COAST TO COAST LEGISLATIVE UPDATE–HELMET LAWS DON’T WORK, LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES, NO COLORS IN NEW ZEALAND AND MO

The man, Bill Bish.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid toInjured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition ofMotorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of RichardM. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visitus on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

NCOM BIKER NEWS BYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

DEPLETED LICENSE PLATES, OVERBOOKED RIDER ED COURSESAs a sign of the times, with a record number of motorcyclists on theroad and increasing numbers of motorcycle registrations, ridertraining courses in numerous locations across the country have beenbooked solid and now officials in Kansas have reported running out ofmotorcycle license plates.

The Hutchinson News reported that the problem is bad enough thatcounties with plentiful plates are being asked to share with othercounties. “We are out of motorcycle tags, and we don’t know when we’llget more,” said Reno County Treasurer Clark Miller. “We’ve begged andborrowed from other counties,” he told the newspaper, “but we can’tget more.”

When the state made its annual tag order, gas prices hadn’t reachedtheir current levels and officials didn’t anticipate the resultingdemand from motorists switching to more fuel-efficient transportation.

At least one motorcycle owner complained to the newspaper of beingsent away from the DMV office this week and advised not to drive hismotorcycle until it was properly tagged, with no promise of when tagsmight be available.

MYRTLE BEACH APPROVES HELMET LAW AND OTHER ORDINANCES TO DETER BIKERSMyrtle Beach City Council recently gave initial approval to more thana dozen city-wide ordinances specifically aimed to limit bike ralliesand dissuade bikers from coming to town.

On Tuesday, September 9, the council unanimously approved all but oneof 15 proposed new laws pertaining to two back-to-back May motorcyclerallies, though the restrictions would remain in place year round.

The proposed ordinances that were passed on first reading ranged froma ban on the operation of motor vehicles that do not have required EPA(federal) stickers on their mufflers, to prohibiting more than onevehicle parked in a single public parking space, to implementing amandatory helmet law and eye protection requirement for anyone ridinga motorcycle within city limits and authorizing authorities to impoundtheir motorcycles. The helmet ordinance also outlaws the sale or useof any non-DOT compliant helmet in the city.

In June the City Council not only passed a property-tax increasededicated to funding an anti-bike rally campaign, but also started theprocess to enact ordinances aimed at ending motorcycle-related vendingwithin city limits.

Another vote on the approved anti-rally measures is required beforethey can become law, which may take place before riders arrive inMyrtle Beach for the “Pilgrimage” fall bike rally, giving local policeagencies an opportunity to begin enforcing the new ordinances.

Former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, who once said he’d like to usehis car to “nudge” a biker who wore an offensive T-shirt, said he’sall for the city strictly enforcing the laws and said the city shouldbring in as many police officers as it needs. “If they enforce thelaws,” McBride told the Sun News “people will not want to come back iftheir good time is curtailed.”

CAN RISING MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BE BLAMED ON LACK OF HELMET LAWS?–Author Jacob Sullum begs the question in his article “Hit & Run” inReason magazine’s August 20th online edition, and goes on to answerthose who blame the increase in rider fatalities on the repeal ofhelmet laws in several states.

Citing federal government data that indicate the number of fatalmotorcycle accidents rose in 2007 for the 10th consecutive year,hitting 5,154, 7 percent higher than the 2006 total, Sullum writesthat “the chief culprit recently seems to be higher gas prices, whichhave encouraged people to take advantage of motorcycles’ vastlysuperior fuel efficiency: Motorcycle ridership appears to be risingeven as the total miles for all vehicles drops….The highway safetyauthorities say that about 75 percent more motorcycles are registeredtoday than 10 years ago. They suspect each motorcycle is ridden moremiles, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says itdoes not have a reliable measurement of use. The lack of such datamakes it difficult to tell how much of an increase in fatalitiesfollowing repeal of a helmet law results from less helmet wearing andhow much results from more riding.”

“While wearing a helmet reduces the risk of certain injuries,”continues Sullum, “research suggests the overall impact on fatalitiesis modest. The unimpressive numbers are one reason motorcyclists havebeen so successful at defending their right to decide what, ifanything, to wear on their heads. ‘We are the only industrializedcountry in the world where there is an organized effort to weaken orrepeal motorcycle helmet laws,’ complains Russ Rader of the InsuranceInstitute for Highway Safety. Is that a sign of backwardness or apoint of pride?”

Meanwhile, Forbes Magazine points out that a new study releasedrecently by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that “despitethe relaxation of several state helmet laws, motorcycle helmet use infatal crashes climbed from 55% in 1997 to 57% in 2006.”

In an August 25th article titled “Expensive Gas, Dangerous Roads”,Forbes writer William Pentland says, “Although helmets are undoubtedlydecisive in some motorcycle accidents, the fact remains that thefatality rate for helmeted motorcyclists has risen more rapidly thanit has for unhelmeted motorcyclists in the past three years. Thissuggests that factors other than helmet use have fueled the rise ofmotorcycle fatalities. Enter gas prices.”

Pentland’s research shows that since at least the 1970s, motorcycleregistrations have tracked the rise and fall of gas prices. As pricesrose in the 1970s, registrations followed. Similarly, in the 1980s,as gas prices fell, motorcycle registrations did too. During the1990s, motorcycle registrations remained low and only began rising in2000 and 2001.

“Last year, the number of licensed motorcyclists hit an all time highof 6,227,146,” says Pentland, “While the total number of milestraveled for passenger cars fell in 2007 for the first time since1994, the total number of miles traveled for motorcycles not onlyincreased, but reached a new record high.”

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!Silent but deadly, a California lawmaker says electric and hybrid carsand motorcycles may be good for the environment, but they’re bad newsfor the blind.

State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat, has pushed a billthrough the legislature to ensure that vehicles make enough noise tobe heard by the blind and visually impaired when they’re about tocross a street.

The state Senate approved the bill on August 20 on a 23-12 vote andsent it to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who according to the SanFrancisco Chronicle has not taken a position.

FIGHTER DIES AFTER RUNNING OUT OF GASUFC Star Evan Tanner whose body was found in California’s MojaveDesert appears to have died from heat exhaustion after his off-roadmotorcycle ran out of gas. The 37-year-old former Ultimate Fightingmiddleweight champion was on a “cleansing” excursion and set out onfoot in the scorching heat of the after his bike lost steam.

“What we were told is that (sheriff’s officials who found him) believehis motorcycle had run out of gas, so he went to walk out in, like,115- to 118-degree heat,” said Douglas Vincitorio a member of EvanTanner’s management team at Driving Sports Force. “He was miles awayfrom his camp. That’s where the helicopter found him. Right now, theyjust think that he succumbed to the heat.”

WEIRD NEWS: BIKER KILLED FOR HAULING HAMBURGER ON HIS HOGLuckily, most bikers do not have to worry about being mobbed andkilled over carrying some hamburger on their bike, but in India it isa different story.

An angry mob lynched a man in an Uttar Pradesh village in May onsuspicion that he was transporting cow meat on his motorcycle, apolice officer told Thaindian newspaper.

Riding a motorcycle in different countries carries different risks,but it appears that in India, surviving a bike accident is nothingcompared to residents finding out that you are carrying cow meat,which is sacred. This type of incident shows that you should alwaysresearch the laws or religious practices before you go biking aroundin other countries.

TOUGHER IN ALASKA — JUNEAU BIKER CULTURE SUBJECT OF MUSEUMJuneau has more motorcycles per capita than most places in the UnitedStates even though there are only 91 miles of road in the city sharedby over a thousand motorcyclists, and is the only capital notaccessible by road.

“That’s pretty interesting,” said Sarah Asper-Smith, guest curator ofa museum exhibit on local biker culture, adding there were 1,025registered motorcycles in 2006 in Juneau.

“That’s something that runsthrough the exhibit, is why do we have so many motorcycles in townwhen you can’t drive out of town? I think it’s that sense of freedomthat Alaskans have in common.”

“91 Miles to Ride: Juneau’s Biker Culture” at the Juneau-Douglas CityMuseum highlights Juneau biker culture with memorabilia andphotographs, some of which date to the 1930s, when there were a lotfewer roads. Also on display are four classic motorcycles, includinga 1924 Henderson Inline IV, a 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, a 1946Indian Chief, and a 9-foot-long 1975 customized chopper, all on loanfrom local bikers.

“The weather never really bothers us,” said Craig “Oz” Rasmussen, whohas ridden his ’36 Harley from Dawson City, Yukon to Tijuana, Mexicoand is a member of the Southeast Alaska Panhandlers Motorcycle Club,which is prominently featured in the exhibit along with the SoutheastAlaska Tongass Chapter of H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), Juneau AlaskaBikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE), and other groups.

NEW ZEALAND BARS BIKER PATCHESBiker patches are not welcome in central Timaru and club members willhave to remove their colors before entering some businesses.

“Businesses can now place stickers on their front doors stating thatgang patches and colours are not permitted to be worn on thepremises,” reports the Timaru Herald. Increasing gang activityprompted the joint initiative from Safer Communities and the SouthCanterbury Chamber of Commerce, says the newspaper.

All businesses have the right to refuse entry as long as it is notseen as discrimination, and the stickers are not classed asdiscrimination, say officials.

The Chamber of Commerce designed and paid for the printing of 100stickers and is assisting in the distribution. Chamber manager DaveJack said more stickers will be printed if needed.

Timaru mayor Janie Annear said the stickers were just another tool tostamp out gang activity, adding that they weren’t naive enough tothink the gang problem was over and were always thinking of newinitiatives; “The battle is never totally won.”

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “A government big enough to give you everything youwant, is big enough to take away everything you have.”

–Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Patriot and 3rd President of the UnitedStates

BIKERNET NEWS ALERTS–BRASS BALLS, GMA AND PRIMO

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BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE from RIVERA PRIMO / 9-18-08–4 to 6-Speed Driveline Conversion Kit for Shovelheads.

“New blood for old Shovels” . . . that’s how BIKERNET described our 4-into 6-speed,all-in-one driveline conversion kit when we introduced it.

Here’s something that’ll transform that old Shovelhead swingarminto an updated, better-than-ever ride without leavin’ you broke !

Our all-new conversion kit includes a polished & chromed 6-speed close-ratio POWERDRIVE TRANSMISSION with special mounting plate, ourchromed & polished MONSTER-TORQUE gear reduction STARTER MOTOR and a polished BRUTE IV EXTREME 3″ OPEN BELT DRIVE including are-designed PRO-CLUTCH package for maximum torque transference.

Replacing your old tapered shaft trans with this splined shaft POWERDRIVEunit delivers all the benefits enjoyed by late model riders. Now you’ll havea legitimate 6-speed with a 2.94:1 close ratio first gear & a .860:1 overdrivesixth gear. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly the motor’s power is transferredto the rear wheel.

The basic kit is sold under Part # 1071-0001. MSRP is an unbelievable $ 2979 !

Lookin’ for some extra trimmings, then consider our new MID-CONTROLSdesigned to bolt onto the BRUTE IV EXTREME BELT DRIVE. They are billetaluminum, polished to a high luster finish and include our new, state-of-the artmaster cylinder assembly.

Another big bonus is the fact that the belt drive is engineered to accept a spin-onoil filter, concealed behind the outer guard.

These driveline conversion kits are on-the-shelf & ready to ship !

For further info on this & other performance goodies contact:
RIVERA PRIMO?
12450 Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
www.riveraprimoinc.com

BMW FEATURE REVIEW–Just wanted to say how much I liked the BMW bobber feature- that is a real classy looking machine. Especially like the originality, both of bike and of the parts used.

–Keith Silcox

NEW 1969 XLCH DISCOVERED–Found this on a blog.Must have been the day he bought it.Still had plastic covering the seat.

–CGK

My first Sporty was a ’69 XLCH like this one, except with a black seat and shorty mufflers.–Bandit

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA H-D EVENT–As leaders in our company please pass this along to everyone you know as we really need a great turnout at this event. It is designed so that it should be a great event for anyone whether they ride or not!! Here is what we have going on!

The Chantays famous for the 1960’s hit Pipeline! Hot Rod Trio playing great Rock and Rockabilly Antique Harleys from the 1920 and up on display Motorcycle show with multiple categories from Antique to radical custom Fashion Show featuring models from 10 stores located in GardenWalk Free food samples

THOUSANDS of dollars in discounts and giveaways throughout the dayI also need more bikes for the bike show, so encourage anyone with a good looking bike to enter ASAP as I am limited to how many bikes can enter the contest!

TIM CONDER PAINTED CLASSIC WAGON DEAL OF THE WEEK–Hi folks, we’re cleaning house over the next couple months and one of the first things to go is my ’62 Ford Wagon.

I just had the car freshened up after blowing an intake gasket last month. It’s got a fresh tune-up, brand new brakes and complete front suspension rebuild plus an Air Ride air bag system. New tires too.

Although I painted the car nearly 12 years ago, the paint looks great. It’s got some very minor bubbles here and there with a few dings, but it’s a very solid, straight car. The interior looks great as well (all original except part of the front seat.) Aside from the rear window motor gear being worn out and needing a heater core, the car is a fantastic and reliable driver. – $12,000.00 o.b.o.

Give me a yell if you have questions. – Thanks, Tim (707) 843-9454

CAN RISING MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BE BLAMED ON LACK OF HELMET LAWS?–Author Jacob Sullum begs the question in his article ?Hit & Run? in Reason magazine?s August 20th online edition, and goes on to answer those who blame the increase in rider fatalities on the repeal of helmet laws in several states.

Citing federal government data that indicate the number of fatal motorcycle accidents rose in 2007 for the 10th consecutive year, hitting 5,154, 7 percent higher than the 2006 total, Sullum writes that ?the chief culprit recently seems to be higher gas prices, which have encouraged people to take advantage of motorcycles’ vastly superior fuel efficiency: Motorcycle ridership appears to be rising even as the total miles for all vehicles drops….

The highway safety authorities say that about 75 percent more motorcycles are registered today than 10 years ago. They suspect each motorcycle is ridden more miles, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it does not have a reliable measurement of use. The lack of such data makes it difficult to tell how much of an increase in fatalities following repeal of a helmet law results from less helmet wearing and how much results from more riding.?

?While wearing a helmet reduces the risk of certain injuries,? continues Sullum, ?research suggests the overall impact on fatalities is modest. The unimpressive numbers are one reason motorcyclists have been so successful at defending their right to decide what, if anything, to wear on their heads. ?We are the only industrialized country in the world where there is an organized effort to weaken or repeal motorcycle helmet laws,? complains Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Is that a sign of backwardness or a point of pride??

Meanwhile, Forbes Magazine points out that a new study released recently by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that ?despite the relaxation of several state helmet laws, motorcycle helmet use in fatal crashes climbed from 55% in 1997 to 57% in 2006.?

In an August 25th article titled ?Expensive Gas, Dangerous Roads?, Forbes writer William Pentland says, ?Although helmets are undoubtedly decisive in some motorcycle accidents, the fact remains that the fatality rate for helmeted motorcyclists has risen more rapidly than it has for unhelmeted motorcyclists in the past three years. This suggests that factors other than helmet use have fueled the rise of motorcycle fatalities. Enter gas prices.?

Pentland?s research shows that since at least the 1970s, motorcycle registrations have tracked the rise and fall of gas prices. As prices rose in the 1970s, registrations followed. Similarly, in the 1980s, as gas prices fell, motorcycle registrations did too. During the 1990s, motorcycle registrations remained low and only began rising in 2000 and 2001.

?Last year, the number of licensed motorcyclists hit an all time high of 6,227,146,? says Pentland, ?While the total number of miles traveled for passenger cars fell in 2007 for the first time since 1994, the total number of miles traveled for motorcycles not only increased, but reached a new record high.?

BRASS BALLS BOBBERS & CHOPPERS ROPES IN HAWG HALTERS–Brass Balls Bobbers produces high-caliber Diggers, Classic Bobbers and Choppers that are unique, stand out in a crowd and now come standard with premium crowd-pleasing Hawg Halters Inc. controls.

You don?t have to lament about not having a classic bobber from the 50?s, Brass Balls Bobbers has that classic look with 21st century technology. Throughout 2008 Brass Balls Bobbers is upgrading the quality and technology that is infused in the DYNA of the motorbike.

?We select only the best materials, aircraft grade 6061 billet aluminum custom drawn to our specifications, stainless steel alloys best suited for the application, all to produce the best performing products available,? said Mark Thompson, President of Hawg Halters Inc. ?In addition, our clean and sano design is an ideal look for Brass Balls Bobbers.?

Every bobber is rolled out of a 10,000 sq.-ft. multi-purpose manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. Each custom-production motorcycle is equipped with Hawg Halter controls, Metzeler tires, and one of four engines including the Harley-Davidson? EVO, S&S 96″, S&S 113″ EVO-style motors or the re-engineered Indian-style Crazy Horse V-Plus 100.

?We are excited that Hawg Halters is joining our team of craftsmen at Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers,? says Dar Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles President and Master Designer. ?We are excited about their product and early feedback indicates that our customers are too.?

MOTORCYCLES RACE BACK TO TRACK AFTER NEARLY 100-YEAR ABSENCE–INDIANAPOLIS — Racing of the two-wheel variety will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday after a nearly 100-year absence.

City officials welcomed MotoGP racers and their fans with an event on Monument Circle Tuesday, the first of many motorcycle-related festivities planned ahead of the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP, 6News’ Tanya Spencer reported.

City officials said they expect Sunday’s race to bring about 100,000 fans to Indianapolis.

“We estimate about $100 million in direct spending over these next several days. That’s money spent in hotels and restaurants, shopping, merchandise,” said Bob Schultz with the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.

Many of the MotoGP fans are international, coming in from as far away as Japan, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand.

“In Europe, it’s a big thing. In Spain and Italy, it’s massive, and in the U.K. now,” said John Bent, who traveled to Indianapolis from England. “Indianapolis is a fantastic city. We’re really enjoying it.”

The last motorcycle race at the IMS was held in 1909, the very first year that the speedway was open. In those days, the bikes went about 45 miles per hour. MotoGP bikes go 200 miles per hour and race rain or shine.

The IMS has a three-year commitment to host the MotoGP grand prix with an option to renew.

FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 137 BECOMES LAW ON OCTOBER 1 2008–The bill that wanted to originally confiscate motorcycles for speeding and or stunt riding was contested by many during the Florida 2008 Legislative Session.

During the hearings the bill sponsor stated that it had the endorsement of ABATE of Florida. Doc Reichenbach president of ABATE and paid lobbyist for the organization later said that was not true.

The AMA sent out a call to action to their membership requesting they contact their legislators about not passing this bill. BOLT (Bikers Of Lesser Tolerance) had representatives at the hearings as did other motorcycle rights groups and some of the wording was changed though the bill did eventually pass.

ABATE of Florida has taken credit for the changes in the bill.

There were specifics in this bill about the front wheel of the motorcycle not leaving the ground and that the rider must have a leg on either side of the motorcycle while operating it. There was also a change that outlawed license plates from being mounted incorrectly. They must be mounted horizontally.

Many people felt that this law was an attempt to get money and or property from the motorcyclist who some feel are wealthy and can afford it as opposed to a safety matter.

The final bill appears to back up that as the stated fine for the license plate will be $1,000.00 for the first offense with the second violation being $2,500.00 and third being $5,000.00.

This is the same as if the violator was doing reckless and or stunt riding.

Mike ?Radar? Price who is ABATE of Florida?s State Legislative Director has sent out a letter of explanation on this and says he has discussed his findings with Doc (ABATE Lobbyist) and they have begun a level of communication to correct this situation.

In the mean time motorcycle riders in Florida BEWARE!!!!To read the bill go to http://www.floridaabate.com/Library/Library/hb137sb802finaladj.pdf

–Rogue
Bikernet Legislative Watchdog

The Lone Ranger is captured by Indians… The Indian Chief proclaims, ‘So, you are the great Lone Ranger. In honor of the Harvest Festival, you will be executed in three days. But, before I kill you, I will grant you three requests. What is your first request?’

The Lone Ranger responds, ‘I’d like to speak to my horse.’

The Chief nods and Silver is brought before the Lone Ranger, who whispers in Silver’s ear, and the horse gallops away.

Later that evening, Silver returns with a beautiful blond woman on his back. As the Indian Chief watches in admiration, the blonde enters the Lone Ranger’s tent and spends the night.

The next morning the Indian Chief admits he’s impressed. ‘You have a very fine and loyal horse, but I will still kill you in two days. What is your second request?’

The Lone Ranger again asks to speak to his horse. Silver is brought to him, and once again he whispers in the horse’s ear. As before, Silver takes off across the plains and disappears over the horizon.

Later that evening, to the Chief’s surprise, Silver again returns, this time with a brunette, even more attractive than the blond. She enters the Lone Ranger’s tent and also spends the night.

The following morning the Indian Chief is again impressed. He tells the Lone Ranger, ‘You are indeed a man of many talents, but I still kill you tomorrow. ‘So what is your last request?’

The Lone Ranger responds, ‘I’d like to speak to my horse…. alone.’

The Chief is curious, but he agrees and Silver is brought to the Lone Ranger’s tent. Once they’re alone, the Lone Ranger grabs Silver by both ears, looks him square in the eye and says: ‘Listen very carefully you dumbshit horse. For the last time . . . bring POSSEEEE’.

–from Art Friedman

LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST IN TWO WEEKS– and the fun begins. This is sizing up to be one of the best Las Vegas BikeFest events to date. Great entertainment, over 250 vendors, awesome Poker Run rides, 20 unbelievable creations in Artistry in Iron, parties, and four fun-filled days hanging out with your fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

Check this update for more entertainment options, updates on previous announcements, and last minute event details.

If you still haven’t made your hotel arrangements, don’t despair. Although most of the hotels have sold-out of our “official” block with the discounted rates, there are a few that still have rooms. Remember this is Vegas – you can always find a hotel room. No one is kept out of Las Vegas BikeFest because of a lack of hotel rooms.

Don’t let your friends come home and tell you what a great time you missed. Be sure you are a part of it. Las Vegas BikeFest won’t cost you a fortune!

We look forward to seeing you in two weeks at the 8th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest!ADDITIONS TO THE LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST CONCERT SERIES

The list of concerts during Las Vegas BikeFest continues to grow. Here are even more options for you:Stephen Pearcy (lead singer of Ratt)Canyon Club at the Four QueensSaturday, 10/3, 7:30pm – $15.00; $10.00 for Las Vegas BikeFest registrants. Show Las Vegas BikeFest registration wristband when purchasing tickets at the door for the discount.

Chicago
MGM Grand Hollywood Theater
Friday & Saturday, 10/3 & 10/4 – $75.00

Check out our website for a complete list of the Las Vegas BikeFest Concert Series, Vendor Village Entertainment, and other entertainment during the weekend.

GMA BRAKES ARE ALIVE, BY BDL–A familiar name with a new look. Since their acquisition of GMA, Belt Drives Limited has made some significant upgrades to their awesome brake calipers in both style and design. The serious road calipers, are now offered in both smooth black anodize and mirror finish show quality chrome.

Multiple styles include the classic GMA look and smooth finish to accent just about any style serious road bike or custom. While the internal design has not been changed it, as with all BDL products, is always being fine tuned to provide the utmost in real world performance and unmistakable appearance.

BDL/GMA calipers carry superior quality brake pads and precision crafted pistons to ensure positive stopping power. For complete details call BDL at 714-685-3333 or catch them on line at www.beltdrives.com

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BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS CONTINUES WITH SPECIAL REPORTS

Continued From Page 1

THE ELVIS BIKE–– The first in Rossmeyer’s Signature Collection… Thank you, Thank you Very Much!

Checkout all the videos in Bikernet Studio.

–Jeffrey Najar

?THE BEST OF THE BEST?– Cruiser Gets The Best Retail Incentive Of The Year: A $5,000 Manufacturer?s Cash Allowance

Now, during the Cold Cash Winter Sales Event, the award-winning 2008 Pitbull comes with a new, substantial cash allowance of $5,000. Allowances of up to $4,000 are available on the company?s remaining inventory.

WICHITA, Kansas (September 18, 2008) ? Big Dog Motorcycles?, the leading manufacturer of high performance, high style motorcycles, has launched an all-new retail incentive that gives riders an opportunity to enjoy incredible consumer cash allowances of up to $5,000.

Now, during the Cold Cash Winter Sales Event, there is no better time to buy a Big Dog motorcycle, particularly the award-winning 2008 Pitbull.

Earlier this year, the 2008 Pitbull was named ?Best of the Best? Cruiser by Robb Report magazine, the international authority on high style products including motorcycles, aircraft, automobiles, jewelry, homes and more. Don Williams of Robb Report said the Pitbull handles surprisingly well, has a sensible riding position, and has an inviting appearance. ?Eventually, everyone will be drawn to its beastly beauty,? he said.

This award came just three months after the bike was named 2008 V-Twin Bike of the Year by Paisano Publications, a diversified media company offering a wide variety of motorcycle magazines, including Easyriders and V-Twin.

?We are honored to receive such renowned awards by such well-respected magazines,? commented Paul Hansen, Marketing Director, Big Dog Motorcycles. ?The distinction affirms our commitment to continually bring new designs to the consumer while our new Cold Cash incentive and $5,000 cash allowance makes the bike more accessible to more riders.?

?It lets riders know now what the media critics have known all along: How amazing the Pitbull rides, handles, performs, and totally excites anyone behind the bars, all for a payment as low as about $300,? he added.

Highlights of the ?Cold Cash Winter Sales Event? effective now, include:
2008 Pitbull: $5,000 manufacturer?s cash allowance
2008 Mastiff, Mutt, and Ridgeback: $3,000 manufacturer?s cash allowance
2008 K-9: $2,000 manufacturer?s cash allowance
2007 Bulldog?, Chopper?, Mastiff?, and Pitbull?: $4,000 manufacturer?s cash allowance
2007 K-9?: $3,000 manufacturer?s cash allowance

For complete information and program restrictions, visit an authorized Big Dog Motorcycles dealer or www.bigdogmotorcycles.com

DEPLETED LICENSE PLATES, OVERBOOKED RIDER ED COURSES– As a sign of the times, with a record number of motorcyclists on the road and increasing numbers of motorcycle registrations, rider training courses in numerous locations across the country have been booked solid and now officials in Kansas have reported running out of motorcycle license plates.

The Hutchinson News reported that the problem is bad enough that counties with plentiful plates are being asked to share with other counties. “We are out of motorcycle tags, and we don’t know when we’ll get more,” said Reno County Treasurer Clark Miller. “We’ve begged and borrowed from other counties,? he told the newspaper, ?but we can’t get more.”

When the state made its annual tag order, gas prices hadn’t reached their current levels and officials didn’t anticipate the resulting demand from motorists switching to more fuel-efficient transportation.

At least one motorcycle owner complained to the newspaper of being sent away from the DMV office this week and advised not to drive his motorcycle until it was properly tagged, with no promise of when tags might be available.

D&D PERFORMANCE ENTERPRISES CONGRATULATES CHRIS CARR ON INDY MILE WIN– Dave Rash, The Pope of Pipe, congratulates Chris Carr and Chief Mechanic Kenny Tolbert on their win at last weekend?s INDY MILE. On the last turn of the last lap and in front of 20,000 screaming fans, Carr motored by Kenny Coolbeth on his D&D sponsored Harley to take the checkered flag.

D&D custom builds a series of performance Flat Track exhaust pipes, which allows Kenny Tolbert the ability to tune the engine to the racetrack.

?We are excited to be working with Kenny and Chris,? said Dave Rash. ?Chris is a Seven-time AMA Flat Track Championship champion with 78 national wins and fastest man in the world on two wheels at 350.884 miles per hour. He is an outstanding ambassador for Flat Track Racing and a thrill to see on two wheels.?

The race was a big one because it was held the night before Sunday?s MotoGP race. Hurricane IKE held off long enough to keep the Saturday night event dry.

Checkout a set performance pipes for your own motorbike at D&D Performance Enterprises.

Women Drivers, AN EXCLUSIVE BIKERNET STUDY– This morning, going down the freeway, I looked over, to my left and there was a WOMAN, in a brand new Cadillac, doing 75 mph with her face up next to the rearview mirror, putting on her eyeliner. I looked away a couple of seconds!

When I looked back, she was half way into my lane, still working on her makeup. I don’t scare easily, but she scared me so much, I dropped my electric shaver, which knocked the donut out of my other hand. In all the confusion of trying to steer the car, using my knees against the steering wheel, it knocked my cell phone away from my ear, which fell into the coffee, that was between my legs. It splashed and burned Big Jim and the Twins, ruined the damn phone, soaked my trousers and disconnected a very important call.

–DAMN WOMAN DRIVERS

–Lizette

HOW DO THE MAGAZINE’S NEWSSTAND SALES COMPARE?– There has been much discussion about magazines sales lately. Which magazines are up and which are down. How does one magazine?s sales compare with another. While it is almost impossible to get accurate and final sales numbers from all sources of circulation, we are able to gather the actual sales of the leading magazines from the wholesalers that distribute them.

Here are the sales of the top 20 Transportation Magazines as well as the relative rankings and sales of the motorcycle magazines from all US and Canadian wholesalers in the most recent 6 months of net sales. These numbers do not include any subscription sales data. All Cycle titles are highlighted in yellow for easier comparison.

Once again, American Iron Magazine continues to dominate the newsstand sales in the Cycle category.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the magazines? sales include the regular magazine PLUS the sales of special extra issues distributed under the same BIPAD magazine code. This leads to inflated sales numbers and these extra issues are noted.

TOP 20 SELLING TRANSPORTATION TITLES IN US & CANADA WHOLESALERS
1 Motor Trend 6 (issues during this period) 870,504 (total sales)
2 Lowrider & 9 Specials*, 15, 796,564
3 Hot Rod & 3 Specials*, 9, 772,691
4 Truckin? & 1 Special*, 7, 749,221
5 Car & Driver , 6, 746,552
6 Super Street & 4 Specials*, 10, 690,663
7 Road & Track, 6, 675,806
8 American Iron Magazine, 6, 520,722
9 Petersen?s 4-Wheel Drive & 2 Specials*, 8, 516,691
10 Custom Rodder & 2 Specials*, 8, 504,734
11 Cycle World & 1 Special*, 7, 414,239
12 Sport Rider & 5 Specials*, 11, 398,138
13 Dupont Registry Autos , 6, 395,771
14 Automobile, 6, 394,278
15 Four Wheeler, 6, 385,030

Click here to subscribe.
16 Hot Bike & 7 Specials*, 13, 371,815
17 Mustang & Fast Fords 6 367,958
18 JP Magazine & 5 Specials*, 11, 363,550
19 Motorcyclist & 1 Special*, 7, 339,562
20 Super Chevy & 2 Specials*, 8, 326,756

ALL OTHER CYCLE TITLES IN ALL US & CANADA WHOLESALERS
24 The Horse, 5, 276,468
27 Easyrider, 6, 255,220
32 RoadBike 6, 218,910
33 V-Twin, 6, 203,644
42 Motocross Action, 6, 165,402
43 Quad, 5, 164,759
46 2 Wheel Tuner, 6 , 153,176
48 Racer X, 6, 148,647
60 ATV Sport & 3 Specials* 9 105,162
61 Motorcycle Cruiser, 5, 104,412
63 Barnetts Magazine, 4, 101,265
64 ATV & 4-Wheel Action, 6, 99,106
67 Iron Horse, 4 , 81,644
70 Rider & 1 Special*, 7, 76,448
77 Cycle World Specials, 2, 63,602
79 Biker, 4, 60,630
83 In The Wind, 2, 58,654
86 American Bagger, 6, 55,326
89 Cruising Rider, 3, 54,468
92 IronWorks , 4, 52,344
96 Road Racer X, 4, 44,929
103 American Cycle, 6, 38,061
104 Street Chopper, 3, 37,888
110 Cycle Source, 6, 36,196
116 Motorcycle Classic, 3, 32,844
120 ATV Rider, 6, 29,684
122 Roadracing World & MCT, 7, 28,640
125 Superbike, 6, 27,710
131 VQ/American Chopper, 1, 25,730
138 Super Streetbike, 6, 23,694
147 Walnecks Classic Cycle, 5, 18,053

This sales information was gathered by Comag Marketing Group from all magazine wholesalers in the US and Canada.

This HarleySmart newsletter is brought to you by Buzz Kanter and the staff of American Iron Magazine and RoadBike. If you would like a full copy of this report please contact your ad sales rep or Terry O’Brien at terryo@tamcommunications.com.

Click here to enter Bikernet free contest area and receive Bikernet Updates.

Interesting stuff about drooping magazine sales. Bikernet is facing its best year yet. During the same period mentioned above 1,883,000 million riders came to Bikernet and visited over 3 million times. Advertising on Bikernet is a fraction of magazine ads and we deliver content worldwide daily. We currently have over 10 thousand Cantina Members and I’ll leave it at that.–Bandit

ZIPPERS THUNDERMAX CAMS FOR HARLEYS–Zipper’s has what you need to make your sled really scoot. They have developed a series of ThunderMax cams for ’07 up Harleys.ThunderMax cams by Red Shift are ground from 1-piece 8620 steel billets. Red Shift cams provide smooth, linear power with great valve train dynamics. The stroked crankshaft in the 2007 models changes the dynamic from ’06 and earlier model TC88 engines, making correct cam choice crucial to avoid engine damaging detonation with today’s fuel quality. Several models are available to best match stock or other installed engine components. All require adjustable pushrods; chain drive only. Head work required unless otherwise noted as a bolt-in cam.

413-926S – For 96″ and 110″ Engines – Bolt-In Cam designed for use with stock, unmodified heads. Great bolt-in upgrade for stock 96″ or 110″ engines. Increases torque and horsepower across the board

413-921S – For 103″ Engines – Bolt-In Cam for ’07up 103″ conversion engines with flat-top pistons and stock 96″ heads. Provides smooth power without detonation. Broader timing for lower cranking compression.

413-928S – For ’07up TC 103″ Conversions. Designed for modified 103″ engine conversion, which compliments ported heads, high flow throttle body, and exhaust. Static compression range 9.0-10.5:1. Broad torque curve that pulls strong to 6,000+ RPM.

413-941S – For 107″ and Larger Engines. Max torque grind for 2007-up larger displacement with heavy payload. Narrower timing for more low-end grunt. Excellent valve train dynamics for long life. Works well with most bagger exhaust.

413-9931S – For 113″ and Larger Engines. Max power grind for ’07up larger displacement engines and features broader timing for higher compression engines. Great valve train dynamics for long life and compliments high flow heads, intake, and exhaust.

These products are Legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway.

COOLBETH TAKES SECOND PLACE AT INDY MILE GRAND NATIONAL Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew Rider Smith is Third.

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 13, 2008) ? Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth finished second by inches as the AMA Grand National Twins flat track series made a dramatic return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds mile. Racing in Indianapolis for the first time since 1999, before a crowd estimated at 15,000, Coolbeth chased down Chris Carr for five laps after a restart for a red flag. Coolbeth passed Carr as the pair entered turn three on the final lap, but Carr was able to draft past the factory Harley and beat Coolbeth to the finish line by just 0.030 seconds.

?It was another great battle with Carr, and I learn something every time I race him on these miles,? said Coolbeth, who clinched his third consecutive 2008 AMA Grand National Twins championship with a win last weekend in Monticello, N.Y. ?While it?s disappointing to lose it was sure exciting to be racing this hard in front of this huge of a crowd.?

Before racing for the win, Coolbeth had to recover from a last-row starting position, a penalty for being late to grid for the beginning of the race. At the start it was Carr, Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin? Eagle rider Joe Kopp, and fast-qualifier Jake Johnson on the American Suzuki entry fighting for the lead. Johnson dropped out on lap 12. Coolbeth picked his way through the field, and with five laps remaining, Moroney’s Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Bryan Smith, Carr and Coolbeth had pulled away from the pack and were trading the lead. The final red flag stopped the race after a crash on lap 21 of the 25-lap main. The race was then extended to 26 laps to finish with five complete laps per AMA rules. Coolbeth and Carr got a jump on the field on the re-start, as Smith missed a shift and dropped back to seventh place. Blue Springs Screamin’ Eagle rider Jared Mees and Bartel?s Harley-Davidson rider Shaun Russell slotted into third and fourth, but Coolbeth and Carr pulled away. Smith regained his momentum and passed Mees and Russell on the last lap to take third. Kopp finished in 16th position.

After 12 of 13 events on the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins schedule, Coolbeth has clinched the championship with 233 points. With 178 points, Smith holds second place by just one point over Carr. Kopp is fourth with 158 points. Mees moves up from seventh to fifth with 117 points.

The final race of the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship season is Oct. 4 at Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kansas.

The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.

STICK-ON PASSENGER PADS FROM J&P–Check out these hot new suction cup seats from J&P Cycles! Available in seven designs and a multitude of stitch colors to match your ride. Seats feature single-cell suction cups with a foam backing to protect your fender?s paint. Standard seats measure 11 ?? long x 7 ?? wide. Maltese seats measure 9 ?? long x 7 ?? wide. For more information on this and other seat pads, contact J&P Cycles at 800-397-4844 or online at WWW.JPCYCLES.COM.

BEST BMW CUSTOM OF THE YEAR–We just featured this bike in BikernetMetric.com and it trips me out. I think it’s cool as hell. Check it out. There’s a link below.
Bike Name: Cadbike 33, the BMW Bobber
City/State:Leiden, the Netherlands

Builder: Mark van der Kwaak and Aad Heemskerk
City/state: Leiden/Warmond
Company Info: DBBP-Design
Web site: www.dbbp.com
E-mail: info@dbbp.comCheck it Out!

RIM FIX WITH BLACK BIKE WHEELS–Black Bike is noted for custom application spoked wheels with stainless and aluminum rims. I dropped by their shop the other day with my bent 1928 Shovelhead rear rim. The Key to fixing a bent rim is a resin mallet. You can even hammer powder-coated rims straight without damaging the rim.

They now offer 23-inch wheels in stainless or aluminum and super skinny or 350 wide. They will lace them in 40,60, 80 spoke configurations. For more info call (818) 341-2550 or go to BlackBikeWheels.com.

While I was there I ordered two wheels for our 1915 Factory Racer machine project with black powdered hubs and rims.

COBRA TIRES FROM AVON HAVE 23-INCH TIRES–A-VBD (Advanced Variable Belt Density)Densely wrapped belt in center for stability, wear, & mileage; less dense on shoulders for huge, compliant contact patch

?FFG (Force Following Grooves)Grooves follow forces transmitted through tire which reduces irregular wear

LPE (Lifetime Profile Engineering) Consistent handling & stability for the full life of the tire

WCTA (Wide Custom Tread Arc)Profile takes into account the need for maneuverability at various speeds on wide tires

Snakeskin Sidewall TreatmentComplements Cobra logo and tread design

Yes, we make a 23″ in the Cobra tire. The Cobra replaces the Venom R. It is a radial touring and custom tire.Website page is: http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showtyre&id=27

–Jared Peterson
Avon Tyres Customer Service
(800) 624-7470
www.avonmotorcycle.com

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS HEADLINES, CRIME SCENE IN THE NEWS AGAIN, ALONG WITH THE ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA, BUELL, BDL AND BIG DOG

Hey,It’s an incredible news day. We’ve got interesting helmet statistics, more proof that loud pipes save lives and magazine sales statistics. I’m not going to blither, this is too good to delay for a NY second. Enjoy:

THE ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA IN COOPERATION WITH BIKERNET.COM WANTS NEW, YOUNGER MEMBERS, WIN A BIKE, LEARN AND JOIN– A Classic Harley-Davidson Motorcycle ?Give Away.?

If you or someone you know is between 18 and 25 years old, here is an opportunity to win and rebuild a 1940s era Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle project! The youth program of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America is running a contest this year that will give away a 1942 Harley Davidson bobber project.

Matt Olsen of the Youth Program of The Antique Motorcycle Club of America is the young man behind this proposal. ?As classic motorcycles become more rare and expensive it is getting tougher for young people to afford them,? Olsen explained. ?Knowing how frustrating this can be, I decided to try something to help encourage young people like me to better understand, preserve and enjoy classic bikes and possibly to own one.? Olsen approached The AMCA Foundation, Inc. to fund this special program and has spent more than a year developing the project and finding members of the A.M.C.A. to donate the parts to build a Harley-Davidson WLA bobber.

The contest is limited to young Americans (guys and gals and they don?t have to be a member!) between the ages of 18 than 25. They simply have to write and submit a 1,000 word essay describing what they hope to learn about classic bikes, why they want the bike, what they plan to do with it once the build is completed, and any other reasons why they feel they should win this motorcycle. The entry must be received by Matt Olsen at amcayouthprogram@hotmail.com no later than August 15th 2009.

The one lucky winner will be selected at the Antique Motorcycle Super Meet in Davenport, Iowa in 2009 by a committee made up of the people that donated the parts and supporters. But wait, there?s more. In addition to the Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle, the lucky winner will also win a grant from the AMCA Foundation of up to $5,000 for parts and travel and living expenses to spend up to two months shop time at Carl?s Cycle Supply in scenic Aberdeen, South Dakota. This will allow the winner to learn how to put his or her new motorcycle together under the watchful eye of trained professionals.

The title and paperwork for the motorcycle will be given to the winner after the motorcycle has been started and ridden a few miles. The builder will also have the opportunity for the bike?s restoration and assembly process to be featured in a series of tech articles in Iron Horse magazine. Once finished, the bike and new owner will be photographed and featured in various magazines, including American Iron Magazine as well as The Antique Motorcycle? so that others may share in the adventure of owning and restoring a classic motorcycle.

If you are interested in ?old iron?, or just want to check out how the contest is coming along, please check out the Antique Motorcycle Club of America www.antiquemotorcyle.org, Classic American Iron www.caimag.com, and Bikernet www.bikernet.com for regular updates. You have to be in it to win it!!!

As of 8/25/08 supporters include: www.AAOK.com; American Iron Magazine www.aimag.com; Antique Motorcycle Club of America www.antiquemotorcycle.org; Bruce Linsday Company; Keith R. Ball, Bikernet www.bikernet.com; Carl?s Cycle Supply www.carlscyclesupply.com; Classic American Iron www.caimag.com; Dave Clemmons; Dennis Corso Company; Tom Faber www.fabercycle.com; Joe Gardella; Jerry Greer?s Engineering; Iron Horse Magazine; Matt Olsen; Janus Napierala; Rich Phillips www.bikersaddles.com; Geoff Ringle; V-twin Manufacturing www.v-twincycles.com; Dale Walksler www.wheelsthroughtime.com; Mark Woodstock.

WIN WITH S&S–The excitement of the S&S 50th Anniversary is still going strong and keeping the summer hot.

We want to thank those loyal S&S customers that keep coming back to the S&S website and buying S&S products with a great sweepstakes. Buy anything from the S&S website (www.sscycle.com/shop) from September 11th through September 30th and you have a chance to win one of our 187-piece Mac toolbox sets with the commemorative S&S 50th Anniversary faceplate, a retail value of $649.95. It doesn?t matter if you buy an air filter, pin or a jacket, each separate purchase counts for one entry in the sweepstakes. No matter what you buy, you have a chance to win the toolbox.

And if that isn?t enough of a cool end of summer celebration, we are going to ship everything you buy from September 11th through September 30th FOR FREE in the continental United States! So point your browser to www.sscycle.com/shop and go crazy. Stock up for Christmas, dress up your kids for back to school, buy all the birthday presents you will need this year and you have a chance to win a complete MAC toolbox.

Also, for you collectors, the 50th Anniversary apparel is currently still available?until it runs out. Once this stock of goods is gone, there will be no more. So if you like the idea of a mechanic?s shirt with the S&S 50th Anniversary logo on it?act now! Don?t miss out on your chance to own a piece of history because there will never be another S&S 50th Anniversary, so this is the last chance to get the gear.

The winner of the toolbox will be announced and posted on the S&S websites on 10/3/2008 so get some cool S&S apparel or parts and earn a chance to win.

NEW CUSTOM WINDSHIELDS FOR BUELL 1125ROEM– Quality and Fit Available in Clear and Two Tints.

MILWAUKEE (August 31, 2008) ? New Buell 1125R Windshields ($59.95) from Buell Accessories are injected-molded and feature original equipment design for a perfect fit. Three color choices for a custom look when combined with other color-matched accessories: P/N M0600.1AMACD Kick Ash; P/N M0600.1AMABX Hero Blue; P/N M0600.1AMABG Clear. All fit 2008-2009 Buell 1125R models.

For additional information on Buell Accessories, see your local Buell dealer or visit the Buell website at www.buell.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

Crime Scene Choppers Chillin? Oil Filter/Cooler–Santa Cruz, CA September 2008 ? Got a kick only 4-speed ride? Tired of dealing with the low-tech, messy, drop-in oil filter? Crime Scene?s Chillin? Oil Filter/Cooler is the solution. The radial fins on the bracket not only look cool, they?re designed to draw the heat out of the oil.

The bracket is machined from a block of 6061 aluminum with a fine-machined finish and mounts to the to the back three bolts on a 4-speed tranny (as shown).

It accepts a high tech Fram spin-on element that you can get at any auto parts store. The Chillin? Oil Filter/Cooler comes complete with a Fram filter, fittings and hardware. The unit measures approximately 4.5″ wide X 5.0″ deep X 3.0″ high and is for non-electric start bikes only.

Retail Price $179.00 100% made in the USA. For more information check it out at: www.crimescenechoppers.com or give them a call at 831.406.0126.

BDL EVO-950 3? BELT ASSY WITH TOP FUEL LOOK–Belt Drives Limited is now offering their 3? Belt Drive assembly with the look of their strictly business Top Fuel system. The company?s 8MM open drive, which has become the standard for many top builders including, Dave Perewitz and Donnie Smith, provides maximum shaft support for superior performance and reliability.

The new EVO-950 goes a step further with it?s pure attitude appearance and enhanced durability. Designed for 1990-2006 Softail machines running big inch, high torque engines, each kit includes BDL?s Patented Ball Bearing Lock Up Clutch for minimal clutch pull and positive engagement.

For complete details contact BDL at BELT DRIVES LTD. at 714-685-3333 or visit them on the Web at www.beltdrives.com.

BIG DOG DEBUTS NEW BULLDOG BAGGER AT DEALER MEETING– “A landmark event in the company’s 15-year history” is what CEO Sheldon Coleman calls this year’s Big Dog Motorcycles dealer meeting. Currently being held at the firm’s home in Wichita, KS, the motorcycle manufacturer’s dealer meeting is the springboard for launching three new models.Met with the most excitement by dealers was the all-new 2009 Bulldog bagger.

Shown initially without a fairing, after many hours in wind tunnel testing, Big Dog is in the final design stages of a proprietary fairing that will include a Sirius satellite radio and iPod docking. The Bulldog will come complete with lockable hardbags, a rubber-mounted 117ci fuel injected S&S motor, Baker 6-speed transmission, floorboards, nitrogen gas Works shocks and a 5 gallon gas tank. The bike will also run on a 250mm rear tire with 21″ rubber up front.

Also introduced was the new 2009 Coyote. While sharing the same basic platform as the highly successful Mutt, the new Coyote will include many upgrades along with a lower MSRP.

Also shown for the first time was the first production run model of the company’s flagship bike, the Wolf. The Wolf will be driven by a 121″ S&S X-Wedge motor and comes with a full chrome package.

As part of the company’s year-long 15th Anniversary celebration, Big Dog Motorcycles is also planning to release a number of highly limited edition bikes based on current models in the line.

BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Tel: 316 267 9121
Fax: 316 267 2597
www.bigdogmotorcycles.com

BIKETOBERFEST UPDATE–Looks like things are looking up! Allstate settled my accident case for a reasonable sum, SO look like I’ll be picking up and customizing my new Fat Bob in time for Biketoberfest. I’ll be looking to spend the weekend up there and hitting the Biker Fusion event that according to the News has my boss Bruce Rossmeyer as a host.

Are either of you going to be up there? Because I look for every opportunity to thank you guys and ride my ass off.

Let me know, I’m looking into tix for the event being a former Marine and all. Supporting that cause is high on my list of shit to do.

–Joel

Tricky Air & Billet refines shock lineTRICKY Air & Billet has reworked its stainless steel shocks used in its air-ride suspension systems– The company is now producing the shocks for Harley and custom application as two separate units instead of a single one-piece unit.

The change has been made in response to the company’s research into the variations in frame design around the shock mount area. Arnie Gonzalez, Owner and President of Tricky Air & Billet, said of the redesign: “Since we made this separation change to our shocks we have noticed a huge improvement in the wear factor between the shaft and bushing seals. Splitting of our once ‘tied together’ unit lets our shocks find their individual location more freely in the bike while still delivering true center hole to center hole precise measurements.”

Additionally, the company is beginning work on a line of triple trees to allow its Hayabusa front forks to be fitted to Road Kings and other Harleys.

TRICKY AIR & BILLET
Finger, Tennessee, USA
Tel: 866 922 3533
Fax: 731 934 9473
E-mail: arnie@trickyair.com
www.trickyair.com

IF YOU LIKE THEM TALL AND SKINNY?.FROM STREET WALKER–Then you?re going to dig these the hot new StreetWalker Exhaust pipes from Envy Cycle Creations, appropriately named Skinny Minny?s.

Made for Evo motors and some Twin cam applications these pipes are long, but not to skinny. They are made from heavy 16 gauge steel 1 ?? out of the head stepped up to 2? and available in show chrome, black, titanium or polished silver ceramic finishes. Heat shields are available in a solid cut or our hot rod themed Reform School cut, and can be ordered in show chrome, gloss black or a brushed satin finish.

Skinny?s can also be ordered with 02 bungs and baffles, just specify the way you want them built when you place your order.

Skinny Minny?s are long and leggy with great curves and are available for both left hand and right hand drive bikes and for the 300 rear tire right side drive frames.

If you?re looking for an aggressive cut, great performance and fit, and a sound that is hot, loud and nasty, treat your bike to a set of Skinny Minny?s.

See the entire StreetWalker Exhaust line at www.streetwalkerexhaust.com or www.envycyclecreations.com or better yet, give them a call at 602 391-8488

BIKERNET CORRECTION–“Davidson shops won’t work on bikes older than 10years,” said a Bikernet Report.

He should have correctly said “some shops” We are currently rebuilding a 1950FL, before I sold them we routinely worked on my 1960FLH and my 1969FL.

We have never turned away any Panhead or Shovelhead for repairs or service. In the 12 years I have worked there to the best of my knowledge there has never been a Knuckle or a Flathead brought in for service.

We do stock some parts that will still work on Pan’s and Shovels, but we only have so much money for inventory and have to stock what we routinely sell, not what we might sell once every couple of years. Twists my chain to hear this kinda bullshit constantly being spread with no one ever checking the facts.

–Iron Mike
VNVMC
Parts Manager
Harley Davidson of Frederick

LEGENDARY RECORD-SETTING MOTORCYCLE TO BE SOLD: MARTY DICKERSON?S VINCENT RAPIDE ?BLUE BIKE,?HISTORIC MACHINE TO BE THE 2-WHEELED HIGHLIGHT OF THE PETERSEN AUTO MUSEUM SALE OCTOBER 25th– 15 September 2008 ? San Francisco ? Certain competitors, once in the saddle, put an indelible stamp on events and, similarly, there?s a select group of racers who create an affinity with a single brand. There is no finer example of this than the long-standing link between Marty Dickerson, Vincent and Bonneville.

In 1951 at Utah?s famous Bonneville Salt Flats, Marty and his ?Blue Bike? earned the second fastest speed of 129mph. The next year, the pair achieved the fastest time and the AMA Class C record with a speed of 141.72mph. (Class C rules restricted un-faired machines to pump fuel, an 8:1 compression ratio, and for riders to sit conventionally.) A year later, in 1953, he raised that speed and grabbed yet another Class C record at 147.56mph ? a record that remained unbroken for the next 20 years!

This motorcycle, integral to American, British and motorcycling histories, is being offered for sale at Bonhams? renowned annual auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, October 25th. Interested parties may register to bid by e-mailingmotors.us@bonhams.com or calling 415-391-4000.

For general information about Bonhams and its 50 specialist departments worldwide, visitwww.Bonhams.com.See the entire Vincent Story in Bandit’s Cantina. It’s cool.–Wrench

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS EDITORIALS

Continued From Page 3

Why Men Don’t Write Advice Columns– (Walter is the male version of Anne Landers)

Dear Walter: I hope you can help me. Yesterday, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I had gone less than a mile when my car’s engine conked out and came to a halt. I walked home to get my husband’s help. When I got home, I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbor lady. I am 32, my husband is 34, and we have been married for twelve years.

When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they’d been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago, and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum, he has become increasingly distant. He won’t go to counseling and I’m afraid I can’t get through to him anymore. Can you please help?

Sincerely,
Distraught in North Carolina

Dear Distraught: A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.

I hope this helps.
–Walter

NEW HIGH HANDLEBAR FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING MODELS– Shaped for Enhanced Touring Comfort, Chromed for Style.

MILWAUKEE (August 31, 2008) ? The new Chrome Road King High Handlebar (P/N 56180-08, $89.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories is designed to provide extra touring comfort for Road King riders. This 1-inch diameter chrome bar is 2 inches higher and 1.5-inches narrower than the stock, polished Road King handlebar.

It fits 2008-later Road King, Road King Classic and Road Glide models, but does not fit with 2008 ABS equipped models, sidecar-equipped models, heated hand grips, hydraulic clutch kits, handlebar mounted gauges or Road Tech Riser Mount Radio kit.

All models require separate purchase of additional components for installation. See dealer for details.

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.

A VOTE FOR JON TOWLE ROAD TESTS–He needs a raise! Or at least get him some more bikes to test.

As vulgar as his writings are and un-technical as it gets, I find his reports one of my favorite’s to read.

–Jeremy Sandager

SAXON MOTORCYCLE COMPANY UNVEILS THE HENCHMAN IN THE US– CASA GRANDE, Ariz.–September 18, 2008–Saxon Motorcycle Company is proud to announce the release of its newest model, the Henchman. This new addition offers Saxon’s signature styling, a factory warranty and an impressive parts list all at a reasonable price point.

The Henchman upholds Saxon’s commitment to affordability, reliability and comfort while offering some customizable features to help buyers personalize their rides. With 35 degrees of rake and 1.5″ stretch, this 510 pound rigid is lightweight, but the four-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo brakes provide extra stopping power to complement the 1500 cc S&S 96 engine.

The bike features a Primo Rivera six-speed transmission with left-side chain drive and can be customized with either a telescopic or springer front end. Customers can choose from several paint colors, but the Henchman’s simple paint job, 200 mm rear tire, sculpted leather spring seat and custom handlebars work together to give this chopper/bobber a ride that is nimble and has a stripped down style.

“We’re excited to add the Henchman to Saxon’s motorcycle line-up,” said Dustin Petty, Saxon’s plant manager. “This bike has the lowest MSRP of all the Saxon models, but still features top-of-the-line parts and several option packages to give customers that custom look without the custom price tag.”

The Henchman starts at $18,900 with the telescopic front end and $19,500 with the springer front end. As with all Saxon models, the bike is backed by Saxon’s customer service pledge and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

For more information on Saxon Motorcycles and its model line-up, please visit www.saxonmotorcycles.com.

–Ken Conte

BIKERNET INTELLIGENCE BUREAU SPY INTERSCEPT–Two Iranian spies met in a busy restaurant after they successfully slipped into the U.S.

The first spy starts speaking in Arabic. The second shushes him quickly and whispers,

‘Don’t blow our cover. You’re in America now. Speak Spanish!’

BIKERNET OFFICIAL ACCREDITED ARTIST LAUNCHES BLOG–Check it out. I’ve finally taken the plunge and created a website/blog. I’ll be showcasing my artwork, other’s artwork, bike photos, and anything else I think is cool.

It will also serve as a forum to share thoughts on what’s up. I’ll be updated it constantly so, keep it bookmarked and visit often.

http://motorcycleart.blogspot.com/

–Chris Kallas

CFL ROLLER AVAILABLE–Hey! I might have a complete CFL roller coming up for sale soon. Brand new West Coast Choppers CFL frame/fender, new H-D Springer with smooth radius 21 and a brand new tire, new PM 4 piston front brake, New H-D Alcoa polished aluminum wheel with brand new 200×17 tire.

Paint’s half done, but I can finish it, paint it however you want or you can buy it as is. If you’re interested give me a call. – Tim (707) 843-9454

LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!–Silent but deadly, a California lawmaker says electric and hybrid cars and motorcycles may be good for the environment, but they?re bad news for the blind.

State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat, has pushed a bill through the legislature to ensure that vehicles make enough noise to be heard by the blind and visually impaired when they’re about to cross a street.

The state Senate approved the bill on August 20 on a 23-12 vote and sent it to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who according to the San Francisco Chronicle has not taken a position.

If you’re having a problem with noise harassment try the Bikernet Independent Noise Study. Just click on the banner and print it out.

SMOKE-OUT WEST HEATING UP–It is hard to believe but The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Smoke Out West is just weeks away. The HORSE recently added The High Rollers to an already stacked enetertainment package which includes The Detroit Cobras (so smoke?n hot), The Belmont Playboys, Grave Danger and Uncle Scratch?s Gospel Revival (Kick?en the Devil in the balls since 2001). The Derby Dames, Roller Derby chicks, will also be there skating and punching. The chop-off-bikes are almost done and ready for your vote. Of course, women, beer, venders and the best chopper show on earth will also be back.

I just checked out the new campsite and well? it is freaking awesome but more about that next week.

The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Smoke Out is the world?s largest Chopper Rally and will be held out West for the 3rd time October 3 and 4, 2006, on the Verde Valley Fairground in Cottonwood, AZ (20 minutes South of Sedona). For more information check SmokeOutRally.com.

See ya there.
— Edge

Watch for another Todd’s Cycle feature in the near future.

THERE YOU HAVE IT–All the news that’s fit to print on a Thursday. Here’s what’s on-line for Bikernet in the near future. We’re beginning Brad’s Mudflap girl build. A tough FXR touring model with Redneck Bags. The first tech will hit next week.

Real soon I’ll start a series on our next Sturgis Bike Build, the 1915 5-Ball Factory Racer with a U.S. Chopper/Paughco chassis and a Crazy Horse 100 inch-engine. We’re going to Ride to Sturgis next year, meet up with a Bikernet contingency for a sizzling seminar on who knows what. Then we’ll ride to hook up with the Hamsters and into the Badlands. We’re going to attempt this run with as many Vintage Bikes as possible. Billy Lane is up for it and so is Chica.

Watch for the build reports. Hugh King is busting my balls about running a show with 4-minute segments on Bikernet. I’m going to talk our Bikernet Studio Crew about setting up a cam over this 1915 Racer build and we’ll post the action. We’ll see.

Also next week we promise to deliver another 105th Harley Anniversary report. Tomorrow I’ll work with Chica on a tech about his classic mag wheels. In the next couple of weeks we will perform a coupled of Rivera Primo clutch and belt drive installs. And next week we will bring you a complete description of a new Illusion Motorcycle featuring West Coast Choppers chassis.

Is that cool or what?

Doc promises another Victory Vision long distance road test article and we will bring you a feature on a cool-as-hell Victory Lehman trike that was auction to support Kids and Chrome. If you’re into Metric Cruisers, we lost our editor, he’s currently in the hospital. But we’re keeping it alive with a new Bikernetmetricnews.blogspot Blog. It’s cool and we’ll updated it daily, I hope.

In the meantime let’s rock to the Cantina and grab a Margarita.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit