzo Lamas to produce a limited number of custom motorcycles unlike any other production custom out there.
Founded in 2005, Lefty Brothers Cycles has taken the motorcycle industry by storm. Izzy and his crew, all active duty military soldiers, are passionate about creating unique rides that ride as good as they look. Lefty Brothers Cycles have established a presence in the industry by producing quality custom one off bikes and their one of a kind creations have been featured in several national magazines.
“Biketoberfest is always a great time because it’s a chance to get a little more sun before Winter sets in,” said Carrie Repp, event coordinator for the Roadhouse and owner of R&R Promotions. “This year with Rebel Son playing every night, the hot girls of the Betty Banged Bikini contest and the three great builders we have on display it’s sure to be perfect place to fill up on fun before Winter.”
–Ken Conte
SCREAMIN’ DEALS OF THE WEEK–Wanted to let your readers know about a couple o’ screamin’ deals we’re offering right now. In an effort to get more butts onto custom rides in these economic trying times we have 2 new bikes that we’re offering for $12,000 and $14,000 respectively.
Deja Vu is our Bob Job ST model with some very nice parts used. A partial list is a 96″ polished S&S motor, polished 6 speed, 3″ open BDL primary, Spyke starter, Legend Air ride suspension. Daytec frame built for California Customs, 60 spoke wheels, PM brakes and hand controls and a custom blue metal flake flame piant job. Just a partial list too. All for just $12,000.
Gold Digger is a custom version of our Retro Rockitt model. 96″ polished S&S motor, polished 6 speed, 3″ open BDL primary, Independent Gas Tank Bobber tank, custom pipes, black and chrome springer, Flanders bars, remote oil filter, custom rear fender, Daytec for California Customs rigid Bobber style frame, 80 spoke wheels, PM brakes and controls, 250 rear tire. Custom gold metal flake scallop job with pin up tank art. Ironworks Magazine feature bike, International Motorcycle Show winner. All for just $14,000.
Check out more pics and info on these bikes at www.calcustom.com
THE LOVELY RIDING SASHA CUTS A NEW TUNE– http://motoroadeommc.bandcamp.com/
My new single 2 Wheels Move the Soul is available at the above link where you can listen to the whole tune before purchasing for only $1.
You can also download Ridelicious which is available for free at 128k or for $1 at 320K.
Enjoy the music! Much more to come, too. Thanks for your friendship and support.
Keep on rockin and rollin the ride.
-Sasha
BIKERNET REDCROSS SAFETY ALERT, HOW TO SAVE LIVES,New Ways to Survive Cardiac Arrest–I am going to let you in on a secret: When a person’s heart stops beating, it’s not the end. Contrary to what you may think, death is not a single event. Instead, it’s a process that can be interrupted.
Mike Mertz knows this firsthand. On Jan. 23, 2008, the 59-year-old Arizona man was driving home from work. The last thing he remembers is pulling into his complex’s driveway. Then his heart stopped. Corey Ash, a passing UPS driver, noticed a silver Saturn wedged between a palm tree and a wall, with the engine running and a person slumped at the wheel. Ash stopped to investigate. He switched off the car’s engine, pulled Mertz out, and laid him on the ground. Ash called 911 and started pumping the older man’s chest. The next few minutes would be absolutely critical for Mertz.
If you had been there, standing over Mertz’s lifeless body, would you have known what to do?
A person’s life can slip away in a few minutes. Without a heartbeat, circulation slows to a halt. Blood no longer flows to the organs, and the brain is the first one to suffer. In normal times, the brain, which constitutes 2% of our body mass, consumes about 20% of the oxygen the body takes in. After 10 seconds without oxygen, the brain’s functions slow. Without oxygen or signals from the brain, other organs begin to break down. Diaphragm muscles no longer contract and release to bring in air. The kidneys stop filtering blood. At the same time, an elaborate chain reaction triggers a breakdown in cells throughout the body.
Scientists and physicians are now learning that this process can be reversed. When it comes to cardiac arrest, however, the chances of surviving an episode outside a hospital are poor. Only 2% of victims pull through without long-term damage.
The No. 1 thing that has been shown to make a difference is the action of a bystander. If a passerby jumps in and gives CPR, as Corey Ash did, the likelihood of survival rises significantly. But if onlookers do nothing, those chances drop–fast. According to the American Heart Association, for every minute that goes by without someone attempting CPR, the survival rate decreases 7 to 10%.
Studies have found that bystanders perform CPR in only 20 to 30% of cases. Researchers say it’s not because people don’t want to help–it’s because they’re apprehensive about putting their mouths on someone else’s, especially if the person is dying. But what I’m about to tell you may change your mind about what you can do in a situation like Mertz’s.
More than 15 years ago, cardiologist Gordon Ewy and researchers at the University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center were puzzling over how to get more people to give CPR. To simplify the method, they wondered what would happen if they advocated performing compressions without mouth-to-mouth respiration. After running successful laboratory trials, Dr. Ewy spoke to emergency-services directors in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Missouri. They were intrigued by his findings and agreed to promote the use of compression-only CPR among people in their states. They also implemented a protocol for their paramedics and firefighters that emphasized giving chest compressions with minimal interruptions to keep the patient’s blood circulating.
The results were remarkable: Not only were survival rates for people who got only compressions just as good as those for people who got traditional CPR, they actually were better. Why was it so effective? Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation supplies oxygen, which we need continuously. As it turns out, our bloodstreams contain plenty of oxygen at any moment. Even if we stop breathing, our oxygen levels remain normal for quite a while. If we do stop breathing, however, the sole way to make the oxygen circulate is by having someone pump our chests.
In 2007, Japanese researchers revealed the results of a massive study on bystander intervention. They looked at cases where a person (not in a hospital) suffered cardiac arrest in view of a bystander–and with his or her heart in a rhythm that would respond to a defibrillator. The survival rate was 11% for those who got standard CPR–mouth-to-mouth plus chest compressions–before an ambulance arrived. The rate was 19% for those who got only compressions. The act of keeping oxygen circulating could increase a victim’s chances of surviving by as much as 70%.
This is not a fancy technology born in a gleaming lab, yet it is one of the most significant recent breakthroughs in medicine. Because heart disease is the biggest killer in the U.S., this simple act could save thousands of people’s lives every year.
Like Mike Mertz’s. Shortly after Corey Ash began CPR, paramedics trained in the compression-only technique arrived. Thanks to them and to an alert bystander, Mertz survived. One day, the bystander could be you.
Remember: As soon as you see someone suffer what you think may be cardiac arrest, call 911, start giving chest compressions 100 times a minute, and don’t stop for anything. To get more information and to find classes in your area in emergency cardiovascular care, go to the American Heart Association website (americanheart.org).
by Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon, is the chief medical correspondent for CNN and author of the new book “Cheating Death,” which will be published next month.
The 41st U.S. National Speedway Championship was one of the best ever! —A great crowd, excellent racing and perfect race track combined to produce a colorful, unpredictable and a fair event which resulted in deserving winners.
Congratulations to new champion Ricky “the kid” Wells, Chris “the man” Manchester and Charlie “the edge” Venegas. Defending champ Billy Janniro was thrilling all night and can be proud of his championship reign.
Thank you to the fans, sponsors, officials, competitors and the Orange County Fair and Event Center for all of their support throughout an excellent 2009 season.
Costa Mesa Speedway’s proposed 2010 season begins April 17, 2010 with the Spring Classic, plan to attend! (see our website for up to date information)
The 2009 season concluded with last Saturdays National event. THERE IS NO FALL CLASSIC on Saturday Sept. 26th.
Once again, thank you for a great 2009 season!
–Brad and Jaleen Oxley
Be sure to visit us online during the off seasonWe’ll be adding items for sale in the online store and other great speedway content. CostaMesaSpeedway.net
GANG BILL, H.R. 1279 ON THE FAST TRACK – WE MUST ACT NOW– A Message from our Founder, Richard M. Lester.
It is critical that we get these letters that we have been passing out at our Confederation of Clubs meetings signed and sent to your Senator and Congress Members.
While we have been pushing these letters to Senate and Congress regarding all these bills that are taking our rights away as American Citizens, Congress has managed to sneak in a new bill, which we have talked about at the meetings. The bill is H.R. 1279, which is related to S. 155, and H.R. 970, which is all Gang, related bills.
HR. 1279 was introduced on March 14, 2005 by Representative Randy J. Forbes: this bill has made it further under the chain of command then any other Gang Bill, and as you all know that if you ride in a group of three or more you are considered a Gang. We all have to get our letters in to Senate and Congress to get this bill stopped, it is moving so fast we will have to work quickly.
A Mark-up session was held on April 13, 2005, the views of both sides are studied in detail and at the conclusion a vote is taken to determine the action of the subcommittee. It may decide to report the bill favorable to the full committee, with or without amendment, or favorable, or without recommendation.
The subcommittee may also suggest that the committee ?table? it or postpone action indefinitely. Each member of the subcommittee, regardless of party affiliation, has one vote. Proxy voting is no longer permitted in House committees. It was ordered to be reported amended on April 20, 2005, to a full committee meeting. Final committee action is a full committee meeting; reports on bills may be made by subcommittees. Bills are read for amendment in committees by sections and members may offer germane amendments.
Committee?s amendments are only proposals to change the bill as introduced and are subject to acceptance or rejection by the house itself. A vote of committee members is taken to determine whether the full committee will report the bill favorably, adversely, or without recommendation. As you can see time is of the essence, we are going to have to move fast on the bill as it is on the fast track, this bill has passed further through all the committees and subcommittees than any other Gang Bill, while we set idly by and let it happen without evening knowing it. As American Citizens our rights are being stripped from us and we don?t even know it.
As American Citizens we must all stand together and let the government hear our voices, as we are the voices for this country and we have that right to be heard. We are Not Gangs, we are men and women from all walks of life that enjoy the freedom of riding our bikes, enjoying the company of other fellow riders, and enjoy life and they are trying to take that away from us. What?s next, they go after our children for hanging out with friends, and riding their Bicycles. What is this country coming to, that they can tell us we can?t ride in a group of three or more or if we do we are a Gang, or they will deicide who you can associate with. I thought we lived in the Land of the FREE, which is no longer. The government is trying to dictate our lives and that is not being FREE. What happened to FREEDOM of CHOICE?
Continued On Page 3
September 24, 2009 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
Life is strange. The senate finance committee decided not to publish the healthcare bill on line, just a synopsis. Incredible. Some of the folks voting on it won’t read it. What the fuck? If the guys who vote on it don’t read it, who does?
I’ll call our high-dollar Bikernet Medical lobbyist and have him slip in a small grant for our research foundation, WHTBT (what happened to Bandit’s toe). That’s an extensive research project. Part of it went missing back in the ’70s. Was it drugs or an angry woman.
Lot’s of news today. Let’s kick the program in motion:
NOISE LAWS DEFEATED
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association has announced that a proposed noise ordinance in North Reading, MA that would have required an EPA Stamp on motorcycle exhaust systems and stricter noise controls has been defeated.
Prior to a recent meeting of town Selectmen, MMA Chairman Dave Condon met with MMA Member Bill McGarry, a local resident, to review the warrant and the pertinent Massachusetts laws. During an earlier town meeting, the legality of the EPA stamp requirement was discussed in detail and ultimately dropped, but an alternative proposal was amended into the Warrant which would have made noise levels and testing requirements stricter than those currently in Massachusetts General Law (MGL).
With significant support from McGarry, who attended both public hearings and spoke on behalf of the MMA and motorcyclists across Massachusetts, the Selectmen and North Reading Chief of Police recognized that the town cannot impose laws stricter than the Commonwealth — instead, the town acknowledged that enforcement of the existing MGL coupled with appropriate education could be a far more effective tool, and by vote of the selectmen the warrant was removed from the town agenda.
Meanwhile, following much lobbying and testimony from local bikers, a hotly debated noise ordinance in Portland, Maine was unanimously rejected by the City Council and sent back to the Public Safety Committee for more work.
The proposal would have enforced the federal law that all motorcycles made after Dec. 31, 1982 must have mufflers with an EPA label certifying the exhaust system meets EPA standards. A biker riding a motorcycle within city limits without an EPA sticker on the muffler would have been fined $50. The ordinance would have been the first of its kind in Maine, and supporters said its adoption would have made it easier to pass a similar state law.
Opponents, including the United Bikers of Maine (UBM), said the measure would discriminate against motorcyclists and could cost the city tourism dollars by discouraging motorcyclists from visiting Portland.
Motorcycle noise continues to be a contentious and controversial issue across the country, with places like Boston and New York contemplating stricter laws.
This came from Bill Bish, of NCOM and Ridin’ On magazine. For the entire September New Bytes report see the Bikernet Home Page or the Bikernet Rights Department. It’s free goddamnit.–Bandit
BAKER DEALS COMING TO BIKERNET WEEKLY–Last week BAKER launched our Official Online Store. This is a place where you can browse, shop, ask questions and purchase every product BAKER makes 24/7. The BAKER Online store is a great tool for our retail and dealer customers alike.
To help BAKER Drivetrain celebrate the official launch of our online store, we are offering one of our most popular, universally loved transmissions at an unheard of low price. The BAKER DD6: Direct Drive 6 Speed is the quietest, most efficient transmission on the market. The BAKER DD6 is the ultimate transmission for serious touring, bagger, Softail, or Dyna riders.
The ones who really put the miles on appreciate the silent smoothness with our helical highway gears and direct drive engineering. All steps have been taken to dampen vibration so you, your motor, and the rest of the bike can go the long haul for years to come.
Owning an American made BAKER DD6? will give you peace of mind in your travels. You?ll know that you have the premium drivetrain transmission that strictly is built to endure. You?ll have comfort in knowing that your investment is also supported passionately by BAKER Drivetrain with our hefty 5-year/50,000 warranty. No worries.
Ride on. Now get the hell out there, ride hard and far, and know that you?re in good company with the award-winning DD6 from the drivetrain authority.
All 1999-2006 baggers ought to have a BAKER DD6 transmission. It?s specifically designed with these bikes in mind. Harley acknowledged the need for a 6 speed with the release of their Cruise Drive a few years ago. There are millions of bikes of this vintage on the fast-moving modern highways that can have a brand new existence with the installation of our Direct Drive 6-Speed.
Our DD6 is finessed for touring model bikes, especially for the later Twin Cam powertrains, as the DD6 mitigates noise amplified in the hollow space between the motor and the tranny. It is the perfect blend of gear ratio, gear type, noise reduction advancements, shift system technology, bearing upgrades and ease of installation. Since the release of the BAKER DD6 in 2003, there have been thousands of satisfied customers world-wide with American touring Big Twins who will attest that it is the premium transmission of choice.
The DD6 Builders Kit comes with:
? Pre-assembled gearset, ready to easily install. Install on a Saturday and ride on Sunday!
? Helical 4th, 5th and 6th, for a smooth and quiet ride in your cruising gears.
? 28-tooth compensating sprocket included. Necessary to maintain 1st – 5th stock gearing.
–Trish
NRA REPORTS, Many Mayors Hear Your Voice– Grassroots politics is alive and well in the United States, as gun owners have been making their voices heard to their mayors. In the past few weeks, gun owners have been contacting their mayors who joined New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG).
The result: MAIG has lost over 50 members because gun owners took action to tell their mayors the truth about this organization. Many of the mayors who have resigned from MAIG have indicated they were unaware of the full extent of their anti-gun agenda. They now know they were mislead by MAIG’s claims that it was only concerned with “illegal” guns.
In response to NRA-ILA’s efforts to inform voters and mayors regarding the truth about MAIG and its anti-gun agenda, Bloomberg’s group has contacted mayors repeating their claim that they are only concerned with “illegal” guns, claiming that NRA is misrepresenting their agenda. But the facts are clear.
MAIG has never taken any direct action regarding illegal guns. (Click here to read more about MAIG. The real reason MAIG opposes the Tiahrt amendment is because it interferes with the efforts of anti-gun mayors like Bloomberg, Boston’s Thomas Menino (a MAIG co-founder), and Chicago’s Richard Daley to bring bogus lawsuits against lawful firearm manufacturers. These suits are designed to punish gun makers for the acts of criminals, and to use the courts to impose strict regulations on gun sales that legislatures have rejected; gun regulations that negatively impact law-abiding gun buyers, but have no impact on criminals. MAIG opposition to Right-to-Carry reciprocity is a clear example of their opposition to legal gun ownership and self-defense. Reciprocity would only apply to those who have permits, and then only if all local laws are followed. Criminals and gunrunners do not undergo background checks, take training courses, and seek certification to obtain a carry permit–law-abiding gun owners do. Gun owners must keep up the pressure on their mayors to ensure that their rights are respected. If your mayor is a member of MAIG, contact him and let him know the truth about this anti-gun group’s real agenda. (To find if your mayor is a member of MAIG, click here.
40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FILM EASY RIDER CELEBRATED AT CALIFORNIA BIKE WEEK AND THROUGH KERR LEATHERS–Sony Pictures is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1969 movie, ?Easy Rider,? that changed history. Peter Fonda?s Captain America Jacket and Vest is being manufactured exclusively by Kerr Leathers. This is a limited, one time offer to Harley Davidson dealers only. Only 3000 jackets and vests will be manufactured worldwide. The jacket and vest will come complete with a signed certificate of authenticity by Peter Fonda, himself and will be available with an Easy Rider movie poster and soundtrack CD for promotional purposes.
Call Kerr Leathers now to reserve your Captain America Jacket or Vest, 1.800.994.5377
HANDLEBAR RISERS FROM JOKER MACHINE–Replace your heavy “cast” handlebar risers with one of these high performance All-Billet Aluminum Riser sets!
Fully CNC machined Racing styled design is made from solid 6061-T6 bar stock for maximum strength!
Special alloy “Gold Zinc” mounting bolts are included.
The lightweight “DUAL” or “BRIDGE” design top clamps gives your bike a unique “CAFE” racer look! – THE DUAL IS A MUST WHEN USING OUR SPEEDOMETER RE-LOCATING BRACKET!
Available in Hard Black or Clear anodize, and chrome finishes.
Available in 2″ or 4″ and is designed for 1″ diameter bars.
Top clamp measures 1.1″ x 2.4″
–Joker Machine
1931 Yeager Ave.
La Verne, CA 91750
(P) 909-596-9690
(F) 909-596-9693www.jokermachine.com
BIKERNET DEFINITION: DUAL FIRE COILS, BY COMPU-FIRE–Dual fire coils are wound symetric and usually there is no identificationmarkings for the terminals.
You determine which terminal is (+) by attaching the B+ wire to one side.The other terminal now becomes (-) and the black wire from the ignitionmodule will go there. If you need a tach signal, attach the tach sensor tothe (-) terminal.
–Martin Tesh
Compu-Fire
Oxytane, FUEL ADDITIVE, seemingly has the right stuff–As a precautionary rule of thumb, Throttler magazine tries not to endorse products that don?t have the backing or research we require to stand behind it. However, there?s a product we?re hearing a lot about coming onto the scene that?s worth mentioning.
Their motto is ?More Throttle in the Bottle,? and their claim is seemingly holding true. The claim is this: ?Oxytane is electrolyte chemistry. That is to say, it is a very conductive liquid chemical. Unlike other chemicals added to fuel (Fuel Additives and Octane Boosters) Oxytane is an electrolyte designed for one purpose. To reduce and/or eliminate charge separation/electrostatic charge build-up generated in flowing fuel. Oxytane is the result of over 15 years of intense and focused research and development.?
Which to us, it?s just a lot of mumbo-jumbo. However, our own ?unscientific? tests showed some interesting results. First was my personal 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which gained an astonishing 5 MPG on the highway immediately. But, we must caution that Oxytane admits there are some issues with using their product and Ethanol fuel and could possibly clog an automotive EGR valve.
Nonetheless, we continued to put Oxytane in sport vehicles such as quads, street bikes, cruisers, and Harleys. Each had its own specific reaction to Oxytane with either better gas mileage, or increased horsepower (i.e., more power on the throttle).
Like we?ve said, we?re very skeptical about endorsing products, but when we heard that Buck Lovell, Editor at American Bagger, Miami Mike, Publisher at Wheels on the Road, Kip Woodring of Thunderpress and Chris Sawyer, Executive Editor at Autofieldguide.com have given Oxytane their thumbs up ? well, we had to check it out for ourselves.
All that said, we?re not scientists, and we sure as hell haven?t done professional testing on this stuff, but is does make some difference in our vehicles. It?s an interesting product, period. But use it at your own risk. Don?t think for one minute we?re paying for any speeding tickets, either.There are only two downsides that we can see: number one, we?re out of our free samples Oxytane sent us; number two, they only sell to dealers. So if you would like to get Oxytane, be sure to ask your local dealer to get some in their store. If you?re a retailer or dealer, ask yourself what product do you have in your store that will get customers in each week? Call (877) 4… or visit www.oxytane.com for ordering.http://www.throttlermagazine.com/
–Michael Colburn
VP sales
PetroNovel Energy Group
925 497 4927
http://www.oxytane.com
This display represents an absolute novelty in the field of digital instruments. 251 ultra-bright LEDs form an almost rimless display area that provides for faultless readable indications and different modes of programming. Due to its elegant design and its superb visual and function-related quality, the Motoscope Mini is eminently suited to almost all two wheel custom vehicles – whether they are Pro-Streets, Choppers, Fighters, Low Riders, Sports Bikes, Enduros, Super Motos or even Quads, Mini-Bikes, and Scooters. Two threaded bushings at the back of the Motoscope Mini mean that it can be mounted just about anywhere. It can be used as a detached instrument on the handlebar or fork bridge or as an integrated element in a fairing cockpit or instrument panel. Hookup is a snap, too. The Motoscope Mini is compatible with a lot of original speedometer sensors supplied by the motorcycle manufacturers, regardless of whether these are dry reed contacts or inductive proximity switches. Where original sensors are used, the Motoscope Mini can simply be plugged and no further installation is required. These clever German engineers also offer the m-CAN – the digital adapter for easily connecting Motominis to the H-D OBD interface directly. Plug & Ride, it doesn’t get much easier. A tiny box makes installing sensors for speed and engine speed redundant. Every Harley-Davidson˙ built 2004 or later has an OBD interface (On-Board Diagnosis) as a 3-pin plug-in connection on the motorcycle. Using the m-CAN adaptor, which is simply plugged into this connector, Motogadget instruments can read out data such as speed, engine speed and MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) from the vehicle data bus by Harley Davidson˙ directly. The device features also an intelligent ‘Teach Function’, which makes it possible to calibrate the speedometer in a very simple way – especially at vehicles that have the speedometer sensor within the gear box. And the best part — the Motoscope Mini comes in under $325.00. K and G Cycles carries the complete line of Motogadget products along with over 125,000 other parts and accessories for your V-twin. Catch them all at kandgcycles.com. –George M. Marakas
www.kandgcycles.com 
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA–The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world (PLEASE NOTE: THE SEMA SHOW IS NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC). It draws the industry?s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2008 drew over 50,000 domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more?
SEMA Show Exhibit Hours
Tuesday, November 3, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 4, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 5, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SEMA has launched an unprecedented push to reach new, potential buyers for the 2009 SEMA Show. More than 100,000 buyers are receiving a comprehensive 16-page brochure highlighting the Show’s business, educational and networking benefits.
The brochure includes a comprehensive breakdown of all 11 Show sections, including key exhibitors and free educational seminars of possible interest to various buyer categories. A complete guide to all educational events and seminars, as well as Show events including the SEMA Keynote, New Products Awards Breakfast and the Industry Awards Reception and Banquet, is also included.
Finally, important details on travel savings, including the SEMA Buyer Bus Program, and airfare, hotel and car rental discounts assure that buyers know exactly where to find savings during this vital industry event.
View the complete digital edition of the brochure here. And for further information on the 2009 SEMA Show, click here.http://www.semashow.com/main/main.aspx?ID=/content/SEMASHOWcom/HomePage
S&S CARB TECH ON BIKERNET–Dear Mr. Bikernet. I’ve had a rough week, but I want to thank you so much! I recently moved back from Germany and my bike was chugging on 1 cylinder. Changed the gas & plugs (needed it), was thinking about wires, valves, maybe the coil or worse. Don’t know if altitude matters but I was 1500ft and now I’m at sea level.
You have to pay pay pay for any schematics, and I’d searched for cheats before – I don’t have any manuals. I cleaned the tank screen, even pulled the carb apart to see if it was gunked. In an act of desperation I typed in my carb info on the Bikernet Google bar, clicked on the first link and a GLORIOUS picture of my very device appeared with instructions. Too good to be true.
I followed those instructions. What happened? You know – it purrs like a kitten at idle. A 1400 cc kitten with a throaty lope. No choking, no backfiring. My house smells a little like exhaust…and that’s a good thing.
Who’s the man? You are. And so am I – today, thanks to you. Thanks for posting the real thing and not charging, so we can spend our dough on legitimate stuff. Like new pipes.
–Eric Bushmaker
DuPont, WA
NEW OIL DISCOVERY RIGHT HERE IN USA–Reston, VA – North Dakota and Montana have an estimated 3.0 to 4.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in an area known as the Bakken Formation.
A U.S. Geological Survey assessment, released April 10, shows a 25-fold increase in the amount of oil that can be recovered compared to the agency’s 1995 estimate of 151 million barrels of oil.Related Podcasts 3 to 4.3 Billion Barrels of Oil in North Dakota and MontanaTechnically recoverable oil resources are those producible using currently available technology and industry practices. USGS is the only provider of publicly available estimates of undiscovered technically recoverable oil and gas resources.
New geologic models applied to the Bakken Formation, advances in drilling and production technologies and recent oil discoveries have resulted in these substantially larger technically recoverable oil volumes. About 105 million barrels of oil were produced from the Bakken Formation by the end of 2007.
The USGS Bakken study was undertaken as part of a nationwide project assessing domestic petroleum basins using standardized methodology and protocol as required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 2000.
The Bakken Formation estimate is larger than all other current USGS oil assessments of the lower 48 states and is the largest “continuous” oil accumulation ever assessed by the USGS. A “continuous” oil accumulation means that the oil resource is dispersed throughout a geologic formation rather than existing as discrete, localized occurrences. The next largest “continuous” oil accumulation in the U.S. is in the Austin Chalk of Texas and Louisiana, with an undiscovered estimate of 1.0 billions of barrels of technically recoverable oil.
“It is clear that the Bakken formation contains a significant amount of oil – the question is how much of that oil is recoverable using today’s technology?” said Senator Byron Dorgan, of North Dakota. “To get an answer to this important question, I requested that the U.S. Geological Survey complete this study, which will provide an up-to-date estimate on the amount of technically recoverable oil resources in the Bakken Shale formation.”
The USGS estimate of 3.0 to 4.3 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil has a mean value of 3.65 billion barrels. Scientists conducted detailed studies in stratigraphy and structural geology and the modeling of petroleum geochemistry. They also combined their findings with historical exploration and production analyses to determine the undiscovered, technically recoverable oil estimates.
USGS worked with the North Dakota Geological Survey, a number of petroleum industry companies and independents, universities and other experts to develop a geological understanding of the Bakken Formation. These groups provided critical information and feedback on geological and engineering concepts important to building the geologic and production models used in the assessment.
Five continuous assessment units (AU) were identified and assessed in the Bakken Formation of North Dakota and Montana – the Elm Coulee-Billings Nose AU, the Central Basin-Poplar Dome AU, the Nesson-Little Knife Structural AU, the Eastern Expulsion Threshold AU, and the Northwest Expulsion Threshold AU.
At the time of the assessment, a limited number of wells have produced oil from three of the assessments units in Central Basin-Poplar Dome, Eastern Expulsion Threshold, and Northwest Expulsion Threshold.The Elm Coulee oil field in Montana, discovered in 2000, has produced about 65 million barrels of the 105 million barrels of oil recovered from the Bakken Formation.
Results of the assessment can be found at http://energy.usgs.gov.
–from Agent Zebra
Indian Mating Season…..Two Indians and a member of a honda trick ridin club were walking through the woods. All of a sudden one of the Indians ran up a hill to the mouth of a small cave.
“Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!”he called into the cave and listened closely until he heard an answering, “Wooooo! Wooooo! Woooooo! He then tore off his clothes and ran into the cave.
The Honda rider was puzzled and asked the remaining Indian what it was all about. “Was the other Indian crazy or what?”
The Indian replied “No, It is our custom during mating season when Indian men see cave, they holler ‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ into the opening. If they get an answer back, it means there’s a beautiful woman in the rear waiting for us.”
Just then they came upon another cave. The second Indian ran up to the cave, stopped, and hollered, “Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!” Immediately, there was the answer. “Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!”from deep inside. He also tore off his clothes and ran into the opening.
The Honda rider wandered around in the woods alone for a while, and then spied a third large cave. As he looked in amazement at the size of the huge opening, he was thinking, “Hoo, man! Look at the size of this cave! It is bigger than those the Indians found. There must be some really big, fine women in this cave!” He stood in front of the opening and hollered with all his might “Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!” Like the others, he then heard an answering call,”WOOOOOOOOO, WOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOO!”
With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, he raced into the cave, tearing off his clothes as he ran.
The following day, the headline of the local newspaper read….NAKED BIKE CLUB MEMBER RUN OVER BY TRAIN
BIKERNET AWARD WINNING TRIUMPH BUILDER TBEAR ATTENDS FIRST SHOW–I finally got her done and entered in Thunder in the Catskill’s show today.Out of the gate she took Best in Class, Special Construction and Best Hand Crafted Parts.
Not bad for being built by a gimp. Best part of the day was Ron Finch stopping by and going nutz over it.
Now a photo shoot and the ?for sale? sign goes on. Hopefully some kids in need will have a good Christmas this year
–TBear
Continued On Page 2
September 24, 2009 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
WEATHER REPORT FROM LOWER ALABAMA, CAMY AND THE SUPER FLY– I have been saying for a while if I could find a motorcycle that handled and fit me as well as my ?06 XL 883 L Sportster I would trade in ?Lil Red?. After almost three years of riding, it had around 45,000 miles showing on the speedometer.
At this point I would like to state that I did not go to Dothan Harley Davidson, September 18, 2009 to purchase a motorcycle. I just wanted to ride.
It had been a dismal month around here. One day a week we had good enough weather to ride for a short while, otherwise, it had been raining or threatening to rain or thunderstorms, or ?.you get the idea. Richard was going stir crazy too.
So Sept. 18th, before the showers started, we rode to the Harley dealership to pick up parts for the Sportster. I had sat on a 2007 Dyna Low Rider a few weeks ago but it just did not feel right. It was a beautiful bike, black pearl, blacked out engine, chrome, fancy foot pegs, windshield, but it just did not ?speak? to me even though I have always wanted a Low Rider. Today, they had a 2005 Dyna Super Glide Custom with 8600 miles on it. I sat on it and was amazed how light it felt when I picked it up off the stand. The balance was almost perfect.
Richard and I talked to the salesman and he told us about the bike and that he had ridden it the day before and liked the way it handled. Well, I looked at him and thought, ok, this man is 6? + tall and has been riding bikes most of his life, he would think it handled well. I am barely 5?3? tall (with my boots on) and I have only been riding for five years. I was too scared to ask for a test ride so Richard asked for me.
Before I really knew what was happening, I was out on this bigger bike (1450 cc) and compared to my little 883 it was huge. I told Richard he had to ride along with me on his bike just in case I had a problem. The test ride is about three miles one way and at 45 MPH and 4 way stops along the way you really don?t get a good idea of what the bike will do but I guess it is enough to do the job.
The motorcycle did handle very well. It was just like riding ?Lil Red? except it was almost twice as powerful. It took the curves as if it were a much smaller motorcycle but with the power to pull out of them with ease. I went back to the dealership with a mile wide grin on my face.
I never expected to get rid of ?Lil Red?, it had been such a good ride for almost three years, all the way from Lower Alabama to Sturgis, SD and back with no major problems. But the rumble of those Screaming Eagle II mufflers and the sheer power of the stage one engine was more than I could resist. What can I say, I am a weak woman. They made the sale. I think I am still in shock.
Oh yes, the first thing I did with my shiny new motorcycle was, yep, you got it?ride in the rain.
Till next time
Ride safe.
–Camy
CALLING ALL BIKERS!!Join in a Rock ?N Roll fundraising rideSag Harbor to ROCK THE HARVEST-Pindar Vineyards, Peconic NY–Funds donated to ?The Retreat? on stage at ROCK THE HARVEST!
Registration 10 a.m ? 11 a.m. ($20 p/p)South end of Long Beach parking lot in Sag Harbor.
Kickstands up at 11:00 a.m.
Ride to ROCK THE HARVEST- Pindar Vineyards, Peconic
For more info call ? 516 509 6297 or email nicole_behrens@ml.com
Rock ?N Roll, Wine and Harvest FestivalFeaturing 6 hot bandsBIG SUGA ? Kerry Kearney Band ? Nancy AtlasBig River Ransom ? Miles To DaytonHigh & Mighty Brass Band
Rain Date October 3rd.
See more details and RSVP on Ignition Nation:http://www.ignitionnation.com/events/event/show?id=2162924%3AEvent%3A31337&xgi=1sILBnzAoM6wze
CHOPPER WARS AIRS PILOT ON HISTORY CHANNEL TONIGHT–Chopper Wars airs tomorrow night, Thursday, September 24th on History Channel at 11 p.m. EST. This seems like a shitty time slot, but apparently, it’s a good time slot, according to the experts.
–Hugh King
Finally a build off is back on the History Channel. This is just the pilot featuring Arlen Ness and Dave Nichols as judges. Let me know what you think. I’ll be wrapping up the news–Bandit
3 Broward politicians arrested in FBI corruption stings– Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion Jr., School Board member Beverly Gallagher and former Miramar Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman were arrested Wednesday on a variety of charges including bribery, fraud and money laundering.
The payoffs were slipped into a restaurant doggie bag, an envelope and a leather day planner — more than $40,000 in cash that undercover FBI agents, posing as corrupt businessmen, say they paid three Broward politicians arrested Wednesday in unrelated fraud cases.
With hidden tape recorders rolling, the classic FBI “sting” operations entangled County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion Jr., School Board member Beverly Gallagher and former Miramar Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman. The arrests shocked Broward’s political community, still recovering from the 2007 corruption conviction of ex-Sheriff Ken Jenne.
More arrests are expected, after agents went public and started questioning dozens of people involved in the county’s lucrative school building program, including lobbyists, school district employees and construction contractors.
“We are not done,” acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman pledged.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, who served eight years in the Florida House with Eggelletion, expressed dismay over the arrests.
“It shakes the confidence of the public in their elected leaders,” she said.Among the three defendants, Gallagher is the only one charged with committing recent, continuing crimes. She is accused of taking kickbacks from a Broward contractor seeking to break into Broward’s school construction business. Eggelletion was charged, along with two Broward businessmen and a Bahamian attorney, with conspiring to launder money from a fraudulent investment scheme. Salesman, who unwittingly introduced FBI agents to Eggelletion, was charged with taking bribes for municipal projects.
Law enforcement sources familiar with the ongoing investigation said it is zeroing in on Gallagher’s relationship with lobbyist Neil Sterling and others who sought the School Board member’s vote for school construction projects.On Wednesday afternoon, Eggelletion, Salesman and Gallagher appeared before federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow. They were granted personal surety bonds and released. Lawyers for the defendants did not comment on the allegations.Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order suspending Eggelletion and Gallagher. He will interview candidates and make interim appointments sometime in the next several weeks.According to criminal complaints filed in court on the three investigations:
? Gallagher accepted $12,500 from FBI agents posing as consultants for contractors who were trying to land School Board projects. Specifically, the money was in exchange for her lobbying on behalf of a glass company seeking subcontracting work on a $71 million renovation project at Hollywood Hills High School.At a November 2007 social event, Gallagher spoke with the undercover FBI agent posing as the glass company’s representative. Three months later, Gallagher met with the agent, who said the firm was having trouble getting prequalified for a contract. He asked if he could hire her as a “consultant.”
She agreed, helping the company set up a meeting with Michael Garretson, the school district’s deputy construction superintendent, so the glass company could get prequalified. Garretson is not named in the complaint.The undercover agent told Gallagher he was paid $4,000 by the glass company, which he split with Gallagher at a restaurant; he gave Gallagher a day planner stuffed with the cash, which she put “in a plastic bag in which she had placed leftovers from her meal,” the complaint said.
— The Miami Herald
While this just happened, the court case against former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom is going on. He is accused of hiding $6 Million in the 2007 Florida Budget for a state college which included a airplane hanger where he is accused of parking his plane. Shit, no wonder Florida taxes are so high and they need to steal money from the motorcycle safety fund.
–Rogue
Introducing Hack-Man, the new Victory Correspondent, TO BIKERNET METRIC– With a growing family and bills, I have less time that I would like to ride and to hang out with fellow bikers. So, I have asked a good friend of mine to help me out at Bikernet and Bikernet Metric. What does that mean? It means more content, reviews, rides, tech articles and much much more.
So, please welcome Hack-Man to the pages of the WORLD?S BEST BIKER RAG?Bikernet and Bikernet Metric. Hack-Man is going to start out helping by riding to Reno for Street Vibrations this weekend and drinking a beer. That is a BIG help. I have asked him to really look for some metrics and to focus on the elusive Victory Motorcycle.
Reno has a good number of Victorys on the road due to Reno Cycles and Gear, a local Polaris dealership. There are also other dealerships locally which all adds up to more of these metric/American scoots.
In the weeks to come, Hack-Man will park his personal Victory and go to LA to pick up one of the new Raiders from Yamaha. Yamaha has traditionally been nippin? at the Factory?s heels for years. When they built the Raider a couple of years ago, it looked like an aggressive attempt to take some market share from the beloved Bar and Shield Company. We will have to see.
Hack-Man has been riding motorcycles for nearly a decade. Unlike many of us, he started riding on his own. His dad did not get him on two wheels, nor did his friend influence him.
?I needed inexpensive transportation to and from work and school and motorcycles had always interested me, so I went out and bought a bike.?
With little knowledge but a die-hard dedication, one that Hack-Man applies to all of his life and business ventures, he began riding solo all over our cage-saturated roads in California. He chose a Honda with a 750 which fit his budget and came at a good price.
After several years in the saddle and countless smiles on his face, Hack-Man was taken out by a cage driver doing her makeup or talking on the phone or something other than driving.
Luckily, Hack-Man was reasonably ok after the crash but the bike was pretty beat up. So, while needing another ride, Hack picked up a new Victory.
?I was working with Corey Ness at the Ness shop and I had a very long commute each day. It just made sense since I had been working with the bikes for quite some time.?
With a new Victory to ride, Hack put the Honda in the garage where he started to fix it with some custom accessories along the way. The Honda is now fixed and will be seen here soon. But with more experience in the saddle and way more power from the Victory, Hack has not spent much time on the 750 scooter.
Hack-Man is going to be a great asset to the Metric side of Bikernet and really help me do my job of publishing the articles. I am really looking forward having him aboard.
He is a rider?through and through?racking up 10s of thousands of miles on his bike yearly. In fact, I am not sure he even owns a car! He has worked for the Ness family which lends him some credibility in my book and still organizes the Ness rides from the dealership.
He is a charter member of Gold Rush Riders, a loosely organized group of Victory riders always riding somewhere each and every weekend. During the day, Hack-Man works for his entertainment company, Top Notch Industries, a company that works closely with MMA and cage fighting groups and spending time on his co-founded adrenalin- based clothing line, Chonky Brothers.
There will be tons of stuff to come and I can?t wait. I want to extend a big-hearted welcome to Hack-Man?.Welcome aboard.
–Wacko
S&S BOOK SIGNING AT OKTOBERFEST IN VIOLA, WISCONSIN THIS SATURDAY–The book features the 50 custom bike builders who took part in 2008 S&S Cycle 50th celebration in LaCrosse, WI. To commemorate S&S?s 50 years in the high performance business. These guys are the real deal, the best of the best.
Retail price for the books is $40.00. That?s less than $1.00 per bike. A small price to pay for such a historic volume.To kick the book off, Howard and S&S president George Smith Jr. will be signing books as part of the Oktoberfest celebration in LaCrosse, WI.
They will be joined by LaCrosse builder and fabricator, Doug Wozney, of Doug?s Custom Fabrication in LaCrosse, winner of the X-Wedge class at the 50th celebration.
The signing will take place at the Oktoberfest grounds in down town LaCrosse from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday September 26. That?s next Saturday!
NEW ORLEANS BIKEFEST T-SHIRT DEADLINE–There?s only one week left to pre-register for the New Orleans Bikefest and receive a free event t-shirt.
Here?s a look at the artwork that will be on back of the black pre-shrunk heavy cotton t-shirts. Purchase a weekend pass no later than September 30th online at www.neworleansbikefest.com
BIKERNET?S ANALOG PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGER– For less than $2 a month Bandit will deliver to you a fine looking piece of god?s creation to keep all of your appointments.
That?s right, you will receive for only $14.95 a “Girls of Bikernet” calendar with a new beauty each month keeping track of the time and location of where you need to go.
So check it out and click
–Jeff Najar
PLEASE BOW, WE’RE ABOUT TO OPEN THE UNCLE MONKEY DOCTRINE–Oops! It was bound to happen. While my wife had been under strict orders to follow her instructor, me, she ventured off the designated trail. Her little excursion led her up one of the many hills in our small town, right to a stop sign at a high traffic intersection. Those that have been following her progress know that she is a new rider. Frustrated by years riding on the back of bare bones choppers and bikes she has decided to get her own bike. She is progressing quite well and had successfully moved from circles in parking lots, to longer jaunts down deserted streets. Now she was ready to tackle the mean streets and to start integrating with traffic.
In our previous outings she had continued to grow and become more comfortable with herself and her bike. That was until last night. Suddenly all alone, with traffic building up behind her as she waited for a break in traffic, she let the clutch out, the bike coughed and sputtered and over it went. She had struggled to keep the bike up but when she reached the point of no return let it go to fall to the ground. Suddenly her little solo venture didn’t seem like such a good idea.
Her greatest fear had come true, that she would drop her bike in the middle of a busy intersection. All alone surrounded by strangers she would have to pick the bike up by herself. As I rounded the corner a couple of guys had already jumped out of their trucks and had quickly run to her rescue. By the time I stopped they had the bike righted up and were giving her encouragement. My wife wasn’t mad that she had dropped her bike but that she was having trouble starting off on the steep incline.
The truth is that it happens to us all. It isn’t a matter of IF you will drop your bike but WHEN you will drop your bike. Without the courtesy of extra wheels we are at the mercy of gravity once our forward inertia has stopped. At some point in time we will rack up hundreds of miles and come to a stop sign, only to forget to remove our feet from the foot pegs. Or we’ll pull into a busy gas station with our bros and in our hurry to fill and keep the line moving forget to kick down the side stand.
The ones on their full deckers grumble and laugh as their bikes rest heavily on the scarred crash bars. Others on our pretty boy choppers and Softails watch as thousands of dollars for paint and chrome crash to the pavement.
For my wife, the little Honda 250 had earned its keep and was serving to its full potential. This was why I had bought the bike. My wife wasn’t compelled to injure herself in a futile attempt to stop the inevitable, to stop an expensive repair bill from happening. I twisted the mirror right and bent the front signal light back to its general vicinity. She hopped on and we continued on our way.
My wife will drop her bike again, so will I, so will you. So will your friend. In the end a bike, our pride and joy, is still just an object. Mirrors and signal lights can be replaced, new paint sprayed, new grips slid on. All we can do is stand up, brush ourselves off, throw our leg over and ride on, until the next time it happens.
–Bad Uncle Monkey
ON THE ROAD WITH FELICIA MORGAN–Cruised by the TPJ Customs shop to scope out the new sled Bryan’s been building. He just got his tin, what little there is of it, back from Kirk Taylor at Custom Design Studios in Novato, and I wanted to see how it came out.
Known for his clean, minimalist attitude towards building, there are no unnecessary baubles cluttering up this piece of art. Bryan’s scrambling to get her finished up, but he did find a little time to hoist a brew or two with his buds and come up with a name for the sexy chica. “Consuela” will make her debut at the Artistry in Iron competition at the Las Vegas Bikefest Oct.1-4 and I hope she smokes the competition.
With 9 inches of ground clearance and weighing in at under 300 pounds, the feisty little hand built wench will certainly be making a lasting impression on the attendees at Bikefest. As for Bryan’s take on the stock, 80 horse power Harley engine, he figures she’ll be like a BMX bike on crack; light, fast, and wild-assed.
“You know those BMX bikes everyone was riding around as kids with the playing cards stuck in the spokes to make the engine noise? Well, I just replaced the cards with a Harley engine.”
Sexy little Consuela will definitely be turning heads with her powder coated frame, nickel coated 1 1/4″ round forks, and fine pin stripping.
–Felicia Morgan
LIFESTYLE DEALS OF THE WEEK–2006 FXD35 DYNA SUPERGLIDE! ONE ONLY AT $10,995.00
Here’s a lot of bike with a tiny price tag! DYNA LOVERS! Take a look at this clean FXD35 Dyna Superglide! This bike has it all … looks, power and comfort! Features a factory 88ci fuel injected motor, six speed transmission, staggered exhast, mid controls with forward pegs, sissy bar with padded backrest, luggage rack, engine guard and much much more! Come take a look at this one!
Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician.
2006 Harley Davidson Street Glide! > AMAZING DEAL! ONLY $14,995.00!
Here’s super clean Street Glide that’s ready to go when you are! This 2006 HD Street glide features a factory HD 88 cubic inch motor, 6-speed transmission, custom heat wrapped exhaust, factory air ride suspension, dark gray paint, powdercoated front end, lockable saddlebags and much much more! Come in and get this one before someone else does! It won’t last long at this price!
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON HERITAGE! NOW ONLY $13,995.00!
Looking for an amazing deal on a super clean and dependable later model Heritage? Look no further! This 2005 HD Heritage Softail is in amazing shape and only has 16,704 miles on it. The bike features a powerful 88 ci Harley motor, Vance & Hines Longshot exhaust system with chrome heat shields, upgraded Harley floorboard inserts and passenger floorboards, Leather bags, padded backrest, luggage rack and tons of other extras! To appreciate it, you need to come see it in person!
Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician. And don’t fret about financing, come in and let us help you get the bike of your dreams!
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY! ONLY $13,995.00!
WOW! Super low miles on this ultra clean 2005 Fat Boy, and it can be yours for dirt cheap! This Harley Fat Boy features a powerful factory 88 cubic inch motor with chrome and black Rinehart exhaust pipes, 5-speed transmission, Vivid Black factory paint and a chrome front end! Factory 2-up seating, passenger pegs upgraded floorboard inserts and tons of chrome!
Stop reading and call LifeStyle TODAY! Don’t wait on this one, as it’s priced to move!
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE! ONLY $19,995.00!
Here’s your chance to own Junior’s personal Bagger! Just because Summer is over is no reason to stop taking those extended weekend getaways. That’s just what this clean 2007 Street Glide was built for.
Features a 110 cubic inch motor and six speed transmission, also come with a full faring, gauges and stereo sound system for those long cruises. This bike also features factory two up seating, floor boards, engine guards and plenty of get up and go! Seriously,
DO NOT MISS THIS DEAL! Get to LifeStyle cycles today and take this one home before its gone!
2006 SCREAMIN’ EAGLE FAT BOY!! TRUE COLLECTOR BIKE! ONLY $21,995.00!
COLLECTORS! Take a look at this immaculate H-D Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy! This bike is amazing! Not only will it turn heads, it’ll snap necks with it’s powerful factory 103 cubic inch Screamin Eagle motor with 2 into 1 thunderheader exhaust and 6-speed transmission!
Also features a super fat 200 rear tire, chrome plated machined rims, custom factory paint, Chrome front end, controls, pulley and upper and lower belt guards … this bike has some serious shine! Way too many extras to list, you HAVE to come see this one in person. And remember, LifeStyle Cycles can help finance YOU!
SAXON NEW OWNERS, The first 30 days in the saddle–It has been exactly one month (30 days anyway) since the new owners and management took over at Saxon Motorcyles on August 24. Reason enough for us to check in with the factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, and chat with Tim Gueltzow, Saxon’s Director of Sales and Marketing, about how the guys have settled in and what is in the future for the semi-custom manufacturer.
Along with Mark Bordokin and Rob Martino, Tim is one of the new owners of Saxon Motorcycles. All of the guys come from an extensive commercial background and have been around in the industry for some time as riders as well as being involved with selling, servicing and customizing motorcycles. Going into factory production is a new venture for all of them. Different plans to grow and evolve were in the making until they saw the opportunity arise to purchase the successful and well branded company Saxon Motorcycles with a very good product ? an instant no-brainer, according to Tim. Their strategy is to interject new ideas and move foreward.
First off are the plans for a new semi custom bagger made by Saxon as announced only recently. Still in the early planning stages at this time, Saxon is expecting to have this project burning fuel between the first and second quarter of next year, thereby making it a model year 2010-and-a-half. Before you ask all kinds of questions about the bike (like we did): It is yet too early to go into any details or even put a name and face to the designer. A new model for the 2011 lineup is also in the planning stage, but clearly still way in the future. The new crew is determined and anxious to hit the mark as soon as possible, yet taking it one step at a time. In case you are wondering: Yes, Saxon is currently building bikes and several were on the lift while we were chatting away on the phone.
Much closer are the bikes that will make up Saxon’s 2010 lineup, due to be released next month. These will still be based upon the current 2009 models, but will feature a lot of modifications and improvements which have been made after going back through service records and identifying areas that could and should be improved on. According to Tim, each and every of these improvements has been made right away. We will bring you more about Saxon’s new 2010 lineup once the real things have been revealed.
More emphasis will be put on the custom paint that is possible and available on Saxon’s creations. While the new owners feel that in the past this has never been emphasised as much as it should have been, they see the ability and competence to realize even extensive and complex custom paint jobs as a very important argument for a semi-custom manufacturer.
For existing owners and those seriously considering to buy a new or used Saxon Motorcycle, the question of warranty claims, parts supply, and simply the whole support they may expect from a company under new ownership, is very important. Tim assured us that there is nothing to worry about in that respect and everything is being addressed with nothing being swept under the carpet or forgotten.
Saxon is taking care of their existing customers as well as those new ones who have already bought new bikes. Also existing dealers will receive full support from the factory. Talking about dealers: The new management has already taken the step beyond doing inventory on their new purchase and maintaining the status quo by currently actively looking for new dealers in the US and internationally in countries like Canada, Europe, Australia and South Africa.
Saxon will be at the Las Vegas Bikefest in Las Vegas, Nevada the first weekend of October with a display of ? no, sorry, not yet the 2010 ? bikes. You might want to stop by at their booth when you are in the area and get to know the new guys on the block who are now running the show in Casa Grande.
Keep an eye on Saxon’s website at www.saxonmotorcycles.com and stay tuned with BIKERNET.COM for more…
–C. S. Berg
SMOKE OUT 2010 SPONSORED BY BIKERNET COMING ALIVE–We do not have a poster yet, but we are going to start by running with this ad. Hope to talk to y’all soon. I am on the road putting Long Road stops together… and man, we have sooo many cool things coming together.
Comander Edge
Lt. Long Road
The head of Quebec’s most powerful construction union is denying allegations the Hells Angels were involved in his election–An investigative report by the CBC’s French-language service to be aired Thursday has revealed the role played by organized crime in the union vote.
Richard Goyette was elected director general of the construction wing of the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ-Construction) by a two-vote margin in November 2008, succeeding Jocelyn Dupuis.
Dupuis had been forced to step down as the union’s director following controversy over his expense accounts, but had given Goyette his blessing.
Goyette was running against Bernard Girard, who had received the support of the union’s retiring president, Jean Lavall?e.
Then, a third man, Dominic B?rub?, also threw his name in the ring,
According to Radio-Canada’s Enqu?te program, Dupuis turned to outside help to dissuade B?rub? from running in the director’s election.Candidate drops out suddenly
Enqu?te reported that Dupuis, who is said to be friends with high-ranking Hells Angels and a Montreal Mafia boss, called on one of his contacts from the organized crime world to convince B?rub? to pull out of the race.
Radio-Canada says Dupuis asked Jacques Israel Emond, a member of the Hells Angels Sherbrooke chapter, to convince B?rub? to pull out of the race and endorse Dupuis’s candidate, Goyette.
The men are said to have sealed their deal during a restaurant meeting six days before the November vote.
On the day of the election, B?rub? pulled his candidacy and Goyette was elected with a slim majority.
In its investigation, Enqu?te consulted several people linked with the union who reported that Dupuis boasted about his feat and alleged it would allow him to continue controlling and influencing FTQ Construction.
Quebec Superior Court judge Paul Chaput ruled the recording was legal and did not violate Audette’s right to privacy, because it is a matter of public interest.
Any issue that “concerns the administration and management of a union as important as the FTQ, as well as its relationship with the construction industry” is a matter of public interest, Chaput said.
“The internal conflict at the FTQ has already been covered in the media,” and Audette has a role because he is an adviser to the organization’s president, Chaput continued.
NEVER THE END–I’ll touch on a couple of Bikernet Projects and content headed your way, then shut off my new I-mac and find a whiskey bottle. I fired up my 5-Ball Factory Racer for the first time this last week. It purred like a kitten. I’ll deliver another report shortly. I received a call from Motorbooks, they are anxious to publish Badlands. I’m waiting on the contract. Looks like it may be available in 2011. Hang on.
I’m thinking about turning our 1940 5-Ball flathead with K-model top end into a streamliner. I know, I’m nuts, but check this one. We featured this historic jewel in Hot Bike.
Regarding content for next week. I have the cutest girl in the world, Sarah, lined up for a GOB feature from Jerry Southworth photography (a Bikernet reader pointed her out). I’m working on a sizzling story to match her luscious curves. We have a terrific, classic racing Vincent feature with an interview coming from Trent. He did a helluva job. Doc Robinson from Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia is allowing us to watch as he builds a Softail project bike with a ProCharger. Paul Garson is typing away on El Camino Antique Meet coverage. The historic event now rests in new hands and was bigger and better than ever.
Plus, we are proud to bring you the Jay Leno forward from the S&S 50th book by Howard Kelly with Michael Lichter Photography. This book will be the Christmas Present of the year. There’s more flying at the pages of Bikernet, including a new Cantina Soap Opera episode, so hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
September 24, 2009 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
Teresi Dyno Drags will be at the New Orleans Bikefest– TERESI DYNO-DRAGS takes “inter-active” to a new level by allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to compete head-to-head with their own bikes under real racing conditions.Utilizing a pair of motorcycle dynos, Christmas tree starting lights and a computerized timing system, riders can test their racing skills and find out how fast their bikes really are – all in the safety of a stationary environment.
Once “staged,” the rider is looking down the simulated track, complete with an electronic scoreboard that displays top speed and elapsed time for each lane. With engines revving, the green light flashes and the riders accelerate their bikes – side-by-side – through the 1/4-mile stretch, just like at a real drag strip. And since every “run” is also a dyno-pull, the Teresi Dyno-Drags provides a printout of horsepower for each competitor.
Remember to preregister for the Bikefest by September 30th to receive free event t-shirt.Please see www.neworleansbikefest.com Live Free and Ride!! –Barry Lee
Live Free Promotions, LLC
650 Poydras Street, STE 1200
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 274-0226
BAD KARMA, Crash victim robbed while impaled on stake–A Nowra man who was impaled by a garden stake in a motorcycle accident is believed to have been robbed and assaulted while suffering his life-threatening injuries.
The 39-year-old allegedly stole a bike and was riding it along Adelaide St, Greenwell Point, when he lost control and slid into a garden bed at 1.45 pm yesterday.
A timber metre-long garden stake was driven through his right armpit and out his back. A puncture wound was also found on his leg.
NSW Ambulance officers said they responded to reports of a man who had a garden stake in his torso and required surgical intervention.
Paramedics arrived to find the man conscious and the stake already pulled from his body.Nowra police confirmed there was no motorcycle at the scene when authorities arrived.
A source said the owner of the bike had caught up with the rider, pulled out the stake and punched him on the nose before taking his wallet and reclaiming the motorcycle.
The injured man was airlifted to St George Hospital suffering internal injuries and a suspected broken nose.
— BY MICHELLE HOCTOR
–from Art Friedman
TWO BIKERS MEET AT COSTCO–Two guys, one old timer and one young, were pushing their carts around Costco when they collide.
The old timer said to the young guy, “Sorry about that. I’m looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
The young guy said, “That’s OK. It’s a coincidence. I’m looking for my wife, too. I can’t find her and I’m getting a little desperate.”
The old guy said, “Well, maybe we can help each other. What does your wife look like?”
The young guy replied, “Well, she is 24 yrs old, tall, with blonde hair, big blue eyes, long legs, big boobs, and she’s wearing tight white shorts, a halter top and no bra. What does your wife look like?”
The old timer said, “It doesn’t matter. Let’s look for yours.”
Most old timers are helpful like that!
–from Jim Waggaman
DOC ROBINSON, HEAVY DUTY MAGAZINE IN AUSTRALIA KICKS OFF PROJECT–I?d kinda like to use one of the new Super Torque Stealth Spyke starters in my current project bike. It?s a ground up build, using a stock Twin Cam B 88 cube motor, a Baker right side drive six-speed tranny, D&D exhaust, Performance Machine wheels, hand and foot controls and brake calipers and rotors plus Barnett clutch. All top shelf products. But the pi?ce de r?sistance is the ProCharger supercharger!
–Doc
p.s I just got home from the launch down here of the new Triumph Thunderbird. Want a road test piece on it? I don?t know if they are released in the US yet.
www.heavyduty.com.au
David Mann Art & Chopper Show– Bikers Inner Circle is getting ready to launch one of the best custom bike shows ever! The Production company for ?The David Mann Art & Chopper Show? is Looking for prime locations throughout the USA. Our show will feature some some of the greatest entertainment, many of the best custom bike builders, and the hottest artists in the industry combined. www.BikersInnerCircle.com
Our show will feature top builders such as Scott Long of Central Coast Cycles, Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron and a host of other top builders in the industry! We will also feature Legendary biker musician, Charlie Brechtel with ?The Charlie Brechtel Band? and a variety of all-star musicians along with the beautiful ?Hardtail? dancers.
Most important, We will be honoring David Mann and preserving his history and contribution to the motorcycle world by having an event that show cases his artwork such as his classic master-piece titled, ?Ghost Rider?. Legendary people such as David Mann should be remembered and honored for their part in the history and creation of the motorcycle world, as we know it today! www.davidmannart.com
In David Mann?s honor Jacquie Mann will be showcasing some up and coming artists in the motorcycle industry. The artists will display their artwork and one lucky artist will win an honorary David Mann award at each event. Only one other award will be given out and that will consist of the best built/artistic chopper.
Special Guest Ron Segal will be featuring a selection of David Mann Art. Each of these fine art gicl?e prints will be hand-signed as part of a numbered, limited edition and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. They are available unframed or framed. Only 115 paper prints and 70 canvas prints of each image is available worldwide ? once they are sold out, they are gone forever! http://home.att.net/~PuterNana/segal.htm
Their will be art demonstrations, models, displayed artwork for sale, good vendors, great food, notorious tattoo artists, pin strippers, a live bike shoot with photographer Jerry Southworth, and much, much more! This event is nothing like the events that we are used to attending. And we plan to make it a top-notch but classy motorcycle event. One of the very best!
Once we set the show details in stone we will be contacting major sponsors to come in and contact publications such as Paisano (Easyriders, Biker, In The Wind, Tattoo), Thunderpress, Cycle Source, Bikernet, etc. We have a great business relationship with all of these sources and we are very sure of their support in covering this event. We will also be covering the entire event for Bikers Inner Circle Internet show, a company dedicated to showing the lifestyle of the motorcycle industry with a world-wide viewing audience.If you are interested in this event and might consider having the event in your business location or need more specific details please feel free to call or email us Charlie Brechtel 209-785-9422 or 209-479-1860Ironvudu@caltel.com
Thank you for your time and interest in our project.
HAMSTER JIMMY OPENS HIS FIRST FAB SHOP–Two weeks ago, Carolina Harley closed their fabrication shop and Jimmy is now working at home. He recently redid his shop and is ready to take in jobs, from regular servicing to full-on builds. The home shop is very cool, going in there is kind of like taking a trip through time.
The walls are covered with plaques that feature the many bikes he built that were featured in magazines, there’s items from his many years building bikes in Florida, including pieces from his years working with the legendary Wyatt Fuller.
Plus of course there’s the motorcycles, his long chopper, his new wicked Sportster bobber, my Easyriders cover bike, and even the first chopper he ever built back in 1974.
Jimmy’s done some nasty evil Sportster builds over the past two years. Taking stock Sportsters, designing and building a wicked custom Sportster choppers or bobbers, and staying within the customer’s budget.
His long chopper is for sale. I have attached a few pictures of it. It is a 2008 Rigid Chopper.It has a Santee Frame which is 6-up and 4-out. It has 7 degree trees, 10 over duece front end, 6- speed transmission, H-D crate evo motor, S&S carb, custom made exhaust. Plus many custom made details all over the bike, like the speedo mounted in the tank.
This thing starts at the first turn of the key and rides and handles like a dream. The nibs haven’t even been worn off the tires. He’s asking $14,500.
Call Jim at 704-771-6405 or email him crazyhorseflames@yahoo.com for more details.
–JoAnn
www.crazyhorsepainting.com
Sucker Punch Sally’s Teams with Fender Guitars To Create Hot Rod Toyota Tundra to be Unveiled at SEMA–SCOTTSDALE-ARIZ.(September 22, 2009) Sucker Punch Sally’s, the predominant masters of Old School, are teaming up with Toyota Racing and Fender Guitars to reincarnate a 2009 Toyota Tundra into a 1950’s-style hot rod for SEMA.
Complete with a custom wooden flatbed with surfboard rack, the refurbished machine will transport observers to an era of authentic hot rods, the original Toyota Corona, Ford Skyliners and surfer-esque wood-paneled wagons.
The Toyota Tundra was stripped bald at the Sucker Punch Sally’s manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, AZ and is receiving a total overhaul with new headliner, seats, panels, carpet and paint job complete with bright red flames. The finished product will be unveiled at SEMA, the premier automotive specialty performance products trade event in Las Vegas. Showcased within the hand built custom wooden flatbed will be the Sucker Punch Sally’s Triumph Thruxton. Custom-built specifically for Fender, the famed guitar manufacturer, the Triumph was fitted with custom parts and paint to make it look like a vintage Isle of Man Caf? Racer.
The Triumph was originally unveiled at the Fender booth during the NAMM show in California last year and captivated all who had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of it.
Christian Clayton, owner of Sucker Punch Sally’s, is pleased with the progress of the hot rod Tundra as well as the company’s collaboration with Fender, the legendary guitar-maker.
“We enjoy projects like these. It gives us the opportunity to take some creative liberties and have fun,” he explains. “We had the opportunity to build something special for Fender last year that embodied the spirit of their product. The Thruxton is a magnificent machine and the Toyota hot rod promises to be just as insane. Having the hot rod and the Triumph together is going to be incredible.”
Founded in 2002, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to stay true to their traditional biker values by providing the best stripped-down bobbers and choppers at the most reasonable prices. The old school no-nonsense style of bikes that started Sucker Punch Sally’s are the bikes they still build today, only now with the convenience of modern manufacturing practices.
The Traditional and the 66 Bobber both received industry awards in 2007 and are the two models that the company was founded on. They have the capacity to build 100 bikes a month at their manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., including the widely anticipated Swinger. Their model line has been built up to six different models, with the additions of the stealthy Slim and the retro-styled Hot Rod.
Sucker Punch Sally’s continuously growing dealer network throughout the U.S. showcases the wide variety of bikes they have available, all of which exude SPS style. You can find out more about Sucker Punch Sally’s at www.suckerpunchsallys.com or http://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolChoppers or http://www.myspace.com/suckerpunchsallyschoppers
–Ken Conte
NEW TWIN-CAM HEADS FROM ZIPPERS–Zippers 1.90 heads–These heads will allow your Twin Cam to break the 100 horsepower mark with ease!This head is ideal for 95-103″ conversions, with the flow rate and combustion chamber machining (91cc) designed for this engine size. After 5-axis machining, our Step-Lock guides are installed and the valve seats machined with our proprietary seat angles on Serdi equipment to accept oversize 1.900″ / 1.630″ stainless steel valves. After the full radius valve job is complete, the head gasket surface is decked .005″ for flatness, PC Teflon seals installed with performance valve springs. We stock these heads on an exchange basis for all years, on the shelf and ready to go to minimize downtime.
Zipper’s 2.00 heads
This is the finest modified, high flow factory Twin Cam head you’re likely to find anywhere!Our High Output Twin Cam 2″ heads are designed for larger displacement engines. Larger intake seats are installed to accommodate 2-inch intake valves.
Ports feature extensive CNC porting and the combustion chamber is unshrouded for increased intake flow and enlarged to 97cc. Stainless steel valves (2″ intake, 1.630″ exhaust), Step-Lock guides, Teflon? seals and high lift valve springs are installed after the seat work is finished on our Serdi equipment.
These heads are also machined for and include compression releases. Used on our Muscle 107″, 117″, 120″ and 124″ engine kits; must be used with oversize 1.880″ O.D. intake manifold.
HOT ROD FROM ROLLIN SIXES– I just finished up the final step on the ’32 paint. Now it just needs to set and have some pinstripes put down to outline the work. All done in the backyard, nothing fancy.
Cheers…Ellis
I WANNA WATCH–The lesbians next door asked me what I would like for my birthday.I was quite surprised when they gave me a Rolex.
It was very nice of them, but I think they misunderstood me when I said, I wanna watch.
Southern California Custom Car CreationsFeatured at Unique Auction Event–Preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, set to lift the gavel on an unprecedented, private collection of American racers, hot rods, custom vehicles and ?kustom kulture? memorabilia at the Icons of Speed & Style event, September 26th, 2009 at the Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles.
Blenheim, ON (September 21, 2009) − Valuable works from the originators of Southern California?s ?kustom kulture? movement representing some of the most unique and iconic vehicles of our time are up for auction Saturday, September 26 at the famed Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
?Southern California?s significant influence on the hot rod and custom car culture is prominently represented in this exciting offering of unique creations from the likes of Ed ?Big Daddy? Roth and Von Dutch,? said Ian Kelleher, President and COO, RM Auctions.
?All offered without reserve, this is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own pure representations of America’s most creative and historically significant motor cars,? Kelleher added.
In total a selection of 80 vehicles from a single-owner collection are set to cross the block, including the instantly-recognizable1964 Ed Roth Road Agent, the life-size ?Hot Wheels? 1965 Dodge Deora Concept Car, Movie World?s 1965 Ford E100 Econoline ?Von Dutch? Van and the LA proper 1935 Ford V8 ?Rat Rod? Pickup.
Ed ?Big Daddy? Roth original art work and kustom crafted clothes, and examples of Von Dutch?s tools are among the 70 lots of ?kustom kulture? memorabilia on offer.
Doors open at 9:00 am Pacific Time and the auction action kicks off at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 26th, with a full-day preview on Friday, September 25th. Event admission is the $80 purchase price of the official catalog, and admits two.
online and telephone bidding options are available. The auction will also stream live at www.rmauctions.com
For a complete list of consignments, please visit: http://www.rmauctions.com/CarList-RW.cfm?SaleCode=RW09
PPG ANNOUNCES FOURTH-QUARTER SCHEDULE FOR MVP GREEN BELT TRAINING–STRONGSVILLE, Ohio ? September 11, 2009 ? PPG Automotive Refinish today released its 2009 fourth- quarter MVP Green Belt Training schedule. The training, an exclusive, four-day, intensive learning event, is intended for collision center owners and managers and teaches the practical applications of Lean Six Sigma techniques to boost quality, speed, cost performance and competitiveness at repair facilities.
The training will be offered October 5 ? 8 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 16 ? 20 in Eagan, Minnesota, and December 7 ? 10 in Los Angeles, California. A class scheduled for September 21 ? 25 in Syracuse, New York is sold out.
According to Jim Berkey, director, MVP Business Solutions Group, ?Today?s performance challenge in our industry requires that collision center operators simultaneously improve quality, speed and cost. We have seen the interest in applying the Lean Six Sigma approach to collision work grow exponentially over the last few years, and we?re fortunate to have been at the forefront in successfully training our shops and working with them through implementation challenges.?
MVP Green Belt Training was introduced in 2006. The program evolved from four years of extensive research and development by a team of Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma experts and MVP collision center consultants. To date, more than 650 owners and managers from across North America have experienced the program’s unique ongoing education and execution support.
?The demand for Green Belt has been growing each year as collision center owners and managers are feeling more and more pressure to improve their business and process performance,? said Rich Altieri, senior manager, MVP Business Solutions. ?They?re recognizing that a strong competitive advantage today, and in the future, lies with those shops that can deliver and differentiate on process performance. That?s where Green Belt Training comes in.?
Key Green Belt Training program elements include:
?Success factors that enable organizations to thrive in rapidly changing environments.
?Simulation games to learn Lean Six Sigma fundamentals and what cycle time reduction means to the collision repair processes.
?Practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles through X-Ray Repair Planning? and fundamentals such as 5S and Workplace Organization.
?Leadership and implementation modules that address the need for everyone in an organization to participate in building stronger processes and a process improvement culture.
?Shop tours and assignments to reinforce the understanding and confidence critical to successful implementation.
MVP Green Belt Training is available to collision repair centers using PPG Refinish products. Advanced registration is required and class size is limited.
For more information or to register for an upcoming session, contact your PPG Territory Manager or PPG distributor, call MVP Business Solutions at 440-572-6149, or e-mail MVPmailbox@ppg.com, Jim Berkey at jberkey@ppg.com or Rich Altieri at altieri@ppg.com.
RICK FAIRLESS TALKS MODEL 1 MOTORCYCLE–Dateline Dallas, Texas, Strokers? Ace, Rick Fairless, shot this video of the Brass Balls Bobbers Model 1 motorcycle. He liked the sled from the Oklahoma Manufacturer and wanted to let you know more about the midnight black bobber.
Get More biker news in Bikernet Studio.
–Jeff Najar
OKTOBERFEST COMING!– Only 11 more days until OktoberfestJust a few of the reasons we like this festival
–Scott Wiese
S&S Cycle Presents Today?s Top Custom Bike Builders–By Howard Kelly Photography by Mike Lichter.
In 1958 George Smith started a small company called S & S Cycle. His mission: ?To make all bikes go faster.? Fifty years later, S & S Cycle is everything Smith envisioned. To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, the world?s premiere builder of aftermarket V-twin motorcycle engines and components commissioned custom motorcycles from fifty top builders.
The competition that grew out of this challenge unfolds in the pages of S & S Presents Today’s Top Custom Bike Builders, which showcases the splendid bikes built for S & S?s fiftieth anniversary show. The book, beginning with a brief history of S & S Cycle, features four-page spreads on each motorcycle, along with profiles of the builders–including Chica, Cory Ness, Paul Cox, Jerry Covington, Jesse Rooke, Redneck Engineering, Arlen Ness, Kim Suter, Brian Klock, Kendall Johnson, Roger Bourget, Rick Fairless, Fred Kodlin, and Paul Teuttel Sr.
With illustrations by master custom-bike photographer Michael Lichter, this is as much a celebration of the custom builder?s art as it is a tribute to S & S Cycle?s accomplishment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Howard Kelly, former communications manager for S&S Cycle, has been editor at Hot Bike magazine and at Street Chopper magazine and a staff member at Hot Rod Harleys and Motorcyclist magazines. He lives in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
Michael Lichter?s motorcycle photography has been featured in Easyriders magazine for over a quarter of a century. His photos have also appeared in numerous Motorbooks titles, including Indian Larry, Choppers: Heavy Metal Art, Top Chops, Arlen Ness: Godfather of Choppers, Billy Lane Chop Fiction, Harley-Davidson Century, and Sturgis. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. You can see more of his work at www.lichterphoto.com.
You can walk into any book store with the following information and order this classic.
Author: Howard Kelly
Photographer:Michael Lichter
ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-3603-8
Retail: $40 US, $49.99 CAN, ?24 BRI
Binding: Hardcover
Dimensions: 9.25 x 10.875
Page count: 224 pages
Illustrations: 225 color
Publication Date: September 29, 2009
Imprint: Motorbooks
Continued On Page 4
Sturgis Gypsy History
By Bandit | | General Posts
June, 12 2007:Racing at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, as one might suspect, has featured a lot of history over the last 6 1/2 decades.
Neil Hultman joined the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in 1947. He has held almost every office. He moved from Holabird, to Sturgis and joined the Gypsies with influence from J.C. “Pappy” Hoel.
Hultman, who is an active member, said bikers coming to Sturgis now aren't quite as interested in the racing as they once were. He attributed that to the rally's diversification because of the addition of concerts and other events.
“Things have become more money-oriented,” the 76-year-old Hultman continued. “To put on a good race now is almost cost-prohibitive.”
Half-mile races have been a rally staple since the event began in 1938. Other forms of racing, however, have moved into the spotlight.
Hill-climb events began in the mid-1950s. Hultman recalled a Friday tour to Mt. Rushmore, with racing on Saturday and Sunday.
As rally interest grew, the Gypsies received a request to put on another event. Hultman said a hill-climb was the first endeavor.
They leased a hill east of town for one year. People were very interested in the hill-climb, and the event kept growing. One hill-climb event was on a hill located on Bear Butte's south side.
“As they (Gypsies) accumulated money in the club, we thought we should have a little clubhouse and some property of our own,” Hultman said.
The club also promoted a motocross track north of Bear Butte Lake. All revenue went into a pot. That money, plus a bank loan, enabled the club to purchase five acres of land.
The club purchased another 30 acres for hill-climb, motocross, and short track races at the current location along Short Track Road.
Hultman said they held the first short-track races in the mid-1950s. Fellow Gypsy member Bob Moore convinced the club to host races because it was “the thing” in New Mexico when he was in the military. Moore made that suggestion in 1962, and they constructed the current short track the next year.
Moore, a Gypsy member since 1968 who currently sits on the board of directors, said he doesn't recall there being much of a problem convincing the Gypsies to try short track, as the club already had a piece of land. He and a friend built a short tracker out of old cycle parts and a Ducati motor; that helped with their presentation.
Motocross has started the rally's racing schedule for several years. It was at the fairgrounds before moving to the Gypsy grounds.
Moore said motocross is probably the most thrilling thing to watch. Hultman added cyclist demand would keep it going. “There are not too many tracks in the Sturgis area that promote racing.”
“I was in love with motorcycling since about 1952,” Moore said when asked how his Gypsy involvement began.
“When I got out of the military in 1962, I was still riding and doing some racing.” Hoel had a bike shop and asked Moore to join the club.
Obstacle course races, motorcycle rodeos, and suitcase races have entertained rally attendees in past years. “The suitcase races were just a fun thing to do n something to give the crowd something different,” Moore said.
“We were always trying to think of something to generate interest,' Hultman said. He recalled a stunt in which a volunteer would enter a paper outhouse. A Gypsy member would act as if he had too much to drink, and run in the middle of the outhouse.
Hoel once put a board wall on Main Street and used it to advertise the 1/2-mile races, according to Hultman. A board wall crash was done during a break in racing. Someone decided to try this, with fire, some time later.
Hultman said events like that are not done today because the schedule of events is full.
When asked about how racing has evolved, Moore said, “I don't think racing ever changes much. The equipment is where the change comes in, not with the people who are racing.”
Hultman and Moore, among others, have seen a multitude of great riders n including national champions n at the rally over the years.
“I don't know if I really have any favorites,” said the 69-year-old Moore. “They're all really highly competitive, likable individuals.”
Chuck Basney (on an Indian cycle) and Kelly Meyer (Triumph cycle) were part of the first race Hultman saw in 1947.
Hultman recalled Basney worked most of Saturday night in Hoel's shop. Basney and Meyer faced off in Sunday's final. The two went neck-and-neck before Basney pulled away on the final corner of the final lap.
Past years have featured up to 250 entries at the short track, with some finals races getting underway at 1 a.m.
Moore, who has run Gypsy headquarters during the rally since the late 1970s, said he's not into the racing as much as he once was.
“Everything about the whole (Gypsy) program out there now is so much better than it used to be.” He cited recent improvements to the short track and lighting system.
Gypsy headquarters is at the Sturgis Vets Club, 868 Main St. Moore said hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Friday before the rally (Aug. 5) through the following Saturday (Aug. 13). Headquarters will also be open half the day on Sunday, Aug. 14.
September 23, 2009
By Bandit | | General Posts
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES PLUMMET IN TEXAS
While most states across the country continue to experience increases in motorcycle accidents and fatalities in the wake of increasing motorcycle usage, the state of Texas has reported a significant decrease in rider deaths due largely to safety and awareness programs initiated by motorcyclists and the Texas Department of Transportation.
According to TxDOT, fatalities declined more than 23% over the same time period from 2008, with 264 deaths reported from January 1 – August 24, 2009, versus 344 deaths the previous year.
?I would say this is a direct result of the Texas Transportation Institute put together to cut down on Traffic fatalities, especially for motorcyclist,? explained Sputnik, State Chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA-II) and Chairman of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF). ?Several of our members sit on the Board of that newly formed Institute.?
Sputnik gave further credit to the Motorcycle Awareness Program put together by TxDOT at riders? insistence and added; ?We have very high hopes that SB 1967 (a multi-faceted motorcycle safety bill enacted earlier this year) and the year round airing of Public Service Announcements, increased penalties for negligence and Rider Training will bring that number down even farther.?
Texas is one of the largest motorcycling states in the nation in terms of motorcycle registrations and year-round riding weather, and largely through the efforts of TMRA-II under Sputnik?s leadership repealed their mandatory helmet law in 1997.
OREGON ENACTS MANDATORY TRAINING FOR NEW MOTORCYCLISTS
Oregon has become the third state to pass a law requiring all new motorcyclists regardless of age to pass a rigorous training course, in hopes of reducing accidents and fatalities. Current law requires such course completion for prospective riders under age 21.
The new law, Senate Bill 546, passed by the state legislature this year will phase in the requirement for all first-time bikers over the next six years. Lawmakers also voted to double the fine for riders caught without the proper license, increasing the penalty to $720 starting in January.
Team Oregon trained about ten-thousand riders last year, and the majority of them were older than 21. More than 4,400 people bypassed the class in favor of a free skills test at the DMV, but soon all first-time riders will have to shell out about $150 to take the Team Oregon course, which is administered by Oregon State University.
Executive Director of BikePAC says he’s been riding for 35 years and he thinks the new requirement will save lives: “A trained rider is a safe rider. And we’re trying to cut down the deaths, especially the unnecessary deaths of people that are making stupid mistakes because they don’t know what to do.”
A similar mandatory training bill was recently passed in North Carolina, but was amended to require rider education courses only for those under 18. Senate Bill 64, which also limits learners permits to 12 months with one 6 month renewal, was signed into law August 26th by Governor Mike Easley and goes into effect January 1, 2011.
NOISE LAWS DEFEATED
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association has announced that a proposed noise ordinance in North Reading, MA that would have required an EPA Stamp on motorcycle exhaust systems and stricter noise controls has been defeated.
Prior to a recent meeting of town Selectmen, MMA Chairman Dave Condon met with MMA Member Bill McGarry, a local resident, to review the warrant and the pertinent Massachusetts laws. During an earlier town meeting, the legality of the EPA stamp requirement was discussed in detail and ultimately dropped, but an alternative proposal was amended into the Warrant which would have made noise levels and testing requirements stricter than those currently in Massachusetts General Law (MGL).
With significant support from McGarry, who attended both public hearings and spoke on behalf of the MMA and motorcyclists across Massachusetts, the Selectmen and North Reading Chief of Police recognized that the town cannot impose laws stricter than the Commonwealth — instead, the town acknowledged that enforcement of the existing MGL coupled with appropriate education could be a far more effective tool, and by vote of the selectmen the warrant was removed from the town agenda.
Meanwhile, following much lobbying and testimony from local bikers, a hotly debated noise ordinance in Portland, Maine was unanimously rejected by the City Council and sent back to the Public Safety Committee for more work.
The proposal would have enforced the federal law that all motorcycles made after Dec. 31, 1982 must have mufflers with an EPA label certifying the exhaust system meets EPA standards. A biker riding a motorcycle within city limits without an EPA sticker on the muffler would have been fined $50. The ordinance would have been the first of its kind in Maine, and supporters said its adoption would have made it easier to pass a similar state law.
Opponents, including the United Bikers of Maine (UBM), said the measure would discriminate against motorcyclists and could cost the city tourism dollars by discouraging motorcyclists from visiting Portland.
Motorcycle noise continues to be a contentious and controversial issue across the country, with places like Boston and New York contemplating stricter laws.
U.S. SENATE PASSES AMENDMENT PROTECTING KNIFE OWNERS
In response to a U.S. Customs proposal that would outlaw one-handed assisted opening knives by redefining them as switchblades, on July 9th the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act as part of the Homeland Security appropriations bill to protect by law 35 million Americans who own pocketknives.
The bipartisan measure would exempt assisted-opening knives that can only be opened with “exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist or arm” from a federal law that criminalizes commerce in switchblades. Assisted opening knives are highly desired by hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel and others who may need to open a knife with only one hand.
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said, “Without this amendment, there is a real danger that 80 percent of the pocketknives sold in the U.S. could be classified as illegal switchblades, which would hurt knife and tool manufacturers across the nation.?
The measure is now under consideration in a House-Senate Conference Committee.
AUSTRALIAN BIKER GROUPS ANGRY OVER TOUGH LAW PROPOSALS
Biker organizations in Australia say that introducing a zero alcohol tolerance for motorcycle riders in Queensland would be discriminatory. The State Government is considering the option in an attempt to reduce the road toll.
Lindsay Granger from Motorcycling Queensland says riders should not be singled out. “The only other groups that have zero alcohol content are drivers who are responsible for the safety of others or drivers who are inexperienced,” Granger said. “There doesn’t appear to be any clear logic why experienced motorcyclists should be treated any differently from experienced motorists in any other type of vehicle.”
The zero tolerance effort is also under critique by members of the United Motorcycle Council of Queensland, a newly formed organization comprised of 17 clubs ranging from outlaw patch holders to church groups united to fight efforts of law enforcement from enacting discriminatory legislation aimed at clubs.
BILLY LANE SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR FATAL CRASH
On August 14th, a Florida judge sentenced celebrity bike builder Billy Lane to six years in prison in connection with the Sept. 4, 2006 crash that killed scooter rider Gerald Morelock. Judge Robert Burger also ordered Lane’s drivers license suspended for life and that he undergo random drug and alcohol testing upon his release from prison.
Lane, 39, faced up to nine years in prison after a judge in June OK?d a plea deal in which prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of DUI manslaughter in connection with the Labor Day 2006 accident.
Lane, who was led from the courtroom in handcuffs, choked back tears as he took full responsibility for the rider?s death. “I was very careless. I was a less-responsible citizen,” Lane told the court. “I’m not looking for pity on myself. I drive by the spot where I killed Jerry Morelock every day. I pray to God for his soul and for his family.”
Police said Lane?s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double-yellow line to speed at 68 mph past three cars on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach. He crashed his Dodge pickup head on into 56-year-old Morelock?s small Yamaha motorcycle.
WEIRD NEWS: BEWARE DRUNKARDS CROSSING
A German court ruled on September 14 that a motorcyclist who collided with a drunken pedestrian during a beer fest shared blame for the accident because she should have expected the road to be full of party-goers.
The female biker, who was driving at a legal speed of 25-31 mph hit a man who was crossing the road against a red light during the Munich beer festival which attracts millions of revelers every year.
The court held her “50 percent responsible” for the accident. “During the October (beer) festival there are, it is well known to the authorities, a large number of drunk people on the streets at night, who can not always be trusted to observe the rules of the road,” the court said. “The motorcyclist should have adjusted her speed to be able to avoid these people,” added the statement.
The woman was ordered to pay half of the damages, estimated at 2,500 euros ($3,600 US), and her bid for 1,000 euros compensation for minor injuries sustained in the accident was refused.
LONE STAR RALLY DISCONTINUES USE OF RFID SURVEILLANCE CHIPS
As the National Coalition of Motorcyclists advised our NCOM Member Groups earlier this year, the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas had issued parking passes to all rally participants that contained RFID chip technology which allowed them to be ?tracked? and filmed during the rally, and riders were offered for sale a personalized DVD showing themselves at the rally.
Each coded pass was embedded with an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object or animal, or in this case each motorcycle affixed with a pass. A link on the Lone Star Rally website said, ?The chip technology will allow us to pinpoint you and produce a DVD of the entire rally event with personalized footage of you and your bike on the Strand!? Such surveillance technology has been proposed for other bike rallies as well, such as Sturgis and Daytona.
This issue was brought to the attention of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists board of directors, and discussions ensued about opposing such invasive chipping if it?s without the rider?s knowledge and consent.
?It was never our intent to do harm to the Lone Star Rally, but felt obligated to inform our NCOM Member Groups of this practice,? said Richard M. Lester, AIM/NCOM founder.
A.I.M. Rep Denise Nobs, whose husband Louie serves on the board as NCOM Christian Unity Liaison, wrote about the use and possible misuse of such RFID chips earlier this year in the AIM/NCOM Legal & Legislative Newsletter to bring awareness to the issue.
Lone Star Rally organizers have since announced the discontinuation of the RFID chipped parking passes, and had this to say on the Homepage of their website (www.lonestarrally.com): ?It seems that people have either not seen our explanations, misunderstood how we use the (RFID) technology or just hate it! We love our riders and don?t want to use anything they don?t like so, for these reasons, we are cancelling the use of any RFID technology at the Lone Star Rally.?
Billed as ?The World?s Largest Halloween Party?, the Lone Star Rally will take place Oct. 27 – Nov. 1, and NCOM encourages its members to attend and support the event.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: ?Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory.?
–Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803?82) American poet and philosopher
September 17, 2009
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
This is like a dreary day inside the Blues Caf?, listening to BB King talk about his 82-year-old struggle with the blues. I listened to Dan Akroyd interview him recently. I?ve got the blues since my late model I-Mac crashed for the second time. It sputtered and died while Benoit Lambouef, recently laid-off from Easyriders, explained the benefits of the new I-Mac over my model. It?s as if the computer heard the conversation and committed suicide in front of us, just to spite us. So about the time I?m gearing up for a shot at the down-and-dirty blues with a bottle of whiskey in a dark saloon, I run into a beautiful day, a gorgeous woman, or a story like BB King?s. He?s 82, a member of every music Hall of Fame on the planet, won every imaginable award, and was recently listed as the third top guitarists in Rolling Stones list of top 100 players in history. He?s amazing, and still highly active, vibrant, and articulate.
So, goddamnit, computer or not, we?ll get it fixed and I?ll write like a mad dog again, and for hopefully a long time to come. Let?s hit the news:
NEW SPRINGER FOR 2004 AND LATER SPORTSTER AND DYNA MODELS–You?ve been waiting for it and here it is, an all new Paughco Springer designed specifically for 2004 and later Sportster and Dyna models. The new Wide Springers are a direct bolt-on install for any competent wrench and come in stock lengths for Sportsters that came lowered from the factory and 3? over for standard height models.
Top clamps can be ordered with ears for use with Dog Bone risers or without for Glide style risers. Each springer features Paughco?s oval rear legs and can be ordered with or without integrated shock absorber. Base price for the new springer in chrome is $1870.95 and for slightly more you can have your?s custom finished in high luster brass, black powdercoated or a mixture of chrome, black and brass.
For complete details call 775-246-5738, email to info@paughco.com or visit them on the Web at www.paughco.com
The ThunderMax crew from Zipper’s Performance Products will be located at Harley-Davidson? of Ocean City during Delmarva Bike Week, September 17th-20th 2009 in Ocean City, MD.–As you are cruising the coastal highway, stop by and talk to our ThunderMax technical staff about your fuel injected Harley?. Learn more about what makes your Harley? tic and how to improve your ride with the ThunderMax EFI System. Our team will be on-hand to amp you up with the latest gear for your fuel injected H-D?.If you own a ThunderMax equipped motorcycle, stop by and tell us about your riding experience with ThunderMax.See You at The Beach!
CHRIS CALLEN’S 2009 BONNEVILLE REPORT–
Chris Callen, Bikernet Field Reporter & Editor of Cycle Source Magazine, sent in this report on the 2009 Bonneville meet. Chris talks speed with Valerie Thompson, Chris Carr and others.
Click on Bikernet Studio for all of the Good Stuff.
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Ride while you still can – they might try to take that away from us too! Of course if it comes to that they will have to pry the gun from one hand and the throttle from another.
–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
Brembo equips with its brakes the innovative Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter– The Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter is the first electric vehicle on two wheels with high performances who offers all the benefits of the traditional gasoline scooters but without noise, pollution and expensive maintenance.
Brembo contributes to its success by equipping the vehicle with front and rear pumps, calipers and discs.
The Electric Maxi-Scooter innovative planning involves numerous advantages among which:
– high performances, optimal handling and comfort;
– minimal maintenance, reduced assurance and operating costs;
– facility in driving and in the parking maneuvers thanks to the innovative energetic recovery DAaRT;
– environment respect, as it does not produce exhaust gases, and it is far less noisy than traditional scooters.
HOTEL ROOM NEWS FOR LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST–The great people at the Hard Rock Hotel have decided to extend the deadline for the special Las Vegas BikeFest room rate to this Friday, September 18th.
Make your reservations today so you can get the special rate of $139 single/double occupancy.
1-800-473-7625
The lovely crew at the Stratosphere has joined the party and is offering patrons of the Las Vegas Bikefest a sweet room package. The deal goes from Oct 1st and checking out on the 5th.
CALIFORNIA BIKE WEEK ALL THINGS BIKER–
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 2008
CLASSIC BIKE SHOW . HARLEY VILLAGE . STUNT SHOWS . WALL OF DEATH . THE WORLD?S BEST BIKER VENDOR VILLAGE
ALL THINGS BIKER
Gates Open 10:00AM (Entrance Will Be Through Fairplex Gate 17)
Breakfast & Auction @ The Petersen Automotive Museum 9:00AM – 12:00PM
H-D Ride In Custom Bike Show 9:00AM-6:00PM (Through Gate F)
Demo Rides 10:00AM-5:00PM
Vendor Village 10:00AM-8:00PM
Tattoo Parlor 10:00AM-11:00PM
Stunt Shows 11:00AM-4:30PM
Harley-Davidson Road Tour 10:00AM-10:30PM
Wall of Death 10:00AM-8:00PM
Access To The NHRA Museum 10:00AM-5:00PM
Concessions 10:00AM-11:00PM
Music Stage 11:30AM-5:00PM
Blue Baron Band 11:30AM-12:30PM
Dennis Jones 1:00-2:00PM
The Charlie Brechtel Band 2:30-3:30PM
The Answer 4:00-5:00PM
Flat Track Practice 4:00-6:00PM
Flat Track Racing 6:30-10:00PM
Gates Close 11:00PM
JUST OUT OF THE TRIUMPH OVEN ? 2010 SCRAMBLER, BONNY & THRUXTON– 2006~2010 Triumph Scrambler, Bonneville and Thruxton stainless steel full system pipes, which are manufactured with a stepped header design sporting megaphone mufflers and billet tips.
The pipes are available in polished megaphone muffler or faux-ti (titanium-texture) megaphone muffler finish. Comes complete with O2 sensors for injected models and jet kit for 08 and earlier.
More details at D&D Performance Enterprises.
HEY YOU, THAT’S RIGHT, YOU– For just 2 or 3 fill ups on your motorcycle TRIsTA will greet you and your scoot when you roll home.
TRIsTA is the kind of girl you want around. She doesn’t complain and always has a smile on her face. And best of all, she’ll meet you at the door with just a wisp of nylon on. She will even keep your important dates so you will never be late.
You see TRIsTA is one of the select few “Girls of Bikernet” and is featured in their Girls of Bikernet Calendar.
So get up and get personal and click here for details.
Buell Announces American Adventure Grant Contest Winner–Grand Prize Includes a new 2009 Buell XB12X Ulysses Motorcycle.
East Troy, Wis. (Sept. 15, 2009) Buell Motorcycle Company announced today that Carter Sisney of Bozeman, Mont., has been selected as the grand prize winner of its American Adventure Grant program for 2009. For his winning essay describing his vision of the ultimate American riding adventure, Sisney has been awarded a new 2009 Buell Ulysses XB12X motorcycle, $2,500 in credit for Buell Parts & Accessories, and a check for $2,500 to complete his dream trip, a tour of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding Beartooth mountains.
?After reading through the thousands of American Adventure Grant entries, the panel of judges settled on Carter Sisney?s essay. He had a clear vision for his ride and the right blend of riding experience and sense of adventure to ensure a memorable trip,? said Chad Hockerman, Buell Market Outreach Project Manager.
In their online essays, contest applicants were asked to describe their ultimate American on- or off-road riding adventure, including destinations, the planned route, their reasons for wanting to complete the trip, and a description of previous riding experience. The following is the text of Sisney?s winning essay:
4am Bozeman, USA- East into Paradise Valley & South into YNP via Yankee Jim Canyon. I aim to be the only one with enough gusto to get up this early and be soaking in the pre-dawn beauty of The Boiling River?s thermal spring, when it legally opens at 5am. Next, into Cooke City with my mind set on adventure and lunch, before airing down tires for the 4.5 miles North on 4wd trails for 2 nights @ Round Lake Forest Service Cabin (rented from Uncle Sam). Day 3, fresh trout & a hike to Grasshopper Glacier for panoramic views of Montana?s highest peaks. Then with tires full, East along the sinuous Beartooth Hwy, known as, “The Most Beautiful Drive in America,” with a stay in Red Lodge for rafting, local cuisine, and nightlife. Final 2 days spent circumnavigating The Beartooths, with eager anticipation of finding The Unknown?
?To me, the XB12X embodies an unbounded potential to creatively move through life, one mile at a time. The ?Ultimate American Adventure? is not to be found in just a plan, but rather, in an experience unfolding before you. Of my many reasons for this trip, none is more important than this,? Sisney said. ?What my 15 years of dual sport riding has taught me is that adventure is a state of mind. Its essence is always available.?
Sisney expects to take delivery of his new Ulysses this month from Beartooth Harley-Davidson / Buell in Billings, Mont, and to complete his trip this Fall. Updates will be posted on buell.com.
To learn more about Buell motorcycles, or to locate the dealer nearest you, log onto www.buell.com.
CARB FINES TWO CALIFORNIA SHOPS $180,000–The California Air Resources Board (CARB) last month fined two San Diego-area motorcycle dealers $180,000 for illegal sales after the dealerships allegedly sold several dozen off-road motorcycles to customers who thought they were purchasing on-road models.
In 2006, CARB enforcement officers got an anonymous tip that San Diego-based GP Motorcycles and Moto Forza of Escondido, Calif., were allegedly selling Husqvarna off-road motorcycles illegally as on-road models. CARB says investigators have confirmed the allegations and last month took action.
According to CARB, many of the bikes were outfitted with so-called “street-legal” kits and licensed for on-road use. CARB revoked all the on-road licenses and registrations for the illegal bikes sold by GP Motorcycles and Moto Forza, and the motorcycle owners were permitted to return their license plates to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles for the appropriate off-road riding stickers and plates.
Off-highway vehicles do not meet the same CARB emission standards required of on-road motorcycles. ?There are no street-legal kits or conversions that make an off-road motorcycle legal for on-road use or registration,? CARB says. ?A motorcycle is either certified by ARB for on-road use or off-road use.?
“Companies that deliberately flout the law are often assessed higher penalties,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Playing by the rules from the start is the most cost-effective, smart business plan any company can follow.”
California’s air pollution control efforts include regulating emissions from cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles. CARB is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency and aims to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.
?Submitted by Guido Ebert
–DealerNews
COOL NEW BARS FROM PAUGHCO–Expanding on their popular line of custom and replacement handlebars, Paughco recently added 3 new styles that provide even more options for custom builders and those just looking to individualize their bikes. Shown here are the ?Mini-Z? Drags Bar, 1 ?? ?HT?, and ?Boardtract? Springer Bars. The Mini-Z is a traditional style 1? ?Z? bar, but with just 1 ?? rise, 2? pullback, 10? center section with 4? drop and 29 ?? overall width. Mini-Z?s go for just $118.95. ?HT? bars are fresh off the drawing board and feature 1 ?? diameter tubing swedged down to 1?.
The design integrates .675? diameter hollow mounting studs that exit below the tree and allow you to route your bike?s wiring through the mounting studs. Supplied with extra large I.D. polymere bushings and washers. Available in 8? and 11? rises with 7? pullback and 31 ?? width. Retail for the ?HT? bars is $229.95. Finally Paughco has just reintroduced the very retro ?Boardtrack? springer bars. These nostalgic bars are identical, in looks, to low slung handlebars found on early factory boardtrack race machines. Paughco?s version is 1? diameter with heavy and mounting applications to both Paughco and early OEM in-line springers.
These bars are HOT and go for just $255.95. For additional details call direct to 775-246-5738, email info@paughco or catch them on the Web at www.paughco.com.
LUCKY WINNER RECEIVES SUCKER PUNCH SALLY’S CUSTOM MOTORCYCLEIN CAO CIGAR LA TRAVIATA DEBUT GIVEAWAY–Scottsdale, ARIZ (September 17, 2009) The CAO La Traviata custom bike, fashioned by renowned bike builder, Sucker Punch Sally’s in conjunction with CAO Cigars, was awarded to one lucky cigar distributor at the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers’ Association Convention and International Trade Show held August 8-12 in New Orleans, LA.
CAO Cigars, one of the foremost premium cigar companies in the world partnered with old-school custom bike builder, Sucker Punch Sally’s to create and give away a one-of-a-kind CAO custom bike to commemorate the unveiling of their new La Traviata brand of cigars.
In order to qualify for the giveaway, retailers had to order a certain amount of cigars from CAO. A little over 100 CAO Retailers were in the final drawing held at the 77th Annual IPCPR Trade Show heralded as the most important event of the year for tobacconists. The winner was selected and the bike was recently awarded to Denis Reed, owner of Pars and Cigars of Des Moines, IA.
“I’m amazed and thrilled that I won!” exclaimed Reed after winning the custom bike. “It’s such an honor. Thank you so much to CAO and Sucker Punch Sally’s for making this possible. I can’t wait to get out there and ride it now!”
“The bike that we constructed for the La Traviata brand unveiling was shockingly good,” says Sucker Punch Sally’s owner, Christian Clatyon. “We had a lot of fun building the bike and working with CAO It turned out great.”
Created to commemorate the debut of CAO’s La Traviata brand of cigars, the bike giveaway was only available to cigar retailers. CAO La Traviata is a full-bodied, full-flavored cigar that combines an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with a Cameroon binder and incorporates two different ligero filler tobaccos from the Pueblo Nuevo farm in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
“The modernized old school aesthetic of the Sucker Punch style is a perfect match for our approach toward making cigars,” commented CAO Senior Vice President of Marketing Mike Conder.
“We really wanted to reward our retailers with a fully custom motorcycle. CAO is very fortunate to work with such a number of prestigious retailers throughout the country. This is our way of saying thank you.” Explains CAO Director is Lifestyle Marketing, Jon Huber.
Founded in 2002, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to stay true to their traditional biker values by providing the best stripped-down bobbers and choppers at the most reasonable prices. The old school no-nonsense style of bikes that started Sucker Punch Sally’s are the bikes they still build today, only now with the convenience of modern manufacturing practices. The Traditional and the 66 Bobber both received industry awards in 2007 and are the two models that the company was founded on. They have the capacity to build 100 bikes a month at their manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., including the widely anticipated Swinger. Their model line has been built up to six different models, with the additions of the stealthy Slim and the retro-styled Hot Rod. Sucker Punch Sally’s continuously growing dealer network throughout the U.S. showcases the wide variety of bikes they have available, all of which exude SPS style.
You can find out more about Sucker Punch Sally’s at www.suckerpunchsallys.com or www.facebook.com/OldSchoolChoppersor www.myspace.com/suckerpunchsallyschoppers.
CAN I BREAK OUT THE WHISKEY–We?re actually headed to a Mac store right now to get my ass back on line and cranking. While Sons of Anarchy was being shot around the corner from the Bikernet Headquarters we scrambled to make a connection from one computer to another, while waiting for word from Big Chuck, our longshoreman computer guru.
I?m scrambling to keep up with content constantly, then suddenly I?m cut off and wandering around the shop like a lost dog. Frustration hit me first, then a relaxing cloud drifted over me and I started to tinker with my 5-Ball Factory Racer. It?s almost there. We escaped the headquarters, looking for a computer solution at Staples and the purchase of a new router. That didn?t do the trick, but while we wandered the streets, We stumbled into a Chinese take-out factory. While pacing back and forth in front of the counter, like a nervous hold-up artist, I noticed a woman step up to a large brass Buddha. She dropped a coin into the surrounding tray, said a prayer and rubbed its polished belly.
Could there be a light at the end of the tunnel, a Zen master chant? Fuck it, fuck stress. Let?s party and ride. I?ll be back on line, and smokin? with content including a feature on this Power House bike next week. It was just featured in Cycle Source. Check the latest issue.
I?ll try to find out the latest on the Chopper Challenge, when I wrap up the report on this TV build. In the meantime, take it easy, and relax. I?m trying.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
Hollister 1947 & The Birth of the American Biker
By Bill Hayes | | General Posts
Author's Note: This past week (mid June, 2007) has been one of meeting a lot of deadlines; one of which was to supply text and photos for the Hall of Fame Museum in Sturgis where the Boozefighters will be one of four clubs to be honored with a special display…the display will be up for one to two years. Just for the heck of it I have attached the piece that I wrote about Hollister '47, the origin of the club and the origin of the patch. Enjoy.
It is almost universally recognized that “the birth of the American biker” occurred during the infamous Gypsy Tour motorcycle event at Hollister, California, over the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 1947.
Hollister ’47 affected not only the motorcycle culture but the entire American society as well.
It still does.
From that point on, vicarious living, fear, envy, and a myriad of other emotions and reactions set the biker culture well apart from the mainstream.
At the epicenter of the Hollister event were several motorcycle clubs, primarily comprised of World War II veterans: young men who had just returned home from the chaos and horror of war. The youthful vets were trying to assimilate back into the calm-living staid society that was emerging as the ideal of industrial/prosperous post-war America.
But a staid society wasn’t what these men craved—or needed.
Not after years spent with guns in their hands; crawling in muddy and bloody trenches; diving to the depths of the sea in submarines; spinning and shooting in the ball turrets of B-25 bombers; and all the other things they’d had to do to survive and to preserve freedom for the rest of the citizenry.
These men found their version of a “staid society” in the form of big fast motorcycles; stiff drinks; and the occasional “disagreement” in notorious bars such as Shanghai Red in San Pedro, The All American in Los Angeles, and Johnny’s in Hollister.
Among the clubs in Hollister in ’47 were the Top Hatters (still alive and thriving to this day) and the POBOBs (“Pissed Off Bastards Of Bloomington”). One member of the POBOBs was Otto Friedli. Friedli would go on to be one of the founding members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
But the most visible club at Hollister in 1947 was the Boozefighters: a group led by the charismatic “Wino Willie” Forkner. At the time, the Boozefighters consisted of chapters in three cities: Los Angeles, San Pedro, and San Francisco.
The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club— made up almost exclusively of WWII vets—was formed in 1946 at the All American Bar in Los Angeles (near what is now the town of South Gate). When Wino Willie was kicked out of the 13 Rebels Motorcycle Club because of his excessive drinking habits, he decided to start his own club with the likes of men such as Vern Autrey, Jack Lilly, Jim Cameron, J.D. Cameron, George Manker, Bobby Kelton, “Red Dog” Dahlgren, “Dink” Burns, Gil Armas, Johnny Roccio, Johnny Davis, “Fat Boy” Nelson, Lance Tidwell, and C.B. Clausen.
The club got its name from a suggestion by a man who ironically never became a member: Walt Porter. Porter was a regular at the All American. When he heard Willie and the other guys discussing ideas for a new club and the possibilities of a name, he drunkenly suggested “The Boozefighters,” offering that, “You might as well name it that because all you ever do is to come in here and fight that booze anyway!”
A year after the club’s formation, The Boozefighters as well as the town of Hollister were elevated to legendary society-altering status by a series of occurrences that epitomized the “never a dull moment” essence of the biker lifestyle.
To begin with, indeed a lot of drinking and wild riding went on in central Hollister while the Gypsy Tour races were being run at the Bolado Racetrack just outside of town. Along San Benito Street—the main drag in Hollister—two Boozefighters in particular: Gil Armas and Jim Cameron, gained quick notoriety for riding their bikes into local bars, notably Johnny’s, still a landmark in Hollister.
Barney Peterson, an opportunistic photographer from the San Francisco Chronicle, saw the potential for some vicarious titillation as the bikers enjoyed themselves. He staged an ominous photograph with an unknown drunk (not a club member) on a motorcycle surrounded by broken beer bottles. The photo never ran in the Chronicle but Peterson managed to get it onto page 31 of the July 21, 1947, edition of the popular Life magazine. When the issue hit the stands, the nation was greeted by a disturbing full page photo accompanied by the screaming caption: “Cyclist’s Holiday: He and his friends terrorize a town.”
Mainstream America just met a new beast.
The concept of bikers, “taking over a town,” was born; a concept that would become a looming fear and thrill—for those both on the “inside” and the “outside” of the lifestyle—forever.
Media sensationalism translated the riding and drinking that went on in Hollister into a frightening show of brute force and power—characteristics always attributed to bikers—running roughshod over the innocent.
In 1951, Harper’s magazine published a story called “Cyclist’s Raid” by a writer named Frank Rooney. Rooney was inspired by the Hollister incident and the Life magazine spread. And, yes, in his story a motorcycle “gang” takes over a town.
The real serious stuff hit the fan shortly thereafter when Stanley Kramer—then a young, ambitious film producer/director—also felt the inspiration of Hollister, and of Rooney’s short story. Kramer’s classic motion picture, The Wild One, debuted in New York City on the last day of 1953. The roles of “Johnny” and “Chino”—played by Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin respectively—helped launch the careers of both of these cinematic giants; but more important was the social impact of the film.
The leather; the attitudes; the motorcycles; and the ever-present strength, power, and volatility of the bikers became a paradoxical fear/envy attraction for nearly every American. Not everyone could become a “wild one,” but it seemed that, deep down, everyone wanted to.
Marvin’s character of Chino was loosely based on Wino Willie Forkner. But Willie—although asked by filmmakers for input—detached himself from the production, displeased with the negative media twists on what really occurred in Hollister.
As the media continued to exploit the fear/envy element of the biker world throughout the ’50s and ’60s in the form of absurd movies like The Born Losers, The Savage Seven, and She Devils on Wheels, bikers continued to enjoy the true camaraderie-driven lifestyle that had emerged in the post-war years.
The main focus that holds any motorcycle club together is the concept of, “love and respect.” This concept comes right from the trenches of war when, “love and respect,” for those fighting beside you means survival—on physical and mental levels. It also means a true brotherhood, in which common feelings and emotions become something so much more than just socializing: they become a shared way of life.
Wino Willie Forkner knew this to the core of his soul. That’s why the club he founded has lasted for over six decades. The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club is one of the truly elite organizations in the motorcycle community, with proven longevity and a serious passion for this way of life.
The famous Boozefighters green and white patch—the bottle with three stars—is a legend in itself. Over the years, a great deal of speculation ensued as to the bottle’s origin; finally, shortly before her death, Wino’s widow, Teri, explained that the design was based on the vintage Hennessy’s cognac bottle label. “Willie liked the looks of those three stars so much that he put them across the barrel of the bottle.” The use of the bottle in the patch speaks for itself: he wasn’t called Wino for nothing!
Today the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club boasts a worldwide membership. A great reverence for history permeates the club—not just for the specific history of the organization, but for the history of the entire lifestyle. This universal respect has made the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club one of the most unique and most honored in the entire biker community.
By Bill Hayes
National Press & Publicity Officer, Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
Author of The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
September 10, 2009 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
HEADS UP FLORIDA RIDERS: How to safely ensure free toll use on the 95 Express lanesPosted September 8, 2009 —AMA member Marc Allen points out that motorcyclists in the Miami area are confused about what to do with their SunPass transponders when riding on the 95 Express lanes. The 95 Express lanes are free to motorcyclists, while other adjacent toll roads are not. The question is, how does a rider safely remove their transponder to avoid being charged on the 95 Express and resecure it before traveling on other toll roads? We asked Rick Nelson of the Florida Transportation Department for the definitive answer. Not only is Nelson director of toll operations for Florida’s turnpike, but he also rides a 2007 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.
Nelson: Motorcycles are allowed to ride toll exempted (i.e., free) on 95 Express lanes. To avoid being charged on the 95 Express, a motorcyclist should bag his or her SunPass transponder in the RF shield (shiny silver) bag that was shipped with it. (SunPass will provide new RF shield bags to anyone who has lost theirs.) Bagging (placing and sealing) the transponder in the shield bag will prevent it from being read and tolls being charged to your SunPass account.
If your trip includes both travel on the 95 Express lanes and Florida?s Turnpike or one of the other adjacent toll roads in south Florida, the answer is the same: bag your SunPass transponder.
The SunPass system will take a photograph of your license plate and image-toll (I-toll) you for your use of the other adjacent toll roads. I-toll is the fail-safe built into the SunPass system to prevent it from creating a violation for a registered SunPass customer who failed to place their SunPass on the windshield correctly.
I-tolls work great as long as the customer remembers to keep their license plate number, address and credit card number up to date on their SunPass account. The I-toll system will charge a prepaid account for the toll transaction when a license plate is associated with that account.I recommend you print this article and tape it to the outside of the RF shield bag that your SunPass transponder is stored in, just in case you get pulled over by the police.
Please remember to be polite to the officer as they are just doing their job. My guess is they will tell you to have a nice day.Remember to use your SunPass transponder when your trip doesn?t include travel on the 95 Express lanes.
By the way, the new SunPass Mini (sticker) transponder will only operate when affixed to glass windshields. They are not designed for use on motorcycles.
SUCH A SHAME!–Damn economy. This poor child can’t even afford a decent pair of jeans .Another Victim of the Economy…
–from Art Friedman
INTERMOT Cologne 2010 with extended programme, No. 3, Cologne, September 2009– Bicycles, pedelecs, e-scooters and e-motorcycles will make up the ?Green Hall? ? their own a focal point within the event
INTERMOT Cologne ? International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle Fair has extended its range of products creating an international presentation and business platform for the entire two-wheeler industry. From 2010, the trade fair?s traditional product segments of motorcycles, scooters, quads, accessories, parts and clothing will be joined by bicycles and bike parts, accessories and components.
?Electrically powered two-wheelers? will form an appropriate interface between motorised and non-motorised two-wheelers. The complete spectrum of products on the core topic of ?Light Electric Vehicles? (LEV) will be presented, from pedelecs, e-bikes, e-scooters, right through to e-motorbikes. Expanding INTERMOT Cologne to include the growth market of LEVs makes sense because alternative drive technologies are also becoming a major focal point in the world of motorised two wheelers, and one to which the event will now do justice.
INTERMOT Cologne is established worldwide as the international trend show, leading trade fair and ordering event for motorised two-wheel vehicles. Every two years the international motorcycle and scooter community ? the industry, trade, media and of course motorcycle and scooter fans meet here.
Around 1,100 suppliers from around 40 countries regularly participate and present their product portfolios to around 56,000 international buyers and over 140,000 interested non-trade visitors. The event will be organized by Koelnmesse GmbH; the conceptual sponsor is the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), based in Essen. Along with exhibitor events, INTERMOT Cologne will offer visitors impressive shows and many other highlights from the world of motorcycles, scooters, and motor sport. The fair will occupy Halls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 at the Cologne exhibition centre, making for a gross exhibition space of more than 120,000 m?. The entire outdoor area at Koelnmesse ? 75,000m? ? as well as special sections in the halls will also be utilized for the fair?s various events and supporting programme.
You can find further information at www.intermot-cologne.com
INTERMOT Cologne
6th to 10th October 2010
Koelnmesse GmbH
Anja Scheidt
Press Assistant
Corporate Communications & PR
a.scheidt@koelnmesse.de
www.koelnmesse.de
BIKERNET MATH LESSON, Do the math–I guess I must be on the wrong page. A vehicle at 15 mpg and 12,000 miles per year uses 800 gallonsa year of gasoline. A vehicle at 25 mpg and 12,000 miles per year uses 480 gallonsper year. So, the average clunker transaction will reduce US gasolineconsumption by 320 gallons per year.
They claim 700,000 vehicles were sold under C4C, so thats 224million gallons / year.That equates to a bit over 5 million barrels of oil.5 million barrels of oil is about one days US consumption.And, 5 million barrels of oil costs about $350 million dollars at $75/bbl.
So, we all contributed to spending $3 billion to save $350 million.
How good a deal was that???
–Buckshot
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER SPECIALISTS TRY TO IMPROVE BANDIT’S BRAIN, 3 Simple Steps to a Healthy Brain–To help preserve mental function and protect against age-related cognitive decline including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, make these simple, healthy lifestyle choices part of your daily routine:
1. Get 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help slow memory loss and improve mental function.
2. Develop healthy habits in all aspects of life. Not smoking, drinking only in moderation, staying socially involved, managing stress, getting adequate rest, and cultivating a positive attitude and outlook – have all been associated with a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s.
3. Keep an active mind. “Use it or lose it” applies to mental as well as physical health. Do crossword puzzles, mind games, challenging reading, and take educational classes.
Indian Offers Cash for Clunkers–Indian Offers Cash for Clunkers Indian Motorcycle dealers are offering buyers $3,000 toward the purchase of a new 2009 Indian Chief for their trade-ins as part of the seminal manufacturer’s own “Cash for Clunkers” program.
Any trade-in must be street legal, 100cc or larger and must have a clear title; the bike must also be in running and ride-able condition, and mopeds, scooters and dirt bikes will not be accepted.
For more information, contact Indian at (704) 937-7333 or info@indianmotorcycle.com.
–Motorcycle Product News
BIKERNET WEATHER REPORT FROM LOWER ALABAMA–There are days I want to ask, (as they did in the movie ?Air America?), WHY AM I HERE! The best time to ride a motorcycle here in LA is in the spring or fall. Winters are sometimes just cool but there are days when the temperature never gets above 40 degrees and with the humidity added in that is just too cold to ride unless you have heated gear. However, summers are just dangerous! When the heat index gets over 112 (or the ?feels like? temperature the weather people call it) and you ride out in that your brain may get fried as well as your buns from the heat rising off the pavement.
You get to where you can?t think your way out of a paper bag much less outmaneuver all the cages that are driving like idiots due to the heat. Maybe cooling shirts, vests or vented clothing work well out West but if the humidity is high it does not work well in the South, or at least not for me.
Labor Day weekend here in Lower Alabama was supposed to be wet, 30 to 60 % chance of rain and thunderstorms, usually after 1P.M. The cold front last week did not produce the dryer cooler weather we had hoped for. It is still humid but not as hot as it has been and we have a bit of a breeze that has kept the temperature bearable. Rode over to Seminole State Park in SW Georgia and saw a large flock of Canadian Geese, about 75 or so. Guess they are heading south early this year. Wonder if they know something we don?t.
I heard on the news this week that Alabama has had nine earthquakes since the first of the year. All of them have been in the central to northern part and none of them have been major. When we have an earthquake, it is more like a small tremor in California. Once in a while things will get knocked off shelves but usually it passes by without anyone really noticing it, from what I hear. Down here in the SE corner of Alabama we never feel any tremors unless the military is doing some type of strangeness, like testing new bombs or rockets of some sort.
Glad to hear the fires in California are being brought under control. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages to anywhere you live. West coast has droughts and fires, Gulf coast has hurricanes and everywhere in the middle has tornadoes. I think I can handle the hurricanes and tornadoes better than those fires. I have immense respect for any and all firefighters and their families. Firefighting is too dangerous a profession for me. May God be with all of you, everywhere.
Ride safe.
— Camy
3rd Annual Southern Bike Night – 6 County Poker Run & Bike Show!–Big Easy Media Productions and Southern Bike Night are pleased to announce the “3rd Annual Southern Bike Night 6 County Poker Run and Bike Show,? the weekend of Sept. 25th at Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 SE Dixie Hwy in Stuart, Florida.
The gates open at 4 pm Friday at the fairgrounds and will remain open until 2 am for the Battle of the Bands with $500 going to the first-place band. There is also a Car & Truck Show, and Crank ?M Up Contest by Nash’s World of Sound. Camping is available.
The Southern Bike Night 6-County Poker Run will depart from the fairgrounds and three other locations on Saturday morning. The gates at the fairgrounds open at 11 am Saturday for the SBN Poker Run, Bike Show and a ton of activities, great food, vendor?s row, DJ and live bands all day. The gates close at 2 am for non-campers.
The Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson Fashion Show on Saturday will include special guests, some of the South?s finest bike builders and some of the South?s hottest custom bikes. There will also be live concerts by Mighty Quinn, Vicious Cycle and Tribal Tongue; Special guests, Tobin 153 & Brotherz Keeper; and national recording artist, JD Danner will sing ?Thanks To The Brave.?
?This is our way of saying ?Thanks? to all of our loyal fans and sponsors,? said Jim Burgos, TV host and founder of Southern Bike Night. Beer is $2 – $3 bottles. The gate fee is $5 — and free admission is included in the price of the poker run.
Registration for the Car & Truck Show will be open until 7 p.m. Friday night at the fairgrounds. Entry fee: $10. Battle of the Bands: $50 entry fee with $500 award to 1st place.
There are four starting points for the 6-County Annual Poker Run on Saturday. Fee: $10 per hand and $5 for extra hand. Admission to the party at the fairgrounds is included. All bikes entered in the Annual Bike Show need to be at the fairgrounds by 2 p.m. Saturday. Entry fee: $10.
Vendor and Sponsorship information is available. Call Rod at 561-767-2453.
Jim Burgos, can be reached at 772-214-2159 or by sending an email to Bigeasy320@bellsouth.net
Southern Bike Night TV & Magazine
AMVETS POST 911 SOMERS PT WILL HOLD A 9/11 Remembrance on Friday 9/11–Ceremony starts with the arrival of the Motorcycle parade.
Meet at Super WAWA Somers PointRt 9 and Ocean Heights ave 8:00 amPull out at 8:20 am
Ceremony ends at 9:15 if you have to go to work. Coffee and donuts at the VFW courtesy of American Legion Riders.
Please make this event as it is the 1st one in Somers Point..
EVERYONE IS INVITED
A PAGE IN THE UNCLE MONKEY DOCTRINE–Uhm, can I borrow a wrench? It is a question that I’ve been asked hundreds of times. Anyone who works spinning wrenches for a living knows you don’t lend out tools, you give them away. Few actually get returned. Everyone means well, but for anyone who relies on them for their livelihood it always leaves us stressed out.
I have amassed to good selection of hand and power tools to the point that I actually have three complete sets of tools. Two sets because it always seems that you need two 1/2″ wrenches or there isn’t enough room to connect a ratchet. The third set is my, “loaner” set of tools. Old and trusty, I hand them out freely with the thought that I am giving someone a 15/16″ wrench.
If I get it back great, but I wrote the tool off as soon as it has left my garage. When I do have to borrow my friends tools I always make sure that I return them in the condition I received them or better. That has meant there has been more then once I’ve had to head down to the local Tool Crib to buy a replacement for a ratchet that self-destructed, a wrench that I bent, or screwdriver I snapped off. Often these were “loaner” tools much like my set but I still replace them out of respect to my friends.
It is impossible to own every tool that we could possibly ever need even though some of us try. We have to rely on the generosity of our friends and sometimes even strangers to help get our bikes back on the road. Many of us “older” riders have spent many a night at a rally huddled around a bike that has its own sense of humor as to what a rally is all about. As people gather around tools come out from tight rolls and back pockets to help get the bike back to health. A decent set of tools can make the difference between a simple job and an all-nighter. Using the right tool for the right job can also make all the difference in the world. A man with tools is everyone?s friend; if he knows how to use them he is a best friend.
Tools help keep this world going around. Without them everything would literally grind to a halt. As vigilant as we all are we all seem to have one or two tools that we borrowed all those weeks, months, even years ago that we haven’t returned yet. Its something to remember the next time someone reaches into your toolbox for a wrench.
–Uncle Monkey
Victory Rider Gregor Moe Sets New Class Speed Run Record of 165.8 mph on Victory Motorcycle–Victory Performance Breaks Record That Had Stood Since 1973.
MEDINA, MN (Sept. 9, 2009) ? Patience, persistence and a wickedly powerful Victory Freedom engine helped Gregor Moe set a new national speed run record of 165.8 mph on a Victory Motorcycle September 3 at the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Moe ran a timed mile at 166.004 mph on the Victory Kingpin, then backed it up with a run at 165.6 mph, giving him the average of 165.8 mph that goes into the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) record books for the 2000-M-AG class. The class includes bikes of up to 2000cc with modified frames that are gas-powered but do not use turbochargers or superchargers. The previous class record of 163 mph had stood since 1973.
?It?s a good feeling and it?s good to get it done. It?s been a long time coming and it?s a lot of work,? said Moe, who is from Buffalo, Minnesota. ?This was my third time at Bonneville. I went out in ?04 to the first BUB event with a buddy and ran my 2003 Victory Vegas at about 119 mph in the ?Run What You Brung? class. That was the fastest Victory pass for a number of years.?
In 2008 he returned to Bonneville with his record-setting Kingpin, but broke a piston while building up speed for the timed mile. The engine was rebuilt at Lloydz Motorworkz, the Pine Bush, N.Y., Victory performance shop by Lloyd Greer and Adam Torchio.
The Victory Freedom engine has a modified displacement of 110-cubic inch engine and a Lloydz cam package, intake and fuel mapping.
?Adam built a different pipe for it, too, a 2-into-1 that wouldn?t interfere with my feet,? Moe said. ?I installed some rear set-type pegs to get my feet back and get me lower.?
Moe ran the bike at the Maxton Mile earlier this year and attained a speed of 159.7 mph.
?Maxton was our shake-down to make sure the bike works,? Moe said. ?Of course, the driver?s got to get familiar with the machine to make it go, and we made several passes there and it got better every pass. It ran well at Maxton so there was no reason to make any changes for Bonneville.?
With only minor changes such as a redesigned custom seat, he and his crew of fellow Victory Riders ?Sparky Bill? Toninato, Jeff Ingebritson and John Ritter headed to Bonneville.
The salt was wet when they arrived, but dried in the Utah sun each day, providing a faster and faster surface. Moe was near the front of the line late on Wednesday, September 2, when the day?s session ended. He retained his place in line for the final half day of speed runs on September 3, so he got to make his runs in cooler air that let his engine produce more power.
?The first run on Thursday, we didn?t quite get her done. We ran around 159 [mph],? he said. ?We made an adjustment we?d been talking about and got back in line. Our next pass was 166[.004], which broke the old record and entitled us to make a return run to back the record up.?
His return run on Bonneville?s International Course produced a speed of 165.6 mph, giving him two runs over the old class record and a new mark of 165.8 mph.
?Setting a new record makes the ride home from the salt a lot more enjoyable,? Moe said. ?If we had finished second, the drive home to Minnesota would have seemed like an eternity.?
Victory Vision Posts Potential Record Speed
World record holder Laura Klock rode a stock Victory Vision at the BUB event and posted a top speed of 122 mph, which she backed up with a run at 120 mph. Final notification from the BUB officials is pending, but the crew at Klock Werks Kustom Cycles in Mitchell, S.D., believes Laura set a record. She already held the record for the world?s fastest bagger, and two of her daughters also hold speed run records.
Whether she is credited with a record for her Victory Vision speed, she achieved one goal of generating greater participation by women riders. The number of women entered at this year?s BUB event was significantly greater that in the previous five years.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories, is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com
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HOW AM I DOING?–I tried to ignore the phone. I’m going to launch our first, “Save the Evo,” tech tomorrow. It involves D&D, K&N and a new Compu-Fire Single-Fire Ignition System. We are on a bent to prove that Evos are the best. I was thinking about a Dyno challenge between Evos and Twin Cams. The ’89 FLH we are working on has almost 200,000 miles on the clock.
We are also investigating a run site for a Bikernet No-Nothin’ Run to Salome, Arizona. It’s not close to anywhere. It has one bike shop, Uneeda, one hotel, Westwood, with four rooms, owned by a biker, Randy, and four restaurants. “Two are good,” Mark, the shop owner told me.
We are going to investigate it later this year and report back. I was stranded there on the way to the Smoke Out, waiting for Dr. Hamster to arrive from the coast. I helped guys work on their bikes. Talked to Scout, from Harley-Davidson, and checked out his European girlfriend. She was a redhead. I couldn’t help myself.
I’ll bring you more reports as this develops. Don’t worry, I’m not looking for vendors, sponsors, or entry fees. We just need to find a place to hide.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
