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Read More December 21, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Merry Christmas,
Sin Wu and I agreed that this is the un-Christmas Holiday. It snuck up on us like the Ghost of Christmas Past in the night. One day we’re building the Assalt Weapan, the next Santa’s knocking on the door. Here?s a shot of Nyla’s kitchen which ate all our money and lotsa time. kitchen
The headquarters are coming together, and so is the Salt Shaker. Let’s rock into Christmas. Gimme egg nogs and rum balls:
BARS AND WOBBLES– Hey Bandit. I’ll start by saying that Bikernet is a site head and shoulders above the rest. They say, everything costs time and money, but your hard work shows…(Sounds like you had a Ball on the salt!) Anyway, I was reading through the site and saw the piece on wobble with high bars.
Not sure if I commented on this before, but I had put Chubby 12.5″ apes on my springer Softail (w/4″ risers) and loved them except at higher speeds on the highway… had a nasty high speed wobble and felt like I caught to much wind. This may sound stupid, but I believe my high speed wobble was due more to me, more than the bike. The way the wind would hit me, esp. with a leather on would seem to put the bike in a wobble. (I’m not a big guy, 5’10”, 185 if that matters)…
Seems that I would start the bike moving into the wobble seemingly caused by my movement on the bike. I ride with my right arm only for the most part, but at higher speeds I’d have to grab both ends and would get a wobble… I didn’t feel in control without both grips and would have to back off. The bike is sound, so I switched out the apes for some chubby knuckle bars and lost the wobble. Apes on a springer are just f’n classic, great look, and I love the ride, but my therapy is the highway, so they had to go…
I don’t know about a touring bike, if apes would effect the rider the same way…my thoughts are that a windshield would reduce the problem. For what it’s worth, that’s what I found for me. A Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a safe and enjoyable New Years.
–DjM
DJMarathas@msn.com>
I appreciate you comment, and you’re right. But it’s not necessarily the bars. I had a bike years ago with short pullback bars welded to the bent risers. I noticed a slight wobble, but I suspected that it was me. If I let go of one side of the bars, it quit. It’s a fact that some wobbles are caused or enhanced by the rider’s movement. If you have a touring bike that walks or wobbles, check out True-Tracks. It dialed in my King.–Bandit
AVON TIRE TECH TIP OF THE WEEK–Give ’em a brake!Incorrect brake adjustment can play havoc with tire life. Make sure your pads are replaced regularly as well.
Frame/wheel alignment:Pay close attention to alignment–shaft drive bikes have no adjustment, but if you have a chain or belt, check the position of your tires. Proper alignment ensures better handling and longer wear.
Final Check:Check to make sure the tolerances are within spec steering head swingarm bearings, Check for worn dampers.
–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)
DENIED: WHITEWOOD CONCERT VENUE DROPPED BY COUNCIL–After months of debate, the Whitewood City Council voted to decline an agreement plan that would transfer beer and liquor licenses to a Minnesota couple seeking to build a huge concert venue near the town.The motion carried with four council members voting yes to deny the agreement and two voting no. Jim and Deb Junker of Stillwater, Minn., had made the request earlier this year to build a large concert site east of Whitewood.Whitewood Mayor Mike Weyrich noted following the action that “it would have worked, but I think it was just too close to homes.”
The venue, according to the Junkers, would host concerts during the motorcycle rally in August and would remain open only a few weeks out of the year.
The Junkers had previously purchased the Hole in the Wall and had planned on moving it to the venue site once it was completed as well as adding an additional bar and lounge. The plan was to move the liquor licenses with the bars.
Many Whitewood citizen were not as enthused by the prospect of a large biker bar near their town.Throughout the months, the Junkers had tried their best to please the small town by offering to plant trees to keep the noise down as well as turning the concert venue so it faces northeast, away from homes. Their plans even went as far as putting nearly a mile of road in to divert traffic to the service road southeast of the venue site as well as offering to pay for extra emergency services that would possibly be needed. The revisions proved unconvincing to the council members though.
Jim Junker declined to comment as he left the meeting.
–Rogue
NEW IRONSIDE COLLECTION HAND GRIPS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON– MILWAUKEE (December 22, 2006) – New Ironside Collection Hand Grips (P/N 57202-07, $79.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories match Ironside Collection pegs, footboard inserts, and brake pedal pads, each resembling riveted metal plates for a tough, industrial look. Surrounded by brilliant chrome, the rich black rubber hand grip tread is offset with scalloped accents and faux rivets. The grips are a comfortable 1.5-inch diameter, and feature a glueless design for easy installation. They fit all 1996-later Harley-Davidson models.
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.
AMA POLITICAL ACTION SEMINAR RIDE–The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is hosting a Washington, DC Ride Into Political Action seminar for motorcyclists who want to learn how to influence governmental decisions, whether in Congress or in their local communities.
The seminar, to be held February 24-27, 2007 at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, DC, allows participants to meet and learn from the AMA’s Washington staff as well as other political experts. Besides learning about state and federal issues facing motorcyclists today, participants will get tips on building relationships with government agency officials and on lobbying elected officials. The instructors will also prepare participants to meet face-to-face with members of their own congressional delegations.
A registration form is available in the American Motorcyclist magazine or by contacting Sharon Smolinka at the address below. Mail the completed form to AMA, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. For more information, contact Sharon Smolinka at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1252 or by e-mail at ssmolinka@ama-cycle.org.
BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Happy Birt-day Baby Jeezums! (that is what is sounded like growing up in New Orleans)… and from The Whiplash Biker Photog Disfunctional Famiglia to all the other freaks in Bikernet World, we hope you and yours have a safe and happy holiday season.
Ride Extra Hard,
–Whiplash(aka Bob Humbug)
soffordphotos@comcast.net P.S. Just wonderin’ why in the hell does Christmas have to start the day after Holloween?
GET THIS NEWS– The Federation of Asia Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) views the high use of fake motorcycle spare parts and components in the region as a threat to the sector and riders.
FAMI president Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza said according to a recent report, 94 percent of these fake items were manufactured in Asian countries also attributes these parts as cause for a majority of the accidents due to part failure across Asia. Between 5 and 7 % of the parts trade were fake items and the business was worth US$449.3 billion.
EMINENT DOMAIN SUCKS– Eight states approved measures that would curtail local governments’ use of eminent domain powers to confiscate land for economic development.
Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Nevada and Oregon voters approved measures in those states that redefine the use of eminent domain powers, in most cases prohibiting the use of those powers to take land from one private party to give it to another private party. Similar measures failed in California and Idaho.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) remains concerned about this issue because riding areas and tracks may fall victim to such schemes. If your local area is being threatened by eminent domain, or any of the dozens of other means of being closed, contact the AMA government relations department at 614-856-1900 extension 1288..
TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS ARE IN FROM 2005– Traffic Safety Facts 2005 Annual Report: Early Edition is a newly released 224 page report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, which is a compilation of motor vehicle crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the General Estimates System. The document can be downloaded at www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSFAnn/TSF2005EE.pdf.
ALL NEW S&S BILLET PRIMARY COVER–With all of the emphasis on big-inch engine performance that the industry has seen in the last 10 years, upgrading to a performance clutch has become a necessity. Most high-performance clutches-like the S&S High Performance Clutch-are bigger than the stock unit they replace, requiring some stock primary modification.
S&S Cycle is more than aware of the challenges these larger clutches can present, especially as you start getting into really radical engine sizes. In order to minimize the frustrations associated with clutch service, S&S designed a beautiful billet primary that has a removable derby cover that allows 100% access to the clutch.
Additionally the S&S Billet Primary has two derby cover size options, one for high-performance street clutches (the S&S High Performance Clutch fits it perfectly), and the second is a deeper cover that will accommodate even the biggest racing clutches. Naturally the deeper racing cover can limit ground clearance in left turns, but turning shouldn’t be much of an issue in drag racing.
With a show-quality polished finish, the S&S Billet Primary Cover is the hot ticket for adding a dose of good looks and serious performance upgrade to your driveline system. The S&S Billet Primary is available for most custom bike applications as well as for 1989-’06 Harley-Davidson? Softail® and 1991-’05 Dyna models.
S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com or see your local S&S dealer.(608) 627-1497
WILD FIRE HARLEY-DAVIDSON CHRISTMAS OFFERS–On the First Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…$50 Off A Leather & A T-Shirt For Free
Purchase any genuine leather at $50 off & we’ll give you a t-shirt for free.
On the Second Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…2 Sweatshirts or Sweatpants at 22% OffPurchase any 2 sweatshirts or sweatpants at 22% off regular retail price.
On the Third Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…3 Screamin’ EaglesPurchase any Screamin’ Eagle MotorParts or MotorClothes for 23% off.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…4 Your HeadPurchase Sunglasses, Goggles, Helmets, Hats…basically anything for your head at 24% off.
On the Fifth Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…5 Chrome ThingsPurchase 4 Chrome Parts & get the fifth at 25% off
On the Sixth Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…6 Different Devices26% off select GPS, Stereos, & MP3 Players when you purchase a leather
On the Seventh Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…7 Clocks-A-Ticking$7 off Timepieces valued at 35$ or more
On the Eighth Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…8 Drinks-A-PouringFree shotglass with the purchase of $35 or more in glassware
On the Ninth Day of Christmas Wild Fire Gave to Me…9 Boots-A-KickingBuy one pair & get 29% off the 2nd or more
EVEN THE DEVIL WORKS ON CHRISTMAS–check out the latest brand of madness coming out of the paint shop thanks to Mike and James, now lets see if we can deliver the X-Mass present on time! Hope all is well with you and yours, Merry Christmas !
I am going to deliver the bike that sheetmetal goes on Christmas eve, I have my horns all polished up to play wicked Santa hahahah!
–Mr.&Mrs. Devil
AVON TYRES ANNUAL REPORT–Sukoshi did a tremendous job of informing us on tire issues throughout 2006. She’s opening the forum for 2007. If you have any question regarding tire use, fitment or maintenance, drop me a note and I’ll pass it on.
She will investigate and report back in our weekly Avon Tire Research Center. Just send your question to Bandit@bikernet.com
I have a few right off the top of my dented head: What about fix-O-Flat sprays. Is it cool? Will it throw a tire out of balance. What about that green mung tire fix? What about tubes in tubeless applications? I know riders who run tubes in all tires, tubeless or not, for safety reasons. If a rim is bent a tubeless tire will fail. And what about those car tire flat fixers? The ones that stab the tire with the rubber impregnated rope strand. Are they cool?
There, that should kick off the new year. Get to work. -Bandit
Continued On Page 2
Shop Report: Aeromach Manufacturing, Inc.
By Bikernet Contributor Wrench |
Some mirrors produced by Aeromach, the Santee, California manufacturer could be considered objects of art. This effect is created by an incredible amount of design time that goes into every mirror and arm that Aeromach makes.
Richard Fouhy, Aeromach's owner, and a machinist for almost 30 years, started out in a 400-square-foot rented space in someone else's shop. He used rented machines tomanufacture aerospace pieces for the then prospering industry. That was fourteen years ago. Two years later he was working out of his own 2500-square-foot facility fabricating parts for M-l tanks and space shuttle components from a variety of materials includingalumimum, stainless steel, and composite alloys. When the Space Age went bust, he crossed over to the commercial arena, creating specialty parts for medical, radar and laser optical devices.
It was a 1981 Wide Glide, which Richard raked and painted with skeletons that was the turning point in his range of products. “I wasn't happy with the mirrors on my bike, so I went to the big Del Mar bike event to check out what the competition had to offer. I looked around, and thought to myself, 'Hey, I can do better than that. I've got the machines, materials and experience in aerospace quality'.” In November of 1993, Richardmade his first mirror. “It was just for myself, and it probably cost me $3,500 considering all the R&D time.”
That same degree of intense design consideration still goes into all Aeromach mirrors, and there are quite a few of them including the hot Flame Mirror with Flame Arm and the cool Extreme Oval Mirror. All of Aeromach mirrors can be individually customized in as much as a customer can mix and match the various stem designs, in long and shortlengths, with the various mirror body components. Such “swapping” can create a whole new look from bar hopper to classic chopper, to aggressive sport racer in minutes.
The show quality mirrors are cut from 12-foot lengths of extruded billet, then highlypolished before being shipped to plating. Before the show quality finishing touches are applied, a great deal of thought goes into their prototyping.
“One of our first concerns is clarity of vision,” Richard added. “A mirror is just a clump of metal attached to your handlebars if you can't see a clear image in it. There's the obvious safety consideration, too.Our mirrors provide 40 percent less vibration which translates to a much clearer reflected image.”
Asyou probably noticed with stock mirrors, they shake, vibrate and eventually come loose.”How do you get 40% less vibration? We get that question at every bike show. We accomplish this through the use of our Beta Testing Program, while manufacturing a prototypeand running it through our harmonics testing software,” Richard explained. They also use stainless steel components inside their mirrors so once you adjust and tighten the screws, they stay tight. “We had a test run from Los Angeles to Daytona with one of our mirrors,” Richard said. “It didn't even require a single minor adjustment.”
They check out the aesthetics and most importantly bolt it on a bike for extended test rides using his old Shovel and a new Twin Cam as well. They shoot for a clear window of vision between 40-70 mph, the most frequently used speeds. The key to maintaining clarity of image, and thus a safe scan of the world behind the rider, is to keep the mirror steady as the engine moves up through the powerband where gear changes and R.P.M. fluctuations can work mischief on a less balanced mirror.
Today 100 percent of Aeromach's production is motorcycle related components. With a recent relationship with Orange County Choppers to design and produce mirrors for theirtheme bike projects, Aeromach has been forced to take mirror designing to the next level.
“Our relationship with OCC began with a chance meeting with Paul Sr. at a dealer show a few years back. Our outrageous mirrors took big Paul back and we werestruck by the creativity of their bikes,” says Jeff, Aeromach product designer. “Since thatmeeting, we have been asked to machine some challenging theme mirrors while meetingPaul Jr.'s strict attention to detail and originality.”
The mirrors are all “user-friendly”. Meaning they come with all of the necessary hardware to install and only require a Phillips screwdriver, 1/4 and 1/2-inch wrench.
For more information contact:
Aeromach Manufacturing
11423-B Woodside Ave., Santee, Ca. 92071,
(619) 258-5443
(800) 990-9392
December 14, 2006 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
BIKERNET HOT PRODUCT OF THE WEEK-STEVENSON’S CYCLE INTRODUCES SPLIT ROCKER BOX KIT FOR SHOVELHEADS–Wayne, MI-December 12, 2006-Stevenson’s Cycle announced today the launch of a new kit that allows for the replacement of the OEM style, Shovelhead rocker boxes with new, manufactured split rocker boxes. Before this kit, the rockers would need to be removed, welded, and machined to exacting specifications, a process that is both time consuming, expensive, and requires a great deal of knowledge.
Steve Broyles of Stevenson’s Cycle brings us these cool, Shovelhead split rocker boxes that fit all Shovelhead motors manufactured from 1966 to 1984 and all after market motors using the same type of rocker box. The kit will include brand new rocker boxes in raw metal form, with all the machined areas finished, and the exterior copper oil line kit. Once the finishing touches are put on, the boxes can be sent out to chrome, polish, or powder coat, or just left in rough form. This new kit is available exclusively through CCI and Jammer Cycle Products, Part #632910 and will retail for $599.95.
“This kit is a totally revolutionary way to modify your Shovelhead. I used to spend hourswelding and machining the old ones, and then manufacturing all the parts each time I split a set of rocker boxes for a custom built bike, so I decided to simplify the process to make it easier for people to do the job on their own. The Shovelhead is one of the coolest looking motors ever produced, and splitting the rocker boxes makes it look that much cooler. Now all those Shovel owners who were thinking about splitting their rocker boxes can actually do it themselves,” said Steve Broyles Sr.
Stevenson’s Cycle located in Wayne Michigan and is owned and operated by Steve Broyles Sr. and his son, Steve Broyles II. Steve Sr. has been repairing, building, and customizing motorcycles since 1969.
Stevenson’s Cycle is known in the V-twin industry for their extensive performance and engine work. The most noted example is “Switched,” a bike in which they place the front head and cylinder of a shovelhead motor on the rear and the rear head and cylinder on the front. In doing so Stevenson’s Cycle has created what is truly called one of the first, reverse flow V-Twin engines. In addition to “Switched,” Stevenson’s Cycle has received wide spread industry recognition for several other bikes and was the Grand Prize winner of the Biker-Penthouse Biker Build Off, which took place at Sturgis this summer. He has won several Easyriders bike shows and has been featured in Easyriders, Biker, V-Twin, The Horse Backstreet Choppers, and Freeway. For more information go to
SECOND HOT BIKERNET PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–Say Adios To Your Generator. Generator engines won’t know what hit them when they meet the new SpykeOneWire Alternator. This all-in-one unit smooths out the unpredictability ofa generator with an all-in-one combination of alternator and voltageregulator.
What makes the unit stand out is it’s easy-to-install single post, so nopolarization is required. Add on top of that a billet T6061 case, and you’vegot one wicked alternator setup that can take a mountain of abuse withoutflinching.
Models are available for engines with generators in four different finishesincluding raw, black, show polished and chrome. The OneWire charges at lowRPMs and will be available in high or low output amp models.
Contact Spyke, Inc. at 562-869-9333 or at
www.SpykeInc.comfor information on this product or any otherSpyke products.
Spyke, Inc.
11258 Regentview Ave.
Downey, CA 90241
Phone: 562.803.1700
Fax: 562.869.9323
www.spykeinc.com
CARB WANTS TO TEST MOTORCYCLES– The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has submitted a proposal to expand the state’s vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in part by subjecting high-mileage vehicles to annual inspections and including motorcycles for the first time. The CARB proposal was included in a draft state plan to achieve federal pollution standards.
CARB also intends to tighten new motorcycle exhaust and evaporative emissions standards by an additional 50 percent beginning with the 2013 model year. The Federal EPA used the current CARB standards as a basis for establishing stricter new emissions regulations that went into effect with the 2006 model year motorcycles with further reductions taking effect in 2010.
HOW TO BUILD A CHEAP CHOPPER–Custom bikes, choppers and bobbers in particular, don’t have to cost thirty thousand dollars. S chopper or bobber built at home can be had for less than five thousand dollars.
The key is the use of a donor bike for most of the components. How to Build A Cheap Chopper documents the construction of five inexpensive choppers and bobbers with complete start-to-finish photo sequences presented in full color.
Least expensive are the metric bikes – like the Honda and Kawasaki projects documented here. Next up, price wise, are bikes built using a Buell or Sportster as the donor. Check the sequence from Redneck Engineering or Motorcycle Works to see how quickly a Buell can be converted into a simple hardtail.
Most expensive, but still dammed cheap by comparison with most of today’s bikes, is the big twin chopper built in the shop of Dave Perewitz from carefully chosen aftermarket parts.
If you’re long on desire but short on cash, this is the book to buy. The first think you need to assemble that new chopper or bobber is this book – How To build A Cheap Chopper.
Cheap Chopper uses 144 pages and over 400 color images to completely explain each assembly. Available for $24.95 + $5.50 S&H from Wolfgang Publications
217 Second Street N.
Stillwater, MN 55082.
Order from the web at www.wolfpub.com or by phone at 651.275.9411.
SALT SHAKER TIME–I just finished putting the Sturgis Shovel gas tank back together. There’s something about that bike that constantly baffles me. I can’t do anything right the first time. Could it be me? I put it together three times before finally getting the bugs worked out. We had to machine spacers to lift the CCE dogbone risers. With the new tank bungs, vibration isolators the tank is slightly higher, so natch, it hit the risers. It’s better than ever and I machined a chunk of wild brass rod to replace the rusting springer caliber bracket anchor shaft. It’s cool.
So now I can shift back to making the Salt Shaker ride again. I’ve finished the left side of the bike. The BDL primary belt and clutch is back in place. The V-Bike Coils are back. The heim joints are locked down. Now I need to install the Mikuni carb and pipes. Foremost Powder Coating in Gardenia still has a couple of headlight parts. Just those few passes on the salt vibrated the rivets in the headlight bucket loose. They almost fell out. I brazed up the inside of the bucket and sent it to be flat black powdered.
I learned something recently. Under the correct conditions Loctite works and red Loctite can kick your ass. I sense that heat is involved. Some of our fasteners are weld tight, including the Lee Wimmer velocity stack, Allen lock studs. I’m soaking them with Yield, which generally loosens any locked fastener.
Here’s what’s coming to Bikernet. The Love Ride (Frank Kaisler) and the bike featured on the homepage (Tbear) should be launched tonight. I’m going to rough out another Bonneville 2007 Chapter with many of the items you ran into in the news today. We have a feature headed our way from New Zealand, fiction from India, and info on KIWI vintage parts. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Finally, I found a copy editor willing to work with me on the first “Chance Hogan” Book. The chapters are all posted in the Cantina, but we’re attempting to make sense out of them. This weekend will be wild. I’ll report on it later.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
December 14, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
LANE SHARING IS SAFER FOR BIKERS–In response to “Motorcyclists take pointless risk” (Letters, Nov. 7):Motorcycles legally sharing lanes when traffic is stopped or nearlystopped isactually safer for motorcycles than if they were to sit in stop-and-gotrafficwaiting to be rear-ended. This position was first offered by Harry Hurt, aUniversity of Southern California researcher in the “Hurt Report” –arguablythe most extensive report on the risks associated with motorcycling.
As a motorcycle safety instructor, I have been exposed to numerousaccounts ofrear-end collisions from motorcyclists, but have never had a firsthandaccountof an accident caused by a rider sharing lanes. As an activelane-sharing riderwith over 15 years of street-riding experience, I have never had a collisionwith another vehicle, and have never had a vehicle make a maneuver toward methat I could not predict or safely react to.
While there are a number of motorcyclists on the street who abuse thelimits ofwhat the CHP would describe as “safely” sharing lanes, to claim thatsafe lanesharing is a pointless risk is a gross overstatement.
–DONALD KANE
ALBERT EINSTEIN’S BIRTHDAY–Just in case you missed it, March 14 was the anniversary of Albert Einstein’s birthday. He would have been 107.
Few people remember that the Nobel Prize winner married his cousin, Elsa Lowenthal, after his first marriage dissolved in 1919. He stated that he was attracted to Elsa because she was well endowed, and postulated that if you are attracted to women with large breasts, the attraction is stronger if there is a DNA connection. This came to be known as Einstein’s Theory of Relative Titty.
–from Richard Hodgsten
S&S RELEASES 2007 DEALER CATALOG– LA CROSSE, WI (November 29, 2006) S&S announces the release of their Dealer Catalog 18 for 2007. Catalog packets, including the Dealer Catalog, Performance Guides, Dealer Focus?, Performance Times®, and price lists have recently been shipped to authorized S&S Dealers around the world.
New products for the 2007 Dealer Catalog include the Single-Bore Tuned Induction System for a huge variety of aftermarket applications, the V107T Touring engine, newly improved T-Series engines, S&S Oil Filters, TV approved engines and components for the European market, Replacement Heads, Mobil 1 Oil, Single-Bore Throttle Body Kit, and more. Also available are the new S&S Performance Gear Drive Cams designed to fit Harley-Davidson® 2006 Dyna motorcycles and all 2007 models equipped with a Twin Cam 96 engine.
“We have some great new offerings in our newest Catalog,” said Timm Fields, Director of Sales and Marketing for S&S Cycle. “In addition to new cutting edge performance parts that we’re known for, readers will find detailed information about our Remanufacturing and Rebuild Services – being able to provide these new services will strengthen our relationship with dealers and allow the consumer to receive the best factory-supported dealer network service available in the industry.”
In addition to the Dealer Catalog, individual retail catalogs called Performance Guides are also available. These Performance Guides represent the various engine families and Proven Performance® products offered by S&S Cycle. These can be viewed and downloaded free at the S&S Cycle website or copies can be purchased online for $3.95 each.
AVON TYRE INFO OF THE WEEK–If you can’t take the pressure then get off the road!Manufacturers are like broken record players – tire pressure, tire pressure, tire pressure…And there’s a good reason we sound like this. Most customers resist doing this most simple of basic bike maintenance chores – checking their tire pressure. In fact they won’t even look at their tires to see if it’s flat on one side! I’ve had customers come up to me at rallies complaining that their bike isn’t handling well. When I walk towards the bike and I’m 100 feet away I can tell why. And just to confirm I take the tire pressure. Yep, 14 pounds trying to support the weight of that bike up front instead of a good 34.
The reasons why you should run sufficient air in your tires:
1) they can support a higher load with more air
2) the tire runs cooler with more air which equals more miles which means you don’t have to buy tires as often
3) the grooves stay open better with more air so you can channel water better when the roads are wet
4) more air helps support the tire shape so it is more resistant to deformation under loads such as braking and acceleration which means your tire will better resist irregular wear patterns
5) running too low of a pressure means you might damage your expensive wheel if you go over a pot hole and there isn’t a cushion of air to protect the rim (in fact in some of Avon’s big tire sizes we have a built in rim protector to help out with the low sidewalls which provide less protection for rims)
6) when you run under inflated you wear out the sides of your tire faster than the center. If you run overinflated you wear out the center
Other things you should look for each time you check your tires – check for cuts, cracks, stones in the tire.Avoid cleaning with anything other than mild soap and water. Check tires every week when riding and every day when on a trip. Check tires when they are cold. If pressure increases more than 10% when tires are hot then add 1-2 pounds more, or reduce load or speed.
And lastly make sure you have an accurate digital gauge if possible. Invest in your tires and see how your mileage increases and your pocketbook saves.
–Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.)
Sales Manager, North America
Hoppe & Assoc. (Avon Tyres)
800 624-7470 toll free
BRUCE ROSSMEYER & STEVEN TYLER ANNOUNCE”THE STEVEN TYLER SIGNATURE SERIES”10 LIMITED EDITION CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES–DAYTONA, FL (September 14, 2006) – Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 13 Harley-Davidson? locations, including the World’s Largest Harley-Davidson? dealership located at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, along with guidance of Rossmeyer’s personal custom motorcycle designer, Tim Gabel, have teamed up to design and produce “The Steven Tyler Signature Series,” a one-of-a-kind collection of Steven Tyler-inspired, custom designed motorcycles.
Limited to ten unique, custom motorcycles, the exclusive Steven Tyler Signature Series is designed to capture and exemplify Tyler’s love for motorcycling and his unique, artistic flair.
The series, manufactured by Hellbound Steel Motorcycles with Tyler’s personal style in mind, will feature several firsts in the custom motorcycle industry, including a specially designed logo and Steven Tyler signature components. The collection will also showcase a powerful, baritone-producing, Harley-Davidson? 1690cc Twim Cam 103? engine which screams louder than Tyler himself and other top quality components. The bikes will be individually serial numbered 1-10 and be NADA listed.
Each motorcycle of the Steven Tyler Signature Series will retail at $80,000.00 and includes a private reception for the motorcycle buyers with both Rossmeyer and Tyler, including round trip air to Daytona Beach, FL during the 2007 Bike Week for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Available on a first come – first serve basis, The Steven Tyler Signature Series will only be available at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson located at Destination Daytona. With only 10 produced for sale, six remain available for purchase. To inquire about purchasing one of these once-produced custom motorcycles, contact Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe at 1-866-642-3464 or log-on to www.BruceRossmeyer.com / click on “The Steven Tyler Signature Series” link.
Bruce Rossmeyer currently owns thirteen Harley-Davidson locations, including the famed Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona Beach locations and the new World’s Largest Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach. At the Harley-Davidson dealerships, owned by Bruce Rossmeyer, the dealers are the lifelines to the customers. Employees at the stores provide clients with the knowledge, service and information necessary to get riders on the road. Bruce Rossmeyer’s World’s Largest Harley-Davidson dealership is located at 1637 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL, 32174. For more information, please call (386) 671-7100 or visit www.BruceRossmeyer.com.
HIGHBARS TO THE STARS–I read the king report and started ordering my parts. I followed your instructions which were very clear. I went with 13-inch Tolmars which after re reading the King report decided bars to the stars was more like it. 18-inch 1.5s looked good and were ordered. I must say was a lot easier the second time around. I some how left enough wires and brake cable behind the headlight that it was a perfect fit. I just wanted to thank you for the article .
John
MORE ASSALT WEAPAN UPDATES–Too prone of a position. In case of handling problem (wind, surface condition, speed wobble) she will not have enough leverage to “muscle” control of the bike. Bring the legs more forward and down or at least have it as an optional position. Is the rear brake control going to be handlebar mounted? Mine worked great that way. Air shifter and foot shifter?
–Berry Wardlaw
This is really getting interesting it looks like Chris Kallas sketched in V-rod headlight and it seems to work like we thought. I cant tell you enough about how much help and fun having an artist involved is. This lets me look further into the plan. So here is more questions that will help me deliver a product that should be as good as the rest of this project.
1. I would assume based on the riding position that Valerie will be shifting the bike electronically with her thumb (or not with her feet mechanically anyway)
2. I would assume that same thumb will control the nos button and kill button ( it seems like they should be on the same side so there is no chance of nos on and ignition off at the same time)
3. will there be any levers on the bars and what would they do ?(would the the clutch lever be mechanical or hydro since the levers look to be lower then the upper control arm we might be able to put the reservoir in the upper control arm if needed
It looks really good to me it will be interesting to hear what Valerie thinks.
–Leo DiOrio
Rick Krost is building our frame. Feel free to contact him at U.S. Choppers. I plan to run the rear brake lever on the bars and the clutch lever. You’re right about NOS and a kill button/ignition switch. We will also run some sort of electric or air shifter. Once she lets out the clutch the first time, everything will be handled from the bars.–Bandit
I increased the sketch in size a little and it looks (however I can’t be sure) that front wheel would be a little further back when achieving the correct trail for this project. However I’m going to make this front-end with more on site tune ability than previous models.
–Leo DiOrio
NEW HEAT FUEL TANK FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER–MILWAUKEE (November 27, 2006) – The new 4.5-gallon Heat Fuel Tank (P/N 62213-07, $975) for Sportsters from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories replaces the original-equipment tank with a custom-painted version that is a perfect match for the single-color front and rear fender. This Color Shop Personal Accents design features fanned flames that flow over the fuel tank and lick at the seat with dramatic effect. The tank is available in three color combinations: Vivid Black and Fire Red Pearl, Vivid Black and Silver, and Vivid Black and Deep Cobalt, and fits 2007 XL models. See dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
BIKERNET HOLIDAY HUMOR–You are on a horse, galloping at a constant speed.On your right side is asharp drop off, and on your left side is an elephanttraveling at the samespeed as you..
Directly in front of you is agalloping kangaroo and yourhorse is unable to overtake it. Behind you is a lionrunning at the samespeed as you and the Kangaroo. What must you do tosafely get out of thishighly dangerous situation?
See answer below.Get your drunk ass off the merry-go-round!
–Leo Shaw
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PIMP-SHIT MO-FO–Hey Bandit and crew! hope all is well with you, good here, working on race bikes for first race 2/11. The 350 Honda took a beating this year that was not evident until I got it totally apart and sandblasted ..some work to do. I’m just glad the Kaw 500 is “Turn-Key”!
I got this pic from a friend of mine down in Orlando and thought you might like it, pimp-shit mo-fo Waggner! besides da Ho’s, Santa pimp rides a springer!
Happy holidays to all of Bikernet!!!
–Charles Young
ROGUE TO SUPPORT FREEDOM FIGHTER DAVE ZIEN– I am please to inform you that I will be attending the Dave Zien Appreciation Benefit in Madison Wisconsin on January 20, 2007.
Dave has done much for motorcycling and I feel that the motorcyclist of this country should know about it. Hopefully by showing that we appreciate what he has done other politicians will follow and or continue to support us.
2007 will have many new laws and regulations submitted and those of us that fight to preserve our freedoms will have our hands full. We can be successful with people like Dave on our side.
I will cover the event and send you an article in hopes that you will be able to use it.
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
Continued On Page 5
December 14, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
ASSALT WEAPAN PILOT REQUESTS–Hey Valerie.As you may know I’ve been working with Keith Ball on the design of his next Bonneville bike.He forwarded your stats to me so that I can do a scale drawing of the bike so he can get aframe made to size . The drawing shown here is not to scale, just a preliminary design.
I hope this isn’t asking too much but, It would be very helpful if you could send me a couple of photos taken of you in profile.I could then measure from different points (shoulder, elbow, rist, knees etc.), and fit you to the bike.You don’t have to wear your leathers if its too much trouble but your helmet would be nice.
The drawings below show what I’m looking for. Try to match each pose as best you can.The camera might be held at about the same level as the bottom of your arm (the line in art),and not too closely to avoid a wide angle affect. A shot from behind would be helpful asKeith wants a sketch of the bike from the top also.
–Chris Kallas
BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK– Sportster runs good. It’s real clean. X-Mass sale!!!!!! $3500.00. It comes with a California title.
— Negotiableparts@aol.com
INERTIA ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS REVS UP TELEVISION PRODUCTION DEAL WITH EAST SIDE CUSTOM CHOPPERS IN A TV PROGRAMMING FIRST–NEW YORK, NEW YORK, December 11th 2006, New York based film and television production company Inertia Entertainment Partners LLC has signed an agreement with East Side Custom Choppers of Walden, New York to create the first authentic Biker Lifestyle? show. The 30 minute docu-soap episodic is in production under the working title Born to Ride.
Inertia Entertainment’s Tony Anzivino and Jeff Kovatch are in partnership with Peter Rotondo’s Fantasia Works Partners to produce the series. Anzivino is quick to point out what the show is not. “We don’t want people falling into the trap of thinking this is a bike-build show. The producers of American Chopper have a dynamite program, but the only similarities between their show and ours is that we both have amazing bikes. This is first and foremost a behind the scenes, in-depth look at the biker lifestyle as captured by our cameras through their daily lives. Between the Torres Brother’s custom bike shop, their restaurant, The East Side Bar and Grill, the country-wide biker mega-events, the various MC Clubs and charity runs, we’ll eat and drink with them, ride with them, and document their lives. To our knowledge, this has never been done.” Inertia’s Kovatch continues, “Here we have the Torres brothers, three outlaw-style entrepreneurs Puerto Rican/American brothers, who against all odds, left Brooklyn and settled in the Up-State town of Walden, NY. They’ve built a thriving construction company, started a custom chopper shop that is taking orders from people all over the country, and then right in the middle of everything is the hub holding it all together, The Eastside Bar and Grill. A biker social scene that you have to see to believe. This is about the East Coast biker arena, which differs from California in many interesting ways.”
East Side Custom Choppers? Sam Torres is excited. “This is a great opportunity for all the people out there watching TV in their living rooms to really experience the biker lifestyle, up-close and personal. “When they see some of the tough crew that hang at the bar and hear their stories, I guarantee that they’ll relate on many levels that they never expected.” David Torres adds, “We’ve got everything from Vietnam Vets to Wall Street Traders. When everybody bellies-up to the bar, it’s a lot of fun, which can of course get volatile at times. We’ve wanted to see a show like this for years. Who knew we’d be front and center telling the story? It’s insane.”
Born to Ride swings into production in early January ’07.
For more information contact: Tony Anzivino at Inertia Entertainment Partners LLC.
(646) 391-8109.
Inertia Entertainment Partners LLC:
http://www.inertiapartners.com
East Side Custom Choppers:
http://www.eastsidecustomchoppers.comeastside xmas flyer
EPA TO CONTROL LAWNMOWERS–The EPA granted California long-awaited permission Monday to implement emission controls on lawnmowers and other small-engine machines.
The EPA waiver will allow California, starting Jan. 1, to require lawnmower engines to be sold with catalytic converters that cut smog emissions by roughly 40 percent. EPA also said that early next year it will propose the same rule nationally.
“EPA approved the California waiver request because new, cleaner engines can safely reduce emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, EPA acting assistant administrator for air and radiation.
Engines under 50 horsepower account for 7 percent of smog emissions in California from mobile sources the equivalent of about three million cars. The engines also power pressure washers and small generators but most are on lawnmowers.
The EPA action Monday ended several years of political dispute driven by Republican Sen. Kit Bond, whose state of Missouri is home to two factories owned by Briggs & Stratton Corp., the nation’s largest small engine maker.
Briggs & Stratton had resisted installing catalytic converters on its engines, and Bond had sought to block California from instituting its regulation. The state has unique authority under the Clean Air Act to set tougher pollution standards than the federal government, once it gets an EPA waiver.
Bond backed off under pressure from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., but he did succeed in blocking other states from being able to copy California’s rule, something the Clean Air Act normally allows. Instead he required EPA to write a national standard.
Bond had questioned whether mowers with catalytic converters could spark fires, but an EPA study earlier this year found there was no safety problem.
The California Air Resources Board has estimated that walk-behind mowers will cost between $37 and $52 more under the new regulation, while the price of commercial turf care mowers will go up between $71 and $179.
California, home to some of the nation’s most polluted air in the Los Angeles basin and San Joaquin Valley, is under constant pressure to meet federal air quality standards or risk sanctions including losing money for highway projects.
The California Air Resources Board, which passed the mower emissions rule three years ago but couldn’t enforce it pending the EPA waiver, welcomed the news as key in developing clean air plans.
“We’re really having to struggle to find enough reductions to achieve the air quality standards, so if you take away a piece that’s this big it would probably permanently handicap us,” said Tom Cackette, the agency’s deputy executive officer.
— By ERICA WERNER, associated press
–from Donald Kline
DAVE PEREWITZ TEAMS UP TO HELP FAMILY–Dave Perewitz has teamed up with American Iron Magazine to help a family who has had a horrific event happen to them. Dave, a world famous motorcycle builder from Bridgewater has built a custom Harley-Davidson for Steve Groene. He is the father of the only survivor of the tragic murders in Idaho in May 2005. Shasta Groene was kidnapped, raped and molested by the man that brutally murdered her mother, 2 brothers and her mothers boyfriend. Steve had to sell his motorcycle so that he could take care of his only daughter. Just a short time after they found Shasta Steve was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Dave, who was featured on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-off, will be presenting the motorcycle to Steve and Shasta Friday December 15, 2006 on the Geraldo show. Steve does not know anything about the motorcycle. The motorcycle is going to be a surprise for him and his daughter. This is a great story about a local hero making Christmas worth while for a family stricken with tragedy. Please visit these sites for more information.
www.perewitz.com
http://www.americanironmagazine.com/
–Jody Perewitz
(508)697-3595
TAKE A MINUTE OUT FOR A SOLDIER–This is pretty neat and takes all of ten seconds. Please take the time to send a card to a soldier!
Something cool that Xerox is doing…If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you cardand Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . Youcan’t pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. HowAMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! Whether youare for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them…
This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second. Go ahead…spread some holiday cheer!
–Darcy Betlach
Chrome Marketing Inc
Polishing and Building Brands
Phone 952-470-4297
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WHITEHORSE–Everyone at Whitehorse wishes you the happiest of holidays and good riding in 2007. We very much appreciate your business and your support.It’s Never Too Late to Shop at Whitehorse Gear Where Everything’s In Stock, The Riding is Superb,and All the Employees are Good Looking!
FASTENERS TIP OF THE WEEK FROM DMP ENTERPRISES–I thought I would first start on discussing different head markings on bolts and what they mean.What do those slashes and numbers generally mean on a hex bolt? It very simple, generally speaking on a clear zinc plated bolt you will notice 3 hash markings on the head this represents grade 5, which carries a tensile strength of 120,000 psi. A gold color zinc plated bolt has 6 hash markings on the head this represents grade 8, which carry a tensile strength of 150,000 psi.
Is their a stronger bolt than grade eight? Yes there is a F-911 hex bolt and 12-point flange bolt that are rated between 180,000 & 190,000 psi tensile strength. Now to really screw things up for all of us who have Harley Davidson’s, the V-rod has many metric fasteners. If you have ever looked at a metric hex bolt you might notice the markings 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 this does not mean grade 8,10 or 12. The grade 8.8 refers to the tensile strength which is generally 116,000 psi, grade 10.9 is generally 150,000 and grade 12.9 is generally 175,000 psi.
Now what about stainless steel bolts? Well 18-8 stainless is great for corrosion resistance and polishes up to a brilliant finish but is not extremely strong. Generally speaking most of the stainless fasteners are 18-8 and carry a 100,000 tensile strength. Do they make a stronger tensile strength stainless? Yes, and the answer is ARP or Automotive Racing Products has stainless fasteners rated at 170,000 psi tensile strength .
Part 2 of this article will be on plating of fasteners and what to look out for when trying to do it yourself. If you have a question about fasteners, don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
–Derek Stankovich@DMP Fasteners.com
All questions and feedback can be sent to wegotum@sbcglobal.net or 1 888 MR BOLTS.
–Derek
DMP Enterprises
info@dmpolish.com
GIRLS GONE WILD PRODUCER SENTENCED– PANAMA CITY – The multimillionaire founder of the popular “Girls Gone Wild” video empire was sentenced to community service on Wednesday after the company pleaded guilty to federal charges of failing to monitor the ages of the women it films.
Mantra Films Inc. also agreed to pay $1.6 million in fines for using drunken 17-year-olds in videos it filmed on Panama City Beach during spring break and failing to properly label its DVDs and videos as required by federal law.
U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak told company founder Joe Francis he added the community service to the fine because it did not appear a fine would be a meaningful punishment to the 33-year-old Francis, who makes an estimated $40 million a year.
The fine represents less than 3 percent of Mantra films’ profits since 2002 and only 12 percent of Mantra’s 2005 profits, Smoak said.
Besides Francis, the judge also ordered the founder’s three top aides – likely the company president, general counsel and chief financial officer – to also complete eight hours of community service monthly for the next 30 months. But Smoak gave Francis the option of “stepping up” and serving 16 hours a month of community service himself and voiding his corporate officers’ obligations to do the service.
“It does not take a very brave man to go out and corner a girl in the middle of spring break who had four drinks,” Smoak told Francis.
Smoak ordered Francis to read aloud in court a victim impact statement from one of the 17-year-old girls filmed in Panama City. The girl said she was emotionally tormented by her appearance on a “Girls Gone Wild” video and that the video damaged her relationship with her family.
Francis told the judge his policy has always been not to film girls under 18 and that the girls filmed in Panama City lied about their ages. Aaron Dyer, an attorney for Francis and the company, said his client would serve the judge’s sentence.
Dyer said he did not know whether Francis would take on the entire sentence himself or have his corporate officers participate in the community service as well.
–associated press
–from Bill Bish
NEW U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LOVES TO RIDE– Mary E. Peters, the new U.S. Transportation Secretary, recently visited the Harley-Davidson plant in Milwaukee and talked about the “alarming rise” in motorcyclist fatalities. Peters is an ardent motorcyclist who will “never, ever ride without a helmet,” but she does not, however, think that the federal government should order mandatory helmet use.
“We don’t believe that it’s up to the federal government to mandate helmets,” she said, adding that was something for the individual states to decide. She urged motorcyclists to wear helmets and protective gear, drive sober and take classes on safe motorcycling.
“Cyclists have a lot of responsibility to take care of themselves,” she said, but added that motorists also have to do a better job of sharing the road with motorcycles. Peters commended Harley-Davidson Inc. for its efforts in motorcycle safety programs and cycle maintenance.
On Sept. 30, the U.S. Senate confirmed Peters’ appointment, and the Harley-Davidson tour was her first public event since she was sworn in. Nicole Nason, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also took the tour. They visited what is called Harley-Davidson University, where the 660 Harley dealerships nationwide learn how better to service the vehicles.
–from Bill Bish
FLORIDA BIKERS WANT HARSHER PENALTIES IN FATAL ACCIDENTS– The streets that lead to Daytona Beach are lined with spots where motorcycle enthusiasts have lost their lives. Some of the dead during past Bike Weeks and Biketoberfests were at fault, unwisely mixing alcohol and speed. Others, like Jody Driggers, were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
His death stands out, biker-rights activists say, because he was doing no more than sitting at a stoplight on International Speedway Boulevard when he was hit from behind by a sport utility vehicle. “I remember that case,” said James “Doc” Reichenbach II, president of ABATE of Florida and chairman of the board for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists. “I’m tired of going to funerals.”
Motorcycle advocates look at fatality and injury statistics and see a pattern. In too many cases, they say, at-fault drivers of cars or trucks involved in fatal crashes with motorcycles received nothing more than a slap on the wrist. They chafe at laws that require evidence of malicious intent or extreme recklessness before criminal charges can be filed. Advocates say that should change. They want criminal penalties to apply and they’ve collected thousands of signatures nationwide, pushing Congress and state legislatures to enact their goals into law.
Reichenbach’s group is trying to stiffen penalties for motorists who cause a biker’s death by violating their right of way. He acknowledges that one reason those who have fatal crashes with motorcycles are not treated more harshly is because of the social stigmas attached to the biker culture. “The lifestyle has carried such an image over the years,” he told the News Journal. “People say ‘whatever,’ because you’ve got hair down the middle of your back. These are just solid citizens who care about their state and their country. We’re mothers, fathers, patriots. All we want is to be treated like everybody else.”
Continued On Page 4
December 14, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE ARLEN NESS BIKE SHOW– Win Free Tickets and Swag for the January 27th and 28th 2007 Arlen Ness Bike Show in San Jose, CA. Enter your contact information and we will draw a name each week. Go to Arlen Ness Bike Show for more details.
WINNERS:
Jani Albers wins 2 show tickets
Juan Gutierrez wins 2 show tickets
American Thunder Promotions produces the Arlen Ness Bike Show, the Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show and the Donnie Smith Rochester Bike Show.
WIN A CUSTOM THUNDER SADDLE OF YOUR TATTOO!–This is what you have been waiting for. For the next 7 months MetricThunder.com 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 http://www.metricthunder.com/news/2006/12/12/the-ink-flows-december-thunder-saddle-contest/”> clicking here.
HIGHBARS AND WOBBLES-A MYTH– I have read your article about replacing stock height handlebars to highhandlebars on the “King”, and thought that you may be able to lend me yourexpert insight on this problem I am having. The article was posted almost 4 years ago.
I have a completely random high speed wobble (going highway speeds at 75mph) and the dealer puts the 16″ Burly Bars I have on it as the root cause.
Now knowing that this was complete BS, I gave the dealer a nice list ofthings that needed to be check (the bike is still under warranty):
Everything that needs to be checked for the wobble should include, but notbe limited to:
? Air Pressure
? Rear Wheel Alignment 0.793mm In Between Side To Side
? Tires Not Balanced
? Rim / Tire Out Of Round
? Steering Head Bearing Incorrectly Torque
? Wheel Spacers
? Wheel Bearing
? Engine Mount
? Transmission Mount
? Equal Amount Of Fluid In Both Forks
? Loose Axle Nut
? Caliper Alignment
? Neck Bearing Adjustment
? Swing Arm Pivot
? Shocks Rear Aligned Equally
? Top Of Forks Not Extending More Than 10.66mm – 12.7mm And Be Equal
? Steering Stem Nut
? Swing Arm Bushings
The dealer stopped after checking the air pressure and said that theair pressure was at 2.8 (40 psi) was the cause of the wobble since it was 1bar (14.5 psi) too high.
Now my question is this: Did you experience any random high speed wobblesince changing out the stock handlebars?
R. Corey
2005 Fatboy (FLSTFI)
Highbars don’t cause high speed wobbles. All the items on your list need to be checked periodically. Depending on the miles on your bike, you may need to replace all the rubbermounts and especially add a True-Track alignment, stabilizer system. It makes all the difference in the world for touring bikes. I have one on my King and on the Salt Shaker.–Bandit
ASSALT WEAPAN UPDATES–Let’s say we are around 68″ wheel base to start…. then we add 12″ getting 80″ wheelbase…….. after that I would figure we would need a truss type frame (like a drag bike) for structural integrity like you mentioned before. If we go a foot on each end, we are in the 90-100 inch range which would necessitate a bridge type truss system. No matter what, we can still add stanchions in the rear and a dropped double country bar in front and rear of the motor. How many hp per inch is Berry getting us and what size motor (I am figuring normally aspirated push rod?). Its all pretty easy- we just have to start at the right place!
Figure in the early days they were going 150 on little spindly frames with tiny motors and short wheelbase (and open wheels)….It was in 1969 that Payne’s Turnip Eater set several records, including hitting a top speed of over 201 mph, en route to an average of 196.512. His trap speed of 201 made Payne the first rider in history to push a non-streamliner to over 200 mph. His bike was towed up to 70 mph before he fired it up to begin the run. To save weight he used a single-speed transmission, which meant he had to slip the clutch up to about 110 mph. That year he broke the existing class record by a margin of 43 mph.
Stock Jap bikes are coming in at around 175…….
Plus you have 250mph Hayabusa’s that merely have an extended swingarm and a hopped up motor……(open wheel), but then again they say it takes 8 times more horsepower to go twice as fast….. so does this mean we need 4 times more horsepower from that same motor by the same metrics???
But seriously, lets break it all down….. we are friggin pussy’s if we cant do this easily…… heres why:
Fastest Bicycle Speed
The highest speed ever achieved on a bicycle is 268.831 km/h (167.043 mph), by Fred Rompelberg (The Netherlands) at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, on October 3, 1995. His record attempt was greatly assisted by the slipstream from his lead vehicle. Fred has been cycling professionally for nearly 30 years and during that time has held 11 world records.
Who: Fred Rompelberg
When: October 3, 1995
Where: Bonnieville Salt Flats, Utah, USA
What: 268.831 km/h (167.043 mph)
I rest my case- lets pedal Bonny!
–Rick
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
“CHOPPERTOWN FROM THE VAULT” —Los Angeles, Calif. – November 1, 2006 – One World Studios Ltd. announced today that it will be releasing the much anticipated follow-up to its award-winning feature documentary, Choppertown: the Sinners continuing on the success of their unprecedented insider look at biker culture.
“After the incredible worldwide success of Choppertown over the past six months, we decided it was time to head back to our vault and create a new experience for our fans,” said Scott Di Lalla, who along with Zack Coffman created, produced and directed Choppertown. Choppertown: From the Vault will take viewers back inside the underground world of the Sinners hot rod and motorcycle club, with even more of its trademark freeway riding, bike wrenching, and bittersweet romanticism of biker brotherhood.
FTV features over two hours of all-new unseen footage and includes the film’s soundtrack Music to Wrench By as a bonus CD in every package. “We wanted to reward our fans for their loyalty and give them more than they asked for,” said Coffman. “They’ve been going into their community and organically promoting the film by holding screenings in bars, garages and living rooms all over the world. We want to be known as filmmakers that give more than asked instead of just a bare-bones experience. In the end, it’s the fans that support all of us in this industry and they appreciate us going the extra mile.”
Custom chopper builder and modern day greaser Kutty Noteboom builds his working man’s chopper from the ground up with the help of good friend Rico and the rest of his biker brothers in this intimate award-winning documentary about renowned hot rod and motorcycle club the Sinners. Featuring: Rockabilly Hall of Famer James Intveld, custom builder Cole Foster, and rebel skater Jason Jessee.
DVD Price: $24.95
Running Time: 120 minutes; color
MPAA Rating: Not rated (adult themes, strong
language, mild violence, light gunplay)
Audio: English PCM 2.0; stereo
For more information call (310) 231-9991 or email oneworldstudios@yahoo.com.
We reviewed this DVD this week and I’m afraid I was tough on it. It doesn’t hold a candle to the first one.–Bandit
ASSALT WEAPAN STUDY CONTINUES–It would help if you can get tire diameter and engine/tranny measurements, or any other critical stuff you can think of.Rick might be able to give you/me measurement points of distance between engine mounts tranny etc.
I know your not using a Shovel, it was just convenient. Also what about the fork? Not length but other dimensions like distance between arms,trees, leg thickness, width etc. I need baseline stuff so I can get it all in scale.
–Chris Kallas
THE DURFEE GIRDER IS BACK!*–If you’re looking for a front end that is sure to set your machine apart from the crowd then you should know that “the legendary “DURFEE GIRDER” is back! The premiere custom motorcycle girder style fork of the seventies has just been reintroduced and it’s better than ever.
Designers of the original DURFEE GIRDER have managed to retain the girder’s unique styling and enhanced it’s quality, performance and reliability through the use of modern technology, materials and manufacturing techniques.
The new DURFEE GIRDER is constructed of 4130 seamless aircraft alloy tubing, TIG welded to the most exacting specifications. Available in ether round or square tubing with lengths from 2″ under to 20″ over in triple-plate chrome or powder coated finishes. Standard configuration incorporates a brake tab on the left side for use with one of the four kits to mount the;
Brembo 4 Piston
84-99 H-D
2000 – Present H-D and
Performance Machine’s original 125x4R caliper
Omitted or Dual disc configurations are also available. Each DURFEE GIRDER is machined to accept a standard _” axle and upper, lower or dual headlight mounts. The new DURFEE GIRDER offer today’s enthusiasts a welcome alternative to “glide” style forks. For complete details contact Durfee Enterprises at 503-472-9670 or logon to www.durfees.com.
STEALTH BIKERNET INVESTIGATION IN NC–The Christmas rush is on but it really doesn’t feel like Christmas around the Charlotte area. The temps have been betwwen 60-67! I think that is a good thing but “THE MEANEST” wants it to be cold?
Back here at STEALH BIKE WORKS we have been working on the shop project bike. It is coming along very nicely. It has been one Christmas party after the other and they have all been fun. Next Saturday. 12-23-06, SBW will hold it’s own shop Chrismas party. All of our customers are invited and if you are in the Charlotte areas give us a call at 704-882-0889 and stop by. We would be glad to see you!
The year end is fast approaching and it is almost time to put a wrap on 06. It is hard to believe how fast the time has past. It has been a good year for us and again I would like to thank everyone who has supported SBW through out the year. We appreciate each and everyone of you!
“THE MEANEST” and I are looking forward to Christmas this year, our grandson Alex just turned 1-year-old in October and he really doesn’t remember last Christmas but I have a feeling he will leave his mark on this one. I think he already digs bikes. When he sits on my rigid evo jockey shift bike, the first thing he does is reach for the shifter!
In the up coming week take some time to reflect on what Christmas means to you, spend time with those who are the closest to you while getting ready for the BIG day and if you get the chance go for a ride, that in itself is a GREAT gift!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
ACCURATE ENGINEERING ASSALT WEAPAN ENGINE UPDATE–I should be through with the Bonneville engine by the end of February or beginning of March. I have my plate full with the Discovery engines, trade show and the Crocker project. I Have my cam for Bonneville 120-inch Panhead.
–Berry
We are working with S&S on some major internal components to make the dream Panhead, nitrous motor fly.–Bandit
Continued On Page 3
December 14, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Merry Christmas Almost Goddamnit,
It’s climbing on us fast. Hopefully the customized Bikernet cards with hit the streets this week. Christmas happens in the winter, but the celebration is the warmest one of the year. It brings out the pure goodness in most people, the brotherhood and the watchful over the less fortunate.
For the last three years Bikernet.com has supported and Sponsored the Kids and Chrome Sturgis Charity auction and banquet. Through the hard work of Bob Illingsworth it grew steadily, but success often breeds greed and troubles. The event was designed to assist the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and a Children’s hospital in Rapid City South Dakota. Politics reared its ugly head and after the third successful year and folks began to scramble for the door. The Hamsters bailed and so did the Children’s hospital after the effort afforded them the capitol to build a new wing. In the end who lost? The Kids and the Museum.
But all is not lost. Pepper Massey, the executive director of the Sturgis Museum, is working hard to recapture the spirit and the Museum wants to continue the effort and support a South Dakota Childrens’ charity.”We are speaking with two children’s charities and will determine which will be included in Kids & Chrome ’07,” Pepper said. “We all realize we’ll take a hit this year with sponsors due to the damage that has been done and we will only choose one of the available charities. We want to make certain that the donated funds really impact and serve kids, so we don’t want to spread ourselves too thin. As we progress and grow, it is the general consensus that with more funding we can work with more than one charity.”
They are currently working with a group who help neglected, abandoned and abused kids. It’s the big kids who can make it happened or tear it apart. We’re hoping they pull it together for the kids and the Museum. Let’s hit the news:
TWO WHEELERS XMAS PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–Sending along this shirt if the clown shirt is to small…I have to re photo that one for the site… Take care thanks. donnaA fun shirt to let them know what you really think. 2wheelers F”N to Close shirt. Short Sleeve $15.99
V-TWIN TV ?Rucker Performance on the SPEED Channel!–Rucker Performance will be featured on V-TWIN Television on January 2, 2007 on the SPEED Channel. V-TWIN goes behind the scenes of Rucker Performance, one of the top builders in the motorcycle industry. Check out this episode of V-TWIN TV featuring Rucker Performance on the SPEED Channel.
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 10pm and 2am.
Wed 10am. and Sat 8am.
(Eastern Times)
To find out more information about V-TWIN Television and upcoming episodes, check out the SPEED TV web site.
DURFEE’S MODEL-21 GIRDER FRONT END–Durfee’s newest offering for the custom motorcycle builder is the progeny of the original Durfee “Classic” Girder except that the Model 21 has a graduate degree in weight training. A “wide-glide” width with big 1.5″ TIG welded tubes and billet 6061 T-6 aluminum CNC-machined parts will make sure that this one is as strong and long-lived as the legendary original while arched legs give this 21st century Durfee Girder a mean look and stance.
Durfee and Works Performance partnered to fit a coil-over, adjustable shock absorber for a comfortable and controllable cross-town or cross-country ride. Rubber isolated handlebar mounts use the industry standard spacing to give the builder/rider an almost unlimited choice of bars while four different Brake-Kits bolt up Brembo’s awesome 4 piston caliper, the 1984-1999 or the 2000-Current H-D units and Performance Machine’s original 125x4R caliper to single or dual 11.5″ discs allow a wide choice is stopping options.
If you are looking for something for your custom that is radically different, radically strong and radically ride able, give Durfee’s a call at (503) 472-9670 or logon to www.durfees.com
ADVANCED PINSTRIPE ART–Since the days of Von Dutch, hot rod and motorcycle enthusiasts have used pinstripes both as stand-alone art, and as a compliment to a flame or graphic paint job.
Timothy Remus uses over 500 color images to present the work of 11 well-known pinstripe artists. Each chapter presents one start-to-finish project and an interview with the artist. The photo sequences take the viewer from the initial sketch to the finished design. Text explains each step of the artwork, the interviews explain the artist’s choice for paint and brushes. The artwork, often complimented with gold leaf or airbrush colors, is done on panels as well as various vehicles and components.
Advanced Pinstripe Art brings the reader into the shop of some of this country’s best pinstripe artists, for an intense and intimate how-to lesson. This is pinstripe school, taught by masters, brought to your own home or shop. U.S.
This book can be purchased from Wolfgang Publications, 217 2nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Order by phone at 651-275-9411 or on the web at www.wolfpub.com.
BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING SHIRTS–I just got my shirt that I ordered and was stoked to receive the patch andthe stickers as a freebee!! I have had the privilege to work thestart/finish line at the last 2 BUB events. My Dad and I ran the 8-mile lastyear, and I was at the 5 mile in 2005.
I have been keeping in touch withValerie via E-mail sense the last BUB event and I would love to see her getinto the 200 MPH Club.
The fact that she could do it with a Pan Head motor would make it that muchbetter! I have been reading about the (Assault Weapan) concept bike on yourweb site and I think you are on the right track to achieve your 200MPH goal.
Aero + HP + traction = SPEED.I have 2 ideas you might want to think about.
1) Traction:John Noonan on his record setting Hyabusa, (almost 260MPH) attachessomething like 175lb of lead weight on his swing arm to gain more tractionon the salt. Every bike will hit its “Aero wall” and no amount of HP willmake it go faster on the salt. The rear tire will just break loose. Valeriehas many talents but weight on the rear tire is not one of them.
2) The rules say you can only (Streamline the bike so much) The rules do notsay how much you can streamline the rider. It would seem to me that a ridersleathers and speed hump could be fashioned to create more down force on therear tire and still be slippery in the wind.
Wishing you the very best of luck at the 2007 Speed Trials by Bub, and Ilook forward to seeing you on the salt!
–Bob
ENVY CYCLES/STREET WALKER EXHAUST PROJECT BIKE–We’re a little behind as we’re trying to get a new bike we’re building,broke down and into paint.When 330 tires had first hit the market a couple of years ago and still anovelty I was looking at one in a vendor’s booth at a bike show.After about the fourth time my wife had to drag me away from the tire andback to our booth to answer questions. She went over to the vendor andbought the tire. She brought the tire back to our booth and said, “quitdroolin and start buildin’.”
Ireasoned that they looked so out of proportion because we’d takenmotorcycle dimensions that were originally scaled around a 130/140 16″ reartire and blew up the ass end of the bike until we could shoe horn in a tirefour times the width of the original tire that the motorcycle was designedaround. Rolling with that I figured if I started with the rear tire andbuilt forward trying to make the bike proportioned so that the 330 didn’tover power the rest of the bike.
Keeping in mind that I’ve always loved choppers and particularly long bikes,I sort of started with the tire and built forward. I didn’t pay anyattention to numbers, like stretch and rise, and instead went by feel andwhat looked right to get the long bike look I was chasing after. I wantedthe bike, long and low and wanted to sit down into the bike.
After ourSlingshot bike came out in the magazines we had hundreds of calls for achassis like that but most of the requests were for a Softail version of theSlingshot. Keeping that in mind, rather than make the 330 bike a rigid framewhich is a lot easier to build, I decided to really torture myself bybuilding a softtail chassis.
I’ve had to make virtually everything for the bike because it is truly a oneoff. Now we’re starting paint and hopefully it’ll be on the road in a fewweeks.
–Terry Envy
Envy Cycle Creations
DURFEE GIRDER SEARCH ANSWERED– Some one wrote in the Bikernet News, Article # 030200 the following: THE SEARCH FOR A DURFEE GIRDER–Yes, I’m looking for a Durfee Girder for the Sturgis West Coast Choppers project. I actually found one through Phil in Maine. Then I lost touch with Phil. Damn. If you know Phil or where I can find a Durfee Girder, let me know quick
I don’t know how old this question may be but once again I apologize for not seeing it and responding sooner. All the contact information for getting a hold of me is below. I do check emails 6 days a week and all web site responses also arrive as emails. The phone numbers below will usually catch me six days a week here at the shop.
Durfee Girders are alive and better than ever. You’ll see two featured in this news.
Paul Durfee
Durfee Enterprises, Inc.
3228 NE Rivergate St.
McMinnville, Oregon 97128
503-472-9670 (office)
503-472-9645 (fax)
info@durfeegirders.com
www.durfees.com
SEE THE H-D MUSEUM!–The Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum 18-wheel trailer will be atCalifornia Harley-Davidson/Buell for ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, December16th from 10am-5pm.
Admission is FREE!
Tour this 80-foot timeline of motorcycle memorabilia from theHarley-Davidson archives.
Don’t miss out! Come see the Traveling Museum and then do someChristmas shopping for the Harley lover on your list!
California Harley-Davidson/Buell is “California’s FriendliestHarley-Davidson Dealership.”
— www.californiaharleydavidson.com
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS–See what happened to the WWII Movie Stars. With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love.
They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple “enlisted men”.
This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross’, Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor.
Most of these brave men have since passed on.
Alec Guinness (Star Wars~Bridge over the River Kwai) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.
James Doohan (“Scotty” on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.
Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.
David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.
James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty.
Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France’s Croix de Guerre,and 7 Battle Stars during World War II.
In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950’s.
Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles.
He attended the Officers’ Candidate School at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s.
Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.
Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak.
Earnest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.
Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.
Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan.
George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine.
Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.
Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabaul in the Pacific.
Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.
John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal.
Robert Ryan was a U.S. Marine who served with the OSS in Yugoslavia.
Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Audie Murphy, little 5’5″ tall 110 pound guy from Bay City, Texas who played cowboy parts? Most decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with “V”, 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star,! French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.
So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spray out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yesteryear saying they hate our flag, making anti-war speeches, marching in anti-American parades?
I thought not, neither did I!
Continued On Page 2
The All New 2004 Sportsters
By Bandit |
A view of the inner workings of the new Sportster driveline and the new rubber mounts.
Blending 47 years of hot rod tradition with a host of technological updates, the Harley-Davidson Sportster platform is all-new for 2004. Since it was introduced in 1957 as a raw-boned, high-performance hot rod, the Sportster has become an icon on the American road, always evolving yet staying true to its roots.
“The all-new 2004 Sportster artfully blends beautiful styling and exciting new technical features, yet retains the character that has been the soul of the Sportster family since 1957,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson director of marketing, motorcycle product development. “This new motorcycle is narrow and agile in the Sportster tradition, but takes the Sportster family to a new level of performance and comfort.”
Four Sportster Models for 2004
The 2004 Sportster family includes four models: the affordable and classic XL 883 Sportster 883, the sleek XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom, the powerful XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, and the new and aggressive XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster. Each is powered by a redesigned Sportster Evolution powertrain, now rubber-mounted in a new frame that is 26 percent stiffer than the previous Sportster frame, and features a lower seat height than previous Sportster models. Sixteen color choices will be available for 2004 Sportster models including standard, pearl and two-tone color schemes. Additionally, more than 180 Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories are available for new Sportster models, including Screamin’ Eagle performance parts.
Famous American Rider editor, Buzz Buzzelli, road-testing the new Sportster.
The New Evolution
The XL Evolution V-Twin, that has powered the Sportster since 1986, is completely redesigned for 2004. The engine retains its traditional 45-degree cylinders, and the bore and stroke of the two engine models is unchanged, at 3.0 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 883 and 3.5 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 1200.
To enhance engine cooling, new cylinders and heads have larger fins while new oil jets are directed at the bottom of both pistons. New pistons have an improved high-speed ring pack designed to help extend upper-end life. Lighter pistons and connecting rods boost the Evolution 1200 redline from 5500 rpm to 6000 rpm. Many engine covers and gaskets have been changed to improve sealing. A new timing system uses the flywheel to determine engine speed timing, reducing engine complexity and enhancing calibration and spark delivery. The traditional XL Evolution timing cover is retained for styling purposes.
The XL Evolution 1200 engine has high-flow cylinder heads with an oil drain-back feature. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is also fitted with high-performance cams for enhanced torque output. Compression ratio is 9.7:1.
The XL Evolution engines have also been restyled, with a new look for the primary, sprocket and derby covers and a new shape for the classic oval air cleaner cover. New two-piece rocker box covers set the Evolution engines apart. The exhaust cross-over pipe is now hidden behind the mufflers to provide an uninhibited view of this beautiful engine.
The XL Evolution 883 engine is rated at 53 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 51 ft. lbs. of torque at 4300 rpm. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is rated at 70 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 79 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of more than 15 percent over the previous XL Evolution 1200 engine.
2004 Sportster pushed through mountain corners.
Rubber-Mounted for Comfort
The updated XL Evolution engines are mated to a new frame with rubber engine mounts replacing the traditional Sportster rigid mounts. Rubber engine mounts isolate the rider from engine vibration at all speeds, improving long-distance comfort. The new twin-cradle, steel frame and swingarm were designed to deliver precise handling. Three stabilizer-links also connect the engine to the frame. The result is a new frame and powertrain combination that’s 26 percent stiffer than that of previous Sportster models.
The new frame locates both the battery and oil tank under the seat, with symmetrical covers on each side, a change that enhances styling and also permits a more comfortable riding position. The new oil tank has a push-button dipstick in a new location. In addition, the frame now incorporates a cylinder steering head lock. Seat height on Sportster Custom models is now just 26.3 inches, almost an inch lower than the seat on the 2003 883 Hugger model.
The Sportster 883 Custom and Sportster 1200 Custom models feature a new 4.5-gallon fuel tank that offers more range and yet retains the “peanut” profile of the traditional 3.3-gallon Sportster tank. All 2004 Sportster models also have a wider rear fender covering a new 150mm rear tire that replaces the 130mm rear tire used on the 2003 models. A new braking system reduces initial lever effort and includes standard single front and rear disc brakes on all models except the Sportster 1200 Roadster, which has dual front disc brakes. New handgrips on all models are 1 1/8-inch diameter compared to 1-inch on previous models, to enhance comfort and to reduce the reach to hand controls. Finally, all new Sportster models are equipped with a serial BUS-type electrical system making the Harley-Davidson security systems available as an option on all 2004 Sportsters.
XL 883 Sportster 883
With its redesigned engine and new chassis, the Sportster 883 sets a new standard for middleweight custom motorcycles. The lower seat height (27.3 inches), reduced clutch lever effort and rubber-mounted engine help make the Sportster 883 more comfortable and easier to ride, but its stiffer frame and enhanced brakes mean it still delivers the agile handling that is the heart and soul of a Sportster.
XL 883 Sportster 883 features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 engine
Lighter 883 clutch springs reduce lever effort by 25 percent
Silver powder-coated engine with polished covers
Low-rise handlebar
Classic solo seat
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Classic-look 3.3-gallon fuel tank
XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom
The bold new Sportster 883 Custom offers fresh, swept-back styling. The rubber-mounted engine and extra-low seat (just 26.3 inches) make this a bike you can ride all day. The new fuel tank holds 4.5-gallons yet retains the “peanut” profile of the traditional 3.3-gallon Sportster tank. Pull-back handlebars and a new swept-back riser, move the grips 1.5 inches further back, while new foot controls are also 1.5 inches back, compared to the 2003 model.
XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 engine
Lighter 883 clutch springs reduce lever effort by 25 percent
Silver powder-coated engine and covers
Chrome pull-back handlebar riser
Laced front wheel, disc rear wheel
One-piece, two-up seat
Forward foot controls
New-look 4.5-gallon fuel tank
XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster
A new model designed to pay tribute to the no-nonsense style and performance of the original 1957 XL Sportster, the Sportster 1200 Roadster offers wide, polished handlebars, 13-spoke wheels and a timeless fuel tank design. Dual front disc brakes and tachometer are standard.
XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine
High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
High-performance cams
Silver powder-coated engine and covers with black powder-coated cylinders and heads
Triple-disc brakes
Tachometer
13-spoke aluminum wheels
Wide polished handlebar
Classic-look 3.3-gallon fuel tank
XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom
Long, lean and mean, the Sportster 1200 Custom was built to rule the street. The new 4.5-gallon fuel tank retains the classic “peanut” profile, and the new riser and pull-back handlebars lend a swept-back style. Handlebars and foot controls are 1.5 inches further back for 2004. The new Evolution 1200 rubber-mounted engine makes it more comfortable; a generous dose of chrome makes it stunning.
XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine
High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
High-performance cams
Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
Laced front wheel, slotted disc rear wheel
Forward foot controls
Chrome pull-back handlebar riser
Chrome bullet headlight
New-look 4.5-gallon fuel tank–
December 07, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET READER HUNTS FOR KEYLESS IGNITION LINK–I’ve been trying to find the link with my KIL system added to your news page. I don’t want to come off looking internet impaired but I just can’t seem to locate it. Could you hook me up with the link? Thanks…
Oh by the way here is a couple of pic’s of my latest project. It will ready for the Donnie Smith Show in March. I have three 2nd place trophy’s from that show and I’m hoping this will be my first 1st place bike.
I’ve seen your bikes through out the years, The Dice Bike, and the orange Easyrider Chopper (My favorite) so any input would be great.
— Art
partie@charter.net
Here the info on the key-less ignigtion again.
THE KIL KEYLESS IGNITION SWITCH. CONTAIN A SPECIAL CODE THAT ONLY YOU KNOW, THROW THE KEY AND THE UGLY SWITCH HOUSING AWAY, AND GET A NEW MOTOR MOUNT TO BOOT– Keep your bike safe and secure without the need of keys with the keyless KIL switch. This innovative new locking system uses a push button code with ultra secure 4-digit pin code that does away with the keys. It is a clean and simple install that takes about an hour for the dash units, or motor mount/coil bracket mount style set up. Clean and shouts true CUSTOM.
We also offer builders kits that can be installed most anywhere you like. Excellent for bike builders. All units come with a code card for safe keeping, there is also a serial number on the back of the unit in case you forget or misplace your code, we keep it on file for you, and you can retrieve it by phone or e-mail. Switches are military grade and rated at over 1 million plus pushes. They are heat and weather proof, resistant to dirt and dust. Comes with full instruction manual and wiring diagram. E-mail and telephone support. Patent pending
Phone ? 612-251-6366
email: info@TheKIL.com
MOTOR MOUNT AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY
P/N KIL4MMP POLISHED BILLET ALUM. FEATURES SIDE MOUNT SWITCH AND MOTOR MOUNT IN ONE UNIT LISTING RETAIL $500 DAB $450
P/N KIL4MMC SAME AS KIL4MMP BUT CHROME RETAIL $600, DAB $500
P/N KIL4GBPC SAME AS ABOVE ONLY POWDER COATED GLOSS BLACK $500
P/N KIL4WBPC SAME AS ABOVE BUT BLACK WRINKLE POWDER COATED $500
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM HAWAII– What up Bandit? The crew at Kustomfab would like to wish you & Nyla and the family a Mele Kalikimaka.
Well it is the day after the show and the dust is starting to settle. Let me tell the weather looked pretty grim in the morning, but it cleared up to be a beautiful Hawaiian day. I am happy to say our hard work on Mel’s bike (that’s Roger’s partner in the shop) paid off.
We were able to bring home 1st place in the radical division And Best Of Show!
Here are just a couple of photos from the show. I will be roughing out a build article and if it is alright with you, I was going to ask Jim Russi to shoot the bike for Bikernet. Hope you enjoy and I will be talking to you soon…thanks Darren
It’s always my pleasure to work with Roger, Mel and Darren. You guys build some of the finest bikes on the planet. It’s an honor to feature them.–Bandit
BIKERNET STUDY FINDINGS ON JAILS AND PRISONS–WASHINGTON — A record 7 million people – or one in every 32 American adults – were behind bars, on probation or on parole by the end of last year, according to the Justice Department.
Of those, 2.2 million were in prison or jail, an increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year, according to a report released Wednesday.
More than 4.1 million people were on probation and 784,208 were on parole at the end of 2005. Prison releases are increasing, but admissions are increasing more.
Men still far outnumber women in prisons and jails, but the female population is growing faster. Over the past year, the female population in state or federal prison increased 2.6 percent while the number of male inmates rose 1.9 percent. By year’s end, 7 percent of all inmates were women. The gender figures do not include inmates in local jails.
SILENT BUT DEADLY!–Recently introduced by PRO-ONE, the SILENT BUT DEADLY exhaust system is in a class all its own. The unique design allows riders to go from Mild to Wild with the pull of a cable. That’s right, the 2-into-1 merged header is fit with a butterfly style insert that when open allows the exhaust to flow straight through and when closed redirects the gases through the baffle assembly. That means you can instantly and gradually increase or decrease the sound and back pressure!. And you can make the adjustment from the riders seat while stopped or on the go.
Other features of the SILENT BUT DEADLY exhaust include polished stainless steel construction, chrome steel heat shields, stainless cable and all necessary mounting hardware.
The Pro One SILENT BUT DEADLY exhaust fits 1984 through 2006 Softail models.For complete details contact PRO-ONE at 800-884-4173 or visit them on the Web at www.pro-one.com
BIKE TOUR DEVELOPER– Have you ever thought about shipping one of your bikes to the US and taking time out to ride the country? I mean really ride it, not the normal US tourist routes. Visit the drags, go to events like the Horse Smoke Out, ride through monument valley, etc.
People around me dropping like flies and I’d hate to check out and waste my accumulated annual leave. Just a dream at the moment, might never happen but I’m thinking about shipping a bike to the US and riding around the States. Alternatively buy or hire a bike over there. Anyone want to come for a ride? Are there any club members that might want to ride the US? No time or date yet. Just testing the water to see if there’s any interest.
Wouldn’t mind getting a small group together. If you know anyone who might be interested, can you give them my e mail address?
Bob Kotmel
kotmel@optusnet.com.au
BIKERNET TATTOOS OF THE WEEK– We are running a tattoo contest with Metric Thunder and Saddleman Seats. In the last batch of contestants we featured the flying frog tat, but there was more to the art than just the design: Hello, my name is Rod Scruggs the tattoo I am sending is not mine but my wife’s. I have been thinking of away to honor her, and I would love to have her tat on my bike. The reason I want to honor her is 3yrs ago I was diagnosed with kidney failure and as we started the process for a transplant she tested as a match, and on July 11th, three days before her Birthday, she gave me her kidney.
I think the winged frog would look great and also make a great conversation piece.
–Rod Scruggs
We may run them as a contestant again in the future–Bandit
THE FIRST DAVID MANN CENTERSPREAD–You’ve probably already got this pic, but just in case you don’t, I’ve scanned Dave’s first cent erfold painting, page 34 and 35, he did for Easyriders in October 71. I’ve never seen it on any of the web sites. I live Down Under at Alligator Creek in North Queensland.
Dave’s paintings were always inspirational and a source of motivation when it came to buildin’ my Knuckle and Pan.
— Bob Kotmel
CUSTOM CHROME PRESENTS THE REV TECH BELTDRIVE BY BDL– Morgan Hill, CA- Custom Chrome, an industry innovator since 1970, has taken yet another revolutionary step to advance its product portfolio, proprietary new parts pipeline and service to its customers. Teaming up with BDL, Custom Chrome introduces the all new RevTech 3″ Beltdrive.
“This belt drive is a must for anyone running a big inch motor. Made in the USA, the new 3″ belt drive utilizes BDL’s proven components. This new product nicely fits with our Rev Tech line that is known for its proven performance delivery and high quality,” explained Holger Mohr, President, Custom Chrome. BDL technology includes a patented ball bearing lock up clutch.
The 3″ Belt Drive kit offered by Custom Chrome through its dealer network, contains a newly designed motor plate cut from fully polished 6061-T6 billet aluminum, double row sealed main shaft bearing, polished aluminum pulley covers and side plate, competitor clutch with Kevlar frictions and updated ball bearing lock up pressure plate design, starter jack shaft and housing. Completing the kit is a standard pulley offset. Belt drive is applicable for wide tire applications by simply purchasing an additional pulley offset.
Custom Chrome Part # 642644
Fits 1990-2006 Softail?.
This and many, many other new products are in stock and ready to ship. See more new products at www.customchrome.com and at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati this coming February.
A GUY ON BIKERNET– WHO was that outstandingly handsome man at the top of the Home Page!Thank you, Boss for that one.We ladies love to see good looking men as much as you be liken the ladies!( Am I Right, girls?)
I must be out of the loop as to who he is, and YES! YES! YES! because there IS so much out there in the industry right now, who says its slowing down? Huh? huh?
I can’t even keep up anymore.Maybe I’m just getting old, or stoned. Still cutting through it here on the Treasure Coast.
Went to Turkey Rod Run in Daytona over T-Day. 3 square miles of awesome autos!So let him know that yes, that is one good looking man and tell me who he is.
Then I’m checkin’ out the bike.Now back to the news…
–Katmandu
Like “outstandingly” is a real word!
Yes Kat, Gard is a honey. But nothing compared to my Bandit.
Layla
ROYAL ENFIELD CHRISTMAS SALES–Just a quick note to keep youcurrent on weekend and Decembershipping specials we’re runningexclusively for our newslettercustomers!
For all on-line orders you place fromthe time this e-mail flies, until wewalk in the shop door on Mondaymorning, your shipping cost willbe either $5 or F*R*E*E!
That’s right! $5 or F*R*E*E!! Shipping fees have gotten so highthese days, we thought that a shipping price-slash would benefityou the greatest. Frankly, it’s our way to give back to you foryour support given during the year.
Details? If your merchandise order is under $200 or $200, thenyour shipping fee will be a mere $5! If your merchandise order isover $200 then your order will be shipped to you F*R*E*Eof charge! Just type “Newsletter” in the notes section.(Disregard shipping fees assessed on-line. We will modifythem when we process your orders as long as you have”Newsletter” typed in the notes section.)
Both offers apply only to online orders received from theContinental USA. (Don’t despair International Customers! Youhave a shipping deal in the works too! But first…)
**The “Over-$200 – F*r*e*e-Shipping” Offer is one we’re willingto extend throughout the holidays until Midnight of January 1, 2007.
**For our International and “Extra-continental” USA customers,we’re willing to cut your shipping costs by 50%! You know howexpensive shipping is, so you know what a deal that is!
Lest you wonder, these shipping offers apply only to items thatcan be transported by regular parcel post, not heavy or large itemsthat need to be freighted (such as engines, motorcycles or sidecars!).
www.royalenfieldusa.com. Have fun!
–Kevin Mahoney
and the staff at Classic Motorworks
RIP’S BAD RIDE COMING–Not sure if you got the picture and draft I sent a few days ago but I wanted to add that we’ll be displaying the RIP’s B.A.D. Ride logo on the Bonneville bagger. We’re hoping to bring more exposure to both of the events they’re doing every year to support the ADA.
–California Customs
bikes@calcustom.com>
DUANE BALLARD PROJECT–Here is one the builder Ken Kuhnke, www.cyclexchange.net, sent me. He built the motor for me. He was a world record triumph drag racer in the seventies. He is also a genius when it comes to Honda’s and Harleys. I could get other pictures when it arrives. It left his shop yesterday in WI for it’s journey to me.
Marc Rowe, www.rowemachine.com , called me this morning to let me know he had finished the neck transplant onto my old C&G frame. He made an hourglass neck for it that will take H-D style front ends. That will make my front end set-up much easier than the old Honda style neck.
That is a 1976 Honda CB750 that is now 836cc. It’s going in an old C&G frame with an NOS Ness prism tank, hallcraft satellite wheels, and a durfee girder. Here are some pics when I first started. Everything is out now having work done. The wheels are being machined for new bearings that will take 3/4″ axles.
— Duane
Duane Ballard Custom Leather
603-781-7505
36 Goen Rd.
New Ipswich, NH 03071
http://www.dbcustomleather.com
S&S? CUSTOM GUITAR AUCTION STARTS TODAY!– LA CROSSE, WI (November 30, 2006) S&S Cycle announces the start of an online auction to benefit the S&S Scholarship Fund. This auction for the S&S custom guitar officially starts today.
Visit the S&S Cycle web site to read the details of this one-of-a-kind custom guitar or view the auction page directly and place your winning bid.
This is something new for S&S – with a variety of talented individuals on staff, like Chuck Avila, Maintenance Supervisor, there are many who go the extra mile to promote the Proven Performance? S&S brand. This guitar was built by Chuck who has nearly 40 years of experience building, servicing, and repairing guitars and other stringed instruments.
“Working at S&S is what inspired me to build the guitar,” said Avila. “I knew that we provided scholarships to deserving students and I wanted to help provide additional funding the best way I knew how.”
This guitar has been on display with the S&S rig this season at stops including Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Laughlin, Laconia, Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Sturgis, and currently at Big Twin West in Las Vegas. At every venue S&S had this guitar signed by bike building celebrities from around the world. This is sure to be a great collector’s item as well as a fine playing guitar for the lucky winner.
The proceeds of this auction will go to the S&S Scholarship Fund-a program where S&S can give the future leaders of our country a head start on their education. NEW TALL WINDSCREEN FOR BUELL ULYSSES–MILWAUKEE (November 27, 2006) – The new Ulysses Tall Windscreen (P/N 58214-06YB, $99.95) from Buell Accessories is four inches taller than the standard XB12X windscreen to provide more rider coverage and weather protection. Thermal-formed of 4.5mm clear polycarbonate, the windscreen also has a hard-coated surface to resist scratching. The clear windscreen is mounted over an opaque flyscreen, and a gap between the windscreen and the flyscreen is designed to direct a limited amount of air into the rider cockpit area, effectively reducing turbulence for a more comfortable ride. Easy to install and a direct replacement for the standard windscreen, the Ulysses Tall Windscreen fits 2006-later XB12X models. For additional information on Buell Accessories, see your local Buell dealer or visit the Buell website at www.buell.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada. AVON TIRE INFO OF THE WEEK–Suspension isn’t just about keeping your pants up!If you have a good suspension system it will work with the tires to give you a comfortable ride with a good responsive feel from straight up to full lean. What many customers don’t realize is that a lot of systems get “sacked out” (read worn out) in a year or two. When that happens the suspension can’t do its job so the tires end up taking a pounding every time you go over a bump in the road. This can cause cracks in the grooves and also wear out a tire prematurely. So do your tires a favor. Ask your dealer to check your suspension system and if it needs replacing do so with a good brand name suspension system. Help your tires feel supported! Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.) STURGIS GLENCOE EARLYBIRD SPECIAL–You?ve heard of Early Bird Specials. They usually meana few bucks off something you really don?t want. Butat Glencoe, when they come up with an Early BirdSpecial, it?s really special!Here it is: Make your reservations before February 15,2007 and the cost per person is only $200.Your reservation will include general camping atGlencoe CampResort from July 30 through August 12 andfree admission to all the great concerts at Rockn? TheRally. The cost per person will go back to $300 on February15. You can also reserve an RV site at the same time (thecost will be the same as last year: $450 for a 30 ampsite and $500 for a 50 amp site).Of course you have to pay when you make yourreservation. And if you cancel before June 30, youwill receive an 80% refund. (No refunds after July 1.)You saw last year?s lineup for Rockin? The Rally(Nickelback, Tom Petty, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, JoeCocker, the Black Crowes, Gin Blossom, etc.) and thisyear promises to have fantastic headlining bandsagain. Operators are standing by just have your VISA,Mastercard or Discover Card ready and call800/272-4712, or make your reservation on the websiteat www.glencoereservations.com.Glencoe CampResort, Sturgis Bike Week 2007, $200 You?ll never see another Early Bird Special this greatever again. Voting for Rockin? The Rally bands:The response was really great when we asked ournewsletter subscribers to tell us their favorite bandsso we put an email ballot on the internet? atwww.sturgisbikeweek.com. We will have a monthlydrawing from all ballots ? winner will get a free wristband. –J. Ken Conte JACK ON THE ROCKS PLEASE–I?m ready. The news is beginning to kick my ass. I received 70 news-related e-mails after I finished laying out the news today. Here?s the Code of the West. I need press before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday or it will be held for the Sunday Post. Same deal on Sunday. If you don?t lay it in my hot calloused hand before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, it will be held for the Thursday news. Hey, I?ve got to finish the Post and haul ass to church. For me Church is a small Mexican Seafood Restaurant called Shamrocks. It?s owned by Tommy Amofatano. There you have it. Nothing makes any fuckin? sense, but it?s cool. I rode over there today on the King, with my Son, Frank, who runs Classic Tattoo in Fullerton. He rides a blacked out Dyna Twin Cam, and he showed up with young Bill and Heather. Bill is headed to the MMI in Phoenix and Heather plans to intern at a Tattoo Parlor in Pirone, Nevada. Two years from now they plan to get married. Are they kidding? I would be married, divorced, live with three girls and engaged again in that time. Wait two years, dating long distance, no fuckin? way. On the otherhand, if they can pull it off, I have a lot of respect for them. That?s enough of that bullshit. We?ve got bikes to fix, build and repair. I?ve got chapters to write, features to publish and girls to ? Watch for reports, techs and new features. Where?s that drink? Ride Forever, –Bandit
Sales Manager, North America
Hoppe & Assoc. (Avon Tyres)
800 624-7470 toll free
www.avonmotorcycle.com
December 07, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
HELMET ?HOG IN LONG BEACH DEC. 8-10–Works like a bungee, fits like a bra!Helmet-Hog will be at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show, December 8-10 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Stop by our booth and check out a useful and functional accessory for your motorcycle- at a special show price.
Whether you need to carry a spare, or need a way to secure your helmet when traveling the states, Helmet-Hog is the perfect solution. Also we have our new limited edition ?Helmet Laws Suck? screen print. See our review in the December issues of Hot Bike Werks and Thunder Press magazines.Ride Hard, Ride Free, Carry A Spare Helmet. Order online at www.helmet-hog.com Long Beach, CA –Scott HeamesHelmet-Gear, Inc–
TWO-WHEELERS PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–2 Wheelers has the connections for all the coolest items, from dicey gear shift knobs, to classic skulls. Check out their Denver shop.
BAD NEWS JOKE OF THE WEEK–Sixty + is the worst age to be,” said the 60+ year-old man. “You alwaysfeel like you have to pee and most of the time you stand there andnothing comes out.”
“Ah that’s nothin,” said the 70-year-old. “When you’re seventy, youdon’t have a bowel movement any more. You take laxatives, eat bran, siton the toilet all day and nothin’ comes out!”
“Actually,” said the 80-year-old, “eighty is the worst age of all.”
“Do you have trouble peeing, too?”
“No, I pee every morning at 6:00. I pee like a racehorse on a flat rock;no problem at all.”
“So, do you have a problem with your bowel movement?”
“No, I have one every morning at 6:30.”
Exasperated, the 60-year-old said, “You pee every morning at 6:00 andcrap every morning at 6:30; what’s so bad about that?”
“I don’t wake up until 7:00.”
–from Nick Roberts
BIKERNET MYSTERY OF THE WEEK–Several readers have contacted us regarding Willie G. Davidson. They want to know what G. stands for? I’ve contacted Paul James at the factory and he said, “WG is actually a pretty private public person. He doesn’t say what it stands for.”
First Paul should know that saying, “Pretty,” is against the code of the west. He’s either private or he isn’t. There’s nothing pretty about Willie G. The investigation continues.
BONNEVILLE LEARNING FROM THE MASTER–We are studying what will pass land speed record rules and Wink Eller, of BDL, has been very helpful. This is one of his bikes. We learned the rear fender must show the wheel to a verticle line from the axle. “I kind of thought we were pushing it,” said Chris Kallas, the Bikernet Concept illustrator and member of 5-Ball racing team. “But, what about under the seat where a oil tank normally goes ,the area in front of the fender and above the tranny?
CGK
SPECIAL ESCORT TO ARLINGTON– Every December for the past 15 years, Morrill Worcester the owner of Worchester Wreath’s in Maine, has been donating 5000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.
This year he has decided to make two changes. He has started Wreaths Across America, where he will be donating wreath’s to National Cemetery’s in all 50 states. We, the Patriot Guard Riders are heavily involved in making his vision a reality.
Mr. Morrill has also asked that the wreaths, bound for Arlington, be escorted from his warehouse in Maine, to the National Cemetery in Arlington by the Patriot Guard Riders. If you are interested in participating in this escort in any capacity please check the Arlington Mission’s under the thread title, Special Escort to Arlington, for the route, dates, times, and meeting locations in each State.Thanks again for being there for our Brothers and Sisters in Arms.
–Scott W. Deal
USMC 1979-1985
New England Regional Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
HOLIDAY TRADITION BY ABATE OF FLORIDA SOUTHWEST CHAPTER–A heartfelt holiday tradition continues with the Southwest Chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) of Florida, Inc.’s 26th Annual Christmas Run to the Gulf Coast Center in Buckingham, Florida.
The event was created when Southwest’s members learned most of the developmental delayed residents at the facility were often forgotten by their community when events were conducted to celebrate the season.
Gifts were collected and a small group of motorcyclists traveled to the Center in a true expression of brotherhood. Over the years that followed, the Run grew to become one of the premiere holiday events in southwest Florida bringing literally hundreds of riders together to show their kindness and generosity at a very special time of year.
This year marks the 26th Run and promises to draw the largest group of riders ever. Opened in the early 1960’s, the Gulf Coast Center is currently home to more than 250 full-time residents whose average age is 45. The future of the center and its residents is uncertain with plans to relocate residents to group homes throughout the state over the next few years. Until the last person leaves the facility, the Southwest Chapter is committed to bringing the true spirit of the holidays to the Center.
Residents look forward to the sound and sight of motorcycles festooned with decorations and lights. They enjoy meeting the riders and sharing fellowship with their special friends. The Run is supported by local law enforcements agencies and is escorted by members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Myers Police Department.
Event sponsors include: Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner and Harley Davidson of Fort Myers and Naples.
The participants register for the Run at the Harley Davidson of Fort Myers located on Colonial Boulevard beginning at 9:30AM on Sunday, December 10th with the escorted Run to the Center commencing at 12:30PM. There is also the opportunity to sign up for a special Christmas Poker Run for $15.00 which includes your poker hand and an event t-shirt. Participants bring unwrapped gifts requested by Gulf Coast Center personnel for the residents including: toiletries, slippers, socks, pajamas, personal CD players and radios, purses, wallets, CDs, DVDs, batteries and board games. The staff asks please, no stuffed animals be donated as center regulations prohibit their distribution.
More information and event flyers are available by calling Frank Kennedy, President of ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter at 239-849-9065. You may also email: SouthwestSecy@aol.com.
BIKE BUILDER JESSE JAMES HIRES HOMELESS–LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 2 (UPI) — The motorcycle-riding host of “Monster Garage” says he will help homeless people out by offering jobs at his Long Beach, Calif., custom bike shop.
People magazine reports this week that Jesse James, husband of actress Sandra Bullock, has found a new passion in helping out the homeless with solid paying positions at his motorcycle shop, West Coast Choppers.
People says he hired his first new employer, Richard Sihock, a former warehouse worker who fell on hard times and had been homeless for about a year. He’s earning $8.50 an hour, $1.75 over California’s minimum wage level, but has the prospect of a raise. He is now able to afford a one-bedroom apartment for himself and his wife, the report said.
James, 37, says he decided to reach out to help the homeless when he became aware of Project Achieve, an overnight emergency shelter, opened up across the street from his business. He’s looking for his next hire.
BIKERS PLAY SANTA WITH TOY RUN–A stream of bikers cruised through Central Brevard on Sunday afternoon on a mission from Santa. For almost two hours they formed an unbroken chain of roaring metal and flashing chrome, tying up traffic on U.S. 1 from Cocoa to Melbourne as they delivered thousands of toys for needy kids to Wickham Park Pavilion, which is behind Brevard Community College’s Melbourne campus.
While some stalled drivers sat fuming at intersections, other specatators stood or sat along the road and cheered the bikers on.
In the end, ABATE of Florida estimated 10,000 bikers and passengers collected $4,000 and several truckloads of toys on their 25th annual Toy Run.
Only two injuries were reported – a volunteer overheated at the pavilion and a passenger on a motorcycle got banged up when the bike took a spill on the Merritt Island Causeway.
Bikers began gathering while many other Brevard County residents were still sleeping, reading the morning newspaper or getting ready for church. They rode up U.S. 1 with teddy bears strapped to their seats, saddle bags and handlebars. They rendezvoused at gas station and convenience store parking lots.
— BY JEFF SCHWEERS and MEGAN DOWNSFLORIDA TODAY
–from Rogue
SKELETON BIKE–And you thought your ride was cool…
–from Kendra Roth
STEALTH HOLIDAY REPORT FROM NC–On Sunday Dec. 3rd, The Concerned Bikers Association of Charlotte held it’s annual Toys for Tots Toy Run. The day started out great with sunny skies and the temps around 50 degrees. At 1p.m. sharp 450-500 bikes pulled out, loaded with toys and headed for Freedom Park in downtown Charlotte. The ride was police escorted. Upon arrival the toys were handed over to the United States Marine Corps. The truck was full in a matter of minutes. On the way back the skies turned dark and the temps dipped, but somehow it didn’t seem that cold. I guess helping others out has a way of warming your soul!
This Saturday Dec. 9th the Vietnam Veterans of the Carolinas are sponsoring a Toy Run that benefits the Thompson Child and Family Focus Center and The Bethlehem Children Center. Here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS we are haveing a ride leave the shop at 12 noon to attend the Toy Run.
Anyone interested in riding with us can give us a call at 704-882-0889. The line up for the ride starts at 1:30 pm at 3154 Freedom Drive. For info on this you can give Rory a call at 980-721-6994. This ride is also police escorted.
There is a lot going on right now with Christmas just around the corner. I am sure that no matter where you live, there are local Toy Runs to attend. Get out and help some people out. Without our help there will be no Christmas for them. Don’t let the cold weather stop you, the feeling you get from making a kids face light up will warm your heart. It is also a great way to show the public thatBIKERS have always had the biggest HEARTS!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
BIKERNET WORKING WITH THE MASTER OF AUTO CLUTCH SYSTEMS GRANDEUR CYCLE–You are right..if you wick the throttle the bike goes…if one wants to rev at a light, they can by pulling in the clutch as you would normally do.. Also we highly suggest that a neutral starter switch be use with the Auto Clutch to prevent starting in gear.
Doing an install would be great….let me know what we need to do..
–Mike Phillips
Grandeur Cycle
2200 NC Hwy 67
Jonesville, NC 28642
www.grandeurcycle.com
336-526-2468
mailto:mike@grandeurcycle.com
We are working with Mike on an installation tech and a training session on the use of an Auto Clutch.–Bandit
AMA PLEDGES $100,000 TOWARD MOTORCYCLE CRASH STUDY–From a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association:PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that it has committed $100,000 to help fund a comprehensive nationwide study of motorcycle crashes, and encourages individual motorcyclists, organizations, and businesses in the motorcycle industry to contribute to the effort through the AMA’s new “Fuel the Fund” campaign.
In 2005, Congress approved federal funding to study the causes of motorcycle crashes, the first such research in the U.S. in more than 25 years. The $2.8 million pledged by the government calls for another $2.8 million in matching funds from the American motorcycling community before the entire federal grant will be released.
The AMA, in addition to spearheading the effort to secure federal funding and committing the first matching funds, has launched “Fuel the Fund,” a national campaign allowing individuals and businesses to contribute matching funds necessary to take full advantage of the federal funding.
“After declining for more than a decade, motorcycling fatalities have increased in recent years, prompting much speculation about the reasons why,” said Edward Moreland, AMA Vice President for Government Relations. “Last year, Congress agreed that we need answers, not theories.”
“Now, we’re confident that American motorcyclists, rider groups, motorcycle dealers and industry leaders will come together to raise the matching funds required to get the crash study underway,” said Moreland. “This is about saving lives, and we need the help of everyone in the motorcycling community to ‘Fuel the Fund.'”
Contributions to “Fuel the Fund” can be made online at Legislation authorizing the funding of the crash study specifies that research grants be provided to the Oklahoma Transportation Center, located at Oklahoma State University. The last comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes, commonly called the “Hurt Report” after University of Southern California researcher Dr. Harry Hurt, was published in the 1970s. –Rogue YONGSAN BIKERS CLUB DONATES TO TOYS FOR TOTS– YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea – Santa wasn’t riding a sleigh when he roared into the post exchange parking lot Saturday. Nope – he was decked out in riding leathers and perched atop a chromed-out Harley-Davidson. Yongsan Motorcycle Club members on about 25 bikes finished a ride Saturday by donating a gaggle of gifts to the Marines, sailors and soldiers for the Marine Corps’ annual Toys For Tots collection drive. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Windell Riles, Marine Forces Korea, said he appreciated the club’s donations. He said many other people, including kindergartners at the school and the American Forces Spouses Club, also are collecting toys to donate. The toys will go to some U.S. military-community families through the “community sharing program,” Riles said. The rest will go to off-base orphanages. Casey Gerald of the motorcycle club said fellow club members came up with the idea for the ride that would benefit children and allow them to showcase their private organization. He said he likes that toys will go to orphanages not currently sponsored by the U.S. military.As club members lined up and donated toys, many gave the Army all-purpose greeting of “Hooah!” – only to get the Marines’ “Ooh-rah!” in response. Riles said it was nice to have the soldiers, and sailors from Commander Naval Forces Korea, on hand to help out.Army Sgt. Yvette Hamilton was there in her dress uniform to assist. As the representative of the Area II Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers program, Hamilton said, she’s always is looking for ways to get soldiers involved with the community. She said some BOSS reps are getting together to make their own donation to the annual drive, adding, “We’re trying to make this a joint effort.”Riles said his Marines will be staffing collection barrels near the Four Seasons store through Dec. 18. Marines also have been collecting toys at Osan Air Base, he said.Anyone wanting to make a donation also can visit the Marine Forces Korea headquarters near Gate 3. –Rogue VETERANS CONCERNED IN TENNESSEE– My name is Johnny Mack Suttles. I am the Director of the American Legion Riders, a non profit Organization that provides support for active and fallen Veterans not only here in the great state of Tennessee but also, Nationally. We are also supporters of our local community. You can only imagine how shocked we were when we were asked to leave from Murphy’s Wings and Ale in the same county that we help support. Myself and two of my friends and fellow riders entered Murphy’s and we sat down and placed a order, shortly after a manager or waiter approached us and told us that we could not be in his bar wearing the patches that we wear on our Vest. He surely did not know what our patches stand for. Our patches are not Obscene nor do they make any gestures like a lot of common T-shirts of today so often do. Our patches do not depict anything of a graphic nature or contain sexual content. These people are allowed to enter this bar. Our patches stand for every American Veteran that has ever served his or her country. Our patches stand for every Post across the nation that is always supporting, not just Veterans but the Community also. A Major Injustice has been committed against, not just us three but, all Veterans of Blount County. Roy, the president of the Highlanders has asked me to write a letter of complaint. They also were discriminated against earlier this year. I don’t know how some of you feel about me personally but if you honor our Veterans help us to take a stand against this Injustice. I will never step foot back in Murphy’s bar and Grill and I am asking all of you to do the same. –Johnny Mack, Director
American Legion Riders
www.alrpost13.org
Continued On Page 4