May 18, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
Another week at the Bikernet ghetto headquarters. We’ve machined shit backwards, bought the wrong parts, snorted drywall dust, bought a ’98 Dyna basket, waited for the 45 flathead sheet metal painter and got more writing assignments than we can handle.
Ah, but there’s new girls, the Bonneville bikes are looking good and the news is sizzling. Let’s hit it:
CYRIL HUZE KILLER CHOPPER SPRINGER FRONT END– This Springer front end is offered in any length from 2″ under to 20″ over, both in narrow, mid or wide glide styles.It features corner rounded trees and corners for a super smooth appearance.
It uses Delrin isolated springs and needle bearing rockers. Available raw or in chrome.
Cyril Huze
Tel: 561-392-5557
THE BAKER FIRESTARTER:A STARTER LARGE ENOUGH TO MEASURE IN HORSEPOWER–Everyday BAKER Drivetrain talks to customers who are building radical customs or upgrading existing bikes. BAKER learned that most of the performance starters out there have notorious durability problems and that they are manufactured with rebuilt (used) cores and sold as new. In addition, the O.E Harley starter is durable but lacks cranking power, so BAKER Drivetrain decided to get involved.
The new BAKER Firestarter is the most powerful starter available and durable from the first start. Each unit is tested on a dynamometer for proper function and has an individual dyno sheet to validate the output. Units typically dyno at 2.3±.1 kilowatts; that’s 3-horsepower for us English speaking folks. That’s huge – if not the biggest. Meanwhile, the amperage drain is still considered low. Big dog uses a similar version of the Firestarter in their later motorcycles and they’ve been proven to be durable on their big-inch choppers.
The Firestarter has a stylish show chrome finish with a stylish, polished billet aluminum end cap. Available as a conventional remote start button type or as a manual push button type for those who want the clean minimalist look. The manual version features a Teflon lined button shaft that is longer than normal, which allows a smoother, non-binding operation that prevents wear or jamming.
THE NEW BAKER FIRESTARTER
2.3kw translates to 3-Horsepower in non-metric, American language
Low Amperage Drain
Dyno Performance Chart Included With Each Starter
Available for 1990-1993 jackshaft or 1994-up jackshaft applications
For additional information, go online to see page 33 of the BAKER 2006 catalog.www.bakerdrivetrain.com
PARADISE BIKEFEST &BIKE BUILD-OFF AT KAPIOLANI COMMUNITYHonolulu, HawaiiJuly 2nd, 2006–Over this year’s Independence Day weekend, Honolulu will be host to the 50th State’s largest motorcycle rally, and we at Hawaiian Chopper Magazine, BMC Choppers, Pasha Hawaii, Pacific Rim Cycle, South Seas Harley-Davidson, Woody’s Hotdogs, Avon Tyres, and our other fine sponsors would like to invite you to get in on the festivities.
Beginning with Hawaiian Chopper’s 2nd birthday party on Friday, June 30th, at Honolulu’s Hard Rock Cafe motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Discovery Channel’s “Great Biker Build-Off” series will join Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off Champion Harold Pontarelli, Internationally celebrated motorcycle builders, Big Mike of BMC Choppers, Shannon Aikau of Count’s Kustoms, Jose De Miguel of Caribbean Custom Cycles, and the legendary Sugar Bear.
I am particularly pleased to announce the addition of the wildly popular Big Schwag of Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage series.
The Hawaiian Chopper birthday party will be open to the general public, and partygoers will be treated to musical entertainment, great food & beverage specials, prize giveaways, and plenty of aloha making this “The Party” to be at over the holiday weekend.
Continuing the festivities on Sunday, July 2nd, Kapiolani Community College (KCC) will be transformed from an institution of higher learning, to a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, and fans of the genre.
Once at KCC, riders will be required to pay an entry fee of $15.00 ($10.00 advance). Spectators and participants will be treated to a spectacle larger than December 2005’s “Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off”. Along with some of the top motorcycle builders and their bikes made famous on television and numerous motorcycle magazines, visitors to this year’s event will actively engage in the festivities by voting on the build-off bikes from Oahu’s own Nui Kauhane of Grumpy’s Customs and Noah O’Geen of Maui’s Hot Rod Alley.
These two builders have six weeks to build their versions of the Hawaii’s coolest bike. Kauhane’s reputation as one of the top builders of the “Local Boy” style will be on the line when he takes on O’Geen.
One of Hawaii’s best up and coming motorcycle craftsmen, O’Geen’s creations were featured on the cover of Hawaiian Chopper Magazine, and will soon be published in other great biker magazines as well.
A bikini contest featuring some of Hawaii’s hottest women will be held on the main stage. Cash prizes will be given to the top three women chosen by a pre-selected panel of judges. Instructions for registration in the competition will be conducted at Panama Hatties in Pearl City on Thursday, June 29th (8-10pm).
On behalf of Hawaiian Chopper magazine and Ten Toes Enterprises, allow me to welcome you to Hawaii’s greatest motorcycle event. This year’s rally is sure to be the highlight of the Independence Day weekend.
Mahalo nui loa
–Steve Kalnasy
808-780-2998
THE WORD IS OUT ON BIKERNET– Roland Sands won the Discovery Biker Build Off 2006 v. Jesse Rooke!! This year, Discovery Channel has OK’d the release of images and information regarding the build off show before the episode air date so have at it!
Roland Sands of Performance Machine and Roland Sands Design built the “No Regrets” custom race motorcycle in ten days against Jesse Rooke of Rooke Customs for the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off 2006. After a heart pounding day at Willow Springs where the bikes were put to the test in three race series, the form and function of Roland’s “No Regrets” custom came out as the champion.
Our episode has so much hype surrounding it that Discovery has it scheduled for the season premiere on August 7th, 2006!!! We will be throwing a premiere party in Sturgis at One Eyed Jacks on Monday night and I will have more information regarding that on our site http://www.rolandsands.com/ in the near future.
–ERIKA DECKER
LONE STAR CHOPPERS BUILDER, LARRY CURIK MISSING– Where is Larry Curik?That seems to be the hot question these days. Larry Curik the famous custom bike builder is not around his usual haunts.
But the Bandit Knows Where He Is. There are no secrets from the Bandit (drum roll, etc).Larry is on special assignment, or kidnapped by Gypsy during the filming of the first girl Biker Build-Off builder for the Discovery Channel show. He’s chained down at the Accurate Engineer Headquarters welding exhaust pipes.Rumor has it, he’s assisting Vivian “Gypsy” Charros in a Biker Build Off for the Discovery Channel.The build is being done at Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama and Berry Wardlaw the famous engine builder is building a one-of-a-kind Knucklhead engine for it.
She is going up against Kim Suter of Kansas City and though he must be somebody to garner a Build-Off pick, he’s got his hands full up against Gypsy. Have you seen her chest-unbelievable.
It is hard enough to win one of these things and loosing is a bitch, but add loosing to a big-tittied blonde. Poor Dude!
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
http://www.bikerrogue.com/
SMOKE-OUT COMES OUT WEST POSTER RELEASED–We just received the new full size posters to promotethe event in Cottonwood, AZ Oct 6 and 7th www.horsebackstreetchoppers.com
We have a good number of addresses to ship the postersbut we could sure use more. If any of you have shops or dealersor parts distributors who you think would help us get the word out,please e-mail me the address and we will ship them a pack of posters.
–Geno
STURGIS GUIDE DEADLINES–THE STURGIS GUIDE. This year, American Big Twin will be distributing the mostsought-after guide to the Sturgis/Black Hills Rally.
The Guide is more than just great coverage of Sturgis, It also covers events all over region, and enthusiasts will refer to it again and again.It’s the perfect showcase for your products.
AD CLOSING: June 23
MATERIALS DUE: July 5
CALL BECKY DEMMERLE FOR DETAILS!
800-225-4569 ext. 3163
mailto:bdemmerle@advanstar.com
CYRIL HUZE BOBBER FRAME–
This very clean new bobber frame accepts a rear tire 180 mm with up to 200 mm with a chain.It includes a CNC transmission plate welded to the frame, CNC axle covers & a 1″ rear axle for strength. 32-degree rake for a true Bobber look.All other components to build your project (steel fenders, oil tank, front end, gas tank, transmission, brakes, etc…) are also available from Cyril Huze.
Cyril Huze.
Tel: 561-392-5557
www.cyrilhuze.com
BIKERNET DISCOVERS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH–Hey, did you know May is motorcycle awareness month?
–from Gene Koch
BIKERNET MEDICAL DEPARTMENT REPORT–In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also call Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were, Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of “cocktails”, “highballs” and just a good old-fashioned “stiff drink”. Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT &DO.
–From Bob T.
CHOP N GRIND TEAM CAUGHT IN SALTERGATE CONSPIRACY–Two members of the Chop N Grind Bonneville team were caught spying on the Bikernet Bonneville bikes and looting the Bikernet Headquarters. When questioned they both replied, “We’re cool,” and hauled ass for the door. The sand snortin’ bastard escaped back to the dry desert community of 101 Palms, California. Bikernet minuteman border patrol guards are scouring the sand dunes in search of two unsavory individuals, Bob T. and Larry the Lizard.
We’ll bring you further reports in the near future.
–Wilburn Roach
BIKERNETY STREETBOB COMMENTARY UNDER FIRE–I like your commentary on the Streetbob about taking it all the way and bobbing the fenders,but you suggest something cool and classic for the taillight, how about some suggestions so that I get it right.
Unfortunately I have to keep the license plate so I’m moving it to the side.
Six Gear
Maywood EasyRiders MC
MRoyal@DeltrolFluid.com
I suggested that he contact Eye Candy Custom Cycles, Choppers Inc. or Shamrock. He might also look up Mr. Lucky for cool taillights.–Bandit
Continued On Page 2
March 16, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
THE EFFECTS OF THE NEW EPA LAWS IN GEORGIA AS TOLD BY A STATE INSPECTOR– Yesterday a friend of mine had a special construction bike inspected by a state inspector to get his bike titled. During the process he asked about the new EPA laws and what Georgia is doing. He said the inspector seemed to know the EPA law very well and told him that the law is in effect here. He then went on to say that at this time the State of Georgia is NOT enforcing the law.(Specifically the one time EPA exempt bike portion). He said the state has no mechanism in place to check how many bikes you have registered or titled in your name or have had titled in your name so no one is checking to see if you are in violation. He also said that he knows of no intentions of the State to start enforcing the law.
He stated at this time that any individual or shop can build as many special construction bikes as they desire and can get then titled (with proper receipts etc of course) with no problem.
Also the law in Georgia regarding turn signals is vague & is not clear whether you have to have them on your bike when inspected. The safest thing is to have them especially if you get your bike inspected at one of the centralized spots. You MAY get by without them if you make an appointment to have the inspector come to your location but the safest thing would be to go ahead & at least put temporaries on.
Again, this is not my interpretation but from an actual inspector as told to me by my friend. Your results may vary!!!
–DouginGa
Horsemen
from the HORSE board
DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS DEAL OF THE WEEK–Whatta deal, a2002 Iron Horse “Tejas”, withLow, Low Miles, a114-inch S&S Motor and plenty of sharp extras for only:
Price: $16,500.00
This Link will take you directly to the web site.http://www.departure.com/bikesingle.asp?ItemID=57&CategoryID=&Pla
BIKERNET BONNEVILLE 2006 SALT SHAKER REPORT–First from Barry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering:
Mock-up engine is on the way. I just now received 4 sets of 120 cases and that is since Nov. 23rd. We have a lot of orders for them. Reggie Sr. At R&R is going to help me solve the connecting rod problem (make our own) and I am discussing the crankcase solution with a casting company.
Getting ready for the Biker Build-off, finishing the center section of my building so it ain’t boring, that is for sure!
I will need the mock-up engine back a soon as you are finished. Those are not the pieces of the Bonneville engine but rather another customers. I am sending the coils, exhaust flanges and electrical components as well. I’ll be in touch. –Berry
BUSH FAILS TO PREVENT EAST COAST BLIZZARD– As President Bush and his staff cowered in the White House, the snow continued to pile up on the many poor and African American victims who could not afford to get out of town or to safety in Florida.
Crucial supplies of blankets, hot cocoa, popcorn and dark rum, so essential to surviving the stress of any major snowstorm, lay in stores undelivered.
“Where is the government? I need my sidewalk shoveled so I can get out to buy my danged lottery tickets!” said one D.C. resident from his living room.
“Why are we wasting money in Iraq when we could be spending it here on me?”
Progressive blogs blasted the President for his inaction. “We find the timing terribly suspicious, just as the Domestic Spying hearings kick into high gear, what happens? A major northeast Blizzard. Why now?” wrote one blogger.
Hearings into the Blizzards’ effect on hearings are almost a certainty.
Howard Dean has suggested he will call for an investigation once his new medications kick in and John Kerry took a break from the sporting activities of the glamorous super-rich in some exotic locale (random choice: Ice Sailing in Finland) to call for new legislation outlawing snowstorms.
“The Republican Congress has dropped the ball once again. I have always been a staunch supporter of anti-snow legislation, except for certain locations where I ski. Snow has no business on our roads and the President and Congress knows that.”
Calls for impeachment over “Snow Gate” as some are calling it already are mounting as deeply as the snow itself, and what will be discovered underneath will prove to have a truly chilling effect on the Republicans, as the inevitable thaw proceeds. Or something like that.
More breaking news……
Al Sharpton wants an investigation as to why snow is ALWAYS white.
Cheney has stock in Tru-Value Hardware. Do you have any idea how many SNOW SHOVELS they sold today to the unsuspecting consumer?
I demand to know why FEMA has been so late in reacting to this storm. THEY KNEW IT WAS COMING! And yet they failed to have crews in place to fix the electricity as soon as it went off. It just shows that Bush and the Republicans just don’t care about the people in the N.E. The Senate needs to investigate this with administration people under oath.
I’ll bet that the great junior senator from N.Y. has opened the doors of her home to all of the heatless poor of her neighborhood and is busy baking cookies for them while her husband applies body heat to the nearly frozen teen-aged girls.
–from Bob T.
BONNEVILLE 2006 CHOP N GRIND RACING UPDATE– If you can believe this we got snowed in here in the High Desert this past weekend. No real work was done except we picked up a better fuel tank, some flat stock for the new brackets for the fuel tank and oil tank.
On the brighter side of things Big Mike of BMC Choppers has lend his support. Which is way cool for Mike to take the time out of his busy schedule to help us. We all appreciate his help with our project.
Avon Tires shipped us our tires this week. So we are making some headway. Finally found a tire shop “Nates Tires” in Long Beach to shave and buff our tires to get them rated for our speed. We are trying to get them to cut the BikerNet race teams a deal.
Nick with AMSOIL is getting ready to ship our oil and lubes.We are still in the need for a front 19-inch light weight rim. Anyone out there who has one, the help will be great. I am already been getting calls from old bros of mine across the country from North Carolina to Texas that will be joining us. This event is going to be TOO COOL, hope you all can join us. We will keep you posted.
–Bob T
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT– I am somehow drawn to Main St. Daytona every year even though I tell my self to stay away …dammit I’m just drawn in by the freaks…I HAVE TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM! Here is one of the biggest who is there every year.
The hottie was riding a stretched chopper and looking very nice!
Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net
BAD AS HELL RING COMING SOON–Soon to be available and excepting orders are these original custom made “Bad as Hell” and in process “Skull” designed rings. Made in NY by a famous designer orders will be filled first upon that a small stock will be kept.
Limited production and exclusive to the Bad as Hell line of Chrome Servives……Retail is $99 delivered made of sterling silver!
All rings delivered Fed Ex ground orders can be phoned in to 714-420-7431 Or clicking Orders are 60 days! WVBB WISH RUN AND HOG ROAST–I came across your website. I wanted to share an event we have in Summersville, WV in June. It ‘s the WVBB Wish Run and Hog Roast. Check us out on the web at wvbb.com West Virginia Biker Barn CHOPPER BUILDER DISCOVERED–Hi, my name is Anita Nicolier from Langley British Columbia Canada. I am emailing you to tell you about my brother Rick. He has been building custom choppers since 1972. He has a deep passion and natural talent to come up with hundreds of bike designs with little to no effort. I know that if you could see some of his bikes you would agree. I am emailing you two of the ones that I have pictures of. Please take the time to look at them. I thank you for your time — Anita Nicolier DO YOU WORK ON HARLEYS?– Are you looking for a one stop source for hard parts and tools?Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders has added a wide selection of hard parts specifically designed for Harley-Davidson? heads. ORANGE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS–Costa Mesa, CA Friday, APRIL 14th and Saturday, April 15th Quick Throttle Magazine is thrilled to present the first Motorcycle Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds in 5 years! We will kick off the riding season on April 14th and 15th at the Orange County Fairgrounds & Exposition Center, 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 The purpose of this 2-day event is to bring riders, vendors and manufacturers together, 2 weeks before the Laughlin event.In one location, you will be able to buy a new motorcycle, get an oil change on your bike, buy parts, chrome, a GPS, a new seat and see all the latest gadgets and gizmos that make your lifestyle that much better. You can watch a fashion show and get yourself some new leathers and other clothing, talk to your favorite motorcycle attorney, sign up for other events that are happening later on in the year, meet and greet your favorite builder, see a Biker fashion show, buy some great touring bags to carry all your new stuff, listen to your favorite music and even keep the kids busy with the Easter Bunny! DRIVELINE TECH QUESTION– Bandit, Thanks for reply to my last email. The end of the compensator nut was that I used a 36″ cheater pipe and broke the belt in half due to the upwards pressure. I then loaded my half built chopper up and paid $8.20 to get it removed, money very well spent. I am now at a new cross-road and am seeking your expert advice. I am now trying to align my motor, tranny, and back-plate. I have read the instructions on the BDL website and cannot say that I have a clear understanding. What would you advise me to do here? I have two choices, do it myself, or pay to have it done which defeats any learning curve. –JEREMY B. NASH First, check Bikernet and click on the BDL logo on the homepage. It will take you to several installation articles. It’s always best to do it yourself. You can take your time to insure the job is done right. Mechanics are in a hurry. On the other hand sometimes they have the tools, like you experienced. The key to alignment is taking your time. First put in the engine and bolt down the rear motor mount bolts hard, then check the front for a gap. If there is a gap create a shim. Next, loosen the engine and set the tranny in place loose. Now bolt up the inner primary and pull it up tight. Then check the tranny. If it needs shims, put them between the tranny plate and the frame. The goal is to have the primary pull the engine and tranny into perfect alignment. Once shimmed, with the primary up tight, snug down the engine and tranny. Call me if you have any questions. Take your time. Make it so the primary slips into place, no binding and fits perfectly against the engine and tranny.-Bandit TECH QUESTION ANSWER OFFER–Hey bandit, In the latest Sunday post there was a article from a guy named Aubrey. This was about a leaky primary on his 1994 Dyna. If you could have him email me, I’m almost 99% sure I can help him with his problem. –Gary D. Hayes Continued On Page 4
ktkk@adelphia.net
anicolier@sutton.com
Email:GaryHayesh@aol.com
March 16, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
It’s another whacky week. We installed the Keith Terry Terminal Velocity fuel management system and will test it tomorrow. We’ll also installed Will Phillips new True-Track system. It takes the wobble out of touring bikes. Cycle World called it the missing link for Harleys. Finally we bolted up a set of Carlini dresser bag arms that allow you to remove the rear crash bars. I’m jazzed.
Gard Hollinger from LA Chop Rods welded the exhaust sensor bung to my Screamin’ Eagle Exhaust. He’s involved in the Build or Bust show when Russell Mitchell can’t make it. Let’s hit the news. There’s some interesting stuff afoot in this industry:
She says, “Oh, Father, I’ve got terrible news. My husband passed away last night.”
The priest says, “Oh, Mary, that’s terrible. Tell me, did he have any last requests?”
She says, “That he did, Father…”
The priest says, “What did he ask, Mary?”
Mary says, “He said, ‘Please Mary, put down that damn gun!’
–from Nick Roberts
WOMEN RIDER WEB FEATURED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Thought you’d like to see an interview that a representative from Harley-Davidson did with me and that’s featured on their Web site. Click on link below.
–Genevieve
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Women/women_motorcycling.jsp?locale=en_US
BUELL DEALER TEAMS CONTEST DAYTONA 200 WITH BUELL XBRR– Four Buell dealer teams started the 65th running of the prestigious Daytona 200, marking the professional debut of the new Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle based on the Firebolt XB12R. The race was the opening round of the 2006 AMA Superbike/Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme series.
The four Buell dealer entries performed well in qualifying Thursday as each team placed its rider solidly in the 71-bike field. Warr’s London H-D/Buell’s Jeremy McWilliams qualified eighth, good for a second row starting position and ran as high as seventh position during the race. Buell Hannover (Germany) rider Rico Penzkofer qualified 14th and ran as high as 11th, while Deeley H-D/Buell Canada rider Steve Crevier qualified 16th and ran as high as 12th. Hal’s H-D/Buell rider Mike Ciccotto qualified 15th. All four riders retired from the race with suspected clutch/primary drive related problems. “Some people were expecting a miracle from Buell here today,” said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. “But we know what racing is all about and this is a heck of a start. It was a thrill to have the bikes qualified so well, and it would have been great to have all of our riders finish, but the Daytona 200 is the ultimate endurance test for a racing motorcycle, and we’ve learned a lot. We will get better.” American Honda factory rider Miguel DuHamel was fast qualifier for the event, which was won by his teammate Jake Zemke. Josh Hayes (Honda) finished second and Jason DiSalvo (Yamaha) finished third, among the 47 riders who finished the race. The Buell teams racing at Daytona were supported by Pirelli Tires, Sentry Insurance, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Harley-Davidson Visa, and Screamin’ Eagle SYN3 Synthetic Lubricant. Buell Motorcycle Company has expanded its racing support program for 2006, with more than $700,000 posted in cash contingencies for Buell racers competing in a variety of national and regional race series events and classes aboard Buell XB models and the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle.
NOISE LEVELS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT FACT SHEET–How Loud is Too Loud? Experts agree that continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA over time, will cause hearing loss. To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998), the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds. If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection.
Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel Levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, actual noise levels may vary depending on the particular item. Remember noise levels above 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.
Points of Reference *measured in dBA or decibels
0 The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
10 normal breathing
20 whispering at 5 feet
30 soft whisper
50 rainfall
60 normal conversation
110 shouting in ear
120 thunder
50 refrigerator
50 – 60 electric toothbrush
50 – 75 washing machine
50 – 75 air conditioner
50 – 80 electric shaver
55 coffee percolator
55 – 70 dishwasher
60 sewing machine
60 – 85 vacuum cleaner
60 – 95 hair dryer
65 – 80 alarm clock
70 TV audio
70 – 80 coffee grinder
70 – 95 garbage disposal
75 – 85 flush toilet
80 pop-up toaster
80 doorbell
80 ringing telephone
80 whistling kettle
80 – 90 food mixer or processor
80 – 90 blender
80 – 95 garbage disposal
110 baby crying
110 squeaky toy held close to the ear
135 noisy squeeze toys
40 quiet office, library
50 large office
65 – 95 power lawn mower
80 manual machine, tools
85 handsaw
90 tractor
90 – 115 subway
95 electric drill
100 factory machinery
100 woodworking class
105 snow blower
110 power saw
110 leafblower
120 chain saw, hammer on nail
120 pneumatic drills, heavy machine
120 jet plane (at ramp)
120 ambulance siren
125 chain saw
130 jackhammer, power drill
130 air raid
130 percussion section at symphony
140 airplane taking off
150 jet engine taking off
150 artillery fire at 500 feet
180 rocket launching from pad
40 quiet residential area
70 freeway traffic
85 heavy traffic, noisy restaurant
90 truck, shouted conversation
95 – 110 motorcycle
100 snowmobile
100 school dance, boom box
110 disco
110 busy video arcade
110 symphony concert
110 car horn
110 -120 rock concert
112 personal cassette player on high
117 football game (stadium)
120 band concert
125 auto stereo (factory installed)
130 stock car races
143 bicycle horn
150 firecracker
156 capgun
157 balloon pop
162 fireworks (at 3 feet)
163 rifle
166 handgun
170 shotgun
Continued On Page 2
May 11, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey,
Whatta week. Cops are crawling all over Walker’s Caf? Sunday bikers due to noise infractions. Our Bikernet Noise Study may come in handy in our hometown. Walker’s Caf? has been feeding bikers since before WWII. Now new local residents are sniveling about the bikes.
We’re in the middle dry walling Layla?s kitchen and electricians, plumbers, drywall experts and homeless sonsabitches are running in and out of our headquarters. It’s grizzly.
I want to thank Robin Bradley from American dealer for the features of the top eight European Champions. Check ’em out. Krugger, above, came in 7th and we have a full feature.
I spoke to an official from the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) about rules, classes and Bonneville racing. Delvene reminded me that it was time to pre-register. “Running open bikes is the most fun,” Rodan said. “But lets look at what you have?” According to Rodan the 45 Flatty will run in the 500cc class, but there are several catagories. We discovered that the record for the Modified Vintage 500 cc Gas Class is 126 mph. Get this the MPS-VF, vintage, partially streamlined fuel class record is 110 mph and the gas record in the same category is 123 mph. We’re going after the MPS-VF first then change classes if we break that record.
Let’s hit the news, then I’ll tell you the Class news about the first 120-inch Panhead Sportbike.
LA CALENDAR SHOW NEWS–We are happy to announce that we have been able to get you a special…Reduced Room Rates aboard the Queen Mary for the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show.The Queen Mary is the place to stay for convenience, its cool ambiance, great restaurants, a short 200 yard walk to the Show grounds, and your room is just down the corridor from our Saturday Night Calendar Builders Party in the Observation Bar Lounge..
This special rate is $129 per night for our attendees, down from the Queen Mary’s normal $169.00 weekend rate for a twin bed room.To get this special $129 per night rate you must call Queen Mary Reservations before June 1st and mention the special LA Calendar Motorcycle Show rate.If you have already booked your rooms at a higher rate, just give QM Reservations a call now to switch to the lower rate.
Contact Now Queen Mary Reservations: Phone 1-562 435 3511
Other Hotel and Airfare Discounted Bookings with ExpediaIf you are flying into Los Angeles for the Show or want to stay at a different hotel in the long beach or Los Angeles area, and rent a car, please use the Expedia.com booking link form on our Bike Show website.This will always assure you the lowest possible rates for our Show Attendees, both now and any other time in the future you want to book travel arrangements anywhere in the world.Plus it helps support our website and keeps our Exhibitor space costs low for you.
Please visit our FastDates.com Website for all your discount Travel Reservation Needs now or in the future with Expedia at:http://www.fastdates.com/BIKESHOW.2EventSchedule.HTM
And if you haven’t made your Exhibitor Registration and payment yet, please hurry as we are almost sold out.Use the Exhibitors Registration link at the bottom of this Email.
See you at the 2006 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show!
–Jim Gianatsis, Director
V-ROD ULTRA SIZED GAS TANKS–Once again, Rick’s Motorcycles offers a complete new high-tec part for all V-Rod models:Rick’s gas tank with 19,3 l / 5,1 gallons capacity!!
Nearly all V-Rod owners around the world know about the problem that you have to look for the next filling station, soon after you left.The new Rick’s Motorcycles V-Rod tank has about 5,3 l / 1,4 gallons more capacity and offers a more reach of about 35%.
The gas cap and the injection electronic can be used like on the OEM tank and the opening mechanism can also be used like usual.
Only some modifications on the protection plate under the tank are necessary, but for this we deliver a fitting instruction with pictures.The tank is delivered in white, not painted!!
The tank is available in two variant. For tyres up to 280 and for 300 tyres.Fits all V-Rod models !!
BAKER KLASSIC KICKER GEARS: BUILT TO OUTLAST–We all know the struggle of that die-hard guy in the crowd determined to kick over his stubborn motor. This beautiful embodiment of man versus machine is pornographic in nature. Because, starting that bike in a sea of onlookers is truly the money shot. With old skool influences on the contemporary bike building culture this Johnny Wad scenario is becoming more common than not.
Chinese knock-offs of the original 1936-86 kicker gears were the only thing available up until now. Take a set of these Asian gears and roll them over in your hands. It feels they were fashioned out of fish head soup cans with a hammer and chisel by some guy making 35 cents/hour in the middle of a rice patty. Then you put them in your bike. After three kicks the kick back plate is deformed. After 10 kicks the gear teeth are starting to chip. Quite often the stop peg breaks off and finds its way into your tranny gears and then you are really screwed. This really bothered us so we took the initiative to develop a better set of kicker gears made in Michigan and manufactured with BAKER gear technology.
We manufacture our kicker gears with certified 8620 steel, to quality standards of AGMA 8 or better, on the same CNC hobbing machines that manufacture our high quality transmission gears. The stop peg has an upset head on it to give redundancy and guarantee that it will never find its way into your transmission. The kick back plate is case hardened 4140 and will not deform. The ratchet gear bushing has that critical helical groove cut in it to feed oil and lubricate the end of the mainshaft. Lastly, the kicker gears are REM finished like NASCAR gears to remove all surface imperfections and yield a semi-polished finish that screams quality.
For 1936-1986 Big Twin 4-speed transmission or similar
Hardened kick back plate to prevent common deformation
16-tooth starter gear
24-tooth crank gear
Compatible with 14 tooth OEM H-D starter gear
For additional information on BAKER’s solution to inferior kicker gears, call us toll free at 1-877-640-2004.
TIM REMUS AND WOLFGANG PUBLICATIONS TO BE ON SPEED TV– Tim Remus and Wolfgang Publications will be featured In an upcoming edition of Mike Corbin’s Ride-On show on Speed TV. The segment documents the work involved in producing Tim’s first DVD – How to Build a BOBBER. The show airs next week, be sure to tune in. Specific times are listed below.
Tues, May 16 @ 9:30pm E / 6:30pm P
Tues late night, May 16 @ 2:30am E / 11:30pm P
Wed, May 17 @ 4:30am E / 1:30am P
Wed, May 17 @ 9:30am E / 6:30am P
Sat, May 20 @ 7:30am E / 4:30am P
On Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. EST and again on Wednesday, May 17,2006 at 8:00 p.m. EST our television specials about Carlisle Events will airon Speed TV. Our motorcycle event is featured in the May 10 program, and our entireportfolio of events are showcased during the two one-hour specials.
Dave, Donnie and other motorcycling industry personalities like MicheleSmith, Michael Lichter, The Starboyz, Kai Raecke (Easyriders Magazine) andEddie Trotta appear as well. If you think this of interest, please pass it on.
–John Detrick
PIPE WRAP ARTICLE ANOTHER BIKERNET SUCCESS–Hey Bandit – Thanks for the pipe wrap tech article. It worked out great.Follow the advice in the article to be generous with the wrap. I wasamazed that these pipes took the whole package to complete (50 feet!)
–Scrapper
IMMIGRATION MARCH HUGE SUCCESS–It appears that the Immigration March in Los Angeles was a HUGE success! According to data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff, Los Angeles had a reduction in the following:
82% reduction – auto theft
28% reduction – murders/ violent crimes/ rapes
73% reduction – vandalism / tagging
54% reduction – drug related offenses (not including the area surrounding the march)
31% reduction – domestic violence cases
64% reduction – misdemeanor cases (shoplifting, etc)
CHP reported that today was a record low in the least amount of traffic accidents on Southern CA freeways. Looks like the immigration rally was well worth it!
BIKERNET BONNEVILLE SPONSOR BIKE–Ya gotta love it, 95 cubic inch, 118 h p , via r&r cycle and Randy Torgenson, hyperformance, Des Moines, Iowa. Sputhe isolators………. caddie shocks, still dialing them in,
Just completed a 2,500 mile Laughlin road trip, just a warm up for the summer.. See you on the road…
–Ray Wheeler
LA CHOP RODS POWDER CONNECTION– I am sending you a shot of our last build. My shop is RS Performance and we are the ones who did the powder and ceramic coating on Gard’s (LA CHOP RODS) Hard Rock Roadhouse tour bike. We also do all of Kirk Taylors (Custom Design studios) powder and ceramic as well as many others.
We also build our own bikes and I thought you might be interested in doing a feature on one or more of our bikes. The orange one was finished in June of ’05 and the black one we finished in Jan. of ’06.
— Bob Simpson
RS Performance Coatings
(650) 678-9216
BIKERNET SEAT OF THE WEEK–This art was completed in Grateful Dead style by Duane.
Duane Ballard Custom Leather
603-781-7505
36 Goen Rd.
New Ipswich, NH 03071
http://www.dbcustomleather.com
LUCKY DEVIL CUSTOM CYCLES GRAND OPENING AT NEW FACILITY– We will miss your Shenanigans at our Wild Rumpus!
Ever dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight? Well now is your chance… except the Devil doesn’t dance, and it will be in the middle of the day, but Oh Well.
We are having a party! Lucky Devil Custom Cycles is finally having our Grand Opening, if you happen to be in Houston, and feel like having a beer, some tasty Texas BBQ and checking out some nice rides, and some Texas honeys, stop by on the 27th of May between the hours of 12 noon and 6:00pm and have a little down home fun with us.
Before the festivities begin we will be doing the Texas National Bike Show poster bike shoot, and once that is over everyone will have a chance to get a close up of the bike during the party, and also perhaps a chance to see and chat with Miss Texas National, the fabulous Liz.
We are excited to show off some hot new customs for sale, and our in-house painters have gone all out with some wild new paint projects.
We will also have a registration booth for everyone interested in getting a jump on the competition for the upcoming Texas National Bike Show in November.
See you all there!
–Mrs. L. Devil
NEW RUNNING LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT KIT FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Converts Turn Signals to Also Function as Red Running/Brake Light.sThe new Auxiliary Brake Light/Turn Signal Conversion Kits ($49.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories add an auxiliary brake light and running light function to the rear turn signals. Red lenses glow when the headlamp is on and increase in intensity when brakes or turn signals are activated.
Easy to install, the kit simply plugs into the existing wiring harness. Red turn signal lenses are included. Meets DOT requirements.
The Auxiliary Brake Light/Turn Signal Conversion Kits are available to fit bullet- and flat-style rear turn signals on a number of Harley-Davidson Dyna, Softail, VRSC, Touring and XL models. (NOTE: Does not meet DOT standards when installed on ’04-later FLHRS, FLTR, FLHTCSE models, ’05-later FLSTN and FLSTS models, or models equipped with Bullet Rear Turn Signal Bar Kit P/N 68615-04 or 68617-04.) 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.
HOLLISTER ATTACKS BIKERS AGAIN–I say; why give these sanctimonious assholes our money if they don’t want us there??? Hell, let’s all invade somewhere else, and let Hollister dry up and blow away.–B.
Hollister – A local attorney asked the City Council this week to suspend parking regulations in Hollister during the Fourth of July weekend, warning that the strict enforcement promised by police during that time when hordes bikers are expected to roar into town for the “unofficial rally” could be unconstitutional.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller has said that parking laws will be strictly enforced during the July 4th holiday as part of local law enforcement’s strategy to deal with the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts anticipated to come to downtown Hollister despite the cancellation of the 2006 Hollister Independence Rally. Because of budget constraints, the police department has not routinely enforced parking laws – primarily those that limit the amount of time a car can be parked in one spot – since 2004, according to Miller.
Parking regulations, though ostensibly impartial, can easily become a means to harass particular groups if they are applied with an, “Evil eye and unequal hand,” Hollister defense attorney George Barton told the council Monday, quoting from a 1886 decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found that a San Francisco ordinance prohibiting laundries in wooden buildings was being unfairly enforced on Chinese immigrants. If police target bikers when enforcing parking regulations, Barton said, the city will be violating their right to equal protection under the law, which is guaranteed in the 14th amendment of the U.S. constitution.
“It will send a message to our two-wheel tourists that they are not welcome in Hollister,” he said during the public comment period of the meeting. He also asked the council to pass a resolution suspending the enforcement of parking regulations during the Fourth of July weekend.
City officials disagree, saying that all vehicles will be subject to stepped up enforcement of parking laws, whether they have two wheels, four wheels or more.
“The police department’s announced plans to enforce laws downtown during the Fourth of July does not constitute selective enforcement against motorcyclists,” City Attorney Elaine Cass wrote in an e-mail. “If there is, in fact, a large public gathering downtown on July 4, whether grandmothers, republicans or motorcyclists, then law enforcement may and will take whatever action it deems necessary and appropriate under the circumstances to keep the peace.”
In an interview after Monday’s meeting, Barton said that police plans for strict enforcement of parking regulations during the holiday – even if vehicles other than motorcycles are subject to it – is intended at keeping bikers out of downtown Hollister and puts the city at risk of lawsuits.
“Equal protection means that the law has to apply equally to everybody. If you single out a group and enforce the law against them and not others, that’s a violation of equal protection,” he said. “(The city) is entering an area where it better tread very lightly.”
Bikers alone will not be targeted, Miller said.
“In our case the restraints will apply to everybody, whether it’s a car a motorcycle or a motor home,” he said.
Councilman Doug Emerson, who is among the majority on the council who voted in February to cancel Hollister’s annual motorcycle rally for 2006, said that he was initially wary about strict enforcement of parking regulations.
By Luke Roney/Staff Writer,Luke Roney covers local government and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lroney@freelancenews.com
–from Buckshot
Continued On Page 2
May 11, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
STEALTH REPORT–We have just celebrated our one year anniversary at STEALTH BIKEWORKS! The shop is full! We have more bikes to work than ever! Doesit sound like I am excited? You bet I am!
The good news doesn’t stop there. STEALTH BIKE WORKS is beginningit’s third ground up project!This one is an Evo based riigd frame bare bones bike.
The Myrtle Beach bike rally starts this weekend and we are slammedgetting bikes ready. We are not complaining, that is a good thing.We have a lot of people stopping along the way to and from the beachrally.
STEALTH BIKE WORKS is really starting to come on. We have developedour own personality and I think people are starting to see ourstyle evolve. I try to keep our inventory different and keep thingsin stock where others have to order.
We are now set up with Bassani. I really like their exhaust systems.As far as Sportsters go, they have the coolest pipes by far. Weinstalled our first set a few weeks ago. They fit perfectly andsound great!
As we enter our 2nd year we look forward to growing, maybe notbuilding wise but customer wise.When I think back to a year ago, I remember being nervous and to behonest scared to death. A year later I feel confident and sure ofwhat we are doing. That is not to say we are comfortable or that weare ready to take a break, I guess what I am trying to say is thatit just feels right to me.What does our 2nd year hold in store for us? Who really knows? Ithink we are starting to turn the corner, but who knows what isaround that corner. It is an adventure that is what makes all ofthisgreat. One thing is for sure though, whatever we do, we will havefun doing it.
In closing I would like to leave you something to think about.“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what youlove to do. There is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
Wayne Dyer
Until next week, RIDE!
STEALTHMAN
VIPER OPEN HOUSE–We have moved to a new 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Big Lake, Minnesota. You are cordially invited to an Open House, Saturday, June 10 from noon to 6 P.M. There will be a facility tour, food and fun.
Our new address is 19950 177th St. Suite F, Big Lake, Minnesota 55309.
We look forward to seeing you.
–Terry Nesbitt
LA CALENDAR MOTORCYCLE SHOW PARTNERS AND EXHIBITORS–Please find below the details of the contract from The Queen Mary, John Adamson, Director of Special Events, clearly stating the International Tatooo Festival taking place at the Queen Mary on June 23-25th weekend and hosting a “Johnny Chop Memorial Bike Show” will not, and can not contain commercial motorcycle product venders, shops or professional builders and companies displaying bikes or advertising their companies. This is in direct violation of what the promoter Electric Ink Promotions has been producing and advertising up to this date, and he, Trac Edwards now agrees to cease this and not hold said activities.
The Queen Mary and Gianatsis Design are partners in the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show and as such, can not have competing events to take place at the Queen Mary, no matter how good the cause.In this case however, it was a commercial opportunity the promoter of the Tattoo Festival weekend was attempting to capitalize on based on the success of our Show, but now he can not.
My own offer still stands to feature “Johnny Chop Memorial” activities at the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in place of the one which was to take place at the Tattoo Festival if any friends of Johnny might be interested in coordinating it with me.
Our Show is a much better venue to honor Johnny Chop among all his friends in the motorcycle industry, most of who will be participating at the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in July.
Thanks for your support and I’ll look forward to see you at the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in July.
–Jim Gianatsis, DirectorLA Calendar Motorcycle Showph 818 223 8550
CHOP N GRIND TEAM BEING INVESTIGATED–STRUGGLING FOR SPONSORSHIP FUNDS, TEAM MEMBER BUYS NEW SEAT FOR HIS DRESSER.
We questioned Bob T.,”Got a new seat for the FLH. My wife got it for my birthday (you are still older)……It’s way cool………Not bad for an old guy……It’s from C&C Motorcycle Seats,
The Bikernet Bonneville 2006 Effort team is investigating Bob T’s finances and questioning his dog.
BIKERNET WEEKLY TECH TIP–A reader wrote in last week complaining about his Big Boar Battery. I wrote him back and sent his e-mail to Aaron from Big Boar. It wasn’t the battery, but he was facing a common electrical problem. “From what he is saying, it sounds like his voltage reg. is defective and not shutting off, thereby over charging the battery and causing excessive heat inside the battery,” Aaron said. “The heat is causing the leak and failure problem. I always take pride in helping my customers, however sometimes they do not want to look beyond the battery for the root of the problem.”
Any time you have a charging problem, don’t just replace the fried part. Check all the other elements first. For instance, you batterY unexpectedly goes dead. Don’t just replace it, then damage the new one, because your alternator or regulator died. Make sure all the components are cool and you have good connections and grounds.
IT’S HAPPY HOUR SOMEWHERE–Okay, so between the workers scrambling in and out of the headquarters, working on both bikes, discussing a book contract with Motorbooks, fighting our own noise ticket, trying to finish the Bikernet noise study, write an article for the HORSE and one for American Iron, I’m scrambling to finish our Bonneville build updates.
I hope to take a break, workout, then round out a Salt Shaker update. It’s coming along. I cruised over to PM and Jason gave me a tour of the Roland Sands Designs area and some tips on some of the unbelievable work he’s done. He coached me on building pipe systems and I learned a lot. I looked at some of those amazing bikes, but realized that these guys work on bikes constantly and I’m alone building two bikes with limited skills and experience in our Bikernet headquarters. I’m lucky to get a couple of hours a day down in the shop. Both bikes are still going to be cool, but Roland and his guys are amazing. One other item. Roland is of the Sportbike school. He builds ’em cool, but they perform and handle like sportbikes. I dig it. We’ve been building choppers forever, it’s cool to shift gears.
I give Bob T. and his crew some shit, but we’re all struggling to scrape the bucks together for Bonneville and building the bikes. We sure appreciate our current sponsors and could use some more to pull the effort altogether and cover our expenses. I need to raise the funds to register our two bikes. Anyway, any help you can throw our way is seriously appreciated.
Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
May 11, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
DAVID CAMP ART EXHIBIT ON BIKERNET–I didn’t know if you were interested but I thought I’d send one more art piece I did of another airman. His name is Brian Green.
The individual who modeled for this artwork, his name is Brian Green, has also served in the Middle East on several occasions. He was in the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996. Brian, himself wounded, saved the life of another airman who was more severely wounded. Brian actually refused medical treatment. He received a Commendation of Valor Medal for his selfless heroism.
I decided to create this artwork for him as a tribute to his service to our country. The reason we titled it “Choose Your Ride” is because although he would jump at the chance to ride in the F-16 fighter aircraft seen in the background, he would prefer to jump on his 2004 Road King and head out to parts unknown just a cruisin.
David Camp
http://www.stores.ebay.com/dcampsart
RESPECT FOR FALLEN HEROES–WASHINGTON — The House has voted to restrict demonstrations at militaryfunerals.The measure, known as the “Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act,” passed408-3.
The bill is aimed at a Kansas church group that has carried its anti-gaymessage to the last rites for those killed in Iraq.
As Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer put it, “We will notallow the repugnant acts of a few to define who we are as Americans.”
Protesters, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps of Topeka, claim that U.S. militarydeaths in Iraq are a sign of divine punishment for America’s tolerance ofhomosexuals.
Those who violate the act, which still needs Senate approval, would face upto a $100,000 fine and up to a year in prison.
–from JF
EPA BUSTED–To American Iron magazine and readers:It may interest you to know that the EPA has no authority to levy fines against individuals, nor any legal position from which to regulate individual citizens.
U.S. Congressman Shimkus, along with several of his congressional colleagues, asked the EPA administrator to clarify the boundaries of the new emissions regulations. This is an excerpt from that inquiry. I have highlighted the relative points.
Congressman Shimkus: In addition, we were informed that the motorcycle industry’s independent shops and aftermarket suppliers were not included as part of the small business community potentially affected by this proposed rule. Did the Agency determine that these business have no standing in the SBREFA process as directly impacted small businesses and, if so, why?
EPA response: These regulations would not impose any direct requirements on entities that are not motorcycle manufacturers (like dealers, the aftermarket and end-users). Case law on this matter states: “An agency is under no obligation to conduct a small entity impact analysis of effects on entities which it does not regulate.” Motor & Equipment Mfrs. Ass’n v. Nichols, 142 F. 3d 449, 467 (D.C. Cir. 1998).
This rule would promulgate requirements only on manufacturers of new motorcycles. Because this rule does not subject these other entities to regulation, EPA was not required to conduct a flexibility analysis as to small aftermarket and other businesses.
Independent dealers, shops, and aftermarket parts suppliers and end-users are not directly regulated by the rule, so EPA did not violate any SBREFA guidelines by not including these parties in the formal SBREFA process. Moreover, as noted in the NPRM, we expect no significant effects, even indirect ones, on these entities. However, as part of our analysis of comments on the proposal, we continue to assess the possibility and the potential nature of impacts of this rule on other businesses.
In answering one question, the EPA made clear the limit of their authority; they may only regulate licensed vehicle manufacturers. They do not regulate end users (you and me), independent shops, and aftermarket parts manufacturers –because they cannot. The articles describing 1 emissions-exempt vehicle per lifetime-per individual, selling only after 5-years, 24 emissions exempt vehicles built per small shop, and 10,000.00 fines, etc. are all false. They are illegal on two fronts: The first is that the EPA has no authority to even write such an article. The second is that it attempts to create an imaginary partnership with the federal government as to the ownership of your property.
This is why state senators are right now trying to get waivers from the federal government to allow individual states to amend the regulations to make them even more restrictive. They are trying to validate those false articles so they become actual law –which as of now, they are not.
Join your local ABATE or other organization. Write your state representatives today. Ask them to explain their position. Get answers, and if they ignore you get to the voting booth this November and vote all of them out of office.
Take action. Never be too comfortable to stand up and say, “No.”
Jeff Diamond
ABATE #6
San Diego, CA
BILLY LANE EARLY STURGIS LINE-UP–Billy and his industry friends are hosting a charity breakfast at the World Famous Broken Spoke on Lazelle St in Sturgis this year to raise money for Kids & Chrome. Have breakfast with your favorite builder or come to meet them all. Imagine having breakfast in Sturgis at the Spoke with Billy Lane, Arlen Ness, Kendall Johnson, Paul Cox, Dave Perewitz, Donnie Smith, Russell Mitchell, Jesse Rooke, Aaron Greene, Jerry Covington, Russell Marlow, Rick Fairless? the list doesn’t end there. There are more builders being added daily buy your ticket today. Proceeds go straight to Kids & Chrome.
Blood Sweat & Gears
Join Billy Lane at the world famous Broken Spoke on Lazelle Street during Sturgis this year to see Blood Sweat & Gears at its finest. Billy will be doing LIVE fabrication with you. This year all of the one-of-a-kind custom parts he is building with the help of audience members will be given to deserving folks in the military. Let’s show them we care, come support our troops by lending your hand at Blood Sweat & Gears. Tuesday 8/8 from Noon-2PM, Thursday 8/10 from 2PM-4PM and Friday 8/11 from 2PM-4PM. See you at the Spoke! For more information on Blood Sweat & Gears, please visit: www.chopppersinc.com
Billy Lane’s Heavy Metal Garage at the Broken Spoke
If you love things with engines, you’ll want to swing by the Spoke this year during the Rally. Test your “pit crew” skills at Dodge’s NASCAR Challenge, have your picture taken with Dale Jr’s stock car, check out live House of Kolor demonstrations and much more. Billy Lane’s Heavy Metal Garage at the Spoke is all things motor?
ONE BAD BITCH CLOTHING LINE–I thought you and your readers would be interested in a female-owned, women’s, motorcycle-clothing company, which has grown over 250% in the last two years. Some say all good companies are founded on one good idea, and One Bad Bitch is no exception.
OBB Enterprises was born in January 2004 when Jen Berryhill, a paralegal, was looking for bold, sexy apparel with style to match her own. Jen has some attitude when she rides, and after searching and searching, she realized she couldn’t find any clothes to match.
She decided to print up some women’s cut shirts with bold, empowering sayings like “This Bitch Don’t Ride Bitch”, “My Vibrator Has 2 Wheels”, “Fuck Off! I ride My Own”, and “If You’re Gonna Ride My Ass At Least Pull My Hair.”
“I wanted to have a line of clothing that empowered and inspired other women to get out and enjoy the freedom of the road, whether it be on the back of someone’s bike or riding their own. What I have found is that I have followed my dream of being self-employed and making a difference, a dream that has been a struggle but very rewarding. We constantly get e-mails from customers saying that they bought a shirt, and are now getting positive comments on how cool the shirts are, and in turn the women start to feel more empowered and feel they are part of something bigger. These shirts aren’t just about motorcycles, they are about empowering women to make their own choices and not be influenced by outside pressures.”
OBB is testament to the power of grass roots marketing and word of mouth. Most of their sales are done on the road at numerous biker gatherings across the country, and nearly 20% of their sales are done online. I think that Jen has a unique story with some great imagery, and with the motorcycle season being upon us, I thought you and your readers might be interested. Let me know if you would like more information or would like to speak with Jen.
You can also visit OBB online at www.onebadbitch.com or www.obbenterprises.com
–J. Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588
TIMM FIELDS HIRED AS DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING–S&S Cycle is pleased to announce the hiring of Timm Fields as the Director of Sales & Marketing.Fields holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and was previously employed at United Conveyor Corportation in Waukegan, Illinois. He will oversee operational and strategic sales and marketing initiatives for S&S, working primarily at the Customer Support Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Department managers representing Communications, Customer Support, Marketing, Race, Sales (dealer & distributor), Training, and Warranty & Rebuild will be reporting to Fields.
“Timm Fields is going to be an excellent addition to this team,” said S&S president Brett Smith. “He has great sales & marketing experience with manufacturing, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and has dug right in since he arrived. I am eager to work with him and look forward to his contributions not only at S&S, but in the v-twin industry as a whole.”
Fields’ experience with worldwide sales efforts of replacement parts products and services, managing sales staff, media, tradeshows, and website marketing allows him to fill this important position at S&S. He has also held positions in pricing, inventory control, material planning, and parts marketing.
Fields was born in West Bend, Wisconsin, but grew up in Woodstock, Illinois and attended Valparaiso University on a baseball scholarship, where he spent a semester abroad studying in Reutlingen, Germany and earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. He also earned APICS Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) in 1996 in addition to his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago in 2003.
HOW ABOUT A COFFEE BREAK– An Irish woman of advanced age visited her physician to ask his helpin reviving her husband’s libido. “What about trying Viagra?” asks thedoctor.
“Not a chance”, she said. “He won’t even take an aspirin.”
“Not a problem”, replied the doctor. “Give him an Irish Viagra. Dropit into his coffee. He won’t even taste it. Give it a try and call mein a week to let me know how things went.”
It wasn’t a week later that she called the doctor, who directlyinquired as to progress.
The poor dear exclaimed, “Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah! T’washorrid. Just terrible, doctor!”
“Really? What happened?” asked the doctor.
“Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee and theeffect was almost immediate. He jumped hisself straight up, with atwinkle in his eye! , and with his pants a-bulging fiercely! With oneswoop of his arm, he sent the cups and tablecloth flying, ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there, making wild, mad, passionate love to me on the tabletop! It was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!”
“Why so terrible?” asked the doctor, “Do you mean the sex your husband provided wasn’t good?”
“Oh, no, no, no, doctor, the sex was fine indeed! ‘Twas the best sexI’ve had in 25 years! But sure as I’m sittin’ here, I’ll never be ableto show me face in Starbucks again.”
–from Joe Lankau
THE METRIC BOBBER–Seriously enjoying the website lately, good luck with the Salt Shaker. I just finished an article on a good friends recently built “metric” (OK, friggin Jap bike) rescued from the weeds.
He’s got $600.00 in it and it’s a seriously cool tongue in cheek bobber from a very talented guy. A picture is attached.
Doze
Tampa
BIKERNET ROAD STORY COMING– I’m doing a run to Sturgis this year with our best bud’s (different couple than the guy I did the week long “Road Glitches” trip with in ’04). It’ll be a three week long trip (from Florida, just saying “no” to trailers) just hitting the end of the rally but meandering through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, etc. You interested in the details of that trip once we get back?
–from Mike O’Conner
SAN PEDRO ATTACKS BIKERS–splatt sez;….This article is from SAN PEDRO, California, a wonderful place that I can’t visit now. Korean Bell of Friendship, built high on a bluff above the ocean to honor those Americans who died defending freedom in Korea, and who’s last gaze of America was on this very shoreline) Are we gonna act responsibly and do something about policing ourselves…or are we gonna sit on our duffs and wait for our elected officials to once again legislate responsibility for us? As they’re actively trying to do in other states?
I know it’s mostly the guys/gals from Club Peacock and the L.A.M.E. (Look At Me, Everybody!) Riders that are the usual miscreants…but seriously, it’s up to us “lifers” to keep those motorhead morons who didn’t get petted enuff as children, in line~splatt
Muffling motorcycles results in loud outcryNot everyone in San Pedro is happy that police are issuing tickets and enforcing a law to cut noise in a residential neighborhood.
By Josh Grossberg DAILY BREEZE
First, police officers spent a month issuing warnings. Then they notified the press. And on Saturday morning, they went so far as to place electronic signs on busy San Pedro streets alerting motorcycle riders that they were waiting for them.
“Police ahead,” it said. “Loud and modified exhaust will be cited.”
But plenty of riders of sonically enhanced bikes were caught unaware when they were pulled over and ticketed near Gaffey Street and Paseo del Mar. The coastal route through the Palos Verdes Peninsula is a popular one for weekend riders.
“This is by far our worst area,” said Bill McDonald, a Los Angeles police community traffic safety officer.
Police officers said they didn’t mind riders enjoying the view but that some were making life miserable for locals when they revved their engines or reconfigured their mufflers.
“We don’t want to write a thousand tickets,” McDonald said. “But we will if we have to.”
The issue of loud bikes has been one of the top complaints received by Harbor Area Councilwoman Janice Hahn.
“This is really a beautiful neighborhood,” Hahn said. “Everybody loves the park and the view, but these motorcycles have really been disturbing the peace, and I’ve been hearing about it. I have nothing against people enjoying a recreational ride, but the noise has gotten some of my residents very upset.”
Art Corona, who lives down the street from Walker’s Cafe — a popular hangout for motorcycles as well as families — did some grumbling about the rumbling.
“This is a quality-of-life issue,” he said. “They set off car alarms. I’m probably only talking 10 percent, but I just want to sit in front of my TV without being disturbed. This really ruins things.”
By noon, more than a dozen bikers had been cited, but some of them said the noise was a way to protect themselves.
“Loud pipes save lives,” said Mike Bailey of San Pedro after he was pulled over but not cited. “People forget about that. It makes people notice us.”
But for McDonald, the issue wasn’t noise; it was too much noise. And besides, he said, any biker should know that it’s against the law to modify a motorcycle’s exhaust system.
“They want to be heard, but when they come into town rapping their pipes, it’s not a safety issue,” he said.
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– Dyna Trans Main DriveGear Wrench Tool,No. 989. Use on all 2006 topresent Dyna Models.Use to remove the larger 2-1/4″ hex nut from the end of main drive gear, which secures the rear drive trans pulley. Very safe and easy to use, as the earlier JIMS Tool No.94660-37A. Just thread on the inner support collar to end of mainshaft, place the socket over the collar with your favorite 1/2″ drive tool, and unthread (right hand thread) locknut.
Continued On Page 4
May 11, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
HIGHBAR STUDY BY ABATE OF CALIFORNIA–When ABATE of CA Legislative Director, Jean and I sought scientific data from the engineering world to help ABATE of California raise handlebar height limits a few years ago, I turned to Tony Foale, who lives in Spain, and he gave us the hi-tech terminology we needed to ‘git ‘er done. As a result, the legislature voted unanimously to raise the arbitrary height standard another six inches above the first arbitrary height standard, and the apes tickets STOPPED! (New Law: Grips-6″ above shoulder height when seated)
Thanks, ABATE!
Apparently, Tony will be in the states at the end of July…so if anyone can attend, tell him “thanks” for the help in California!
Here’s the article which helped get the ball rolling in CA: http://www.bikernation.net/bikercivics_11_03.htm and it’s still good reading since NOW it applies to loud pipes.~splatt
http://www.bikernation.net
MOTORCYCLE DYNAMICS SEMINAR IN OHIO-31 JULY/AUGUST 1–One of Tony Foale’s seminars is being planned to coincide with the AHRMA vintage motorcycle races at Mid Ohio in July. Basically a two day event, but each day will be independent for the benefit of those only able to attend for one day.
Most motorcyclists from road riders up through racers and on to race mechanics and engineers find it difficult to get reliable information to help understand why motorcycles behave as they do. Riders, both road and racing, want to understand more to help their riding technique. Engineers need the knowledge to help set-up winning motorcycles. In general, as bikes become more technically sophisticated there is an increasing need for such education.
The seminars
To help solve this problem, at least for a limited number of people, Tony Foale has called on his 40+ years of experience, riding, racing, building and studying motorcycle behavior to design a series of seminars on motorcycle dynamics. These seminars explain how tires work, how we balance and corner, what stops us from cornering faster, suspension, steering geometry, squat, braking, stability and much more.
If you are interested then please let us know ASAP to help us get an idea if there will be enough people to make it viable. No commitment at this stage, we just want to gauge the level of interest. Please pass this message to any friends or colleages who may want to go.
More info about these seminars, including typical topics, can be viewed at www.tonyfoale.com/seminar/index.htm
Tony Foale Designs
Espa?a / Spain
www.tonyfoale.com
mailto:info@tonyfoale.com
CAN’T BEAT THE ORIGINAL KEIM– So why even try? No point in messing around with knock-offs when the original is readily available. The Doug Keim Creative Cycles’ (DKCC) Checkmate II pipes eliminate the need for bolt-on heat shields, and feature 1-3/4-inch diameter tubing stepped up to 2 inches. Flawlessly chromed, these DKCC originals will work on Evo, Softail, twin cam, and custom applications.
Checkmate II pipes are available as a Custom Chrome Doug Keim Signature Series Part or directly from DKCC. For more information, contact: Doug Keim Creative Cycles, (732) 751-1403, www.creativecycles.com.
AND YOU THOUGHT GAS PRICES WERE RIDICULOUS ON THE MAINLAND–Bikernet just received this report from Oahu, Hawaii. “We thought the prices were high on Oahu,” said Chris T. from the North Shore. The man who creates all Jesse James and Bikernet Stickers. This image shows gas prices on the island of Lanai.
LES FITCH ( JOHN LESLIE FITCH ) 1946-2006– Les died on Sunday April 23, 2006 @ 8:45 PM. There will be a Remembrance and Celebration of Life Memorial on Saturday May 20, 2006 from 1.pm – 4.pm at Zion Lutheran Church located at 1405 East Fallbrook Street in Fallbrook, California 92028
If coming to Celebration, Please RSVP
–Denise Fitch
( 760 ) 728-4610
FAMOUS SHRUNKEN FXR FOR SALE IN SAN DIEGO–That’s right the famous Bikernet Shrunken FXR, designed for the smaller rider is for sale at Randy Aron’s shop, Cycle Visions, right around the corner from historic Old Town Dago.
Buy it, we need the money to finish Sin Wu’s kitchen. It’s a rare, Bandit built, one off custom motorcycle-all new.
Randy Aron
Cycle Visions
(619) 295-7800
CARBURETOR TUNERS BANNED– Effective July 1, 2006, the sale of mercury carburetortuners and the replacement mercury for them will be banned in the states ofCalifornia and Maine. It’s already banned in Connecticut and Rhode Island andthen next year in New York and Vermont. These tuners (Carb Stix, Motion Pro,etc.) are usually four long glass or plastic tubes that are attached to a vacuumspigot on each carb of a four cylinder bike. Vacuum sucks the mercury up thetube and the four carbs are balanced so that each has the mercury going up tothe same level.
This has been how ya’ do it on multi-carb bike for years. Myboss Sam Hochberg will tell ya; he used to ride a KZ-650 back in the 80’s, and itran with four carbs. Because the mercury is toxic it will now be banned. There’sgotta be SOMETHING to replace those suckers! Meanwhile, don’t break yercarb-stick; soon ya can’t get a new one
–from Rogue
NCOM CONVENTION IN LOUISVILLE–For those going to this years NCOM Convention in Louisville we willbe getting together Friday night at 7pm by the pool for somesocializing. If your there come introduce yourself………I’m waypast ready.
NEBRASKA HEADS UP–Rules of engagement from the Omaha, Nebraska PD.I heard about this a couple weeks ago…didn’t think much of it.I ran into a guy last night who I’ve known for years who lives in Omaha.He told me the story.
I called a guy this morning and he confirmed the following:Omaha, Nebraska PD is setting up “safety check points”. (yeah, soundslike Gestapo checking for traveling papers…but that’s a whole ‘notherissue). If a motorcyclist is NOT wearing a DOT approved helmet (with thesticker on the back AND the patch on the inside) they are impounding thehelmet, writing a $50 ticket (+$33 court costs) and you can NOT proceedon your journey until you get a DOT helmet delivered to you or someonecomes and either rides your bike out of there with a DOT helmet on thehead or a truck/trailer to haul your bike.
If you do NOT have a valid motorcycle endorsement on your license or youlack insurance papers…your bike is immediately impounded and TOWED away.
So far, we have only heard about this at safety checkpoints. Butguarantee, that if you are pulled over for ANY other offense and thehelmet is NOT DOT approved – the results will be the same.
Thus, unless you are totally covered and got all your ducks in a row -steer clear of Omaha, Ne.
I personally think this is going to be a great recruiting tool for ABATEof Ne. I look for membership numbers to jump quickly as people getpissed off. It’s funny that the Omaha PD is giving ABATE of Ne a goldenopportunity here to gain membership and fire them up at the same time.
To join and support ABATE of Ne in this next battle…please visit thewebsite www.abateofne.com, click on “membership” and consider sending in$25 as a show of solidarity and help us beat back this latestinfringement on our Constitutional Rights.
–spotman
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–It was so hot the kickstands were sinking into the road. Sitting there in the shade like in an old western movie, she seemed to be the only one the heat couldn’t tame.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net
D&D AWARDS SET OF DYNA EXHAUST IN BIKERNET CONTEST–Robert Brock wins a set of D&D Performance Exhaust Fat Cat pipes for the most beautiful DYNA at Bikernet.com. Here are the details on his ride:
It’s a 2004 FXDWGI 95″ with Fat Cats, Dewey’s Heads, Dewey’s Rammer aircleaner and oversize Zippers filter, Andrews 37G cams, Power CommanderIIIusb (Tuning by Cliff Piper). It has a Screaming Eagle clutch, Boss Bags (wheninstalled) Chubby’s 12.5-inch apes and risers, Mustang seat, H-D custom tins.Also there’s Progressive 440 rear shocks, Progressive front springs, HD braided cablesand lines, H-D chrome 6-spoke wheels, Meltzer’s, Ness rocker cover mountedoil pressure gauge and a shit load of various chrome pieces from H-D, eBay,and everywhere else in between.
Robert did all the work except for flowing the heads. He’s already starting on his 2nd service manual because the first one has been used so much it’s almost unreadable.
He can now distinguish the difference in tastes betweenRed and Blue Loctite. She pulls 97.9 HP and 103.3 ft. lbs of torque. The bike is his pride and joy and has brought him more joy than a box of 3 legged kittens.
–Jeff Najar
ABATE OF WISCONSIN SCORED MONSTER BILL–Included are:1) Red light running if not changed in 30 sec
2) Class C misdemeanor for injuring a motorcyclist, bicyclist orpedestrian ($500/30 days jail/30 days suspended license).
Great bodilyinjury gets ’em a Class B. ($1000/90 days jail/9 months suspendedlicense).
Death get ’em a Class A ($10,000/90 days jail/9 monthssuspended license)
3) Driver ed courses MUST include motorcycle/bicycle/pedestrianawareness training
4) Waive motorcycle test if a Basic RE course is completed
5) Requires DOT in planning any highway improvement to consider thesafety of motorcycles
The full text is here:http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-964.pdf
All that is left is for the Governor to sign it. Congrats ABATE of Wis.-spotman
BILLY LANE TO HOST “BUILDERS BREAKFAST” FOR KIDS & CHROME– May 2006 – – The incredible Billy Lane of Choppers Inc. has stepped up to the plate for Kids & Chrome with a fantastic idea to help our kids: A Builders’ Breakfast! Billy has already recruited over a dozen of the industry’s top builders for this event, set for Tuesday, August 8th at Billy’s Sturgis Rally headquarters, the Broken Spoke Saloon.Builders confirmed for the breakfast include Dave Perewitz, Mondo, Paul Cox, Jesse Rook, Russell Marlowe, Donnie Smith, Kim Suter, Jerry Covington, Russell Mitchell, Brian Klock, Rick Fairless, Arlen Ness, Cory Ness, Aaron Greene, Paul Yaffe, and of course, Billy Lane. A special memorial table will be set up in honor of Johnny Chop and Indian Larry.
Billy really wants to create a buzz in the industry, and details are still being cooked up, but it looks like he’s succeeded in finding a new way to add to the excitement of the Kids & Chrome event. “My goal is to auction off some great items and present Bob Illingworth of Kids & Chrome with a big fat, check Wednesday night at their annual banquet,” says Billy. In addition to the check, Billy plans to auction off his prized Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off trophy at the Kids & Chrome banquet. With this remarkable gesture Billy proves again, to really be an industry leader, you gotta have a heart!
Billy has partnered with Kids & Chrome to create a unique fundraising opportunity bringing today’s most sought after builders together with compassionate and charitable minded bikers, all for a worthy cause, to help kids in need. So join us for eggs and orange juice and have the unique opportunity to bid on some out-of-this-world silent auction items.
For more information on Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast and ticket availability call 321.757.7262 or visit http://www.choppersinc.com/.Businesses interested in participating in Kids & Chrome as a sponsor contact Bob Illingworth mailto:lobbymc@yahoo.com or telephone 623.544.2923
For information on the second annual Kids & Chrome event visit http://www.kidsandchrome.com/
Continued On Page 3
Motorcycle Artist Rocks Two-Axle World (Page 2)
By Bandit |
Chris had two friends at school who were into choppers. One of them had a brother with a Knucklehead, and Chris started drawing really cool choppers. The other friend had a chopped Sting Ray with extended forks, lowered seat, custom handlebars and sissy bar. Chris soon modified his Sting Ray. He spent time with this friend working on their bikes, drawing choppers and chopping Revell Harley models.
Chris got his own mini-bike, a Taco 44, for Christmas in 1969. He paid for most of it, though his parents kicked in some dough. Three other kids in the neighborhood got scooters at the same time. Chris’ brother soon bought one from a family friend and he and his two brothers took turns racing around the block, dodging the cops. Later, to avoid the police, they created a course up and down a long driveway, through their garage, into the backyard, around a tree and back the same way. The concrete garage floor made for nice brodies, but the track really tore up the lawn in the yard.
Around 1967-68, during seventh grade, a kid up the street whose brother was building a metal flake green custom Triumph in his bedroom, was out for a test ride. A Harley WL chopper was also on the street at the same time Chris and his family was returning from church. It was a strange time for young kids with straight folks in middle class cars, surrounded by the straight life and years of military style. Society painted the same sober American dream on television, in movies and stores. When a biker pulled alongside their Ford, glistening with never-before-seen green metal flake, sparkling chrome, loud flashy pipes and straddled by a long-haired man with a scraggly beard and raggedy vest, life was suddenly different. To many in the world it indicated an unleashed freedom, the bad side of the tracks and creativity without rules.
Chris was caught off guard. He wasn’t sure what to make ofthe wild men and flamed machines. He started buying Cycle Guide magazine, the only magazine at that time that occasionally featured choppers and custom bikes. Later he bought Big Bike and Ed Roth’s Choppers magazines. Around that time he started seeing Roth’s ads in magazines for chopper posters (photos of bikers on their choppers and David Mann’s paintings).
Original Kallas Chopper Sketch, Circa 1967
During high school Chris drew hot rods, drag racers, customcars, Roth-style monster cars and surfing themes. He collected Pete Millars’ Dragtoons, a big influence at the time. Friends bought his rough originals with their extra milk and snack money for 5 or 10 cents.
He had drawing contests with his brothers at the kitchen table to seewho could draw the best custom car in an hour. This helped sharpen his skills.
Original Kallas HA Sketch, Circa 1969
His brother was also a high school artist, but was less capturedby the craft. In the mid- to late-?60s, his brothers started playingguitar and Chris took up drums. He drew psychedelic posters and rock stars such as the Beatles, Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf and Cream. Later his brothers gave up drawing for music, and Chris went back to concentrating onart.
Chris continued to follow the craft the way many of us followedbikes — like heroin addicts, shunning the ?normal,? standard jobsof life. And even though riding can be dangerous and impractical, we keep at it, no matter what.
In September 1975, the day after finding out he didn’t win abid on a highway patrol hog, Chris bought his first bike, a 1971 Sportster, from a hillbilly for $1,300. The man had to ride it to Chris? house because he didn?t know how. For a 4-year-old bike, it was a mess, with 6-inch over forks, a reverse direction twist grip throttle (because of installation of a Lake injector), a radiator cap for a gas cap, a cardboard battery cover, no front fender and a transmission that jumped out of third gear. He took it apart a week later and repainted it. In 1984 he traded the Sportster and cash for a special construction semi chopped bike, a 1974 Shovelhead in a 1972 frame, which he rebuilt into a stripped dresser. In 1992-94, Chris restored a wrecked 1970 Electra glide that replaced the ’74. It has won first and third place trophies in shows. In 1991, his wife, Nancy, got her own bike, a 1984 FXR, first year Evo.
Motorcycle Artist Rocks Two-Axle World
By Bandit |
In December 1975, Chris received his first telescope from hisparents and his interest in space flourished. He studied science fiction and astrology at California State University Long Beach while working as a delivery boy for his uncle?s video equipment supply. Chris adapted class assignments to space art themes, much to the dismay of his instructors. In his senior year he had two works displayed in the university’s annual show, which featured the best work in the art department. These two works also won awards in the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Annual Show. He was influenced by the work of David Mann from Easyriders and Chesley Bonestell, the master of space art.
In 1980 he moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., and received a bachelor?s degree in illustration. He quit his video company job in 1981 and picked up a small amount of freelance artwork.
In November 1981, his then-girlfriend Nancy set up a visit with Chesley Bonestell at his studio in Carmel to discuss his work with him. Six years later they visited and celebrated Bonestell’s 98th birthday.
In 1983, he and Nancy married and moved to Redondo Beach. They bought a home in south Torrance in 1986.
Chris spent 13 years working as an illustrator for Hughes Aircraft Co. He created detailed renderings of the space shuttle, communications satellites and other spacecraft for public relations, marketing and aerospace shows.
His artwork was commissioned for use in Hughes’ corporate headquarters and displayed throughout the company. After leaving Hughes, he spent 4.5 years restoring his home and rebuilding his bikes. Two ongoing bike projects include a 1972 Sportster and 1948 Flathead.
For his art, he uses vinyl-based paints and does water-based art, such asgouache on Strathmore paper, and paints graphics and art on thesides of motorcycles. In addition, he sells his own series of fine art,limited-edition prints. For information, call him at (310) 316-2790.
The crew at Bikernet is looking forward to having Chris’art on an up coming motorcycle project.
Motorcycle Artist Rocks Two-Axle World
By Bandit |
There are only a handful of scooter fanatics and artists who can capture the spirit of motorcycling. They include Scott Jacobs, who recreated the gracious lines of a Panhead, and David Uhl, who spent six months working with oil and canvas to create a scene of a World War II sailor returning home to greet a new Knucklehead and his woman. David Mann is another such artist, who for 30 years has captured the latest styles of custom scooters with acrylic paints. To that illustrious list we can now add Chris Kallas, who also manages to apply his motorcycling heart to the canvas.
We stumbled onto Chris? work at the recent Beach Ride in Ventura, Calif. He began drawing at age 4 with child-like subjects of monsters, dinosaurs, spaceships, Mercury capsules and WWI and WWII battle scenes with airplanes, ships and tanks.
Chris grew up in Southern California, where motorcyclingwas prevalent. His first ride was at age 10, when his dad let himride his brother’s mini-bike home. It was a bicycle-framed, lawnmower-powered, clutch less, push start, direct belt drive, solid rubber wheeled, no-brake suicide machine. His only other experience at the time was riding on the back ofhis uncle’s Suzuki 90. This uncle had a succession of bikes on which Chris would receive rides. While they were fun to ride on, Chris thought, ?When’s this guy going to get hip to a Harley??