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NEW FAT BAR RISER FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (April 30, 2007) – The new Fat Bar Riser Kit (P/N 56916-07, $99.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories replaces the original-equipment riser on models with 1.25-inch handlebars, or can be used with most accessory 1.25-inch bars. Plated with brilliant chrome, the riser features hidden fasteners for clean, seamless styling.

This riser can be used on most Sportster, Touring, Dyna and Softail models (except FLSTF and FLSTC models with original-equipment handlebars). The kit includes all necessary mounting hardware. All models require separate purchase of additional installation components. See a dealer for specific model requirements.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE–This is your last day to cast your vote for the 2006-2007 International Motorcycle Shows’Best of Show’ custom bike!Click here to submit your vote for your favorite custom from the 2006-2007 season!

More than 250 custom motorcycles were displayed in these two showcases throughout the 13-stop tour with the top 27 now being featured in the online voting. The talent pool of these competitions runs deep with both locally and nationally recognized builders showcasing their creations.

During the show season, attendees to the International Motorcycle Shows voted for their favorite custom bike in two different categories, cruiser and sportbike, resulting in a People?s Choice Award winner for each city.

These winners are now pooled together in each of the categories and can be viewed online where you can cast your vote for one bike in each category to determine the 2006-2007 Best of Show?.

PHOTOGRAPHER WEBSITES UPDATED–Both our websites, www.ccphotoart.biz and www.ccbikeart.biz, have recently been updated. We now also sell prints of some of our most spectacular motorcycle, landscape and other photography. Photos are available for personal use, but also for commercial use.

Have a look at our sites, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our work.

–Patrick Cusse
Director Music Photography
CCPHOTOART.biz
+44 7799174199

ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR YOUR REVIEW–Aloha Bandit,You know I have been a fan of yours for 25 years at least and I have always admired your courage to stand up for FREEDOM and personal Liberty.So I am writing you asking for your help!

You may be familiar with Dr. Ron Paul, he is running for President, he is amazing and needs all the support he can get!He stands for the Constitution and our Freedom and Liberty to live the way we choose without the government telling us how to do things.Now I don’t know if your willing to push this, but I just had to ask since I know you have much power and influence with many bikers!!!!

If you get some time, please check out some Ron Paul videos on Youtube………I think your probably well aware of Dr. Paul, but I just had to write you after all of these yearsof reading your words about exactly what this is all about…………….Freedom”)

Thanks bro, I appreciate you taking the time to read this! I hope you will Publicly support Dr. Paul!

Aloha,
runswithwind

ps. here is a link to a recent speech Dr. Paul gave in Congress…………Probably one of the GREATEST speeches ever give on that floor! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a_GRiP_ftQ

RIVERA PRIMO EMPLOYEE REQUEST–Just reviewed your “Thursday News” column and was thrilled to see two(2)entriespertaining to RIVERA PRIMO, one for the Brute III Extreme kit and the otherofferingthe 4 to 6-speed driveline conversion for swingarm Shovels(such a deal!!).

Knowing how good a deal you make, perhaps you can help. See, I’ve beenlooking for a full-time nurse to attend to my every need. Unfortunately,after reviewing all of the app’s,I cannot seem to find one that has checked the box indicating that they are”double-jointed”.

What’s this world coming to? Perhaps you have a better pool of applicants.Just keep inmind that the box indicating they are “double-jointed” must be checked !!

–E.Z.

BCCOM MEETING OF COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS–JUNE 6 – B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists Meeting & Movie Night at Deeley’s
DATE: Wednesday, June 6th
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Trev Deeley Motorcycles new location (1875 Boundary Road inVancouver)
WHAT: A short BCCOM meeting followed by the movie “The Worlds FastestIndian” complete with popcorn courtesy of Deeley’sAll riders are welcome. You don’t need to be a member to attend. Lots ofcool door prizes.

RSVP REQUIRED – Please call (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111 or emailoffice@bccom-bc.com to confirm your spot.

Justin Ball of Red Coat Photo will be on the highway doing arrival by bikephotos between 5:45-6:30pm from his sidecar. If you’re interested you cansee his work at www.redcoatphoto.com

AUGUST 19, 2007 – 3rd ANNUAL GASTOWN MOTORCYCLE SHOW N’ SHINE–It’s time to mark your calendars for the biggest motorcycle event thestreets of Vancouver have ever seen! On Sunday, August 19, 2007, the B.C.Coalition of Motorcyclists, in conjunction with the Gastown BusinessImprovement Society and the Gastown Merchants, will be closing down WaterStreet between Carrall and Richards to put on our annual ALL MAKE motorcycleshow n’ shine in the heart of Vancouver. Last years event saw thousands andthousands of people come out to enjoy this huge celebration of motorcyclingand it was a blast!

Don’t miss the opportunity to show your bike off to thousands of people!Limited space available.More info and a bike entry form can be found here:http://www.bccom-bc.com/gastown_2006/index.html or by calling (604) 580-0111or 1-877-580-0111

Proceeds to the B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists. More details coming soon.

LIFESTYLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–UNBELIEVABLE FINANCING!!How does ZERO DOWN and up to 120 months of payments sound? LifeStyle Cycles works with some of the best financial institutions to help get you financed on the bike of your dreams with some pretty awesome rates. Come in today and see what LifeStyle Cycles can do for you!

10th Anniversary Texas Chopper

WAS: $49.995.00 NOW ONLY $39,995.00
SAVE $10,000.00!!!!!

STOP THE PRESSES–In fact shut the bastards down. They’re burnin’ through too many trees. Did you know that more than half of all magazines printed are tossed. I hope some are recycled, but imagine the waste. Okay, enough of the trivia.

In an off-handed way I wanted to praise our industry. Only two companies have failed to pay their advertising bill with us, and they were both publicly traded companies. One was Patriot Motor Corporation and the other Von Dutch Motorcycles.

We live in a very small niche industry and try to make a living. If we made toasters or barstools, that would amount to big numbers. We could reach a vast market, but we don’t. You have to commend any man who pours his sole into 500 frames a year. I also like it when the money stays within the industry. It’s like buying parts from a U.S. made company like Paughco and building bikes, or buying an ad in Chris Callen’s Cycle Source magazine, the money stays in the industry and doesn’t go overseas or to bankers in New York. It’s just a good notion to support the folks in our small pearlescent lifestyle.

Enough of my bullshit. Here’s what’s coming to Bikernet. Next week I’ll launch another update on the Assalt Weapan. The Nitrous bottle just arrived from Accurate Engineering and we’ll work on mounting, then gas tank mods and the oil bag with the help of BungKing.com. Tomorrow I’ll post another Cantina Drama. I’m grappling with the ending. Scooter sent us another GOB and she’s a knockout. I’ll also publish an Envy Cycle feature and a new model from Big Mike. Plus a new Bikernet writer just submitted a gruesome ride through Death Valley. It’s all happening on Bikernet, including another tech feature from Cycle Source magazine. Hold on. We never stop, or even slow down. Quick, someone pour me a Jack.

Ride forever,

–Bandit

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–When the road to Myrtle Beach ended, so did the rain and the urge to fire a few rounds at the cagers in our way. We drank the Jack and the played the game for a few days all the while looking forward to the 400 miles of open road ahead back to Florida.

Ride Hard,
–Whiplsh Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net

SUCKER PUNCH, BIKERNET AND HOTBIKE GARAGE BUILD FOR IRAQ VETERAN UPDATE–Here’s a couple of pics. I went to the beach today and drank beer. Anyways, here’s a couple of me doing a few things last night. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY.

The bike is flying together, when I’m not at the beach, drinking beer or chasing my wife around the house! I’ll go see Kent at Lucky Devil’s for my welding class.

–Johnny

COOLBETH STARTS CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENSE WITH SEASON OPENING VICTORY AT SPRINGFIELD MILE– SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 29, 2007) – Kenny Coolbeth picked up right where he left off last season. The Warren, Conn., native started defending his 2006 AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track championship the best way possible – with a win.

Coolbeth took the checkered flag Sunday at the AMA GNC Twins season opener at the Springfield Mile. He didn’t win by a small margin, either. He had nearly an entire straightaway to himself.

The results, however, were not made official until Tuesday afternoon because of a discrepancy in the bike’s weight. Coolbeth’s Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson entry did not pass the weigh-in on site and another weigh-in took place at AMA headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. A separate measurement was also done by Holtgreven Scale and Electronics Corporation of Findlay, Ohio, an accredited lab.

AMA officials declared the bike legal Tuesday following the additional weigh-ins.

Coolbeth, the Screamin’ Eagle factory rider, also finished first in his heat before taking the checkered flag for his 10th career AMA victory.

“By the fifth lap I felt real comfortable and was running my own race,” Coolbeth said. “I never even looked back. I was wide open on the gas and thought it was the smoothest run around the Springfield Mile I’ve ever had.”

Coolbeth said he was not worried about the final results that came from AMA officials.

“I knew the bike was legal and I wasn’t concerned,” Coolbeth said. “My Screamin’ Eagle team is great and the mechanic who worries about that aspect does a great job and pays attention to every detail when building a machine for me to ride. We adhere to all the specs.”

Wrecking Crew riders Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Joe Kopp joined Coolbeth in the top five at the first of 13 scheduled events for the GNC Twins this season.

Mees rode his Blue Springs Harley-Davidson into third place, his fifth career podium finish. Smith took fourth place on his Moroney’s Harley-Davidson and the newest member of the team, Kopp, took fifth place on his Team Latus Harley-Davidson.

The 25-lap main event was delayed because of rain for several hours – adding to the anxiety of the season opening race.

“The start of the race was delayed and then we had to wait two days to get the final results,” Paluso said. “It was quite an experience for the entire Screamin’ Eagle team. We’re pleased with the way the team performed throughout the entire weekend but I am sure they are all anxious to get to the next race.”

The next AMA GNC Twins event will be held at Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tenn., on June 2.

PAUGHCO TRI-BARS–In the past couple of years Paughco has experienced a massive expansion to both their manufacturing facility and product line. Included in the latest offering are several very distinctive custom headlight assemblies.

Shown here, the TRI-BAR 4 1?2″, TRI-BAR 5 3?4″ and TRI-BAR STYLE, feature classic TRI-BAR styling and come in models fit with or without the Frenched-in headlight visor. Housings are show chromed billet and the light fixture includes a replaceable H4 bulb and TRI-BAR lens.

All lights are fit chrome headlight mounts and wiring for easy installation. Combine these new models with Paughco’s nearly 40 year old “industry standard” Chopper Bullet headlight and the company has a model for any style machine.

Better yet, the TRI-BAR lights start at just $99.95! For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit them on line at www.paughco.com.

ARTIST REACHES OUT TO DESIGN T-SHIRTS–I would like to have the chance to design a great t-shirt for you or your event! Check out http://www.cazzco.com/ to see our full line catalog and some really cool artwork!

You can look at some of the sales we have going on and don’t forget to look at the events for information on the upcoming Steel Valley Super Nationals.

After you check us out give me a call so we can talk about all the endless possibilities!

There is no risk involved just give us a chance to show you what we got!

Don’t delay, take the next step, and call today to discuss all of your needs.

Hope to hear from you soon!

–Stacey Cox
CAZZCO Screenprinting
1-800-245-8118
724-658-2005
www.cazzco.com

PRO-LIGHTING–PRO-ONE has a number of unique LED tail light assemblies for custom and stock machines. Shown here, the DIAMOND, SHOWBIKE and OVAL tail lights feature the quality and distinctive look you would expect form PRO-ONE and the latest LED lighting technology.

All lights are finished in show quality chrome and incorporate a license plate light. The DIAMOND measures 4 7/8 W x 2 H x 1 1/8 D, the OVAL is 4 3?4 x 2 1?4 x 1 1/8 and the chrome billet SHOW-BIKE is 5″ wide by 2 7/16″ tall.

Available from PRO-ONE dealers world these unique lights start at just $62.95. Looking for a dealer?

Call 800-884-4173 or visit them on the Web at www.pro-one.com.

AGENT ZEBRA ON REDS–Why you lying, bolt-on-chrome, rat-out-to-the-cops, .22-caliber-carrying, wetback-supporting; sorry, guest amnesty undocumented wetback; wad of vermin dung. I’ve never been to Miami in my entire life. I’ve never even been to Florida. I don’t even know where Florida is. Hell, I don’t even know my own real name.

The reason you don’t see me in Bikernet is because the conservative Christian ownership– namely, Bandit’s grandmother– banned me from its yellow pages, just like Hot Bike, Street Chopper, Bike Works, and Better Homes & Gardens. They say I “incite anxiety in the readership” and that I might “reduce subscription rates with my untoward accusations regarding law enforcement, Car People and the mainstream readership”. I don’t know what they’re talking about.

I’ve never even heard of those magazines much less penned a cake recipe for them.

TRIVIA

Did you know that Keith “Bandit” Ball once logged over 40 yards, non-stop, on his FXR Girlyman Custom Tricycle, riding from the head to his 1959 Panhead-powered refrigerator for a beer?

–Z

MOTORCYCLE RED SHIRT GANG TAKES OVER MAUI–Just got back from Maui, was there for 5 days, rode all over the island, first time to ride on Maui. What a great island to ride, had a great time with the club. Wish you were there…….

I should have taken more pictures, but you know how that goes, always on the run…next time

–Chris & Joerline

ROLLIN’ SIXES OFFERS TO PAINT ASSALT WEAPAN– Jerry and I have been working with Joey Finz a custom pinstriper artist. If you haven’t seen his work it’s very good he did some valve covers for Jerry’s ’31 Ford. I’ll send you some pics so you can check them out.

Any way we were going to see if you need any lettering logos or what ever illustrations you may need done on your 5-Ball race equipment, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Later…
–Ellis
rollinsixescustomchoppers@yahoo.com

Of course we do and thanks. Send Finz over. By the time he finishes pinstriping our tool boxes and the building the bike parts will be ready. We’ll be in touch–Bandit

BIKERNET JOINS THE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS–We are pleased to advise that you have been added as a Registered User to Patriot Guard Riders. Please read the following information carefully and be sure to save this message in a safe location for future reference.

Portal Website Address: www.patriotguard.org

Please take the opportunity to visit the website to review its content.Thank you, we appreciate your support…

–Patriot Guard Riders

ROLLING THUNDER 2007 REPORT COMING TO BIKERNET–I rode in Rolling Thunder on Sunday, 5/27. It was the 20th anniversary of RT and the turnout was huge. I haven’t heard any official reports yet, but suffice it to say there were tens of thousands, if not over 100,000 bikes in the run from the Pentagon, across Memorial Bridge, down Constitution, around at the Capitol and then back up Independence to circle the National Mall. Two bikes ran abreast for over two hours.

Folks were on both sides of the line of bikes cheering and showing their support for the troops. I actually don’t remember seeing a single protester on the route. Everyone was showing their support and patriotism, and it was really a special ride. I can’t think of a better way to show our support for the troops, past and present, or to give you the opportunity to understand what Memorial Day is all about.

We were lucky enough to get special positioning as a veteran’s motorcycle club and left the Pentagon parking lot about 20 minutes after the first bikes began to roll out. We completed the ride, made our way out I-66 west and eventually back to our rally point at the Marriott in Alexandria, arriving a few minutes after 1:00 PM. I called a buddy who was in the general public part of the ride and he was still sitting in the Pentagon parking lot and hadn’t even fired up his bike yet.

I plan to write an article about participating in the ride for the first time, but in the meantime here’s a couple of pictures to whet your appetite.

–Chuck
criddle123@earthlink.net

We look forward to it, Chuck.–Bandit

JUNE DATES TO REMEMBER: JUNE 4TH THROUGH JUNE 9TH, AMERICADE; THURSDAY JUNE 14TH, FLAG DAY AND SUNDAY JUNE 17TH, FATHER’S DAY–Whitehorse press has what Dad’s want:Running with the DevilNew Undercover Action Book.

The infamous Sonny Barger once declared that the Hells Angels would never be infiltrated. Running with the Devil tells the story of the ATF sting and the two undercover agents who risked their lives to prove him wrong. For two years they posed as members of a Mexican renegade motorcycle club, earning the trust and respect of the notorious Arizona Hells Angels. Their work led to the shocking 2003 bust in which ATF agents arrested fifty people and seized 650 guns, 30,000 rounds of ammunition, and more than 100 explosive items. $24.95.

FACTS TO PONDER–(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000

(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000

(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.

Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health Human Services.

Now think about this:

Guns:

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000.
(Yes, that’s 80 million..)

(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.

(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is.000188

Statistics courtesy of the FBI

So, statistically, doctors are approximately9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.Remember, “Guns don’t kill people, doctors do.”

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN,BUTALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.Please alert your friends to this alarming threat. We must ban doctors before this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

Out of concern for the public at large,We have withheld the statistics onlawyers,for fear the shock would cause people to panic and seek medical attention!

–from Mothergoose

BIKERNET WRITES TIME MAGAZINE AND THEY RESPONDED–Hey Gloria, I have a problem with our media, not just Time. Daily I’m forced to hear criticism regarding the Iraq conflict and the fact that 3,400 have died in four years. They hammer these soldiers constantly (how must that make them feel?), but 150,000 die each year, that’s 600,000 innocent folks died in the last four years from hospital infections. We don’t hammer doctors daily in the news, why not? Over 44,000 innocent folks die a year in automobile accidents, that’s 176,000 over the last four years on our highways. Finally 17,000 people are murdered every year in this country, for a total of 68,000 Americans killed in the last four years. Why isn’t that number updated daily and question drilled at law enforcement officials constantly. Do we want to save lives, do we want to curb terrorism, do we want to stabilize Iraq, what’s the priority?

Thanks for your time,
–K. Randall Ball
President
Bikernet.com
Bandit@Bikernet.com

COME TO THE REUNION!–JUNE 1-3 2007Late Registration Open until MAY 25th!PRE-REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.But, don’t worry, you can still purchase a complete package when you get to the Reunion in Helen.
$45 per person – $80 per couple
Call Toll Free 888-374-3371 when you’re ready to pre-register.
Pay by Credit Card, Check or Money Order.

What do you get for your hard earned $$$?1 Event T-Shirt couples get 2 cause we can’t expect them to share
Entry into Friday and Saturday Night Parties
Choice of either Poker Run or Guided Tour Ride
Guided Rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Raffle Tickets for thousands of dollars worth of door prizes
Event Patch
Bike Show Entry
Bike Games
Vendors – Fun -a chance to roll the dice to win the Victory Motorcycle!
Model to be announced!

What is the Reunion Run?The USRiderNews Reunion Run is held on the bank of the Chattahoochee River in beautiful downtown Helen Georgia and is organized and sponsored by USRiderNews. The staff members and volunteers all work hard to put this party on for you, our readers. The rally attracts upwards of 5 thousand people to this North Georgia town during the weekend. It is designed to be a small party for our readers that’s why we don’t advertise it anywhere else. We don’t put it on the radio or in other magazines. We’re not out to make money with this rally, just meet old friends and make new ones.

What does it cost? You don’t have to pay a dime to attend anything but the party Friday and Saturday nights. Access to the vendors is free! But, if you want the swag and full access, then a measly $35 covers it all! Except your hotel room and we’ve even negotiated discounts on that for you! Call us today to find out if we have any discounted rooms available. 888-347-3

–Rogue

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ASSALT WEAPAN BONNEVILLE BUILD DRAWS RESPONSE–Hey Bandit, just read the article on aerodynamics from Hot Rod magazine. Must be where I got that idea about down force and wind tunnel testing I told you about.

It’s serious shit. Also congrats on your diet(s) They’re a bitch but it’ll be worth it. And just to help out, I had enough Margaritas for us both last weekend.

Ride hard,ride safe,
–Pete(from florida)

NC BAND LOOKING FOR BIKER GIGS–My name is Jamie Wellington from Lumberton, N.C. I play in a band MoJo Mac with 3 others. We are all in out late 40’s and love to jam. My band is well reasoned in rock and roll (Zepplin, Skynard, Cream, ZZ top and more). We have been playing since our teen years.

MoJo Mac has the equipment and talent for a good four hour show. Please E-mail back and let me know what it takes to play in some of your establishments. The band is willing to go to any bar or hangout located in NC, SC, or VA.

If your crowds like rock and roll you will not be disappointed.

Jamie Wellington
jdwell@hotmail.com

WHERE BAKER DRIVETRAIN THROWS STURGIS SUPPORT– Baker Drivetrain has our irons in fires all over Sturgis this year! We’ll be on Lazelle Street, out at the Buffalo Chip, the Broken Spoke, at the Kids and Chrome dinner and charity auction, the Builders Breakfast, down at Grease Monkey Mayhem, and on the Black List. Here’s the who, what, where, when and why!

The Buffalo Chip:

Above the ‘Chip’s partying masses, Baker heisted the burnout pit and dubbed it The Baker Burnout Box!!! We then we put tall torches on it for a spectacle of burning flames and burning rubber. We’ll be raisin’ hell in the middle of this staple American motorcycling destination. So follow the smell of melted rubber, ride your bike on up the ramp and show everyone at this historic Sturgis location what you’re made of! You won’t miss it: it’ll be the only burn-out box in Sturgis to sit high in the sky, surrounded by flaming torches and clouds of sweet, hot, burned up tires. Fill your lungs with scorched glory!

The Broken Spoke:

Baker is always so proud to back Jay Allen and the Broken Spoke, in all locations. This year in Sturgis is no different. We couldn’t be more proud to lend our support to Jay and the largest bar in Sturgis: the Broken Spoke, as he pushes forward helping Sturgis to grow bigger and better every year.

Kids and Chrome:

Baker will be working with the Children’s Home Society, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, and Nick Genender from New York City Choppers in an effort to raise funds for these deserving causes. Mr. Genender and the fellas over at NYC Choppers will be building a custom motorcycle for the 2007 Kids and Chrome Raffle. Baker Drivetrain was more than happy to donate one of our 6-Speed, Right Side Drive Transmissions to this project.

We will also be donating our new Function-Formed King Kong Klutch for the auction to take place at the event, scheduled to be held Wednesday August 8th, 2007 at the Spearfish Convention Center. We hold this event near and dear to our hearts. Lisa and Bert Baker see no more deserving or worthy causes than that of a home for children in need, and a place dedicated to our American motorcycling heritage. For more info check out: http://www.kidsandchrome.com/

Builders Breakfast:

Baker Drivetrain is joining forces with the Builders Breakfast this year at the Broken Spoke on Lazelle St. in Sturgis. This event, scheduled to take place the morning of Tuesday August 7th, 2007, is always a big draw for fans of the art of bike building and designing. Baker will assist the Builders Breakfast in their goal of raising funds for Make-A- Wish Foundation, South Dakota at the 2nd Annual Breakfast. For more info, check out: www.choppersinc.com.

Grease Monkey Mayhem:

These builders are all together in one location to celebrate the art of bike building, unity among builders, and to have a good time – and Baker Drivetrain wouldn’t miss out on this party for the world! We’re looking forward to checking out the builders all camped out in the Grease Monkey lot during Sturgis this year, and lending our support to these guys who love Baker transmissions almost as much as we do!

Rupert’s Ride for Kids:

We all know Rupert from his time on the ole’ t.v. as the winner of the show “Survivor”, but did you know that he has a passion for charity and a love for motorcycles? Well he does, and in Sturgis he is hosting a day long ride with food and entertainment at the end, all for a good cause: children in need. We support Rupert in his efforts in Sturgis, and hope everyone finds the time to join in the fun for a worthwhile cause.

The Black List:

Aw man, we’ve done it this time! Scout and Trish are always trying to make Baker Drivetrain just a little more punk rock, and we couldn’t be missing out on a bitchin’ opportunity like this! The Black List is, in its own words “A ground-breaking entertainment and events platform bringing a high-octane mix of customs, extreme sports, art and music designed to redefine and revolutionize rally entertainment”. We see it as a good f*ckin’ time! In hopes of a bike venue that caters toward a more youthful culture, we’ve been waiting for something that is more suited to BAKER’s Creative Department, and has elements of basically all things rad. This is it. We’ll be there tearin’ it up, and even giving away a transmission on stage where all this takes place: the Full Throttle Saloon. http://www.fullthrottlesaloon.com/black_list.php

LAZELLE STREET

And what would Sturgis be without Baker Drivetrain set up in our usual spot, in the corner of the Samson Lot, where 5th and Lazelle come together? Stop by, pick up one of our scandalous Baker 2007 Calendars, a catalog and some stickers and talk with us about all things Drivetrain. Our booth will be full of the guys who build and sell these trannys every day. We’ll also have lots of our new innovations, including the members of the Function-Formed family of products there, for you to see first-hand and drool over.

So, think Sturgis is ready for us?!

For additional information, visit www.bakerdrivetrain.com, or call BAKER Drivetrain at the number above and ask for Scout or Trish in the Marketing Department

TONGLET EARNS FOURTH DESTROYER WIN OF THE SCREAMIN’ EAGLE AHDRA CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON–COMMERCE, Ga. (May 28, 2007) – L.E. Tonglet has earned the Destroyer category win at four of the first five events of the Screamin’ Eagle championship AHDRA season. Not bad for a guy who won just one race in the same category in 2006.

Tonglet snagged his fourth Destroyer victory of the season by beating Ronnie Fensick Sunday in the final round at the Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Tonglet turned in a 9.343-second pass at 136.57 mph to beat Fensick’s 9.426 at 137.93 in Fensick’s first final round appearance of the season.

Tonglet also was the top qualifier (9.195) followed by Wanda Poff (9.337) and Fensick (9.346) to round out the top three.

Tak Shigematsu equaled his win total in Nitro Top Fuel racing from 2006 with his victory over Doug Vancil. The Ehime, Japan native rode his Don Johnson Racing Harley-Davidson to the victory in his first final round appearance of the season. Shigematsu recorded a 6.752 at 178.76, topping Vancil’s 11.341 at 74.52 on his Vance & Hines Motorsports Harley-Davidson.

Jay Turner was the No. 1 qualifier in the Nitro Top Fuel category after turning in a 6.498 while Steve Stordeur was second (6.559) and Joey Sternotti was third (6.578). Shigematsu and Vancil were fifth and eighth, respectively.

Greg Best beat Chip Sutinen for the Screamin’ Eagle Performance (SEP) victory on Sunday. Best earned his second win in as many final rounds with an 11.650 to top Sutinen’s 11.450.

Joey Talbott earned his first win in his second final round appearance of the year in the ET category. Talbott recorded an 11.633 to beat Roberta Seaman, who fouled at the starting line. The next AHDRA event is the Roeder Harley-Davidson Buckeye Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio on June 9-10.

LEATHER SEATS FROM ENVY–Three seat pan styles available, seven patterns all for a low $499 apiece. Watch for shots of the Streetwalker by Envy wild exhaust systems. They keep 500 in stock, so if you order, they’re shipped pronto. Also, watch for an Envy bike to be featured tomorrow with more of their seats and exhaust systems.

The bike will soon be featured in Easyriders so keep your eye on the newsstands.

MOTORCYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECONVENES–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to announce that theFederalHighway Administration’s (FHWA) Motorcycle Advisory Committee (MAC) heldits secondmeeting in Washington DC recently. As outlined in the legislation thatthe MRF wasinstrumental in developing and passing through Congress, the MAC’s purposeis toprovide advice to the Secretary of Transportation, through the FHWA, on allinfrastructure issues and how they affect motorcycles.

The Council iscomprised of10 individuals representing all different facets of the motorcyclingcommunityincluding the MRF, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), The NationalAssociation of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA), StateDepartment ofTransportation (DOT) officials and “road furniture” safety engineers. “Roadfurniture” refers to anything on the road other than the actual road – sosignage,guard rails, bridges, light posts, striping, lane markers, etc. would beconsidered”road furniture.” The best part is that ALL of the MAC members must beriders.

MACcovered a lot of ground over the two-day meeting, and all of the meetingminutes,recommendations and action items will be available soon on the MAC website athttp://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/mac/index.htm.

A lot of the meeting was spent on retro-reflectivity of pavement markings,which isessentially the brightness of the markings when headlights light them up.Apparently with materials currently used for pavement markings, when youincreaseslip resistance you decrease the level of retro-reflectivity. Thisfundamental issueputs motorcycling directly at odds with pavement markings the way they arethoughtof today. In the safety community brighter is better, and very littlethought hasgone into slip resistance except with pedestrian markings. For years,both publicand private highway designers have forgotten to consider the smallsignature oftwo-wheeled vehicles. MAC was designed to change that mentality, and as aMACmember who has attended both meetings on your behalf, I can tell you witheveryconfidence that is about to change.

Another issue discussed a lot was the cable barriers across the countrythat arecommonly referred to as “bologna slicers” or “cheese slicers.” I have totell youthat the state DOT folks and safety engineers do not agree withmotorcyclists onthis one. Obviously all types of barriers are bad, and when roadsidedepartureoccurs, things go from bad to worse in a fraction of second. Anything youstrikewith your bike, car or body is going to be a serious factor in the crash.

Otherpotential hazards include signposts, telephone and utility poles, firehydrants, oranything else commonly found occupying space on the side of the road.According tothe engineers, there is no proof that concrete barriers are less deadlythan cablebarriers; in fact, they claim that the opposite is true. With the use ofcablebarriers in the state of Texas last year, they went from 54 deaths fromvehiclescrossing the median or double yellow line down to 2. With results like that,motorcyclists will have a tough time declaring cable barriers unsafe atany speed.

Cable barriers came from Europe, like a lot of things these days, and areundergoingmany safety upgrades across the pond. Retrofitting wood, plastic and/ornylon tothe cable barriers may decrease the chances of the rider being, for lackof a moreglamorous term, sliced in half.

The MRF and its SMRO partners envisioned and helped create this MotorcycleAdvisoryCommittee to bring the issues and concerns of motorcyclists to the peoplewho designthe roads we use. As you can see, the MAC is accomplishing exactly thatgoal.

Ride Free and Ride Often

–Jeff Hennie

MORE WILD REPORTS COMING FROM PAUL GARSON–Ya got love the Mini- Peterbilt the Ed Built – very cool daily driver.

Dale Walksler and Indian on which he Barber Museum Race of the Century

Just completed “Akira” bike…a runner…for rap video..and I was there…but notRapping

–Paul Garson

SCOTT JACOBS DEAL OF THE WEEK–A rare and important original acrylic painting is up for sale from the artist’s private collection. SPLITTING IMAGE is that painting and was created during the period that Mr. Jacobs was the official artist for Chevrolet’s Fine Art Program.

The opportunity to collect an original of this magnitude comes along once in a blue moon. This is the actual original that the limited edition: “Splitting Image” was produced from and hence became the most successful and recognized print of the entire Corvette line.

The original painting measures a magnificent 40″ x 50″ and was completed over ten years ago. This one of a kind was also the LAST mid-year Corvette painting rendered by Scott Jacobs.

The logical place, financially speaking, to offer this work would be at auction but Scott’s wish is for one of his loyal collectors to acquire and enjoy it. He also would like to know where it is and be able to access the work for possible future museum exhibitions. If you are at all interested in the painting (see visual below) please contact me to discuss or email any questions you may have.

Cheers,
–Ron Copple
Scott Jacobs Studio
303-431-4453
www.scottjacobsstudio.com

BACK STREET HEROS CHECKS IN–All received safe and sound, and Scooter has been abig help with SALT SHAKER pics from the salt flats. I think thefeature will be scheduled in for the issue after theone we’re working on.

I would have liked to have gotit in sooner but we’re in the great/frustratingposition of having so much damn material at the momentthat we could do with an extra fifty pages a month.

It’s crazy, I’ve been doing this job for twelve or soyears, and I’ve never known a year like the last onein the UK – we’ve been innundated with both featurebikes and events stuff. Guess it’s all good forbusiness!

How are things over there? I had a mysterious emailfrom Mr Reed saying he’s not working for CCI any more.I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s trying to persuade meto go to Disneyland rather than the Las Vegas BikeFest. I suspect I wouldn’t notice the differenceanyway…

–Blue

CHRIS CARR IS A SPEED FREAK – ON BIKERNET TV– Chris Carr is the fastest Motorcycle Racer in the World. His boss, Denis Manning, a 2006 inductee in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, is the designer, builder, and owner of the BUB #7 streamliner.

Carr talks with Thunder Bob on Bikernet TV about his World Record of 350.885 MPH. Don’t miss it, you can almost feel the heat and smell the salt. Check it out here.

–Jeff Najar
Director
Bikernet TV Network
jeff@horsepowermarketing.com

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

Let me plant a seed. We talk of honesty, dedication and integrity, but our current stock market corporate structure sends the opposite message. If you want to scale the corporate ladder, what’s important? Quarterly reports demonstrating increased profits, lower costs, positive PR and increased stock values do the trick, no matter what. Screw the competition, steal ideas and products from others, throw dedicated employees away to cut costs and pile more work on existing employees.

At the end of the day it comes down to the bottom line. Did the value of the company grow? What’s that mean? The stock price went up and the guys at the top can tell their pals, over a drink and the club, “I’m worth another million today. The stockholders love me.”

It’s sad, but it also says a lot for the small business where veracity and dedication still matter. At the end of the day the team is everything and they expect honor and truthfulness from the owners. We need to keep the faith. In so many respects, all the material bullshit in the world is just that without honor. Let’s hit the news, then I’ll point out some strong examples of commitment and enthusiasm in our industry:

MAZAK ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF G2 MOTORSPORTS’ NHRA PRO STOCK DRAG RACING MOTORCYCLE–(FLORENCE, KENTUCKY) – Mazak Corporation announces its supporting sponsorship of the G2 Motorsports (Americus, GA) Chip Ellis/DRAG Specialties/S&S Cycle S&S-powered Buell drag-racing motorcycle.

Driven by Ellis, the bike competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock series as well as the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA).

“We are specially pleased to have Mazak join as a supporting sponsor for the Chip Ellis/DRAG Specialties/S&S Cycle team,” says George Smith, co-owner of G2 Motorsports. “The Pro Stock motor that we campaign in the NHRA would not be possible without Mazak’s fine-quality machine tools.”

Smith co-founded G2 Motorsports along with partner George Bryce in 2003 to campaign the race bike. The company has evolved since then to include selling between $3 million and $4 million in turnkey racing motorcycles, racing engines and support parts to drag-racing enthusiasts

G2’s racing engines – the ones it races as well as the ones it sells – are manufactured by S & S Cycle, which operates plants in Viola and La Crosse, WI. S&S was founded by Smith’s parents, George and Marjorie Smith, in 1958, and now is the world’s most respected manufacturer of high-performance engines and components for American air-cooled Harley-style V-Twin motorcycle engines.

SUCKER PUNCH SALLY’S SUPPORT THE TROOPS AT 29 PALMS–Sucker Punch Sally’s crew was invited to attend a gathering for returing Iraq veterans at the base in 29 Palms. The base organizes these encounters for the troops on a regular basis, usually inviting celebs, but there was a demand for SPS builders Donnie and Mike. Christian, the new owner said, “We’ll do one better. We’ll bring out a rig full of our bikes, both builders and our Sucker Punch girls.” They went to work and we’ll bring you a complete report shortly.

“I haveattached a pic of a marine and his lady who read aboutSPS being at 29 Palms on Bikernet and drove from SanDiego to see us…what an honor,” said Ken Conte, SPS PR manager. “You can’t believe theStories. I was humbled to be in their presence…alsogot a marine haircut at the local barber (makes goodTV and they bet me $100).”

ALL NEW BIKERNET HEALTH CARE PLAN–A wealthy hospital benefactor was being shown around the hospital.During her tour she passed a room where a male patient was masturbatingfuriously.

“Oh my GOD!” screamed the woman. “That’s disgraceful! Why is he doing that?”

The doctor who was leading the tour calmly explained, “I’m very sorry thatyou were exposed to that, but this man has a serious condition where histesticles rapidly fill with semen, and if he doesn’t do that at least fivetimes a day, he’ll be in extreme pain and his testicles could easilyrupture.”

“Oh, well in that case, I guess it’s okay,” said the woman.

As they passed by the very next room, they saw a male patient laying in bedwhile a nurse performed oral sex on him. Again, the woman screamed, “Oh myGOD! How can THAT be justified? Again the doctor spoke very calmly: “Same illness, better health plan.”

–from Bogart

IMPORTANT UPDATE AND BDL PRODUCT CHANGE–BDL items EVO-900 series 3-inch belt drives, with outboard support, EVO-3000 out board support retro fit kit and TF-2000 have been changed. We have eliminated the front pulley and engine shaft support and front bearing off the outboard support.

This change was due to too many aftermarket components that come on a special construction motorcycles. We find that several of these components do not allow proper alignment of the entire motorcycle.

Outboard supports were intended to keep the engine and rear transmission shafts from moving excessively. Improper alignment causes unusual wear and pre-mature failure of the sealed bearings.

By supporting only the rear shaft we have eliminated any potential problems mis-alignment may cause.

Thank you,

–Bob G.
BDL

BIKERNET EXCLUSIVE, BAKER’S NEW FILL SPOUT–Thanks forstaying on top of BAKER stuff! Nobody else has this release yet. That’swhat you get for askin’…first dibs. That’s why Bikernet is so good.

Thanks again!
–//Scout
scout@bakerdrivetrain.com>

A SHOUT OUT FOR THE NEW BAKER SPOUT–HASLETT, MIHere at BAKER we’ve run into problems with that big, honkin’ stock oil spout hanging off of the side of an FL. With the way we test ride our bikes, or even ride daily, we blow the stock caps right off. In addition, we often have to engineer around this excessively large contraption in a fight for clearance as we innovate our drivetrain components, thus compromising our innovation. The fasteners rust. Oh, and we think it can be prettier.

So on the side, we easily created our new Function-Formed (FF) FL Oil Spout which remedies our woes. We’re happy with this little bugger and we now include it standard on all FL transmission assemblies that we sell. It includes stainless steel fasteners and polished stainless steel hard lines for the Twin Cam version.

You won’t blow the cap off when you throttle down. Your fasteners won’t rust. You will look custom, cool and upgraded. You’ll fit all aftermarket side covers.

The FF FL Oil Spout will fit 1993-1998 Evo FL and 1999-2006 Twin Cam FL applications. The spout is available in polished, chrome, or black anodized finishes. The dipstick is in polished or chrome. Your line options are stainless steel or braided stainless.

See more on this innovation online at the bottom of this page: www.bakerdrivetrain.com/flt

For additional information, call BAKER Drivetrain at the number above and ask the sales department anything!

ESTOK RIDES BUELL TO VICTORY AT ASRA THUNDERBIKE NATIONAL–SUMMIT POINT, W.V. (May 28, 2007) – Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing’s David Estok made a dramatic last-lap pass of Hal’s H-D/Buell Hal’s Speed Shop’s Dan Bilansky to win the third round of the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Pro Thunderbike series at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Both riders were aboard Buell Firebolt XB12R motorcycles.

“I couldn’t be more happy with this win,” said Estok. “I’ve never won a pro race at this track and it’s been really frustrating for me. The Deeley team put a great Buell under me today and I was able to find a way to pass Dan one more time before the finish.”

To take the win, Estok first had to recover from a bad start in the 10-lap Thunderbike National that put him back in the pack while Bilansky, the defending ASRA Thunderbike champion, took the early lead. Estok caught Bilansky on lap four, and the pair of Buell riders then traded the lead position for the next six laps, racing side-by-side as neither was able to gain a significant advantage. On the final lap, Estok passed Bilansky for the lead and was able to open a gap of about four bike lengths as he recorded his best Thunderbike lap time of the weekend. Estok took the win by just 0.211 seconds. Arnold Hastings finished third aboard a Suzuki SV, followed by Buell riders Joe Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop) and Sam Rozynski (Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop).

H-D/Buell of Frederick rider Bryan Bemisderfer earned the pole for the Thunderbike National with a lap time of 1:18.359 on the two-mile Summit Point road course, but did not start the race after his motorcycle developed a mechanical problem during Monday morning practice. Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing rider Darren James, second in Thunderbike points coming into the Summit Point event, dropped out after two laps with a mechanical problem.

After three of eight ASRA Pro Thunderbike rounds, Bilansky has 88 points to lead the series, followed by Estok with 82.

In Championship Cup Series (CCS) sprint racing on Sunday, Art Diaz rode a Buell Firebolt XB12R to win the GT Lights Expert class, while Bemisderfer, Estok and James swept the podium in the Thunderbike Expert class. On Monday, Diaz rode his Buell to victory in the CCS Lightweight Superbike Expert class.

The next event on the eight-race 2007 ASRA Pro Thunderbike series schedule is the VIR Festival of Speed, June 23-24 at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Va.

For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.

PRO-CLUTCHFITS 2006-UP DYNA MODELS & 2007 TWIN CAM BIG TWINS–As you know, Harley has made some major changes on the 2006 Dyna models as well as on the 2007 Twin Cam Big Twins. Besides having 6-speed transmissions, they have changed mainshaft & sprocket shaft configurations. RIVERA PRIMO has kept abreast & now introduces the latest addition to the world famous PRO-CLUTCH line . . . part number 1056-0020, a complete clutch assembly for these bikes.

As with the earlier version, this new model increases clutch area yet it provides effortless hand control at the lever. Installation is easy following the step-by-step instructions.

Complete kit includes steel inner & aluminum outer clutch hubs, bearings, snap rings, clutch pack consisting of seven Kevlar friction plates, seven steel drive plates, one .120″ thick steel drive plate for the rear of the new hub, billet aluminum pressure plate, silver competition diaphragm spring, retainer, retainer nuts and a clutch hub nut & seal kit with adjusting screw.

–RIVERA PRIMO INC.
12450 Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, California 90602
Tel: 562-907-2600
Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY LESSON–156 years ago–a true history of California.Do you know what happened this week back in 1850, 156 years ago?

California became a state.
The State had no electricity.
The State had no money.
Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
There were gunfights in the streets.

So basically, it was just like California is today,except the women had real breasts and the men didn’t hold hands.

–from Rodan

WIN A CUSTOM THUNDER SADDLE OF YOUR TATTOO!–WIN a custom Thunder Saddle each month. These saddles are the most exclusive saddles and most comfortable saddles every made. They are very cool because each saddle represents your tattoo.

The Tattoo Contest

BANDIT of Bikernet will pick the best looking tattoo of the month and we will make a custom Thunder Saddle with the Tattoo embossed on the saddle. Each saddle comes equipped with Saddlemen’s Saddle Gel. Saddle Gel makes an incredibly comfortable seat and allows you to stay on your motorcycle for longer periods of enjoyable riding.

How to Enter the Thunder Saddle Contest

Entering is easy. Just send an email to: tat@horsepowermarketing.com with your:

? Name
? Telephone number
? Picture of you and your tattoo
? Year and model of motorcycle

It’s just that easy. Send a picture of yourself sporting your favorite tattoo and you could be riding around with it on your motorcycle. It is your exclusive seat that is a show stopper and conversation piece wherever you stop.

For more details and rules clicking here.

–Jeff Najar
Horsepower Marketing
jeff@horsepowermarketing.com
O: 919-383-0500
M: 928-814-2935

BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN READER, RAY RUSSELL DEVELOPS USEABLE COAL-TO-LIQUID TECHNOLOGY–A project that has taken more than two years to develop came to commercial fruition this month with the announcement that a new coal-to-liquid plant will process coal into diesel fuel.

This announcement was made by Ray Russell, Principal of Victorian-based Company Coal Gas & Liquids Pty Ltd. Coal Gas & Liquids Pty Ltd (CGL) Coal to Liquids Technology produces a coal-base fuel that can be used directly in today’s vehicles, with no need for modification.

A pilot plant was built late 2005 and then trial of various coals proceeded with the result being a diesel fuel that has low sulphur and virtually no aromatics plus NOx and CO that more than comply with EPA emission regulations.

Scale-up engineering drawings are being prepared for the first commercialised plant which is expected to be commissioned first quarter 2008. The plant is designed to process 25 tonnes of coal per hour with an approximate yield of 12,000 litres per 25 tonnes.

Tightening oil markets and record high prices have brought oil vulnerability back into focus. CGL’s Coal to Liquids Technology has emerged as the perfect solution as it would reduce the dependence on energy imports and also cuts down the reliance of countries on oil, thus reducing vulnerabilities in national security.

Meetings with numerous Australian coal mining companies has resulted in a positive response wherein they have identified that by utilising their own non commercial coal in conjunction with CGL’s Coal to Liquids Technology they are able to be totally self sufficient by way of producing their own diesel fuel for their mining vehicles, subsequently saving millions of dollars per annum.

–Lane O’Donoghue
Marketing Manager

WHO IS BARACK OBAMA, WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR AMERICA?– We Should know more about our presidential candidates?

Probable U. S. presidential candidate, BarackHussein Obama was born inHonolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black Muslim from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white atheist from Wichita,Kansas.

Obama’s parents met at the University of Hawaii.When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya.

His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a radicalMuslim From Indonesia. When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia. Obama attended a Muslim school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school.

Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He Is quick to point out that, “He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school.”

Obama’s political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama’s introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best.

In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya Soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son’s education.

Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam.Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta. Wahabism is the radical teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world.

Since it is politically expedient to be a Christian whenseeking Major public office in the United States, BarackHussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background.

Let us all remain alert concerning Obama’s expectedpresidential candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan ondestroying the US from the inside out, what betterway to start than at the highest level……………..Think about it….

Highwayman pointed out that this may be slanted and sent us a link to an Obama site. “Here’s a link to the Wikipedia story line on Barack,” Highwayman said. “Check it out. I’m no Barack fan myself (I generally vote conservative), but at the same time it’s important we tell the truth about someone.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama#Early_life_and_career

DON’T MISS CHAPTER TWO, THREE AND FOUR OF THE NEWS–Here’s a tease: BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–CHRIS CARR ON BIKERNET TV, BACK STREET HERO CHECKS IN, SCOTT JACOBS DEAL OF THE WEEK, WILD REPORT FROM PAUL GARSON, MRF ANNOUNCEMENT, LEATHER SEATS FROM ENVY CYCLES, BAKER IN STURGIS AND ASSALT WEAPAN ADVICE.

Continued On Page 2

With so many fly-by-night operations around these days, it is great to see an original chopper builder still rockin’ 30 years later. It’s not hard to see why he’s flourished in today’s environment, once you speak with Arlin Fatland, owner and founder of 2-Wheelers motorcycle shops in Denver, Sturgis, and Daytona. He’s a mad man, who loves choppers as much as he loves beer. He’s the godfather of Hamster shop owners all over the country. You name it, he’s done it and enjoyed everyday.

Building bikes for a living is not about money. It’s about the rush a man receives when that bikes fires for the first time. It’s about unwrapping that new paint job or a Duanne Ballard seat. It’s creativity personified. It’s that buzz in the seat of his pants when he finished welding the perfect sissy bar, or that bracket he handmade and machined fits. It’s the crowning achievement of having that project bike glisten under a saloon’s neon lights for the first time, tinkling as the engine cools. All the money in the world won’t buy any man that sensation of achievement and honor.

Two-Wheelers was founded in 1970 in Denver, a time when choppers weren’t mainstream at all. Arlin, at 28, built his shop outta fist fights, running from the law, wars with citizens and beer cans. Bikers weren’t even considered acceptable in the ‘70s. When he opened, the chopper culture wasn’t embraced like today. The folks in the ghetto neighborhood tried to run the dirty bikers out. “One day I opened a package and found five sticks of dynamite,” Arlin said. “I’m still serving customers who shot at me in the ‘70s.” There were many nights when Arlin and his staff stood armed, at watched until dawn, to make sure 2-Wheelers was standing in the morning.

Those were the days when 2-Wheelers was closed on Sundays and Mondays, so the clan could ride. Those were the days of dodging cops and mad citizens, fighting other young punks and building the two wheeled creations from the ground up and testing them against mile-high asphalt at 90 mph. Those were the days when the only way you were getting in after-hours was with a bottle of Jack, a gun, or a hot broad.

Real old-time bike shops, the few left standing, exude coolness. When you walk into 2-Wheelers these days, you can tell it’s been there over 30 years from the surrounding history. You get the sense that whatever you need, they have or know where to get it…I know, when I can’t find a part in my area, 2-Wheelers has it. So, I ride down to the city, experience the vibe, and get the part no one else has in stock.

They have such an experienced staff that when you ask for a part they can help you whether it’s a stock Harley peice or a custom component for a project. They’ve worked on every style and model built for 36 years. Arlin has also built virtually every style from bobbers, his favorite, to late ‘70s Arlen Ness Pencil Sharpener Sportsters. “They handled like a wheel barrow fulla wet concrete,” Arlin said, “but that was the style at the time and we rode ‘em everywhere.” The guys at 2-Wheelers are real bikers who know their shit, a fact evident in their constant project builds. You can find everything from a Sporty bobber to a classic Knucklehead chop, all meticulously assembled and fabricated to match the style of the era, and all meant to be ridden hard. “I like to demonstrate what’s possible to younger riders,” Arlin said. “We support all the local shows and take up to 12 rollers as examples of what a young guy can build on a limited budget.”

Arlin is working with with the Easyriders crew to support the growth of the Denvers Easyriders show in April. “I hauled 20 bikes to the show last year,” Arlin said. “They’re leased a new venue for this year and we’ll pass out fliers all year long. I even recommended a local biker band for entertainment, the Brethren ‘n Fast.” The population of Denver is now 3 million and he believes the show should rock like Donnie Smith’s in Minneapolis, with enough support from locals.

Arlin said that back in the '70s it was hard to find custom parts, and if he truly wanted a unique chopper, he had to fabricate many components from scratch. Being at the top of the motorcycle industry has its advantages because he gets to see trends come and go, then resurface. Not being one to follow trends, Arlin has always tried to learn something new in each build he does, and if you look at his bikes over the years you will notice they have only one thing in common, attention to detail. He builds what he feels will have longevity in a business that changes everyday, and although he notices what is going on around him, he, like many other top builders who have been in the business, keeps building bikes that are timeless yet innovative. It’s kind of like Rock n’ Roll, it never dies, it just keeps getting appreciated by more and more people.

In 1973, while staggering around City Park in Sturgis, Arlin noticed that no shops existed to help guys with parts and service. He bought a building in Downtown Sturgis and for years it serviced all the Harley riders who rode to the Black Hills Rally. At the time riders needed parts, oil and tires. He discovered similer services lacking in Daytona and two years later opened 2-Wheelers in Daytona and of course he now rolls into Florida for Biketoberfest.

Today Arlin tries to focus on providing parts and services to his customers at an affordable price and doesn’t pay much attention to wide tires and bling. His goal is to open the creative chopper door to everyone. “Young guys want to build old school bikes,” Arlin said, “so I try to provide frames starting at just $900 and rollers to give them the basic platform at affordable prices.” He believes the younger crowd is the future of chopper building.

“It’s all stemmed from what’s in my blood,” Arlin said. He caters to everyone by having a huge selection of parts and having stuff that no one else has. Being one of the founding members of the infamous Hamsters has its benefits as well, and he has always been part of an elite membership of builders who continue to define the industry and will continue to push the envelope in their unique way.

Hell, the crew at Bikernet is planning a Mudflap Trucker Girl project inspired by Arlin. If you want to get some of your own trucker girls or the quirkiest stuff on the planet for bikes see what 2-Wheelers is all about, visit 2-Wheelers online at www.2wheelersmc.com. Watch for features on Arlin’s classic customs and 2-Wheelers products in the Bikernet news.

Racing on the Streets

It’s our version of Mecca. No other race in the U.S., or even the world, quite matches the experience of seeing the TT in person. Not only is the race action great, but the atmosphere is incredible. It’s you and 100,000 of your best motorcycling friends from around the world, all gathered to celebrate the love of fast motorcycles.

Isle of Man TT Grid Girls… Lovely!

This was the 100th year of the Isle of Man TT races. Except for a few war years, motorcycles have been racing on the island every year since 1907. Back then the roads were rough and unpaved. An Indian won the premier race that year, with an average speed of just 47 mph – a far cry from what’s possible today.

2007 saw a new lap record set. John McGuiness averaged just over 130 mph during the Senior TT on the last day of racing, on a Honda CBR1000RR. Wow!!! Unfortunately there was an accident during the race, leaving one rider and two spectators dead. The island can be a deadly place. The yearly death toll averages more than 2 riders per year.

The TT features several days of racing, with various classes including sidecars. The Superbike-spec 1000s can hit over 200 miles per hour on some sections of the track. The 600s and sidecars are a bit slower, but no less thrilling.

Car Racing at Speed

Locals and visitors watch the races from almost everywhere. Yards, driveways, house windows, schoolyards, gas stations, pubs……. anywhere along the 37 ½ mile course is fair game. It’s sobering to see the various hard surfaces – light posts, walls, gas pumps, houses – along the course that have been covered with hay bales and padding in an attempt to soften the blow for a rider traveling at over 100 mph.

Locals and visitors watch the races from almost everywhere.

When the races are over it’s time to head to the Promenade. The “Prom” is the main street along the bay where the nightly festivities happen. This year you could see a number of stunt shows and contests, as well as dozens of ancient race bikes being started up and ridden by racing legends. Where else can you see and hear a 1938 DKW supercharged 2-stroke race bike being ridden? And there were two of those things!! The sound was amazing, almost as nasty as the shriek from the exhaust of a 1960’s vintage Honda 250 six cylinder racer.

Quite a few racing legends were in attendance this year. Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, and Kevin Schwantz were there, and there was a somewhat odd appearance by Michelle Duff, formerly Mike Duff. Duff was an accomplished Grand Prix and TT racer from the 1960s who later became a transgender. The announcer called her “Mike…er I mean Michelle” a couple of times. I think the audience was equally confused.

Bikes at the Isle of Man

Here in the states we certainly have a huge variety of bikes, in every shape, flavor and color. We have the choppers of course, and chromed out sportbikes with extended swingarms, repli-racers, vintage bikes, etc. And for a completely new take on the meaning of “custom bikes”, look around at the TT.

No trip to the Isle of Man TT races is complete without checking out the German streetfighters. Streetfighters are not exclusive to the Germans, but the Germans do seem to take their bikes to the greatest extremes. Check out the photos, and look at the detail of these bikes. You’ll see turbos, nitrous, bikes with no seat pads, and some with polished aluminum seats. Like your ‘fighter chromed? With flashy paint? Polished aluminum bodywork? Take your choice. Want your bike’s ass end sticking up sky high? How about a 4 into 4 exhaust, with underseat outlets going thru the bodywork? Nothing is too bizarre for the Streetfighter crowd. Function be damned, these are way bitchin’ bikes.

One bike in particular caught our attention. The “General Lee” appeared to be an early 80’s Suzuki, completely done up in full Dukes of Hazard paint scheme. This General Lee probably couldn’t jump very well, but I’ll bet it kicks ass at the dragstrip. The bike’s owner obviously spent a lot of time with the General. Among other things, it has a turbocharger, custom wheels with rim mounted brake discs in front, and an adjustable length swingarm to keep things stable at the strip. Even if you’re not a fan of the 70’s TV show, you have to give props to the guy who built this bike.

Want more weirdness? How about a bobbed Honda Valkyrie, with 6 intake stacks, and 6 into 6 exhausts with the ends pointed up as if to shoot at incoming aircraft? Then there was the Ford V-6 powered rat-trike looking like it came from a post-apocalyptic world, complete with mice, rats and bats.

Sidecar rigs abound at the Isle of Man. A blue Gold Wing had what appeared to be a small car attached to its side. In reality it was a 2 person sidecar with 2 wheels, front and rear, the front wheel being steered with the Gold Wing’s. And though I hate the idea of ruining the handling on a great naked sportbike, there was a gorgeous Aprilia Tuono (the Racing version no less) attached to an equally beautiful carbon fiber sidecar.

The entire atmosphere surrounding the TT races is amazing. With the Isle of Man’s location pretty far north, daylight stays around until 11 pm in the summer. It’s amusing to be at the Bushy’s tent (the local brew) after 10 pm, in full daylight, watching stunters and chatting with an international crowd of mad bikers.

Considering the danger involved with 200 mph bikes in close proximity to rock walls, it’s anyone’s guess how long the Isle of Man races will continue. For years there’s been talk of shutting it down. But as a substantial part of the island’s economy revolves around the annual TT races, the locals are doing everything in their power to keep this party going.

One more time–The Girls of The Isle Of Man.