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Read More March 29, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit |
This is coming to you live from Noosahead Australia, plus I?m working on a new, small, dinky, Dell XPS laptop computer. I?m stumbling and grumbling. Ah, but we?re on the job. Glenn Priddle, Bikernet Correspondent and master seat maker, and I have traveled over 2/3?s of the country from the East coast to the west, judging shows, visiting shops and installing PM Brakes and D&D Exhaust. With Layla at my side, we haven?t finished the mission yet. Another week to go.
By the end of this mission we will bring you event coverage, motorcycles catching fire, bike features from Colt, in Melbourne, bike show coverage from the Sand Drags in Millicent, interviews from little Mick in Brisbane, tech tips from Mike?s Custom Bikes in Noosa. We?ve met the owner of TCB, a small Roth style, old school bike mag, and Doc, roving editor of Heavy Duty magazine, who interviewed me for HD.
Let?s hit the news. My mind is scrambling with thoughts of returning to the States, moving ahead on the Assalt Weapan, Sturgis Plans and more plans for Bikernet. As you will see, we?re launching Bikernet TV.
NEW MOTORCYCLE LAW FIRM–My name is Joe Butch and I’m with MotorcycleInjuryLawFirms.com. Our site is dedicated to informing the public about motorcycle accidents as well as providing the service of locating a motorcycle accident lawyer for anyone in the United States.
We have recently come upon bikernet.com and we believe that your site’s audience will take advantage of the service we provide. That’s why we would like to inform you about our site and to propose submitting our link to your web page located at http://www.bikernet.com/rights/archive.asp?Article=101704
Our site information is:
Title: Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
Description: Find Motorcycle lawyers specializing in motorcycle injuries, motorcycle statistics, motorcycle recal, unmaintained roadways, driver negligence, and motorcycle wrongful death.
We would appreciate it if you could include a link to our site on your web page. Thank you and all the folks at bikernet.com for your time and consideration.
–Joe Butch
Motorcycle Injury Law Firms
100 West Cypress Creek Rd. Suite 1050
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33309
1-800-631-5158 Ext. 225
webmaster@motorcycleinjurylawfirms.com
SIMPLE TEST IS SAD BUT TRUE–Ask, anyone who is teaching them. What the current crop of kids is capable of learning and/or doing? The answer will shock you because … all these kids know is how to take tests that they have been specifically groomed to pass. Their favorite question for their teacher is ” will this be on the test?…. ’cause I don’t care about learning it unless it’s gonna’ be on the test …”
–N.R.
BIKERNET TECH QUESTION– What is the proper way to pressure test a fuel tank for leaks?Please help me out,
–Prezhimself
Eric Presnell
prezhimself@hotmail.com>
BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OF THE WEEK–Sometimes you just have to tell everyone in your way…Suck It!
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
NOMINATION FOR STURGIS FREEDOM FIGHTER HALL OF FAME 2007–My name is Ken ?Barron? Seelig. I would like to formally nominate Gary Sellers from Saint Paris, Ohio for the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Award. Gary has been, and continues to be a shining example of what a freedom fighter should be. Although he didn?t know what to call it at the time; Gary was drawn into motorcyclist rights in the mid sixties; long before organized motorcyclist rights existed. His hometown, Springfield, Ohio had passed a mandatory helmet ordinance; long before Ohio had a helmet law. That coupled with problems that motorcyclists encountered parking their motorcycles in ?car spaces? in his employer?s parking lots. Damage from cars, and theft were daily occurrences. Gary wasn?t successful with either of these issues before he went into the Army in June of 1966. Gary served 14 months in the Army with the 4th Infantry Division.
When he returned to Ohio after his Honorable Discharge; Ohio had a helmet law, and parking problems at work were even worse as his employer International Harvester had increased it?s workforce to over seven thousand employees at the three plants. In 1970 Gary was able to convince the company to establish motorcycle-only parking areas at all their facilities. Over the next thirty-four years; he was able to negotiate, that the motorcycle-only parking areas be not only increased in size, but in numbers as well. The areas were moved next to the employees? entrances; as a reward for the motorcycles fuel efficiency; secured perimeters, and electronically monitored for safety.
In 1974 ABATE was being formed in Ohio, and Gary joined immediately. Shortly after joining; the membership discovered that the two organizers made off with the state membership funds, and ABATE collapsed. I believe it was 1976 ABATE again organized, and Gary joined once more.
Before his retirement from motorcyclist rights on December 31, 2000; Gary held several positions at the County; Region, and State levels for ABATE of Ohio Inc. When he retired from ABATE of Ohio, Inc.; he actually retired from three positions. Chairman of the Board of Directors; Chairman of the Political Action Committee; and Legislative Agent (Lobbyist). He also retired from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation on the same date. Gary had been a past board of directors member for an unexpired term of another individual; then was elected to a full term; and was retained at an Ex-Officio Board Member for six years.
Realizing early on, that riding around the Statehouse on a Sunday afternoon; wasn?t doing us any good and that we needed to work within the system; on their turf. Gary became a Lobbyist for ABATE of Ohio, Inc.
Some of the victories that he was involved with during his tenure with ABATE of Ohio, Inc. were: The Repeal of the helmet law; lobbied for, and legislation passed to place four dollars of every motorcycle registration into a fund to support riders? education; lobbied for, and legislation passed to waive the on bike licensing test if the rider had successfully completed a riders? education class; defeated two helmet bills that were introduced just days apart (1991 & 1992); was able to get the motorcycle language removed from the Tort Reform bill in 1994; Gary with ABATE of Ohio, Inc. were responsible for the ?Applegate Amendment? which removed all of the motorcycle specific language from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.
When the Motorcycle Riders Foundation finally offered individual membership; Gary immediately joined; becoming a Charter Member. Shortly after that, he became the first MRF State Rep for Ohio. Recognized as the top State Rep two years running; he was asked to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Directors. He took that position, and when that term expired; Gary was elected to a full term on the BOD; with his primary responsibilities being all product procurement; design of awards; and managing the Sustaining Membership program. Gary gracefully declined another term on the BOD; but was retained as an Ex-Officio Officer for special projects; and as an advisor to new BOD members for six more years.
Also as a member of the American Motorcyclist Association; he participated in their ?MEMBER GETTER? program from 1986 thru 1992; signing up a significant number of new members. Gary is not a braggart and does not ?recall? that exact number but I am sure it was a significant one. He worked closely with AMA Legislative Affairs Specialists; Chris Kallfelz, and Eric Lundquist over the course of a few years. Chris and Gary were co-presenters of legislative workshop. Eric and Gary gave testimony before the Mayor and city council of Sidney, Ohio, and were successful in over-turning a motorcycle ban that had existed almost twenty years at the Tawawa City Park in Sidney. The Region Director of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. represented ABATE; Eric the AMA, and Gary the MRF.
Gary has provided legislative; riders education and safety; and motorcyclist rights information to marquee clubs for several years; receiving two recognition plaques for services rendered. Although the plaques were not dated; I believe they are from 1991, and 1992.
Noticing a rather large void in the availability of motorcycle riders training in a large four county area; Gary contacted the Ohio Motorcycle Enrichment Program in Columbus, Ohio (now called Motorcycle Ohio); asking if they could support another site with their mobile program if he secured a facility. Their answer was affirmative. As the UAW Safety Chairman at the International Truck and Engine plants in Clark and Champaign Counties; he was able to convince the company to supply the needed range and classroom areas. This agreement continues even today; ten-plus years after the first class was held at this site.
While working as a liaison for OMEP, and International Truck and Engine Corp; the site in Springfield was a springboard to first try, and successfully complete, a two-shift riders? training classes at a mobile site. Another innovation, and a first for the State program was to hold riders training classes for military only personnel.
When the BOD of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. initiated a points award program to promote the incentive to the membership; to become more involved in the goals of the organization; the awards were set at three levels. The levels were at the 30 point; 50 point, and top award being 90 points for the calendar year. Gary was recognized for accumulating 1500 points in the twelve months of the first year of the program?s existence. This record still stands sixteen years later. The following seven years he received the top award of 90+ points each year (The program stopped counting points at 90 and I am sure Gary was way over that number year after year).
In the mid-nineties Gary gave workshops for women riders; educating them on motorcyclist rights; supporting the organizations that support riders (ABATE of Ohio; AMA, and MRF) and the importance of rider safety training and education. Gary was the person responsible for initating the circulation of the petitions that lead to the veterans and handicap license plates for motorcycles here in Ohio as well. Gary lobbied for 9 1/2 years to make the plates available to Ohio bikers. I am proud to say that they are enjoyed today as a result of Gary?s unrelenting pursuit to make it happen.
I again will state for the record that Gary is and has been for the 30+ years I have known him, a perfect example of what freedom fighters should be. He has served motorcyclists without fail every time he is called on. I am proud to not only call him my mentor, friend, and fellow biker, but the title I hold most dear to my heart?.BROTHER. Thank you for your consideration of Gary for this Award. I, and as you can see from the attached letters of recommendation, many others feel he is very soffordphotos@comcast.net deserving of the award.
With Honor & Respect,
–Ken ?Barron?Seelig
ASSALT WEAPAN NOSE ART CONTINUES–I took some time yesterday to take the art a little further. Next I’ll work out the type.
Official Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Artist
–Chris Kallas
HOT NEW BIKES JUST HITTING THE FLOOR LifeStyle Cycles just got some new pre-owned bikes just in time for the weekend. If you see one you like, get into LifeStyle Cycles today and grab it now before someone else does!
CALL TODAY: (714) 490-0155 ________________________________________
2006 HARLEY STREET BOB!ONLY $11,500.00
NEW BIKERNET BIKE FEATURE COMING–I am sending some pictures of a bike I just completed, not sure if it is good enough to go. But take a look anyway. The paint is by Joann Bortles, she did an amazing job.
–Tim Drennen
We?ll work with Tim, as soon as I have my trusty I-Mac in front of me, to bring you a completer Bikernet feature.–Banditwww.classicmotocycles.com
WORLD?S EASIEST SEAT PAN KIT COMING TO BIKERNET–Continuing a tradition of innovation, the engineers of Stampede? parts havedeveloped what they believe is the world?s easiest and quickest custom seatpan kit. The easy-to-work-with, two-part clay epoxy Insta Pan seat pan canbe made in less than an hour, though it allows 2-3 hours of working time,and can be cut and machined similarly to hardwood in about 48 hours.
Stampede? Insta Pan Seat Pan Kits are available for large single seats,double seats or in bulk quantity for builders, allowing them to use only asmuch as they need each time they make a pan. Each kit includes the claymaterial, rolling pipe and rails, clear pattern material, fiberglass matte,protective tape, vinyl gloves and complete instructions to create a seatpan. Best of all, the Insta Pan is made with non-toxic materials that do notrequire a great amount of protective gear and washes off skin with warmsoapy water.
MSRP for one standard to large seat is $145.00 for medium or large seats,and $194.99 for a extra large or double rider seat kit. Contact your localMC Advantages dealer to purchase yours today!
MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based inGrimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantagesdistributes many brands including: S&S? Cycle, Martin Bros.?, Spyke?,Stampede?, Prowler?, Bulletpr?f?, D&M Custom Cycle, Jims?, Dynatek?, DakotaDigital, Wire Plus, Hooker? and many more.
–MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
w.MCAdvantages.com
BIKERNET TV IS ON– The new Bikernet Radio is up. It’s located at www.bikernetshop.com. It includes audio and video. The first Bikernet TV is with Bob Osias and he interviews Dooley of Hard Krome. Please point Bikernet to www.bikernetshop.com. We will no longer use bikernet.com/mediacast -Jeff
BIKERNET WEEKLY ART EXHIBIT?WE DELIVER BIKER CULTURE WEEKLY– This gas station is in Pasadena on Lake St. (if I remember correctly), but it’s a different color and has no signage, or globes on the pumps etc. All of the cars were heavily modified by me (beyond the rods and customs they already were). The guy being strangled is Tony Wood, who is George Barris’ right hand, and a good friend. The other guy is Brian Jones (not the dead Rolling Stone).
This picture is available on my website: www.retrovisions.com
–Larry Grossman
FORGE-TEC MOTORCYCLE WHEELS AND BIG BEAR CHOPPERS JOINS FORCES–Oxnard, CA- Two of the industry?s fastest growing companies have joined forces?Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories and Big Bear Choppers. Forge-Tec Motorcycle, an industry-leading manufacturer of high-end aluminum wheels and blanks supplier to many of the industry?s leading wheel manufacturers announced today that they are now the exclusive wheel manufacturer for Big Bear Choppers. Mark Finnie, GM for Forge-Tec recently paid Big Bear Choppers a visit and was astonished to see the daily operation at Big Bear Choppers. Finnie exclaimed, ?When I met with Kevin and he took me on a tour of his state-of-the-art facility, I knew that we were perfect for each other. I?ve visited most of the industry?s bike manufacturers and Big Bear Choppers definitely has one incredible operation. All of their equipment was nothing short of the finest that money can buy!?
Kevin Alsop, CEO of Big Bear Choppers added, ?Mark and I discussed what constitutes the manufacturing of a great product and we saw eye-to-eye on everything that we talked about?manufacturing, equipment, engineering, delivery times, materials, employees, styles and the market in general. Once I saw several of the samples that he brought up to me, I knew right than and there that we found a home for our wheel business. I decided to go with Forge-Tec Motorcycle because of their quality, their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and their ability to meet our demands in a timely manner. We are also working with them on some non-wheel related parts and accessories which we will announce at a later date.? Finnie added, ?Forge-Tec Motorcycle is proud to work with Big Bear Choppers and will be manufacturing all 8 of BBC?s proprietary wheel designs and selected accessories.?
Kevin, CEO/President and Mona Alsop, Vice President started BBC less than 10 years ago and sales continue to sky rocket because of their cutting edge designs and incredible prices. While other manufacturers keep offering the same old styles, Kevin and his team of enthusiast are always working on a new cutting edge style and design. As the market changes?so does Big Bear Choppers! A perfect example of this philosophy is that BBC just recently introduced the first bike in the industry specifically designed for the woman rider called Miss Behavin.
Big Bear Choppers currently has 12 different motorcycle designs that fit any rider?s style or budget. Their cutting edge motorcycle designs are setting today?s trend in the production motorcycle industry. And in the custom world of motorcycles, their customer?s ?stock? bikes seem to keep winning awards at bike shows world wide.
Mark Finnie, GM for Forge-Tec concluded, ?We are extremely honored to have been chosen by Kevin as the exclusive wheel supplier of his creatively designed wheels and look forward to a long lasting relationship!? Big Bear Choppers will also sell other styles of Forge-Tec wheels on their website.
Forge-Tec Motorcycle and Accessories is a division of American Metalforming Technologies which also has an automotive division. AMT?s manufacturing and process technology capabilities are unparalleled in this industry and provide the company with a significant competitive advantage and has the capacity to build 50,000 wheels per month on a 3 shift operation.
The AMT facility is located 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, in Oxnard, California. Situated on approximately 6.3 acres, the facility consists of approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space which houses a tool and die shop, material storage, stock preparation, rotary forge, spinning, machining, heat treatment, finishing, quality control and shipping operations. The complex is surrounded by additional land that allows for facility expansion to accommodate future growth.
Forge-Tec Motorcycle wheels are available in a wide variety of popular sizes for Harley and custom bike applications (including the new 23? x 3.5? front wheel and 20? x 10.5? rear wheel), with matching rotors, pulleys and sprockets. All wheels go out shipped with the rotors and pulley attached and torqued to OEM specs which eliminates a lot of guess work at the dealer level and ensures that wheels arrive to their customers in perfect condition.
For further information, please contact Forge-Tec Motorcycle directly at 805-982-9820. Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories, 950 Richmond Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030. www.forgetecmotorcycle.com. Dealer inquiries invited!
Continued On Page 2
Rock Em And Sock Em
By Paul Garson |
One foot inside Rockem and Sockem, and you sense the Mesa, Arizona bike shop goes way beyond being a bike building enterprise, more like an all-encompassing way of life. There’s definitely a heavy vibe. Maybe it’s the punching bag or the flame painted walls. Maybe it’s the blue-eyed coyote shop dog wandering up to check you over. Maybe it’s Ralph Randolph and his size 16 arms and size 1600 plans.
R&S is also about family in the Old School sense, a shop where a handshake is binding and promises are kept. The only run-around you might get is in the boxing ring, Ralph and his brother Kelby known for putting on the gloves and sparring a few rounds, hence the name Rockem and Sockem. When the gloves come off, bikes of character are being designed and built that reflect the character of its builders. It’s also a shop where Pro Street radicals co-exist in harmony with Bobbers and Choppers.
Ralph’s is definitely a two-, make that three-fisted guy. Between piloting commercial jetliners for a major air carrier, he’s teaming up with his bike building partner and ace wrench, Ken Lucas, to conjure up show winning customs or battling city hall over the last permits for his new Rockem Sockem Roadhouse, a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art shop/restaurant/motorcycle mecca about to go into construction in Chandler, AZ. Besides serving a tasty menu of biker food, the Roadhouse will spotlight a wild assortment of memorabilia contributed by the country’s Master Builders including Arlen Ness, Billy Lang, Mondo, and Dave Perewitz. Ralph’s already looking toward a second such enterprise in Las Vegas.
Case in point a slew of stellar custom bikes including the Old 63 Bobber and the radical all black “Rockem” seen here. The bikes, built as joint shop projects, demonstrate the R&S range of talent. The Old 63 Bobber features a dual carb head atop a 93-inch Shovelhead. Into the mix went a Choppers Guy frame mated to a Paughco springer frontend, a 4-speed tranny knotched to a jockey shift all set into motion by a very special R&S kicker. As far as the details, several custom Rockem and Sockem pieces include the kicker pedal, pegs, air filter, and disc rotors inscribed with the Rockem Sockem name. The pieces got so much attention that they’re now in production including the kicker pegs, the foot pegs with the R&S oval logo while an R&S Bobber frame is in development.
came up with the “Reaper” but there’s nothing grim about it. Build around a Shovelhead power-plant and nestled in a Santee rigid frame (30 degree rake, two inch stretch), the bike sports a classic “coffin” tank and Z bars. No pegs, no instruments, very little electrics and no need for chroming says the tech sheet. And it’s a kicker, no electric start. The real kicker is that a petite young lady now owns and rides this bike.
The shop’s most recent project involved building a theme bike for the 85th Snap-On Tool Convention that scored a major hit with its new owners at Snap-On, the bike built and delivered in 30 days directly to the convention as Ralph had promised. And that deal was sealed with a simple handshake.
Now the plan is to replicate a series of Old School Bobbers based on the Old 63 Bobber. As this story appears on Bikernet, orders are now being accepted for the limited edition Rockem and Sockem bobbers. A choice of powerplants includes Evo or Shovelhead as well as the smooth running Twin Cam B motor. The frame will have a two-inch stretch in the backbone, a 35 degree neck and come with a hydraulic front end while upgrades, like a springer front end, are also available. If you were at the V-Twin Expo, Old 63 blew people away when it showed up in the Avon booth. Like we said, it’s a limited edition so first come, first served.
In addition R&S offers a line-up of pro street bikes as seen here with boxing inspired names like “Red Corner” and “Blue Corner” that run 100-inch RevTech motors and 250 series rear tires, turn-key bikes all wrapped up and ready to go. There’s also a wild spectrum of aftermarket and R&S parts plus a bare knuckle line of kickass Rockem and Sockem apparel including hellaciously cool leather vests and jackets for both guys and girls so no need to fight over them.
Bottom line is the Rockem and Sockem crew is ready to take care of business. The shop prides itself on its accessibility, Ralph and Ken and whole R&S team committed to deal one on one with their customers. Stop in and say hello. No need to bring your own boxing gloves.
Rockem and Sockem is currently located at 3164 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 9
Mesa Arizona 85210.
Call them at 480-279-1734
or log on to www.rockemandsockem.com.
March 24, 2007 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
Chopper Chick Crew Pink Ribbon Chopper Build A Huge Success–March 3, 2007-Daytona, FLA-The Chopper Chick Crew, a dedicated, all-female team of bike builders, built a chopper in seven hours and 13 minutes on March 8th and 9th at the Daytona International Speedway and donated it to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The build was a complete success and the Crew couldn’t be happier about the results. The bike was shipped, courtesy of Harley-Davidson Shipping, to the foundation after it was finished. The Pink Ribbon Chopper will be used for fund raising, or any other medium that raises awareness and funding to help the foundation toward its goals. The Pink Ribbon Chopper is the second bike the crew has built for Breast Cancer, but the first for the foundation.
Built in front of a live audience, the Pink Ribbon Chopper is a long lean hard tail in white with a pink ribbon painted on the gas tank and a pink rear fender in the shape of a ribbon. The chopper also has wheels with huge pink ribbons as spokes. “We are just so excited that the build went off as well as it did, but we couldn’t have done it without our sponsors. So many people gave their time and energy to this amazing project. We are very grateful. I was surrounded with the best crew any builder could have and I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends who are passionate about what we as BIKERS represent” said Athena Ransom, one of the Crew.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s response to this generous act, “Bravo!!! This is a standing ovation for ALL you gals. You must be very tired after all that incredible work. It looks just GREAT! You could not have made us here at NBCF any prouder to be associated with such caring, loving, and compassionate people. Simply the best. You are loved.” The Chopper Chick Crew wish to give extra special thanks to the men who graciously treated us like queens while we worked; Don Ransom (Mr. Wonderful) of Vagabond Chopper Company, Chad (Kentucky) Booher of Vagabond Chopper Company, Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering, Rogue (Media Extraordinaire) of www.BikerRogue.com, Axel Froyd and Phil Petress, both of Vagabond Chopper Company, Charlie Bretchel of www.CharlieBretchel.com, Don Little (Kate O’Shea’s Brother), Ken Conte of Rise Above Consulting, Contos of Crossroads Magazine and Jay Allen of The Broken Spoke Saloon. These gentlemen are heroes to us always and we love and respect them for the incredible men they are. Stay tuned to the website www.chopperchickcrew.com for information about the future promotions of the “Pink Ribbon Chopper” and remember, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The sponsors of this event were Harley-Davidson Shipping, Bikernet.com, Leroy-Thompson Choppers, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Cool Cat Tattoo, Crazy Horse Painting, Metzeler, Barnett Performance Products, Stinger Custom Cycle, Shortyinc.com, Vagabond Chopper Co, Jaybrake, RT’s North Hills Cycle, Rise Above Consulting, Mitch Bergeron Customs, S&S, Paul Yaffee Originals, Redneck Eng, Motor Maids Inc., International Master Bike Builders Association, Detroit Bros, WomenRidersNow.com, Stevenson’s Cycle, Gardner-Westcott Company, Lucas Oil, Custom Chrome, Bruce Rossmeyer Harley Davidson, Original KD’s and Daytona International Speedway.
The Chicks Crew consists of Athena Ransom of Vagabond Chopper Co., who has been around motorcycles her entire life and riding since she was seven; Joann Bortles of Crazy Horse Painting, an award winning painter whose work has been featured in magazines like Easyriders, Ironworks, and American Iron; Jayme Gray from Pussy Cat Choppers, an avid motorcyclist with a degree from MMI and extensive V-Twin experience; Katie Putman from Mitch Bergeron’s, an MMI degree holder with tons of mechanical and building experience; Kate O’Shea another MMI degree holder and builder from Manatee River Harley Davidson and Vivian “Gypsy” Charros of Gypsy Highway Custom a creative, self taught, builder
The NBCF mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education, and by providing mammograms for those in need. The NBCF works with health care organizations in places like Los Angeles, New York City, and Puerto Rico to provide underserved women with access to information about breast cancer and free mammograms. The founder and president of The NBCF is Janelle Hall, a breast cancer survivor of twenty-five years, who relates to women with compassion, understanding, and inspiration as she conducts public educational programs across the nation. To learn more about the NBCF, visit them online at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
Every twelve minutes a woman in America dies of breast cancer. This year more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,000 will die. One in six women either have breast cancer or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. 1600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 95%. Mammograms are the best early detection methods, yet 13 million women 40 years of age and older have never had a mammogram. Support The National Breast Cancer Foundation today and give the gift of hope to those in need.
WHIPLASH PHOTO OF THE WEEK–As seen next to the Hard Rock Stage.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
BRUCE ROSSMEYER ANNOUNCES THE ALL-NEW
?ELVIS PRESLEY ANNIVERSARY
BIKE SIGNATURE SERIES? ?
30 LIMITED EDITION CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES
King of Rock and Roll Inspires King of the Motorcycle World
Elvis Motorcycle Unveiling, April 22, 2007 during Elvis Rock ?n? Roll Ride for Life FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (March 12, 2007) ? Entertainer Elvis Presley not only left behind a great musical legacy behind, but contributed to the popularity of Harley-Davidson? motorcycles through his well-know passion for the bikes. Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 12 Harley-Davidson? locations – including the World?s Largest Harley-Davidson dealership located at Bruce Rossmeyer?s Destination Daytona and the all-new Graceland? Harley-Davidson located in the visitor center at Elvis Presley?s Graceland? Mansion in Memphis – proudly announces the all-new Elvis Presley Anniversary? Bike Signature Series, a one-of-a-kind collection of Elvis Presley-inspired, custom designed motorcycles.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Presley?s passing, Rossmeyer is recreating the personalized 1957 Black Harley-Davidson FLH model that Presley once owned. With only 30 of these motorcycles being customized and individually serial numbered from one to 30, each motorcycle in the elite Elvis Presley Anniversary Bike Signature Series will capture Presley?s passion for motorcycles. Although designed to replicate the 1957 model that Elvis owned and appearing as a classic custom vintage bike, the motorcycles will feature a 2007 Softail? chassis and drive train maintaining all of today?s engineering and safety features.
Rossmeyer has also partnered with renowned Harley-Davidson? painter David Uhl and Harley-Davidson? sculptor Jeff Decker, who will be creating unique pieces that will be included in the purchase price of each of the Elvis Presley Anniversary Bikes. Each exclusive piece created by Uhl and Decker will be numbered from one to 30 and paired with the corresponding motorcycle. The Elvis Presley Anniversary Bike Signature Series will be unveiled at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee on April 22nd at the inaugural Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride for Life to benefit the American Diabetes Association.
Bikes 2-24 of Signature Series will be offered for sale through the lottery system at the April 22nd ride in Memphis and will be sold for $58,815. In order to purchase one of the Elvis Presley Anniversary Bikes, interested parties must register for the April 22nd Elvis Rock ?n? Roll Ride for Life. Those who register for the ride will be chosen out of a lottery and contacted that day to determine their intent to purchase. Participants need not be present for the opportunity to purchase if selected in the lottery. To register for the Elvis Rock ?n? Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association, call 901-682-8232 or 800-DIABETES ext. 3121 or visit www.elvis.com/ride.
Bikes 25-29 will be available for purchase at a later date. The bike numbered ?1? (one) will be sold for $100,000, with $40,000 of that being donated to the American Diabetes Association. Bike number ?30? (thirty) will be auctioned off in Memphis, TN on August 15th during Elvis Week, the annual celebration of Elvis? life and career
All of the Elvis Presley 30th Anniversary Signature Series Harley-Davidson Motorcycles will be delivered at the steps of Graceland? the morning of August 15, 2007 ? the day before the 30th Anniversary of Elvis?s passing. The purchase price also includes a two-night stay at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, a unique Graceland? Pre-Delivery Party on the evening of August 14th, and one round-trip ticket from within the continental U.S. to Memphis for the delivery experience.
As a sculptor, Jeff Decker?s artistic ability far exceeds his mechanical talent, yet his custom-built bikes speak for themselves. At no time is there a lack of creativity in regard to the motorcycle, for in the same room reside both a restoration and a work in progress. What he calls a studio, most would refer to as a museum with a vast library and a small collection of motorcycles including two Crockers and a Cyclone. Long before he became the only officially licensed sculptor for Harley-Davidson?, he sought to immortalize in bronze early American racing. This is undeniably his all-consuming passion. The romance Frederic Remington captured before the Industrial Revolution is like unto to Jeff?s goal of observing man?s relationship with his ride in the post-Industrial era.
Entering his tenth year as a fine artist for Harley-Davidson?, painter David Uhl continues to display an uncanny ability to capture the nostalgia and romanticism of Harley-Davidson?s rich history. His art is displayed throughout the world in museums and galleries and has been sought by serious art collectors to celebrities alike.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market? under the ticker symbol “CKXE.” Also visit www.ckx.com.
Bruce Rossmeyer currently owns 12 Harley-Davidson? locations, including the famed Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona Beach locations and the new Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley?Davidson located in Ormond Beach at Destination Daytona, the World?s Largest Harley-Davidson dealership. In January 2007, the new Graceland? Harley-Davidson location opened in Memphis, TN on the property of Graceland and in 2006 Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson opened in Horn Lake, MS. At the Harley-Davidson dealerships owned by Bruce Rossmeyer, the dealers are the lifelines to the customers. Employees at the stores provide clients with the knowledge, service and information necessary to get riders on the road. Bruce Rossmeyer, the World?s Largest Harley-Davidson dealer is located at 1637 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL, 32174. For more information, please call (386) 671-7100 or visit
Sorry, no photos yet.
STEALTH REPORT–Spring is in full bloom here in the Charlotte area with temps ranging between 70 to 80 degrees! This weekend the Concerned Bikers Association of Charlotte holds their32nd Annual Swap Meet and Bike Show at the Metrolina expo fairgrounds here in Charlotte. The swap meet is always a great time. STEALTH BIKE WORKS will have a booth set up there.
Something happened to a friend of ours last week that really burns my ass. Chuck is a good customer of ours and is stand up guy. He rides a 51 Panhead. It is a bitchin bike. Last Saturday Chuck was attending a funeral and he rode his bike. He parked in the lot and went into the funeral home. While paying his respects a guy comes in and tells him some guy just rode off on his bike! There is no lower form of life than a bike thief. You see they not only steal your bike they steal a part of your soul because I have always felt that your bike is more than just a machine. So the low life gets on the bike and rides about 15 miles through Charlotte, no helmet, so he was easy to spot. Now here is the kicker, when the police get to him, they don’t charge him with stealing the bike? You see he laid the bike down and damaged the left side, so when the cops get there he is not on the bike, so they are not sure it was him that was riding it? What bull shit! To borrow a title from one of Mr. Bandit’s books, it is time for some “Outlaw Justice.”Hey Chuck, we are glad you got your bike bike! Enough said.
Hey on a lighter note, a guy come in to have 18″ Ape Hangers installed on his Road King. He said he love the look but was concerned about his friends saying he was making the bike “Too Redneck looking?” I laughed and said, “First do what you like to your bike and second there is not a classier look than Apes!” I also told him to tell his friends to “Keep their bikes just like they came out of the box and all that P+A glitz to their bike so their bikes could look just like a million other bikes!” He got a laugh out of that and was happy with choosing the Apes! Apes Forever, Forever Apes!
Until next week, RIDE!
STEALTHMAN
Big Dog Motorcycles? And Its Dealers Score High Marks In Industry Reports
Motorcycle Dealers Rank Big Dog Motorcycles As The #1 American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer While The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index Puts The Company?s Dealers At #2 In Providing The Best Shopping Experience.
WICHITA, Kansas (March 14, 2007) ? Big Dog Motorcycles?, the world?s largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles, is pleased to announce that it has scored high marks in two industry studies: The 2007 DealerNews magazine OEM Report Card, a dealer survey, and the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, a customer survey.
DealerNews magazine?s OEM Report Card ranked Big Dog Motorcycles higher than competitive motorcycle brands in several categories, in turn making the manufacturer the #1 American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer. The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index placed Big Dog Motorcycles dealerships at #2 in providing the best shopping experience. This study is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
?From our motorcycle styling and performance, to the programs we offer our dealers, satisfaction is at the core of everything Big Dog Motorcycles does. It?s fantastic news that our dealers continue to be extremely pleased with Big Dog Motorcycles and that customers are also having satisfying retail experiences within the dealership,? commented Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO.
?Receiving such high marks is a great achievement by the entire Big Dog Motorcycles team ? from those building the bikes to the dealer network that sells them,? he added.
2007 DealerNews OEM Report Card
In late 2006, more than 8,000 dealers graded their OEM partners on a scale from one to ten in 17 criteria in three categories: products, dealer support, and programs. Specific criteria ranged from product craftsmanship to visual appeal; promotional and training programs; and communications and credibility. Nearly every dealer in Big Dog Motorcycles? 100-dealer network responded to the survey.
Big Dog Motorcycles scored above the industry average in 14 of the 17 criteria and scored above Harley-Davidson and Victory in 13 criteria. These numbers clearly make Big Dog Motorcycles the number one American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer. –
?Exchanging ideas with our Dealer Advisory Council ? and even the entire dealer body ? has been integral in the constant improvement in our line of motorcycles, accessories, and apparel. The dealers are also extremely valuable as we develop the programs that support the dealer and make purchasing our bikes easier for the customer,? Coleman added.
?Seeing the results shows where we are strong, but also where we still need to focus. I am confident Big Dog Motorcycles will continue its reign in the motorcycle class as we continue to improve,? he continued.
The OEM Report Card was last issued in December 2004, in which Big Dog Motorcycles was also Ranked #1 above all other motorcycle manufacturers.
Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index
The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index report, administered by California-based Pied Piper Management Company from November 2006 to January 2007 and published in PowerSports Business magazine, rates the effectiveness of motorcycle dealer sales forces and the best shopping experience among top motorcycle brands. The report, calculated after nearly 400 shopper evaluations across the United States, was the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
Shoppers evaluated the retail experience for a specific motorcycle brand and never visited the same dealership twice. Evaluations were based on such criteria as the overall shopping experience, what products and services were offered, and salesman effectiveness. In total, over 50 key elements of the sales process were studied.
Big Dog Motorcycles dealers were ranked #2 (out of 7 companies) and well above the motorcycle industry average.
?The report?s findings are an amazing compliment to our dealers, their knowledge, effectiveness, and service,? Coleman added. ?And it also confirms Big Dog Motorcycles? commitment to delivering the best total customer service experience through our dealer training programs, improved product quality, forward-thinking styling, and valuable retail incentive programs,? Coleman said.
?The manufacturer that truly listens to the voice of the customer and the needs of the dealer and make necessary improvements is rewarded with great acknowledgements like these reports and, ultimately, long-term customer loyalty to the brand,? he added.
YOUR PLEDGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN A WOMANS LIFE–It was announced at approximately noon today, EST, that North Carolina, Sen John Edward’s wife, Elizabeth as been re-diagnosed with breast cancer. In this case it is State 4 breast cancer and the disease had moved into her bone. News like this is always very sadbut it also re energizes is to keep doing what we are doing. For the moment we can keep women from getting breast cancer but with early diagnosis we can help give them a chance and that’s what we?re going to do. If you have, in any capacity, pledged help to the 1 in 8 Motorsports Series but for whatever reason have not acted on that pledge, perhaps this is your call to stand up and follow through. I certainly understand how busy we all our and how stepping up can often be inconvenient but just take a moment to think about how it feels to learn you have inoperable breast cancer. We are going to be doing 1 in 8 events across the US this year and we need your help! If you know any venue who’d like to partner with us to do one, we need to talk to them.
We’d like to hear from each and every one of you. Meanwhile, thank you for your love and compassion.
Ken Vrana
CEO – 1 in 8 Motorsports Series Against Breast Cancer.
kvrana@caitlinproductions.com
OAuction items are finally up on e-bay for our brotherCourtney “Tito” Halowell. You can bid on great itemsfrom Sucker Punch, Leroy-Thompson, Stevensons Cycleand LA County choprods. Bid on cool items andcontribute to a great cause! If you would like to donate items please email a photo of the item and description to:
donation4tito@johnsonsgarage.comThe auction information is here:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZdonation4titoQQhtZ-1
Help the guy out and bid on these first-class items. He is a fellow biker who is in need of our help.
Here are a list and pictures of the items thus far:
Leroy Thompson Moto-x-Grips and pegs
Leroy Thompson Dice Risers.
Stevenson?s Cycle Lollipop Mirrors
Sucker Punch Sally?s H-Bomb Oil Bag
LLAC ?STOP? Tailight
Thanks again from all of us here at Bikernet!
THAT?S IT FOR THE NEWS–It?s about 5:oo am here. I couldn?t finish last night and I woke up feeling guilty that is was almost noon back in the US. It?s a short one, but with heart. I’ll update pages of news as more news comes. It’s a little more challenging working on a laptop, but I’ll plug away a little at a time. In between enjoying my vacation that is…
Before I finish, I have to tell you about my tooth. I cracked a molar on the flight from Fiji to Brisbane. Half the tooth broke off, I thought I bit in to a rock in the sausage. Bandit tells me to keep it incase they can glue it back in. I don’t think thats possible, but… I can no longer drink or eat anything hot or cold, it goes straight to the nerve. Once we arrived here in Noosa Heads, Kerry calls at least five different dentist, none of which could see me. On the last call (and the closest one), Dr. Thomas Klein tells her to bring me right in. I thought for sure I would have to have major dental work and wait two weeks for a crown, or worse yet an extraction, but he tells me how he can photograph the tooth and his computer will make a 3-D image and with a little magic on his part, the missing portion is duplicated and glued back in place.
He told me that the metal our dentists use to use expands over the years, causing our teeth to crack. He ground out the old filling and glued the porcelain inlay in to place. I was done in an hour and better than new.
I’ve never heard of this in the states, but if ever again I need a crown, I’m gonna search high and low to have this procedure done instead.
Layla
The Aeromach Story
By Johnny White |
Riding a motorcycle has become as much a reflection of individualism as it has a symbol of freedom. There’s nothing quite like screaming down the road on a bike that is distinctly yours. One of the best ways to customize your bike is using quality, machined parts that fit. Not every biker, however, wants the bar and shield emblazoned all over his or her rides. Too many times we bought aftermarket parts that don’t fit worth a damn. Isn’t there a manufacturer out there who makes quality parts that will bolt right to your stock bike without cutting or drilling? What if you ride a metric bike or a custom ground up build? Where do you turn to find quality parts that fit?
Richard Fouhy, Aeromach’s owner, started manufacturing by making parts for M-1 tanks and space shuttle components. When the aerospace industry went bust, he constructed parts for his own ride, and the company has been growing ever since. Just like so many American entrepreneurs today, Richard took what he knew and expanded to manufacture a quality product that was recognized immediately by the consumer.
Richard’s company started to make its mark by attacking the tricky mirror problems Harley’s are famous for; you can’t see very clearly in them when actually riding down the road. Aeromach’s design team created a line of mirrors that are not only incredibly sharp to look at, but damnit, you can see out of them. With vibration reduced by 40%, Aeromach is sure you will be satisfied, not only with the look and finish, but also with the fit, installation and performance.
Mirrors aren’t the only parts Aeromach specializes in. They produce axle covers, risers, bars, conches, pegs, grips, and especially badass hand levers. Most importantly, these parts will fit on just about any bike. That’s how good the design team is and how much research goes into every component.
How can you be sure the parts have been tested and will still work on your older bike or big displacement motors? Well, Aeromach leaves no stone unturned. They test each product for extended periods aboard Richard’s old Shovelhead or one of the Company’s Big Inch bikes. They test each component at speeds between 40-70 mph, which is the most active riding curve most of us enjoy on a regular basis. Many of us here at Bikernet ride a bit faster than that, unless we are traveling in a pack behind The slow as a slug Big Guy. He likes to rumble along a little slower in his old age.
That’s bullshit, but I won’t go into it here. Meet you on the Bonneville Salt Flats this summer, Johnny. We’ll see who goes faster.–Bandit
Hey, go on over to their site, www.aeromachmfg.com, and see their new products. Also check out their new Truck Accessories and Hot Deals section. You can buy new mirrors for your bike and your truck all at one place. Check them out and be sure to let them know you saw them on Bikernet.com.
March 15, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit |
COLORADO, MOTORCYCLE HELMET BILL STALLS IN STATE SENATE–A bill to require helmets for children riding motorcycles was sent back tocommittee on a voice vote today after a two-hour fight in the state Senate.
The Senate had been expected to cast its first official vote on the House Bill1117, but in an unexpected move a handful of Democrats joined Republicans tostall the controversial measure.
Republicans railed against the measure, saying it expands the slow erosion ofparental rights and freedoms to decide what’s best for their children.
“We’re really good at telling people how to run their lives,” said Sen. DavidSchultheis, R-Colorado Springs. “We want to tell people to wear a helmet. Wewant to tell parents to have their girls vaccinated against the HPV virus. Weneed to stop stomping on people’s personal liberties.”
–Rockies News
OKLAHOMA HELMET LAW THREAT IS DEAD–I thought you’d appreciate the news that HB 1539,the Mandatory Universal HelmetLaw Proposal for Oklahoma, is officially DEAD, effective this weekend! I wentto the OK Confederation of Clubs meeting in Tulsa this past Sunday, where Ifunction as Liaison. Over 300 riders were present, representing a large numberof motorcycle clubs, organizations and associations from different backgrounds.It was standing room only at the American Legion Hall where the meeting tookplace. Rep Skye McNiel, the bill’s author, attended our meeting (you have toadmire her courage!), announced the bill’s demise, and explained why sheauthored the bill.
Basically, she had responded to an emotional appeal from oneof her constituents who lost her son in a bike wreck, and she reacted withdetermination to forge ahead with her plan tosubmit the legislation in spite ofbeing cautioned by the Republican House leadership that it might not be a goodidea to tackle this thorny, controversial issue as a Freshman Legislator! Sheadmitted that she was unaware of how passionate (and well-organized) theopposition to such a proposal would be.
Rep. McNiel apologized for submitting such a bill, affirmed that she’d neveragain propose a Helmet Law, and pledged to work together with our RidingCommunity on issues that truly would help improve our motorcycling Quality ofLife, like obtaining funding for the state’s Rider Education Program.
Yours in Freedom,
–Tiger Mike
ABATE of Oklahoma
Liaison, OK COC
NEWS AIN’T FREE?–I can’t believe that the news won’t be free anymore. I understand the need to make money, but it’s the poor biker like me that made you what your are. Now you’re going the way of H-D itself. Let’s all get on the rub bandwagon, because you know it’ll last forever. Even if it doesn’t, I’m sure that all the people screwed over will forgive and forget. It’s the American way. It’s been great. I’ll miss the site, but I guess there’s nothing on Bikernet for me anymore.
Ted S.
Yep, We’re just like the industry big dawgs, selling bling and metalflake. Yep, .28 cents a week is a bitch. -You’re breakin’ my heart.–Bandit
ASE’S SMOOTH NEW OPERATION–Air Systems Engineering (ASE) proves once again to be the number one choice when it comes to control. The creators of the award-winning FXA-1003 mono-shock and the popular AirFX FXA-1002 air suspension for Softails present the state-of-the-art FXA-1004 air suspension for vertical shock applications. The ASE FXA-1004 shock combines exceptionally controlled rebound, killer looks, and easy-installation all for an affordable price. Available in chrome, polished, or black anodize, the Air Systems Engineering FXA-1004 will enhance the performance and appearance of any Sportster, Dyna, Bagger, or V-Rod. The system’s pricing starts at $1195.00.
For more information, contact: Air Systems Engineering, Inc., (800) 210-1454, www.airsystemsengineering.com.
NEWS IN THE CANTINA–Sunday News/Cantina was the best yet !!! Fuck the cheap asshole that will spend major dollars on his cable TV and not support a Brother’s website……that prick is what’s wrong with the so called “bikers” of today. Ride Forever Bandit !
–Dusty
Dan B.
LATEST HELMET STATISTICAL STUDY RELEASED–Here’s the most current statistical study many bikers have been waiting for. Bottom line: Results (pp. 13-18) 1. Helmets are shown to have no statistically significant effect on the probability of a fatality given that a motorcycle accident has occurred. A better solution posted: Easy on the beverages and improved rider education. Duh!!!!
WORLD’S FASTEST MOTORCYCLE CHECKS IN–After much touring with the BUB streamliner, and promoting the BUB Speed Trials across the country, I am back in the office and working full force on the 2007 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials.
Firstly though….. finally the SPEED Channel TV show “the World’s Fastest Motorcycle’ is now available on DVD!!!!Reformatted and put together, the story of the top three contenders for the title of the ‘World’s Fastest Motorcycle’ battled it out , and you can watch it again!The DVD includes a bonus feature of the EASYRIDER’s 1990 Record run.
We are selling directly from our office for $24.95. Follow the link for more details on getting a copy for your DVD library.http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com/2007_event/index-2007.html
—– OUR WEBSITE HAS BEEN UPDATED —–
Again after much time out of the office we now have some updates for our website. Also updated is the title of the event and new logo!Now know as the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials, updates will be more regular in the coming months
Links to the 2007 FIM rules, Run Watcha Brung Rules are there, with the 2007 AMA rules and Pre-entry forms coming soon.
Of course don’t forget if you have any question at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
–Devene
Event Manager
PH: 530 272 4310
Email: salt-info@bubspeedtrials.com
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2006 SPONSORS-Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Pingel Enterprises, BUB Enterprises, Bikernet.com, Potter Lumber, NRHS V-Twin Performance, Buell Bros Racing, Bennett’s Performance, Bakker Motorsports, Dealer-World.com, Nick’s Performance, Horsepower Marketing.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY $15,678.00!!!!This super clean 2007 Fat Boy only has 2943 miles on it! It’s basically a brand new Harley, and still has the remainder of the factory warranty! Features 96 cubic inch fuel injected motor, six speed transmission, dual exhaust system and super fat 200 series rear tire.
Why pay over 20 grand at the Harley dealer when you can get it from LifeStyle Cycles for less? We’ve only got one and it won’t last!!
ONLY $15,678.00!
CALL LIFESTYLE CYCLES TODAY!
(714) 490-0155
AGENT ZEBRA ESCAPES TO KRAKOW AFTER GIRL OF BIKERNET STORY RECEIVES THREATS–After Agent Zebra’s latest article in the Girls of Bikernet an attorney from Primedia called and demanded his whereabouts. We said, “Mums the word.” Then we received this shot of the Agent in disguise, with his lovely wife Sonya and their new son, Zebra Stripes, in Krakow, Poland.
We’ll bring you more reports on this legal action shortly.
BIKERNET ATTORNEY’S ADVICE – NO CHARGE–Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate Attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put “PHOTO ID REQUIRED.”
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card Accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the “For” line.Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home Phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.
4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to Call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a Photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.
Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my Wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(S) ordered an Expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had A credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number. From DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here’s some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card Numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit Providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an Investigation (if there ever is one).
But here’s what is perhaps most important of all:
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations Immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over The Internet in my name.
The alert means any company that checks your Credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by Phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.
There are records of all the Credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert.Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 800-6807289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):800-269-0271
ASSALT WEAPAN UPDATE, THE PAUGHCO FRAME WAS COMPLETED TODAY–Chris Kallas is working on the nose art. Joe Jelf from Custom Chrome is picking up sheet metal to be modified from Kraft Tech and the following just came in from Leo DiOrio, the master behind the World’s Fastest Panhead girder front end.
“It’s good to here from you, Shannon at Rmd is building all the universal parts in the girder assembly now and has the material for the A arms and is getting ready to mill,” Leo said. “The only thing were missing on my end is the strut materialand it’s been on order and I’m expecting shipment anytime in the next week or so.When you get the frame we can get together and figure it out (final dimensions ). It will be easy with the frame in your hands.”
NEW BULLET HEADLAMP KIT FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (February 26, 2007) – The new Bullet Headlamp Kit from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories features a visor-style shell that changes the profile of the bike’s front end. The deep-drawn aluminum housing is precision machined for a perfect contour and surface finish, and then plated with brilliant, mirror-perfect chrome. The complete kit includes a smooth lens lamp assembly and a replaceable halogen bulb.
The Bullet Headlamp Kit is offered with a 4 _ -inch diameter lens (P/N 69851-06, $309.95) or with a 5 _-inch lens (P/N 68593-06, $329.95). Installation requires separate purchase of appropriate Headlamp Mounting System. Both kits fit a number of Sportster, Softail and Dyna/FX models. See dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
OUR SPIRIT LIVES ON through DiOro Jeans–Dioro Jeans is cut from a different cloth…a contemporary line of denim, accessory, and knitwear products reflecting the lifestyle of today?s active person. Dioro’s licensed products lines, American Motorcycle 1902, Motorcycle Mafia, and American Indian embody that attitude as well. Designed for the active lifestyle we all embody in today’s world the products of Dioro Jeans are meant to be a part of enjoying and reflecting that spirit. A new embodiment of style focusing on active living. Check out our video and see what we mean… The Spirit of Dioro is found in each of us. A richness for life. A passion for fun. A focus on family. Style. And, a connection with the people around us. This is the Dioro Spirit. Our products include men’s and women’s (kid’s will be coming shortly) denim, knitwear and accessories. The denim is of the highest quality Italian cloth that is soft to the hand and comfortable to wear. Styling is contemporary and fun. Knits include amazing graphics reflecting the passions we share in our lives. The licensed products reflect our connection with the world of motorcycles as we develop strong graphics around the sport of motorcycles and automotive. From retro looks to skulls and radical graphics our knitwear rocks. Accessories are designed with attitude and they set our customers apart. If you really enjoy life, stand out in a crowd, and want to reflect that spirit of independence and freedom check out Dioro Jeans and see how we reflect that attitude in the products we create…you will love it. www.Diorojeans.com AMERICAN PERFORMANCE CYCLE/APC INTRODUCES THEIR 2007 MODELS–Las Vegas, NV – American Performance Cycle, a market leading world class custom production bike manufacturer located in Las Vegas, NV introduces their ’07 product line. All of their models are now offered with right side drive, S&S engines, Baker 6-speeds, billet closed primaries, forged one-piece Forge-Tec or 80 spoke wheels and way too much chrome and billet to list. APC has also decided to go “bigger” with their rear tires and most models will be available with either 240, 280, 300 or 330 rear tires. Mike Sample Jr., Vice President of APC stated, “We currently 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, “Three out of our 4 models are available in 3 different packages, ranging from a 96″ S&S motor all the way to a show quality polished 124″ S&S engine.” “We have been engineering our latest model and are introducing a full-blown custom bagger at the Cincinnati Expo in February,” exclaimed Mike Sample Sr., CEO of APC. “Our bagger will be rubber mounted, have either a 280 or 300 mounted on it, will be low, long, mean and very sexy” Sample concluded. “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. ’07 Double Down:Their ’07 line up starts with the Double Down, a pro-street style bike packed with features found on bikes costing thousands of dollars more. This bike starts at $23,995 which includes a wild custom paint job. Perfect for the beginning rider or the 30 year veteran. This 3″ stretch softail pro-street style bike features 34 degrees in the neck and 3 degrees in the trees for a total rake of 37 degrees. It has a 93″ wheelbase and superb rake and trail make this pro-street style bike easy to maneuver and a blast to ride. This bike as well as most of the other models offers an S&S124″engine as an option. STOP THE PRESSES–Life is nuts. I patiently drink whiskey day after day to hide from the stress of waiting for a Bonneville frame to arrive. The book publisher jams me for chapters, and stab my wall calendar with a Buck knife after each day passes. “We’re burnin’ daylight,” jostles my electrified brain cells daily. I tried to ignore the stress by working on Jeremiah’s Shovelhead. 
One of the interesting aspects has been building an oil tank. It started out in Jay’s Studio as a football shape welded together. Jeremiah asked that the tips be removed and replaced forming concave ends. Then he delivered the concoction to the Bikernet Headquarters. We added bungs to mount the beast, cut the hole in the top for the oil fill. We machined oil line bungs and taped them 1/8-inch pipe. Then Jeremiah bought a tank plug from an autoparts with a magnet in it. So we made another bung for the bottom and taped it with _-inch fine threads. There’s a lot to building an oil bag.
Just when I was about to pour Jack over my granola this morning, to chase my frazzled nerves away, the phone rings. The Paughco frame is complete. Then Lee Clemens calls, photos are coming of the 45 engine modifications. Chris Kallas calls to discuss the nose art for the Assalt Weapan and shit is happening. The day was suddenly brighter.
Time to get to work. Bonneville is waiting.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
March 15, 2007 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
TOOL STASH–There’s nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road with a minor mechanical problem and no tools to hasten repairs. Next time you hit the open road make sure you pack one of WIN PRODUCTS compact TOOL STASH kits and in most cases you’ll have everything you need to make minor emergency repairs and get up and running.
WIN has gathered the very basic necessities including: pliers, plug wrench, screw driver with six bits, _” socket driver with six sockets from 3/16″ to 1/2″, four opens wrenches 3/8″ to _” and an all in one box wrench and packed them all into a compact, rugged zippered pouch. The pouch measures a mere 9″x 5″x 1″ and retails for just $32.95. Don’t leave home without one.
For complete details call 805-531-1000 or visit www.STARWESTINC.com
BIKERNET’S VALERIE THOMPSON UPDATE–AHDRA SEASON OPENER –Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals Presented byGainesville Harley-Davidson.Race one of the 2007 AHDRA season was March 2-4th in Gainesville, Fl and was a season opener to remember for a number of notable reasons. Unfortunately for racers and fans alike, Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating and gave little time for test and tune and was a test of patience for all as the weather nearly wiped out qualifying.
On Saturday the clouds finally broke and the field was able to make a single pass in both the V-Rod Destroyer and Super Gas class’s. VTR lit up the Destroyer class and qualified second with a career best 9.27 ET. The Super Gas class was a different story as we qualified in the field of 32 bikes even though I had to shut it down and coast through the finish line. It was apparent going into Sunday’s Eliminations; we were going to be a strong team to contend with.
Sunday was full of sunshine to my delight however; to our surprise the bike would not start. After further evaluation it was decided not to run the bike at all. Despite the hard work from my crew chief Mickey Eddinger and the help we received from Jason Miller, Brian Batzel, Team Mate Native Racing and BWR we withdrew from the competition and handed the other teams a lucky break.
Despite the disappointment of our fans and sponsors, our spirits are remaining high as we are preparing for race two in my hometown, Phoenix, AZ. We are excited to get the Phoenix Nationals underway and put on a show for my local fans while racing for the trophy. Be sure to come by and say hi if you can, and check-out the OCC-Go Daddy.com Chopper, great videos, tons of give-always and celebrate AZ bike week!
In other news, VTR Team 2007 is proud to announce new sponsor and crew’s favorite, MAC Tools. Thanks to everyone at Mac Tools especially Terry Larkin and Steve Cottle who while at the race, made the best of a bad situation by displaying my broken steed in their booth, drawing lots of attention for their brand. And another special thanks, this time to Vanson leathers who did the impossible by getting my leathers to the race on time and once again proving to me why their the best in the business.
Let’s Race!
–Valerie Thompson #20
GUILTY CUSTOM FOUND GUILTY OF SHOX–The following is the newest pricing for the single anddual shox system offered through Guilty Customs.These prices replace the pricing listed in prior newsrelease from Guilty Custom on this product.
Dual Shox (powder coated) $140.00
Single Shox (powder coated) $75.00
Show Chrome, Copper and Brushed Nickel Dual Shox$190.00
Those experiencing the newest product offered from Guilty Customs of Orlando Florida and Chopper Shox’s of Las Vegas, NV enthusiastically expressed these words after riding on one of Guilty Customs Chopper Shox equipped rigid choppers. These two companies have come together to bring the industries most comfortable riding seat shocks for rigid chopper riders.
“All of our shock systems are aluminum bodied and come with full weld on brackets that include 3/16″ steel plates for strength and stainless steel for years of hassle free use. Our shocks do not have anything to break or wear out like seals that can cause fluid leads?. and our shocks are used on production and show bikes world wide.” says Dave Breckon, owner of Chopper Shox’s. “We specialize in patented seat shock system for rigid framed choppers and bobbers, and we started Chopper Shox’s with one goal in mind, to make rigid framed bikes ride better”.
Chopper Shox and Guilty Customs passion for creating dependable, unique motorcycle parts that spark a bit of nostalgia at a reasonable price, is what brought the two companies together as manufacturer and distributor. Match this with the people to support the consumer after the sale, and this venture was an easy choice for both Dave Breckon and Hanlon.
“The Chopper Shox’s simple styling, quality craftsmanship, excellent customer service and superb riding characteristics made the decision to become a distributor for Chopper Shox a very simple one. We’re currently using their shocks on our builds”, says CJ Hanlon, owner of Guilty Customs. “With our most recent build, Errant, we opted for the two shock system and the feedback from people has been very enthusiastic once they use it”. The shocks will sell from $99.00 to 175.00 respectfully. Additional options such as two sizes of seat pans and/or leather covering will also be offered at additional costs.
Chopper Shox (www.choppershox.com) is a Las Vegas based manufacture of custom seat shock systems; air, single and dual shock systems along with seat pans, leather covering and has gained national and international acclaim for their innovative and dependable seat shock systems for custom motorcycles.
For more information about this shock system, contact Guilty Customs at info@guiltycustoms.com or 407.453.0844.
MRF ATTEMPTS TO END MOTORCYCLE DESCRIMINATION– The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that legislation to close the loophole that currently exists in our nation’s health insurance industry has been introduced in the US Senate (S 616) and House (HR 1076).
Under current law, group market insurance customers – that’s everyone who has insurance from a job in the private sector, military or government – can be denied benefits for a particular injury just because it came from an motorcycle accident.
Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996 to ensure proper access to health insurance for all American workers. Once the bureaucrats at the US Department of Health and Human Services issued their final ruling on the law they managed to allow a loophole that can be used to discriminate against motorcyclists when the need health insurance the most, after an accident.
The loophole also is used by insurance companies to deny benefits for any accidents that stem from horseback riding, snowmobiling, and snow skiing, just to name a few.
“This legislation will right an injustice done to America’s motorcycling community,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “We are asking the Congress to tell the insurance industry that they can no longer get away with refusing benefits that have been bought and paid for by motorcyclists”.
The House legislation has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, while the Senate bill is sitting before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
In order to pass this legislation, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation needs your help. Please join your fellow freedom fighters and ask your Members of Congress and Senators to co-sponsor this important legislation.
The legislation to close this loophole has been around for the last few sessions of Congress, but the bills introduced in this 110th Congress have a few new twists. First, the House Democrat lead is new. Welcome Bart Stupak to the picture; he is a 8th term Democrat from Upper Peninsula Michigan and the geographic top third of the mitten state. Mr. Stupak’s district has tens of thousands of miles of snowmobiling trails and most of his constituents use their snow machines to commute, run errands and socialize, making the snowmobile an integral part of everyday life. Mr. Stupak is also close friends with the Chairman of the House committee that has jurisdiction over the measure; and is a subcommittee chairman on the same full committee.
The House Republican lead is the same, Michael Burgess. Burgess is medical doctor from, Flower Mound, TX. Burgess was an OB-GYN, delivering 3000 babies before running for Congress in 2003.
The Senate sponsors are the same returning Senators as previous sessions of Congress, Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME). The Motorcycle Riders Foundation thanks all of the champions of this legislation.
Another new development is that the House has adopted the Senate language, making passage into law slightly simpler by eliminating the need for both bodies of Congress to form a conference committee to iron out the legislative differences. Previously the House and Senate had slightly different solutions to closing the loophole.
Last Congress saw no major movement on the legislation. With your help, we can close the loophole that allows our health insurance providers to deny benefits for an injury simply because it involved a motorcycle.
Ask your federal Representative to support HR 1076 and your two US Senators to support S 616. Should you receive any commitments or denials to support the legislation, or if you have any other legislative question or concerns, please contact the MRF.
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983
A SPECIAL EVENING WITH AUTHOR ANDUFO RESEARCH EXPERT TIMOTHY GOOD– The Intruders Foundation (IF) is proud to present a special evening with the distinguished British author and researcher, Timothy Good. Mr. Good’s first book, ABOVE TOP SECRET has long been a classic in UFO literature. And his latest book, NEED TO KNOW – UFOs, THE MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE, is currently a bestseller in the United Kingdom. Timothy Good’s special area of study is the shadowy world of the government cover-up of UFO reality. He has unearthed many striking official documents, some of which deal with the earliest years of the UFO phenomenon, such as official reports of huge UFOs by fliers during World War II. He has lectured extensively around the world, but rarely in the New York area, so it is our unique privilege to present him on April 7th.
In the past, Mr. Good has presented the case for UFO reality before many distinguished audiences, such as the Royal Canadian Military Institute, the Royal Navy Station Portland, the House of Lords All-Party UFO Study Group, the Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, and the Oxford and Cambridge Union Societies. In May 1998 he was invited to the US Pentagon to discuss the UFO subject at the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office, and in 2002 he spoke at the headquarters of the French Air Force.
We have often said about previous seminar speakers, that he or she should not be missed by anyone interested in the UFO phenomenon, but in the case of Timothy Good, that description is extraordinarily apt. He makes few trips to NYC from his native London, so we urge you not to miss this rare appearance by one of the world’s leading UFO researchers.
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION
The seminar will be held on April 7th at the new meeting rooms of A.R.E., located on the SECOND FLOOR at 241 W. 30th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), New York, NY. The price of the seminar is $30 for non-members and $20 for members of IF, seniors and students. Reservations must be made by telephone at 212-645-5278, and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Payment must be made in advance to secure the reservation. Make checks payable to the Intruders Foundation, P.O. Box 30233, New York, NY 10011. Seating is limited. Book early! Only 60 reservations will be accepted!For additional information, call IF at 212-645-5278.
NEW GIRL OF BIKERNET COMING–Hope to have the VV shot for GOB this week, here are a couple fromyesterday.
–RFR
ONE MAN AGAINST THIEVES, ATTEMPTS TO KEEP HIS BOARDTRACK NOTION ALIVE–Copy cats abound all over the world….. same rear fender, gas tank design, frame design etc…… I was sick for a year over all of these guys….. Then I discovered that no one was making any money regardless and resigned myself to the fact that as long as I don’t get direct competition (Frame maker who copies and markets my design) I’m cool with all the private guys doing their interpretation on a one-off bike. I figure copies of the design in one off configurations just help to promote my product….
This industry is pretty shaky at best and full of a bunch of con artists and fiends who think they will get rich overnight. They dilute and cheapen the feeling and spirit of motorcycling as a whole.
My analysis of this industry as a whole is that you must absolutely love cycling in its entirety and be willing to make major life sacrifices to survive pursuing your passion. After years of arduous work and self sacrifice, perhaps you will carve a small niche that will provide some semblance of a living to continue the pursuit of your dream.
I have been invited to Washington to talk to the administrator of the EPA. I’ll keep you posted. I had to tell them that I am a bit busy with baby pending, but I may make a trip to lobby for our cause regardless.
-Rick
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
POWER TO THE PEOPLE–This name was chosen for the Ames, Iowa motorcycle rally. Not only is it the name of Tommy Thompson’s book that was published 10 years ago, while he was the Governor of Wisconsin, but it is also a fitting way to describe the type of politics that Tommy practices. So why is Tommy Thompson our best choice for President of the United States of America?
Read on:During Tommy’s 14 years as Governor of Wisconsin he practiced his small home town politics. His father who owned a small grocery store told him “You have two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion and you’ll do just fine.” Tommy has always believed that common sense and listening to the people is the best way for government to work. During his tenure as governor he was able to restructure Wisconsin government agencies in a way that not only made them more efficient but also more responsible. He initiated programs that worked and to this day these programs are still talked about nationally, such as Welfare to Work (W2), encouraging Private Schools by giving vouchers to parents which allowed them to chose where their children went to school (creating competition and dismantling the government monopoly on education), and Truth in Sentencing to name a few.
Tommy states that “Government doesn’t have to be complicated. Bureaucrats, politicians and lobbyists defend its complexity in today’s complex world because if government is kept out of the reach of ordinary citizens, they can stay in charge. By self-definition, they become indispensable.” He believes that “Genuine progress would be a government that works in partnership with people to solve problems, promotes individual responsibility rather than displaces it and demands less in taxes but delivers better quality services. It would be flexible, responsible, and practical government.” Not only did Tommy write these words but he put these ideals into practice. In his book, Tommy speaks extensively about “Progressive” politics and how true common sense is bipartisan. If we can all just focus on what is right and responsible we will find solutions. “Solutions must be specific and not abstract or ideological.” “Individual responsibility works better than responsibility that is vested in government.”
“Though government has a role to play in reasonable regulation they must draw the line at misconduct and not against wealth.” “The government’s job is not to redistribute wealth.”
According to Tommy the Federal government is far removed from the states and should not be making so many one size fits all rules since what works for one state may not work for another. Federal government also is further removed from the people than state government so in effect it does not do as good a job of representing the people. He states “A genuine Progressive movement for the next century would return power and authority from Washington to the states and communities.” In Tommy’s opinion we have lost sight of the Tenth amendment in the constitution which states; “the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” By having Federal Government be so large we have, in effect, created a United State of America rather than the United States.
He says that “it is one thing to make promises that sound good to people and quite another thing to actually get them done.” When he was confronted with problems he says “I didn’t check with the pollsters or hold up my solutions to an ideological litmus test. I did what I thought made common sense. I did what I thought would work in my gut and in my heart. The only way you lose is by not trying and that isn’t governing”. “Big Government is not going to dismantle itself.” The solutions are not complicated but “making them happen isn’t easy.”
The reasons to support Tommy are simple: He has a proven record of being able to make common sense decisions that improved the lives of Wisconsin citizens. Once he left Wisconsin to serve as Secretary of Health and Human services he experienced what it was like to run an organization that had the second largest budget of any agency in the United States and he was able to do so effectively despite our Nation’s great threat of the 9/11 attack. His desire to run for President of the United States of America and implement his Progressive yet Conservative ideas for government is not new. He has had a vision for most of his life to return the Power to the People and it is now time to give him a chance to do so.
Tommy’s connection to motorcycling began in 1994 when he began his annual “Governor’s Ride” to promote tourism in Wisconsin through motorcycling. He also used the motorcycle tours to promote business and bring awareness to various Wisconsin interests. 2007 will be his 14th annual motorcycle ride that is now called Tommy Thompson’s Reunion Ride. This year the ride will be going to Ames Iowa to support Tommy and the Straw Poll Vote. Because of Tommy’s connection to motorcyclists he has also been sympathetic to motorcycling issues, going so far as to testify in Washington DC against a Federal Blackmail law that would require states to pass a law requiring mandatory helmet use in order to receive Federal Highway funds despite Wisconsin’s excellent motorcycle safety record.
To read more about Tommy Thompson’s ideas, order his book “Power to the People” Harper-Collins and read what he has to say about today’s issues at www.tommy2008.com.
–Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo – Team Tommy Campaign Chair
MAN DREAMS FOR THE SALT– I have an idea I would like to share with you. I wantto run on the salt. I have an ’04 roadglide with a 95-inch turbo charged motor.
My plan is to ride it from Phx. to the salt make arecord attempt in the 150mph range and then ride ithome. I know they have to measure the engine after therecord, but that has no bearing on if we can ride ithome. As long as the engine is not hurt we should befine.
I think my idea is totally within reach. I believethere are a lot of middle aged men sitting at homewishing they could do something like this.
I may be a little more experienced then the averageguy. I owned a custom shop and raced my nitro bike inthe AHDRA. However I think it would make a gooddocumentary for TV or video. Maybe even do something asa series. Grab a few average guys and pick anadventure to chase. Maybe LA to Daytona and run withthe AHDRA and ride home. Something along those lines.Kinda smokey and the bandit style. Get beer intex-arkanna in 24 hours and come home. You knowsomething cool and silly just for fun.
I am not sure where to go with this idea but thoughtI would talk to you about it and see what you thought.
–Gabe Larkins
Hotrodgabe@yahoo.com
www.nitrosyndicate.com
www.hotrodcitycustoms.com
You need to come out and experience the salt. Like the moon, it’s wonderment. Drag Specialties reports that already twice as many bikes have signed up for the run.?Bandit
Continued On Page 4
March 15, 2007 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT RACES JAY SPRINGSTEEN IN DAYTONA–
I didn’t get to hook up with Val. We have emailed back and forth, and plan on getting together at the Atlanta AHDRA event. If I can get some “crew” help, I’ll run my FXR..It would be cool if we could work out a side by side during practice or something..jeez, cover my own spanking..only for Bikernet!
Daytona went OK, but a tad rough.I raced with Jay Springsteen, Tim Joyce, and numerous other great riders. Ride of a lifetime. I’m way behind the curve with these guys. My claim to fame. “I’ve been lapped by Jay Springsteen!”
Riding those Hi-Banks is like being on another planet. Seriously. Unlike anything else I’ve ever done.
I hurt a head gasket on the Kaw first day. It totally went last lap of the second day. Coming across the start finish, going into turn 1, brakes, brakes, whhooossshhh! I’m covered in coolant!! Face sheild, windscreen, can’t see!!….doin about 100mph going into a corner I struggled with lovely..
I finished 19th both days. I guess not bad for a rookie with a hurt bike. Heck, I beat the guys who broke or crashed! I’ll take my Honda 350 next year.
My Old and Oily teamate, Keith Bennett, took a third place trophy on Tuesday, way to go brother!! Our pit and campground neighbor, Stan Keyes of Cyco Cycles also took a third on one of his Nortons ..bravo Stan!
A Good time was had by all. I heard a couple things said that kind of sum’s things up. Cute little blonde from Pittsburgh says to an AMA hall of famer buddy of mine,
“Will you sign my ass?”..then the second quote.”Don’t make ME..make YOU sign my ass!!!”
–Charles Young
MRF NEWS FROM WASHINGTON D.C.– Last week was the annual AMA Welcome to Washington seminar, and Capitol Hill was feeling it after the week was over. The yearly seminar had just about thirty AMA members in attendance, many of whom were also MRF members. The three-day event aims to take political neophytes and transform them into savvy political motorcyclists’ rights advocates. Like most educational opportunities in life, you get out of it what you want.
Those individuals who attend the seminar, pay attention and ask questions when needed emerge as budding lobbyists for all things motorcycle. The event, like the AMA, focuses on both on road issues and a large amount of off road and racing issues as well. After three days of exhaustive education, the attendees are turned loose on their members of Congress to lobby them on motorcycle issues. Congrats to the AMA for another event done well.
ABATE of MN was also in town the same week and let me tell you, they brought a posse. Almost twenty bikers walking the halls en masse was a welcome sight to this lonely lobbyist. I had the opportunity to tag along with the group to a good chunk of their meetings. The MN congressional delegation has a substantial amount of weight this Congress.
For example, Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) is the new Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. Oberstar does have a soft spot for some two-wheeled modes of transportation, mainly bicycles; the 73-year-old pledges to put over three thousand miles on his bicycle this summer touring the state, again. While we may not always line up on safety legislation with Mr. Oberstar, we can always count on him to advocate for share the road and awareness campaigns.>
ABATE of Wisconsin and ABATE of New Mexico were also in Washington DC last week as well. This was a first for the ABATE from the Land of Enchantment and definitely not a first for the dairy state. C.J. August from New Mexico took some time off while here for a work commitment to lobby her Representative and Senators. The folks from Wisconsin brought some new faces and some familiar ones as well. MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and MRF SSMRO rep to the board, Dave Dwyer were both part of the crew from WI. I had the opportunity to participate with both groups while they successfully lobbied the Hill. Several other MRO’s had representatives in DC last week including but not limited to, ABATE of AK, IL, MD, and NY. Yours truly wasn’t able to tag along with every state but I rest assured knowing they all had productive and profitable meetings with their elected officials.
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983
BIKERNET WEEKLY TRAVEL TIP–Three women and three men are traveling by train to the Super Bowl. At the station, the three men each buy a ticket and watch as the three women buy just one ticket. “How are the three of you going to travel on only one ticket?” asks one of the men.
“Watch and learn,” answers one of the women.
They all board the train. The three men take their respective seats but all three women cram into a toilet together and close the door. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the toilet door and says, “Ticket, please.”
The door opens just a crack, and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The men see this happen and agree it was quite a clever idea; so, after the game, they decide to do the same thing on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station they buy a single ticket for the return trip but see, to their astonishment, that the three women don’t buy any ticket at all!!
How are you going to travel without a ticket?” says one perplexed man.
“Watch and learn,” answer the women.
When they board the train, the three men cram themselves into a toilet, and the three women cram into another toilet just down the way. Shortly after the train is on its way, one of the women leaves her toilet and walks over to the toilet in which the men are hiding.
The woman knocks on their door and says, “Ticket, please.”
I’m still trying to figure out why men ever think they are smarter than women!!!
–from Chris T.
WHIPLASH MEET MIKE LICHTER IN DAYTONA–Every artist has an influence and I met one of mine on the last day of Daytona Bikeweek ’07. As I took this shot I looked to my right and there he stood, loaded with equipment and busy shooting the flow of bikes coming down Beach Street. I couldn’t help it, I had to interrupt the well known perfectionist to tell him how much I admired his work and vision. He stopped and took the time to shake my hand and even give some advice. I know that kind of shit is a pain in the ass when you are trying to work, but Michael Lichter is a class act. Thanks Bro!
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
BIKERNET SUPPORT USO TOUR EFFORT–I just heard from the USO about the tour I’ve proposed to them. We have our list of builders that are committed to going. Now I need a couple of things from all of our invitees. First is a short bio about each person. I guess the military wants to know who we’re sending to meet the troops.Second is a 7-10 day long block where you’ll be available for the tour.
Right now they’re talking about mid September on out. That would work best for most of us I think, it’s after Sturgis and Bonneville and the weather is a little cooler there. They said we could go in August but the weather is like 120 degrees every day. I suggested sometime after Bonneville. Let me know what dates work for you and I’ll put together the proposal for the military.
STEALTH BIKE WORK REPORTS–Here in Charlotte we hit 80 degrees this week and the bikes are on the road and the bike nights are starting earlier than expected!
STEALTH BIKE WORKS is filling up fast with service work and that is a good thing to see. Spring is a great time of year. Everything is new and full of life. People are excited about riding and getting their bike ready.
Just a few things to mention. Biker magazine has it’s 20th Anniversary issue out. I looked at it yesterday and it was pretty cool. A lot of old outlaw style bikes from the past and a lot of old pictures. All of them take me back to some good memories. Check it out, I think you will like it.
This week I cleaned my 91 springer Softail , (AKA SKELETOR.) I really cleaned it top to bottom. Kury-Akn has some great new cleaning products. I used 3 of them on Skeletor. First I used Doc Bailey’s Leather Black on my seat. Man this is some great stuff. It is easy to use and does a great job.
After washing, I used Spider Web and Swirl remover. Spider is a polish and you rub the first coat into the paint or until it disappears, the second coat, you let haze over and then remove. This did a great job making the painted surfaces really smooth. Then I applied Glare. Glare is a wax that works with Spider. The first coat is rubbed into the paint or until it disappears. The second coat of Glare is when the paint really pops! The second coat is applied and you let it haze over and the remove it. Man the shine is a foot deep and is glass like! On the Glare label it says it will last for up to 60 months! The Spider polish retails for $29.99 and the Glare wax retails for $34.99. It did not take much of either to do the job, so it should last for awhile. I know some of you are already screaming about the price. Think of it this way, How much is that paint job on your bike worth? See it really does not seem expensive, now does it? Anyway you get what you pay for. Now, I have two more bikes to try this stuff on.
Oh, before I forget, all of us here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS would like to wish Mr. Bandit a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (3-16-07) Have a great One!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
2007 DONNIE SMITH INVITATIONAL BIKE SHOW–Hop on and celebrate Minnesota’s Motorcycle Legend and experience one of the nation’s largest collections of custom-built bikes!
What: Donnie Smith is a Minnesota native and well-respected Hall of Fame Master Builder who literally pioneered what has become the “custom bike craze”. Featured in numerous biographies and histories of chopper building books and complimented by popular TV series such as Orange County Choppers (OCC) and Biker Build-off, Donnie’s work has proven to be a major influence in motorcycle design for more than 30 years. In addition to the recent media attention, Donnie’s work and achievements are nationally recognized via his 1995 induction into the Sturgis Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Hot Bike Magazine and V-Twin Magazine. His company, Donnie Smith Custom Cycles, located in Blaine, specializes in one-of-a-kind custom-built bikes. Donnie is well-known for creating his signature “Girder” front ends which are popular on choppers of the 60’s, 70’s and today.
The 2007 Donnie Smith-House of Kolor Invitational Bike Show is among the largest motorcycle shows in the country! The 2007 Show is the 20th annual, one of the longest running shows in the industry. “This event offers something for all bikers from antique to custom rides,” says Neil Ryan of American Thunder Promotions. “It’s a family event too, so bring the kids and make a day of it,” Ryan adds.
When: Saturday, March 24, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre
Tickets: $12 or $20 for a two-day pass. Kids 12 and under get in free!
For more information on Donnie Smith and the 2007 Donnie Smith-House of Kolor Invitational Bike Show, go to: www.donniesmithbikeshow.comFor interview opportunities contact: Michael Deering at 952-944-1319 or michael@odcom.com
BIKERNET EUROPEAN DEAL OF THE WEEK–I am Steve Fiak from Hungary. We won a second place in old school category at the European Chamionship in Mainz last year with “the Hawk”.
We would like to sell the bike now and we wonder if you can help us in this.
For further details of the bike, please see the below home page:
http://www.amdchampionship.com/content.php?page=registry§ion=viewbike&event=2006euro&bikenumber=097> http://www.amdchampionship.com/content.php?page=registry§ion=viewbike&event=2006euro&bikenumber=097Thanks for your help in advance.
The price is EUR 35,000.
–Steve
katalin.almacht@gmail.com
COURTNEY, EDITOR OF BIKE WORKS DOWN–Parts are being auctioned off to support this talented freelance editor who worked for several mags in our industry. He recently had a stroke and can’t work. Here’s the first item to go on the auction bloc.
“H-Bomb” Oil tank by Sucker Punch SallyHere’s a brand new oil tank design that’s the Bomb! Tank comes complete with a cool “Spinner” type screw in cap and mounting brackets for welding to your frame. Tank measures approx. 8″ in diameter. Made in the USA by Sucker Punch Sally.
Curt Lout
www.STUDIO9000.com
303.921.4590
MILLION DOLLAR BUILD-OFF CANCELED–Got a call today saying the Million Dollar Biker Build-off
Builders in the competition just started getting word today. I called John Dodson from Gangster Choppers who is/was in the competition. He had not heard the news but called me back about 30 minutes later to say it was true.
I’ve been unable to find out today how this impacts the rest of the heritage rally. I’ve heard the whole rally is cancelled and some didn’t know. Have you heard anything?
–Sam DIXON
Biker Beauties Magazine
BIKERNET WEEKLY ART EXHIBIT–We reached out to the Tiki Gods this week and they were pissed, son this is what we got by Bernard Oliver. Maybe it’s a biker Tiki God?
Phone (949) 637 1885
Web site:
http://home.mchsi.com/~bernard.oliver
JUST PUBLISHED, MOTORCYCLE JOURNEYS THROUGH THE AMERICAN SOUTH BY SCOTT COCHRAN, US RIDERNEWS EDITOR–If you grew up below the Mason Dixon line, you know the joys of riding the backroads of the American South, but do you know its best-kept secrets? And if you ?ain?t from here? as they say, well, you just don?t know what you?ve been missing! Discover a region filled with gorgeous scenery, challenging roads, engaging history, and fabulous local food. Buy this travel guide, pack your bags, and go now.
Order Now and Save 20% on Kevin Cameron?sNew Book, Top Dead Center A Collection of His Best Articles From Cycle World Magazine Ready July 2007
This is the book we’ve all been waiting for the feature articles and columns that have made Kevin Cameron one of motorcycling’s best-read writers. We are pleased to offer our Enews subscribers a special pre-publication price of $21.56 on this new hardcover collection. That’s a 20% savings from the regular price of $26.95. Order before April 15 to reserve a copy now and ensure your special pricing. We’ll ship and bill the book automatically when it arrives in July. The pre-publication price will be applied when we process your order, but not on the website.
BANDIT’S DAYROLLS TESTIMONIAL– We got the Dayrolls in the mail yesterday, thanks. I strapped mine to my bike last night using several bungees and packed my lunch and gym clothes in it, just before leaving for work. I can’t believe the room in these things. Here’s a few pics of it on my bike. It works great and even helped to break the shrill morning air on the way home this morning.
I can’t wait to attach it with tie wraps and see how it does. The bungee cords worked ok, but they still strain against the wind and cause the bag to shift a little…but no problem. I will strap Salena’s to her Sporty and take a few pics before we go out on our next ride. It will be nice to be able to ride without everything shoved into my jacket. I also love the fact I don’t mess up the look of the bikes with a saddlebag.
Something about the dayroll still looks clean enough to be called stripped down. Anyways, thanks again for sending them so quick, best 110 bucks I have spent on my bike yet!
–Johnny Humble
This is the Bed Roll. The Day Roll is a little smaller.
Continued On Page 3
March 15, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
Check the Daytona Reports on the home page. Seems you can’t believe anything you read or hear. The accident statistics are blown out of proportion, so are the stolen motorcycle numbers and even the attendance numbers.
According to the Tin Man, Rogue, Lee Clemens and other worldly Bikernet sources, ya can’t trust anyone.
“Man that was too fuckin’ freaky. As soon as I sent you the story about how screwed up things are around here (someone’s reading Bikernet) your e-mail about stolen bikes was in my box,” said the Tin Man
“To answer your question, yeah I saw that tired bullshit how they doubled or tripled the numbers. Every thing here is blown out of proportion. Must be these good citizens that report this shit need to justify just how badly they’re needed. Job security I suppose. Does “Task Force” really ring true to you? Didn’t think so.”
But the bottom Line is that the brothers and sisters who dodged the cops felt the warmth of the southern sun, saw slinky bathing suits and the best the motorcycle industry has to offer. If that’s not enough Quentin Tarantino new bloody badass biker Pistolero movie is coming. That’s three Biker movies this year. Let’s hit the news:
BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES AND ITS DEALERS SCORE HIGH IN INDUSTRY REPORTS–Motorcycle Dealers Rank Big Dog Motorcycles As The #1 American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer While The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index Puts The Company’s Dealers At#2 In Providing The Best Shopping Experience.
WICHITA, Kansas (March 14, 2007) – Big Dog Motorcycles?, the world’s largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles, is pleased to announce that it has scored high marks in two industry studies: The 2007 DealerNews magazine OEM Report Card, a dealer survey, and the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, a customer survey.
DealerNews magazine’s OEM Report Card ranked Big Dog Motorcycles higher than competitive motorcycle brands in several categories, in turn making the manufacturer the #1 American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer. The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index placed Big Dog Motorcycles dealerships at #2 in providing the best shopping experience. This study is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
“From our motorcycle styling and performance, to the programs we offer our dealers, satisfaction is at the core of everything Big Dog Motorcycles does. It’s fantastic news that our dealers continue to be extremely pleased with Big Dog Motorcycles and that customers are also having satisfying retail experiences within the dealership,” commented Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO.
“Receiving such high marks is great achievement by the entire Big Dog Motorcycles team – from those building the bikes to the dealer network that sales them,” he added.
2007 DealerNews OEM Report Card
In late 2006, more than 8,000 dealers graded their OEM partners on a scale from one to ten in 17 criteria in three categories: products, dealer support, and programs. Specific criteria ranged from product craftsmanship to visual appeal; promotional and training programs; and communications and credibility.
Nearly every dealer in Big Dog Motorcycles’ 100-dealer network responded to the survey.
Big Dog Motorcycles scored above the industry average in 14 of the 17 criteria and scored above Harley-Davidson and Victory in 13 criteria. These numbers clearly make Big Dog Motorcycles the number one American V-Twin Motorcycle Manufacturer.
“Exchanging ideas with our Dealer Advisory Council – and even the entire dealer body – has been integral in the constant improvement in our line of motorcycles, accessories, and apparel. The dealers are also extremely valuable as we develop the programs that support the dealer and make purchasing our bikes easier for the customer,” Coleman added.
“Seeing the results shows where we are strong, but also where we still need to focus. I am confident Big Dog Motorcycles will continue its reign in the motorcycle class as we continue to improve,” he continued.
The OEM Report Card was last issued in December 2004, in which Big Dog Motorcycles was also Ranked #1 above all other motorcycle manufacturers.
Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index
The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index report, administered by California-based Pied Piper Management Company from November 2006 to January 2007 and published in PowerSports Business magazine, rates the effectiveness of motorcycle dealer sales forces and the best shopping experience among top motorcycle brands. The report, calculated after nearly 400 shopper evaluations across the United States, was the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry.
Shoppers evaluated the retail experience for a specific motorcycle brand and never visited the same dealership twice. Evaluations were based on such criteria as the overall shopping experience, what products and services were offered, and salesman effectiveness. In total, over 50 key elements of the sales process were studied.
Big Dog Motorcycles dealers were ranked #2 (out of 7 companies) and well above the motorcycle industry average.
“The report’s findings are an amazing compliment to our dealers, their knowledge, effectiveness, and service,” Coleman added. “And it also confirms Big Dog Motorcycles’ commitment to delivering the best total customer service experience through our dealer training programs, improved product quality, forward-thinking styling, and valuable retail incentive programs,” Coleman said.
“The manufacturer that truly listens to the voice of the customer and the needs of the dealer and make necessary improvements is rewarded with great acknowledgements like these reports and, ultimately, long-term customer loyalty to the brand,” he added.
HELLS ANGELS SUES DISNEY–Hells Angels are suing Walt Disney for copyrightinfringement. Talk about what goes around comesaround. Only this time in nightmare form.HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! THIS is gonna be a lot funniermovie than that piece of crap Wild Hogs sewerfest.HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
— jj
QUICK THROTTLE EXPO – THIS WEEKEND–Saturday 10am-6pm or Sunday 10am-5pm !!!!! HEAR ALL ABOUT IT ON 93.1 JACK FM orPICK UP YOUR EXPO CARD AT ANY WAHOO’s FISH TACO LOCATION!
BREAKDOWN BLUES–Bandit, I`m a little pissed at what is happening with what is supposed to be a brotherhood. I went out for a Sunday ride on my ’52 Panny, 90 degrees outside, a great day for a ride. After a couple of hour run I stopped at the chicken and a couple of cold ones and continued home. At the 10 & the 215 fwy(which is Berdoo) my Pan decided to breakdown.
So there I am on the side of the 10 fwy tools out trying to fix her for about 2 1/2 hours with hundreds of Harleys ridin by lookin and not one mother fucker stopped to offer any help. Now I know there is a lot of drug store bikers out there but old schoolers were ridin by too.
My problem was only a broken wire to my ground and it’s my own fault I had everything but pliers. Finally a little blonde stops in her car to help and she let me use her finger nail clippers and with a drink of her soda I was good to go. So I need to know what the fuck is going on, I always stop if someone is on the side of the road? Is it because I wasn’t standing there wearing $2500.00 worth of leather from head to toe. Shit, I don’t think so. I thought this whining would help, but na I`m still fucking pissed. Later
–L & R Jay
In attendance to pick up the motorcycle from LifeStyle Cycles was (left to right) Richard Porras from Ride the Coast, Ben Gonzales from the Santa Ana Fire Department, Mark “Junior” Skolnick from LifeStyle Cycles, Derald Sidler from the Boys and Girls Club, Andre Peschong donator of the motorcycle, David Ream from the City of Santa Ana and Ken Pratt from Ride the Coast.
LIFESTYLE CYCLES CUSTOMER DONATES CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE TO BENEFIT LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB–Anaheim, California – It’s all about giving back to the community. That was the sentiment behind LifeStyle Cycles’ customer Andre Peschong donating his custom motorcycle for an opportunity drawing to help benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana, California.
“It’s really an honor for us to play a part in this worthwhile cause” says LifeStyle Cycles owner Mark “Junior” Skolnick, “All of us at LifeStyle Cycles realize the impact the Boys and Girl’s Club has on the youth of our area, and we’ll contribute to that any way we can.” Representatives from the Santa Ana Fire Department, the Boys and Girl’s Club, the City Manager of Santa Ana and a representative from Ride The Coast came to pick up the full custom motorcycle at LifeStyle Cycles.Tickets will be sold for the opportunity drawing through the Boys and Girls Club website (www.boysandgirlsclub.com) or can be purchased direct by calling Sandy at (714) 565-1098. The tickets are $10 each, or 3 for $25. The motorcycle will be given away at the “Ride The Coast” event (www.ridethecoast.com), Sunday June 24th. Only 10,000 tickets will be printed and numbered, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
LifeStyle Cycles 16,000 square-foot facility is located at 1534 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806. (714) 490-0155. Or visit them on the web at www.lifestylecycles.com.
TLC BIKER BUILD-OFF AND MOTORCYCLE MANIA NEWS– Just got back from Daytona. Very difficult but very successful shoot. Russell Mitchell built a bike for John Mellencamp in five days and Mellencamp took possession of it on Friday. Then he sang “Aint that America” to the assembled thousands. Very moving.
So this show called “Motorcycle Mania 4” will air on April 15th for sure. You could post that. But as far as the Biker Build Offs go… they keep shifting the dates around. It sucks.
Here’s the new dates:
As of now, Ep. 19 will premiere on 3/29 and Ep. 18 will premiere on 4/5.
BBO 518 is Scott Webster vs. Dawn Norakas and BBO 519 is James Compton vs. Andrew Williams (Departure Bike Works)
–Hugh King and Kelly Moran
Original Productions
D&D EXHAUST WORKS WITH BIKERNET AND UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ON NOISE STUDY–D&D Exhaust reviewed the Bikernet Independent Noise study and forwarded our ghetto findings to the engineering class at the University of Texas. “We set up a testing arena and tested all of our exhaust against the federal 80 db standard,” said Dave Rash, the President of D&D. “This calls for a decibel meter 50 feet from a motorcycle passing at 3000 rpm or 35 mph. In each case our exhaust systems passed the EPA requirements, some as low as 72 db. We completely agree with your standings and support your efforts to save lives and create a better understanding between motorcyclists and the community.”
Here’s a link to the Bikernet study: http://www.bikernet.com/news/PageViewer.asp?PageID=902
TEMPTRESS CHOPPERS SPORTY–Just completed a new sporty based chopper. Any interest in publishing it?
–Nick Kasik
www.temptresschoppers.com
Crazyhorse is going to handle this bike in our Reader’s Showcase area. That’s an area on Bikernet where we feature reader’s rides or you can post your own bike feature. It’s there for you.
HERITAGE RALLY CANCELLED–Effective immediately the 2007 Heritage Motorcycle Rally (also know as Bike Week Charleston) in Charleston, South Carolina has been cancelled. This cancellation includes all concerts, bike shows, car show, the Million Dollar Bike Build-Off and all other events scheduled to be held at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds and/or Kicknhorse Saloon during what was called the Heritage Motorcycle Rally. This cancellation is for 2007 and all other years following.
All concert ticket holders will receive a refund on ticket purchases. Please request refunds from the place of purchase. All radio and television stations participating in promotions have been informed of the decision to cancel the Heritage and all its associated events. All area Hotels and selected national motorcycle magazines are being notified of the event cancellation to help prevent persons coming into Charleston from traveling here for this event. The websites have been changed to reflect the cancellation as well.
The Heritage staff has always presented this event as a safe, “Family Oriented” National Motorcycle Event. And with the combined efforts of most of the motorcycle organizations in the area that has been the case. All of Charleston was promised that in 2003 by the promoter Dave Harvey when this event started. Today he does not believe that he can provide a safe environment in the Charleston area for this event to be held. It is with great sorrow that this historic event had to be cancelled due to attitudes and behaviors of some persons throughout the motorcycle community.
MAYBE WE SHOULD PRAY–There once was a religious young woman who went to Confession. Upon entering the confessional, she said, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”
The priest said, “Confess your sins and be forgiven.”
The young woman said, “Last night my biker boyfriend made mad passionate love to me seven times.”
The priest thought long and hard and then said, “Squeeze sevenlemons into a glass and then drink the juice.”
The young woman asked, “Will this cleanse me of my sins?”
The priest said, “No, but it will wipe that smile off of your face.”
ANOTHER BIKERNET RELIGIOUS MOMENT– An old Biker walks into a confessional. The following conversation ensues:
Biker: “I am 92 years old, have a wonderful wife of 70 years,many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Yesterday, Ipicked up two college girls, hitchhiking. We went to a motel, whereI had sex with each of them three times.”
Priest: “Are you sorry for your sins?”
Man: “What sins?”
Priest: “What kind of a Catholic are you?”
Man: “I’m Jewish.”
Priest: “Why are you telling me all this?”
Man: “I’m 92 years old …. I’m telling everybody.”
–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
PRESIDENTIAL CANTIDATE TOMMY THOMPSON ON YOU TUBE WITH CHARLIE BRECHTEL–Team Tommy is a group of bikers who came together to promote and endorse Tommy Thompson for President. The group includes my wife and I, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, New York Myke, Jeff Hennie, Dave “Chubby” Charlebois, Rogue, Dave Zien and others in the motorcycle community. We want to bring as many bikers to Ames, Iowa on August 11th as possible for the Straw Poll Vote there. Tommy Thompson, former Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is our candidate and should be yours too.
Visit the link below to hear what some of us are saying about him, and watch for further developments and news about the ride and party we are planning for Ames, Iowa in August.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPTYf45p6TI
–Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Founder, ABATE of Wisconsin / BOLT
VIPER POWERSPORTS LISTED ON THE NASD–Viper Powersports Inc, the Big Lake MN motorcycle manufacturer announced today that it has changed its primary trading venue from Pink Sheets to the NASD Electronic Bulletin Board. (OTCBB: VPWS). Viper Powersports develops, produces and markets a line of premium custom V-Twin cruiser motorcycles, aftermarket engines and other related aftermarket products. Viper cruisers are distributed and sold under the Viper brand name through a nationwide independent dealer network. The Company designs and manufactures custom motorcycles, accessories and motorcycle engine component parts with patented technology using Computer Aided Design (CAD). Many of the motorcycle and motorcycle engine component parts are machined from solid billets of aluminum utilizing Computer-Numerical-Control (CNC) machines.
The above news item came from the Cyril Huze blog.
Continued On Page 2
Bikernet BMW Connection
By Bandit |
You maybe asking yourself, What the hell? BMW's on Bikernet? That's down right Un-American. So let me back up a bit to tell the tale. I have a soft spot in the back of my cranium for old school cafe racers. When I came to the Bikernet compound, a 1982 R-65LS came with me as well. Bandit let me store it here and was kind enough to remind me of existence every day. And ever the philosopher, he would ask the eternal question. When are you getting your broke-ass shit out of here goddammit!!!! He was right, what to do?
So R-65 went to Mitch's Motorcycle. Where upon inspection he found that I own one of the finest parts bikes in America today. So it's back here at the headquarters, and soon to be coming to an eBay near you. But, the service I received was second to none. (It's for sale–contact Bandit@bikernet.com for info.)
About Mitch Berger
His experience with BMW motorcycles began in 1975. “I was just 15 then,” Mitch said. “As many of you know, it gets into your blood and never leaves. It does not matter if it's cold, windy, raining or hot, we need to get on our motorcycles and ride. I worked for a few years as a commercial pilot flying cargo in 12-seaters, but my heart was with motorcycles.”
In 1988 he went back to working at Marty's BMW (Marty's Foreign Motors). “This was a special place for myself and many other people,” Mitch said. Marty's Foreign Motors was started in 1952 by Marty P. Pierre and his wife Elise. These two had the courage to sell bikes that were not from England or American made. Some of the motorcycles they sold were DKW, Zundapp, Maico and BMWs. The two also had a Citroen dealership among other things. All this was at the location in Culver City. In 1972 Mr. Marty and his wife downsized and moved to the Torrance location where they had BMW, Moto Guzzi, and repaired Citroen cars.
Mitch grew up learning from his father, and two A&P mechanics. One of these mechanics, Jehd Webster, is a regional service rep for BMW. “As my addiction to motorcycles increased, so did my learning,” Mitch said. “Having raced desert, motorcross, enduros, supermottard, and trials, I have learned from these experiences, as well as riding 1254 miles in 24 hours. In this way I can bring my personal approach and thorough knowledge to you and your motorcycle.”
In closing if there are any Airheads out there who might actually be reading this,Mitch's is the place to go for any foreign motor needs. This is an man who is currently installing a Volvo engine in a small plane for god's sake, you can't go wrong!!
Black Market John.
March 08, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
SEP SPORTSTER DRAG RACER FROM GENE’S SPEED SHOP COMES TO AMERICAN IRON AND ULTIMATELY BIKERNET–We’ve worked with Gene Thomason Jr. for years and now he owns his own shop in Gasoline Alley Torrence, California. He built this SEP Sportster racer and raced a V-Rod Destroyer for Oliver Shokouh of Glendale H-D throughout this season and took the Western Division in the Destroyer Class.
Markus Cuff shot the dragster in the Fleet Center and it’s due to be published in American Iron and Bikernet in the near future.
— Gene’s Speed Shop
(310) 618-1908
22632 Normandie Blvd.
Torrance, California 90502
BUELL RIDERS SHINE IN ASRA THUNDERBIKE AND MOTO-ST OPENERS– DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2006) – Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing rider David Estok rode a Buell Firebolt XB12R through heavy rain to win the opening round of the 2007 American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Thunderbike series on Saturday, and on Sunday, Daytona H-D/Buell/Richie Morris Racing’s Dan Bilansky and Shawn Higbee took a hard fought class win in the MOTO-ST Daytona USA 300 GrandSport Twins class (11th overall) to wrap up a successful season-opening weekend of racing at Daytona International Speedway.
In the Thunderbike race, Estok led from the start of the rain-soaked event and was chased by his Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing teammate, Darren James. The 2006 Thunderbike champion, Hal’s H-D/Buell Hal’s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky, slotted his Buell Firebolt into third position. The pole-sitter for the event, San Jose BMW rider Brian Parriott, moved up through the field after a poor start and managed to pass first Bilansky and then James to claim second place. James finished third, with Bilansky in fourth position. Because of the rain and slick track, the race was shorted from the scheduled 10 laps to seven laps.
This was the first race with the Deeley/Ruthless Racing team for Estok, who won the Thunderbike championship in 2005. “Daytona is always challenging and even more so in the rain,” said Estok. “The Deeley squad put me on a great bike and our set-up was perfect for the conditions. This is a great way to start a new season of racing.”
James, the 2006 Canada Thunder champion, plans to contest the entire 2006 ASRA Thunderbike championship.
Buell riders claimed five of the top six positions in the race. Hal’s Speed Shop/Badger Motorsports rider Greg Avello finished fifth, followed by Joe Rozynski on his Sound Waves/Hal’s Speed Shop Buell Firebolt.
Also on Saturday at Daytona, Estok rode his Deeley H-D/Buell Canada/Ruthless Racing Buell to victory in the Championship Cup Series (CCS) SuperTwins Expert class, a five-lap sprint race.
The next event on the eight-race 2007 ASRA Pro Thunderbike series schedule is the Heart of America Cycle Fest, April 27-29 at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan.
Buell Teams Score in SunTrust MOTO-ST Daytona USA 300
On Sunday, March 4, Daytona H-D/Buell Richie Morris Racing riders Dan Bilansky and Shawn Higbee won the GrandSport Twins (GST) class in the Daytona USA 300, the first round of the 2007 SunTrust MOTO-ST series. Riding a Buell Firebolt XB12R, Bilansky and Higbee spent much of the race in a fierce battle with the Hal’s Speed Shop/James Gang Racing Buell shared by Paul James and Greg Avello, who led 25 laps in the GST class during the event. Pacing the class by about 45 seconds, Higbee came in for a splash of fuel with just two laps left in the race and managed to maintain the lead, completing 100 laps in the 3-hour 20-minute endurance event, and finishing 11th overall.
“It’s a fantastic win,” said Higbee, who was competing in his first motorcycle race since being injured at Daytona in 2005. “Making it to the finish was our number one priority and we hit the set-up pretty well. It was tough because the James Gang Racing Buell was pushing us pretty hard.”
The Ducati SS1000 of Pete Friedland, Brad Phillips and Frank Shockley finished second in the GST class and 15th overall, while the James Gang Racing Buell placed third, just 3.1 seconds behind, and 16th overall.
The next race on the 2007 SunTrust MOTO-ST schedule is the Homestead 500K, April 13-14 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
READER COMMENT ON BIKERNET NEWS MOVING TO CANTINA NEXT WEEK–Hey Bandit, we’ve done some of Daytona. Too many cages and gawkers. We mostly hang at the biker friendly joints on the outskirts, more bikers, less wannabe’s. Anyways, I’d wondered why the Thursday’s news was free. It has more content and that equals more work, right? I’ll pay, no problem.
Also, glad I could help sponsor The Assalt Weapan and look forward to my 5-ball patch (and a signed! picture of Valerie). Do you have any Salt Shaker patches? Or Assalt Weapanpatches in the works?
Other than 5-ball racing? Really like the topless salt-shaker girl! Well, good luck with all those projects. See you on the road. (have tequila, will travel)
–Pete(from Florida)
Thanks for your vote of confidence regarding the News. It’s a tremendous amount of work, but a blast. Regarding the Assalt Weapan and patches. It’s still early. Chris Kallas is working on the Assalt Weapan girl right now. All depends on what we can afford. A agree the Salt shaker girl should be a sticker or a patch. First I need to get the Assalt Weapan built. Frame should roll into the shop next week from Paughco. We’ll keep you posted–Bandit
HOMELAND SECURITY OFFERS DETAILS ON REAL IDS–Hundreds of millions of Americans will have until 2013 to be outfittedwith newdigital ID cards, the Bush administration said on Thursday in a long-awaitedannouncement that reveals details of how the new identification planwill work.
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers afive-yearextension to the deadline for states to issue the ID cards, and proposescreating the equivalent of a national database that would includedetails on all240 million licensed drivers.
According to the draft regulations (PDF), which were required byCongress in the2005 Real ID Act and are unlikely to assuage privacy and cost concernsraised bystate legislatures:
The Real ID cards must include all drivers’ home addresses and otherpersonalinformation printed on the front and in a two-dimensional barcode on theback.The barcode will not be encrypted because of “operational complexity,” whichmeans that businesses like bars and banks that require ID would becapable ofscanning and recording customers’ home addresses.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is under consideration.HomelandSecurity is asking for input on how the licenses could incorporate”RFID-enabledvicinity chip technology, in addition to” the two-dimensional barcoderequirement.
States must submit a plan of how they’ll comply with the Real ID Act byOctober 7, 2007. If they don’t, their residents will not be able to useIDs toboard planes or enter federal buildings starting on May 11, 2008.
Push for repeal continuesOpponents of the Real ID Act, who have been advising states to publiclyopposethe system, said that the draft rules are insufficientlyprivacy-protective andreiterated their call for a repeal of the entire law.
The Real ID Act passed Congress as part of an $82 billion militaryspending billthat also included funds for tsunami relief. No up-or-down vote onsolely theReal ID Act took place in the entire Congress, though the House ofRepresentatives did approve the rules by a 261-161 vote.
CELEBRITY RIDES SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE TOUR LEADS HEARD OF CHROME AND STEEL INTO TOWN–The leather-and-chrome set has a host of activities to choose from as Bike Week officially rolls into town.But along with the usual assortment of entertainment and contests, there are a number of events where you can check out the coolest in customized rides and try out the latest in production models.
Trying to get out front as the coolest, the 2007 Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour starts today showing off its collection of customizers and the bikes they built for celebrities.
The Seminole tour stop runs through March 11 on Main Street, said Carrie Repp of R&R Promotions, which stages the event.
“We are thrilled to be able to add the celebrity bike element to (the tour),” Repp said in a release. “Most people probably don’t realize how many celebrities are into motorcycles, and it’s interesting to see who rides and what they ride.”
The custom builders are Dave Perewitz of Boston and his bike designed for NASCAR driver Tony Stewart; Russell Mitchell from Exile Cycles in California, showcasing a motorcycle customized for Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day; Ralph Randolph of Ralph Randolph Designs in Arizona and a bike built for actor Matthew McConaughey; and Victory Motorcycles’ two-wheeler for NASCAR’s Kyle Petty.Along with the bikes and their designers, the Roadhouse Tour also will feature a disc jockey, live bands day and night, bikini contests and a photo exhibition by Michael Lichter of celebrities and top builders.
Besides the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, other sponsors include Budweiser, Keyboard Carriage, Baker Transmission,
? Riverfront Park, North Beach Street, Daytona Beach: Major manufacturers will display their motorcycles through March 11. There’s also a food court, live entertainment and official Bike Week merchandise.
? Daytona International Speedway: Major manufacturers offer demo rides to those who hold a valid motorcycle driver’s license and bring their own DOT-approved helmets, through March 10. Also, International Bike Builders Row.
? Chops Ironcity, 1821 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona: Features choppers and custom bike builders, through March 11.
? Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, Ocean Center East Plaza, through March 10.
? 29th Annual Daytona Motorcycle Swapmeet, Daytona Flea Market, Tomoka Farms Road, Daytona Beach: Custom bike show, March 6-9.
? 16th Annual Boardwalk Classic Ride-In Show, Main Street and the ocean, Datyaon Beach: Classic bikes and cool rides from throughout the county, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 9.
–from Rogue
TWO INTO TWO JUG HUGGERS– Jug Huggers are performance pipes . They have the right mix of air flow and back pressure to make for increased performance and incredible sound. The oversized removable heat shield gives the Jug Huggers a 2 1/2″ fat look. Max-Flow performance baffles and chrome billet aluminum end caps are standard.
Optional stealth baffles or torque chambers give you the option of getting the right performance from your motorcycle.
Options and Accessories:
* 1/1/2″ Stealth Baffle 22-00037/2
* 15″x16″ Fiberglass Packing 22-00042
* Torque Chamber Kit 25-0010
For: Bub Jug Huggers for ’01-’05 DynaGlide
From: Metric Thunder
Who: Thunder Bob
Details: Click Here for 2 into 2 Jug Huggers
Pricing: Thunder Bob is dealing, Taking $80 off retail!
More on Thunder Bob: Thunder Bob does double duty at Bikernet Radio.
RARE HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKES TO BE AUCTIONED–A range of rare and classic Harley-Davidson bikes is being offered for auction by MidAmerican Auctions at the 19th Annual Minnesota Vintage Motorcycle Auction scheduled for April 13-14th, St.Paul, Minnesota.
Eighteen of the 44 lots due to go under the hammer are Harley-Davidson engined bikes, with the remainder being made up mainly of British classics.
Highlights of the selection include; an Arlen Ness custom, built in 1974, a 1929 H-D 350cc Peashooter racer in original factory paint, and a Harley-Davidson VR1000 Factory Racer, one of only 50 superbike racers built by the Company to compete in the AMA Superbike Series, it has never been raced and includes the factory manual and documents.
Full details of the bikes can be seen at
MidAmerican Auctions
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Tel: 651-633-9655
Fax: 651-633-3212
mailto:midauction@aol.com
www.midamericaauctions.com
HARLEY WOMAN NEEDS LIFT TO TOP OF THE WORLD– Fellow Harley rider Betsy Huelskamp has been selected to be on Discovery Channel’s Spring 2007 expedition to climb Mt. Everest.
But Betsy needs our help. She needs to raise $12,000 by next week in order to meet up with the team in Katmandu for the ascent to the summit.
Go to www.betsyhuelskamp.com to read about her quest and to make a donation.
Everyone here at Glendale Harley wants to see Betsy fulfill her dream.
Thank you for your continued support.
Contact us with any questions at
glendaleharley@glendaleharley.com
sales@hollywoodharley.com
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Glendale
3717 San Fernando RD, Glendale
CA 91204 818-246-5618
Hollywood Harley-Davidson
1000 Universal Studios Blvd
Universal City, CA 91608
818-754-6200
–Betzy
CALAMITYBZ@aol.com
TATTOO WINS SADDLEMAN SEAT FROM METRIC THUNDER–Rod Scruggs sent in his wife’s winged frog tattoo and Bandit at Bikernet.com selected it as February’s winning entry. It’s a big, bold and green design. …