Hey,

It’s news time and I’m scrambling. We launched the first Salt Shaker tech and I’ll launch a Halibrand Wheel install by Tim Conder tomorrow. It’s killer.

I’m lost for an intro this morning. I’m just going to hit the news like a mad dog and add something later, if inspiration flourishes. We’ll see.

Here’s one item that just came to mind. A reader metioned that he saw the name Brenda Fox, in the Robb Report Motorcycle Magazine, and wanted to know if it was the same Fox who rode the Blue Flame, Bikernet project bike. He was right and I told him I’d try to find this shot. There you have it, the Fox and the Flame together again. Let’s hit the news:

D&D NEW SPONSOR ON BIKERNET–At D&D Exhaust our passion is high performance exhaust pipes. For 30 years we have built quality hand made American exhaust pipes and for the last 7 years we have hand crafted exhaust pipes for American big-twin motorcycles that are dyno-tuned for performance.

David Rash, D&D Owner, began building pipes for his race bike because he needed more horsepower. 250,000 pipes later D&D Exhaust systems grace some of the world’s fastest Harleys on the street and strip.

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.

To see how your bike will look and perform log on to the D&D Web site. (http://www.danddexhaust.com) Each Harley model has a dyno chart and dyno video.

D&D Performance Enterprises
_2923 Edith Lane
_Fort Worth, TX 76117
_Email danddexhaust@msn.com.
_Phone: (817) 834-8961
http://www.danddexhaust.com

BILLY LANE IN DISCOVERY BUILD-OFF WITH RUSSELL MITCHELL–Big news update- Billy has agreed to do another Biker Build Off. This build off will be against Russell Mitchell and begin filming in May with a goal air time of early this fall. Billy is excited about the opportunity and looking forward to the next Biker Build Off installment and other exciting projects with Discovery and others.

Discovery is now rerunning many of the Biker Build Off’s. Since Billy was in so many, you may now have the chance to see episodes you missed. Billy has two that episodes that will re-air very soon. I have listed them below along with re-air dates so you can tune in.

Biker Build Off against Mike Brown will re-air February 13thTribute build in memory of Indian Larry will re-air February 6th

Check your local listings for times on Discovery Channel.

Darcy Betlach

TURN UP THE VOLUME, BIKERNET RADIO ON THE AIR– Denis Manning, Chris Maida and Bill Rucker First Up on Bikernet Radio Podcast.

January 20, 2006, Williams, AZ, Bikernet.com, the premiere biker-authority site, is broadcasting radio podcast interviews starting in February 2006. Bob Osias of MetricThunder.com, the shows on air talent, interviews guests across the country and at biker gatherings like Sturgis and Daytona. Jumping in to do guest interviews is Branscombe Richmond. He’ll be live at V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati.

“Our initial podcasts include interviews with Denis Manning of BUB, Chris Maida of American Iron, Bill Rucker of Rucker Performance and many others,” said Bob Osias, Owner MetricThunder.com. “These edu-tainment? interviews are filled with product information and lifestyle.”

Horsepower Marketing’s audio studio will handle the technical requirements as well as producing each show.

BLONDE AND NUCLEAR POWER–Guy gets on a plane and finds himself seated next to a cute blonde.He immediately turns to her and makes his move.

“You know,” he says,”I’ve heard that flights will go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger. So let’s talk.”

The blonde, who had just opened her book, closes it slowly and says to the guy, “What would you like to discuss?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” says the guy. “How about nuclear power?”

“OK,” says the blonde. “That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff — grass.Yet the deer excretes little pellets, the cow turns out a flat patty, and the horse produces muffins of dried poop. Why do you suppose that is?”

The guy is dumbfounded. Finally he replies, “I haven’t the slightest idea.”

“So tell me,” says the blonde, “How is it that you feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don’t know shit?”

–from the Devil

METRIC THUNDER, NEW BIKERNET SPONSOR–At Metric Thunder we put the Thunder in your V-Twin! When you have a V-Twin need, we have a V-Twin solution. Take a minute and check our prices. Our everyday price provides you a deep discount off retail.

Selected Harley Products:
Saddle Bags and Seats from Saddlemen
Exhaust Pipes from Bub, Samson, Cobra and more
Grips and Levers
Floorboards
Performance Products
Windshields

Don’t see your item? CALL US TOLL FREE at 866-744-7900, or email sales@metricthunder.com. Metric Thunder is your ONE STOP shop for motorcycle accessories. We ship all “in stock” items within 24 hours. Contact and Ordering Information:

Metric Thunder
_1411 N. Batavia St. #107
_Orange, CA 92867 _
Email sales@metricthunder.com. _
Phone: (817) 834-8961
http://www.metricthunder.com

THE SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE 2006 TOUR FEATURED BUILDERS ARE ANNOUNCED!–FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (January, 2006) – The Annual Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour has recently announced the much anticipated featured custom motorcycle builders who will be joining them on Tour for 2006. Hand selected by event sponsors and professionals in the motorcycle industry, the four Hard Rock builders are an elite group of bike builders who will be able to showcase their talent to thousands through the Roadhouse tour.

The builders are: PAUL COX and KEINO of Indian Larry Legacy in Brooklyn, NY; ERIC GORGES from Voodoo Choppers in Detroit, MI; GARD HOLLINGER of L.A. County Choprods from Marina Del Rey, CA; and AARON GREENE of Paramount Custom Cycles from Reno, NV.

Paul Cox began his journey into the bike world by working with leather as a child. Over the years, Paul has become a Master Leather Smith creating exquisite bike seats which are renowned in the industry. Paul joined forces with his friend and building partner, Indian Larry, sharing seven different bike shops with Larry over the past twelve years. Today, Paul and Larry’s right-hand man, Keino, have taken the reigns at the Brooklyn shop in Larry’s honor and have been keeping Larry’s legacy alive with their custom old school creations and innovative seat and air ride designs. Paul and Keino have been featured on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off, the S&S/American Iron Old School Shovel Tour, and with Billy Lane’s Blood, Sweat, & Gears Tour.

Eric Gorges began building bikes in his garage as a form of therapy. Tired of the constraining ideas of bike designs coming from other companies, Eric, and his crew, now operate Voodoo Choppers in Detroit and handle everything in-house including frames, front ends, tanks, fenders, exhausts, and more. Eric builds bikes to match the personality of their owners although he favors low and lean bikes built in the “digger” style. He handcrafts almost every component that comes from his shop and creates his choppers with honesty and integrity. Eric has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off and numerous industry magazines, such as The Horse Backstreet Choppers where he writes technical articles.

Gard Hollinger is a craftsman of “retro- modernistic” bikes, unique machines handcrafted from chrome and steel and sheet metal, popular from the Sunset Strip to Sturgis. His infamous shop, L.A. County Choprods, is located on Motorcycle Row in Marina Del Rey, CA. Gard is a veteran builder with over 20 years experience best know for his old school contemporary styling and celebrity clientele. Gard has been the creative force behind the construction of motorcycles for television and movies including: The West Wing, Six Feet Under, and Terminator III: Rise of the Machines. He also designed the production bike, the Black Crown, for Saxon Motorcycle Company and has been featured on UK’s “All the Gear No Idea” and hosts Speed TV’s “Build or Bust”.

Aaron Greene was already a custom builder for the EasyRiders store in Reno by age 20 after working as a full service auto mechanic. He soon gained the respect and attention from fellow builders and custom bike enthusiasts. After breaking away from EasyRiders to explore his creativity, Aaron opened his repair and customization shop, Paramount Custom Cycles which rapidly grew to a complete manufacturing facility. A true innovator, Aaron has obtained three machine patents and is consistently creating trendsetting customs in the bike world such as his style in curvaceous gas tanks. Aaron assisted Billy Lane on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off and Blood, Sweat & Gears, won first place in the Street Chopper Invitational Build-Off, and has been featured in numerous magazines.

For the 2006 Tour, each Hard Rock builder will build a one of a kind custom Hard Rock motorcycle for the national sweepstakes. These bikes will be displayed at rally locations such as Daytona Bike Week and BiketoberFest, Laconia, Rot Rally in Austin, TX, and Ft. Lauderdale. Kicking off at Daytona Bike Week in March 2006, the Roadhouse is a one-stop setting that fans and biker enthusiasts can check the bikes out, meet and hang out with the builders. The venue includes the Hard Rock Roadhouse Bar and Stage where emcee Candy rocks the crowd with music, giveaways and contests, featured live entertainment including: the Purrfect Angelzz and various side show acts, beautiful Hard Rock models, and a Hawaiian Tropic Pageant. The Roadhouse has become a staple in the bike world by platforming exciting innovative bike builders and their unparalleled designs while bringing pure entertainment to rallies across the county.

The Roadhouse Custom Bike Sweepstakes, beginning on February 1st, 2006 gives people the opportunity to win one of the four custom Hard Rock bikes displayed at the Roadhouse. Entries are taken at each of the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse tour stops, online at http://www.hrroadhouse.com , or at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, when the featured bikes are showcased between Roadhouse trips. Five lucky semi-finalists will win an all inclusive trip to the conclusion of the Tour, December in Ft. Lauderdale where a Grand Prize winner will be chosen to take home a 2006 Custom Hard Rock motorcycle.

Title sponsor of the Roadhouse, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a destination for rock n’ rollers from across the nation to discover their rock n’ roll dreams. The 86-acre resort in Hollywood, Florida, located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is pure paradise, featuring a colossal 130,000 sq. ft. casino, a lush 4-acre lagoon tropical pool area, a legendary Hard Rock Caf?, sensational European-style spa and fitness center, and the famous Hard Rock Live concert hall. Seminole Paradise, South Florida’s newest entertainment destination for savvy shopping, delicious dining and explosive entertainment offers a little something for everyone, both day and night. Other sponsors include Budweiser, Hawaiian Tropic, S&S Cycle, Performance Machine, Baker Transmission, Bikernet.com, HOT BIKE and Keyboard Carriage. For more information and tour dates, please visit http://www.hrroadhouse.com .

MUNEWARI BIKE REVIEW ON BIKERNET–Its funny, we were just talking to Perewitz about that bike. He was saying it looks like it’s made of China. The images really look good. I like this guys work a lot. Don’s lighting is perfect. The girl is gorgeous. I like her top. Now I have to go back and read the article. My uncle also told me what he thought of the Munewari bike. All good.
http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/PageViewer.asp?PageID=672

–Johnny Humble

NEW AIR-RIDE FOR SOFTAILS–Air Systems Engineering has created the AirFX product line, state-of-the-art air suspension systems for the motorcycle market. The FXA-1002 system is a rear air suspension system for use on ’85-current Softail models. The system uses air pressure from an onboard compressor to create lift from a twin-piston air cylinder package. Air is also supplied on the opposite side of the triple-sealed pistons complete with stainless steel piston rods providing complete control. The result-a smooth predicable ride quality at any ride height.

The FXA-1002 is a lightweight, one-piece, re-buildable, billet aluminum cylinder, given a NiTuff hard coat anodize finish for long lasting durability. Other features include, self-lubricating, composite rod and mounting point bushings and remote micro control buttons supplied with 7 feet of cable.

The Air Systems Engineering FXA-1002 is pre-wired, factory tested, and comes in black anodize or polished finish. For more information, contact: Air Systems Engineering, (800) 210-1454, http://www.airsystemsengineering.com.

SAXON WEB SITE LAUNCHED–The new Saxon Web site is up and running with fullstats and imagery of the 2006 lineup as well as easyaccess to an online store to purchase Saxon apparel.Be sure to check it out at www.saxonmotorcycles.com.

–Ken
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588
PO Box 355
Severance CO,80546

ARLEN NESS OPENS IN VEGAS–We would like to have you join us for our pre grand opening party, Friday night, February 24, 2006, at 6 pm at ARLEN NESS MOTORCYCLES of LAS VEGAS located at 4020 Boulder Hwy., Las Vegas Nv. Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5pm, we will be open for everyone to celebrate with us.

For our out of town guests arrangements have been made with Boulder Station Hotel & Casino, directly across the street. Special rates for Thursday, February 23rd are $49.00 per night. Friday, Feb 24th and Saturday, Feb. 25th are $85.00 per night. The room rates are only guaranteed until February 8th. If you are interested please call Boulder Station @ 1-888-476-8706. Be sure to tell them you are coming for the Arlen Ness Grand Opening.

HOLLISTER REPORT–The latest is that one of the past directors is going to set up something at airport. That doesn’t cover downtown where the history took place. They will be charging for entry and I don’t know how that will go down. If you come for the event, take care because the cops are checking randomly for any problems like loose helmet straps and other minor crap. I appreciate your feedback. Hang in there and ride safe.Prez Hobo – CMVMC

SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE– What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?The position of the dirt bag.

Why is divorce so expensive?Because it’s worth it.

What do attorneys use for birth control?Their personalities.

What’s the difference between a girlfriend and wife?45 lbs.

What’s the difference between a boyfriend and husband?45 minutes.

What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying?The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.

A brunette, a blonde, and a redhead are all in third grade.Who has the biggest boobs?The blonde, because she’s 18.

What’s the difference between a porcupine and BMW?A porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?”Are you sure it’s mine?”

Why does Mike Tyson cry during sex?Mace will do that to you

Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact?Breasts don’t have eyes.

What’s the Cuban National Anthem?”Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

Where does an Irish family go on vacation?A different bar

What would you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other?A speech impediment.

–from Darcy Betlach

RED LIGHT BILL TRIGGERS COMMON SENSE– (Columbia) S-1027 is a bill before the South Carolina Senate that would allowmotorcyclists to treat a red light as a stop sign if the mass of themotorcycle is not sufficient to trigger a traffic signal change. At manyintersections in South Carolina, the trigger mechanisms that communicate tothe traffic signal require a mass to travel over the inductive loop in theroadway that far exceeds the mass of a motorcycle. Depending on the time ofday and traffic volume, theoretically, a motorcyclist could sit at a red lightfor hours.

Most every experienced driver has encountered a broken trafficsignal at least once in their driving career, and virtually all who have foundthemselves in such a predicament, have proceeded cautiously through the redlight without incident.

“This bill would not legalize running red lights or stop signs. It would allowmotorcyclists to treat defective traffic signals as stop signs,” says DennisWelborn, ABATE of SC Legislative Coordinator. “This is a no cost solution to aproblem that affects some of the 100,000 motorcycles in South Carolina on adaily basis.”

Arkansas, Tennessee, and Minnesota already have laws similar to what S-1027proposes. Georgia and Oklahoma have similar bills pending legislative action.Wisconsin is also reported to have a similar proposal that is awaitingintroduction.

S-1027 acknowledges the reality of the road and would simply change the law sothat motorcyclists stuck in these types of situations could proceed withcaution without violating the law. The time limit of 20 seconds is secondaryto the idea that there should be law that ends the practice of motorcyclistsbeing forced to violate the law simply because their motorcycles lack the massrequired to trigger a traffic signal change.

–Reb Richardson:
(803) 494-9181
reb@abatesc.com

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THE TEACHER AND HIS WIFE–Check this out..my wife is going to be riding thetrump this summer!

–Kevin Baas
KBAAS

He’s just trying to make me jealous. I wanted to buy the Triumph. Now I want to buy the Triumph and steal his wife. It’s just not fair.–Bandit

BIKERNET MEDICAL LIBRARY– Two medical students were walking along the street when they saw an old man walking with his legs spread apart. One of the students said to his friend: “I’m sure he has Petry Syndrome. Those people walk just like that.”

The other student says: “No, I don’t think so. The old man surely has Zovitzki Syndrome. He walks just as we learned in class.”

Since they couldn’t agree they decided to ask the old man. They approached him and one of the students said to him: “We’re medical students and couldn’t help but notice the way you walk, but we couldn’t agree on the syndrome you might have. Could you tell us what it is?”

The old man said: “I’ll tell you, but first you’ll tell me what you think.”

One of the students said: “I think it’s Petry Syndrome.”

The! old man said: “You thought………. but you are wrong.”

Then the other student said: “I think you have Zovitzki Syndrome.”

The old man said: “You thought………. but you are wrong.

So they asked him: “Well, what do you have?”

The old man said: “I thought it was GAS……….. but I was wrong.”

–Rik S.

STAMPEDE PREPARES FOR BLACKOUT– When the lights go out, demons come out to play! The new Stampede BlackoutDress Parts line can change a ho-hum scoot into a dark beast of a bike. TheBlackout Line includes Billet Head Bolt Covers, Carburetor Bowl BoltsExtensions/Enrichment Knob, Tranny Vent Cover and Tire Stem Covers. Teamedwith a Black D&M Spear Air Cleaner, you may want to call for an exorcism.Call your MC Advantages dealer for details.

Don’t forget the Stampede Chromed, Bored & Boosted Carb for the baddest andbrightest way to add horses and torque to your ride.

MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
http://www.MCAdvantages.com

DAYTONA HARLEY AND EPA EMMISSIONS–There’s a catalog-quality photograph of a motorcycle hanging on a wall in Ed Mook’s office at Daytona Harley-Davidson.

The long, straight tailpipes are tied into a giant knot. Call it the satirical model for the dealership’s customer-relations honcho.”Basically, that’s what it’s coming to,” Mook said.

Tighter Clean Air Act emission standards, based on California’s law, went into effect on Jan. 1 for motorcycles manufactured in 2006 and beyond. Modifying exhaust systems on those bikes also became tougher, limiting owners to one customized road machine in a lifetime that doesn’t meet air quality standards. That bike cannot be sold for five years.Motorcyclists are as hot as their tail pipes about the law, especially in a Bike Mecca like Daytona Beach.

“When you buy a cycle, the first thing you want to do is change the pipes. Otherwise, no one hears or sees you. It’s the greatest sound in the world,” said Mook, 57. “This law eventually is going to take away the look of Bike Week. It will destroy what Daytona is about.”

The Environmental Protection Agency said motorcycle-emissions standards hadn’t changed since the late 1970s, and today’s technology can improve air quality without harming a bike’s performance.Opponents say enforcement of the law might prove difficult, since Florida no longer requires annual emissions tests for cars or motorcycles like some states.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection said any suspected violators would be investigated, and if tampering was found, “options for prosecution would be explored.”Fines of up to $10,000 can be handed out for each violation.

Under the new law, a manufacturer may sell or lease 24 custom motorcycles a year, but only for display, not everyday riding.Brigit Duncan, owner of Custom Works in Daytona Beach, said her shop counts on the business of Harley-Davidson owners. Among Harley owners, “98 out of 100” modify factory-installed exhaust pipes, Duncan said.

“If the law’s enforced as it’s written, we will be devastated. We do a lot of kit bikes,” she said. “We’ve lost about 80 percent of those sales since we started letting people know about the law three months ago. But it was the right thing for us to do.”

Looking ahead a decade or two, she envisions blander Bike Weeks. “It will be very quiet and very ugly, approved by the EPA,” Duncan said.

Another motorcycle repair shop owner, 65-year-old “Snake Shoe” Pete Consiglio, predicted demand will increase forHarley-Davidsons that were built before 2006.”People will look for older bikes to get around the law. It’s going to create a market for used Harley-Davidsons,” said Consiglio, who owns BAS2, a shop in South Daytona. “People are going to find an older bike and then modify it. They’ll get around the law.”

Mike Hubbard, a 50-year-old Daytona Beach biker, said he has owned five motorcycles in the last five years and customized four of them.He learned of the new law just this week, and was incredulous about the one-time, lifetime limit on customizing the exhaust systems of new bikes.

“I thought we were in America,” Hubbard said. “There’s no way it’s going to be enforced. No one’s going to pay attention to it.”

–Rogue

BONNEVILLE TEAM CODE–Chop N Grind Motto:”We would rather lose going fast enough to win than win going slow enough to lose.”

–BOB T.

BIKERNET POSITION OPEN–A guy walks into the local welfare office, gets up to the counter and says, “Hi… You know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I’d really rather have a job.”

The social worker behind the counter says, “Your timing is excellent. We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful nymphomaniac daughter. You’ll have to drive around in his Mercedes, but he’ll supply all of your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You’ll be expected to escort her on her overseas holiday trips.

You will have to satisfy her sexual urges. You’ll be provided a two-bedroom apartment above the garage. The starting salary is $200,000 a year.”

The guy, wide-eyed, says, “You’re bullshittin’ me!”

The social worker says, “Yeah, well… you started it.”

–from Art Friedman

ABATE DOMAIN NAME FOR SALE–If your ABATE group is looking to revitalize it’s web presence, there is no better name than this!The name says it all and it’s easy to remember.ABATE-dot-US as in “United States.”

I bought this domain name as a speculative investment in April of 2002, knowing I’d soon be quitting my job to devote all my time to fight for rider’s rights. It has served my ABATE Local in California for all that time. I bought the domain name http://www.harleydavidson.us on that day too. I beat H-D to the punch, but of course, their lawyers quickly took care of that one and sniped it away from me. They’re like that.

Well, I had some unexpected problems arise in 2005, and 2006 has dealt me an even worse blow. Suffice it to say, luck is no friend of mine. The domain name goes up for sale immediately along with the ex’s 2001 883 Sportster, $5500 bucks O.B.O. with only 18,000 highway (3 trips to Sturgis & back) miles. Better hurry, I’ll be homeless soon and my shopping cart won’t come equipped with High Speed DSL. I’ll be popping off the radar screen completely in about a month. I’ll be back one day, you all aren’t gonna be that lucky, but it’s looking really dire right now.

Please submit your best offer to splatt.the.harley.ratt@gmail.com

LUCKY DEVIL PERFORMS TECHS FOR BIKERNET–Check out this photo, if you look hard enough you can see the bike we are going to try out the Merlin Engineering, GEROTOR, oil pump on. Frank Likes to ride hard and often, so it’ll get a good work out. We’ll get it installed over the weekend and check it out next week.

–The Devil

FAT MAN’S CYCLE COMES TO BIKERNET– I see that Fat Mans Cycle has come on board. Please do me a favor and tell Chris that the frame he sold me on Ebay is featured on your site. I will have an update for you from the MRF for the Thursday news. I purchased an ’89 5.0 Mustang this weekend. The thing runs liked a raped ape. Life is a gas.

— Art Parry

ALL NEW ENGINE FROM VIPER–Here’s the brand new Viper 152-inch engine, exclusively for Viper motorcycles.

Watch for more about Viper on Bikernet in the near future.

–Terry Nesbitt
President
Viper Motorcycle Company
Viper Performance Inc.
5212 Whispering Oaks Drive
Dallas, Texas 75236
Office-972-780-0957
Cell-612-616-9855
terryn@vipermotorcycle.com

DEWEY’S PEGS STORY CORRECTION AND COMMENT–I bought a new FX in 1976 for $2700 but my first bike was a 1967 XLCH , tell the fuckin kid to get it right. You old bastard.

–Dewey

From a reader: Good fucking story! I know all about the “shut the fuck up and listen” andhe always finds a way to chew on my ass for no fucking reason. You shouldhave seen the shit I had to go through to get his ugly ass logo refreshed.That’s why his website looks like shit. He doesn’t want any “fancy newshit”.

I’ll say this much, still haven’t met him face to face but I’ve learned alot of bike shit from him in just the few years I’ve been getting to knowhim. He’s a hell of a guy even if he is the cheapest basturd I’ve everknown, but at least he’s “real people” and there ain’t to many of thosearound these days. Hopefully this Spring or Summer I can ride up to FourCorners and finally see the old fucker.

–rpb

SONS OF LIBERTY SUPPORTS BIKERNET–These guys send periodic reports, many of which ran in this news. Show your support for the fight, buy checking their site and joining your motorcycle rights organization.

http://www.solriders.com/products/

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zone
http://solriders.com

SUCKER PUNCH SALLY RUNS R-MAX USA TRANNYS–Old School Bobber Builder Installs R-MAX Transmissions & Open Primary Belts.January 28, 2006, Ontario, CA – R-Max USA by Roadmax Transmissions areinstalled in every old school bobber built by Jeff Cochran and Donny Loos atSucker Punch Sally.

Before living the lifestyle, Cochran was a professional jeweler and jewelrydesigner. Some four years ago his personal ride landed on the pages of TheHorse magazine. The phone started ringing and a short time later he hung up hismonocle and began building and selling bobbers.

Since his debut in The Horse he has built over 200 bobbers. The SPS crew is Jeffhis partner Donny Loos and 4 builder assemblers. The process is for Cochran todesign the bike and then mock up the components. It is then broken down andsent to paint and powder coating. The assembly is then finished by Jeff and hiscrew. Each bike is ridden 30 to 50 miles before it leaves the factory.

Each bobber features an R-Max tranny and 95% of the bikes come with an R-MaxTech-3 open primary. “The transmissions shift smooth and have a nice fit andfinish,” stated Cochran. “In addition, the open primary looks good and theinstructions are top notch. The instructions are so good that I sell them tocustomers for self installation.”

The old school design is currently cutting edge for 2006. Cochran has always hada kickstart Shovelhead and has been riding Bobbers for over 20 years. Becauseof his background he knows how to make them handle and perform. Their rigidframes have been thoroughly tested with the geometry designed for greathandling. All the bikes run left side drives and can run 200 tires with a chainand up to 180 with a belt.

For more information on dealer sales contact:John “JAZ” Zbiegien jr. at 866-R-MAXUSA

NOTHING DEFINES YOU LIKE GATORZ EYE WEAR– It’ s more than just a symbol of strength, precision and feel of expression. It takes you beyond the limits of your imagination, a technological dream. Gatorz revolutionizes the world of eye wear.

Stronger than steel and lighter than plastic, our trend-setting design will carry you through life in comfort and style. It’s eye-wear with an attitude. and a perfect fit foryour lifestyle.

Ok, ok, enough of the salesman bullshit. We saw the Gatorz booth at the Long Beach Bike Show and passed them up. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that they didn’t catch my eye. I thought they were sick. It’s probably because I’m a cheap-ass. Or maybeit’s because I’ve broke so many sets of shades in the past that I buy my shit at the drug store anymore.

So when Tom, contacted use about possibly selling Gatorz on the site, My only thought was cool, free samples. I didn’t think that under my care they wouldn’t last more than a week. But, I was wrong these things truly are Bad-Ass they’re made to order out of T- 7075 aircraft aluminum, in as many colors as you can imagine. You can pick from a wide array of colored 100% UV protected lens. Plus they carry a Life Time Rebuild Agreement.

I know, what your thinking. What about when you?re on the road? Shit.. you can bend them to fit your face perfectly. Besides we had them tested and no wind slips underneath or through the sides. They don’t fly off when you look over you shoulder. So as soon as we finalize the deal with Tom and Gatorz they’ll be available to you in the Bikernet Black Market.

–Black Market John

IT’S A WRAP–Break out the iron, the whiskey and the women. This news about kicked by ass. I was going to lay out the rest of the year, but screw it. I’ll cover that later as all the small shit comes together in a flurry of heated negotiations.

I’m going to write a column for HORSE mag once more. It’ll give me the ass-kicking impetus to work on Badlands for the Cantina. Each story will be a blistering historic rampage about the outlaw biker past. They’ll sometimes keep you on the edge of your seat, teach you the warriors code or give you some insight into one man’s two wheeled history. The first one will cover an 82-year-old member of the World Wide Motorcycle Club in Hawaii. This guy is still a wild man. No one will publish these stories except the HORSE and Bikernet. Watch for them.

Let’s wrap it up and take a break. Goddamnit it’s supposed to be happy hour somewhere.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

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BABE SINGER LOOKING FOR GIGS–I have a friend who’s a biker, a babe and, most importantly, a singer. She is putting together a tour for later this year and is looking for gigs out west, CA, AZ, NV, etc. I was wondering if I could write something up about her and her tour to post in the News or Sunday Post to get her some exposure out west.

I’ve attached a few pictures of her on a ride she did from Texas to Canada and some of her singing. Also, you can check her out in more detail and hear some of her music on www.dilanarox.com.

Ride Hard, Ride Free

–Chuck Riddle
mailto:criddle123@earthlink.net

Look forward to it and to her.–Bandit

NEW CANTINA MEMBER–Just became a member, thought I might donate a photo

–Casey Bashar-
Tenino,Wa.
“BasharStudios”
BasharStudios@scattercreek.com

BIKERNET NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER– I want to thank all our readers and sponsors for their support. Last month 214,000 unique visitors came to Bikernet, 415,000 visits, 800,000 impressions and 7.5 million hits. Not bad for a handful of bikers who love what they do.

SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER RIDE– Larry Valle
Big Kahuna Motorcycle Tours & Rentals
http://www.bigkahunarentals.com

TOP SPOT AT NHTSA FILLED–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) announces President Bush has sent the nomination of Nicole R. Nason from Virginia to the U.S. Senate to assume the position of Administrator at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Let’s hope Ms. Nason has a better approach to motorcycle safety than her predecessor.” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “In all seriousness, the MRF does look forward to continuing to work with NHTSA when comes to focusing on motorcycle safety.”, he continued. “The recent formation of the NHTSA motorcycle safety network’s quarterly meetings which include the involvement of the MRF, AMA, NHTSA, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, SMSA, MSF and law enforcement is a positive sign NHTSA does want input from the riding community.”, Hennie added.

NHTSA will be the lead agency in administration of the $25 million motorcycle safety grant program contained in SAFETEA-LU (PL 109-59). Inclusion of the grant program in the bill was due singularly to the efforts of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and its members.

Currently Ms. Nason serves as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Governmental Affairs. Previously, she served as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Congressional Affairs for the United States Customs Service. Ms. Nason also served as Communications Director and Counsel to Representative Porter J. Goss. Earlier in her career, she served as Governmental Affairs Counsel at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Ms. Nason received her bachelor’s degree from the American University and her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve.

Worthy Mention.The President also nominated Roger Shane Karr, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation. Karr will replace Nason.

–jeff@mrf.org (e-mail)

THE WEEKLY PHOTOGRAPHIC ART EXHIBIT–Couple of Sturgis ’04 shots photoshopped into one. Enjoy!

Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog

BILLY LANE’S BLOOD SWEAT AND GEARS TOUR HAS SPONSORSHIP OPENING FOR TWO SPONSORS–If you love this country, building motorcycles, Billy Lane, soldiers, or the war on terrorism, this tour could be just right for you. Billy builds custom motorcycles with big name builders, live, on stage at major events, in front of major excited crowds.

“No one take care of Iraq veterans like Billy does,” Said Darcy Betlach.

If you’re interested contact Darcy Betlach, darcy.betlach@chromemarketing.com.

HARDBIKES INSTALLS FIRST FOUR CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE DESIGN CENTERS– The Design Center is Rolled Out in PA, NJ, CT and MA.Hermitage, Pennsylvania, January 19, 2006 — Hardbikes is pleased toannounce their first four installations of the Hardbikes Design Center duringthe first week in January 2006 at Bucks County Custom Cycles in Pipersville,PA, Chrome and Custom in Fairfield, NJ, Suzuki of Swansea in Swansea, MA andStreet Stuff in Norwich, CT.

Each dealer received a Hardbikes Design Center in their showroom where customerswork with a certified designer to get fitted for their custom bike on one of thetwo Hardbikes Hardrider systems. One Hardrider provides fitment for the Bobberand Prostreet bike while the other is designed for the Chopper and the HighRoller.

The way the process works is a buyer can either come into the dealership or logon to the Hardbikes website and design their custom motorcycle through asoftware application called the Design Wizard. After that is completed they sitdown with their local dealer designer to get fitted for the bike to theirphysical dimensions and riding style.

The dealer pulls three measurements that include seat position, forward controlssetting and handle bar position. This allows the designer to make sure therelationship of the leg extension, arm reach and posterior position fall withina comfortable riding position in the comfort triangle. Enthusiasts get aperfectly fitted bike that avoids back strain and increases safety andperformance.

“During our installation at Chrome and Custom in New Jersey, we custom fit a5’4″ woman on our entry-level old-school styled 200 Bobber,” said BobKay, VP Sales and Marketing. “She was able to sit flat footed and told usthat this was the first bike she felt comfortable on after a full day ofshopping for a bike.””All the dealers were very positive and found that the concept of theHardbikes Design Center was the best they had seen,” explained Tim Saulsbery,Hardrider Systems Coordinator. “They all had a very positive response to oursystem of building a bike to fit the person.”

Hardbikes is committed to building a manufacturing process and selling systemthat supports the unique culture of the American V-Twin rider. Once a customerdesigns the bike of their dreams, Hardbikes builds the motorcycle that fits eachcustomer perfectly. For more information on dealer sales contact:Bob Kay, bobkay@hardbikes.com, Hardbikes 724-981-7000

BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT FROM NC–It has been spring time in January here in the Charlotte area. There are bikes out on the road everyday! The buzz around here or I should say “Roar” is about our Panthers being in NFC Championship game this Sunday. Go Panthers!

Back to bikes, here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS we remain steady. We could always use more work, but so far through out the winter it has been encouraging. One thing about running a bike shop is you learn how to make things work when others say they won’t work. I hate to hear someone say “It won’t work.” That is why what we do is called “custom”. We make it work. Sometimes you just have to stop and take a different approach. Just because a book or someone tells you it won’t work doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

One thing we like to see at SBW is repeat customers. It tells us we are doing something right. It makes my day when I see a customer return. Last week I sold a set of tires to a guy. I asked him how he heard about us and he told me that a customer of ours told him about us. That is the best kind of advertisement. Someone who has spent money with us tells their friends about us. It is good to know our name is getting out there.

When we have people come in and ask us about building bikes we try to explain the process and put them at ease. Some really have not thought about what building a bike involves. They have seen it done on T.V. and boy does it look easy.

The reality of building a bike is far more involved and for some over their heads. It takes some money to build a bike. Some are way off on this part of the build. You don’t have to be rich but you have to be real.

I had a guy tell me was going to build a bike for 5 grand. I told him “Good Luck!” Some get into building a bike and then the cost factor hits them. You can’t build a bike and worry about every dime that it takes to finish it. You can be efficient building a bike but there are not many corners to cut. There are certain things that you have to do, no short cuts, no inferior products. Your ass is on the line and our name is on the line. That’s why if you do not want to do it the right way, you are better off finding something else to spend your money on.

Here at SBW we don’t cut corners on anything our name is going on. We will not cut corners on safety issues such as brakes, tires etc. A friend of mine told me that this is an “expensive game” and it is in some ways but if you want to play you have got to pay! Things like tires and brakes are not expensive when you understand that your life depends on them. Think about it!

The Easyrider show is just around the corner and everyone is busy getting their bike ready. The show is a two day show here in Charlotte, Feb. 11th + 12th. This show always proves to be a good one. Hey it is 65 degrees here and it supposed to be around 70 degrees tomorrow, time to go for a ride!

Until next week, RIDE!
STEALTHMAN

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK 2006– Before you know it Daytona Beach Bike Week will be here. With the event growing and expanding through out the state of Florida it is not too early to start making plans and reservations.

For many years and a lot of reasons the event has spread out across the state with activities as far south as Miami and Key West. Orland has very large crowds with a lot of activities many especially for the visiting bikers.

I have recently been informed that the Cocco Beach area is gearing up and expecting more motorcyclists this year. That is not surprising as the area is Very Biker Friendly. It also has daily ship gambling cruises, is close to the Space Center, Air Boat Rides, Fine restaurants and other entertainment.

Cocco Beach is close enough to Daytona Beach that it is an enjoyable ride there for the special things you want to see and attend. The Hotels and Motels are plentiful and offer very reasonable rates. The money you save could be used for other entertainment.

Further down I-95 in Palm Bay the new Space Coast Harley Davidson dealer ship is also planning some events for the traveling bikes.

Bikernet will be bringing you our reports and what’s happening as we have in the past in hope that you will have an enjoyable stay while in Florida.

OH ROGUE says: If you see him ask him to take your picture. He will be all over doing his thing. Having Fun OH YEA!

— Rogue

SOUTH DAKOTA ABATE LEGISLATIVE DAY–South Dakota ABATE will be hosting their annual Legislative Day this Thursday thru Saturday. Plan to wear your leather and have a blast interacting with our legislators (Many of them wear their leathers that day too!).

At time it looks like a relatively quiet session for us. We are watching the proposed change to a mandatory blood test if stopped for DUI. SD plans to crack down on riders of ATV’s and scooters, we are in close contact with our legislators on that issue. Some are complaining about decorative lighting, we don’t know enough about that yet to update you. Teenagers may lose their cell phones while driving. Vendors from the Sturgis Rally are asking the state to change its gaming laws to allow more expensive bikes to be given away, but that looks like it needs more work before passage.

Issues that are on our list but maybe not this year include the handlebar height law and modifying the license plate laws. We do not yet have enough evidence of “need” for change to get the handlebar law fixed. We need your help, let us know when you get stopped while here so we can prove to the legislators a problem does exist.

ABATE of SD has begun working closely with our Dept of Safety to find ways to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities by education and roadway improvements. Our goal is to prove that smart, trained riders can take care of themselves without need for mandated safety equipment.

–Larry Nielson
Legislative Officer
SD ABATE
http://www.abatesd.com

HANDLEBAR SYNDROME–Know anyone who suffers from Handlebar Syndrome?

HS is simply the inability to look at either a picture of, or an actual custom motorcycle that general consensus holds to be worthy of praise, without using the phrase “Well, if it was mine, I’d change the handlebars…” or a variant thereof.

HS can reach chronic proportions in certain individuals. There are recorded cases of persons in Wallmart being asked if the trolley was OK and replying “Well, if it was mine, I’d change the handlebars…”.

In extreme cases, sufferers when asked “What do ya think of the tits on that?” will reply “Well, if it was mine, I’d change the handlebars…”.

HS came to the attention of Doctor Ivor Suzuki in 2003 when he was called upon to pronounce a Mr. Dick Head deceased as a result of being battered over the head by his wife, Gives. Mrs. Head apparently became incensed when Mr. Head was asked for an opinion on whether his wife’s new dress “made her ass look fat” and replied “Well, if it was mine, I’d change the handlebars…”.

Dr. Suzuki has been working ever since to discover a treatment for HS. His research into aversion therapy, inspired by an event observed during some field research in which a member of a motorcycle club asked a bystander what they thought of a newly constructed motorcycle and the bystander replied “Well, if it was mine, I’d change the handlebars…”, has suggested that anally inserted handlebars may cure, or at least alleviate the compulsion.

If you can donate $2.50 a month to help with Dr. Suzukis research, then just send me the money, and I’ll pass it on.

In the meantime Dr. Suzuki suggests that next time your showing off a newly built motorcycle you take along a couple of pairs of handlebars and some Vaseline.”

–from Black Jack

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BONNEVILLE BIKERNET BIKE NAMES–We’ve got Salt Shaker, but we need one more with the Salt theme. How about Salty Dog?

“If you’re going to name one of the Morton Mile bikes Salt Shaker(brilliant name by the way), then the second bike should be calledPepper Grinder.

Pepper meaning fast (e.g. telling a baseball pitcher to ‘put somepepper on it’) and Grinder is apparently biker slang for riding hard(although I’ve never heard anyone use the term myself). Salt Shakerand Pepper Grinder…

Second suggestion, for a team logo have Mr Towle work his magic on theMorton Salt girl. You know, the chick holding the umbrella and dumpingsalt. I’m sure he could morph her into a sexy evil bitch. Oh Yeah, wegotta have her look a little evil to scare the other race teams.”

–Art Parry

BIKERNET BAD NOTION OF THE WEEK–The Hologram post was a copy of an email from a DOT worker that wantedfeedback from law enforcement on identifying DOT approved helmets.Including changing from DOT stickers to holographic emblems that aregel coated into the back of a helmet. Fuckin’ jackasses.

I’ve beenfighting this helmet thing for 3 decades now. I think the only way endit is have NHSTA’s funding cut. I read a while back that the NRA(National Rifle Association) had successfully lobbied and cut the AFT’sfunding. Why couldn’t we do that with NHSTA? I say we can, andshould. Maybe that will get those Assholes attention?

What’s NHSTA dofor us anyway? Not much that I can identify. Airbags? What a joke.They’ve killed babies, blinded, caused brain injuries, and crippledpeople that would otherwise have been unharmed. NHSTA needs to go!

Ifall the MRO’s would focus on getting rid of them, most of your problemswould be over.

–Stroker

BIKERNET ON THE FIRST ADMENDMENT–This is unbelievable. We can now be thrown in prison for writing onthe Internet. The governments reply… ‘don’t worry, we won’t use thislaw that way.’

Then why the hell write it that way? Congress hasbeen enacting a bunch of these ‘we won’t use it that way laws.’ Evenif the current government doesn’t, what about the next one? What if abunch of Nazi bastards get themselves elected and use all these littlelaws collectively allowing them to legally take over the government?

Watch what you’re posting out there is cyberspace brother and sisters.

FTW,

–Stroker

Samantha Nelson, Medill News Service Fri Jan 13, 1:00 PM ET.–Writing annoying, anonymous online posts or e-mails could land you injail for as long as two years. That’s according to the Violence AgainstWomen andDepartment of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, which was signedinto law last week.

According to a section of the act, anyone who uses the Internetanonymously “with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass anotherperson” can be tried for violating federal telecommunications law andface fines or jail.

The broad language of the law has some online advocates concerned thatit could be used to censure the expression of objectionable opinionsimply because those opinions annoy someone, but its backers say thatis not the case.

“This is about cyberstalking, not free speech,” says Mike DeCesare,communications director for the act’s author, Representative JimMcDermott (news, bio, voting record) (D-Washington). “You may writesomething and post it online and I may find it annoying, but so what?This isn’t what this is about. This is about keeping people, especiallywomen, safe.”

McDermott’s anticyberstalking legislation came about after thecongressman learned about Seattle resident Joelle Ligon. Years aftergetting married, Ligon began getting anonymous and hard-to-track e-mailmessages from someone she believed to be her ex-boyfriend, James RobertMurphy. The messages became increasingly disturbing and threatening.Eventually he sent e-mail to Ligon’s coworkers accusing her ofmisrepresenting her résumé and making it appear she wassending them pornography.Murphy was sending his e-mail from South Carolina, where it wasdifficult for Seattle police to pursue him.

After FBI agents found copies of the e-mail messages on his computer,Murphy pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment and was sentenced to500 hours of community service and five years probation.

Ligon says that the difficulty of prosecuting cyberstalkers makes itunlikely that officials will use the new law frivolously.

BIKERNET TESTIMONIAL–How’s things going,Thanks for letting me back(haha) in Cantina.(Sure Missed it).Only have computer at work. Hoping to get Orwell Book signed now in mail.How ever you guys and GIRLS want payments is up to you.(I will always pay my way} Let me know.T Shirts look Good (Next purchase aha).Good to see Dewey’s weathered the storm.I’ll be ordering foot pegs.(already have Heel -Toe Shifter matched to ’84 softail)((BANG))!! tooo GOOD!!

Well Thanks again and a late Happy New Years To All The Gang,

— R.D.
Crowsnest Pass
AB Canada

PS ** KEEP UP TH e E X/LENT WORK

AUSTRALIAN LANE FAVORABLE LANE SPLITTING LETTER–This is a copy of the letter I just sent to the government body who wants to ban lane filtering by riders Australia wide.

— Jaq.

To: Greg Deimos,
Project Manager,
National Transport Commission

Dear Greg

As a Professional Motorcycle Rider I call into question your judgement pertaining to the making illegal that aspect of motorcycling know as “lane-splitting/ filtering.

As an ex Security Services motorcyclist I lane split quite frequently myself. Both as an on duty officer and as an off duty civilian on my own bike(s).Studies in the UK, and other highly congested European cities have concluded that there is little harm, and even benefits, from allowing motorcyclists to use this technique.

Police Officers ALREADY have the discretion to stop and book motorcyclists who lane split irresponsibly under the title of Negligent Driving Practice.Were you unaware of this?

I have already thought far in advance of many others as to the results of this ill thought out regulation should it come to pass. You will, in reality be forcing motorcyclists to conduct themselves in a manner far more likely to promote injury and even death.Assuming for a moment that the majority of riders do not simply just ignore the new regulation. And many will.This is what I forsee happening.

In order to commute to work within the period of time the rider normally allots himself by using lane filtering techniques, said rider is likely to A: Increase his speed of travel, quite likely breaking the marked speed limit.

And of a more serious note, B: he/she will swap and change lanes much more often than previously. I can see riders chopping in and out of fast moving traffic, from lane to lane, to gain the time they have lost due to the new regualtion. Changing lanes is NOT illegal, no matter if the rider does so every few seconds. This will cause great concern amongst other road users; motorcyclists will be cutting a swathe across all traffic lanes to gain an advantage they had previously enjoyed at little risk to themselves or other drivers.

I am reminded of the old adage “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!”

I could point out to you also that 90% of fatalities in car and truck accidents are due to head injuries. Regardless of whether the vehicle user was wearing a seat belt or not.

If you were TRULY concerned about saving the lives of motor transport users you would obviously INSIST that a regulation is passed requiring everyone (including passenegers) to wear an approved motor vehicle operators safety helmet. The majority would be against it you say? Yes, I agree, it is much harder to regualte against the wishes of the majority of road users as opposed to the minority of road users is it not?Below is a commisoned report for the British Police Service. I think you will have NO data that will stand up against the obvious, common sense guidelines laid down by the UK Police.

British Guidelines

The British publication Motorcycle Roadcraft ( The Police Riders Handbook to Better Motorcycling), notes the following under the topic of overtaking.When traffic is stationary or moving slowly in queues, motorcyclists can use their maneuverability and limited space requirements to make progress. The advantages of filtering along or between stopped or slow moving traffic have to be weighed against the increased vulnerability while filtering.

If you decide to filter:Take extreme careKeep your speed low- you need to be able to stop suddenly if circumstances change

Always identify a place where you can rejoin the traffic flow before you move out

Make yourself visible ? consider using dipped headlight

Be ready to brake and/or use the hornUse the opportunity to make progress but be courteous and avoid conflict with other road users

Watch out for and anticipate:
Pedestrians crossing between vehicles
Vehicles emerging from junctions
Vehicles changing lanes or U-turning without warning
Doors opening
Reflective paint and studs which could throw the bike off line
Traffic islands
Other bikes also filtering

If you can provide me with a commisoned report (that can be verified by agencies other than the National Transport Commission) that shows any statistics whatsoever to PROVE that lane-splitting/filtering is dangerous to both the rider and other road users I would ask that you forward it to me via email ASAP; so that I may review it myself.

I thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Regards: Kevin “Jaqhama ” Lumley.
Professional Motorcyclist.
Sydney.

BILLY LANE VISITS WALTER REED HOSPITAL–I hope this note finds you doing well. Billy and I just returned from an amazing trip to Washington DC. We visited wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center then Billy was off to 2 TV station interviews (FOX and CBS) plus three radio interviews. We were busy, but not too busy to hook with the Washington Post reporter. Who would have ever thunk a tattooed, dread-locked bike builder would make the Post???

–Darcy Betlach

GEARING INFO– with a 24-tooth motor sprocket and 37 clutch sprocket that will give you a primary ration of 1.54. With 23-tooth tranny and 51 rear wheel, this will give you a final ratio of 3.42. At 60 mph rpms, will be about 2900, 70 will be about 3400 rpms.

If you go with a 25 tranny and a 46 rear wheel, final ratio will be 2.84. At 60 rpms will be 2400 and 70 will see 2800 rpms. Will be doggier out of the hole, but man you can go forever between gears. I ran that ratio with a 89-inch stroker with a 4-speed tranny, for years, and it was sweet. Seemed like less vibration from the motor! What a difference 500 rpms will give you. Never lookin’ for 5th either. Gas mileage is a plus too!

This web site has the formulas, down at the bottom right side. http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/

BCCOM CHECKS IN WITH BIKERNET–Could you add BCCOM to your listing for biker rights org’s. We are THE one and only standing up for all Bikers here in British Columbia.

The organization has been at it since 1985 . The Executive Director is Adele Tompkins and she works and fights hard for all of us. I am one of many area reps’from Nelson , in the West Kootenay region of southern BC.

Check out the web site www.bccom-bc.com

–Dave Clancy
daveclancy@shaw.ca

NEW HARLEY MILITARY PRODUCT LINE FIND–A reader noticed that the aircraft on Harley’s new military graphics Air Force kit are F/A-18s, which are not Air Porce line aircraft (though I am sure they have a few in their inventory). The -18 is used by the Navy and Marines mostly.http://motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/hdmilkits/

–Art

BIG TWIN CUSTOMS INVITATIONAL TO BE HELD AT BIG TWIN WEST– Awards Banquet Will Recognize the Leaders of Custom Bike Building.

New York, New York – January 20, 2006? Advanstar Communications, Inc ? a leading provider of print, event and online media for the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarkets – today announced the addition of the ?Big Twin Customs Invitational ? a Celebration of Design Excellence? to the roster of Big Twin West, a leading motorcycle industry trade show, to be held in Las Vegas on December 1?3, 2006 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center. The Big Twin Customs Invitational will run concurrent with the show, in which 100 of the most creative custom motorcycle designs from throughout the year and from around the world will be on display.

?The custom motorcycle business is now so big and there are so many gifted designers active in the marketplace that to pick one as the best is nigh on impossible,? said Big Twin West Show Director, Mo Murray. ?This event will celebrate all of those designers who are lucky enough to get invited and be truly a celebration of the incredibly high overall standard among designers,? he continued.

The event and the invitation process will be conducted under the guidance of an advisory board made up of several of the industry?s design leaders. The board is comprised of Bill Rucker, Dave Perewitz, Roger Bourget, Michael Prugh and Denny Berg. With this group, Advanstar can tap into not only the historical perspective of where motorcycle design has come from but also where it is going in the future.

?It is important that we celebrate the design leaders who are driving our industry and, with their creativity, attracting more and more consumer interest,? said Bill Rucker. ?However, it is equally important to do so in a way that is insulated from commercial influence and is managed with integrity and Advanstar is doing just that with the appointment of this over- sight board,? Rucker continued.

The event will include a celebrity/master builder build off, a live auction and an awards gala in which the exceptional among the invitees will be recognized. The awards gala will be held on the evening of Saturday, December 2, 2006. Entry to the event is by ticket only, and offers companies and various other industry constituents the opportunity to buy tables and invite their own special guests. The event is being promoted as ?Biker Formal? and will include a sit-down meal and entertainment. Custom bikes entered into the Big Twin Customs feature at the Cycle WorldInternational Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota Trucks will be invited to submit their bikes for inclusion in the Big Twin Customs Invitational. The Advisory Board will have final authority over the 100 invitations and will accept nominations from a variety of other sources throughout the year.

For more information, call 800.854.3112 or visit our website at www.bigtwinwest.com.

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DORK OF THE WEEK with no name…..YET– DENVER – An accident involving four motorcycles and a black Lexus caused major jams on Speer Boulevard during the afternoon rush hour.The accident happened just before 3 p.m. Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said four motorcycles were headed south on Speer Boulevard when a black Lexus drove through a red light and crashed into them.Subsequent reports from the scene say it’s not clear yet whether or not the driver ran a light.

Three people were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The status of a fourth person is unknown.Motorcyclist Jeff Thomas, who was riding with the group, got stopped at the light and witnessed the accident.

“It scared the hell out of me,” said Thomas. He said he’s been riding with the group for years. Thomas identified the riders who were hit as Mike McGinley, Mike McGinley Jr., Johnnie Baker and Byron Waggner. The accident happened just across the street from Denver Health Medical Center.

Witnesses said staff poured out of the hospital immediately following the accident and were able to quickly stabilize the victims and get them into surgery.

ATTENTION BIKERNET STAFF AND READERS– Australian National Transport Commission wants to stop motorcycles and scooters riding down between the traffic lights when traffic is stationary.

Police want to be able to enforce the regulation as a specific ” crime”

You will have to pay a monetary fine and also lose points on your riders/drivers license.For commuters and motorcycle couriers it’s going to be a pain in the ass!

Help stop this stupid regulation before it becomes law. Add your name to the petition below.

Thanks (on behalf of all Aussie riders)

–Jaqhama.

Here is the link for the

THE GENIE AND THREE WISHES–Three guys — a Canadian farmer, Osama bin Laden, and an American engineer — are walking together one day. They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it.

“I will give each of you one wish, which is three wishes total”,says the Genie.

The Canadian says, “I am a farmer, my dad was a farmer, and my son will also farm. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada.”

Pooooof! With a blink of the Genie’s eye, the land in Canada was forever made fertile for farming.

Osama bin Laden was amazed, so he said, “I want a wall around Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Jews or Americans can EVER come into our precious states.”

Pooooof! Again, with the blink of the Genie’s eye, there was a huge wall around those countries..

The American engineer asks, “I am very curious. Please tell me more about this wall”.

The Genie explains, “Well, it’s 5000 feet high, 500 feet thick and completely surrounds these countries…….. it’s virtually impenetrable. Now what is your wish?”

The American engineer smiles and says, “Fill it with water.”

Pooooof!

–Chris T.

BIKERNET QUOTE OF THE WEEK–Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of habit.”

–Somerset Maugham,
British writer

BIKERNET POSITIVE THINKING TEQUILA CLASS–Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Tequila?.

Tequila? is the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Tequila? can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you’re ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of

Tequila? almost immediately, and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past, and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Tequila?.

Tequila? may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Tequila?. However, women who wouldn’t mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, incarceration, erotic lustfulness, loss of motor control, loss of clothing, loss of money, loss of virginity, delusions of grandeur, table dancing, headache, dehydration, dry mouth, and a desire to sing Karaoke and play all-night rounds of Strip Poker, Truth Or Dare, and Naked Twister.

Tequila?. Leave Shyness Behind.(tm)

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PLANS CHINA DEALERSHIP–MILWAUKEE — For Ray Ma, freedom on the open road means riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle behind two police cars through the Chinese countryside.The 53-year-old Hong Kong dental surgeon and members of his 35-bike riding group had to pay 10,000 Hong Kong dollars ($1,290 U.S.) per bike in escort and paperwork fees last fall to make their trip to Guilin city a reality.

“We have to follow the rules in the place where they have the rules,” Ma said. “And I regard that as free.”But Ma said he yearns for the day when he can escape the cramped city for the Chinese mainland without the hassle.

“We really hope that we can ride through the border like anywhere else, like in the States or Canada, or Europe,” said Ma.

“So that we can just plan a weekend trip, three days and two nights in China. That is really the best for a Hong Kong rider.”For years, iconic motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. has pushed hard to find ways to sell its motorcycles in China. Now, the Milwaukee-based company says it plans to announce before summer that it will open its first retail outlet in the country since at least World War II.

“Mao said that a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step,” said Timothy Hoelter, Harley-Davidson’s vice president of government affairs. “I guess we’re taking some baby steps already.”

The company says there are still major hurdles – some 170 Chinese cities limit or ban motorcycle use or ownership, largely because they are viewed as underpowered, cheap, polluting machines that clog traffic and endanger others.

“We are not encouraging motorcycle use,” said Miss Huang, who only gave her surname, a spokeswoman for the police force’s Shanghai Public Security Policy Consultation Office.Motorcycles have been banned from almost all the main streets in Shanghai, Huang said, and the city stopped accepting motorcycle registrations in 2002.

After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, import restrictions, quotas and tariffs dropped substantially against foreign motorcycle manufacturers, but municipal traffic ordinances have remained, Hoelter said.

“The problem is although we can now sell our motorcycles in China, the Chinese can’t use them, at least if you live in an urban area,” he said.

Foreign manufacturing advocates say the policy, while somewhat justified by safety concerns, has created an unfair barrier to access.

Harley-Davidson estimates small Chinese manufacturers build some 17 million motorcycles a year – most for domestic consumption – but most are small and used in rural areas, so they evade many of the restrictions on Harley-style heavyweight bikes. Other bikes such as 1950s-era Chang Jiang 750, which are still used by the Chinese government, are considered three-wheelers because of a sidecar, Hoelter said.

In contrast, BMW, which entered the Chinese motorcycle market in April 2003, said it sold only 70 bikes on the mainland last year.

The main barriers the German company has faced are riding bans in big cities and motorways, high customs duties, poor insurance coverage and the huge gap between legally sold and illegally imported motorcycles, said Stefanie Lowenstein, spokeswoman for the BMW Group.Liu Xintong, secretary-general of China Motorcycle Industry Association, said the result is that pent-up demand for large motorcycles is going unfulfilled.

“Motorcycle riding fans are still eager to get top machines like Harley-Davidsons,” he said. “But the government policy seems not motorcycle-friendly at all.”

Alan Tonelson, a research fellow at the U.S. Business and Industry Council, said all U.S. manufacturers still face a “very formidable array” of barriers to gaining access to the Chinese market. “U.S. government attempts to reduce, much less eliminate, these trade barriers, has been woefully ineffective,” he said.

For now, Harley-Davidson is going to drive around them.The company’s managing director for China, Dave Foley, said the company has selected a dealer and that before summer, “more specific communication will be forthcoming.”He declined to say where it would be, but noted the Beijing area had the highest concentration of riders of imported heavyweight motorcycles in the country.

Motorcycles may not be operated within Beijing’s Third Ring Road, a 30-mile highway that encircles the city, so Hoelter said a likely dealer location would be outside the city core.But the company will have to sell its products, which can exceed $20,000 retail, in a country where most Chinese make around $1,000 a year.

“The potential is enormous but it’s up to us to really develop that leisure-oriented market,” Foley said. The company said it was too early to forecast sales, but estimated there were more than 1,000 heavyweight motorcycle riders in China, most of whom acquired their bikes through unofficial channels.Analyst Timothy Conder of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. said it may be slow-going but Harley-Davidson should eventually win out.

“What they’re selling is Americana. I think they should do well,” he said.

Chen Lexing, a 37-year-old real estate worker in Guangzhou, said he and his group of Harley riders leave the city before dawn on weekend outings in Guangdong Province. They can’t obtain license plates in the city of Guangzhou because their bikes are some five times the allowed engine size of 250cc.Chen said he worries that Guangzhou will ban motorcycles altogether next year, but is hopeful at news that Harley is making inroads.

“I hope Harley-Davidson moves into China, sells more motorcycles and works with the government so that more roads and places will open up to motorcycle riders,” he said.

Hoelter said the road into China will be a long one.”China is certainly today from the market-access perspective, our most daunting challenge,” he said. “It’s going to be a long-term effort, it will no doubt be a multifaceted effort and we’re going to have to be patient.”

Let’s ride the Great Wall

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?–( 1 ) You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
— Alan, age 10 (true sports fan)

( 2 ) No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.
— Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
( 1 ) Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
— Camille, age 10

( 2 ) No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
— Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age)

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
( 1 ) You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
— Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
( 1 ) Both don’t want any more kids.
— Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
( 1 ) Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
— Lynnette, age 8 (isn’t she a treasure)

( 2 ) On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
— Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
( 1 ) I’d run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
— Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
( 1 ) When they’re rich.
— Pam, age 7

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
( 1 ) Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
— Ricky, age 10 (future diplomat)

–from Art Friedman

NEW PRODUCTS FROM SAMSON–Here is his list: Big Guns 3, Stealth muffler and the newfishtails.

For more information touch on the banner above.

–Kenny Price
Founder/CEO
Samson Motorcycle Products, Inc.
3818 E Coronado St.
Anaheim, Ca. 92807
714-518-2480

WALL STREET EYES HARLEY DEMAND– (MarketWatch) – Wall Street next Thursday will focus on whether Harley-Davidson can shrug off the concerns of slowing growth and rising inventories that have weighed on the motorcycle maker’s stock for much of last year.54.03, -0.05, -0.1%) have bounced back from the lows of 2005, but shed 9 cents to finish Thursday’s session at $54.03.

Back in April, the stock plunged to $47.66 after the company reported a slowdown in first-quarter motorcycle sales. But the 52-week nadir of $44.40 came in October right before upbeat third-quarter results buoyed shares. See full story.

Analysts polled by Thomson First Call are expecting a fourth-quarter profit, on average, of 81 cents a share with revenue of $1.35 billion. For the year, profit is pegged at $3.38 a share.

Citigroup downgraded Harley on Thursday to hold from buy, explaining that shares may be overheated, having outperformed the S&P 500 by 13% since Oct. 10.

“Given the lack of positive new data points since the company reported third quarter 2005 figures, we do not view the stock as compelling at these levels,” said analyst Gregory Badishkanian, pointing out the stock is closing in on his $57 per-share target.

Anthony Gikas, analyst at Piper Jaffray, was also bearish when he said earlier in the week that he wouldn’t be surprised if a number of factors lead Harley management to cut production estimates in April.

“In addition to declining used bike prices, more-than-seasonal discounts on new bikes, slow improvement to dealership performance, and elevated inventory levels at most dealerships suggests current 2006 production guidance (5%-9%) is too high,” he said in a note reiterating his market perform rating.

The Hog maker, which also sells bikes under the Buell name, is banking on younger riders and rising global demand to help it achieve that 5%-9% growth outlook in 2006.

–from Rogue

BIG TWIN WEST ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY/MASTER BUILDER BUILD-OFF–Big Twin West Announces Celebrity/ Master Bike Builder Build-Off Lead Singer of Smashmouth to Join Build-Off Team.

New York, New York – January 20, 2006 ? Advanstar Communications, Inc ? a leading provider of print, event and online media for the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarkets – today announced a Celebrity and Master Bike Builder build off, to be held at Big Twin West, a leading custom motorcycle industry trade show, in Las Vegas on December 1?3, 2006 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center. The Celebrity / Master Builder feature will pit four teams, each consisting of a celebrity and a master builder, against each other in an exciting custom bike building competition. The four completed motorcycles will then be auctioned at the close of the event with the proceeds going to charities chosen by the teams.

Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smashmouth, is the first of four celebrities to sign up to get their hands dirty with master builders such as Paul Yaffe and Dawn Norakas. ?The custom bike lifestyle is very similar to the rock music world and there are many of us who cross over,? said Steve Harwell. ?When we are not on tour or recording we are watching what is going on in the custom bike world and some of these builders are like rock stars to us. To get the chance to build a bike with them and provide some charity is great,? Harwell continued. Each team will be given all of the components they need and the opportunity to design and paint a complete custom motorcycle. Final assembly of the bike will take place under the watchful eyes of the exhibitors and attendees at Big Twin West in December 2006.

?This is so cool and a really fun way to help out people in need and there are some great people involved in this,? said Paul Yaffe, master bike builder. ?More and more women are discovering custom bikes and the addition of Dawn Norakas mirrors what?s happening in the custom world,? he went on to say.

In addition to Harwell, Yaffe and Norakas, the remaining celebrities and master builders will be introduced at key events throughout the season and they will have an opportunity to gather ahead of the event to create a truly unique motorcycle. The celebrities will be invited to nominate a charity of their choice and at the conclusion of the build off, the bikes will be auctioned with the proceeds from each bike being donated to the respective charity.

Steve Harwell has chosen the Victory Junction Gang Camp as his benefiting charity. The Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. More information can be found at www.victoryjunction.org.

For more information, call 800.854.3112 or visit our website at www.bigtwinwest.com.

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

This year is going to be wild in so many respects. I’ll touch on one major effort, our Bonneville Run. Bikernet is sponsoring Bubs Bonneville Motorcycle Only speed week in September 3-7, produced by Dennis Manning and his wife Delvene. “Chris Carr has just signed to ride our streamliner,” Dennis excitedly told me.

There are currently four streamlines lined up to go after the Easyriders World Land Speed Record for motorcycles, 321 mph. Mike’s Hyabusa has hit 340 in one pass (you need a two-pass average to beat the record), Sam Wheeler’s Kawasaki streamliner broke 330 mph one way, Dennis Manning’s Bub line is rolling over 200, and there’s a Vincent double engine job in the running. “Did you know that a 50cc (3 cubic inch) streamlined motorcycle did 140 mph,” Dennis said? “Incredible.” This will be the third year on the salt and with the World’s Fastest Indian movie, released in February, should drive interest.

Dennis is looking for a handful of sponsors. For more or any information regarding the September salt effort drop a line to DelveneM@bub.com or call (530) 477-7490. He worked with the AMA and FIM to rewrite their rule books and make the effort more standardized and universal. “It’s all on line on our web site,” Dennis told me. If you break a record at his event it’s entered into both the AMA and FIM records.

Bikernet is involved with two, maybe three bikes and three teams heading to the salt. There’s the 5-Ball Racing Team based at the Bikernet headquarters. The Chop And Grind team working in a desert sand dune in 15 Palms, Calif and Custom Performance Turbo’d V-Rod Racers out of Phoenix. We’ll be riding out and everyone is invited.

Let’s hit the news:

BIKER BUILD-OFF STORMING AHEAD– “Got a call on Tuesday from Hugh King with Discovery. Kim hasbeen selected for the series along with Yaffe and Dave Perewitz. We’ve beenwaiting for this for a long time. Filming starts March 22nd for the Perewitz/Yaffe Build-Off.”

–Kim and Cheryl Suter

AVON GOES TALL– Leading tire manufacturer Avon introduces two new sizes to suit custom bikes. The new tires, a 130/60R23 64V AM41 (front) and 280/40R20 89V AM42 (rear) will be the latest additions to Avon’s top-selling Venom range.

The front 130/60R23 AM41 Venom will fit rims between 3.5 and 4.00 inches, and will have a nominal width of 130mm and an approximate overall diameter of 740mm. The rear 280/40R20 AM42 Venom has been designed for rims between 9.5 and 10.5 inches and will measure an estimated 280mm wide, with an overall diameter of approximately 732mm.

The new Venom pairing reflects an emerging trend in the custom market for tires that not only show off wheel manufacturers’ latest designs, but which are also true road tires, capable of matching the performance potential of the machines to which they are fitted. Both new tires are V-rated for speeds of up to 149mph/240 kph.

The 280/40R20 is the world’s first 20-inch D.O.T. approved rear custom tire. With Aramid belts for added stability, its radial construction means it can be paired with a radial, bias belted or crossply front tire. As well, the wind-on zero-degree aramid belt restricts tire growth.

Both front and rear tires boast special ‘rim protectors’ to help prevent damage to wheels from potholes. Usually only seen on top of the range car tires, the Avon rim protection system has proved to be a welcome feature for riders investing in expensive custom wheels.

Commenting on the new tires, Larry Hoppe of Avon North America said, “This pairing has been the subject of a very considerable design process to ensure that the tires are not only proportionally matched for maximum aesthetic effect but are also dynamically compatible for sure-footed performance.

Major custom builders are already tooling up in anticipation of the new Venoms, which will be on sale from spring 2006.

The tires will be previewed at Avon’s booth, at the V-Twin Motorcycle Show in Cincinnati February 4-6th, 2006 and Dealernews show in Indianapolis Feb. 18-20th, 2006.

Avon customer service
6911 216 St. SW,
Lynnwood,WA 98036
Phone (800) 624-7470
Fax (425) 771-4246
www.avonmotorcycle.com

PATRIOT GUARD CALL TO WVA MINERS MEMORIAL RALLY–Patriot Guard Riders are being called to rally in Upshur County WestVirginia to pay respects to the miners and their families at the publicMemorial Service, Sunday January 15th.In addition, a protest group from Kansas calling themselves the WesboroBaptist Church has applied and made arrangements to protest this MemorialService.

The community of Buckhannon, WV has requested the Patriot Guard Riders showand help block these hate mongers.

Will you come and help us pay our respects to the miners, and also help usprotect the family from these protesters?You do not have to ride a motorcycle! Cars and trucks are fine. Or carpooland come stand with us!

I have made contact with the local law enforcement and they are aware wewill be there.Everything is in place.Now we need you to come and show your support!(Extended weather forecast for Sunday in Buckhannon – High of 37 deg, 30%chance of precipitation. Could easily be 10 degrees warmer by the time theweekend gets here).Thank you,

Rick Gifford
Patriot Guard Riders
WVA Captain
ilgdu@yahoo.com

BIKERNET BONNEVILLE SPONSORS–This week we’ll run our first Bonneville build story, featuring the chassis construction of the first 120-inch Panhead Sport Bike (Custom Chrome) and our 45 Flathead being built by Departure Bike Works in Richmond, VA. Hang on as you’ll see them both come together. The sportbike will be powered by an Accurate Engineering exclusive 120-inch Panhead and a Baker 6-speed transmission.

VIRGINA MC TRAINING BILLS NEEDS ATTENTION–In the meantime, there is one specific bill that currently requires ourattention. HB 280 is a bill that requires a person to pass an MSFcertified motorcycle rider training course before a license to operate amotorcycle is granted. There are a few reasons we take issue with thisbill. First, the Virginia Rider Training Program is administered by theDMV, which is extremely experienced and competent in this area.

Itshould be up to the DMV to decide which particular certified motorcyclerider training course is best for riders in Virginia. Additionally, theVirginia Rider Training Program does not have the facilities orresources to meet the demand that would result in requiring this coursefor all new riders. And finally, this bill is discriminatory ? there isno required certification before being granted a drivers license tooperate an automobile, why should motorcycles be singled out?

Pleasetake a moment and contact this bill’s patron (Del. Mamye Bacote) and lether know that while we support motorcycle safety, we are against thistype of legislation. As always, be respectful. There is no e-mail addresslisted on the legislative website for Del. Bacote, but here are herphone numbers. You will likely reach an aid, so I would call both ofthem. In Richmond – (804) 698-1095 and in Newport News (757) 244-4415.

This is the first of many calls to action you will be receiving duringthis legislative session.

Lobby Day was January 16th at the Capitol. VCOM is once again offering apre-Lobby Day meeting on January 15 where upcoming legislation andtalking points will be discussed

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitateto contact me.

Ride safe, ride free.

Penny

VIRGINIA GOVERNER, WARNER, CREATES MOTORCYCLE ADVISORY COUNCIL–“Virginia has worked to expand its tourism markets in so many areas – and motorcycle tourism is a great opportunity for us,” said Governor Warner. “As an example, the annual Gold Wing Road Riders Association state rally in Roanoke generates over $320,000 each year for the Roanoke Valley; and we know motorcyclists are generous with their time and resources in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for charities in communities across the Commonwealth. Additionally, as the Commonwealth grapples with the transportation challenges of the next decade, motorcyclists need to have a voice in that debate.”

Council members are appointed by the Governor and include one member of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia as well as a representative from each of the following state agencies: Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of State Police, Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Tourism Authority. The Council includes representatives from the Virginia’s sheriffs, police chiefs, and the Board of Transportation Safety and sixteen citizen members appointed by the Governor. The Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Public Safety, and Transportation serve as ex officio members.

Governor Warner appointed the following individuals to the Governor’s Motorcycle Advisory Council:
* Bernard A. Adams of Front Royal, IT specialist with the U.S. Department of the Navy; member of Freedom Riders M.C.
* Richard E. Becker of Boston, retired from the U.S. Air Force and owner of two small businesses; member of Orange Harley Owners Group;
* Colonel Charles Bennett, Jr., of Lynchburg, Chief of Police for the City of Lynchburg;
* James T. Cannon of Ashland, Director of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists;* Robert P. Crouch, Jr., of Mechanicsville, Counselor to the Governor; Chairman; chair of the Governor’s 2004-2005 “MotorcycleVIRGINIA!” initiative;
* Dale Coyner of Herndon, self-employed writer; author of Motorcycle Journeys Through the Appalachians;”
* The Honorable Steve M. Draper of Martinsville, Sheriff of the City of Martinsville, and Security Director, Martinsville Speedway;
* Charles S. Finley, Jr., of Richmond, Executive Vice President of the Virginia Motorcycle Dealers Association;
* Melissa S. Franklin of Mechanicsville, Founder of the Supreme Ladies M.C.;
* Julia Ciarlo Hammond of Richmond, Director of Government Relations for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association;
* Richard S. Holman of Monterey, owner of The Gallery of Mountain Secrets;
* David L. Jennings, Sr., Mechanicsville, American Motorcyclist Association Virginia Community Council;
* Keith N. Lindgren of Chesapeake, President of the Motorcycle Safety League of Virginia, Inc.;
* Joseph R. Marshall of Richmond, member, Richmond Riders M.C.;
* John V. Mazza, Jr., of Mataoca, President of Medallion Pool Company,Inc.and former member of Virginia Transportation Safety Board;
* The Honorable Samuel A. Nixon, Jr., of Richmond, Member of the Virginia House of Delegates;
* The Honorable Phillip P. Puckett, of Lebanon, Member of the Virginia State Senate;
* James M. Ramsey, Jr., of Annandale, Supervisor in the ConstructionDepartment of the Washington Gas Company;
* Patrick Sanders of Nellysford, Director of Dealer Development, California Sidecar;
* Lora Sharkey of Manassas, Fire and Rescue Lieutenant with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, member Fire and Iron(firefighters) M.C.;
* Charles E. Talley of Richmond, Founder and President of Cobra-One M.C. and Commander of American Legion Post 210.

Agency Representatives:
* Virginia Economic Development Partnership: Rick Richardson
* Virginia State Police: Captain Richard Denney
* Virginia Department of Transportation: Mark Hodges
* Department of Motor Vehicles: Bruce Biondo
* Virginia Tourism Authority: Ralph Earnhardt
* Alcohol Beverage Control: Shawn Walker
* Transportation Safety Board: J. Thomas McGrath

For more information go to http://www.motorcycleva.com

COLORADO FIRST FALLEN BIKER SIGN–Below is a link to a slide show of pictures taken yesterday at the memorial for Brian Fales. Brian was killed by a ROW violation in Nov. 04. The sign does not indicate he was a biker, but, this is a first step. At least we have them recognizing us a citizen. The DA is the suit at the microphone that prosecuted the woman who killed Brian. I am not sure what she was charged with, but she is still walking around free. If there is any picture you would like to copy, feel free to do so. Just right click and save as. If you have a problem with this link, let me know.

Slide show

SOUNDS LIKE A BIKER EVENT–ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ken Ortmann, an alderman who owns a local tavern wants to lower the penalties for public urination before the Feb. 25 Mardi Gras Parade.Ortmann said his bill would allow police to issue different citations for public urinators who try to be discreet than they might for those who are more open about it.

“There’s a difference between going in the middle of the street, in front of God and country, and somebody who is behind a Dumpster,” Ortmann said.

Public urination is now classified as lewd and lascivious conduct, which carries a penalty of 90 days in jail, a $100 to $500 fine, or both. Ortmann’s proposal doesn’t change the maximum penalties, but he hopes the actual penalty would be much less.

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

POKER RUNS–Thanks possibly to our AG the South Carolina AG has just issued an identicalRuling. Other states look at Texas to see how we handle issues such as this.Hopefully we can come up with a successful solution.

We are currently awaitingopinion from an attorney who is considering our proposals for getting aroundthe ruling. If we receive word that we would possibly have a winnable case incourt if called on to do so then we will become a test case.

We put PokerRun on our Flyer for the Texas Independence Day Freedom Rally to be held inGroesbeck on March 3-5. Come out and join us and be a part of seeing how itplays out.

Who better than our politically active Warriors and Allies to do this? We havebeen protecting biker’s rights for the last 14 years with less than 1/10 of 1%of Texas riders doing their part. This is a real let down from days of old whenriders were Bros and worked together for the good of all who ride.

URGENT ************* URGENT ************* URGENT

WE HAVE just RECEIVED WORD FROM THE ATTORNEY THAT MY IDEAS HAVE MERIT AND WILLPROBABLY BE A WINNABLE CASE. He will be on hand to watch it play out.I will personally host the Run so no one but me will be charged in the Event ofa court case.

Taking a page from our Pennsylvania brothers and sisters playbook I shall host a RUN-N-GUN Event. We did one of these in Iowa at last yearsSOLR Tea Party. It was a lot of fun and my little Brother ( a petite lady namedPenny) won the event by scoring a Royal Heart Flush using a 357 Magnum.

Be there and enjoy the fun.

–Sputnik

Continued On Page 2