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August 22, 2005

BILL BISH ON LEGISLATION–HIGHBAR LAW CHANGE IN NEW YORK, HELMETS FOR CARS, HIGHWAY BILL FIXED AND CONFEDERATION OF CLUBS WORKING

billbish

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to InjuredMotorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), andis sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, callus at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at <>

NCOM NEWS BYTES 0805
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

baker banner

HIGHWAY BILL FINALLY ENACTED: MOTORCYCLISTS’ CONCERNS ADDRESSED Following tendeadline extensions dating back to September 2003, the 109th Congress voted onJuly 29th to enact HR 3, the sweeping $286.4 billion highway bill thatreauthorizes federal transportation spending through September 2009, andPresident Bush signed the measure into public law on August 10th.

The final version of the massive 1,681-page document contains numerousmotorcycle provisions lobbied for over the past several years by national, stateand local motorcycle rights organizations and concerned individual riders.

In addition to providing much-needed federal funding to rejuvenate our nation’scrumbling infrastructure, the bill also makes available $25 million in grantmoney for motorcycle safety training and awareness programs to individualstates. The bill also provides for the formation of a motorcyclists advisorycouncil to advise the Federal Highway Administrator regarding how motorcyclesmust be included when designing future Intelligent Transportation systems.

HR 3 also includes nearly $3 million for a new scientific study of motorcyclecrashes to be conducted by the Oklahoma Transportation Center, located atOklahoma State University. This marks the first comprehensive research intomotorcycle crashes since the Hurt Report was completed in the late 1970s.The reauthorization measure also stipulates that motorcycles will continue to beallowed to use High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and continues to prohibitlocal governments from excluding motorcycles on roads maintained with federalfunding.Lastly, for off-road riders, the legislation earmarks $370 million from gasolinetaxes to fund the Recreational Trails Program.

BDL

MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES CONTINUE TO CLIMB Motorcycle fatalities nationwide havesurged to their highest levels since 1987, even as overall highway deathscontinue to decline.

In 2004, 4,008 motorcycle riders were killed in highway accidents, up 7.9% from2003 and 89% higher than in 1997, according to a new National Highway TrafficSafety Administration report. Meanwhile, passenger car deaths dropped 3.2% to19,091 last year.

NHTSA cites as possible causes: a sharp rise in motorcycle ownership, anincrease in inexperienced bikers riding powerful machines, and rollback ofmandatory helmet laws in several states.

Americans bought an estimated 734,000 new on-highway motorcycles last year, upfrom 230,000 in 1995, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Motorcycle groups opposed to helmet laws point to the changing face of bikers,reports USA Today. Jeff Rabe, lobbyist for the Modified Motorcycle Association(MMA) of California and member of the board of directors for the NationalCoalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), said more “middle-aged executives” are ridingpowerful machines without training. “There’s a huge group of people ages 35 to50 who have purchased motorcycles,” Rabe said. “But they’re still beginning riders.”

ROADMAX BANNER

INVENTOR PROMOTES CAR HELMETS FOR KIDS Michael Fleming, an amateur inventor andfull-time Houston attorney, has filed a patent application for a new safetydevice for kids. It’s called the Automobile Helmet. “The time has come for ahelmet that protects children in autos,” Fleming told the Chicago Tribune.

Fleming cited government statistics that 2,500 children are killed and 294,000injured annually in vehicle accidents.

But how do parents convince their kids to not only belt up, but helmet up as well?

Fleming thinks he has the answer: loading the helmet with electronics. “Bybuilding a helmet that allows a child to listen to music, watch a DVD movie orplay a handheld game, I’m hoping they?ll want to wear a helmet without complaint.”

Samson

NEW YORK AMENDS HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LAW Governor George E. Pataki has signed intolaw a handlebar height bill that will allow motorcyclists to adjust the heightof their handlebars up to shoulder level, eliminating the 15″ above the seatstandard that has been the law since the late sixties.

sturgis MM

ONCE RIVALS, BIKE CLUBS NOW WORKING TOGETHER Once-notorious outlaw-bikerrivals, the Pagans and Warlocks are working together to raise funds to fightdiscrimination, fresh from helping to repeal laws regarding motorcycle helmetsand high handlebars, reports the Philadelphia Daily News.

What’s more, these clubs have joined with non-outlaw bikers to fight againstdiscrimination and police harassment in a political and legal forum, and threwtheir first annual Summer Sizzler, a biker family picnic, on August 21st, at theNevlin Grist Mill Park, in Glen Mills, Delaware County.This was the first major fund-raiser for the Confederation of Clubs of EasternPennsylvania, founded in April 1999. The confederation represents more than1,000 members, with an average age of 42, from 23 clubs. Members include 1percenters, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Christian bikers, and Clean and Soberbikers.It’s one of 55 confederations in North America, the fastest-growing part of thenational bikers- rights movement, with annual national conventions and a Website: www.aimncom.com/coc/.

The confederations’ aim is to stop police harassment of bikers and civil-rightsdiscrimination in housing, bars and other areas, and to solve mutual problems,not settle scores among clubs, according to its local president, a Warlock.

“We’re all bikers,” said Kenny Plank, of Longriders, in Chester County. “There’sno reason to be fighting each other.”

k and myron

Not all bikers in the local confederation are outlaws and not all outlaw bikersare gangsters. They are nurses, firemen, company owners, salesmen, judges andlawyers.

As confederation treasurer, “Patches” said his job was to “make sure all thecommittees are doing the right thing.” That is, keeping within a $5,000 partybudget. After paying for expenses, said Patches, a member of the MessengersMotorcycle Club, known as a “clean and sober” club, “We’ll have the legal meansto protect ourselves.”

“We’re serious about bikers rights,” he said. The confederation is “neutral ground.”

At regular meetings at which two representatives per club have one vote,Norristown attorney Boyd Spencer regularly updates them about state and federallegislation, including the Patriot Act. Spencer said the law “targets three ormore people with a common handshake, common purpose and common attire.”

Spencer is a member of the national network of biker-rights lawyers in Aid toInjured Motorcyclists, or AIM, founded in 1982 by California attorney Richard M.Lester, who started the national confederation and similar groups.

On legislative issues, the local confederation supports the Alliance of BikersAimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Pennsylvania, the main biker lobby; andPennsylvania Coalition of Motorcyclists (PCOM), which monitors legislation.

The confederation supported member Warlocks and the Bikers Against Child Abuse(BACA), both of whom sued police for allegedly harassing bikers in separate Toysfor Tots Runs in Philadelphia and Delaware County in 2002. The Warlocks obtaineda consent decree from the Philly cops and BACA, an out-of-court settlement fromDarby Borough.

“Everybody is getting along together as a group and becoming more political,”said “Rabbit,” of Men of Honor. “It’s good to see as many [clubs] agree on onething.”

At their latest confederation meeting, held in the middle of the summer whenmost organizations don’t meet, the confederation drew more than 40 members.

Amid the banter, the president introduced “Q” as a nurse and a minister: “He canbury ya and marry ya.”

For $200, which would go to the confederation, he added, bikers could getmarried or renew their vows at the Summer Sizzler.

“Boyd will do the divorce,” joked the president, referring to AIM lawyer BoydSpencer.

Later, Q identified himself as Steve Stoyke, 54, a member of Association ofRecovering Motorcyclists, or ARM, who rode five hours on his Harley fromFrederick, Md., to support the confederation. “To do a wedding, we line bikes upon either side,” said Stoyke. “You can do a traditional wedding, or we can readfrom the Harley Repair Manual.”

The minister asks the groom: “Do you promise to keep her cables greased andtires balanced?”

And he asks the bride: “Do you promise to keep his gas filter cleared, changehis oil and bring him in for maintenance?”

“This is America’s last subculture,” added Stoyke. “That’s what keeps ourcountry great.”

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER

WEIRD NEWS: HARLEY HELPS BLIND TO SEE A student at Penn State Behrend Collegein Erie, PA has developed a process that may help the blind to “see” digitalphotographs. Using a process developed by Harley-Davidson called “rapidprototyping,” 27-year old Jason Donnell hopes to produce 3-D images that a blindperson could run their fingers across and “feel” the image, in much the samemanner as Braille is used to read.

“With a Word document, you output to a printer,” explains Donnell. “With rapidprototyping, the output is to a machine that uses a special type of paper, waxor plastic. So, for example, if Harley-Davidson has something they want toinclude on a bike, but is not too sure about, they can input the information andit will produce an exact size copy of the item.”

After a lot of hours writing and re-writing, Donnell has his program, but theresults so far have been mixed. Because of the short time frame of the collegeproject, he was only able to produce and test three examples.

“The test on a simple picture of a playing card were pretty good,” Donnell toldthe Valley News Dispatch, “but the pictures of a tree and a ghost town were verytough and showed the need for more work.”

Avon Banner

QUOTABLE QUOTES: “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whetherit exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy.”Sir Ernest Benn (1875-1954), publisher and public speaker

Bros Club

Custom Chrome Banner

AND THAT’S ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS!

Jims Banner
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August 18, 2005 Part 4

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – STOLEN RIG, BIKER CRUISE AND H-D RACERS DO GOOD

Continued From Page 3

screamin eagle

TONGLET EARNS SECOND VICTORY OF THE SEASON IN A BATTLE BETWEEN TWO SCREAMIN’ EAGLE V-RODS–Tonglet Takes Top Qualifying Honors for the First Time This Season.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 14, 2005) -When GT Tonglet earned the victory at the third NHRA POWERade Drag Racing event in May at Commerce, Ga., he nearly jumped off his Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson before it was stopped.

When Tonglet posted his second victory of the season and third of his career on Sunday, beating teammate Andrew Hines in the final at the 24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the usually reserved 22-year-old had a different reaction.

“That was such an awesome win and I screamed as soon as I saw the win light in my lane,” Tonglet said. “And I have never screamed like that before. I was just so excited. It’s always great when Andrew and I race each other because it’s a win for the Screamin’ Eagle team, but he has beat me the last few times. This win will just give me more confidence for the rest of the season, and it is great to be at the top of the points race.”

With the victory, Tonglet took over as the Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader. He was third going into the race and now has a six-point lead over teammate Andrew Hines. Tonglet posted a 7.179-second pass at 187.68 mph over Hines’ 7.268 at 180.62.

“Overall, both of our V-Rods were just awesome all weekend,” Tonglet said. “Anytime we can both advance in the rounds just proves how hard this team works. For me it is even more important to get past the second round because mentally I just get more and more confident with every round.”

Hines – the 2004 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion – said the final round matchup was the best possible scenario.

“It’s a win-win situation because we are both in the hunt for the next championship and all that matters is that we go as far as we possibly can each weekend,” Hines said. “With just five races left this season, we’re up front in points and looking really good. It really can’t get any better than having both Screamin’ Eagle V-Rods in the final.”

Tonglet also earned top qualifying honors for the first time this season and second in his career, posting a 7.011 at 192.96. Once again, Hines was right there too, finishing second in qualifying with a 7.024 at 196.82.

“We came out here thinking it would be a little hot but the conditions were just awesome,” Hines said after earning his sixth consecutive Full Throttle Award (given to the most consistent team in qualifying). “We took advantage of the good weather and the very idea we ran so many passes in the 7.0-range just shows how consistent the crew is.”

Tonglet beat Michael Phillips (Suzuki) in the first round with a 7.067 pass at 190.32 over Phillips’ 7.205 at 187.00. In Round Two action, he beat Angelle Sampey (Suzuki) for the fourth time this season. Tonglet went 7.091 at 194.38 over Sampey’s red-light foul. In the semifinals against Geno Scali (Suzuki), Tonglet posted a 7.105 at 187.70 over Scali’s 7.232 at 181.25.

Hines topped Tom Bradford (Buell) in the first round with a 7.063 run at 185.49 over Bradford’s 7.238 at 182.11. Then Hines rode his Harley to a 7.136 at 188.67 to beat Suzuki rider Matt Smith’s 7.228 at 182.38 before Hines beat Antron Brown (Suzuki) in the semifinals with a 7.126 at 186.61 over a red-light start by Brown.

“To see the guys work so hard throughout the weekend to earn a spot in the finals was just amazing,” crew chief Byron Hines said. “I am so proud of the team and the boys for the way they responded to all the challenges of this race, and they proved how dedicated they are. The bikes ran well, the boys did really well. It was a great weekend.”

“We’re so impressed with GT, Andrew and the entire Screamin’ Eagle team for their remarkable performances this weekend and all season,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. “The team is very dedicated and has put in many hours of development and testing to keep the bikes as competitive as possible. The Harley-Davidson V-Rods continue to improve each week, and GT and Andrew keep honing their skills as well. Being one and two in the points race shows how all of their hard work is really paying off.”

In reaction to the recent NHRA rule change announcement (giving Suzuki models a 10-pound weight reduction) that goes into effect with the next race, Paluso said the team is surprised.

“This season has seen some great and close racing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class, with several different winners, a good mix of brands in the finals and a tight championship points chase,” said Paluso. “We were very surprised and disappointed by the rule change given the level of competition and parity that already existed.”

The next NHRA POWERade event that features the Pro Stock Motorcycle category is the O’Reilly Mid-South NHRA National at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 19-21.

final screws on new gas cap

gas cap components

STURGIS SHOVEL GAS CAP–I had a couple of tough times with that ol’ Shovel on the road, but no problem with that cool Speedster Gas Cap from Crime Scene Choppers, or the Brembo Brakes, or the list goes on. I received a number of comments on the Speedster cap.

–Bandit

crime scene banner

RULES OF THE ROAD FROM BIKERNET–Some people are like Slinkies …Not really good for anything,But they still bring a smile to your face whenyou push them down a flight of stairs.

–from Drew Jack

BIKER CRUISE SHIP–I wanted to send this info along for a Bikers Break taking place on a cruise ship called Mariner of the Seas doing a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise on December 3, 2006. I have put this together since my husband and I both ride and I thought it would be something a little different to get bikers involved in

The Full BikerParties August 2005 Newsletter can be found at: http://www.bikerparties.com/august_2005.htm

–Trishsharleyd@aol.com

choc flyer

choc map 1

BIKERNET PARTY PLANNER–September Events: http://www.bikerparties.com/EventsCalendar.htm

Thursday, September 1, 2005 Four Corners Rally in the Rockies Ignacio/Durango CO

Friday, September 2, 2005 Tea Party, motorcycle rally, Montour Falls, NY.

Friday, September 2, 2005 3rd Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Bike Ride

Tuesday, September 6, 2005 Brothers Of The Creed Mc Labor Day Bash CA.

Friday, September 9, 2005 HAWG HOLLER FALL BIKERS BASH ATWOOD, TN.

Sunday, September 11, 2005 Lost Wheels MC 30th Anniversary PR

Thursday, September 15, 2005 Las Vegas Bike Fest

Saturday, September 17, 2005 Scooters 4 Hooters Run Syracuse, NY

r. russell brother

AUSTRALIAN BIKERNET READER SHOW PRIDE–Pic is of my brother Chris (left) after receiving his “Gong” for 40 yearsservice in the Queensland Police Force.

I am very proud of his achievement!

–RayR

THE INTERNATIONAL BET–Two Muslim families moved from Saudi Arabia to America.When they arrived, the two fathers made a bet:in a year’s time whichever family had become more Americanized, would win.

One year later they met again.

The first man said, “My son is playing baseball, I had McDonalds for breakfast and I’m on my way to pick up a case of Bud, how about you?”

The second man replied, “Fuck you towel head

–from WeaselDave

SPYKE - KDRIVE

SPYKE - KDRIVE

NEW STEALTH STARTER AND K-9 DRIVE DEFINES CLEAN DESIGN AND STRENGTH IN STARTERS– Spyke Stealth Starters are now ready to strut with a shell for style! Custombuilders and bikers looking for a starter that doesn’t stick out like a sorethumb have to look no further. Concealed bolts and minimal lines give way toa smooth, sleek design like none other.

In addition, the Spyke StealthStarter utilizes brand-new, cutting-edge components with dependable gearsand gear ratios. Spyke Stealth Starters are available in polished or chrome1.4kw configurations for ’89 and later models with an optional super-strongSpyke Krypto-9 Starter Drive pre-installed.

The revolutionary Krypto-9 Starter Drive features an unprecedented lifetimewarranty. The drive is made from space-age composites that are much strongerand more durable than conventional starter drives.

Spyke, Inc.
11258 Regentview Ave.
Downey, CA 90241
Phone: 562.869.9333
Fax: 562.869.9323
http://www.spykeinc.com

THE DOUG KEIM PERFECT COMBINATION–Due to the overwhelming popularity of the bike built for the Hard Rock Roadhouse tour, Doug Keim Creative Cycles (D.K.C.C) has decided to once again make available to the public one of the parts designed and created during the custom build. Although the D.K.C.C. 3-inch Open Belt Primary was created to steal the show, like any Doug Keim Creative Cycles’ product it will withstand any abuse the road tries to give out.

The 3-inch belt has a completely CNC-machined motor plate with a swept top and bottom along with fully radiused sides for looks. For strength, the unit features forged and milled front-and-rear pulleys and a Primo Brute clutch assembly. Available in both polish and chrome finishes, keep an eye out for the outboard supported version, coming soon.

For more information. contact: Doug Keim Creative Cycles
(732) 751-1403
http://www.creativecycles.com/.

RH home page banner

BIKERNET AMBER ALERT-RIG STOLEN–8.03.2005 Chip Ellis parked the Star/G2 rig last night in Omaha Neb. about 10:30 pm, when he came out this morning it was GONE!

Please help us find it! Any suggestions would be appreciated. 229-924-0031 or 800-841-7827

It is the whole rig: truck, trailer, race bike, engines, pit bikes, 2 street bikes, tools, EVERYTHING!!

1997 T2000 Kenworth Truck with Competition Trailer it’s White and Blue with Orange Star and Yellow Flames. Please call everybody you know that may be able to help!

Thanks, Jackie and George Bryce, George Smith

Please use whatever resources you may have to help the G2 Motorsports Team. As many VTwinPlus.com fans already know this is the bike that we have our name on. The team is currently in a tight point battle and have had their share of adversity this season. Let’s all group together and lend a hand in righting this terrible wrong! Speed is essential here

-Greg Guarinello

brembo brke rear in place

MORE TO COME–I could have doubled the news today, but I need a break and time to work on Sturgis Reports. I’m still finding notes in vests and boots from the Full Throttle Saloon. I’ll hit it hard again on Sunday. We have Sturgis reports, fiction (the Unforgiven), Bike Features from Hawaii and Texas, Lucky Devil to post. Next week I’ll work on my freelance assignments and drive features onto Bikernet. We may never catch up.

Sometime this weekend I’m being banned from the headquarters as 23 women converge on the teetering premises to touch one another and drink Pink Panty drinks. I may putt to the House of Hayden bar in downtown Long Beach and drink myself under the table. Then again, how about the House of Blues, if they have a good band. Then like a wharf rat I’ll try to sneak back to the headquarters and check the action. There’s so many rodents around, they won’t notice another one clinging to a window frame and smirking, two stories up.

Now it’s back to the Sturgis reports. Have a helluva weekend.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

AMD PROSHOW BANNER

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August 18, 2005 Part 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – ZIPPERS, MC ADVANTAGES, LEATHER SEATS AND KICK-ASS KICKSTANDS

Continued From Page 2

sporty motor

ZIPPER’S 2004-UP XL PUSHROD COVER CONVERSION KITS–Five speed Sportster? and Buell? engines require that you remove the cylinder heads and take off the one-piece pushrod covers to get to the pushrods, greatly complicating pushrod adjustments for tuning or maintenance when adjustable pushrods have been installed. This pushrod cover kit permits access to the pushrods using special billet adaptors that allow the use of telescoping pushrod covers. Includes twin billet aluminum bases with special seals for the front and rear cylinders that replace the factory pushrod tube lower retainers. A full telescoping pushrod cover kit is included. The twin bases can be purchased separately if desired.

See your favorite dealer or contact:

ZIPPER’S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828 Fax 410.579.2835
www.zippersperformance.com

MC ADVANTAGES - VROD WIDE TIRE KIT

MC ADVANTAGES - VROD WIDE TIRE ON BIKE

FLH AND V-ROD WIDE TIRE KITS NOW AT MC ADVANTAGES–MC Advantages’ impressive line of wide tire kits has gained even more girthwith the addition of a new 200mm Wide Tire Kit for FLH and a 240mm Wide TireKit for V-Rod?. Made by Fat Baggers, Inc., this bolt-on kit turns averagelooking FLH & V-Rod models into muscular monsters with road-hugging power.

MC ADVANTAGES - FLH WIDE TIRE KIT

MC ADVANTAGES - FLH WIDE TIRE KIT.ON BIKE

Each 200mm FLH Wide Tire kit comes with chrome or black powdercoatedswingarm, rear axle and spacers, primed fiberglass fender, a Metzler 200mmtire, stainless steel brackets, transmission offset and installationhardware. Options for the kit include a 18.5″ x 5.5″ billet FBI wheel,detachable tourpack mounts, luggage rack filler strips, license plate mountand pre-’04, 1.125″ belt upgrade.

Each 240mm V-Rod wide tire kit comes with swingarm, front pivot axle, rearaxle and spacers, 18″ x 8.5″ rear wheel, a Metzler 240mm tire, frontsprocket hub, inner fender, license plate mount and hardware. Contact MCAdvantages for complete details at 800-726-9620 or research online atwww.mcadvantages.com .

MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based inGrimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantagesdistributes many brands including: S&S Cycle, Martin Bros., Spyke, Stampede,Prowler, Bulletpr?f, D&M Custom Cycle, Progressive Suspension, K&N, TFI,Rivera Engineering/Primo, Edelbrock, Russell, Platinum Air Suspension, MetalMotorsports, Nitrous Express and many more.

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

BIKERNET READER REVIEW–m8 have a look at my sit and sine the bookyour site is f*#king good.top shit.

–sharppy
http://www.12gagekustoms.com.au
“12gage” 12gage@12gagekustoms.com.au

anarchy frame

Anarchy frame from Northside Choppers– ‘ANARCHY’, the new frame from Northside Choppers, is boldly styled and designed for a 330-series tire. Fabricated from 1-3/8in tube, the overall specification has a 7in stretch in the backbone, but with nothing in the downtube and a neck rake angle of 45-degrees. It also features a 2in dropseat. Rear axle is 1in diameter, behind covers for a ‘hidden’ arrangement. Installation will require a 1in offset sprocket for the transmission (to be ordered separately).

Anarchy is available in both rigid and Softail-style configurations. Softail-style frames are supplied with the pivot, spacer tube and all necessary hardware. Northside Choppers will soon be offering frames with the capacity for the latest 360-series tires.

NORTHSIDE CHOPPERS
Northlake, Illinois, USA
Tel: 708 345 8550
Fax: 708 410 0122
E-mail: nschoppers@aol.com

SKOOTER - CUTIE ON BIKE

SKOOTER - HOLDING CUTIE

BIKERS ARE NEVER DOWN FOR LONG–Here’s me, and I had a broken back,,,HA HA nice little lady.Heres my new bike, love it.. My first WIGGLE motor.. damn nice…

–Skooter, S.D.

BIKERNET ASTROLOGY STUDY, WORLD MAY END– Watch for Mars, August 27. The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter thatwill culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recordedhistory.

The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Due to theway Jupiter’s gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers canonly be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.

Theencounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within34,649,589 miles of Earth, and will be next to the moon, the brightestobject in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look aslarge as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will beeasy to spot.

At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10p.m.and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. By the end of August when the twoplanets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highestpoint in the sky at 12:30a.m. That’s pretty convenient to see somethingthat no human being has seen in recorded history.

So, mark your calendarat the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter andbrighter throughout the month. Share this with your children andgrandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN

–from Ray Russell

BIKERNET READER NEEDS PARTS–In the following article; http://www.bikernet.com/garage/PageViewer.asp?PageID=75 it shows adapters for the bushings to adapt the inner and outer primary covers from 89 to 93 to post 94. The items for the inner primary are #8 and #9 in picture http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID6815.jpg. For the outer primary it is #6 in http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID6817.jpg.

Who is the supplier of these? Can not find part numbers in any suppliers book.

–GARRETT DOLAN
mailto:gdolan@teamindustrialservices.com
Team Industrial Services
750 Davistown Road
Blackwood, NJ 08012
(856) 374-0403 Telephone
(206) 350-8956 Primary Fax

kickstand hog

NEW LINE OF KICKSTANDS–Camarillo, CA, August 15, 2005, Image Motorcycle Products has released a new line of Kickstands featuring a sleek, straight shaft with sculpted detailing at the kicker. IMP Kickstands are cast in aerospace quality stainless steel, heat treated and hardened to provide the best motorcycle accessories on the market. We offer a 100% money back guarantee against breakage for life. Kickstands fit Softail/ FL style frames 1936 to current.

For more information contact: Image Motorcycle Products, 918 Calle Portilla, Camarillo, CA 93010
(800) 304-5838,
http://www.imagemotorcycle.com

leather seat - dragon

LEATHER SEAT - FLAMES

PHOENIX SEAT MAKER DISCOVERED–I met you a while ago. I am from Arizona, I am a friend of Myron’s of the Billet Bar. I do kustom hand tooled leather seat. Like these pictures. I also did the seat and paint on these bikes

–Rocky
http://www.purekustom.com
Tel:480-924-6866
mailto:rocky1@purekustom.com
Mesa , Az

CELEBRITY EVENTS FOR NELLIS AFB–On Sept. 10th & 11th, 2005, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson and HendersonHarley-Davidson, in association with Nellis AFB, Station Casinos,Budweiser, the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe, Hawaiian Chopper Magazine, andother great sponsors will hold the 2nd Annual “Celebrity Events forNellis AFB” . (www.phantasymultimedia.com/HD) Join thousand’s ofmotorcyclists and non-motorcyclist alike as we hold this specialfundraising event to benefit Nellis Airmen and their families.

We have amassed an impressive list of celebrities who are donating theirtime to say thanks to our men and women in uniform, and their familiesfor their sacrifice on behalf of a thankful nation. Some of thoseconfirmed are: Medal of Honor Recipient (Vietnam) Col. Roger Donlon,Actor/Musician (Renegade) Branscombe Richmond, Actor (Grizzly Adams) DanHaggerty, Monster Garage’s Big Schwag, Billboard Recording Artist,Guitarist Craig Chaquico, Actor (Total Recall) Michael Gregory, Actor(American Ninja) Michael Dudikoff, Actor (TV Series 4400) CharlesNapier, Actor (Third Watch, Taxi) Joe Lisi, Actor (Sex in City) DavidEigenberg, Actor (Air America) Gary Wood, Actor (Mask, Con Air) DennisBurkley, Custom Bike Builders (Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off) MattHotch, Cole Foster, Jose De Miguel, Hank Young, Scott Long, Mondo, The Count andShannon Aikau of Counts Kustoms, and others…

On Saturday, Sept. 10th,a red carpet event, and staging for the Celebrity Ride will be held atLas Vegas Harley-Davidson on Eastern Ave. Live music will be providedfor your entertainment. A ride fee of $30.00 (and $20.00 forpassengers) is required for the Celebrity Ride (all registered riderswill receive rider credentials and a special celebrity ride pin whilesupplies last). After the Saturday ride to and on Nellis AFB, a concertfeaturing Molly Hatchet will be held at the Sunset Station Hotel &Casino. Tickets are available at $15 each with 100% donated to thecause.

On Sunday, Sept. 11th, Henderson Harley-Davidson will be the place to befor a motorcycle rally. Scheduled are autograph sessions with thecelebrity builders, nine-time US National Motto Trails Champion GeoffAaron, live music, vendors, food & beverage booths, a custom motorcyclecontest (entry fee of $15.00 per bike)with a prize of $300.00 in Harleygift chips per category (judging will be conducted by the celebritybuilders on hand for the event), and other great events. By populardemand, we have added the Celebrity Poker Run on Sunday at our HendersonHarley-Davidson dealership. A registration fee of $25.00 per poker handwill be charged. Winners will be awarded Harley Bucks worth $3,000.00for best hand, $1,500.00 for 2nd best hand, and $500.00 for worst hand.Go to http://www.lvhd.com and visit the events page for registrationinformation. For more information, call Las Vegas Harley-Davidson at702-431-8500.

Continued On Page 4

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August 18, 2005 Part 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – BERRY W.- STURGIS SURVIVOR, LONE STAR RALLY GETTING CLOSE AND STINKIN’ LINCOLN NEEDS SPONSORS

Continued From Page 1

AMD PROSHOW BANNER

A GREAT BIKERNET.COM HISTORY FIND– A team of archaeologists was excavating in Israel when they came upon a cave. Written across the wall of the cave were the following symbols: A woman, a donkey, a shovel, a fish and the Star of David. It was considered a unique find and the writings were said to be at least three thousand years old! The piece of stone was removed, brought to the museum, where archaeologists from around the world came to study the ancient symbols.

They held a huge meeting after months of conferences to discuss the meaning of the marking. The President of the society pointed to first drawing and said: “This is a woman. We can see these people held women in high esteem. You can also tell they were intelligent, as the next symbol is a donkey, so they were smart enough to have animals help them till the soil. The next drawing is a shovel, which means they had tools to help them. Even further proof of their high intelligence is the fish which means that if a famine hit the earth and food didn’t grow, they seek food from the sea.

The last symbol appears to be the Star of David which means they were evidently Hebrews.” The audience applauded enthusiastically.

Then, a little old Jewish man stood up in the back of the room and said, “Idiots, Hebrew is read from right to left…… It says: ‘Holy Mackerel, Dig The Ass On That Woman’

–from Weasel Dave

ESTOK RIDES BUELL TO THUNDERBIKE WIN AT BARBER–Victory Gives Estok Lead in Formula USA Season Points Race.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug. 14, 2005) – Millville & Wildwood Harley-Davidson/Buell rider David Estok took his Buell Firebolt to victory and put his team into the series points lead at the Formula USA Thunderbike National at Barber Motorsports Park.

Estok was the top qualifier for the event and led from the start of the 14-lap Thunderbike national, but was hounded until the final lap by Hal’s Performance Advantage/Richie Morris Racing rider Dan Bilansky. During the course of the race, Bilansky set a new race lap record of 1:34.004.

“Dan challenged me throughout the race, but I held on in the end for the win,” said Estok. “I’m excited to be on top of the points race with two races remaining.”Bilansky finished second aboard a Buell Firebolt. CAD Cycles rider David Yaakov was third on a Suzuki. Sound Waves/Hal’s Performance Advantage rider Sam Rozynski finished fourth on a Buell Firebolt, followed by Blue Springs Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Walt Sipp, also on a Buell Firebolt. Buell riders claimed four of the top five positions in the race.

After six of eight Formula USA Thunderbike National events, Estok leads the Thunderbike series with 159 points, as Yaakov dropped to second with 149 points. Sam Rozynski is third with 100 points, followed by teammate Joe Rozynski with 99 points. Hal’s Performance Advantage/Richie Morris Racing rider Clint Brotz sits in fifth with 97 points, and Bilansky and Harding Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Bryan Bemisderfer are tied for sixth with 91 points. Seven of the top 10 riders in the points race are aboard Buell motorcycles.

The next event on the Formula USA schedule is Sept. 9-11 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.The Formula USA National Thunderbike series is a horsepower-to-weight ratio restricted class, open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders compete in the eight-event 2005 Thunderbike series race for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company.

To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com.

jim g. calendar girl

NEW 2006 IRON & LACE CUSTOM MOTORCYC AND GARAGE GIRLS CALENDARS–2006 Iron & Lace Custom MotorcycleThe 2006 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle and Centerfold Model Pinup Model Calendar sponsored by Mikuni Carburetors, Performance Machine and Jardine Performance features the world’s top custom bikes together with sexy centerfold models. Photographed by Jim Gianatsis, Iron & Lace offers a month by month look at the top winning bikes from the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show including Zero Engineering of Japan’s Best of Show winning retro street rod, Jesse Rooke’s Pro Class winning “Rockstar”, and Dreamcraft Studio’s show stopper “Sega”.

Other featured bike builders include World Championship winner Roger Goldammer’s reto Boardtracker, along with Paul Yaffe, Roland Sands, Mike Stafford, Harold Pontarelli, Chica and Russ Mitchell. Pose their bikes with the gorgeous FastDates.com Calendar Angels including Miss Great Britain Nicki Lane, Miss Texas and Hawaiian Tropic International winner Robin Cunningham, and Pet of the Year Zdenka and you’ve got the world’s top motorcycle pinup calendar!

2006 Garage Girls Calendar
The 2006 Garage Girls Pinup Calendar sponsored by Feelin’ Lucky apparel features beautiful models hard at work. “All Killer, No Filler” is the only way to describe the exciting Garage Girls Calendar which always features a close-up look at the beautiful FastDates.com Calendar Angels without the bikes getting in the way! This year’s Angel’s include cover girls Andra Cobb, Chandi Mason and Taylor McKegney.

All FastDates.com Calendars are full color 15 x 15″ spiral bound and printed on heavy dull coated art board.revealing 16 months beginning with September 2005. Calendars are available at you favorite Motorcycle Dealer from leading parts distributors, or order online at http://www.FastDates.com. Order by phone in the USA 1-800 461-1226

To order by mail specify the calendar name, quantity, your name, address, and phone number. Mail with check, money order, Visa/MasterCard info for $16.95 each, plus $6 S&H per US order. International orders should consult the FastDates.com website for ordering information.Mail to: FastDates.com Calendars, 13275 Paxton Street, Arleta, CA 91331

Advanstar’s BooKoo Arenacross Championship SeriesPosts Record Purse and Championship Point Fund–$150,000 Championship Point Fund Plus a $30,000Race Weekend Purse Up for Grabs!

Santa Ana, CA – August 18, 2005 – Advanstar Communications, Inc. – a leading provider of print, event and online media for the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarket industries – today announced the largest Arenacross championship purse and largest per race payout ever offered in Arenacross racing.

“BooKoo means big, so we are going with the largest purse and point fund in the history of Arenacross right out of the gate,” said Mike Kidd, Arenacross Director for Advanstar. “This further emphasizes our plan to take Arenacross to the level we feel it deserves and sends a strong message to our teams and riders that we will reward them accordingly.”

All BooKoo Arenacross pro racers will have four chances to win a portion of the $30,000 purse each race weekend, with a race format of a 250cc and 125cc main event both Friday and Saturday nights. All pro racers are eligible to compete in both classes. “What this means to our racers is that a bad start or mechanical failure in one race won’t mean they have to go home empty-handed,” said Kidd. “There’s serious cash up for grabs and a big incentive for racers to run the entire series.”

Consistency will also have its rewards throughout the 12-race series as $150,000 will be divided up into four separate overall point funds. The 125cc Champion will take home $5,000, 250cc Champion $5,000, Dash for Cash Champion $7,500 and the BooKoo Arenacross Champion $25,000. For more specific details on the purse and point fund visit www.racearenacross.com.

The BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series kicks off November 4-6, 2005 in Fort Worth and the point fund will be awarded after the final race in Tulsa, February 10-12, 2006.

Berry&Bike1

BERRY WARDLAW SURVIVES CRASH–On the way home to his shop Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama,Berry Wardlaw the famous motorcycle engine builder was in a motorcyclewreck and survived even though the 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle hewas riding was totaled.

Berry and I were traveling East on I-90 and had just re-entered theinterstate after getting fuel. We were in the right lane getting up tospeed; he was on the left and me slightly behind him to the right.There was an opening and I watched him move his head slightly to checktraffic as he made the move to the left lane. Just as he made thatmove a tire came out of the trailer in front of us carryingmotorcycles, it did a wobble and settled in the center of the leftlane. The only thing he could do was to try and get around it on theleft and he almost made it. His right floorboard caught the outsideof the tire and sent him into the grass median. He fought to maintaincontrol but the ground was damp and soft, the motorcycle got side waysand went down and I watched it start to flip as I went by.

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I stopped as quickly as I could with out getting run over and made myway back to him. Two other riders had stopped to help and numerousothers followed as the vehicle that caused this continued on its way.By the time I reached him he was up and walking. After checking him wechecked the bike, which was sitting on the side of the road with thewheels straight up in the air. He told me to get my camera and takesome pictures as he said “ain’t no one going to believe this”referring to the way the motorcycle had landed.

The carelessness of the A-Hole towing the bike trailer and notsecuring the tire properly almost cost my friend his life. I feel thatBerry’s years of experience riding, which included some flat trackingand riding in the dirt helped him to make the right decisions in a badsituation. He was wearing full leathers and gloves all of which took aserious beating and did their job of protecting his skin. He survivedwith a injured wrist, some bruises and scratches.

The bike was totaled, we had to find a motel, get him a doctor, getthe bike back to Alabama and a host of other problems because ofanother motorcyclist’s carelessness. This was not the first thing weencountered when leaving Sturgis which included a young girl on a cellphone in the left lane doing 10 miles per hour under the limit, theusual truck tire casings, cooler lid tops and even two bags of trashthat we had to s turn to get past, vehicles towing trailers withmotorcycles on them cutting in front of motorcycles causing them tobrake sharply and on and on.

Some of these things we deal with on a daily basis But We Should NotHave To Deal With Other Motorcycle People Doing Them.

–ROGUE

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER

LONE STAR RALLY BIKE SHOW SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM–Hi Bandit, I thought if you had some space in the Thursday new you could give us a little press for the bike show.The Texas National Bike Show in Galveston ,Texas September 30th and Oct 1st at the Galveston Island Convention Center. At this time registration is going strong, we still have space available for vendors as well as show participants, on line registration is available at www.texasnationalbikeshow.com and there is a convenient pay pal option for easy payment. The show will have a variety of vendors including our feature builder Rick Fairless of Strokers Dallas, the host for the show is Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil fame , and our esteemed judges are Rick Fairless, Keith Ball and Joe T. Prime Media will award three of the winners a feature in one of the 3 magazines, Hot Bike, Street Chopper and Bike works.

We will have custom trophies for the winners sponsored by Hooters, and gift certificates from Custom Chrome, BDL and a host of other prizes and goodies. There is also a bikini model search sponsored FAME and you can get more details on how to register on the Texas National site as well. So come and check out the Texas National Bike Show during the Lone Star Rally in beautiful Galveston, Texas September 29th thru October 2nd.

BIKERNET REPORTER FROM THE FRONT– A Marine squad was marching north of Basra when they cameupon an insurgent soldier badly injured and unconscious.

Nearby, on the opposite side of the road, was an AmericanMarine in a similar but less serious state. The Marine was conscious and alert. As first aid was given toboth men, the Marine was asked what had happened.

The Marine reported, “I was heavily armed and moving northalong the highway and coming south was a heavily armed insurgent. Seeing eachother we both took cover.

I yelled to him that Saddam Hussein was amiserable low-life scumbag, and he yelled back that Teddy Kennedy is a rich, good-for-nothing fat drunk.

We were standing there shaking hands when a truck hit us…”

–from Bbblehead

lincoln front

THE BIKERNET VINTAGE CAR RACE EFFORT CONTINUES–’53 Lincoln Capri and Cosmopolitan.Lincoln seemed to go a different way in 1952. Introducing an entirely new body style, much more sporting, which would be copied by Pontiac in 1955. A new ball joint front suspension and a completely fresh engine design, done from a clean sheet of paper. It was a properly designed overhead valve V8 of 317ci. At 20 cubic inches less than the previous engine it put out 8 more horsepower, being rated at 160.

Only one wheelbase was offered and Lincoln split the difference between the two used from ’49-’51. Nineteen fifty-two’s would stretch to 123. Somewhat on the small side for the largest Lincoln offering, but this, combined with the ball joint suspension would make these excellent performers. Not exactly what a Lincoln had represented, they nonetheless were quite successful in racing. A club even exists today celebrating the cars, The Road Race Lincolns. Our car is registered with them.

lincoln rear

These great cars especially excelled in the Pan American Road races. A 4 speed “Hydramatic” transmission was made standard and it would not be until the 2000 Lincoln LS that a Lincoln would again be available with a manual transmission.

Two trim levels were available. The Cosmopolitan was now the less expensive and the Capri was the top of the line. Weight was about 4200 lbs and an average price was $3300.

“Hot Rod Lincoln”

Since Johnny Boyd first twanged it out in 1960, and Commander Cody passed it to a new generation some 15 years later, it has been applied to everything from a primered Model A to the forgotten LSC coupe of the Eighties. But the real, honest Hot Rod Lincoln was actually a series of remarkably stock Lincoln Capri hardtops that pulled Ford out of a self-imposed exile from racing that had lasted more than 15 years.

It was a glorious return for Ford, as a factory Lincoln-Mercury team eventually rose to dominance in the “La Carrera Panamericana”, the fabled Mexican Road Race, the very last of the great long-distance competitions to be contested on public highways in North America.

lincoln left

In 1952 and ’53, Lincolns finished first through fourth in the race’s stock car division. Chuck Stevenson won both times, with Smith as co-driver. The 1954 race was won by Ray Crawford in a privately entered Lincoln, prepared by Stroppe, with Walt Faulkner second in a factory car. The other team cars dropped out, either through accidents or mechanical problems.

Tech Info

The all-new Lincoln was launched in 1952 and was built through ’54, and it had the brand new engine to replace the dated Flathead V8. The new 317ci (5.2-litre) unit was extremely smooth, thanks to eight crankshaft counterbalances where most V8s had just six, plus it was easily tuned. The new car also had a very stiff chassis, with six crossmembers on the separate frame, making the car’s new MacPherson strut suspension work well and improving the model’s durability. In its inaugural year the Capri took the Carrera Panamericana in first, second, third and fourth places, then did the same the following year, but just first and second places in 1954. But the Capri boasted more than performance as it also has power-operated leather seats, power windows, power steering and brakes, and even a Hydramatic transmission. In 1956 the car was dramatically restyled; production fell by 50 percent.

lincoln right

This Capri, which won the event’s final running in 1954, was the race’s top-finishing stock car, albeit in the hands of an unheralded privateer who hung on after Lincoln’s factory juggernaut came to grief.Our car is a car that was manufactured in 1953 and consequently would have raced in ’54. It is painted in the same color scheme as the winning car.It participated successfully in the 2000 Panamericana and has been completely overhauled with a full roll cage, 5-point harnesses, Porsche seats. All mechanicals have been redone. The electrics are 12 volt and up to racing standards. All work was done to modern standards, yet kept according to the rules, so that the car still qualifies to run in the “Original Panam” class!! Very few cars qualify for this!

Ball and Christian Reichardt have been on the road for a number of trips, some of these lasting several weeks. Albeit mostly on Harleys, they are road-tested and have proven themselves to be a tough crew.We are currently looking for Sponsorship for this years event. Please see the website for www.LaCarreraPanamericana.com for info on this awesome road race. One of the last adventures in the motor world, the race lasts1 week and runs straight all the way through Mexico, from the bottom to the top on the same route it did in 1954.

The following sponsorship opportunities are available
Full Sponsor will receive placement on the car’s trunk and sidepanels: $10,000
Partial sponsor doors and hood: $5,000
Supporter: the rest $1000We are looking forward to have the artist put your company’s logo and artwork prominently onto this adventure!!

–Dr. Hamster

Continued On Page 3

Read More

August 18, 2005 Part 1

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – STEALTH REPORT, ROADMAX IN THE NEWS AND TMC NEW MODELS

primary

tank

1 circuit brkr bar in place

Hey,

The buzz this week is Sturgis. I’ve been called on to write several articles for a new dealer mag called American Big Twin Dealer. You’ll see it lying around in shops all across the country. They want Sturgis reports.

We’ll begin posting wild Sturgis reports as of tomorrow with Johnny Humble and myself. Reports are flowing in from Glenn (Australian reporter), Crazy Horse and Rogue. We’ll have all the action, the rides out, the breakdowns, the love lost, and the new girls.

My bike is doused with 1600 miles of rain and needs work, but I’m torn between cleaning it and going to work or shooting if for a mag feature while it still looks 50 years old and worn. Whatta ya tink?

So what’s ahead? Good question, the answer includes Las Vegas Bike Week, the Saxon Motorcycles 2006 model launch in Mexico, the Lone Star Rally in Texas and a vintage car race across Mexico. Seems I’ll be in the desert through out September. Oh and there’s a bike Show in Paso Robles.

Let’s hit the news and I’ll tell you about the party this weekend.

lucky devil blue chop

LUCKY DEVIL MOTOR CLOSE

THE DEVILS? BEEN BUSY–One of Kent?s latest project.


Click to see morefrom Lucky Devil

billrucker1

Metzeler Selects Rucker Performance for Collectors Poster–Fort Worth, Texas (August 5, 2005) – The 2005 Rucker Performance Assassin, a formidable American Muscle Bike, debuts as part of the 2005 Metzeler Collectors Poster series. Featured with high performance radial tires, the Assassin will be showcased and distributed on posters at Metzeler’s Sturgis V-Twin Bike Contest.”We are honored to be recognized by Metzeler and asked to participate in the Collectors Poster program,” said Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. “The Metzeler technology provides stability, maneuverability and reliability – all factors that are keys to the success of our motorcycles.”

In today’s custom V-Twin market form and function must work together to provide the customer the right look with comfort and safety. The ME 880 series tires do just that.

“In order for the super clean Assassin to have the right look the rear tire and fender need to be as close as possible,” said Chris Wall, Metzeler’s Marketing Manager. “Other tire manufacturers’ tires have a tendency to give in to centrifugal growth and actually rub on the fender and damage paint. Metzeler’s ME 880 tires grow only 2 mm at 160 mph in testing due to our patented zero degree steel belt technology.”

Buyers of Rucker Performance motorcycles can select from more than 16 Weld Racing wheels to fit with Metzeler rubber. The full selection of Weld wheels includes the new Master Builders series designed by five of the country’s top custom bike builders like Eddie Trotta of Thunder Cycle Designs, Kendall Johnson of Kendall Johnson Customs, Matt Hotch of HotMatch Custom Cycles, Kim Suter of K.C. Creations and Vince Doll of Redneck Engineering.

“NHRA World Champions John Force and Kenny Bernstein win on Weld Racing wheels,” said Bill Rucker. “Their manufacturing technology gives us a lighter wheel than other wheels in the marketplace. This provides us with reduced unsprung weight and better handling when utilizing the Metzeler rubber.”

ContactsFor dealership inquires, contact Bill Rucker at (817) 838-

TMCC BANNER

FIRST ANNUAL Thunder Mountain DEALER MEETING – RECAP 2005

Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles (TMCC) held its first annual dealer meeting Friday July 22nd which was a great success not only for our dealers but also for Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles. We would like to thank the 60 plus dealers that made the trip out to see us at our home base in Loveland, Colorado! We are proud to announce that our very own Blackhawk 240’s have launched TMCC into the top 5 custom bike builders in the world, which was done with no external marketing outside of our dealerships. TMCC now has a full time marketing director dedicated to launching a national marketing campaign over the next quarter that will bring custom bike enthusiasts into our dealer network to find their perfect custom.

2006 New Model Line Up

TMC BOBBER

Sterling: This back-to-the-basics bobber comes equipped with an H-D Twin Cam 88 motor and 40 spoke chrome wheels. Simple and smooth. The old-school model comes in either gloss black or matte black and soars on a 21″ front wheel and a 18″/180 mm rear wheel, made up of over 90% H-D components. Not available for sale in California.

Sterling RM: An upgraded version of the simply sleek Sterling, the Sterling RM includes six retro style custom paint options. Other options include a black or chrome springer front end, Carburated or H-D/Delphi EFI as well as your choice of black or chrome 60 spoke wheels. This retro model is shoehorned with a smooth and powerful H-D Screamin’ Eagle 103 B engine that will take you where no bobber has gone before.

TMC RED BIKE

Keystone: At 9’2″ long, the 300 mm rear tire custom is ready to hit the road. Using Jim’s right side drive and an H-D hydraulic clutch, this eye-catching TMC Cycle is all about balanced ride ability and ease.

TMC FRONTIER

Frontier: For miles of endless road, the only production 240 soft tail bagger includes the new 2006 H-D /Harmon Kardon factory stereo. The Frontier comes stock with over 90% H-D components including the Screamin’ Eagle 6-Speed Transmission, Twin Cam 103 B engine, and the H-D /Delphi EFI.

For immediate viewing of our newest line of customs, check out our website at http://www.TMCcycles.com.

TWO National Blackhawk 240 GiveawaysTMCC’s national marketing campaign is dedicated to increasing dealer market share as well as generating consumer excitement. TWO national giveaways have been put into place for TMCC’s network of dealers, the ‘TMC National Tour: Featuring the Blackhawk 240’ and the ‘Top Gun’ giveaway.

‘TMC National Tour: Featuring the Blackhawk 240’ is an enter-to-win Blackhawk 240 that will be kicked off September 1, 2005 for public entry. That giveaway bike will be traveling to TMCC dealerships across the country based on availability.

‘Top Gun’ is our second national bike giveaway! This Blackhawk 240 will be awarded to the number one salesperson of TMCC models at next year’s dealer meeting in San Diego, 2006. Sign up your salespeople and start selling!

YOUNG BANNER

HANK YOUNG RUNS ROADMAX–Young Choppers & Hot Rods, Inc. Builds With Roadmax TrannysHank Young, President of Young Choppers & Hot Rods, Inc. builds custom motorcycle projects in any stage, from ground up customizations to specialized adaptations and fitments. For his latest motorcycle project Young picked a Roadmax transmission to debut on his latest creation.

ROADMAX HANK YOUNG

“I’m using a Roadmax right side drive supplied by Bob Kay of Biker Pros for a project that Micheal Lichter is putting together at the Journey Museum, It will coincide with the 2005 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis,” said Young. “This motorcycle has a similar look to the Bonneville Salt Flats racers of yesterday.”

mike lichter

Micheal Lichter, a world renowned motorcycle photographer, is creating an exhibition that is called Speed Demon. Lichter has collected a group of race-inspired motorcycles for the showcase.

The Bonneville project features a 120CI Harmon Motor manufactured by John Harmon in the 1980’s.

This motor is a prototype based on a shovel-head design with dual carburetors.The style of the bike will be long and low with an aerodynamic design.

“We are excited to be a part of this project with Hank Young,” stated Bob Kay, President, Biker Pros. “Hank (Young) is so enthusiastic about the Roadmax products that he is building two other custom motorcycles with Roadmax transmissions concurrently with his Bonneville project.”

Stopping in at American Performance Cycle (APC) requires you to pass the gauntlet of businesses from the who’s who of American racing including:Mario AndrettiCarroll ShelbyFreddie SpencerDerek DailyKing Richard Petty–You see Mike Sample, President of American Performance Cycle, and his crew at APC office at the performance warehouses next to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On any given day you can smell race-fuel and hear the high-performance engines screaming around the track.

Given their location, it’s not a coincidence that APC builds high-performance choppers and cruisers. Mike Sample makes sure that he builds a quality product.

“We use quality products where fit, finish and performance are important,” said Sample. “At APC we use Roadmax transmissions because it is a good product that shifts nice and works well. We use the 6-speed Roadmax in all of our high-performance right-side drive models.”

Seven Models APC offers seven models including High Roller S, 240, 280, Wild Card 240, 280, Hustler 240 and the Spirit S. APC offers softail-style suspension on there chopper and cruiser lines. Since fabrication and painting is handled in-house, customers can order custom one-of-a-kind paint schemes, stretch, rake, accessories, wheels and controls.

highroller

hustler

Running Roadmax “We are excited to have American Performance Cycles as part of the Roadmax family,” explained Bob Kay, President of Biker Pros. “Mike Sample is building outstanding bikes as well as a company that has staying power.”

Business is heating up at APC since the beginning of the year. Since January dealership outlets have grown from 42 to 52. APC has also brought in General Electric to handle flooring for dealers. Later this year APC will clear CARB emissions with bikes being available in California.

High Performance “My background is equal parts businessman and motorhead,” explains Sample. “I’ve raced and wrenched off-shore boats and before APC I was the second top producing stockbroker in the firm. This provides me with the experience to build a firm that will be here tomorrow with a product that is outstanding in design and just about bulletproof in durability.”

Currently APC’s facility includes a “cell” production facility for the custom high-end manufacturing and an assembly line operation for its new entry-level motorcycle the “Spirit S”. In addition, this expanded facility includes a state of the art “Machine Shop” with CNC capabilities thus allowing APC to build many more of the parts it requires, while lowering cost.

guy on full dresser

AS A LONG TIME MEMBER OF BANDIT’S CANTINA– and a big chunk of my life a KR Ball fan, Thought I would drop you a line and let all of you there at Bikernet that I have decided to leave my home of 50 years and move to Arkansas. Selling my little house in Whittier ( that I couldn’t afford to buy) and building a big house on my 5 acres in Montgomery county .

I have listed one of my toys on your site ( 03 ultra classic gun metal blue with an inline trailer ) If you know of anyone looking for one please send them my way. I hope before I leave I can get over to Wilmington and check out the Cantina ( If I can find it ). The good thing in all of this is I will be able to ride my Softtail a lot more and go to more happenings and Abate rallies. Hope someday to meet you in person.

John (corky) Boaz
Used to stand em up and knock em pretty good when I was younger.
( I think! can’t remember )

STEALTH BIKEWORKS BANNER

STEALTH BIKE WORKS WEEKLY REPORT–There has not been a lot to talk about lately. Here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS, we now have a website, http://www.stealthbikeworks.com.! Check it out, it is still in the early stages but it is coming along.

stealth front tank

stealth rear tank

We sold our first in-house hand made part this week. A diamond gas tank by Chopper John. We are working on another tank and it should be ready soon. If any of you out there need a tank or any metal work done give us a call at 704-882-0889. Chopper John also has an oil tank in the works.

You know owning your own shop opens your eyes to a lot of things you never saw before. People come in and want you to compete with e-bay prices and you cannot. Something to think about, when you buy a part on e-bay, do you get a warranty with the part? I don’t think so. I get to talk to a lot of shop owners in the area and it seems we all have the same problems. One of those problems is customers bringing in their own parts off e-bay and having us install them. Let me ask you a question. Would you go to your local grocery store and buy hamburger and then take it to Burger King and ask them to prepare it? I don’t think so! The point here is that your local shop is there foryou when you have a question concerning your bike or parts. The people on e-bay are not.

When you ask your local shop questions consider this, How long did it take those guys to gain the experience needed to answer the questions? Your local shop doesn’t charge you a dime to share their knowledge. Consider also the little things that shop does for you after the store closes. A lot of us have our cell numbers listed on their business cards in case of an emergency or breakdown, again they don’t charge you for this service. My point to all of this is Support Your Local Aftermarket Shop! Stop for a minute and think what it would be like without these shops. Yeah it would not be much fun , would it? The only place you would have to go is you local dealer and we all know they are looking out for you. Right! Or there will always be e-bay, except they don’t service bikes, they don’t customize bikes and they don’t chop bikes.

So the next time you need something for your bike, take a minute and think about your local aftermarket shop. The guy running that shop is just like you, trying to make a living and trying to do what he loves. Contrary to popular belief we are not all rich because we own our shops. Just a little something to think about.

With that being said, go out and ride to your local shop, they will be glad to see you and you will be glad you did!

Until next time, RIDE!
STEALTHMAN

Continued On Page 2

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July 28, 2005 Part 5

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – BEE ATTACK, BIKERNET PHOTOGRAPHER EMBEDDED IN THE FRONT

Continued From Page 4

1 bees landing

It started out as a swarm. We watched them come from our second story.

2 growing

More and more bees came and landed on the umbrella.

3 growing more

More.

4 migrating down

After about forty-five minutes, they all had landed and were migrating to the bottom of the umbrella.

5 settling under umbrella

All settled, until Kyle came along with a basketball.

6 knocked down scatterd for shade
Kyle threw the basketball upwards on the opposite side of the bees and they dropped like a rock, shattering when they hit the ground. Immediately, then headed towards the leg and shade.

7 shade spots

Finding shade.

1 final resting spot

For the next couple of days, this is where they began to make a honeycomb. I decided it was time to call in an expert, since they usually take off within 24-hours if they don?t like the location. 2 ? days later, I think they found a home.

2 scraped in to box

Alex, from Golden Queen Honey & Bee came to relocate them. I didn?t want them to die.

3 waiting to find queen

After scraping the comb and bulk of the bees in to the box, he sat and waited for the others to fly in the box or land back on the table. He was very patient and did this a couple of times.

4 taped box shut - done

That?s it. Most of the bees loaded and the rest get sprayed. He had to kill the scent so scouts don?t lead any back.

Sorry, I had to run this. I thought it was so fascinating and since I took all these photos. As it turns out, they were common Honey Bees. Yes, I was the brave photographer.

Layla

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July 28, 2005 Part 4

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH -JOHN REED SHUTTLE LAUNCH, BANDIT VENTS AND KILLER BEES ATTACH BIKERNET

Continued From Page 3

john on missle

BIKERNET UNDERCOVER INTERVIEW ON JOHN REEDS LATEST CUSTOM CHROME PROJECT BIKE–I reassessed the projects I put on hold when I had myaccident.

1. I have stopped working on my missile luge .I have a potential problem with the brakes. I was going to stop it by dragging my feet on the ground like they do on a street luge, but if it takes off a bit I might not be able to reach the ground because I only got short legs.

john reed on luge

I mocked up a 110 cu inch Rev tech engine luge, I was working on and that one seems pretty safe, but I have learned my lesson doing stupid things without talking to the experts, so I contact the therapist who is working on my bad hand and ask him if he could advise me on the riding position, So I can have it more rider friendly with the best ergonomic position for good long term posture etc..

If you can let me know if you see anything I might not thought about it would be appreciated. I hope all is OK with you,

–john reed.

PS.I have almost finished the bike I did for Genny, based on the V-Kit bike but I used an 88cu inch Revtech instead of the 110, and narrow Ceriani forks instead of the Paoli. It’s a bit lower and lighter, It has a single headlight, and looks a bit flat track,super moto. It rides really good, I am really happy with it.

Custom Chrome Banner

IT’S A WRAP–Now it?s down to the fastener house for some special washers. I want to thank Kent Weeks, the Devil, from Lucky Devil Metal Works, for his constant support throughout this project. I was sliding off the seat he had made and hand tooled in Texas. I switched seats but he was bummed and came up with a solution. My seat springs were too short for my fat ass. I went with 5-inch seat springs and I hold fast. He’s sharp and always has a solution.

kent paint booth

The Devil and his new paint booth.

Roger and Nui from Hawaii assisted tremendously prior to the LA Calendar Show. They fixed my leaky intake manifold and we changed the Mikuni pilot jet to a larger unit. That made her run .

hawaiian at hq

Bandit lying down, Roger on sofa, Nui at table and Keith in the back chair. Working real hard guys?

Then two days ago we were attacked by African killer bees. Check this shit out. They swarmed our concrete patio and moved into a patio umbrella. We attacked and they retreated underneath a wooden patio table, but didn’t leave. Layla researched Bee migration and they scout several places then move on, usually in 24 hours, before finding an appropriate home. Unfortunately it’s been 48 hours and they’re not packing their shit. We called a professional hit man.

It’s never a dull moment around the headquarters.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

Go on to next page to see the bees!!!

Continued On Page 5

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July 28, 2005 Part 3

BIKERNET NEWS SPECIAL REPORT – GUN NUT SEARCH, ARENACROSS COMES TO EVENTS, BILLY LANE IN STURGIS UPDATE, PATRIOT ACT, BOSS BIKES AND BIKER RUN FOR DAGO MAYOR

Continued From Page 2

shuttle launch

Shuttle launch photo from Rogue.

WHERE’S THE GUN NUT REPORT?–I thought Bandit wrote it. It was a regular in ER back when I subscribed in the 70’s. A “Gun Nut Report” , or guns of interest to bikers, etc, would be fun to read in bikernet.com.

— “Stan Jones”

05-HB-BTW-Banner

ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES LAUNCHES OFFICIAL RACE WEBSITE–AX Racers, Sponsors and Fans Find a New Home at www.racearenacross.com.

FORT WORTH, TX – July 27, 2005 – Advanstar Communications – a leading provider of print, event, and online media for the powersports, off-road, and automotive aftermarket industries – today announced the launch of its website for the Arenacross Championship Series.

The site houses the most up-to-date information on the 12-event race series, including a national professional and amateur schedule, travel information, rider registration, track diagrams, purse and point funds, race results, and the latest merchandise for sale.

“Racearenacross.com will provide a home for our racers, sponsors, the media, and fans and allow them to be a part of the racing action well before our kickoff in Fort Worth this November,” said Mike Kidd, Arenacross Race Director for Advanstar Communications. “We’re building a community in all senses of the word, and we won’t stop until we succeed in our mission: to revitalize the hearts, minds, and souls of America’s extreme sports lovers across the country, and bring a renewed sense of energy and spirit to the AX nation.”

The Advanstar Arenacross Championship Series website is located at www.racearenacross.com. Log on for more details and to find a race near you.

billy w torch

BLOOD SWEAT AND GEARS IN STURGIS– Please join us for Billy Lanes Blood Sweat & Gears Sturgis Grand Finale sponsored by Bikernet.com, Thursday night from 6-8:30 at the Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle St. Press members will receive press access at stage for photography throughout the show.

While at the show please see me for a newly updated Billy Lane Media Kit featuring new bike and parts shots. PLUS, fresh off the press, just in time for Sturgis, the first Chopper’s Inc catalog in over 3 years! The first few hundred are individually numbered collector’s issues and can be signed. Again, stop by and see me to get your copy.

Blood Sweat & Gears Tour Show Times and Scheduled BuildersShow Schedule
Saturday 8/6 3-6PM
Sunday 8/7 3-6PM
Tuesday 8/9 3-6PM
Thursday 8/11 6-8:30 (Finale Show)

billy crowd

Builder’s
Billy Lane, Chopper’s Inc
Kendall Johnson, Kendall Johnson Customs
Paul Cox, Paul Cox Leather/Indian Larry Legacy
Aaron Greene, Paramount Custom Cycles
Jerry Covington, Covington Custom Cycles
Mondo, Denver’s Chopper’s

See you in Sturgis. As always some lucky person from the military will receive the bike that is built during the rally. It’s the builders’ way of saying thank you for what they do to protect our freedom. The final Tour stop for 2005 will take place in Daytona during Biketoberfest at Destination Daytona!

SOUTH DAKOTA: Work at Exit 32 Ready for 2005 Rally–STURGIS, SD – Work on Interstate 90 Exit 32 has wrapped up in time for the 2005 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has restored all lanes on I-90. Access in and out of Sturgis at Exit 32 will be maintained throughout the 2005 Rally and winter season.

All ramps are currently open to traffic however, the eastbound on-ramp is currently accessed by using Dickson Road. This is the same setup SDDOT has used throughout the 2005 construction season. It will continue through the 2005 Rally and winter season.

The SDDOT is building a new diamond interchange at Exit 32 in Sturgis which will replace the existing interchange and four bridges. The new interchange will link Junction Avenue and Vanocker Canyon Road. Plans call for reconstructing the eastbound lanes in 2006 prior to next year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The overall completion for this project is scheduled for September 15, 2006.

–from Rogue

blue final 1

HOT NEW TIE-DOWNS FROM POWERTYE– Anaheim, CA- Powertye Manufacturing, a market leading premium motorcycle tie down manufacturer, has introduced a new 2 inch Big Daddy Ratchet Tie-Down with built-in soft-tye and a 9 inch long genuine sheepskin sleeve. The sheepskin will protect a bike’s finish while holding a Harley or a custom bike in place. Powertye claims that these are the “Strongest Motorcycle Tie-Downs in the world!” Powertye incorporated safety hooks so that they will never come unhooked when trailering a bike over rough roads. Other features include: 2″ wide chromacoat ratchet, 7,400 lb. test nylon webbing, 2,600 lb. rated assembly, vinyl coated Snap-Hook Secure ends, 6 1/2 ft. length, plus 18″ soft-tye, double security stitching and are available in red, black and blue with black soft-tye sewn-in. The main part of the strap is in the color of your choice and the soft-tye part that wraps around the handlebars is only available in black.

Powertye is currently developing a line of “specially branded” 2 inch Big Daddy tie downs designed specifically for the world’s top custom bike builders. The tie down straps will have the name and logo of each top custom bike builder specially fusion printed on them. Currently, Powertye is making these tie downs for Orange County Choppers, Big Dog Motorcycles, and Grandeur with many others soon to follow.

Powertye Manufacturing produces a wide variety of tie downs, not just for the Harley market, but also for every type of motorcycle and ATV manufactured. For more information on Powertye tie downs and other Powertye products, please call 714-993-7400 or email them at info@powertye.com. Check out their website at http://www.powertye.com for the latest news from Powertye Manufacturing..

Avon Banner

CRAZYHORSE UPDATE–Out of the blue Sukoshi of Avon Tyres has been so generous as to volunteer to give us a certificate for a set of AVON Tyres for the raffle and charity…She is sending me a certificate via email. I have asked if we might be able to get a “prop” tire for display since it will not be on any of the signage. I have their banners and display materials that we can use though.

Charlie can you get a couple of small signs stating that Avon Tyres has done this that we can hang or display…BR will get the word out via the PA system at the Full Throttle throughout the week, and you need to add it to your script for your PA work as well.

Great to have support from all these people…

–Bob

dog joke

BIKERNET FRIENDSHIP CODE STUDY– Friendship among women: A woman doesn’t come home one night. The next day she tells her husband she slept over at a friend’s house. The man calls his wife’s 10 best friends. None of them know about it.

Friendship among men: A man doesn’t come home one night. The next day he tells his wife he slept over at a friend’s house. The woman calls her husband’s 10 best friends. Eight of them say he did sleep over and two claim he’s still there.

–from Joe L.

BIKERS PARADISE IN CARLISLE–35,465 visit Carlisle Summer Bike Fest July 22-24. CARLISLE, Pa. – Thunder roared into Carlisle as the fourth annual Carlisle Summer Bike Fest brought 35,465 visitors to the Carlisle (Pa.) Fairgrounds on July 22-24. One-of-a-kind sport bikes, custom bikes, classics, choppers, touring bikes and more could be seen on a show field overflowing with thousands of motorcycles. More than 600 vendors sold all the parts, accessories and apparel motorcyclists could need. Also, four local Harley-Davidson dealers set up a 19,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson dealer mall.

Brad Whitford, guitarist in the band Aerosmith, visited the show with the Aerosmith-themed bike, built by master customizer Dave Perewitz. The Custom Builder Roundtable featured a panel of the motorcycle industry’s best-known and most talented professionals, including Perewitz, Donnie Smith, Ron Simms, Roger Bourget, Eddie Trotta and photojournalist Michael Lichter. Michele Smith, star of Speed TV’s “American Thunder,” hosted the roundtable with Brad Whitford.

Jason Sheets of Black Canyon Cycle, Hagerstown, Md., won the Mid-Atlantic Custom Builder Challenge with his modified retro 1981 Shovelhead on a Panhead straight-leg rigid frame to receive a cash prize and a feature article in V-Twin magazine, the sponsor of the contest. The 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 owned by Jerry McCoy of McCoy Motorsports, Pikeville, Ky., won the 2Wheel Tuner Custom Sport Bike competition, earning the prize and an a feature in 2Wheel Tuner magazine.

On Saturday evening, Leo Beers of Marysville won the 2005 Ninja ZX-6R provided by Koup’s Cycle Shop and Cumberland Kawasaki in partnership with Carlisle Events. He attended with the Christian Motorcycle Association of Harrisburg, and he plans to sell the bike and give the proceeds to the association.

Don Bick of Finleyville won the 2005 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail Standard on Sunday. He came to the show with TNT & Infamous Cycles. Carlisle Events teamed with Appalachian Harley-Davidson, Laugerman’s Harley-Davidson, Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell and White’s Harley-Davidson/Buell to provide this giveaway.

The Carlisle Thunder Motorcycle Auction saw 138 bikes cross the block. “I thought the auction went really well,” said Scott Adcock, co-owner of Carlisle Thunder. “We really had a good group of bikes, as good a caliber of bike as I think you’ll find anywhere at any event across the country.” Carlisle Thunder plans to return next year, “bigger than ever,” Adcock said. See www.carlisle-thunder.com for more information.

The Art of Horsepower roundtable featured respected motorcycle professionals Jeff Clark of The Cycle Exchange (TCX), Joe Chowansky of TP Engineering, Dorian Swanner of Carolina Custom Products, Scott Hodgson of Progressive Suspensions, John Gabriel of Edelbrock, Mark Thompson of HHI and Danny Fitzmaurice of Zipper’s Performance.

Many other special guests and exciting activities highlight the weekend. Chef Biker Billy entertained audiences and burned taste buds as he cooked with fire. The StarBoyz street bike stunt team performed to wild crowds all weekend doing no-handed wheelies, stoppies, burnouts and other crazy tricks.

Numerous competitions were held over the weekend, with many prizes awarded. Mauro Kisak of Monroeville won Best of Show in the Bike & Rider Judged Show with his 2003 Springer Softail built by Dave Wagner/G-Spot Engineering. Adrienne Boger won the burnout contest, sponsored by Koup’s Cycle Shop. Heather Borkaski of Lavale, Md., most impressed the judges and won the title of Ms. Carlisle Summer Bike Fest 2005 in the beauty contest sponsored by Easy Life Hot Tubs.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Carlisle Summer Bike Fest, July 21-23, 2006. Also, don’t miss the York Open House motorcycle event Sept. 22-24 at the York (Pa.) Fairgrounds & Expo Center.

Visit http://www.bikesatcarlisle.com or call (717) 243-7855 for more information. Call 1(877) 727-8573 for hotel information. Carlisle Events welcomes PPG Refinish Inc., an official sponsor of Carlisle Summer Bike Fest; Advance Auto Parts, official auto parts store of Carlisle Events; and Meguiar’s, sponsor of all Carlisle events.

TURBO YOUR HARLEY BANNER

SOMETHING NEW FOR RACE FANS– Something new this year is a daily update on the net for our competitors to be able to register and view the standings of the competition. Click on the banner above.

Got Sponsors is going to add the sponsors of the event to the registration and results pages.

Thank You,
Charlie

blondes confused

THE POLICE STATE ACT–Congress passed legislation last week that reauthorizes the Patriot Act for another 10 years, although the bill faced far more opposition than the original Act four years ago. I’m heartened that more members of Congress are listening to their constituents, who remain deeply skeptical about the Patriot Act and expansions of federal police power in general. They rightfully wonder why Congress is so focused on American citizens, while bin Laden and other terrorist leaders still have not been captured.

The tired arguments we’re hearing today are that same ones we heard in 2001 when the Patriot Act was passed in the emotional aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. If the Patriot Act is constitutional and badly needed, as its proponents swear, why were sunset provisions included at all? If it’s unconstitutional and pernicious, why not abolish it immediately? All of this nonsense about sunsets and reauthorizations merely distracts us from the real issue, which is personal liberty. America was not founded on a promise of security; it was founded on a promise of personal liberty to pursue happiness.

One prominent Democratic opined on national television that “most of the 170-page Patriot Act is fine,” but that it needs some fine-tuning. He then stated that he opposed the ten-year reauthorization bill on the grounds that Americans should not have their constitutional rights put on hold for a decade. His party’s proposal, however, was to reauthorize the Patriot Act for only four years, as though a shorter moratorium on constitutional rights would be acceptable! So much for the opposition party and its claim to stand for civil liberties.

Unfortunately, some of my congressional colleagues referenced the recent London bombings during the debate, insinuating that opponents of the Patriot Act somehow would be responsible for a similar act here at home. I won’t even dignify that slur with the response it deserves. Let’s remember that London is the most heavily monitored city in the world, with surveillance cameras recording virtually all public activity in the city center. British police officials are not hampered by our 4th amendment nor our numerous due process requirements. In other words, they can act without any constitutional restrictions, just as supporters of the Patriot Act want our own police to act. Despite this they were not able to prevent the bombings, proving that even a wholesale surveillance society cannot be made completely safe against determined terrorists. Congress misses the irony entirely. The London bombings don’t prove the need for the Patriot Act, they prove the folly of it.

The Patriot Act, like every political issue, boils down to a simple choice: Should we expand government power, or reduce it? This is the fundamental political question of our day, but it’s quickly forgotten by politicians who once promised to stand for smaller government. Most governments, including our own, tend to do what they can get away with rather than what the law allows them to do. All governments seek to increase their power over the people they govern, whether we want to recognize it or not. The Patriot Act is a vivid example of this. Constitutions and laws don’t keep government power in check; only a vigilant populace can do that.

by Rep. Ron Paul, MD

–from Rogue

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER

LONE STAR RALLY NEWS-Find it all at the banner above.

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW BANNER

BOSS NEWS RELEASE– All are invited to the B.O.S.S. Bikers Offroad Shooting Sport, Inc. will be kicked off at 2005 Sturgus Buffalo Chip Rally will run every evening at 7:00 PM.

BOSS is a riding and shooting sport which the rider will shoot only BOSS approved blanks, at balloons, (WITH ONLY BOSS REVOLVERS FOR THE STURGIS EVENT , DO NOT BRING ANY GUNS TO THE EVENT OR LIVE AMMO, if any live ammo or revolvers are on any person they will not be allowed to make a run) The contestant will ride through shooting at 5 balloons, turn around and come back through and shoot at the final 5 balloons. BOSS has 10 riding categories, however “FULL THROTTLE OUTLAWS” will be the ONLY category for this event.TV STATIONS WILL BE FILMING THIS EXCITING NEW SPORT EVENT.

Many celebrities have already entered with ride off challenges like Barry Wardlaw challenging Billy Lane! BOSS is now taking contestant applications. Challenge your Buddy, another business, or just ride through for fun!<

gun
P>Contact Sheila @ 1-660-731-5124/ OR 660-731-5441 lscrow@greenhills.net to join BOSS or start a club in your area. MEMBERSHIPS will be taken at the Competitive Edge Gunworks booth at the Buffalo Chip

While you are there come by and say hello to Larry and Sheila Crow, owners of Competitive Edge Gunworks are well known in the shooting Industry. Larry is known for his custom single action revolvers and his big bore revolvers are in high demand worldwide. Competitive Edge builds guns for many of the World-class competition shooters. Larry is also known for his Long range rifles, semi auto’s, custom AR15, and conceal carry pistols.

Larry recently built a revolver appropriately named the Outlaw 120, to go with the theme of Accurate Engineering’s Outlaw 120 engine, which has the Outlaw 120 engine engraved on the gun and offered to all of Barry Wardlaw’s customers. Larry has produced a library of gun videos that are available on his web site. He is now seen on The Outdoor Channel on “Shooting Gallery”, and “Cowboys”. Larry and Sheila are both Champion shooters, Larry is a Missouri State Champion, and Sheila a Missouri and Iowa Ladies Modern Champion.

–from Rogue

stealth bikes

STEALTH CUSTOM CYCLES NEWS FROM NC–This past Sunday we held the 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” The weather was hot and so were the bikes in the bike show!

All week we took care of final details for the RFB. We still had awards coming in as late as Saturday and speaking of awards, guys you did an outstanding job making the awards, they get better every year. The awards table is like a bike show in itself with people passing by to take them in.

Art Woodward won the Best of Show Award this year. Art’s bike was entered in the radical class. It is a beautiful bike.! Great job Art! We had 58 bikes in the show and they were all killer bikes! Thanks to all of you who signed up for the show.

We had around 300 bikes on the poker run. A little off on the numbers but it was a hot day but the again I thought you were supposed to ride when the weather is hot?

The best part of the day for me was when 3 of Justin’s closest friends showed up. I say it was the best part for me but it was also the hardest part. A lot of memories and emotion came to the surface. Guys, it was great to see you all again and good to know you all are doing fine.

My brother Gary and my longtime friend Milo and his wife Pam rode in from Virginia and my buddy Fritz and his wife Brenda rode in from Indiana. Guys it was great having you all here!

I would like to thank all the sponsors for the RFB including Bikernet.com. Without your support there would be no RFB. Thanks to all the RFB volunteers. I could not do it without your help. Thanks to all the guys who stepped up and made the RFB awards. You all did a great job. Thanks to my wife Sandy, you know I appreciate all you do. Thanks to my good friend Mr.Bandit and all the staff at Bikernet .com for all your support. It means a lot. Last but not least thanks to all of you who participated in the 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin,” you guys have made the RFB grow to what it has become.

We raised over $8000 dollars and we still have donations coming in that puts our total raised all years combined to around $60,000! The kids and Camp Air Care really appreciate it!and thank you!

So as we close the book on The 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin,” I would like to leave you with one thought, “One of the best things in life is doing what you love with the people you love!”

Until next week, RIDE!

–STEALTHMAN

STEALTH BIKEWORKS BANNER

CALIFORNIA: NEW YORK MYKE RUNS FOR SAN DIEGO MAYOR– This just in…. I personally have met NY Mike at many national biker’srights conventions and know he is a strong supporter of all the issues thatconfront us.–Cindy

The league of women voters in CA profiles themayoral race that NY Myke is running in. The special election is being heldJuly 26th to replace Dick Murphy who resigned last week in the midst of acontroversy about the city’s deficit riddled pension fund.

Then, MichaelZucchet, who became interim mayor over the weekend, was found guilty ofconspiracy, extortion and fraud on his first business day in office. He wasimmediately suspended from the position. A federal jury convicted the newacting mayor and a city councilman of taking payoffs from a strip club ownerto help repeal a “no-touching” law at nude clubs, the latest blow to acity awash in scandal.

The race is now taking on national coverage because of the controversy. Ifyou know anyone who can help this biker candidate, please pass this on.

Jeff Hennie
Vice President of Government Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
P: 202-546-0983

–from Rogue

BIKERNET PHILOSOPHY“A skittish motorbike with a touch of blood in itis better than all the riding animals on earth,because of its logical extension of our faculties,and the hint, the provocation, to excess,conferred by its honeyed, untired smoothness.”Lawrence of Arabia

–from Almorz

Continued On Page 4

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July 28, 2005 Part 2

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT – AGENT ZEBRA MEETS THUNDER MOUNTAIN, RFB REPORT, TOOLED LEATHER, WILD CONDER PAINT, EPA REGS AND HOW TO FIGURE TRAIL AND FORK LENGTH

Continued From Page 1

TMCC BANNER

AGENT ZEBRA REPORTS ON THUNDER MOUNTAIN CYCLES–Thunder Mountain flew me up to Loveland Friday-Saturday, limo from the airport, the works. They presented the new ’06 TMCC models to the H-D dealers (who were really impressed). They want me to cover that, talk about the new bikes, general press release stuff.

AGENT ZEBRA LOGO

Their new custom dresser-chopper is killer and they think it’s a cover bike. Think we could do a cover on their new bike? It looks fantastic and the H-D dealers flipped when they saw it. Mitch told me they ordered something like 40 of them on the spot (he was thrilled). Also, we should run a piece on Bikernet.

Giving you the scoop every time will show folks how versatile the web is, as opposed to the slowpoke magazines

I’m going to make Bikernet their staple locale for ’06, with American Iron and Easyriders their print backup. I might also talk to The Horse, since they’re out here.

I told Mitch you wanted to meet with him and have a sit-down up north. He’s enthusiastic about it and wants to tell you all about their new product. They’re out there the latter half of the rally. I can try to arrange that meeting for you if you want.

FTW

–Z

7TH ANNUAL RUN FOR BREATH BUILD-OFF–The 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of justin Pullin’ featured Charlotte’s first ever Bike Build-Off.The build off featured Jeff Clark and his crew from The Cycle Xchange and Russell Smith and his crew from Down South Customs. Both are Charlotte based shops. TCX”s bike featured a replica panhead engine “old school style bobber” bike. The bike had some nice touches such as powder coated wheels, open belt drive and a killer fork brace. Down South’s bike featured a “BIG INCH” Evo styled engine. Their bike featured a lot of nice machine work and some killer front-end work. Both of the paint jobs were real nice. The people who attended the RFB voted for the winner. At the end of the day Russell and his crew from Down South Customs edged out TCX to take home the trophy. Nice job guys! Pictures will follow.

leather

HAND-TOOLED LEATHER CONNECTION–I’ve been Hand-tooling and carving custom leather as a hobby for about 12 years now, and being sick of working my ass off only to get screwed out of jobs working for other people, I am now in business for myself- creating custom leather items. I can make pretty much what ever you want, from custom cases for just about anything, to briefcases and day-planners, to motorcycle seats & accessories. Please send email to inquire. I just finished this order from New York for a wallet…more stuff on my website.

Jwalker@JwalkerLeather.com

TIM OSTER BIKE

TIM’S PROJECT REPORT–The project is getting close now. I finally got a fucking job and can pay some bills. I still need a couple things, but the rear axle is in and the bike rolls nice 🙂

Now that I have a job I’ll get the fucker on the road in the next month or so. I only need to buy a better set of pipes and a Speedo to finish it off. There are a couple minor things like blinkers and fork stops, but those are minor. I’ll send you the next section as soon as I cut the axle nut to size and take a picture.

I’m including a project update photo, but the fender is still the flat top Atlas one (not really mounted). I have a Diablo coming from WCC. I just have to wait for them to catch up with all the orders from their sale. Wish I had a contact there to speed things up.

Sorry it’s been taking so long, but when the job went so did my ability to move quickly. That’s changed.

–Tim

BIKERNET DISCOVERS NEW VIRUS-SPECIAL REPORT– There is a new virus circulating. It is called “WORK.” If you receive WORK from your colleagues, your boss, or from anyone else, do not touch it under any circumstances. This virus wipes out your private life completely.

If you should happen to come in contact with this virus, take two friends and go straight to the nearest bar. Order drinks immediately and after three rounds, you will find that WORK has been completely deleted from your brain.

If you don’t drink, check out the Dairy Queen Hot Fudge Brownie Supreme! Chocolate is a good substitute!

Forward this virus warning immediately to at least five friends.

Should you realize you do not have five friends, this means you are already infected by this virus and WORK already controls your life. If this is the case, go to the nearest bar and stay until you make at least five friends.

I think I have five friends, but I am not entirely positive, so I’m headed for the bar anyway…it never hurts to be safe

–from Bikerredneck

conder paint

conder paint

THE CONDEROSA REPORT–Just finished these for Lucky’s out of Seattle. The first one they wanted done was an old style race bike paint job from the 40’s. The other one they turned me loose on. I did my tribute to Von Dutch, using the #11 X-acto blade style I’ve been developing. I call it “Von Rip Off”. There is NO pinstriping or airbrushing on this bike. It has roughly 35 coats of ‘flake, candy and clear on top of the finest hand formed sheetmetal I’ve ever painted on. Thanks to Lucky’s Choppers for the work. I hope this finds you all doin’ great! Peace outtie, war innie.

– Tim

CONDER TANK

CONDER TANK TOP

The Conderosa
http://www.armageddontopfuel.com

conder banner

WYOMING: Coroner plans inquest in biker’s death–CHEYENNE — An investigation into the death of Cheyenne man Dwayne Sells,entering its fourth month, will probably go to a coroner’s inquest inAugust, officials said this week.

Sells, 35, died a few days after being knocked unconscious in the earlymorning hours of April 23 while being escorted out of the Outlaw Saloonafter a physical altercation.

Investigators have received varying accounts of the events of that day, withdifferent people’s versions of the story seemingly related to “who you’refriendly with in the bar,” according to Laramie County District Attorney JonForwood.

Sells was a prominent biker in the community, serving as president of the100-plus-member American Bikers Acting Toward Education of Cheyenne. Thegroup works for bikers’ rights and also does charity work, according togroup Treasurer Kerri Pestana.

By BILL LUCKETT
Star-Tribune capital bureau

–Rogue

BIKERS SUMMER PICNIC–Once-notorious outlaw-biker rivals, the Pagans and Warlocks are workingtogether to throw a fund-raiser, fresh from helping to repeal laws regardingmotorcycle helmets and high handlebars, known as ape-hangers.

What’s more, these outlaw clubs have joined with nonoutlaw bikers, whom theyused to rough up, to fight alleged discrimination and police harassment in apolitical and legal forum.

To give you an idea of how far these tattooed tough guys have come, they’rethrowing their first annual Summer Sizzler, a biker family picnic, from noonto 6 p.m. on Aug. 21, at the Nevlin Grist Mill Park, in Glen Mills, DelawareCounty.

The poster for the event says: No Pets! Drugs! Alcohol! Weapons! Attitudes!

Tickets cost $20 person, or $30 a couple, in advance, with children under 12admitted free. Tickets at the gate cost $25 per person.

A Warlock and a Pagan who asked that their names not be published areorganizing the event, with members from 23 biker clubs serving oncommittees, to ensure there’s enough food, coffee, soda, beer kegs, livemusic, portable toilets, vendors, bike games, trash bags and X-rated fun -away from the kids.

This is the first major fund-raiser for the Confederation of Clubs ofEastern Pennsylvania, founded in April 1999. The confederation representsmore than 1,000 members, with an average age of 42, from 23 clubs.

Nearly any “patch holder,” or motorcycle-club member, can join except thosecooperating with or connected with law enforcement.

By KITTY CAPARELLA

–from Rogue

Bros Club

BROS CLUB HELPING OUT–Here are 10 simple steps that can help you reduce the risk of your information being stolen and misused.SAFEGUARD YOURSELF AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

Order your credit report. Get credit reports every year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. We recommend you space the reports out over the year. (See the listings at end of this article). A convenient resource is http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com, which was created by the three agencies as a centralized source of credit information. You can request free reports from each agency through this single website. Check each report for accuracy and for indications of fraud.

Guard your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card with you; store it in a secure place. Release your number only when necessary, such as on tax forms, or employment records. When a business wants your Social Security number, ask to use another number. Don’t have your Social Security number printed on checks and don’t supply it to merchants who want to write it on your checks. Review your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement each year to ensure no one is using your number for employment.

Protect your mail from theft. Mail outgoing bills from post office collection boxes rather than in an unsecured mail box. Don’t leave outgoing mail for your postal carrier to pick up. Pay attention to billing cycles and keep track of incoming mail, particularly tax forms, pay stubs, credit card bills and bank statements. If statements are late, call to find out when the statements were mailed. Pick up new checks at the bank. Consider a locked mailbox and have the post office hold mail when you are away.

Destroy documents before disposal. Tear, or better yet, shred your charge and ATM receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements. Also, destroy expired credits cards and convenience checks or credit offers you get in the mail. If you do not want mailed credit offers, contact AnnualCreditReport.com to have your credit reports from all three major reporting agencies marked “no solicitation.”

Shop online with caution. Use only a credit card when shopping online, not a debit card. Designate a single, distinct credit card with a low limit for on-line shopping. Use a secure browser before you provide any credit information over the Internet. To determine if a site is safe, look for the “lock” symbols in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window. Look for the words “Secure Sockets Layer” or the acronym “SSL” in the merchant’s privacy statement. Never send payment information via e-mail.

Keep your computer safe. Update virus protection software regularly. Download and install security patches for your operating system or browser. Use a firewall program, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection like cable, DSL or T-1, which leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. Before you dispose of a computer use a “wipe” utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive and make files with personal information unrecoverable. Never store personal information on a laptop computer.

Pick your PINs carefully. Do not use any part of your Social Security number for any Personal Identification Number (PIN). Don’t use any combination a thief could easily figure out, such as birth dates, a pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, address, telephone number, or consecutive numbers. Memorize all your PINs and do not write them down anywhere. Finally, shield the PIN pad when you are entering the number in a retail establishment or at an ATM to prevent others from observing your PIN.

Lock up important documents. Keep all documents with personal or account information under lock and key in your home. Always keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work, preferably a locked drawer. Carry only cards you need. Record your credit and bank account information. List or photocopy all of your credit and debit cards, including the account number, expiration date, credit limit and the telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments in case your cards are stolen. Make a similar list for your bank accounts.

Don’t take that call. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of mortgage companies, banks, credit card companies, Internet Service Providers and even government agencies to get you to reveal your personal information.

MAJOR CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES


Equifax
P.O. Box 105069
Atlanta , GA 30348
Request credit report: (800) 525-6285
http://www.equifax.com/

Experian
P.O. Box 9532
Allen , TX 75013
Request credit report: (888) 397-3742http://www.experian.com/

Transunion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton , CA 92835
Request credit report: (800) 888-4213
http://www.transunion.com/

AnnualCreditReport.com http://www.AnnualCreditReport.comRequest credit reports from all three agencies online, or call: (877) 322-8228

Stop unsolicited credit offers: (888) 567-8688

Dana Coates is a principal member of United Agencies, Inc.United Agencies is licensed in all states and provides all forms of insurance.

Dana J. Coates
United Agencies, Inc.
525 Cordova St., Suite 200
Pasadena, CA 91101-2552
(626) 397-4700 x 205 (800) 378-5554 FAX (626) 683-7682
Cell: (626) 590-7022 CA Lic. # 0252636
United Western Insurance Brokers – The Small Business Insurance Center On The Internet
http://www.WiSPinsurance.comhttp://www.TechRiskNet.comhttp://www.SmallBusinessInsurance.ushttp://www.EPLI.comhttp://www.ISPinsurance.com
mailto:dcoates@unitedagencies.com>

ILLINOIS: Helmet law a logical extension of seat belt law–Illinois’ buckle-up law, conceived during a fiery debate over public safety and individual rights nearly two decades ago, has obviously clicked. It has saved lives, prevented devastating injuries and gained acceptance. Where politicians once equivocated, Gov. Rod Blagojevich now trumpets his vital role in strengthening enforcement. Meanwhile, mobilized motorcyclists have vanquished those who would demand they wear helmets.

This incongruity – same conflict in principles, different results – spotlights the reality that effective lobbying often trumps philosophical fidelity in the legislative arena.Consider the history. The state enacted a helmet law in 1969, only to have it struck down by Illinois Supreme Court justices who embraced the cyclists’ assertion of undue government intrusion. Seventeen years later, the seat belt dictate hit the statutes when safety enthusiasts struggling to change the hearts and minds of lawmakers found potent allies capable of twisting arms. The new law then was upheld by justices who adopted the public welfare argument and paved the way for a fresh motorcycle mandate.

Yet, as the seat belt edict has taken root and even been toughened, Illinois remains one of the few states to resist any kind of helmet requirement, thanks to superior grassroots organizing by the cyclists.

Easily the most instructive episode came in 1986 as the seat belt legislation cleared its first major hurdle. The charged oratory in the House focused on mangled bodies, shattered families, lost productivity, heavy costs to taxpayers for rehabilitation and disability – and, of course, Big Brother. There was nary a word from either side about Big Auto.

But we later discovered the moment truly belonged to lobbyists for Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and the United Auto Workers who had quietly convinced a narrow House majority to dare the ire of constituents buckling up at a rate of less than 20 percent.

The auto industry was responding to a threat, ironically from the supposedly conservative Reagan administration, that the federal government would insist upon air bags – an increased cost for the manufacturers and potential consumers – if states did not require seat belt use. But, even as we ponder the motivation back then and the eventual imposition of airbags, we should join the current governor in celebrating his crackdown on holdouts.

Blagojevich is focusing on a sharp decline in fatalities and significantly increased seat belt usage since he signed legislation in July 2003 to toughen enforcement. The measure, which deleted a provision in the old law that barred belt citations unless the motorist had committed another offense, has helped to push compliance to at least 83 percent, compared to 76 percent before its enactment.

But what about helmets on motorcyclists? Enter ABATE, which stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. The group, formed in the 1970s, includes 12,000 Illinoisans who believe the answer is safety instruction.

Although it makes campaign contributions, its clout comes from the activism of its members. Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago), who has warred with the organization for years, says ABATE packs more wallop than the National Rifle Association. Most recently, it buried legislation to require protective headgear on snowmobile operators and riders under 17 because approval just might embolden the likes of Cullerton.

The skillful lawmaker has successfully championed seat belt legislation. He tried several times to advance a motorcycle bill, but he is tired of beating his head against the wall without a helmet. “It will never pass,” he says.

Same principles, different principals, opposite outcomes: a valuable lesson in how Illinois laws are made and interpreted.Mike Lawrence heads the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University

By KITTY CAPARELLA

–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com

H-D

EPA REGS AND Harley’s 2000 and 2450cc V-Twin Motorcycles?–EPA documents show design basics and performance info for 2450cc V-twin, but they also raise a few questions. Any new mega-displacement liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine would incorporate some of the technology from the VRSC Rod series V-twin engines.Is Harley about to join the displacement race? That topic has been buzzing around the internet with the discovery of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents mentioning a 2450cc V-twin engine. With Harley now running at the bottom of the big-twin displacement class, it’s only a matter of time before Harley, which was once distinguished by having the largest motorcycle engines on the road, produces a bigger V-twin.

The EPA emissions document in question (scroll down to the last three pages, 8 through 10, of this PDF) shows testing results for liquid-cooled 2450cc and 2000cc Harley-Davidson V-twin engines. Power for the 2450cc version is listed as 98 kilowatts (131 horsepower) at 5000 rpm with 133 newton-meters (98 foot-pounds) of torque at 3500 rpm. The weight (presumably the GVWR) is listed at 1260 pounds. Since the fuel-tank material is listed as nylon, it would presumably be an under-seat style. The fuel-injected engine uses air injection and catalyst to reduce exhaust emissions.

However, don’t get too excited yet. The title page (page 7) for this section is labeled as a “Hypothetical Application.” There are other hints that the bike is also hypothetical. On the last page, the “Test Date” is listed as July 2007. The names of the bikes – Heritage Ultra Tail and Heritage Ultra Tail Special – sound more like jokes than anything Harley would bring to market, and a bike

–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com

PERSE PERFORMANCE TRAIL CALCULATOR–I often receive questions about rake, trail and fork length. Perse Performance helps you through the maze with a calculator on their web site and in the Drag Specialties Catalog. Check it out.

Continued On Page 3

Read More

July 28, 2005 Part 1

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH -PRE-STURGIS WEEK, HOT BIKE SHIRTS, PRIMEDIA SELLS BUSINESS MAGS, AND POLARIS GROWS

10 skull shifter
Hey, it’s pre-Sturgis weeks and bikes are being delivered to the headquarters for the Run. Johnny, the young Texan writer, is meeting us in Durango. I just installed a couple of running lights on the Sturgis Chop since Japanese Jay couldn’t see me in the Long Beach ghetto and almost ran over my ass while we hunted for his favorite Taco joint. Just one more mechanical project to deal with then more riding, changing oil and tightening bolts.

sturgis chop left

?Sturgis Chop? shot by George Lindemann

You wouldn’t believe the bullshit mistakes and scary elements. I finally ran it onto reserve. I didn’t have any notion of the gas capacity. It took 2.76 gallons. With reserve that’s maybe 3 gallons total. So 2.76 times 35 mpg gives me 96 miles before I hit reserve. I can live with that-I Hope.

Wanna hear one of the bullshit mistakes? Crime Scene Choppers recommended that I drill a needle-sized hole in the top of the gas cap for ventilation, if the tank wasn’t vented. It’s easy to break a bit that small so I drilled a 1/8 inch guide hole, but drilled too far-through the cap. Okay, so one solution would be to spot-weld the underside and re-drill, but my aluminum welder was had been on loan and not available.

So it tapped the hole with a 10-32 and drilled a tiny stainless set screw and in she went. Let’s hit the news.

supershow artwork

supershow t-shirt artwork

Incredible HOT BIKE Event Shirt Artwork–Unfortunately and fortunately some corporate genius ordered 5,000 too many, so there’s a tremendous deal going on right now for T-shirts.

Be one of the first on the road to wear the Hot Bike Tour T-Shirt. Regular $15.00 but buy now for $10.00 including shipping at www.horsepowerpromotions.com.

We have 7 HOT shows this year! Check out the website for more info.

Agreement to Buy Primedia Business?–Unofficial word late this afternoon was that final bids for the sale of Primedia Business came in yesterday and that a letter of intent to buy the company had been agreed to by buyer and seller.

The buyer could not be confirmed at presstime. But speculation in recent weeks has centered around Apprise Media, headed by Charles McCurdy, former CEO of Primedia Inc., the parent of Primedia Business. McCurdy formed Apprise in 2004, backed with about $200 million in strategic investment capital by Spectrum Equity Investors.

The sale price, an informed source said, was 10-times EBITDA, or about $375 million based on the company’s 2004 EBITDA of $37 million. Primedia Business produced sales last year of $225 million.

The acquisition would be the third in 2005 for Apprise. In January, Apprise bought Beckett, publisher of sports and entertainment collectible guides, for $20 million, and in April, it acquired Canon Communications for $200 million.

Primedia CEO Kelly Conlin and other executives were not available for comment. -by Tony Sliber.

According to contacts within the industry Primedia is rounding their portfolio down to strictly pubs devoted to the 18-34 male audience. Then they may sell the whole lot.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE1902 BANNER

IRONHORSEMEN IN STURGIS–We are excited to see each of you in Sturgis during Bike Week…We hope you will all stop by and see what exciting motorcycles we have created for “The Ironhorsemen”. As I have mentioned before, we will be showing all out products at The Full Throttle Saloon in an area called The Chop Lot. You will find us there with “The Ironhorsemen” custom movie bikes as well as the American Indian ATV’s, and the all new American Motorcycle 1902 Limited Edition Pro Street Motorcycle. We hope you all will stop by, say hi, and join us in all of the activities we have going on. To see all the activities and events we are co-sponsoring in Sturgis go to: http://www.amc1902.com/sturgis_launch.html

Also, let us know if you are going to be able to hang with us at The Full Throttle VIP room, if we know in advance we will be glad to host you as members of the VIP room at the Full Throttle Saloon sponsored by Bikernet.com, but I must submit a list to Mike Ballard on arrival in Sturgis for that to happen. This area is set aside for Industry Friends and includes phone and internet hook ups if needed. It will have food and drinks available as well as a place to hang throughout bike week, and a place to get away from the mayhem and crowd. But, please let us know if you would like to be added to this list.

As part of Sturgis every year we try to help raise funds for Charity. We would love to have you help us in supporting our efforts to raise money for The Crazy Horse Monument Foundation through a donation, or participation in our Charity Ride, the Bikernet ride to Sturgis or Raffle. The Full Throttle Saloon, American Motorcycle 1902, Keith Ball & Bikernet.com, Custom Performance, Cowboy & Indian’s magazine, Keyboard Motorcycle Carriage, and others are co-sponsoring a couple of events with us which we would love to have you involved in.

On Thursday, August 11th, Branscombe and these sponsors are hosting a Charity Ride to The Crazy Horse Monument gathering at the Full Throttle Saloon between 9:30 -11 AM for the ride to the monument, a presentation of a check, and an exclusive visit right at the foot of the face of the monument for a select list of guests, a donation of $10 per rider is all we ask. This ride will be covered editorially by industry mags and Bikernet.com as well as Cowboy & Indian’s magazine, and we would love to have you included in the ride.

We also are supporting a raffle of a $6495 value Custom Performance Turbo Kit, a pair of $1000 custom made Ostrich and Leather cowboy boots, and a great custom Bandit belt buckle and Murga Stingray belt (value of over $350) with proceeds going to Crazy Horse Foundation as well. Please help us support these efforts. Even a straight contribution would be appreciated and is of course totally tax deductible. Just make a check payable to the Crazy Horse Monument Foundation and present it to Branscombe, myself, or Keith Ball anytime during Sturgis bike week. You may register online https://www.missingink.net/shop/accessories.asp for the raffle and the ride, or at our booth inside the Chop Lot at The Full Throttle Saloon. Your support of this noble and great cause would be appreciated. Micheal Hupy has already sent his check since he can’t make it to Sturgis this year.

Join us to in saluting our friend Keith “Bandit” Ball as he get’s inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame…the induction breakfast is on Wednesday. We should all support this industry “legend”, along with the other honorees as he is inducted into this great institution. The website for Sturgis Motorcycle Inductee’s announcement is: http://www.amc1902.com/sturgis_halloffame.html.

Todd Prosser from the Chop Shop in Newberry Park, CA, our fabricator and chief builder, has done a phenomenal job in the custom fabrication of “HeadHunter” and “Slaughter” the two star bikes for the movie. You will be blown away when these bikes are presented for the first time on Tuesday August 9th in our booth at The Full Throttle Saloon. Photo’s continue to be added to the http://www.amc1902.com/ironhorsemen.html website so go there to see the latest from the builds. We will have these two bikes along with “Pounder”, the sidekick bike to “Headhunter”, at Sturgis, but the fourth bike will be delayed until the end of August due to various build issues. We also will be showing “Dirt Devil”, an American Indian ATV we have prepared for the movie as well, photo’s of the paint can also seen online.

The bad news is that the movie has now moved to spring 2006 to begin shooting, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that John Milius is the executive producer of the new replacement series for the “Soprano’s”, a new made for HBO series entitled “Rome”, which will be rolled out this fall on HBO. The production of this series has had several delays? which now also has delayed the start date for the movie “The Ironhorsemen”.

But the blessing is that this then allows us to begin pursuing a lot of pre-production promotions and events with the bikes as well, and we should be able to show these bikes at a variety of fall and winter events and bike shows, and generate a lot of exposure for the efforts as well.

Again, we thank our friends and partners in this “Ironhorsemen” custom bike build project, and the rollout of American Motorcycle 1902, and American Indian ATV’s at Sturgis. We will continue to build momentum, and exposure for your efforts, support, and brands in the months ahead.

Bob and Branscombe

05-HB-BTW-Banner

SHOW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARYOF THE CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOWS?PRESENTED BY TOYOTA TRUCKS–Santa Ana, CA – July 25, 2005 – Fall 2005 will mark the 25th anniversary kick off of Advanstar Communications’ Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows? presented by Toyota Trucks. The 13-city nationwide series – showcasing the latest motorcycles, ATVs, gear, accessories, custom bikes, vintage displays and stunts – is celebrating the milestone with the addition of bigger venues and the introduction of a new show in Houston, Texas.

This year’s series shifts into high gear as four of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows? presented by Toyota Trucks will run in conjunction with Advanstar’s Arenacross Championship Series and the inaugural Houston show will be held in conjunction with Advanstar’s new off-road show – DIRTsports Expo Live!

“Our 25th anniversary is possible because of the strong support we receive from the major motorcycle manufacturers, aftermarket companies, dealers and local motorcycle companies. We are looking forward to our best show season ever,” said Jeff D’Entremont, show director for the series. “Each year hundreds of thousands of people attend the shows knowing it’s their first and best opportunity to see all of the latest models, gear and accessories together in one location.”

For the 12th year, Cycle World, the nation’s most popular motorcycle magazine, will be at all of the shows as the title sponsor. Leading manufacturer Toyota Trucks will be returning for the seventh year as presenting sponsor and Progressive Motorcycle Insurance is back as official product sponsor.

SCHEDULE November 4-6, 2005 Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, Texas * November 11-13, 2005 Reliant Park Houston, Texas ** November 18-20, 2005 Colorado Convention Center Denver, Colorado * December 2-4, 2005 Qwest Field & Events Center Seattle, Washington December 9-11, 2005 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, California * December 16-18, 2005 San Jose Convention Center San Jose, California January 6-8, 2006 Rock Financial Showplace Novi, Michigan January 13-15, 2006 Washington Convention Center Washington D.C. January 20-22, 2006 Jacob K. Javits Center New York, New York January 27-29, 2006 IX Center Cleveland, Ohio February 3-5, 2006 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, Minnesota * February 10-12, 2006 Donald E. Stevens convention Center Chicago, Illinois March 17-19, 2006 Cobb Galleria Centre Atlanta, Georgia
*** Held in conjunction with Arenacross Championship Series.
Held in conjunction with DIRTsports Expo Live!

VICTORY LOGO

NEW PRODUCTS POISE POLARIS FOR INCREASED GROWTH–New All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), RANGER Utility Vehicles, VictoryMotorcyclesGive Expanded Breadth, Opportunity

MINNEAPOLIS, July 25, 2005 – Innovative new products drive the powersportsindustry, and at last week’s national sales meeting in Nashville, Tenn.,Polaris continued its tradition of introducing new products in everyDivision.

The company unveiled more than a dozen new products in its ATV,RANGER utility vehicle and Victory Motorcycle product lines, the largestoffering of new vehicles in the company’s history.

“This is an exciting time for Polaris and its dealers. Earlier lastweek, we announced our strategic partnership with KTM and now we areintroducing the largest fleet of new products in our history,” said BennettMorgan, president and chief operating officer, Polaris. “We have incrediblemomentum and traction to continue improving our overall business, make itstronger and gain market share in all categories. That’s good news forPolaris, our dealers and our customers.”All-Terrain Vehicles

Polaris’ ATV division is the lifeblood of the company. Representingnearly two-thirds of its overall sales, the division is introducing six newproduct offerings that address the trail, mid-size, entry and “heart of themarket” segments, which will continue to position Polaris as a dominantpowerhouse in the industry.

* Sportsman 500 EFI – Polaris has added electronic fuelinjection (EFI) technology to the Sportsman 500, the world’s best-selling4x4. Polaris now has the largest EFI offering of any ATV manufacturer – atotal of four. The Sportsman 500 EFI benefits customers by providing easierstarting in extreme weather conditions; it automatically adjusts to altitudeand temperature changes with no re-jetting; delivers smooth power at anyspeed and better fuel economy. The quad also features industry leadingindependent rear suspension (IRS), Exclusive Lock-and-Ride(tm) accessoriesand all the classic Sportsman features that make it the world’s best-selling4x4.

* Sportsman 450 – “Heart of the market” 4x4s account for thebulk of sales nationwide, and the new Sportsman 450 gives Polaris a strongbest in class new entry in the category. With IRS, the Lock-and-Rideaccessory system, more horsepower and faster acceleration, the Sportsman 450will be a strong force in the 400 segment.

* Sportsman X2 – Two-up ATVs have become the fastest-growingsegment in the ATV industry, and the Sportsman X2 “the most versatile ATVever” gives Polaris firm footing in the two-rider market. The vehicletransforms from a one- to two-up machine in only 10 seconds, giving ridersan option in how they want to ride. The X2 also offers EFI technology, a400-pound-capacity dump box, Lock-and-Ride accessories, VersaTrac forsensitive as well as rough terrain, and industry-leading independent rearsuspension (IRS).

* Outlaw – The Outlaw represents Polaris’ trail tough, trackready, new high-performance sport quad. Outlaw features the industry’sfirst and only sport quad with independent rear suspension (PRO IRS) in anall-new chassis, which gives riders more speed on the trails and morecontrol on rough terrain.

* Sawtooth – The Sawtooth, an entry level value machine,places a 200cc, four-stroke engine in a lightweight chassis. Perfectly sizedfor young adults over 16-years and women, the fully automatic Sawtoothfeatures shaft drive, full floorboards and steel front and rear racks.

* Hawkeye – Two new models for the 300cc segment, the 2X4 and4X4 Hawkeye is the no compromise, mid-sized ATV. Hawkeye offers ridersfeatures previously only available in Big Bore machines like independentrear suspension, Lock-and-Ride accessories, eight- inches of groundclearance and digital instrumentation.

“With the introduction of our 2006 line, we’ve changed the game withsix tough new vehicles that will fill market segments that have beenunderserved,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager, Polaris ATVs. “Polarishas a dominant stable of ATVs, and we expect our new products will helpdrive increased market share in the coming year.”

For 2006, Victory is moving toward that goal by delivering newproducts and innovations that position the brand for continued stronggrowth.

* Vegas Jackpot – A rapidly emerging motorcycle segment inrecent years is what Victory calls “Extreme Customs” and the all-new VegasJackpot fills that niche to a tee. With such extreme styling cues as radicalpaint schemes, a color-matched frame, extensive chrome detailing, a loweredrear end riding on a muscular 250mm rear tire – combined with a classic21-inch wheel up front, a reshaped headlight and more, the Vegas Jackpotprovides an adrenaline rush before you even thumb the starter. Powered by a100-cubic-inch Freedom engine and six-speed overdrive transmission, thebonus is this extreme extension of the award-winning Vegas line gives thestyling and performance riders of Extreme Customs expect, while providingthe reliability, support and all-day comfort current offerings in thissegment don’t all provide. Best of all, riders will be delighted to know atrue factory Extreme Custom can end up in their garage for substantiallyless money ($10,000 – $15,000 less) than most of the alternatives.

* Ness Signature Series bikes – Arlen and Cory Ness, two ofthe country’s most respected custom motorcycle builders, have again helpedto set the Victory brand apart with two new breathtaking Ness Series VegasJackpot models. Each has a custom paint scheme, custom seating, drag bars,billet wheels and an extensive list of other Ness-designed details.

* New engine & transmission – Victory is upping the ante onits Vegas and Kingpin models by integrating the 100-cubic-inch Freedomengine and six-speed overdrive transmission from the massively popularVictory Hammer bringing new levels of performance to these core Victorymodels.

Polaris Industries has marked the first half of 2005 with majorbusiness announcements. In June, the company opened its new state-of-the-artproduct development center in Wyoming, Minn. And last week, on the heals ofan announcement that it would purchase a 24-percent stake in Austrianoff-road motorcycle manufacturer KTM, Polaris also launched two new programsto help drive volume and make the selling process easier and more profitablefor dealers.

The company reintroduced its highly successful Factory AuthorizedClearance event, which in 2004 resulted in a successful model year inventorytransition for its dealers and generated 48-percent sales increases acrossall product lines. ATVs led the way with 60-percent growth.

Polaris also announced it will join the Specialty Vehicle Instituteof America (SVIA), which will take the responsibility of customer trainingaway from dealers, allowing them more opportunity to sell products. The SVIAhas trained thousands of ATV enthusiasts to ride safely and responsibly formany years, and Polaris’ move to join the organization gives customers asingle, simple outlet to learn to properly operate ATVs. In addition totraining, Polaris, together with the SVIA, will put additional focus on landaccess and preserving the Right to Ride.

“Rider safety remains our top priority,” said Bennett Morgan,President and COO, Polaris. “We look forward to working more closely withother industry partners to continue stressing the importance of safetytraining and responsible riding.”About Polaris and Victory Motorcycles

Information about the complete line of Polaris products apparel andvehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from thePolaris homepage at http://www.polarisindustries.com.

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