Continued From Page 4

Thousands turn out for old bikes, good friends, and great weather!!!–Last Wednesday, Matt, Myron and I headed up to one of my favorite events of the season — the Antique Motorcycle Club of America Annual Swap Meet in Oley, PA. Each year, Oley is a “must do” event, as countless old relics surface from years of neglect and are brought to the Oley Community Fairgrounds for their first public appearances in decades. Hundreds of vendors gather to buy and sell parts, motorcycles and memorabilia, and share stories from their hunts and finds. I don’t know what it is about Oley that brings these machines out of the woodwork, but nonetheless, every year during the last weekend of April, the little Pennsylvania town glows with vintage iron.

This year’s Oley Swap Meet wouldn’t disappoint, and in fact, would be a bit different from years past, as the forecast read warm and sunny all weekend. As we headed out of Maggie Valley that Wednesday, we could all feel the excitement growing, each of us wondering what parts we’d find and if any “new” old motorcycle would be heading back to the mountains with us in the big black 40′ fifth-wheel. We drove straight through the night, and rolled into the fairgrounds just before the light of day.

Thursday morning, the action started early. Hundreds of vendors made their way to their spots and began setting up for what we all hoped would be a great weekend….

BANDIT’S LETTER TO LEGISLATOR FRAN IN CALIFORNIA–
State Senator Fran Pavley


Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Fran,

I read a report regarding discussions with your office over the motorcycle Smog testing bill. The author mentioned that there was no reasoning with staff, because they sought only equity. Interesting, if equity is the predominate reasoning, then soon we will regulate home barbecues, and we must regulate population growth, because with it comes increased emissions of all nature.

My argument is simple and I believe thought provoking. It revolves around freedom. We are on a bent in our society today to regulate, restrict and ban everything. Someday, we will wish there was a more balanced approach. For instance motorcycle testing. Long after you’re no longer in office, the motorcycle testing bureaucracy will have expanded, and there will be costly equity governing less than one percent of emissions.

But think about our impact on freedom in this country, as we regulate everything that moves. Already the crack of a motorcycle exhaust, alerts us that somewhere in our society, filled with look-alike silver cars, because the color black was banned, there is a modicum of freedom and artistic expression is supported.

I believe that somewhere down the road we will wish we had supported education over legislation, regulation, and more government bureaucracies. Think about equity and where it might lead, perhaps barbecue testing in your home, kitchen appliance testing or someone telling you how large your family can be.

We need to look for the serious culprits, such as the ships in our ports and focus on their emissions, while celebrating freedom wherever possible.

All the best,

K. Randall Ball
President
5-Ball Inc
Bikernet.com
200 Broad Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744

JO’S BIKE IN HARLEY MUSEUM–I’m proud to say starting tomorrow my bike will be on display in the lobby of Harley-Davidson’s museum in Milw. It will be there from May 1st – 15th.

The Month of May has been declared Women Riders Month … how about that we get a whole month!

Tomorrow I lead a group of women riders to the museum for a celebration of women riders that HD is hosting. I’ll be riding a rental from City Limits Harley.

I’ll take a photo of her sitting in the museum and send it out this weekend.

I’m very excited and very proud. This honor goes back to my Harley Women magazine days and having been inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

I hope all of you have a wonderful day … and please think Dry, Clear Weather for Friday, May 1st Ladies Ride!

–Jo . . .
“Jo” (Linda) Giovannoni . . .
1996 National Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductee

CHEETAH TRIKE CORRECTION–I called yesterday and spoke with one of you about a photo of a 2005 “Cheetah Chopper” that you have posted with Oz Trikes on your site. The following URL http://www.bikernet.com/garage/PageViewer.asp?PageID=620 is where the photo of the red 2005 “Cheetah Chopper” is about half way down the page, immediately under Oz Trikes. I need you to remove it immediately, as IT IS NOT AN OZ TRIKE.

I’ve attached a newer photo of our “Cheetah Chopper” with the registered brand name in the photo. I would appreciate you placing it under our “Cheetah Trikes” listing that is located about 1/4 way down that page.

–Tom Walters, Owner/Pres.
Cheetah Trikes Inc
108 Industrial Way
Charlestown IN 47111
812-256-9199
www.cheetahtrikes.com
tom@cheetahtrikes.com

IT’S A WRAP–for the minute. That’s the wild aspect of the world wide web. It never really ends. I’ll post another article tomorrow, or maybe two tomorrow. I have Greg Friend’s Little Big Twin Update, and Buckshot sent me a story on the Arlen Ness show, because he won in his class.

Tomorrow morning I’ll wake up to somebody wanting me to add some dire announcement to the news, or god forbid we published something out of context. Hugh King sent me a shot of the winner of the new pilot Chopper Wars show, only to pull it at the last minute. “Can’t run that yet,” he snapped. I always respect the “King,” so we yanked it. You’ll might be forced to wait for the show to air. Yeah right, someone will slip out the news beforehand, and it will be all over the internet.

Ah, that’s the nature of the beast. Everybody loves a scoop. In the meantime, I’m working on a factory racer update. I just received an Exile sprotor brake from Ray Wheeler. It’s a very well made and presented piece. You’ll see the mounting procedure, right here. Have a helluva weekend. Get ready, the Smoke Out is next weekend.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

Continued From Page 3

S&S Cycle Acquires Newly Defunct Crane Cams–V-Twin motor powerhouse to move manufacturing in Wisconsin, keep sales, service in Florida

S&S Cycle has acquired a number of assets from Crane Cams with the intentions of keeping the storied manufacturer of high-performance parts running through its network of established dealers and distributors.

Viola, Wis.,-based S&S bought the inventory, intellectual property and trademarks for all Crane automotive and motorcycle electronic products, and for Crane’s motorcycle valve train products at an auction Wednesday in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal is reporting that a bidding team of former Crane Cams CEO Lance Harris and S&S made a high bid of $1.2 million for the patents and trademarks, and another $215,000 for the inventory. The paper also reports that about 100 registered bidders showed up for the liquidation auction being held by Liqui-Tech industries that was held to pay off corporate debt.

Crane Cams closed its doors in February after 56 years in business, andlaid off about 280 employees.

S&S Cycle says that in addition to maintaining Crane’s dealer and distribution network, it plans to move into a new building in Dayton Beach to manage the business and provide customer service and technical support. Manufacturing of the valve train products will be moved to the company’s facility in Viola.

SAXON MOTORCYCLES EUROPE EXPANDS DEALER NETWORK– Saxon Motorcycles Europe announces that from today her dealer network has been expanded with a new official dealer. Recently they have signed the contract with Chopper Spirit in Cascais near Lisbon, Portugal.

The owner of Chopper Spirit Rafael Murjal is enthusiastic: ?next to building extreme choppers, we now can also offer the elegant and tough semi-custom Saxons to motor-lovers/fans. Saxon is a super completion of our current activities. The charisma and quality of the bikes are fabulous?.

The owners of Saxon Motorcycles Europe also respond: ?in more and more countries in Europe we can show our bikes through our dealers. Especially Portugal is an important market for us. Think of the beautiful nature, excellent roads, the beautiful weather and a population who likes to show itself.?

Saxon stands for power and quality, comfort and self expression. It is a custom built bike in the professional factory in the USA and therefore fits the driver excellently. It is a beautiful product, that retains its value.

Making the choice to own a Saxon is a true form of self-expression. Each Saxon is a bike which is custom built and therefore fits the driver completely. It is an elegant machine that retains its value. A motorcycle synonymous with style and abundant with charisma, that is an experience all on its own. Each Saxon represents an unmatched level of comfort, sophistication, and reliability, complete with a 2- year factory warranty. Saxon is in Europe the number 1 USA production custom motorcycle.

This moment Saxon Europe has three models: the Warlord, the Firestorm and the Henchman. All models of Saxon Motorcycles will be present at Chopper Spirit.

For more information:
Saxon Motorcycles Europe
info@saxonmotorcycles.eu
www.saxonmotorcycles.eu

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER JOINT PAIN FINDINGS– If you experience arthritic aches and pains when the seasons change, consider Arnica (Arnica montana). This daisy-like mountain flower is used traditionally to help relieve discomfort associated with bruises, sprains, soreness and swelling/muscle spasms from sports activity, and can help alleviate arthritis set off by seasonal change as well as general muscle and joint pain.

Try rubbing tincture, ointment, cream, or gel on sore spots, but don’t use on broken skin. To make an arnica compress, mix one tablespoon of arnica tincture in one pint of purified water. Dip a gauze pad in the mixture, then put it on the troublesome joint or bruised area. Look for pure arnica extract for preparing topical applications.

–Dr.Wiel.com

THE FORMER MAHARAJAH OF BHARATPUR?S 1931 HORCH CABRIOLET, WHICH HE SWAPPED FOR A HORSE,HEADS BONHAMS COLLECTOR?S CAR AUCTION IN AUSTRALIA–An historic Horch, part of the Peter Briggs Collection, will be sold by Bonhams & Goodman in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, May 3rd for an estimated price in the region of ?200,000.

This fascinating car was presented to Robert Gove of Victoria from the Maharajah of Bharatpur in the 1930s in exchange for horses. The Gove family had supplied the Maharajahs with fine horses of all kinds – polo mounts, racehorses and many thousands of horses for the Indian Army. The Australian horses, known as walers, were renowned in India and Gove’s father, Julius Gove, had been supplying them to the Indian government and it’s aristocracy for two decades before he passed away in 1922.

In late 1933 or early 1934 Robert Gove and the then 17 year old Maharajah made an unusual deal in which Gove took possession of a 1931 Horch 480 from the Maharajah’s garage as a gift or in part payment for a prize horse.

The extremely rare and valuable automobile created a sensation upon its return to Melbourne. Following the depression years, luxury cars were few and far between and rarely seen in public. The Horch was the 25th car built out of a total production of a few more than 50 cars in its two-year production life, so even in the 1930s these were rare cars indeed.

The Horch is being sold as a part of the Peter Briggs collection which also includes a 1926 AC Royal Roadster, a 1933 Aston Martin Le Mans 1 1/2 litre ‘Long Chassis’ Sports Tourer, a Jaguar SS 2.5 litre Sports saloon, and a 1910 Napier 15hp Colonial Model Roi de Belges Tourer amongst others.

Sale Enquiries: Robert Glover, National Head of Collector’s Motor Cars, Sydney, Australia 0061 (0)2 8306 2206 or e-mailrobert.glover@bonhams.com.

UPCOMING BONHAMS MOTORING AUCTIONS
May 9: Quail Motorcycle Gathering, Carmel, California
May 9: Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell, England
May 18: Les Grandes Marques a Monaco, Monaco
June 7: Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, Greenwich, Connecticut
August 14: Quail Motorsports Gathering, Carmel, California

PPG REACHES MVP GREEN BELT TRAINING MILESTONE–STRONGSVILLE, Ohio ? April 27, 2009 ? PPG announced it has crossed the 600 mark for the number of collision center owners, managers and technicians that have graduated from its MVP Green Belt Training program. MVP Green Belt is a 4-day comprehensive training program that is a blend of Lean Six Sigma fundamentals along with practical application implementation detail that is critical for collision shops to make simultaneous improvements in their operations.

?While it is an accomplishment to attain this number of graduates through a class as comprehensive as Green Belt,? says Jim Berkey, director, Business Solutions for PPG, ?the end game is implementation and performance improvement. It is especially rewarding to see these shops make real improvements and take leadership roles within their markets.?

Berkey continues, ?Today?s performance challenge in the collision industry requires that collision center operators simultaneously improve quality, cost and speed. We have seen the interest in applying Lean Six Sigma / TOC principles and tools to collision grow exponentially over the last few years and are fortunate to have been in front of the curve in our ability to not only train our shops, but to work with them through implementation challenges,?.

According to Rich Altieri, senior manager, MVP Business Solutions group, the training program, started in 2006, evolved from four years of extensive research and development led by a team of Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma experts and MVP collision center consultants. Key program elements include:

?The success factors that allow some organizations to thrive in rapidly changing environments
?Use of 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
?Integration of shop tours and assignments into the training to reinforce the understanding and confidence critical to successful implementation

?Our Green Belt training and workshop programs have been very well-received,? says David Knapp, senior manager, Business Solutions. ?The program provides constant education and execution support in all the critical areas of collision center operations. Many of our graduates are well along on their Lean Sigma Six journey, solidly on the path of continuous improvement.?

Car West Auto Body, Danville, CA, CEO/president Craig Moe says, ?Our same store sales from ’07-’08 are up 12-1/2 % with net profits up 25%. All our managers have gone through the program. Now we’re bringing the second tier production managers, assistant managers, and some estimators into it. We’ve had huge paybacks doing so.?

In 2008, the MVP Business Solutions group delivered the Green Belt Training program 10 times in locations including Syracuse NY, Los Angeles CA, and Albuquerque NM. The program will also be offered in Dallas TX, Sacramento, CA and Nashville TN in 2009.

For more information contact the local PPG Territory Manager or PPG Distributor, call MVP Business Solutions at 440-572-6199 or email MVPmailbox@ppg.com, Jim Berkey at jberkey@ppg.com or Rich Altieri at altieri@ppg.com .

BIKERNET RACING REPORTER GETS THE FINGER–I run 28 races a year for 3 years straight?..I miss ONE race, and look what I get?

Feel the love, yeah?..I think I?m gonna, sniff ? Its ok to open, it?s a post card from the boys.

This is Not a good appointment and hopefully people will contact their legislators and ask them to Not Approve the Appointment– President Obama?s pick to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration raises a few red flags. If confirmed by the Senate, Chuck Hurley, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will drive motorists over the cliff with regulation.

The nation?s traffic-safety czar has broad powers to control the roads and road-going habits of Americans. Mr. Hurley has a history of pushing laws that harass millions of law-abiding citizens to ensnare a few lawbreakers. He supports returning the 55 mph speed limit to our highways as well as roadblocks and random pullovers to make sure drivers aren?t doing anything wrong. This methodology is based on a presumption of guilt – not innocence – of the average driver who is doing nothing wrong.

Mr. Hurley has promoted a mania of over regulation at MADD. Absent from his advocacies is the principle that a punishment should fit the crime, or that a crime even needs to be committed to incur a penalty. Under this influence, MADD has been lobbying to lower the allowable blood-alcohol content (BAC) for drivers to .04 – which means one glass of Pinot can land anyone behind bars. We do not condone drinking and driving, but the constant lowering of BAC limits has separated what is punishable from what is actually dangerous.

As a result of MADD-fueled binges for tougher laws, extreme drunken driving punishments – such as loss of driving privileges, jail time, fines and legal fees beyond $10,000 – often apply to individuals who were not drunk and in some cases were not even driving. Last month, the Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously upheld a driving-under-the-influence conviction against a man who was sleeping off his bender in his car even though the keys were not in the ignition. In 2005, the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a DUI sentence for a tipsy man riding a motorized skateboard. The Georgia State Police charged a woman with drunken driving for riding a horse.Such absurd cases will continue to proliferate as long as the breathalyzer machine is the sole determinant of guilt rather than evidence of unsafe conduct.

–from Rogue

NEW VINTAGE FILM RELEASED–As always press copies are available for any films in our store, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you are interested in reviewing any of them!This week we’re happy to announce Vintage Torque Vol. 3 is ready to ship! 240 minutes…two-disc set, can’t beat it. Congrats to John Wells for putting together another great flick for the collection.

The new Hot Rod Havoc III is out too and next month we got Pinstriping Vol. 2 from the Hot Rod Surf boys, Wes White’s new Triumph Maintenance DVD, and even Choppahead Vol. 3! …and come June, get ready for the Harbortown Bobber. We’re really happy with how it’s coming out and we’ll be sharing the teaser with you guys in a week or two.Oh yeah, we posted a ton of pics from Kutty’s Hippy Killer Hoedown in the blog. What a great night.

Stay independent,
–Zack

Battistinis 2009 Open Weekend!–Battistinis U.K Custom Cycles proudly invite you to the Annual Open House Weekend on June 27th & 28th 2009 at the Battistinis Bournemouth U.K showroom on the sunny south coast!

Free Entry – Everyone Welcome! This is going to be the best one yet!It would be great if you could make it as we will be showcasing our latest builds and rapidly expanding product range alongside a whole lot more!!!

If you would like to stay for a night or two then we have made a deal with this new hotel in Bournemouth. Please quote the reference BAT626 to get the special rates listed below

The Hotel is
The West Cliff INN
15 West Cliff Road
Bournemouth
BH2 5EX
Tel: 01202 314 140
Email info@westcliffinn.co.uk
Web: www.westcliffinn.co.uk

Price per person
?30 Standard Room
?35 Delxue Room
?40 Premier Room

Over 2.2 million people will read motorcycle awareness message– On Sunday, April 26, 2009, over 2.2 million people will read a full page Watch For Motorcycles message. This public service announcement is being paid for by Hupy and Abraham, S.C., lawyers for bikers, with offices in Wisconsin and Illinois. This public service announcement is a repeat of the message the firm ran in numerous newspapers last year just prior to the May is Motorcycle Awareness Month campaign and proclamation.

The Watch For Motorcycles message will reach readers in Wisconsin and Illinois through numerous newspapers including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, Milwaukee Courier, Shepherd Express, Green Bay Press Gazette, Milwaukee Times, and Milwaukee Community Journal in Wisconsin. The message will also run in the Lake County News Sun, Pioneer Press and Rock River Times in Illinois.

In addition to the printed public service announcements, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. is replacing some of its TV advertisements for the firm with a public service Watch For Motorcycles message. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. also paid for the production of this video and the firm’s lead investigator, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, is the commentator in the video. In conjunction with the public service announcements, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. will continue to run an alcohol awareness video on cable TV through the summer months, addressing the dangers of drinking and riding, as it has for the past three years.

It is our hope that everyone enjoys a safe riding season in 2009 and that motorists share the road with motorcyclists.

Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Investigator
Hupy and Abraham, S.C.

EXILE CYCLES FORWARD CONTROLS–Exile Cycles designed these super-clean forward controls so that their lines complement the curve of the primary and the angles of the frame tubes. They fit stock ?99 and earlier evolution Softails, as well as any custom frame.

Exile now offers their trick Forward Control Adapter Plates that allow these controls to be fitted to a Twin Cam Softail.

Options are:
1.) A brake side with or without a smooth master-cylinder mounted neatly on the control
2.) A shift side with or without the mounting holes for a stock style kick-stand assembly.
**Foot-clutch forward control is also available upon request.

These controls are machined from billet aluminum and feature stainless steel hardware through-out. They come show-polished or satin, but are also available in a super-sexy black anodized finish.

The controls sell for $799 with master cylinder, $699 without.Call (818) 255-3330 for more information,Or visit www.exilecycles.com.

California Motorcycle Smog Test Bill Passes Out Of Committee– We Need Your Help! Write Fax or Call your State Senator NOW!!–HELP GUYS! ? As Goes California, So Goes the rest of America – ACT NOW or NO MORE AFTER MARKET CARBURETORS, EXHAUST SYSTEMS, RECALIBRATE D FUEL INJECTION, CUSTOM BIKES AND ENGINE PARTS, CHARCOAL CANISTER REMOVAL, Harley Screamin’ Eagle Parts, Ducati Performance Parts , etc……

Sacramento, CA, Wed, April 22nd – SB 435 has passed out of the California Senate Transportation & Housing Committee and is expected to be on the California Senate Floor before the end of April. This measure calls for smog checks, beginning in 2012 for motorcycles 2000 model year and later for owners to be able to re-register them. The California Motorcycle Dealers Assn. has concluded that there is not enough benefit and that there is the potential for discouraging potential owners. The author of the bill claims (?) that including motorcycle in the smog check program will eliminate 5.2 tons of smog daily. That is a tiny amount compared with the 1,406 tons of smog produced every day from all mobile sources. This is not something any motorcyclist can ignore. Your sport will be seriously affected by this bill.

? Motorcycles do not contribute enough pollution to warrant being included in a smog check program
? Motorcycle, because of their low mileage usage and a much higher gas mileage than cars or trucks, represent less than 3%* of the total for all mobile source emissions.
? The cost to implement and conduct a motorcycle smog check program will cost California more than the value of the emissions it’s estimated to save.

(*Note: We don’t know where in the hell they got this big number of 3% – possibly based on the number of car versus motorcycle registrations in California? But as you know almost no one rides their motorcycle to work during the week – everyone drives a car.

This week I drove my car down the I-405 in greater Los Angeles from my home in the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach and back, a 2.5 hour drive, some 90 miles and back in heavy traffic. During the trip I encountered probably 250,000 automobiles or more in both directions on the freeway, and only 6 motorcyclists! In rural areas it’s probably even less:.

That percentage equates to just 0.00002% of bikes driven in greater Los Angeles during the weekday compared to cars!!!

Not the 3% as the legislators claim. As a motorcycle enthusiast I own 6 registered motorcycles, but like most of us I generally only ride one of them for recreation, usually on Sundays – that’s just 4 times a month, and usually under 50 miles per ride. – Editor)

? A smog check program for motorcycles will discourage a new motorcycle purchase and encourage infrequent usage owners to stop using them.
? Motorcycle smog checks were eliminated in one Arizona county when the program did not reduce emissions enough. *If motorcycles have to be returned to stock condition, finding original parts for older bikes will be impossible because historically, not enough spare parts were made.

We need to do two things IMMEDIATELY: 1). Contact the CA State Department of Transportation Senators who wrote this Bill:Sen. Allen Lowenthal (Chair) , Fax 916 327 9113 / Ph (916) 651-4027Sen Robert Huff (Vice Chair) , fax 916 324 0922 / Ph (916) 651-4027Sen. Fran Pauley, Fax (916) 324-4823 / Ph (916) 651-4023

2). Find out who your state Senator is. Then fax, call or write them asking for a “NO” vote on SB 435. 2. Also contact the below nine Senators: Ron Calderon 916-327-8755 fax 916-651-4030 ph senator.calderon@sen.ca.gov Lou Correa 916-323-2323 fax 916-651-4034 ph senator.correa@sen.ca.gov Dean Florez 916-327-5989 fax 916-651-4016 ph senator.florez@sen.ca.gov Gloria Negrete McLeod 916-445-0128 fax 916-651-4032 ph senator.negrete@sen.ca.gov Alex Padilla 916-324-6645 fax 916-651-4020 ph senator.padilla@sen.ca.gov Tim Darrell Steinberg 916-323-2263 fax 916-651-4006 ph senator.steinberg@sen.ca.gov Pat Wiggins 916-323-6958 fax 916-651-4002 ph senator.wiggins@sen.ca.gov Rod Wright 916-445-3712 fax 916-651-4025 ph senator.wright@sen.ca.gov Leyland Yee 916-327-2186 fax 916-651-4008 ph senator.yee@sen.ca.gov

You can find your own CA State Senator by: 1. Accessing the state senate website at : www.senate.ca.gov . 2.Click on District Maps. 3. Then click on Your Senator. 4. Enter your street and city address and zip.

Continued On Page 5

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THE BIKERNET HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY INSIDER REPORT–Harley Davidson, feeling it was time for a shake-up, hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning on a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business.

He walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, ‘How much money do you make a week?’

A little surprised, the young man looked at him and replied, ‘I make $400 a week. Why?’

The CEO then handed the guy $1,600 in cash and screamed, ‘Here’s four weeks’ pay, now GET OUT and don’t come back.’

Feeling pretty good about himself, the CEO looked around the room and asked, ‘Does anyone want to tell me what that slacker did here? ‘

From across the room came a voice, ‘Pizza delivery guy from Domino’s.’

–from Dr. Hamster

INTERNAL THROTTLE SYSTEM FROM LA CHOP RODS– NEW & IMPROVEDWe?ve greatly improved on our previous internal throttle design. This new unit now uses a ?Slide Plunger? with two (2) Thread-in Double Ball Bearing Pin and Bearing assemblies. In addition the ?New Aluminum Outer Tube? now has two (2) Spiral Travel Grooves and has been lengthened in order to close the inner end of the Travel Grooves to eliminate the possibility of misshaping the tube when your handgrips set screws are tightened.

Finally, Both the ?Outer Tube? and the ?Slide Plunger? are now Hard Anodized, all this provides for smoother operation and longer life. Suggested Retail $185.00.

For more information on this and other LA County Choprods parts visit www.lachoprods.com or telephone (310) 353-2467.

–Gard Hollinger
LA County Choprods
ziggy@lachoprods.com

The Born 2B Wild Thursday Bike Night & Bikini Contest–gets bigger every week at Spencers Corner in Fort Worth.

Join us this Thursday for the best bike night in town with live music from 3 Rivers Alice and the Wet & Wild Bikini Contest!Bikes, $1 Beer, Bikinis, does not get much better!

Renegades 5 Year Anniversary Sale Ends Saturday!Great time to save big on a hot new bike or rider apparel and accessories!

Sale Ends Saturday!
25% off all apparel!
25% off Ed Hardy Shirts & Shoes!
25% Off all Leather & Boots!
And the Best deals on new & used bikes you will ever see!
New IronHorse Choppers $19,999!
New BMC Bobbers as low as $15,999!
Extreme Bourget Customs $29,995!
Victory Black-Out 8 Ball $12,999!

Finance specials, 5.8% and Easy Terms! 5 Yr FREE extended warranty on all Victory bikes!

Visit our new store at I-20 and Great SW Pkwy in Grand Prairie
2618 I-20 West, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
At the NW Corner of I-20 and Great Southwest in Grand Prairie
Local 469-348-2222, Toll free 877-976-BIKE
Or visit us online at www.renegadecycles.com

US RIDERNEWS BEST OF BEACH SHOW THIS WEEKEND– Our biggest Bike Show of the Spring/Summer season is this Saturday May 2nd in Panama City Beach. The USRiderNews Best of the Beach Bike show is off the chain this spring with $15,000 in cash and prizes.

If you haven?t pre-registered, there?s still time or just come by the show between 9:00 and 12:30 and register. The show is a fundraiser for the Shaddai Shrine and the Shriners Children?s Hospital.

The weather looks like it will be perfect. Awards party at 5pm at Tootsies in Pier Park. $1000 from Steel Horse Law (not a gift certificate) to the Best of Show winner! It?s the only ?officially sponsored? Bike show during Thunder Beach rally so if you can only attend one, this is the one to attend!

We?ll see you there! On another note…We’re looking for bloggers for the USRiderNews site. If you’re interested, drop me a line to editor@usridernews.com

Desperado Motorcycles announces sponsorship roll in NHRA Super Gas Camaro–Jeff Nicklus founder and Chief Executive Officer of Desperado Motorcycles announced earlier today that an agreement had been reached with Nicklus Performance Corp. wherein Desperado Motorcycles will act as the primary sponsor of the Nicklus Performance/Desperado Motorcycles Super Gas Camaro for the remainder of the 2009 season and again for the entire 2010 race season.?To the best of my knowledge the sponsorship by Desperado Motorcycles represents the first time a motorcycle manufacturer has ever participated in a sponsorship program within the automotive racing sector. This sponsorship is huge!

The Desperado Camaro and the Desperado Motorcycles name will be seen by 2.5 ? 3 million people who attend the 23 NHRA races annually. Further the NHRA has a long term contract with ESPN and all NHRA races are televised? Nicklus stated. ?We will be able to interact with thousands of people at the race track as well as come into the viewer?s homes, Via ESPN, basically every other week.

We expect to reach a projected 10 million viewer?s/attendees in a 12 month period.? Nicklus continued ?Naturally we will still be attending our scheduled motorcycle events and starting with the Thunder Beach Spring Rally, in Panama City Beach, Fl., and continuing throughout the year we will have the Desperado Motorcycles Camaro on display at the bike events.

During initial testing the Desperado Camaro has ran the quarter mile in as fast as a 7:51 ET at 191 mph. It will therefore be necessary to employ a delay mechanism within the car to slow the car down to within the 9:90 ET class limits.

I suppose this is a case of, it is better to be too fast than too slow! I will be handling the primary driving duties of the car and my Son, Conrad, will act as backup driver as his college schedule and grades allow. We are all very excited for this opportunity ?.. we are going to be fun!? Nicklus concluded.

–from US Rider News

BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO-ART EXHIBIT–Scenes from Whiplash down at Leesburg Bikefest.

–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net

JARED PETERSON TAKES EXTENDED VACATION TO COMPLETE HIS PHD IN ALL THING ROUND, LIKE TIRES — Beginning April 30th, 2009 I will be taking a sabbatical from Hoppe and Associates Inc. as Account Manager for the Avon brand. I will be returning to Avon Tyres November 1st, 2009. If you have any questions or require assistance please contact ‘Ski’ Maslowski at (952) 935-4549 and smaslowski@avonmotorcycleusa.com or Sukoshi Fahey at (800) 624-7470 and sfahey@avonmotorcycleusa.com.

I will miss working with you this summer. I wish you all safe travels and a most excellent summer. I look forward to coming back to work with you again in the fall.

–Jared Peterson
Avon Tyres Customer Service
www.avonmotorcycle.com

CANADA-SCRAP-IT POLL ON WEBSITE–As you may have already heard, after a phone call from Mike Bruce (Carter Honda) regarding whether or not motorcycles were included in B.C.?s SCRAP-IT Program BCCOM decided to look into the matter and have since written to the Ministry asking for motorcycles to be included.

For those of you not aware of the program it is an incentive by the Ministry of the Environment to try to get automobiles older than 1995 off the road. This is how it would work, you turn in your car and purchase a motorcycle newer than 2006 from a dealer registered with the program and depending on the amount of green house gas your old vehicle emits you can receive and incentive worth $500.00 up to a maximum of $2000.00!

The Coalition feels that it should also be available to purchase a newer motorcycle being as they give the incentive for bus passes and the purchase of bicycles. For more information on how it works go to www.scrapit.ca and we will keep you informed as to the decision made.

We are asking members to please go to our poll at www.bccom-bc.com and vote, as the Scrap-It program wishes to know if there is an appetite for this program before it is implemented. Please pass this along to any other motorcyclists that you know that may not be members of BCCOM. Thank you.

–Adele Tompkins
Executive Director
B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists

RIDE TO VOTE!

There will be no MLA Ride this May. Due to the upcoming election on May 12th, the House will not be sitting at the time when we normally have our annual ride. Instead we are encouraging riders to Ride to Vote – Vote to Ride on May 12th. It’s time to show them how many voters do in fact ride!

TIME TO RENEW FOR 2009

It’s that time of year again! 2009 memberships are now available on-line or by phone with MasterCard or Visa. You can follow this link: http://www.bccom-bc.com/bccom_store/bccom_store.html to join on-line or you can print off a form to mail in with a cheque.

TRASK TO PERFORM ON-SITE TUBO INSTALLS AT MAJOR EVENTS– TRASK PERFORMANCE has just announced they will be offering on-site turbocharger installations at major bike events throughout the U.S. starting with Sturgis. The leader in HD Turbocharging technology, will integrate a full installation facility into their vendor display.

The on-sight shop will have full capability to install and tune the company?s unique turbo packages to HD FI machines fit with Zipper?s ThunderMax EFI Auto Tune. The installations will be handled by Trask factory technicians and the complete install should take approximately 6 hours. It is suggested that you make prior reservations but, they will be fully stocked to handle ?walk-in? customers as well. For many enthusiasts this arrangement provides a unique opportunity to have the factory install one of these awesome conversions with all the related benefits. It should be noted that Trask will not be cutting any corners due to the venue. Each system will receive the same meticulous attention to detail as it would at the factory, hence the 6 hour time line. One thing is for certain, if you?re looking for increased performance for your road bike without worrying about the reliability factor, the Trask package will provide a performance boost unlike any other single bolt-on component. Call ahead to 623-879-8488 or make reservations on line at www.turboyourharley.com .

CARONA GETS 66 MONTHS, BAD COP REPORT–Former Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona was sentenced this afternoon to 66 months in federal prison and fined $125,000 in a high-profile corruption case.

The corruption case cast a long shadow over the state?s second-largest sheriff?s department and shattered the career of a man many believed had the personality and political chops to carry him to Sacramento, or even Washington.

Carona was convicted in January of witness-tampering after a two-month trial, peppered with accounts of influence peddling within his administration.

Federal Judge Andrew Guilford was harsh as he handed down the sentence following a four-hour hearing during which the former sheriff?s attorneys argued for leniency, saying the media had sensationalized the case.

?Lying will not be tolerated in this courtroom, especially by law enforcement, especially by the leading law enforcement official in the county,” said Guilford, who held up a copy of the book ?The Importance of Being Honest? and read a passage to Carona.

Carona, dressed in a gray suit and blue necktie, spoke only briefly, thanking Guilford for his ?kindness and courtesy.?

?Mr. Carona violated his sworn duty and utterly ignored his responsibilities to the citizens of Orange County by engaging in the conduct that led to his conviction and sentence, conduct that culminated in an agreement to obstruct justice by concocting a story to cover up his corrupt behavior,? said United States Attorney Thomas P. O?Brien in a statement. ?Today?s sentencing shows what will happen to elected officals who place their own interests above those of the constituents they are sworn to serve.?

UNCLE MONKEY SCROLLS DISCOVERED, THE RAT BIKE CREEDO–An opossum skull bolted to the front fender, a chunk of Goodyear tire tread replacing a missing saddlebag lid, a rusted out Coleman cooler as a tour pack. There is something barbarian about a rat bike. Where others only see garbage; necessity and eccentric work in harmony to make the bike into a piece of art.

Our bikes are an extension of ourselves. What does your bike say about you? Does it tell a story of a million miles or several? Every shady bar and dive in a six hour radius or mom and pop coffee shops. A hard working blue collar worker, or down on his luck ?all I have left is my bike and my good name? kind of person. Pristine chrome and airbrushed choppers, down and dirty low riders, or the buy everything you can find in the Harley catalog person.

Each style of bike represents us, who we are, what we believe, how we want others to perceive us as.

Rat bikes exist in a world all to their own. Their owners are usually the wildest, most interesting people you?ll meet. If you ever break down they are the ones who will get you back on the road. It may not be pretty but it will get you home until you can fix it properly. Maybe that is how these bikes start. A temporary fix until they get home. But the nomad spirit never does gets home, never does get to find that nut to replace the faucet tap they Macgyvered on the road to hold that piece on.

These bikes offend some folks, but to me they tell a story. Crazy skulls, bones and pelts of the road kill that they may or may not have had for supper. The endless miles down lonesome roads, through all kinds of weather, knick-knacks to remind them of home, remind them of someplace else. Though many look like they wouldn?t make it to the end of the block, most will run states farther than our pristinely groomed horses.

–Wayne ?Uncle Monkey? Wuschke
Southern Independent Riders
www.stvictorboogie.com

Custom Design Studios Announces New EFI Throttle-by-Wire Adapter for Popular “Dick’s Cool Unit” Velocity Stack–NOVATO, Calif.–April 28, 2009–Today, Kirk Taylor’s Custom Design Studios (CDS) announced its most recent industry-leading innovation – the new EFI throttle-by-wire adapter for their “Dick’s Cool Unit” velocity stack. In February, CDS released the “Dick’s Cool Unit” velocity stack, which was well-received and quickly featured on several custom bikes.

Made of the finest materials, the adapter bolts directly on to a Mikuni Carburetor and can be attached to CV and S&S carburetors with a separate adapter. Now Kirk and his team have added another wonderful option for motorcycle fanatics.

With the new adapter motorcyclists can now attach “Dick’s Cool Unit” to a wider variety of cycles. Not only is the part well-built and attractive, but it is also a breeze to install. This is great news for all builders, as it makes installing CDS’s Dick’s Cool Unit as easy as changing an air filter.

Custom Design Studios was established in 1988 by Kirk Taylor and is located in Novato, California. In addition to CDS’s service, assembly and parts operation, the company also has a full paint department and a fabrication shop. CDS can handle all the needs of the riding public from oil-changes and tires to beautiful one of a kind customs.

For more information about Custom Design Studios, please visit www.customdesignstudios.com, or call (415) 382-6662.

–Ken Conte

MORE FREEDOMS IN JEOPARDY–Our new Attorney General has already said firearm restriction is one of his major issues.

This takes literally 2 clicks to complete. Please vote on this gun issue question with USA Today. It will only take a few seconds of your time. Then pass the link on to all the pro gun folks you know. Hopefully these results will be published later this month.. This upcoming year will become critical for gun owners with the Supreme Court accepting the District of Columbia case against the right for individuals to bear arms.

First – vote on this one. Second – send it to other folks and ask them to VOTE! – then we will see if the results get published. Vote in the USA Today poll – click on the link below. The Question is: Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms ?

Vote here: Yes!!!!!!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm

–from Chris Loeher

Black Sunshine Customs Foot Controls– Black Sunshine Customs offers a selection of Foot Controls. We are now introducing Foot Controls for 4-speed Shovels with Ratchet Top and/or Baker 6 into 4 Transmissions.

These controls are available for foot clutch and jockey shifting. The other option is Foot Clutch and Rear Brake operated by Hand Control. Foot Controls come raw with option of black powder coating or chrome (as shown).

Pegs are available in aluminum or brass. For further information visit the website, www.blacksunshinecustom.com or call Brian at 217-433-8745.

Prices start from $350.00 and up.

Marie Red?s Monthly Swap Meet– 3007 E. Abram Street Arlington, Texas 76010

Our monthly Swap Meet is always the first Saturday of the month. 12:00 noon till 5:00pm anything you want to sell Vender’s Welcome Bring all your bike parts, Household items, anything you want to sell Down to Marie Reds. Booth space is Free set up starts @ 10:00am Vender’s Welcome.

Hope to C-ya there
–Tina Fairless

Future 2009 Swap meet dates
Saturday May 2nd
Saturday June 6th
Saturday July 11th
Saturday August 1st
Saturday September 5th
Saturday October 3rd

Taking the LeadCalifornia Lawmaker Assumes Leadership Post of State Auto Caucus– California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the SEMA-sponsored State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity since 2007. Founded in 2005, the caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles.

To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor-vehicle hobby?s profile in state legislatures across the country and in the public?s eyes.

Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations. Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the assembly in 2006 and re-elected in 2008. In a recent sit-down with the SAN, Duvall exclaimed, ?Who knew that a guy who loves old cars and Harleys could have fun in politics?? He added, ?We need to keep this alive for future generations.? Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.

In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the assembly to allow certified specialty-equipment and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years, he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.

Caucus Corner Each month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Here is its newest member:California State Senator Jeff Denham Click here for a complete listing of caucus members.

Massachusetts Street Rods/Customs: —Massachusetts has reintroduced SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicles they most closely resemble.

Late last year, a similar measure was vetoed by Governor Deval Patrick. The SAN will work to uncover and mitigate any concerns raised by the governor and his administration so that the bill can be signed into law this year..

Texas Street Rods/Customs:

SEMA-model legislation to create new vehicle registration and titling classifications for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles is being considered by the House Transportation Committee. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The measure also allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.

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JIMS STAFF PROJECT BIKE WITH EVO BASED 131-INCH TWIN CAM–So here she is… I’ve pretty much compiled components ONLY from American Companies – with one exception, the Ceriani front end. It’s all about American Pride!

It’s has a JIMS Evo mount engine, JIMS trans, Barnett Primary, Terry starter, Exile controls, custom sheet metal, etc… Lot’s of power for apretty light rigid. Should be bad ass. I’ll have her done sometime in July Ithink.

I machined the drag bars, etc… Also, I’ve drawn a bunch of brackets andparts which I’m going to get laser cut this week… I.e. Choke mounts,license plate mount, ignition, etc… From there, tack the bad boy togetherand everything should bolt up pretty good.

Still need to figure out a front fender a few little details, but for themost part – smooth sailing now.

At the end of the day, It’ll be a metallic silver with simple pin striping,and a blacked out powertrain.

–Paul Platts
JIMS

BIKERNET MARRIAGE COUNSELOR IN TRAINING–A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.

Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. “Careful,” he said, “CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You?re cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They’re going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you’re cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt! USE THE SALT! THE SALT!”

The wife stared at him. “What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don’t know how to fry a couple of eggs?”

The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m driving.”

–from K.S.

JOE ROZYNSKI RIDES BUELL TO THUNDERBIKE WIN AT TOPEKA —Sam Rozynski and David Myers fill an All-Buell Podium at ASRA National.

TOPEKA, Kan. (April 27, 2009) ? Soundwaves.com/H-D/Buell of Frederick rider Joe Rozynski rode a Buell XB12R to win the Thunderbike National at the ASRA Michelin Pro Series event at Heartland Park. It was the first ARSA National win for the veteran Buell racer from Sparta, N.J. Buell riders filled the Thunderbike podium, as Soundwaves.com/H-D/Buell of Frederick rider Sam Rozynski finished second and David Myers finished third on a Buell XB12R.

Periodic rain washed out most of the racing program on Saturday, including qualifying for the Thunderbike National, so riders were gridded for the start based on points. That put the season points leader, Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky, on the pole. Racers were dodging rain again on Sunday, and at the start of the 10-lap Thunderbike race the track was dry at the start/finish line, but wet with rain in two other sections.

Joe Rozynski led at the start, with Bilansky right behind in second. Bilansky crashed on the first wet section in turn three on the first lap. Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Joel Spalding passed Joe Rozynski on the front stretch to take the lead at the beginning of lap two. But Spalding carried too much speed into the wet section and crashed when his front tire washed out in turn three.

With Spalding down, Joe Rozynski reclaimed the lead and was not challenged for the rest of the race. Both Bilansky and Spalding managed to free their motorcycles from the mud surrounding the track and rejoined the race on lap five. Bilansky finished in fifth place, while Spalding was sixth.

?I got out in front right at the start and we ran into rain on turn three,? said Rozynski, who has been racing a Buell in ASRA Thunderbike since 2001. ?I didn?t realize that Bilansky went down until we came back around the track. When Spalding passed me at the beginning of lap two, we both came into that wet section too fast for the track conditions, and my front start to slide, but I managed to save it when he went down. After that the track started to dry and I just rode as hard as I could. I?m really stoked to get the win. It?s been a great weekend for us.?

After two events on the 2009 ASRA Michelin Pro Series Thunderbike schedule, Bilansky leads with 56 points, followed by Joe Rozynski with 53 points, Sam Rozynski with 51 points, and Spalding with 45 points.

The next event on the 10-race ASRA Michelin Pro Series schedule is May 1-3 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Buell Riders Win Motorsports.com CCS Sprint Races

Buell riders took wins in a double-header weekend of Motorsports.com CCS sprint competition at Heartland Park. Bilansky won twice in Expert Thunderbike and once in Expert SuperTwins, while Hal?s Speed Shop rider Matt Sheahan won twice in Amateur Lightweight Supersport.

To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com .

JIM NAZI 2009 Bagger Series kit–

I do not know how familiar you are with my 97-08 Bagger Series Kit,(with the triple pipes out the side of the bag) as you know, HD changed the frame and a lot of other things for 09′ (thanks guys!) so, I created a new kit for these models.

I had some customers that absolutely had to have the triple shot side exhaust (out the side of the bag) and some customers that wanted pipes out the rear, so now I have made it available both ways.

For the rear exit pipes, I am working with Cary Faas, (CFR) I use his slip on, but I have CNC’d a NASI billet tip for them (see pictures) I noticed most rear exit kits had a slash cut but it was thin sheetmetal and I wanted to give mine the look of a solid thick piece, I think it really makes a difference in a sea of rear exit exhaust systems on Baggers .

The fuel tank stretch and dash are also components we are currently selling, as well as the seat we manufacture in our facility also.

All made in USA

kit includes
– Steel rear fender (this is a replacement, you do NOT install this on top of your stock fender)
– set of saddlebags (our bags are stretched back and down)
– set of contour saddlebag lids
– set of top rail filler covers
– set of our front side covers (like our previous kit)
– CFR slip on exhaust (with NASI billet tips)
– Billet elliptical license plate mount with l.e.d.’s
– billet latches with locks

kit bolts directly on with no grinding or welding necessary

www.jimnasicustoms.com
info@jimnasicustoms.com
800.964.NASI

AMERICAN-BUILT CLASSICS TOP SELLERS AT CLASSIC CAR AUCTION OF MICHIGAN–Rare and original 1950 Flxible Motor Coach built in Loudonville, Ohio rings in the top sale of $92,400 at RM?s ?Classic Car Auction of Michigan? event in Novi, Michigan.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – April 27, 2009 ? One of the largest and most unusual vehicles ever offered by RM Auctions took the number one sale spot at their recent Novi, Michigan event, followed by several other top selling American-built classics. A nine-ton 1950 Flxible Private Motor Coach, custom built for a wealthy Minneapolis family, sold to a private collector for $92,400. This rare and majestic luxury coach is one of only five examples built by the Flxible Company in Loudonville, Ohio and attracted considerable interest from out-of-state phone bidders and enthusiastic attendees alike.

Other top sellers at the Michigan sale included a Concours-quality 1964 Chevrolet Corvette presented in as-new condition that brought $71,500 and a fully restored, Detroit-built, 1969 Hurst/Olds 442 Coupe that sold for $52,000. Complete sales results from this event are available at www.rmauctions.com

RM Auctions continue its summer calendar of auction events with the return of the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook sale on August 1, 2009, held at the magnificent Meadow Brook Hall estate in Rochester, Michigan in conjunction with the internationally-renowned Meadow Brook Concours d?Elegance.

For additional information on the Michigan sale and other RM Auction events, please call (800) 211-4371 or visit: www.rmauctions.com

The Gunslinger and the Old Prospector–An old prospector walks his tired old mule into a western town one day. He’d been out in the desert for about six months without a drop of whiskey.

He walked up to the first saloon he came to and tied his old mule to the hitch rail. As he stood there brushing some of the dust from his face and clothes, a young gunslinger walked out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. The young gun slinger looked at the old man and laughed, saying, “Hey old man, have you ever danced?”

The old man looked up at the gunslinger and said, “No, I never did dance. I just never wanted to.”

A crowd had gathered by then and the gunslinger said, “Well, you old fool, you’re gonna’ dance now,” and started shooting at the old man’s feet.

The old prospector was hopping around and everybody waslaughing. When the gunslinger fired his last bullet, he holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon. The old man reached up on the mule, drew his shotgun, and pulled both hammers back making a double clicking sound.

The gunslinger heard the sound and everything got quiet. The crowd watched as the gunslinger slowly turned around looking down both barrels of the shotgun.

The old man asked, “Did you ever kiss a mule’s ass?”

The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, “No. But I’ve always wanted to.”

The lessons from this story are:
1. Don’t waste ammunition.
2. Don’t mess with old guys.

–from K.S.

ILLUSION 3? OPEN BELT–You?re going to look long and hard to find a high quality 3? belt drive conversion this complete for near the price. The new Illusion 3? Belt Drive conversion kit comes with everything you need for a simple and quick bolt on installation. You?ll get application specific front and rear pulleys, one of the most rugged and durable 3? belts on the market and mirror polished covers and all for under $1100.00.

For complete details and ordering information call 714-894-1942 or visit them at www.illusionmotorcycles.com

One of Those Things You Need Just to be Cool–TOOL JACK– After you attend one or two motorcycle trade shows like VTwin Expo, the one thing you learn is that your senses will be bombarded into total numbness if you try to take it all in. These things are designed to create motorcycle sensory overload such that a state of euphoria sets in and you uncontrollably place large orders for all kinds of products without thinking. The best thing to do is to let the ride take you wherever it is going and drink heavily.

There we were minding our own business when suddenly we saw the Tooljack. It was one of those beautiful things that stops you dead in your tracks. It is an elegantly simple device that should be in every shop and garage that has a motorcycle nearby. Beyond the fact that it may become your favorite tool, it is virtually indestructible!

First, its virtues: the Tooljack is lightweight, infinitely configurable and customizable, cool looking, and can handle all of the tools you need for a job in one, compact, organized space. I’ve never seen anything like it before. We now have them in both shops and both trailers! I don’t ever want to work on a bike again without one next to me.

And then there is the price: starting at under $250.00 for the base cart, you can add tool holders, socket trees, telescoping trays, and magnetic bars to your heart’s content and end up with a personalized tool station that goes where you go for under $400.00.

Probably the most unique part of the Tooljack’s story is its humble beginnings. The Tooljack evolved not from the motorcycle industry but, rather, from the horseshoeing industry. Apparently, the horses would often take exception to being pounded on and would protest by kicking something over (sometimes the guy who was doing the work but, more often, the guy’s tools). Horses can pack a wallop and it got pretty expensive replacing the tool cart (to say nothing of the guy’s knees and legs). So, an ingenious indestructible plastic cart was born. It is even guaranteed against damage from horses, donkeys, and mules (in case one ever gets loose in your shop). Somewhere along the line, a motorcycle mechanic saw the light and now we can all enjoy the Amazing Tooljack!

K and G Cycles has the Tooljack ready for immediate shipment in a wide variety of colors. Just build it the way you want and treat it like a rental car. It can take it, trust me.

–George M Marakas
K and G Cycles.com
www.kandgcycles.com

BIKERNET KING QUESTION– Can ya tell me what is the brand of the front fender on your RK and where I can get one? I am looking for one for my Street Glide. I want ta ditch the factory front fender.

Keep up the good work on your website. It is more informative and entertaining than Playboy. Lupita says hello.

–Gootie

Hey, that’s a H-D Street Stalker, fiberglass front fender with factory lower leg spacers to make it fit. Very smooth. –Wrench

The Original Bike Blessing is the oldest, continuously run event of it’s type in Wisconsin or northern Illinois– First held in 1985, this event now hosts thousands of riders on the first Sunday of each May. The event runs from noon to 5:00pm with live music, free beer and vendors of all types, including motorcycle manufacturers, jewelers, leatherworkers, civic groups and more. Starting at 2:00pm, ordained ministers begin blessing each bike individually, and continue to bless bikes until everyone who so wishes has had their bike blessed.

The Original Bike Blessing is held on the grounds of Legion Post #434, located at 9327 S Shepard Ave. in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. To get to the Blessing from anywhere take Interstate 94 to the Ryan Road (Hwy 100) exit in Oak Creek. Go east 1.5 miles on Ryan Road to Shepard Avenue, then north on Shepard Avenue about a quarter mile, you literally can’t miss it.

Tickets to the Original Bike Blessing are $10.00 per person or $18.00 per couple. Tickets include a ride pin and entry for door prizes. A portion of the event proceeds go to support Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee. Come on out and get a personal blessing of your bike, have some free beer, enjoy some good food, vendors and brotherhood!

–Weezdog

BASSANI EXHAUST, NEW BIKERNET METRIC SPONSOR–Bassani Xhuast has been a leading manufacturer of High Performance Motorcycle Exhaust systems for the past 40 years. Darryl Bassani represents a lifetime of experience and involvement as a motorcycle enthusiast and exhaust builder since 1969. When Darryl started building pipes, Richard Nixon was President, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, plead guilty to leaving scene of fatal accident at Chappaquiddick, MA (July 18) in which Mary Jo Kopechne drowned, and 400,00 attended the Woodstock concert.

The metric pipes Darryl Bassani produced back then fit Hodaka?s, Yamaha DT?s and Suzuki RM?s. Now days just like then, Bassani Xhaust is the hot stuff for your bike. Whether you ride a Suzuki M-109R or a Yamaha Star, you have to get Bassani. Bassani no longer makes 2 stroke pipes, but the experience we gained from 4 decades of making pipes shows in our attention to every detail of our new systems.

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER ALERT, How To Avoid The Swine Flu–Eat right!Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.

Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system.Walk for at least an hour a day.. Go for a swim.. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Wash your hands often. If you can’t wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.

Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.Get plenty of rest.

OR

Take the doctor’s approach.. Think about it… When you go for a flu shot, what do they do first? They Clean your arm withalcohol… Why ??? Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS..

So……
I walk to the liquor store. (exercise)
I put lime in my lager …(fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio..(fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh….(eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)

The way I see it… If you keep your alcohol levels up flu germs can’t get you!

My grandmother always said… ‘A shot in the glass is better than one in the ass!’

Live Well and Laugh Often !

–Ray Russell

BIKERNET METRIC EDITOR CHECKS IN– I have been getting my scooter ready for riding. Many of you know that I tore down the engine to do a top end. In tearin? into it, I found that the ?other? shop did not do some of the work that that they told me was done. Hey, I got a great engine but now we are going to do it right. Dave Bozzie of Bozzie Performance Customs is just finishing the build up and it should be a runner.

I will be writing several tech articles with Bozzie?s help to help readers out there understand the difference in bolting together parts and actually machining parts to ensure they fit and work right. I learned the hard way and now will never look back. Bozzie is going to be heading to the Salt soon with several bikes looking for a record. I will be showing the bikes to you soon on the electronic pages of Bikernet so stay tuned. For a look at some of the race bikes now, check ?em out at http://www.bozziecustoms.com/

In addition, Todd Evans of Evans Cycles & Rods has been making a HUGE name for himself. He has stepped up and done a quick five day paint job on my bike. I will be doing an article on his shop soon. He is expanding his business in a time when others are going down?and I think we all need to know how he is doing it! Also, just to give him some added credit, he has three features coming out on some of the bikes he has recently built. And, he has a bad-ass Busa that will be featured on Bikernet Metric. I can?t wait?it will be something to see for sure. To see some of Todd?s work now, check out http://www.myspace.com/evanscyclesandrods

Lastly, Ray Wheeler, the face of W8less Rotors, has left California and is now down in Dallas at Rick Fairless Strokers. He will be picking up the Brass Balls Bobbers Military bike from Strokers (Strokers is one of the newest Brass Balls Bobbers dealers) and riding to the Horse Smoke Out West in Cottonwood, Arizona. The bike is a giveaway bike and will be raffled off at Biketoberfest to raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Hero fund. Ray will be riding the Horse?s Long Road across country on the Bobber so it should be a great time. I will be following Ray daily on his travels. Look for more news on the fund raising efforts on the pages of Bikernet and Bikernet Metric. Brass Balls Bobbers will also be looking for sponsorships for this fund raising effort. If you are a company or an individual that would like to donate, please contact me at my email and I will get you a sponsorship package. Wacko@bikernetmetric.com

That is enough from me for now. Ride full throttle and remember,

Ride Forever!
–Wacko

BIKERNET KING PERFORMANCE QUESTION–Hey Bandit, Are you happy w/ your performance mods ie. Thundermax, cams? I got the tru-trac a while ago on your advise and love it. Thanks bro for all you do for our freedoms!

–Pete(from florida)pgray53@bellsouth.net> wrote:

Hey, I just ran for 630 miles to Laughlin and back. One side of the ride was against heavy desert winds. The 2003 King has never run better. I pulled down about 34 mpg and the engine never ran over 188 degrees with Spectro Oil. It’s pure 88 inches with a 2-into-1 D&D performance exhaust, Screamin’ Eagle heads, SE air cleaner, S&S gear driven mid-range cams and the Zippers EFI system. Never ran better and handled like a dream with the True-Track in place.–Bandit

Keep Your Butt CoolHot Leathers? Motorcycle Seat Covers —

Summer is quickly approaching and it is getting warmer outside all over the country. Make sure your bike is prepared for the scorching suns heat. The summer sun can be very damaging to your motorcycle. Seat covers are great for keeping your seat cool, but they also help protect the leather and paint on your bike.

Hot Leathers? seat covers fit on any bike. Fast and easy set up and take down make these perfect for everybody’s bike.

Hot Leathers? has a wide variety of seat cover styles to choose from.

Shop www.HotLeathers.com today!

LORENZO LAMAS MOTORCYCLE WITH RALPH RANDOLPH–Ralph Randolf of Knockout Motorcycles recently partnered with Lorenzo Lamas of Renegade fame, to start a motorcycle company. This is just one example of Ralph’s building talents, the Rat Ride he built for the Rat’s Hole Show in Daytona, 2008. We will bring you a feature on this bike, and updates as Ralph begins to build Lamas concept bikes for Sturgis.

TBEAR DISCOVERED IN A NEW ENGLAND BARN–The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated!!!….lolI?m finally almost finished with the Mutha-Fokker charity bike build.Just need to plumb and wire her then do a few fancy striping on the lower legs and frame.

I?m gonna take her to a few local shows when she?s done and then do a photo shoot and an article on her, then she?s be put up on the block for sale.

As you know, I started this project over 2 years ago, but my accident Februrary 2008, put me waaaay behind schedule.It was one hell of an experience trying to build her from my wheel chair over the past 15 months in my garage without a proper lift. Today was the first time, with a little help from a friend, that I was able to get out of my chair and throw a leg over her.

Hopefully she?ll be done by the end of June. I?m just really bummed out that I won?t be able to debut her at the Smoke Out 10 and take the long ride on her from Arizona to North Carolina but my legs are just not strong enough yet.

I still have one more surgery to go through on my knees but I?m getting a little stronger every day.

Building her as a gimp just proved that you can?t keep a good biker down. I may not be able to ride yet, but at least I can still spin a wrench.

— TBear

We will bring you a full feature on this classic, as soon has Mr. T has her running and his camera dusted off.–Renegade

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

This is a nutty week. I wish I could figure it all out. The guys from the MIC believe we can’t fight the EPA. Their notion is to trade a sound testing procedure and muffler certification process for smog testing. Senator Fran Pavley, from Camarillo, California, who is pushing for Smog testing motorcycles, wants to eliminate tampering and she wants equity when it comes to testing motor vehicles. Its nuts. You’ll see my letter to Fran below.

Many members of the government have completely forgotten what this country was built on–freedom. They want to regulate everything. So, get these facts: The largest polluter in Los Angeles is the port and they just started regulating it two years ago unsuccessfully. The second largest bad guys include fast food restaurants and personal barbecues. Motorcycles are at the very bottom of the EPA list with less than 1 percent of emissions.

Just this week in The WEEK magazine two other bits of information surfaced : A historic shift on CO2. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared, for the first time, that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases endanger human health. Government efforts to limit emissions of gases could affect nearly every part of Americans’ lives, from the cars they drive to how they cook.Hang on for the repercussions.

But get this in the same issue, quoted from the Wall Street Journal. Cities and states across the country are installing cameras at busy intersections, hoping to catch motorists speeding through red lights. But it’s not safety that’s the goal. It’s writing lots of tickets, and increasing municipal revenues. Red-light running is not truly a major safety concern, as it causes only 8 percent of all accidents. Studies have proved that at intersections “where red-light running is a problem,” lengthening the timing of the yellow signal to three seconds virtually eliminates that problem. Nonetheless, municipalities are flocking to install cameras.–Holman Jenkins Jr. Wall Street Journal.

Good god, does anything make sense? We need to fight back. Join your local motorcycle rights group, the AMA, and or SEMA. Never give up. Let’s hit the news.

BIKER?S? CHOICE BANDIT AND DUAL THROTTLE GRIPS– Looking for functional and stylish grips for your ride? Biker?s? Choice introduces Bandit Grips, new for this year. Made of CNC 6061-T6 aluminum and chrome plated, these will wear well and feel good in your hands. These will fit H-D? dual cable with 1? handlebars.

Featured along side the Bandits are the Twisted, literally!! These aptly named grips are chrome plated with soft rubber insets and will fit H-D? dual cable motorcycles. Also made of CNC 6061-T6 aluminum and chrome plated, they are sure to draw looks from the crowd. Both sets are sold in pairs and retail for $79.95; they won?t break the bank but will look like you did!

For more information on other grips and motorcycle parts, visit www.Bikerschoice.com , or visit your local Biker?s? Choice Dealer.

Happy Riding!!
–Carmen

STOCK HOLDERS MAY LOSE OUT–Source Interlink Files for Bankruptcy, Will Go PrivateNearly $1 billion in debt, distributor reaches agreement with lenders– Magazine distributor and publisher Source Interlink is filing forbankruptcy?and going private.

The company?controlled by billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos.?announcedtoday that it has reached an agreement with its lenders to ?eliminateapproximately $1 billion dollars of existing debt? and privatize thecompany.

At yesterday’s market close, Source stock was trading at 16 cents pershare. (In August 2007, when Source acquired the Primedia Enthusiast Group,its stock was upwards of $4 per share. A year earlier, it was above $10 pershare.)

Under terms of the agreement, the company?s lenders will cancel nearly $1billion of the Source?s debt, as well as funnel $100 million in additionalliquidity. Source, in turn, has agreed to pay ?all of its vendors in fulland on time.?

As part of the restructuring, the company filed a lender-approved plan ofreorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

?We couldn?t be more pleased,? Source Interlink CEO Greg Mays said in astatement. ?This restructuring will materially reduce our interest expenseand debt levels, substantially improve free cash flow and allow us tocapitalize on several operational opportunities to further improve and growour business.?

Mays said he anticipates Source will emerge from bankruptcy within 35 days.

Earlier this year, Source was at the center of a massive magazinedistribution lawsuit, claiming rival wholesalers as well as publishers?likeTime Inc., Hachette and American Media Inc.?were attempting to force thecompany out of business.

The company eventually settled with most of the defendants (Bauer is thelone defendant remaining in the lawsuit).

— By Dylan Stableford

–from Art Friedman

POLITICAL NAIL ON THE HEAD QUOTE–Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -Ronald Reagan (1986)

–from James Schnarr

NEW REJUVENATOR LEATHER TREATMENT FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Easily Restores Color to Faded Black Leather Seats and Bags

MILWAUKEE (April 24, 2009) ? New Harley Rejuvenator Treatment for Black Leather (P/N 98839-09, $6.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories is a black-pigmented leather treatment that puts new life back into faded black leather seats and saddlebags.

To re-color and condition weathered leather, just clean the surface and apply the treatment from its six-ounce container with a Harley Softcloth. Wipe off the excess, buff the leather surfaces to the desired shine, and leather looks like new.

For lasting weather protection, follow the application with Harley Leather Dressing (P/N 98261-91V, $5.95).

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY MARRIAGE STUDY FINDINGS– Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.

If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say — talk in your sleep.

Just think, if it weren’t for marriage, men would go through life thinking they had no faults at all.

First guy says, ‘My wife’s an angel!’ Second guy remarks, ‘You’re lucky, mine’s still alive.’

–from Rogue

BERT BAKER INTERVIEWED ON BIKERNET RADIO–Thanks for the interview opportunity. Bandit’s interview style and pace makes it really easy for me to open up and share information that I’m sure is interesting to our audience.

–Bert Baker

BILLY LANE STURGIS CROCKER BASED PROJECT BIKE– Progress on the Crocker. I need to make the oil tank, passenger pegs,foot pedals and shifter, and front fork….. And it is ready for paint.

–Billy Lane

Brass Balls Bobbers Shifts into High Gear with Baker DrivetrainBAKER Now Available For the Above Average Bike–April 27, 2009 – Dar Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles’ BossMan and manufacturer of the Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers line of motorcycles, reported today that as of May 1, 2009 every motorcycle from the firm will feature a BAKER transmission as standard equipment. This includes the full line of custom-production motorcycles as well as the price leading Model 1 motorbike.

“I started this company with the premise to build the ‘above average bike for the average Joe’ and each year we have delivered on that commitment by continuous improvement of manufacturing techniques, component selection and customer care,” explained Holdsworth. “I am ecstatic to include BAKER Drivetrain in our family of American firms that support our company. This bullet-proof transmission is now standard on all of our Bobbers and Choppers.”

Even though sourcing from BAKER Drivetrain is a premium upgrade, the quality, prestige and reduced warranty issues more than justifies the investment. Every motorbike will come with a BAKER 5 speed with the option to upgrade to a BAKER 6 speed.

“The Model 1 is the most important motorbike in our stable for 2009,” commented Holdsworth. “We feel that including the BAKER Drivetrain provides us with a clear distinction as the value leader in the custom-production Bobber at just $15,995.”

“BAKER Drivetrain has a history of doing business with premier custom builders and industry leaders,” explained Bert Baker. “We shy away from the copy cats and the me-too companies because that’s not what we’re about. The new alliance with Dar and Brass Balls Bobbers is no exception. These hard working folks from Oklahoma manufacture American motorcycles with deep rooted design cues inspired from classic American motorcycling history. “Holdsworth began working on getting the Baker Drivetrain product in the lineup after building a ground-up custom Bobber that featured one of Baker’s first Powerbox transmissions. The comparison with the production unit was night and day in terms of shift smoothness, build quality and noise.

ACCIDENT IN BANDIT’S CANTINA DINING ROOM–A father walks into a Bandit’s Cantina with his young son.. He gives the young boy 3 nickels to play with to keep him occupied.

Suddenly, the boy starts choking, going blue in the face.. The father realizes the boy has swallowed the nickels and startsslapping him on the back..

The boy coughs up 2 of the nickels, but keeps choking. Looking at his son, the father is panicking, shouting for help.

A well dressed, attractive, and serious looking woman, in a bluebusiness suit is sitting at a coffee bar reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. At the sound of the commotion, she looks up, put s her coffee cup down, neatly folds the newspaper and places it on the counter, gets up from her seat and makes her way, unhurried, across the restaurant.

Reaching the boy, the woman carefully drops his pants; takes hold of the boy’s testicles and starts to squeeze and twist, gently at first and then ever so firmly.. After a few seconds the boy convulses violently and coughs up the last nickel, which the woman deftly catches in her free hand.

Releasing the boy’s testicles, the woman hands the nickel to the father and walks back to her seat at the coffee bar without saying a word.

As soon as he is sure that his son has suffered no ill effects, thefather rushes over to the woman and starts thanking her saying, “I’venever seen anybody do anything like that before, it was fantastic. Areyou a doctor? ”

‘No,’ the woman replied. I’m with the I.R.S.

–from Buckshot

PURE BIKER FM GOES LIVE–Thank you for the publicity over in the US. We also have a radio station just started called Pure Biker FM which is an internet radio station (soon to be DAB and satellite too). Its a 24 hour biker radio station with all types of rock and metal music and chat about motorcycles.

Would you please place something on your website about the radio station which is already getting rave reviews from customfighters.com and other motorcycle sites in the USA.

Our website is www.purebikerfm.co.uk We already had a really good following in USA, Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK obviously so we would really appreciate it if you could help there. Of course, we will return the favour and add you to our very popular website.

–Jason.

FORTUNATE SON, BY CREEDENCE CLEARWATER– I noticed in last week’s (Thursdays?) post about “CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED JOINS STELLER CHIP LINE-UP” that the song “fortunate son” was posted as “fortunate sone.” it’s probably just a typo but dig these lyrics and please edit the song title to give a bit of respect to reflect what the song’s message is really about. It’s about freedom and in these days of banker bailouts with taxpayer money, I find it relevant all these years later. Besides, it’s the best song creedence ever played.

Some folks are born made to wave the flag,
ooh, they’re red, white and blue.
And when the band plays “Hail To The Chief”,
oh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no senator’s son,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no,

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,
Lord, don’t they help themselves? oh.
But when the taxman come to the door,
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, no.
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no.

Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, how much should we give,
oh, they only answer, more, more, more, yoh,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no military son, son no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate son, son son son

–from T

HISTORIC BIKE FEATURE SHOOT COMING TO BIKERNET– Just wanted to thank you for setting up the photo shoot with Peter Linney. He’s coming up Thursday 30APR09. Also thanks for the picture of my shop and of Howard on the new Tree. (Tree was featured in Easyriders in the ’70s) He is coming up to see the photo shoot and he’s riding up. Do ya think Peter can shoot a couple of pics of me and Tree? Our scoots are completely different but somehow kinda blend together. We try to build ’em clean and tight.

You blew my mind again the other day. As I was scrolling through the site, all of a sudden pictures of my shop and Tree popped up. Man it’s like a surprise party. I guess that since I’ve been reading Hot Rod Magazines since I was about nine years old, I really trip on seeing my stuff or my friend’s stuff in print, and now on the net.

Thank You Brother.

–Ross

Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Defect– Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation (BATO) is recalling certain batches of Bridgestone Exedra G850 G defective motorcycle tires sold for MY 2008 and 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring motorcycles, according to a report in Consumeraffairs.com. It has been found that torque from riding can cause “torque-induced degradation” in a body ply, which may result in inner-liner cracking and lead to a slow leak in the rear tire. When the defective tires are used continuously, they may start to vibrate at moderate speeds or even lead to a motorcycle crash.

Bridgestone is working with Triumph to notify owners. The defective tires will be replaced free of charge. Also, the front tire will be replaced free of charge because of the matching requirements of the motorcycle although the front tires are not included in this product defect recall. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Bridgestone at 1-800-465-1904 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

Tire defects related to tire pressure or tread separation issues can have devastating consequences. Even a seasoned motorcycle rider will not be able to control his or her bike if the tire fails suddenly, especially if it happens at freeway speeds.In cases where a serious injury or fatality occurs because of a tire defect, the tire manufacturer could be held liable. Victims or their families could receive compensation for medical/funeral expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization or long-term care and loss of wages among other damages. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a motorcycle product defect such as a tire defect, please contact us at (800) Bill-Ley or visit our website at BikerLawyer.com.

We make it our business to protect victims of Texas motorcycle accidents!

–from Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters

BRASS BALLS RAFFLE BIKE OPPORTUNITY–Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Bobbers? BossMan, has something special for all the motorcycle enthusiasts? A chance to win a $30,000 custom Brass Balls Bobbers? sled for just $10. Click here to enter. Proceeds go to the Intrepid Fallen Heros Fund. Drawing at Biketoberfest. Need not be present to win.

It is the least expensive way to put a custom motorcycle in your garage.

–Jeff Najar

Lightning Strike Kills Man on Motorcycle–(April 27) — A Lawrence, Kan., man died Saturday after he was struck by a bolt of lightning as he and six companions rode their motorcycles through a rainstorm, the Lawrence Journal-World reported.Troy Gentzler, 45, was killed shortly after visiting an abuse victim for the northeast Kansas chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.The bolt struck as the group was traveling between the towns of Grantville and Perry.”You can sum it up in one word: bizarre,” Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told the newspaper.

A woman riding next to Gentzler was injured in the accident. She was treated at a hospital and released.Bikers Against Child Abuse supports children who have suffered physical or sexual abuse. Members of Gentzler’s chapter conducted their annual tour Saturday, visiting people who had been in the program for several years, the Journal-World reported. Gentzler had been a member for about two years.

Justin Waters Scores First Pro Top Ten–After only six Pro starts, 19-year old Yamaha rider Justin Waters continued his march up the WORCS leaderboard, finishing his best-ever tenth in last weekend’s ATV Nationals in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

With a strong start again this weekend, fourth to the holeshot turn in a field of nearly 30 Waters knew he had to ride strong, push himself hard but also pace himself in the nearly 90-degree heat, battling extremely rough, sandy conditions. Suspension would be key.

“I just got my new Teixeira Tech A-arms and it was the first time I really had them on with the Fox Shox. We could have used some more [practice] time.”

But when the gun went off for Sunday’s final so did the Yamaha, and it was a solid result at the end of the two hour event.

“I went out fast again. I knew some of the riders behind me were strong enough to probably come around me but it’s also about staying ahead of trouble as much as you can, so you can’t just let off. And I’m not going to just let someone around me anyway. If they are faster than me, they’re going to have to come take it.”

“I did crash once, went off a jump next to Timmy [Tim Shelman], but there was only enough landing room for one of us, so I went off the side of the landing. Got back on and going as fast as I could. Didn’t feel it when I did it, but I guess I hamburgered my elbow pretty good. Think I ruined my new MSR jersey!”

If the only thing Justin has to worry about is a new jersey, he’ll be in good shape for the next round in Milford CA, the first weekend of May.

OLD SKOL RODZ PROJECT UPDATE– here is a shot on the interior.

–geno

SEARCH FOR DAVID MANN PAINTING– I’m trying to see if I can locate a picture of a David Mann painting from Easyriders (probably in the late 70’s, early 80’s)- it was a guy and his lady on a 80 flathead chopper, front view- might have been from issue #80,even.

I painted one of these on a leather jacket a few years back, then stupidly sold it. I’d like to try it again, but can’t find the picture. Tried searching the internets, but no luck so far.

-Keith Silcox
keith.silcox@gmail.com

Continued On Page 2

This memorial was founded by Ohio Abate members and friends on July 24th 1993…Since then the wall has been growing…this wall is located in Hopedale, Ohio at the American Legion. This is very much out in the country and one would never know this wall exists!!! I stumbled upon the Memorial Wall back in 2000 by a fellow that I was dating. He took me there…

What I like about this is every Memorial Day instead of the ones going to the wall in DC, they go there to the Legion and they own quite a bit of land up on that hillside, not sure how much, but it's acres. On every Sat morning during that weekend friends, family and bikers all gather up on the hill at the Memorial and have a services with a Pastor, for all the fallen brothers and sisters lost. Attendees can say what they want about anyone mentioned on the wall, this is very touching, to say the least. A lot of tears are shed…

For four days, on Memorial Day weekend, all Abate members & bikers gather for a party, camping, heavy drinking and rock n roll with venders. There are tents and campers everywhere, in the coves, and if it rains it turns into a mud bath! It’s a good ol’ fashioned Abate party, as we are all accustomed too.

We take time out on Saturday morning to honor our loved ones, whose names are now engraved in stone /granite forever or at least for the next 100 yrs. Hundreds attend every year. Many have never heard of it, until now, as I unveil the secret up on the hill. It's 100 miles from Cheswick, Pa back in the woods…plus we like it that way too, keeps the yups out!!! Partying there reminds me of the partying back in the ‘80s.

You will find on any given day someone riding up the hill to spend time at the memorial or perhaps finding it for the first time. Even though it's a legion property with Abate members, all are welcome to go in the bar and drink and socialize if they please. I have never been carded.

Anyone can have a rider’s name engraved on the wall. The cost is $150.00 or you can get a brick for, I believe 50.00. This memorial is taking care of on a regular basis by the Abate members including Diek, whom is in charge of the name engraving…

It still touches my heart, and it’s a wonderful way to put a dear friend in stone for remembrance for a long, long time….I wanted to do this for my friend, Tracy, instead of wasting my money on flowers. It will be so nice to take her husband, son, mother, family members out and dear friends to see her remembered, always.

–Denise
luuezz@connecttime.net

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com

Correction: This Memorial was built and is cared for by the Motorcyclist Memorial Foundation. We are not actually connected to ABATE of Ohio in any way and are not able to make that affiliation. Memorial Day weekend is held and sponsored by the 16 member Board of the MMF with all the profits going to the Memorial Foundation for scholarships and upkeep of the site.

If you have any questions, please contact me at this email address or at 304-374-3368.

Thank you for your support and good intentions.

–Brianne Lawson
Board Member, MMF

BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS FINALE

Continued From Page 1

TREASURE CHEST OF AMERICAN IRON HORSE FASTENERS DISCOVERED– My name is Harlan Hill and I work for a company called Lightning Components. We are a small distributor of all types of fasteners and hardware kits. At one point and time we supplied a company call American Ironhorse with chrome plated fasteners until the company went under. That left us with a huge surplus of parts from socket cap screws to washers.

The parts are worth over $50,000 and we are looking to pass the savings on to you. Attached is a list of all the parts and quantities we have in stock along with the average cost of the parts. We are looking for someone to buy the stock as a whole and not piece by piece.

If this sounds like something your company is interested in please let me know. Payment terms can be worked out if you are interested in making the purchase. This is a great opportunity to stock up on parts you need and save a great deal of money!

–Harlan Hill
Account Manager
Lightning Components Corp.
601 Westport Pkwy
Suite 100
Grapevine, TX 76051
PH. (817) 442-8990
FAX (817) 410-9590

IF YOU DON’T NEED FASTENERS, HOW ABOUT PASTIES–My name is Vicci and I am with getpasties.com, we are the largest online pastie store. You have an amazing site and we are looking for sites like yours to sell our signature line of pasties. They are a very high quality patch style pastie with lots of color!!

Pasties are becoming very popular. They would be great to sell in your store or at any rally. We are seeing that they are really going up scale and main stream. We drop ship, so don’t worry about inventory.

I have attached our product sheet, if you would like more information just let me know and I can send out a sample package! We feel this would be a great addition to your company!

–Vicci
GetPasties.com Sales Representative
812.797.1364

FEMA’S 20th Anniversary– In 2008, FEMA celebrates 20 years of active representation in Brussels, promoting and defending motorcycling in Europe: A look at the past to better face new challenges.

FEMA is Europe’s motorcycle rights group. They are very well organized. Below is a portion of their study regarding motorcycle periodic inspections:

FEMA?s Position:

The need for a motorcycle to be in good condition and to comply with relevant technical regulations, so that it can be safely used on public roads, is not questioned. However, the need of adopting an EU harmonised inspection policy for motorcycles remains disputed. The Federation of European Motorcyclists? Associations (FEMA) believes that the decision to implement periodical inspections for motorcycles should remain at national level to adapt to the specific needs of the different fleets.

FEMA strongly underlines that:

? There is no link between the technical condition of vehicles and accidents: technical failure is the primary cause of motorcycle accidents in only 0.7% of all cases. Periodical inspections would not produce additional safety benefits
? It is in the interests of the motorcyclist to reduce any possible risk of accident and hence to care for the good maintenance of his vehicle
? Motorcycles travel less kilometres in their life cycle than cars or let alone Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs), and mainly in weather conditions that are much less damaging to their technical condition

The limited amount of emissions produced by motorcycles compared to other motorised road users does not justify the inclusion of Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) in the Roadworthiness Directive.

? Methods to control emissions and fight against pollution already exist: Motorcycles have been subject to EU emissions limits since 1999 and now comply with the Euro 3 standards

? Motorcycles have major advantages compared to other motorised road transport means, especially on climate change, with less emission of greenhouse gas and lower fuel consumption. They should be regarded as a solution to several environmental issues faced by EU Member States, and not as a problem

Technical inspection is not the right solution to tackle the noise issue

? There is no evidence to show that customised vehicles are less safe than their standard counterparts. Many modifications are actually aimed at making the machine safer (brakes, lights, tyres, etc.)

? The differences between Powered Two-Wheelers and other vehicles would require specific testing methods and costly investments. These costs would affect both the motorcyclists and taxpayers.

The implementation of periodical inspections of motorcycles would only achieve marginal benefits, while the economic burden created would by far outweigh the positive aspects. FEMA hence rejects any proposal to harmonise periodical inspection in Europe.

The Bikernet staff will consider publishing the FEMA full report next week. They have some very interesting date and perspectives regarding testing and environmental issues.

CHRIS CARR SIGNS WITH D&D PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES– D&D Sponsors Chris Carr Racing in 2009 – Being a 7-Time AMA Pro Grand National Champion with 78 wins in the series can bring a lot of pressure to a rider. And starting the season with a new racebike and a new manufacturer can ratchet that pressure up further.

In 2009 Carr begins his singles program with a new high-performance 450cc Honda. D&D Performance Enterprises stepped in with sponsorship by building a series of special race-tuned exhaust systems for his motorbikes.

These pipes are designed to modify torque and horsepower at different parts of the powerband. That allows Kenny Tolbert, Crew Chief, to custom fit the racebike to the track conditions.

And that eases the pressure of Carr thinking about his racebike performance on more on his competitors.

For more on Chris Carr or D&D Performance Exhausts, pin the throttle on your mouse to http://www.danddexhaust.com.”>www.danddexhaust.com. >

CONCERT @ BRASS BALLS BOBBERS ? YOU ARE INVITED–Concert @ Brass Balls Bobbers – Jasmine Cain and her band belts out the Rock n? Roll on May 11, 2009 at Brass Balls Bobbers? World HQ Jasmine was raised on country music, tapped into bluegrass, had a love affair with the blues and R & B, and then discovered the power of rock?. She has a sound that is very unique.

Mark Your Calendar – May 11

But wait, there?s more? Custom backyard choppers from the Smoke Out jockeys, world?s largest burnout, good times and great people. It?s on a Monday night and it will rock! So leather up and ride!

BIKER’S CHOICE S&S? CARB, CAM AND PUSHROD HOT SET UPS FOR 88? AND 95? TWIN CAM ENGINES– Carb, cam and pushrod Hot Set Ups are the most economical and are the easiest to install. Intended for 88? and 95? engines with stock cylinder heads and valve springs.

Kits contain a Super E carburetor kit and S&S? pushrod kit. Available with 510C chain drive camshaft kit or 510G gear drive camshaft kit.

Pistons and valve springs are NOT included.

Includes S&S? high performance tappets.

For more information on this and other Hot Set Up?s, visit www.Bikerschoice.com, or contact your local Biker?s Choice? Dealer.

–Happy Riding!!
Carmen

Supreme Court Upholds 4th Amendment in Arizona v. Gant–

For many years, the Supreme Court has permitted police to search the passenger compartment of a vehicle any time an occupant of the car is arrested. These so-called “searches incident to arrest” were authorized in New York v. Belton (1981) based in large part on concerns about officer safety, namely that the suspect might dive for a weapon hidden in the car. As a result, police have grown accustomed to searching vehicles for “safety reasons” even after the suspect has been taken into custody. This doesn’t protect officers, but it certainly encourages police to make more arrests so they can do more searches.

Well, that’s finally going to change. The Supreme Court ruled today in Arizona v. Gant that vehicle searches following an arrest are legal only if the suspect has access to the vehicle or if officers reasonably believe the vehicle contains evidence related to that arrest. In other words, police are now required to have an actual reason to justify the vehicle search, instead of being allowed to do it automatically. This decision restores some much needed logic and common sense to the way many warrantless vehicle searches are analyzed under the 4th Amendment.

We’ve long been concerned about the ability of police to use arrests for minor crimes as a way of overriding a citizen’s refusal of consent. Since many states (and Supreme court precedent) allow officers to perform a full arrest for certain traffic offenses, we’ve often worried that police could sometimes strong-arm their way into a vehicle by arresting the driver for a traffic violation instead of just writing a ticket. Today’s ruling in Gant, however, creates an obstacle to these types of “pretext arrests,” because traffic violations are observed infractions for which relevant evidence will not be contained in the vehicle. In that sense, the ruling will likely result in some extra protection for citizens who exercise 4th Amendment rights during a traffic stop.

Beyond the basic legal issues at hand, the case has additional symbolic significance because it truly affects every officer on the street. Every cop is trained to search vehicles automatically after making an arrest, and now every officer will have to learn a new, more nuanced, policy on car searches that is designed to protect individual rights. With today’s ruling, the Supreme Court sends an important message to law enforcement that the 4th Amendment still means something in America.

By scottmorgan

–from Rogue

TREE RETURNS AFTER THREE DECADES–Back in the early ’70s we featured Tree’s chopper in Easyriders. He was a giant black rider from the toughest part of LA. We featured two of his bikes, but the reader never saw a photo of the rider.

As it turns out I recently ran into one of the guys who built bikes for Tree. We’re about to feature one of Ross Suderno bikes on Bikernet in the near future.

“These were taken in and around my two car garage at my condo in Port Hueneme,” said Ross. “Howard (Tree) drove up from LA almost every weekend for the build. He fell in love with my Bandit’s day roll, so I had to buy another one.”

Bikers Inner Circle posts story on Gary Wetzel: is looking for vintage biker films–Our friends at Bikers Inner Circle are looking for vintage footage of old school style bikes and bikers. Word has it they have been approached by the History Channel. Anything Charlie does along these lines will be good for bikers. He?s one of us and tells our story through history and his songs. Below is the clip he sent out looking for old films. Also, on his Bikers Inner Circle web site, he has a great story about Gary Wetzel, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. I?ve known Gary for many years, and knew a little about what he endured in Vietnam, but never the whole story. I found this information on the website for The Bunker, in Waterford, Wisconsin. Charlie put it up and the link is below. Check it out.

Bikers Inner Circle is looking for vintage biker film! If you have any we are interested in seeing it. Contact us to arrange shipping. Please ask around, this is very important to us!Thanks again for being part of the circle.www.BikersInnerCircle.com

http://www.bikersinnercircle.com/gary_george_wetzel.htm

TEXAS DRAGSTRIP CAMPOUT–Texas Scooter Times will host an All Bike Dragstrip Campout Saturday April 25th at Little River Dragway. Nestled along the banks of the Little River 9 miles south of Temple Texas, Little River Dragway is perfectly suited for motorcycle racers & bike enthusiasts of all types to enjoy drag racin? AND partyin? at IT?S BEST..

The gate at the tree shaded, fresh resurfaced last Winter, track will open at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon and Racer Registration will start at 4 p.m. Bikes will start making Time Trials at 5 p.m. with Eliminations beginning at 8 p.m.

All 30 plus Texas Scooter Times Sportsman Trophy Classes will be contested along with a Harley Trophy E.T. Bracket and an Import Trophy E.T. Bracket. 2 Money E.T.

Bracket Races for any type of bike will be run (0-6.49, 6.50 & Up) and a $200 Bounty for Low E.T. of the Race will be paid.

Entry Fees for all Trophy Classes are $20 and Entrys for the Money E.T. Brackets are $40, with $30 of that (along with a bump from Texas Scooter Times) going directly back to the purse.

Racers are allowed and encouraged to run multiple classes and delay box equipped bikes will be run together in each class as long as possible. Pro Category Race Bikes wishing to run Time Trials for the $200 Low E.T. Bounty will not be charged a race fee.

Gravelwhip, one of Central Texas Hottest Rock Bands will fire up after all the Eleminatin? has been done on the dragstrip and folks settle for an evening of Bench Racin? & Kickin? Back. The World’s FIRST Lady Godiva Contest will fire up about Midnight when motorcycles cruize the track with Lady Passengers, each trying to entice members of the crowd out of their votes.

Don?t Miss It – Come Race – Party, Kick Back & Stay Awhile. Only $20 Adult Admission with Free Camping Allowed & Encouraged. Because of the support of the Dragstrip Campout given by Killeen’s brand new biker bar, Joker’s Ice house, there are no additional fees charged for motorhome & travel trailer parking or vendor booth space.

Saturday April 25 – Little River Dragway. For More Information Pull Up – “http://WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM/”

ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA HEADED TO OLEY, PENNYSLVANIA THIS WEEKEND–So many times, I’m asked how we come across these rare machines and projects, and how we know what we’re looking for. And the best answer I can give, is to make your way to any of the major Antique Motorcycle Club of America Swapmeets held each year.

With the swapmeet season starting in late February and early March, thousands of antique motorcycle enthusiasts make their way to Eustis, Florida for the first big AMCA event of the season. Held during the weekend before Daytona Bike Week, the Eustis Swapmeet brings together a great cross-section of entusiasts of both new and old, each looking for the right parts and piles to get them started for the new year. This year at Eustis, we found some incredible pieces for projects at the museum, many of which are well underway.

But don’t worry, just because the first big meet is in the books, you haven’t missed your chance at finding the right parts for your project. The season’s second meet is fastly approaching, and if you ask any old bike buff, this is the one to hit. Held in Oley, Pennsylvania, the AMCA Oley Swapmeet is one of the longest running and most well put together swapmeets in the country. Put on by the Perkiomen Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, this swapmeet brings out some of the best classic American iron on the planet. This year’s theme is flathead Harleys, which is sure to attract some great ones.

What makes Oley so special? Well, if you asked a 100 people, you might get 100 different answers. One reason why I like Oley so much is that, geographically, it is and has been a sort of centerpoint for the motorcycle industry. Dating back to the earliest days of American motorcycling, countless motorcycle manufacturers were located in the North Eastern United States. Brands such as Indian, Flying Merkel, Reading Standard, and Pope (to name a few) have based their headquarters and production facilities in this historically rich region, and as you can imagine, held a dominant market position before eventually falling behind the more powerful, larger companies.

During the early days, these manufacturers thrived on a more local and regional customer base, loyal to their machines. But as time went by, the smaller companies’ shortcomings limited their lasting impact and brand loyalty, and soon they would become just another chapter in motorcycle history. Or would they?

RIVER RUN CHARDONNAY–Our first release of our River Run Chardonnaycomes from Mendocino County. This light, crispChard in fermented in Stainless Steel and is un-oaked.The result is a clean, crisp, fruit-forward wine that will pair well with any of your favorite foods. Best when served well chilled and shared with great friends.

Laughlin River Run, Laughlin, Nevada. A trip to Laughlin wouldn’t be complete without riding out to the Avi Casino & Hotel to sample some V-Twin Zin!

SUPPORT THE TROOPS, MAKE a $10 DONATION, GET A CHANCE FOR A $30,000 BOBBER– The Troops Raffle – Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Bobbers? BossMan, has something special for all the motorcycle enthusiasts? A chance to win a $30,000 custom Brass Balls Bobbers? sled for just $10. here to get your raffle ticket.

It is the least expensive way to put a custom motorcycle in your garage.

The Intrepid Fallen Heros Fund

Brass Balls is raffling off the Military Bobber with the proceeds going to the Intrepid Fallen Heros Fund. This fund is helping the returning veterans that have sustained head injuries. It is a way for you to support the troops and feel good at the same time.

Need not be present to win. Bobber will be given away at Daytona, Biketoberfest.

RENEGADE ?SAVANNAH?Kenji Nagai, one of the great V-Twin bike builders in Japan, and Renegade?s in house design team joined forces in developing the new Renegade Savannah.

This latest creation is available as a rugged and durable one piece wheel and can be ordered in diameters 16? to 23? and widths from 2.15? up to a massive 14? for the new 360 tires. All are available in Renegade?s flawless finishes including Chrome, Black Ebony and Black Powder Coat.

And get this, prices have actually dropped substantially and now start at just $1150.00 for specific one-piece chrome styles. For complete details call Renegade direct at 714-998-7241 and be sure to visit their awesome site at www.renegadewheels.com .

EVIL SPIRIT LIGHTS OF THE WEEK–Michael Barragan of Evil Spirit Engineering is now producing some fine off parts for your build. This tail lamp is made out of billet aluminum with a LED bulb and a red lens.The tail lamp is available in brass also. Cost to you is $180.00 each. For more information on this tail lamp and to see all of Michael products, please go to www.evilspiritengineering.com

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED JOINS STELLER CHIP LINE-UP–BUFFALO CHIP CAMPGROUND, S.D. ? Creedence Clearwater Revisited will join George Thorogood and the Destoryers in a double-headline show at the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground, Sunday, Aug. 2 during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford have ?revived? the amazing music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Cook and Clifford are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section (bass and drums respectively) from the legendary group. And their live performances provide enthusiastic audiences with the rare opportunity to experience first hand, rock and roll greatness.

Few groups in rock history can lay claim to five bona fide hits. Cook and Clifford have had 22, including:”Porterville,” ?I Heard It Through the Grapevine,? ?Susie Q,? ?Sweet Hitch-Hiker,? ?Up Around the Bend,? ?Fortunate Sone,? and of course, ?Proud Mary.?

?What a night this one will be,? said Rod Woodruff, campground owner. ?Creedence Clearwater Revisited and George Thorogood and the Destroyers in one night. How do you define ?party? any better than that? This will be one of those nights at the Chip that people will talk about for years. We want our campers to have the times of their lives at the Buffalo Chip. These guys will help them do that.?

MOTORCYCLE CLUB CARD FOR ENGLISH RIDERS, NOW AVAILABLE–Motorcycle Club Card (or MCC UK for short) is a brand new card just beinglaunched this week. It is a 3 in one card for bikers for club, discounts andsafety.

First the card is a club membership card (if you are for example, part of anMCC) with your club name and logo on the front.

Next the card is a loyalty discount card. We contact all the major (and somesmaller) companies all the time throughout the UK and Europe and ask them tobe part of the MCC UK scheme. They then offer all card holders discounts ofup to 25% off real products (not just things that no one buys).

Last but not least, the card’s most important feature is the emergency card.The card has limited space so all your important information is printed onthe reverse such as 2 emergency names and numbers, medical history andallergies. This information can be vital to the emergency services if theworst should happen.

On top of this, each card has a unique ID number which can be used bydiscounters to make sure the card is genuine and also by the emergencyservices for additional information such as your doctors name and address,blood group and further emergency contact numbers. All information isvoluntary and all kept on a secure network. The card has been given thethumbs up by the Air Ambulance Authority and they said the MCC UK could playa vital part in saving a bikers life.

The price of the card is just ?12 and if you purchase through your bikeclub/group we will be donating ?2 from each card sale directly to the bikerscharity of choice, the Air Ambulance Authority.

More information can be found on our website at www.motorcycleclubcard.comincluding some of the discounters, example of the card layout and theapplication to purchase a card. You can also email us for furtherinformation or if you have any questions, or if you would like to be part ofthe loyalty discount scheme at info@mcc-uk.org

We would like to thank Motorbike Search Engine(www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk) for their support with the MotorcycleClub Card as one of our main sponsors.

LOOKIN? BACK with LICK?S HARD CORE MINI MIRRORS– Need a mirror but don’t really want one? No problem. Lick?s Cycles is now offering these very cool, bare bones mini mirrors that keep you covered without cluttering up your scooter. Measuring just 3? in diameter the mirrors are reminiscent of those found on early hard core choppers. Easily fit to stock lever mirror mount provisions, they are fully adjustable, both side to side and up and down.

Lick?s Hard Core Mini Mirrors are offered in chrome or black and priced right at just $19.99. So, if you?ve gotta have a mirror but hate stock and don?t want to spend a lot of dough, these are definitely the hot ticket. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR BILLET BARGES.

For complete details call 413-663-9050 or visit Lick?s on line at www.lickscycles.com . Dealer inquiries welcome.

BIKERNET AMCA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ESSAY CONTEST FOR VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE– The part for this weeks update was donated by my dad and I. It is a stainless steel handlebar lock plate. The piece in the pic is our first sample/ prototype. It is a perfect reproduction and will work well on the giveaway bike.

— Matt Olsen

WIND ‘EM UP–Damn, I’m pumped like a kid with his first motorcycle. I like getting up at the crack of dawn and escaping Los Angeles, as if we were prisoners running from the stockade. LA is like a no-man’s land during rush hour. We’ve got to slip outta sight and roll into Palm Springs before the gates are lined with compact driving, SUV wielding commuters.

Then we’re going to hook up with the notorious Chop and Grind Racing Gangsters in 12 Palms, California, on the edge of the Mojave for Breakfast. At least that’s what Bob T. told me. I’m always suspicious. There’s a lot of shallow graves in the sands beyond the city.

Next week we’ll bring you a report on the ride to Laughlin. We have a couple of killer bike features and Fatbob’s roller starting system tech. I know there’s more, but I gotta pack for the windy road to the Nevada border.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

P.S. This just in. Dar, from Brass Balls Bobbers just announced that all of his bikes will be equipped with Baker transmissions, from this day forward (see photo of Brass Balls Bobber above). He’s made a concentrated effort to build top notch, American Made scooters. His entire drivelines are American made with D&D exhaust. His frames are hand made in America out of drag racing tubing. He’s running Fab Kevin and Crime Scene lights, Biltwell seat pans and Crazy Horse Engines. Not bad and his Model 1 bobber runs just $15,900. Hang on for more reports in the near future.

Hey,

This is Laughlin River Run weekend and we’re riding out. It’s a King Run to the Nevada border, with Ray Wheeler. Ray is the god of W8less Rotors and the first Brass Balls Bobbers Cross Country Road Test rider for Bikernet.com. Wednesday morning he rolled out of San Jose on his Twin Cam, Bonneville record holding, hot rod Dyna headed for the Bikernet Headquarters in Los Angeles.

We’re riding to Laughlin at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning, like 5:00 a.m. Then Ray is riding to Stroker’s Dallas to pick up a Brass Balls Bobber and hook up with us at the Smoke Out in Cottonwood, where he will start his journey on the rigid to Smoke Our East in North Carolina.

I’m already catching the desert buzz. Like Dave Rash says, “Motorcycles are two-wheeled valiums.” Ever since we decided to ride I can’t sit still. Let’s hit the news early so I can check tire pressures and pack.

Bassani Vintage Metal Signs Discovered–Bassani Warehouse 51 as we like to call it is used to store some rare and sentimental Bassani artifacts for safekeeping throughout the years. Upon re-opening it for its annual fire inspection one of the crates we had forgotten was opened to reveal a real Bassani Xhaust treasure.

Inside small wooden crates, were neatly packed with Vintage metal embossed metal signs measuring about 18″ x 10-1/4″ pre-drilled for easy wall mounting. We all looked at each other in amazement realizing what a find we had made.

There was enough quantities to sell to the public so the boss gave us the okay to offer them on our web store. If you looking to get a genuine Bassani artifact for your house or garage order one of these today. Limited quantities available.

VICTORY IN ATLANTA FOR KRAWIEC AND SCREAMIN? EAGLE V-ROD–Krawiec Wins First NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Event; A Track Record for Hines

COMMERCE, Ga. (April 19, 2009) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec raced to his first career event win in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, riding a Harley-Davidson V-Rod? to defeat Horne Racing Buell rider Douglas Horne in the final round of eliminations at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The win was a milestone for Krawiec, who earned the 2008 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship without winning an event.

?It sure feels good to get this win and get that burden off my back,? said Krawiec. ?I?ve been to five final rounds and won a championship, but I still had to prove I was capable of winning an event. My crew chief, Matt Hines, put an awesome Harley-Davidson motorcycle under me all weekend, and it carried me to some personal records in qualifying and then all the way through the finals.?

Krawiec?s win capped a successful weekend for the Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines team. For the second event in a row and the 24th time in his career, Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines was the top qualifier. His 6.877-second/195.03-mph blast on Friday stands as the fourth-best elapsed time in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, set a new Pro Stock Motorcycle track record and is a new personal-best ET and top speed for Hines. Krawiec also set new personal-best marks with a 6.881/194.49 run on Friday to take the second spot in qualifying

Hines defeated MB Machining Buell rider Mike Berry in the first round of Sunday eliminations, and won the second round when Rum Bum Racing Buell rider Shawn Gann fouled at the starting line. Hines faced Horne in the semi-final round, and lost to the rookie at the starting line with a 0.047 reaction time and 6.947 ET to the 0.026/6.959 combination put down by Horne, who took the win by just 0.009 seconds.

Krawiec advanced to the final round with a no-show win over LE Tonglet in round one, a win over Rocklin Motorsports Buell rider Matt Guidera in round two, and a win over Matt Smith when his NitroFish Suzuki broke during his semi-final run.

After a two-hour rain delay, Krawiec and Horne lined up for the event final. Krawiec left the line in 0.019 seconds and posted a 6.902 ET to beat Horne?s 0.041/6.949 by a convincing margin.

?We are so happy Eddie can now check an event win off of his racing to-do list,? said Harley-Davidson race team manager Anne Paluso. ?The team was working on motors up until the hauler pulled out of Indy for Atlanta, and all that hard work definitely paid off. This was a great weekend for everyone on the Screamin? Eagle team.?

After three events on the 17-race 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Smith leads the standings with 270 points. Hines moves from third to second place with 230 points. Hector Arana drops to third with 226 points, and Krawiec moves from sixth to fourth place with 224 points.

The next event on the 2009 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule is the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals, May 1-3 at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

BIKERNET HISTORIC QUOTE OF THE DAY– Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teen age boys.

-P.J. O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian

–from james Schnarr

LE PERA?S LATEST MUST HAVE CATALOG– Hot off the press, Le Pera?s latest catalog is every bit as stylish and well thought out as the company?s legendary seats. The table top quality directory to premium custom seating opens with a tribute to industry icon, Bob Le Pera and an extremely interesting history that follows the amazingly successful, family owned and operated business, from its opening in 1972 to present.

Thumbing through the beautiful and informative directory, you?re treated to page after colorful page of the finest in custom, contemporary and traditional seating. Unmistakably Le Pera, trend setting and personalized styles are presented in a one-of-a-kind collection of the finest leathers, hides, carbon fiber design, Gator, Serpernt Stingray, Ostrich and even Old School Metalflake.

Inlays bordered with intricate pinstrip stitching, nostalgic ribbed and Tribal embossed set the Le Pera line of in a league of their own It is evident from the new catalog that Le Pera?s custom design center can provide seating that will add the finishing touch to any Chopper, Bagger or Bobber or stocker. They truly are ?Like no other?. Get your hands on a copy by calling 818-767-5110 or visit them on the Web at www.lepera.com .

London International Custom Show cancelledThe second London International Custom show (L.I.C.S.), due to be held at Earls Court this May, has been cancelled–Whilst the number of stands booked at the event was around 100, representing over a 100% increase on last year’s show, the organizers are pointing to cash-flow issues among the potential exhibitor community in the UK as being a primary factor in the decision.

The organizers are saying that all booth payments so far are being refunded and that whilst they regret having to take this decision, the project has simply become a victim of the times.As a start-up event last year the London International Custom Show exceeded expectations and had proven that a London venue could generate a viable attendance in the context of the UK.

The UK market has long been in need of a professionally organized custom show in order to help consolidate the growth of the past decade, and to provide a foundation for dealers, builders and vendors to take the market forward.The event was being staged at London’s famous Earl’s Court Arena, and this year’s 2nd annual would have seen it move within the facility to prestigious and primary space, providing an environment in which the industry would have been able to showcase itself to maximum benefit to a clearly enthusiastic public.

The event was being organized by a professional and reputable show organizer, Pioneer Global Media, and that firm’s decision not to pursue the project is regretted.

AMD Magazine had endorsed the two-prize (best domestic and ‘best international’) custom bike builder competition as an Affiliate event to its Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building program, and many UK and Continental European builders have voiced their disappointment that the project will not be proceeding at this time.

Whilst there appears to be no immediate prospect of the L.I.C.S. project as such being revived, it is to be hoped that it won’t be long before the market has an alternate to rally behind.One proposal that is finding favor is that, after the summer, those with an interest in seeing such a show emerge in the UK market gather for a market ‘town hall meeting’ to see what ideas and options could be developed for a possible event in the UK in 2010, in the hope that economic conditions will be better by then.

Hot Leathers to Produce Merchandise Line for the Legendary Buffalo Chip–MANCHESTER, CONN.–April 22, 2009–Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle accessories and apparel, today announced the release of their new merchandise line, customized for the Legendary Buffalo Chip – the famed Sturgis hot spot.

Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers is using its expertise and vision to produce a unique line of Buffalo Chip-branded items. The company’s team of in-house artists has developed a line of Legendary Buffalo Chip merchandise, which will include men’s and women’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items. The all new Buffalo Chip merchandise will be available for purchase at the 5 Hot Leathers’ retail locations throughout the Buffalo Chip complex, at Hot Leathers’ stores in Sturgis as well as on the Hot Leathers Web site.

“The Legendary Buffalo Chip is the best known venue at the annual Sturgis Rally, and we’re honored they have asked us to develop their merchandise line,” said Andy George of Hot Leathers. “We’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and we’re looking forward to adding the Legendary Buffalo Chip to our growing list of satisfied customers.”

The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been featured on five nationally syndicated television specials since 2004, is internationally known as “the Best Party Anywhere” for its camping facilities and its always stellar music festival lineup during the Sturgis Rally. Legendary Buffalo Chip merchandise will be available for purchase from Hot Leathers beginning in June.

Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. The company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Known for fast and friendly service, Hot Leathers’ priority is its customers, both in the shop or on the road. Hot Leathers is a division of Good Sports, Inc. and currently has store locations in Sturgis, S.D., Swansea, Mass., Daytona Beach, Fla., East Providence, R.I. and South Windsor, Conn. Hot Leathers also showcases its merchandise at various rallies and events across the country. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.

For more information about Hot Leathers or the 2009 Rally Schedule, please call 800-845-0084 or visit www.HotLeathers.com.

–Ken Conte

RACE JACKET BLOW OUT SALE @ TORIAN MARKET–ON SALE NOW – 35% Off, Only $199. A traditional styled race jacket for Chopper Jockeys featuring 4 external and 3 inside pockets. Designed with a generous fit for miles of comfortable riding.

Every leather jacket is made from the finest hand-selected naked cowhide. This provides a supple feel and instills a quality that will provide years of protection while maintaining its good looks.

Get your Leather on at Torian Market.

–Jeff Najar

IMPROVED ELECTRA-GLO LIGHT PODS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Adjustable LED Pods Now in Four True Colors to Accent Any Part of a Motorcycle.

MILWAUKEE (April 24, 2009) ? The LED Electra-Glo? Light Pod Kits (P/N 67679-09, Amber; P/N 67680-09, Red; P/N 67695-09, Blue; P/N 67701-09, Purple; each $169.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories feature a new solid-state circuit board sealed against the weather. The LED output is also slightly more brilliant, and the purple-colored pods are now a true purple, rather than a mixture of red and blue lights.

These self-adhesive accent lights radiate a neon-like glow and can be placed almost anywhere on a motorcycle, from under the fuel tank to behind the air cleaner to below the chassis. The LED lighting draws minimal amperage, so the lights may be left on for hours when the motorcycle is parked. Electra-Glo Light Pods connect directly to the motorcycle wiring harness, and the one-way wiring simplifies installation. Each kit includes six light pods in one of four color choices (amber, red, blue and purple), basic wiring in a selection of lengths, adhesive wire ties, and a compact on/off switch with rheostat to control the lighting intensity.

Available four-pod Electra-Glo Expansion Kits ($116.95 in each color) provide plug-in installation of additional lighting. The kits fit all models. Lights are intended for display use only. Some local regulations prohibit using colored lights during vehicle operation on public streets.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

BIKERNET MARRIAGE COUNSELOR REPORT– A woman is incomplete until she is married. Then she is finished.

–from Rogue

411 ON THE SMOKE OUT WEST PARTY– The 10th Anniversary Smoke Out will start in Cottonwood, AZ with a two-day blow out launch party. The party in Cottonwood starts Friday night May 8, 2009 and goes all day Saturday. The party will include the usual mayhem with music, The AZ Derby Dames, venders, a chop-off, bike show etc. XsSpeed will be there and the XsSpeed mini-bike races will be one of the key highlights of the weekend (remember: you must be in a superhero costume to race).

We will also mint a commemorative poker chip and have one free (at the gate) with each purchased ticket. If you pre-register we will also have a commemorative poker chip for you at the gate.

The bands this year include The Last Call Brawlers, The High Rollers, Hellbound Hayride and Jasmine Cain.

Sunday morning the hardy chopper-jockeys that dare will start a 2,000-mile ride to the Rockingham Drag Strip in Rockingham, NC. The ride called, The Long Road, will be about a 350-mile ride each day with an insane party each night.

–Jeff Najar

Homeward bound Special Ops soldier rewards himself with custom built chopper–The sudden clamor of two inbound HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters cut short Ash Spurlin and his squad?s hushed conversations. Spurlin, a Special Ops Squad Leader with the US Army, ordered his men to start their final gear check and to form a circle of security around the landing zone. Once the area was secured, Spurlin marked their position with an infrared strobe. The Blackhawk?s landed easily. Within 60 seconds, both helicopters and men were airborne.

No lights, no talking, just his own thoughts to deal with for the next fifteen minutes of flight. With the side doors open, the cool Afghan air was a nice break from the stifling heat on the ground. Spurlin positioned himself with his legs hanging out the side door of the Blackhawk and used his night vision goggles to scan the area below for possible hostile fire. The wind pushing against his helmet and moving his pant legs only reminded him of riding his Road King back home in California. No lights, no talking, just thoughts of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway. No sweaty body armor, or M4 rifle, just a t-shirt, boots and his favorite jeans. Instead of the heinous helicopter engine, it was a V-Twin roaring. Right then Spurlin knew that while he couldn?t control when he would return home, he could still make plans for what he would do once there. He would ride his newest custom built chopper!

As his helicopter touched down on the rooftop of a Taliban stronghold, all six men looked at one another, each knowing what the other was thinking, but no one saying a word. Within seconds the men are out, the helicopters are gone, and so are the thoughts of grabbing that V-twins throttle. Anyway, this is a different type of adrenaline rush. The mission completed, Spurlin debriefs his superiors, eats and logs onto his Yahoo account. He is intent on finding from friends in the industry who they?d recommend for his next build. That?s how he found Guilty Customs and Errant, his next and third custom motorcycle.

Errant, part of Guilty Customs ?Last Chance? line, caught Spurlin?s attention with its 70?s dragster styled influences. Spurlin comments about his decision to have his next chopper built by Guilty Customs: ?Since I had two bobber styled bikes that were similar in looks, I wanted something different, but dependable and affordable. One of my friends told me about Guilty Customs so I called and spoke with Cj. We talked for about an hour. I didn?t feel like it was a business call, which is when I knew 100 percent, this company was the kind of business I?d always heard my father and grandfather talk about. Not cookie cutter $65,000 choppers or assembly line bikes, but actual one-on-one discussions about my next bike.? ?Having the opportunity to build a bike for Ash is an honor. We are extremely proud that he will be riding a Guilty chopper? says CJ Hanlon, owner of Guilty Customs. ?Each time we speak with Ash, either before or after a mission, it poignantly reminds us of the sacrifices these soldiers (and their families) are making to defend our country. Even the companies that supply our parts have a unique interest in this build. Everyone wants to make this bike really special for Ash.?

Spurlin and Hanlon have even started talks about a cross-country ride to raise monies for the widows and families of soldiers killed in battle. It gives us one more reason to want to see this soldier return safely home.

Guilty Customs, LLC (www.guiltycustoms.com) is a custom motorcycle company that is quickly establishing itself in the custom chopper industry by bringing to the public innovative, dependable and affordable custom motorcycles and parts.

From BIKERNET’S Fox News spy– They just want the numbers to justify their position ? truth has become an un-necessary evil.

–Scooter

Russ Petrone Sr. is taking strides to make “CF” stand for “Cure Found!” Visit Russ’s GREAT STRIDES Home Page at:http://www.cff.org/great_strides/RussPetroneSr .!

NOTE: If link looks broken, cut and paste ENTIRE link into address bar. If you are presented with a “Find A Walker” page, enter Russ’s first and last name and click on “Find Walker.” Then click “View Walker” in the results list to go to “Russ Petrone Sr.’s GREAT STRIDES Home Page.”

UNCLE MONKEY ALIVE AND WELL–Patience is a virtue especially if you are a biker and live someplace other than the sunshine states. No to be a biker here you need an abundance of patience to spare. Rarely do you get the chance to hop on your bike and ride off. Often the bike has to idle for several minutes until it?s warm. Meanwhile you are gearing up; helmet, shades, gloves, proper shoes, often a couple layers of jackets to be prepared for the constantly changing weather. I envy those in the warm, helmet free states where you can simply pull on some gloves, your shades, hop on and go.

Arriving can be just as time consuming for us as we walk the bike back to the curb, remove our gloves, helmet, adjust our shades, check the mirror and realise you better throw on that hat or doo rag in your saddlebag. What good is it to be a biker if you look like a slob? Even the most sloth of bikers takes the time to look mean if not at least good.

Patience is something missing in our caged friends lives. In and out of cars and parking stalls, rarely worried about the world around them. They play with their GPS and text their friends that they are on their way, half way there, down the block, in the parking lot? you get the idea. The thought of actually putting an effort into a trip is a foreign concept to them.

Bikers pick a direction and go. Deep down I think we all hope to get lost just to have the opportunity to discover new roads, new places, new friends. The world has to stop and wait until we are ready for it. ?Yes Mr Cable Bill, he is ready to see you now, Mr Alimony you?ll have to take a number and have a seat.?

We get where we are going when we get there, not a moment sooner. Wondering where we are? Well you should have waited and came with us.

–Wayne ?Uncle Monkey? Wuschke
Southern Independent Riders
www.stvictorboogie.com

ROLLER STARTING TECH COMING TO BIKERNET–Hey, I built this out of a set of rollers from a conveyor. I didn’t buy anything but the sprocket. I had the rest of the stuff. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, now the back insists. I plan to put some wheels and a handle so moving it will be easy. I think maybe a little ramp will help, so the jack isn’t necessary. She works though, fired up the old ’55. This should be news worthy.

–FATBOB

Watch for the full build tech to come to Bikernet, next week.–Wrench

Continued On Page 2

On June 1, 2006, over 500 executives, employees and Harley riders joined local officials to celebrate the beginning phase of construction of the new motorcycle museum. Departing from tradition, the chrome shovels were temporarily put aside in favor of dirt track racer Scott Parker’s Sportster. After all, what better way to kick up the dirt than a spinning motorcycle tire?

It was a festive mood that greeted the many dignitaries on hand, including a number of the original 13 man buy-back team that purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF back in June of 1981. Among those risk takers on hand for the ground breaking was Jeffrey Bleustein, Tim Hoelter, Dave Caruso, Vaughn Beals and Willie G. Davidson.

Wisconsin Governor James Doyle, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker congratulated Harley-Davidson and the various planning boards and city officials that helped make this dream a reality.

The museum complex is a $95 million project which is scheduled to be completed in 2008. Besides the museum, there will be a restaurant, café, gift shop and special event space. The site is just south of the downtown Milwaukee area on 20 acres of land at 6th and Canal Streets. The museum will be a 130,000 square foot facility, employing 70 full time workers. In addition to the museum complex, additional buildings totaling 100,000 square feet will contain offices for Harley-Davidson. The expected 350,000 annual visitors will spend about $39 million a year in hotel, food, fuel and other associated costs, adding to the economy of the ever developing downtown area.

A very special gift was bestowed upon everyone taking part in the ground breaking event. Each person was given a small vial and invited to scoop up some of the “sacred” ground as a memento of the occasion. Leading this activity were Willie G. and Nancy Davidson and their family.

The archives at the Juneau Plant house most of the current collection, which includes the oldest Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence, serial number 1. Also at the archives are numerous vintage race bikes, motorcycles from movies and several of the Nova experimental water-cooled motorcycles that Harley collaborated with Porsche on. There are truly some unique items in the archives, most of which have only been seen by a select few. Hopefully, many of these will be permanently placed in the new museum when it’s completed.

Continued From Page 3

VINTAGE-STYLE CLOTH PLUG WIRE SETS AVAILABLE– Lowbrow Customs is now offering vintage-style braided cotton spark plug wire sets. These plug wires are cotton-braided and lacquered, but have a modern stranded copper conductor with pvc insulation for top performance. Five different color combinations are currently available, the perfect finishing touch for your chopper or bobber.

Each order consists of a full 48″ of 7mm plug wire with the rajah clips for your spark plugs installed, a pair of rubber boots and a pair of high tension terminals for the ends of the wires. Simply clip the wire to the needed length, put the boots and terminals on the end and install on your coil or magneto!

Also available is 16 gauge cloth covered wire, sold by the foot or in 25?, 50? and 100? rolls.

Cloth plug wire sets are $25 and are available at www.lowbrowcustoms.com .

Chicagoland’s All New City Limits Harley-Davidson– The Dealership that’s Always Worth the Ride!

Open 7-Days a Week!Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm, Saturday: 9am-6am: Sunday: 10am – 5pm

With Quick Stop Service (Service While You Wait)Always Available On Saturdays And Available On Sundays From March through October

Riding Season Kick-Off Bash and SALE!Saturday, April 25th 9am-6pmWe may be small in size, but we’re big in heart!

So, stimulate this! None of us may be getting a government bailout, but that will never stop us from loving, living, & riding our Harley-Davidson motorcycles!

We’ve got a lot of stimulus items that are sure to stimulate you! We are a dealer with a heart and have made it easy and affordable to get what you need and love! So, come on out and take advantage of great deals, huge mark-downs, and awesome sales from your “small dealer with a big heart” where you’ll always get the best deal!

You already know we can throw a good party so don’t miss this SALE and OPEN HOUSE!Live music by Windy City Rev Ups! Bring your friends and Rock On with all of us!Free Food and BeveragesTons of sales in Parts & Accessories, Clothing, Riding Gear, Gifts & CollectiblesSave 20% Off almost everything in the store…plus more on lots of other great items!Great Deals on 2009 Harleys!

Vendors on site…including Patch Sewing, Pin Striping, The Palatine HOG Chapter & More!

LAT V-TWIN OILS OFFER STREET BIKES RACE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND RELIABLIITY– LAT V-Twin Racing oils have been making big news on the racing circuit with riders like Buell mounted Mike Berry and even Team Mopar realizing the benefits of these unique lubricants. Fortunately for all of us they provide the same exceptional benefits for street and touring riders as well.

No matter if you?re running hard on the street, smokin? the 1/4 or packing cross country, today?s American V-Twin motorcycle engines require lubrication capable of addressing excessive load operating temperatures and high performance stress like never before. Formulated by LAT?s own in house development team, not just someone else?s product repackaged, LAT is blended specifically to meet and exceed these unique requirements, LAT High Performance Full Synthetic Motorcycle oil provides superior levels of wear protection, high stability and exceptional resistance to thermal breakdown.

Consisting of group IV and V base oils treated with LAT extreme pressure additive, LFR, the new lubricant provides superior sustained high RPM protection, high flash point and extreme wear protection for maximum horsepower and torque. Additionally during independent tests LAT was shown to provide significant increases in horsepower and torque while reducing running temperatures.

For complete details call 88-lat-oils visit the LAT web site at www.latracingoils.com .

BIKER LOWDOWN RADIO SHOW UPCOMING SHOW LIST FOR APRIL– BIKER LOWDOWN RADIO SHOW :What are you looking forward to this Riding Season?

With the warm Weather just about here, I am wondering what are some of the things everyone out there is looking forward to going to and doing this riding Season!!! I know just getting out there on the open road and Riding is Number 1 on every ones list but what are some of the places you are looking forward to going to? Maybe that small Bar some where you only go to when on the Bike! Or some Mountain top view! We here at the Biker Lowdown want to know about it!!! If you would like to call in on this show send me and email with your number so I can keep an eye out for it send emails to AmericanBikerX@yahoo.com.

Call-in Number: (347) 237-4874

BIKERLOWDOWN.COM

WHEELS THROUGH TIME Special Opening: May 14, 2009Open: 10:00a.m.-10:00p.m.–For the past several weeks, we’ve been working on a host of special events at the museum for this upcoming season. Things have progressing nicely with several already scheduled and many more currently in the works. Here at the museum, we’ve been keeping our thousands of friends and visitors in mind, and have been making strides to provide several opportunities for each and every one of them to visit the museum this year.

The first of these events — The SmokeOut Long Road Stop at Wheels Through Time, will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009. We invite everyone to attend, and whether you’re a long time museum supporter, an avid rider or would like to visit American two-wheeled history at its finest for the first time, this is the day to come. Here’s why.

For ten years now, The Horse: Backstreet Choppers, one of the most popular publications in the motorcycle industry, has been holding one of the fastest growing motorcycle events in the country — the Smoke Out Rally sponsored in part by Bikernet.com. Dedicated to those with the craving for home-built choppers, bobbers, and other creative customs, the Smoke Out Rally brings together a truly unique scene of custom-builders and fans alike to share and compare the latest surrounding the custom bike scene. Each year, the Smoke Out has grown in size, expanding from a small “bike-builders show” into a nationally renowned event.

Here is our show for you closer to the Inland Empire!–Come see the show and have a great time with us on May 3rd-2009!…and no The Back Door is NOT a gay bar!!!!!!

GREG?S CUSTOM CYCLES Deepsickness Headlight–Clearwater, FL ? January 2009 ? Greg?s Custom Cycles adds the new Deepsickness Headlight to their parts lineup. Light your way with this radical look, it?s spiked housing maintains the Deepsickness motorcycle line with aggressive styling and shape.

Featuring a chrome bezel surrounding the glass lens and a deep, spiked bucket that?s available in black powder coated matte, gloss, or matching H-D wrinkle finish. It uses a H4 bulb and has a standard single bolt mount with the bulb & mounting hardware included.

The Deepsickness Headlight measures 4.5? in diameter and 7? deep from glass to tip. Retail price $245. Made in the USA.

For more information, call Greg?s Custom Cycles at (727) 461-4840 or visit www.gregscycles.com

The Bulldog Bash turns up the volume–2009?s 23rd annual Bulldog Bash offers music lovers the best in live entertainment ? old and new ? at Shakespeare County Raceway, Nr Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire from the 6th to the 9th of August

Visitors to Europe?s largest and loudest biker party, the annual Bulldog Bash, have a fantastic line-up of live music to look forward too; Thursday features a host of the best tribute performances, including Stingchronicity (The Police Tribute) and Hells Bells (AC/DC Tribute ? back by popular demand). Friday?s line up features rock legends UFO and Oliver/Dawson SAXON, Hammerlock, The Culprit, and rising talent Le Chat Noir. Saturday nights entertainment includes; Never the Bride, Tyla and the Dogs ‘d’ Amour, Adam Bomb and the fantastic sound of Louis Barabbas and the Black Velvet band.

Also on Saturday, The Bulldog will be showcasing unsigned band The Quails, who are tipped to be ?the next big thing?. Commenting on their first major festival appearance Max Armstrong, The Quails’ guitarist, said “Finally our hard work and perseverance is paying off, we’re looking forward to tearing it up on the big stage. We all know the music industry is a cesspit run by rip-off merchants, full of talentless ego-maniacs and fuelled by money-minded-machine-men, so it’s great to see the fine people at the Bulldog Bash giving real talent a chance to rise above the mediocrity surrounding them!”

Petrol-heads planning to compete in the Bulldog?s famous ?run-what-you-brung? sessions will be pleased to hear that the event now features a full dyno rig, for top speed runs and dyno BHP readouts, complete with servicing and workshop facilities, provided by Hogfather of Southport. If burn-outs on the dragstrip leave your tyres a little worse for wear; Micheldever tyres will be on site all weekend, fitting fresh rubber for show goers.

Alongside the dragstrip there will be a huge retail village of stalls selling all kinds of biking and alternative lifestyle kit. Ken Fox will be performing with his world famous ?Wall of Death? show all weekend. Other attractions include Europe?s finest indoor custom show, jet cars and rocket bikes, which will be hurtling down the drag strip all weekend, Starboyz stunt bike performances, live wrestling bouts and a fairground full of white knuckle rides,

Tickets are available from The Bulldog Bash, PO Box 5026, East Reading, RG6 1QZ ? Please send a cheque or postal order for ?50 per person, plus a first class postage paid SEA, to arrive no later than 30th of June. After this date the gate price of ?55 applies.

Keep an eye on the Bulldog Bash website and forum at www.bulldogbash.com , where you can get all the latest entertainment updates and plan your weekend.

For information and to apply for press visitor pre-registration contact:Steve Cain on 0117 955 8197 or steve@cainabelconsultancy.com/press@bulldogbash.com

Polaris Grants $46,500 to ATV Organizations–Polaris Industries has granted $46,500 to five local, state and national organizations in five states to help preserve trail access and promote safe and responsible riding.

The grants are a part of Polaris? T.R.A.I.L.S. program, which in three years has granted $746,557 to 83 organizations in 42 states across the U.S.

T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for Trail Development, Responsible Riding, Access, Initiatives, Lobbying, and Safety. Funds can be used by organizations for trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, lobbying and other projects to increase and maintain land access.

The recent group of grants ranged from $7,000 to the maximum $10,000 and will be applied toward trail development, improvements, expansion, education and the construction of an ATV safety course.

Recipients included the Long Island Recreational Trails Conservatory (New York), Balsam Trail Blazers ATV Club (Minnesota), Birdseye Mountain ATV Club (Vermont), Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and USDA Forest Service- Ironton Ranger District (Ohio).

?Polaris continues to see increasing interest in our grants program,? says Matt Homan, vice president and general manager of the Off-Road Division at Polaris. ?We continue to be committed to the organizations who work diligently to ensure the future of our sport.?

Grant applications are reviewed two times per year ? in March and September, with corresponding submission deadlines of March 1 and September 1. Organizations must have 501c3, 501c7 or non-profit organization status. Project funding, or matching funding, from other sources is an important criteria to be considered for a T.R.A.I.L.S. grant.

ROLLING THUNDER XXII COMING– Would like to post information relating to Rolling Thunder XXII, Washington, DC, May 24, 2009 (Memorial Day Weekend).

All money raised is used on the POW-MIA issue and to help veterans in need.

National Headquarters:
Rolling Thunder Inc.
PO Box 216
Neshanic Station, NJ 08853
908-369-5439
Gary Scheffmeyer, National President

Ami James Jewelry Company Launches New Web Site–Miami Beach, Florida?April 01, 2009?Ami James Jewelry Company today announced the launch of its new Web site, which will make the company?s signature ?Love Hate Choppers? jewelry collection available to the public.

A tattoo artist by trade, James? tattoo art and creative designs exploded to life as he expanded his medium from skin and canvas to precious metals for Ami James Jewelry Company. James teamed up with Larry ?Benj? Weymouth, a Boston-based jeweler who has been making custom jewelry for 25 years, to produce the company?s first designs ? the ?Love Hate Choppers? collection.

The collection includes leather belts, hand-finished pewter belt buckles, high-polished or brushed-antique solid silver rings and pendants with diamond insets, and sterling silver fluted or frosted necklaces and bracelets. Each piece of jewelry features details taken from James? Miami shop logo. Limited edition necklaces, bracelets and belt buckles, as well as several ?Rock the Ink? pieces are also available on the site.

In addition to serving as the inspiration for the ?Love Hate Choppers? jewelry collection, James? logo design details have also been incorporated into accent parts on another one of his business ventures ? the new “Love-Hate Choppers” production bikes built by the unsurpassed talents of Sucker Punch Sally?s. The production bikes made their debut during Daytona Bike Week and are available for purchase through Sucker Punch Sally?s.

All pieces available from Ami James Jewelry Company can be purchased via the new Web site. To make a purchase, or for more information, product details and pricing, please visit www.amijamesjewelry.com or call the customer service number at (603) 898-0013.

RIDLEY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY– If you’re in the market for something fun and affordable- we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for. The new line of Ridley Vintage Motorbikes are flying off retailers floors as the interest in these light weight, fun to ride motorbikes explodes! Owners are finding the motorbikes a great toy around the lake, their neighborhoods, and even the city setting.

What’s great about these machines is their dual power possibility. You can motor during the long haul, turn the motor off and pedal like a bicycle in the tight areas where motoring isn’t possible or allowed. Getting to the city square using the motor and changing to pedal power is environmentally friendly and also offers a great opportunity for exercise. All while looking incredibly cool on the finest motorized bicycle on the planet!

WARNING : As ridiculously cool as the Ridley Vintage Motorbike is not everyone can afford one of these high quality motorbikes. It is ok to look, drool, and be envious of someone who owns one. If you are one of these people- ask Santa for one this Christmas.

The hit new product from Ridley Motorcycle known as the Vintage Motorbike is now available at retailers around the country and even in a few back alley shops internationally.

The newest model, the Boardwalk has the look and feel of the timeless beach cruiser with a springer front end and custom two tone metallic green and white pearl paint. This is one of the most comfortable riding motorbikes in the Ridley line. Ridley offers two engine options; the Model 49 (70cc- 2 stroke) or the Model 48 (48cc- 2 stroke). Powered by either pedal or motor, the motorbike is 100% efficient when in pedal mode and gets over 120 miles per gallon when you engage the motor.

You can pick one of these awesome Boardwalk motorbikes up for around $2,699 which is cheap at twice the price considering the support and quality of these motorbikes.

www.RidleyMotorbikes.com
(405) 525-5400

Sucker Punch Sally’s Welcomes Artist Sara Ray as theNewest Member of the SPS Crew–Scottsdale, Ariz–April 16, 2009–Sucker Punch Sally’s today announced that artist Sara Ray is now a permanent member of the SPS crew. Ray has relocated to Arizona, where she will serve as Sucker Punch Sally’s in house artist.

Despite the sluggish economy, Sucker Punch Sally’s continues to expand and has hired Ray to help with the artistic direction of the company’s product lines. Ray teamed up with Sucker Punch Sally’s in 2008 to produce ten limited edition customs bikes, all featuring original designs hand-painted by Ray. In her new role, Ray will assist with apparel design, motorcycle paint schemes, custom paint jobs and will provide general design help.

“It was one of those situations where you meet someone and instantly you are on the same page. Her talents translate perfectly to what we do and she has been like family since day one. We finally overwhelmed her with so much work that it just made sense for her to come to Arizona full time.” Said Christian Clayton, Owner of Sucker Punch Sally’s.

Ray specializes in hot rods, pin ups, rockabilly posters, nose art and World War II scenes – subject matter that complements SPS’s signature old-school style. Her portfolio contains the traditional oil on canvas, but her most recent artistic ventures have included hand-painted Fender guitars, custom motorcycles and airplanes. In her spare time, Ray wrenches on her own hot rods and travels to air, military and art museums.

“Moving to Arizona became necessary as my involvement with the Sucker Punch Sally’s team has grown into more than just painting bikes. They’ve given me the opportunity to create a visual entity of the company with absolute free reign and total conviction in my ideas and abilities. Getting to work within a group of people who back and encourage your Hot Rod addiction 110 percent and where free time is spent doing the same things you do for work is an outstanding situation to say the least. I’m exited to bring my cards to the SPS table and already creating a massive portfolio of art and ideas that are going to showcase very soon.” Said Sara Ray.

Visit Sucker Punch Sally’s on the Web at www.suckerpunchsallys.com or call them at (480)778-9500. For dealer inquiries contact Alex McClelland alex@suckerpunchsallys.com

–Ken Conte

WHAT?S FREE FROM BIKERNET?– We have this FREE contest where all you do is enter and I?m suppose to pick one winner a week. I?m a bad girl. I mean well but weeks, months go by and it?s not until Bandit is screaming and prizes are piling up that I do my job. So, last week I picked someone but it had been so long, we thought it was only fair to pick a few more winners out of that batch of submission.

Mostly we give away little things like t-shirts, hats, books.

Now for the other winners?

Michael Nitzschke from Pekin, IL
Suggestion: Your site is super, but you already know that, I hope. Keep us informed, up to date on all of the different states, on political issues, helmets and so on. We all do lots of riding here in the Midwest and it seems the states are all having issues right now.
Wanted: I would love to have that 40th anniversary poster from Bassani with your Salt Shaker on it.

You got it Michael.

Mike Kelly from Deltona, Fl.
Suggestion: Keep up the great job that you all ar doing! Drink more Whiskey, go for a ride!
Wanted:A new Bikernet shirt as mine are approaching shop rag status.

A Bikernet t-shirt or two it is.

Billy Azlin from Atoka, TN.
Suggestion: Continue keeping up with the current events that are coming at us faster than a husband with a gun!
Wanted: Those new bandanas look kinda kool and I really need a set of cam chains and tensioners and bearings.

Hey Billy, you get bandanas?

Just click on the banner above and enter away!

Layla

THE END–Not exactly. It’s actually the beginning of another wild weekend. Let me give you a quick rundown on coming content: I’m working on a Softail bike feature from Ryan Reed. You’re going to love his almost stock Softail mods, very clean, traditional looking bikes. We are working on several techs including an electrical testing tech from Bikers Choice. We all need this one. We are also working with Bikers Choice and JIMS on a seal-removing tech for engines and transmissions. Plus we’ll bring you all the clutch tools from JIMS with the help of Bennett’s Performance.

Hang on for a complete description of JIMS new 131-inch Twin Cam monster motor. You can purchase it from your local dealer. I’m going to wrap up another 5-Ball Factory Racer update, including a Chica rear fender build and a tech on installing a 5-1 Baker shifting drums for Jockey shift models. Also from Baker we have another Baker Touring under-transmission oil bag installation, for cooling, larger oil capacity and handling enhancement. That tech is brought to you by Doc, from Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia.

What else do we have? I need to finish up the RevTech engine review with more info on their new 125-inch Evo engine, assembled in America. Oh, and Rogue sent in a new Terry Components tech for EFI Twin Cams, the new Terminal Velocity. Hang on.

Plus the desert, river run to Laughlin is next weekend. I’ve got my week cut-out for me, so let’s ride.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit