May 4, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
OLD SCHOOL SPORTSTER MAKES IT TO BIKERNET–I hope my bike makes it on your web-site, Dad ( Tommy ) and I ( Charlie ) built it in the garage, it took about a year to build only on weekends, the frame was changed to accommodate a 200mm tire, 21″ wheel in the front with no brake, the rear brake lever is on the bars. The drive sprocket was the most challenging to make since we had to off set it one inch.
The seat I made because I can’t afford the work of Paul Cox. The clutch is on the shifter itself. We were after the old school look and I think we accomplished that.
Dad and I are proud of it since it is the first Harley we ever built. And there will be more to come.
BAKER SHIFTING TRICK OF THE WEEK–
With the bobber/old-skool craze in full effect, you’re probably seeing a lot of bikes with foot operated clutches and jockey shift transmissions. This hardcore style of riding is cool and having clean ape hangers with no hand levers is super clean looking. But make no mistake; it is harder to ride one of these pre-WWII setups than it may appear in the magazines.
The challenge are those final crucial moments as you roll up to the stoplight in front of the local Tavern with Suzie goo-goo pants checking you out curbside. In those final moments you have to find neutral and release the clutch so you can plant your left foot on the ground. Your right foot is busy with the rear brake duty bringing you to a stop. You don’t run a front brake because that’s not cool. What they don’t tell you is that finding neutral is a crapshoot with bad odds because most jockey shift linkages have a lever ratio many times that of its modern foot shift cousin. English translation: big lever ratios desensitize the feel of the detents in the transmission and make it almost impossible to feel the half-detent associated with finding neutral.
BAKER has a little trick to prevent you from looking like an old skool fool: the N1 shift drum. Originally developed for drag racers, the N1 shift pattern (Neutral-1-2-3-4-5-6) was designed to prevent false neutrals between 1st and 2nd by positioning neutral under 1st. This drag racer trick also eliminates all room for error in finding neutral on a jockey shift bike. As you roll up to the stoplight you tap all the way down with your left hand and you are guaranteed neutral because it is the last stop on the shift pattern. Little Suzie notices your skill in negotiating your minimally equipped bobber to a seamless stop and decides to hop on and leave her boyfriend with hair on the bottom of his feet at the Tavern with his buddies who have real billy bob teeth. We don’t offer any products to help you from this point on.
The professionals at Choppers Inc, Detroit Bros, and Indian Larry Legacy use this unspoken trick and they love it. These guys ride jockey shift bikes and live the life style; they should know. The N1 drum is a no-cost option when a complete tranny is purchased; and makes finding neutral black and white.
For additional information on this and more quality American made products, call 877-640-2004.
BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT OF THE WEEK–She wouldn’t ride the next day because of a badass hangover, so I left her on the couch and ended up back at The Rooster, me and 200 others. We never saw each other again but brother, what a night!
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
US POST OFFICE CONTACTS BIKERNET–I’m with the U.S. Postal Service’s press office that publicizes stamps.I obtained your contact info from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and theSturgis Motorcycle Museum.
I canprovide photos of the cycles that posed for the bikes along with abackground on the cycle owners, their bikes and how the bikes wereselected. The stories behind their bikes are awesome. To see thestamps, visit the US Postal Service web site.
–from Mark Saunders
We took Mark up on his offer and will feature the bikes and the stamp art shortly.–Bandit
GEORGE CARLIN’S NEW RULES FOR 2006–
New Rule : Stop giving me that pop-up ad for classmates.com! There’s a reason you don’t talk to people for 25 years, because you don’t particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days: mowing my lawn.
New Rule: Don’t eat anything that’s served to you out a window unless you’re a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy’s chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Trout?
New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with theirhot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description forthese kids: lucky bastards.
New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you’re a dope. If you’re a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols. If you’re a grown man , they’re pictures of men.
New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here’s how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we’re done.http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/PageViewer.asp?PageID=877
BLACKJACK ON EUROPEAN WINNER–Same idea, but on a Guzzi box? Or did I imagine that……..
–Blackjack
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION MEETS WITH EPA OFFICIALS–Recently, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) sent Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Dave Dwyer and Jeff Hennie to meet with EPA officials at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Lab, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This was the third time the MRF has sent the same team to Michigan to acquire the most recent information on what is currently going on and what will be happening concerning the EPA rule effecting motorcycle emissions.
The MRF met with Linc Wehrly from the EPA Office of Certification and Innovative Strategies and Rob French of the Assessments and Standards Division. During the meeting some important new information was revealed to the MRF on the status of the rule and what may occur in the future.
If the U.S. were to choose to adopt the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) standards, the EPA would have to reintroduce the standards in a newly proposed rule which could provide an opportunity to revisit the prevailing exemptions to the current rule.
The Letter of Guidance proposed by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) will not effect the exemptions detailed in the current rule. It is unclear to the EPA if they can ultimately accept the letter of guidance to carry out the rule the way it is written.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) was assigned to review the effects of the strengthened emissions standards for motorcycles in California to determine if the lower standard did have significant impact on air quality. The review has not commenced and has not been scheduled at this point. However, the review could definitely have an impact on the direction EPA decides to pursue with its Tier 3 standards for motorcycles ( OR IF ANY REQUIREMENTS ON CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES ARE NECESSARY AT ALL).
“The MRF is the only national advocacy group, of any kind, that we (the EPA), meet with regularly to discuss the impact of the rulemaking process on their members.” Said Linc Wehrly, EPA.
The MRF will continue to be the nation’s leader when it comes to providing accurate, up to date information on the EPA situation as well as all other issues that impact motorcyclists on the federal level.
Latest on the EPA, and actually since this press release was written CARB has announced they are currently scheduling the CARB-EPA review process.
MMG-DUNED DESTROYERS TAKE FINAL ROUND IN DALLAS–MMG Management is proud to recognize and congratulate #1 Qualifier, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson sponsored, Tripp Nobles, and Jeff Stevens, dealer principal of Harley-Davidson of Bloomington, for their final round appearance at this weekend’s race in Dallas. Jeff’s lightning-quick R/T of .029, with an ET of 9.595 @ 135.59 MPH wasn’t quite enough to overcome Tripp’s 9.471 @ 140.11 MPH. This is a back-to-back victory for Tripp, who also won in Phoenix at the Arizona Bike Nationals two weeks prior.
Both pilots and their machines were participants in MMG’s V-Rod Destroyer Xtreme Events and had their bikes tuned by Matt Gross and MMG. Tripp is the racing instructor for MMG’s events.
In addition, MMG tuned bikes have carried numerous pilots through qualifying and eliminations. Every MMG V-Rod Destroyer Xtreme Event participant has qualified for the races they entered! One third of the qualifying field for Phoenix and Dallas were tuned by MMG! We can be sure that this trend will continue. Racer’s rides tuned/crew trained by MMG include: Tripp Nobles, Jeff Stevens, Mike Sizemore, Josh Fry, Derek Drown, Valerie Thompson, Tom Ocasio, Terry Tripp, Ray Cooper, and Billy Doherty. All pilots also received drag racing instruction from Tripp Nobles at our events.
MMG is in the planning of its next Destroyer event, which will precede the Atlanta race.
BIKERNET PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–HERE IS ONE OF MY CUSTOMER’S, Evan’s, INVENTION…AS SEEN ON MY BIKE. SHOT BY PETE. Check SICKSHOOTER.COM
–CHRIS Hill
CHRISHILLDESIGNS@aol.com
NEW MOTORBOOKS PUBLICATION–Muscle: America’s Legendary Performance Cars chronicles the coming together of three incendiary ingredients during the 1960s: developing V-8 technology, a culture obsessed with the need for speed, and 75 million baby boomers entering the auto market.
The resulting muscle cars, brutal machines unlike any the world had ever seen before or will ever see again, defined the sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll generation.
BIKERNET DEAL OF THE WEEK– My Brother In N.C. Is Selling His 2000 fat boy, it is my old bike so you know everything is set up correctly on it, white brother suspension, Andrews cams, on off leather set, ever piece of bolt on chrome I could find, original paint and 8k miles the bike is in outstanding condition, I road it in the mountains outside of Charlotte 6 months ago.
Spread the word and if you have any questions about the bike just call me @(281) 288-9253 It is listed on ebay, here is the item # 4636642272
— Alexis
“Alexis Dean” Alexis@synistercycledesigns.com
HOW TO BUILD A FLOW BENCH– Go to http://www.tractorsport.com slide down to flowbench forum. It’s all there. Everything you need can be had from the website. Also many improvements and updates to the MSD flowbench.
My bench is still in the works. At times it seems like a life long project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
–Paul
KNUCKLE BASKET PROJECT BIKE IN AUSTRALIA. THE WORLD’S SHORTEST REPORT–Started assembling the knuckle basket case I wrote you about last year. Here’s a pic.
— Bob Kotmel
OPPOSE A PAROLE–The drunk driver who killed Sherri Glover on June 22, 2003 received a Vehicular Homicide by DUI sentence of 15 years in January 2005. Now, his parole eligibility date is March 2006.
Sherri Glover was a Certified Motorcycle Rider Instructor licensed by the State of Tennessee and was a rider coach at Nashville Tech. The drunk driver had a blood alcohol content of .36% and two prior DUI convictions. (See more information at the end of this Newsletter.)
If you oppose the early parole of Jimmy Nall, the drunk driver who killed Sherri, please:help us by:
1. Submitting your personal opposition via petition or email
2. Circulating this email to friends and mentioning Sherri’s website to newsgroups and message boards.
WHO CAN OPPOSE PAROLE?Anyone, anywhere (any state or country) can oppose early parole. You do not have to be a personal friend. Please register your opposition via petition or email.
HOW DO I RESPOND TO OPPOSE PAROLE?* PETITION – The attachment to this email includes a printable petition, instructions, and brief information about the case and Sherri. This is the best way to respond as it provides a permanent record and gathers multiple signatures. Return only your name or gather signatures, then mail to the address at the bottom of the petition. A petition, instructions, and news are available in PDF format at:http://www.sherriglover.com/sherri_glover_petition_and_instruct.pdf
* VIA EMAIL PETITION – A simple email format and information about responding via email is on the website at http://www.sherriglover.com/parole_by_email.htm
* IMPACT STATEMENTS and LETTERS FROM OFFICIALS – Personal friends can write impact statements. Representatives of rider safety groups can write letters opposing early parole. Anyone can ask elected officials to write letters to the Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP) recognizing constituents? interests in this case. Information is on the website at http://www.sherriglover.com/parole_statements_letters.htm
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO RESPOND?Please respond as soon as possible. Mail printed petitions when you have finished collecting signatures or within two weeks of receipt of this email. The parole hearing is expected to be held in July or August 2006. However, when the hearing date is set we will have only a few days to submit opposition materials. Please respond now!
If you need more time to gather signatures at meetings, classes, events, etc., please advise me by email. I will place you on a short list of for immediate notification.
Thank you in advance for every signature returned.Please contact me for additional information. (Include your phone number if you want me to call.)
Stephen Glover, Sherri?s father
mailto:sgo622-parole@yahoo.com
(Temporary PO Box expires October 2006)
PO Box 5523
Clearwater FL 33758-5523Jay Swenson, Mpls.
BIKERNET TECH INQUIRY–Bandit, you’ve been great help in the past and I’m hoping you can help me again! I have an ’03 Bagger I just had some crane gear drive cams installed in, and the valve train noise is driving me crazy!!
The guy that did the install said that Crane cams are common for making that noise, and that maybe adjusting the pushrods will help. Also, he installed some lower fairings and said that the noise could be trapped in because of those.
I need to know what’s going on. Before these cams were in there was a pair of Andrews gear drive that made ok power, were quiet, but pinged under load in warmer weather. That was the goal of the Crane to get rid of that. What’s your opinion in this matter?
Your help is greatly appreciated. Please, email me back, or call me at 630-788-7880.
–Mike
SUPERMAX BELT DRIVES MOVES TO ARIZONA–We are moving to Arrid-zona.Our new address is:
SUPERMAX BELT DRIVES
1515 Wild Burro Drive,
Cottonwood Arizona, 86326
Temp phone is 928-301-6689
— Phil Ross
GARY LARSON PROMOTED TO VP LOGISTICS–S&S Cycle is pleased to announce that Gary Larson has been promoted to VP Logistics.
Gary Larson began his career with S&S as the Purchasing Manager. In relatively short order, he put together a top-notch purchasing department through his mentoring and purchasing philosophy. The department is now organized into separate commodity groups with a central focus on satisfying the needs of production, which ultimately, satisfies the needs of our customers.
Promoted to Director of Logistics in August 2004, his main focus included distribution, inventory control, as well as continuing to manage Purchasing. With a proven history of implementing efficiencies in many areas of the company, Larson received a unanimous vote from the Board of Directors for this promotion to VP.
“Gary Larson has been a valuable member of the S&S team for over two years and I have been extremely pleased with his efforts,” said S&S president, Brett Smith. “His contributions have enabled us to reduce raw material costs, increase inventory accuracy, and open our Distribution Center in La Crosse. Gary has definitely earned this promotion.”
Continued On Page 3
May 4, 2006
By Bandit |
Hey,
What a crazy year. If war, immigration disputes and gas prices don’t kill us, we’ll have a blast. Bubs Bonneville third International Speed Trials is hopping. I just learned that Iron Works magazine is going to cover it and Amsoil has put up a separate purse for anyone running their lubes. American Iron magazine is sponsoring the event and a Biker Build-off between Matt Hotch and Roger Goldhammer ends at the Bubs event September 3-7.
I know a number of riders who are ducking Sturgis to hit the flats for a truly historic motorcycle event. Don’t get me wrong, this is not about leaving Sturgis behind. I’m riding to Sturgis on one of the bikes we’re building for Bonneville, based on the CCI V-Bike designed by John Reed, a Berry Wardlaw 120-inch Panhead engine and a Baker Transmission. But we’re all pumped about Bonneville and the Bikernet 10th Anniversary Celebration Run To the flats.
It’s a ride with a mission for many in the industry. It’s the core of what motorcycling is all about, speed. Brothers all over the world are going to find out, in this bizarre atmosphere of 65 square miles of salt, what their bikes are capable of. You’ll see a couple of techs pop up in our Bonneville area this coming week. I want to send a special thanks to Chris Kallas the artist/designer who created the art for all three Bikernet Bonneville Bike Teams, The Bonne Belle, The Chop N Grind and the Salt Shaker. He just drew the other side of the Bonne Belle so we would have a guide when Yvonne Mecialis paints my tanks. Wait until you see what Yvonne creates.
Let’s hit the news, then I’ll bring you up-to-date on more projects:
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP BIKES ON BIKERNET—We’re doing our damnest to launch another European Championship winner every day until we’ve featured all the major winners. Some of the workmanship from Europe is incredible, different and classic, as you will see, thanks to Robin Bradley and his team from American Dealer Magazine stationed in the UK. Check back daily.–Bandit
WEAPONS OF MASS SEDUCTION!– Purrfect Angelz attack the 2006 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show July 15-16th, Sponsored by Bikernet.com,with 7 weekend performances, including 3 major 1-hour shows
So why does Russell Mitchell, star of Speed TV’s Build or Bust and featured custom bike builder in the world famous Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Pinup Calendar, have such a big smile on his face? It’s because we just told him all those beautiful girls he’s posing with of the famed Purrfect Angelz show group will be performing all weekend long in expanded performances guaranteed to decimate attendees at this year’s big Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycles Show on July 15-16th, 2006, America’s premier custom and performance streetbike event!
The Purrfect Angelz have performed the last 3 years at the Calendar Show as their original 5-girl group, performing two 20 minute sets on stage each day to the screaming admiration of jammed pack crowds. But we can never have too much of a good thing, particularly where there’s beautiful singing, lap dancing, fire twirling, burlesque shaking, cart wheeling, lingerie and bikini clad girls involved.
Bike Show admission also includes complimentary admission to the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, and the Saturday Night Calendar Bike Builder’s Party featuring the rock band Reckless Driver with Mary Falls.
VON DUTCH SUPPORTS CHARITY–I am proud to say that with the help of Von Dutch Kustom Cycles the truck that we Dutched raised $200k for charity. EVERY PENNY GOES TO CHARITY NO DEDUCTIONS WERE TAKEN FOR SALARIES OR EXPENES! In the 3 events I have been involved with we raised $436K in total. When we rang the opening bell and they announced Ron Starrantino and Alex Mardikian from Von Dutch, we got as a big a cheer as Yankee legend Roy White and Yankees pitcher Andy Philips.
Ron Starrantino
Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Development
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
http://www.vondutch.com
http://www.vondutchkustomcycles.com
BIKERNET SPONSORS THUNDER ROAD IN STURGIS– The Twisted Choppers/Detroit Bros build-off isgoing to be filmed at Thunder Road, it isn’t in stoneyet but looks good. That means the final test ride, celebration and judging for the Discovery Channel Show will be filmed at Thunder Road in Sturgis. Hang on for more news.
Recently Bikernet. Com signed a sponsorship agreement with Gary Lippold at Thunder Road for 2006. Thunder Road hosts Rick Fairless’ Strokes Sturgis, Mike Lichter’s art exhibit and more. Bikernet will set up a Bikernet Radio Studio and interview riders with wild stories, industry leaders, innovators and hot babes. Don’t miss it.
–Ken
VIPER MOVES TO MASSIVE FACILITY–It is approximately 40,000 feet compared to our previous facility which was 14,000 feet.
Now that we are manufacturing our own line of engines, a larger facility will give us the opportunity to add CNC machines and expand our motorcycle production. The larger facility will allow us to move forward as an OEM and expand per our business plan.
Production is scheduled for late this quarter.
Terry Nesbitt
President
Viper Motorcycle Company
5212 Whispering Oaks Drive
Dallas, Texas 75236
terryn@vipermotorcycle.com
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE 1902 APACHE BAGGER–Since its introduction at the Cincinnati V-Twin show American Motorcycle’s new “Apache” bagger has been gathering a lot of attention, and excitement is building as the bike hit’s the summer show circuit.
American Motorcycle 1902 introduced its “Apache” Bagger (under license from the Choctaw-Apache native American people of Louisiana) at the Cincinnati V-Twin show to rave reviews. It was then followed up with an invitation to be displayed as the only OEM production motorcycle shown in the “35th Anniversary of EasyRiders Magazine Custom Bike Show” held and displayed at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Harley Davidson in Daytona Beach during bike week 2006, a wonderful honor for both the company and the motorcycle.
This bike was built to ride and experience touring on a new level. The best in the business Corbin USA has partnered with American Motorcycle 1902 on the development of this bike to create something truly special. This bike comes with an amazingly beautiful windscreen developed by Corbin USA specifically for this bike. Along with Corbin’s unique and stylish engine shroud the fiberglass on this motorcycle really makes a statement for style. With the addition of those awesome Corbin hard bags, and a newly designed two up convertible seating system all these features make this bike the long haul king.
The “Apache” bagger comes standard with an S&S 113 cu in engine generating 110 hp, coupled with a Trick Shift six speed transmission, and rides on a comfortable 200 rear tire which allows this bike to cruise in comfort and control. The “Apache” rides on a soft tail chassis loaded with the latest in air suspension components. A six degree 4 over custom front end gives this bike a new look and feel. It is aggressive, responsive, comfortable, and above all else a style that stands apart from the rest. With Dual Disc brakes on the front it makes this bagger stop on a dime, its massive headlight shines the road ahead, and its one of a kind custom built billet dashboard with Dakota Digital gauges gives you all the tools at your hands to get you there safely.
Be the first to own one of these very unique custom motorcycles… Branscombe Richmond, the star of the Renegade TV series, owns one…how about you?
INTERNET UNDER ATTACK–Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet’s First Amendment — a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you — based on what site pays them the most. Your local library shouldn?t have to outbid Barnes & Noble for the right to have its Web site open quickly on your computer.
Go to www.savetheinternet.com/ to learn more.
WISCONSIN MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH–Governor Jim Doyle has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Monthin Wisconsin.In his proclamation, the Governor states, “motorcyclists have the right bylaw to safe enjoyment of their vehicles, including the full and equal use ofthe roadway without encroachment by other vehicles whether it be on citystreets or rural and urban highways.”
Motorcycles continue to increase in popularity both for recreation and forbasic transportation, especially with high gasoline prices. More than441,000 Wisconsin residents have motorcycle licenses or permits, and nearly250,000 motorcycles are registered in the state.
“As motorcycle popularity grows, other motorists need to share the road andwatch for motorcycles in traffic, especially at intersections and whilemaking turns or lane changes,” said State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf,director of the Bureau of Transportation Safety. “On the other hand,motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, such as speed limits. They alsomust never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs.”
Efforts to improve motorcycle safety in Wisconsin are needed to preventserious injuries and save lives. In 2003, a total of 100 motorcyclists,including passengers, died in traffic crashes. In 2004, 80 motorcyclistsdied, which was a 20 percent decrease. Preliminary statistics indicate that92 motorcyclists died in 2005.
“Education and training continue to be our most important tools forimproving motorcycle safety,” says Ron Thompson, manager of the WisconsinMotorcycle Safety Program. “Riding a motorcycle is vastly different thandriving a car or truck, and it’s important riders realize this. The best wayto handle the challenges of motorcycle riding is to complete a motorcyclesafety course. The demand for these courses is high, but they are well worththe wait. We hope to train more riders than ever this year.”
For more information contact:Major Dan Lonsdorf, Bureau of Transportation Safety director, (608) 266-3048Ron Thompson, Motorcycle Program manager, (608) 266-7855
NEW PAUL COX LEATHER CREATION FOR BIKERNET HAWAIIAN STAFF MEMBER–Seat went out today. I missed UPS yesterday. Check out the attachment if you want a look at it. If you want to be surprised…then don’t look.
— Paul
JESSE JAMES OPENS CISCO’S BURGERS NEXT TO HIS LONG BEACH SHOP–According to the Long Beach Press Telegram: Jesse is expanding his modest blue-collar business empire into fast food with the opening of an earth-friendly hamburger joint featuring prime beef, orgaic veggies and biodegradable wrapping. “I wanted something you could eat everyday and not feel like garbage afterwards,” said Jesse. The joint is named after his dog Cisco.
HIWAYMAN MAKES PLAN TO SEE WORLD’S FASTEST EDITOR–Hope you and el Bandito are doing well. Rose (my wife) and I are making plans to see the “World’s Fastest Editor” do his runs this fall. Hope to meet you both face-to-face.
Ride Safe!
–Hiwayman
A SECOND SPECIAL FINANCE OFFER FROM HSBC REWARDS? CURRENT AMERICAN IRONHORSE RIDERS– American IronHorse? Motorcycle Co. is enhancing its consumer finance deal with HSBC-North America’s Retail Services business unit. Now all current American IronHorse owners can participate in a new finance program titled “Rider Rewards,” which for a limited time is offering $1,000 cash back towards the purchase of a new in-stock 2006 motorcycle or the opportunity to qualify for an interest rate as low as 5.99%. American IronHorse is also extending this special new bike purchase offer to existing Harley-Davidson owners.
“There’s never been a better time to be an American IronHorse rider,” said Wil Garland, CEO for American IronHorse. “We are committed to rewarding our loyal customers and we’re intent on creating unrivaled opportunities in the marketplace that bring cruiser riders from other segments to our corner. We anticipate that this latest HSBC promotion will create even more customer and dealer enthusiasm nationwide for our motorcycles.”
The new “Rider Rewards” program is being unveiled across the country to coincide with the peak riding season and applies to in-stock 2006 motorcycles only. To participate, existing riders must provide their local dealer with a copy of their current American IronHorse or Harley-Davidson title or registration. Terms of the program may change at any time and are subject to state limitations.
Last month, American IronHorse unveiled a strategic alliance with HSBC, which introduced special finance packages, zero-down programs and interest rates as low as 3.99% for new 2004 and 2005 bikes.
BIKERNET STUDY’S BREAST IMPLANTS–A British company is developing computer chips that store music inwomen’s breast implants.
This is being considered a major break-through and will solve aperennial problem.
The perennial problem: Women are always complaining about menstaringat their breasts and not listening to them.
–from Rik Savenko
BUELL XBRR PRODUCTION BEGINS–Revised Components Developed to Improve Reliability.Buell Motorcycle Company announced today that the production of XBRR race bikes, based on the Firebolt XB12R, has begun. A total of 50 XBRRs will be built in the production run.
Buell announced last month that XBRR production had been delayed as engineers analyzed and refined components based on what was learned from the XBRR?s AMA Formula Xtreme racing debut at the Daytona 200 in March. Redesigned parts include new driveline components and a new timing trigger wheel, as well as a switch from a high-contact to a coarse-pitch 5th gear, according to Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. A larger oil cooler was also developed for the XBRR.
Some of the new components were tested on XBRRs during the American Sport Bike Racing Association (ASRA) 250km Team Challenge endurance race at Road America in April, during which Veatch Motorsports rider Dave Estok and Deeley H-D/Buell Canada?s Steve Crevier finished 1-2 (with Estok crossing the finish line first overall) in the Solo Challenge class. Crevier also set a new ASRA Superbike Road America track record aboard the XBRR during the event.”The XBRR was designed to be an affordable, turn-key race bike for privateer racing teams competing at a professional level,” said Buell. “Reliability is critical, and we’re confident that the improvements we’ve made since Daytona will ensure that.”
Buell said XBRR-equipped privateer teams may choose to re-enter the AMA Formula Xtreme series as early as the AMA?s next round at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, May 19-21.
The Buell XBRR is a limited-edition production racing motorcycle based on the Firebolt XB12R and designed exclusively for closed-course competition. It offers private racers a professional-level, race-ready, production-based platform.
CHRIS MAIDA, EDITOR OF AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE INTERVIEWED ON BIKERNET RADIO–Chris Maida stopped in to talk shop with Branscombe Richmond. Get the details on custom bikes and EPA at Bikernet Radio.
Don’t miss his industry insight and passion for the industry.
VOTE ON BIKERNET’S D&D DYNA CONTEST BIKES– Vote on Bikernet’s Nicest Dyna to determine who has the nicest looking motorcycle. The winner receives a free set of D&D Performance Exhaust Pipes.
Vote now! It all ends Wednesday, May 10th.
D&D uses the state of the art Super Flow Eddy Current Ram Air Dyno, Super Flow Flow Bench, and the first in the industry multi cylinder Lambda Fuel Air Ratio Sensors interfaced with the Dyno for real time meter and graph analysis.
Each pipe is tuned for performance and sound. Not only do D&D pipes look good, you can feel the enhanced deep rumble only a D&D equipped V-Twin can make.
BILLY’S DVD REVIEW–Just watched the video and it is KICK ASS!!! You gotta let me write the review for Bikernet. After I get through with this, everyone will be sending their money in for the dvd, it is worth twice as much as he’s asking. Great story that will touch the heart of all Americans, veteran or not. To us veterans, it strikes especially deep. Let me know if you want it, cuz I’m writing it anyways.
–Johnny
Go for it Johnny. Soon the DVD will be for sale on Bikernet, or we’ll tell you where you can get it. Also the World Fastest Indian DVD will be released June the 13th. We also hope to carry it.–Bandit
Continued On Page 2
March 02, 2006 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
BIKERNET DYNA PERFORMANCE PIPES CONTEST. WIN A SET-IT’S FREE–Each set of high-performance Fat Cat DYNA Pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust are tuned for Horsepower and that satisfying Harley sound. And a new set of pipes can increase your performance by as much as 12 additional horses.
These 2 into 1 Fat Cat Pipes can be yours FREE. Just send us a picture of your DYNA with your name and telephone number to dandd@horsepowermarketing.com and we will post them on bikernet.com and have the community at bikernet.com vote for the ‘Most Desirable DYNA’ of Bikernet.
To get a performance pipe for your Harley or custom V-Twin logon to www.danddexhaust.com. PLUS, your bike will be featured on Bikernet.
KIDS & CHROME “2006” HITS THE GROUND RUNNING– March 2006 – – The second annual Kids & Chrome Project Sponsored by Bikernet.com hit the ground running in 2006, building momentum for what is certain to be another incredible event to help some really exceptional kids.Last years inaugural event, held in Spearfish, South Dakota during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, proved to be a huge success. Enough money was raised for the Kids & Chrome Project in 2005 to put a significant dent in the 2.2 million dollar goal set by Children’s Care for its new hospital in Rapid City, enabling them to serve children from across the nation with special healthcare and educational needs such as cerebral palsy; traumatic brain injury; spina bifida; autism; Down Syndrome; behavioral challenges; and learning, motor and speech delays. Children’s Care Hospital & School believes all children deserve the help they need to reach their greatest potential.
Kids & Chrome Project 2006 will once again include an exclusive first-class dining experience, raffles, auctions and the opportunity to meet and mingle with motorcyclings who’s who. If you have a big heart and are interested in being a part of this incredible event as a sponsor or donor contact Bob Illingworth 623.544.2923 or We would like to acknowledge the following companies and individuals who were quick to show their heart and be the first to sign on as sponsors in 2006:V-Twin Magazine; Bikernet.com, Covington’s Cycle City; Thunder Mountain Customs; House of Kolor; Sturgis Harley Davidson; TP Engineering Independent Cycle Inc.; Proper Chopper Inc. Accurate Engineering; S&S Cycle; Performance Machine; Corbin Inc. Other sponsors included: Arlen Ness Enterprises; American Thunder Promotions; Anderson Studios; Baker Drivetrain; Barnett Performance Products; Biker Incite; Phil Chastagner; Crazy Horse Painting; Danny Gray Enterprises; Daytec Center; Don Emde Productions; Finishline Design Inc.; GH Marketing; HardBikes; Hawg Wired; Illingworth/ Slater; Tom Kurtz; Price/Motzko; National Premium; Paul Yaffe Originals; David Perewitz Customs; Rivera Engineering; Rodman Billet; Harlan Schillinger; Donnie Smith Invitational; Kim & Cheryl Sutter; Terry Components; The Cycle Exchange; Throttle Threads; David Uhl Fine Arts; Valiant Vineyards; Weld Wheels; Wimmer Custom Cycle For more information on event tickets visit our website by clicking on the banner above. BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–So guys, I know many of you will be surprised, and many of you don’t even know I use to do the news every single week for the past 5 years or so, ok, now you do know. These few past months have been insane, let’s say since May of last year, the World was in constant spin cycle, non stop stuff flying left and right, it all lasted exactly ’till December 21st, then we all took a break and been taking it easy for some months now. I have surfed all my life, so being Winter and the good surf season, we have been cutting the days and weeks short, heading over to Rincon, and surfing to our hearts content. We do an annual event at Rincon, the Caribbean Bike Week, this year, as a thank you to all the people that have supported us since the beginning, I put together a bike, the kit was donated by Jireh Cycles, and I had a whole two weeks to get the bitch going. Sure we also had a couple paying customers expecting their bikes before the event, plus putting together the largest bike event in the Caribbean, and certainly (with all humility) the best ( which is a total full on plate on it’s own). Duane Ballard sent us the upholstered seat, Hank Young, Kendall, Indian Larry Legacy and all the guests had something to do with the bike, so taking the kit and giving it a Caribbean Custom Cycles touch, we managed to finish in time (well, almost, since some parts did not arrive, but i shall not mention the company which sucks). House of Kolor donated the paint, and Pepo, painted it, all freebie stuff. So when Sunday arrived and it was time for the raffle, the lucky winner walked on stage. Victor Mercado won it fair and square, and the cool thing is, Victor had just arrived from two tours in Iraq and was moving back to PR to re-enlist in the Coast Guard. He said he preferred the Caribbean Sea to the fucking sand. Fate as it works, gave this bike to a very deserving person, I believe it was extra special by him winning the Freebie bike, as we nicknamed it. Again, by the time you read this, many of you will be heading the Daytona way, well for me, a first, in 17 years, I won’t be there. I got 11 bikes to finish and the ton of money spent at Daytona (and I mean a fucking ton!) will be used for better gigs, like, a vacation !! So Hawaii, see you guys in April. In the bob/chop front, all is going well. We have a bunch of orders to fill, there’s new Chopper Freak shirts on our website and we even have a lot of parts for cool bikes in stock. So for those of you who thought I was fading out of the picture, nope… Still around, the only difference is I am letting the rat win, no more rat race for this Caribbean soul. Well guys, I’m signing off, the waves are huge, the sun is out and the breeze is blowing offshore. Why should I bother with bikes right now? The bob/chops can wait… See you around, hope sooner, than later DISCOVERY CHANNEL STAR BILLY LANE BUILDS CUSTOM CHOPPER FOR SOLDIERS– Billy Lane Builds Custom Motorcycle Parts for Members of the Military Past and Present WHAT:?????????????????????? DAYTONA, FL (March 5,10,11, 2006) ? Billy Lane, founder of Choppers Inc and Blood Sweat & Gears Tour sponsored by Bikernet.com , will build one of a kind, custom chopper parts LIVE for soldiers during ?Bike Week? Daytona Beach?s spring motorcycle rally Billy Lane, famed motorcycle builder of Choppers Inc, regularly featured on Discovery Channel?s Biker Build Off and most recently on TLC?s Miami Ink will launch his 2nd Annual Blood Sweat & Gears Tour at Bike Week. Billy will put his chopper building skills to the test in front of hundreds daily. There will be a fully-equipped shop on stage to handle the smallest of customization to the largest of all projects. No restrictions just live fabrication in your face! Billy Lane will be building custom chopper parts live on stage in front of hundreds.? Before each build begins, Billy Lane will walk folks through his background and introduce the project ahead. Billy will then invite audience members to join him on stage to create one of a kind custom chopper parts. WHO:????????????????????????? ? Billy Lane of Choppers Inc. As seen on Discovery Channel?s The Billy Lane Project, Biker Build Off, TLC?s Miami Ink, Monster Garage, Big and Speed Channels Corbin?s Ride On! ?Also featured on hundreds of American and International magazine covers regularly, and the writer of two top sellingbooks published by MBI. Chop Fiction published in 2004 and How to Build Old School Choppers and Bobbers published in 2005. ?????????????????????????????????? WHEN:????????????????????? The event is free and open to the public. Show begins at Noon. ?????????????????????????????????? WHERE:???????????????????? STOP THE PRESSES!–I just had to say that. We have another restrictive issue we’re facing-noise. There’s noise patrols roaming the countryside. I’m working with some industry heavies and Bikernet readers on a program or a platform. Here’s the basics, let me know what you think. A Bikernet reader pointed out that emergency vehicles need to make noise, with sirens, to take care of business. I want to prove that motorcycles need to make some noise as a safety measure, to remind cell phone and stereo listening, motorists that there’s a motorcycle in close proximity. That’s one element. Between 70-85 percent of all motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists. We are planning some decibel reading tests with Samson Exhaust and we will make a recommendation in the near future. An element we will point out is the amount of noise we must endure daily and how little of that comes from bikers. That’s a major factor in the EPA battle. We just don’t put the miles on our bikes and don’t have the number of vehicles on the road compared to four-wheelers. So, if you listen to construction noise all day or 18-wheelers roaring past your building from dawn to dust, how does that compare to the three motorcycles blasting by once a day. There is no comparison, but we need to prove it. Secondly, Brett Smith, the President of S&S mentioned recently that he feels strongly that universal testing needs to be required country-wide to take the guess work out of testing and enforcement. We are going to work on recommendations in that regard to prevent cops from calling your bike loud without the appropriate confirmation. If you listened to the Bikernet Denis Manning interview, he confirms what I’m about to say. In a large sense we’ve brought the heat on ourselves. The industry built straight pipes, and harsh shorty open exhaust systems and we bought ’em. Then we raced through residential neighborhoods, spewing whiskey breath, rattling windows and setting off car alarms. That caused the heat. We’ll try or damnest to afford bikers the right to our freedom to ride and make some noise, but we’re going to admit that if a biker is busted in a residential neighborhood wrapping his pipes at night, that he could have his hand slapped. We don’t want these bastards running over us, so we need to show a modicum of respect for citizens. Am I out of line. This is going to be a tough battle. But sometimes when you fuck up, you need to be man enough to admit it and take your lumps. So what do you think? I mean it. If you don’t like this notion, let me have it. We need the feedback. Damn, I’ll be glad when the EPA is cool, there’s standardize noise rulings and I can go back to chasing women, drinking whiskey and riding the streets without being pulled over by every cops in sight. Hey, see above. Soon you’ll be able to hit the Hot Aces Casino on Bikernet. –Ride forever, –Bandit
Jose
? Sunday 3/5, 2006 Noon – 2PM
Friday 3/10, 2006 Noon -2PM
Saturday 3/11, 2006 Noon ? 2PM
Billy Lane?s Blood Sweat & Gears Tour
Main Street (across from The Wreck) ?????????????????????????????????
? Daytona Beach, FL ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Bonneville 2006–Salt Shaker/Bonne Bell 2
By Bandit |
We’re building two bikes to take to Bonneville for the Bubs International Speed Trials, September 3-7th, 2006. So each segment we publish may contain elements of both, the 1940, 45-cubic inch flathead and the first ever Sportbike Panhead designed by John Reed of Custom Chrome. It’s his V-Bike and we’re dropping a 120-inch Accurate built Panhead engine in it with a Baker 6-speed trans and tie the two together with a Compu-fire/BDL primary drive.
Since this is a learning experience for all of us, from several standpoinds, I’m going ask numerous questions. Hell, I asked anyone who will listen to me. I’ll watch the World’s Fastest Indian over and over. I may stop folks in the street. I asked John Reed about the fasteners supplied with the V-Bike from Custom Chrome. I had a couple of concerns. This wouldn’t be the ordinary street bike, but a rubbermounted scooter that we’re going to push as close to 200 mph as possible. We want it to hang together and especially of Valerie Thompson is aboard the beast. Here’s what John had to say:
I think because they are a lot bigger than they have to be, so I think they are quite adequate if you have washers both side, I usually change hardware on my own stuff, because I try to make them as small and neat as I can, like on race cars or airplanes. I like good quality stainless, so I can machine the heads and wire lock them without rust. I take things off/on a lot of times in the busy areas. I tend to use better quality air plane qty stuff if I can get it, I hate chrome hardware.
Tim Remus phoned me years ago and asked if he could come down and photograph my hardware stash because he was going to write a book on it.
”Why,” I ask?
He said, “Because you are anal.” I had never heard the word before, and I racked my brains to see if anything I had done before has come out of its closet and was going to kick me up my anal passage. I was worried. I am all mouth, but perhaps he didn’t think so.
He worked diligently for a couple of days pulling parts out of the screw racks, documenting and photographing, and I asked him what the fuck was anal, and who has been talking, etc. etc. etc.
He pulled out a little box filled with washers. He said, “What about these?”
I said they are machined, high quality stainless washers that are chamfered on the inner face, so they fit perfectly in the high quality stainless screw, hollowed in the head for lightness, with small holes in 6 places for lock wires.
“Where did you get them,” he said?
“I got them in an airplane scrap yard when I lived in England.”
“When did you get them,” He continued to question?
“About 30 years ago,” said I.
“Why haven’t you used them for 30 years,” Tim kept grilling me?
“I’m waiting for a special project,” I replied. “It’s a shame to waste them on something mundane.” I found out…… that’s fucking anal.
Axle adjuster on the Sportbike Pan
We installed the rear swingarm axle adjusters and were curious about two things. First I like a solid slider on the inside of the retangular swingarm to support and add strength. Plus the CCI chromed caps for the back of the swingarm didn’t seem to fit. John Reed filled me in:
They sell the kit with the OEM adjuster with the steel plate, you use the axle spacer with the thread part of the adjuster, but there is (or there should be) a billet cap which replaces the oem steel one with your hardware.
V Steering Neck
I also asked John if I should add a gusset to the neck. The frame appears very strong, but I considered a neck gusset. John set me straight:
I have never had any problems with the head, The frame tube is way thicker wall than needed. The lower tubes have a gusset below and the double top tube takes the weld round a lot of the neck. The FXR style big diameter necks spread the load round a larger area and are a lot stronger than the smaller dia ones used on Softails, etc. I don’t think they need additional gusseting,
I have had problems when I used the lower bearing straight on the lower tree, and I always put a spacer (about 0 .150-inch thick) under the bearing.
45 Flathead Frame Straightening by U.S. Choppers
First we put the frame on the table and leveled the table with a Starrett master precision level. This gives the table .001 accuracy. Then we began to level the frame to the table. Starting by the motor mounts we leveled the frame in both X and Y axis. When this was achieved we checked that the motor will sit level in both X and Y planes. Once it is determined that this was the case, we can assumed that the front down tube and the center post were in alignment for both X and Y axis as well as the top motor mount was parallel.
From there we worked back to the tranny mount. The trans must sit parallel with the motor mounts in X plane so as not to cause excessive chain binding. Working back to the rear axle we needed to determine if the rear chain stayed (the rear triangle) in alignment with the rest of the frame, especially in relation to the steering stem alignment rod. The rear axle must be directly perpendicular to the steering alignment rod.
Following this, measurements will be taken from the center point of the rear axle in relation to the steering alignment rod to make sure the rear axle stays are not swayed to one side or the other. This process will begin next week.
So far we have proved that the neck post, motor mounts and tranny are in sync with each other. Next the most important part will be examined… determining the rear axle position to the steering neck for frame bowing and alignment.
Hope all is well…. been thinking about this EPA deal. I'm with the MRF on this one and am planning on putting the questionnaire on my site for people to forward on- keep up the good fight. You’re one of the few who are persistently posting EPA stuff….. We need to stay on these assholes!!!
-Rick
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
April 27, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
SUZUKI PARTS ON BIKERNET?–“Designed by NIKKO RACING to operate on Suzuki’s range, equipped with Injection, Injection Adjuster is the first box fully compatible with 32 bits processors!
This is an easy-to-use and reliable tool directly connected on the motorbike’s diagnostic plug to allow carburation’s reprograming.”
Please find a picture in high quality in the attached document.
I wish this information could be helpful!
Your NIKKO RACING Team
BP 60
57600 FORBACH
-FRANCE-
Tel : +33 3 87 85 34 34
Fax : +33 3 87 87 16 67
Email : info@nikko-racing.com
www.nikkoracing.com/
BIKERS INNER CIRCLE RADIO– The new internet Bikers Radio Show is getting Great Response and Acceptance.I hope you will take the opportunity to listen in and also comment on the show.
There is a new segment every Saturday and you can also listen at your convenience through out the week.
Those involved are Real Bikers and want to make the show informative and also something you will enjoy so send in information and or contact us about issues you would like covered.
My section of the show is mostly legislative and things that affect the Biker Lifestyle and I accept information from organizations like AMA, ABATE, Motorcycle Rider Foundation and other Motorcycle Rights Groups as well as concerned Motorcyclist. I will be doing some Technical Reports from time to time as I find good items. We will also have people and companies in the motorcycle business on from time to time telling you about themselves and their new products.
The show is now also accepting sponsors and you can get a link to your web site or your business card posted for ONLY $100.00 for A Complete Year. Damn if that ain’t a deal I do not know what is. This is not restricted to motorcycle businesses. It will include businesses like plumbers, electricians, doctors, lawyers and maybe even an Indian chief or two.
How about the places you like to eat and drink at? Biker Friendly Businesses, Event Promoters ideal for letting attendees know about your event. The list goes on and on.
The Biker Radio Show is open to people from all walks of life and ages.
No X Rated or Pornographic Advertising Will Be Accepted. To get in on this hot deal go to www.big7productions.com/sponsors.htm.
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com/
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Grab a glass of wine, a chunk of cheese and enjoy.For one of my bro’s a v-twin or custom was just not enough so he chose the 502 hp V-8, w/nitrus, custom painted “Grizzly” Boss Hoss that makes your balls vibrate when he hits the ignition. Can’t wait to hit the road with him and my other bruthas from Florida to Sturgis in August.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net
BRITISH COLUMBIA COALITION OF MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES PREMIER–We are excited to announce that for the first time ever our Premier, GordonCampbell, will be attending the 17th Annual MLA Ride on Thursday, May 4th!
Here is a list of the MLA’s that have been confirmed to date:
LIBERAL MLA’s
Gordon Campbell
Michael de Jong
Claude Richmond
Al Horning
Mary Polak
Ron Cantelon
Katherine Whittred
Richard Neufeld
Blair Lekstrom
Iain Black
John Rustad
Shirley Bond
Olga Ilich
John Yap
Lorne Mayencourt
Ralph Sultan
NDP MLA’s
Katrine Conroy
Mike Farnworth
Leonard Krog
Jenny Kwan
Chuck Puchmayr
Bruce Ralston
Nicholas Simons
Diane Thorne
There will also be several staff that would like to go on the ride as well.So please bring an extra helmet with you if possible!
You can find out who your MLA at this link:http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm
Some of you may want to call their office ahead of time and arrange to takethem on the ride or arrange some time to speak with them about anymotorcycling issues that are important to you. Please note that a ride hasalready been arranged for Gordon Campbell.
The MLA Ride is a motorcycle ride to the Legislature Buildings in Victoriawhere riders arrive at noon to take the MLA’s and their staff for a ride ontheir lunch hour, so that they can experience the thrill of motorcyclingfirsthand. This ride enables our members to discuss issues concerningmotorcycling in B.C. with their MLA and is also the big kick off to helppromote May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
17th Annual MLA RideDate: Thursday, May 4, 2006Assembly PointsVancouver: Riders meet at Tsawwassen Ferry terminal to take 9am sailingVictoria: Riders meet at Mayfair Mall, Blanshard St, Victoria, 11am
For info please call (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111
THIS EVENT GOES RAIN OR SHINE!
NEW S&S OIL FILTERS SHIPPING IN MAY–S&S Cycle is pleased to announce the availability of their new oil filters. Orders are expected to be filled during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of May, 2006 for 1984-1999 big twins and later this year (June) for 1999-later big twins; these oil filters will be available in black and chrome.
S&S oil filters are constructed in a sturdy steel canister which houses the finest filtering media and internal components available. The canister is slightly smaller in diameter than stock filters to make them easier to remove and install.
“With our recent colaboration with Mobil 1 it only made sense that S&S develop various oil filters for our line of Proven Performance engines. S&S will now be able to distribute a premium oil and oil filters for our customers.” said S&S Engineering Manager, Michael Scaletta.
The filters are designed with a direct bypass valve that routes bypass oil directly to the filter exit. Direct bypass minimizes the amount of contaminants carried to the engine in the unfiltered bypass oil, since the oil is not allowed to pick up contaminants by flowing over the “dirty” side of the filter media, as it is in some competitive filters.
The filter media used in S&S oil filters has been selected to trap the smallest possible particles while maintaining the lowest restriction to oil flow. The nominal particle capture size is smaller than that of stock filters while the resistance to oil flow is nearly the same.
Authorized S&S dealers should contact their Customer Support representative and refer to part numbers 31-4101 (black) and 31-4102 (chrome) for the 1984-1999 big twin version or part numbers 31-4103 (black) and 31-4104 (chrome) for the 1999-later big twin version.
HUPY IN SUPER LAWYERS FIRST LIST–Attorney Michael F. Hupy was included on the first Wisconsin listing of Super Lawyers which was published recently. Lawyers are selected by their peers and by a screening process.
Hupy is also AV rated in Martindale-Hubbell, certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
As of January 1st, the name of the law firm was changed to Hupy and Abraham, S.C. The firm recently settled two separate cases for injured bikers which will result in approximately a $3 million dollar payout in each case. One accident happened in Wisconsin and the other in Illinois.
–“Tony Sanfelipo”
pan@mfhupy.com
Pennsylvania Offers FREE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING– Why are other states not doing the same thing? PITTSBURGH — High gas prices could give a lot of people reason to finally buy a motorcycle. After all, motorcycles go a lot longer on a tank of gas.
With motorcycles getting much better fuel economy than cars sales are going through the roof.
“We have and we continue to see sales increase because of these gas prices. With an SUV, I know my SUV gets about 12-13 miles a gallon. With a bike you’re getting up to 40 miles a gallon so you’re saving significantly so a lot of people are taking advantage of that,” said owner of Heritage Harley Davidson Toby O’Brien.
To help get riders up to speed, the state offers free motorcycle training classes for beginners. For experienced riders saving on gas is a big bonus — but not the only one.
“It saves a tremendous amount of money, plus it also helps with the ladies…you can’t beat that? No you can’t beat that,” said Anthony Galati.
For more information about that motorcycle safety course visit www.pamsp.com.
BIKERNET BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–Say what? FXR? Fucking Sexy Roids? Nah, that won’t work. Hmmmm. Well, does anybody want to pay more than a pound of flesh for the badassed of badass bikes? Blah wooh, that’s some mother fucking ride! Yuch Meisters salute the Infamous Shrunken FXR. The Pheonix Elks Lodge 213 raises armpits for an FXR. Or one raised cheek, bean dip and cling peaches trumpeting flatulent salute. Effff-exxxs-arrrrrrrrr! Crank it over, wind it up, slurp it down, you be fucking FXR’ing! What more can I say? Buy this fucking bike!!!!!! — Nuttboy
Yeah we have some strange guys on the staff. The famous Shrunken FXR is for sale for only $28,000 at Cycle Visions in San Diego. This is a one-of-a-kind machine, built by Bandit, specifically for shorter riders. It’s tight, right and in a classic rubbermounted FXR chassis. What could be better?
Ask for Randy Aron
Cycle Visions
(619) 295-7800
RandyAron@cyclevisions.com
4263 Taylor St.
San Diego, CA 92110
EARLY DATA INDICATES RISE IN HIGHWAY DEATHS DUE TO DISTRACTIONS–The highway death rate increased in 2005 for the first time in about 20years, preliminary federal statistics out Thursday show.
Despite increased usage of safety belts and attention to drunken driving,43,200 people died in car crashes last year, up from 42,636 in 2004, theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated. The death rateper 100 million vehicle miles traveled was up from 1.44 to 1.46.The news came the same day as a report showing that driving distracted is amore serious problem than previously known. The report by the NHTSA andVirginia Tech’s Transportation Institute said nearly 80% of crashes andnear-crashes involve driver inattention up to three seconds before the incident.The most common causes of distraction were cellphone use and drowsiness.Other risky behaviors included reaching for insects in the car and gazing atpassersby.
It is difficult for police investigating crashes to determine whether thedrivers involved were distracted or drowsy. The research, which NHTSA called”breakthrough,” tracked the drivers of 100 vehicles equipped with video andsensor devices for more than one year. In nearly 2 million miles of driving, 241drivers of the cars were involved in 82 crashes and 761 near-crashes.
Connecticut, New York and New Jersey ban drivers from using handheldcellphones. Washington, D.C., bans use of handheld cellphones or any otherelectronic device. New Hampshire bans all driver distractions.
The findings could spur state laws governing driving behavior, which somesay would be a mistake. “If anything has been shown, it’s the fact thatcontinued research needs to be done,” says Jim Champagne, chairman of the GovernorsHighway Safety Association. “Our legislators should not think they need tomake a knee-jerk reaction based on what this shows.”
Acting NHTSA Administrator Jacqueline Glassman says the research will helpthe agency hone distracted driving messages and “contribute significantly toscience as crash avoidance technology is developed.”Automakers are refining technologies that sense when a vehicle is about tocrash and apply brakes and steer the car out of trouble.
The Virginia Tech-NHTSA report found the number of crashes and near-crashesattributable to dialing a phone is nearly identical to the number associatedwith talking or listening. Dialing is more dangerous but occurs less oftenthan talking or listening. The NHTSA recommends that drivers pull over beforedialing or talking.
By Jayne O’Donnell, USA TODAY
–from Rogue
BIKERNET BONNEVILLE SPONSOR AND LONG TIME BROTHER– “I am the guy with the wheel buckle that spins and the wheeler workstation,” said RayCWheeler our latest Bikernet Bonneville Sponsor. “WE GAVE ONE AWAY AT A EASYRIDER RODEO so cal., I also attempted to have your leaking fuel tank repaired in Sturgis. Best of luck on the Salt. With a little planning I’ll be there with Duncan Keller, Yankee Engenuity crew . Enclosed are photos of 2004 dyna that’s near completion.
BIKERNET ZOO UPDATE–A small Fargo Wild Animal Park acquired a very rare species of gorilla. Within a few weeks, the gorilla, who was a female, became very difficult to handle. Upon examination, the park veterinarian determined the problem. The gorilla was in heat. To make matters worse, there was no male gorilla available.
Reflecting on their problem, the park administrator thought of Eddie Standen, a large redneck part-time intern, who was responsible for cleaning the animals’ cages. Eddie, like most rednecks, had little sense, but possessed ample ability to satisfy a female of any species. The park administrator thought they might have a solution.Eddie was approached with a proposition. Would he be willing to mate with the gorilla for $500.00? Eddie showed some interest, but said he would have to think the matter over carefully.
The following day, Eddie announced that he would accept their offer, but only under the following four conditions:
1. “First,” he said, “I don’t want to have to kiss her on the lips.”
The park administrator quickly agreed to this condition.
2. “Second,” Eddie said, “you must never tell anyone about this.”
The park administrator again readily agreed to this condition.
3. “Third,” Eddie said, “I want all the offspring to be raised Southern Baptist.”
Once again the administrator agreed.
4. And last of all, Eddie stated: “You’ve got to give me another week to come up with the $500.00.”
–from Rik Savenko
BILLY LANE TO HOST “BUILDERS’ BREAKFAST” FOR KIDS AND CHROME– 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. Guests will meet the builders over eggs and orange juice, and have the chance to bid on some out-of-this-world silent auction items. (Billy says he’s putting the “Builder Bike-Off” trophy he won from the Discovery Channel on the auction block—that’s how committed he is to this cause!) As a bonus, several of the kids helped by the Kids & Chrome fundraiser will also be in attendance. Billy really wants to create a buzz in the industry, and details are still being cooked up.
“My goal is to auction off some great items and present Bob Illingworth of Kids Chrome a big fat check Wednesday night at their annual dinner,” says Billy. Stay tuned-we’ll keep you posted!
Billy is the founder of Choppers Inc, and the mastermind behind the first-ever, hubless-wheel custom motorcycle. His Heavy Metal Garage opens for business on August 7th at the World Famous Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle Street in Sturgis. The Broken Spoke will be the fourth and final stop of his 2006 “Blood, Sweat, and Gears” tour, where he’ll be holding court throughout the rally. There’ll be lots to see and do, with Billy hand-picking the bands, beer tub girls, and bartenders. Guests can test their skill in Dodge’s Pit Crew Challenge; check out all-new Choppers INC parts, accessories, and merchandise; “smarten up” with some gear head history; and much more? Billy has partnered with Jay Allen of Broken Spoke to create a bar/garage that rocks-and he’s partnered with Kids & Chrome to create a fundraiser that rocks, too! Thanks to Billy and his people for this great assist! Billy proves it again: To really be an industry leader, you gotta have a heart!
Kids & Chrome is a fundraiser for the
Bob Illingworth, Director of Fundraising, Kids & Chrome.
mailto:lobbymc@yahoo.com
ROCK N ROLL–I’m sure the news is short because half the industry is headed for the sand alongside the Colorado River at the corner of Nevada and Arizona-Laughlin.
Wow, the days turn wild around the Bikernet headquarters, between book deals, magazine articles, Bikernet content and trying to work on the Bonneville bikes. John Reed, the Custom Chrome designer behind the V-Sportbike kit from Custom Chrome sent me a DVD with tank mounting instructions, thumb-cam speed and suspension tests and an interesting means of bolting in a rubbermounted driveline.
We will follow his instructions this weekend when we bolt the Baker touring transmission and Accurate Engineering Engine into the frame. John demonstrated bolting the engine and tranny together first, then setting them on their side and dropping the frame over them on the floor. It actually might improve the process. You’ll see next week when we publish a report.
Okay, so I’m outta here. Time for lunch, then shift to shop mode. Hang on for the results.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
April 27, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
HARD CASH FOR HARD DESIGNS FROM HARDBIKES–Hardbikes is making it a snap for buyers to get the custom motorcycle of their dreams custom fit to the size and riding style.
The way the process works is a buyer can either come into the dealership or log on to the Hardbikes website www.hardbikes.com and design their custom motorcycle through a software application called the Hardrider Configuator. After that is completed they sit down with their local dealer designer to place the order and then get fitted for the bike to their physical dimensions and riding style.
The dealer pulls three measurements that include seat position, forward controls setting and handle bar position. This allows the designer to make sure the relationship of the leg extension, arm reach and posterior position fall within a comfortable riding position in the comfort triangle. Enthusiasts get a perfectly fitted bike that avoids back strain and increases safety and performance.
After the order is placed the buyer then receives a rebate of $1,000 on any 200 mm rear tire model, $2,000 on any 300 mm rear tire model and $3,000 on any 330 mm rear tire model.
Hardbikes Fine Print
Orders must be placed by June 15, 2006. Rebates only apply to first 10 Build-to-Order bikes from each Hardbikes dealership. The rebate amount applied to MSRP and is not subject to any other discount programs.
For more information on dealer sales contact:Bob Kay, bobkay@hardbikes.com, Hardbikes 724-981-7000
BIKERNET RADIO INTERVIEWS Dave Nichols From Easyriders and V-Twin Magazines– Dave Nichols is one of the most influential men in the V-Twin business. He runs Easyriders and V-Twin magazines and is the point person to put together V-Twin TV.
BIKERNET SALT SHAKER, FIRST PANHEAD SPORTBIKE UPDATE COMING– FXR and dresser primaries are the same dimensionally, however theouter primaries are the same on both, butthe inner primaries off the dresser has a piece on the front (bush)forthe gear changeshaft.
If you use the OEM primaries, I don’t recommend using latest models. Tochange the starter motor ratio on these the factory used a clutchbasket with more teeth on, but they are smaller than the early ones andthey break if engines with more power than stock are used
Late model primaries (1998 to present), use a starter motor that fitsthis year primary, it has a smaller diameter inside thread than earlymodels (94–97). It uses a smaller dia. starter shaft with smallergears to match the clutch basket.
If you want to use the latest model primaries on a big inch motoryou can use a 1994-1997 clutch basket (which uses the same clutchplates )with the stronger starter gear, but you have to use a largerthread starter motor gear instead of the OEM one,
Custom chrome sell them on page 11.45 ( bottom right hand side)
— John Reed
P.S. please let me know if this makes sense.
It made absolute sense. I’m running a BDL primary belt system. Due to the rules I won’t be able to run in open on the salt. For the first time in years I’ll make a Bandit Belt Guard.–Bandit
BILLY LANE’S BLOOD, SWEAT & GEARS TOUR DOCUMENTARY RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED–Billy Lane, Left Jab Productions, and Director Jason S. Edwards announced today that their highly anticipated documentary, BLOOD, SWEAT & GEARS would officially be ready for the masses on April 14th, 2006.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. What started out as something to make our involvement in the bike shows more interesting, has turned into a unique, rare tribute to the men and women of our armed forces,” reflects Lane during a recent interview. “What makes this special to me is that the fans at the shows were so engaged with what was happening on stage, and what it was all about. I set out to give something back, and am excited that the whole tour is now memorialized in this documentary.”
The film is slated for a world premiere in grand fashion on the evening of April 28th, at this year’s Laughlin River Run. The Edgewater Casino will be hosting the event, with the cast, crew, and fans in attendance. An encore presentation is slated for the following evening (Edgewater Casino).
Created by world-renowned custom motorcycle builder Billy Lane, BLOOD, SWEAT, & GEARS is the unique tour, sponsored by Bikernet.com, hit bike rallies across the country with live, in your face fabrication. Dedicated to the members of the US Armed Forces, Billy and his master builder colleagues upgraded, modified, and tricked-out custom choppers in front of tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. Proving once again to be a true innovator in the chopper world, Billy and crew turned a 53ft flatbed trailer into a complete fabrication shop on wheels. They pulled into town, raised the roof, and performed custom fabrication feats for die hard fans, who braved both rain and heat at 6 major bike rallies nationwide in ’05.
The patriotic themed tour featured the collaborative “on stage” efforts of Lane, Mondo Porras, Aaron Greene, Paul Cox, Kendall Johnson, and tour emcee Jennifer Scott. Early unpublished reviews suggest this film is a must see for all motorcycle enthusiasts merely for the live fabrication element, yet it delivers on many additional levels. It tugs at the heartstrings during the dedications and surprise giveaways of the customized choppers, and provides bucket loads of laughs as Lane and his team encounter rabid fans, harsh weather, and a few moments you have to see to believe. Highlights include Billy’s jump with the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and a dedication live via satellite to a serviceman in Iraq. The DVD comes packed with many extras including commentary by Lane, a segment covering Billy’s trip to Japan, and some classic bike rally fan footage.
The BSG Tour is proudly presented by Billy Lane’s Choppers INC, Dodge, Activision, House of Kolor, Carolina Harley-Davidson, Miller Welding, the legendary Paisano Publications (V-Twin and Easyriders) and Bikernet.com.
The Tour DVD will be available for purchase at the Choppers Inc. website (www.choppersinc.com), as well as the Choppers Inc. booth at all upcoming bike rallies and events around the country. Shit, it might be available through Bikernet.com.
For more information, please visit: www.choppersinc.com
DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS PROJECT UPDATE– Here’s a few spy shots of Andrew’s follow up to “Titties & Beer”. Meet “Uncle Rico”….Because everybody’s got a dirty uncle! It’s got an assload of Andrewmade parts; dig the oil tank….check out that windowed neck…..how ’bout the headlight mount….looks like a killer place for a Bandit’s Bedroll, eh?
Sure would like to rock one of them down to th’ Smoke Out……..Alright, enough already. Let me go kick Justin in the ass for the DBW deal o’ the week…
Keep It Greasy
–Greg @ DBW
Departure Bike Works
There’s no substitute forExperience
NITRO HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDERS READY TO ROAR THROUGH THUNDER VALLEY–Bristol Dragway to Host Second Nitro Harley-Davidson NHRA Exhibitio.n BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 27, 2006) – They don’t call it Thunder Valley for nothing. After all, the quarter-mile track is carved out of a mountain.
Eagle championship series are anxiously waiting for this weekend’s action to start. It’s a break from the national championship points chase, but it’s a chance to turn up the volume on the mountain. The sixth annual O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals kicks off Friday and will include the ultra-quick Nitro Harley-Davidson category. It is the second of three exhibitions scheduled for NHRA POWERade events this season.
“We’re very excited about going back to Bristol Dragway to showcase our series at the NHRA event,” AHDRA General Manager Craig Tharpe said. “Bristol Dragway continues to be one of the queens of the NHRA member track fleet. We’re always quick up there and we’re looking forward to being able to entertain the thousands of potential new fans that can come back to our event (AHDRA national event, Aug. 11-13).”
There are six riders scheduled to take part in the exhibition. They will have two qualifying runs on Friday and two more on Saturday before final eliminations kick off at 11 a.m. Sunday. Mike Romine and Doug Vancil have each claimed one AHDRA victory so far this season. They will be joined by Jack Romine, Tommy Grimes, Mike Lehman and Takeshi Shigematsu for this weekend’s exhibition event.
“We couldn’t ask for a better location to hold one of the three Nitro Harley-Davidson exhibition events,” Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said. “The power produced by these Harleys is going to rattle the entire mountain. I think the fans are in for an exciting weekend of racing.”
While the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team has the weekend off from NHRA racing, fans are certain to get their fix of Harley-Davidson inspired racing. Along with the nitro-burning Harley-Davidson entries, Bristol Dragway fans will get their first glimpse of the new Acceleration Nation interactive area, featuring dyno-drag racing V-Rods for fans to ride.
“When we agreed to make Harley-Davidson the official motorcycle of the NHRA we wanted to make it a priority to get the fans closer to the bikes,” Paluso said. “Not only are we giving away 15 Harley-Davidson motorcycles throughout season, but fans can hop on a real V-Rod and get a feel for what it’s like to blaze down the track on a two-wheel machine.”
The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team will be back in action at the NHRA event in Commerce, Ga., next weekend. The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals will be held at Atlanta Dragway, May 4-7.
STAR RACING EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR MB PRECISION BATTERY HOLDERS– Star Racing, long-time manufacturers and distributors of quality high-performance products, has been named the official distributor for MB Precision Battery Holders. The holders, designed to be used with Milwaukee 18v rechargeable batteries, can be used to power onboard electronics on any drag bike or racecar. The batteries are capable of powering complete high performance ignition system for multiple passes.
The MB Precision Battery Holder is rubber mounted and weighs a mere three pounds with the battery installed and can be mounted anywhere on the bike/car and facilitates quick battery changing. These are the same ones that are used on all the Star Racing/G2 Motorsports Pro Stock Motorcycles.
The MB Precision Battery Holder can be purchased with or without the 18v battery and an optional rapid charger station is available that will quick charge three 18v batteries in about 15 minutes.
For further information or to place an order contact Star Racing at 229-924-0031 or go to the Star Racing website at www.starracing.com/.
MALLOY RACING PRODUCTS NAMED PRP DEALER– Veteran Top Fuel racer, Bob Malloy, has been named a dealer for the full line of high performance products from Pro Racing Products (PRP). This includes everything from cases, cranks (with or without heavy metal), and cylinders to complete Top Fuel engines.
“We will have a full line of PRP products ready for our customers,” said Malloy. “We use and win with PRP products and look forward to servicing the needs of the other race teams that want to go fast. We have an extensive knowledge of the entire product line and full confidence in it. We know that will translate to sales and increased performance for other race teams.”
“We are very happy to have formed this alliance with PRP and we look forward to a long, prosperous association. Anyone who wants to go really fast should stop by and see us at the track or contact us for more information.”
Malloy Racing Products will be adding other quality high performance items in the near future. Keep watching for announcements as they are made. Look for Bob Malloy and his PRP powered Top Fuel motorcycle at a racetrack near you.
To contact Bob Malloy at Malloy Racing Products: e-mail mailto:opsterbob@aol.com or call 443.350.3970.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE FROM NIGHTINGALE.COM–“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love to do. There is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
– Wayne Dyer
Continued On Page 3
April 27, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit |
Laughlin Weekend,
Reminded me of the time I tried to ride out three times. Third time was the charm on a 1999 Excelsior-Henderson. Terrific ride. The Red Ball broke down on the freeway, the E-H acted strange in Bellflower, California, about 15 miles from home. I rode home to San Pedro and went to bed.
I got up the next morning, fixed both bikes and rode to Laughlin, I believe about 327 miles, on the E-H. What a fine ride.
This weekend, while the industry fights the traffic into the desert, I’m going to spend the entire weekend working on our two bikes for Bonneville. I now have the driveline for the first Sportbike Panhead and we’re ready to consider exhaust systems. D&D is going to build one for everyday and the ride to Sturgis and one for the Salt flats. Let’s hit the new, and then I’ll explain how John Reed showed me how to drop the drive line in the frame.
Custom Chrome Transforms Business Operations to Better Meet the Needs of their Dealers– Dealer feedback driving change Morgan Hill, CA April 27, 2006- Custom Chrome, Inc is implementing a series of strategic actions to dramatically improve product availability for its dealers by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and refocusing on its core business of distributing after-market and replacement parts for motorcycles. Custom Chrome (CC) is consolidating its current network of six Distribution Centers (DC?s) to three high-performance DC?s in order to dramatically improve fill rates and service for its dealers. The change in DC structure will reduce multi-box delivery by 75% and improve primary fill rates by 60%. The consolidation will allow CC to manage its inventory investment more efficiently while also improving our in-stock parts and service delivery.
?The DC consolidation will allow us to better stock our warehouses with the everyday parts our dealers need. By repositioning Custom Chrome for growth, we are better able to invest in the product dealers need to run their businesses profitably. Our loyal dealer base has asked us to improve our product availability and service delivery. We believe this supports our goal of being your preferred partner by delivering what you want, when you want it,? explained John J. Lott, president and CEO of Custom Chrome?s parent, Global Motorsport Group, Inc.
Additionally, CC is returning to its roots as a distributor of motorcycle parts by transforming the standardized bike kit offering and focusing on providing parts to customize motorcycles. We will continue to offer rolling chassis packages and high quality components for the dealers who wish to leverage Custom Chrome?s engineering capabilities to build custom motorcycles. ?The transformation of the bike kit offering will allow us to better meet the needs of the market by offering more choices to dealers and consumers. We have had a lot of success with bike kits, but feel we have a bigger opportunity to meet the needs of the market by not dictating the components that make up the bike.?
?Custom Chrome needs to be Custom Chrome, we are going to focus on stocking the shop, creating cool parts, and providing great service,? said Steve Veltri, Senior Vice President of Custom Chrome.
The D&D Promotion looks cool. Thanks for making it happen. Here is the promo: Decide who has the best looking DYNA at Bikernet.com. The contestant that has the best DYNA and most votes will win a free set of DYNA pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust. Click Here To Vote
Register on Bikernet for updates and prizes.
SAFETY HAZARD–If anyone has any of these damn cans in their house, punch holes in the bottom and drain them now! Seems they are prone to springing leaks for no reason!! Fucked up several Horse issues on the shelf below, one with Indian Larry!
As well as the book shelf itself, I called friend that has them as well and before I completed my sentence he stated he threw all of his away!! He had the same problem.
Leave it to the factory…
P.S. the JD is half-full!!
RFR
NORTH TEXAS RALLY NEWLETTER–Due to circumstances beyond our control The North Texas Rock Rally has relocated to Diamond W Arena Complex located in Alvarado Texas. For more details Click here.
With the change to the new venue come changes to the RV layout ? all for the better.
The new facility has a 52K sq ft Expo Hall which vendors will be placed inside.
With the location change comes changes to the Parade locations and details.
BIKERNET DURANGO READERS INSTALLS TURBO ON A BIG DOG–I picked up the turbocharged Big Dog Saturday. We could not find a dyno to help us out so Anthony drove around with an analyzer taped to his leg and a shit rigged test pipe for the O2 sensor. Chuck installed a Crane Hi 4 ignition so we could fiddle with the timing and spark advance. We are keeping the boost at a manageable level (5#).
The bike has INSTANT pop and is very linear during acceleration. I brought it home from Albuquerque and still have a couple of issues to deal with, namely detonation and HEAT!
Plan to take all spark advance out of the ignition for the detonation and then build a heat shield for the exhaust spool of the turbo. Good thing I have already had my kids ’cause I fried my left nut, right nut, my right leg and ass cheek. Have some good ideas to solve that problem too.
Funny at stop lights when I had to get off and stand next to my bike until the light changed. It looked like I was taking my bike for a walk. This thing just looks so bad ass and the turbo whistle gets everyone’s attention. Put about 150 miles on this weekend with the bike.
Will get article and picks soon.
Tripp Schwab
EASILY GO 300MM WIDE ON A SOFTAIL WITH THE BAKER 300!–Since it full production release in last fall, the BAKER 300 Wide Tire Kit has maintained as the easiest and most-refined route to transforming a stock Harley-Davidson Softail rear-end to handle a 280mm or 300mm tire.
BAKER observed that the primary issue when customizing the entire back-half of a motorcycle to handle the ultra-wide tires was the actual ease of the project as a whole. To do it right it can be quite an undertaking. A frustrating amount of time consumption via trial-and-error, shopping for compatible components, and excessive guesswork lends itself to many projects being incomplete or completed poorly. The engineering behind many projects left room for improvement. With the major modification of such conversions being around the drivetrain, BAKER saw the opportunity to apply its expertise in engineering and remedy the issues with going wide.
The BAKER 300 offers is everything needed to complete such a project in about a day:
The exclusive BAKER RIGHT-SIDE-DRIVE DIRECT DRIVE 6-SPEED COMPLETE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY is only available with this kit and nowhere else. Not only does this solution eliminate the need to take the time to dissect the messy transmission guts to install a longer main shaft like most kits, but it is a transmission system upgrade from stock! The BAKER Right-Side-Drive solution keeps the motorcycle balanced and operates in a smoother, quieter, more-efficient fashion.
A complete Harley-Davidson-style, powder-coated swingarm assembly that includes the axle, axle spacers for 280mm or 300mm wheels, subframe, and splashguard.
A heavy 13-guage, paint-ready fender. Also available in H-D paint colors upon request (color number, photo, and deposit required).
All the necessary hardware and fasteners to easily complete the project is included.
A 28-page comprehensive instructions manual, complete with photos, is included as backup.
BAKER’s renowned toll free tech support is available as additional backup.
As you can see, the BAKER 300 Wide Tire Kit is all-inclusive and fully supported. Aggravation or failure will be difficult.
Because BAKER has no way to presume which wheels you will apply, wheels are not provided. The BAKER 300 Wide Tire Kit spacing and centering is designed for Xtreme Machine or Performance Machine wheels. If you apply wheels from other manufacturers, additional centering and spacing is necessary for fitment.
The BAKER 300 Wide Tire Kit is a quick, complete, and quality solution to the popular Softail modification for a wider tire. THE BOLT-ON KIT IS PERFECT FOR DEALERS THAT DON’T HAVE TIME FOR MAJOR HACKING AND CHOPPING TO GET TO THE GOAL. THERE IS NO MAJOR AMPUTATION NEEDED WITH THIS KIT.
Note: There are minor, subjective and cosmetic ancillary purchases needed for completion, like a license plate bracket. For additional details, go online to http://www.bakerdrivetrain.com/dialup/baker300/index.html, see page 27 of the BAKER 2006 catalog, or call 1-877-640-2004.
HERE COMES THE SUMMER!– Get your bike ready with Motorex. Lighter evenings, longer days – it’s time to prepare your bike for some serious riding. And Motorex – the bike care people from Switzerland – can help with a fantastic offer on bike care products.
The Motorex Summer Care Kit contains their Moto Clean 900 Kit, along with Protect & Shine 645 – the ideal combination to get your bike looking its best. PLUS there’s a new Motorex product to go with them – ProTex waterproofer.
Moto Clean 900 Kit: Designed specifically for bikes, the 900 is a powerful motorcycle cleaner that gives a sparkling clean finish. Simply spray on, allow to act and wash off. Moto Clean 900 has good creep properties, so it gets into all those nooks and crannies. It also inhibits corrosion, is fully biodegradable and does not attack rubber, paintwork or plastic parts. Kit comes complete with 1 litre Moto Clean, atomiser, sponge and fine-fibred cloth.Moto Clean 900 SRP ?12.50
Protect & Shine 645: Bikes need protection too. Protect & Shine does just what it says on the tin – a protective polish that does two jobs. It cleans and conditions rubber, plastics and leather, and effectively protects metal and chrome parts from corrosion. Polishes and protects helmets too!Protect & Shine SRP ?6.50
ProTex: This is an English summer we’re talking about, which is where ProTex comes in. Highly effective, long-lasting protection for textiles and leather against water, dirt and oil. Just spray on, and leave it on. Compatible with all fabrics and materials.ProTex SRP ?10.00
Contact Bickers sales: 08704 282272 http://www.bikestyle.co.uk/
BIKERNET QUOTES–When asked whether he was a god or a man, Buddha replied, simply, “I am awake.”
BUBS BONNEVILLE ACTION HOSTS BIKER-BUILD-OFF–
Filming is set for August and Matt’s teamed with his friend, Roger Goldhammer. “I always wanted him to be on the Build-off .We have mutual respect. I think he’s the best, and he thinks I’m the best. We decided to race at Bonneville and not each other, so it will be a lot of fun. It’s open to the public and will be at the BUB Run What You Brung event in September.”
PERFORMANCE MACHINE DEALS OF THE WEEK–Roland’s build off race is this weekend at Willow Springs againsT Jesse Rooke (who’s running a KTM!!).
We’re dabbling with 21″ x 9″ rear wheels
Our Busa has the cover of Cycle Worlds Sport Rider pub
We have the 21″ front wheel conversion for baggers totally dialed (damn cool looking).
I have a crapload of our Vader style wheels (they look killer on a bobber) in stock and am offering free shipping on any sales for the next 30 days
I have some of those Johhny Chop memorial shirts left, too. We’re donating all the $$.
David Zemla
Performance Machine, Inc.
TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER BIKE WINNER– Just dropping a line from Tejas to let everyone get a look-see at the winning poster bike. I must say that we received an overwhelming number of votes and I have had to borrow several other pairs of fingers and toes to do get the final tabulation done, but after all of the counting we are pleased to announce that a Texas bike has taken not only 1st place but 3rd as well. (you know how State proud we are here)
The winning bike is Hemi Head Customs orange Texas Chopper, and will have the dubious honor of gracing the Texas National show poster along with the lovely Miss Texas National for the main image. We will also offer a free 10×10 space for the winning bike at the 2006 Texas National Bike Show.
2nd place is the Correct Cycle Werks green bike and it gave a merry chase to the Hemi Head bike with only 8 less votes. we will offer to the 2nd place bike a small image at the bottom of the poster as well as a free 5×10 space at the 2006 Texas National for their poster bike entry.
Last but certainly not least, another Texas bike took 3rd place. Synister Cycle Designs (the best of show winner of the 2005 Texas National) also ran a close race. We are pleased to offer a small image on the poster and a free 5×10 space at the 2006 Texas National.
I must say that I was really pleased with all of the people that took the time to vote for their favorites. I also need to once again thank the powers at Bikernet for all of their hard work and support of our show. We are looking forward to a really great show again this year with more live entertainment, more hot babes, more cold cocktails, oh and let’s not forget more fabulous custom bikes.
Online registration will begin this week for anyone interested in becoming a vendor or a show participant just go to http://www.texasnationalbikeshow.com and fill out the on line registration form and you may be on you way to becoming the next Texas National poster bike for 2007.
Watch for the Poster photo shoot coverage right here on Bikernet.
Muchas Gracias!
–Senora Diablo.
A.T. WHEELS OF (STAINLESS) STEEL–Ultra clean stainless steel thunder wheels by A.T. American Cycles.Looking for something special in stainless steel? German craftsmanAykut Tartaroglu, head of A.T. American Cycles, is always somebody tostun the scene with his innovative Stainless Steel parts: His new wheelsare no exceptions from the rule ? not just from the extreme clean look,but from strength and performance!
Adding to his longtime experience with stainless steel wheels,especially his own stainless steel hubs, manufactured for years, the newultra smooth wheels add a new level in wheel design and strengthoverkill!
The unique 20-spokes wheel is entirely manufactured fromhigh-grade Stainless steel, each individual spoke could be pulled with aweight force of 9 (!) tons. All threads are pressure rolled instead ofcut to add even more stability. Add all that and what you get is ahigh-end wheel, handcrafted to order, all sizes are available up toextreme wide-tire sizes. “If it doesn’t ride, it has no value at all”,says Aykut Tartaroglu, and looking at his new wheel, you gotta take himserious! Heavy duty design on a great performance wheel for high-endcustombikes.
www.at-american-cycles.de
Bahnhofstr.28
72639 Neuffen
Germany
tel. +49 (0)7025 – 908974
fax +49 (0)7025 – 908976
email.service@at-american-cycles.de
Continued On Page 2
April 20, 2006 Part 6
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
SOME THINGS DON’T CHANGE, BIKERNET STUDY–Here are two photographs of the same riding gentleman after reading Bikernet for less than a year. We’re not sure what to make of it. The study is ongoing.
This is Rev. Carl R. I was told recently that his attorney wants to speak to me.
ABATE OF LA ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE–This message is to remind everyone that motorcyclists here inLouisiana face three Bills that affect us all, whether you are aresident of this state or not. Legislation passed in one state is likethat of a cancer, it soon spreads to other states, good or bad.
Our website at www.abateoflouisiana.org It’s disheartening to know thatmotorcyclists will spend hours polishing their chrome but not spend fiveminutes to let their elected officials know how they feel about pendinglegislation directed at them. While we have collected hundreds ofsignatures at bike nights we haven’t even collected fifty signatures onthese petitions. Remember one thing, legislation that passes that is anti-motorcyclistleads to a further impetus to pass more and more legislation that isdirected against motorcyclists. Case in point is the fact that theAuthor of HB 985, Clara Baudoin Dist. 38, (prohibits children of acertain age from being transported upon a motorcycle) is the sameRepresentative who Authored Act 742 (HB 109) our current helmet law. Ifshe is able to pass this Bill what will she come up with next? How longwill it be before we motorcyclists are legislated off the very highwayswe enjoy riding upon “for our own protection”? I urge everyone to get involved. We are being threatened with losingour state motorcycle safety and riders education course through budgetcuts, we are being threatened with the possibility of losing ourparental freedom to decide what is right for our children, and we aretrying to pass legislation to put people in jail for running overmotorcyclists. Abate Of La. Inc., will be there to defend and protectthe motorcyclists in the state of Louisiana but we need your help. Onevoice is but a whisper but many voices are a roar! Ride Safe, Ride Free! –James “Poet” Sisco STEEL DREAMS – 0517-THIS WEEK– “Indy Dealer Expo”.This week, Steel Dreams takes you to the largest and most exciting trade show event for the motorcycle and ATV industry – the huge 38th Annual Dealernews International “Dealer Expo 2006” in Indianapolis, Indiana. With over 1,000 exhibits featuring the latest hot products and technologies – all under roof in the vast Indiana Convention Center and RCA dome – it’s the show “everyone who is somebody in motorsports” attends and everyone who loves motorcycles and ATV’s doesn’t want to miss. You are there, as tens of thousands from all over the world come to see the absolute cutting-edge concepts from today’s leading designers, dealers, distributors and manufacturers of aftermarket powersports products. From what’s new in gleaming steel high-performance technologies and sleek European motorcycle design to the latest in riding apparel and gear, and “gotta have” new accessories – if you love motorcycles and ATV’s – it’s the place you want to be! And this week, Steel Dreams takes you there. EPISODE 017: “Indy Dealer Expo” Segment 1 – Show opening. Segment 2 – (clip) Ryan Smith of Freek Racing w/ 3 girls plus fast cuts of show. Jeff Fenton (Chairman-Global Motorsports) Custom Chrome accessories. More fast cuts of show floor. John Manley (Dynostar) debuts latest in motorcycle dynomometer testing equipment. Patriot exhibit – Dan Chastine (CEO-Amer,Sealants) intros new Premier tire sealant for motorcycles and ATV’s. Segment 3 – Lee Chapin (Mikuni American Corp) shows new hi-tech carburetor and fuel related technologies to boost horsepower. More show floor clips/hot girls. Dave Perewitz (Footware) shows the latest from Kryptonite in locking devices for both bikes and gear. Gianluca Golasso (Benellli USA) shows latest in sleek high-style Euro Italian motorcycles. Segment 4 – R. Scott Link (Footware) shows latest in AlpineStar rider and racing gear. Kevin J. Berger (Pres-SuperTrapp) shows cutting-edge exhaust technology. Steed by Patriot clips. Segment 5 – Fast show floor clips. Bruno Maier (Exec VP-Schwinn) 110-year old bicycle mfgr now offers hot motor scooter line too. End w/ show exhibit model “Brie” ID: “You’re watching Steel Dreams.” HARDBIKES GROWING WITH NEW ENGINEERING HIRES–Harbikes is Revving Up Human Capital to Meet World Class Competition.Hardbikes is committed to building and developing world-class motorcycles for the American V-Twin marketplace and is investing in the human capital that is needed to deliver on their promise. Most recently they have hired Rob Myers, Product Improvement Engineer; Todd Henry, Certified Engine Machinist and Mark Dooley, Product Development Engineer. Rob Myers was plucked out of the mountain bike industry for his understanding of frame design, frame dynamics and frame jigging. He’s had extensive experience creating innovative out-of-the-box designs, managing development cycles and competing in a hyper-competitive marketplace. He does everything from prototype design to tig welding. He will assist in insuring specifications are met by the suppliers and creating Hardbikes-specific frames. His favorite Hardbikes motorcycle is the 200 Bobber. For Todd Henry, motorcycles are his life. He has worked in a Harley-Davidson Dealership and run his own custom motorcycle shop and now he brings his serious skill set on improving the Hardbikes designs. For example, he collaborates with engineering on a new exhaust system that has new brackets. Todd will do the prototype to ensure that it fits correctly. Then the modification will be placed on a test mule and ridden across county to ensure its compliance and usability. Todd?s favorite motorcycle is the Hardbikes 200 Chopper. Mark Dooley put himself through Oklahoma State working at a Machine Shop and after graduation moved to Mercury Cruiser in Stillwater, OK. There he tested and developed big Chevy motors that required beefy internal components. Now he executes against Hardbikes? Quality Opportunity System that is designed to improve parts, parts delivery and pricing. Currently Mark is engaged in a project to specify the chroming on the fasteners to ensure that they consistently thread into the motorcycle subsystems. Mark Dooley?s favorite Hardbikes motorcycle is the 300 Neo Bobber with custom paint. EXILES PARTY ALERT– Saturday April 22rd 2006 – Exile Cycles10th Anniversary Open House.It’s their birthday, famed Iron & Lace Calendar builder and TV star Russell Mitchell is holding a party and we are all invited! Russell is holding an Open House at Exile Cycles on April 22nd 2006. Come and join us for some sex and drugs and rock and roll. O.K. so we lied about one, but there will be bands playing, beer flowing, and the lovely Purrfect Angelz dancing up a storm. The event takes place noon to 6pm at their new shop in North Hollywood. Exile Cycles, HOW’S THAT FOR A THURSDAY NEWS?–Is this industry happening or what? Now I need to jump back into the garage and get to work on my two bikes for Bonneville. A shipper knocked on the door yesterday and delivered my 120-inch Panhead engine from Accurate Engineering. Incredible. We danced the jig around the shop. I also received a UPS e-mail announcing that a Baker Transmission is on its way. I gave myself a 10-day deadline to finish the mods to the V-Bike before the Transmission arrives. I need to get a hold of Will Phillips. I’m working with Will tightening handling for the ride to Sturgis and the Salt in September. It’s mandatory to have a steering dampener on both bikes. We will also tighten the handling with a True-Track and 3/4-inch swingarm shaft. I spoke to Bob Doudy at D&D and they are also running a V-Bike with an 110-RevTech engine on the flats during Speed Week. Lots of performance comparisons going on. D&D is also making our exhaust systems for both bikes. Now, here’s what’s coming to the vast and never-ending pages of Bikernet over the next week. Bill Bish just submitted a Bikers Rights Legislative Update, Johnny White wrote a bike feature on a flat black California Custom, he also wrote a tech on the key- saving, Aeromach dresser gas cap. It’s in the tech department. Any day now, we will post a story from S&S about the woman who kept the company going for decades. Finally the rain stopped in Hawaii and we have the images for Roger’s Fusion bike feature headed our way. Tomorrow we’re picking up a Softail Standard for a Road Test and complete accessory outline. Rumor has it that a Saxon Griffin is up the street at Gard’s shop for repairs, then we’ll road test its flat black self on LA streets. Next week we plan to devote serious time to our noise testing format. But I also hope to bring you a Bikernet Bonneville 2006 bike update. We have launched a special department just to cover this effort and support our sponsors. Watch for it. One more thing. I spent most of this week finishing a story about last year’s, dusty drive in a ’54 Lincoln across Mexico to compete in the La Carrera Pan Americana Vintage Road Race (6,000 miles). Nope, no motorcycles, but a helluva story and hot babes. I hope to post it tomorrow. Now it’s almost Happy Hour, goddamnit. I need a break. Ride Forever, –Bandit
Executive State President
A.B.A.T.E. Of Louisiana, Inc.
13209 Saticoy St.,
North Hollywood, CA 91605 .
Phone: 818 255 3330 .
exilecycles.com
April 20, 2006 Part 5
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 4
MEMORIAL WALL MOTORCYCLE ESCORT– Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion Memorial Wall Motorcycle Escort. Line up at Brevard Community College, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa. Line up begins at 9:00AM, kickstands up at 10:00AM.
Arrive at Melbourne’s Wickham Park about 11:30.
If interested in helping line up the bikes or road guard, be at BCC about 8:15.
Info: Don 321-726-6752
Ralph 321-453-7498
The Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard have asked us and the Brevard ABATE chapter to provide parking help and Roadguards for this Sunday’s VVB Moving Wall Motorcycle Escort, if interested in helping line up the bikes or road guard, be at BCC about 8:15 – 8:30. Roadguards will be parked in a separate spot. If you prefer to ride, our chapters have a spot reserved in the line up, just tell Greg, or whoever is at the parking lot that you are Independence ABATE. Line up Line up begins at 9:00AM, kickstands up at 10:00AM at Brevard Community College, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa.
If you want to ride with the chapter, be there by 9:30, our spot will probably be full by that time. If you arrive late, you’ll have to ride with the group at the rear.
The ride arrives at Melbourne’s Wickham Park about 11:30. Also, volunteers will be setting up the Wall after arrival in Wickham Park. If interested in staying and setting up the Wall, let one of the VVB know
–Rogue
NOBLES TRIPS DESTROYER CLASS IN PHOENIX, MOVES INTO POINTS LEAD– 4.17.2006 Tripp Nobles and the LVFD.com team had one of thoseweekends that don’t come around but once in a while when they led wire-to-wire at the AHDRA Screamin’ Eagle Arizona Bike Week Nationals and moved into first place in the point standings as well.
“We had a flawless weekend,” said team rider, Tripp Nobles. “I feel like the luckiest member of the team because I get to ride the bike!”
“We have been working very closely with Matt Gross at MMG on the dyno and he found us some horsepower. I am very grateful for everything he has done for us. My crew chief, Vic Fasola, made some fabulous tuning calls in both the clutch and air-fuel mixture areas.”
“We learned a lot this weekend with our newly installed Racepak data recorder, but I learned a long time ago that a computer will not tell you what to do but it sure will tell you what not to do. Based on the data we were receiving Vic made some excellent calls.”
Post Phoenix ReportQualifying
Following three rounds of qualifying Tripp Nobles took the LVHD.com team to times of 14.441 at 45.22 MPH, 9.467 at 139.04 MPH and 9.409 at 140.27 MPH. The LVHD.com team sat on the pole in the twenty-seven bike field.
Eliminations
In Round One Tripp had an earned bye run as he was the number one qualifier in the twenty-seven bike field. Not wanting to waste a run Tripp ran a 9.451 at 139.70 MPH.
In Round Two Shawn Vantucci was the opponent and as he had done in Gainesville, Tripp ended his day. Nobles ran a 9.431 at 139.21 MPH to Vantucci’s losing 9.792 at 135.91 MPH.
Tripp went into Round Three to face off against Brian Fox. Nobles once again ran in the 9.4 range with a pass of 9.416 at 140.30 MPH to send Fox’s 9.636 at 136.90 MPH packing.
Round Four was being billed as a battle between the two favorites to win the first ever V-rod Destroyer crown. This time Tripp Nobles got to the other end of the track first eliminating his rival, Gene Thomason. Tripp ran a 9.424 at 139.85 MPH to Thomason’s losing 9.548 at 137.47 MPH. This puts Nobles at one win to none for the two contenders. It also moved Tripp into the race finals.
In the Final Round Tripp was pitted against the number three qualifier, Daniel Harvey. As the pair prepared to do battle, both bikes staged but for some strange reason Harvey backed out of the beams, handing the race title to Nobles. Not wanting to waste the run Nobles clocked low E.T. of the event when he ran a 9.399 at 140.47 MPH.
The win was Tripp Nobles first of the year and his first ever in the newly created V-rod Destroyer class.
UNBORN SON OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS BIKER TO RECEIVE SETTLEMENT WORTH MILLIONS– Attorneys Michael F. Hupy and Jason F. Abraham and Bob Sumption, longtime A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Chapter President, appeared in a Douglas County courtroom on April 10, 2006, to hear a judge approve the work that they had completed in less than a year. John Claxon, II was killed in a motorcycle accident in Southern Illinois, on April 18, 2005. Although his father was killed four months before he was born and his parents were not married, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. negotiated a structured settlement for John Claxon, III that will provide payments for the rest of his life and could be worth more than three million dollars. Hupy and Abraham investigator, Bob Sumption, also worked on the case.
–Tony Sanfelipo
THE BAKER TORQUEBOX: THE AMERICAN V-TWIN TRANSMISSIONIS FINALLY TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL!–With American V-Twin engineers pushing the standards of size these days and tire manufacturers doing the same, BAKER Drivetrain steps forward by leaping past the old standard in transmission size, style, and torque-handling capacity with the new BAKER Drivetrain Toquebox. This is the next level.
With orders being taken right now drag racers, muscle bike, and custom bike builders will have to have one. It was a colossal hit when unveiled at the 2005 Biketoberfest in Daytona and the same response occurred when displayed in the 2006 V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. The Torquebox is available as 5-Speed or 6-Speed, and in either BAKER Right-Side-Drive or left-side-drive.
STRONGEST: As the leader in the Big Twin drivetrain, BAKER felt obligated to make the move to radically depart the old 2.5-inch transmission standard to 3-inches knowing that this formula would jump the torque handling capacity to 250 FOOT-POUNDS OF TORQUE! This 3″ measurement describes the center-distance between the two shafts within a transmission. That simply means the gears on the shafts must be created larger in diameter to reach each other – resulting in much more strength.
STYLISH: However, the expansion of the center-distance induces the need to completely redesign the transmission case that the shafts mount to, a task completely suited for BAKER Drivetrain. Starting with a tremendous new exterior styling, BAKER took this opportunity to cram the latest discoveries and technologies into the redesign.
ADVANCED: Not only does this tough 6061-T651 billet case design include performance improvements in its own form, but it houses breakthrough enhancements in:
Shift Drum: N1 shift pattern (neutral is before 1st gear to prevent false neutral shifts), diameter increased to 2″ and improvements to bearing/spindle interface
Ratchet Pawl: Overshift inhibiter, double bearing mounted, and 65% larger shaft
Detent System: Bearing-based guide instead removes pure friction against the drum map
Top Cover: Ignition kill and neutral switches for easy adjustments
Shafts: Super heavy-duty 8620 steel (the king of steels), double-thick and heat-treated teeth, and AGMA class 12 gears
Shift Forks: BAKER’s renowned dual-rail design
Shift System: Bearing mounted lever has a ratio is 35% less then stock for smooth, clear shifts
As you can see, the BAKER Drivetrain Torquebox is a revolutionary new engineering feat within our very own American V-Twin industry. Nothing can compare to it across the board as it began with breaking out of the old 2.5-inch standard, comprehensively advancing the transmission conventions within, and finalizing with a distinctive new styling.
For additional information, click on the banner above or see page 19-21 of the BAKER 2006 catalog.
BBC – OVERSEAS – WORLD NEWS OUTLET–Baghdad, Iraq – The British military announced today that they hadair-dropped former hostages Norman Kembler, James Loony and Harmeet Singh Sooden into the Iraqi desert, just a week after their rescue from a house west of Baghdad. The men had been held by insurgents for four months.
Since their release, the three men, all from a Christian Peacemakerteam, have spoken with deep admiration and respect for their captors, while not offering any degree of gratitiude to the British commandos who risked their lives to save them.
“We realize now that we made a huge mistake,” said Captain Ian Coates of the British Army, “and it was time to return these men to the people they love and respect.”
Coates wistfully related the story of how the former hostages weretold of the decision to reunite them with their brethren in Iraq.
“To keep it a surprise, we used our commandos to gather the men in the middle of the night,” he said. “They were so surprised and excited that we needed to duct tape their mouths and tie them up. But there was no doubt that they were overjoyed to be returning to Iraq. Their eyes were as big as saucers, and Kembler even wet his jammies in excitement!”
The men were whisked by military jet back to a British Military basein Kuwait, and flown by helicopter into Iraq at dawn. Captain Coatesstruggled to keep his composure as he described the reunion.
“The air drop was a remarkable moment, something I was honored tosee,” he said. “The men were writhing around, screaming and crying with joy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the helicopter as we rolled them out.”
The British Military was concerned that the men would not be picked up quickly, leaving them to wander in the desert. So each man was given a bright red parachute emblazoned with one of the famed Danish Mohammed cartoons.
“The cartoons really did the trick,” said Captain Coates. “As theydrifted downward, you could see the insurgents gathering to welcomethem. Some had even set fires to help guide them as they landed. We could hear the chants of welcome even over the whir of the rotors.
Did you ever see Born Free? It was like that, but better.”
Coates would not comment on reports that the three men were allwearing “Jesus Rules, Mohammed Drools” T-Shirts
–from Chris T.
VIPER MOVES INTO NEW HEADQUARTERS– We are moving into our new corporate/manufacturing facility this week. The new numbers will be effective Monday, April 24.
Viper Motorcycle Company
19950 177th Street, Suite F
Big Lake, Minnesota 55309
Office-763-263-5700
Fax-763-263-5701
Thanks,
–Terry Nesbitt
Viper Motorcycle Company
Viper Performance Inc.
ARIZONA BIKE WEEK–The 10th anniversary celebration of Arizona Bike Week wrapped up Sunday, April 9. Weekend festivities included Harley-Davidson demo rides, raffles, and rock concerts, including performances by The Guess Who and John Kay & Steppenwolf. Also held in conjunction with Arizona Bike Week was the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) race at the Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, Ariz.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOSTS A “GARAGE PARTY” FOR WOMEN INTERESTED IN RIDINGOver the past several years, women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling – seeking the freedom and escape associated with an open road, polished chrome and a sweet sounding engine. In fact today, the Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that one in 10 U.S. motorcyclists is a woman.
But while thousands of women live their lives on the open road, many remain stuck in neutral, dreaming about the wind in their face, unsure where to start. To help, Harley-Davidson dealerships in the Cleveland-area are hosting free, women-only Garage Party events. This month, Lake Erie Harley-Davidson Shop is hosting a Garage Party event on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 between 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Harley-Davidson Garage Party event provides an inviting environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding. Party guests can expect activities that will be both entertaining and educational with topics including a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s style and ergonomics and how to gear up for a ride. The for-women-only Garage Party event is free for any woman who is looking to take the next step to get behind the handlebars.
RIDER’S EDGE NOW AVAILABLE IN KENTUCKY–Kentucky has been added as a state that offers the Rider’s Edge New Rider program. Sills Harley-Davidson in Paducah, Ky., and Harley-Davidson Bowling Green in Bowling Green, Ky., will be setting up the Rider’s Edge program this year. A total of 37 states now offer the course that is designed to make those new to motorcycling feel comfortable and give them the knowledge and skills to ride with confidence. Since the New Rider Course was introduced in 2000, more than 69,000 riders have been trained.
SADDLE UP FOR STURGIS DEADLINE NEARSFive lucky new women riders and their riding coaches will win an all expenses paid ride from Milwaukee, Wis., to Sturgis, SD, in August 2006. The winning riders will travel to Sturgis alongside Karen Davidson, Creative Director of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and great-granddaughter of founder William A. Davidson.
Harley-Davidson has received more than 800 entries for the Saddle Up for Sturgis contest. There are less than three weeks left to submit an entry; all qualified entries must be submitted by May 1, 2006. Winners will be announced May 19.
To enter the contest, women must submit a 100-word essay detailing why they would like to Saddle Up for Sturgis in 2006. The entrant must acknowledge that they have been riding for two years or less, have logged 1,000 miles, and have spent five hours riding in one day. The rider must own a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle and have a motorcycle license.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON VEHICLE AND POWERTRAIN OPERATIONS PLANT IN KANSAS CITY NAMED “BEST OF AMERICA” BY READER’S DIGEST MAGAZINE–Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations plant in Kansas City has been named Best Indoor Sightseeing by the editors of Reader’s Digest Magazine. Winners of America’s 100 Best list will be featured in the May issue, on newsstands April 18.
The editors tested, tasted and debated everything from the Best Sandwich to the Best Must-Have Gadgets to the Best Buzz Cut. The resulting list is organized in six categories – Legacies, Passions, Adventure, Innovations, Time Off and Connections.
The Kansas City Vehicle and Powertrain Operations produce the Sportster, Dyna and VRSC families of motorcycles from fabrication and finishing through final assembly. The plant also has the unique distinction of being the only Harley-Davidson facility to produce an entire motorcycle, the VRSC V-Rod.
Continued On Page 6
April 20, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
THE BEST INTERNAL THROTTLE EVER.FINALLY A THROTTLE THAT IS BETTER THAN STOCK–My Internal throttle is the result of trial and error. My throttle uses 6 bearings 5 sealed ball bearings and 1 needle bearing. The object was to create a throttle that was the smoothest ever. Precision was key. There is a dual helix that 4 of the 5 ball bearings ride on. This allows the plunger inside to have support from both sides as the throttle is twisted.
The needle bearing rides on the plunger shaft to keep the helix housing at the proper distance from the inner shaft. The rear of the inner shaft has a axle that slides threw the needle bearing and into the 5th sealed ball bearing for a tight fitment allowing no play side to side. All of this is held together with c-clips.
The return device uses a spring that has a slide so that the plunger returns when throttle is let go. The mounting of my new throttle is easy as it can be. Slide the throttle in and tighten the split bolt up. This means NO WELDING OR DRILLING AND TAPPING.
www.streamlinedesignsinc.com
954 545 4104
9am to 6pm eastern time
NEW HOOLIGAN ST FROM BIG MIKES–I don’t have any specs, but it’s hot and ready. Check your local Big Mike Choppers dealers for all the dope.
Ride Forever,
BIG TWIN WEST WEBSITE CRANKED UP–The Big Twin West website is up and running! The show will be here before you know it, so make sure you visit www.bigtwinwest.com for the latest Big Twin West news and registration information.
Big Twin West provides the ultimate showcase of the American and Metric Big Twin lifestyle market by attracting the world?s largest and most powerful brands and buyers. Retailers, dealers and builders come to Big Twin West to experience the entire industry, preview the hottest trends, buy the latest accessories and hard parts to drive store sales, and attend seminars to learn about best practices for running a business, all in one energized three-day event.
More than just a trade show, it’s a celebration of excellence within the industry. Whether you work in the industry, are interested in what’s happening in the Big Twin market or ride a cruiser, you belong here.
Master Builder and Celebrity Build-Off
Watch as four teams compete to build a customized bike in two days
Big Twin Customs Invitational
Premier bike showcase featuring custom built bikes from around the world
Big Twin Dealer Awards Ceremony and Banquet
Celebrate the accomplishments achieved by industry leaders
Live Auction
Bid on and take home one of the bikes featured in the Big Twin Customs Invitational or bid on one of the bikes built by the celebrities and master builders.
Did we mention it’s in Las Vegas ?
For more information on all of the features check out our website at http://listmgr.advanstar.com.
RIP’S BAD RIDE UPDATE–WHAT: 9th Annual Rip’s B.A.D. Ride, Bikers Against Diabetes, a fundraising event of the American Diabetes Association.
WHO: Eight thousand bikers across Southern California starting from multiple sites converging at Oak Canyon Park in Orange County for a giant festival, featuring rock concert with The Fryed Brothers Band and other bands to be announced, bike show, exhibits, food and fun. All Southern Californians, bikers or not, are invited to the festival at Oak Canyon Park in Orange County. VIP riders include Karen Davidson and Willie G. of the founding family of Harley-Davidson, and actor Larry Hagman.
WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 2006
Registration 8 -10 a.m.
Ride begins at 10 a.m.
Gates open at Oak Canyon Park at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Host start site: Bartels Harley-Davidson, 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey. Other start sites: Los Angeles Harley-Davidson, South Gate, California Harley-Davidson, Harbor City; Engine Joe’s Cycle Service, Cathedral City; Pomona Valley Harley-Davidson, Quaid Harley-Davidson Loma Linda; Quaid Temecula Harley-Davidson, Orange County Harley-Davidson, Irvine; Harley-Davidson of Fullerton; Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson; Biggs Harley Davidson, Oceanside; The Shop, Ventura; Harley-Davidson of Westminster, San Juan Capistrano Harley-Davidson, Victorville Harley Davidson and Mission Motorsports, IrvineFestival site is Oak Canyon Park in Orange County.
WHY: Rip’s B.A.D. Ride is the legacy of Rip Rose, a columnist for decades for Easyriders Magazine, who was an avid motorcycle rider for 40 years. Rip passed away in February 2000 from cancer and had lived with diabetes for more than a decade. The B.A.D. Ride was his dream and the 2006 ride continues his legacy. In addition to music, food and fun, the event features a tribute to Rip. The ride is a fundraising event of the American Diabetes Association, with proceeds going to research, education and advocacy. There are more than 20 million Americans with diabetes, 2.2 million in California and more than 1.2 million in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
COWBOYS ON THE COAST– I got to ride from Palm Bay Florida to Beaumont Texas to cover the event Cowboys On The Coast. The event is in its second year of operation and though it is not the biggest I have ever been to I was impressed with how well it was organized and ran. There was a good balance of vendors to those attending, which turned out to be about double of last year.
It is put on by Robin Troy for Cowboy Harley & Cowboy Honda. She had some help from the local HOG chapter, Honda Red Riders, Circuit Riders, CMA, Maverick and BACA. It was held at Ford Park a big complex just West of Beaumont on I-10, it is ideal as it will handle the growth this event will have as more people find out about it. This year they included free camping on site, added a stunt show more bike games, and enlarged their bike show with added classes.
There were numerous displays and vendors and the one that seamed to get the most attention was Sonny Keeton with his Old School display. It was joined by his pin stripping booth and the Xtreem Chopper Kit booth with Tom Young.
There was plenty of other entertainment which included the Bikers Inner Circle Radio Show with Charlie Brechtel.
Charlie and his band played his Original Biker Songs and rocked the house as they warmed up the audience for Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet.
I think all the things are in place for this event to continue to grow and Robin does have some ideas to make it even bigger and better in 2007
It is not too early to make a note on your calendar to attend next year. Hey I could take your picture and you could end up here or in one of the mags. SeeYa
— ROGUE
PLAN YOUR SUMMER TRAVELS WITH AMA’S RIDE GUIDE TO AMERICA–If you’re looking to do a little exploring this summer, check out the Ride Guide for inspiration and trip planning details. Thirty-five favorite rides from many of the most popular motojournalists writing today, all brought together in one book complete with full-color photos, topo maps, and point-to-point directions.
DOGG BONE CUSTOMS MARYLAND–Just wanted to drop you guys a line or two and let you know that Dogg Bone Customs will be set up at the Beast of the East show being held in Salisbury, Maryland this coming weekend. For more info. on the event you can go to: http://delmarvabikeweek.com/
DBC will be set up with a wide range of machines, ranging from Bobbers to fat tired Customs, some of which are for sale, as in our April Special, ABEL. For more info. on Dogg Bone Customs and what we have to offer, head on over to our site and check us out: http://doggbonecustoms.com/
Come by and say “HI”… The first 20 lovely ladies that come by and say they read about us on Bikernet get their choice of a free pair of thongs or booty shorts, while supplies and sizes last! Hope to see you at the show!
–JB
Dogg Bone Customs
http://doggbonecustoms.com/.com
804-590-9492
We Chop ‘Em – Doggiestyle…
BIKERNET’S MOST BEAUTIFUL DYNA CONTEST SPONSORED BY D&D EXHAUST– That’s right, you get to pick the best looking DYNA from the Bikernet Community. Just vote for the one that you like the best. The motorcycle that gets the most votes receives a new set of Fat Cat pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust.
The 2 into 1 Fat Cat Pipes makes the best horsepower and torque. The stylish upswept design provides the performance rider with extra ground clearance. Each pipe is hand fitted and installed with heat shields. Experience up to 12 additional ponys.
Watch for the contest info on the home page this coming week.
NEW BIKERNET LIVING WILL FORM–I, __________________________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.
Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn’t pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it or lawyers/doctors interested in simply running up the bills.
If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:
______a Bike Magazine,
______a Margarita
______Jack Daniels on the rocks
______Sex
______a Chinese food
______a Steak
______Lobster or crab legs
______a computer,
______a Bowl of ice cream
______a wrench,
______Chocolate
______Sex
It should be presumed that I won’t ever get better.
When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day.
Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
BIKERNET FREE CONTEST AREA–Sure we make you fill out a brief questionnaire, but what the hell. You can ask for any prize you want, make suggestions to the Bikernet staff, piss us off, or kiss our butts. Check it out. It will take less than a minute, it’s free, and if something special happens you’ll get a note from Bandit.
MOTORCYCLE SERIES AGAINST BREAST CANCER–As many of you know, I have be, all by myself, and by working so much with women who were desperately ill or who had died, that it just got to be too much. As you know, for the past 5 years I have completely dedicated myself to helping women with breast cancer and while I love what I do, I guess it was eventually was bound to take it’s toll. The good news is that after 4 years of working on the 1 in 8 Motorcycle Series Against Breast Cancer, we have finally grow to the point were we are very well respected in the field.
Moreover, our focus is very different that most breast cancer organizations, who tend to focus exclusively on research and trying to find a cure. While that is of critical importance, our focus is on early diagnosis and education. My partner, Tim Messer, of Gardener-Westcott in Michigan and myself are both cancer survivors ourselves and neither of us ever thought it could happen to us. This terrible disease does not strike faceless people but our own wives, sisters, mothers and daughters and diagnosing breast cancer as early as possible is literally the only chance people have to survive. While finding a cure for breast cancer is certainly important, in the meantime it is of critical importance that for those men and women with breast cancer, they receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.
In a world where we often feel powerless to do anything that can make a difference, this is a chance. Every week I hear from women who say what we are doing has helped them and I’m going to keep going as long as possible. Incidentally, anyone who is willing to help us and can sell 100 raffle tickets or more, will automatically receive an invitation to the star-studded event at the end of the season.
Thank you so much for caring and please let me hear from you.
–Ken
www.1in8.org
(91) 469-5662
www.caitlinproductions.com
Continued On Page 5