To some, a grungy, long-haired, mutton-chopped guy brooding behind aviator shades as he cruises on a chopper with nothing ahead but the open road means pure freedom. To those safely esconced in Buicks, a rearview mirror full of loud bikes and liquored-up riders usually means it's time to lock the doors and stare straight ahead.

No matter your point of view, it's clear that little could be more distinctly American than the combination of chrome, leather, boots, tattoos, noise and speed. And the real danger of motorcycles makes that combo more than a symbolic act of rebellion.

Photographer Danny Lyon was a member of the Chicago Outlaws in the mid '60s, an era when “biker” meant a rider from California, and the proper term elsewhere was “bikerider.” The term “outlaw” was literal — the American Motorcycle Association, since 1924, has attempted to foster a cleaned-up image of motorcycling. In 1961, the “Put Your Best Wheel Forward” campaign went so far as to encourage riders to present a good public appearance. Those who rejected the AMA's niceties and courteous riding rules were outlaws, and their rough-edged presence at races wasn't always welcome. The AMA said 99 percent of those at races were God-fearing family types; the outlaws quickly began wearing AOA (American Outlaws Association) patches with a raised middle finger and called themselves “1%ers.” The Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club began in 1935 as the McCook Outlaws, and has since grown to include international chapters on several continents.

The outlaws seem to simultaneously reject and relish the lawlessness for which they gained a reputation. Their websites (yes, even the Hells Angels and Outlaws have websites these days, complete with copyrighted logos) decry their mislabelling and sing the praises of brotherhood and the joys of riding. On the other hand, links to 1%ers in prison are easy to find; perhaps the result of persecution, perhaps actual bad behavior.

In 1968, Lyon, after repeated rejections from publishers, finally managed to get his photography book The “Bikeriders” into print. The book brought the outlaw subculture to a broad audience for the first time. After finally reaching cult status and fetching enormous sums on Ebay, the book was reissued. Now a second reissue has come to print with a new introduction and the addition of black and white as well as color photos that Lyon long thought were lost. It is a startling, beautifully shot document of the outlaw world in the days before rivalries turned to open hostility. And, as the 1%ers themselves put it, before law enforcement and media redefined them as the violent one percent of motorcyclists who flout all laws.

Lyon took to the streets on a Triumph motorcycle armed with both a camera and a tape recorder and documented the images and the stories of the Chicago Outlaws. The resulting work was seminal stuff; some claim that The Bikeriders inspired the look of Easy Rider , and his immersion and participation in the way of life of his subjects was part of a new style of journalism. He took equally revealing photos as a participant in the civil rights movement.

Lyon's website, www.bleakbeauty.com, does a great deal more than offer examples of his photography. The pages are filled with well-wrought statements revealing his passion for the freedom of spirit America has long stood for, and his frustration with the erosion of freedoms and the warmongering he sees in our current political climate. His view is clearly a well-considered and heartfelt plea from the fringe that has always been quintessentially American, the one percent that most of us think we inhabit, that some, like the bikeriders, truly embrace.

The photos in The Bikeriders are often remarkable. The first section of the book focuses on the other 99 percent, the motorcycle racers who weren't outlaws. In one, a blissful racer is rendered almost clownish; his face and his bike are thoroughly splattered with mud, but he sports a weary smile. The rider, his arms outstretched in an accidentally dancer-like pose, fills the foreground while another rider in the distance stirs up his own cloud of mud.

In low-light photos, Lyon makes exquisite use of a narrow range of focus. In a bar scene, outlaws sprawl on and around a pool table, beers in hand, while in the slightly blurred background a conservatively dressed group of women look on. On the facing page, the back of a rider on his bike is in soft focus while the cars and signs around him are blurred, nearly abstracted.

Surprises abound. A pair of leather-booted outlaws, dishevelled and boyish, stand in a field of flowers that recedes into fog. Another pair of male bikeriders, in a tangle of tattooed arms, kiss dramatically for the camera. The grease-blackened fingernails, crushed beer cans and abundant bikerider symbols (equal parts pirate and World War II German trophies) provide startling fodder for Lyon's lens. The loud, oily, bloody and beer-fueled make a hell of a coffee table book.

The bikeriders may look like pilgrims, seekers of dream and freedom. But these are not road poets, riding into a glorious America. The inclusion of the stories of bikeriders Lyon taped while taking his photos offers a rawer glimpse into the world he made a bit more respectable by the romance of the camera lens. The bikeriders have little use for convention, and they are primarily unwashed devotees of engines and noise. The romance isn't entirely absent, but it's only discernible beneath a thick layer of grease. Their stories are full of cursing, bad English and '60s slang, and most, far from poetry, recount exploits and bragging too outrageous to be entirely false. The rift between the fringe and the mainstream is quickly apparent.

Zipco, then a 23-year-old member of the Milwaukee Outlaws, says of his brother, “Air Force mechanic. They took him in 'cause he was a clean-cut, all-American boy. Short pants, tennis shoes. I like my brother, but the only thing I didn't like about him, he's a pinko. He fights good and everything, you know. But he hangs around with these goddamn pinkos all the time. Short pants and college fuckers all the time. And they drive you out of your mind.”

Funny Sonny an ex-Hells Angel and member of the Chicago Outlaws, recounts a tale of a hill-climbing contest he won when the other guy, derisively noted as a Honda rider with a helmet, accidentally gunned it right over a cliff. That exploit is followed by Sonny's swallowing of a live caterpillar, who then crawls back up into his mouth, inspiring several witnesses to lose their lunches. Sonny then happily chews the poor creature into oblivion. “So I had a lot of food to eat that day. Because everybody got up and quit eatin' their food. Oh, Christ. That was good. That's when I really met the Outlaws, really met 'em good.”

When The Bikeriders was published, the violent aspect of outlaw life was less pronounced. Lyon notes that things got rougher later. The president of the Chicago Outlaws in the '60s was Johnny Davis. Lyon recounts that when a new generation challenged Davis for the leadership of the club in the '70s, Davis showed up for a fight to settle the score and was unceremoniously and unchivalrously shot down. Lyon's pictures come from a different era. He says in the 2003 introduction that this is readily apparent in the shot of Funny Sonny, wearing Hells Angels colors, riding with Zipco, who sports Milwaukee Outlaws colors. Not many years later, Lyon says, the Outlaws and Angels attacked each other on sight.

Lyon, in the 1968 introduction, admits that he was afraid that turning his friends into art might well endanger this subculture. But, as he rightly noted, “This attention doesn't have the strength of the reality of the people it aspires to know, and … as long as Harley-Davidsons are manufactured other bikeriders will appear, riding unknown and beautiful through Chicago, into the streets of Cicero.”

BIKERNET BAD NEWS – NOTHING.

Photo Courtesy of Jerry Southworth

Hey,

You won?t believe this. Last weekend I spent four days sequestered in a Primm, Nevada hotel room pouring over chapters from my first Chance Hogan book. It will see the wheels of a printing press sometime during the first half of this year. I jammed home Tuesday morning, carefully carried my I-mac back to my desk and proceeded to go through the motions of backing up my hard drive to insure the manuscript was saved. So what happened?my computer crashed. Fuck!

It?s been down since then. I couldn?t feel worse, if some bastard just stole my ?56 Shovelhead and left me homeless on the streets of Phoenix. Fortunately we have a longshoreman computer mastermind who is slaving away to rescue my data. Needless to say, the news will be lackluster. I?m grappling with attempting to operate Sin Wu?s PC computer and deliver the latest.

If you were expecting an e-mail from me, many apologies. Hopefully, by the time I return from Cincy, all will be well at the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarters once again. Better be, or I?m going to hit up Jerry Petty, from Saxon, for the key to his condo in Rocky Point, Mexico. I?ll ride down there through the desert, and you?ll never here from me again.

BIG BEAR CHOPPER LOOKING FOR RALLY SPONSORS– I would love for Bikernet to be a sponsor for our rally.Our one day event brings in 8,000 quality bikers for the day. It?s a growing, unique rally that receives lots of recognition and exposure.let me know asap if Bikernet would like to be a sponsor. I have a deadline on printing the ads, flyers and posters. plus, the sooner you commit, the sooner your logo will go on everything.

Industry Raises More Than $134,000 for Children’s Charities–The 2008 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser brought the industry together to celebrate the newest SEMA Board members, recognize the services of the outgoing Board members and welcome the 2008 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, all while supporting two important charities?the Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids and the Childhelp organization.

Through its auction and fundraising activities, the 2008 event raised more than $134,000 for the two charities.

Warren Buffet injects $300m into Harley-Davidson– The motorbike manufacturer receives a $600m in total from Berkshire Hathaway and Davis Selected Advisors, Harley’s biggest shareholder
Warren Buffett threw Harley-Davidson, one of the world’s most famous names in motorbikes, a $300 million lifeline after agreeing to buy half of the group’s newly issued bonds.

But the cost of the billionaire’s financial support comes with an astonishing burden – with the motorcycle maker locked in to pay Berkshire Hathaway an annual interest rate of 15 per cent on the investment. The coupon on the bonds represents twice the rate that junk bonds typically pay investors. The bonds mature in 2014.

Both Mr Buffett and Davis Selected Advisors, the fund manager which is also Harley’s biggest shareholder, bought the group’s new bonds, helping the motorbike maker secure $600 million in new funds. Shares in the group soared by a fifth after the announcement.

The bond sale provides the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Harley with more cash after losses at its financing arm led to a 58 per cent decline in fourth-quarter profit. Harley is also cutting 1,100 jobs, or more than 12 percent of its workforce, over two years.

2 INTO 1 BOSS – FAT CAT DELIVERS 15 % INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER FOR 2009 HARLEY TOURING MOTORCYCLES– Get Your Performance Here – All Harley Touring Models Recieve 15% increase in HP, 15% increase in Torque. The BOSS – Fat Cat kit includes a D&D pipe along with a Zipper’s air cleaner… that is all you need. No additional parts and no tuner. Just bolt and go!

D&D Delivers a Satisfying Harley Experience – Let’s face it; the sound of your bike is just as important as the performance. It’s part of the Harley experience.

Through our work on the dyno we have custom tuned the BOSS – Fat Cat exhaust to not only deliver better performance, but do it at a level that will keep the Sound Police at bay. And because of the R&D work we have done on the 2009 touring models, we deliver a deep, pleasing and environmentally-friendly exhaust note along with the increase in performance and economy.

At idle, the motorbike is deep and boomy and full of character… just the way you want it. And once you crack the throttle the sweet basso-profundo notes just keep on getting better.

Not only does the pipe look good, it is a wonderfully sounding experience for the rider. Get more information on the D&D Chrome BOSS – Fat Cat 2 into 1 exhaust pipe for 2009 Baggers.

Here are our new dealers from last week
1) Cycle Ivan’s Inc 2831 Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-588-2302
2) Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936-634-8404

–Jennifer and Jeff Najar

BIKERNET BUSINESS SEMINAR–Two businessmen in Florida were sitting down for a coffee break intheir soon-to-be new store. As yet, the store wasn’t ready, with onlya few shelves set up.

One said to the other, ‘I bet any minute now some senior is going towalk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we’re selling.’

No sooner were the words out of his mouth when, sure enough, a curioussenior walked to the window, peeked in, and in a soft voice asked’What are you sellin’ here?’

One of the men replied sarcastically, ‘We’re selling ass-holes.’

Without skipping a beat, the old timer said,

‘You’re doing well. Only two left.’

–from Ted

2009 Suzuki Gladius by L-R-G Clothing Co. & Nick Anglada Originals Debuts at Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Chicago–Chicago — (February 5, 2009) ? American Suzuki Motor Corporation in cooperation with Lifted Research Group and Nick Anglada Originals will unveil the 2009 L-R-G Suzuki Gladius at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Chicago on Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m.

This is the second installment of an amazing collaboration between American Suzuki, L-R-G and Nick Anglada to build truly unique 2009 Suzuki Gladius featuring the unmistakable design style of Lifted Research Group and the amazing craftsmanship of Nick Anglada.

Nick Anglada Originals have taken an incredible L-R-G design concept and turned the new Suzuki Gladius into an aggressive and stylish Hypermoto inspired machine built to tackle everything from unrelenting urban streets to a sporty canyon ride through the mountains.

The 2009 L-R-G Suzuki Gladius built by Nick Anglada Originals features:
? Excel Supermoto wheels 17×3.5 front 17×5 rear
? RM-Z450 front end
? C & S customs swingarm
? RG3 RM-Z450 Triple Clamp assembly with modified stem
? Renthal Fat Bars
? Leo Vince High Mount SV650 exhaust
? Beringer Supermoto brake set up. six piston caliper with cast iron rotor
? Beringer clutch lever and mount
? Galfer brake lines
? Vortex fully adjustable rearsets
? Vortex billet gas cap
? Custom seat by KSK Kustom Seats Kreations
? 08 GSXR-1000 tail light
? Custom fabricated tail section
? Paint and body work done by Jason Gray Customs. www.jasongraycustoms.com

The 2009 L-R-G Gladius is the first customized Suzuki Gladius to be unveiled and follows in the footsteps of the amazing L-R-G Hayabusa that debuted in 2008.

For more information, call 800/331-5706 or visit motorcycleshows.com.

Llunatica announces attendance of Chica as VIP guest–Associacion Llunatica today announced that internationally acclaimed custom builder Chica will be guest of honor at the Llunatica Benic?ssim Custom Show, which takes place in the Festival and Concert enclosure of Benic?ssim, near Castellon in southern Spain, on February 5-8.

Now in its second year as an Affiliate of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, the show originally began in 1996 in Vilanova i la Geltr?, where it was organized by Joan A. Martinez, who is better known as Dr. Guerra. In 2000 Dr. Guerra moved to the coastal resort of Benic?ssim and began running his bike show there.

Over the years the show has become a truly international event with participants from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, England, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Greece. Last year’s event pulled almost 5,000 visitors, and the custom show saw 38 bikes from Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands divided into Freestyle, Modified Harley and Metric classes. Although an outdoor event, the bike show and concert area is enclosed within a 33,000 square feet marquee..

The winner’s prize will be a 5,000 Euro expenses contribution to compete at the 6th annual Official World Championship in Sturgis on August 2-5. This year, the Llunatica organizers have announced that the judging will be conducted by the competing builders. An online entry form for the Custom show is available at www.llunatica.org.

LLUNATICA BENICASSIM
Email: info@llunatica.org
www.llunatica.org

EDUCATION OVER LEGISLATION, This quote challenges some assumptions–Is your life worth protecting? If so, whose responsibility is it to protect it? If you believe that it is the police’s, not only are you wrong — since the courts universally rule that they have no legal obligation to do so — but you face some difficult moral quandaries. How can you rightfully ask another human being to risk his life to protect yours, when you will assume no responsibility yourself? Because that is his job and we pay him to do it? Because your life is of incalculable value, but his is only worth the $30,000 salary we pay him? If you believe it reprehensible to possess the means and will to use lethal force to repel a criminal assault, how can you call upon another to do so for you?

— Jeff S. A Nation of Cowards

TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK–We have two dynas, an 06 & 07, and we are very unhappy with the rear brakes, upgrades are avail, but at prices running from $750 to $1500 per bike, goes against my basic cheapness, although putting a price on safety seems the height of being a scrooge.

I have read your web pages from time to time and I detect a heavy thread of do-it-yourself ism, unfortunate I could screw up a one car funeral, all I am after is good rear callipers at a reason cost or brackets to mount aftermarket callipers

Tips ?Hints greatly appreciated

–Terry B.l
From: “Terry” brenan2875@shaw.ca

Unfortunately I can?t respond to him until my computer is released from the psych ward. If you have stellar advice, don?t hesitate to drop him a line.?Bandit

ENTRIES NOW INVITEDTO THIS PRESTIGIOUS EAST COAST SALE–Bonhams’ auction at the 2009 Greenwich Concours d?Elegance, one of the most popular Concours of the North East for more than a decade, is proving to be an ?all star line up? with entries including Clark Gable?s 1938 Packard Model 120 Darrin Convertible and the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer as used in the film The Great Gatsby . Situated in beautiful Greenwich, Connecticut, less than an hour’s drive or train ride from New York City, this spectacular two day show is a ?must-attend? East Coast event.

With a proven buoyant classic car market in 2008, Bonhams is honored to invite you to consign your vehicle to our June sale. Our world wide marketing attracts buyers and collectors alike and this venue is the perfect East Coast pedestal to stage your classic. So if you are thinking of freeing up some space in your garage, don?t hesitate to give us a call or e-mail us.

www.bonhams.com/greenwich

READER SUBMITS LOUISVILLE EASYRIDERS SHOW REPORT, ALL GOOD–Considering the ice and snow storm that hit the area earlier in the week leaving many without power and or water the show in downtown Louisville was well attended. I talked with one vendor that was happy with the sales. I had one incident with one of the Easy Riders centerfold bikes (out lined below) so I concentrated on getting images of the spectator show bikes. I checked out Paul Yaffe?s bagger parts and spent a few minutes with him (image attached). I also talked with Jay Allen from the Broken Spoke mostly about Bonneville and his two new records. We were padlocked next to each other at Bonneville in 2007.

One of the bikes was in the Easy Riders area and get this they are eligible for a centerfold spread in Easy Riders but the owner didn?t want a naked girl sitting on his bike so they said no nudity in the shoot. ER was not happy and is not sure if they are going to publish the shots. I was also told that ER would never publish the shoot if the bike showed up in another mag. Don?t want to kill his chances of getting published, I remembered you writing about the code so I am not going to send them.

–Mark

PUKE CAN FROM THE WIMMER CREW–New from Wimmer is a revised edition of their ?Puke? can. Do you have a bottom breathing motor that spews all over the place after sitting for and extended period? Well this little billet beauty is the answer.

This totally CNC machined unit will clamp to your frame down tube and features a new ?high capacity? design to hold more oil, has a serviceable filter and a petcock to easily drain accumulated oil and is easy to mount and maintain.

MSRP $175.00 ( includes clamp and fittings) This new product as well as all of Wimmer?s other products are manufactured right here in the United States. Stop by Booth #683 at the Cincinnati Expo and check out all of the latest products offered from Wimmer Machine.

Please don?t hesitate to call me at 714-280-8537 with any questions you may have regarding this release.

—Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
714-280-8537/Office
714-280-8547/Fax
Rick@vtwinmarketing.com

Custom Chrome Partners with Independent Cycle Inc. Legend Air Suspensions for 2009 and Beyond MORGAN HILL, CA ? Custom Chrome & Custom Chrome Europe are pleased to announce the addition of the Independent Cycle / Legend Air Suspension line for the 2009 catalog season.

Independent Cycle Inc. has been aggressively researching its options to expand its global distribution of Legend Air Suspensions and other fine products throughout the United States and Europe. After intense market research and strategic discussions among industry friends, Independent chose Custom Chrome and its worldwide dealer network as the obvious avenue. This pairing unites the industries innovator of air suspension and one of the worlds most aggressive and successful aftermarket parts distributors in the world. ?With almost forty years of experience behind them, a strong will to support its dealer network and an experienced management team in place, this was an easy choice for Independent to make?, said Jesse Jurrens, founder and owner of Independent Cycle, Inc.

?The addition of this proven product line and the fostering of yet another industry relationship shows our commitment to growing this company and it?s ability to support our customers?, said Steve Veltri, Vice President of Sales and marketing for Custom Chrome.

?Custom Chrome is committed to aggressively expanding its product offering through quality manufacturers and industry relationships to improve its support of the brick and mortar dealer network worldwide? said Kurt Peterson, Media & Events Manager for Custom Chrome. While the addition of Legend Air Suspensions is complete and inventory is in place both here and in Europe; the two companies will continue to expand this relationship with the addition of other Independent Cycle Inc. products and design collaborations for future offerings.

Jesse went on to say, ?This is an exciting, high energy time for Custom Chrome and Legend Air Suspension. While Holger and I have discussed this move several times over the past few years it was seeing everything they have been doing as a company over the last several months in their support of the dealers that made the timing feel right. With Holger and his team at the controls I have great confidence both parties bring something to the table for a substantial mutual benefit and impact to the market. We look forward to growing both US and European sales over the next several years as well as our working relationship.?

For more information on Legend Air Suspension visit www.independentcycleinc.com or and coming soon to www.customchrome.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON DECLARES MAY WOMEN RIDERS MONTH–– Motor Company Plans Events around the Globe to Celebrate Female Riders –

MILWAUKEE (February 2, 2009) ? This May the rumble from those April showers will continue a little longer as thousands of female riders will be hitting the open road to celebrate the first-ever Women Riders Month.

Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson is staging a series of events designed to celebrate the number of women who have already hit the open road on two wheels, as well as encourage even more women to get behind the handlebars. Two of the larger Harley-Davidson Women Riders Month initiatives include:

? Activities for the 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day on Friday, May 1, 2009, which was founded by Vicki Gray of Motoress.com. The day celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride. Harley-Davidson plans to stage special rides in New York City and Milwaukee to commemorate International Female Ride Day. Harley-Davidson dealerships, subsidiaries and suppliers across the world have been encouraged to plan rides in their areas.

? Encouraging 100,000 women to learn to ride either by taking the Harley-Davidson? Rider?s Edge? New Rider Course or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation? (MSF) Basic RiderCourseSM training program. Several Rider?s Edge New Rider Courses and MSF Basic RiderCourses are scheduled for the first weekend of May. To kick-off this initiative, a Guinness World Record will be set for the number of women motorcycle riders trained in one weekend during the first weekend of May. For information on the Rider?s Edge New Rider Course or a MSF Basic RiderCourse visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log on to www.ridersedge.com or www.msf-usa.org.

“Women have been enjoying the sport of motorcycling for the last century,” said Leslie Prevish, women?s outreach manager, Harley-Davidson. “In the past two decades, we?ve seen a dramatic increase in number of women embrace the sport. By declaring May as Women Riders Month, we?re honoring all of the women who enjoy the freedom and adventure found in taking control of their own handlebars.?

In the past 20 years, the percentage of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has tripled, with women now accounting for nearly 12 percent of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases.

?We know there are thousands of women who are interested in the sport, but aren?t sure where to start,? said Prevish. ?We are encouraging women to learn how to ride a motorcycle to increase the women rider community and help them along their journey.?

During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to showcase several other programs it has designed specifically for women, including:

? Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting women-only Garage PartiesTM which provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling.

?Distributing We Ride, a comprehensive and inspirational brochure on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport.

? Share Your SparkTM: A Guide to Mentoring is a tool kit the Motor Company developed for current and aspiring riders featuring information on how to be a resource and support system to others during their motorcycling journey.

For more information about Women Riders Month, including the opportunity to participate in the special International Female Ride Day rides, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or log onto www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

–Tara M. Person
Harley-Davidson Motor Company

How to: FIX AMERICAN V-Twin MOTORCYCLES, from Wolfgang Publications–Save money! Instead of taking that Harley-Davidson or aftermarket V-twin to the dealership, fix it yourself with help from this new book by Wolfgang Publications.

Designed for non-professionals and first-time mechanics, How to Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles uses hundreds of color photos to explain basic maintenance and repairs. The book covers everything from the basic oil change, to the typical brake job. There?s a section on tune up, carburetor repair, and clutch and primary service. The book even includes a chapter on storage and another on servicing the fork and packing the neck bearings.

Written by well-known bike builders The Shadley Bros. this guide to basic repair and maintenance explains not only how to repair and adjust various parts of the motorcycle, but how the various components work. Diagrams and photos explain things like brake hydraulics and exactly how to adjust the primary chain.

There is no such thing as a maintenance free motorcycle. Learn how to do your own repairs in your own garage with this new book from Wolfgang Publications. How to Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles: 144 pages and over 400 photos. Available for $27.95 US +$5.50 S&H from Wolfgang Publications, order on the web at www.wolfpub.com, or by phone at 651-275-0194.

Officially Licensed Artist Scott Jacobs Announces New Poster Collection Release– (Feb. 2, 2009 San Diego, Ca.) Scott Jacobs launched his career as Harley-Davidson Motor Company?s first officially licensed artist in 1993 and since then he has garnered world-wide acclaim with his attention grabbing photo-realistic paintings. As a pioneer of Harley-Davidson?s Fine Art Program Scott is old school when it comes to technique as each canvas starts with a free-hand pencil sketch of the subject matter. Once the drawing is complete he begins the arduous task of applying paint with a brush of about seven camel hairs to achieve his trademark stunning detail. His work has found homes is over fifty countries and currently resides in over twenty museums including the new Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

His coffee table book has been out for several years now and another is in the works and scheduled for 2009. Scott Jacobs has been featured in numerous magazines internationally as well as appearances on television (including CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood) and radio. Scott Jacobs? V-Twin TV mini-documentary was the highest rated show in their history.

Scott?s celebrated career progressed with the focus of the HD fine art program being on limited edition fine art prints. A thriving market was created with most of the editions selling out to eager collectors. In addition to the Fine Art Program at this time we are extremely pleased to announce the release of the new Harley-Davidson Poster Program which includes six images by Scott Jacobs. This program will allow a much broader audience to enjoy and own some of Mr. Jacobs? work as well as a great gift idea for any Harley enthusiast. The posters are open ended editions and the first six images currently available will retail for $39.95.

FIELD OF DREAMS, is one example of these beautifully designed and very recognizable Scott Jacobs? artworks in the collection. To see the entire collection click on this link:

http://www.scottjacobsstudio.com/gposters01.html Dealer inquiries are invited please call the number below or email me if you have any

Wire Plus Introduces a New Seat Post Mounted Replacement Housing–Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Powersports Electronics is proud to introduce their new ?Old School? seat post replacement assembly which includes billet housing, power control module and key switch. This state-of-the-art system features a CNC machined ?old school? ball-milled look on its teardrop shaped billet assembly and includes a much more robust ignition key. The power control module has 4 separate power circuits, replaceable start relay and diagnostic LED?s, which can be viewed through holes in the face of the housing. It?s the perfect solution for all riders that want to update their bikes look and performance, but have older style units that originally came on their Ultra, APC and other custom or production bikes. Installation is a breeze?This new assembly plugs right into the existing Wire Plus harness (not included).

Exclusive to Wire Plus is a unique safety feature that shuts off the front lighting when starting and leaves the taillights on for safety during nighttime starting. This puts less of a strain on the battery while starting and still provides the rider with ?rear visibility? during nighttime starting. Anyone stuck on the side of the road at night will be seen by other drivers while trying to start their bike due to this new safety feature. Available in black or luxurious chrome finishes?Suggested Retail: $299.00. Reliability?Ease of Installation?and Quality all in One?Wire Plus!

Check out Wire Plus?s entire ?09 product line at Booth #916 at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo or contact them directly at (620) 221-2417; Wire Plus, 724 Industrial Road, Winfield, KS 67156. Check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.

GERMAN CANTINA BURNS–This message is from a friend of mine in Germany. It is sad news and a tragedy that this place burned down.We will need your help to restore this fine place.

As many of you may know, my time for writing posts is very restricted and, since the big crash of the old JS, I?m still looking for a place where I feel comfortable. But a recent event has inspired me to write this entry.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the bar of a real good friend of mine burnt completely down. This gem of a place, once founded as a private meeting place for a handful of bikers and their friends, soon developed into a very special nugget for all the bikers in our area. In the past 15 years, my friend and many of his guests collected lots of large and small items which made this place so extraordinary. Most of the things were souvenirs and gifts from the US and the value of some items can?t be expressed in money.

Here are some pictures of how it looked before the fire.

Today about 25 -30 helpers showed up and removed the debris. Some women cleaned the collectibles the fire had spared and which can be used again. But most of the items became irreplaceable victims of the flames.

There were two old fashioned bikes hanging from the ceiling; both fully refurbished and functional: An Indian Chief from the 40s and a Harley-Davidson from the 30s. The fire brigade had to cut the chains and the bikes crashed on the floor, 10 feet down. Luckily both survived, damaged, of course, but perhaps restorable. The flames didn?t reach them directly but they were covered with aggressive acidic smut from the burnt plastic and needed to be cleaned immediately.

Many of the buddies signaled help in one way or the other.. They even started an account at a bank where people can donate money for the reconstruction. Others are thinking of delivering materials, and some others will just donate their working power. The group of bikers, friends, and guests are standing together to help a friend in need. The insurance only takes care of the damages that happened to the building?.

The bar ?Harley-Garage at Wallau? surely will rise again, perhaps back to it?s former glamour, with the exception of the missing collectibles.

Folks, I would like to make an appeal to all of you. If any of you have old (or new) stuff like advertising sign-plates made of enameled iron or just old posters from Coca-Cola, Jack-Daniels, Hershey?s chocolate, Harley-Davidson, or whatever, I really would appreciate your donation. Of course, all the other little things like models of motorbikes or oldtimer vans and pick-up cars are always welcome, too. Leave a pm and I?ll send you my address here in Germany. My friends and I would be very thankful.

MORE REPORT FROM LOUISVILLE EASYRIDERS SHOW–Making the trip to Louisville was a tough one! With the Gangster Van loaded up with Swag we left Richmond at the crack of dawn, the plan was to drive straight thru to Louisville non stop. Crossing into West Virginia the snow and sleet started, no plows, no salt spreaders, it seemed like it was just us on the highway.

We made frequent gas stops to adjust air pressure in the tires, clean the windshield and the headlights. The sun didn’t shine thru the storm clouds all day, phone calls back to the Gangster Choppers Global Headquarters revealed that a record breaking storm had hit the area! Power was out, roads were closed, WOW the mayhem!

We pressed thru and made the show date. I am personally glad we did, I met the most sincere and true bikers anywhere in the USA in Louisville. The storm had weeded out the fakes, the posers. The spectators were telling me stories about cutting tree limbs out of the roadway to drive there, many was without electricity but still came out. As always we bring you the story with pictures! Enjoy.

–John Dodson, Gangster Choppers
216 East Belt Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23224
www.gangsterchoppers.com

MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTORS GO OUT OF BUSINESS–Big news today is that Anderson News Company and Source Interlink (yes, that Source Interlink that bought the Primedia magazines) both announced they are shutting down their magazine wholesaler operations due to massive and on-going financial losses.

Between the two they distribute at least 50% of all magazines in north America.Going to be wild! Wonder how this will effect the Source Interlink magazines like Motorcyclist, Hot Bike, Sportrider and Motorcycle Cruiser, which are reeling from the advertising pull back?

–Buzz Kantor

Free Marketing Seminar: V-Twin Expo, Cincinnati Ohio– Highly regarded industry professionals will join Lon Nordbye Jr. of The Legendary Buffalo Chip to discuss effective marketing strategies that get results in the motorcycle industry. Nordbye? expertise in sponsorship and event marketing has undeniably reinvented how sponsors develop, execute and measure programs at major motorcycling events and music venues.

This seminar is for those who want to:
? Learn how to utilize sponsorship to improve your customer?s experiences.
? Get insights as to how and why companies become sponsors and how you can benefit.
? Obtain a working knowledge on how you can use multiple marketing channels to reach an increasingly busy and over mediated consumer.

As part of the series, Lon will discuss all aspects of sponsorship integration, deliverability and measurement and how to incorporate them on all levels of business. Others featured in this 90 minute seminar are Keith ?Bandit? Ball of Bikernet.com, World Renowned Motorcycle Photographer Michael Lichter, Ken Conte Owner of Rise Above Consulting and CJ Hanlon of Guilty Customs. The presenters bring more than fifty years of experience in public relations, online marketing, sponsorship sales and motorcycle marketing to the panel.

Please join us for this break through seminar, Saturday February 7, 2009 from 11:30-1:00pm at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati Ohio. See the V-Twin Show Guide for seminar locations ? and make sure to catch Lon before or after the seminar with your questions. Get more information about V-Twin Expo seminars online at http://www.vtwin-expo.com/seminars.htm

–Nicole Moser
Buffalo Chip Campground, LLC.
Marketing Assistant

CALIFORNIA HELMET LAW LAWSUIT OUTCOME–Many of you have been asking about the outcome of the lawsuit against the California Highway Patrol. I was waiting for the official statement from Mike Osborn, who was instrumental in striking the deal with the California Judicial Council and the CHP, and who acted as case manager for our lawsuit as well as Director of the ABATE of California Judicial Fund. The attachments are the official news release concerning the lawsuit and the change in policy memo from the CHP.

For those of you who contributed to the fund, thank you very much. My boss, Michael Hupy donated $5,000 of his personal money to the fund and continues to support biker’s rights by making the first donation to the MRF A&E fund in the amount of $5,000 and pledging to match other donations of $1,000 from attorneys who represent motorcyclists up to an additional $10,000.00.

He not only represents injured bikers, he puts thousands and thousands of dollars back into our motorcycle community to assist us in legislative, judicial and safety issues. I hope other attorneys will do the same.

–Pan
Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Investigator
Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
Visit www.hupy.com for current news for bikers

SHOOT,WHAT DID I TELL YA?–I?m packed and ready for our 7:00 a.m. flight to Cincinnati tomorrow. Doc Robinson, from Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia, is tagging along with a pallet of their 100th magazine edition. Each cover is chromed. Terrific looking book. It?s interesting that sales are down over here and Harley just had their best season ever in Australia. All is not lost. We will survive to party another day.

So hang on for next week. You got a break this week due to technical difficulties, but next week, I will deliver industry reports, new products coming to market, a sneak look at the Big Bear Chopper Doc is going to road test, another feature from Jon Towle, plus I may meet with Roger Goldammer this weekend and kick off his bike feature for Bikernet Readers.

The Sunday Post may be light, depending on how the girls feel on Sunday. They?re attending a Harley-Davidson party Friday night. But watch out for the news next Thursday. I?ll dig through all my e-mails, read scattered notes from Cincy, go through Cincy show brochures and hammer the news home. Do me a favor, say a prayer for my computer.

Let?s Ride

–Bandit

The Mongols Motorcycle Club has won the fight over the seizure of its trademarks. United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien has lost his case. The club continues to own its name and its patch and has a constitutionally protected right to continue to exist.

Last October 21st, a brash press release announced the unsealing of a “racketeering indictment that (charged) 79 defendants” associated with “the violent Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang.” The headline grabbing news in the release was that “The racketeering indictment seeks the forfeiture of the trademarked ‘Mongols’ name, which is part of the ‘patch’ members wear on their motorcycle jackets.”

“In addition to pursuing the criminal charges set forth in the indictment, for the first time ever, we are seeking to forfeit the intellectual property of a gang,” O’Brien bragged. “The name ‘Mongols,’ which is part of the gang’s ‘patch’ that members wear on their motorcycle jackets, was trademarked by the gang. The indictment alleges that this trademark is subject to forfeiture. We have filed papers seeking a court order that will prevent gang members from using or displaying the name ‘Mongols.’ If the court grants our request for this order, then if any law enforcement officer sees a Mongol wearing his patch, he will be authorized to stop that gang member and literally take the jacket right off his back.”

Bad Cops

Pulling the Mongols patch was unequivocally the principal point of the indictment. The indictment culminated a three year-long domestic spying operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives called “Operation Black Rain.” As of this writing, at least 25 former members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club have pled guilty to Count One of the indictment. That count alleges that the Club is a murdering, drug dealing criminal enterprise. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the government coerced those defendants into making those racketeering pleas in order to build its case against the club as a whole.

Among the confessed criminal conspirators was former club President Ruben “Doc” Cavazos who claimed ownership of the club’s trademarks and attempted to forfeit them to the government as part of his plea deal.

For at least six weeks, unrestrained and gloating ATF storm troopers and other police officials have been harassing American citizens simply because they are or may be or may have at one time been Mongols. Government agents have been invading people’s homes and breaking into their cars in order to steal their personal property.

In two rulings, on July 31st and August 6th, Federal District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper has now put a stop to this.

No Donut

In the case Ramon Rivera versus Ronnie A. Carter, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Los Angeles Field Division; and Eric H. Holder, United States Attorney General Judge Cooper enjoined “…the Government, its officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and anyone in active concert or participation with any of the foregoing persons, from seizing, or asking or directing any other person or entity to seize, from Plaintiff any property or item bearing or displaying all or part of the collective membership mark at issue in (the case) United States v. Cavazos.”

A week later Judge Cooper denied “the Government’s Application for Entry of Preliminary Order of Forfeiture as to Registered Trademarks, Pursuant to Guilty Plea of Ruben Cavazos.” In the same ruling Cooper also denied “the Government’s Motion for an Order Striking Motion by Movant Mongols Nation Motorcycle Club, Inc. For Amendment of Post-Indictment Restraining Order.”

The issue of the forfeiture of the Mongols trademarks has not yet been formally decided. However, it is clear from the judge’s discussion in Rivera that she has already made up her mind.

The Mongols Marks

The government has sought to destroy the identity of the Mongols Motorcycle Club by seizing two registered trademarks. The “verbal mark,” is the word “Mongols” when used to mean a particular motorcycle club. The “visual mark” is a black and white drawing that depicts a Mongol with a top knot, bell bottoms and cowboy boots, riding a rigid framed motorcycle and brandishing a scimitar.

The government rationalized this seizure with the argument that Cavazos “has admitted as part of his plea (and the undisputed evidence conclusively confirms) that the Mongols Registered Trademarks were acquired and maintained by defendant (Doc Cavazos) during and in the course of the operation of the RICO enterprise.” And, the argument was bolstered by more than a score of guilty pleas that supported Cavazos admission.

Cavazos’ “admissions also establish that the Mongols Registered Trademarks afforded a source of influence over the RICO enterprise that (the) defendant admits he established, operated, controlled, conducted and participated in the conduct of, rendering the marks subject to forfeiture.”

Chain Of Ownership

While he was running the club, Cavazos transferred ownership of the trademarks to a corporation he owned called Shotgun Productions. Last August, his successor as Mongols President, Hector “Largo” Gonzalez, transferred ownership of those marks back to an unincorporated association named Mongols Nation. Then Gonzalez transferred the marks in January 2009 to a newly-formed corporation called Mongols Nation Motorcycle Club, Inc.

The government built its case for forfeiture on this complicated chain of ownership. The Mongols Corporation, the government argued, had no standing to claim ownership of the trademarks because it did not exist until this year. The unincorporated association had no standing because it had relinquished its ownership of the marks. Cavazos, the government’s reasoning went, had stolen ownership of the trademarks when he put them in the name of Shotgun Productions. And at the moment of that theft the club became his criminal enterprise.

Until the middle of June Judge Cooper seemed to agree with the government’s argument. This month the lady changed her mind and blew the government’s arguments to smithereens. The key decision came in the Rivera Suit.

The Rivera Suit

Ramon Rivera is a Mongols patch holder who was not charged in the case United States versus Cavazos. In Judge Cooper’s words, “Plaintiff has often worn a jacket or shirt displaying the collective membership mark, both at Club activities and elsewhere. To Rivera, his display of the mark affirms his membership in the Club, and symbolizes unity and brotherhood with his friends and fellow Club members. Plaintiff has personal knowledge that if law enforcement officers saw him wearing items displaying the Mongols mark, the officers would confiscate those items. Due to the Government’s threat of seizing items displaying the mark, and its actual seizure of such items, Plaintiff is chilled and deterred from publicly wearing or displaying any item bearing the mark and is currently refraining from doing so.”

So, with the assistance of the San Diego office of the American Civil Liberties Union, Ramon Rivera sued the bastards.

Rivera’s Standing

The government sought to dismiss Rivera’s suit on the grounds that he had no standing. It is the same argument the government has used against the Mongols corporation. And, Judge Cooper rejected that argument like this:

“…the Government acknowledges Plaintiff will be unable to participate in any post-forfeiture ancillary proceeding because he claims no interest in the collective membership mark. If Plaintiff were denied standing for having no interest in the mark, Plaintiff would be denied any opportunity to challenge the potential seizure of his property and the governmental intrusion upon his rights. Plaintiff cannot be left without any remedy and must, therefore, have standing to pursue his claims in this case.”

The Government Cannot Seize The Patch

Then the Judge went on to completely demolish the government’s attempt to seize the Mongols trademarks.

“Even if the Court were to accept the Government’s evidence that Ruben Cavazos controlled the use of the mark during his tenure as National President,” Cooper wrote, “there is no support for the notion that a defendant’s control of property belonging to a RICO enterprise is sufficient to establish a forfeitable ownership interest in the property. In addition, there is no evidence that Ruben Cavazos owned a majority interest or any interest in the Mongol Nation that would equate to an ownership interest in the mark. There is no evidence that Shotgun Productions, LLC ever used the mark as a collective membership mark – to indicate membership in an organization substantially similar to that of the Mongol Nation. The purported assignment to Shotgun Productions, LLC is therefore without legal effect. Moreover, the Government’s evidence demonstrates that the Mongol Nation began using the collective mark in approximately 1969, and either Mongol Nation or Mongols Nation, Inc. continues to use the mark to identify their members. The Mongol Nation and Mongols Nation, Inc, by virtue of having used the collective membership mark since 1969, having registered the mark in 2005, and having continued use of the mark to identify members of the club, have acquired and maintained exclusive ownership in the collective membership mark at issue.”

In a direct rebuke of the ATF Agents who have been stealing patches, tee-shirts and memorabilia from Mongols members and sympathizers the judge wrote, “…even if the Court were to assume that the collective membership mark is subject to forfeiture, the Court finds no statutory authority to seize property bearing the mark from third parties…. only defendants’ interests in the RICO enterprise and the proceeds from their racketeering activity are subject to forfeiture.”

The First Amendment

Finally, Judge Cooper accused the ATF of lying to her and of attempting to suppress a constitutionally protected, political viewpoint.

“At the June 22 hearing,” she wrote, “the Government revealed for the first time that the mark it sought to forfeit was a collective membership mark. Previously, in its Ex Parte Application for Post-Indictment Restraining Order, the Government (in this case ATF Case Agent John Ciccone) referred to the mark simply as a trademark, which was ‘purportedly for use in commerce in connection with promoting the interests of persons interested in the recreation of riding motorcycles.’ In contrast to commercial trademarks, which are used in commerce and generally not entitled to full First Amendment protections, collective membership marks are used by members of an organization to ‘indicate membership in a union, an association, or other organization.’

The use and display of collective membership marks therefore directly implicate the First Amendment’s right to freedom of association. The Supreme Court has recognized that ‘implicit in the right to engage in activities protected by the First Amendment’ is ‘a corresponding right to associate with others in pursuit of a wide variety of political, social, economic, educational, religious, and cultural ends.’ This right is crucial in preventing the majority from imposing its views on groups that would rather express other, perhaps unpopular, ideas.’

Furthermore, clothing identifying one’s association with an organization is generally considered expressive conduct entitled to First Amendment protection…. If speech is noncommercial in nature, it is entitled to full First Amendment protection, which prohibits the prior restraint and seizure of speech-related materials without a judicial determination that the speech is harmful, unprotected, or otherwise illegal.

“Prohibiting speech of this nature constitutes an attack on a particular viewpoint. In Sammartano (v. First Judicial District Court, in and for the County of Carson City) the Carson City courthouse enacted a rule to prohibit admission of those with ‘clothing, attire or colors which have symbols, markings or words indicating an affiliation with street gangs, biker or similar organizations,’ because ‘such clothing or attire can be extremely disruptive and intimidating, especially when members of different groups are in the building at the same time.’ The Ninth Circuit reasoned that the rule singles out bikers and similar organizations for the message their clothing is presumed to convey, and held that the rule impermissibly discriminates against a particular point of view – the view of biker clubs as opposed to garden clubs and gun clubs. In this case, the Government targets an even narrower group of individuals, a single motorcycle club. In addition, the Government has been seizing property, which imposes a greater restriction on individual rights than the denial of access to a public facility.

Accordingly, the seizure of property bearing a Mongols membership mark should be considered viewpoint-discriminatory. The Government’s ability to seize property bearing the trademark acts as a prior restraint and cannot stand without a judicial determination that the speech is harmful, unprotected, or otherwise illegal. No such determination was ever sought by the Government, and no such determination was ever made by the Court.”

In other words the Mongols have won. The government has lost. The Mongols trademarks belong to and will continue to belong to the Mongols Motorcycle Club.

–www.AgingRebel.com

BIKERNET BEAUTIFUL NEWS IS DONE – NO MORE TITLES. THANK YOU.

Continued From Page 1

VETERAN RIDER FINDS BANDIT AFTER 40 YEARS– man it was good to see you the other day at the Grand National Show. When I got on the Bikernet site Monday night and saw a giant picture of my Shovel I freaked. I was calling all my buds to check it out.

Then you ran another picture with a nice caption in the news section, what a mind blower! It’s funny how you can throw a scoot together the same way you’ve been doing it for thirty years, and cop a third place at the Grand National Roadster Show.

I never intended to show that bike built by bud, who built the little iron head, talked me into taking it down to the show. Maybe it helps to know one of the judges, ha ha.

Talking over old times with you, although very short, was really a highlight of my weekend. I hope we can visit sometime. I’ve got to make this short, I’m at work. I retired but I do part time for the Air National Guard. That’s the reason for the Military e-mail address.

Ross

KEN CONTE SUCKER PUNCH PROJECT ON BIKERNET–Here’s the cool notion Ken has for his new primary drive with a Rivera Primo clutch. We’re kicking it around and wondering if this is a system for a everyday rider? We’re open to comments.

HILLCO FASTENER WAREHOUSE– Could you please post our flyer? If you aren’t familiar, we are a full-service fastener supply warehouse in Garden Grove.

We sell to many of the local bike builders, including Chica, Jesse James, and tons more. Anyways, we always have lots of cars, but I’d like to get some of the bikes, especially old ones, out here as well

–Ryan F. Hill
General Manager
Hillco Fastener Warehouse
714 657-7442

D&D DEALER NETWORKS NEVER STOPS GROWING–Here are the new dealers from last week

1) H-D Shop of Winona 1845 Mobile Dr Winona, MN 55987 507-454-4578
2) Top Dog Performance Cycles 8843 Monterey St Gilroy, Ca 95020 408-847-4120
3) Bald Eagle H-D 2080 US 41 W Marquette MI 49855 906-228-5330
4) County Line Cycles & Custom Choppers 185 E Easy ST # G Simi Valley, CA 93065 805-578-8830
5) Rod Shop 12409 Cleveland Ave Nunica, MI 49448 231-206-6190

–Jennifer

STORY FROM BIKERNET PHARMACY– A Cowboy walked into a drug store in west Texas and asked to talk to a male pharmacist.The woman he was talking to said that she was the only pharmacist and as she and her sister owned the store, there were no males employed there. She then asked if she could help him.

The cowpoke said that it was something that he would be much more comfortable discussing with a male pharmacist.

The female pharmacist assured him that she was completely professional and whatever it was that he needed to discuss, he could be confident that she would treat him with the highest level of professionalism.

The cowboy then agreed and began by saying, ‘This is tough for me to discuss, but I have a permanent erection. It causes me a lot of problems and severe embarrassment, and I was wondering what you could give me for it.’

The pharmacist said, ‘Just a minute, I’ll talk to my sister.’ When she returned, she said, We discussed it at length and the absolute best we can do is as follows:
1/3 ownership in the store,
A company pickup truck, and
$3,000 a month living expenses.

–from Buckshot

NEW TO BIKERNET, TOP END PERFORMANCE CONNECTION, SEMA MEMBER–I just thought, I should send you some of my Harley work. The black exterior on the heads is a thermal dispersant the piston has a thermal barrier on the top (yes it a damaged piston used only for show) the piston skirts has a ceramic based dry film lubricant on it.

–Don Redmon
RMI
831-359-0863
Don don@replikamaschinen.com

Click here for the Bikernet Independent Noise study. We try to steer folks away from more testing and regulations. Feel free to print out and send to representatives.

MIC asks New Hampshire to delay motorcycle sound level legislation–The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has urged the New Hampshire House Transportation Committee to postpone pending loud pipe legislation until the spring.

The delay is being called for as it will allow the MIC and the Society of Automotive Engineers to finalize a new sound test, SAE J2825. It is claimed that this new stationary sound test will provide a quick, easy, economical and science-based tool which can identify excessively loud motorcycle exhaust systems.

Commenting on SAE J2825, Pamela Amette, Vice President of the MIC, said: “Our goal is to provide a consistent tool nationwide for identifying excessively loud exhaust systems without failing those that pass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency federal sound limit. This sound test will effectively achieve the sound control goals of New Hampshire, and other states and municipalities, and more so than some of the proposed legislation currently being considered. On a national level, it will eliminate a lot of the confusion and frustration for motorcyclists when they ride through different jurisdictions.”

Under the proposed legislation, HB 95, being discussed by the House Transportation Committee, the modification of motorcycle exhaust systems would be prohibited, as would running bikes without stock mufflers. In addition, the changes to legislation would lower the sound level limit and require every bike have a functioning tachometer.

Currently the only action taken by the House Transportation Committee has been the creation of a sub-committee to study motorcycle exhaust noise levels more closely and make recommendations.

MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
www.mic.org

IN THE BIKERNET STUDIO–Mark Thompson of Hawg Halters is up in the sound room of Bikernet HQ giving an interview about their braking products. ?Start with the best, Stop with the best? is more than just a catchy ad slogan, it?s truly how the guys & gals @ Hawg Halters feel about what we do. And they do some of the sweetest hand controls and braking systems this side of the Mason – Dixon Line. Click here to listen to the Hawg Halter interview with Mark Thompson.

CHEETAH TRIKES UPDATE–I am Tom Walters. My wife, Chilita and I own Cheetah Trikes Inc, a small DOT motorcycle manufacturer in Charlestown, Indiana. I hope you can help me with a minor mistake on your site.

I copied the two links below from the Trikes-R-US piece by Jaqhama. I appreciate the Cheetah Trikes listing and link, however, the photograph with the Oz Trike listing is the first or second “Cheetah Chopper” that we manufactured in 2005 and the photo is of the trike sitting in our showroom. The photo is one I used back then and the Cheetah has been refined and improved greatly in the last 4 years. I’m asking you if you would kindly remove and discard that old, outdated photo of our red Cheetah Chopper, that is clearly out of place.

Now, if you will bare with me a little longer, can I talk you into putting my text url as a website text link: http://www.cheetahtrikes.com/index.html under your American Motorcycle Builders. This would be a service to your visitors, because it is the ultimate motorcycle and it doesn’t get any more American-Made, being completely designed, fabricated with only laser cut 5052-H32 aluminum and 304stainless stainless steel, and manufactured from the ground up here in Charlestown, Indiana using Harley handlebar controls and a General Motors drive train from the tip of the water pump to the chrome plated differential cover at the back of this truly American-Made Motorcycle

TECH QUESTION ANSWERED BY CUSTOM CHROME–Up for sale is a set of American Ironhorse Wheels called “Static”. These are new billet aluminum wheels. The set includes: A rear wheel that is a 18 x 8.5 for a 240 or 250mm rear tire. The front is a very popular 21 x 3.25 for a 120/70-21″ wide tire. These wheels are polished.

The hubs are not included but I can get you in touch with a machinist that will cut the hubs for you for a reasonable rate…

I also have a matching Static 70 tooth 1.5″ pulley polished available but NOT included with this auction.

Please email me with any questions
****International customers please email me for a shipping quote before purchasing.
****International customers please allow for customs time when calculating shipment times.

–Richard Fulk
Product Line Manager
Custom Chrome?
1-800-359-5700
800-729-4333 Fax
www.customchrome.com

FLORIDA ACCIDENT REPORT– TAMPA – Despite the chunk of money Floridians were spending on gas the past few years, many said they could not change how much they drove.

So some changed the vehicles they drove instead, buying fuel-efficient hybrids and motorcycles. Nationwide, motorcycle registrations increased from 3.9 million in 1998 to 7.1 million in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Florida reported 582,000 in 2007.

And with the increase in registrations has come more accidents. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for about 13 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities in 2007, up from 5.5 percent in 1998, according to the highway safety administration. In Florida, 530 motorcyclists died in 2007.

Both the highway safety administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation report that after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved often say they never saw the motorcyclist or were unable to respond in time.

That’s what happened to Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Rex Barbas.Barbas, who has been riding for decades, was hit from behind a few months ago by a motorist who didn’t see him braking. He suffered a broken pelvis and two herniated disks in his back.

Barbas said drivers don’t look out for motorcycles on the road. Exacerbating this is drivers’ tendencies to multitask- eat, text, talk and listen to the radio while driving, he said.

“It’s like I’m invisible,” Barbas said. “I know they’re looking right at me, but they don’t see me because they aren’t looking for me. They’re looking for cars.”

Harley-Davidson of Brandon has offered a Rider’s Edge course for years. Barbas took the course in 1990, including the advanced course, and insisted his children take it, whether or not they chose to ride.

A grandfather clause in the law meant people who had a motorcycle endorsement on their license before July didn’t have to take the class.

Some of the highway safety administration recommendations include allowing more following distance when behind a motorcycle, giving them the full lane and checking “blind spots” often.Barbas said one way that driver awareness of motorcycles can be improved is by including it in driver’s education courses. He also said motorcycles need to have brighter brake lights, louder engines, and handlebar streamers.

–from Rogue

By BRENTIN MOSHER, JASON KUSHNER and CYNTHIA ROLDANSpecial to the Tribune

WINTERIZED SPORTY–Dis wood bee good den. Don’tcha know.eyaaw fer shoor!

–Robert

MEMO FROM BIKERNET EMPLOYMENT AGENCY– A man seeking to join a south Texas Sheriff’s Department is being interviewed. The Sergeant doing the interview says: “Your qualifications all look good, but there is an attitude suitability test that you must take before you can be accepted.”

Then, sliding a service pistol across the desk, he says: “Take this pistol and go out and shoot six illegal aliens, six meth dealers, six fundamental religious extremists, and a rabbit.”

“Why the rabbit?”

“Great attitude,” says the Sergeant. “When can you start?”

–Rik

ECONOMIC STATUS REPORT FROM BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT IN INDIA–Don’t worry about it. Your country has and attracts the best talent.There may be a slowdown in things, but its major source of income is still international trade and that continues.

USA is a brand name in itself. Actually it is in the interest of everyone else to see that country prosper – they have invested in it – so they can’t let it slip.

It’s like when you work for a company and earn from it – it is in your interest to see it continue successfully – same with all the European and other businesses who have invested in US market and they will not let go so easily.

The New Year is just getting started. Hope runs eternal.

–UD

THE FEEL OF LAMB – TOP FLIGHT RACE SHIRT– Ideal for hard ridin women… Torian’s long sleeve Race Shirt offers protection from the elements in an ultra cool form fitting leather shirt. And now, 35% off… Remember Valentine’s Day is just a heart beat away.

Torian shirts are made from hand-selected skins that provide the soft feel of lamb combined wth the durability of cowhide in a light weight. Features 2 chest flap pockets, 2 hand warmer pockets and a full lining. Get more information here.

Note: Cherry Blair is photographed on her Nightster with a Race Shirt, Torian Nose Pickers gloves, and Bandit?s Bed Roll bag from Bikernet.

DAMN, SAY GOOD BYE TO JANUARY–The dogs are running wild out back, and I’m going to sneak away to work on my first Chance book. It’s imperative I get it right this time. I spent a week sequestered in the mountains this summer rolling through each chapter, but something lingered.

When I was asked to write a movie treatment, the glitch surfaced again. I knew I had to find some quiet time to deal with it. It’s never quiet at the Bikernet Interplanetary Headquarters, between a constant stream of 18-wheelers, gunshots from the ghetto, train wheels squealing against cast iron tracks, dogs barking and screaming women. I don’t get citizens bitching about bike noise. I look forward to the rumble of a Harley once or twice a day over the constant drum of LA harbor life.

Ah, but what the hell. Hopefully the winter will let up back east and we can ride again.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit