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Read More February 15, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
It’s a hot news today, plus here’s a couple of hot tips. The Bobber debate is on-going since most tight, old school customs are labeled bobbers. Actually bobbers were ’40s stock bikes, bobbed for racing with different bars and shortened fenders.
There’s the Frisco style bike with a stock rigid frame, springer, ribbed rear fender, Sportster or Peanut tanks and highbars. But the other day a term came up that I believe fills the missing link, Bar Hopper.
Bar hoppers are also short, tight bikes with small tanks and rigid frames. That sorta covers anything retro or even new that’s not meant for long distances, just hitting it to the bar. Whatta ya say?
One more tidbit. I’m helping a kid build a Bar Hopper rigid with a stock wide glide and a mustang tank, no front fender and we’re fabricating all the brackets, mounting the solo seat, the fender, you know, all the shit. He mentioned that if you can’t have a frame or front end magnafluxed for cracks, his dad told him to sandblast the part and set it in the sun. “It will seep through the crack and you’ll spot it.”
Let’s hit the news. It’s packed:
COMING THROUGH! THE NAFTA SUPER HIGHWAY–The planned NAFTA Super Highway would radically reconfigure not onlythe physical landscape of these United States, but our political andeconomic landscapes as well.
All across America, mammoth construction projects are preparing tolaunch. The NAFTA Super Highway is on a fast track and it’s headedyour way. If you don’t help derail it, you may soon be run over by it- both figuratively and literally.
The NAFTA Super Highway is a venture unlike any previous highwayconstruction project. It is actually a daisy chain of dozens ofcorridors and coordinated projects that are expected to stretch outfor several decades, cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and end upradically reconfiguring not only the physical landscape of theseUnited States, but our political and economic landscapes as well.
In Texas, the NAFTA Super Highway is being sold as the Trans TexasCorridor. In simplest terms, the TTC is a superhighway systemincluding tollways for passenger vehicles and trucks; lanes forcommercial and freight trucks; tracks for commuter rail and high-speedfreight rail; depots for all rail lines; pipelines for oil, water, andnatural gas; and electrical towers and cabling for communication andtelephone lines.
One of the proposed corridor routes, TTC-35, isparallel to the present Interstate Highway 35 (I-35), slightly to theeast, running north from Mexico to Canada. Its present scope is 4,000miles long, 1,200 feet wide, with an estimated cost of $183 billion oftaxpayer funds. It runs through Kansas City.
Integration vs. Independence
How would all of this affect you, your family, and your community? Letus count the ways. One of the most striking features of the proposedSuper Highway is the plan to do away with our borders, as evidenced bythe joint U.S.-Mexico Customs facility already under construction inKansas City, Missouri. A U.S. Customs checkpoint in Kansas City? Butthat’s a thousand miles inside America’s heartland; isn’t the purposeof U.S. Customs to check people and cargo at our borders?Tell your representative and senators to “Stop the NAFTA Super HighwaySteppingstone to a North American Union” by phone, fax, or e-mail. Goto www.capwiz.com/jbs/home/ for contact information and a sampleletter.
By Kelly Taylor
–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
TEAM CHOPPER UPDATE FOR DONNIE SMITH SHOW–The last time we touched base with Team Chopper from St. Francis High School in Minnesota we found them building a gas tank and adding spikes.
Currently they have been making tools to get the spikes cut off the bars and another tool to hold the spikes so they can put threads in them to screw on to the gas tank.
They are continuing the tank build and tig welding it together. In addition, students have been machining different designs for their foot pegs.
The class got a 10.5 rear wheel from Cycleworks of Elk River. They also got a front end on order, American Construction (local company) purchased one through Spyke, they gave them a huge discount on the part. Spyke is also going to throw in a starter and cables! Things are coming together!
Donnie Smith High School Chopper Class Challenge
The bike debut will be at the annual Donnie Smith Bike Show in St. Paul. Last years’ chopper won the peoples choice award in the 2006 Donnie Smith High School Chopper Class Challenge.
On the Hunt
Team Chopper is looking for intake, air cleaner, front brake rotor, front and rear caliper, carb, NOS purge kit. Motorcycle enthusiasts can check out Chopper High by clicking here.
Industry Assistance
Some of the companies and individuals that have assisted in the project include Bob Osias of Metric Thunder, Donnie Smith, Brian Klock, Billy Lane, Jaz from R-MAX USA by Roadmax, Kokesh Motorcycles, S&S, Denvers Chopper, Crane Cams, BAD Creations, Hardtails, Isanti Performance Cycle, Mutha Country Choppers, Olson Radiator, House of Color, Precision Line Motorsports, Extreme Paint, Stacks Creative Customs, Wreck Bros Auto Body & Paint and Zylstra Harley Davidson.
PSYCHO SID STORY–I always think of my “The Return Of Psycho Sid” picture as a scene from an old ’60s biker flick. The scenario goes something like this: Sid, the “Devil’s Advocates” long time leader, has just returned from a stretch in the joint, where he got word that his woman was two timin’ him. The snub-nosed .38 in his back pocket and the switchblade in his right hand help explain his “Psycho Sid” nickname. The question is, is he going to do her in (she doesn’t know he knows), or will the two dudes (either of which may be the new guy she’s been messing around with) stop him cold (notice the 12 gauge next to the guy on the left).
This picture started with a photo I’d shot of an old deserted bar/motel on the outskirts of Vegas (I hear it’s since been torn down). The only sign was the word “Eats” on the wall, I added all the rest, including the rusty neon signs (both of which came from a beat-to-shit motel in Fresno, CA). I also relocated the stone archway motel rooms, and added the cactus, palm trees, iguana, and trailer, and also changed the sky.
As for the bikes and 50’s style rod (all of which I added), they’re all combinations of parts that I put together. For instance, the three wheeler didn’t have slicks, ape hangers, or flames, and the rod didn’t have the Moon tank, flames, pinstripes, Duval windshield, or the tuck n’ roll (all of the elements come from my own photos).
And as for Sid, he’s a combination of three people. The head is from one guy (I added the shades), while his arms (with added tattoos) and torso are from someone else (his legs and butt are mine). I added the vest and colors (I made up the “Devil’s Advocates” name), and added the Jack Daniels bottle and .38 to his back pockets. All of the other people were modified as well.
I knew I’d nailed the authenticity I was after when four Hells Angels (in colors) came by my booth at a show last year and loved it, saying “it totally took them back to the good ‘ol days”! You can buy a print, no problem.
Larry Grossman
www.Retrovisions.com
SEASON THREE LAUNCH!!–The Bikertv.ca Team is thrilled to announce the startof our new season. We videotaped from coast to coast – The Cabot Trailto Vancouver – Grand Praire, AB to Windsor, ON – and all points in-between.Tech Tips, Racing and much, much more.
Special thanks to our motorcycling friends who made it happen.
SEASON THREE BEGINS: SUNDAY APRIL 15/07 –
10:00am and 12:30pm
The Outdoor Life Network
BIKERTV LAUNCH PARTY
GOOD FOOD, DRINK AND MUSIC
SNEAK PREVIEW BIKERTV VIDEO
LIVE BANDS: ZEDHEAD AND TROLE
March 31/07 4pm Midnight
CAW HALL LAMBETH – Hwy #401 and Hwy #4info@bikertv.ca
Bikertv.ca Limited
51025-1593 Adelaide Street North
London, Ontario, N5X 4P9
www.bikertv.ca
THE SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE 2007 TOUR —FT LAUDERDALE, FL (February 9, 2007) – Showcasing the rides of various celebrities the 2007 Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour Sponsored by Bikernet.com is making waves with the new tour and gearing up for another exciting year.
With new flare this year, the 2007 Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour will feature custom builders and manufacturers as well as the rides they built for celebrities of all avenues, from rock n roll, film, TV, NASCAR and sports. The tour will kick-off at Daytona Bike Week March 2nd – 11th with live entertainment day and night at their Main Street location.
Daytona will feature the rides of Russell Mitchell from Exile Cycles in California and his custom bike created for the rock n roller Billy Joe of Green Day; Ralph Randolph from Ralph Randolph Designs in Arizona and his custom bike created for actor Matthew McConaughey; and two of NASCAR’s rock’n drivers with Dave Perewitz of Perewitz Cycle Fab in Boston and his custom bike built for NASCAR’s? #20 Tony Stewart; and NASCAR #43 driver, Kyle Petty and his customized Victory Motorcycle.
In addition to the featured builders and showcase of bikes, the Roadhouse will feature a touring photo exhibit of top builders photographed by world-renown photographer, Michael Lichter. The photos displayed have been taken over the years by Michael at various events, rallies, and in the studio. The Roadhouse will also feature daily ride-ins by a long list of builders & friends, hot models, bikini pageants, great entertainment, a hard rock’n time and more during the following bike rallies:
MARCH 2ND – 11TH / Daytona Bike Week (Daytona Beach, Florida)Main Street & Wild Olive
AUGUST 6TH – 12TH / 67th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Sturgis, South Dakota)?Thunder Road
OCTOBER 3RD – 7TH / Myrtle Beach Fall Bike Week (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)?TBA
OCTOBER 18TH – 21ST / Biktoberfest? (Daytona Beach, Florida)Main Street & Wild Olive
DECEMBER 3RD / The 2007 Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour Year-End Finale at the 19th Annual Toys in the Sun Run in Sunrise, Florida. hr dave n tony
Title sponsor of the Roadhouse, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a destination for rock n’ rollers from across the nation to discover their rock n’ roll dreams. The 86-acre resort in Hollywood, Florida, located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is pure paradise, featuring a colossal 130,000 sq. ft. casino, a lush 4-acre lagoon tropical pool area, a legendary Hard Rock Caf?, sensational European-style spa and fitness center, and the famous Hard Rock Live concert hall.
Seminole Paradise, South Florida’s newest entertainment destination for savvy shopping, delicious dining and explosive entertainment offers a little something for everyone, both day and night. Other sponsors include Budweiser, Michael Lichter Photography, Baker Transmission, Bikernet.com, Automatic Slims, ThunderRoad and Keyboard Carriage.
For more information and a complete listing of scheduled events, please visit www.hrroadhouse.com.
FAMOUS WINDVEST WINDSHIELDS FOR CUSTOM BIKES–We offer a windshield that is constructed of the finest materials on the market. Unique in its simplicity, the windscreen is made of thick genuine GE Plexiglas. The mounting hardware is aircraft billet machined aluminum with chrome-plate finish.
The bolts are high-grade stainless steel. We believe we have a superior product, surpassing many on the market today, and are constantly researching and developing new bracket configurations for all new models.
We have designed our screen to enhance your riding experience without taking away from the look of the motorcycle. The WindVest is available in different sizes. The Wide Body works especially well on large cruisers.
Our windshields are designed to get the wind pressure off of your chest and out of your face while still giving you the full effect of the open ride.
Also, if you have any questions, please give us a call at 408-377-7323, or check us out on the web www.windvest.com.
–WindVest Motorcycle Products
HUMBLE JOHNNY’S PROJECT BIKE WISH LIST–1. WCC Dragon custom chopper-piece by piece
2. Big tittied, small waisted, single foreign maid to clean my house
3. Roller toolbox filled with tools like the ones given away on Monster Garage.
4. A jar of peanut butter for my dog to remove
5. New jacket from ICON roadwear.
6. A new 135 tooth rear belt.
7. White Bro’s suspension kit for front and rear of my bike.
8. Jaybrake forward controls-black
9. 180*5.5 spoke wheel with an avon tire wrapped around it.
10. Front avon tire to match.
11. New motor and transmission for my truck.
12. Radio for my truck.
13. Ceramic tile for the living room of my house.
14. A hammock.
15. A new computer.
16. A better digital camera-Canon Rebel.
17. Sunglasses.
18. New jeans and some socks.
19. Cash for food, drinks, and fun at the rallies.
20. 95″ kit and 6 speed tranny set up.
21. New paintjob.
22. Internally wired 12 inch apes.
23. Spiked axle covers.
24. New Bowie Knife with an antler handle.
25. Binelli shotgun.
26. Browning 9mm.
27. Choppertown DVD’s.
28. ANd maybe a room when I come to see you in Wilmington in May or June.
If you have any questions, feel free to give me a ring. I will be anxiously waiting by the mailbox every day like a nerd awaiting his college acceptance papers.
–Johnny
BIKERNET LOOKS FOR LONG DISTANCE RIDERS FOR AMERICAN RIDER MAGAZINE–That’s right. I have the opportunity to celebrate the lives of long distance riders in American Rider Magazine. Just send me a jpg image of you and your bike and a paragraph to Bandit@bikernet.com. I’ll work with you on a feature and submit it to the slave-driving editor Buzz Buzzelli.
LONG DISTANCE WOMAN RIDER ON A BUELL BLAST–I loved the piece by Nyla Olsen on the Buell Blast. However, I wish forriders everywhere to know this: If you really want to be a “highway honey”and ride cross-country – it can be done on a Blast. In fact, I refer to mybike as a 500 ST. For those with very very short legs – the Blast can beyour answer to sport touring.
My Blast is a 2005 with nearly 28,000 miles including a trip last summerfrom Florida to Michigan and back. I can easily ride a 500-600 mile day withno problem.
–Margaret Ireland
The ride goes on…you can see & read all about it atwww.whereismaggiemae.com
Continued On Page 2
Art By Aaron Hauck
By Bandit |
As you will see, this poster was sent to us to see if a father & mother could help their son make a little money from his art.
Here's their story and a not so great picture of the poster, but we'll let you decide whether or not you like it.
I love it and my check will be in the mail tomorrow.
Layla
It's a poster of an original painting my son did of my wife's and my bikes. My wife's trying to promote Aaron's (my son) painting's. aaron went through art school but is having a hard time making ends meet.
We made prints out of this painting to sell so he can make a few buck'sas we help him through school.
I think Bandit has one of the best sites on the web so I was hoping if wesent him one free, and he liked it, he would show it on the sight with infoon where others could get them.
I've been into scooters for over 30 years. In fact when I was 17, Ihitchhiked out to Los Angeles, Cal. to stay with my uncle who was the main bikepainter for “Big House” Choppers located in Inglewood, CA., a suburb of LA., back in 1971-3?Anyway that's when I got interested in bikes.
My bike is a massaged 1947 – 74 knuckle and my wife's is a 80 shovel that I built to look like a 1937 knuckle, but with stretched tank a 93 ” engine. It hasalot of other mods. I did all the work on them and they are ridden steady, (weather permitting).
That's the dope – Bruce
If anyone is interested, which I think it be worth the investment, if you like biker-related art, send a check or money order to:
Aaron Hauck
16244 Ahrens Hill
Brainerd, MN 56401
Numbered Water-color prints 1-150, signed – $100
Posters – $25
11×17 prints – $15
Please add $5 for shipping and handling in the U.S.
My picture of the poster isn't that great, it is much better looking in person. ~Sin
Le Pera Seats Break-Out
By Bikernet Contributor Wrench |
Big wheels, big paint and classic drag-bike attitude meet modern refinement. Then we stuff it brimful with raw power. What do you bet, next year with the new M-8 engine.
Nothing like a fistful of American street muscle.
Feast your eyes on the Breakout. Its profile is low, stretched out and undeniably aggressive. We top it with drag bars and enhance its custom look with 21-spoke Turbine wheels. The High Output Twin Cam 103B engine delivers loads of torque to a wide 240mm rear tire. ABS comes standard. Go out and put a hard pounding on the pavement. It doesn’t get any better.
I’ll never forget the first one I saw. Ben Lambeouf road tested one and rode it to the Bikernet Headquarters. I was blown away. Stock bikes don’t look this good. At last, the Factory nailed this one, albeit maybe a decade late. Hell, the wide tire craze was long gone, but what the hell. A good looking chopper is hot whenever it hits the streets.
Get an eyeful of a Softail motorcycle and you see more than some weepy-eyed exercise in nostalgia. You’re looking at the kind of style that has the power to defy time. Honest. Uncluttered. So, how could you improve on the classic styling? I only see two obvious upgrades, the seat and bars. Sure you could add some bling accessories, but just a new Le Pera seat and a set of custom apes would make this a hard-riding street fighter anywhere and it’s damn near stock—amazing.
Here’s the classic line-up from Le Pera, and if you want to go beyond what you see here you can order stitching to match your paint or even exotic materials. Check out the best of the traditional best.
BARE BONES—SOLO
Overview
Killer “Spring Mounted” look!
Yes, that means a bit of the mechanics of the bike are exposed. You will notice the seat lines don’t follow the strut, as if the seat were spring mounted.
Its minimal, slammed to the ground stance adds the finishing touch to these bitchin bikes.
Mounts like stock. The seating area is 10.5″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
10.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A
MSRP:
$268.00
Part Number:
LKB-007
BARE BONES—UP FRONT
Overview
The Up Front moves you 2″ closer to the handlebars than the standard Bare Bones.
Killer “Spring Mounted” look!
Yes, that means a bit of the mechanics of the bike are exposed. You will notice the seat lines don’t follow the strut, as if the seat were spring mounted.
Its minimal, slammed to the ground stance adds the finishing touch to these bitchin bikes.
Mounts like stock. The seating area is 10.5″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
10.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A
MSRP:
$268.00
CHEROKEE—DIAMOND SEATING
Overview
With its pure Bobbed & Chopped, King/Queen lines and incredible lower back support for the driver, the Cherokee offers the throwback look your Softail was born to have.
Now available with our bitchin Diamond stitch!
Specs
Driver Seating:
12.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
6.5″ Wide
MSRP:
$499.00
Part Number:
LKB-020DM
DAYTONA—SPORT
Overview
Cafe racer styling with 12.5″ of rider comfort and 7″ of lower back support, perfect for all day cruising.
Specs
Driver Seating:
12.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A
MSRP:
$412.00
Part Number:
LKB-540
SILHOUETTE
Overview
The Silhouette is the original trendsetter in form and function.
All styling details taken straight from the Softails tank, fender and struts.
Completely transforms your bikes’ profile – every edge is smooth and rounded.
It is the first choice for bike builders worldwide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
12.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A
MSRP:
$355.00
Part Number:
LKB-860
SILHOUETTE DELUXE—TWO-UP
Overview
This seat is a step up from the original Silhouette. It is thicker, offers more lower lumbar support and is wider.
Passenger seating area is 7.5″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
12.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
7.5″ Wide
MSRP:
$412.00
Part Number:
LKB-048
SORRENTO
Overview
The Sorrento is a fusion of Silhouette style and Maverick comfort.
The entire seat has been shaved down for a flowing profile.
Perfectly formed, 13″ wide rider area and 10.5″ of passenger comfort.
Specs
Driver Seating:
13″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
10.5″ Wide
MSRP:
$533.00
Part Number:
LKB-900
VILLAIN
Overview
Once again we have taken seat designing to another level with the introduction of the head turning VILLAIN for your bike.
Bob Jr. designed this truly unique seat that will completely change the look of your bike.
Our VILLAIN is like nothing you’ve seen before.
If you demand the finest quality and unique styling you need look no further.
The Villain is great seat to add the Faux embossed leather to; we can also do something as simple as replace the black thread with a different color of thread to add a subtle accent.
The drivers area is 11.5″ wide with approximately 6″ of back support and the passenger is 6″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
11.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
6″ Wide
MSRP:
$508.00
Part Number:
LKB-810
February 08, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
THE THREE, TWO-WHEELER–UNTIL last month, I had never test-driven a motorcycle or an automobile. Then, on a frigid Thursday morning two weeks ago, I had a chance to do both – at the same time.
Well, sort of.
I climbed onto a 2008 B.R.P. Can-Am Spyder Grand Sport Roadster, a sleek vehicle with three wheels – two in front and one in the back. Part car, part motorcycle and a whole lot of fun, the futuristic Spyder looks more like the love child of Henry Ford and Isaac Asimov than a creation from a Canadian maker of leisure-time vehicles.
Handsome as Brad and curvy as Angelina, the Spyder has enough cargo room to hold a pair of helmets big enough to contain the egos of both. It also has more than a few traces of the DNA found in Sea-Doo watercraft, Ski-Doo snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles also manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, a spinoff of the maker of aircraft and rail cars.
The Spyder is B.R.P.’s first highway-legal vehicle, and I was one of the first people outside the company to test it, cruising cautiously on public roads here near First Energy Park, the home of a minor league baseball team, the Lakewood BlueClaws.
The setting was appropriate, as I was about to put on a truly minor league driving exhibition for a team of B.R.P. technical and riding experts – as well as a few dozen passing motorists whose necks turned to rubber at the sight of the brilliant yellow Spyder.
I confess that I have never ridden a motorcycle, and like many natives of the New York City area I have never driven a car with a manual transmission. So I was slightly intimidated by the thought of placing my backside on the forefront of a new kind of crossover vehicle – one that Chris Dawson, vice president for strategic planning at B.R.P., described as “defying categorization.”
But I was in good hands. Before the test drive, Mr. Dawson, accompanied by Jos? Boisjoli, president and chief executive of B.R.P., and Marc Lacroix, the company’s product and marketing manager, sat me down in a conference room for a video tour of B.R.P.’s history and the Spyder’s inner workings. (“Continually reshaping how a rider rides, one goose bump at a time,” was the best line.)
I learned that the Spyder, which the company says can reach 110 miles an hour, uses a 106-horsepower Rotax V-twin – the kind of engine found in sport motorcycles made by Aprilia – to drive the rear wheel.
The Spyder, which in most jurisdictions will require a motorcycle or three-wheeler driver’s license, will be introduced to dealers and the press on Friday in San Diego. There will be two transmission choices: with a five-speed manual, the price is $14,999; with a five-speed sequential gearbox that deletes the clutch lever from the handlebars, the price is $16,499. The prices include electric power steering, a reverse gear and antilock brakes.
The Spyder will go on sale this fall in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin and Virginia, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. By next January, nine more states will be added as well as France and Spain.I became, and I was sad when my ride ended.
Later, it dawned on me that it could take longer for someone to learn to ride a bicycle than it took me to learn to operate the Spyder – not that I’m recommending it for 5- and 6-year-olds. But I can recommend it for weekend warriors like me – even if you feel like cruising on a Thursday.
–from Clyde Fessler
WATERPROOF FOR 60 SECONDS … WHY NOT TO BUY SEALSKINZ–Attention All Motorcyclists:PIL Membranes Ltd. (formerly Porvair International, website:PilMembranes.com) is a UK-based company that claims to specialize “… inthe science, development and manufacture of high-performance waterproofbreathable membranes for fabrics and leather”. They, along withCalifornia-based Danalco, Inc. (Danalco.com), claim to be the manufacturersand/or distributors of a line of supposedly “waterproof” gloves and sockssold through Bass Pro Shops (BassPro.com) and other major U.S. sportinggoods retailers under the “SealSkinz” brand. On the SealSkinz.com website,they make the following claim:
“SealSkinz are suitable for cycling, walking, climbing, golfing, riding,canoeing, motorcycling, sailing, fell running, orienteering, gardening,fishing, rowing, caving, backpacking, mountaineering … and 100%waterproof.”
I AM WRITING TO INFORM YOU THAT BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITHSEALSKINZ SOCKS AND GLOVES, THEY MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT “100% WATERPROOF” INA MOTORCYCLING CONTEXT, NOR ARE THEY LIKELY TO BE WATERPROOF IN ANY OTHER.
Based on the assurances of SealSkinz.com, in October 2006 I placed twoonline orders through BassPro.com for two pairs each of (a) SealSkinzChillBlocker Waterproof Gloves, and (b) SealSkinz ChillBlocker WaterproofSocks. I placed the second order after road-testing their socks, and beingpleased with how well they did in fact “block the chill” under dryconditions. I gambled that they would also in fact be waterproof as claimed.In December 2006, I found out nothing could be further from the truth. Inriding through less than 100 miles of hard rain, the SealSkinz “waterproof”socks proved to be nothing more than thick sponges. And just to verify thefalse nature of their claims, I let the lower half of a dry pair sit in apot of water, weighted by a smaller pot, and in less than an hour they weresoaked inside and out!
–from Bruce Arnold
LEARNING CHANNEL BIKER BUILD-OFF PARTY TONIGHT IN VENICE CALIFORNIA–We’re headed to the Gard Hollinger Build-Off party tonight for the season premier. We received the following regarding a build-off in March:”Our Biker Build Off Show will air on March 8, 2007 following American Chopper(OCC) on The Learning Channel. Please tune in and I hope you enjoy.”
Thanks for everyone’s support.
–Dawn & Butch
BACK TO THE BIKERNET TIME MACHINE–Bandit pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.
1964 – Vice Principal comes over, takes a look at Bandit’s rifle, goes to his car and gets his to show Bandit.
2007 – School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Bandit is hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
THE HORSE SMOKE OUT 8-June 22 & 23 2007– DATES: June 22 & 23, 2007
LOCATION: Rowan County Fairgrounds, Salisbury, North Carolina
HOURS: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday
COST: $35 for two days or pre-register for $30
Event Information: www.horsebackstreetchoppers.com
Event Contact: edgehorse@aol.com, Edge (803) 210-7272
The 8th Annual The Horse Smoke Out is an event for and about choppers. More specifically, home-built choppers. But you don’t have to own one to join in the festivities. Just be there to kick back or cut loose.
Named after its original event location in the Great Smoky Mountains, The Horse Smoke Out is, above all, about camaraderie – people from around the United States who share an appreciation of cool bikes and good music.
The event always includes some of the biggest names in the chopper world. Billy Lane will be back again this year and past events have featured Indian Larry Legacy, Eric from Voodoo Choppers, Mad Dog, Ian from Bad Monkey Motorworks, Cole Foster, Fabricator Kevin and Chopper Dave.
The two-day event includes a build off in which talented chopper builders bring machines constructed from the ground up with a limited budget. The Horse staff also chooses the ten best choppers at the event to be featured in future editions of the magazine.
THE NEW HORSE SMOKE OUT TENT & RV CAMPING
Camping facilities are now being offered for the Smoke Out. For details contact SmokeOutCampting@aol.com or call Gem at (803) 467-4240.
NEVADA HELMET LAW CHALLENGED AT LAST–SB49 is being introduced to the Nevada Legislature. This bill will MAKENEVADA A FREE STATE by removing “… the requirement that drivers andpassengers on certain motorcycles wear protective headgear.”
The Nevada Legislature is giving us all a chance to vote and post ourcomments online about SB49 by going here:https://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/opinions/Poll/index.cfm?drpMenuOne=120#EnterInfo
OR here:http://tinyurl.com/2uttwm
You will have to include your name and address in order for your vote tocount, but you do NOT have to be a Nevada resident, and your name andaddress are not posted publicly. But your comments will be!
You can viewthe current opinion vote count by locating “SB49” here:https://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/opinions/reports/OpResults.cfm
OR here:http://tinyurl.com/2u4cfh
You can view yours and other posted comments by submitting “SB49” here:https://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/opinions/vwComments.cfm
OR here:http://tinyurl.com/2vmegr
PLEASE take the time to cast a vote FOR SB49 and FOR FREEDOM in this poll.And PLEASE post comments in a respectful and persuasive manner. Rememberthat this is NOT a “helmet issue”, it is a “helmet law issue”. Mandatoryhelmet laws are discriminatorily unconstitutional in that–by mandatinghelmets for motorcyclists as opposed to all motorists–they violate the”equal protection” guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the United StatesConstitution.
And besides, helmets cannot prevent crashes, and allmandatory motorcycle helmet laws do is make negligent, care-less, distractedand impaired motorists feel less guilty about maiming and killing us!
VOTE ONLINE FOR SB49 … a law that will restore FREEDOM OF CHOICE in thegreat state of Nevada. And PLEASE FORWARD this email to every concernedmotorcyclist you know!
–Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
BIKER RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008–Motorcycle Rights Activists and Motorcycling Businessmen meet with Tommy Thompson to discuss his bid for President in Madison WI in January.
Left to right: Former Wisconsin Senator Dave Zien, ABATE of WI’s PR Director Dave “Chubby” Charlebois, ABATE of WI Founder Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Jerry Weiner, Lt. Rich Kuchenbecker, ASMI Founder and Director Vicki Sanfelipo, Tommy Thompson, MRF VP Gov’t. Relations Jeff Hennie, San Diego HD owner New York Myke, President of Low Riders MC of Staten Island NY “Stormin” Joe Norman
BUILDERS BREAKFAST DAYTONA ROCKIN’–I spoke to Billy in Cincy and we discussed his new Builders’ Breakfast in Daytona. He wants to recognize new builders at these events and you may see a show of sorts emerging.
This event is all about supporting the boogy Creek Camp for Kids, don’t miss it.
When: Wednesday March 7th, 2007
Time: 9AM
Where: Destination Daytona
Beneficiary: Boggy Creek Camp for kids
TICKETS: $25 available online at: Limited number will be available morning of event on site Darcy Betlach SAXON MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS MAD JACK V-TWIN STREETFIGHTER AT CINCINNATI TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM– Cincinnati, OHIO February 3, 2007?Saxon unveiled a prototype of the newestaddition to its line, the Mad Jack, at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. TheMad Jack is an aggressive V-Twin Streetfighter designed by master builderGard Hollinger of L.A. County Choprods. It features numerous, unique?old-school modernistic? styling elements, including a proprietary frame,gas tank, fenders, machined aluminum strut system, LACC beehive sidemounted oil filter, Moon Eyes barrel type oil tank and LACC hydraulic seatshock dampening system. In addition, each Mad Jack will be numbered andsigned. The Mad Jack is the second production motorcycle that Gard has designedfor Saxon. In 2005, Saxon unveiled the Black Crown, which quickly becameone of Saxon?s best sellers. Based on its success, Saxon partnered withGard to create a bike that would look like no other production motorcycleand be incredibly fun to ride. The result is a true statement in modernmotorcycle design. The Mad Jack is scheduled to go into production in late spring as a 2008model and begin shipping to dealers early this summer. I have attachedsome images for your convenience. The Mad Jack will be featured on Bikernet soon.You can visit Saxon online at www.saxonmotorcycles.com –Ken Conte BIKERNET ART EXHIBIT SECOND HALL FOR SCOTT JACOBS–At last the latest entry to the HD Wine Series of paintings is completed?.TOASTING A LEGEND?.and here for your viewing pleasure. V-Twin TV has been following Scott?s activities at home in the studio and also on the road for several months now and the documentary is set to air soon (see memo below). It will show in great detail how the master artist creates his stunning and photo-realistic paintings from start to finish. The show is dynamic, informative and very entertaining –John Starr NEW SKULL COLLECTION AXLE NUT COVERS FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON– MILWAUKEE (January 30, 2007) ?The new Skull Collection Axle Nut Covers from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories fit over the front or rear axle nuts to add custom detail that matches other accessory items in the popular Skull Collection. Sold in pairs, the axle nut cover kits include all necessary mounting hardware. Skull Collection Rear Axle Nut Covers (P/N 42064-07, $26.95) fit 2006-later Dyna models. Skull Collection Front Axle Nut Covers (P/N 42055-07, $25.95) fit 2000-later Touring models and 2004-later Dyna models, except 2004-05 FXDWG and 2007 FXDSE. 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. WE?RE ROCKIN?–scrambling and bobbing and weaving. I?ve got a list a mile long of articles that need to be posted. Johnny Humble is overloaded and Paul Garson is asleep at the switch. I was determined to face only one major bike-build project this year, the Assalt Weapan for Bonneville, and I currently stumble over three, maybe four in the shop. I was going to try to publish one book this year and now it?s two. Plus we?re going to kick off our first Bikernet TV department. If anyone tells you the motorcycle market is down, they?re fulla shit. This year is destined to rock the record books. Shit?s flying because shit is happening and it?s happening fast. There?s a handful of companies struggling, but twice as many coming on line. Eight new mags are crowding the newsstands. New television shows are being launched and new products are hitting the market. Shit, there?s even more web sites being plugged into the mix. Mark my word. I can?t keep up with e-mails. So tonight we?ll celebrate the launch of a new Biker Build-Off series and this weekend we?ll visit Wil Phillips, Mr. True Track, who is in Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He has discovered a very serious form of cancer. If you pray, make it a good one for Wil. He?s constantly been an innovator in our industry, and perhaps saved thousands of lives with his True-Track stabilizing system for Touring models. There you have it. Keep the faith and be respectful of the noise you make and when you make it. As you know, there?s a right time for everything. Ride Forever, –Bandit
Chrome Marketing Inc
Phone 952-470-4297
Fax 952-470-4597
(970) 227-3588
Segment Producer, V-Twin TV
February 08, 2007 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES REORNANIZES ENGINEERING TEAM, NAMES JIM MOORMAN, VP–Three new divisions are supervised by Moorman, who comes to Big Dog Motorcycles with over thirty years of experience in engineering design and management.
WICHITA, Kansas (February 5, 2007) – Big Dog Motorcycles?, the world’s largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles, has reorganized its engineering department into three distinct divisions – Field Support Engineering, Test Operations, and New Product Development – and has named Jim Moorman Vice President, Engineering to manage the teams.
Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO, made the announcement.”This dramatic change in engineering, together with the addition of Jim Moorman, will solidify Big Dog Motorcycles’ stronghold in the market by focusing on design, engineering, motorcycle reliability, and inherent product value more than any other custom manufacturer,” Coleman stated. “It will also undoubtedly move Big Dog Motorcycles to a new level of customer and dealer satisfaction, and leading brand recognition,” he added.
Engineering Reorganization
Under the new structure, Big Dog Motorcycles has three distinct engineering teams, each supervised by its own experienced manager. All three managers report directly to Moorman. These new divisions are:
Field Support Engineering: Dave Siggins, who has been integral in Big Dog Motorcycles’ engineering efforts for over ten years, leads this team of twenty as it works with dealers and service centers alike in identifying and solving current quality issues in the field.
Test Center Operations: Big Dog Motorcycles’ industry-leading Test Center, headed by testing expert Aaron Smith, supports the entire engineering organization by testing fixes on current motorcycles and analyzing new components and designs for future product development. With a robust selection of testing equipment – over $500,000 invested to date – housed in an 8,000 square foot facility, the Test Center is the only one like it in the custom motorcycle industry.
New Product Development: With over thirty years of design engineering and product management experience, Marvin Bachman leads Big Dog Motorcycles’ product development team to create high-style, engaging riding experiences for future Big Dog Motorcycles owners.
“Big Dog Motorcycles has an extraordinarily skilled and experienced group of engineers, and this new structure gives us the opportunity to draw more fully on our deep bench of talent,” Coleman added.
Jim Moorman: Vice President, Engineering
The engineering department, the fastest-growing in the company, takes up three buildings of the company’s two-square block campus and has over forty employees. The team is now managed by Jim Moorman, who comes to Big Dog Motorcycles with three decades of engineering design and management experience.
Prior to joining Big Dog Motorcycles, Moorman held integral engine and drivetrain design roles at companies such as Ford Motor Company, Onan/Cummins Corporation, Tecumseh Products Company and, most recently, Teledyne Continental Motors. While at these corporations, he developed and designed a number of new engines and drivetrains, implemented assembly and engineering departments and managed numerous employees.
However, most important to Big Dog Motorcycles is Moorman’s extensive experience in the motorcycle industry, specifically Harley-Davidson. At Harley-Davidson, Moorman was first, Manager of Performance Development. In this position, he helped develop the Evolution series of engines and was responsible for all emissions, noise, and engine performance. Later, as Chief Engineer of Operations, he managed all Engineering Division Services, including testing, facilities, and capital equipment.
2007 WERA REGIONAL SEASON STARTS THIS WEEKEND AT TALLADEGA GRAN PRIX RACEWAY–The Upchurch Family, which owns the Raceway, along with the help of designer Ed Bargy had to reconfigure the existing track due to the County taking part of their run-off which ran along the side of Alabama Hwy 21.
Sean Clarke of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was at the facility two weeks ago and said “The improvements are great and racing should be fun!” The track is still in the process of competing some of the buildings, such as the scoring tower which will be a Silo with 360-degree-viewing when competed. The old buildings are still in place and will be used this coming weekend along with the WERA Registration Trailer. There are also plans for new bathrooms and more electricity in the paddock area.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is expecting a 175 to 200 rider turn-out for the event.
For further information contact WERA at (770) 720-5010.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON RELEASES DAYTONA BIKE WEEK SCHEDULE– The official Harley-Davidson schedule of events for the 66th Annual Bike Week at Daytona Beach, Fla., includes a range of activities to thrill any motorcycle enthusiast, whether it be Bike Week regulars or rookies.
Official Harley-Davidson activities at the Ocean Center Arena will run from March 3-10. Highlights include:The Harley-Davidson and Buell New Product Show (March 4-9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Annual Ride-In Custom Motorcycle Show Contest (March 7)Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Live Auction (March 9) and MDA Bike Raffle (March 10)H.O.G. Members Only new product reception on March 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and H.O.G. Hospitality area on the first floor during regular show hours.
There will be plenty to do on the Ocean Center New Product Show floor, including:Checking out the latest Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes MerchandiseFord Harley-Davidson F-Series Truck Display, technical service presentations and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally displayMeeting the Screamin’ Eagle / Vance & Hines three-time NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship team (March 6-7).
Activities outside the Ocean Center starting on the first Saturday of Bike Week include:The redesigned Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum (with an opening ceremony set for Saturday, March 3 at 4:30 p.m.)
B.O.S.S. Ball of Steel Stunt Shows, Harley-Davidson Festival Stage with music and entertainment, and Ford
Adventure Zone Simulator
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Mobile Service Office (March 5-7).
Harley-Davidson, Buell and Police Fleet motorcycle demo rides are available at Daytona International Speedway
March 3-10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riders with a valid license and appropriate riding gear can try out 2007 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles.
The H.O.G. Garage will provide hospitality for H.O.G. members at the Speedway with reserved parking and seating and an Internet caf?.
Harley-Davidson MotorClothes merchandise specialists will present seminars on helmet fit and function and hold drawings for a free helmet during demo rides at the Speedway.
The MDA Live Auction will be held at the Ocean Center Friday, March 9, at 1 p.m. and the MDA Bike Raffle for a fully customized 2007 FLSTF Fat Boy motorcycle will take place Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. MDA will also be selling 2007 MDA/Harley-Davidson pins and Daytona event pins throughout the week.
Harley-Davidson owners are invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Ride-In Show Contest on Wednesday, March 7. Registration will be held at the Ocean Center East Side from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with $500 cash prizes for Best of Show in all classes.There will also be activities at Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the Daytona area.
For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson events, visit
–from Rogue
FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS CLASS —Santa Rosa County Deputy Thomas Wilkie will be teaching a motorcycle safety and awareness program to all drivers’ education classes in Santa Rosa County high schools.The next presentation is at Pace High School on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 7:30 to 11:15 a.m. in room 803.
The course, offered in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County School System, and ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) – a statewide non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life.
This program has been taught to Pace High School students over the past two years and is being extended to all other high schools within the county.
The purpose of this program is not to teach a student how to ride a motorcycle but to help them pay more attention and help prevent anyone from getting hurt or killed.
–Rogue
This would be the perfect opportunity to discuss noise issues, lane splitting and helmet issues.–Bandit
AVON TYRE QUESTION OF THE WEEK–Can we use car type plugs for fixing tubeless tires?
These can be used on motorcycle tires but they should be viewed as a temporary repair to get you home and then have the tire replaced or repaired if the puncture meets the repair criteria and a mechanic familiar with proper plug/patch repair does the work. They are definitely not as good as a mushroom type plug/patch.
Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.)
Sales Manager, North America
Hoppe & Assoc. (Avon Tyres)
800 624-7470 toll free
www.avonmotorcycle.com
www.avonmoto.com/ (check this site for promotions)
LET’S STOP THE NEW FOR A RELIGIOUS MOMENT–A train hits a bus filled with Catholic school girls and they all perish.
They are in Heaven trying to enter the Pearly gates when St. Peter asks the first girl, “Tiffany, have you ever had any contact with a male organ?”
She giggles and shyly replies, “Well, I once touched the head of one with the tip of my finger.”
St. Peter says, “Okay, dip the tip of your finger in the Holy Water and pass through the gate.”
St. Peter asks the next girl the same questions, “Jennifer, have you ever had any contact with a male organ?”
Jennifer is a little reluctant but replies, “Well, once I fondled and stroked one.”
St. Peter says, “Okay, dip your whole hand in the Holy Water and pass through the gate.”
All of a sudden, there is a lot of commotion in the line of girls. One girl is pushing her way to the front of the line. When she reaches the front, St. Peter says, “Lisa! What seems to be the rush?”
The girl replies, “If I’m going to have to gargle that Holy Water, I want to do it before Jessica sticks her ass in it.”
–Curt Lout
www.STUDIO9000.com
303.921.4590
FEDERAL AGENT PENETRATED HELLS ANGELS, FEARS FOR THE WORST–He’s told snitches are a dying breed.o Jay Dobyns went deep undercover in the Hells Angels motorcycle gang
o He claims the ATF is failing to protect him and his family from the Hells Angels
o The ATF says it is reviewing Dobyns’ case
MESA, Arizona (CNN) — For nearly two years, Jay Dobyns led a double life. He rode alongside the Hells Angels, becoming a member of one of the nation’s most feared criminal gangs. But at the same time, he was working as a federal agent in an effort to bring the Hells Angels down.
Jay Dobyns works for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the federal agency responsible for enforcing the nation’s gun laws. His deep undercover work with the Hells Angels from 2001-2003 ultimately helped bring the indictment and trial of 16 gang members and their associates.
As a result, Dobyns was awarded a top cop award by the National Association of Police Organizations. He also was hailed on America’s Most Wanted as one of the “Good Guys” who brings down the criminals.But today, just a few years later, Dobyns says that after risking his life on assignment, he has been left vulnerable by the very agency that he proudly served.
With his undercover work done and his real identity as a law enforcement agent exposed, Dobyns says the Hells Angels and other gangs enlisted by it came after him, issuing death threats. Dobyns claims that the ATF — rather than protecting him — abandoned him.
“There was a murder contract on me and there was what was called a green light list, which was circulating in the prison, which was a list of people that various gangs wanted killed,” Dobyns told CNN.In response, Dobyns says, the ATF gave him a routine transfer with no special protection, despite his repeated protests. The ATF could have moved Dobyns and his family under what is known as a “threat policy” — similar to the kind of protection the government routinely gives witnesses in organized crime cases.
–By Kelli Arena, Scott Bronstein and Jim SpellmanCNN
–from Rogue
THE FATHER OF BIKERNET DISCUSSED BY SON–Two kids are arguing over whose father is the wimpiest.
The first one says,” My dad is so scared that whenlightning strikes, he slides underneath our bed.”
The second kid, whose father owns Bikernet, goes,” That’s nothing. My dad is soscared that when my mother works nightshift, hesleeps with the woman next door.”
–from Nick Roberts
BIKERNET SPONSORS EXTREME SAND DRAGS IN AUSTRALIA–The Wood Stock Extreme sand drags and moto expo is being held at the Millicent showgrounds S.A on march the 24th 2007
Where is Millicent its located 400km south of Adelaide and about 500km west of Melbourne on Highway one, as all bikers know both rides have great pubs and some of the countries most awesome views.
The show itself will play host to some wild sand drag racing from big V8s to nitro Harleys and even the kids get a run, also included is a custom built chopper show ‘n’ shine casting a range of bikes from Adelaide and Melbourne builders.
Judging the competition will be Bandit from Bikernet.com this man has a array of motorcycle history, he was one of the pioneers of “Easyriders magazine. Inducted into the “Biker Hall Of Fame” in Sturgis South Dakota to being branded man of the year in 2006 by America’s top selling upcoming magazine Cycle Source so get on down there and have a beer with the man. Also judging is Glenn Priddle, Bikernet.com contributing writer, from Noosa QLD, who has pumped numerous hours into this show, and the man you all know, Doc Robinson. Andy from High-performance ( SA Choppers) in Adelaide and Geoff from Ultimate choppers Melbourne are grinding there teeth to help Horn Promotions and Tench Cutter Racing make this one hell of day out so get on the phone to venuetix then on your bike to Millicent we might sell you a ticket at the gate if ya lucky Lol, you can even park on the grounds and drop a swag.
Australia’s best freestyle riders will be present displaying some of the most radical back-flip combos only seen at world class freestyle shows, 2 of Byron Bays best party bands will be present to soothe the day and catch up for a few quite ales into the night we might even let some fireworks go for ya.
Continued On Page 4
February 08, 2007 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
LUCKY DEVIL METAL WORKS UPDATE– I forgot to mention that I sent the Road King build material to Johnny on a disc, as we discussed a while back. The feature came out in Hot Bike this month. I am also working with Holly and Darryl on the Bikini girl deal and the bike show winner photos so we can get that done ASAP.
I will get some more work done on Nyla’s bike this weekend so we can move on to the sheetmetal design.
–Kent
HARLEY SEES LAYOFFS, OUTPUT CUTS AND BLAMES STRIKE– Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG.N) plans to lay off up to 740 workers and cut production at two sites because of a strike at its largest motorcycle plant, the company said.Negotiators for the company and the strikers planned to meet with a federal mediator today, Harley said. No details on the meeting were made public.
Nearly 2,800 workers at Harley’s York, Pennsylvania, plant, which makes some of the company’s most profitable motorcycles, walked off the job on February 2 after their contract expired. Harley is seeking a variety of concessions from the workers.
In a statement posted on its Web site, dated February 5, Harley said it would reduce production of engines, transmissions and components at two plants that supply parts to the York facility. That will mean the temporary layoff of about 740 workers at the plants in Menomonee Falls and Tomahawk, Wisconsin, it said.”The toe bone’s connected to the foot bone and the foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone,” said Bob Simonson, an analyst at William Blair & Co. “There are inter-relationships here.”
A spokesman for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service confirmed the meeting between the two sides today but declined to provide further details. Union officials were not available for immediate comment. The workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
PENNY PER SHARE PER DAY
Analysts estimate the strike could reduce the company’s earnings by about 1 cent per share per day. Analysts on average expect Harley to earn 98 cents per share in the first quarter.In a note to clients, RBC Capital Markets analyst Edward Aaron said that dealers who carry the motorcycles — an icon for the nation’s aging baby boomers — view the strike as a positive in its early days, as it will provide them an opportunity to sell down existing inventory.
“This can only be a positive event if Harley has been over-producing motorcycles,” Aaron wrote. “To acknowledge that Harley has been over-producing is to acknowledge that Harley has been over-earning.”
Simonson said, “If they can’t resolve it in a reasonable amount of time, there will be impacts that will be greater two weeks from today than they are today on a monetary basis, and a heck of a lot greater two months from today than they are two weeks from now.”
Worker concessions sought by Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Harley include a two-tier wage-and-benefit plan. The company says it is trying to avert a cost crunch like the one that has hammered Detroit automakers.
Investor reaction to the strike in its early days has been muted. Harley shares were up 44 cents at $69.60 in midday trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The shares have risen about 4 percent since their February 1 close, the day before the strike.
–from Rogue
ENTER BIKERNET’S SHARPEST SOFTAIL CONTEST– WIN a new set of high-performance Fat Cat or Boarzilla performance exhaust pipes for your Harley-Davidson Softail. It’s easy send us:
Name
Email
Picture of your bike
Telephone
Details on your bike
Why you need a performance pipe
Send entries to softail@horspowermarketing.com and we will post them on bikernet.com, DandDexhaust.com and have the community at bikernet.com vote for the ‘Sharpest Softail’ of Bikernet.
About Fat Cat & Boarzilla Details
The 2 into 1 Fat Cat & Boarzilla Performance Pipes make up to 12 additional horses depending upon your configuration. The stylish upswept design provides the performance rider with extra ground clearance. Each pipe is hand fitted and installed with heat shields.
Each pipe is tuned for performance and sound. Not only do D&D pipes look good, you can feel the deep rumble that only a D&D equipped V-Twin can make.
To get a performance pipe for your Harley or custom V-Twin logon to
To see how your bike will look and perform log on to the D&D Web site.
BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OF THE WEEK–Crazy Horse once said “My lands are where my dead lie buried” and anyone who has ever ridden through the Black Hills can sense that the rightful owners of that land are still present.
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
LANE SPLITTING FEVER GROWS–ABATE OF THE GARDEN STATE CALL TO ACTION–Legal Lane Splitting a Possibility in New Jersey!A bill has been introduced by Assemblywoman ALISON LITTELL MCHOSE in the NJAssembly to form a 5-member commission to study the pros and cons of havinglegal lane splitting for motorcycles caught in congested traffic conditions.
If this were enacted into law you could legally go between lanes ofautomobiles to help prevent your motorcycle engines from overheating and to helprelieve the congestion.
We need your help to notify our legislators that we support this bill.
Please visit the site below and send an email to your legislators.You do not need to know who they are since the site will determine that foryou based on your zip code.The text of the message has already been written for you, making this a veryeasy process………http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=9246261
We cannot do this alone, we need your help.Think of how much you would appreciate just being able to go around the shoretraffic on those hot days rather than sitting in traffic with your expensiveengine overheating.
The email will take you no longer than 1 minute to send.To maximize the effect of this email, please forward this email to as manyfriends of motorcycle rights as possible.
–Rudy Avizius
Legislative Coordinator
ABATE of the Garden State – SW Chapter
http://www.gardenstateabate.org
–from Rogue
BIKERS BAND TOGETHER FOR A COMMON CAUSE– The Republican, MA – Last year, Massachusetts motorcyclists were given hope that finally, after many years, there would be sweeping changes to the state motorcycle and insurance laws that would be to their benefit.
State Bill 1344 was passed by the Senate and sent on to the House, where it died a slow death in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Former Gov. W. Mitt Romney had pledged to sign the bill if it had made it to his desk. Unfortunately, that did not happen.If you remember, the legislation contained four parts: a helmet choice with provisions; opting out of the current motorcycle insurance system and entering a competitive market allowing for lower rates; increasing the civil and criminal penalties to motorists who cause accidents for right-of-way violations; and changes to current motorcycle noise laws.
Now faced with the new administration of Gov. Deval L. Patrick and some new state representatives and senators, and with the continued fight by several large Massachusetts-based insurance companies – including Commerce and Arbella Insurance – which oppose competitive rates, it is basically a start from scratch proposition for any motorcycle-related bills.
Paul Cote, who is the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association’s director of government relations, tells me that all the bills have been refiled for the new session of the Legislature. The association sponsored many of the bills, and, in the past six years, has been directly responsible for the enactment of six bills that favored bikers.This is quite an accomplishment considering that the association is an all-volunteer force.
Massachusetts has seen a drop in motorcycle fatalities despite increased registrations and national statistics to the contrary.
This tells me also that we, as bikers, are not going to get anything done in our favor unless we band together for a common cause. If you’re tired of paying absurdly high insurance rates or of being treated like second-class citizens, register to vote, find out who your representatives are and call or e-mail them, asking them to support motorcycle-friendly bills and sign on as co-sponsors. Join the Massachusetts and the American motorcycle associations.Cote also tells me that there are about 20 motorcycle-related bills that have been filed. Some are duplicates and some are anti-noise bills, the latter being sponsored by those who are most assuredly not pro-motorcycle.
So I urge you as motorcyclists get active and participate in some of these things. Let’s make this state a better place to ride, and you can’t do that unless you get involved.For more detailed information or to join the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association, log on to
Goings On: The Amvet Riders of Chicopee will hold a Valentine’s dance at 7 p.m. Feb. 17. The cost is $5; the dance will be held at Amvets Post 12, 754 Montgomery St., Chicopee. For more information call, the post at (413) 533-8060 or e-mail Moe at moses254@aol.com
On March 5, the Melha Riders will hold an officer installation dinner in honor of longtime rider Charlie Coleman. The dinner will be held at the Melha Shrine Center, 133 Longhill St. in Springfield. A social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. Catered by B’Shara’s, the dinner will be followed by the introduction of club officers and entertainment by nationally known comic Andy Hendrickson. All are welcome, and the cost is $18 per person. For information or tickets, contact John Lanucha at (413) 732-1115, Sandy Ashline at (413) 525-3024 or Rick Rice at (413) 525-6986.
THE MAN WHO KNOWS HIS MATH–He writes:I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver, who cutright in front of a pickup truck, causing the driver to drive onto theshoulder to avoid hitting her.
This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out hiswindowand gave the woman the finger.
‘Man, that guy is stupid,’ I thought to myself. I ALWAYS smile nicelyandwave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me intraffic, and here’s why:I drive 48 miles each way every day to work.
That’s 96 miles each day.Of these, 16 miles each way is bumper-to-bumper.Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway.There are 7 cars every 40 feet for 32 miles.That works out to 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars.
Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper-to-bumper, I figureIpass at least another 4000 cars.That brings the number to something like 36,000 cars that I pass everyday.
Statistically, females drive half of these.That’s 18,000 women drivers!
In any given group of females, 1 in 28 has PMS.That’s 642.
According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life asdissatisfying orunrewarding.That’s 449.
According to the National Institute of Health, 22% of all females haveseriously considered suicide or homicide.That’s 98.
And 34% describe men as their biggest problem.That’s 33.
According to the National Rifle Association, 5% of all females carryweaponsand this number is increasing.That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I drive past at least one female thathasa lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriouslyconsidered suicide or homicide, has PMS, and is armed.
Give her the finger? I don’t think so!!!
–from James Schnarr
Win A Custom a $649.95 Thunder Saddle of Your Tattoo!–This is what you have been waiting for. For the next 6 months Metric Thunder will be giving away a custom Thunder Saddle each month. These saddles are the most exclusive saddles and most comfortable saddles every made. They are very cool because each saddle represents your tattoo.
The Tattoo Contest
BANDIT of Bikernet will pick the best looking tattoo of the month and we will make a custom Thunder Saddle with the Tattoo embossed on the saddle. Each saddle comes equipped with Saddlemen’s Saddle Gel. Saddle Gel makes an incredibly comfortable seat and allows you to stay on your motorcycle for longer periods of enjoyable riding.
How to Enter the Thunder Saddle Contest
Entering is easy. Just send an email to: tat@horsepowermarketing.com with your:
? Name
? Telephone number
? Picture of you and your tattoo
? Year and model of motorcycle
It’s just that easy. Send a picture of yourself sporting your favorite tattoo and you could be riding around with it on your motorcycle. It is your exclusive seat that is a show stopper and conversation piece wherever you stop.
For more details and rules click here. See the latest tattoo entries by clicking here.
JOE PASSED AWAY–His will provided $30,000 for an elaboratefuneral. As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Helen turned to her oldest friend.
“Well, I’m sure Joe would be pleased,” she said.
“I’m sure you’re right,” replied Jody, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. “How much did this really cost?”
“All of it,” said Helen. “Thirty thousand.”
“No!” Jody exclaimed. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?”
Helen answered. “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.”
Jody computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? My God, how big is it?!”
“Two and a half carats.”
–from Art Friedman
Continued On Page 3
KEN CAMINITI– 1963-2004
By Bandit |
I received the word of Ken's death of heart failure Monday morning, and was stunned, but not surprised. Ken walked into my motorcycle shop in 1996 while in town for spring training in Phoenix. I had no idea who he was, and had no interest in baseball at the time.
During that 96 season, I learned about the game. Ken absorbed himself into baseball and custom bikes on his journey to become the National League MVP that year.
Literally every evening on the TV there were highlights of his amazing athletic ability. Ken called me most every day to see how his bike was progressing that summer. During the all-star break, he made a special flight to Arizona to go riding and see the progress on his bike in person. He brought a crew from FOX TV Sports and a Sports Illustrated photographer in tow. He was red hot, but wanted an escape from the baseball spotlight and throw his legs over a motorcycle and start riding.
That was the weekend that I really got to know Ken. I found him to be one of the most intense, focused, kindhearted generous persons that I've ever met.
This was just Ken. I think he appreciated the fact that I didn't have any interest in baseball. He lived baseball everyday; that was his job. He didn't ask to be in the spotlight, it just found him. His quiet soft-spoken presence contrasted dramatically with his physical being and his intense stare. Journalists who needed a super-hero to write about created his “Scary-Man” image. I think he turned to his additions to find some way to live up to his bigger than life persona.
I never saw the drinker, drug abuser or womanizer. Not once. I never saw the dark side of him. He kept that from us.
When my wife and I delivered the first bike we built for him in '96, we took it right to the ballpark in San Diego. Ken treated us like royalty. We arrived, just before the game and he gave us a tour of the inner workings of the stadium. After the day game, we all three went riding around San Diego, and that's the first time I discovered what a major celebrity he was. Literally, Ken was the King of San Diego. At every stoplight, people were waving and giving him props. It seemed to embarrass him, so much attention. At dinner autograph seekers constantly interrupted him. He always maintained a politeness no matter how intrusive people became. He couldn't go anywhere without being hounded. In hindsight, this was a burden that I feel he just didn't really know how to handle. He loved the attention, but somehow acted like he really wasn't worthy of it.
He invited me to meet him in San Francisco, as his guest, when they were playing the Giants. We went on bike shop tours, to see Arlen Ness. After the game, Ken rounded up a few other players and two stretch limos and we went out on the town. That's when I discovered that ball players live the Rock Star lifestyle, but he made it look like he had it under control.
Occasionally our paths would cross, and we'd pick up right where we left off talking about bikes or hot-rod cars. Ken was a constant shameless promoter of my bikes. Everyone he met with a Harley, he'd try to get them riding on a Steed, some by sheer intimidation.
His final MLB season, he convinced Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to have a Steed built, and I convinced Ken it was time for a new one too. It's not very often you get the no holds barred creative license and freedom and trust from a customer to design and build whatever you want. Ken let me go, full artistic license. He only asked me to do my best. It doesn't get any better than that.
That was a tough year for Ken. He got traded to Atlanta towards the end of the season. I was in my truck driving back from LA with his custom hand built aluminum tank for his new bike, and I called him as I left Los Angles and headed home. The Braves made the playoffs, and he was all excited about flying to Arizona to see the progress on his bike. He was just stoked about the possibility of him going to the World Series with Atlanta. I was looking forward to seeing him when their plane arrived in Phoenix that evening, the day before the playoffs with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I called his cell phone when I was rolling into town, and he sounded bummed, and totally crushed. Atlanta released him, and he didn't get on the plane to come to Arizona. He was still in Georgia looking for a flight home to Houston. In the span of four hours, bang, that was the end of his career in baseball. No big hurrah, no retirement ceremony, just no ticket to the playoffs.
I tried calling him for weeks to check in on him to see how he was handling his surprise retirement, but only got his voice mail. I only discovered where he was when he got arrested in Houston, and saw him on the evening news.
In the space of 5 or 6 years of knowing Ken, he hit the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows.
Because of his celebrity status, and the ability to hire the best legal teams, he got breaks in the criminal justice system that in hindsight might not have been in his best interest.
He did some detox time in Arizona the winter of 2001, and was released around Christmas to spend time with his family. He was working the program heavily and his first trip out, away from home, was to Steeds to see his new “Cammy Orange” 250 bike that we had finished for him. We rode it all over town and spent two days at the NHRA Winter Nationals hanging in the pits with all the drag race teams.
He decided that he wanted to ride the '02 Laughlin River Run with us in April, and that was the last time I spent with him. He rode with us from Phoenix to the event.
I never heard him talk so much. There was this new Ken, and I really thought he had it together. He knew he had a lot of work ahead of him to keep sober. He was committed. He wanted to work out his issues with his wife, Nancy, and really opened up to me about the double life he led.
His manager arranged for an interview in Laughlin with CNN. He was all excited about his new life and new bike. His intentions were to talk about his fresh outlook and new motorcycle. He got ambushed at the end of an hour and a half taped TV interview. He broke down in tears with me after that interview. After an hour or so into it, in a secluded hotel room at Harrah's, the female reporter asked him about his MVP season and steroid use. He came clean but had no idea what the future implications were going to be with his honest answers.
This was the moment, a pinnacle point where he was at in his life. He broke through all his barriers, and wanted a fresh start with no more skeletons in the closet. He was the new Ken, fresh out of re-hab, ready to come clean. Maybe it wasn't the best move to be honest about Steroid use in baseball on CNN at the tail end of an interview, but that's where his head was at the time. I don't think he ever recovered from that one. To complicate matters, that was the day of the biker shoot-out in Harrah's casino. So we were all locked up in our rooms watching TV to see what happened in our hotel, and CNN was breaking the Caminiti Steroid story, not a good day for anyone.
Ken was a big-hearted guy, a gifted athlete, and a friend. I don't think he ever realized how many people were in his corner. It's a devastating loss. Self-destruction is never easy to understand, especially with someone with such a big heart. Ken didn't die last week of a heart attack; it took him over two, agonizing years to slowly die of a broken heart.
Rest in Peace Ken, I hope to cross paths and ride again with you one day.
–John Covington
“If some, among you, fear taking a stand because you are afraid ofreprisals…recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hopinghe'll eat you last.”
– Ronald Reagan
February 08, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
I want to hit on a couple of items quick. I survived Cincy, and it was a helluva show. Just goes to demonstrate how vibrant our small industry is. We’re cooking. On the legislative and EPA side the MRF has been working with the EPA for four years and instituted the 1-bike a lifetime custom completely unhampered by EPA regs for the individual and the 24-show bike exclusion for shops. The V-Twin group with the MIC has worked for 2 years to insure that EPA compatible engine packages will be available in the near future. Plus Senator John Brueggeman from Montana is introducing a bill to allow us to build replica bikes without EPA restrictions. That means that if you buy a new Panhead engine is will note 1948 on the cases and you’ll be able to build a bike under non-existant ’48 regs. That’s a state by state effort and will take the hard work of state rights organizations all across the country to pass. Also, this is another reason to join your local motorcycle rights organization. Many states are still not enforcing many EPA regs. You’re local guys will know and help you in the process of registering any bike.
That’s all good news, plus there’s an effort to insure the strength of our aftermarket through SEMA, the aftermarket Hot Rod association, which will add punch to our efforts, and SEMA will support state rights organizations. It’s all good, plus Bikernet is working to better our relationships with communities through our noise study. In the near future we’ll make our study available to the public. We need to be respectful about motorcycle noise in communities, but the public needs to know that in a very strong sense, loud pipes do save lives. Let’s hit the news:
MC ADVANTAGES FIRST DISTRIBUTOR FOR ROGER GOLDHAMMER–With the introduction of a 2007 catalog, MC Advantages is the first distributor to offer parts from World Champion Roger Goldammer of Goldammer Cycle Works. The first part to be offered is the distinctive Air Time Air Cleaner. This polished stainless steel breather helps to define the Goldammer look that can complement any style of bike. The Air Time is designed for 40mm CV carbs and Delphi? EFI units. It can also bolt onto S&S? and Mikuni? carbs with an adapter from MC Advantages. See your local MC Advantages dealer or log on to http://www.MCAdvantages.com today.
MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based in Grimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantages distributes many brands including: S&S? Cycle, Martin Bros.?, Spyke?, Stampede, Prowler?, Bulletpr?f, D&M Custom Cycle, Jims?, Dynatek?, Dakota Digital, Wire Plus, Hooker? and many more.
BETSY’S BIGGEST BACKROAD RIDE YET-MOUNT EVEREST!– All around adventurer and world traveler, “Motorcycle Woman” Betsy Huelskamp, who writes a monthly column on the E-zine www.womenridersnow.com called “Backroads with Betsy” has just signed on to climb her biggest back road yet, Mount Everest. Betsy has just been accepted as the newest member of Discovery Channels 2007 spring Everest Expedition team, led by world- renowned expedition leader Russell Brice.
Last years expedition was an enormously popular 6 part docu-series entitled, “Everest: Beyond the Limit”. It featured ex Hells Angel Tim Medvetz, who missed his summit dream by just 100 meters, when he was forced to turn back due to an oxygen tank that was nearing empty. There were lost lives, lost fingers and toes, and some lost dreams while other realized their dreams. But some dreams were just put on hold. This season Tim will be returning for a second attempt, and will be joined by Russell, and a new team, including Betsy. But each climber has another mountain to hurdle before Everest, and that is raising the $42,000 plus expenses that it takes to put just one man (or woman) on top of the tallest mountain on the face of the earth. It is quite possibly the most difficult challenge a person could risk, physically mentally, and spiritually. But Betsy’s motto has always been, “if you are not living life on the edge, you are missing the view!”
So she is actively in need of sponsors, donations, advertising, gear, ideas, and suggestions!
Best known on her rusted, chopped out old Harley, Betsy has been featured in Motorcycle documentaries on the Discovery Channel, TLC, National Geographic, and the Travel Channel. If you would like to sponsor Betsy, make donations, supply gear, or have suggestions, you can E-mail her at calamitybz@aol.com. A paypal account is now set up on her E-mail address, or you can call her at 818-679-6686. If you would like to speak with Russell Brice about the expedition, he may be contacted at info@himex.com. This expedition leaves April 1st, so we are short on time!!!!! All help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!
— Betsy & friends
BIKERNET’S LANE SPLITTING EXAMINATION–We wanted to know about the laws since we live in California and it’s legal here. We spoke to the President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Kirk Willard: “Several years back the then State Cooridnator of ABATE of CA saidit was more important to them to keep that in place than was the helmet lawissue. He claimed it saved untold lives to keep bikes moving and not besitting targets in CA traffic jams
“Interesting, in Europe it is called filtering and many countries allow it asbeing a positive safety tactic.
“I actually did it on a V-Rod in several European countries two summers agoand I thought it was quite useful. Over there carsactually pulled over a few feet as they saw bikes approaching. It did appear thatdrivers were very aware and concerned about bike.”
PATRIOT MOTOR CORPORATION ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH CAMPELL U.S.A., INC.–This is a company that can’t afford to pay their employees, freelance people, dealers or for advertising on Bikernet.
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) (PRIMEZONE) — Patriot Motor Corporation (Pink Sheets:PMCY), parent company of Patriot Motorcycle Corporation, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent with Campell U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Chinese ATV manufacturer, Jiangxi Campell Co., Ltd., located in Nanchang, China. The Letter of Intent provides for Patriot Motor Corporation, after an initial six-month evaluation period, to have the exclusive right to be the sole distributor in the United States of Patriot Off-Road(tm) all-terrain vehicles manufactured by Jiangxi Campell.Initial ATV and UTV offerings will include the 250cc (4×2) ATV, the 650cc (4×4) ATV and a pair of 650cc UTV’s (2-Seater and 5-Seater). These products are the first Chinese off-road vehicles to incorporate AMT transmissions, a true automotive style transmission that provides for better torque output and rider control. A complete line of accessories is currently available as well from Jiangxi through Patriot, including winches, trailers, plows and alloy chrome wheels. Jiangxi Campell Co., Ltd., backed by the Chinese government, is also committed to working in concert with Patriot to design and manufacture a complete line of sport and utility off-road products to be introduced this month. Under the Agreement, Campell agrees to provide products to Patriot that meets all government (Federal, state and local) compliance requirements.
All four products are scheduled to be introduced at the “DealerNews” Dealer Expo 2007 in Indianapolis, Indiana in mid-February, where representatives from both Patriot and Campell will be available for dealer and sales inquires For more information visit http://www.patriotmotorcycles.com and http://www.steeldreams.tv.The Patriot Motor Corporation logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2159
R-MAX TRIES TO RESURECT PRODUCT CHAIN–Jimmy Lee, President of R-Max, went back to Korea and physically moved the transmission facilities. He said that he did not know how the rumors had started that the company is out of business. Jimmy will be back in his office this Friday and his number is 1-866-762-9872.
-Jeff Najar
THE BIKERNET TIMELINE INVESTIGATION–Scenario: Bandit and Chris get into a fist fight after school.1964 – Crowd gathers. Chris wins, Bandit and Chris shake hands and end up best friends. Nobody goes to jail, nobody arrested, nobody expelled.
2007 – Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Bandit and Chris. Charge them with assault, both expelled, even though Bandit started it.
–from Chris T.
STEALTH BIKE SHOP INVESTIGATION–Man it has been cold around the Charlotte area and I for one am counting the days until Spring arrives. I am not a winter person!
Here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS the weather has pretty much frozen traffic in and out of the store. I keep telling people this is the time to do whatever needs to be done to their bikes. but I think that has fallen on deaf ears. Oh well spring is getting close.
You know something has been eating at me this past week. Somethings I always try to be and hold in high regard. I am talking about is being loyal. It seems that there is very little of that left nowadays. You do everything you can for people but no loyalty is ever shown. I see this everyday at the shop. People will sell you out for a dollar. If it is 50 cents cheaper down the road, then that is where they’re going, no matter how much anyone we’ve done for them. That’s part of this business that I really do not like.
This is a true story. A guy comes in, has me look a couple of parts up this week and I give him the price. I have written the part numbers down. When I give him the price he says, “I will look around and check prices.” I tore the number slip and throw it away.
“What did you do that for?” He said. I took the time to look the part numbers up, then prices and you tell me you will look somewhere else? My buddy, Lee Clemens, told the same story at the Easyriders bike show a couple of weeks earlier. He did the same thing. Thanks Lee for the lesson!
I really try to go beyond helping people at SBW but you have to draw a line. As every shop owner knows, you have to pay bills. It gets frustrating sometimes that people do not understand this.
STEALTH BIKE WORKS is an honest shop and we are just trying to make a living like everyone else. We are not a boutique, we are a get-down to business shop and maybe that does not appeal to some people, but that’s what we are about. No matter what price you give some people, it’s too high. With that being said, they will drive down the road and spend an extra $20/ hr. to have their bike worked on cheaply. I guess they like to spend that money.
This is a tough business and you earn every penny you get. Hey, be loyal to your local bike shop. He is there for you. If you think about it, he probably does a lot of little things that you don’t think about or put much value on. Like his home number or cell number in case of an emergency or break down. Like picking your bike up and delivering it for either no charge or a very small charge to cover gas expenses.
Most of us who run our own shops never opened them with the idea of getting rich, we did it because it is what we love to do, nothing more. Sometimes it gets real hard to keep the faith.
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
NEW BIKERNET OFFICE WORDS FOR 2007–Essential vocabulary additions for the workplace (and elsewhere)!
1. BLAMESTORMING: Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.
2. SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.
3. ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard
4. SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.
5. CUBE FARM: An office filled with cubicles.
6. PRAIRIE DOGGING: When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people’s heads pop up over the walls to see what’s going on.
7. MOUSE POTATO: The on-line, wired generation’s answer to the couch potato.
8. SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
9. STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.
10. SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
11. XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one’s workplace.
12. IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are Annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.
13. PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again. Often feel like doing this to my computer——
14. ADMINISPHERE: The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.
15. 404: Someone who’s clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message “404 Not Found,” meaning that the requested site could not be located.
16. GENERICA: Features of the American landscapes that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.
17. OHNOSECOND: That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you’ve just made a BIG mistake. (Like after hitting send on an email by mistake).
18. WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.
19. CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.
– Author Unknown
–from Joe Lankau
OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK’S KRAWIEC HIRED AS SECOND RIDER FOR SCREAMIN’ EAGLE RACING– MILWAUKEE (Feb. 8, 2007) – Eddie Krawiec has been named as the second rider on the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson factory supported NHRA team, it was announced today.
Krawiec, 30, will join Andrew Hines, 23, on the team that is coming off a third consecutive NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championship-winning season.
“This is something I’ve been after for a long time,” Krawiec said. “It has taken a day or two to realize that it’s actually happening. I’ve been around drag racing for a long time and I hope my past experience is going to help make the transition smooth.”
Krawiec, a former AMA Prostar series racer, has been a full-time employee of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., since 1999 and has been the drag strip manager since 2001. He has made eight appearances at NHRA national events but has yet to qualify for final eliminations. He’s hoping that changes in a few weeks when the NHRA’s season opener for Pro Stock Motorcycle takes place at Gainesville Raceway, March 15-18.
“I didn’t have the benefit of the knowledge and equipment the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team has until now,” Krawiec said. “I think that is going to make all the difference and I can’t wait to get to the first event and be part of this championship-winning team.”
Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said adding any new teammate can present its challenges, but it won’t be anything the crew isn’t prepared for.
“The team sees a lot of potential in bringing a relative unknown into the sport,” Paluso said. “Andrew has three championships, (crew chief) Matt Hines has three championships and (team owners) Terry Vance and Byron Hines bring decades of experience to the team. All of that is going to help Eddie become a more competitive rider. He has a big learning curve to attack, but we have the best team possible in place to make sure we have a solid two-bike team.”
Krawiec earned nine victories in 23 final rounds of AMA Prostar competition. His career-best E.T. in NHRA competition is a 7.254-second pass in Reading 2004 and his best speed is a 186.02 mph from Reading in 2005.
THE RIGID FRAME DOCTRINE QUESTIONED– I was always want to read peoples’ thoughts on rigid frame over suspensionframes. Being that this generation is mostly high tech, people tend to go with the best in whatever theyare buying cars, boats,bikes, etc. They end up wanting the best available to them, from comfort creaturesand high tech dodads. But when most people end up building a chopper or custom bike, rigid is king.
I find that very interesting. I personally have a ’93 Fat Boy which was my first American bike. I am startinga rigid WCC CFL 2-up-1 out, 38 degree rake build this year(when money permits).
As I looked more and moreat rigid frames they just appealed to me more. I guess it is the clean simple lines and that tough stance theyhave that made me like them more. And maybe too much now, ’cause that is all I freakin’ think is building thatdamn bike!
Well that’s it. I would think it would make an interesting article. Love to see what other peoplesay about this subject. Keep up the great work!
— Eric Fertig
Ericshd@aol.com
I’ll try to keep this brief since it’s news day, but here’s my rigid two cents. First, you’re right. You can’t beat the styling and the stance. Regarding new tech and suspension, I prefer a rigid over a lowered Softail. A rigid can ride well and handles better than a Softail with a few elements. First a rigid is generally 150 pounds lighter and narrower by a couple of inches for better turning and ground clearance. With a sprung seat, rubber pegs and grips and vibration damping in the bars they will handle and have more seat suspension that a lowered Softail. That’s my line and I’m sticking with it. RFFR–Bandit
Continued On Page 2
February 7, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
IN FLORIDA, A NEW BILL BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE AIMS TO CHANGE LET THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME– Florida fines a driver speeding 6 mph over the limit $25. A driver caught speeding over 26 mph owes $150. The rest of the state’s traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a new bill before the state Legislature aims to change that.
Like speeders, there’s a big difference between a person driving after two drinks and a drunk who drives after 10. However, proposed legislation would force Florida’s judges to ignore that difference and punish drivers charged with driving just a sip over the limit with the same sentence given hard-core offenders: ignition interlocks.
Ignition interlocks are in-car breathalyzers that measure a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). If a breath sample registers above a pre-set level, the engine will not start. These devices were originally developed for chronic drunken drivers with extreme alcohol levels. Already, many courts in Florida and across the nation successfully prescribe interlocks to keep alcohol abusers and repeat offenders off our roads. But now anti-alcohol activists are looking for a new target.
Proponents of the bill claim the measure will fight the drunken-driving problem. National statistics, though, prove that the problem has been reduced to a few individuals who severely abuse alcohol and still choose to drive. Mandating interlocks for first offenders doesn’t focus on those dangerous criminals.
With an average BAC of .19 percent — more than double the legal limit — the average drunken driver in a fatal crash has slurred speech, uncoordinated movements and delayed reactions. That’s the scenario many people imagine when we hear about drunken driving. In reality, it takes only one drink to get arrested for driving while intoxicated in many states. Even though all 50 states list 0.08 BAC as the legal limit, many law-enforcement agencies have adopted the notion favored by the Ohio State Highway Patrol: “There is no absolute ‘legal limit’ except ‘zero.’ “
The bar has been set so low that last year, police arrested drivers in Oregon and Florida for drunken driving even though they were completely sober. One arrestee was presumed drunk simply because he struggled with a field test of counting down from 1,030 in increments of 7.
Unlike those booked for other crimes, most innocent DWI suspects will never be able to remove the arrest from their records — even if they were never actually charged or convicted. (Keep in mind that drug users, wife beaters, and burglars can clear their names.)
States can already arrest us for driving after any alcohol consumption. So it’s rational to assume that many first-time offenders are not guilty of drunken driving, but of drinking and driving. Which is perfectly legal in all 50 states.
A couple of beers at a ball game, a glass of wine at an anniversary dinner, a wedding toast or two: Moderate drinking — not enough to render you “impaired,” let alone drunk — may soon be all it takes for drivers in the Sunshine State to be charged with drunken driving and saddled with an interlock in their car.
Other states have gone so far as to propose “universal” legislation — lobbying for mandatory interlocks in every car in the state. This kind of silliness may sound far off, but it’s closer than you may think.
Saab, Nissan, Toyota and other car manufacturers are already developing new interlock technology that could be manufactured as standard equipment. In early 2007, Nissan unveiled a concept car fit with odor sensors to “sniff” any alcohol in the cabin. A host of other equally intrusive prototypes — such as dashboard-mounted monitors and steering wheel and gear-shift detectors — can sense if you had Irish coffee for dessert.
This kind of zero tolerance is not anti-drunks. It’s anti-drinks.
It’s important to remember that drivers who speed or talk on their phones are more likely to crash than those who have 0.08 BAC. Though these reckless behaviors contribute to a growing death toll, Florida legislators are not clamoring to mandate speed-capping technology for first-time speeders.
If our representatives are serious about improving traffic safety, they should heed an age old saying: “Let the punishment fit the crime.”
— Sarah Longwell | Special To The Sentinel February 4, 2008
–from Rogue
PRO MOD HYABUSA READY–We have completed our Pro Mod Hayabusa! Initial testing is complete. You can check on our progress at our website.
With all the excitement surrounding the 2008 season we can’t wait to get started. This month we are featuring some of the AMA Dragbike contingency products we carry.
MPS is very excited about the addition of the Vance & Hines “Indy Series” sidewinder exhaust systems to our line of performance products. The Vance & Hines name has been synonymous with quality since their inception and we are proud to offer these exhaust systems. We have them introductory priced at $1000.00 for this month only.
We are also featuring two products from Daytona Sensors. Both the WEGO III Wide Band O2 logger and the NC-2 Progressive Nitrous Controller/Logger. Both parts are 10% off this month and pay AMA Dragbike contingency money.
Big Introductory Discount!Save $185.00!Part Number Description Sale Price Discount Code 74-73-101-2 VHM Sidewinder Exhaust Hayabusa 99-08
–MPS Racing
info@mpsracing.com
BIKERNETMETRIC.COM GET’S THUMBS UP– Those guys did a beautiful job on that otherwise fugly Yamaha 850 Special. I mean wow, pretty little scoot except for that faggoty red seat. With 0.1% exceptions seats should be black but that’s just my partly drunken opinion. Yes it’s 0800 and I am drinking some Sierra pale, but, I did work all fucking night at the paper mill. BTW, I bought some Tullamore Dew and we liked it.
I tried a new single malt Scotch called Laphroaig. Not sure how they pronounce it but it is really good. It’s gotta earthy taste to it. My buddy Rod an me liked it quite a bit ,especially with the tin of smoked oysters and Saltines. We got pretty liquored up that evening. Rod an me go back aways and our women like each other, so we have good time the four of us.
Got fucked up, shot off his black powder cannon, BBQ’d some rib-eye, drank up the ale and Tullamore and dabbled in the Laphroaig. Of course, we had to go to the bar and boogie to some live music down at Henri’s a few miles off. Rod was pissed we didn’t ride but hell, it’s been snowing off and on for weeks and raining the rest of the time so riding is ,well optional. Snowing like a bitch right now in fact, but the beer tastes good and it is the weekend.
Anyway, back at Henri’s we found a great band with a hot girl singer named Rae Anne. Slinky young thing but not too young. Red flowing curly long locks and some real hips on her I’ll tell ya. That gal can sing like the pro that she is. Good Gee-tars in the band ,too. We had a good time in the packed house, maybe too good cuz they cut us off after our first drink.
So we went home and cranked up the tunes and cracked open another bottle of hooch. The only bad thing that happened was when my girlfriend drove out the parking lot she mistook the curb for the ramp and while I was saying ,”Honey I don’t think…’ she powered the ’95 Tahoe over the curb onto the highway (known as “The Gauntlet” due to the heavy police patrol) and our friends from the city learned a little about a redneck night out in Longview,Washington. Actually I was proud of the way Kim handled launching the suv over the medium but our guests were bouncing their heads off the roof of the Tahoe like their seats were sprung. HAW!. Yeehaw.
So don’t feel too down about that gray day in Socal. We’d be glad just to get the garden hose thawed out, so we could wash the dead bugs off the scooter !
–Copey
HARLEY-DAVIDSON LAUNCHES A NEW CUSTOM SEAT PROGRAM– Select Pattern, Inlay Material and Stitching Colors in 800 Possible Combinations.
MILWAUKEE (Jan. 29, 2008) – A new Custom Seat Program from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories lets a customer design a leather seat that is hand-built to their specifications. Available for the solo Brawler seat (P/N 52246-08, $399.95) or the two-up Sidekick seat (P/N 52193-08, $479.95) designed to fit most 2006-later FX Softail models and 2007-later FLSTF Fat Boy and FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic models, the Custom Seat Program offers 800 possible design and materials combinations, making it possible to create a seat that is truly individual.
The design process begins at the Custom Seat Program website, www.harley-davidson.com/customseat, where on-screen prompts help the customer select from two seat styles, eight stitching patterns including flames, skulls and tribal designs; eight inlay color options; and 10 stitching color options. When the design is complete, the customer takes a print-out of the seat design details to a local Harley-Davidson dealer, which will submit the Custom Seat Program order. The standard lead time for seat delivery is three weeks.
The low-profile Brawler and Sidekick seats selected for the Custom Seat Program are minimalist designs that hug the motorcycle. Each features a hand-laid fiberglass seat pan with a soft, felt-finish bottom that is scratch free. The seating surface is genuine leather, and the leather inlay options have a simulated exotic skin pattern. Each seat also has an embroidered Bar and Shield logo.
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.
THE MILWAUKEE IRON UNIVERSAL REAR COW CATCHER- Made to fit Stock Seat–Now available:A Universal Rear fender that you drill and mount yourself in between your current frame rails. Made of 11 Guage Steel Skirts.
This fender will allow you to keep your stock seat.
No frame modifications necessary with this fender. Just Drill, Mount, and Ride today.
–Milwaukee Iron, Inc.,
110 Ramsey Place, Lynchburg, VA 24501
phone: 434-385-1044
e-mail: sales@milwaukeeiron.com
Full product listing available at our website: www.milwaukeeiron.com
FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE– From John Hopkins.
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person’s lifetime.
3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build-up.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg’s amino or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT– Is it just me or is it almost spring and time to ride already?
–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:whiplash@photo.net
BIKERNET SCIENTIFIC SURVEY–Dr. Phil was conducting a therapy session with four young mothers and their small children.
“You all have obsessions,” he observed.
To the first mother he said, “You are so obsessed with eating you’ve even named your daughter Candy.”
He turned to the second mom: “Your obsession is with money. Again, it manifests itself in your child’s name, Penny.”
He turns to the third mom: “Your obsession is alcohol. This, too, manifests itself in your child’s name, Brandy.”
At this point, the fourth mother gets up, takes her little boy by the hand and whispers, “Come on Dick, we’re leaving.”
–from Bob Clark
VETERAN’S PLATES IN ILLINOIS COMING– In the state of Illinois we have been working for 3+ years to get the SOS to approve veteran license plates. We finally met all of the requirements to get approval 6 months ago. At that time the SOS gave us a 90 day lead time before they would become available. November came and went so the Lt. Governors office was contacted. The SOS now says the plates will be available to veterans on or after April 1st of ’08. Up until 2 years ago MC plates were issued and renewed fiscally and expired on April 1st.
Taking that into consideration this means that a veteran will not be able to get these plates unless he or she is willing to pay twice in ’08 for the registration fee’s. First the renewal for the old plate, then the even larger registration fee a month later for the Vet plate. That is unless they are willing to run with expired plates for a month…
We are trying to plead our case to state government and were wondering if you had any advice to share. As well we have been trying to find out how many states offer veteran MC plates and hoping you might know the answer to that?
–Alan
awaschbusch@earthlink.net>
THERE YOU HAVE IT–Another killer news from the vast, unrelenting Bikernet staff. I reconsidered pounding the made overseas code again, but you get it. The bottom line is watching and taking heed of the Made In America slogan. Lean that way when you’re buying parts for your scooter, furniture and even at the grocery store. I know, I did it last night.
I don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend, but when it comes to the Code of the West we need to step up. Hell, look at what we pay for a tank of gas. If we all slowed down on gas consumption and used that coin to invest in more American made products, maybe the goddamn over inflated gas prices would come down.
If only we could ride more and drive less.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
February 01, 2007 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
ENTER BIKERNET’S SHARPEST SOFTAIL CONTEST–WEEK 2 – Picture: d&d_bn_week1.jpg
WIN a new set of high-performance Fat Cat or Boarzilla performance exhaust pipes for your Harley-Davidson Softail. It’s easy? send us:
Name
Email
Picture of your bike
Telephone
Details on your bike
Why you need a performance pipe
Send entries to softail@horspowermarketing.com and we will post them on bikernet.com, DandDexhaust.com and have the community at bikernet.com vote for the ‘Sharpest Softail’ of Bikernet.
T-Shirt Winners
Each Week a contestant wins a free t-shirt.
Jason Sharp wins a D&D T-Shirt
Val Bradley wins a D&D T-Shirt
About Fat Cat & Boarzilla Details
The 2 into 1 Fat Cat & Boarzilla Performance Pipes make up to 12 additional horses depending upon your configuration. The stylish upswept design provides the performance rider with extra ground clearance. Each pipe is hand fitted and installed with heat shields.
Each pipe is tuned for performance and sound. Not only do D&D pipes look good, you can feel the deep rumble that only a D&D equipped V-Twin can make.
To get a performance pipe for your Harley or custom V-Twin logon to
To see how your bike will look and perform log on to the D&D Web site.
AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES– 1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent youfrom rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snoozebutton.
2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then youwill be afraid to cough.
3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by gettingsomeone else to hold them while you chop away.
4. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat bysimply Using the sink.
5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleedfor a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember touse a Timer.
6. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you willforget about the toothache.
Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life reallyare:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn’t move andshould, Use the WD-40.
If it shouldn’t move And does, use the duct tape.
–from Chris T.
CARROLL SHELBY AND RUCKER PERFORMANCE TOBUILD THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE–LAS VEGAS – February 1, 2007 – Shelby Automobiles, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK) and Rucker Performance will unveil a limited production Shelby motorcycle at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 2, 2007. This incredible high performance American motorcycle, which rivals the power to weight ratio of the famed Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, was developed in partnership between the two companies and will be built by Rucker Performance, under license by Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. Shelby Automobiles Inc., manufactures high performance Shelby vehicles, including the new 2007 Ford Shelby GT, under the guidance of the legendary Carroll Shelby. Rucker Performance is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American muscle production motorcycles.
“It’s no secret that stuffing a powerful American motor into a lightweight chassis has been my formula for success,” noted Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. “Working with Bill Rucker and his team, we’ve taken this same approach on the new Shelby motorcycle. My team at Shelby Automobiles has worked closely with Rucker Performance to create a motorcycle that offers the same thrill as driving my Cobra.”
Fellow Texan Bill Rucker is famous for building spectacular two wheeled motorcycles that are among the most exciting vehicles in the world. He is Founder and CEO of Rucker Performance, a manufacturer of high performance American muscle and chopper motorcycles. Rucker is a designer, builder and fabricator, bringing entrepreneurial experience and more than 30 years of management success in motorcycle manufacturing, drag racing and hot rods to the company. Over the years, the Rucker name became synonymous with quality, technological innovation and extensive customization.
“We’re going to build the ultimate American high performance motorcycle,” said Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. “From the initial design to the innovation of new parts, every aspect of this motorcycle was created with that goal in mind. It’ll be a lightweight, fire-breathing ride that’s as inspiring as the four wheeled vehicles that wear the Shelby name.”
The specs of this pro-stock sytle bike will make any enthusiast’s heart beat faster. Racing-style front forks and a high performance braking system with ceramic brake rotors will make it nimble, while the Pingel 1-6 electric shifting system and air ride suspension will make it comfortable. To keep the bike svelte, the upper body and wheels will be built of carbon fiber while Superform will create the aluminum body panels.
The heart of the powerhouse is a new S&S X-Wedge 128 c.i.d. engine with closed loop VFI fuel injection that will churn out an astounding 150 HP. Rucker Performance is one of only five manufacturers to have access to the powerful new engine and one of the first applications will be in the new Shelby motorcycle.
Each “Shelby” motorcycle can be custom painted according to the owner’s personal tastes and will include a special edition logo. In addition, a complete line of “Shelby” merchandise including apparel, accessories and limited edition collector’s items will be available. Production of the “Shelby” will begin in 2007 and will include up to 25 motorcycles that will be available for purchase by the third quarter of this year. Production of a second round of bikes will begin in the fall of 2007.
“While Porsche has designed bicycles and BMW snowboards, Carroll’s been looking for an opportunity to apply our 40 years of experience to a world class motorcycle program,” added Amy Boylan, Shelby Automobiles Inc., president. “He’s ridden motorcycles most of his life, so we created a partnership with a manufacturer that meets the high performance standards associated with the Shelby name. This project demonstrates the potential for design and engineering innovation available at Shelby Automobiles. We look forward to launching this motorcycle and watching yet another Shelby product move to the front of the pack.”
Additional information is available at www.ruckerperformance.com.
CINCY WRAP, NEXT DAYTONA–Damn time flies. Last weekend I judged the bikes at the Grand Nationals Show in Pomona, with Jim Waggaman. There were about 50 and some very cool rides. Of course they had classification criteria that screwed with some of the placement, so we suggested new categories.
So I’m packing to head to Cincy tonight. Vendors are up and so is the dealer attendance number. People keep sniveling about the industry, but I’m a goddamn optimist. I think this is going to be a helluva year in many respects.
I’ll report more upon my return from the chilly Cincy downtown, once I sober up. Rogue promised a fifth of Jack. Next week we have another bike feature headed in from Europe and Easyriders show coverage. I have several articles hanging out about long rides that I need to be attend to. I know, I’m behind, but scrambling to keep up with the action in the industry.
We’re building a bobber in the shop for a San Pedro kid who helps out around the building. Our water heater took a shit the other day and Jeremiah came to the rescue. It’s going to be a helluva cool rigid Shovel. I’ll show you a progress report in the next couple of weeks. The bungs at the head of the news were destined for his Shovel.
There’s been a hiccup in our Bonneville frame building, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll have a roller in the next couple of weeks. Departure Bike Works sent us a couple of old 45 pistons and John Van Trump, now working for Ross Pistons, is on the case. We may actually have the Bonne-belle flathead completed for Bonneville this year.
So goddamnit, there you have it for this week. The girls will handle the Sunday Post and Johnny White is editing a Girl of Bikernet feature for the Cantina. Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit