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Read More July 10, 2008 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
This news will be strange. Aren’t they all? Hollister is this weekend in the wine country of California, and the LA Calendar show rocks the Queen Mary right here in Long Beach, the home of WCC. That’s just the tip of the chrome iceberg. There?s events and parties all over the globe, plus we’re all preparing for Sturgis.
We have our famous 5-Ball trophy parts ordered and my fingers are crossed for the Kevin Baas Bikernet metal signs. I’m hand-building the Best of Show Trophy bases. Plus Mike Lichter asked me to create a metal sculpture for his Art Exhibit at Thunder Road in the Dome in Sturgis.
That’s not all. A high-Dollar Ducati was delivered to the Bikernet Headquarters on Monday and Tuesday morning a lovely model arrived at our Headquarters with Rick Hustead, a photographer for Easyriders, and picked up Billy Lane’s bike. I’ll tell you about the Italian Duck at the end of the news:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO ACQUIRE MV AGUSTA GROUP EXPANDING PRESENCE IN EUROPE–Italian Company Known for Premium, High-Performance Motorcycles.
Milwaukee, Wis., July 11, 2008 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.
The acquisition is expected to close in several weeks, pending the satisfaction of contingencies and receipt of regulatory approvals. Harley-Davidson intends to fund the transaction primarily through euro-denominated debt.
MV Agusta Group has two families of motorcycles: a line of exclusive, premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta brand; and a line of lightweight motorcycles sold under the Cagiva brand. MV Agusta?s F4-R motorcycle, powered by a 1078cc in-line four-cylinder liquid cooled engine, is rated at 190 hp. The company sells its products through about 500 dealers worldwide, the vast majority of them in Europe. In 2007, MVAG shipped 5,819 motorcycles. During 2008 MVAG has significantly slowed production due to financial difficulties.
?Motorcycles are the heart, soul and passion of Harley-Davidson, Buell and MV Agusta,? said Harley-Davidson, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jim Ziemer. ?Both have great products and close connections with incredibly devoted customers. The MV Agusta and Cagiva brands are well-known and highly regarded in Europe. They are synonymous with beautiful, premium, Italian performance motorcycles,? Ziemer said.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. plans to continue to operate MV Agusta Group from its headquarters based in Varese, Italy. Following closing, the first priority will be to appoint a leadership team to include a new Managing Director and to resume the manufacture of current models.
Current MV Agusta Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni will continue in a leadership role as Chairman and will play a major role in future product development. Design Chief Massimo Tamburini will continue his leadership of MV Agusta Group?s world leading sport-bike design studio.
?We take enormous pride in MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycles,? said Castiglioni. ?Our riders seek an uncompromising experience in premium performance motorcycles. And with Harley-Davidson?s deep understanding of the emotional as well as the business side of motorcycling, I have great confidence that our motorcycles will excite customers for generations to come.?
According to Ziemer, the acquisition is intended primarily to expand Harley-Davidson, Inc?s presence and footprint in Europe, complementing the Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles have grown at a double-digit rate in Europe in each of the last three years, as the Company has increased its strategic focus on global markets.
?The acquisition of MV Agusta Group will enhance Harley-Davidson, Inc?s position as a global leader in fulfilling customer dreams and providing extraordinary customer experiences. We look forward to a long relationship with the MV Agusta and Cagiva families of customers and employees,? said Ziemer.
Conference Call
Harley-Davidson, Inc. will hold a webcast conference call regarding the acquisition from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. (central time) today, July 11, with Tom Bergmann, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. To access the webcast, please log on and register at least ten minutes prior to the start time at www.harley-davidson.com
RUN TO THE S&S 50TH RAY WHEELER, W8LESS MASTER, SAGA–San Jose to Laughlin, then Larkspur, Colorado for two weddings, then to Wichita, Kansas for 2-3 days and monsoon madness, then off finally to lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach, Missouri. Lynn Long threw on a paint job quick in two days. Best friend since ’67. He used drawer liner to mask off the theme real snappy like. Out of the Ozarks, destination S&S 50th on 2004 Dyna with RR 124-inch engine and Daytona Twin Tech EFI, with RB Racing pipes.
In Wayland, MO the fuel line quit. Ended up on the road for four hours. No one stopped except the Mail lady who pulled a page out of the phone book and gave it to Ray. He made calls. He called a half-dozen bike shops and they didn’t have time on a Monday, between noon and five to rescue a brother along side a road scattered with road kill running from the Mississippi floods.
Finally Haps Brothers, truck and agricultural repair service, out of Wayland, MO, Keith and Tony came and got him. They both rode custom metric bikes.
“They were too cool,” Ray said. They worked on the bike until 11:00, then worked with Tattoo Artist Doug Smeltser. Loaded up at midnight and Doug gave him a place to stay. Next morning they hauled to Heartland H-D in Burlington, Iowa. He was there all Tuesday and Wednesday to 5:00 and spent $11,000 to fix and replace a $32 collapsed fuel line. Remember our editor Bruce Snyder had the same problem with his King.
He rolled to Ainsworth, Iowa to Sucker Punch Sally dealer Papa Clutch, Tim Anding, his parents own the truck stop up the road. He hit a monsoon and hid out under a hotel awning until midnight. Clear skies, lollypops and he peeled out with Bad directions from the truck stop lad,y turned around on highway 20 slipped onto highway 38 to Anamosa and J&P Cycles.
About 4:00 in the morning heading into an unknown dangerous curve a pickup pulled onto the road behind him, flashed his brights and ran right up on his ass. “Four bikers have died on that curve in the last year,” Ray said. It went from hard pan to pea-gravel. He lost total control but rode straight off the bluff. “I slipped past the guard rail, fortunately, over a bluff and down a hill. Dead man’s curve.”
Sat on the guard rail for awhile then returned to my bike for a flashlight. It was black. Tried to flash down folks, but half-dozen folks, wouldn’t stop. Called 411 for cops number, but was disconnected three times. Called 911 and they couldn’t decide what county he was in.
“Stay on line, policeman on the way. Can you hear the sirens?” He wasn’t found for a couple of hours. Then the cops arrived from all different directions. Two cars and a pick-up. Talked about getting a wrecker, but one of the cops, Dave Weatherwax, was a rider. “I’ve been riding forever,” Dave said. ” I’ll ride it.”
They got it upright and pushed it up the hill. “I crawled over, punched the compression release and showed him how to start it,” Ray said. Fired it up.
“Cancel the wrecker, I’ll ride it home,” Dave said.
Cops took Ray to the Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa. Fractured a bone in his foot. “I was there until 2-3 in the afternoon and an EMT gave me a ride to a Motel 6,” Ray said.
Dave Weather came over and hung out, told him that the bike was okay. He called his best friend, Kit Knutson. The next morning Dave’s friend came over with his bike loaded up and took him to the S&S 50th.
The Boss of Purple slice delivered Ray and his bike from Iowa to LA, where we patched up his bike for the six hour ride home to San Jose. Just another Ray adventure.
BANDIT’S CANTINA, WORLD RUN REVIEW–Great read, but I want to know about the end. I’ve been subcribing for a little over a year and didn’t even realize that you wrote a damn good story, until I got bored at work and read, Bandit’s Cantina – The Series. So, then I moved on to reading, Chance 2: World Run, — figured I start at the bottom of the book section and work my way up. Anyways, I hope the rest of the books don’t leave me hanging.
Hell, I haven’t read a book since High School and you got me hooked. I’m like a crack whore waiting for my next fix. I just got to now the end of that story. Have a good one and thanks for my entertainment here on the job.
–Hayes
OFFICIAL BIKERNET STURGIS DEAL OF THE YEAR–Sturgis ?08: make the ride home better than the ride there.
Don?t think about your ride to Sturgis ? think about the ride home. Think about how nice it would be to ride back with a few-hundred less, bike rattling, fuel sucking, bolt-loosening, ass-numbing, motor RPM. Forget about the screaming that your engine did on the way out there.
That is, forget about that old 5-speed and return home with the award-winning BAKER Direct Drive 6-Speed to keep up with the new Cruise Drive equipped Harley-Davidsons. For a flat $2,595.00 and a healthy afternoon of bar-hopping in downtown Sturgis you can be all set.
Get a BAKER DD6 installed while you eat, drink, and be merry about your nice ride home with a more-relaxed engine, a quieter transmission, a more-efficient ride, and suffering buddies who still ride stock 5-speeds.
Read more on why the DD6 is perfect for the long ride home at www.bakerdrivetrain.com/DD6 Please call 1-877-640-2004 and schedule an appointment while there is still availability. It is a first come/first serve basis and spaces are filling. There are many riders that would like to sneak an upgraded transmission home onto their ?90-?06 Big Twin while away from their spouses. What happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis. When & Where ? Sturgis Bike Week 2008, 10:00am-5:00pm Everyday More Information ? www.bakerdrivetrain.com/onsiteinstall ? –//Scout Connecticut Threatening a HELMET LAW AGAIN–I Rode in the protest rallies in the seventies and I would do it again. I will be watching for any that might start here. –Henry LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST PLANNING GUIDE–Wow! The year is half over. We hope you had a great holiday weekend. With only three months to Las Vegas BikeFest we are working at top speed around here. Our staff is working day and night to plan the best Las Vegas BikeFest yet and we can’t wait to have you join us. If you have never been to the event, this is a great time to make the trip. Don’t let the economy and fuel prices get you down. Plan your trip now so you have something exciting to look forward to for the next three months. Hook up with a group of friends and ride out together. Vegas is always more fun with a group of buds and ladies don’t think this doesn’t include you. Come out with all your girlfriends and make it a girls weekend in Vegas. We are looking forward to you joining us for the 8th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest. WET T-SHIRT CONTEST, PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS HARLEY-DAVIDSON They’re wet and hot. Need any mo’ information? DETROIT BROS’ MALICE VELOCITY STACK/ AIR CLEANERS–You can have it either way.Detroit Bros.? new Malice Velocity Stack is scientifically proven to boost your bike?s Cool Factor by 20% – 22%, and will fit on your stock H-D big twin carb from ?84+ and your S&S Super E and G carbs. Velocity stack measures 5? OD x 2.25? thick, and is available in raw aluminum (shown) or polished aluminum (+20.00). K&N Filter element (shown) not included, but available for an additional $35.00. Velocity stack starts at $149.99. For more information, or to see matching Malice Headlight, check out www.detroitbros.com or call 866-DET-BROS. BIKERNET NUMBERS FOR JUNE ARE HOT–We anxiously watch for our numbers to spill out of our secure software program. Last month 333,500 readers came to Bikernet 544,000 times, for 1.2 million impressions and 7.6 million hits. We want to thank every reader for making Bikernet their home for all sorts of Bullshit information. We’ll keep it coming or die trying. BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO / 4-SPEED HYDRAULIC CLUTCH TRANS END COVER from RIVERA PRIMO (A.R.T.-branded)Looking for that hi-tech, hi-end look then A.R.T. hydraulic covers, now manufacturedhere in-house by Rivera Primo, are the answer. First off the line is the 4-speed kickstart model. Manufactured from fine qualitybillet aluminum & polished to a high luster finish, this model has the kicker shafthole with bushing as well as the kick spring stud hole in place. Piston bore on this baby is 1-3/8″. This cover accepts the hydraulic line & banjo fitting matched to a 5/8″ bore master cylinder (not supplied). These distinctive, yet easily recognizable covers are delivered with cover hardwareas well as mounting gasket. We’ll be introducing 5-speed versions in the near future, so keep watch here onBIKERNET’s “Thursday News” for their introductions. 1215-0027 4-Spd (Kickstart) Hydraulic Trans End Cover / Billet $ 321.04 For these & other fine products contact: UNDER STRESS? BIKERNET BRINGS YOU ZEN THROUGH THE SAYINGS OF THE JEWISH BUDDHIST– If there is no self, whose arthritis is this? Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated? Drink tea and nourish life; with the first sip, joy; with the second sip,satisfaction; with the third sip, peace; with the fourth, a Danish. Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another story. Accept misfortune as a blessing. Do not wish for perfect health, or a lifewithout problems. What would you talk about? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single Oy. There is no escaping karma. In a previous life, you never called, younever wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that? Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do youhave? Bupkis. The Tao does not speak. The Tao does not blame. The Tao does not takesides. The Tao has no expectations. The Tao demands nothing of others. TheTao is not Jewish. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this andattaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems. Let your mind be as a floating cloud. Let your stillness be as a woodedglen. And sit up straight. You’ll never meet the Buddha with such roundedshoulders. Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers. Each flower blossoms ten thousandtimes. Each blossom has ten thousand petals.(You might want to see aspecialist.) The Torah says, Love your neighbor as yourself. The Buddha says, “There is no self.” So, maybe we’re off the hook. –from Art Friedman AUTOMOTIVE STYLIST VIRGIL EXNER JR.TO MAKE RARE APPEARANCE AT ?SPORTS & CLASSICS OF MONTEREY? EVENT–Automotive stylist, and son of the legendary designer of the ?forward look?,to be in attendance as his father?s custom 1957 Chrysler Diablo concept carcrosses the auction block August 15th to 16th in Monterey, California. Monrovia, CA (July 6, 2008) ? RM Auctions announced today that Virgil Exner Jr., son of the legendary V.P. of Design at Chrysler Corporation Virgil Exner Sr., will attend the much anticipated Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event in California, August 15th to 16th. Exner Sr. ushered in the first notable era of the Chrysler concept car with his ?forward look?, an innovative design concept which centralized around tailfins. One of his most notable works was the sleek 1957 Chrysler Diablo concept car, which is slated to make its auction debut at the RM event in August. ?We are extremely honored to be welcoming Virgil Exner Jr. to our Monterey event to offer a unique personal perspective on the design of the extraordinary Diablo,? said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions. ?His insight on his father?s legacy will add much excitement to the offering, as the car has received considerable international interest.? ?Concept cars have always held our fascination and will be a featured highlight of the famed Pebble Beach Concours d?Elegance held following our Monterey auction? The 1957 Chrysler Diablo comes to us from a time when Exner was given carte blanche to develop his designs and express them with candor. It was designed with aerodynamics in mind to appear light and fluid, like a moving work of art and is a spectacular example of a show car. Even its immense stature (18.2 feet long, 6.7 feet wide) does not weigh down its streamlined, racy appearance. “I was fortunate to have an opportunity to drive the Diablo myself,” said Exner Jr. He added, “My father was very fond of the car, as it confirmed what he was trying to achieve – less chrome, clean lines, more sculptural in appearance. The Diablo which was a serious design that proved to have excellent aerodynamics and directly influenced the Chrysler line of cars for that followed,” recounted Exner Jr. RM Auctions’ Sports & Classics of Monterey will be held August 15th and 16th at the Portola Resort & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, in Monterey, CA. Coinciding with the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the annual auction event, which is now in its 23rd year, attracts thousands of automobile enthusiasts and participants from around the world. Admission to RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event is $40 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. An auction catalog is available for an additional $100 U.S., including shipping and handling within North America. For additional information on RM Auctions Inc., and this event, visit www.rmauctions.com MR. LUCKY WANTS YOU– Got an out of sight retro part that you?re just dying to get to market? Well, “Mr. Lucky” of Jammer Cycle Products wants to talk to YOU!! He?ll be at the Grease Monkey Mayhem lot on Lazelle & 8th St. every day from Noon – 5:00 looking for cool Old School parts to add to the 2009 Jammer?s Handbook Catalog. Ride your bike over and show him what you?ve got………..your product could be featured in the new Jammer?s Handbook distributed around the world! SADDLEMEN SPONSORS BIKERNET BROUHAHA SHOW IN STURGIS– Saddlemen would like to participate by offering the following product donations for the Burn-Out competition winners at Thunder Road on Friday August 8. The Thunder Road, Thunder Dome burn-out pit is the officially declared strongest, toughest burn-out pit in the world, all 2000 pounds of steel. Come out, test it out and let us know if you’ve ever seen a burn-out pit that compares. Here’s the prizes plus famous 5-Ball Trophies: 1- Gift Certificate for a seat- Road Sofa or Explorer with built-in adjustable backrest, for any Harley-Davidson model, value up to $679.95 1- Gift Certificate for a seat- Explorer with built-in adjustable backrest, for any Metric Cruiser model, value up to $599.95 1- S3500 Deluxe Sissy Bar Bag, value $199.95 (will bring this product with for the show) Tom Monroe Continued On Page 2
? BAKER Drivetrain?s booth on the corner of Lazelle Street and 5th Street
Call and ask for Sales for more details at 1-877-640-2004
Brand Vandal | Director of Marketing, Creative and PR
BAKER Drivetrain
Toll Free: 1-877-640-2004
Cell: 616-443-9776
www.myspace.com/scoutlaw
bassfisher@snet.net>
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraprimoinc.com
Sales & Marketing Manager
Saddlemen
310-638-1222
www.saddlemen.com 
June 05, 2008 Part 6
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 5
WINNERS ANNOUNCED! Big Twin and Sportbike Customs Best of Show– The 11 People?s Choice winners from this year?s International Motorcycle Shows were placed head to head, each competing to be named the Best of Show Champion for the Big Twin and Sportbike Customs showcases from the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota 2007-2008 Tour. Fans voted for one month straight, and now – – the winners are revealed! Did your favorite custom win?
Do you think you have what it takes to complete with these custom builders? If you can meet the challenge, contact Kurt Whittington at kwhittington@advanstar.com.
NEW 2008-2009 Tour Dates Released!
For our loyal International Motorcycle Show fans, we?re releasing the 2009 Tour dates to you first as they come in. Already released are the Long Beach, CA, New York, NY, and Chicago, IL show dates ? and here?s the three latest shows to be confirmed: Seattle, Cleveland, and Minneapolis.
Stay tuned for continuous updates on which cities the International Motorcycle Show will visit and when, or visit www.motorcycleshows.com.
Long Beach, CA
December 5-7, 2008
Long Beach
Convention Center
Seattle, WA
December 12-14, 2008
Qwest Field & Event Center
New York, NY
January 16-18, 2009
Jacob Javits Center
Cleveland, OH
January 30-February 1, 2009
I-X Center
Chicago, IL
February 6-8, 2009
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Minneapolis, MN
February 13-15, 2009
Minneapolis Convention Center
S&S ANNOUNCES STEFANIE AZIERE-SATTLER AS OFFICIAL 50th ANNIVERSARY ARTIST– LA CROSSE, WI (JUNE 03, 2008) S&S Cycle is proud to announce Stefanie Aziere-Sattler as the official artist of the S&S 50th Anniversary. Aziere-Sattler has a unique eye and style, perfect for capturing the spirit of a 50-year old performance company.
Throughout the year, S&S has been developing plans to celebrate 50 years of serving the performance American v-twin enthusiast. The culmination of this planning will occur on June 27-29, 2008 as 50 of the world?s best custom builders converge on La Crosse, Wisconsin to compete for top honors in an amazing bike show. Along the way, S&S has been releasing commemorative items like a catalog loaded with historic images, a calendar reflecting images of S&S over the years and a line of apparel featuring the S&S 50th Anniversary logo. The only thing missing was a painting-or series of paintings-that represented S&S over the years.
?S&S has a reputation not only for it?s own quality, but the quality of it?s strategic alliances,? said S&S president, Brett Smith. ?We were very impressed with Stefanie?s work and her values and felt very strongly that she was a match for S&S and our efforts regarding our 50th Anniversary Celebration.? Smith went on to say, ?I am quite certain people will be very impressed with her work?just as we were??
Stefanie Aziere-Sattler came to S&S by chance and brought with her a distinctive painting style that reveals a perspective guaranteed to evoke emotion. Her focus is not on the object, but the feeling you get when looking at the object. Aziere-Sattler has been gaining recognition over the last few years with private commissions for many custom bike and car owners, and invitations to appear at such well-known shows as SEMA, Barrett-Jackson, The Sturgis Rally and The Goodguys Shows.
?I?ve been blessed with great things in my life; an amazing personal life and the passion to portray the vehicles people love in a little different light. I strive to give back some of the blessing with my work?life is a journey, enjoy the ride,? said Stefanie Aziere-Sattler.
A meeting between S&S staff and Stefanie produced an instant connection. Her artistic style and the rich history behind S&S were made for each other. Her first painting focuses on Bonneville and the many years S&S went out to conquer the salt flats. To be unveiled formally at the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration, a limited number of giclee prints and lithograph prints will be available at the event. Aziere-Sattler plans to have five unique paintings done within a month of the S&S event, all available through the S&S website www.sscycle.com and Stefanie?s website www.chromedimpressions.com in limited numbers.
RIGHT SIDE ELECTRIC START DEVELOPMENTS–Hey Bandit, I sure appreciated the article Humble wrote and you posted last year on the RIGHT SIDE ELECTRIC START for four-speed trannys. After another year of successful testing I have changed the design to fit rigids or swingarms and improved the appearance of the unit. FUNCTION BEFORE FASHION!
This new style will be introduced in LaCrosse Wisconsin at the S&S 50th party, THE HORSE magazine bike show Saturday June 28th at the race track, and that evening at Rudy’s Drive In at the Knucklehead Company MC antique bike show.
Thanks for waiting folks, much testing has been completed, I am set to manufacture. I hope to have 20 units by July 4th.
I have had letters from wounded soldiers (THANKS TO ALL VETS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!) and crashed, disabled bikers, and many bros with old knees, ect.; who are patiently waiting. I hope to finally get you and your iron in the wind.
$895 plus shipping includes the starter motor. FITS RIGID OR SWINGARM FRAMES!
You need an oil tank, battery,and a master cylinder and line for the hydraulic clutch (foot or hand).
The outer cover will be sold plain as shown or I may offer options: ribs, grooves, or the one I am machining to look like a little diamond primary cover. Unlimited options if a design can be converted to CNC code.
COPYCATS BEWARE—-1. I GOT A PATENT PENDING. 2. NEVER MIND THE ATTORNEY, BEWARE OF THE INVENTOR.
–Contact Russ at cnc56pan@hotmail.com
–Russ Peterson
AKA SHORTCUT
P.S. Keep up the great work on BIKERNET!
BIKERNET SAFETY ALERT, SOME TURN SIGNALS MAY BE WORSE THAN HAVING NO SIGNALS–I recently read a motorcycle awareness letter to the editor reminding the general public that many motorcycles don?t have self canceling turn signals. The point was to make sure a motorcycle was actually turning before pulling out in front of them. Sometimes riders forget to cancel the turn signal thereby sending the wrong ?signal? to other drivers.
It occurred to me that this may be a big factor in a lot of t bone collisions. Car drivers see a motorcycle approaching with their right turn signal on, then assuming the motorcycle is going to turn, the car driver pulls out. Since this is a problem that money can solve I am amazed that it hasn?t already been addressed. I know that many in the motorcycle industry hate any mandatory regulation but what do you think about making self canceling turn signals mandatory on new bikes.
I would argue that no signal light at all is better than one that could be on at the wrong time. With no signal light, riders use their hands to signal. Except at night, hand signals are probably as good or better. They are certainly never going to fool a driver into thinking you are going to turn when you aren?t.
I know there are kits to convert signals to be self canceling. Especially for new riders who already have lots to think about when they ride, this sure seems like money well spent. Even one accident prevented or avoided would make the whole program worthwhile.
–Ira Rosen
TERRIBLE PRIMM PROPERTIES ARE BECOMING BIKER FRIENDLY–There’s a small bike event here on early September, and the annualDesert Thunder event here late September.
–Bob
CUSTOM BILLET FORK SLIDERS–Custom Billet Fork SlidersWhat enters first? The forks are what they see. These legs are CNC-machined to perfection before being given a beautiful chrome finish. They feature a hidden axle assembly and caliper mounts for 1984 thru 1999 calipers.
They can be used in either single or dual disc applications. Sliders fit 41mm Wide Glide? front ends from 1984 thru 1999. Sold in complete sets with axle. Three dynamic designs to choose from: Spike, Missle and Talon. Suggested Retail $485.99 – $529.99
To find a dealer nearest you please visit: www.customchrome.com.
THE END–I can’t believe I endured this far. All the girls lounged around Vegas for a week. I’ve got to blast over to the airport and talk security into turning them over to me. Then some of ’em will help me wrap up the news, and Coral and her new bubbly girlfriend will need to pick up all the whiskey and Tequila bottles and clean up this joint.
Keep an eye on Bikernet next week. We have another Jon Towle road test of his very first FLT standard. We couldn’t get him off that bastard. Rogue submitted a tech on the new Daytona Twin Tech EFI adjustment system and we have an unbelievable story about Bad Cops and one that was forced to choose sides.
We’re about to start a FXR custom touring build and these Renegade Wheels were key. With the Avon tyres mounted we can mock up the bike. Watch for reports.
Then there’s several bike features hanging fire. Never a dull moment at Bikernet.com.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
June 05, 2008 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
DON’T MISS THE RALLY TO HELL–I probably won’t ride from any of the starting points. I’ll meet who ever at the Damm Site Inn @ noon for Bloody Marys.
The ranch opens at 1:00
Hope to see ya’ll there.
–Keith Wahl
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT, HOW YOU CAN EASILY BECOME A GUN FELON– ?If you pull the trigger once and it fires more than one round, no matter what the cause it?s a machine gun.?
At 2:15 PM on January 8 of this year, the Milwaukee jury in the trial of United States vs. David R. Olofson convened. Forty minutes later they emerged, returning a unanimous verdict against the veteran and National Guardsman: ?Guilty.?
Olofson, you see, had loaned one of his rifles, and it malfunctioned at a range, firing off short bursts before jamming. This was called to the attention of local authorities who seized the rifle, an Olympic Arms AR-15. They in turn called BATFE, who decided to make a federal case out of it, charging Olofson with illegally transferring a machinegun.
Enter Len Savage (See ?Failing the Test,? July 2005), President of Historic Arms, LLC, brought in by Olofson?s defense to testify the automatic fire was not by design or intent, but rather by mechanical failure, and that the firearm in question was simply a semiautomatic rifle that needed to be repaired.
The opposition would have none of that. Savage was not permitted to personally examine the rifle ? not even to touch it. He was required to observe as the ATF officer opened it for inspection. His professional credentials were challenged by the prosecution, who wanted his testimony excluded, even though Savage is a firearm designer by profession, and the government?s expert witness received all of his training in the 2-1/2 years he?d been with the bureau. Then the prosecution reneged on its pledge not to sequester witnesses, and had Savage removed from the courtroom so he could not hear the government?s testimony.
So in the end, it didn?t matter this was merely a case of a ?hammer follow.? It didn?t matter the rifle in question had not been intentionally modified for select fire, or that it did not have an M16 bolt carrier or sear, that it did not show any signs of machining or drilling, or that that model had even been recalled a few years back.
It didn?t matter that, when asked if he?d test fired the gun, Savage testified ?From my examination and from what I saw on the [ATF test] video I wouldn?t want to attempt it ? the video shows the guy who was shooting it was so afraid to fire it from the shoulder he had to hold it out in front of him. So he knew it was dangerous.?
It didn?t matter the government had repeatedly failed to replicate automatic fire until they replaced the ammunition with a softer primer type.
It didn?t even matter that the prosecution admitted it was not important to prove the gun would do it again if the test were conducted today.
What mattered was the government?s position that none of the above was relevant because ?[T]here?s no indication it makes any difference under the statute. If you pull the trigger once and it fires more than one round, no matter what the cause it?s a machine gun.? No matter what the cause.
Think about if your semiauto ever malfunctions. Because that?s how close you could be to becoming a convicted ?gun felon.?
— By David Codrea
Columnist
Guns Magazine
BIG DOG OF COLUMBUS CELEBRATES SAXON 4 YEARS IN BUSINESS–Big Dog Motorcycles of Columbus, a member of Saxon Motorcycle Company?s elite dealer network, will host a Saxon Weekend and Anniversary Party celebrating 4 years in business. The festivities will begin Wednesday, June 4 with special pricing on all Saxon models and will culminate in an anniversary party featuring food, drinks and live music on Saturday June 7, 2008.
Representatives from Saxon Motorcycles will be on hand to answer questions and attendees can take advantage of special pricing on all Saxon models.
The anniversary party kicks off at 3 p.m. and will be held in conjunction with the dealership?s weekly bike night. Bad Influence will perform from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Fat Dog will take the stage from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Barbecue and drinks, including a full bar, will be available for purchase. The anniversary party will be held at Big Dog Motorcycles? dealership/Smuggler?s Lounge, located at 611 East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio.
–Amy Keilers
MAXTON MILE RACING WEATHER CHECK– Weather check for ya. 94+ deg. a dew point of 70 here today!! 97 Friday. If your comin out for Maxton in July be advised. It’s fuckin Hot!!!!
–Pablo
?The BLADE RIDER?–This fork will demand attention and screams: GET OUT OF THE WAY!, Radical angle cuts and sophisticated machining makes this creation one of MEAN STREET PRODUCTS, Inc., most striking styles.
Quality Features?.?
Sleek billet smooth-top tripple clamps with blade design?
Solid stainless steel steering stem with innovative adjustable nut system?
Hard chrome steel alloy slider tubes?
All billet Aluminum construction?
Semi-hidden Axle?
Chrome, Polish or Black finishes?
Precision springs and internal dampening system?
Stainless steel axle shaft?
All stainless steel hardware?
Billet fender mounts?
Single or Dual Disc billet mounts
Raked trees available in 3, 5, 6, and 7 degree rake
Check out the Most Extensive Collection of CUSTOM FORKS IN THE WORLD at: www.meanstreetproducts.com
Mean Street Products, Inc.
* 8785 Castner Dr.
* El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: (915) 592-6887
* Fax: (915) 592-4751
AWARD-WINNING CAR RESTORER AND SPECIALIST JOINS RM AUCTIONS TEAM–Award-winning restorer and vintage car specialist, Bob Mosier has joined RM Auctions? car specialist team, bringing 40 years of experience and classic car expertise.
MONROVIA, California (June 4, 2008) ? Preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions is delighted to announce the addition of Bob Mosier to their team of car specialists.
A pillar of the California collector car scene and the founder of Mosier Restoration Inc, Mosier brings a wealth of experience to RM having spent the past four decades working in the industry and restoring some of the world?s finest automobiles. A credit to his abilities, Mosier restorations have won ?Most Elegant? and ?Best of Show? awards at Pebble Beach, as well as major awards at the most prestigious concours events in the United States and Europe.
?We are delighted to have the expertise of Bob Mosier on the RM team,? said Rob Myers, founder and CEO of RM Auctions.
?Well known in car circles, Bob is a three-time Pebble Beach ?Best of Show? winner and brings with him extensive experience in the classic car industry. His experience at the highest end of collectible automobiles make him a valuable asset to the company and further enhances our auction and restoration services,? added Myers.
Bob Mosier joins Ian Kelleher and Chris Kidd at RM?s West Coast division in California as a car specialist and is looking forward to servicing new and existing clients. For further information or to discuss consignment opportunities, please call 310-200-2884 or email bmosier@rmauctions.com
THE LATEST BIKERS’ RIGHTS NEWS– The latest motorcyclists’ rights and motorcycle awareness headlines nationwide are now available 24/7 at LdrLongDistanceRider.com. Here is the link to add to your web browser favorites or bookmarks:http://ldrlongdistancerider.com/motorcycle_newsfeeds.php
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT–A young Chinese couple gets married. She’s a virgin. Truth be told, he is a virgin too, but she doesn’t know that. Ontheir wedding night, she cowers naked under the sheets as her husbandundresses in the darkness.
He climbs into bed next to her and tries to be reassuring. “Mydarring,” he whispers, “I know dis your firss time and you berryfrighten. I pomise you, I give you anyting you want, I do anyting – jussanyting you want. You juss ask… so… whatchu want?” he says, tryingto sound experienced and worldly, which he hopes will impress her.
A thoughtful silence follows and he waits patiently (andeagerly) for her request. She eventually shyly whispers back, “I want totry someting I have heard about from other girls… Numbaa 69.”
More thoughtful silence, this time from him. Eventually, in apuzzled tone he asks her… “You want… Garlic Chicken with steamvegable?”
–from Jester
BIKERS RIDE IN RECORD CASH FOR VETERANS–MARTINSBURG, W.VA. – They just kept rolling in and rolling in. More than 2,000 motorcycle riders, marking the biggest turnout in the 18th annual Operation God Bless America motorcycle ride from Greencastle, Pa., to Martinsburg streamed through the gates of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center near Martinsburg Sunday afternoon to raise money for veterans.
1997 HARLEY SPRINGER SOFTAIL! SUPER CLEAN & COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZED ! ONLY $ 17,995.00–That’s it, the Lifestyle deal of the week. Just click on their banner below, if you’re interested.
COOLBETH CRUISES TO GRAND NATIONAL WIN AT VERNON DOWNS–Smith and Mees Complete A Podium Sweep for the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew.
VERNON, NY (June 1, 2008) ? Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth led every lap and scored a convincing win on the Vernon Downs mile in the first complete race of the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship. The two-time defending AMA Grand National Twins champion pulled away from an early battle with Chris Carr and was not challenged as he built up a lead that was 15.898 seconds at the finish of the 25-lap main. It was the 16th career Grand National victory for the 31-year-old rider from Morris, Conn., who was riding a Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycle.
The race-long battle for second place was a closer contest. Moroney?s/Screamin? Eagle Harley-Davidson rider Bryan Smith dogged Carr for 13 laps and made the pass for second place on lap 23 in the midst of a dog fight that included fellow Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mess of the Blue Springs/Harley-Davidson Screamin? Eagle team and PBW/Fresno Harley-Davidson rider Brandon Bergen. On lap 24 Mees slipped past Bergen for third, as the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew riders finished 1-2-3. Bergen, making his first appearance in a Grand National Twins main, finished fourth, and Carr faded and finished fifth.
It was the first AMA Grand National race at Vernon Downs since 2003, and for the second weekend in a row weather played a significant role. The race was delayed for hours after heavy rain moved through the area Saturday evening. The Vernon Downs crew managed to dry and groom the track and racing resumed on a good surface late in the evening. The main did not conclude until after 1 a.m. on Sunday. The Grand National Twins season-opener in Springfield, Ill., was rained out on May 24-25 and rescheduled for Labor Day weekend.
The next stop on the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins Championship schedule is June 21 at Mountain Raceway Park in Maryville, Tenn.
The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
Neu bei Rick’s – ROKKER Jeans & Casual Wear -STYLE – PROTECTION – COMFORT–ROKKER Jeans – riding in style! Die Jeans von THE ROKKER COMPANY bilden eine perfekte Synthese aus Style, Schutz und Komfort f?r Frauen und M?nner, nicht nur f?r den Ride auf dem Bike sondern auch f?r die Freizeit danach.
STYLE – Aussenhaut aus edlem stonewasched Denim (100% Baumwolle) – five-pocket-jeans mit perfektem Sitz unter der Taille
PROTECTION – Innenleben aus hochfunktionellem Schutzgewebe – abriebfest, sturzsicher, reissfest und temperaturbest?ndig
COMFORT – hervorragender Tragekomfort, sch?tzt vor Regen, Wind und K?lte – keine Nieten, die den Lack zerkratzen, pflegeleicht, waschbar (40 Grad)
Nicht zoegern! Look – Click & Buy at Rick’s Motorcycles Online-Shop
Continued On Page 6
June 05, 2008 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
HELLS ANGELS REMEMBER SLAYING VICTIM AS BIKERS RUMBLE THROUGH COUNTY–On a cherry-red Harley parked in a long row of motorcycles at Stafford Lake County Park in Novato, a small circular decal on the windscreen paid tribute to a homicide victim: “In Memory of Young Will, 1983-2008.”
William Crompton Maclean was on hundreds of bikers’ minds Sunday as the Sonoma County chapter of the Hells Angels sponsored its seventh annual Poker Run from Corte Madera to Stafford Lake. The run occurred one day after Maclean’s suspected killer, 19-year-old Joseph Andrew Farnsworth of El Cerrito, was arrested.
Swarms of bikers left the Golden Gate Harley-Davidson dealership in Corte Madera in waves and made the run north to Novato and out to the rolling western Marin hills where they gathered, enjoyed a barbecue and remembered the man known as “Young Will” or “Willy.”
“I really didn’t expect this type of turnout,” said Maclean’s brother-in-law, Sonoma chapter president Raymond Foakes, who was driving a pickup truck that was fired upon on Highway 101, mortally wounding Maclean.
“I think this proves what type of character this young man had that so many people showed up. I think that really speaks to it,” said Foakes, a 44-year-old Petaluma resident whose wife, Desiree, is Maclean’s sister.
The chapter’s Poker Run, which normally draws a few hundred bikers, attracted more than 600 this year, law enforcement officials said.Bikers from nearly 20 Hells Angel chapters, some from as far away as Europe, arrived at the Harley dealership on San Clemente Drive, packing the parking lot and surrounding streets. At about noon, the bikers roared up San Clemente in stages and made their way to the freeway for the 20-mile journey to Stafford Lake.
The suspected motive for the shooting is road rage. The sheriff’s department said Maclean’s association with the motorcycle club does not appear to be a factor.
–By Joe Wolfcale
WHAT’S BLACK, COVERS HER BODY & WEARS LIKE IRON–ANSWER: A Race Hoodie. Women need support, comfort and protection on and off a motorcycle. Torian Chopper Leathers has just what you need for Santa?s little helper? a Torian Race Hoodie. It comes in midnight black and is constructed of the softest naked-leather available today. This will be her favorite jacket because it fits well, has plenty of pockets and wears like iron. Bikernet?s Black Market now and get your sweetie a little somethin -somethin.
2008 WIND DRIVEN JOKER MACHINE MOTORCYCLE– Brought back to the Public by popular demand and cooler than ever! Originally offered in 1996 in limited numbers, this All Billet and stainless steel construction model of our 5″ stretch bike is now available to super discriminating collectors who demand quality and originality! This model is 100% CNC machined and engraved, not stamped or etched.
It’s design consists of most of our actual “CAD” files from the Joker Line scaled down to produce one of the most unique pieces of mechanical art you’ll ever see! With minimal air flow to the fan blades,both front and rear wheels rotate in sync at a gradual pace via a dual worm gear drive system. Features all up-dated and re-designed late model Joker Parts (Including Exhaust) in it’s construction!
Includes all billet stand and post which allows the whole unit to pivot and follow the air source. Wheels rotate on sealed micro ball bearings above a polished stainless drive shaft that rotates in nylon bushings – Top Quality!
Your choice of brushed aluminum or black anodized wheels! Features our exclusive “HARD BLACK” Anodized finish! Precision CNC engraving through the black reflects light and gives the bike a cool “blueprint” look. A conversation piece guaranteed to blow everyone’s mind!………….
Some guys have actually used these on a roof-top or post for high-tech Weather Vanes! Size is 1/6 of full scale bike: (Approx. 19″ long x 13″ high x 1″ thick (body). Proudly made in the U.S.A. by JOKER MACHINE!
–Joker Machine
www.jokermachine.com
Phone: 909-613-0028
Fax: 909-613-0098
BIKERNET PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT, WHERE TO BE IN AN EARTHQUAKE!!– Living in California, this is something we should all know.
Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway?? Well, this guy has a completely reverse opinion. This is very interesting, different from what we were all taught:My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world’s most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries.
I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years. I have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under his or her desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones.
They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary and I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn’t at the time know that the children were told to hide under something.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them. This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact.
The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the ‘triangles’ you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape you will see in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY1) Most everyone who simply ‘ducks and covers’ WHEN BUILDINGS COLLAPSE are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the side of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different ‘moment of frequency’ (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads – horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn’t collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible – It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building, the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
–from Chris T.
SHOW TO SUPPORT PRO-STREET’S GRANDSON BRAIN SURGERY COMPLETE SUCCESS–The show was a huge success. If people would like to donate any money to the Axl fund there are accounts in the name of Axl James Deacon open at Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank.
Thanks
-Toy @ Pro-Street Custom Cycles
HINES RIDES SCREAMIN? EAGLE V-ROD TO NHRA WIN IN ATLANTA–A Victorious Weekend Earns Hines the Pro Stock Motorcycle Points Lead.
COMMERCE, Ga. (April 27, 2008) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines won the Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations aboard a Harley-Davidson V-Rod at the 28th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Hines set a new track record as top qualifier for the event, and defeated Chip Ellis in the final round of eliminations to take his 14th career victory and assume the Pro Stock Motorcycle season points lead.
?We used the three-week break since the last race to do a lot of dyno work and it really paid off for the Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines team,? said Hines. ?My V-Rod was making consistent power all weekend. Each run was perfect and we were really having fun at the track today.?
The three-time world champion took control of the class in Friday qualifying with run of 6.95 seconds that set a new track record, and backed that up with another 6.95 pass on Saturday to claim the top spot in eliminations for the 22nd time in his career.
On Sunday, Hines charged through the elimination rounds, beating Michael Phillips, Matt Guidera, and Craig Treble with runs under seven seconds. In the final, Hines had a tremendous .009-second reaction time on the lights and ran his quickest pass of the event with a 6.946 to beat Ellis, who ran 6.958 on the Schumacher Electric Suzuki.?That light in the final was a little bit of an accident, I wanted to go in the teens,? said Hines. ?I knew we would need a quick start to run with Chip but that was cutting it a little close.?
Eddie Krawiec rode the other Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod into the sixth qualifying spot with a 7.012 in the final Saturday qualifying round. Krawiec (0.33, 6.989) lost to Angelle Sampey (.015, 6.992) on reaction time in the first round of eliminations
The win by Hines and early exits of Guidera and Matt Smith, who went out to Sampey in round two, moves Hines past those riders and into the season points lead after three rounds in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Hines has 289 points, Guidera is second with 264 points, followed by Smith with 251 and Chip Ellis with 248. Krawiec drops to sixth spot with 145 points. NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles will race next at the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals presented by Castrol, May 2-4 at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill.
Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Ford Truck, Dunlop, Matco Tools and S100. W8LESS ROTORS COMES TO BANDIT’S RESCUE–I bent a Brembo rotor in Half Moon Bay with my rotor lock. I couldn’t reach Brembo to replace it so I’m installing a set of very cool, light as a feather W8Less Rotors. Keep in mind, it’s all my fault. Rotor Locks are notorious, and you need to be careful with those bastards. A buddy last night said, “I always strap an idiot flag to my bars, when I’m using a rotor lock, to remind me.” Yep, that’s the key. I like Brembo brakes and W8less is making pads for all models and manufacturers. Click here for the W8Less Connection. ACE CAF? TO HOST PRIVATE SHOWING–The directors of Stonebridge Motor Company are pleased to host a private viewing of the Ace Cafe Racer Project, to witness its debut ‘Fire Up’ and first Dyno Tuning, alongside a BBQ, drinks and great company! Stonebridge Motor Company writes to advise that should you not be able to attend our below invitation, for this first run of the Ace Cafe Racer, material in the form of text data, pictures and a short movie clip, will be available on request. Please do not hesitate to contact us via linda_acecafelondon@lineone.net When: Monday 9th June Time: From 6pm ’till late (food will be served from 7pm – 8pm – back to Ace Cafe before last orders!) Where: Unit 5, Montague Works, 250 Water Road, Wembley HA0 1HX (very close to Ace Cafe) –MARK WILSMORE BIKERNET BUELL OF THE WEEK–1998 buell s1w 88ci 1440cc custom hand made gas tank,chrome frame,forks,swingarm,wheels,custom headlights and fairing and much more load and fast speed demon NICK MESSER LEAVES AS BIG DOG RESTRUCTURES SENIOR MANAGEMENT– Nick Messer, Executive Vice President, has left Big Dog Motorcycles as part of a senior management restructuring plan implemented by company owner and founder Sheldon Coleman. Commenting on the changes in an exclusive interview with AMD, Coleman said that “Nick will be missed, but restructuring our team was a necessary step as we continue to respond to current market and economic conditions”.The company had recently announced additional lay-offs, and Vice President, Engineering, Jim Moorman, who had been at Big Dog Motorcycles for about 12 months, has also left the company. Coleman believes the restructuring will better “position the company for continued growth in the United States and throughout the world.” He went on to say that “this was a painful decision to make. Nick accomplished a great deal during a tenure that spanned over a decade. He played an important role in the company’s growth and I will always appreciate his input and service over the years. I admire his professionalism and contributions and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors.” Big Dog Motorcycles will be celebrating its 15th anniversary next year and has been able to make the proud boast that it is the world’s largest custom motorcycle manufacturer for some time now. Their 2008 line-up includes the Ridgeback and K-9 choppers, and three ranges of ProStreet style models, including a re-styled Pitbull that was named V-Twin Bike of The Year in February and also named the “Best of the Best” Cruiser by Robb Report Magazine.Coleman told AMD that “as we move forward through this transition, the rest of our existing management team will remain unchanged, as will our focus on new product design, improved testing, dealer training and enhanced product reliability”. Big Dog Motorcycles are expected to unveil two new models in celebration of their 15th anniversary at their annual dealer meeting in September. BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES
Director Stonebridge Motor Co.
Managing Director Ace Cafe London
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Tel: 316 267 9121
Fax: 316 267 2597
www.bigdogmotorcycles.com
Continued On Page 5
June 05, 2008 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BRASS BALLS BUILD EPA COMPLIANT CHOPPERS–Attached are photos of a recent Digger Bobber, EPA compliant, that recently went to one of our dealers.
–Dar
KC CREATIONS SHUTS THEIR DOORS–In 1995, Cheryl and I opened a small motorcycle shop in the back of a gas station. Over the last 13 years, our passion for building custom motorcycles, along with the world?s passion for riding motorcycles grew and grew. We worked very hard to bring custom bikes into the mainstream and have loved doing so. Cheryl and I feel that our company has done a great job building a great product and truly appreciate the work our employees have done as well as the support from our colleagues and customers.
Over the past year, the poor economy has hit the nation hard, and with that the motorcycle industry. We have seen many of our friends and peers leave the industry that they love so much due to these circumstances.
With that said, it is with much thought and soul searching that we too have decided to close KC Creations. We plan to pursue other business interests that we have set aside for many years.
Cheryl and I wanted to put this information out to you and the public ourselves to avoid any negative rumors. It is our hope that you, our friends and colleagues, will understand our decision and will stand by us as we go through this process.
Thank you for your support over the years. It?s been a great ride?.
–Kim Suter.
KC-Creations
9701 W. 67th St.
Merriam, KS 66203
KUSTOM TECH EXPANDS LINE OF VINTAGE STYLED ALUMINUM AND BRASS PARTS–The aluminum Spinner style front hub is machined from solid billet and drilled for 40 spokes. The 1140mm width hub is supplied with 3/4in bearings and does not accept a brake disc.
The same Spinner hub is also offered built-up into a complete 21-in. front wheel featuring brass spoke nipples for those who do not want the trouble of having a wheel built.
A line of Old School styled pegs and grips are available from Kustom Tech, which feature a fabric tape covering and spiked brass end caps. The grips fit 1in handlebars and are offered for use with internal or external throttles. The matching pegs fit all OEM style 7/16in female mounts.
The Nostalgia style air cover, in aluminum with a brass fin, fits CV and S&S Super E and G carbs. The rear mounting plate is machined to mount the cover either vertically or horizontally.
KUSTOM TECH
Firenze, ITALY
Tel: +39 (0)55 259 1773
Fax: +39 (0)55 259 2091
E-mail: alessandro.pacelli@tin.it
www.kustomtech.it
BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO –CRITICAL DATA MODULE (CDM) / MULTI-FUNCTION LED GAUGE–Rivera Primo’s state-of-the-art CDM “Critical Data Module” multi-function LED gauge incorporatesspeedometer (MPH only), bar graph tachometer, red-line shift indicator, neutral light, high beamindicator, oil pressure, odometer, trip indicator and battery condition in one bright, easy-to-read gauge. This allows the rider to be aware, with a single glance, of the most critical information needed for safe riding.
Not just another pretty face housed in a chromed body, this module also features adjustable tach graph, adjustable shift indicator & auto night-dimming. Turn signal indicators are coupled to vehicle speed, emulating the auto cancel features of stock H-D models. Also included is the speedometer sensor, which plugs into the transmission case. Holes on the back plate enableyou to easily fabricate mounting suitable to your tastes.
Rivera Primo’s “CDM”, an awful lot of info for not-so-big bucks !!
1096-0001 Rivera Primo’s Multi-Function CDM $ 266.67
For this & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com
RMR BUELL WINS GRAND SPORT TWINS CLASS AT MOTO-ST VIR 500K–Sipp Wins Close ASRA Pro Thunderbike Race at Topeka.
Danville, Va. (April, 27) ? The No. 7 Richie Morris Racing/Hal?s Harley-Davidson/Buell XB12R ridden by Mike Smith and Clint Brotz won the BMW Motorcycles GrandSport Twins class at the VIR SunTrust MOTO-ST 500K at Virginia International Raceway April 27 over the Rights for Bikers Ducati 1000. The No. 70 James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing Buell XB12R, sponsored by H-D/Buell of Appleton and ridden by Paul James and Jeff Johnson finished in third place.
Damp pre-race conditions and a threat of rain caused several teams to gamble on tire choice early on, but the entire race distance was completed in dry conditions that favored the Buell teams that started on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa DOT tires.
?The Buell was a pleasure to ride,? said RMR?s Mike Smith of Canton, Ga., who flew in early Saturday morning just in time to qualify the No. 7 in the third position on the grid. ?It?s been a long time since I?ve ridden at VIR especially in the rain. But the team gave us a great bike.?
?We were a little cautious early on in the damp conditions, but solid pit stops and consistent riding got us back on the box again,? said James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing?s Paul James.
After two rounds, the RMR Buell team leads the GST class championship with 65 points, followed by the James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing Buell team in second with 62 points and the Wagner Motorsports Ducati in third with 60 points.
In the Buell Motorcycle Company SuperSport Twins (SST) class, the Bruce Rossmeyer?s Daytona Racing Buell 1125R ridden by Shawn Higbee and Dan Bilansky qualified second and led the race for several laps, but was sidelined with suspected clutch problems after the first pit stop. The SST class win and overall victory went to the No. 1 Aprilia USA Aprilia Tuono 1000R.
The next stop on the MOTO-ST schedule is at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., on June 7 during the AMA Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader weekend.
Sipp Wins ASRA Pro Thunderbike Race at Topeka
Walt Sipp made a last-lap pass stick and rode his Buell XB12R Firebolt to win the second round of the 2008 American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Pro Thunderbike National series at Heartland Park Topeka raceway April 27. It was the first pro-level win for the 31-year-old racer from Kansas City.
Sipp qualified second for the Pro Thunderbike National behind BMW rider Nate Kern, who posted a lap of 1:49.619. Defending ASRA Pro Thunderbike champion Dave Estok posted a faster lap in qualifying but was bumped to the back of the grid when his Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing Buell XB12R would not start for a post-qualifying dyno test.
Estok was not set back for long, as the rider from New Smyrna Beach, Fla. moved up to second position behind Kern on the first lap of the 12-lap national and took the lead on lap two. Sipp had slipped back to fifth position after a bad start.
?I wanted to get a good start because I know Kern is always fast on cold tires, and I didn?t want him to get away,? said Sipp. ?But I missed my shift to second gear on the start and fell behind.?
Estok opened a gap on Kern, as Sipp worked through traffic. Sipp passed Kern on lap eight and then suddenly found himself in the lead when Estok?s motorcycle stopped running and he left the track.
?I had really used up my tires catching those guys, and I had a good lead on Kern so I went into tire-conservation mode,? said Sipp. Sipp?s slower pace allowed Kern to catch him, and he passed to take the lead on the first turn of the final lap.
?I was not going to let him take this win away from me,? said Sipp. ?I ran as hard as I could and got past him and held him off at the line. It was really exciting to get my first pro win here at my home track in front of my family.?
Both Sipp and Kern rode their fastest laps on the final circuit of the race, and both were under the previous track record for the Pro Thunderbike class. Sipp led by less than a bike length at the finish.
Third place went to Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Dean Hagemann on a Buell XB12R. Hagemann, who is usually the team mechanic for Pro Thunderbike regular Dan Bilansky, rode Bilansky?s XB12R at Topeka as Bilansky was racing at the MOTO-ST event in Virginia.
After two ASRA events, Kern holds the lead in Pro Thunderbike points with 66. Sipp is second with 58 points, followed by Estok with 42.
The next stop on the eight-race ASRA Pro Thunderbike schedule is the Summit Point Festival of Speed, May 24-26, at Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, W.V.
Spaulding Rides Buell to Eight CCS Wins
In a double-header weekend of MotoSport.com Championship Cup Series (CCS) sprint racing at Topeka, Joel Spaulding of Huntley, Ill. rode his Hal?s Speed Shop Buell XB12R to wins in eight of 10 classes he entered, including double wins in Amateur Lightweight Superbike, Amateur Lightweight Grand Prix, and Amateur Thunderbike, and single wins in Amateur SuperTwins and Amateur GT Lights. Kegel H-D/Buell rider Jay Smith of Machesney Park, Ill., rode his Buell XB12R to two wins in Amateur Lightweight SuperSport. Estok won Expert Thunderbike on Sunday.
To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com
KNOCKOUT MOTORCYCLES AND BIKERNET SHOVELHEAD EXHAUST CONTEST–That’s right. We’re giving away a complete set of black and heat wrapped exhaust, from Knockout Motorcycles. These are specifically designed for a Shovelhead in a stretched custom frame. They won’t fit in stock frames.
Here’s how you win. Send us a crisp shot of you?re the Shovel you plan to mount them in. I don’t care if it’s just an engine for your next project bike. Just send me a shot. A panel of drunken judges will determine the best possible bike for these pipes. Feel free to send us a few convincing words.
Make it quick, you only have a couple of weeks before we make a decision. Drop your entries to Bandit@bikernet.com. Don’t forget the code of the West, the judges decision are final!
KISS 35 ALIVE/Sturgis Promotion Ends Mon., June 9thBUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!– The legendary rock band KISS will headline the 68th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Rock?n the Rally on Monday, Aug. 4th. Until midnight, Monday, June 9th tickets are available for $49.99. After that, ticket prices will increase to $59.99. Tickets can be purchased at
KISS invented stadium rock in the 70?s with their sci-fi Kabuki make-up and costumes, outrageous stage antics and the trademark platform boots. With screaming guitars, extravagant light shows and explosive pyrotechnics, KISS will play their entire ?KISS ALIVE? album, some well-known classic hits, and a few surprises for the biker rally crowd. This concert is sure to become the stuff of rock legend.Startickets.com. Contact:
Madison Craig
mcraig@giantmediallc.com
512-844-0867
NEW BAGGA FROM WAGGY’S STUDIO– Just wanted to show off Ross Barnetts’ bagga we just finished up for him.Pictures aren’t the greatest but the work is. Hope you can get a good idea of what we’ve done.
— Waggs
760-931-5931
SUPERCOOL ROLLER FOR SALE– I don’t have a price in mind. It is worth the following… Do you happen to know anyone who might be interested in the attached roller. It was a special project that did not come to fruition. Frankly, it is one expensive roller, given the Goldammer solid billet front end, the PMFR wheels, the Racing Innovations frame.
Roughly $5500 front end (Goldammer)
$3000 wheels/tires/sprocket/rotor (PMFR/Avon)
$2000 frame/tanks (Racing Innovations)
–Dar
Continued On Page 4
June 05, 2008 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
DICKIES SPONSORS AMERICAN BIKER MOVIE SERIES OF EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE– Apart from the European showings, US dates include the AMA Vintage Days,Chicago Mods vs. Rockers, and the prestigious Anthology Film Archives inNYC.
–Zack
President, One World Studios Ltd.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd. #714
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 231-9991
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL FLAIR FEATURING ANOTHER GERMAN CUSTOM–Attached another bad ass German Army-Bike, the “Blitzkrieg” by Freakie Bikes. J?rgen “Hellboy” Hellekes built that camouflage nightmare just to scare everybody – and every cop out there.
Even the Gatling-filter spins! The bolts in the front fairing are those which Hellboy wore in his bomnes after a major bike-crash. But that never held back the former bodybuilding-champ. He got back in the saddle and burns the rubber like before. Well done!
Pix by Viking, www.pixel-garage.com (new, watch out!)
NEWS FROM THE DEVIL–Here is a shot of our all bus-ness, a bike I built that has one of my kidney oil bags. Also here’s some shots of some recent fender metal work.
–Kent
I6 TH ANNUAL Veterans? Benefit Poker Run SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008– CHOOSE YOUR STARTING SITE; 9 AM to 11 AM 1st START SITE: HARLEY DAWN DINER ROUTE 322 BLACK HORSE PIKE, FOLSOM
2nd START SITE: MILLVILLE HARLEY SHOP RT 47 MILLVILLE , N 3RD START SITE : WILDWOOD HARLEY SHOP RIO GRAND AVE, WILDWOOD,NJ
END SITE: AMERICAN Legion/ELKS CLUBRt 30 White Horse Pike & Colton Ave, cologne, nj
LIVE MUSIC
The PAUL TOZZ BAND
Featuring Miss Margie
CASH AWARD FOR THE BEST POKER HAND PLENTY of VENDORS – DOOR PRIZES
DONATION: $10 per rider / $5 per passenger
100% OF PROFITS GO TOWARDS VETERANS? ISSUES–AUGUST 17, 2008 – 4th ANNUAL GASTOWN MOTORCYCLE SHOW N’ SHINEIt’s time to mark your calendars for the biggest motorcycle event the streets of Vancouver have ever seen! On Sunday, August 17, 2008, the B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists & the Gastown Business Improvement Society will be closing down Water Street between Richards & Carrall and Gastown will become a ?motorcycles only? zone once again for the 4th Annual Gastown All Make Motorcycle Show & Shine, Vancouver?s largest FREE motorcycle show.
For the last 3 years thousands of people have come out to enjoy this massive celebration of motorcycling featuring manufacturer displays, live music, fashion shows, FREE motorcycle parking and, most importantly, lots of extremely cool bikes. This is an event that you do not want to miss! More details coming soon….
LICKS? ENGLISH TACK SOLO SEATS–Once again the crew at Licks Cycles has pulled up to the big table with a truly exceptional product. Dubbed the ?English Tack Solo Seat? their new line of custom made seats blend the ancient craft of fine European saddle craftsmanship with a somewhat unconventional application to saddle up the modern day iron horse.
Individually hand crafted in the US by a transplanted European saddle maker, the seats are formed around a stamped heavy gauge steel pan. Pans are formed with structural ribs and indents for added strength and rigidity and fit with TIG welded mounting bosses.
The premium quality, environmentally friendly (vegetable tanned) English Bridal leather is hand sewn for uncompromised durability and the highest quality appearance. The quality is further emphasized in that the material is carried over to cover the entire bottom of the seat pan. It?s hard to find this kind of dedication to quality and perfection when mass production is the rule, but Licks has done it with these awesome new seats.
For complete details and pricing call Licks direct at 413-663-9050 or catch them on the Web at www.lickscycles.com. Dealer inquiries welcome.
ANOTHER BIKERNET FEATURE BIKE HEADED YOUR WAY–I am shooting this one this week.. Woman owner, so I will have a good ride photo of her. This classic Triumph was build by the a member of the Sinners MC for his wife.
–Peter
CHRIS KALLAS ANXIOUS TO RECEIVE BIKERNET BONNEVILLE BOOK–When you send the book, please mark package (do not bend), so the post man doesn’t fold it like they did the last Bonnie book.
I’ve written part two of the Zen/Sportster/Gumption Trap. I need to revise it and select photos.
I’m just getting over the damn flu.
Since your a fan of the arts, here’s a look at a painting I recently did for Nancy (his wife).
–CGK
OFFICIALS SUGGEST HELMET LAW OF THE WATERWAYS–Sacramento elected officials and rescue workers were to discuss Monday a proposed county ordinance that would make it illegal for parents to allow children under the age of 18 to go into public waterways without a life jacket.
Fire officials will join Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson and Sacramento City Council member Kevin McCarty at an 11:15 a.m. news conference to talk about the proposed ordinance.
Under the proposal, parents could be charged with a misdemeanor for allowing their children to go into the water without a life jacket.
The ordinance comes after several drownings and near-drownings in Sacramento-area waterways this year.
“Protecting children and youth who play in our public waters is paramount,” Dickinson said in a statement. “This ordinance will be Sacramento’s helmet law of the waterways.”
By Ryan Lillie, Sacramento Bee
D&D EXHAUST DEVELOPS ALL NEW DEALER PROGRAM–Here’s the last list of new D&D Dealers. If there’s not one in your area, check their web site. They’ll help you find the best shop to handle your performance exhaust needs.
If you own a shop and need an exhaust manufacturer who will take care of your customers, click on the banner below and sign up.
1) A Bikers Garage 101 Travis St. Roanoke, TX 76262 817-491-5200
2) Dune’s Hawg Shop 100 John Dr. Angleton, TX 77515 979-849-3411
3) Napa Truck & Auto Parts 825 S Babcock ST. Melbourne, FL 32904 321-724-1120
4) Ernie’s H-D 2613 Hwy 18E Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951
5) Racerzedge Motorsports 130 Allison Dr Johnstown, PA 15904 814-288-4909
6) Motor Head LLC 1030 Lake Oconee Pkwy Eatonton, GA 31024 706-485-9339
7) Fastrax Motorsports LLC 8179 US Hwy 60 Mountain View, MO 65548 417-934-0065
8) Cycle Connection Inc 502 Larkfield Rd East Northport, NY 11731 631-368-6711
9) H-D of Edison 211 Woodbridge Ave Highland Park, NJ 08904 732-985-7546
10) Euro Cycles of Tampa Bay 8509 Gunn Hwy Odessa, FL 33556 813-926-9937
11) House of Horsepower 2051 E Euclid Ave Des Moines, IA 50317 515-299-3003
12) Action Powersports 7465 E Admiral Pl Tulsa, OK 74115 918-838-8001
13) Dumbassbiker’com 1598 E Shore Dr St Paul, MN 55106 612-296-7771
14) Dino’s Custom Cycles 7855 W 16th Ave Lakewood, CO 80214-6003 303-233-1600
15) Turn One Motorsports 3000 Miller Dr. Plymouth, IN 46563 574-936-9192
16) International Motorcycle Procurement 8248 Oswego St Sunland, CA 91040 818-352-7184
17) Riverside Cycle Shop 360 Domino Ln Philadaliphia, PA 19128 215-482-8777
–Jennifer
VINTAGE DEAL OF THE WEEK–How’s this for a flat-tracker, no speed records for this gal, but has class and moxie. This is what you do with a G motor, two wheel it. The two best days of owning a trike, the day you buy it and the day you sell it. –Fatbob
BIG DOG IS MAKING BIG DEALS NEW ROAD TEST SOON TO BE RELEASED ON BIKERNET–1. We are extending our current Mutt retail incentive: introductoryrates as low as 4.99 or $2,000 cash allowance.
2. Have a Pitbull retail incentive: $1,000 in accessories
3. The Pitbull was just named “best of the best” motorcycle cruiser byRobb Report Magazine (will be drafting an official release on this). We have a Pitbull in the LA area I canget to you this year.
That’s the big three for now.
–Paul
Continued On Page 3
June 05, 2008 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
This is shake-up week with a good friends stepping out of the business, Custom Chrome switching once more and a Big Dog shake-up. This year has turned into a wild one and hell, I’m not even going to Bonneville.
On the other hand there’s never a relaxing dull moment. Our Bonneville book from Wolfgang publications is on the streets and my plan is to hit the bricks with another fiction book before the end of the year. Berry Wardlaw is tuning the Assalt Weapan for a run at the Maxton Mile.
Bikernet, Edge and the Bikernet Metric gang are putting the wildest Sturgis Show date together ever. This won’t be just a bike show. Check the news below for updates. Also this year finds us facing legislative challenges and I think the industry is going to get involved. There’s more new TV shows afoot according to Hugh “Da Chopper” King.
So between gas prices and this crazy election year, there’s a lot of good news and action here at Bikernet. Let’s hit the news:
EDGE TALKS SMOKEOUT & BIKERNET BROUHAHA IN THE BIKERNET STUDIOS RADIO STATION BOOTH– Bandit talks with Edge about 2008 Sturgis Brouhaha and the 2008 Smokeout East. The Brouhaha is located at Thunder Road, the custom capital of Sturgis. The Brouhaha includes a bike show, skits, wet t-shirt, booze and music. Get You Bikernet Radio Show by clicking into Studio.
HOLLISTER RALLY WOULDN’T BE HOLLISTER WITHOUT A FIGHT–I don’t know how you feel about doing this but you know that I get a few emails and comments about the changes we made to Hollister. Well we really did not make changes we just started a new rally.
18 months after I came to town the City government was looking forward to the rally for the first time. and now the whole city has gotten involved and the Chamber of Commerce is my committee. I even talked the City into marketing the merchandise. What a turn around.
All the good aspects were completed because for the last 20 months I have hauled ass to Hollister just about every week to kick ass, take names and keep the ball rolling for all the brothers who want the Hollister Rally to live. I still have a lot of work to do like get racing back and night time concerts. It’s all comin’ together. Horse Power Promotionsph 805.686.2007fax 805.686.0890www.horsepowerpromotions.com
NEW GLASS BLACK RACK FOR SOLO SEAT SOFTAIL MODELS–A Functional Rack That?s Easy to Remove.MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2008) ? Add touring capabilities to a solo-seat Softail model in less than 60 seconds with the new Gloss Black Detachable Solo Rack (P/N 53612-08; $169.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. This attractive, curved rack fits over the fender when the passenger pillion is removed, and features brazed hand-polished tubing with a black finish. Installation requires a separate purchase docking hardware kit, which makes the rack easily interchangeable with Detachable Passenger Sissy Bar Upright and Sideplates. Fits 2008 FLSTSB, 2006-later FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FXSTS and 2007-later FLSTF models. Installation also requires separate purchase of Directional Relocation Kit P/N 53959-06.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.
BRASS BALLS BOBBERS SIGNS PAINT-MEISTER JERAL TIDWELL– Since 1988 Jeral Tidwell has designed art for everything from hot sauce labels to skateboard decks, for clients ranging from the Mayor of New Orleans to Interscope Record Company and now he has turned his attention to Brass Balls Bobbers.
Jeral is producing custom paint for Brass Balls Bobbers and the result of his first engagement was a 1st place award at the Military Bike Build-Off in Branson, Missouri held May 15-18, 2008. Brass Balls Bobbers competed with Scorpion Choppers, South Side Kustoms and Coyotes Customs in this tightly contested event.
Attendees came through the gate and received a People?s Choice ticket to vote on the best bike in the contest. Once the dust settled at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex and the votes were tallied, the crew from Oklahoma came away with the gold.
To see more of this incredible talent, to Brass Balls Bobbers.
POLICE SNATCH-A-BIKE CREWS– In Biker issue: number 181?s “Newsmagazine” section, there was a sidebar (?Daytona Warning?) by Lucky in Florida, pertaining to confiscation of motorcycles during Bike Week.
I would like to state I also had a discussion with a deputy sheriff when I caught him going over my motorcycle in 1998. When I asked him what he was doing, he told me: checking the numbers. I asked him why he was looking at the transmission, then, as the bike had a Florida-issued identification tag on the frame. I reminded him that meant the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles had already checked the motorcycle and issued a tag saying all other numbers on the motorcycle were void.
A bike down the line from me was having some trouble, though. A young couple from out of state had recently bought a motorcycle with welded cases. It had the classic crack from behind the front lifter block that many ’90- ?91 Harleys develop. The cop was ready to snatch the bike when I gave the female the lawyer?s phone number. She whipped out her cell phone, talked to the lawyer, handed the phone to the cop, and another bike was saved.
After I was home for a few days and going through my March/April 2000 issue of H.O.G tales from the Harley Owners Group, I came across an article called “Aftermarket Bike Buyers Beware.? It told a story about how a couple bought a hot bike after the owner did an insurance scam. It went on to say the cops had confiscated the bike in Sturgis The article also mentioned Sergeant Bob Kenney of the Connecticut Auto Theft Task Force who, last time I met up with him, was a Connecticut state trooper. While I was president of the Connecticut Motorcycle Rights Association, I filed charges against Trooper Kenney for wrongfully confiscating motorcycles.
Trooper Kenney confiscated a motorcycle that was built at a local shop it had a Sporty front end on a Big Twin. His story was that the numbers didn?t match when he called it in to the Harley factory. Of course they didn?t, but nothing had been done by the shop that was illegal, and all the parts were receipted.
MONSTER HORSEPOWER FROM D&D EXHAUST & ZIPPER?S
Easy Horsepower Gains From D&D Performance Enterprises & Zipper?s. There is nothing better than blasting down the road with a wad of horsepower available at a flick of your wrist. And D&D has the program to pump your sled full of steroids.
D&D?s New Bandit Kit – It simply kicks asphalt on your Harley-Davidson fuel injected motorcycle. But don?t take our word for it? Bandit got 20 more ponies when he installed the kit.
Bandit Improve His Performance By 20HP!
Bandit took the challenge and hooked the kit up to his black bagger. And the results? More power and more torque? just what the doctor ordered. Read his tech tip and see if your fuel injected Harley could benefit for it. Click it here for the Bandit?s D&D tech tip.
The Bandit Kit comes with a D&D performance exhaust pipe, high-flow air cleaner and Zipper?s Performance ThunderMax with AutoTune tuner. And we will provide a 15% discount just by mentioning the Bandit Kit!
Save 15% on The Bandit Kit – Call 817-834-8961 Now!
All the experts agree that the most cost effective upgrade to your motorbike is a performance pipe, a free-flowing air cleaner and a tune up. The Bandit Kit delivers it all in one easy to use and to install package from D&D Performance Enterprise.
Your Performance Hotline – 817-834-8961
The Zipper?s Performance ThunderMax with AutoTune tuner calibrates itself so you don?t need to put your bike on a dyno. That saves time and money. Also, if you add more go-fast parts, it knows it and modifies itself. Fast, efficient and easy to use – that’s the D&D way.
So call the D&D team today at 817-834-8961 or get more information by clicking here and start making horsepower gains tomorrow.
BIKERNET STAFFER FINALLY PUBLISHED IN EASYRIDERS– Don’t know if ya seen the newest “Easyriders” but yer picture is in “The Wind”.
Looks like yer getting ready for that trip up to the Classic bike show yer wrote about . I happened to catch my picture the other day at the Post Office in the “wanted section”.
–Mothergoose
EBAY SCORE OF THE WEEK–Ford’s ubiquitous Model T has seen its fair share of modifications over the years. Often powered by an engine other than what was originally designed for the large engine bay, countless variations of the hot rod theme have made Henry Ford’s original mass-market vehicle a highly desirable machine to customize.
Today, we’ve stumbled across an entirely new way to power the T, and it’s just too cool not to share. Behind the custom spiderweb grille of this 1923 Ford Model T is a 1200cc V-Twin engine taken from the frame rails of a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Considering how little this vehicle is likely to weigh, the air-cooled twin cylinder mill with Screaming Eagle mods is probably plenty powerful to get the vehicle out of its own way.
The owner used quite a few H-D cues in the overall design and as many original parts from the donor bike as was possible. Note the dual rear shocks suspending the rear axle — those are from the Sportster, as well as the foot pegs which now see duty as the gas and brake pedals. Nice work.
CHOPPER MAGAZINE PROJECT FINALLY FINISHED–it’s been a year in the making, but I finally finished the bagger/rigid… umm, baggid? rigger? Thought you would want to see a pic or to and if you post this, please be sure and include the brothers I want to thank for all the help (btw, the bike is named El Endrogado) which loosly translates to “in debt” to friends.
Special thanks to Todd Slilcato from Todd’s Cycle, Matt Adams from Redsoul, Brandon Holstein from Brawny Built, Rob Stark from Holeshot Graphics, Fab Kevin for some kick ass parts and fab work and Jockey Journal and The Horse BC forums. If it weren’t for these cats, this bike would never have been completed and would not have turned out like it did.
Yes, this is the bike that started out as a ex-police bike bagger.
–Eric
chop@chopmagazine.com> wrote:
FIRST BIKERNET SHAKE-UP OF THE DAY, HOLGER MOHR BECOMES CEO AT CUSTOM CHROME/GMG– Following Nace Panzica’s decision to step down from the Custom Chrome and Global Motorsport (GMG) management team, and Frank Esposito’s exit from the Group last month, owners Dae-Il have selected Custom Chrome Europe Managing Director Holger Mohr to take over as the group’s CEO with immediate effect.
Mohr had decided to return to his post in Germany in August last year after a year and a half at the firm’s Morgan Hill, California, headquarters as President of Custom Chrome.
That decision had been triggered by former owner Cerberus’ reluctance to provide the necessary backing for the company’s business needs. With such backing for the business “now assured”, Mohr told AMD that he was “delighted to be asked to return and take the company forward”.
In an exclusive interview with AMD, Mohr was candid about recent events. “It has been a tough few months, indeed a tough few years for Custom Chrome / Global Motorsport Group, its vendors, dealers and employees, but thanks to Nace’s efforts and Dae-il’s backing throughout the past five months, we are now in a position to draw a line under the process of rescuing the company, and start building for the future”.
Part of that process has included settlement of some $7 million of agreed pre-petition vendor payables liabilities. In a letter to vendors Mohr said that “I am delighted to announce that as a result of our 90 day plan ? we have achieved our goal for our vendor community”.
Commenting on Dae-Il’s decision to assume those liabilities in the first place, Mohr said that “some outside our industry recommended we not assume the previous vendor liability and start with a clean slate. Indeed, others in our industry have taken that route. Our decision to assume these debts underscores our belief that those liabilities represent relationships with key partners, and we understand that the best way to protect and promote our business is to protect and promote our vendors’ business interests too”.
Mohr has already been with GMG for 13 years and seen the entire cycle of the firm’s fluctuating fortunes throughout that time. He is one of several industry insiders that represent an emerging generation of managers and entrepreneurs now achieving strong reputations and important positions in the custom parts and accessory industry.
Mohr concluded his letter to vendors by saying “We owe our gratitude to Nace Panzica and Chairman Kim of Dae-Il. Their actions have placed Custom Chrome on a firm financial footing. It was their decision that having met agreed pre-petition obligations, leadership would be turned over to a new management team, and under our new ownership I am convinced that we have the tools to succeed in restoring this company to its rightful position in the industry”.
MICHIGAN FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM–Here is the latest on the helmet bill in Michigan. And, please contact the Governor. Contact info & protocol stated below (compliments of Angel – thanks)….
Out-of-State letters are welcome too…our Legislature is very interested in tourism dollars and the effect a helmet repeal will have on visitation to the state of Michigan.
Freedom is not free…keep up the hard work!
Yesterday in Lansing, the House voted on concurrence with the Senate version of the helmet bill (HB4749) and the bill passed 70 to 38. The bill has been ordered enrolled and then it will go to the Governor.
Contacting the Governor and requesting that she sign the bill when it gets to her is the plan of action we should follow. The following is the contact information for Governor Jennifer Granholm. There are several phone #’s that you can call to voice your opinion to the Governor along with her fax, e-mail and mailing address.
BE POLITE NO MATTER HOW THEY REPLY TO YOU.
Call, write, E-mail, FAX or all four. You need to let the Governor know that your asking her to support House Bill 4749 to allow Motorcyclist 21 years and older to choose whether to wear a helmet or not. BE SURE
Governor’s Contact Information:
Governor’s Constituent Relations Office: 1-517-335-7858.
This number is to voice your opinion. They don’t want your name, just your opinion. This is possibly the best number to call.
Governor’s Capitol Office Phone: 1-517-373-3400. This will get you a recording or an office staff member but not the Governor.
S.E. Michigan Office ( Detroit ): 1-313-456-0010. Not sure if this is a recording or if you will reach a staff person. When I called I got a recording.
Northern Michigan Office ( Marquette ): 1-906-228-2850. Legislative Affairs Office in Capitol: 1-517-241-3950. Be extra polite when calling this number because we have to deal with this office the most.
Fax # in Lansing : 1-517-335-6863.
Fax letters and notes to this number. Be sure to sign and address the fax and letters and ask for a response.
E-Mail to Gov. You will need to go to the Governor’s website at http://www.michigan.gov/gov and Click (Contact the Governor) at the top middle part of the page. Scroll down to Share your Opinion) ….a page will come up to fill in and send to the Governor. NOTE: you do not get a response,
Address your letters as follows:
The Honorable Jennifer Granholm
Governor
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing MI. 48909
Continued On Page 2
How To Respond To New EPA Regs
By Bandit |
Check the e-mail addresses below. We need to write letters to these people. Rick Krost, President of U.S. Choppers, wrote the letter below. We need to get across to these people. Check out what Rick wrote, then drop your own e-mail to the agencies listed.
MC-cert@epa.gov, omscfeis@epa.gov, otaqpublicweb@epa.gov,catcmail@epa.gov, emc@epa.gov, info.chief@epa.gov,environmental-justice-epa@epa.gov, nelson.peg@epa.gov, ppic@epa.gov,brown.karen@epa.gov, eibweb@arb.ca.gov, helpline@arb.ca.gov
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter with regard to the enforcement of new motorcycle emissions laws coming in to effect in a few short days.
I believe in the EPA and it's purpose, however occasionally I do not understand the methodology employed by the agency.
Briefly, I would like to provide you a backdrop. We are an American family who can provide proof of our existence in America going back to our founding days. We (our family) have fought the wars and supported this great nation in every way possible. We will continue to do so until our rights are entirely stripped away. Currently, we feel that we are being pushed to the edge.
Personally, I have sold my stock brokerage practice 2 years ago (I owned and operated a branch office of Raymond James Financial (RJF – NYSE)) in an attempt to pursue a long standing dream; to own/ operate an after-market Harley parts company. Over the last 2 years I have developed 2 complete proprietary rolling chassis kits. This came at incredible expense both in time and monetary assessment. A large portion of my families retirement funds went toward this venture and we have the families future at stake. The current course of these laws will destroy our business and our future.
In comes the EPA and CARB with the most preposterous solution to keep our air clean. By the EPA's own studies motorcycle pollutants are accountable for LESS THAN ONE PERCENT of all mobile source emissions. With this in mind, the EPA has put forth guidelines which are so stringent that it will (through enforcement) virtually eliminate an entire sub-sector of our economy if implemented. I hold a degree in business from CSULB (emphasis finance/economics) and have been in the finance industry professionally for 7 years. When I culminate my years of experience and sum total of my knowledge, I cannot find a reason other than of a political nature to implement this law. Considering the net pollutants produced by on-highway motorcycles, the net effect of enforcing such a law is negligible at best; if having any effect at all.
However the cost to implement this law throughout the system will be great. Even the OMB has recognized this in their correspondence to your agency. I understand that your agency needs appropriated dollars to justify it's existence, however as a tax paying citizen, I would like to see my hard earned dollars going to better use. There are much larger fish to fry- I know you know what I am talking about…. lets talk about pollution credits with large factories. I could debate this one for hours. However when I look and realize that we are talking in terms of units by the TONS OF EMISSIONS per year for each factory in comparison to what motorcycles put out per capita ….. somehow everything gets lost in the translation.
It is widely known that the constitutionality of the EPA is at question in perpetuity and we all know that the agency is ridiculed for it's timeliness or lack thereof with regard to political influences. I am not here to “brow beat” you. I would simply like to hear a credible explanation and concrete apple to apple comparison of the net proposed effect versus cost to tax payers and industry impact as well as the impact to our sector of the economy if these laws are enforced.
I feel that a feasibility study should ensue entailing cost figures to implement versus other category pollutants which have a much more severe impact on our environment. Do we have a dollar for dollar comparative analysis to justify these new standards and the cost to implement them?
Also I would like to hear an explanation on the constitutional nature of an environmental agency determining what type and quantity of motorcycle an individual can own. I do not understand how an agency of our Government can enforce a law which states that if a husband dies shortly after buying his one “lifetime exempt” motorcycle that his spouse cannot sell it for five years to settle her estate! Considering a custom motorcycle sells for anywhere between $20,000 and $250,000, I would suspect that the proceeds from this might help the bereaved spouse. Furthermore is there a marketplace for this motorcycle anymore considering the strict guidelines associated with it? Thus it creates even more economic hardship.
I understand that Harley-Davidson is under shareholder lawsuit for lowering their production numbers. This law would help their company by eliminating any implied competition. Can you provide an audit of any of Harley- Davidson's input with regards to any forms of verse or remuneration in the discussion of implementing these laws? In 1962, Alan Greenspan wrote that antitrust was: a world in which competition is lauded as the basic axiom and guiding principle, yet “too much” competition is condemned as “cutthroat.” It is a world in which actions designed to limit competition are branded as criminal when taken by businessmen, yet praised as “enlightened” when taken by the government. It is a world in which the law is so vague that businessmen have no way of knowing whether specific actions will be declared illegal until they hear the judge’s verdict–after the fact.
The OMB is supposed to police activities such as this and it is questionable as to where the influence for this act is coming from. One thing is for certain, Harley maintains the largest market share in our category. If these laws go through, the EPA will have direct influence in forming a monopoly out of Harley-Davidson which is in direct conflict with the Sherman Antitrust Act. The OMB will receive a faxed copy of this letter.
Please take heed to these words as I represent America. Americans ride Harley-Davidsons and custom bikes for sport more than transportation. We can relate to the American heritage behind Harleys and the freedom that they represent. This is an icon of American culture not merely a mode of transportation. When a governmental agency steps in to take away a piece of our freedom and liberty for no known positive net effect other than to strip our freedom and cost us more tax payer dollars, we will all lose. People will find themselves unmotivated to work and excel merely to hand over their earnings to have more of their personal rights stripped away by the same dollars they worked so hard for.
We here at U.S. Choppers have to defend the rights of our brothers and sisters who are motorcycle enthusiasts. We would be more than happy to propose other alternatives to enhance air quality among the motorcycle community. A more direct approach would be welcomed in the community. For example EPA approved motors. The consumers and industry would gladly floor the cost of a compliant motor standard.
If the motors are compliant (and not needing constant compliance tests (to save tax payer dollars)), then I see no need for any further interpretation of the law with regards to any other components on the motorcycle or different registration or ownership guidelines or infringements to ownership (which would provide more taxpayer savings). The onus of responsibility would lie with the motor manufacturers and the cost of re-tooling and certifying would be passed to the consumer. Providing the engines weren't drastically modified, they would stay within the recognized and accepted limits of emission standards.
One more thought- when a compliant motor has prolonged use, how do you enforce the higher level of pollutants produced (ie, this law leads to a slippery slope argument …. the more an engine is used the more pollutants it produces… do you then outlaw every motor that has been used for a specified period of time? And what then happens to enforcement of engines that are ridden harder? What about those barely ridden?) ….for these reasons, the EPA should focus on a more direct solution. This would save incredible costs to taxpayers, and virtually no time to implement as the DMV need not concern themselves with new registration procedures and the agencies need not worry about enforcement.
The motor manufacturers would carry the burden for the entire industry and motorcycle riding populous. How about taking the extra tax payer savings in appropriations to you and offering them to the motor manufacturers as incentive programs to re-engineer their motors?
We at U.S. Choppers are featured in 5 mainstream magazines currently all over the World. At this point we are re-vamping our website to include a section to keep enthusiasts up to date with current EPA concerns. We will be placing an online petition for enthusiasts to voice their opinion about the pending laws. We will be happy to forward these letters of concern to your agency in hopes to find a commonplace solution which will benefit all of our concerns.
Respectfully.
–Rick Krost
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699
http://www.uschopper.com/
2008 El Camino Vintage Swap
By Paul Garson |
Nearly 100 Show Entries Highlight the 33rd Annual El Camino Motorcycle Show & Parts Exchange
There was mix of great antique, vintage and classic bikes at this year’s 33rd event…and also mixed emotions… since it was the last of the Bator International El Caminos. But that’s not saying the last of the event itself. More on that later.
While semi-torrential rains last year nearly flooded the upper parking structure at El Camino College in Torrance, the event’s traditional site, this go-around on Saturday, September 20, 2008 was a classic SoCal bright and sunny day reflected in the chrome, polished alloy and nickel gleaming from the rows of bikes, nearly 100, set up for display and judging.
Speaking of judging, this year’s event may well have been the toughest yet for Chief Judge Dave Carleton and his fellow experts thanks to the number of quality restorations hitting the 100 point mark and many more in the 99+ category. The restorations have been fine-tuned each year, motivated by our judging criteria, steadily increasing to a level of quality, dare I say, reaching perfection. And that’s directly related to the fact that 95% of our judges are AMCA certified.
All the bikes were winners, each demonstrating their restorers’ and owners’ dedication to the sport and to keeping history alive and rumbling along. Some of the highlights included the three 100 point bikes of Marvin Perz: 1970 Sonic Weld Triumph and Blair Beck’s 1974 Phantom 125 Ossa, both in the On/Off Road category and Tim Stafford’s 1964 BMW R50 in the Vintage & Classic European category.
Awards for first, second and third places were handed out as well as People’s Choice that went to John Messina and his 1941 Harley EL. The Sponsor’s Choice trophy went to Paul Wheeler and his 1987 Harley FLH while the George & Karla Threedouble Memorial Plate award for Best Restoration went to Richard Phillips and his 1964 BSA Lightning. Topping things off was Best of Show going to the 1923 Harley Sport Twin of Frank Colver.
Taking a look back at the history of the longstanding and popular event, like the song from the Grateful Dead goes…it’s been a long strange road…starting when Glenn Bator of Bator International resurrected the show back in 2000 after it passed from Jim McClure who had run the event some seven years, then into the hands of the L.A. Chapter of the AMCA.
Says Glenn, “After let’s say a major decline, we entered the picture. We strove to run a professional event, and yes, I’m known to run a tight ship and am a bit anal-retentive, so I didn’t brook any shenanigans with an emphasis on respect from all both sides. We put the show back on firm ground, even if atop a parking structure, and it’s been a good run for all involved. I’ve been fortunate to rely on a core of friends both at El Camino and Hanford smoothly including Phil Weiner and Rick Nelson both of whom I’ve known for decades. The Bator International relationship with El Camino College has been a great one and the school administration tells us our annual show has been their favorite event.
“We’d also like to thank the good people at Walnecks Classic Cycle Trader for throwing in their sponsor’s hat for this last go around and for their longtime support and to all of the volunteers and show judges that unselfishly gave their time and energy to make these last eight years a very smooth and well run event. “To sum it up, El Camino was a great time for us and I’m glad it went out with a bang, but now onwards and upward to new adventures as we’re going into producing auctions and teaming up with some other major motorcycle related companies on new endeavors. And finally we’d like to add that we are engaged in discussions with other individuals who may continue to promote the El Camino event. So this is just a transition, hopefully a seamless one where we move from the promoter position to a sponsor position. I still want to have our name on the trophies and line up my bikes up on display and have a presence at the event. Finally, I’ll be able to get out from coordinating the event and walk around like everyone else, kick back with a soda and kick tires and be one of the people enjoying all the great motorcycles and vendors El Camino has always attracted.”
Best Regards to all,
–Glenn & Deni Bator
May 29, 2008 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
THE POPE OF PIPE PUMPS UP YOUR SOFTAIL PERFORMANCE You have a Softail that is lowered and needs more clearance or have a Softail where you rip the curves and want to hit it even harder?
THE POPE ? Has built a new pipe from D&D Performance Enterprises called the Low Cat that has an up swept in the back and allows your Harley to corner without scraping. It?s dyno tuned so you can expect maximum horsepower with a high performance air cleaner and tuner.
FROM BANDIT – Bandit has worked out a deal with D&D to put together a performance kit that includes a D&D Performance Low Cat, high-flow air cleaner and Zipper?s Performance ThunderMax with AutoTune tuner. Mention Bandit and you receive a 15% discount. Call 817-834-8961 for details or get more information by clicking here and start making horsepower gains tomorrow.
CHECKOUT THE POPE IN BIKERNET STUDIO – Bandit and the Pope of Pipe, Dave Rash, talk performance, power and the nicest torque curve this side of JayLo in Bikernet Studio.
BUELL AND BILANSKY PREVAIL IN ASRA PRO THUNDERBIKE–Penalty Determines Winner After a Four-Bike Battle at Summit Point.
Summit Point, W.V. (May 26, 2008) ? Hal?s H-D/Buell/Hal?s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky was declared the winner of the third round of the 2008 American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Pro Thunderbike National series at Summit Point Motorsports Park after the apparent winner was penalized for blocking. Bilansky, riding a Buell XB12R Firebolt, crossed the finish line behind BMW rider Nate Kern, but Kern was penalized two positions for weaving three times to block Bilansky?s attempts to pass as the pair raced out of the final turn. The penalty moved Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing rider David Estok to second place, as Kern dropped to third.
It was a fitting finish to a very dramatic Pro Thunderbike National that saw Bilansky, Kern, Estok and H-D/Buell of Frederick rider Bryan Bemisderfer battling for the lead for most of the nine-lap race. Bemisderfer set the tone for the weekend when he lapped the recently repaved Summit Point circuit on his Buell XB12R Firebolt in 1:16.821 to take the pole in qualifying on Sunday, setting a new Thunderbike lap record 1.2 seconds faster than the previous mark held by Estok, the defending Thunderbike champion. Kern qualified second at 1:17.102, followed by Bilansky and Bison Racing/Eagle H-D/Buell rider Walt Sipp, all under the previous Thunderbike lap record.
Bilansky, Estok, Kern and Bemisderfer broke away from the field on the first lap, and all but Bemisderfer would swap the lead during the course of the race as the four riders passed and repassed. Bemisderfer dropped out on lap eight with a mechanical problem. Kern and Estok bumped in a turn on lap eight, causing Estok to ride off-track for a short time, as Kern took the lead with Bilansky on his rear tire.
?On the white-flag lap, I showed Kern a wheel in the first turn, but I couldn?t pass him,? said Bilansky. ?After that, he was really protecting the racing line and did not give me another good opportunity, so I knew I would have to get a good drive on him out of the last turn. On the last straight I was just inches from his back tire and pulled out of the draft to pass and he moved over to block me three times. He beat me to the line by a wheel.?
Immediately after the race, ASRA officials penalized Kern two positions for making more than one move to break another rider?s draft.
?I didn?t even need to protest,? said Bilansky. ?The officials told me to just go to the dyno test, because everyone saw what happened. The Hal?s crew put a strong Buell under me again today, and I?m pretty sure I would have nipped him at the line if he gave me a chance to make a clean pass.?
Sipp finished in fourth position, followed by Buell riders Seth Buchbinder, Joe Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal?s Speed Shop) and Sam Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal?s Speed Shop). Twelve of the 14 Thunderbike entries were riding Buell XB12R motorcycles.
Despite the penalty, Kern retains the Thunderbike season points lead after three ASRA National events. Kern has 92 points, Sipp is second with 81 points, followed by Estok with 72. Bilansky, who missed one race, is fourth with 54 points.
The next stop on the eight-race ASRA Pro Thunderbike schedule is the 8th Annual Virginia Festival of Speed, June 21-22, at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va.
LEE PARKS TRAINING SESSIONS EXPAND–I’ve been crazy busy putting on Total Control Advanced Riding Clinics and Instructor Trainings around the country so We have several new dates for Total Controls across the country including the first classes in Atlanta, Texarkana, AR, Brookfield, CT, Longview, WA, Canton, NY, and Paonia, CO. We will also soon be adding dates for classes in Austin, TX and Searcy, AR. Send us an e-mail if you are interested in being on the waiting list for one of those locations.
I’d also like thank Motorcycle Cruiser, Rider and Two Wheel Tuner for the recent stories about the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic and our Laguna Tail Pack.
I’ve also added a couple brand new products to check out in the newsletter. The McCuff No-Spill is the easiest, fastest way to fill up your bike in less time with less mess-a must for long-distance riders. After many requests we are proud to introduce our Cube-It Packing Cubes that make packing for your trips fun and easy. You’ll want to get several for motorcycle, car and airline travel.
–Lee Parks
leeparksdesign@psnnewsletter.com>
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN REPORTER SUPPORTS OUR BONNEVILLE BOOK– I just sent the email below to the Dry Lakes Racers Australia people. http://www.dlra.org.au/landspeedbooks.htm
They have a whole lot of books on dry lake racing listed on their web site including one I?ve never heard of –
Flat Out: The Race for the Motorcycle World Land Speed Record
Author: Rocky Robinson 2007, in English, hardcover / 256 Pages, color and black and white photos
Anyway, hopefully they may contact Wolfgang about stocking your book.
Cheers
–Doc
Doc Robinson
Associate & Technical Editor
Heavy Duty Magazine
www.heavyduty.com.au
Dear Sirs,
Just thought you may be interested in stocking a new book by Keith R. Ball about motorcycle land speed record attempts at Bonneville.I have just reviewed a copy for Heavy Duty magazine and it?s a great book.
The blurb below is from the Wolfgang Publications website at http://www.wolfpub.com/
Cheers
–Doc Robinson
How to Build A Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle$24.95–
The phrase, Bonneville Salt Flats, strikes a chord with any true gear-head. For motorcycle enthusiasts the allure is even stronger. How to Build a Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle documents the construction of The Worlds Fastest Panhead, conceived and assembled by Keith Ball, former editor or Easyriders magazine and current owner of Bikernet.com, the most popular biker stop on the internet. Keith walks the reader through all the steps involved in the creation of a true Bonneville Salt Flats motorcycle. From choosing a class to picking an frame, from finding an engine builder to minimizing the aerodynamic drag at 200 miles per hour, Keith explains the how and why of building a Salt Flats motorcycle. A project of this size is bound to suffer setbacks. Keith Ball uses a personal, narrative style to take the readers on a wild ride, through the ups and downs of building The World?s Fastest Panhead. So come along for the ride down the salt with the man who is perhaps the best known motorcycle journalist.
MONSTER TRIKES FOR THE LONG HAUL–Check out our custom built, V-8 powered trike, designed by motorcycle legend, Don Center. Iron Horse is America’s premiere 3-wheeled, hot rod motorcycle!
JUNE 21 – SORE ASS RUN – PORT RICHEY TO PANAMA CITY — The Sore Ass Run will be quite a good distance this year, over 250 miles! This will be a rain or shine event and it will probably be raining somewhere so make sure you pack you rain gear! This will be a 7 card poker run with stops in Port Richey, Crystal River, Chiefland, Perry, Panacea, Eastpoint and Panama City. Registration starts at 8am with the first bike out by 9am and the last bike out by 10pm. Each paid poker hand will get an official t-shirt, official patch and competition certificate.
The End Stop will be at Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant 15201 Front Beach Road. Panama City Beach, FL 850-235-2420. The Condo’s/Hotel is right across the street at Origin’s at Seahaven. 15100 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
Reservation hotline is 888-908-0006 with the Reservation code – THROTTLE. Hands are $35 per person or $60 per couple. Hotel/condo rates vary per size of the room and couples in a room. Three couples can get a three bedroom condo for as little as $77 per couple – Beach view for a three bedroom will be $87 per couple! What a deal!!! For more info call Full Throttle Magazine at 813-814-1424
PRIME TIME BAR AND GRILL11408 US HWY 19 PORT RICHEY, FL 34668 727-869-9707– registration is from 8am till 10am with the first bike out at 9am and last bike out at 10am.
Stops include these locations:
Port Richey – Prime Time Bar and Grill
Crystal River / Homosassa – Crystal River Harley-Davidson
Chiefland – BBQ Bills
Perry – Spring Creek Lounge
Panacea – Posey’s Steam Room
Eastpoint – White Eagle Lounge
Panama City Beach – Sharkey’s Beachfront Restaurant
Make plans as this is a full day of riding and a great party at the end. Any other questions please call us at 813-814-1424 or e-mail tonyc@fullthrottleusa.com
The World’s Loudest Motorcycle Air Horn!–This Stebel Nautilus Air Horn is a Hot Seller! For a Limited Time Only, we’re offering at no charge a Deluxe Wiring Kit with every Horn purchase, a 9.95 retail value.
To view our full line of unique Motorcycle Safety and Lighting Products, including the Stebel Nautilus, please visit us online:
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Stebel Nautilus Features
– Attention-getting 139db – That’s Loud!
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Buying from Amanet is a no-risk decision!
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To purchase our products click here or please call me, toll-free, 1-866-259-7435. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Sales Manager
michael@amanet.com
1-866-259-7435
RICK FAIRLESS INTRODUCES NEW BETTIE FRAME–Dallas, TX (May 13, 2008)- Rick Fairless is proud to announce the availability of his new innovative frame, ?Bettie.? A frame this unique could only come from the mind of Rick Fairless and the craftsmen at Strokers Dallas, and it is now available to become part of your next project!
Built to carry an 18″ x 300 rear tire on a rigid frame, this one of a kind frame is constructed from custom bent .120 six inch tubing that has been sectioned to contain both the oil and the gas in the same tube. A 2″ dead air space insulates the oil tank from the gas tank.
?Bettie? comes with rear axle and axle covers, and is also available in a softail frame.
SPECS:
Frame: 3 out- 1 up
Rake: 45 degrees
Neck Height: 19″
Rear Wheel: 18″ x 300
Front Wheel: 21″
Secondary Belt Drive: RSD
Overall Frame Length: 71.5″
For more information, or to place an order, call the Strokers Dallas parts department at 214-357-0707 or visit them online at www.strokersdallas.com.
LEATHER SHIRT FOR HARD RIDIN WOMEN— Designed for those times when you just don?t need a jacket but want protection.
Leather designer, Bob Kay, created the midnight black shirt especially for hard ridin women. It offers full protection in a light weight and has the feel of lamb and the durability of cowhide in a light weight.
Check it out in the Black Market.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200 PRODUCTION UNDERWAY–The new XR1200 is officially rolling off the assembly line in Kansas City for delivery to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Some of us had been hoping that with the return of the Indy Mile to the U.S. this year, Harley Davidson would take the opportunity to unveil the XR1200 to the home folks, but, reading through the news item makes it look less likely.
NEW EUROPEAN FEATURE DESTINED FOR BIKERNET.COM– I just shot a feature about a real good guy name Al, age 67 now, who has been riding all his life long on self bobbed bikes.
What you see here is a former 79′ E-Glide, formerly purchased with all the crap that can be found on stock Glides.
Many custom built details. Even the handshift is built by Al himself. He is a huge fan of the USA and a few years ago the bike looked like a WLA, army-green with the Army-star on the tank.
It is because as kid he experienced the invasion of US-troops in 1945 in our region as liberation. After weeks of heavy bombing by allied forces Brits and esp US troops marched in and not a single more bomb fell. It was the quietest and safest Easter then in ’45 that Albert ever had as kid.
He rode all kinds of Harleys, always bobbed, for it’s his style ever since. It would be a great pleasure and honor for him to appear on Bikernet.com.
I personally think he deserves a notice coz he is one of the most US-patriotic non-Americans I’ve ever met.
–Andreas
Of course we’ll feature it–Bandit
GUN SUPPORTERS NEED TO STEP UP–Please vote on this gun issue question with USA Today. It will only take a few seconds of your time. Then pass the link on to all the folks you know. Hopefully these results will be published later this month. This upcoming year will become critical for gun owners with the Supreme Court accepting the District of Columbia case against the right for individuals to bear arms.
First – vote on this one.Second – launch it to other folks and have THEM vote -then we will see if the results get published.
Vote in the USA Today poll – click on the link below.The Question is:
Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?
Vote here:http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm
Continued On Page 5