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CUSTOM CHROME PRESIDENT HOLGER MOHR TO RESUME EUROPEAN ROLE–THE Global Motorsport Group has announced that Custom Chrome President Holger Mohr will resume his role as Managing Director Of Custom Chrome in Europe at the beginning of October.

The move follows a year-and-a-half of “successful initiatives aimed at improving the market position of the company’s U.S. operations”, according to the Morgan Hill, California based distributor.

“It has been a privilege to work with the U.S. team for the past year and a half,” said Mohr. “When our partner Cerberus Financial was looking for an industry insider to re-position the business for a return to long-term growth and profits, I saw it as an important challenge and a great opportunity to make a difference in the company and industry I care deeply about.”

“We began immediately with a series of restructuring steps that were designed to improve our operations and cost base,” Mohr said. In addition to establishing a new management and sales team, Mohr notes that his successes include a completely refreshed product portfolio, initiatives that have improved customer fill rates, a redesigned catalog launch and a successful reintroduction of the company to the industry at the 2007 Cincinnati V-Twin Expo.

“As conditions in the U.S. market have caused many to look to Europe for growth, we felt it important that Holger again focuses on maintaining the market dominance of CCE in the European market,” added Dan Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Global Motorsport Group, Inc.

“Holger has done a great job strengthening the operation and putting in place a team that can take us to the next level, and uniquely among distributors he is an ‘ace up our sleeve’ in terms of being able to drive sales and profits in growing European markets,” said Cook.

“I have truly enjoyed my assignment in the U.S.,” Mohr added. “The growing strength of the company gives me the opportunity to return home confident that I’m turning over domestic operations to a solid management team.”

www.customchrome.com

BARRY COONEY HUNTS KNUCKLES–Barry Cooney, owned a shop in Oregon back in the ’70s and has built stellar bikes for at least 30 years. Here’s his latest creation. He deals in antique cars and builds one or two bikes a year for clients.

After building plenty of Evos, suddenly, because of a tattoo he wants to build a Knucklehead. He’s looking for one. If you know of a Knuckle for sale, drop him a line.

Hamsterbc@aol.com

ANOTHER HAMSTER CHECKS IN FROM THE SALT FLATS–The family of Bonneville continues to make us smile. Its a great place to share stories, parts, and the love of motorcycles!

I was fortunate enough to have time to read through the last Sunday and Thursday ramblings. I love your Bonneville update as it tugs at the camaraderie, trials and triumphs of the mysteries of the Salt!

Thanks for including our wedding, I wanted to personally thank Berry and Gypsy, Valerie and Rex, and your entire team for attending our service on the salt. It goes without saying that it will forever be etched in the motorcycle memory bank. We are fortunate to start our family there, just as our family of friends has grown there. To look out and see all of our industry friends, family and Hamster comrades assemble in the middle of 30,000 acres of whiteness was breathtaking. The lord shown on us as the ominous skys broke, the light and the spirit amongst the crowd was perfect. A haulmark moment, as Chris Callen spoke of it, with the rainbow and all.

It was amazing to watch the transformation in our 16 year old daughter Erika as she received her motorcycle license this year, ran for the first time ever at Bonneville, learned about altitude, gearing, teamwork and secured an AMA record! The response from everyone to her efforts with the Buell Blast and its 495cc single were awesome. At one point, Larry from Chop and Grind gave up his spot in line so she could bump that number over 100.

On Thursday, Laura said it was like someone just lost the big game when the sigh of “OH!” went acoss the crowd watching the mile on Erika’s final tuck of the week as she came in at 110 mph, only to be foiled by a sparkplug porcelain that broke 150 yards in and it sputtered out the end, for a disappointed young lady.

We were thrilled as a team to watch all the ups and downs and for it to happen for someone so young. We were even more shocked as she was awarded the Womens Spirit award by Erin Hunter of Potter Lumber. The fact that she gave the second half of the monetary award to the Klock Werks team spoke volumes for the family atmosphere that is created and inspired in Bonneville. They in turn told her to put it towards going faster, and the sickness continues! Our 14-year-old daughter, Karlee is already plotting to take over the Blast next year!

Hats off to the 5-Ball Racing team for receiving the Best Engineered award that evening also! Your crew of creative souls built a bike that intrigued people and tugged at the spirit of Bonneville, very deserving. You all earned it, so from our team to yours, Congrats!!

So as it goes and we all share photos, memories, and laughs, we look forward to seeing the guys from Chop and Grind, 5-Ball, Goldammer, Buell Bros., Krugger, and more as our family of friends grows and so do our motorcycle experiences! See you next year at the Family reunion of Gearheads on the Salt! Our thanks to everyone for making our week a blessing!

–Brian Klock

HERE’S THE LAND SPEED RECORD PIPE DREAM–If you’ve kept up on the Bonneville salt reports, you start to understand all the difficulties of racing on the salt. There’s blistering weather, salt conditions, elevation, lack of air density and the surface to contend with constantly. Consequently, it would be magnificent to find a strip of flat asphalt, at least 5 miles long, at sea level, in an area without severe wind and beautiful weather year round. Am I asking too much? Fuck it. I’m asking, and I reached out to Joe Zanelli of Primm Properties in Vegas, for an answer. The Terrible Herbst family recently purchased all the Primm Casinos, so they could race quads and desert 4-wheelers. They may have the spirit to make it happen.

The bottom line: The search is on for a benefactor who loves racing in perhaps Nevada to build a Land Speed Record track.

Just when you think I started something, read the following. Just goes to show there are others out there already trying to find a location.

Search continues for aviation adventurer Steve Fossett

(CNN) — Although there were no signs of missing aviation adventurer Steve Fossett Tuesday evening, an official leading the rescue said she remained optimistic.

Maj. Cynthia S. Ryan of the Civil Air Patrol said Fossett, who has been missing for a day, once walked 30 miles to get help after making a forced landing.

But Ryan noted the challenge rescuers are facing as they comb the high desert region, which is covered with sagebrush and hides deep ravines.

Rescuers are focusing on 600 square miles. “It’s a very large haystack,” she said. “And an airplane is a very small needle. No doubt about that.”

The Civil Air Patrol has 10 aircraft that will be searching until dusk for Fossett, who has been missing since Monday afternoon, she said. The search will resume Wednesday at 7 a.m. (10 a.m. ET).Fossett, 63, was in a single-engine plane when he took off at 9 a.m. (noon ET) in good flying conditions from hotel magnate Barron Hilton’s Flying M Ranch, Ryan said.

He had planned to return to the ranch, which is about 30 miles south of Yerington, Nevada, at noon (3 p.m. ET). The search for him began about six hours later, Ryan said.

Fossett did not file a flight plan, which is not required on flights using visual navigation.

Fossett is the first person to solo around the world in a balloon, and has broken numerous other flight records.

When he left, he had four to five hours of fuel for flight, said Ryan.”Steve took off toward the south and was going to fly southbound, looking around for some dry lake beds for some plans he had for the future,” Ryan said.

Ryan said authorities are analyzing information from radar intelligence to try to track Fossett.

Helicopters and planes from Naval Air Station Fallon, in Fallon, Nevada, the Nevada Air National Guard and the California Highway Patrol are helping in the search.

ON ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE RACING FRONT COWBOY STAN MAKES FOUR FINALS IN 2007–AHDRA racer “Cowboy” Stan Sheppard started off the 2007 season with four final round appearances and one win. In the first three races he has earned a won-loss record of 21-8. He races one Pro class and two sportsman classes in the Western Division of the All Harley Drag Racing Association. He made two finals in Phoenix, one in Dallas and one in Woodburn. His only win was at the Phoenix race in the SEP class.

His current Western Division rankings are #1 in Rush Progas, #2 in the Screaming Eagle Performance 11.50 index class and #4 in the SYN3 Elapsed Time Class. In addition, at the rained out Seattle race he qualified #1 in Progas and #2 in the Screaming Eagle Performance class. In the seven years he has raced with the AHDRA, Seattle was the first time he qualified in the #1 Position. He also has two Western Division AHDRA Championships, ET in 2000 and Prosock in 2005.

The last two AHDRA races in are in early November at Pomona and Las Vegas. Stan is hoping to finish up the year as strong as he started.

In the Progas class he runs a former NHRA Prostock bike with a 160 Cubic Inch S&S Prostock motor producing 270 HP which is mated to a Zippers Racecase semi-auto 5-speed transmission, a D&G Chassis and carbon fiber body. At a little over 635 lbs with a 190 lb rider it runs in the high 7 second range. At Woodburn, between qualifying and racing all 6 of his passes were in the 7 second zone including a personal best of 7.85 @165 MPH.

In the Sportsman classes Stan runs a 1994 Lowrider he started racing in 1994. The bike has over 1000 _ mile passes on it and is still running strong. The motor has been rebuilt three times and has 96 cubic inches putting out 110 HP with a belt drive from Karata and an air-shifted Harley 5 speed transmission. It consistently runs in the 11.50’s and is a real workhorse.

Stan is assisted at the races by Mark Archibald, a longtime friend. His sponsors include C.H. Bull Company and Hannan’s Machine Shop plus JLK Precision Motorcycles, Cycle Shack Pipes, Redline Oil, MT Tires, Vanson Leathers, D&G Chassis, S&S and Outlaw racing fuel.
By Steve LeTempt

BRITISH CHARITY DEMANDS DOWNSIZING OF MOTORCYCLES– A row has erupted in England after an influential road safety charity, RoadPeace, called on the government to limit the weight, speed and power of high-speed motorcycles in an effort to slow the pace of rising rider fatalities. Make bikes slower to save lives, claims the charity in correspondence with the Transport Select Committee demanding that ministers issue new regulations “downsizing” motorcycles.

The move has sparked a furious reaction from the British Motorcycle Foundation, notes the Evening Standard newspaper, and the BMF has quit RoadPeace claiming it has been betrayed by the organization it has been an active member of since 2002.

The federation also questioned the charity’s figures, pointing out that the majority of motorcycle accidents involved riders of bikes with engines under 125cc. It suggested that pedestrians and cyclists were responsible for many collisions with motorcycles. In a statement, the BMF said: “The vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other road users, road defects or by poor road design.”

Sheila Rainger of the RAC Foundation, a motor vehicle safety charity, said: “RoadPeace is authoritative and is listened to but, unfortunately, in this case its demands are based on emotion, not facts.”

BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Inspired by a recent 4 day road trip that slowly faded out of my head.

Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net

BIKERNET STAFF POET FALLS ON HARD TIMES–I’ve fallen on some hard times and sure could use the cash. This is a snap shot of what I got right now. I’m open to offers at this point. I don’t want to lose my scoot. I need to come up with some quick cash

Much Respect
–Pan
Joshua Griffith
panheadjosh74@hotmail.com

DREW GATEWOOD BONNEVILLE OFFICIAL REQUESTS SUGGESTIONS FROM BIKERNET STAFF–This is Drew Gatewood calling.I was the F.I.M. Technical Steward again this year.You and your crew sure have nice equipment, and seem to have a great time.I myself have a blast each time I go.Hopefully I will be hired again next year, and if so, I plan on going out early and helping with preparation.

I am writing a few of the people who raced and asking their opinion on what was good and what couldstand improvement. Please be honest about things, as I want to help this program grow and becomesmoother flowing.

It took me until my 50s to get to Bonneville, but man am I hooked now.

See Ya
–Drew Gatewood

Official 5-Ball Racing Team Response: Good to see you on the salt. Here’s our initial comments:

Better Salt Conditions
Reduced Elevation, sea level preferably
Improved Air Density
One track dedicated to 5-Ball Racing

That’s all, Drew. The officials did a helluva job. I know you can take care of the above considerations. Oh, I forgot. Fix the weather, will ya?

–5-Ball Racing Official

MOTORCYCLE SALES SLOW– The runaway freight train of motorcycle sales may finally be slowing down. For more than a decade, motorcycles recorded record sales figures, often showing double-digit annual increases, defying nationwide economic slowdowns and stock market dips. But for the first half of 2007 the Motorcycle Industry Council reports that U.S. motorcycle sales are down for the first time since the mid-90s, and were off by 7% compared to the first six months of last year.

Theories abound, with some suggesting the rise in gas prices and bleak economic picture are making consumers cautious. Others say sub-prime concerns in the housing and auto sectors are making loans less available. Others blame a summer of freaky weather. Others say the slight decline in sales nationwide is a blip that won’t last, and point out that 2007 will still be the third-largest year for motorcycle sales.

Dealers noted that with supply catching up to demand nationwide, consumers are getting better deals, with financing incentives, stable pricing, and great values with added features such as anti-lock brakes, fuel injection and other technical improvements for very little additional cost to consumers.

Dealerships have reported seeing an increase in sales of touring bikes and sport-touring models, as graying riders – and their wives in the passenger seat – seek bigger more comfortable rides. Another trend, again driven by the aging biker population, is the move to trikes. New bike buyers are also demanding such add-ons as satellite navigational systems, even though they are relatively expensive.

Motorcycle sales nationally have always been somewhat independent of practical economics, Wade Rice of Rice Honda-Suzuki-Victory told the Rapid City Journal. “They say 3 percent of the population rides motorcycles. That’s the bad news,” Rice said, but from the dealers’ perspective, “The good news is that 28 percent want them.”

SPEEDING TICKET GET 3 YEARS–WEIRD NEWS: 2 Wheels + 160 mph + School Zone = 3 Years of Lockup According to NBC, a 20 year-old Mesa, Arizona motorcyclist was recently sentenced to three years in prison for riding his 2006 Honda CBR 600 through a school zone and crosswalk at speeds over 160 mph.

Law enforcement officials first spotted the ex-racer traveling at roughly 140 mph through morning rush hour traffic, and a 30 minute pursuit ended with a foot chase that resulted in the man’s arrest. Apparently, his history of reckless driving and riding under a suspended license didn’t help his argument in court.

–Bill Bish

MC ADVANTAGES SELECTS FREAKSHOW CHOPPERS AS PARTNER PICK AT AMD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS–

As one of the sponsoring partners for the 2007 AMD World Championship ofCustom Bike Building, MC Advantages was invited to award their choice forbest bike in the show. The MC Advantages team selected Freakshow Choppers’Fantasma del Lago as their Partner Pick. This distinction, awarded by MCAdvantages General Manager Kent Reed, recognized the bike that bestrepresented the MC Advantages product line and customer base.

“Jay Burnham and the Freakshow Choppers team had a great bike with anabsolutely wicked look and paint job,” said Reed. “It features a number ofparts that customers can purchase from their MC Advantages dealer like anAmerican Suspension Front End, Spyke? Stealth Starter, 360 Brake, CustomCycle Control System Bars and Chesapeake Performance Belt Drive Cover,” hesaid.

The World Championship of Custom Bike Building is hosted annually byAmerican Motorcycle Dealer Magazine at the Sturgis Rally and Races inSturgis, S.D. MC Advantages is an official partner of the premier custommotorcycle event which hosted 175 entries from 10 different countries.

MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
www.MCAdvantages.com

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TED TINE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS TO WORK WITH 5-BALL RACING IN THE FUTURE–Thanks brother, and congratulations to you and your team, a FIRST CLASSoperation and a beautiful job on the bike, very clean. I or Barbara will bein touch and thanks again.

Thank you for your interest in Ted Tine Motorsports Performance Products.

–Ted Tine
Ted Tine Motorsports, Inc.

244 Middlesex Turnpike
Chester, CT 06412
Phone: 860-526-2060
Fax: 860-526-1527
www.tedtine.com

“SUPERSPORT” MOTORCYCLES UNDER FIRE FROM INSURANCE INSTITUTE– A recent media blitz by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance industry trade group, purports that so-called “Supersport” motorcycles are nearly four times deadlier than all other types of bikes and have the worst overall insurance losses.

The IIHS study, which basically reviews existing federal FARS (Fatal Accident Reporting System) data and calculates motorcycle fatalities by type of motorcycle, blames the growing popularity of racing platform cycles amongst younger riders in part for a dramatic increase in U.S. motorcycle deaths, according to a September 11 article in USA Today.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped 59% from 2000-2005, while overall U.S. motorcycle registrations climbed 51%, but Supersport registrations were up 83% and accounted for 28% of motorcycle fatalities while representing about 9% of registered motorcycles. So, while overall fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcycles went up from 7.1 in 2000 to 7.5 in 2005, Supersports were credited with 22.5 deaths per 10,000 registrations.

The “Sport and Unclad Sport Bikes” category of motorcycles, also noted for their speed and agility, posted a fatality rate of 10.7 per 10,000, while “Touring” motorcycles were 6.5 and “Cruisers and Standard motorcycles”, which comprise the bulk of motorcycle registrations, were statistically under-represented at 5.7 fatalities/10M.

The study criticizes manufacturers for promoting the speed of Supersport bikes, noting that “speed” was cited in 57% of the Supersport fatal crashes and 46% of the fatal Sport and Unclad Sport Motorcycle accidents.

Supersport bikes also have the highest overall collision coverage losses among 2002 to 2006 model bikes, a figure almost four times higher than Touring motorcycles and six times higher than Cruisers. The bikes are also popular targets among thieves, stolen at a rate seven times higher than the average for all 2002 to 2006 motorcycles.

“Short of banning supersport and sport motorcycles from public roadways, capping the speed of these street-legal racing machines at the factory might be one way to reduce their risk,” suggests the IIHS report on the study.

In the late-80s the IIHS convinced Missouri Senator John Danforth to introduce a bill in Congress calling for horsepower limits on all motorcycles sold in the U.S., but he withdrew his controversial “Super Bike Ban” following intense lobbying by motorcyclists’ rights activists and the motorcycle industry.

–Bill Bish

AMD TO CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL EDITION–It hardly seems possible, but AMD is about to publish its 100th edition!Tracing its origins back to September 1993 (AMD did 63 editions as a Europe only dealer magazine in the 1990’s), AMD first appeared on US dealers’ desks eight years ago.

Through thick and thin AMD has been serving the Harley-Davidson and custom v-twin sectors on both sides of the Atlantic (indeed worldwide) ever since.

Widely respected for its impartial, comprehensive and timely reporting, AMD is accepted as the “dealer magazine of choice” for the sector, and as such is the primary advertising option for vendors who want to maximize coverage and value.

–Brian Marion
USA Midwest & East Coast
Tel: 336 760 8307
> E-
mail:brian@dealer-world.com

Sonja Wallace
Europe
Tel: 0044 (0) 1892 511516
> E-
mail:sonja@dealer-world.com

www.dealer-world.com

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY SPONSORS DONATE $6,500 TO STURGIS RALLY CHARITIES FOUNDATION–STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis Motorcycle Rally corporate sponsors ASE, Official Championship of Custom Bike Building and Da Bus Rally Shuttle not only lent their financial support in the form of sponsorship to this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, but also recently made additional contributions to the community of Sturgis through donations to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation.

“ASE has had an annual association with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 2000 and during that time, we have been committed to being not only a good corporate partner through our sponsorship of the Rally, but good corporate citizens as well through our annual contribution to Sturgis charities”, said Gary Malmstrom, Managing Partner, GM Consulting, LLC, ASE’s sponsorship agent. “We are pleased to be able to again make this contribution in 2007 and hope that it continues to extend the benefits that ASE provides to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to the citizens of Sturgis”, continued Malmstrom.

The contributions made to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation by ASE, Official World Championship and Da Bus total $6,500.00. Robin Bradley, Publisher of AMD Magazine and Promoter of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, which made its d?but in downtown Sturgis during this years’ Rally, comments, “We are very aware of the welcome that the Sturgis community has always given to riders and to the motorcycle industry. So, we are very happy to have an opportunity to give something back. This has been our first year with the Official World Championship in the city of Sturgis and we hope to be able to build on this contribution moving forward.”

Local business owner, Steve Barry, operator of Da Bus Rally Shuttles, echoes the sentiments of Malmstrom and Bradley, “I’ve spent most of my life in Sturgis and really enjoyed being a part of the community. It’s a nice place to live and raise your family. Da Bus has worked with the city as a Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sponsor for a couple of years now and it’s helped us grow our business during the Rally, so I’m glad that we can now turn around and help Sturgis through the donation to the charity” said Barry.

Mayor Maury LaRue feels that the community of Sturgis is fortunate to have corporate partners like ASE, Official World Championship and Da Bus. “We need to recognize that these contributions to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation are above and beyond the corporate sponsorship investments made by these companies, and other Sturgis Motorcycle Rally corporate sponsors, that already total $350,500.00 for 2007. These are very generous gestures.”

According to long-time Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation board member, Mimi Shewey, the foundation, through donations like those mentioned above, provides annual funding assistance to Sturgis area 501-C3 non-profit groups located within the Meade County School District 46-1. Shewey indicated that each fall the foundation makes funding applications available to area non-profit organizations through the local business community. Once the applications have been received by the foundation, its board, comprised of a diverse group of community representatives including individuals from areas such as education, senior citizens, ministerial, city council, etc., review the applications and collectively decide how the funding is to be awarded.

In addition to the donations made by ASE, Official World Championship and Da Bus, to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation, Coca-Cola, another Sturgis Motorcycle Rally corporate sponsor, through its sponsorship, also contributes an annual monetary donation, and has since 2004, to support the installation of scoreboards and signage at athletic venues throughout Sturgis such as the Sturgis Community Center, Sturgis City Auditorium, Sturgis American Legion, Pony and Little League fields, girls and adult softball complexes and the soccer fields and tennis courts.

“In corporate America,” stated Ronda Gusinsky, President of OutSource Solutions, Inc., sponsorship agent of record for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, “budget cuts have become an ever-present state of existence, and I’m pleased that these Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sponsors choose to enhance the already significant investment they make in the community of Sturgis through their Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sponsorship with donations to the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation as well as to other community venues.”

For information on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, contact Pepper Massey, Rally Director, at 605/720-0800.

APC’S NEW ’08 DOUPLE DOWN STARTS AT ONLY $19,995–Las Vegas, NV – American Performance Cycle, a market leading world class custom production bike manufacturer located in Las Vegas, NV introduces their new ’08 Double Down, a pro-street style bike packed full of features found on bikes costing thousands of dollars more.

The Double Down features a blind side swing arm; 3″ frame stretch and a 37 degree rake and start at just $19,995 including a semi-custom paint job. Perfect for the beginning rider or the 30 year veteran. It has a 93″ wheelbase?superb rake and trail make this pro-street style bike easy to maneuver and a blast to ride. This bike offers an S&S engine (88″) and other sizes as an option.

APC’s Double Down comes with right side drive, 5-speed transmission, chrome closed primaries, 60 spoke wheels, 240 rear tires and way too much chrome and billet to list.

Mike Sample Jr., Vice President of APC stated, “We have 4 distinct models with various versions of each one (chopper, drop seat, FLH style and pro-street) that are all reasonably priced, but can be custom built with a variety of options to suit the most discriminating buyer.” Sample added, “All APC bikes are easily registered insured and are financeable through all major banks and lending institutions. We now offer free flooring for our dealers for one full year! All they have to do is qualify with GE Capital,” concluded Mike Sample Sr, CEO of APC.

APC’s business philosophy is to make the very best custom production bikes that are affordable, rideable and reliable. You can email them at apccycles@aol.com or call them at (702) 314-5272. Check out APC’s ’08 entire product line at www.apccycles.com or write to them at American Performance Cycles, 6895 Speedway Blvd., Suite Z101, Las Vegas, NV 89115.

BIKERNET POSITIVE THINKING QUOTE OF THE DAY–Having a dream is what keeps you alive. Overcoming the challenges makes life worth living.–Mary Tyler Moore

–from CarlR

5-BALL RACING LAUNCHES WORLD’S BADDEST AND FASTEST PAN–Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand for the last 10 years you’ve certainly noticed that Keith “Bandit” Ball has been making waves of ever growing intensity. Not only has BIKERNET.com become what may be the most popular lifestyle and current news oriented web site for bikers around the globe, but 5-BALL RACING, another of Ball’s ventures, has produced unique Bonneville machines that have and continue to set blistering, almost unbelievable World Land Speed Records.

The latest such mind boggler took place during the 2007 Bub’s Motorcycle Speed Trials. It all came down on September 6th when resident GODADDY.COM Salt fox, and three-time record holder, Valerie Thompson, skillfully guided the 5-Ball Assalt Weapan to a new 2000 APS PF record. Valerie was on her game, focused, determined and poised for attack. She dropped the hammer for two passes averaging 156.7 MPH with a fastest of 161.7! And that was on a slippery surface many felt too dangerous to risk.

In fact many of the fastest veteran machines that attempted runs were down by as much as 30 mph. Even Keith stated that had the salt been prime and Val been able to “hit the bottle,” Assalt Weapan was certainly good for 190 and possibly 200! Now that’s one bad ass Panhead! The meticulously detailed and flawlessly engineered machine is powered by a 120-inch Accurate Engineering Panhead engine cradled in a custom designed Paughco chassis. That’s right folks. It’s a Panhead!

Berry Wardlaw and his team at Accurate Engineering knew what Keith was after and built an engine that was more than up to the job, while Paughco crafted the job specific chassis to Ball’s precise specifications.

Additionally the 5-Ball team, spearheaded and kept on the straight and narrow, by Nyla Olsen, Keith’s number one at Bikernet.com, was presented with an austere award at the Bub’s Banquet, Best Engineered Motorcycle. Following close on the heels of Ball’s previous record setting Pan, the “Salt Shaker,” Assalt Weapon, is certain to be rewriting the record books until 5-Ball Racing unleashes its next threat.

Not one to take credit for others’ efforts, Keith and Nyla are quick to point out that the awesome Panhead never would have seen the light of day without the readers of Bikernet.com, GoDaddy.com, Accurate Engineering, Dave Florence, Paughco, Custom Chrome, Baker Transmissions, American Wheel and D&D Exhaust. For complete details on the bike, its inception, fabrication and future plans along with the coolest and most informative insight into the biker community make sure you headed over to www.bikernet.com. Questions, just give Keith a call at 310-830-0630.

SOUNDING OFF ON THE NOISE ISSUE– As record numbers of motorcycles hit the road, states and localities from Denver to New York are cracking down on motorcycle noise. Motorcycles have set new sales records for 14 consecutive years, with 1.2 million new bikes sold last year, but not everybody is happy with the sound of that. As of July 1, riders in New York can get slapped with $440 in fines for having loud exhaust pipes.

Those revving their engines too loudly in Lancaster, Pennsylvania can get $150 tickets. In Daytona Beach a city ordinance prohibits operating “any noise-creating device for the purpose of drawing attention to the source of the noise.” Denver now allows police to fine the owners of motorcycles with mufflers that are not certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets federal noise-pollution standards.

Colorado AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) Attorney Wade Eldridge successfully challenged the first two tickets issued under Denver’s new noise ordinance, largely because the police didn’t use sound meters, and ABATE of North Dakota is planning a court challenge and has enlisted the assistance of AIM Attorney Ralph Vinje to fight two citations issued under a new Bismarck municipal noise ordinance, where officers armed with portable decibel meters have been overzealously enforcing the new law since it went into effect August 1st.

ABATE’s attorney, Vinje, told the Bismarck Tribune that if the police order an engine be revved for testing purposes there isn’t much choice, but he wouldn’t submit to the test voluntarily. “The ability to make noise is not the same as making noise,” said Vinje, who owns a Harley-Davidson with non-stock exhaust. “If they stop me for little or no reason and have you rev up your engine, that’s like asking you to break the law.”

“My speedometer indicates my vehicle is capable of doing 120 mph, but that doesn’t mean I will,” added Michael Jay, executive director of ABATE. Vinje and Jay feel that loud pipes do provide extra protection for motorcyclists, announcing their proximity to drivers in enclosed vehicles.

The noise law “lends itself to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement,” said AIM Attorney Eldridge, who is also legal counsel for the Confederation of Clubs of Colorado, “The police can stop you for whatever reason.”

If you’re fighting this dangerous attack on motorcycle noise, check our study. We hope to build a better understanding with communities and save rider lives. Bikernet Independent Noise Study

–Bandit

RENO CYCLE WORX INTRODUCES A BRUTE 200 FOR BAGGERS–Fargo, ND- Reno Cycle Worx announced that it has recently manufactured a rear tire (200 mm) conversion kit for all 1980-2007 Harley-Davidson Baggers. This kit from Reno Cycle Worx, Ltd. drastically improves the looks, stability, performance, handling and overall “coolness” of your Harley Bagger. Now you can convert your stock HD bagger to an Extreme Bagger!

Gene Reno, President of Reno Cycle Worx stated, “We feel that we’ve engineered a better product than other kits available on the market due to a variety of factors.” Their kit requires 5 hours less installation (7 hours vs. 12 hours) because you don’t have to remove and replace the transmission main shaft and it requires no primary spacing which maintains stock weight balance. The fender fits the tire properly and bags remain in the stock fender location. Gene added, “Even if you’re not a professional mechanic, you can still install this kit by yourself, there’s no professional installation required. We feel that the Brute 200 kit is the best engineered, best value 200mm rear tire bagger kit available!” ($3,495.00 suggested retail)

The Brute 200 kit from Reno Cycle Worx comes complete with the following components:

RCW Custom Swing Arm
RCW Custom “Stock look” Rear Fender with “Frenched in” License Plate (accepts stock taillight/turn signals)
RCW/HD Custom Inner Primary
RCW Forged Billet Rear Pulley
RCW Pulley Spacers
RCW Wheel Spacers
RCW Custom Bag Brackets
RCW Custom Fender Spacers
HD Carbon Fiber Belt
RCW Custom Transmission Pulley and Spacer

Options:
Forge-Tec Solid Forged Billet Wheel and Avon 200mm x 18″ Tire-$795.00
Custom Diamond Logo Recessed Taillight with Built-In Turn Signals-$495.00
Custom Paintable Composite Fender Strut Covers-$129.00
Gas tank Extensions-$199.00
Other Forge-Tec Wheel Styles Available with Matching Front Wheel Rotor and Tire-Call for Price

For those interested in obtaining more information on Reno Cycle Worx, you can reach them at 701-232-6095 or check them out online at www.renocycleworx.com or email them at GAR922@aol.com. Dealer and distributor inquiries invited!

ROGER GOLDAMMER CHECKS IN AFTER BONNEVILLE–Just wanted to say that I rarely take/have the time to hang on the net, but even though I was there, I love readingabout your experiences at Bonneville…. what an awesome experience isn’t it?

For me the most memorable part was the many challenges, dealing with them and coming out on top….just wouldn’t be the same if it all went smoothly.

On the Wednesday evening, after the wind shut us down, I was “testing” on the access road and blew off the primary belt, quickly changed it, and went back outfive or six times in the waning light, trying to dial in the NOS. I run a progressive fuel system, so getting the jet stagger (between nitrous and fuel) is very different.Took our best guess given the fact that the NOS bottle was low on volume and left in the dark when they kicked us out.

We ran first thing in the a.m., had false neutrals, thought I would have to pull out and found my gears. It bogged, I geared back down armed the nitrous right before the5-mile marker (a return run) and sprayed throughout the whole mile. The bike was running fat, shooting ducks the whole way, but was making power. Ran 154.4mph onhalf a Harley motor. Can`t wait to get back, maybe no mushy salt next year!

NEVER LIFT… words to live by….

Great job Keith, must be a real challenge to try to document the chaos as it happens…

–Roger

You’re right, Roger. This effort was a challenge from start to finish–and it’s still not finished. It was a blast, and I wish the Salt conditions were better. We never got a Nitrous run. I wanted to do so much more. Based on what you’re saying we should be able to make that Panhead run over 200 without a problem.

You’re right. Trying to design, build, weld, photograph and take notes is a bitch. I space from time to time, but try to keep up. I’m going to get the Assalt Weapan in a Wind Tunnel before we run again.–Bandit

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

Here’s the plan for next year. We’re not going back to Bonneville, although we’ve been approached to build a streamliner. I can’t take the pressure. I’m breaking down. Where’s the Jack and that redhead with the giant?

We’ve decided to reduce the deadlines for next year to one. The first Chance Hogan book needs to be rewritten and published. We’re still building one prostreet FXR, touring bike for Bad Brad, and we’ll attempt to finish the 45 flathead Bonne Belle for Bonneville 2009. We’re going to wrestle the Assalt Weapan into a Wind Tunnel and make a few adjustments (check chapter 17). Plus we’re finishing up the Wolfgang Bonneville Book.

So what’s our adventure for next year? How are we going to rock our world? I hope to publish the best biker book to date and we have tentatively decided between two motorcycle runs. We could either ride to Jose’s Shop, Caribbean Cycles in Puerto Rico, or ride to Alaska.

“I vote for Alaska,” Berry Wardlaw said this morning on the phone. He lived there and is working on the route right this second. When the Colonel speaks, that’s where we go. Besides riding to Puerto Rico has a couple of inherently devastating handicaps.

So that’s the plan this second and the run will be open to a handful of adventuresome riders. We’ll keep you posted, ’cause ya never know what might happen next. Let’s hit the news:

EASYRIDERS EVENT ATTENDEE WINS KNOCKOUT MOTORCYCLE–

We collected over 20,000 names in Chillicothe only. Winner had to be present to win. The stage area was packed. The first name we picked was Steve’s. He came to the stage, and was shaking. John told him to get on the Knockout Bobber, and he was so nervous he couldn’t.

Just got a call from Matt at Knock-out and the all the paperwork is complete and that beautiful bike officially belongs to Steve Blevins. Easyriders needs to give a BIG THANK-YOU to Ralph Randolf, of Knockout Motorcycles, and Bruce owner of Skunkworx in Columbus, Ohio who facilitated the exchange.

Ralph Randolph Give Away Bike
WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Blevins

–Sandy Williams
Easyriders Events

BONNEVILLE CHAPTER 17, THE FINAL CHAPTER ON BIKERNET.COM–I sure did enjoy it. Nice way to finish it up. Even though I wasn’t there, I felt like I was through the words. Next time you and the team will make the 200 club. That I have no doubt about. Let me know when you need support. It may not be as much as this time, but ya never know. Having a 14 and 15 yr old tend to deplete the wallet quickly.. lol lol

–Jester

Thank you brother, Here’s the deal right now. We’re planning an Alaskan adventure for 2008 and back to Bonneville in 2009. I want to publish a book in ’08. The Alaskan run will be open to Bikernet Readers. Save a few bucks for 2009.
–Bandit

HIGHLY INTELLECTUAL BIKERNET ARCHIVED QUOTES–(On September 17, 1994, Alabama’s Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.)

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: “I would not live forever, because we should notlive forever, because if we were supposed to live forever,then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever,which is why I would not live forever,”

— Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest .

BOURGET JOINS 1 in 8 MOTORSPORTS SERIES AGAINST BREAST CANCER– BOURGET’S Bike Works has announced a unique partnership with the 1 in 8 Motorsports Series Against Breast Cancer. The motorcycle manufacturer will build 25 limited edition custom Lady Low Blow bikes bearing the 1 in 8 badge and marks.

The bike, a slightly downsized model of the popular Low Blow, is being built for women who want a Bourget custom motorcycle, but scaled to be a very comfortable bike. The motorcycle will be available with a vast array of options to make each bike a one of a kind, and the first 25 produced will receive a special limited edition pearl white paint with Celtic pink ribbons and custom 1 in 8 Motorsports billet wheels.

“We had been searching for three years for a partnership like this, and the people at Bourget have really stepped up,” said Ken Vrana, CEO of 1in8. “We’ve already received over 30 inquiries from potential buyers interested in the bike. We’re really looking forward to introducing this bike, not only to the domestic market but overseas as well.”

In 2006/2007, Southside Customs, Motocycos, Extreme Custom Cycles of Sarasota, Florida, Kreative Metal Works, Busted Knuckles and Ardcore Choppers built and donated handmade bikes to the 1 in 8 series, which will be auctioned off in the near future at 1 in 8 events, which are held all over the country.

When asked about the importance of this limited edition bike, Roger Bourget, President and CEO of Bourget’s Bike Works, said: “On behalf of my wife Brigitte, and the entire Bourget’s Bike Works family, I am thrilled to be associated with this organization to help promote breast cancer awareness to the motorcycle community. These 25 bikes are designed to make a statement on the road and hopefully for the lives of women around the world.”

1 IN 8 MOTORSPORTS SERIES
mailto:kvrana@caitlinproductions.com
http://www.1in8.org>www.1in8.org

BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO–SWEPT-FORWARD AIR FILTER KITS–It’s a known fact that high performance motors need a continuous large volumeof clean, cool, unrestricted air to make maximum horsepower. All of the hot rodaccessories used in your motor are worthless if the motor cannot breathe.

Rivera Primo’s swept-forward filter set-up is the answer. It’ll deliver all thefiltered air your large displacement, high performance motor can use. It’ll preventdirt, dust and other airborne debris from causing excessive cylinder & ring wear.

The filter element can be cleaned and re-used. The aluminum components aremachined and chromed to the highest levels.

1007-0022 Fits Twin Cam models w/OEM Keihin Carb $
1007-0024 Fits Evo Big Twins w/OEM Keihin Carb
1007-0026 Fits Evo Big Twins w/42mm Mikuni Carb
1007-0028 Fits Evo Big Twins w/S&S Super E & G Carbs

For these & 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

BONNEVILLE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PABLO– Hey you might want a to put a Baker 6 speed tranny with the overdrive (.86 to 1) 6th gear in the assault weapon. This would allow you to slow down the RPM’s if your reaching your redline from traction loss.

Also think that oil control in the motor should be looked at. Freezing (Cryo) the whole engine would be good since you are using Laughing Gas.

There was a comment on your engine last week in the news, I think. Something like more HP, less torque, more R’s etc. Doesn’t sound like they really understand H-D power and how to get it.

Looks like to me for your setup its traction and aero. To me.

–Pablo

We never got close to redline due to salt conditions.–Bandit

The Cryo would just enhance reliability; your builder might have already done this. It’s not pricey.

You are probably right about the tranny, as I was thinking more of like the what the Buells do there. Their Redline is a lot higher than yours, 6800 to 7000 RPM. The Baker 6 speed is perfect for a safety valve for wheel spin close to redline because of the overdrive ratio.

Looking at the side view of the bike. Can you move the oil tank to over the rear fender or behind the seat?? Looking at the forks, can you shorten the tubes some?? The bike seemed to sit alittle high in front?? Maybe a cover for the bottle. Just some aero ideas.

Yeah, the salt surface sounded really bad! That’s why those records are special and hard to achieve.

–Pablo

JIMS BIKERNET TOOL OF THE WEEK, CONICAL VALVE SPRING COLLAR–Add this collar to your JIMS valve spring compressor tool No.96600-36B toremove and replace valves and conical valve springs (Bee Hive) H-DNo.18245-02 or H-D? No.18245-02.A must-have tool for safe valve work.

No.988 – Use on all 2005-present Big Twins, except S.E. models. Use on all2004-present XL?s. Use on all 2003-present Buell Twins.

–JT Lepien
www.jimsusa.com

NTSB MISSES THE MARK– The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) joins the growing chorus of Motorcyclists Rights Organizations nationwide that take issue with recent recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board that States enact mandatory helmet laws, and has released the following statement from James D. “Doc” Reichenbach II, Chairman of the NCOM Board of Directors:

“Motorcycle deaths in this country are certainly reaching epidemic proportions. But without conducting a thorough investigation, the NTSB’s claim seems to be it is the motorcyclists’ fault. Is it the motorcyclist’s fault that they choose not to wear helmets and that larger vehicles run over them?

In 2004 Louisiana reinstated their mandatory helmet law. In 2006 the deaths jumped almost 20%. The projection this year is it will jump more than 10% again, reaching record numbers. In Florida since the helmet law was amended the fatality rate for helmet-wearing riders has far exceeded that of non-helmet riders. In fact, in every injury category helmeted riders are suffering more injuries and deaths than helmetless riders. In 2005 more than 59% of the motorcyclist deaths in Florida were helmeted riders. Since 2000 the motorcycle registrations have increased more than 160%. To believe there is no correlation between the increase of registrations and the increase in deaths is just sticking your head in the sand. In other words the NTSB thinks motorcyclists should be forced by law to wear a helmet even though helmeted riders represent 3 out of 5 fatalities.

As far as the motorcycle riders costing the taxpayers money, NCOM certainly does not agree with the statement to CNN about our children’s health, nor do our more than 1,000 NCOM Member Groups across the country. What we are concerned with is the idea that motorcyclists are being neglected as taxpayers and citizens. We are Fathers, Mothers, Sons and Daughters. We are your next-door neighbors and the Veterans who risked their lives to protect this country in time of war. Are we to lose our rights because the NTSB has not done their job of gathering information and instead just makes blanket statements? The NTSB should encourage motorcycle training and educate the non-riding public that motorcycles are out there sharing the road.”

–Bill Bish

BATTISTINIS DESIGNER PULLEYS–Style comes full circle yet again. Designed to compliment the innovative styling of Battistinis wheels, these rear wheel pulleys are available in chrome finish, or the unique black anodizing which is applied before final machining to offer a bold, two-tone look.

A variety of sizes, widths and applications are available in 65, 66, 70 and 72-tooth sizes. Complete the Battistinis look for your bike with matching brake rotors to fully complement the look of the pulley and wheels and your ride will stand out from all the rest. When someone asks where you got that cool pulley, just tell them, Battistinis, of course.

For more information please contact
Rikki Battistini
Battistinis Custom Cycles LLC
San Ramon CA 94582
925.270.4211
Rikki@battistinisUSA.com
WWW.battistinisUSA.com

BIKERNET BANNER KIDNAPPED BY GANG OF HAMSTERS IN DENVER–Bikernet.com Banner shows up at 2Wheelers Nut Run along with the Hamsters. This banner goes everywhere. Great day with good friends.

–Donna

HARLEY TO CLOSE FIVE PLANTS FOR ONE WEEK IN NOVEMBER– Harley-Davidson Inc. will close five of its plants for one week in November as a result of its plans to scale back production.The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer confirmed late Friday afternoon that it will close its final assembly plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City, as well as the company’s powertrain operations in Wauwatosa and Menomonee Falls, and its Tomahawk Operations in Tomahawk for the week of Nov. 26.

United Steelworkers Local 2-209 president Jim Wheiland said the plant closures would impact about 1,500 employees in the Milwaukee area.

Wheiland said the employees will not be paid while they are not working. In a statement, Harley said the workers will continue to receive health care coverage.

“The company regrets the temporary impact the shipment reduction will have on so many of its employees as well as its dealers, suppliers and customers,” Harley said in a statement. “The company believes this solution is the best option for balancing the needs of our stakeholders while doing what’s right for the long-term prosperity of the company.”

Harley said “some sites will take additional steps to achieve their production reductions,” but the company did not state what the actions would be.

Harley announced Sept. 7 that it had lowered its sales projections for the third quarter and for the second half of 2007 and now says unit sales will be lower than last year.Harley-Davidson now projects third-quarter shipments of 86,000 to 88,000 motorcycles, down from a previous forecast of 91,000 to 95,000 units. Chief executive officer Jim Ziemer also said it no longer expects worldwide dealer sales to increase during the second half of 2007. Coupled with a decline in unit sales in the first half of 2007, unit shipments for the year are now expected to be lower than in 2006.

As a result, the firm now expects a modest decline in revenue for 2007, and earnings per share are expected to be down 4 to 6 percent, in the range of $3.69 to $3.77 a share.

–By Wendy Strong, Milwaukee Business Journal

–from Rogue

LABOR UNION AND H-D CLOSURE–Sep 16, 2007 – Several employees of Harley-Davidson’s Springettsbury Township plant said Saturday that if a planned weeklong closure in November is necessary, they have no problem with it.

“They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do to keep the plant running,” said Tim Wagaman, a 12-year Harley-Davidson employee.

Harley-Davidson officials said Friday that the assembly plant, along with one in Kansas City, Mo., would close for the week of Nov. 26 to cut production. The production employees affected would still receive health benefits. The motorcycle company has recently faced low dealer sales.”It’s a good business strategy move,” said Mark Rhodes, an auto polish operator at the plant. He’s worked there for 17 years. “I kind of like the move as opposed to having a massive layoff.”

Besides, that week is already a short week when many employees take time off for deer hunting, he said.Nov. 26 was already scheduled as a nonproduction day for the first day of deer season, said Bob Klein, spokesman for Harley-Davidson.

Several workers said they were told they could choose whether to go unpaid for those four days or use vacation days, personal days or sick time. Klein could not confirm whether employees had those options.

Rhodes, who also runs diversity training workshops and a youth basketball program, said he’ll have no problem filling the time and finding a way to make up any lost dollars.”I feel more sorry for the new people than anybody,” he said.He and Wagaman both said new employees who may have been laid off from other jobs may be hurt by the closure more than veterans. Newer employees might not have any vacation time to use, Wagaman said.

New employees without vacation or personal time could lose about $206 per eight-hour shift. The starting pay for new hires is $16.02 to $25.78 per hour, according to the contract agreement made in February.

“I’m fortunate that I have other things I can do,” Wagaman said. “I’m going to be fine.”

As veteran employees Larry Blouse and Juanita Gobat sipped beers at Kelly’s Inn Bar & Restaurant in Springettsbury Township on Saturday, they didn’t seem worried about the closure.

Blouse said he just wants the company to do well.”The bottom line is … we have to back up and regroup a little bit,” he said, “and make sure the motorcycles we put out to the public are being sold.”

As for the week without work, “I’m going to ride my four-wheeler and have a good time,” he said.Several Harley-Davidson employees contacted said they were told not to comment about the closure.Harley-Davidson will also shut down its powertrain operations in Wauwatosa, Wis., and Menomonee Falls, Wis., and Tomahawk operations in Tomahawk, Wis., the week of Nov. 26.

— By ANGIE MASONDaily Record/Sunday News

Continued On Page 2

Canyon Country, Calif., February 9—A war hero is always an individual to be honored and thanked. Unfortunately, many war heroes never come home. They never hear the thank you; they never get to enjoy the honors they earned.

While Sgt. Travis Pfister may never hear those thank yous here on this plane, the love and appreciation of what he did, while serving our country in Iraq, extends far beyond simple words and emotions.

A hero is a hero in life or in death. The freedom that our heroes have fought and died for transcends this plane as well. The very essence of freedom is at the core of all men, wherever it is enjoyed and preserved; the fact that it indeed exists offers a universal, all-encompassing thanks to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep it alive.

As a celebration of freedom and as a memorial thanks to Sgt. Pfister and to all of this country’s heroes, Chapter 101 of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club decided to get together with the big-hearted guys at Fueled By The Fallen and show their appreciation and love and respect in the best way possible; a huge biker run and party.

And it was huge.
And it was a party.

Sgt. Pfister was the nephew of “Knuckles,” chapter 101’s legendary charter holder. The legacy of the military permeates Knuckle's family, his chapter, and the origin of the club itself—a club that was formed in 1946 by the World War II veterans who were to become the linchpins of the entire “biker image.”

It was fitting that Knuckles should lead the pack that rode in to the party at Canyon Country’s VFW Post 6885 from Temecula, 118 miles to the southeast, where Travis lived and where so many members of his family and friends are.

While that group rode north, riders from every other direction were making their way to the rustic and rural VFW post. The weather was perfect and the event had tons of food and drink, raffles and vendors, but this particular chapter of the Boozefighters MC is beginning to be known for one very special aspect of their parties; they provide some of the best professional music heard at any events—and the bands all come from in-house, with club members bringing their bands to entertain.

The great rockabilly band, the Unholy 4 featuring Little Moe, led off.

Then came one of So Cal’s most popular blues bands, Give Me Back My Wig.

Ventura’s favorite blues trio, Randy Rich & The Ravens, followed.

Cool Hand Juke wrapped the evening up.

All four bands had members of chapter 101 among the musicians.

The day’s other big treat came with the display of the race car armada that belongs to Fueled By The Fallen. This drag race team not only pays visual tribute to this country’s fallen heroes—the names of lost military personnel are listed on the cars, Vietnam Memorial Wall-style—but they also put their money where their E.T.s are. The purpose of the race team is to raise money and to make healthy contributions to the families of killed and injured service members.

Headed up by “Full Metal Jacket” star, Kevyn Major Howard, this team travels everywhere raising money; honoring the cost of freedom.

The Sgt. Travis Pfister Memorial Run & Party got kicked off at noon; twelve hours later there were still a lot of people doing a lot of partying—this “fun longevity” quotient is also becoming pretty standard at chapter 101’s shindigs.

And fun and celebration can only truly be had in an atmosphere of freedom; an atmosphere that indeed does not come cheap.

Enjoying this freedom was the perfect way to say our thanks to Travis and to all of America’s heroes.

The great work that Fueled By The Fallen does can be seen and donated to at www.fueledbythefallen.com.

Continued From Page 4

TITAN MOTORCYCLE BANKRUPT–With the authorization of Dennis Johnson Dealer News Senior Editor, I reproduce some new information regarding the bankruptcy of Titan and the following sales of assets.

“An Arizona bank has filed an objection to the proposed sale of now-bankrupt Titan Motorcycle Co.’s assets to Arizona Motorcycle Works for $300,000. In papers filed Aug. 27 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the district of Arizona, First National Bank of Arizona claims it has a first rights lien on Titan’s assets and that the sale price undervalues the fair market value of the property.

The bank also claims that Titan’s owner Don Proudfoot and Hope Smith, a principal in Arizona Motorcycle Works, have a personal relationship and that the latter company is subtenant of Titan’s and that this relationship has not been disclosed. These two allegations call into question that the proposed sale represents a good-faith, arms-length negotiation” between the two entities, the complaint claims.

FNBA states that Proudfoots’ company, TMC Acquisitions, owes the bank about $813,000 on a $1.5 million business loan that the company took out in February 2006. “The amount due and owing to FNBA is substantially above” the sale price, the bank claims. The bank says that business loan was secured with TMC’s property, which includes inventory, accounts, equipment, the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin for Titan’s motorcycles, listed as collateral.

Arguably, the assets no longer belong to the debtor or the estate are not subject to any potential sale to AMW, or any other prospective purchase,” lawyers for FNBA claim.

Proudfoot originally filed for Chapter 11 protection in January. At the time, listed among the company’s top 20 creditors were S&S Cycle, Daytec Cente; SuperTrapp, and Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts. This marks the second time that the Titan brand has gone bankrupt, the first time in 2001 under chairman and CEO Francis Keery. In March 2007 Titan’s owner Don Proudfoot was quoted in Powersports Business magazine saying “I sincerely believe this is a year of change in 2007. When the dust settles, there will be many fewer people (OEMs and aftermarket manufacturers) out there.”

–from Rogue

HARLEY OWNERS GROUP MEMBERS READY TO RENDEZVOUS IN ADIRONDACKS–MILWAUKEE, Wis. (August 30, 2007) – Adirondack Park in New York is set to welcome hundreds of Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members September 3-6, 2007 as they ride hard and rest easy during Adirondack Rendezvous, a mind-clearing trek through the scenic landscape of upstate New York.

The rally site, and gateway to the six-million acres of “forever wild” Adirondack Park, is Lake Placid. Although known around the world as the host for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it is soon to be known among H.O.G. members as the perfect place to unwind after exploring the maze of tree lined roads through the Adirondack Mountains.

Participants will ride into the northern reaches of the park on a 115-mile journey to North End Harley-Davidson in Plattsburgh. Riding through Wilmington Notch, the road squeezes between the AuSable River and a 2,000-foot cliff. The twisty mountain road continues past Whiteface Mountain, displaying a spectacular natural skyline. Heading north from Keesville, the ride winds along the shores of Lake Champlain and riders can take in the surrounding Adirondack vistas. From Plattsburgh, the mountains meet the river as the road winds through the Alder Brook Mountains along the Saranac River back to Lake Placid.

Heading west on day two, this 320-mile loop travels over four different scenic byways: the Adirondack Trail, the Central Adirondack Trail, the Black River Trail and the Olympic Trail, with landscapes as varied as the motorcycles traversing them. Historic, picturesque small towns along the route will entice riders to dismount and explore en route to Iron Block Harley-Davidson in Adams Center.

Past Lake Champlain and beneath the Adirondack Mountains, the Lakes to Locks Passage will sweep participants south to Fort Ann and McDermott’s Harley-Davidson on day three. With steep granite outcroppings flanking fjord-like rivers, this land feels more like Norway than New York. Members will trace the AuSable Chasm through Elizabethtown and Port Henry before rejoining the Adirondack Trail in Glens Falls. The Adirondack Trail heads north to Blue Mountain Lake where the Adirondack Museum offers the opportunity to learn about the history of the area. Head back to Lake Placid via Tupper Lake and the Adirondack Trail, a gentle, winding road through the mountains.

Founded in 1983, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is the official riding club of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. H.O.G. currently has more than 1 million members and more than 1,400 chapters worldwide, making it the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world. H.O.G. rallies are held around the globe to celebrate Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com

J&P SUPERSTORE GRAND OPENING IN ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA–Enjoy a personal tour with John & Jill Parham of the new 15,000 square foot building, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and great company.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 17th 6:00 – 7:30PM Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres7:30 PM Tour facility with John & Jill Parham8PM Q&A in J&P Conference Room

WHERE: 253 Destination Daytona LaneOrmond Beach, FL 32174

Everyone at J&P looks forward to seeing you at the event; please provideus your shirt size along with your timely RSVP.

Kindly RSVP on or before Monday October 1st to:darcy@chromemarketing.com

NEW HEATED HAND GRIP KIT FOR BUELL XB AND 1125R MODELS —MILWAUKEE (August 31, 2007) – The new Heated Hand Grip Kit (P/N N1050.1AK, $187.00) from Buell Accessories adds comfort and convenience on cool riding days, stretching the season in the spring and fall. The kit includes the same original equipment heated grip components used on all 2008 XB12X Ulysses. The grips have two temperature settings, rated at 18 watts per side on High and 11 watts per side on Low. The Heated Hand Grip kit fits 2006-2007 XB12X Ulysses models, and all 2008 XB and 1125R models. Includes all necessary installation hardware, including a metal fixture and drill bit for securing the left heated grip to the handlebar.

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

BIKERNET WEEKLY TECH QUESTION, LOOKING FOR ANSWER–Bandit – got caught in that situation that no one likes. I was out riding on the back roads of Texas when my brand new tire (less then 20 miles) went flat. Man talk about feeling bummed out. As luck had it the shop that replaced my tire and tube the day prior is ran by good people and they dispatched a truck to haul my bike back to the shop.

Now here is the reason I need your help – many years ago Easyrider’s magazine publish an article on a do it yourself bike jack that consisted of several sections of pipe. It seems that this would be the answer to any future flats and lost riding time. If possible could you either point me to the original article – rerun the article or is there a company that makes a version of this jack.

The basic contraption was a rectangular frame with a handle by pushing down on the handle the bike was lifted into the air.

–Chuck Butler
clbutler2304@sbcglobal.net>

BANDIT BY REVTECH SPORTSMAN CLUTCH KITS–An easy-to-install, high-performance clutch-upgrade with all of the quality, innovation, and performance you?ve come to expect from Bandit Machine Works. ?Sportsman? clutch kits bolt into stock housings and feature 230% more friction disk area than OEM to easily handle the power output of the biggest motors without slipping.

They use six coil springs for light lever-pull, greatly improved ?feel?, and ease of operation. Each kit comes with two sets of springs; standard and heavy duty. The ?Sportsman? clutch features more friction area than any other heavy-duty clutch for Harley-Davidson? models!Distributed by Custom Chrome; view our online catalog at www.customchrome.com

NOW THAT?S A THURSDAY NEWS–The shop is still a mess, the Assalt Weapan needs work, but I?m almost finished with the final chapters of Bonneville 2007 for Bikernet and Wolfgang publications. My deadline is looming at the end of this month, but I?ll have the final chapter posted by Monday. Shortly Scooter will submit his stellar shots of the salt and we’ll pump it up.

I believe he will produce another Bonneville picture book and perhaps a Calendar. We?re about to order more apparel for Sponsorship packages and to sell in the Bikernet Gulch. The packages should be in the Wind within a couple of weeks.

I swear the shop will be cleaned and prepped for another project by the end of the weekend. Then we’ll ride to the Smoke Out.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

Continued From Page 3

OPEN LETTER TO MR. ROSENKER FROM BRUCE ARNOLD–Mr. Rosenker:I watched and listened to the webcast of the NTSB Board Meeting you chaired this morning from 9:30 to 11:00am, the agenda for which was ostensibly “Motorcycle Safety”:

I was deeply disappointed to see that–despite having an entire year and millions of tax dollars at your disposal since the NTSB Motorcycle Safety Forum–you and your ivory tower team of detached Ph.D.’s still fail to recognize and/or blatantly disregard several key facts and issues, some of which are as follows:

FIRST, you hammered away at the fact that the number of highway motorcycle fatalities more than doubled from the historic low of 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. While that is an absolute increase, it does not necessarily represent an alarming trend. What really matters is NOT just the absolute number of fatalities, but more so the number of fatalities relative to (a) the number of motorcycles on the road, and/or (b) the number of miles they travel each year.

As to the first correlation, you quote NHTSA statistics claiming that in 2006 motorcycles represented only 2% of all registered vehicles but over 10% of all fatalities. That may very well be FALSE, Mr. Rosenker, because if you’d been listening to Dr. Sweeney’s presentation instead of slurping Starbucks, you would have heard her acknowledgement that THE REGISTERED MOTORCYCLE STATISTICS UPON WHICH THAT COMPARISON IS BASED MAY BE SERIOUSLY UNDERSTATED. In other words, for all we know at this point, the number of motorcycle fatalities as a percentage of the number motorcycles on the road may have actually DECREASED over the past ten years, which would be a POSITIVE trend!

As to the second correlation, you again quote NHTSA statistics suggesting that in 2006 motorcycles accounted for over 10% of all fatalities but less than [0.4%|0.34%|0.034% … you couldn’t seem to decide] of total vehicle miles traveled (VMT). And again, Mr. Rosenker, if you’d been paying attention to your own Dr. Sweeney’s warnings, you might have got a clue as to what most of us have known for some time, which is that our nation’s VMT statistics are so seriously understated as to be meaningless. So regardless of what your actual calculation was supposed to be, ANY COMPUTATION BASED ON A MEANINGLESS STATISTIC LIKE VMT IS ITSELF A MEANINGLESS STATISTIC.

SECOND, you regurgitated last year’s highly questionable computations of the “social costs” and “taxpayer burden” associated with motorcycle crash injuries, yet said nothing about the SOCIAL BENEFITS of a mode of transportation that costs less to buy and maintain, creates less of a foreign trade deficit, consumes less gasoline, and produces far less wear and tear on our roadway infrastructure than automobiles. Again, you employed flawed statistics to sell half-truths.

THIRD, you correctly assert that prevention is the solution, but you fail to see that IT IS NOT THE INJURIES WE NEED TO PREVENT, IT IS THE CRASHES THAT INFLICT THEM! In the 90 minutes I listened to your staged presentation–for which I was told by your office no written transcript will be published–not once did I hear any serious dialogue about CRASH AVOIDANCE as opposed to merely CRASH SURVIVAL. Why was there no discussion of ways to mitigate the RIGHT-OF-WAY VIOLATIONS by negligent, distracted, impaired and care-less motorists, which more often than gets reported are the REAL CAUSE OF MOTORCYCLE CRASHES and the injuries and deaths they produce?

FOURTH AND FINALLY, your Board unanimously endorsed a recommendation to the states that universal mandatory helmet laws be implemented for all motorcyclists regardless of age, yet you said nothing about the far greater number of lives that could be saved and accidents and injuries avoided by implementing universal restrictions on the use of cellphones while driving, regardless of age. Perhaps in your fervor to put a lid on every rider (why not every driver, too?), you have overlooked the fact that we have 236 million cellphone subscribers on our roadways (of all ages) … that 73% of them (of all ages) are talking while they are driving … that cellphone conversations impair their driving skills (regardless of their age) as much if they were intoxicated with alcohol … and that consequently they are four times more likely to cause or be involved in an accident (regardless of their age) than motorists who responsibly shut up and steer. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, for example, reports that ONE IN FOUR ACCIDENTS in Oklahoma last year occurred when a driver was talking on the phone. Can that ratio be much different nationwide?

Motorcycle casualties are a drop in the bucket compared to the increasing carnage caused by irresponsibly and unnecessarily impaired motorists who refuse to simply HANG UP AND DRIVE, Mr. Rosenker. So why don’t you tone down this tempest in a teapot you’re trying to create, and focus on a far more serious transportation safety hazard?

Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,

–Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Author and Publisher, LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Co-Moderator, Bruce-n-Ray’s Biker Forum
Premier Member, Iron Butt Association
Sustaining Member, Motorcycle Riders Foundation

WIRE PLUS INTRODUCES THEIR NEW ROUND DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANELS–Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Powersports Electronics is proud to introduce their new, state-of-the-art Round Digital Instrument Panels. These new round digital instruments provide speedometer, tachometer, trip, odometer and all indicator light functions and new flat panel construction that measures 2.5″ round with all electronics onboard. (No external brain box) The unit features super bright display technology for true daylight readability with a light sensor for auto-dimming at night.

Also features backlit graphic overlay with axe design and available in four colors (violet – blue – red – yellow) with electro-luminescent lighting to glow the selected color at night. Color and mounting applications are selected by part numbers. Various riser and T-bar mounting options are available. Suggested Retail $498.51.

For those interested in obtaining more information on Wire Plus, you can reach them at (620) 221-2417 or check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.P>Call today! 719-487-8005

FALL FLOOD RUN–Just a quickie reminder that this Saturday, Sept. 15th is the Annual Fall Flood run and we’ll be having FREE coffee and donuts from 9 until 11 AM. (Thats when we’re leaving)

As usual this is NOT an organized ride so you can come and go as you please – no obligation to ride as a group, no specific route, no assigned watering hole stops – no rules – just ride! Its our way of showing our gratitude to all of our loyal clients for their continued patronage!

It sounds like some of our buds from S&S will be joining us so I’m guessing there may be a few demonstrations of horsepower along the way!

Have a great week and a safe ride on Saturday. Hope to see you!

Doug Wozney
DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication LLC
2323 Palace St. La Crosse, Wi. 54603
(608) 783-3684
doug@dougz.com /
www.dougz.com

BIKERNET/JOHN COVINGTON DOO-RAG ARTICLE–Thank you for your irreverant & informative article about doorag tying, which we found via Google. http://www.bikernet.com/garage/PageViewer.asp?PageID=284

My husband, Allen, works at Univ of Calif, Irvine, in lovely Orange County, CA. Every year, the employees are treated to a Staff Picnic. This year’s theme was “pirates”. It was determined among Allen’s staff members (who clearly had too much time on their hands) that the best way to tie their bandanas would be to do a motorcycle doorag thing, but tilted to the side.

Since none of them had done this before, they went online (logical, since they work in computing at UCI), where they accessed your fabulous entry. It was chockfull of terrific tips (especially the big head stuff), and the photos were fantastic. Slap on a fake eye patch and a cutout parrot, and they were good to go. Their department even won a prize for best decorations & costuming!

I’m sorry I don’t have any motorcycle topic ideas for you, but with Halloween coming up; maybe you could rework your doorag article to fit the season. You never know who might find your info helpful!

Thanks, again,
–Valerie S.

MHT CLEAR WHEEL A REALITY–Check this out. MHT has just announced the release of what has to be the most revolutionary, unique and crowd stopping custom wheel design in the history of custom wheels. MHT CLEAR WHEELS feature a multi-piece design. A pair of 6061T forged aluminum outer hoops are secured to a center piece crafted from hard coated polycarbonate composite with a glass like finish.

The center hub is also forged billet. With hoops and hub available in a variety of finishes and a clear center section, calling these wheels, head turners, would be an under statement. Looking from the side there appears to be a hub, outer rim and no center piece! As strong and durable as they are eye catching CLEAR WHEELS are SAE tested and certified.

Front wheel shown here is fit with the optional Baldwin Wilson 360 internal brake which is also offered separately. Available in 18″-26″diameters and standard and custom widths.

MHT CLEAR WHEELS are patented and available from MHT or their dealers only. For all a the details on these amazing rims call MHT direct at 800-574-1284 or catch their complete lineup at www.mhtwheels.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CUTS SHIPMENTS FORECASTS–IN a press release issued Friday September 7th Harley-Davidson announced a revised motorcycle shipment forecast of between 86,000 and 88,000 motorcycles in the third quarter of 2007.

The company says that “shipments of between 91,000 units and 95,000 units were originally planned for the quarter, and shipments for the full year are expected to be in the range of 328,000 to 332,000.”

Initial reports about our 2008 model year motorcycles from our dealers and the media have been excellent, but this is a difficult time for the U.S. consumer,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Coming off a negative U.S. retail sales trend in the first six months of the year, we ran an effective promotion in July that increased retail sales and reduced inventories of 2007 model motorcycles. However, our U.S. dealers’ retail sales fell sharply during August. Against the current economic background, we no longer expect worldwide dealer retail sales to increase during the second half of 2007.

As a result, the Company has decided to reduce its planned shipments of motorcycles to its dealers for the remainder of 2007. The Company expects its actions will result in fewer wholesale motorcycle shipments than dealer retail sales during 2007,” said Ziemer.

“The release went on to say that “the Company now expects a modest decline in revenue for 2007. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the full year 2007 are expected to be down 4 to 6 percent, in the range of $3.69- $3.77, compared to 2006 EPS of $3.93”.

“Looking ahead to 2008, the Company anticipates the U.S. retail motorcycle environment will continue to be challenging. We expect moderate revenue growth, lower operating margins and EPS growth of between 4 and 7 percent.”

“Although this is a challenging time, Harley-Davidson is the worldwide heavyweight motorcycle market leader,” said Ziemer. “We enjoy an enviable position of financial strength, with a solid balance sheet, strong cash-flow and a history of returning value to shareholders. While a decision to reduce shipments and expectations is never easy, it is clearly the right thing to do for the long-term health of the brand and the business,” said Ziemer.

–www.harley-davidson.com

CELEBRATE HARLEY’S NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE WITH CITY LIMITS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH– It’s a Full Metal Attraction! Come in to City Limits H-D on Saturday September 15th to celebrate Harley’s National Open House.We’re throwing a HUGE party and sale with:

FREE Food & Drinks
20% off Storewide Savings
Additional Savings up to 75% Off Summer Clearance
Blowout Items
New ’08 Models & 105th Anniversary Bikes
New ’08 Parts & Accessories
New ’08 Fall Season Limited Edition MotorClothes
Live Music
Patch Sewing & Leather Repair
Elmhurst Cigar House
Pin Striping
FREE Gifts to the First 50 Customers
FREE Raffles Every Hour
Other Great Vendors
and Tons More!

Chicagoland’s All New City Limits Harley-Davidson
2200 N. Rand Rd.
Palatine, IL 60074
888.400.HOG 1

MAJOR 5-BALL RACING SPONSOR SPEAKS OUT–Finally able to have a few minute of time to read the great news from the Salt Flats!! WAY TO GO Bandit, Valerie and the rest of the team!!! Guess the salt over the shoulder and sweet talking to the Iron Maiden in the sky worked!! Damn proud to hear of the new record y’all hold.

–Jester

REPORT FROM BUBS BONNEVILLE AND 5-BALL RACING–Holy SHIT! Those few days were probably the best time I had in recent memory. I cannot thank you two enough for allowing us to be a part of the 5-Ball Racing Team!!!! I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I would have paid to do that (maybe not very much, but I would have paid SOMETHING).

So, I’m sitting here thinking about all the cool stuff that happened, and the cool people we met, but the best times I had were hanging out in the pit, talking to everyone, and especially when I was getting my fingers burnt, bruised, and otherwise abused at the elbows of Berry and Bandit. I realized about half-way through the day at one point that there are people out there in bikerland that would have given body parts to trade places with me… I wouldn’t have made that trade, unless maybe it was Angelina Jolie, and all she wanted to do was “lend” me body parts for my use for a while….

I hope you got (or are getting) more runs in to hit that magical 200. Wish I could have stayed to see it done. My biggest regret was having to leave this morning. FUCK!

Marc and I rode hard. Left the hotel at 6:00, and flew right into the jaws of a monster storm. Dark, cold, and throwing everything it had at us, including hail, for a short period. About sunrise, the storm gave up trying to stop us, and after a short stop for fuel in some gawdawful little desert town with a forgotten name, and a future well behind it, we motored west.

After a couple more fuel stops, we stopped in Winnemucca for fuel and a sumptuous breakfast at Big Mac’s Steakhouse. We choked the material, which only vaguely resembled anything digestible, down, while reminiscing about Nyla’s yogurt breakfasts…..

On we went, ballasted by gawd only knows what, until we rolled through Reno. On the east side of Reno we met a wall of orange air, and the temps went up a good 40 degrees (they’d been hovering in the high 50s for a hundred miles or so). It got hotter and smokier (forest fires somewhere up north) as we continued on. I dropped Marc in Auburn, where he split to roll to his house in Grass Valley.

I continued on west, hoping for cool air as I neared the coast. It was not to happen. My hard charge to Novato was met with 100+ temps all the way to my garage.

When I swung my leg off my bike, Rose was a bit standoffish for some reason. Wrinkling her nose, she said, “All clothes directly into the washer, mister, and if you don’t get in the shower in 30 seconds, I’m chasing you around the yard with a hose.” In the old days, she would have said she loved the “smell of the road”. We’ve been married too long. Now she wants me to pay attention to hygiene, for some odd reason.

Thanks again, cats. The past few days were, lessee, how can I put this correctly? Fuckin’ awesome!!!!

Peace Out (whatever the hell that means).

–HIWAYMAN

TERRY NESBITT JOINS ADLY MOTO AS VICE PRESIDENT SALES/MARKETING–ADLY MOTO LLC announced today that Terry Nesbitt will serve in the newly created position of Vice President Sales and Marketing. Nesbitt brings 30 years of experience in the Powersports industry having previously worked as a Sales Manager at Kawasaki Motors, the National Sales Manager of Polaris Industries, Victory Motorcycles and the President of Viper Motorcycle Company.

According to Nesbitt, “it is my responsibility to develop and maintain a strong dealer network, enhance the value of the ADLY brand and introduce new key products that will allow us to continue our growth in the US market. The ADLY brand has only been in the US market for 2 years and we already have a great presence based on the efforts of our dealers and a very high quality Taiwanese product. With a great team, great products and the support of an established and well respected Taiwanese OEM, our goals of developing ADLY MOTO into a viable player in this industry become visible and assured. I welcome the challenges and look forward to this opportunity.”

ADLY MOTO LLC is the US division of Her Chee Industrial, a Taiwanese OEM with 30 years experience manufacturing quality motorcycles, gas and electric scooters, ATV’s, parts and accessories. Adly products are designed and manufactured in-house utilizing unique and sophisticated engineering techniques such as CAD design, state-of-the-art CNC machining and single-line engine production.

Corporate website is usa.adlymoto.com.

Continued On Page 5

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2007 STURGIS RALLY STATISTICS–STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Rally Department, with cooperation from city, county and state officials, as well as surrounding Black Hills communities, has compiled statistics for the 67th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Indicators show that the Rally has continued to spread, both in distance and duration. Sturgis saw increased motorcycle traffic two weeks prior to the event with some retailers and attractions showing a significant 20% increase in sales. Sales tax in Sturgis was slightly down during Rally week, as were city vendors, however sales tax figures from the SD Department of Revenue show an increase throughout the Black Hills. Traffic counts submitted by the Department of Transportation show Rally numbers were up in the Sturgis area, as do traffic counts from Mount Rushmore.

“There is a formula that has been used for several years which helps us estimate attendance during the Rally, emphasis on estimate. Because we know that the surrounding communities all benefit from the visitors we see during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, we include a few factors not specific to Sturgis in order to obtain a truer picture of how successful the Rally was, and how many people attended.” stated interim director Pepper Massey. The five factors used in the formula are tons of garbage hauled in Sturgis, vendor licenses issued in Sturgis, DOT counts surrounding Sturgis, sales tax collected in the state and traffic counts at Mount Rushmore. Massey continues, “At the end of the day it is important to note that many of the negatives were down, citations, arrests, emergency room visits, etc., and the positives, visitors in the area and revenue, were up. From this Department’s perspective, that makes it a very good year.”

For more information of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally contact the Rally Department 605.720.0800 or email info@sturgismotorcyclerally.com

ASSALT WEAPAN BUILD PHILISOPHY–About your dyno runs on the Assalt Shaker. Hell of a motor there. But, I think you need to change the build philosophy. That you went as fast as you did on 117hp is pretty amazing. The aerodynamics work. The motor doesn’t. You need big horsepower for speed. Not big torque.

I hate to say it but check some dyno charts on those damn suzukis. They about have your torque and horsepower readings reversed. Some of these bikes run over 200mph. Your motor would be great in a sand dragster or tractor pull.

You need to lighten the reciprocating mass as much as possible. Lighter flywheels, not heavier. The same with pistons, primary drives, clutch, rims, tires, and rotors. The less weight you have to spin, the more horsepower you make. You have less than a horsepower per cube and all that torque is wasted.

Yes, the motor will be less dependable. If you don’t blow one up every now and then, you ain’t really trying. Go for the glory.

–Big Bill

SEPTEMBER 15-16 – CMDRA SEASON FINALE @ MISSION RACEWAY CMDRA– All Bike Drags Ready to Light up Mission Raceway Park – September 15-16, 2007The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (CMDRA) is gearing up for the much anticipated Season Finale in their western series of the Drag Specialties/Parts Canada All Bike Drag Races on September 15-16 at Mission Raceway Park in Mission, BC and looking forward to another action packed race featuring the fastest, most exciting ALL MAKE motorcycle drag racing action in Canada!

Don’t miss your chance to see the racers final battle for the number 1 plate in the following classes: Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel Series, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Fuel Series, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Dragster Series, Ainsworth Lumber/Core Pipelines Pro Modified Series, Pro Stock Series, Godoy’s Insurance Only Modified Series, Core Pipelines/Ainsworth Lumber Super Gas Series, Screamin’ Eagle Stock XL (883) Series, Pro Street Series, McNeney & McNeney Super Bike Series, Mission Springs Brewing Company Street Series, Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer Series, and the Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson Hot Harley Series. Also featuring the Drag Specialties Gas Shootout, Gem Tar Fuel Shootout and the East Meets West Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer Challenge where the soon to be determined Western Destroyer Champion will take on Pete Thomson, the Eastern Destroyer Champion, for the National Championship!

Come check out everything from 8 second Pro Street bikes to Top Fuel Nitro Harley’s burning up the quarter mile at over 200 mph. Walk around the pits and meet the racers and crew that make it all happen!

A highlight clip from some of our previous races can also be found here courtesy of Larry Pfister and horsepowerheaven.com:

Saturday
9:00am – FREE Race School, sponsored by Deeley
Harley-Davidson Canada & the Trev Deeley Foundation
9:30am – Test & Tune
12:30pm – Qualifying

Sunday
10:00am – Test & Tune
11:30am – Eliminations

Track information & directions can be found here: http://www.missionraceway.com

The current points standings are available at www.cmdra.com, just click on “results” and then “points”.

For more information please contact:
Shannon McNeney or Adele Tompkins
Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association
Phone: (604) 580-9008 or 1-877-580-9008
Email: info@cmdra.com
Website: www.cmdra.com

ABATE OF WISCONSIN INC. ATTENDS GOVERNOR’S HIGHWAY SAFETY CONFERENCE–Several Members and Officers of ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. attended theGovernor’s Highway Safety Conference today in Stevens Point, WI. ABATE ofWisconsin representatives were most interested in hearing the presentationof keynote speaker Colonel Jim Champagne.

Colonel Champagne is known fortraveling the country promoting mandatory motorcycle helmet laws and wasinstrumental in re-instating Louisiana’s mandatory helmet law in 2004 asthe head of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Unfortunately he wasunable to attend as he was called back to his home state due to potentialhurricanes.

Our interest stemmed from the fact that when Louisiana did nothave a helmet law for adults the 5-year average for motorcycle fatalitieswas 60 per year. The two-year average since the re-instatement of themandatory helmet law is 85 motorcycle fatalities per year and is predictedto be over 100 this year to become one of the highest in the country perregistered motorcycles.

This fact substantiates several key positions of ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc.Helmet laws are not the silver bullet they are promised to be and moreimportantly motorcycle helmets do not prevent crashes. ABATE of Wisconsinknows safer crashing does not really improve motorcycle safety, only crashprevention accomplishes this.

Our current motorcycle safety agendaaddresses this through crash prevention efforts such as motorcycleawareness, Share the Road with motorcycle programs, rider trainingprograms, aggressive public relations campaigns, impaired riding awareness,and bringing attention to ROW (right of way) violations which accounts formany of the motorcycle crashes today.

ABATE of Wisconsin Inc. encourages all members to continue to promote theseimportant crash prevention efforts with all motorcyclists, other motorvehicle operators, and all elected officials in this state.

ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. founded in 1974 is a motorcycle rights, education,and safety organization (not a club) dedicated to the “Freedom of theRoad”.

ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc.
438 N Water Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715)284-7415 voice (715)284-7454 fax
abatewis@abatewis.org

CUSTOM CYCLE ENGINEERING FAMOUS FORK TRUSS DESIGNED BY RANDY SMITH–Our fork truss is truly a performance part. It dramatically improves front-end handling. The engineering design and sleek styling are obvious characteristics in this part. The compound arc, which sweeps upward and rearward simultaneously, imparts greater resistance to deflection, twisting and bending of the fork. The upward arch also provides additional fender clearance. The addition of large diameter holes spaced out to a maximum strength calculation helps keep unsprung weight to a minimum.

Installation is very simple and the disassembly of the front-end is not necessary. These trusses are designed to bolt securely to the lower sliders. Trusses are machined out of solid billet aluminum and can be purchased in a polished or chrome finish.

Custom Cycle Engineering
1970 Peacock Boulevard
Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone: 800-472-9253
Fax: 760-941-6489

VALERIE THOMPSON 5-BALL RACING TEAM MEMBER GOES RUNNER-UP IN VRD CLASS–Woodburn, Oregon: As you may recall from my last blog, team mascot Recon and I have had some troublesome travels. Well, our problems continued on the most recent leg of our journey when we traveled to the Salem Harley-Davidson Northwest Nationals in Woodburn Oregon. This time we suffered a broken axle just 170 miles from the track. While we were able to limp our broken rig the rest of the way and just in time for all the fun, it was another not so easy day in this racer and her trusting side-kicks life.

Once the two of us got settled in, it was time to get the party started. The weekend’s events started as usual with the Thursday night Nitro party. This year’s party was presented for the first time by Salem Harley-Davidson who did a great job promoting the AHDRA and the high-powered brand of racing it’s known for. Like any good party and this was no exception, there was plenty of yummy food, live radio promos and live music supplied by the Ty Curtis Band for all to get their groove on.

I love going to Woodburn for many reasons. Most importantly my mother Carol, my sister Julie (who’s expecting) and aunts Diana and Millie who all live near by, come out to support the whole team with their great home cooking and together make this great event feel like home for me. Also my friends from Washington like Fred and Sarah Kahn who made the drive to offer their support and long time friend Jerry who helped. Mark and Michelle also helped me get packed up for my next journey. Then of course there are the race-loving fans that pack the stands and this year was the biggest crowd yet for the Woodburn Dragstrip.

The racing weekend feature great weather, awesome racing and some of racings finest fans. At the end of Saturday’s qualifying rounds, VTR qualified in 4th place in an extremely tight field of fast bikes piloted by their determined riders. I was confident in my bike as our Crew-chief Mickey Eddinger was just as anxious for his first win of the season and his determination was more than evident. The rest was up to me and meant eating healthy; getting plenty of rest and being focused for Sundays elimination rounds. When the dust settled and the racing was over after 5 intense rounds, and a personal best ET 9.16 the team and I placed the GoDaddy.com/Hacienda Harley-Davidson V-Rod Destroyer into the finals. Once again matched up with the national point’s leader LE Tonglet who just like last time increased his points lead. All I can say is watch out LE with 4 events left in the season, I’m going to get mine yet.

Remember after at the Bristol event when Bailey Whittaker took home the first place trophy and I had to wear his team shirt? Well this time I redeemed myself and Bailey who is getting use to wearing my crew-wear was looking stylish in it once again.

Our out standing team effort resulted in a great finish that moved VTR Team 2007 and the Go Daddy.com/Hacienda Harley-Davidson V-Rod Destroyer in THRID PLACE of the Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts National Championship Series and only three points away from first place in the Western Division Series.

In other news: While taking a short break after the Bristol event and before trekking our way to Woodburn, Recon and I made a ton of new fans. The group was staying at the same hotel and was in town for a wedding. After two days of rest, a couple of dozen pictures, autographs and a near sell-out of VTR t-shirts, my little fur-ball and I were on the road once again.

If you can make it, the next chance to see all the excitement of the AHDRA brand of racing will be September 22nd-23rd in Richmond Virginia for S&S Cycle Jim McClure Nationals Presented by Colonial Harley-Davidson. Hope to see you all there.

Till then – Never ride faster than your angel can fly!

–Valerie Thompson #20

BANDIT’S CANTINA MENU REVIEW–A crusty old biker, on a summer ride in the country, walks into a tavern and sees a sign hanging over the bar which reads:

CHEESEBURGER: $1.50
CHICKEN SANDWICH : $2.50
HAND JOB: $10.00

Checking his wallet for the necessary payment, he walks up to thebar and beckons to one of the three exceptionally attractive womenserving drinks to a meager looking group of farmers.
“Yes?” she inquires with a knowing smile, “can I help you?”
“I was wondering,” whispers the biker, “are you the young lady whogivesthehand-jobs?”

“Yes,” she purrs, “I am.”

The old biker replies, “Well wash your hands really good, I want acheeseburger.”

–from Rik Savenko

RUCKER PERFORMANCE CUSTOM RETAIL PAINT ADDITION–Texas Harley-Davidson wanted to add a custom flare to a solid red Electraglide. The dealership contacted Rucker Performance to see what the Rucker creative team could do about the paint. After reviewing various ideas, Carl Tyndell, Rucker Performance?s Director of Creative Services, decided on a deep candy apple red with black and red hollow pinstriped flames.

Once the new paint job was complete, the dealer came in to see the bike at the Rucker Performance factory. When the dealer saw the customized Electraglide, he said it was exactly what he wanted. “They loved the paint job and that’s the whole purpose of our business – to make customers happy,” Carl Tyndell said.

SURVIVED SALT FEVER 2007–You got through another year with the Salt fever!

Here’s what helping me!

–Katmandu

VICTORY LAP, ABATE OF ILLINOIS REMEMBERS BIKE BAN–The signs went up without fanfare, one day they just appeared. NoMotorcycles Allowed from 10PM till 5am they announced to the citizens ofAmerica’s third largest city. One of the world’s most famous roads becameoff limits to motorcyclists during the late evening. Worse was the veryreal prospect of the ban spreading. It didn’t take long for the fear tobecome a reality as the No Motorcycle signs began to pop-up on severalother city streets.

The reaction among windy city riders was predictable – they were outraged.ABATE of Illinois, the American Motorcyclist Association and theMotorcycle Riders Foundation swung into action. And after a long andprotracted fight the signs were removed. The details of getting themremoved would require a rather lengthy volume. For the purpose of thereport it will suffice to say that language inserted into the interstatefunding act of 1998 – called TEA 21- that would prohibit motorcycles frombeing denied access to federally funded roads (Lake Shore Drive is part ofUS 41) gave ABATE of Illinois a powerful tool to have the ban lifted. TheMotorcycle Riders Foundation’s constant presence in Washington was majorfactor in seeing that language remained in TEA 21.

On September 3, 2007 – as is their annual custom on Labor Day weekend – alarge group of riders assemble in the morning on Chicago’s trendy WeedStreet. Under the Leadership of the Chicago Chapter of ABATE of Illinoisthey proceed to the Drive and “run it” from the North end to the South endand back again. This “in your face” gesture is a victory lap of sorts.Just to let the city know that we are still around and we haven’tforgotten the attempt to restrict us from roads that we pay taxes on tomaintain.

Many activists in the motorcyclists’ rights movement have said all alongthat the ultimate goal of our enemies is not helmet laws or noiseordnances, but banning motorcycles off the roads entirely. Here was aclassic case (there have been a number of others) of that predictionbecoming a reality. One percenters, Gold Wing riders, HOG members – itdidn’t matter – they were greeted with the same message when they hit thedrive. It was that motorcycles are prohibited.

What can the MRF do for us? This is a question that we hear on a regularbasis. The political future and what type of legislation it may bring canbe difficult to predict. If past performances are any indication however;the most apparent thing that the MRF can do for motorcyclists is to keepthem on the road.

Fall is a great time to ride. Perhaps it may be a good time to find afavorite road and give some thought while riding as to how the cancerousgrowth of motorcycle bans has been arrested, but could reappear atanytime. Consider that ride to be your own victory lap and remember theMRF’s legislative team continues to be the motorcyclists’ watchdog inWashington DC. We are working everyday to see that your access to publicroads remains intact.

Enjoy the ride.

–Michael Kerr
MRF Vice President

CURE AUTISM NOW, RIDE THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH AT WILD FIRE HARLEY-DAVIDSON–This ride and rally has quicky turned into one of the most popular rides in Chicagoland.Make sure you come to Wild Fire on:

Sunday, September 16th

Registration Opens at 8:30am

$30 per Person

Rain or Shine

Jean Davidson Book Signing
Saturday, September 15th
11am – 2pm

You can meet Jean on Saturday

Wild Fire Harley-Davidson/Buell
120 W. North Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181
www.wildfirehd.com
800.400.RIDE
Open 7 Days a Week
Mon – Fri: 9am – 8pm, Sat: 9am – 6pm, Sun: 10am – 5pm

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

BUELL BLAST SETS NEW LAND SPEED RECORD AT BONNEVILLE NATIONAL’S SPEED WEEK–At the 59th annual Bonneville National’s Speed Week, August 11-17, 2007, the JDees Performance racing team and their modified Buell Blast motorcycle set a new land speed record in the 500cc Modified Partially Streamlined – Pushrod Fuel class (MPS-PF). The average of two runs in the measured mile was 126.959 mph, beating the old record of 124.552 mph. The team now holds eight active Bonneville records with Buell motorcycles.

JDees Performance team consists of a few Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Buell Motorcycle Company employees who enjoy land speed racing in their spare time.

FULL METAL ATTRACTION OPEN HOUSE AND SWEEPSTAKES

The Full Metal Attraction Open House and Sweepstakes is taking place at participating Harley-Davidson and Buell dealerships across the country throughout September. Dealerships will be hosting Open House events for customers to rumble down and check out the new 2008 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles.

While visiting the local dealerships, customers will be able to enter the Full Metal Attraction Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob along with $10,000 in Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories and MotorClothes merchandise. There is also a chance to win a V.I.P. trip to Milwaukee to visit the new Harley-Davidson Museum, opening Summer 2008.

For more information, or to print off a Sweepstakes entry form, visit www.harley-davidson.com/openhouse.

BIKERNET MEDICAL STUDY–All the organs of the body were having a meeting, trying to decide who was the one in charge.

“I should be in charge,” said the brain, “Because I run all the body’s systems, so without me nothing would happen.”

“I should be in charge,” said the blood , “because I circulate oxygen all over so without me you’d all waste away.”

“I should be in charge,” said the stomach , “because I process food and give all of you energy.”

“I should be in charge,” said the legs, “because I carry the body wherever it needs to go.” “I should be in charge,” said the eyes, “Because I allow the body to see where it goes.”

“I should be in charge,” said the rectum, “Because I’m responsible for waste removal.”

All the other body parts laughed at the rectum and insulted him, so in a huff, he shut down tight.

Within a few days, the brain had a terrible headache, the stomach was bloated, the legs got wobbly, the eyes got watery, and the blood was toxic.

They all decided that the rectum should be the boss. The Moral of the story? The ass hole is usually in charge!

–from Rik Savenko

5-BALL RACING REFLECTION FROM BONNEVILLE AND THE CYCLE SOURCE–Chris Callen, the Cycle Source editor rode an Iron Butt, 1500 mile challenge, his first, then rolled onto the Bonneville Salt Flats to catch all the action and shoot a feature of the Assalt Weapan for his magazine. Watch for it in an upcoming issue of the Cycle Source.

CONGRATULATION TO THE 5-BALL RACING TEAM– congratulations to you, Val and the team. I know you burned the midnite oil and the conditions were rough but as they say “When the going gets tough, the tough break records” Nice looking bike too.

All the best.
–Mike Peter
pro1thunda@telkomsa.net

BIG TWIN AND IMS SHOWS MEET IN PHOENIX THIS YEAR–A Celebration of Design Excellence!The leading showcase of one-off bikes that speaks to the unique lifestyle and individuality of the custom market is looking for builders. Big Twin Customs Invitational recognizes custom builders who are leading the industry with their innovative designs and concepts on an international level.

Only 200 builders will be chosen to participate in this premier invitation-only bike showcase held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona during Big Twin West and the Phoenix stop of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows? presented by Toyota.

Submit Your Bike Today!
We’ve made it easy ?you can now submit your bike online, by mail or by fax.

Online :
1. Fill out the online entry form.
2. Upload photos of your bike to our website
3. We’ll email you to confirm we received everything

Mail/Fax:

1. Download the entry form in PDF form (7_BTCI_entry.pdf>click here )

2. Mail us 5 pictures of your bike.

3. We’ll email you to confirm we received your entry form and photos.

Deadline to enter: October 1, 2007

Awards
While Big Twin Customs Invitational is not a competition or a contest, we realize that everyone likes recognition for their work. In that spirit, we will be honoring builders with best of honors in six categories:

Best Paint
Best Fabrication
Excellence in Engineering
Best Old School
Exhibitors? Choice
Excellence in Design

Make Your Move
Showcase your bike in front of over 25,000 Big Twin dealers and enthusiasts over a 4 day period.

Check out the latest performance parts and accessories to customize your bikes.

Meet with manufacturers interested in partnership ventures and cross-promotional opportunities with the rising stars of the custom market.

Questions?
Bill Rupert
408-710-2463
bill.rupert@sbcglobal.net

Kathryn Groble
714-513-8646
kgroble@advanstar.com

BIKERNET BIKER MAGAZINE DEAL OF THE WEEK, FOR SALE – 1979 FLH– The first bike spread in the 2008 Harley-Davidson calendar (it’s listed inthe calendar as a 1980 – photogs. error)

This beautiful blue bagger is all original with only 18,000 miles on it. The80-inch shovelhead engine has never been apart. The bike was bought new fromVentura H-D. It has never been layed down and has always been garaged.

$12,000 or best offer

Dean Shawler
Home: 805-381-1012 (leave message)

BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT INDUCTED INTO AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME–Doc inducted into Australian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.During the recent Gold Coast Bike Week Doc Robinson, Associate/Technical Editor of Heavy Duty Magazine and Bikernet correspondent, was inducted into the Australian Motorcycle Hall of Fame along with 15 times World Speedway Champion Ivan Mauger who is considered to be the greatest speedway rider of the 20th Century.

Doc said, “It is a huge honour to be selected for induction. And to be up here on the stage with one of my all-time boyhood heroes, Ivan Mauger, is just sensational”.

Doc and Ivan join other motorcycle luminaries such as Mick Doohan and Brett Stevens in being awarded this prestigious honour.

OPEN LETTER FROM THE WORLD’S FASTEST PANHEAD ENGINE BUILDER AND 5-BALL RACING TEAM MEMBER–Well we both know I am not the best custom engine builder, but just you saying so makes me feel very good and I greatly appreciate it. The Chris Dotson bike on Bikernet also won the Oakland Roadster show this year. Oh, and I just remembered, IT USES AN ACCURATE ENGINEERING PANHEAD DRIVE TRAIN!

I’m ready to start back on the Assalt Weapon! There’s lot’s to do to get this thing up to 200 m.p.h. so let’s get started! Tell Jeremiah and the rest of the crew howdy for me. Thanks for sending Salty Dick back, I kinda’ miss him.

–Berry

Berry’s carried a chunk of Bonneville salt since the Easyriders streamliner ran in 1989. He was beginning to feel the need to return it, like returning lava to the Hawaiian islands. He hauled it to Bonneville this year, but it came home with the 5-Ball team.–Bandit

CURT LOUT, BIKERNET PHOTOG THROWS A PARTY–It is going to be a great party. I hope we pack LaRumba and fill up all the parking lot with choppers and hot rods.

Make sure you check out the trailerhttp://www.jasonjesseemovie.com/

–Curt Lout
www.STUDIO9000.com
303.921.4590

BIKERNET/HORSE BACKSTREET CHOPPERS SMOKE OUT WEST COMING–We are about a month out from The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Smoke Out West 2 sponsored in part by Bikernet, and it is shaping up to be a great event.

This week we lined up a return of the Derby Dames. These roller derby queens put on an excellent skating match. What does it have to do with bikes? Nothing but it is hot chicks pounding on each other – ‘nough said.

The biker legend, Vern Autry, from the original Boozefighters Motorcycle Club (that rode into Hollister and inspired the original The Wild One movie) has a lot to do with bikes. Vern, turned eighty-one this year and he is riding to the Smoke Out from his home in California. Talking to this guy is a walk through almost every phase of biker history. Vern is someone that every biker should want to meet.

The Smoke Out is the world’s largest Chopper Rally and will be held October 5-7 on the Verde Valley Fairground in Cottonwood, AZ (20 minutes South of Sedona). The event will start Friday – October 5, 2007 from 5pm to 11pm. Saturday, 10am to 11pm and Sunday, 10am to 4 pm. For more information (or a vender packet) check the website SmokeOutRally.com HORSE BC website or venders call e-mail Edge at edge.42@mac.com.

See ya there.

–Edge

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION OPPOSES NTSB HELMET LAW RECOMMENDATIONS–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) would like to express extremedisappointment with the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB)recommendations on motorcycle safety, which they issued at their publicmeeting on September 11, 2007.

The NTSB’s recommendations may have as well have been copied directly froma 1960s era federal bureaucratic handbook.

Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie had this to sayinitially on the report: “A few things you should know. NTSB recommendedthat the three states that do not have helmet laws (IL, IA and NH) shouldenact universal helmet laws. Also, they recommended that the states thathave modified laws enact universal laws.”

Since the NTSB issued their safety recommendations, our Washington officehas been deluged with requests for comments. Jeff Hennie has giveninterviews to major media outlets such as NBC News and CNN just to name afew. Jeff is giving priority to handling such requests. He will be issuinga detailed statement concerning the NTSB recommendations soon.

Our State Motorcyclist Rights Organization partners report givinginterviews to the New York Times and the Associated Press.

Rest assured that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will be workingeveryday to see that the NTSB recommendations on mandatory helmet laws donot become a reality.

The NTSB had this to say on helmet laws:”To the three states without motorcycle helmet laws:Require that all persons shall wear a Department of Transportation FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard 218-compliant motorcycle helmet while riding(operating), or as a passenger on any motorcycle.

To the 27 states and 1 territory with partial helmet laws: Amend currentlaws to require that all persons shall wear a Department ofTransportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218-compliantmotorcycle helmet while riding (operating), or as a passenger on anymotorcycle.

To the 8 states, the District of Columbia, and the 4 territories that haveuniversal motorcycle helmet laws but do not specifically require FMVSS218-compliant helmets: Amend current laws to specify that all personsshall wear a Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard 218-compliant motorcycle helmet while riding (operating), or as apassenger on any motorcycle.”

The full list of NTSB recommendations may be obtained at:www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2007/091107b.htm

–Michael Kerr
MRF Vice President

BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OF THE WEEK–Wish there were more roads without 400 others on them.

Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net

WISH COME TRUE–Two men were driving through Minnesota when they got pulled over by a State Trooper. The cop walked up and tapped on the window with his nightstick. The driver rolled down the window and WHACK, the cop smacked him in the head with his nightstick.

“What the hell was that for?” the driver asked.

“You’re in Minnesota now, son,” the trooper answered. “When we pull you over in Minnesota , you better have your license ready by the time we get to your car.”

“I’m sorry, officer, “the driver said, “I’m not from around here. ”

The trooper runs a check on the guy’s license–he’s clean and gives the guy his license back. The trooper then walks around to the passenger side and taps on the window. The passenger rolls down the window and

“WHACK”, the trooper smacks him on the head with the nightstick.

“What’d you do that for?” the passenger demands.

“Just making your wish come true,” replied the trooper.

“Making WHAT wish come true?” the passenger asked.

“Because I know your type.” the trooper says, “Two miles down the road you’re gonna turn to your buddy and say, ‘I wish that asshole would’ve tried that shit with me.’ “

–from Rik Savenko

BONNEVILLE CONGRATS FROM BIKER MAGAZINE–Just want to throw my 2 cents in and say thanks and congrats on the speedand the award. The bike was a pure marvel to see, and to witness thededication and raw focus of your crew was so cool to experience. It was likewatching a wolf pack on the hunt. The vibe was so strong and positive. Gladyou got to run some more. After Tuesday’s rainstorm it seemed like it mightbe all over, but I guess that’s the salt for ya.

Anyways, much gratitude for the hospitality. I’ve been dreamingof Bonneville since I started working here in 92 and heard all thosestreamliner stories. Now I got a taste of the salt, I can feel how it getsin your blood. Hmmm…maybe I’ll run something next year…what’s the recordfor a Whizzer?

–Steve
BIKER MAG
Art Director

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

This is the first full news since Bonneville and I’m still sorting through e-mails. I apologize, if I missed any pertinent news or announcements, but I’m playing catch-up. Let’s hit it before I start rambling about the next project or changes to the Assalt Weapan.

BONNEVILLE SUCCESS CONGRATS–First congrats on your continued success at Bonneville. I was out from the east (Pittsburgh) to cover the trials for Thunder Press. It was my first time and I guess what they says is true, nobody ever goes just once!

I’ve got some great shots of the bike and the team and I’d gladly send them to you – you all deserve them.

Thought it was really cool you guys peggin’ “Assault Weapan” around the pits and access road. You don’t see that much anymore.

BTW: I know Gypsy -sort of – by way of Thunder Press. I also know and write for Chris (Cycle Source) we try to help each other out.

You guys were always bustin’ hump when I was around so I didn’t bother you. Besides, there was no shortage of interesting people to interview. Wish I could have been at the right place right time to talk to you a little. I’ve got a Friday deadline and want to include plenty on your team.

Thanks,
–Ernie Copper/Thunder Press

BDL COVER CONVERTS TC ENGINES TO ANY ELECTRONIC IGNITION– Engineering at Belt Drives Limited has obviously been working nights as this new TC CAM COVER is one awesome piece. Crafted from a solid block of 6061 T6 aircraft quality aluminum, each cover is manufactured in house from design to final mirror finish.

The new cover converts all TC engines fit with chain driven cams, to earlier electronic ignitions and can be used with all aftermarket and rotor cup systems on the market. It’s the hot ticket for custom builders as these ignitions substantially simply the wiring process.

Each kit comes complete with flawlessly finished billet cover, an application specific bolt, end adapter and seal.

For complete details call 714-685-3333 or catch the entire BDL lineup at www.bdlusa.com

BIKERNET FORUM ALASKAN RUN THREAD–In the Bikernet Forum you will find a thread about riding to Alaska in 2009.A couple of the guys seem very keen to give it a go.Albeit on Adventure style bikes rather than Harleys.

I was wondering if you yourself might have interest in the ride? I know a lot of American bikers see Alaska as the ultimate, once in a lifetime ride destination.

A couple of riders in Oz have custom built Harley Sportsters into road/dirt road bikes.They look much like the original Harley flat-trackers that Liall (what’s his name?) used to race.

It’s possible we could organize some kind of official Bikernet to Alaska Run here, but I’d have to leave many of the details up to you and perhaps Hiwayman, as obviously being in Oz I know sweet FA about riding from the mainland USA, up into Canada and then up to Alaska.

Check the thread and then let me know your thoughts.

Cheers: Jaq.

Hey, let’s see how many readers are up to the adventure and if my rigid shovel can make it. Drop me a line if you’re interested: Bandit@bikernet.com. –Bandit

BIG DOG STEPS-UP WITH THE NEW ’08 PITBULL–Big Dog Motorcycles, the Wichita, Kansas based manufacturer that proudly claims to be the “largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world” unveiled it’s 2008 model line-up to very positive response from dealers and the press alike at it’s annual dealer meeting in San Diego last week.

The headline news is a make-over for its best established Pitbull model that sees a move forward in styling and several engineering firsts for the company.

Not least the use of twin Works Performance mini shocks under the sprung seat to achieve isolation mounted comfort on a re-designed single downtube rigid framed model that boasts a distinctive new style of 4.6 gallon tank, 280mm rear tire, and taller 23 inch front and 20 inch rear billet wheel size combination.

Featuring a 117 inch (1916 cc) S&S engine, 6-speed final belt RSD, 41mm telescopic front forks and 31 degree rake the bike was the highlight of a series of announcements that also included the introduction of an entirely new model.

Designated the Big Dog ‘Mutt’ it is a 250mm rear end softail style model featuring hidden shock suspension, 6 inch backbone stretch, 2 inch OS forks, spoke wheels and S&S 117 inch (1916cc) engine.

Described as a “price point model” one dealer described it as “a lot of bike for the money” and alongside an updated ‘Ridgeback’ rigid chopper that now features a 330 rear tire the company was understandably excited about their prospects for the year ahead.

www.bigdogmotorcycles.com

ANNUAL NUT RUN FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN OYSTERS–This is our Annual Nut Run for Rocky Mountain Oysters. Great ride everyone looks forward to each year. Congratulations on your Salt Flats win. Lookin good on Go Daddy.

–Donna

PAISANO PUBLICATIONS MAGAZINE SALES–We reported Sunday how Joe Teresi recently sold several of his magazines, including V-Twin, Tattoo, etc. The report indicated that he would retain Easyriders, Biker and In The Wind.

That information came from a reliable source, but I checked with Joe Teresi, the man and he responded, ” No magazines have been sold.”

We’re not sure if that’s the end of the story, but we’ll wait here for further information.

BAD ISLAND TOYS REACHES OUT–Bandit, I met you when I was working for Xtreme Cycle Design when we where doing the frame tech articles and have since moved to workng for Bad Island Toyz in La Habra, CA. I was wondering if we could get some press on your BIKERNET.COM.

I use your site on a daily bases to keeped informed with the industry and find it to be very helpfull. Attached are a couple of pictues of some of our bikes.

–Sean
Bad Island Toyz
700 e. Lambert rd.
La Habra, CA. 90631
562-690-4239

Of course, any shop or biz in our industry can send us news, deals, product releases, bike features, tech features, event coverage, whiskey and girls. We’ll take care of it, absolutely free.

You can also advertise or become a Bikernet Sponsor, but that’s up to you. We won’t hold it against you, if you don’t.–Bandit

LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST IS COMING–Las Vegas Bikefest is Sep.27-30 if you haven’t been out for this it’s a great time. It is also the Harley-Davidson Cafe’s 10th anniversary, so we are having specials all month long.

For Bikefest we will have bands and drink specials all week long. Hope to see you in Sin City!

Also congratulation to Brian And Laura Klock there wedding out on the salt at Bonneville Rocked !! We wish you many years of Happiness! It was great to see so many Hamsters.

Ride Fast!
Paul Whitmoyer
Harley Davidson Cafe
Director of Motorsports
702-596-6413
nvhamster@cox.net

JIMS BIKERNET TOOL OF THE WEEK–Brake Caliper Piston RemoverThis tool will support the brake caliper pistons for removal by holding thepistons square to theirbores. This prevents any damage to the pistons and the piston bores so seals& wipers can be replaced.

No.1162 – Use on all Big Twin, 4 piston brake calipers 2000-present. Use on2000 to 2003 XL.
Suggested Retail: $54.10

–JT Lepien
www.jimsusa.com

JAMES CLARK OF JAMES GASKET PASSED AWAY–It was really nice to visit with you at Bonne and your team. You guys were very professional.

I’m letting you know that James Clark of James Gaskets suddenly passed away last Fri. His funeral is this Tue at 11am in Carson City. He was a very close friend and an asset to the industry.

–Mike (Kiwi) Tomas
Kiwi Indian MotoCycles
www.KiwiIndian.com
ph 951 788 0048

BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO –Single 42mm MIKUNI CARB KITFEATURING RIVERA PRIMO’S TILT-TORWARD MANIFOLD–Fits Evo Big Twin & Twin Cam Models 1984 to Present

The Mikuni carburetor is famous for its superior intake velocity characteristics which produce a wide, flat torque curve . . . key ingredients for astonishing acceleration & performance !

This single 42mm Mikuni kit offers many high performance gains without “breaking the bank”.Both bottom end and midrange performance are significantly enhanced. Top-end rpm potential,although dependent upon camshaft, valve springs as well as other valve train factors, is also improved.

The specially designed tilt-forward manifold has both a map sensor boss and a vacuum (V.O.E.S.) fitting provision. The vacuum fitting for Evo applications, the map sensor for Twin Cams.

Each kit is set-up, ready-to-run and designed to be used with stock-style 1990 & later throttle cables. Along with the carb and tilt-forward manifold we supply a free-flowing billet aluminumair cleaner. Comprehensive installation & tuning instructions are also included.
RE-SMK-6 Single 42mm Mikuni Carb Kit $ 1065.00 w/Tilt-Forward Manifold Features polished Carb & Chrome Manifold

For these & 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

DULUTH POLICE ARREST NUDE BURGLARY SUSPECT–A burglary suspect learned a lesson about trying to victimize senior citizens Thursday evening.According to the Duluth Police Department, a couple in their 60s returned to their home on the 200 block of West Ninth Street around 8 p.m. and found the suspect in the house. The couple began struggling with the suspect, trying to restrain him.

The struggle ranged through the main floor of the home and out onto the porch, where the man fled from the couple.During the struggle, the suspect lost all of his clothing. Several neighbors pursued the suspect through the neighborhood and updated police on his location. Police caught the suspect near Red Rock Trail and Village View Drive.

The suspect, a 20-year-old Duluth man, had several outstanding warrants and was lodged at the St. Louis County Jail for the warrants and first degree burglary.

Duluth News TribunePublished Friday, September 07, 2007

–from Rogue

NEW-LINE ENGRAVING FINISHED FOR 5-BALL RACING TEAM MEMBER–If you want engraving on your bike for a reasonable price and you need it completed in a reasonable time frame, speak to Heather New. Not only is she good, fast, easy to work with, she’s a redhead. Gulp. Hold me back. I told her recently, “Your nipples are published in the Sunday Post.”

“HAHAHAHA!!!” Heather replied, “Not often a girl gets an e-mail like that!Geez you crack me up! Here’s finished shots.”

–Heather New
New Line Engraving
new_line@telus.net

MORE ON THE ASSALT WEAPAN–Bandit (and crew), GREAT JOB!!!!!!! You guys did a great job. The Assault Weapan is a work of art. You can certainly see everyone’s hard work in the results. Hope you can kick back for a while and catch your breath. Again, congratulations! Y’all deserve it!

–pete(from florida)

MAJOR BIKERNET COMPLAINT, ENTIRE STAFF FIRED–Bandit, whats going on with bikernet these days? The news is never on time any more. Sundaypost should be for Sunday no? I go to work on Monday man not much computer time there.the same with the Thursday news being 1 to 2 days late. I love the Bonneville stuff and i am glad you are living a dream, but since the assualt weapon project bikernet seems to be allscrewed up.

i joined bikernet for the news and great articles updates on events i can not go to. thats what separated you from all the other crappy internet forums.

i hate to even bring this other subject about, but godammit i am pissed off a little here with the prize shit too.i never enter free drawings or raffles(bad luck) so when i seen your win prizes ad i ignored it for a while. the more i read bikernet and emailed you a few times on other subjects i said you know what these guys are cool the real deal so i give it shot and enter. low and behold i wonwhich never happens so i was stoked. i could of been a sticker for all i cared it was the fact i won.so i thought bikernet is straight up.email from sinwu saying i would be mailed my prize.even email you bandit how happy i was and you posted it promptly on in the news as testimonials. sad to say never did get my prize. emailed sin wu back even you. Got the its going out today from Nyla on in the first week of july. you said you check on it on the last email about a month ago?

i really don’t want the prize any more the wow factor is way gone.i must say i didn?t expect such bull shit from bikernet at all. then the news crap is just pissing me off more. i have to say i will definitely be reconsidering my membership. unless it goes the way it was.

i might be only one working guy that you lose, but thats how it usually starts. i do go on a lot of biker forums and use to recommend this site to all. you know what really sucks i am one of the last to complain about anything. that prize shit pissed me off. you might be mad i wrote this email. if your readers don’t tell ya who will. p.s. hope all went well in Bonneville!.

I WANT MY BIKERNET BACK GODAMMIT!!!

Later,
–Eric F.

Job “Well Done”. A “Atta Boy/Girl” to all who were there!! Time to unwind, then hit it again. You start for ’08 next week I guess?? It’s amazing how much workgoin fast is huh? Talk at you later.

Pablo

Continued On Page 2

Sept. 6, 2007 – Today is the last day here at BUB, and of course the most beautiful of all week. The sky is clear, slight breeze and perfect track conditions, at least for this wet year. Streamliners have been held off because of bad weather for the last two days, but not today. They are flying down the track in between AMA record setting motorcycles. The whole vibe today is good.

Val made her first pass at mid-day. She clocked 151 on the first pass and 161 on the backup, using the Nitrous on the backup.

The track was suppose to close at noon today, however they’re letting them run till three. We could have walked away, setting a record in an 2000 APS PF class again this year, but Bandit and Berry Wardlaw, the engine builder and master of Accurate Engineering, want one more run up and back since they seem to have the bike dialed in. Isn’t that always the case? On this last day we now have the bike tuned in and camp set-up figured out.

Val just ran again, as I typed this; I’m waiting for Bandit to call, with the time. It looked good. I ord came down that she ran over 154 mph and we were hoping for a return run.

At the end of today, the bike will go to impound for scrutinizing. Gotta make sure it is what we say it is. After a week of tuning, timing and nail-biting the rules call for taking the top end off the bike, so the judges can measure the bore and stroke. After that we head back to the hotel to relax until the banquet tonight. It will feel good to head home. We’ll leave tomorrow morning for State Line, (Primm) spend the night and get home on Saturday.

There won’t be a news today; working on this laptop is difficult, however I will post more photos later. People are continually coming in and out of camp with needs so can’t be on the computer for too long.

Wish us luck people. Two hours from now we will have an official record for our class, Special Construction, fuel, pushrod, 2000cc, partial streamline. Whew!!

I’ll post the final speed in a bit.

–Sin Wu

THAT’S IT IN A NUTSHELL– Except for a thousand nail-biting details. We’ll bring you all the harried elements over the next couple of weeks. I’m dodging the Bub’s banquet just to bring you a handful of images and a brief note. The complete effort will be published as a book by Wolfgang publications and distributed near Christmas.

Just today we fired the Nitrous to the Assalt Weapan for the first time. Our AIM sports data acquisition system worked fantastically. We could tell shift points, rpms, wheel slippage and exhaust temps. One cylinder jumped up during a brief 30 horsepower blast and the other dropped to a cooler level as expected. We discovered a severed line and returned to the pits. Get this. They told us we could make two more passes for an enhanced record, if we qualified before 1:00 p.m. Then we were told record runs could be attempted until 3:00. We were on line with an improved tuning package at 1:30. We made our initial pass by 2:00 and jammed back to the impound area to make a return pass.

Wait until I tell you about the conditions of the salt and the trips on this long rigid frame from starting points and back to the pits. We were ready for our final pass, and a 170 mph run, when the AMA official, Ken, shut us down. We were supposed to qualify before 1:00. We were toast yet tuned like never before.

Larry Petri, the builder, from the notorious Chop N Grind crew took me aside after the event closed. “You guys did an amazing job,” he said. “The conditions on the salt have never been this bad in the last six years and you made passes at 162 mph on a ground up concept bike, at your first meet. You should be damn proud.”

We may still be the owners of the Worlds Fastest Panhead and own another AMA World Land Speed Record. We’ll fill you in next week and more in the Sunday Post, when I’m not trying to hunt and peck on this bastard lap top.

Ride Forever,

Bandit

P.S. This just in. Like I said, I’m missing the banquet to bring you some news. I just received a call from Barry Wardlaw that the Assalt Weapan won the Best Engineered Motorcycle Award for this Bubs Bonneville meet at 8:44 this evening. Damn, all Bikernet Readers, sponsors and Chris Kallas, our concept drawing, illustrator, should be proud.