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Read More October 5, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
I’m wound up, pissed off, fightin’ mad. I’m sick and tired of our bullshit media blitz against the war in Iraq and efforts to curb terrorism. I believe CNN and many news agencies are against the American way, they’re promoting the terrorist fight and jeopardizing their own freedom of speech. If Muslims take over there won’t be any freedom of speech, freedom of religion or bikinis. What the fuck is wrong with these people?
Daily on the news they report that 1 soldier was killed and that 3,000 have died in four years. Did you know that more than 40,000 folks die in America every year due to car accidents? Did you know that 150,000 innocent folks die every year in this country because of infections caught in hospitals? There’s never one positive report about the people in Iraq until I read an interview with Condoleezza Rice in Time magazine. I don’t get it. Some 300,000 people were killed by Sadam. We’re trying to give these people a chance and our media wants to make us out as the black scourge on the earth. I’m trying to figure out what they’re agenda is?
Due to these reports I was beginning to feel sour about this endeavor and any anti-terrorist activities. I was turning on our government. Hell, I was beginning to sense a return to the ’70s. Then it hit me. Their numbers didn’t make sense. With your help I’m going to post something supporting our troops on a weekly basis. Let’s hit the news:
STURGIS PLANNING FOR 2007-WHICH BANDS SHOULD PLAY?–Sturgis Bike Week is over and we’re in the thick of planning for 2007. One of the greatest experiences we had last year was when a group of us Glencoe and Thunder Road employees were asked to come up with a “wish list” of what bands we would like to hear at the very first Rockin’ the Rally at Glencoe. (And now you know where the play list originated.)
With that in mind, we wondered if you could get the word out into cyberspace: Finally, you will have a voice – what bands would you like to see play at Rockin’ The Rally at Glencoe in 2007?
We asked some of our on-line Sturgis Bike Week customers and about a hundred have cast their vote so far. Bob Seger, Aerosmith and ZZ Top lead the pack, followed closely by the Allman Brothers, the return of Nickleback and Big & Rich, and Leonard Skynyrd. They’ve even suggested bands we not use (like Bruce Springsteen), and a “retro” night with bands like Paul Revere and the Raiders.
We’d really like to know what bands you want included in the five-day lineup. Just email info@sbwproductions.com with your wish list. We’d also like to know your age, gender [I’ve given up on asking for sex], what state you’re from, whether or not you were at Sturgis Bike Week in 2006, and whether you plan on coming in 2007.
And we’ll keep you updated on who’s in the running.
–Barb Elmore
barb@sbwproductions.com>
KEVIN BAAS LOOKING FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOPPER CLASS SPONSORS–Any chance you get this on the site too with my annualplea for sponsors?http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_085191935.html
I’m is also working on a Bikernet 5-Ball racing sign with my students. Watch for the tech on it soon.
–the Teacher
COPS HANGING OUT AROUND BIKER BAR– The Independence Chapter of ABATE of Florida has a notice in their newsletter that the law has been hanging out around Kelley’s Bar on Wickham Road in Melbourne Florida where they have a Friday Bike Night.
They tell riders not to crank it up when leaving because the cops are in parking lots, behind trees and under rocks. They also want you to think about the consequences if you are caught racing.
We previously brought you similar reports from other places around Florida where police found it very profitable to wait around motorcycle bike nights to stop riders leaving these businesses. They have been stopping riders for numerous reasons including drinking. All this equals Big Money.
Have a Good time BUT Be Careful!
— ROGUE
BIKERNET READERS SHOWCASE DEPARTMENT–It’s run and Sponsored by JoAnn Bortels of Crazyhorse painting. It’s basically the readers ride area of Bikernet with a twist. It gives you a chance to post your own bike feature. Check it out.
“Posted a bunch of bikes this morning. Will do more tomorrow morning,” JoAnn said this morning.
Crazyhorse
BIKERNET DISCOVERS FRAME JIG FOR SALE– You need to check out http://www.250engineering.com I ordered some prints. Might be good for the Thursday News.
–Pablo
JACK DANIELS FEST OCTOBER 22ND–the Route 66 Classic Diner is having a Jack Daniels Fest on Sunday, October 22, 2006. I also forgot to mention that there is free Jack Daniels Merchandise, Free RaffleAnd it starts at Noon.Next time I’ll double check my facts.
located at:
18730 Soledad Canyon Road,
Santa Clarita, Ca.91351
661.298.1494
http://route66classicgrill.com
–Drifter.
2 WHEELERS PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–TheFuck U Taillight, comes with a Steal side mount left or right for 3/4 axle hole. The License plate measures 5 3/4 by 2 3/4.You can grab one now before they’re banned by the Muslim god, $139.99. Just roll over to 2wheelersmc.com.
–donna maupin
SKIP FORDYCE SPORTSTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION–I might make this one but, Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson/Buell is having a Sportster 50th Anniversary Celebration, poker run and contest. Since I ride a Sportster it’s hard to pass up.
Ride safe.
–Mystery reader
NEW ROADBIKE MAGAZINE EDITOR–Stamford, CT-Magazine publisher TAM Communications today named Eric Putter as editor of RoadBike, the best selling, all-metric motorcycle magazine.
Putter, formerly an editor at Cycle World, Primedia and Hi-Torque Publications, also has a long list of freelance credits, which include most major street bike, dirt bike and ATV publications in the United States.
In addition to his magazine experience, Putter, 42, has gained a broad perspective on the powersports industry in other roles during his 23-year career. Most recently, he served as marketing manager for Lockhart Phillips USA. He’s also been an account executive for Kawasaki’s public-relations agency, written copy for Yamaha advertising campaigns and worked at one of America’s first Honda dealerships.
Born and raised in New York, Putter is enthusiastic about bringing two decades of west-coast experience to this Connecticut-based magazine. “This is an exciting move for me, one I’ve been preparing for throughout my career,” said Putter. “I’ve worked with some of the best editors, writers, photographers and business people in the motorcycle industry. As the editor of RoadBike, I’ll bring this real-world education and experience to the RoadBike editorial team. Our goal is to create the visually interesting, entertaining, informative and authoritative magazine our readers deserve.”
“We are delighted to have someone with Eric’s experience and obvious passion for metric motorcycles lead our team,” Publisher Buzz Kanter said. “RoadBike continues to help champion and grow the metric motorcycle marketplace. I feel Eric has the right tools to make RoadBike even more popular with our growing number of readers and advertisers.”
For more information please contact TAM Communications at 203/425-8777.
BIKER BEAUTIES MAGAZINE EXPANSION–We started out with the plan to just print 20,000 copies a month in MD/DE/VA/PA and that seemed like a lot of magazines. It’s more than most any other biker magazines in this area.
Starting in January we may now be going up to 50,000 magazines with 25,000 going into Pennsylvania alone. Seems Biker Beauties Magazine may be showing up in every Turkey Hill Mini Market in the state. We’re planning to start with just Lancaster County which has 160 stores but then going state wide. Next week I meet with another major chain to see about putting it in all their stores in MD and VA. That could bump us up to as many as 100,000 copies per month.
To pay for these extra copies and the fees the stores want to place the magazine rack we’re doing a major ad push to try to pump up some more advertisers. Any businesses interested in appearing in the magazine now is the time to get in while rates are at a killer deal. Email me at The magazine has been out for 2 weeks and only 4,000 copies remain of the first issue. This weekend we anticipate giving out another 2,000 copies at the Outlanders show in Luray, VA where the Detroit Bros. will also be appearing with Livia’s Bikini Dream Team. Mail Subscriptions are available on http://bikerbeauties.com so anyone wishing to get the first issue should sign up right away. Those who have ordered subscriptions on the last bikernet news release have already been mailed and will arrive any day now. Models have been beating down my door to shoot for the magazine and some of these girls are the hottest models I’ve ever seen. The next few issues are going to be HOT! –Sam Dixon WHAT IS THE EASYRIDERS CENTERFOLD MASTER BUILDER TOUR PROGRAM?– A distinct number of Master Builders are chosen each year to participate in a one of a kind program that exhibits the motorcycle creations of ?Best of the Best? bike Builders. This program provides the opportunity for the Easyriders Events Dept in conjunction with the Centerfold Master Builders to showcase these masterpieces in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere. Easyriders Events has proven for many years to be the leader in the Custom Bike Show Industry and we have achieved this by listening to what it is our audience wants. Our audience is now more than ever, interested and intrigued by these Custom Bike creations and their Builders yet no steps have been taken by anyone other than the Easyriders Events Dept to bring them face to face or face to machine. An opportunity to do this through the Centerfold Program has proven to be a great success for the audience and the Builders.This program affords the Builders maximum National exposure without the requirements of the Builders time every weekend. Apperances are not required. Below are just a few more of the advantages of being an Easyriders Centerfold Builder. Some of the benefits of becoming a 2008 Easyriders Centerfold Builder include but are not limited to: ?A feature article in Easyriders Magazine, V-Twin Magazine, In The Wind Magazine or Biker Magazine will be done on each of the 6 chosen Centerfold Master Builders ?Extensive Ad recognition that includes the Centerfold Master Builder?s Name on all forms of printed materials generated and related to the Easyriders Centerfold Tour 2008 ?A display will be created for the Centerfold Master Builder?s Motorcycle at each of the Easyriders Events for the 2008 Tour in the designated Easyriders Centerfold Builder area ?Transportation of the Master Builder?s Motorcycle to each of the Easyriders Events for 2008 ?A Master Builder?s web page will be created and featured on the Easyriders Events website. This web page will include a Bio along with pictures and links to the Master Builder?s own website and it will be featured on the Easyriders Centerfold Tour page ?Autograph Cards will be created with the Centerfold Master Builder?s motorcycle, self portrait, and website address on it. These Autograph Cards will be passed out at each of the Easyriders Shows ?Appropriate signage supplied by the Centerfold Master Builder will be displayed at each of the Easyriders Events next to the Builder?s Centerfold motorcycle ?The sole purpose of creating this Pro Class Division is to select the 2008 Centerfold Tour Builders How do I become a Centerfold Master Builder? A new Division will be created and called the Pro Class Division. This Pro Class Division will be separate from the current Spectator and Judged Classes. There will be a Pro Class Division at 11 of the Regional Shows, we will not have this Division in Kansas City. The Pro Class Division will be open for all to enter, and there will be a one time entrance fee of $250.00. At each of the 11 Regional Shows the Editor?s will choose 3 bikes out of all the entries of the Pro Class Division that they like. These 3 winners will be of an equal competition status, they will not be 1st , 2nd, or 3rd place winners. The 3 chosen winners from each of the 11 Regional Shows will be advanced to the Kansas City Invite. At the K.C. Invite the Editor?s will then chose 6 bikes out of the 33 and builders who created the 6 chosen bikes will be the 2008 Centerfold Master Builders. Below are the major bullet points the Program: The 39 OIL BAG FROM ROCKEM SOCKEM– This is the oil bag that we are using on all of our old school bikes and bobbers. We can build them out of steel or alum. 379.95 sug. Retail, that’s raw, not painted. Comes with all the hardware and mounting tabs. This is the oil bag that we used one the Snap-On bike and the 39 bike that we got 3rd in the world with this year AMD pro show. This in one of the cleanest oil bags out there and it is hand made by myself. Also these tanks are offered through the J&P catalog. –Ralph BANDIDO LEADER DENIES DRUG AFFILIATION—The leader of the Kerrville Bandidos Motorcycle Club said Tuesday that members of the club had nothing to do with the drugs that were confiscated by the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office last week. Mike “Wolf” Kuhn, president of the local Bandidos chapter, said a member of the club had stayed at the home in the 1700 block of South Street where authorities seized about 20 grams of cocaine and less than a pound of marijuana, but that he never lived there and was no longer staying there. A resident of the house, a 39-year-old woman, was arrested Friday and charged with two felony drug counts. Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer said Monday that the woman is “known … as an associate of the Bandidos” and said additional charges are pending. Kuhn said it was part an attempt by local law enforcement to connect the Bandidos with criminal activities. “A squirrel could fall out of a tree, and next thing you know, they’d say I had a hit out on it,” Kuhn said. Kuhn maintains that the local chapter, established in 2000, has no affiliation with gangs or drugs. In June, several shots were fired at the Bandidos’ club house on Water Street and members of the club were questioned. Police also have associated members of the club with disturbances at a local bar and other incidents, but no club members have been arrested. –Rogue STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM LOOKING FOR HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS FOR 2007–October 2006 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is accepting at-large nominations for the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007. Individuals, organizations and businesses considered for induction will have made a positive and significant impact on motorcycling. The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors the men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to improving, promoting and advancing our great sport and lifestyle. We encourage you to help us recognize these exceptional and deserving people by sending in a nomination on their behalf. Nomination forms must be accompanied by credentials which explain why this individual should be considered for induction. Please keep in mind that while their achievements may be outstanding, not everyone knows it. A comprehensive overview of their accomplishments is necessary to make an informed and educated decision. Biographical info, newspaper articles, historical documents, etc. may be submitted. Credentials should be two to five pages long, including nomination form. You can request a nomination form by phoning the Museum 605.347.2001 or emailing Executive Director Pepper Massey-Swan at mailto:pepper@sturgismuseum.com Nominations must be received by the Museum no later than January 8, 2007. Individuals chosen for induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame will be honored at our annual induction breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, August 8, 2007. TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW ROCKIN ON TELEVISION– Well we are now less than a month out and I am starting to get very excited about the show. This week we are featuring a builder from Beaumont Texas, Sonny Keeton and his creation “Flyin’ Floyd” this bike is actually named after a book Sonny wrote, he is a man of many talents he writes books, he writes songs,he does radical custom paint, oh and he also builds very nice custom motorcycles. So make sure if you are in the Galveston area on November 3rd and 4th to come down to the Galveston Island Convention Center and vote for your favorite builder. I am also excited that our master of the web got the commercial up and running, so for those of you that aren’t in the area or just can’t wait for the TV version you can get a sneak peak at it on the web site www.texasnationalbikeshow.com At this time our vendor area is getting full but we still have some room but not much time, vendor registration will end on October 15th. To make things easy for everyone bike shops will be permitted to have display only space for 75.00 per motorcycle inside the show. we are all about helping everyone promote their goods and services as efficiently as possible! Don’t forget discount tickets are available until Oct. 15th for $8.00, gets you in all weekend long for voting, looking at girls, shopping, looking at girls, checking out some very cool bikes, more girls, etc., etc., etc? Last but not least a great big Texas Thanks to our favorite sponsor BIKERNET.COM we are grateful to Bandit and Nyla for helping us with our event again this year. (Nyla, leave Bandit at home and come to Texas we will have big fun!!) See you at the show! Continued On Page 2
Publisher
Biker Beauties Magazine
*An entry fee of $250.00 will be collected
*Anyone can enter a bike into the Pro Class division
*There will be a Pro Class Division at the11 Regional Shows (excluding Kansas City)
*There will be 3 bikes chosen by the Editor?s from each of the 11 Regional Shows. These winners will NOT be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place winners, they will instead be equal competitor?s and all 3 winners will be advanced to the Kansas City Invitational Show
* There will be no categories for the Pro Builder Class ( such as Radical, Old School ect)
*The 3 winners in the Pro Class Division for all of the Regional Shows must bring the same bikes to the Kansas City Show. The 3 winners are responsible for their transportation to the show
*There will NOT be a Pro Class Division in Kansas City. Instead, at the Kansas City show the Editor?s will pick 6 bikes out of the 33 bikes that have previously won at the past 11 Regional shows and those winners will be the chosen 6 Easyriders Centerfold Builders for 2008
*The bikes that win the competition are not required for the 2008 Tour. The Centerfold Builders will be encouraged to build a New Centerfold Bike for the 2008 Tour
*The Builder may enter more than one motorcycle into the Pro Builder Class, however, only one bike will be chosen and advanced to the Kansas City Show. Once that Builder has won a position in the Pro Builder Class they may not enter again at a different show
* The Builder may enter additional motorcycles into the Judged and Spectator Classes
* There are no displays allowed in the Pro Builder Class bike area
–Mrs. Devil
Bikernet Correspondent Sneaks Into Premiere
By Bandit |
The Mann’s Chinese Theater was the scene of Biker Boyz madness as over 200 motorcycles paraded down Hollywood Blvd doing tire burnouts, charging and revving as if making the movie for the forbidden wheelie that was banned for the procession. The stars of the movie were not only Lawrence Fishburne who plays “King of Cali” character “Smoke,” Lisa Bonet, the on screen leader of Total Package MC, “Queenie,” Derek Luke, a racing prodigy “Kid” with attitude who plays the young nemisis to Smoke, and Kid Rock as “Dog” who gives the movie a bone with his bits of sarcasim and snyde confidence. The stars featured the real clubs and street trick riders who appear throughout the movie.
I had the pleasure of sitting with some of the Ruff Ryder crew, trick ryders and the real ladies of Total Package MC who paraded down the blvd with style and ‘tude. The movie is entertaining and portrays a little known motorcycle culture that truly knows how to maximize their ride and hang tough. Talk about one with the bike, these trick riders know how to completely infuse their bodies with their bikes and make their crotch rockets do wild tricks that take the name motorcycle and transforms it into motorstyle. These cats are stylin’ and profilin’ with their motorcycle clubs and their scoots like not other.
“Burn Rubber Not Your Soul” is the tag line to the Biker Boyz MC. Directed and co-written by Reggie Rock Bythewood, the film uniquely tells the tale about the underground street racing and the intensity of keeping the coveted title and not giving up your lid to some kid who arrives on the scene saying he’s better than you. It’s an action-packed flick and the stunts and racing scenes alone are enough to make this a must-see film. The story is really not so in-depth, or deep that it takes over and there’s no screen time for the bikes, which is great! It’s light enough that it stays fun, presents interesting characters and keeps the story moving along. The cinematography is killer and draws the audience into the lightening-fast scenarios. The film, based upon the New Times article of the same name penned by Michael Gougis, holds your attention and immerses you into the club life of these street racers and trick riders.
It was incredibly fun to see the movie with all the cast and crew members. Talk about whooping it up! The entire theater erupted into familiar yelps and cheers upon seeing the actual club members and stunt riders tearing it up on screen. The premiere was staged with that touch of reality that made it all right and all real. There were absolutely NO POSEURS at this event. And there are NO POSEURS on screen. All the stars of the movie have an affinity for riding hard, even though there were stunt doubles to take on the task of acceleration and dancing their metal down the boulevard like some aggressive catch-me-if-you-can tango.
Burn rubber and catch this flick on the big screen.
Biker Boyz is a DreamWorks feature film presentation produced by Stephanie Allain, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Erwin Stoff, and 3 Arts Entertainment, with Don Kurt serving as executive producer.
September 28, 2006 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
SUPER-TECH BRAKE PEDAL for ALL FLOORBOARD BIKES METRIC OR AMERICAN– Softbrake is celebrating their 5th anniversary by introducing their high tech brake pedal for all floorboard motorcycles, metric or American. Softbrake’s unique design is 1.75″ longer, and 22 degrees lower than pre-2O02 OEM pedals with a relocated fulcrum (pivot point). This gives profoundly improved braking control and pedal feedback for safer, more predictable stopping under all circumstances.
All SoftBrake pedals are manufactured from premium quality American steel, then show-chromed for optimum shine. Three different pedal designs are available to match virtually any style motorcycle; plain, slotted, and circle-punched. “If you don’t have a SoftBrake, You’re dragging your feet!! For all further information contact your local SoftBrake dealer or contact them direct at:
SoftBrake Inc
P.O. Box 7081
Norco, CA 92806
(951) 549-9954
www.softbrake.com
SMOKE-OUT WEST IN NOTORIOUS TERRITORY–We questioned a HORSE mag staff member extensively about the whereabout of the Smoke-Out West. He wouldn’t tell me shit, until I called Sin Wu. In five minutes he spilled his guts. The event is in Cottonwood which is about 1 1/2 hrs North of Phoenix.
The Verde Valley Fair is conveniently located in the heart of Arizona’s beautiful Verde Valley. Centrally positioned between Phoenix and Flagstaff, the fairgrounds is less than thirty minutes from popular Sedona. The Fairgrounds are easily accessible from both Interstate 17 and Highway 89A.
From Phoenix
Take 1-17 North At I-17 Exit 287, bear LEFT (North) onto SR-260 [Camp Verde Bridgeport Hwy] Bear LEFT (North-West) onto SR-89A Turn RIGHT (North) onto SR-89A [S Main St] Bear LEFT (West) onto SR-89A [Cottonwood St] Bear RIGHT (North) onto SR-89A Bear RIGHT (North) onto 6th St Turn LEFT (West) onto E Cherry St Arrive E Cherry St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
From Flagstaff
Take I-17 South Exit 293, turn RIGHT (North) onto Cornville Rd Bear LEFT (South) onto SR-89A Turn RIGHT (North) onto SR-89A [S Main St] Bear LEFT (West) onto SR-89A [Cottonwood St] Bear RIGHT (North) onto SR-89A Bear RIGHT (North) onto 6th St Turn LEFT (West) onto E Cherry St Arrive E Cherry St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
PEREWITZ DISCOVERY RIDE VIDEO AVAILABLE–The discovery ride video is done!! Wahoo! It came out really great. I premiered it this weekend at the Fall Foliage Run. People loved it.
I have copies available. The cost is $20 including shipping.To order the video please send a $20 check made out to Jody Perewitz to the address below. Please include the address you would like me to ship your video to. I have them ready so as soon as I get your order I will send them out!
Also at the end of the video I have a slide show of pictures. If you see yourself in one and want it let me know. I can e-mail it to you.
Jody Perewitz
Perewitz Cycle Fab
910 Plymouth St
Bridgewater, MA 02324
(508)697-3595
www.perewitz.com
SEVEN CYLINDERS ON TAP–Do you have cylinder envy? Is two just not enough? Then try seven! As in the radial motor chopper.Our Sturgis correspondent, George Emmons Najar, is on Bikernet Radio with JRL Cycles. They are producing the first radial motor chopper.
The bike boasts one of the largest air-cooled motors ever to power a motorcycle. The 7- cylinder radial is the same type used to power aircraft during World War II and is believed to be the basis for the V-twin motorcycle motor.
Put a propeller on this bike and it will blow you away! Click here for the details.
TWO INTO TWO HUGGERS– Jug Huggers are performance pipes with a twist and have the right mix of air flow and back pressure to make for increased performance and incredible sound. The oversized removable heat shield gives the Jug Huggers a 2 1/2″ fat look. Max-Flow performance baffles and chrome billet aluminum end caps are standard.
Optional stealth baffles or torque chambers give you the option of getting the right performance from your motorcycle.
Options and Accessories:
* 1/1/2″ Stealth Baffle 22-00037/2 * 15″x16″ Fiberglass Packing 22-00042 * Torque Chamber Kit 25-0010
For: Bub Jug Huggers for ’01-’05 DynaGlide
From: Metric Thunder
Who: Thunder Bob
Details: Click Here for 2 into 2 Jug Huggers
Pricing: Thunder Bob is dealing! Taking $80 off retail.
More on Thunder Bob Thunder Bob does double duty at Bikernet Radio.
ENTER THE BIKERNET BIKINI CONTEST SPONSORED BY D&D PERFORMANCE EXHAUST–Robert Kriss is this week’s D&D Bikini Contest Winner! He receives a D&D Performance Exhaust T-Shirt. He sent in this pic of his bike and gal pal.
To enter the contest send in a picture of your bike with your favorite bikini honey dd@horsepowermarketing.com. Each week we pull the best picture and award a D&D Performance Exhaust t-shirt. Then we pull them all together, vote on the best picture and the winner receives a set of D&D Performance Exhausts.
Include in your email your Name, Motorcycle, Year, Model, Email, Bikini model name, and Telephone number. The contest runs from August 17th through September 28th.
Need a race proven high-performance exhaust pipe for your 2007 Harley? Check the thunder that D&D makes with there Fat Cat and Boarzilla pipes. Bandit swears by them! Click here to view D&D Exhaust Pipes.
S&S? POWERED PRO STOCK BIKES WIN ON 2 CONTINENTS–LA CROSSE, WI (September 15, 2006) S&S Cycle announces 2 winners on 2 different continents using the Proven Performance? S&S 160″ Pro Stock motorcycle engine. In addition to Matt Smith’s win at the 52nd annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Monday September 4, 2006, Brett Steven’s Racing won the ANDRA AC Delco East Coast Nationals in Sydney, Australia.
Matt Smith, racing for the Torco/Skull Gear/G2 team, set a new track record and entered the Mickey Thompson Six-Second Club with a #1 qualifying run of 6.994. He went on to win the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals by beating Angelle Sampey of the U.S. Army/Suzuki team.
Meanwhile, in Australia during the same weekend, Dion Prowse made his debut riding the S&S powered Pro Stock bike for Brett Stevens Racing. With years of experience as an established sidecar motorcycle rider, Prowse has taken over the riding duties of the Brett Stevens Racing S&S powered Pro Stock Buell? in the Australian Pro Stock Bike Championship for 2006/2007. Before even competing in his first event Prowse became a real championship threat to his competition when putting in some stellar times while completing his licensing and testing procedures in August 2006 at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland, Australia. The Brett Stevens Racing bike is a clone of the bike that Chip Ellis is running in the NHRA, named “Thunder”, and has been unofficially referred to in the states as “Thunder Down Under”.
Under the guidance of S&S Cycle’s Senior Manager of Racing & Customer Services, Charlie Hadayia, Prowse and the team lived up to all expectations in their pre-season preparations when they were able to record times of 7.27 and 7.25 seconds on their final two licensing passes while shutting off early. Both of these passes were under the current Australian Pro Stock Bike record.
“I knew I had to nail the light and I think there were only centimeters in it at the finish line,” said Prowse. “I am totally new to this bike and it was my first ever championship drag racing event, so to take home the winner’s trophy in a professional bracket is just amazing. We have really started to get our heads around the S&S powered Buell and it is only going to get better as we step it through the season. I would really like to thank Brett Stevens and S&S for giving me the chance to ride this awesome machine.”
“For a rookie rider to win in his first race is awesome, especially knowing that 10 days earlier he had never made a full pass on any drag bike,” said Charlie Hadayia, Sr. Manager of Race & Customer Services for S&S. “For them to win is an amazing accomplishment for the whole team!”
AWESOME GOLD FINGER WHEEL UNVEILED– Latest in a long line of exotic wheels from PRO-ONE, the new GOLD FINGER billet rim offers builders unique styling and a choice of sizes to fit most any application. Available for all Harley and Road Star models the rims include hub and bearings and are finished in PRO-ONE’s unmistakable show quality chrome.
Front sizes range from 16″ x 3.5″ to 23″ x 3.5″ and rears are offered in 16-20″ diameters and widths up to 10.5″! Matching components also available include GOLD FINGER style Pulleys, Rotors and Sprockets.
For complete fitment and pricing details contact your local PRO-ONE dealer or call direct to 800-884-4173
RAPID CITY MAN ADMITS TO KILLING MOTORCYCLISTS–A Rapid City man has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter for the May 21st accident that killed a motorcyclist in that city.
Nineteen-year-old Michael V. Reger also admits being high on marijuana at the time.Reger’s car struck 54-year-old Robert Cox of Rapid City from behind while Cox was stopped on his motorcycle at a red light.
Reger was charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run, but those charges were dropped when he agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter. He also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of marijuana.
Reger will be sentenced on October 16th. He faces up to eleven years in prison.
–Rogue
2 WHEELERS BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–Stats for Bike.2002Custom Softail TypeDiamond Frame,Work’s Hydraulic Shocks,Leftside Rear Braking,Sturgis Wheels,200 Metzeler Rear Tire,JayBrake Braking System,Sturgis Drive Pulley,
Price. $32,000.00 Invested
Sale Price- $ 22,000.00
–Donna
2 Wheelers, Denver
WERA (Western Eastern racing Assoc) Grand national Finals (GNF)Thurs Oct 12 thru Sunday Oct 15–Road Atlanta, Braselton, GaFull schedule and directions Available http://www.roadatlanta.com/index.lasso 1-800-849-7223, or http://www.wera.com/pages/gnfmain.html
Team “Old and Oily” running for a National Championship: 3 guys with 3 old bikes try to go fast, and not to get hurt! We are “yellow plates #796, #797, #798”.
We clinched a Southeastern Regional Championship in 500GP, and placed 3rd regional in 350GP. All regions will be represented at the GNF to decide the national championship.
Vintage classes (us) run on Thurs, Oct 12, 2006. Track opens early, practice in the morning, races all afternoon. Old and oily will race around 12:30 (race#2), and 2:00 (race #5). Any ticket is a pit pass, look for us in the infield pits.
The rest of the weekend will feature the newer and faster bikes, aspiring to the pro AMA level soon?..crazy kids I tell ya!! That get paid to do this.
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK AND MUSEUM “VINTAGE FESTIVAL”– Sat Oct 21, Sun Oct 22–This year I hope to be racing! I’ve gotta survive the WERA GNF first. For me and my team, entering this AHMRA race is in prep for the AHRMA races at Daytona Int’l Raceway during Bike Week 2007. Rules, Classes, Tech, at least we’ll know what to expect. Same plate #’s.
This will be more of a “spectator friendly” event, with the museum, etc. The grounds are very clean and fan friendly. Team old and Oily luxury pit accomadations, and three vintage Honda CL350’s, #796, #797, #798.
AHRMA Vintage motorcycle races
Swap Meet, Charity Motorcycle Auction
http://www.barbermotorsports.com/index.php ,
http://www.ahrma.org/index.htm
–Charlie Young, Atlanta, Ga. WERA #798.
Let us know how it works out. Good luck-Bandit.
I KNOW, WE’RE RUNNIN’ LATE–But it’s worth it. This news is smokin’ and I’ll end it with a helluva deal. Rick Krost has this Knuckle for sale from US Choppers. It’s a killer flat track styled racer. I would love to own it. Click here to reach Rick.
It’s sorta our mission to help this industry in anyway we can. Over the next month I’m going to revamp our mail order department in a co-op fashion. I’m going to offer products from young builders in the industry for the winter, then change it out in the Spring. We’ll try to bring you deals on hot innovative parts. We’ll have parts from U.S. Choppers, Kiwi, LA Choprods, Two Wheelers, Cycle Visions, Eye Candy and Rollin Sixes. Hang on. We’ll use our mail order section to highlight new product in the market and new builders. Only cool shit.
That’s it. Check the Google Search Feature, if you’re trying to find something on Bikernet, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s amazing.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
September 28, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
DISCOVERY CHANNEL FEATURES FIRST FEMALE BUILDER BUILD-OFF THIS MONDAY, PLUS BERRY WARDLAW’S 50TH BIRTHDAY–We are putting on a dealy whopper for her Discovery Channel show on Monday and doing something for my birthday. 50 years old. Many said I wouldn’t see 21. Hell, only the good die young. Right?
–Berry Wardlaw
Accurate Engineering
THE ADRENALINE CREW 2, AWAITING TRIAL– is coming to DVD September 26th! More dangerous tricks fill the 145 minutes of stunts in Adrenalin Crew’s sophomore disc. Attempting to (unsuccessfully) dodge the police, AC riders push the limit with rubber burning, wheelie riding, and skits. The carnage continues as Kenny and the crew smash back with a second round of motorized abuse. Racking up fees, fines, and jail time, the Adrenalin Crew smash, flip, burn, pillage, and utterly destroy themselves, their motorcycles, and personal vehicles, all for your viewing pleasure.
THE ADRENALIN CREW 2 BUY LINK:http://destroynetwork.com/adrenalincrew/
S&S? CYCLE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NEW SINGLE-BORE TUNED INTAKE– LA CROSSE, WI (September 27, 2006) S&S Cycle is pleased to announce the release of their new Single-Bore Tuned Intake. It will be available in chrome, wrinkle black powder coat, or natural aluminum finishes. Engine shown has chrome finish with the optional blue filters (red filters are standard). In addition to being a great companion to the S&S Single-Bore Throttle Body System, announced in July, 2006, this new intake is compatible with stock carbs, S&S carbs, and Delphi? fuel injection.
“This product is a great opportunity for more v-twin enthusiasts to easily experience the difference that S&S brings to the table,” said Kurt Peterson, Customer Support Manager for S&S. “This product not only looks great but also provides performance improvements for a wide variety of bikes that have left the showroom with stock components. It’s exciting to offer a product that’s available for so many different models, installs easily, and offers great performance enhancement without breaking the bank.”
After extensive research and testing, including the latest in computer modeling and advanced rapid prototyping development, a custom inlet port shape was created that increased power and torque across the charts. The rear-wheel power and torque curve, shown at right, proves the effectiveness of the Single Bore Tuned Intake installed on a stock 2006 Harley-Davidson? Dyna? motorcycle. The stock air box was replaced with the new S&S Single Bore Tuned Intake allowing a gain of approximately 9 horsepower and 9 ft-lbs of torque. The unique port shape for the new Single Bore Tuned Intake Runner required the need for casting techniques previously reserved for high-performance S&S cylinder heads, and is cast from the same high-strength aluminum alloy. All of this extra effort was necessary to give S&S customers the most power available from their engine.
The fastening method is also unique to the Single-Bore Tuned Intake. Instead of visible screw heads protruding from the induction system, a very difficult to reach location, customers will find two easy to reach flat head screws that fit flush with the assembly. The result is a curvaceous intake shape with no interruption and a strong, stealthy bolted joint.
Mounting brackets are available in several configurations to fit a variety of engines. They are forged and machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum alloy and chrome plated. The mounting bracket also features passages for head breathing compatibility. This chrome-plated, billet aluminum mounting bracket is available for a number of engine types and it is designed to fit as close as possible to the cylinder heads, therefore improving fit and rider leg room.
BIKERNET ON MARRIAGE COUNSELING–A husband and wife go to a counselor after 15 years of marriage.
The counselor asks them what the problem is and the wife goes into a tirade, listing every problem they have ever had in the 15 years they’ve been married. She goes on and on and on.
Finally, the counselor gets up, goes around the desk, embraces the woman, and kisses her passionately.
The woman shuts up and sits quietly in a daze.
The counselor turns to the husband and says “That is what your wife needs at least three times a week. Can you do that?”
The husband says, “I can bring her in on Monday and Wednesday, but on Friday I’m fishing.”
–from Art Friedman
INNER CAM BEARING TOOL for 06 DYNA AND ALL 07 BIG TWINS–George is at it again and his new INNER CAM BEARING tools are a must for any TC 88 Wrench. Designed specifically to allow for removal and installation of the inner cam bearings on 2006 DYNAS and all 2007 BIG TWINS without damaging or marring the engine case. Dual step design insures perfect alignment every time while keeping roller pins from dropping into the case.
Precision machined and finished in black oxide, the INNER CAM BEARING REMOVER retails for $98.50 and the INNER CAM BEARING INSTALLER goes for $90.95.
For complete details contact George’s Garage at 909-843-7043 or catch them on the Web at www.georges-garage.com
SMART POKER RUN COMING–Come join us for SMART’s 3rd Annual Poker Run on November 12, 2006 at Peggy’s Corral (4511 U.S. Highway 41 North, Palmetto, Florida 34221 (941) 729-5442)!
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $10.00 per registrant. There will be cash prizes and 50/50! Donations and sponsorships are being accepted please contact Roni at tiggstt2@msn.com. All proceeds will go to benefit SMART.
SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy) is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).SMART is dedicated to enhancing the physical, emotional and cognitive growth of individuals with special needs through a quality educational and recreational therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving program.
Come out and support this wonderful organization! We hope to see you there!
ROQUE INVESTIGATION TAKES A TURN– It appears that someone is using the name Rogue and taking photos at motorcycle events. We have heard this before and he even contacted Kim Peterson at In The Wind about using some of his shots.
It is my understanding that Kim set him straight on some issues.
Now he is saying that he is from Easyriders, which is definitely a lie.
I am not sure what his motive is but I expect it is not good. I think for now the best thing for me to do is inform as many people as I can of this imposter.
I am easily identifiable, have photos of me in publications and on my web site as well as tattoos on both arms. Tattoos are Motorcycle Hall Of Fame – Easyriders – Huns MC.
Please inform who ever you think needs to know about this.
–ROGUE
www.bikerrogue.com
AGENT ZEBRA UPDATE–Would it kill you to call me “sir” and salute once in a while? Jesus.
In Eastern Europe. Large undercover operation to help establish a coup. Hungary fell. Slovenia is next. Woke up last night in a castle, staring at a hollow suit of armor. Terrifying experience. 800-year old crossbows still worked. Had to fashion arrows out of monkey arms. Think I went deer hunting in the low Carpathians while on an opium bender . Awoke with venison on my breath and blood everywhere.
It doesn’t matter who you kill in these countries. Bail is $3 for everything. Lotta homemade wine. Tit gene perfected this far east. Amazing jugs.
–Z
Undercover Bosnia
BIKERNET PREACHER MAKES A PLEA–The Preacher explains that he must move on to a larger congregation that will pay him more.
There is a hush within the congregation. No one wants him to leave.
Joe Smith, who owns several car dealerships in the City stands up and proclaims: “If the Preacher stays, I will provide him with a new Cadillac every year and his wife with a Honda mini-van to transport their children!” The congregation sighs in appreciation, and applauds.
Sam Brown, a successful entrepreneur and investor, stands and say “If the Preacher will stay on here, I’ll personally double his salary, and also establish a foundation to guarantee the college education of all his children!” More sighs and loud applause..
Sadie Jones, age 88, stands and announces with a smile, “If the preacher stays, I will give him sex,” There is total silence.
The Preacher, blushing, asks her: “Mrs. Jones, whatever possessed you to say that?”
Sadie’s 90 year old husband Jake is now trying to hide, holding his forehead with the palm of his hand and shaking his head from side to side while his wife replies: “Well, I just asked my husband how we could help, and he said “Screw the Preacher.”
AMAZING TECH TIPS FROM BIKERNET–1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don’t panic.Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throatand presto, the blockage will be almost instantlyremoved.
2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicingvegetables by getting someone else to hold them whileyou chop away.
3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about liftingthe toilet seat just by using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourselfand bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.
5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clockwill prevent you from rolling over and going back tosleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose oflaxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with ahammer and you will forget all about the toothache.
8.Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
In life, you only need two tools – WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn’t move but should, use the WD-40.
If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.
9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
Thought for the day:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES…… THEY ARE NOT REALLYGOOD FOR ANYTHING… BUT THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TOYOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.
–from BC
THE BAKER DD6: THE ULTIMATE IN SMOOTH, EFFICIENT QUALITY–HASLETT, MIIn an effort to improve the motorcycling experience for Softail, FXR, FLT, or Dyna riders who rack up the highway miles, the DD6 was born. The DD6 is a bagger’s best friend. Smoothing out the ride, reducing noise, and increasing efficiency is how a transmission can improve the existing experience. Every step has been taken to formulate the best balance of smoothness, quietness, and efficiency and engage it with quality and durability. The BAKER Direct Drive 6-Speed is the proven answer to the formula. It’s no wonder why Big Dog Motorcycles has selected this system in all their new models of motorcycles.
A Direct Power Transfer in 6th Gear = Quiet and Efficient: With a direct drive system, there are less gears making connection when cruising in 6th gear. Power essentially comes in from the motor and straight out again to your back wheel. This is the gear the most time is spent in for highway riders, so it makes sense to optimize the power flow for this gear.
Power isn’t lost by turning additional sets of gears through the gearbox and transmission fluid like conventional drive systems. In additional, that conventional method of power transfer projects unwanted gear noise too.
Helical 4th, 5th, and 6th Gears = Smooth and Quiet: A helical, or twisted, gear tooth form allows the gears to roll and slice into each other for a graceful gear connection. This design grants the smoothest feel and a quietest execution. The conventional slapping together of gears is noisier and vibrates more, but it handles more torque. That is why 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears are still conventionally straight-cut. These are the gears that you typically rip though to get to the higher gears bear the most torque from take-off. At a certain amount of pressure, like unscrewing a bolt, helical gears put later pressure against your bearings, thus straining them. Using our dedicated drivetrain wisdom, we balance the use helical gears and straight-cut gears for optimum performance.
For Softail, FLT, FXT, and Dyna applications. Right-Side-Drive version only available on Big Dogs or BAKER 300 Wide Tire Kits.
Additional features in the DD6 include:
Chrome Trap Door with Engraved DD6 Logo
Anti-Overshift Ratchet Pawl
28-tooth compensating sprocket yields 14% more starter system torque. Longer primary chain included.
Fixed spindle shift drum for smooth, low inertia, drum indexing
Full width BAKER BAKER Ground Gears
For additional information, go online to http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/dialup/dd6/index.html or see page 16-18 of the BAKER 2006 catalog.
STEALTH REPORT FROM NORTH CAROLINA–From all of us at STEALTH BIKE WORKS congratulations to Bandit and all the crew at BIKERNET for their Bonneville Salt Flats efforts!
It has been great riding weather around here lately. Temps in the mid seventies and NO humidity. The SBW crew attended bike night last night and we all had a great time. One of my favorite things at bike nights is checking bikes out but the most interesting thing is checking the people out. You can tell who is new and who has been doing this for some time. The new ones ride up with shorts and flip flops, looking like they are more suited for the beach than for riding. Evidently they have never heard of road rash! It ain’t pretty! The more seasoned riders have their gloves, jeans and proper footwear. I guess some people have to learn the hard way.
As far as the bikes there are some cool ones that show up. The bobbers are starting to be seen a lot around Charlotte. I really don’t get the bikes with the “Glow Lights,” they remind me of a Christmas tree. Ape Hangers are making a strong showing around here too. There were three bikes lastwith Apes that SBW installed. It seems that is becoming our style. Apes Hangers have always been my favorite bars. Right now we are building an Evo rigid with 20-inch Apes. It is going to be cool!
Finally, It has been a sad week with the news of Billy Lane. It is a very sad situation for all involved. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims family and a prayer for Billy as well. I am not feeling sorry for him, just sad. We all need to step back and think before we act in a split second it can all change. Some things cannot be undone.
Hey, the weather is great and the sun is out, time to burn some asphalt!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
Continued On Page 5
September 28, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF YOUNGSTOWN ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO DESIGN THEIR DREAM BIKE WITH HARDBIKES– Custom Bikes Now Available at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Youngstown.
Hermitage, PA September 28, 2006 – Hardbikes has added Harley-Davidson/Buell of Youngstown to their family of dealerships that provide build-to-order custom motorcycles. Tom Wronkovich, Owner of Harley-Davidson/Buell of Youngstown, determined that the Hardbikes program improves customer satisfaction by allowing the enthusiast to design their own motorcycle.
“We have worked with other custom motorcycle builders like Thunder Mountain and we feel that Hardbikes provides a better solution for our customers,” stated Tom Wronkovich. “No matter what paint you have on a bike, the buyer always wants something different. Hardbikes allows you to easily mix and match and even source high end one-off paint schemes as well as fitting the customer to the bike base on their size and riding style.”
The way the process works is a rider comes into the dealership or logs on to the Hardbikes website and designs their custom motorcycle through a software application called the Design Wizard. They then sit down with their local dealer designer to get fitted for the bike based on their physical dimensions and riding style.
“Enthusiasts become part of the process in building their custom fit motorcycle,” stated Bob Kay, VP Sales and Marketing. “They start with a base platform of a Bobber, Chopper or Prostreet and assemble their personal bike from over a million custom parts and sub systems. They get the bike of their dreams in just 45 days.”
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Youngstown is located on the Ohio border in between Cleveland, OH and Pittsburgh, PA. They are making a name for themselves through customer service and meeting customers and friends at bike nights, rallys and runs throughout the area.
NEW SCREAMIN’ EAGLE STREET PERFORMANCE MUFFLERS–MILWAUKEE (August 21, 2006) – The new Screamin’ Eagle Street Performance Slip-On Mufflers from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories are tuned to satisfy the most discriminating Harley motorcycle enthusiast. The aggressive sound quality of these street-legal mufflers is paired with performance comparable to Screamin’ Eagle II race-use mufflers. The chrome-plated mufflers feature a new ballistic-shape inlet and embossed Screamin’ Eagle signature script.
Each set of Street Performance Slip-On Mufflers has been specifically designed and tuned by Harley-Davidson engineers for 2007 fuel-injected Sportster models and 2007 Dyna, Softail and Touring models powered by the new Twin Cam 96 engine, with a variety if tip designs. 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.
Seems the rumor that H-D quit their Screamin’ Eagle exhaust line is false–Bandit
S&S SELLS 1000th SUPER STOCK/SUPER SIDEWINDER SERVICE MANUAL–LA CROSSE, WI (September 15, 2006) S&S Cycle announces the sale of its 1000th Super Stock?/Super Sidewinder? service manual. This is the second service manual released by S&S following the popular Super Sidewinder Plus manual. This manual is designed to guide a technician through the details of servicing both the S&S Super Stock and Super Sidewinder engines with comprehensive instructions, complete specifications, and high-quality photography.
Released in March of 2006, this version covers the 88″ & 96″ Super Stock engines and the 100″, 107″, and 113″ Super Sidewinder engines. Considered to be the most popular S&S engine sizes ever sold, this manual has been in high demand since the introduction of the Super Sidewinder Plus version.
S&S is the leader in the high-performance aftermarket, producing engines of the highest quality, reliability, and performance to be used in a variety of custom motorcycles and as replacements for American v-twin models. S&S was the first aftermarket performance company to release an engine service manual. The first manual, for the S&S Super Sidewinder Plus engine family, was released in July of 2005 and S&S has sold more than 1500 copies to date. This second manual, for the 3-5/8″ and 4″ family of S&S engines hit the 1000 mark this month (September, 2006).
“We recently sold our 1000th SSW+ service manual and now our second manual, for the 3 5/8″ and 4″ family of engines, is rapidly catching up,” said S&S president Brett Smith. “We consider this another milestone in our history as the first performance aftermarket company to offer comprehensive manuals like these. We anticipate the release of our SH-Series engine very soon, followed by a manual for our popular T-Series engine; this is the engine that we used recently to set two new world speed records at Bonneville.”
The release of S&S service manuals coincides with the opening and use of the new Customer Support Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This facility houses the S&S Dealer Training & Certification Facility which provides training for technicians who wish to be certified at various levels on a variety of Proven Performance? S&S engines and components. On August, 2006, S&S also conducted their first Consumer Technical Training course at this facility. In addition to training technicians and v-twin enthusiasts from around the world, S&S is also actively involved with many regulatory issues affecting the performance aftermarket. Providing service manuals is simply another step in the process of providing the best service possible to dealers, distributors, builders, and consumers of S&S products.
The Super Sidewinder Plus service manual, part #61-1000, is for the S&S 111, 117, and 124 cubic inch engines. The Super Stock/Sidewinder service manual, part #61-1001, is for the S&S 88, 96, 100, 107, and 113 cubic inch engines. The next service manuals to be released will include the popular SH-Series (shovelhead) and the T-Series (dual cam) engines. Consumers can visit www.sscycle.com to find an authorized S&S dealer or purchase these manuals online. The current suggested retail price starts at $20.95.
BIKERNET TOAST OF THE WEEK–John O’Reilly hoisted his beer and said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me life, between the legs of me wife!” That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night.
He went home and told his wife, Mary, “I won the prize for the Best Toast of the night”. She said, “Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?”
John said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside my wife.” Oh, that is very nice indeed, John” Mary said.
The next day, Mary ran into one of John’s drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, “John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary”.
She said, “Aye he told me, and I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he’s only been there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come.”
–from Larry Fortier
PEREWITZ MASTER BUILDER SERIES– Ever wonder just what those Master Builders have up their sleeve? Well in most cases its years of experience, unlimited creativity and a love for custom motorcycles. In a very few instances Master Builders like Dave Perewitz, are true “do it all” artists creating everything from the chassis to the amazing custom paint schemes. While builder/painters belong to a rare and exclusive group, Dave, often referred to as the KING OF FLAMES and one of the industries founding fathers, is happy to share his techniques and insider secrets with anyone interested in building or customizing their own bike. With that in mind Dave has recently produced and made available the “MASTER BUILDER” DVD series.
In this exclusive presentation Dave walk’s you through the process of customizing one of the most popular machines on the market, the 2000 and later H-D Softail. From initial purchase through basic and major alterations it’s all here. Treat yourself and your friends to an entertaining and enlightening evening with one of the industries most respected personalities. You’ll certainly pick up on some thought provoking ideas, fabrication shortcuts, Master Builder secrets and an outline and instructions for completing the job yourself.
Each DVD retails for $24.95 and contains information gathered from a lifetime of experience you couldn’t buy at any price. Currently the series is available exclusively through Perewitz Cycle Fabrications. Call 508-697-3595 or visit them on the Web at www.perewitz.com
3RD ANNUAL GREASE MONKEY BLOCK PARTY–The 3rd Annual Grease Monkey Block Party was held at Indian Larry Enterprises, N. 14th Street in Brooklyn NY. The street in front of the shop was blocked off as were many of the others in the area for motorcycle parking only.
Family, Friends and Business Associates were invited to the private part of the event held in the shop itself and in the blocked off section outside. Food and drink was plentiful through out the day. Many well know people in the motorcycling world and lifestyle were in attendance and paying tribute to a man that truly lived the lifestyle and did so much for it.
The Block Party is to celebrate Larry’s life and to keep his memory alive. He had a dramatic affect on the motorcycle lifestyle and he was living a life that many envied, though I do not think have a true idea of what it was like. Larry was a dedicated man, a biker, artist and performer who was finally recognized for his many talents. He died doing what he loved.
The banner hanging over the door of the shop this year also pays tribute to another great builder Johnny Chop.
The Question Mark hangs on the wall outside the shop which is now named Indian Larry Legacy. They still build old school choppers and showcase Larry’s bikes.
Paul Cox and Keino are still building bikes as they have for years using many of Larry’s ideas and designs as well as some of their own. The shop is doing well and there were motorcycles in various stages of builds. Bobby Seeger Jr. is the public relations director and is responsible for traveling to the various motorcycle events around the country to display Larry’s bikes and sell merchandise. Elisa, Bobby’s wife is in charge of managing the business.
For more information or to contact Indian Larry Legacy check out their web site at www.indianlarry.com
–Rogue
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE V-ROD NHRA DRAG RACING TEAM READY TO MAKE THIS WEEKEND’S RACE IN READING COUNT–MILWAUKEE (Sept. 27, 2006) – If you ask Andrew Hines, it never happened. Really. The rumor about how the Screamin’ Eagle/ Vance & Hines V-Rod Harley-Davidson team went to Reading, Pa., for an NHRA national event nearly two weeks ago is just wrong.
OK, maybe the team did go. And maybe the team – along with everyone else – was forced to pack up and go home without making a single pass after persistent rain showers forced NHRA officials to postpone the race.
But don’t remind Hines any of that. In his mind, the team is making its first trip to Maple Grove Raceway on Friday.
“Luckily for us our game plan wasn’t set in stone for the entire race,” Hines said. “We had a few things we wanted to do but we were waiting to see how the weather was going to settle for each round. So now we can go there with a open-minded attitude and figure out the weather conditions and see what we think the track can hold. But you can’t get frustrated about going back. That could hurt you as far as setting up the bike or riding it. As far as I’m concerned, we haven’t been to Maple Grove Raceway yet.”
Hines currently leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle points chase with three national events left in the 2006 POWERade championship season. The two-time defending series champion has two wins in four final rounds this season.
This weekend’s 22nd annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove is one the team looks forward to all season because of the atmospheric conditions. The track, surrounded by oxygen-producing trees that help the V-Rod produce power, has been the site of national record setting passes in the past.
Hines is hoping the team has a chance at resetting the national records currently held by the Screamin’ Eagle team. Hines set the national E.T. record with a 6.968-second pass in Sonoma, Calif., in 2005. He set the speed record with a 197.45 mph pass in Gainesville, Fla., in 2005.
“Hopefully we will have a few chances at getting after the records,” Hines said. “The weather should be a little cooler and that could help us. The fans are going to see some really quick times because this track has everything it takes to help the teams turn some heads.”
With just three events left and an eight-point lead over Antron Brown and the U.S. Army Suzuki team, Hines said he has very specific goals in mind for the final push of the season.
“My goal is to see how well this team can do to close out the year,” Hines said. “We need to push ourselves and be on the offensive. The last two years we’ve had a comfortable points lead going into the final three races of the season and we were on the defensive and we tried to save engine parts. That’s not the case this season. We have to go out and try to get every point possible. We have to try to reset the records and just do anything to earn points.”
The 23-year-old Indianapolis resident earned the No. 1 qualifying award en route to a semifinal finish at this event in 2005. He is certainly aiming higher than that this time.
“I haven’t won there yet but it’s one of the places you want to win badly because it has been a place that has showcased great performances in the past and the fans there are crazy for motorcycle racing,” Hines said. “People love the Harley-Davidson V-Rods there, more than most places. We always have a ton of fans at every race track, but nothing compares to the fans in Reading. We have a lot of Harley-Davidson dealers and riders who come out to the track who want to hang out and have a great time cheering on the V-Rods. It’s a great event.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying starts at 1 p.m. Friday, with a second session scheduled for 4 p.m. as well. Qualifying continues Saturday at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. before final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday. 2006 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings following 12 of 15 events(Victories in parenthesis) 1. Andrew Hines, Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rod (2) 9072. Antron Brown, Suzuki (2) 8993. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki (3) 8094. Chip Ellis, Buell (2) 7945. Matt Smith, Buell (2) 6976. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki 6377. Ryan Schnitz, Buell (1) 6008. Tom Bradford, Buell 5689. Matt Guidera, Buell 52510. Geno Scali, Suzuki 488
Continued On Page 4
September 28, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
JAY TURNER HELPS LEAD TEAM MANCUSO TO DOUBLE WINS AT AHDRA EVENT IN VIRGINIA–RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 26, 2006) – Jay Turner helped make the weekend one to remember for the entire Mancuso Harley-Davidson team, earning two victories at the Jim McClure Nationals Sunday.
Jim McClure passed away in 2004. Turner gave a eulogy to remember at the funeral. His opponent on the race track Sunday, Doug Vancil, was the first recipient of the Jim McClure award. Turner and Vancil made the day even more memorable by delivering blazingly quick performance times in the final.
Turner edged Vancil for the win, using a 6.413-second pass at 217.84 mph on his Mancuso Harley-Davidson for his second win in three final rounds this season. Vancil rode his Vance & Hines Motorsports Harley-Davidson to a 6.417 at 215.31 for his first runner-up finish in three final rounds.
Turner also took the win in Pro Fuel, beating Steve Simmons for his second trophy of the day.
Tak Shigematsu was the No. 1 qualifier in Top Fuel nitro class with a 6.245 pass. Turner was fourth with a 6.545 while Vancil was sixth with a 6.590.
Wanda Poff became the eighth different winner in the Destroyer category, taking out L.E. Tonglet in the final round. Tonglet – younger brother of Screamin’ Eagle factory NHRA racer GT Tonglet – earned his first win of the year at the Bristol, Tenn., event in August. Poff earned the trophy early, as Tonglet fouled at the starting line. Poff rode out the lap for a 9.500 pass en route to the victory.
Erik Ryder was the top qualifier in the Destroyer category, using a 9.284 pass to take the No. 1 position. Poff was third (9.321) while Tonglet was fifth (9.381). Douglas Home (9.292) and Michael Ray (9.362) were second and fourth, respectively.
J.P. Hendrzak took out the No. 1 qualifier in the final round of the SEP category. Hendrzak earned his first SEP win of the season by beating Keith Carper with an 11.502 pass at 113.23. Carper turned in an 11.471 at 101.43. Carper was the top qualifier in the field with an 11.502 pass. Hendrzak qualified in the No. 18 position with an 11.596.
Dan DeGood earned his second victory of the season Sunday in ET, taking out final round regular Bob Drapp in the final. Drapp has three previous wins in the ET category this season.
Just three AHDRA races remain this season. The next AHDRA event is Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts Nationals in Rockingham, N.C., Oct. 14-15.
BIKER BUILD-OFF CRAFTSMAN REPRESENTED BY FINE PHOTO ART PRINTS–Just got two new prints done for “Builder and Machine” my Image fusion photo series depicting the real craftsmen of our industry. Here are Brian Klock of Klock Werks and Michael Prugh Of independent Cycle Inc.
Fine art poster prints are available for purchase on my site www.saraliberte.com for $20.00. The first round of builders includes Mondo, Dave Perewitz, Randy Simpson, Kendall Johnson, Russell Mitchell, the late Johnny Chop, Brian Klock and Mike Prugh.
–Sara Liberte
www.northhillscycle.com
SAXON MOTORCYCLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES IT’S 2007 MODEL LINE LAUNCH–CASA GRANDE, ARIZ – Sept. 20, 2006- Representatives of Saxon Motorcycle Company today proudly announced the launch of its bold and new 2007 model line.
Because of the overwhelming success of the 2006 models, Saxon Motorcycle Company has stepped it up for the 2007 model year with the addition of a new model, the Gauntlet, and several sweeping changes over the entire model line, while still holding their commitment to affordability, reliability, and comfort. Saxon Motorcycle Company will continue to maintain the overall production standards that have made Saxon a prevalent force in the motorcycle industry by offering reliability, quality, and competitive pricing on all of their models. “We continue to monitor our manufacturing, and each year we look for ways to improve our model line because we feel it’s important to invest in the future of our company and to put out the best product possible,” said David Schwam, Saxon’s Vice President of sales and marketing.
For the 2007 model year Saxon has implemented several sweeping changes across the line to improve handling and reliability. Some of the biggest changes include Brembo brakes and 2 piece rotors for more stopping power, Progressive Suspension for a smoother ride and better handling, sculpted custom seats for additional comfort, and an improved electrical harness, which will lend added reliability; all key components are more accessible for routine maintenance. Some other changes across the model line include a clutch that’s easier to pull, a chromed belt guard, cleaner wiring, improved vibration dampening, and 2 new colors.
The model specific changes for the Sceptre include a redesigned gas tank, drag style handlebars, and a hot rod package that includes black spoke wheels, blacked out lower legs, hot rod graphics, and ape-hangers. The Crown, designed by Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods, has 2 new paint and graphics options that mix flat and metallic finishes, a new more comfortable hand tooled leather seat, better suspension, and a redesigned fender that accents the “old school-modernistic” styling.
The new 2007 Saxon Motorcycle base models start at just $23,995 and go to $28,595 MSRP. “We have tried to keep the base price of all our 2007 models reasonable and give the customer the ability to customize their bike with the numerous options packages we have available, ranging from a full custom paint job to wheel and chrome packages,” said Schwam.
The launch of the new 300 mm rear tire pro-street Gauntlet model marks the new model year and gives customers the option to own a right side drive pro-street motorcycle with a monstrous 300mm rear tire at a reasonable price.
Like the 2006 models, all 2007 Saxon Motorcycles feature S&S 96 or 111 engines, are EPA and CARB certified, and carry a two-year unlimited miles limited warranty.
TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW COMING–Welcome back Bandit, glad to have you back in the saddle… but I must say that Miss Layla really did shine in your absence! You should definitely keep her around.Now to business,
I can hardly believe that the Texas National is just around the corner, a mere 5 weeks away, and I still have so many builders who need to be showcased, thank God for BIKERNET our favorite sponsor for allowing us to feature all of these great shops and builders that are working so hard to bring some outstanding builds to our show this year.
I could not be happier to feature Hemi-Head Customs this week, I can honestly say that Tim and Tina are the most enthusiastic people about this build off that I have ever met, they have put up posters from Houston to Del Rio, to Louisiana, and who know where else.If you have seen them on the road anywhere I am quite sure they let you know to come out to the show and vote for their bike or else! Oh and by the way that is their very cool orange bike on our show poster this year along with the fabulous Miss Texas National 2005.
On another exciting note, our TV commercial is finished and man is it HOT!!! If you live in and around the Houston area look for it on Time Warner cable starting the week of 10/23, also for those of you that are not in the area look for it on our web site www.texasnationalbikeshow.com coming soon.
I have been signing up new vendors and new bike show participants all week, but I still have room for more… always! So a “Big Thanks” for all that have been supportive this year and last.
We will bring you a hell of a show!
–Mrs. Devil
Holly
D&D’s SPONSORED BIKERNET PANHEAD SETS BUBS SALT RECORD OF 141.4 MPH–World’s Fastest Panhead Sportbike Runs D&D Performance Exhaust.Fort Worth, TX – September 26, 2006 – D&D Performance Enterprises helped Bikernet.com celebrate their ten-year anniversary by sponsoring Bikernet’s world’s fastest Panhead sportbike called the Salt Shaker. They set a new 141.465 mph national record with the Keith Ball, built Salt Shaker.
Bikernet’s pilot, Valerie Thompson, took charge of the Salt Shaker sportbike at the September 3-7, 2006 Bonneville Speed Trials by BUB, and immediately ran the bike over 140 mph. As the week progressed the team ran as fast as 145 mph and put the Salt Shaker in the record books at 141.4 mph.
To support Bikernet and the 5 Ball Racing team, D&D Performance Exhaust produced a stepped pipe design that starts out at 1 -inch and increased to 1 7/8 and 2 inches. The design of the land speed racing pipe was integral to the performance of the Accurate Panhead high performance engine. It provided the most efficient way to extract expended gases out of the combustion chamber and move fuel into it.’We couldn’t have done it without D&D,” explained Keith Ball, Owner of Bikernet.com. “Dave Rash, President of D&D Performance Enterprises, consulted with Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering, our 120-inch Panhead engine builder, on the design and flow of the heads to come up with the best possible formula.”
The Salt Shaker race bike is a John Reed designed, Custom Chrome Sport Bike chassis, powered by a Barry Wardlaw’s, Accurate Engineering, 120-inch Panhead engine, D&D Performance Exhaust LSR pipes, Baker 6-speed transmission and BDL belt drive. The world’s first and fastest Panhead Sportbike was constructed by Bandit and John VanTrump in the Bikernet Headquarters. The entire Chassis is Custom Chrome with the exception of a La Pera seat.
“If you cut us, we bleed salt,” said Dave Rash. “We are proud of the effort of Bandit and his 5-Ball Racing team put together. We are excited about the results and even more excited about working with the team in 2007.”
“We’re going to build the World’s Fastest Panhead,” Ball said. “We want a open chassis Panhead to slip through the traps at over 200 mph.”
In 1972 David Rash could not find the exhaust pipe he needed for his race bike. He knew that the proper exhaust for his engine configuration would give him an edge over his competition so he fabricated one himself. Thirty years and 250,000 pipes later D&D Performance Exhaust systems are some of the leading performance motorcycle exhaust systems in the world.
D&D Performance Exhausts are available from Custom Chrome dealersnationwide or from the factory at 817-834-8961, www.danddexhaust.com.
AT LAST OUR FINE PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Another scene from the balcony, sipping on the JD, after a long day’s ride, in Keystone, SD.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
BIKETOBERFEST ANNOUNCEMENT– Promote your business on Main Street Daytona beach Florida during Biketoberfest 2006 and Bike Week 2007. Limited Advertising Space is Avaliable. We at East Side are contracted to promote the first Annual Wiseguys “Block Party” held in the Parking lot next to Wiseguys Watering Hole on Main Street. We will have Live Entertainment, Wet T-shirt contest, Food, Beer Tubs, Full liquor bars, Vendors, and the first Annual Main Street “Radical” Ride in Bike Show.
As you know Main Street Is and always will be the HEART of Bike Week for thousands of purchasing spectators.
Promote your business in Banner form over and around the stage and give us your promotional products to throw out to spectators during our live venue. If interested please call info below.
For more info Call: Sam Torres/Vice President Cell: (845) 629-0803
Dave Torres/President Cell: (845) 742-4976
East Side Custom Choppers inc.
East Side Production & Entertainment Agency
e-mail: seastside@hvc.rr.com
www.eastsidecustomchoppers.com
VANCOUVER TOY RUN – OCTOBER 1–28th Annual Vancouver Motorcycle Toy Run
Date: October 1, 2006
Place: Coquitlam Centre (2929 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam -www.coquitlamcentre.com/location/)
Time: Ride leaves at 10:00am and proceeds full parade style to the PNEGrounds
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111
E-Mail: office@bccom-bc.com
Cost: A new childs toy or a monetary donation to the Lower MainlandChristmas Bureau. The Christmas Bureau kindly requests no stuffed toys.There is always a great demand for sport and educational toys and gifts forteenagers.
The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, who have been serving the lessfortunate for 76 years, distribute these toys to several other ChristmasBureaus throughout the Lower Mainland.
Limited commemorative pins available.
ALL MOTORCYCLISTS WELCOME!
THE TOY RUN WILL GO RAIN OR SHINE!
We hope to make the 2006 toy run an even bigger success than last year andwith your help we can! Please spread the word. Lets make sure that everymotorcyclist in B.C. knows about this ride, so that more underprivilegedchildren and families can have a happy Christmas!
SMOKE OUT WEST OCTOBER 6-7– Cottonwood has a VERY cool post office. They have made a cancellation stamp to commemorate the event (which is actually a collector’s item now). This kind of welcome blows me away. People attending the SMOKE OUT WEST may obtain a postmark in person at the temporary Post Office? station established here on the event grounds (and you can mail the cool shit you buy here home).
Friends who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the postmark, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial postmarks are available by mail, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the SMOKE OUT WEST.
Send your request to: PICTORIAL POSTMARKS, SMOKE OUT STATION WEST, PO BOX 9998, COTTONWOOD AZ 86326-9998
FRIDAY ACTION
10:00 am Event Opens
1:00 – Raffle for Stuff on main stage
1:00-2:00 Anvil Toss Men’s Division (check in 12:30 at the Smoke House)
2:00-2:30 Anvil Toss Women’s Division (check in 12:30 at the Smoke House)
3:00-3:30 Gunslinger Show – cement pad in front of main stage
3:00-6:00 Registration at The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Bike Show at the Smoke House
4:00 – Raffle for Stuff on main stage
5:30 – Visit with Vern Autrey (one of the original Boozefighters that rode into Hollister, CA in 1947) at the Boozefighters booth
5:45-6:45 Wet T-shirt contest sponsored by Biltwell, Inc., 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $75
6:45 – Rocket 350 (Rockabilly) (main stage)
8:30 – Horse Maiden Contest Winner (main stage)
9:00 – Cadillac Angels (Rockabilly) (main stage)
11:00 Event Close for the night
Saturday
10 am Event Opens
10:00-1:00 Last Chance Registrations for the The HORSE Backstreet Choppers CHOPA’ SHOW
12:00-4:00 Vote for the Chop Off winner (vote only once, even if ya from Chicago)
12:00-12:30 Gunslinger Show – cement pad in front of main stage
1:00 – 3:30 Hot Lady Bike Wash / Get your bike cleaned by the ladies from Bliss Cabaret in Phoenix. No Charge. Girls work for tips only. God Bless America!
1:30-500 Bikes in place for bike show. (Bike must stay in place until 5:00 pm.)
2:00- 3:00 Arizona Derby Dames battle it out in front of the main stage in a demonstration match between The Live Fast Roller Girls and Lady Lux..
3:00-4:00 Wet T-shirt contest sponsored by Biltwell, Inc., 1st Place $300, 2nd Place $200, 3rd Place $100
5:30 – The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Bike Show Winners announced
7:00 – Devil Doll (main stage)
8:30 – Hammer, Edge, Geno, Alan, Englishman and the Mayor of Salisbury – present a check to The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Smoke Out West Chop-Off Winner and Ed Martin from Jammer Cycle presents The Jammer Ol’Skool Award
9:00 – Supersuckers (main stage)
11:00 Event Close
Continued On Page 3
September 28, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
This news might kick my ass. Hang on. I’m grappling for words to kick it off. Maybe it was the B-complex I took this morning to relieve stress, or the fact that I ran out of Jack a week ago. Wait, I just shipped out my 120-inch Panhead engine for tweaking by the Accurate Engineering squad. I already miss it. Maybe I can’t believe we set a record at Bubs Bonneville.
I want to thank the following companies for coming on board as sponsors: S&S, AdvanceStar, Pro One and Rockem/Sockem just signed up. I spoke to Genevieve Schmidt this morning. She owns Women Riders Now.com. When I told her our readership numbers she said, “that’s sick.” Her site is new and picking up 70,000 impressions a month. We receive right at a million a month. Our CPM for advertising is currently .40 or 40 cents per 1000 impressions for a 2-year contract. Our rates are going up at the end of the year, so it’s a good time to jump on Bikernet. Some mags charge as much as $40 per cpm.
Okay, let’s hit the news. I need to take care of our new sponsors:
Saxon Motorcycle Launches The All New Pro-Street 300mm Tire Gauntlet Model–CASA GRANDE, ARIZ – Sept. 20, 2007 – Saxon Motorcycle Company today introduced its all-new Gauntlet model, a custom manufactured, pro-street style motorcycle with a 300 mm rear tire featuring ultra modern design elements and components.
“The Gauntlet represents another way that Saxon is keeping up with the consumers demand for designs that are modern and aggressive,” said David Schwam, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By manufacturing a pro-street motorcycle with a 300 mm rear tire we are able to offer another radical production-custom bike to the general public at an affordable price.”
The Gauntlet has several features you would expect to see on a full custom motorcycle, and with a base price of just $25,995, it can’t be beat. The frame is a single down tube with coupled with a 6-speed right side drive transmission. The 45 degrees of overall rake and pro-street geometry make the Gauntlet a bike that will handle superbly, and the 300mm tire in back makes it look tough. “We want to offer new models to keep up with the demand for something innovative and different. Last year we came out with one of the first 300mm tire manufactured motorcycles, our Griffin chopper, and this year we wanted to use that same 300 mm tire platform and create a pro-street model. We believe the Gauntlet represents Saxon as a leader in manufacturing and modern design,” said Schwam.
With the launch of the Gauntlet, Saxon is rounding out its existing model line with a third pro-street with a unique design and appeal. “The Gauntlet is a great alternative to the Firestorm for someone who wants the massive 300mm tire out back but wants the aggressive riding position of a pro-street. It allows us to go after the customers who want the styling of a production custom, super-wide tire motorcycle while offering them the reliability, performance, and value that have become synonymous with Saxon,” said Schwam.
The Gauntlet will be available at Saxon Dealerships nationwide starting in late October, with its MSRP anticipated to start at $25,995.
Highlights of the Gauntlet include:
300 mm Metzler rear tire
Aggressive drag-style handlebars
Radical, right side drive frame with 40 degree rake in the neck as well as 5 degrees in the triple trees
Sleek single down tube
Stretched custom gas tank Sculpted custom seat
Softail suspension frame
Black S&S 96 CI engine and 6-speed transmission right side drive standard with an available S&S 111 engine upgrade
9 color choices
4 levels of graphics including an entirely custom option.
BIKERNET.COM SPONSORS THE 2007 EASYRIDERS BIKE SHOW TOUR–We are working out the final details, but we may feature show winners and perhaps the Pro Class Winners. The Pro Class are contestants to be apart of the Centerfold Tour the following year. I may even be a judge for some of the shows.
We’ll bring you all the news as the following schedule unfolds:
POMONA, CA ? January 6 &7
L.A. Fairplex???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
1101 W McKinley Ave ???????????????????????????????
Pomona, CA 91769
Venue Information: 909-623-3111
SACRAMENTO, CA ? January 13 & 14??????????????????????
Sacramento Convention Center??????
1401 K Street????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Sacramento, CA 95814
Venue Information:
916-808-5291?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
CHARLOTTE, NC ? January 27 & 28
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S College Street???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Charlotte, NC 28202
Venue Information:
704-339-6000?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
MEMPHIS, TN ? February 3?????????????????????????????????????????
Memphis Cook Convention Center
255 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Venue Information: 901-576-1200?????????????????????
LOUISVILLE, KY ? February 10
Kentucky International Convention Center??
221 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Venue Information: 502-595-4381
COLUMBUS, OH ? February 16 ? 18
Veterans Memorial
300 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
PORTLAND, OR ? March 24??????????????????????????????????????????
Oregon Convention Center??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd??????????????????????????????????????
Portland, OR 97232????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Venue Information:
503-235-7575?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
SAN DIEGO, CA ? March 31
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Venue Information: 619-525-5000
DENVER, CO ? April 7
Denver Merchandise Mart
451 East 58th Avenue
Denver, CO 80216
Venue Information: 303-292-6278
HARTFORD, CT ? APRIL 14
Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Blvd
Hartford CT 06103
Venue Information: 860-249-6000
DALLAS, TX ? APRIL 21
Fairpark/The Centennial Hall
3929 Grand Place
Dallas, TX 75210
Venue Information: 214-670-8400
KANSAS CITY, MO ? MAY 5
Kansas City Bartle Hall
301 West 13th Street
Kansas City MO 64105
800-821-7060
CONGRATS TO THE 5-BALL TEAM AT BONNE– Great job, Valerie.That pan sure did come together nice. I can’t wait for the World’s Fastest Panhead now. I’m getting weird on my keyboard now just thinking about going through the gears on that thing and hangin’ on…….
The riding season here in Pocono Mtns. of PA is coming to an end, well maybe after the New Year’s Day ride. I love the 5-Ball team logo and apparel. They’re great.Say hi to Nyla- she’s awesome.
–JodiGirl
faithful reader/supporter
ACCURATE ENGINEERING NEW DYNO FACILITY–Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering built the 120-inch Panhead engine for the Bikernet 5-Ball Racing bike that’s currently the World’s Fastest Sportbike Panhead.”If nothing else, I dyno it just to see what RPM the engine would have pulled,” Berry said. “The gear change percentages are very close in 1 through 4th gears. We will see. I have a new program that will give me distances, gearing, and I can put in different parameters that consider parasitic losses. I’m gonna’ give it the old test-a-rooni. The dyno room is damn near finished. This fucker is NICE!
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE AMA FLAT TRACKERS PUT CHAMPIONSHIPCHASE ON HOLD FOR WEATHER–AMA Flat Track Season Finale Moved to Oct. 14– COLUMBUS (Sept. 23, 2006) – Kenny Coolbeth was already chomping at the bit to get to Scioto Downs. The track – used for horse racing most of the year – is the site of the AMA Flat Track championship season finale. The race was supposed to start Saturday evening, crowning the champion at the conclusion of the race.
That was before a storm decided to run through Ohio. AMA officials were forced to postpone the season finale until Oct. 14. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5 p.m. followed by the first heat race at 5:30 p.m.
Coolbeth took over the points lead at the previous event held at the Springfield (Ill.) mile on Sept. 5. The Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson factory rider now leads fellow Wrecking Crew teammate Jared Mees and the Texter H-D team by nine points and Chris Carr and the Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson team by 10 points.
Coolbeth is in search of his first AMA Flat Track Championship. It would also be the first for Harley-Davidson in nine years.
“I just want it over with because the waiting is so difficult,” Coolbeth, a Warren, Conn., native said. “I wish we had raced two weeks ago so now that it’s postponed even more makes it really tough to be patient. It’s nerve-wracking to wait but all I can do is go through the time off the way I would any other race. I’m just training and preparing to go in there and win a race.”
Screamin’ Eagle Wrecking crew racer Bryan Smith and the Pat Moroney’s Harley-Davidson team are in fourth place while Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Rich King is in fifth place.
Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said the team will have to work even more to be prepared for the finale.
“The previous race was on Sept. 5, so there is going to be more than a month between the final two races of the season,” Paluso said. “We have great riders and crew members who have battled all season long. It’s tough on them to have to wait another two weeks especially when we have riders in the championship chase. But if anyone can use the time wisely and double-check that we’re prepared, it’s the Screamin’ Eagle team.”
AMA Top 10 Point standings: Flat Track(Following nine of 10 events. Number of wins in parenthesis)
1. Kenny Coolbeth, Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson (2) 135
2. Jared Mees, Texter H-D/ Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson (1) 126
3. Chris Carr, Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson (2) 125
4. Bryan Smith, Pat Moroney’s/Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson 119
5. Rich King, Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson 110
6. Joe Kopp, Latus Harley-Davidson (1) 97
7. Glen Schnabel, Harley-Davidson 89
8. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 77
9. Mike Hacker, Doc’s Harley-Davidson (1) 68
10. Johnny Murphree, Coziahr Harley-Davidson 65
In addition to the direct team sponsorship, Harley-Davidson will also provide support through professional flat track contingency and the Rider Support Verification Program (RSVP). Under the Screamin’ Eagle banner the support will total more than $140,000 throughout the 2006 season. This includes a contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson XR750 riders on the AMA Flat Track series.
The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
THE ULTIMATE PROMO FOR BANDIT’S CANTINA–I just tuned in to the Sunday update and laid these old eyes on a blue eyed hardbelly with pouty red lips, a wasp waist and creamy milkers the size of New Jersey….and she even has freckles in the valley between ’em !!
I am in LOVE again and life is worth living once more !!! She is fuckin’ perfect! Just gazing upon her is worth every single penny of the $16.60 I paid to join up….Yes, I also bought yer damn book ! Thanks for showing me life as it should be….and can we see more of her ?
–Dusty
dan@lvmsystems.com
Quick, join the Cantina and check the Sunday Post. There’s a banner that will take you right to Veronica.
BURT MUNRO’S SON IS LOOKING FOR AN ANTIQUE BIKE–I’ve been in contact with John Munro – Burt’s son. He is looking for a 1952/3 Vellocette.Do you know anyone reliable who I can put him in touch with?He is coming in for the induction of his Father this October into the AMA Hall of Fame (AMA).
Linda “Jo” Giovannoni . . .
biker1jo@sbcglobal.net
BILLY LANE UPDATE ON ACCIDENT–Local motorcycle builder Billy Lane turned himself in at 1 p.m. today in connection with a fatal accident Sept. 4.Among the charges Lane faces are driving under influence, manslaughter and driving with his license suspended.
Lane, 36, arrived with his lawyers at the Florida Highway Patrol office on State Road 520.
FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said Lane’s blood alcohol level was .192 when the accident occurred on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach.
She said bond would be set at $15,000.
Investigators have said Lane was trying to pass two other vehicles on a double-yellow-lined stretch of A1A when his southbound 2006 Dodge Ram pickup collided with a northbound 1983 Yamaha moped.
Melbourne Beach resident Gerald Morelock, 56, was killed. Lane and a passenger in his truck were injured.
BILLY LANE STATEMENT– Melbourne, FL- Today charges were filed against Billy Lane in the motor vehicle accident involving Mr. Lane and Gerald Morelock. We first want to say that we extend our sincere sympathy to Mr. Morelock’s family. Mr. Lane also was injured in the accident, but will cooperate fully in the pending investigation as he recovers. At this time we cannot make any further statements, but will keep the lines of communication open as more information becomes available.
Okay, Billy is taking a lot of heat on the HORSE board, so I’ll say the following: Billy was a brother and is a brother. No matter what, we’ll stand behind him through this. When we stand back we must admit that this could have happened to any number of us. Life is just a roll of the dice daily. Sometimes we’re lucky and roll sevens, and other times we roll snake-eyes.–Bandit
EASYRIDERS EVENTS ANNOUNCES 2007 CENTERFOLD TOUR MASTER BUILDERS 2007 V-TWIN BIKE SHOWING SIX MASTER BUILDERS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES–(Newbury Park, CA) – September 2006 – Easyriders Events proudly announces the six new master builders for the Easyriders Centerfold Tour. Six master builders and their custom one-off motorcycles will be showcased during the 12-city tour across the United States; which kicks-off in Pomona, California on January 7 and wraps up with the Invitational Bike Show in Kansas City, Missouri on May 5. A complete schedule of tour dates and locations is available online at www.EasyridersEvents.com.
World-class creations from Paul Yaffe of Paul Yaffe Originals, Kendall Johnson of Kendall Johnson Customs, The Detroit Bros., Ralph Randolph of Rockem and Sockem Motorcycle Co., Bill Rucker of Rucker Performance and Austin Weiss of Streamline Designs will be displayed for up-close viewing at each of the Easyriders V-Twin Bike Shows.
“Each of this year’s builders has been selected and personally invited to join the ranks of ‘Centerfold Tour’ predecessors like Billy Lane, Rick Fairless and Ron Finch. The excitement is in the diversity of these phenomenal Motorcycle Builders,” explained Easyriders Events president, John Green.
Master Centerfold Tour builder Paul Yaffe responded to his invitation to the 2007 event circuit enthusiastically, stating “It has been an honor [for me] to be selected. Attending the Easyriders Shows across the country is the perfect way to meet fans and customers. My phones ring off the hook following every show I attend. Since Supertrapp decided to have a booth coupled with mine, our dealer and retail exhaust sales have doubled.”
Excitement surrounding the 2007 Easyriders V-Twin Bike Show Tour is building with newly released information regarding attractions scheduled in 2007. Dorian Swanner of Carolina Customs Products, Inc. has been confirmed as the builder of a custom one-off motorcycle to be given away to one lucky V-Twin Bike Show attendee at the end of the tour. Swanner has also designed and created custom trophies for the 2007 tour, which are sure to beautify any winner’s trophy case. Additionally, Ralph Randolph of Rockem and Sockem Motorcycle Co. is feverishly building a one-of-a-kind motorcycle to be given away at the 2008 Easyriders Rodeo Tour Grand Nationals in Chillicothe, Ohio. Both giveaway bikes will be on display for the public at all 2007 Easyriders V-Twin Bike Show Tour locations.
For additional information regarding the 2007 V-Twin Bike Show Centerfold Tour, Carolina Customs Motorcycle Giveaway, Rockem and Sockem Motorcycle Giveaway, Exhibitor Information or Bike Show Competition Entry, please call our offices toll-free at 1-800-962-9857 or visit us online at www.EasyridersEvents.com.
ROCKEM SOCKEM MOTORCYCLE COMPANY COMES TO BIKERNET–Ralph Randolph grew up on dirt-bikes and the mean streets of New Mexico. It was clear early on that Ralph “Rockem” Randolph and his brother, “Sockem”, meant business. Ralph had a dream of success and nothing was going to stand in his way.
Ralph wasn’t afraid of hard work and by the time he was 13 years old, he was pouring concrete and running his own roofing company. During college, Ralph used prize money he won cage fighting on weekends to pay for an addiction to aviation and a career as a Strong Safety for University of New Mexico’s football team. It was also during college that Ralph stepped up from riding dirt-bikes to building the old-school bobbers and choppers he’s famous for today.
With a degree in hand from the School Of Architecture in Albuquerque, Ralph was driven to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated #1 Company Honor Man from his boot camp class of over 600. It was on tour during Operation Desert Storm that the Corps further instilled in Ralph the value of teamwork and the concept of gut check: When you think you can’t go any further you can. Back stateside, Ralph refocused his attention on flying airplanes and building custom motorcycles.
Ralph Randolph is now a captain with US Airways, a father, a husband and the hands-on Big Dog behind Rockem & Soxckem Motorcycle Co. Since its unveiling of the Snap-On Tools 85th Anniversary Bobber, Rockem & Sockem Motorcycle Co. has become one of the fastest growing brands in motorcycles. In an industry recently plagued with accidents and bad press, Ralph Randolph and company continue to attract big-name sponsors at the highest level with products including miniature die-cast models, a national Rockem & Sockem Boxing Club, a Rockem & Sockem Roadhouse Restaurant empire and a hot new line of custom bobbers, available November 2006.
What might seem like overnight success has actually been years in the making. For the kid from New Mexico, his journey’s been proof that the American dream can and does come true. According to Ralph, it all comes down to one simple philosophy: Teamwork and hard work will always pay off.
Continued On Page 2
September 21, 2006
By Bandit |
Kraft Custom Cycles teaser. Get ready to see her in The Girls Of Bikernet.
While Bandit?s off test riding the new Saxon?s from Phoenix to Sedona, I?m here slaving away to bring you the news. I love you guys, I?m sticking with you no matter what. Bandit on the other hand is gone in a hot second when someone says, ?lets go for a ride?. Friggin no-good big ass biker.
It?s a short news cause I can?t take weeding through Bandit?s emails. The girls writing him, ?oh Bandit?, the complainers, ?you suck?, the gimme mo-fo?s, ?gimme a motorcycle?, it?s enough to drive me to drink. Here?s the best news I can do for you today, cause I care and I?m here for you.
Layla
CANADA’S ‘BIKER” KIDS NEED HELP–
As you saw, if you’re a regular reader of BIKERNET, I just returned from the Canadian Championship of Bike Building in Wembley Alberta. While I was there I had the pleasure of meeting a group of youngsters from the Bernice MacNaughton High School in Moncton, New Brunswick and their teacher Marc “MAZZ” Mazerolle.
Mazz, as the kids call him, runs a program to help “at risk”, misfits, and kids that have nowhere else to go teaching them various skills such as welding and metal fabrication that they currently put to use building custom bicycles.
The kids themselves raised funds for their trip to the AMD Canadian Championship of Custom Bike Building in Wembley Alberta, Canada. The kids sold tickets on various prizes throughout the summer and attended two custom vehicle shows displaying “Wendy” and the Indian Larry Tribute Bicycle.
Chica from Chica’s Custom Cycles took time from his busy show schedule, as did many of the Canadian Builders, to take the kids under their wings and go over their bikes to show the kids the details that go into making a winning bike.
All the parts for a bobber, wheels, tires, front-end, seat, tins, engine, tranny, everything!!!! If they can get this first bike built, they are counting on selling it, once completed to finance the next bike and so on. All funds raised will go 100% directly back into the program to help “at risk”, misfits, and kids that have nowhere else to go.
Mid-USA’s Canadian Division stepped right up and donated a custom Bobber frame to get the kids started and has challenged all the other parts manufacturers to do the same with whatever parts they can.
Thanks Chuck!!!
These parts do not have to be new, they don’t have to be shiny, they are ready to refinish any parts they get and they will take anything you could send to them. This is an incredible opportunity for these kids and for you too.
If you can help out in any way, please contact:
Marc ” MAZZ” Mazerolle
Teacher/Bike Club Manager
Bernice MacNaughton High School
999 St George Blvd. Moncton, New Brunswick
Canada E1E 2C9
Phone: 506-856-3469 (school)
Phone: 506-856-9903 (home)
From TBear
ANOTHER COMPLAINER ON BIKE NOISE– Hi Bandit, You may or may not remember meeting me (it’s been years), but I took theliberty of running your noise study in the Keystone Motorcycle Press, aPennsylvania regional monthly publication.
A reader responded to your study and Iwant to afford you the opportunity to respond him. It follows. In addition, ifyou’d like to receive the KMP, just say so and I’ll see to it. I also sometime ago printed a blurb about your neat furniture. Are you still doing that? In any event, please respond to this address, if you’d care to do so. Thanks.
Regards,
Dan Faingnaert, editor
Keystone Motorcycle Press
Dear KMP, It’s been a while since I?ve written a letter to the editorconcerning an article appearing in your paper, but after reading “An IndependentMotorcycle Noise Study,” by Keith R. Ball, I feel compelled to do so. His positionthat motorcycle safety requires the use of loud pipes, based upon his “study”of whether a car driver can hear the sound of a stock motorcycle is, plainlyput, ridiculous.
First, a stock exhaust system, by definition, is going to be quieter than anaftermarket one (unless, of course, the aftermarket one is a directreplacement). No striking revelation here, and certainly no need for a study to confirmwhat most motorcycle purchasers know and actually look forward to.He goes on to argue that many drivers are being distracted by the use ofmobile electronic devices and are a threat to our safety. Does Ball think, that byblasting your pipes at such a driver, it will somehow make him or her lessdistracted? Yeah, right!
Finally, he plans on having his cake and eating it too. His position is thatin order to be safe, make sure your bike is loud enough to be heard intraffic, but be considerate of your neighbors…lest they vent their anger on you.
Well, how about showing some consideration for the rest of us who are not yourneighbors and who you are likely to meet on the highway?I keep hoping that loud pipes on motorcycles will go the way of the dinosaurs(legislators notwithstanding), but here we are in 2006, and I keep readingthe same lame arguments for loud pipes. Sigh.
Albert Singer
Middletown, NY
Albert,
Thanks for your response. For every nine responses I receive, one is as misguided as yours. I’ll tell you what’s ridiculous, when a motorist runs over a biker while talking on a cell phone. Ridiculous, is when a motorists turns left in front of a motorcyclists, killing him, and walks away by saying, “Sorry officer, I didn’t see him or her.” What’s ridiculous is that between 70 and 85 percent of all motorcycle/car crashes are the fault of the motorists.
Of course we had to study a variety of motorcycles in order to come up with a base. And of course we know that whatever we have to do to distract a cell phone user to save a life is necessary and relevant. And finally, I would like to think that vehicular manslaughter will someday go the way of the dinosaur. Almost weekly I receive testimonials from bikers who prevented accidents with aftermarket pipes. Sorry pal, but I can only confirm that ‘Loud Pipes Saves Lives’.
Ride Forever,
K. Randall Ball
President
Bikernet.com
P.S. We recently published a study on deadly cell phone use on Bikernet.com. Feel free to check it out: http://www.bikernet.com/news/PageViewer.asp?PageID=1102
BIG TWIN WEST HOUSING NOW OPEN!–December is quickly approaching! Be sure to make plans to attend Big Twin West 2006 taking place Decemeber 1-3, 2006 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Already registered to attend Big Twin West 2006?Simply follow the 5 easy ways to reserve a hotel room listed below and make your reservation today. Housing will close October 29, 2006 so be sure to book your room before the special discount rates expire.
Not yet registered to attend Big Twin West 2006? Be sure and click on the appropriate link below to get registered today:Click here to register if you have previously attended Big Twin West or Dealer Expo.Click here to register if you have never attended Big Twin West or Dealer Expo.
Once you are successfully registered you are all set to follow the room reservation instructions below.
5 Easy Ways To Reserve A Hotel Room
Online–Click here to reserve your room online at www.bigtwinwest.com
Phone
800-221-3531 (US & Canada)
212-532-1660 (International)
9:00 am – 7:00 pm EST M-F
Email bigtwinwest@tphousing.com
Fax
212-779-6128
Mail
Big Twin West ’06
Travel Planners Inc.
381 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
If you are emailing, faxing or mailing your housing reservations, please include your phone number and all information required on the Housing Request Form, which can be found on our website .
Host Hotels & Room Rates
Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center
3950 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Luxor Las Vegas
3900 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
3850 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
The last day to make hotel reservations with Travel Planners is October 29, 2006 . You can cancel your reservation within 72 hours of your first arrival date with no penalty.
See you at Big Twin West on December 1 – 3, 2006!
ARTISTRY IN IRON PEEK–Hey Bandit, Here’s a picture of the winning bike by Greg Westbury. He does incredible work. I also included a pictue of the seat I made for it. Thanks, Duane
ACCELERATORS POKER RUN SEPT 24
SIGN IN
GREGORIO’S
RT 50 MAYSLANDING
9:00 AM TO 11:00 AM
609-628-1838 FOR INFO
LOOKING FOR A FRIEND–I don’t know if i’ll reach the right guy but I am looking for a friend I met in Daytona in 1995 .His name is Maurice BALLOU and he was from Oxford / MA . I was racing in the 24 hours of LE MANS and spent good moments at the bike week all together . Could you give me some news or redirect my mail ?
My very Best regards from BRITTANY/FRANCE . Christian LE BADEZET.
–Le Badezet Christian
clebad@free.fr
KENNEDY CHOPPER CLASS NEEDS YOU–The Kennedy Chopper Class located in Bloomington MN isworking on a new fund raiser bike build to helpsupport the shop classes from being dropped. We arelooking to get any publicity possible to help promotewhat I am doing with the kids. Any motorcycle partsor donations are tax deductible and greatly needed tokeep this program going.
You can see a video of my class on the S&S website goto this link, http://www.sscycle.com/iframes/video.phpand click on the Kennedy High School Link. Any interested people can contact me through ourchopper class website http://www.kennedychopperclass.com
Thanks for the support
Kevin “TEACH” Baas
BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
952-215-1252
www.baasmetalcraft.com
“When in doubt, burn out!”
BELT DRIVE COVERS WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FACE PLATES–PRO-ONE is now manufacturing a collection of DESIGNER BILLET BELT DRIVE COVERS that feature interchangeable, custom designed face plates. That?s right now you can fit your scooter with an enclosed cover fit with any one of a number of custom face plates. These 2-piece covers are machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and available in show quality chrome or anodized black. Covers are offered for Roadmax, PRO-ONE, Primo and BDL drives and can be ordered with any of the designs shown. Order several different inserts and change with your attitude. For complete details call 800-884-4173 or visit www.pro-one.com .
FAT 200 ON A BUDGET–So you want to run FAT rubber on your 89-99 Softail but you don?t want to bust the bank. No problem, Doherty Machine has just introduced a new FAT 200 conversion that retails for a fraction of their award winning original. The new set up is a complete kit and allows you to run up to 200 mm rear meat. Each kit includes everything you are going to need with the exception of a fender and tire. You?ll get a fully chrome plated 60 spoke rear wheel with steel hub and correct offset, front and rear sprockets, chain, axle assembly, splash guard, gaskets, seals, spacers and necessary hardware. And get this, the entire package sells for under a grand! Check all the details by calling 928-541-7744 or go to www.dohertymachine.com.
WHIPLASH ART MOMENT–Hey Bro, The little town of Keystone SD…on the balcony drinking Margaritas…watching the world go by… after a long day’s ride.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW UPDATE–Howdy All, Well just as our glorious leader Bandit (HMFIC)said, ?Holly, with BIKERNET as your sponsor you can’t go wrong!!!?
He was right …..
So here I am with a post from another of our fabulous builders participating in the Texas National Builder Showdown,American Heli-Arc, with Mr. Tom Young at the helm, he and his band of merry men (at least I think they are merry) have brought to the table “The Little Red Chopper” they are building this creation for a guy in Japan and his pretty bride, who are anxiously waiting to have it finished so when they get stateside they can give it a whirl. I am sure it will get a lot of attention at the buildoff.
Now… with some bike show news,we have finally nailed down our esteemed judges, “Joe T” from Joe T’s Customs in Dallas will be returning for a third time (sucker for punishment) and our very own, home grown “Fat Robert” of Thunder Press fame will add to the mix, once again I don’t envy the guys that have to make those decisions. so be kind to your judges they have a hard job.
O.K. do you want girls??? Well we have more girls this year; we are excited to bring you Concrete Rose a sexy group of ladies that perform a Nuevo Burlesque act complete with fishnets, garters, feathers and very tight corsets! (yea) get your socks knocked off on Friday night @ 7:00 pm.we will also bring in “Rosie Rawhide” and her girls all the way from Corpus Christi to do a little GO GO dancing on Friday and Saturday.
I am not going to give it all away today, so look for more updates on the Texas National Bike Show, November 3rd and 4th @ the Galveston Island Convention Center, come vote for your favorite builder, see some very pretty girls, hot motorcycles, have a cold one, oh you know…all of the fun stuff we like to do in the Lone Star State.
Discount tickets will be available for $8.00 until October 15th after that they are $10.00 at the door and get you in both Friday and Saturday contact: holly@texasnationalbikeshow.com
Bike show registration is going strong so bring on your customs. We have also added a Sportster class this year now there can be no excuses from our Sporty friends, and vendor spaces are still available @ $1.50 a sq ft, you can’t beat it!
See you at the show!
Mrs. Devil
p.s. for those of you that don’t know what HMFIC means please contact me.
RALLY IN THE ROCKIES UPDATE– First and foremost, we wish to apologize to all Bikers throughoutthe US. Especially to those that made plans, traveled, bought roomsor pre-rally tickets, only to find a Court issued an injunction tostop the Rally. This event has been in controversy for the entirehistory, 14 years. In 2002 while the Iron Horse was promoting theRally it was canceled. Now with the Court stoppage of the Rally thisyear that means in Five years this Rally has been stopped twice,inexcusable. Thousands of bikers have come to trust us over theyears since we have honored our commitment to stage a rally that is”for bikers, by bikers”; we feel that we have really let down thosebikers this year by not being able to stop these officials who donot want bikers in our area.
Not only have bikers been denied their rights, it has been costlyfor thousands of bikers. The actions taken by County Officials wereno doubt not only designed to hurt bikers, their rights, the rally,but to put the Rally in a spot where it would go bankrupt, erasingany lawsuits and legal action the Rally would have against thosethat caused this mess.
For those that planned, came to, or bought pre-rallytickets/camping/beer tickets, we have worked out a way with ourAttorney to try and get all bikers involved a repayment of theirdamages as long as you have hard copy proof of expenses in case theyare required.The information is found on the front page of our website, weencourage you to take the time to read the entire front page.
This exact same thing happened in Hollister, now the Four Corners,where is next? When we read about Hollister, we all said “what ashame” but did nothing. Now the past promoter of Hollister isbegging us to stand up here, for us to stand and fight. What bigrally can be shut down by this method next? Will this generationstep up and stop these officials before it is too late? We all haveto ban together to fight this injustice against bikers.
Take the time to get involved, read our front page, send this andour comments on to everyone you know, write you favorite motorcyclemagazine, get your groups/organizations to get involved, lets stopthis before it goes any further. Two major national motorcyclerallies lost in one year, how many next year?
The Rally in the Rockies
Enter Bikernet Bikini Contest Sponsored by D&D Performance Exhaust Steve Tate is this week’s D&D Bikini Contest Winner! He receives a D&D Performance Exhaust T-Shirt. He sent in this pic of his bike and gal pal.
To enter the contest send in a picture of your bike with your favorite bikini honey to dd@horsepowermarkeing.com. . Each week we pull the best picture and award a D&D Performance Exhaust t-shirt. Then we pull them all together, vote on the best picture and the winner receives a set of D&D Performance Exhausts.
Include in your email your Name, Motorcycle, Year, Model, Email, Bikini model name, and Telephone number. The contest runs from August 17th through September 28th.
Need a race proven high-performance exhaust pipe for your Harley? Check the thunder that D&D makes with there Fat Cat and Boarzilla pipes. Bandit swears by them! Click here to view D&D Exhaust Pipes.
Cyril HuzeSpikelights–These 2-function lights will turn heads well before you make turns. Three designs: Mini, Hardcore or Visor style. Spikelight Mini (3″ x 1 1/4″) is offered with a 2-function bulb. Spikelight Hardcore (3 1/2″ x 1 1/2″) and Spikelight Visor (4 1/4″ x 1 1/2″) are offered with a 2-function bulb or a strong 2-functon L.E.D. with standard red or amber lens. L.E.D’s are brighter than bulb, have no filaments, are not susceptible to failure due to vibrationsts are high gloss polishing billet aluminum.
Cyril Huze
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923
www.cyrilhuze.com
The HORSE BackStreet Choppers Smoke Out West Update–9 area hotels SOLD OUT, and 2 entire RV Campgrounds are also SOLD OUT! Do not despair! The ride to Cottonwood is incredible. Trouble finding a place to stay -call Monica at (803) 629-2442. There is hotel availability north toward Sedona.
Dates for this historic event are Friday and Saturday, October 6-7, 2006. Hours for the event are 10am to 11pm both days. This kick ass event will be held at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood, Arizona. Cost to enter the event is $45.00 per person, which covers both days.
To commemorate this inaugural event the HORSE has commissioned a high quality keepsake poker chip with Charlie Horse gracing one side of the chip. This will be given away FREE to the first 4000 people through the gates (or buy one at the HORSE T-shirt booth).
Meet Vern Autry, from the original Boozefighters Motorcycle Club that rode into Hollister and inspired the original Wild Ones movie or chat with Chica or a host of other builders.
The Bands are fast-living and hard-rocking high energy Rock n Roll to drink beer by. Witness the SUPERSUCKERS. You?ve seen the name, heard the music, seen the t-shirts and stickers. Probably the favorite band of someone you know and will no longer be a mystery. DEVIL DOLL, a timeless, silk-lined speakeasy of seduction and strength. Rose petals that cuts like a knife. ROCKET 350, Elvis swagger, high-speed, rockabilly rock ‘n’ roll with a deep southern fried feeling. Traditional, hard-rocking twists. Blends of four-on-the-floor drums, break-neck bass and scorching guitar. Plus a special surprise guest band to be announced.
Our Sponsors are Jammer Cycle Products, Bikernet.com, Baas Metal Craft, Flyrite Choppers, and PANOPTX.
The Builders for the Chop-Off (you vote for the winner) are Scott Webster from Leroy Thompson Choppers, Paul Cox and Keino of the Indian Larry Legacy, Scott Craig from Chopperville Cycles, Cole Foster of the Salinas Boys Customs. Need we say more?
The ride in Bike Show is scheduled for Saturday. Registration is at the event. One class chopper and the staff pick ten winners to be featured in The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Magazine.
Salisbury?s chosen Horse Maiden, Jennifer Scott will be on site. Roller Derby girls will entertain and have a parking lot show scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Get spanked.
Vendors will travel from all over the entire continental United States to set up and sell their wares! Look for American Nightmare and many more. It?s going to be a good time rolling on in the heavenly hills near Phoenix. For more information go to www.horsebackstreetchoppers.com and see what other signals are in the smoke. It?s almost here. Feel the excitement on the horizon! Get ready!
Edge
THAT?S IT FOR ME–When we post the news, we put up stuff that everyone and their uncle has sent us, however, there are a couple of items that I would really like those who can, try to attend. The Texas National Bike Show put on by some of the best people walking this earth. Two in particular are Kent and Holly Weeks, (Mr. & Mrs. Devil). They host this show not for love of God or money, but because of passion for motorcycles in the purest form. They want to put on the best darn bike show they possibly can. So, if you find yourself in or near Galveston, TX on Nov. 3rd and 4th, show your support for them. If you make it, you?re gonna see some of the coolest custom bikes from all over, but your true reward would be to find Holly and see her smile.
Now for my other ?gotta do?, The Horse Backstreet Chopper first ever Smoke Out West. All the info is above so if you missed it, go back up and read it again. This event is described at best as ?indescribable?. You will see more home-built choppers than you ever knew existed. Hot women walking around half naked and the coolest people on earth all there for two things; to admire each others masterful creations, and to PARTY! You gotta go, gotta go, gotta go. That?s all there is to it. I mean, it?s the first ever on the West Coast. I?ve heard people complain about the quality of the shows out here; they suck, they?re too expensive, they?re full of RUBS. Check out the Smoke Out? October 6th & 7th in Cottonwood, AZ.
Have a great Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And then come Monday have a great week!
Layla
An Interview With The Caribbean Connection
By Bandit |
|
It’s all about love and American Romance with the creative side. We’re lucky bastards to be able to build whatever we feel and drive it off a cliff, if we so desire. Just 50 years ago a blue collar guy would think about working in a steel mill all his life. Now that same guy can build Choppers and chase women every night. Fifty years ago that would be a man’s dream only. Here’s the story of one lucky bastard who was born with sand under his feet and a sea breeze cutting through his dark hair. Even as a youngster he was surrounded by women in graceful bikinis. In addition, his parents didn’t badger him with rules and goals but let him find his own way. This is his story and the story of Caribbean Custom Cycles: Tell me about where you grew up. What was it like, from the geography to the people to your folks? I grew up here, in Puerto Rico, on a large neighborhood with plenty of land and lots of fun stuff to do. We had all kinds of animals around the house, since my grandpa was a scientist and explorer. I always had “toys” to have fun with: bikes, guns, horses and stuff. My mom was, and is, cool about all the crazy shit I do. I was no saint. My grandma had the heavy hand though! God bless her soul. I was not a gearhead or even close. Sure we all messed with bicycles and customized them, but nothing like tearing apart motors and such. I remember spending several weeks trying to put a carb back in my 100cc Kawasaki dirt bike, until a real mechanic fixed it. If I knew then what I know now… Fast forward a decade or two, I have lived in lots of places for short stints, doing what I wanted to do at the time be it surfing, sailing, racing or even nothing. But I always came back to my home. I was having so much fun doing all this stuff that I never sat down and thought about what I wanted to be when I grew up. But always managed to do what I loved. I had the privilege to go to very good schools and college, but noticed that a good education is balanced by hands-on experience. It was easier to take a history class after spending a month all over Europe, if you know what I mean. And always, even not wanting to, my parents were OK with the “different” ways I did things. I guess that’s how I learned the meaning of respect, and was able to manage my freedoms. One lesson learned by all those trips was how to make it work. We managed and never tried to bite more than we could chew. Like on my time in Hawaii, we were seven in an apartment. I slept on the balcony for two weeks before I could upgrade to the living room. We all shared the pizzas and we paid for one buffet at Sizzler and all seven ate. Sometimes one of the guys would call in sick and I’d take his place, make some money and live the rest of the week, but we were having so much fun and surfing all day, every day. I mention Hawaii because it’s very similar to Puerto Rico, the lifestyle and the people. As I said before, I always end up back home. This land is were I was born and probably were I will die. It’s a rare combination of a Caribbean island with the U.S. mainland. We are like any big city in the world with all the advantages, although it’s a bit sad that we have lost that island thing, you know, that slow pace, kinda lazy, fun, let’s got to the beach, tropical, thing. Like, I love New York City; it’s the greatest place in the world. But when you think of the Caribbean, you think of pristine beaches and cool drinks under the palm trees. Sure, we have that, but we also have a bit of New York style in here. It’s also a great place to ride, with lots of mountain or beach roads to travel, all in a day or a year. I have been around the island on bikes, sailing and surfing, and it’s an amazing place any way you look at it. The people are very friendly and for the tourists, there’s convinience, most people here speak English also. We have the oldest city in the Americas and rain forests. It’s a very complete package for a tropical island. One of the main reasons I stay here, or come back, is because I love it and have been able to make it here one way or another. I believe only weak people leave their homeland to look for fortune in other places while not making their home a better place by their presence and work, but hey, that’s my opinion. I know it could be more profitable to open shop some place else, but this is home, my Puerto Rico! Tell me about your first bike, how you got it, what did you do to it and a funny story? My first bike was a minibike chopper, white with purple accents and apes. I remember it was a birthday gift from my mom. I did nothing to it but ride the crap out of the poor bike and get a pretty strong right arm from yanking that damn yo-yo. A few of my street buddies had bikes too, like z-50s and trail 70s. Since my grandparents had a couple acres of land, we built a dirt track. The downside was that the last jump (maybe a foot or two) was right over my grandma’s roses and into the driveway. Needless to say, she was not too happy about the huge gap in her rose rows, but the cement driveway was a must. It was the only place that we could pull back on the bars, twist the throttle and pop a wheelie before hitting the dirt again. One time, I don’t exactly remember when, but I know it was a holiday and lots of people showed up at the house, we were riding around and when I came flying through the roses there was a car parked there, soo… The dent on the door was not a pretty sight and the driver was not a happy camper. The little chopper and I were bruised but survived, and no one, ever, parked there again. I can’t remember what happened to that bike, although the next one was a 100cc and I remember from then on, that was some twenty-something years ago. Tell me about your first H-D My first H-D is the one that started it all, we–me and my friends–did not have much money then. We were surfing all the time and all the money we had was spent on surfing trips. We were in between skipping school and working a bit, you know, being rebels. This is during the mid ’80s. We were spending some time in Miami and a friend from Puerto Rico had a Harley shop. We thought that was the coolest fuckin’ thing to do and when we got back we started looking for bikes. Only cops and old-timers rode Harleys here. A couple months later my friend found two bikes on the east side, a 65 and 67 FL. I did not have the money so someone else got the 65. I waited and saved a bit. Later on I found a 77 FXE for $1,500 and ended up paying less since the battery and some other stuff did not work. I had no idea whatsoever of how things worked; a spark plug change was my mechanical skill. I remember riding for months with a bungee strapped battery and dripping a quart of oil every place we parked. Even had the bike parked for a month ’cause I would not dare taking a front flat tire off the bike. But man, when we rode those suckers we were the baddest dudes in the world, and we went everywere. People saw us and started buying bikes too. Soon we were six then ten, then fifteen, and it has not stopped since then. I remember reading those Easyriders end to end, over and over, while drooling at the choppers. My first try at customizing was a cheap drag bar and risers from Superior. I thought that FX was hot shit! Like always, money would go into a surfboard rather than the bike, so it stayed as it was for a long time. I ended up in California–another long story–and saw the bikes there. This was before the helmet law. I got to ride a Sporty around. By then I was starting my new career–racing cars– and was making some money, so when I got back I started searching for another bike so I could customize the FX. That was 13 or so years ago and I still have not completed the bike. I have a funny feeling that when I do the world will be over. I found a ’64 Pan and that was my everyday ride till 1995, besides the ’63, ’65 and ’70, when I got my first Evo. I beat the crap outta that Pan and every day I would ride to Old San Juan to my friend’s shop. The bike would always stall in the same place; we thought that it was possesed. Many sweaty kicks later, it would come back to life. A couple weeks later I noticed, at the same corner, that the choke was on. I guess the vibration would loosen it until it stalled the bike, yep, at the same spot. I still have that old choke lever around. Man how it made me sweat! How did you get into building bikes, who taught you, and when did you start? It’s like everything I’ve done in my life. If I like it, I work hard at it. First we did a few things to bikes until a friend decided to do his whole bike. We had the race car shop, so we had a bunch of tools, and my dad, who’s very handy with mechanical stuff, helped us out. Other than that, was instinct and stupidity. I was very limited in my skills, but we managed. The bike ended up being really cool and we ended up doing some more friends’ bikes, mostly stuff with a good set of instructions or we’d hang out at old mechanic shops and watch how it was done. From then on I was busy with the racing schedule, so the fun part was restoring the bikes we had, like a hobby, and buying more old bikes when we had some extra money. Even my dad got into it, which was great. Though I don’t like his style, he can build a pretty mean bike. I can say that my ’64 Pan taught me how to work on bikes. I learned to listen and take care of her, to keep her riding no matter what and wrenching roadside if I had to. Sometimes I wish everyone had one of those old bikes before getting one of those TC craps. Mostly it was hands-on. One day I dared to do this, later something else–always on my bikes first though. All the old mechanics helped out too; Charlie, Papitin and Batalla were always willing to answer questions and happy to see me hang out at their shops. Manuals helped a lot, as well as my dad. What I consider my first build is a bike I called Mala Fe. It has a Bourget’s rigid frame, and an STD/S&S Panhead motor. I had been working for a couple of years and had met a few people. The guys from American Iron Magazine decided they were going to feature my bike. The catch was that it had to be done for Bike Week. It was December and I was trying to beat the deadline. We had to ship everything and money was not rockin’. Being a bit hard-headed, I had to build the engine and everything else. It was a mix of parts and even Nitrous. Well I spent three weeks of working from noon to six a.m. The day it was done I rode to the local strip bar and early in the morning to the dock. when I got the bike to Daytona, it left me stranded on the road–and it was fucking freezing too. I was so tired and so pissed that I took it to a friend’s shop and they fixed it for me. It had a loose pushrod and had blown the head gasket. I made it to the shoot and ended up on the mag–the bike was all black and polished, with a pan. It was quite different, so I pushed that bike all over Daytona since the battery was crap. Never, ever bought another from that company. I ended up riding that bike all over the States, Still have it. When did you consider opening a shop and why? Like I said before, when I do something I give it my best shot. Racing cars is great but unless you are in the very big leagues, or your parents have very deep pockets, it’s very hard to become rich. I noticed that in Puerto Rico there was a heavy-duty movement towards Harleys. The two local shops sold hard parts and chrome add-ons and the mechanics dealt with older bikes but no custom stuff. What started as a hobby ended up as a real job. We were doing more and more bikes, very simple stuff, bars, forwards, pipes, paint, nothing fancy. I was buying from a local shop, but I ended up buying so much that I decided to get my own lines, sold the race car and converted the garage into a bike shop. We had the tools and the space so it was pretty simple. Plus I managed my own time, went sailing when I had to and came back to more jobs. I made some money and took off once more. I have never believed in being the richest guy in the cemetary. I travel, learn and do as much as I can. One thing lead to another and more bikes rolled into our shop. We expanded the work, always doing the stuff on our bikes first before venturing onto a customer’s. By 1996 we were doing some cool custom jobs and had the first real custom bike from Bourget’s in the island. We have managed to stay a step or ten ahead of everyone else; homework and traveling do the trick. Tell you the truth, all that has happened in my life has been by chance and by paying attention to what’s around–besides heavy doses of hard work and a will that has no limits. I don’t quit unless I think that I am as good as I can be at that certain thing. I’m not tooting my own horn, but I’ve had an amazing 36 years. Why I do it? Well it’s simple and complicated at the same time. I love choppers and my whole family rides. We have managed to locate our tiny island in the Caribbean in the V-twin industry. People know who we are and call us to congratulate every time we are featured on a magazine, they follow our reports here on Bikernet. I have friends and family making the shop run as it should, and we have hundreds of customers that trust us and would not buy from anyone else. It’s a compromise; I created this and have to stick with it, like it or not. There’s no rest for the wicked. Anyway, I enjoy every bike I design or build. I enjoy the time we spend with our friends in the industry. I enjoy riding with friends and family. I love it when Yoly rides her chopper and when a customer enjoys his new bike; plus we make money to make new bikes. Tell me the trials and tribulations of having a shop on an island in the caribbean? I might bitch about this sometimes, but this is my home and it will always be. We don’t have a special construction law, so it’s almost impossible to register a “homemade” bike. That hurts our shop a lot. We have to go through unbelievable red tape to be able to register the bikes that we build here, sometimes taking as long as a year. We distribute a couple brands from the U.S. which makes it very easy for us to register since they are manufacturers. But we have to ship everything in, and shipping a ten- foot-long chopper is not cheap! Plus, we pay taxes when we bring the goods in, not when we sell them, which is great for the customers but sucks for us. Also, the logistics of getting a bike from Phoenix to Puerto Rico would give anyone a headache. Population is another issue; we only have 3.9 million people and around 5,000 Harleys. Our bikes are not on the inexpensive side. We have worked really hard to let people know what a custom is and why it’s not even close to their factory ride. In other words, why should they spend their money. I’m not big in promotion, or advertising, or talking shit. I let our customers show others how much they enjoy their stuff. And since it’s such a small place, people know each other. On the other hand, when we get a Kamikaze customer who trashes the bike, we also get the bad rep. The worst part is having people opening new shops and riding on your coattails. We try to be exclusive dealers for our stuff, but we are limited on the amounts we can buy so sometimes it’s hard. You bust your ass introducing something new to the market and the “other” shops just copy what you are doing. By the time the dust settles, we are already working with some new stuff, or we just quit selling that brand. I sell to all the Caribbean and sometimes wish their laws were easier. It’s like selling stuff state to state and all are a different ball game. Also, some have more buying power than others. And let’s not even talk about all our trips to the rides in the U.S. It’s a complete full-time job getting those sorted out. I know I could open a shop in Miami and make my life easier, but this is my home and I’m sticking to it. A couple years ago, customs started showing up around the island and then comes HOG. Everyone goes into Harleys so they can become members; it’s time to suck it up and rethink your plan. Also, the U.S. companies that can offer cheaper prices make a big hole, but we can give person-to-person service; they can’t. Tell me about the shop, everything, size, equipment, services, bikes, stories about customers, the wildest Bourgets owner? In reality, we have three shops, nope, four: a 1,200- square-foot showroom in downtown San Juan, where we have the bikes, parts and everything else. We also have a huge parking lot, which is a must. We just opened that a year and a half ago and it has boosted our sales incredibly. That’s were I spend my days, and Yoly too; that’s the hub of everything. We also have a small shop, let’s say 800 square feet, that I use for building bikes, and it’s equipped with the stuff that I need to build the bikes. I still do most of the choppers we build personally; it’s not easy but I maintain a certain control on what they receive. Once the bike is done, anyone at the shop can put it back together; we are all very capable. Then the third shop, which used to be the race car shop, is around 5,000 square feet and it’s on the same property. That’s where we do all the service, parts installations, and modifications. It’s also full of tools and what’s needed to work on the bikes. Between the two shops we have all the tools and machines we might need, but we still don’t have good lifts. It’s been a pain trying to ship them over. And a CNC machine would be really productive. We have in-house painting, a powdercoater close by, we do metal work, etc. We take a little longer on doing stuff, but we don’t do hurry-up work. When we put our little sun logo on a bike we are putting our name on it and it has to be top-notch work. Though choppers are not perfect and never will be, we don’t see customers stranded on the side of the road, even the Kamikaze ones. Sometimes I see what other shops do and wonder how they dare to send a bike down the road with such a shit job. In a sense, we are responsible for the well-being of riders. If they do something stupid, so be it, but not because of us. The fourth shop is a partnership in Orlando, Florida; it’s kind of a franchise. They sell Bourget’s for that area. Now going back to the showroom, we are dealers for anything that you might imagine, all the big ones and the up and coming too. I have a gut instinct on what will be the next rage or top guy and most of the time I hit the spot. We also have a bunch of people that we have been working since the start, ours and theirs. I could not mention all the lines we have, but for motorcycles we are exclusive distributors for Bourget’s Bike Works and Big Mike Choppers in the Caribbean, and a few other manufacturers that we don’t buy from. But I’m sure they will tell you to call us for a bike. We have based our business relationship on friendship and honesty, first and foremost. Money comes and goes, but friends are friends. We’ve been working with some people for over ten years now and in this industry the tide rolls and you are hot, the next day not. But the good stuff does not fade away. I would mention some of the names of the manufacturers we deal with but we don’t have that much space and our pseudo competitors will read this and copy us once more. We also believe in being fair. Why overcharge and try to screw the same people that are paying your rent? That’s why most of our customers become our friends and bring other friends. The same story as the H-D buying friends applies to our bikes. We have the craziest Bourget owners. I bet they put more miles on their bikes in this tiny island than any in the States. I do every bike like it was for me. If you see the photos, our bikes might be a bit different than those flashy dudes you see on Main Street. This guy puts a good 250 miles every Sunday on their choppers, rain or shine, sometimes even more. I just built a bike for a guy in Boston and he put over 4,000 miles on his bike in three months. That’s sick! Remember, we are an island, 100 by 35! We’ve had guys pick up their brand-new bike at 5 o’clock and do burnouts later that night. They have to change the tire a couple days later. Most of these guys enjoy their bikes and treat them well. We have test pilots too, drag racers, and bikes that have been to Sturgis at least 5 times……All in all we have fun. Why did you choose Bourget over others like Titan, Big Dog, etc….? Because the others suck!!! Kidding aside, I have this gut feeling about stuff. I met Roger and Brigitte in ’96 when they were starting. I saw a bike there and liked it. It was different and he was doing most of the stuff. We ended up bringing that bike back to Puerto Rico and became dealers. I believe we were the first dealers, not counting Bourget’s of New York. I rode that bike for a year before even attempting to sell one. I had to make sure that it would work for our island and our prospective owners. Anyway, Roger had a car tire bike and my bike was a 190 tire. That was 1996; I guess I saw the future. Without knowing it, I saw hard-working people willing to make their efforts pay off. I was right. I don’t want to throw dirt at any other company, but the other manufacturers were doing stuff that we could do at our shop and buy the same parts that they did without having to pay for a name. Time proved me right. I have an opinion on every manufacturer. I watch them and get the inside information, but I have never doubted Roger or his product. He has an edge. He fabricates 95% of his bikes and he builds what you want, ugly or cool. He dares to break the mold and it works. He sees the future trend and they bust their ass to keep everything going, plus they are not spending shitloads of money on Playboy bunnies and monster shops. We also got BMC last year. I saw the same thing: young, hard-working guys with a plan, no nonsense and no bullshit. They’ve sold a lot of bikes, so I guess I was right once more. I have not been able to sell that many, but it’s a slow process for us. It took four years to start moving Bourget’s, and I’m not saying how many we sell, just in case the tax man is reading, but we get by. And as soon as we get the fear out of riding rigids, we will do the same for BMC. It’s really simple, if you do your homework. We are very good friends with Pure Steel, but the price is out of range for our consumer, same as American Iron Horse. We think it’s a solid company, but our market is limited. Why be a dealer when we can’t put in the effort. I don’t want to sell a bike a year. Big Dog is solid, owned by Coleman, so it will never run out of money. But we can build a Bourget’s as you wish for the same amount…no brainer. Just to make it short, what other company can build a good quality product, the bike you design, for under 40,000? No one. Then again, Roger and Brigitte are family to us and they build a good product. I have the riders to prove it. What do you like doing the most at the shop? Calling all the 900 sex lines… Designing and building the bikes, putting the puzzles together. I get bored when I do the same thing. I like a challenge now and then. That’s why I build a bike over a weekend; it’s a challenge. I like redoing stock bikes. I love it when the guys tell me to do what I want. And when they see the final build, their grin says it all. I also like having people come back after buying stuff that we recommend and loving it. This might sound stupid but I like making people save money, getting the right parts and avoiding the crappy ones. I hate working on a schedule. I hate impatient people and liars. I’m stuck at the showroom so after we close I go and work on bikes. The ones I’m building, I can’t wait to get a new shop with both things on the same place. Lots can be done in idle time. I also hate solving other peoples’ problems. If a shop sold you crap, call ’em up, not me ! I love old bikes, any Panhead over any other bike, hands down. I like having an idea and seeing it become something. I also like having stuff that no one has and that looks really cool. Tell us about your relationship with WCC, about building the bikes and your customers? Again, gut feeling and a bit of information goes a long way. I knew who Jesse was quite a while ago. We never talked and barely met each other at some places in Indy. I saw his green CFL and thought it was very cool. I talked to him, but nothing concrete. I found out he was chosen for a TV program on Discovery. I ordered a frame and shirts before the program aired, so by the time everyone was doing the West Coast mania, we had the stuff available. We are his dealers in Puerto Rico and bought seven frames in three months, plus a shitload of shirts and stuff. Put it this way, we had the market covered before the others knew what hit them. Jesse does not mind us doing his bikes at all. I send photos of the done stuff and he likes it. He can’t do all the bikes he would want to. We are even doing bikes for people in the U.S. And even though they are his frames, they are still our bikes. It works pretty well. I spent a good chunk of cash and people get what they want, even though they are still afraid of rigids. It’s all related though. We are on the same bandwagon, maybe not on the same scale, but it’s all young people trying to make a name for themselves and being good at it, having fun and making a buck. Sometimes it pisses me off when people bad-mouth Jesse. He was lucky enough to get his shit on TV, and jump from trying to make it to rolling in it. But it has helped everyone in this industry. People know what a chopper is, or how it’s made, more so what it takes…. Sure there’s some drama, but mostly it’s true. I see people that are pushed month after month by magazines and they don’t make it. At least Jesse is good and making it. Anyway, it’s pretty simple. Anyone can call us up and I’ll build a CFL in three months. You tell me what you want. Actually, the orange bike is for sale and we have a softail and rigid frame available, that’s it. How do you compare your customers with H-D dealer ones ? We share customers; I have a great relationship with the local dealer. I think that Harley as we knew it ceased to exist in the ’80s. I have customers that want something that the factory won’t produce, or that are sick of having to wait for a bike, spend a shitload of cash and having the same bike as his friend’s. We sell stuff that is different, new and exciting. I realized a long time ago that if you want a Harley, go ahead and buy it, but if you want something unique, that’s where we enter the picture. Right now we have some bikes that are competitive with H-D’s prices and people are buying them, and their friends are getting into them too. It’s like there’s a lot of people that buy a bike and become instant experts, or see a bike on the side of the road and assume that it broke and it’s crap. H-D is God to them and everything else is a lame clone, but those few that are smart and want their stuff have realized otherwise. When we finally introduced the “custom” bikes to Puerto Rico after a few years of work, HOG appeared and people started buying H-Ds ’cause HOG was cool. That set us back a bit, but instead of ranting and raving we kept doing what we did and more people noticed that custom bikes are not taboo. It all ends up working quite well. I believe the aftermarket industry is what has made H-D the powerful company that it is now. And H-D bikes have made the aftermarket industry what it is today. Then again this “hobby” is like anything else. We have a more complete availability of parts and accessories than the factory, and the more modern they go, the more basic we go. Plus, we have the advantage of creating what we want quicker than the corporate gears can and adapt or even create the new trend. There will always be pro factory consumers, which we don’t look for, and consumers that will vary their needs and look for the “other” things which is what we have. I work on an honesty basis, so I don’t run to the local dealer to make a profit on a part. I’d rather call the dealer up and refer the customer; it might make less money but I have customers that trust us, which is more important. On another thought, we tend to do our own thing, not follow someone else. We try not to laugh at the people that wear all the latest “company” fashions or die if they don’t have the new TC 88. We beleive in function and simplicity, not looking like a fucking peacock on a parade. If it was up to me, Puerto Rico would be full of rigid panhead choppers, but that’s another story. We have people riding choppers. The next step would be getting them to buy rigids… It’s all a matter of growing up in a lifestyle. The RUBs and wannabees will pass on to the next fad, and the ones that hang on will mold into newer stuff. Since we are not money hungry, we can choose who we want as customers and are able to respect other people’s customers. What about the future? Does anything concern you? What do you look forward to? That’s a tough one, but I will try to stay within the industry. I see Billy Lane and Choppers Inc. making it big time. I see a decline in H-D stuff and a move toward custom stuff without all the EFIs and V-Rod crap. I would love to see a Puerto Rico Bike Week, get rid of the helmet law, get a special construction law, ride Sturgis without fearing the cops. I wish not to see Sam Orwell really happen. I see more bikes like the old choppers and bobbers, less techno-lime shit. We will do our own style of bikes pretty soon, have a new shop with everything in one place. I’d be happy selling 50 bikes a year. I see Bandit owning Easyriders and making it like it was. I see the Horse being the #1 magazine. I see Mike Maldonado getting the place that he deserves in this industry. I see a lot of things in this world of ours, and good things happen to those who deserve it. I think a lot of what would happen, that’s how I stay on the edge of things. That’s why I move around and do stuff. That’s why I write, why I ride. We all think of the stuff that we would do tomorrow. I also think that I will have time to rest, that the shop will run itself. I guess that’s why most builders are insomniacs–they are always thinking what they would do next. Lots of things concern me, from very tiny, to very big….. This world, the status of our island, what tomorrow might bring, the health of my family and friends, love, kids, freedoms lost, lots of things…..many, many, things. I look forward to being the first Puerto Rican Hamster, the cover of Easyriders, being respected by my peers, financial stability, being able to enjoy the fruits of our hard work, the next issue of The Horse, getting my next bike done, not fighting with Yoly….you know stuff like that…… I also look forward for the success of all my friends and the demise of all my enemies…. We are working hard in our clothing lines, Chopper Freak ™ and for girls Chopper Freak Chick. We are starting with shirts and caps, but the sky is the limit. We are planning on doing a few of the main events as vendors and see how it goes. Also, I’m thinking about a parts line…..but that’s another story.
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Choppahead
By Bandit |
Dirtbags and fluzies – as the newest Bikernet operative I guess some introductions are in order. The name’s Big Truth. I’m transmitting to you from Boston, MA. My mission is to cover local events, profile bike builders, and throw some tech articles in your eyes from time-to-time.
Bandit suggested that I start off with a profile of my company (Choppahead) so that you can get a little familiar with my background and what I do. Choppahead is a greasy, grimy, gritty, hardcore chopper oriented clothing, parts, and mayhem machine company. I got this thing off the ground a year and a half ago and since then it’s grown into a monstrous industrial giant. I’m hell-bent on world domination and everyday I laugh menacingly while rubbing my hands as I watch fleets of trucks ship my evil wares out to the unsuspecting world. Mwoohahaha! POP! (Hear them daydreams shatter back to reality?) Actually, I still operate out of a hidden garage located in a murky Boston alleyway. No storefront. My garage (which three of us share) is my shop and warehouse; my bedroom is my office and multimedia studio. And you thought hi-fashion and chopper building was all glamour?
Choppahead designs (whether it be for clothing, parts, or bikes) are rugged and menacing but simple and to the point. Basically, everything we do is a big “Fuck You” to all the bullshit out there. Nothing is watered down. I embrace being part of the dark underbelly of society. The people who rock my products tend to be of the same caliber.
A word on our bikes. Choppahead builds gritty choppers to ride, not to show. Actually, you can show them, too – the 64 Triumph chopper that’s for sale right now took an honorable mention trophy at last year’s New England Motorcycle Spectacular. “Big deal,” you say, “it’s only honorable mention.” It’s a big deal when this 6k chop is surrounded by 60k and up bikes?! Choppahead aims to build within the means of the average Joe. We don’t build mortgage-priced bikes that you need to be a superstar to afford. I can appreciate the high-end bikes, but I don’t build them.
The other mission of Choppahead is to help preserve, document, and facilitate chopper and biker culture. That ties into what I’ll be doing here at Bikernet. It’s also why I have community features on my website like an active messageboard, news announcements, upcoming events, and a section for builders and riders to send in flicks and spec sheets of their scoots. I want the site to be a place for heads to come in and swap knowledge, stories, and just talk shit. I’m also working on a Choppahead video project that focuses on home-builders and small shops. They are the true essence of the chopper scene, in my opinion.
Check out the site http://www.choppahead.com and let me know what you think. I’m still building the company up, and once I have more $$$ and time I’ll have a lot more by way of clothes, parts and complete bikes for sale. So give me a brake for not stamping out new shit every week. For now, I’m still balancing this with my day job (working in health and safety with trades unions – iron workers, laborers, pile drivers, etc.), music, and writing. Yes, I keep busy. If I’m not busy, I’m bored. When I’m bored I get in trouble!
I’m psyched to be part of the Bikernet squad. My fingers are already getting all antsy to start pounding out some articles for the site. If you have any events, builders, tech issues or anything else that you would like me to cover, feel free to drop me a line at: truth@choppahead.com – till next time, keep riding and keep it strong!