Veteran’s Affairs: Killing Machine Supports Our Troops 

One day, while we were moving some bikes out of the shop, two riders flew by on Highway 2 and locked ‘em up. They flipped a U-turn and came in the lot. It was two active duty Marines from the Inspector / Instructor staff at the Spokane Marine Corps Reserve Center.

One was a First Sergeant affectionately known as Bruiser and the other was a Gunnery Sergeant named Tarek which I dubbed the “Funny Gunny”. They were both riding hogs. I got to rappin’ with them and we immediately hit it off. My girlfriend the Hardtail Harlot knew all that military talk (she had once been married to a Jarhead) so she translated. We shot the shit, chewed the fat, bullshitted something fierce, had a few cold beers, and became fast friends.

CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE

 

Thousands of visitors are descending on Invercargill for the 2013 Burt Munro Challenge, which starts today. More than 25,000 people are expected to watch the racing through to Sunday.

Early arrivals have secured prime spots at “tent city” at Oreti Park, the venue for the challenge. Greymouth couple Kenny Williams and Lesley Polatsek, said they were looking forward to the country’s best motorcycle rally. Motorcycling was more than a hobby for the couple, it was a way of life. Between them, they have owned almost 40 motorcycles, all of them Harley Davidsons.

“I’m onto my 31st Harley Davidson,” Mr Williams said while setting up camp. His partner said she was only onto her eighth Harley. The couple have not missed the challenge since it was first held in 2006. Mr Williams said he competed in the speedway in the first year but had since given up racing. However, a part of him would always remain on the Oreti Speedway track.

“I lost the top half of my finger in a crash that first year,” he smiled, holding up his hand. He got top treatment from Southland Hospital staff and has continued to enjoy Southland hospitality since. He said the Burt Munro Challenge was “awesome and I can’t ever tell enough people how well organised and well run it is”.

The speedway event was still the highlight of the challenge, he said. While Mr Williams shares his love of motorcycles with his partner, it is a little different for central North Island man Andrew Williams. Mr Williams and his friend Richard Baddeley arrived from Taihape, with Mr Williams acquiring a new bike between leaving home on Monday and arriving in Invercargill.

He said he was not sure his wife would understand his decision to get a new model. However, he put the blame squarely on his mate’s shoulders. “His Harley sprung an oil leak in Christchurch on the way down and the Ducati store was right next door,” he explained. Mr Williams’ new Ducati was the same colour as the old one he traded in, so Mr Williams “was sure his wife would not notice”.

The four-day event has attracted a record 530 entries.

THURSDAY

10am race start: NZ Hill Climb Champs, at Flagstaff Rd, Bluff.

6pm race start: NZ Super Cross Champs – Final, at the Cooper Super Cross Track, Ryan Rd, Winton.

FRIDAY

5pm race start: ILT NZ Beach Racing Champs, at Oreti Beach.

SATURDAY

9am race start: E Hayes & Sons Teretonga Sprint Races, at Teretonga Raceway, Otatara, Invercargill.

5pm race start: Motorcycle Speedway, at Oreti Park Speedway, Otatara, Invercargill.

SUNDAY

9.30am start: Southland Toy Run, at the Oreti Park rally site, Otatara.

10am race start: Wyndham Street Races.

How long does it take to steal a motorcycle?

A New York minute.

New York is the nation’s capital of motorcycle thievery, followed by swingin’ Las Vegas, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports. Next comes San Diego, Indianapolis and Miami.

Overall, just like when it comes to car thefts, motorcycle thefts have been dropping. In 2012, the year in which the NICB bases its analysis, they amounted to 46,061 ripped-off bikes, down 1% from the year before.

Honda was the motorcycle brand stolen most often, with 9,082 for the year. It was followed by Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson. (We’re wondering if Harleys did relatively well in the analysis because thieves fear Harley owners.)

When it comes to states, thieves appear to prefer warm weather — just like all motorcycle rider. California was first, followed by Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Indiana.

Fewer stolen motorcycles are recovered than cars. While 53.9% of stolen cars were returned to their owners, only 39% of motorcycles found their way back. The NICB says that’s because its easier to “chop” bikes for their parts, hide them in barns or garages or ship them out of the country in giant containers

Source: USA Today

Well, here’s something to give you an interesting angle on this other American tradition that is Black Friday!

Pictured are the First and second place contestants in the annual Thanksgiving Eve Turkey Gravy drinking contest held at the Loud American Cafe in Sturgis SD. It was the most disgusting event I have ever laughed so hard at. The smell was worth the wait …..NOT! How many shots of gravy did the winner drink you ask? One hundred and one (101) and he is seen smiling like a Chesire cat. The second place finisher reversed his 100 shots of gravy back into a gravy recycling bucket just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.

Read the full feature here

Turkeys Stuffed With Cheer, Family and Friends Along With Good Ole Jack.

By Bandit, Ray Wheeler, Bob T., Jim Waggaman, Mistress Chris, Richard Kranzler, RFR, Dr Feng, Sam Kanish, Art, and the rest of stalwart Bikernet crew.

Hey, As nuts as the world is we need to be thankful for what we have. In this wild crazy day and age, anyone can do anything. I’m not kidding. Unless you live in Iran, Syria, or maybe Egypt, you can go to school and do almost anything.

It’s a blessing and it has it’s drawbacks. Like our Bikernet Intern, Kyle, who is a journeyman electrician, a High School Volleyball coach, a restaurant maintenance man, and our underpaid Bikernet certified electrician. He can run a restaurant, build his electrical installation and repair business, become a coach, become a port union crane mechanic, or become a fireman, you name it.

So, what does he do? He chases girls, smokes cigarettes, and flits from one low-paying job to the next. Focus is the key, and he has a tough time deciding what to focus on.

For us mutts who are focused on motorcycles, we might not get rich, but we sure have a good time. Have a helluva Holiday.

CLICK HERE TO READ NEWS!

Hey,

As nuts as the world is we need to be thankful for what we have. In this wild crazy day and age, anyone can do anything. I’m not kidding. Unless you live in Iran, Syria, or maybe Egypt, you can go to school and do almost anything.

It’s a blessing and it has it’s drawbacks. Like our Bikernet Intern, Kyle, who is a journeyman electrician, a High School Volleyball coach, a restaurant maintenance man, and our underpaid Bikernet certified electrician. He can run a restaurant, build his electrical installation and repair business, become a coach, become a port union crane mechanic, or become a fireman, you name it.

So, what does he do? He chases girls, smokes cigarettes, and flits from one low-paying job to the next. Focus is the key, and he has a tough time deciding what to focus on.

For us mutts who are focused on motorcycles, we might not get rich, but we sure have a good time. Have a helluva Holiday.

MR. AND MRS. DAVIDSON SPOTTED–Here’s a cool shot I got of Willie and the Mrs. Willie at the NHRA Finals a couple weeks back in Pomona. We had a great talk about the early years when we worked close with him on the publications.

As you well know things were way different back then. What great people these two are. And in great shape I might add. I bought a ‘32 Ford Victoria from Willie back in the ‘80s and never picked it up! Hell back in those days I probably forgot I bought it.

He still has it as part of an amazing motorcycle and automotive collection. Thanks from all of us G-Man
–Bob Clark

NEW CONTRIBUTOR COMES TO THE BIKERNET EMPIRE–We haven’t met but we have a mutual friend named Jim Houck. Jim and I come from the same county road C in the middle of Kansas. He talks highly of you and suggested I introduce myself. My name is Todd Blubaugh. I’ve been riding around the country for the last six months collecting material for the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

The exhibition is called Romance Of The Road, or something down those lines… Anyhow, After I get back to Seattle, my starting point, I will be moving south to Los Angeles. Jim tells me you would be a good contact down that way. So, let me know If you are interested in swapping war stories. I’m currently stuck in Kansas waiting for the weather to improve enough to head southwest.

If all goes as planned I’ll be on the west coast next week. You can find updates from my trip on my blog: http://www.toddblubaugh.com/test/blog/
Hope to hear from you.

– todd blubaugh-

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE COMING TO KENTUCKY–Please make plans to attend our annual legislative conference. Come and meet your elected officlas, candidates and other speakers address the issues facing us today.

We hope to see everyone there.

MADE IN CHINA FIX–Hey, Just an FYI, but I think this is good to know…
I have noticed lately that the stuff in the pet store is now mostly giving the distribution locality and NOT where it’s made…. ALWAYS READ THE LABELS ON THE FOODS YOU BUY–NO MATTER WHAT THE FRONT OF THE BOX OR PACKAGE SAYS,
TURN IT OVER AND READ THE BACK—CAREFULLY!

With all the food and pet products now coming from China, it is best to make sure you read
label at the grocery store, and especially Walmart when buying food products. They don’t have to pass an inspection for health or contamination.

Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located.
It is important to read the bar code to track it’s origin.

How to read Bar Codes ….. interesting!

This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it’s a concern to you.
GREAT WAY TO “BUY USA & CANADA ” AND NOT FROM CHINA!!

The whole world is concerned about China-made “black hearted goods”. Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ?

If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA.

471 is Made in Taiwan.

This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the
public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.
Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products
“MADE IN CHINA”, so they don’t show from which country it is made.

However, you may now refer to the barcode – remember if the first 3 digits are:

690-692 … then it is MADE IN CHINA
00 – 09 … USA & CANADA
30 – 37 FRANCE
40 – 44 GERMANY
471 … Taiwan
49 …. JAPAN
50 … UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for “0” at the beginning of the number.
We need every boost we can get!

–Joe Teresi
Publisher
Easyriders Magazine

DR. FENG ON ASSIGNMENT—He was recently sent on assignment to the Oxnard plain. Here he contemplates the diversity of the physical universe on planet earth…

New Bikernet Reader Comment!
THE BRASS BALLS BRAWLER (FXR) COMES TO BIKERNET

— Axel

NEW AND IMPROVED KENDON TRAILERS FOR 2014–Yes, all of our new 2014 line will be in all of the TR and BC catalogs. This was not easy keeping this secret and dealing with their exceptionally long catalog lead times.

This year, when anyone opens up the Kendon section it will have a new look and the words “New and Improved for 2014” will actually be in their catalogs. First time there has been any catalog changes for 4 years. This coming year will be damned exciting.

–Frank Esposito
President
Kendon Industries, Inc.
3711 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806-2121
(714) 683-2913 Direct Line
(408) 832-0200 Cell

http://www.kendonusa.com

It’s a Wired World After All?
At a recent Automotive Aftermarket forum, the largest issue reported on was not how to implement future technologies; but rather on the relationship between the manufacturer, dealer network, and original equipment-over-aftermarket-products. In particular, products that enables a car to be connected.

The connected car is going to happen, stated Chris Slesak, Director of Telematics at Delphi Automotive. If you don’t know the term “telematics”, you will soon. Telematics is the technology of sending, receiving, and storing information. You have likely heard of Apple’s iCloud technology. This is something similar, but in your car.

Yes, you will be able to access your online music, photos, internet, iTunes account, iCloud account, contact lists, and so on in your car just like on any Smartphone or tablet.

Sounds like it might come in handy but with all things there is also a dark side. The other items that could be shared wirelessly are your speed, location, brake activity, and any other systems that you are currently operating. Some car loan companies are already using tracking devices on vehicles that still owe money on the car note.

Perhaps the biggest fear is that this new technology will be used to disable a vehicle that has had aftermarket performance upgrades, thus taking away customization options from the owner and forcing them to only use manufacturer or worse, government approved parts.

So you put aftermarket pipes, air cleaner and an ECU on your motorcycle, when the fuel-to-air ratios are changed from factory settings the bike (when capable of telematics) would not start because the factory has locked it until OEM settings have been restored.

The MRF spoke with panelist Andrew Christensen, Nissan of North America’s Senior Manager of Technology Planning, at a recent U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing about driverless cars. Mr. Christensen, said, “It’s a long way off, but it’s certainly possible with systems that include sensors and computers; but the vehicle would have to be in virtual contact with the manufacturer at all times and that technology is nowhere near fleet level.

Fighting the technology is a fools errand. But there is a fight we can win: ownership. We can make a case that the data is the property of the vehicle owner.

“This is a fight for access to the customer,” said Fred Blumer, CEO of VehCon, emphasizing that the aftermarket should focus less on accessing OEM data than on empowering customers to take ownership of the vehicle data. “The argument you can win is that this is the customer’s data,” he added; this is why it’s so important to pass legislation making data the personal property of the vehicle owner.

H.R. 2414 has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to do just that. The “Black Box Privacy Protection Act” gives the customer the ability to turn the data sharing off as well as make the data the property of the car, truck, or motorcycle owner. From the standpoint of consumer privacy rights, most consumers are not aware that their vehicles are recording data. This data not only may be used to aid traffic safety analyses, but also has the potential of being used against them in a civil or criminal proceeding, or by their insurer to increase rates.

JIMS TWIN CAM ENGINE AND TRANS PLUG KIT —
This handy new kit is for engine and transmission rebuilders. This plug kit is for plugging the holes on all engine and trans when going through the steps of the rebuilding process.

No longer do you need to hunt for rags for intake, plugs for speedo sensor or tappet bores, oil passages, spigot holes, etc… You name it, there’s a plug for it.

This is a solution for eliminating any destructive things from your assembly such as dirt, dust, miscellaneous hardware, etc. Kit includes enough pieces for one twin cam engine and transmission, Alpha or Beta.

No. 764 – Use on Any Twin Cam engine and transmission 1999 – present.

JIMS tools are made in the USA and are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturers’ defects. For more information find JIMS on the web at www.jimsusa.com, become a JIMS Facebook fan, or call 805-482-6913 for details.

There was this one nurse that just drove me crazy.
Every time she came in, she would talk
to me like I was a little child.
She would say in a patronizing tone of voice,
“And how are we doing this morning?”
Or
“Are we ready for a bath?” or
“Are we hungry?”

I had had enough of this particular nurse.
One day at breakfast, I took the apple juice
off the tray and put it in my bedside stand.

Later I was given a urine sample bottle to fill for testing.So you know where the juice went!

The nurse came in a while later, picked up the
urine sample bottle, looked at it and said,
“My, my, it seems we are a little cloudy today.”

At this, I snatched the bottle out of her hand,
popped off the top, and gulped it down, saying,
“Well, I’ll run it through again.
Maybe I can filter it better this time!”

The nurse fainted… I just smiled.

DON’T MESS WITH OLD PEOPLE!

QUOTE OF THE HOLIDAY–It’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years that count

–Jim Waggaman

BRAND NEW, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
METALSPORT MEETS LYNDALL BRAKES

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11338

Glad to see these two masters working together!

— Classic Components, Inc.
sales@chromeplating.com
Santa Ana, CA

BIKER’S CHOICE CHAPS AT THE UNKNOWN CHILI COOK-OFF—We are testing Biker’s Choice leather chaps at Chili cook-off last weekend, and so far the Red River Chaps do the trick, especially under extremely spicy circumstances.

BOLT ON TORQUE BOOST WITH A SCREAMIN’ EAGLE STAGE I INTAKE KIT–
Instant Performance Gain for Project RUSHMORE High Output Twin Cam 103 Engines

Pump up the power of a 2104 Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle with the Screamin’ Eagle Stage I Air Cleaner Kit (29400129, $149.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories. The synthetic media of the washable air cleaner element does not require oiling and provides a freer-breathing capability to boost the torque output of a High Output Twin Cam 103 or Twin-Cooled™ High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain.

This kit includes a one-piece cast back plate with integral breather and mounting brackets for simplified installation, the air filter, a Screamin’ Eagle air cleaner cover insert, and all required hardware. It’s street legal when used with stock mufflers. Proper installation requires ECM recalibration (priced separately). This kit fits 2014 Touring and Trike models with the Original Equipment 50mm throttle body.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.h-d.com.

OLD IMAGE FILE NOW OPEN–I know you like old images and while digging thru my old record stash I came across this.

–Sam Kanish

TRIKE AFTERMARKET WORLD UNDER ATTACK–
Harley Davidson sold 12,000 trikes last year, if half of that number went to the 6 big conversion companys that’s 1000 trikes each and that would have made them profitable

Harley is finally selling Trikes.Thats a good thing you say, not so, Harley is currently lobbying to make aftermarket conversions illegal. Virtually putting every conversion manufacturer out of business…they want ALL the business in the US.

I am talking to several of the owners about putting together a consortium to fight Harley Davidsons plans

Yes harley is backing everyone down, just like Craig at Wesminster Harley, they are telling him he can’t sell conversions, so that means they are telling all their dealers the same thing. Bad shit.

–Mystery Bikernet Correspondent

UNCLE MONKEY REPAIRS THE REPAIR–Few things are more frustrating then buttoning up a repair job only to have the job come back.

Similar issues but seemingly worse than when you started. You’re left second-guessing yourself. Did you miss diagnosis the problem in the first place? Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in parts and labor and the vehicle is back on the lift to be fixed again. You start at square one hoping you didn’t miss a broken wire, a broken part to begin with, a 2-cent job that you wasted days on fixing. But everything checks out. You jump to where you left off again, hoping what you had done was not in vane.

I spent the better part of the weekend on a project for Mrs. Monkey only to have her complain that it was still doing the same thing. We have all been there – trying to remain calm when it would be more satisfying to throw tools across the shop and kick a hole in that new stucco wall.

The problem was eventually traced back to a faulty new part. The five-dollar part was the cheapest part of the build and the no-brainer component. Plug and play, onto the next thing, but as I clasped the wiring harness it was obviously where the problem was. Five dollars later the Missus is back on the road happy as always that her man had fixed it for her.

Spinning wrenches for a living or even doing it for yourself in the shed is satisfying. Breathing life back into the broken and worn. New parts are just that – the simple part of the project. No filing, machining, honing, soldier, welding, or hoping. We trust that the parts we buy are quality parts and ideally made here. When they are not we are left frustrated, banging our heads against the wall.

-bad Uncle Monkey

SPEAKING OF REPAIRS–Massachusetts Right to Repair goes to governor for signature–Aftermarket Business World Wire Reports

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation supported by AASA, MEMA, CARE, AAIA, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers, which reconciles Right to Repair legislation signed into law last year and the voter referendum passed by the voters last November.

The bill is on the governor’s desk, who is expected to sign it into law.

An amendment was agreed to that brings certain heavy duty and commercial vehicles under the law; the amendment was considered minimal and was accepted and agreed to by Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) and its member companies. The amendment expands coverage of the bill to include “heavy duty vehicles that are not heavy duty vehicles built to custom specifications sold in the commonwealth for commercial purposes”.

The legislation calls for compliance for light duty cars and trucks beginning with Model Year 2018; allows multiple interfaces for diagnostic information, and provides manufacturers with protections for Intellectual Property.

AASA and MEMA have supported this legislation as a model solution for all 50 states.

The New Jersey legislature held a hearing on its own version of Right to Repair, but its prospects for advancing through the legislature are uncertain.

AASA and MEMA have weighed in urging the New Jersey legislature to adopt the Massachusetts language on this issue in an effort to promote a uniform program.

For more information on Right to Repair efforts supported by AASA and MEMA, contact Tom Lehner of MEMA.
– See more at: http://www.searchautoparts.com/aftermarket-business/news-distribution/massachusetts-right-repair-goes-governor-signature?cid=95879#sthash.bFXcQMCD.dpuf

[page break]

LIFESTYLE BLACK LEATHER DEAL FOR BLACK FRIDAY- 2002 Road King Classic just $12,995–

Accessories: Hoppe Quadzilla fairing custom painted, headlight and spot light chrome trim bezels, Harley Davidson chrome and rubber highway pegs & grips, Harley Davidson addlebags and tour pack, high flow air cleaner, chrome shitch housings, chrome hand controls, chrome levers, integrated tach/speedometer, POW MIA derby cover.

Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.

Located in Anaheim, California, LifeStyle Cycles has the West Coast’s largest selection of pre-owned and bank-owned motorcycles. With bikes coming in almost everyday, LifeStyle Cycles is sure to have the bike you are looking for at the price you want.

– See more at:

NASH BLACK FRIDAY PARTY–Save the Date!
Friday, November 29th
Greetings!

Don’t Miss Out! Get killer savings and you don’t even have to put pants on! Nash Black Friday Sale happening ONLINE as well as at our retail location on Melrose. 40% OFF ALL HANDLEBARS AND LEATHER! NO EXCLUSIONS. Seriously.
12-9pm on the 29th @
7303 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

OR

24hours on the 29th @ www.nashmotorcycle.com

BLACK FRIDAY 5-BALL RACING SALE–Get your motorcycle tees, hoodies and Official 5-Ball Racing merchandise at
Crank & Stoker Supply Co. Black Friday Sale.

Receive FREE Shipping & FREE “Da Bomb” decal while supplies last.

http://crankandstroker.com/5-ball-racing.html

–Andy

HELL ON WHEEL Vintage Motorcycle Calendar 2014 – NEW!!—
Vintage Pinups and Motorcycles Calendar
It’s that time of year and it’s Meatball’s best calendar yet! Every year Meatball from the Brittown movie makes an awesome calendar of vintage pinups and gorgeous motorcycles to grace the walls of your shop.

We even have some of last year’s calendars available for a crazy price so you can collect them all. Enjoy turkey day and we’ll have more news soon.

HINT: Use code “holiday2013” to save $5.00 off your next order until Dec. 3rd

CINCY V-TWIN DEALER SHOW SEMINARS—This will be the dealer/new product show of the year. The dealer show structure has changed significantly for 2014 and the classic V-Twin show by EASYRIDERS is standing tall in February–Social Media Marketing Best Practices Workshop
FOR EXHIBITORS ONLY

New For 2014, A Seminar Created Specifically For Our Exhibitors Benefit

V-TWIN EXPO EXCLUSIVE SEMINAR

Search Engine and Social Media Marketing Best Practices Workshop

While Google’s continuously evolving algorithm appears to change the rules for search engine optimization (SEO), the fundamentals have remained the same: quality content, clean code and credibility.

The first section of the presentation will recap SEO best practices, while incorporating the latest trends in search engine rankings, including Panda, Penguin and Hummingbird.

Join Kent Lewis of Anvil Media for this engaging dealer-only session to learn how to keep your website ranking in a sea of change. The second section of the presentation will focus on social media marketing best practices.

You will learn how to create and properly optimize social media profiles, develop a compelling content calendar and understand how to best measure the impact of your efforts on the bottom line. He will cover newer social platforms including Pinterest, Vine and Instagram as well as evolving capabilities including micro-video.

The presentation will be followed by a 45-minute workshop, including a real-time assessment of attendee websites and social media presence. You will leave this session with a better understanding of best practices in search engine and social media marketing as well as specific recommendations you can implement immediately to make in impact.

SATURDAY February 8th, 2014
V-TWIN EXPO EXCLUSIVE SEMINAR

Event Planning Made Simple
You know it the moment you arrive: whether an event is going to be a huge success or a dud. Ever notice how the best events look effortless? Everything just seems to unfold perfectly — and at just the right moment. A well-planned, well-run event on site or off site can be a reality.

Anyone who has put together a gathering of any size knows it is anything but easy and effortless. Nothing — not even the smallest detail — can be left to chance.

Join our expert panelists Rick Fairless of Stroker’s Dallas, Pete Harraka of Keyboard Transportation and Kent Lewis of Anvil, You will leave this seminar knowing more about event planning, preparation, marketing/PR and management. You will be able to define the purpose of your event, set goals for your event to use as a measuring stick, key questions you need to ask during planning, how to build an off-site event including motorcycle transportation, how to handle weather, parking and other potential emergencies and of course, how to evaluate your event to ensure future success.

Posted by Kit Maira

BIKERNET STAFFER OF THE WEEK–Bruce Snyder is a 62-year-old dirty old man who helps Bandit edit Bikernet’s technical features and fiction, and he occasionally writes articles for the site. He has edited three of Bandit’s books – two non-fiction works (Terry the Tramp and Building a Bonneville Salt Flats Racer) and one Chance Hogan novel (with a second Chance Hogan tale in the works) – and he co-edited Hunting the Osage Bow, a bow-building treatise by Ohio bowyer Dean Torges.

In addition to his articles on Bikernet, Bruce’s work has been published in Traditional Bowhunter magazine and Longbows & Recurves magazine. He has been a staff writer, reporter, and sports editor for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Texas, and California.

In real life, Bruce is a proposal manager for Avenge Inc., a northern Virginia-based company that provides aviation services for military and civilian government clients. He has over a decade of proposal management experience and more than 30 years of technical writing and editing experience in the government, defense, homeland security, aerospace, information technology, and oil and gas sectors. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys long-distance running, reading, and riding his Harley (currently an FLD Switchback). He lives in Ashburn, Virginia.

IF YOU WANT TO HELP, THINK RED CROSS–
During this week of giving thanks, I’m thinking of you. No matter the crisis, no matter how many times I came asking for your help this year, you were there, as part of the Red Cross community.

Thank you…for caring, for responding with compassion, and for being there when someone needed help.

I meet people often whose lives have been turned upside down after a disaster, and they tell me what the Red Cross has done to get their lives back on track. They shake my hand or give me a hug and say “thank you,” but really, they are thanking you.

It’s your support that puts food and water into the hands of people who are without, helps a person in need of CPR or first aid, provides lifesaving blood to hospital patients and comforts families across the country. You’re the real hero.

View this slideshow to see how your support made a difference.

Gratefully,

Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross

 

Coastal Moto has become one of the largest retailers of custom motorcycle wheels in the US. For only one day per year, they offer all of their product lines at the guaranteed best deals of the year. If you are in the market for a new set of chrome custom wheels, or even a blacked out package, you have to check these guys out.

They offer their own Coastal Moto line as well as Performance Machine (PM), Xtreme Machine and Arlen Ness wheel and tire packages. They are the largest PM and Xtreme Dealer in all of North America always keep hundreds of wheels in stock and ready for same day shipping.

They offer an awesome 90 Day Layaway program and also ship FREE to the entire US, Hawaii, Alaska and even Canada. Most of their packages are delivered with tires mounted and balanced and completely assembled. They are available for Harley, M109R, and most Sportbikes. Call or click today. Don’t miss this sale, it only comes once per year! 888-899-6686 Coastal Moto http://www.coastalmoto.com

–Jason Spillers
Coastal Moto
356 Destination Daytona Lane
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
p 386-676-1079
f 386-676-1579
www.coastalmoto.com

BREAKOUT SHORT-CUT TAIL-END KIT–
RICK’S Motorcycles, based in Baden-Baden, Germany, has already started production of custom parts for the 2014 Harley model range with the introduction of its short-cut tail end designed specifically for the Breakout Softail.

The heavy-duty metal fender by Rick’s House of Custom is able to take both the rider and passenger (the latter with a pad), but has been designed primarily as a single seat unit with a view of the 240 rear tire used in the stock bike.
A special tank to seat cover is included in the kit, as are countersunk head bolts that fit the stock mounting screw holes. The addition of narrow aftermarket indicators, a Rick’s side-mount license plate and the belt guard cut to size are recommended to complete the changes to the rear of the bike.

Two versions of the cut fender are available; the one shown and a second, which is 8cm longer. The latter is designed to provide more protection against dirt and more space for a passenger.

–from the AMD Team

FTB SPORT BAG FAMILY FROM SADDLEMEN–The latest group of motorcycle luggage from Saddlemen – The FTB line features a bold, yet sporty look with an array of vital features bundled with suburb construction and class-leading value pricing. No other line of bags look as sharp on your motorcycle, so be prepared to acknowledge complements about them at each gas stop.

Sissybar bag mounting is simple and quick using Saddlemen’s adjustable backrest sleeve that conforms to the width of your sissy bar or pad, and its shape or taper. Mounting is secure, when using a Sissybar or just a rack or seat, with the four hold-down straps included with each bag. The trunk and rack bag mounts in moments without fuss using rugged nylon straps and clips attached directly to the body of the bag.

If the weather gets wet, use the supplied high visibility, light reflective rain cover to protect the bag and its contents. And if you need to carry your Sissybar bag with you when you park your bike, use the included, padded backpack straps to tote your gear with you.

The Sport Sissybar Bags (FTB1000 and FTB 1500) are shaped to present a trim line on your motorcycle, but open up to hold an impressive amount of cargo for their size. The main cargo compartment flap opens fully with solid tethered sides for easy loading. Internal mesh storage compartments secure smaller items while keeping them visible so you can locate your stuff fast. Integrated, side mount beverage holders adjust to the bottle’s size and then fold down smooth when not in use.

The Sport Trunk & Rack Bag (FTB3300) brings never-before-seen style to the top of your touring bike’s trunk, trunk-rack or large rear rack. Semi-rigid walls, specially contoured for style and load capacity, hold their shape regardless of your cargo. Gull-wing top flaps have perimeter zippers that open large for easy loading and unpacking. It’s simply the new standard in trunk-rack bags.

The Sport Sissybar & Combo Bags (FTB2500 and FTB3600) are the large siblings in the FTB clan. They have the same, knife sharp styling and organizing features as the smaller bags but with more capacity. Mid-size side compartments easily hold extra cargo and double up as beverage holders. Each bag also includes a specialized top storage bag that clips on and off in seconds. Equipped with the same highly-functional gull-wing style access flaps as our Sport Trunk & Rack Bag, these top bags expand your cargo capacity by a huge margin. Need to get at rain gear fast, but keep it away from your other stuff? These auxiliary storage bags fit the bill.

FTB1000 Sport Sissybar Bag DRAG #3515-0138$89.95

FTB2500Sport Sissybar & Combo Bag DRAG #3515-0141 $134.95

FTB3600Sport Sissybar & Combo Bag DRAG #3515-0142 $169.95

FROM THE BIKERNET OFFICIAL PHILISOPHER–Set Goals, Make Plans, Execute!

Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?

Many people go through Life on automatic pilot, they keep doing what they have been doing day in day out and can’t understand why things don’t get better.

I believe that to move forward we must have goals and plans. Each day that we are on this plain is a gift to express ourselves in new and wonderful ways, to be more, to do more, to have more.

The key to living this experience is to set goals and a plan of how and what we are willing to do to achieve these goals. First we must have a target and then a plan of what we are going to do to hit that target, then execute the plan.

An example is giving up weight, many of us say we are going to lose some extra pounds, but forget we must make a plan and then execute the plan in order to enjoy the results. Simply all it takes is set goal, make plan and execute and then add the magic ingredient which is character.

Character is the ability to carry out a goal long after the mood in which it was made has left you!

Today Know: Today as I begin my day I set some goals. One goal is I am going to Live fully in the present, smile at everyone I meet and take the time to notice all the good around me.

As I drive to my job in my car I am going to pretend that this is the first time I have driven the route and observe all as I go, the cars, the buildings, the nature and I know I will see things I have never seen before.

I am going to set a personal goal, maybe phone an old friend, eat a little less, help a stranger and execute the goal before I retire tonight. I may write down a big goal, make a plan and begin to execute the plan. Today I am going to express more, be more and experience more. Today, the Present is a Gift and I simply say Thank You for this opportunity to Grow and to Live more of My Truth.

And So It Is
Namaste’

–Yale
Yale Custom Cycles
403-453-1999
2003 11 ST SE
Calgary AB
T2G 3G6

Turning a V-Rod into a Tourer

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=9291

Love your work. Gonna try to build my own. Very cool!

— Deon
zebulonzak@hotmail.com
Burnie, tasmania, Australia

BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT

Adrenaline Junky List:
****Mojave Mile****To be announced****12,000 foot runway, one mile shutdown….
****Texas Mile****March 2014****
****El Mirage****5-17/18, 6-22, 7-13, 9-14, 10-19, 11/8-9****
****S C T A Speed Week****August 9-15, 2014****
****BUB Speed Trials****August 22-29****unofficial guesstimate****
****World Finals****Sept. 30—-October 3, 2014****
****E C T A Ohio Mile****5/3-4****6/7-8****7/12-13****9/27-28****

http://iedarla.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/the-inland-empire-makes-an-enormous-showing-for-the-slagle-benefit/

Check out the story above, the Reporter provided one hell of a nice piece. The photographer caught our resident welder Toby entering the event after a ride in from the Harbor on his ATK.

Last Sunday morning, a couple of days past, after a mere five hours of sleep I met Paul Kittrell of Lyndall Racing Brakes in Santa Ana. We loaded Paul’s trusty 10×10 pop-up tent, packed a few lightweight rotors, a few sets of bad ass brake pads and we were off like a herd of turtles to Quaid H-D in Temecula, CA. Of course we went the wrong direction for just a few miles, then we got our shit together and Hauled Ass in a different direction.

Somehow we miraculously arrived at precisely 8:00 am the desired set up time. The freshly painted black iron gates swung open, we were one of the first waved in and located in a choice spot close to the exit at the end of the row, with easy in and easy out. Perfect.

Lyndall Racing Brakes now has solid Composite Rotors for the 2014 H-D models. www.lyndallracingbrakes.com for all of the details.

So here comes Monday morning and we’re off to the races one more time, with a plan. The 5-Ball Raycer is on the rack getting a thorough once over in preparation for the upcoming road to Dan Thayer’s in New York for a world class tune up.

Dr. Willie spotted a slight inner primary leak by the alternator. Removed the primary cases, cleaning and re-sealing for an oil tight seal. Next, we’ll need a gasket and oil. We’re also replacing the inner primary chain.

Low and behold the mount for the Turbo pulled apart, as in stressing a weld apart. Seems the engine grew with running heat. We’re guessing at least a 1/16th of an inch or more. Due to a slight design flaw, we attached the front cylinder exhaust in a solid manner attaching to the Turbo mount and front engine mounts.

The pipe to the rear head connects with a slip joint and works perfectly allowing for growth. The front mount solution is a newly machined Turbo mount with a slip joint installed in the front pipe allowing for engine growth. Our dyno passes at half throttle in Ron Williams former shop located in San Jose must have pulled the mount apart.

Growing pains with solutions, easy if you say it real quick. Better than ten months until Bonneville!

Have a Great Thanksgiving! Thank a Pilgrim! Go for a Ride!

One helleva 2014 comin up, we’ll test and tune on the Highways, Byways, Race Tracks and finally, the infamous Bonneville Salt Flats.

Quite a few to Thank starting with Toby The Welder, 2 out 3 of my Ex-Wives, my 3 Sons, Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Kent Rich, Dutch and the Crew@Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Keith Ball and the Crew@Bikernet, Bikers Choice, Brad Beach@Beach Racing, Cadillac Joe, Craig “Mr. Magician” Cole, Dr. Willie Lanham, Long Beach, Ca., Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer@vtwinfuelinjection, Allen Alvarez@Daytona Twin Tech, Dave Butler, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents (Thanks Ted Shrode, Ph.D—- R. I. P.), Fisher Harmonic Damper, Dan Stern@House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc., Ron Williams, Jeff, Kevin@Hardtailz, Randy Torgeson, Michelle and the Crew@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Paul Kittrell@Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman@Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Juan, Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Ray Askew, Ray Whitehead@Pegasus, Pingel, Walt, Pro Charger, Jim @Sharp Eye Transmission, Reggie and Crew@R&R Cycle, Ben Kudon@Rivera Primo, Matthew Wiley@Race Tech Suspension, Rick Tedder@ R/T Performance, Schnitz Racing, Mr. McCahill@Spyke, S&S Cycle, Matthew Negherbon@Thunder Motorcycles in San Jose, Guy Caputo@Tiger Racing, Steve The Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers, World Wide Bearings, Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineuity in San Jose, Ca..

Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com

LIKE BIKES AND DICE? We make custom logo dice valve caps for your rides.
Great addition to your ride.

Fits any Schrader valves.

Bret Schroeder
Willinois BMX Products
www.willinoisbmx.com

THE DREADED FULL MOON—I’m not blaming all bad vibes on the full moon. But when you run into a stretch of bad luck, try to catch yourself. You known the road rage scenario. Try to recognize the vibe, and back up. I swear, I rolled through a couple of days that turned downright nasty and depressing.

Fortunately Dr. Feng pointed out the full moon and I relaxed. In the last week, everything I thought went to shit, repaired itself, found a resource, called me back and apologized, you name it. Now, if only that one redhead will call and take me to a small island in the Pacific. Incredible.

I want to thank everyone who has helped with Bikernet, Bikernet Blog, Bikernet Trikes, Bikernet Baggers, Crank and Stroker, and 5-Ball Racing throughout 2013. We have tackled major obstacle and stood tall. We have grown, repaired, redesigned, and worked our butts off all year long, and I can’t thank you enough.

I can’t wait for 2014.

Ride Forever and ever and ever,

–Bandit

Buffalo Chip® Announces Return of Award-Winning Student Build Challenge™ with 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Sturgis, SD (November 26, 2013) – The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is proud to announce that its ground-breaking Student Build Challenge will return in 2014. The bike build project is a collaboration between the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis Brown High School, Black Hills Harley-Davidson®, Terry Components, Dakota V-Twin and a large group of industry-leading parts sponsors. The program provides the opportunity for Sturgis Brown High School students to learn from leading motorcycle industry professionals in order to create a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle from a stock Harley-Davidson.

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