Updating the Bikernet Experience
Hey, Here’s the deal. We’ve worked and spent an entire year to move all Bikernet Free Content (16,000 articles) onto a fast-acting, mobile-friendly, google accessible, WordPress Platform. ...
Read More July 21, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit |
Sturgis is just around the corner.I’m putting miles on the Shovelhead everyday. It rides like a champ for a rigid. No shit, over railroad tracks it’s a breeze. Tracks dead straight, handles light with the Paughco frame, tapered leg springer, and sprung seat. I’d love to weigh this beast. I’m hoping for 450.
There’s been a couple of other impending, threatening deadlines looming over the Bikernet Headquarters, then last weekend the LA Calendar show shook the Queen Mary. Terrific show. We’ll add more categories and more awards for next year. It was a killer SoCal day, and the girls were as hot as the sun. Jim G. had 20 percent more vendors so the industry was represented and the bikes came from all over the states and even Hawaii. We had five island riders hanging out at the Bikernet Headquarters.
Back to the deadlines. I promised to make the best of show trophy for the Run For Breath in Charlotte, N.C. this weekend. Between the mags, the Sturgis Chop and events I ran behind. But then a notion came to mind and in a couple of hours I had the basis for a killer trophy only to fuck it up. Jim Murillo of Jim?s Cycle Paint In Gardena, volunteered to set some time aside to paint it, but he didn’t like the way I positioned the tank, so he cut it apart, tossed my rusting English original Peanut tank in the trash and grabbed a blasted one that was primered and ready to rock. Here’s the final outcome.
We shipped it this morning. Fuck. The shipping for overnight costs more than the price to build another one. We bobbed and weaved, but it’s shipped and on it’s way.
Next I volunteered to make a Bandit Belt Buckle for the Crazy Horse Raffle effort. It’s third prize coupled with a Murga Stingray Belt. As it turned out I stumbled onto a couple of hours yesterday and fired the torch. It still needs to be polished, but it’s ready to rock. See, I rode the Shovel to Settle’s Motorcycle Works in Harbor City. Larry Settle is an old school bike shop. Nuts and bolts, engine rebuilds and a paint booth. He trued my wheels, balanced them, packed the bearings and checked the bearing end play. I’m getting closer on a daily basis. Let’s hit the news:
STROKERS DALLAS DOES STURGIS–Hi ya’ll, I have a new TV show called TEXAS HARDTAILS. It premiers on Tuesday June 28th. It’s on the SPEED Channel & it will be on every Tuesday @ 8:30pm ET & PT. My show is not your typical OCC or BBO. My show is more like Seinfeld. It’s a spoof on me & all the crazy stuff that happens around here. It’s a tongue in cheek kinda deal. It’s basically “Bikes Babes & Beer”. I hope ya’ll like it. Let me know what you think after ya’ll see it.
Also, I am setting up STROKERS STURGIS this year. We will be recreating my shop/beer joint in Sturgis. We will be at Thunder Road, which is directly across the street from the Full Throttle. We are having our Hamster BBQ there on Saturday night August the 6th to pay tribute to the Man Himself – ARLEN NESS. During the day we will host different bike shows inside the Thunder Dome. I will have Bikini Beer Girls selling Ice Cold Beer both inside & outside. Live music everyday & vendors set up outside. But, one of the cool things I’m doing is I want 1 or 2 display bikes from all the major players in the industry (which is ya’ll).
I want to have one place where people can come see bikes from Arlen, Kim Suter, Matt Hotch, Paul Yaffe, Don Hotop, etc…etc… I will line the bikes up side by side around the inside of the Thunder Dome. We have plenty of security & the bike (s) will need to be there most of the week. So, any of ya’ll that want to display a cool custom, please give me a call @ 214.357.0707 or on my cell @ 972.567.4427. Or call me if you want to rent vendor space out front. We have already signed up Kim Suter, Milwaukee Iron & the boys from OCC. At night we rent out the Thunder Dome for Industry parties like the one we are having for Arlen on Saturday.
On Wednesday American IronHorse is having a dealer get together there. It will be cooler than having a party at a hotel ballroom. Music, beer babes & bikes all around with plenty of motorcycle atmosphere. So, if any of ya’ll are interested in renting the place for an industry party, let me know. Sorry this is so long.
C-Ya soon,
–Rick Fairless
BIKERNET READER’S KING–Been a reader for 4 years now on Bikernet, wrote you about 2.5 years ago and told you about the king I was rebuilding (started a 2000 Classic), and gave Jose lip about making fun of baggers. Well, after 2 jobs, a pile of money, and a lot of late nights learning how to tig, fab, machining, milling, electrical, and heavily modify a twin cam motor, I’m done.
I am attatching a couple of pics I took the other night, some of the work done is:
* Stretched the stock EFI tank 4.5″, and recoated the inside, pop up caps, hand made console
* Hand fabbed rear and front fenders, split down the middle and re-welded to fit perfectly
* Polished 95″ motor, rebuilt and bulletproofed to 122lbs of torque (good for travelling, and parts are replaceable on the road with reasonable mileage, but man it pulls like a a bull)
* Lowered 3″ front and back, with Legends air ride adjustable rear end
*Perse front end, with single side brake, hydraulic clutch, etc. from Jaybrake
* 21″x3.5″ front and 18×5.5″ PM Wrath wheels with 180 rear tire AND 1.5″ belt (I custom made the swing arm to bullet proof standards for hard launches, and 2 up riding), 2 piece rotors, etc. etc.
Dakota digital, Wimmer, blah, blah, the list and bill goes on. Took me a long time to learn all of this stuff, but I did it for myself, regardless of the looks and compliments. Most of the parts had to be modified for this chassis, etc. There aren’t many parts for the touring bikes out there like this.
At the risk of sounding mushy, after all of the late weeknights, weekends in the shop, etc. I would like to show my wife that what I did might be considered somewhat unique in the eyes of others who understand bikes, and although she may not quite ‘get it’ that something pretty cool came out of all of this hard work. Could you list a pic etc. on the site, or refer me to a mag that might like to do a feature on a hot rodded touring bike so I can show her .
Ride safe – Tobin.
BIKERNET HELPS ALL READERS?–I’m in need of a left threaded bolt for my weed wacker.1 inch – 3/8 diameter – 16 threads per inch.
The new head I bought came with three different size bolts and none of them fitmy weed wacker.Ive been to seven different hardware stores with no luck.So, I’ve turned to the internet for help.Let me know if you have such a bolt and the cost.
Thank you,
Howard Stover
393 North Mechanic Street
Fredericksburg, Penna 17026
“KellysKC” kellyskc@lmf.net
DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS NEWS–:Lee wanted me to shoot you some information on our upcoming events so that you could post them on Bikernet for us when you get the opportunity. I don’t know what kind of format helps you best, as a matter of fact you could probably just put a link to the events page of our website, I don’t know. You just let me know what you need…
July 30th, 2005: Departure’s 2nd Annual “No Class” bike show. Held at the shop, Registration is from 11am -1pm.
Saturday, OCTOBER 8th, 2005- We are having our open house. Plenty of food, music, specials… etc.
Sunday, OCTOBER 16th, 2005- Our 2nd Annual Travis Clemens Memorial Run, Leaving from the Shop.
–Justin Kerzanet
DBW
THE GIRLS BIKE OF THE WEEK– This is Chelsea from Gilby’s. Chase Deacon told me you might be able to help me out. I got a 98 wide glide we customized this past winter. We have been to a few shows this spring and have had great response. Arlen and Cory Ness saw it in Green Bay at the 1st Annual Midwest Cyclemania Show. Arlen said “I love the lines, I love the color.” The bike is built by Todd Gilbertson, a.k.a. Gilby. Everything is done in shop. The tank and side panels are all hammer formed. Fenders, handlebars, floorboards, pretty much everything has been fabricated by Gilby. All paint and pinstriping is also done by Gilby. Just so you know this isn’t our first bike, and wont be the last. Please let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.
–Chelsea: (715) 425-9322
THE BIKERNET VINTAGE CAR RACE EFFORT CONTINUES–’53 Lincoln Capri and Cosmopolitan now has two sponsors, Amsoil lubricants and an individual, but we need a handful more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2
July 21, 2005 Part 6
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 5
CUSTOM BELT DRIVES AND UPGRADES FROM HITECH– THE NEW belt drive system from Hitech LED Products uses a massive six-inch wide belt. Outer bearings at the clutch assembly and engine pulley provide additional support.
Hitech belt drives are supplied with a Barnett Scorpion clutch and ready for immediate bolt-on installation.For big-inch motors, optional clutches of lock-up or double stack type are also offered.The system is also available with 4in or 5in belts and Hitech says there are 15 different specifications, creating a wide choice.
Hitech also offers belt drive cover upgrade options to fit BDL, Karata and Billet 4-U primaries, which are styled to create a new look for the motorcycle.
HITECH LED PRODUCTS
Canoga Park, California, USA
Tel: 818 887 0136
Fax: 818 887 0137
E-mail:mailto:info@hitechledproducts.com
http://www.hitechledproducts.com
COORS LIGHT!–One hot Saturday afternoon, I was sitting in my lawn chair in the shade,drinking beer and watching my wife mow the lawn.
The neighbor lady from across the street was so outragedat this that she came over and shouted at me,”You should be hung.”
I took a drink from my glass of Coors Light,wiped the cold foam from my lips,lifted my darkened Ray Bansand stared directly at this nosey bitch and then calmly replied…”I am, and that’s why she cuts the grass.”
–from Skooter
BILLET ALUMINUMCENTER GUARD–Keep your belt drive safe with Primo’s ALL NEW SHOW CHROMED billet aluminum center guard keeps foriegn objects out of your Brute IV or Brute V belt drive. Fits all Softail style Brute IV or V applications as well as all Brute IV & Brute V rigid frame applications. This stylish, easy to install center guard comes with all required mounting hardware. See your local PRIMO BELT DRIVES DEALER, or contact Primo direct:
Primo Belt Drives
12450 Whittier Blvd
Whittier, CA, 90602
(562) 907-2600 fax (562) 907-2606
email buck@riveraengineering.com
http://www.riveraengineering.com
RUCKER PERFORMANCE BURNS RUBBER WITH NEWLY REDISIGNED WEBSITE– Custom Motorcycle Enthusiasts Can Easily Find Rucker Performance Motorcycles, Accessories and Apparel Online.
Fort Worth, Texas (July 14, 2005) – Rucker Performance, a leading custom manufacturer of high performance, highly styled, custom American Muscle Bikes along with high-performance choppers has revved up their website to include comprehensive details on each production motorcycle, custom bike, accessories and apparel line. Rucker Performance has also added additional security, an ecommerce shopping cart, dealer support area, blogging and an easy to use interface.
“We have received an exceptional response from the www.ruckerperformance.com site,” said Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. “Customers can review all of the options to customize their motorcycle. These options include over 20 color and graphic combinations, 16 custom wheels and 8 exotic saddle combinations.”
Additionally, links to clubs, search engines, auctions, and magazines makes Rucker Performance’s website a resource as well as the company information center.
Rucker Performance authorized dealers include American Classic Cycles in Pelham, AL, Rodney’s Cycle House in Little Rock, AK, Apache Chopper in Weatherford, TX, Big Dog Motorcycles of Houston TX, Bikers Dream of Atlanta, GA, Arlen Ness Motorcycles in Daytona, FL, Arlen Ness Motorcycles in Dublin, CA, Rio Grande Big Dog Motorcycles in Albuquerque, NM, Bikers Dream in Colorado Springs and Denver, CO, Hollywood Choppers, FL and Executive Motorcycle Designs, Lawrence MA.
POLICE MOTORCYCLE SEARCH FOR MOVIE–My name is Travis Holt and I work for Shadowlight Pictures in Atlanta, GA. We are currently looking for individuals who have access to a police motorcycle circa late ’70s to be in a film. Are their any organizations in the Atlanta area that we should contact?
–TRAVIS
“tmholt.1@juno.com”
WE DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ PETROLEUM BASED FUELS–As far as we know hydrogen is the simplest element in the Universe. It’s everywhere. A lot of it in water, in the air, in space. Inexhaustible and basically free. You don’t need to mine it, process it, charge $3 bucks a gallon for it. It used to be SciFi material but now you can ride a hydrogen fuelcell powered motorcycle and for only $6K. We can thank the Brits for finally making it a practical reality. Furthermore, the company, Intelligent Energy, is making a very small move to Los Angeles, where else to get their eco-friendly ENV Fuel Cell bike off the ground. ENV stands for Emissions Neutral Vehicle. Sounds like a cousin of R2D2.
Now don’t start making the jokes but the company’s CEO is named Bradbury, not Ray but Harry who says, “In the none-too-distant future, people will be able to use a bike like ENV to leave work in an urban environment, drive to the countryside, detach the CORE and attach it to another vehicle, such as a motorboat, before going on to power a log cabin with the very same fuel cell, which could then be recharged from a mini hydrogen creator the size of a shoebox.”
Latest word is that the zero-emission (only a bit of heat and some water vapor) bikes will for sale by 2006 at a very user friendly price of $6,000, and even that will be reduced as production increases. If ENV does indeed come to pass, it will earn Intelligent Energy the bragging rights to being the first company to have a production-line fuel cell vehicle of any kind, much less a motorcycle, on the market.
Backing up the plan, CA Gov. Arnold says he wants to create a “hydrogen highway” of filling stations for fuel cell vehicles. The ENV carries two portable hydrogen fuel containers or cells called Cores that fit under the bike’s seat. The plan is to use them the cells to power all kinds of things and reduce admissions around the world. The ENV may indeed pave the way for a brave new, cleaner world.
The bike runs in silent mode, can hit a top speed of 50 and, surpassing most electric vehicles, can keep on going for four hours before needing to fill up at the hydrogen station. No word yet if OCC will be building an ENVironmater for Schwarzenegger.
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT RAY RUSSELL ATTENDS WBF HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT–Last Friday night I was a guest at the vacant WBF World Heavyweight TitleFight, between Rob Calloway – USA and Bob Mirovic – Aust.Pic’s show pre fight with Title Belt and can you believe with the Winner RobCalloway – USA (yes he looks bad! You should have seen him at breakfast!).
Without a doubt one of the best Heavyweight Title Fights in many yearswherein the fight went the distance (12 rounds) with both boxers neverholding/grapling but just slugging it out!!!
Rob Calloway won on a 2 points margin decision!
Bob Mirovic was taken to hospital with a broken jaw!
JUST TRUE GUTS ON BOTH THEIR PARTICIPATION!!!
Cheers,
–Ray R.
Valerie and Charlie. Valerie races her own Vrod; all I can say is the lady has balls. Check out her website by clicking on the banner below. Layla
THAT’S A FUCKIN’ WRAP– This news is going to kick my ass. It’s gets bigger every week. I’m trying to ride the Shovelhead daily. Next week, I may add a couple of Pro One running lights, change the oil, consider pulling the petcock, trying to judge how much gas it will carry. I’ll buzz the GPS speedo guy for not getting back to me, tighten all the fasteners, adjust the valves and ride the shit out of it. I’m following the Eddie Trotta break-in formula. I ride it, then tweak, then ride, then tweak, until no further tweaking is necessary.
I’ll polish that belt buckle and wear it all the way to the Badlands for the CrazyHorse ride to the monument. Then I’ll turn it over to the raffle prize winner.
This is an interesting time. A brother in Alpine, California, Bobby Baldwin who worked exclusively for years on Excelsior-Henderson sent me the first five copies of In The Wind magazine. He’s built one of the only two in-line 4 motorcycles in this country today. If you’re near San Diego and want to check out a serious class motorcycle in an Excelsior-Henderson frame drop by The Biker Shack, 2226 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, CA (619) 445-9993.
Watch in the near future as we feature more bikes and begin a wild road test series with a feature on the Hellbound Wicked, then a Thunder Mountain Chopper and we hope to follow those two with a Big Dog, American Iron Horse and a Bourget 330. It was five riders/writers/photographers on production choppers tearing through a weekend run.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
July 14, 2005 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET WEATHER REPORT–Bad Weather: There’s a fellow who is an avid rider. Actually he’s a motorcycle fanatic. He has not missed a weekend of motorcycle riding in years. Every Saturday and Sunday morning he gets up very early and goes meets his buddies for a nice long ride. On this one morning, he gets up early, dresses quietly, gets his riding gear out of the closet, and goes out to the garage to prepare to leave. While out there it started raining a torrential downpour. There was snow mixed with the rain and the wind is blowing at 30 mph.
He comes back into the house and turns the TV to the Weather Channel. From there he finds it’s going to be bad weather all day long. So he puts his bike back into the garage and comes back inside. He quietly undresses and slips back into bed where he cuddles up to his wife’s back, and whispers, “The weather out there is terrible.”
To which she replies, “Can you believe my stupid husband is out riding his bike today?”
BIKERNET WISDOM–Bear, Rabbit & Genie: There was this bear and rabbit in the woods. The bear was beating up this rabbit something fierce. He was throwing the rabbit, stomping on his head, kicking him up into the air, etc.. As they were fighting, the bear kicked over a lamp and out popped a genie. The genie said, “I will give each of you three wishes.”
The bear said, “I want all bears in this forest to be female.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
The rabbit said, “I want a motorcycle helmet.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
The bear said, “For my second wish, I want all the bears in that forest over there to be female also.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
The rabbit said, “For my second wish, I want a Suzuki Hayabusa.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
The bear said, “For my final wish, I want all the bears in all the forests to be female.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
The rabbit, while wearing his new helmet and sitting on his new motorcycle, revved the engine and said, “For my last wish, I want that bear to be gay.” Ok, poof, it was done by the genie.
S&S ANNOUNCES OKTOBERFEST SPONSORSHIP–LA CROSSE, WI (June 23, 2005) S&S Cycle is pleased to sponsor Oktoberfest 2005 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. S&S will be the official corporate sponsor on Saturday October 1, 2005. In addition to the highlight of the day, the Mapleleaf Parade, many other festive events and entertainment opportunities will be available for families to attend. For more information about Oktoberfest, visit www.oktoberfestusa.com.
?We are proud to be a part of this community,? said S&S president Brett Smith. ?This festival has a long, rich heritage in the La Crosse area. It?s very fitting for us to show our support and be the corporate sponsor on parade day. We?re a family-owned business and we look forward to working with the Oktoberfest board of directors to contribute to the strong family atmosphere that Oktoberfest can provide.?
?Oktoberfest loves sponsors like S&S Cycle because of the value of family and friends that this company and Oktoberfest shares,? said Oktoberfest President, Dawson Strutt. ?Although S&S Cycle is involved on a global scale, S&S is committed to the greater La Crosse area. Oktoberfest is pleased to announce a new partnership in 2005 between Oktoberfest and S&S Cycle; they will be a corporate sponsor for the opening Saturday on October 1, 2005.?
MAG REPORT– 1.) I liked the old Easyriders, to about ‘ 90 or so. About the sametime as ” Great Thinning of the American Biker Gene Pool ” started. I read Biker now.
2.) I started riding in Hollister, Ca. at 8 in ‘ 66, raced for 20yrs., did the outlaw club deal for 10yrs. I’m about 50 now, the ol’ lady rides, life is good & I’m building this 79-INCH 95hp., 64-INCH wheelbase, 11-inch ground clearance, nickel-plated frame, repaint the tank in XR750 colors, on/off-road, hi-dollar Sportster to get back to the ol’ days of riding in Hollister when the locals cussed & shot rocksalt at you.
3.) In your Easyriders # 34 video, I rode the red bike ( 490 Maico ) at the Hollister 50th. hillclimb. I’m the cat wearing the ” colors “. I finished 2nd. in the 500 expert class.
4.) The only thing I kept out of the old mags. was the centerfolds. R. I. P. Dave Mann ! ! !
–Cons
Cons Motorsports
Concord, Ca.
LATEST LUCKY DEVIL REPORT–Here’s the seat clean and simple. This will be the wildest Road King on the Road. And that’s a chopped Sportster we built not long ago. Hang on for the next report.
BIKERNET EASTER PHILOSOPHY, TAKE NOTES– An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of apole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in itwhile the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion ofwater. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the crackedpot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poorcracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it couldonly do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman oneday by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my sidecauses water to leak out all the way back to your house.”
The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your sideof the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have alwaysknown about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path,and every day while we walk back, you water them.”
“For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decoratethe table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be thisbeauty to grace the house.”
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it’s the cracks and flaws we eachhave that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’vejust got to take each person for what they are and look for the good inthem. To all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smellthe flowers, on your side of the path.
THE TEXAS JOHNNY REPORT–Working in the petrochemical industry requires me to keep odd hours. When most people are entering their R.E.M. cycle, I am either waking up or getting off duty. This week I happen to be working days which require me to rise out of my warm bed with my wife at an incredibley early 3 am. Don’t get me wrong, as I am not complaining, I am just giving a little background to give the setting upon which I live daily.
As I stated earlier, I rose at 3 am. Being lucky enough to live in Southest Texas, I have warm weather atleast 8 months out of the year. I say this because I can awake at 3am and leave my house in jeans and a t-shirt. Since I am one of the few people nowadays who only have a bike, the weather is a constant concern of mine as I have to dress accordingly.
This morniing was in the low 70’s, which may seem incredibly warm to many across the country. For me, however, after working in 100 degree heat all day 70 seems like winter. My drive to work entails a road through a cut of trees for the first 20 miles. Did you ever notice it gets colder when you drive through the woods compared to the interstate?
So here I was flying down the road dodging armadillos and possums shaking because of the morning chill. The mornings here are also characteristically damp due to the humidity, so the temperature always feels colder in the cold and hotter in the sun. Don’t ask me why, that’s just the way it is.
As I finally make it to the interstate, where I only have ten more miles to go, I feel the warmth envelope me like a warm towel fresh from the dryer. As I put the heat to the throttle, I begin to hit the comfort zone where the bike becomes an extension of yourself. Wouldn’t you know it, that’s when I get to work? Oh, i can’t bitch too much about it, hey I get to ride every day. Riding to work is the only way to go. You never arrive after a 40 minute ride feeling tired. You have to feel refreshed after a nice putt in the morning, right? I also think if more people rode to work, wher eyou arrive every day thankful to be alive, we would have less asinine, stressed out, anal peckerheads at work. Now I know the world will never be a Eutopia, but it still would be better.
Yes, I ride to work every day. Although I may have 30 bad days a year(either pouring rain the whole time or below 40 degrees), I still arrive to work refreshed and ready to tackle any challenges I might face. Ride safe everyone and have a great week!
THERE YOU HAVE IT? I?m going to start the Shovelhead any minute. Then I?ll begin the Eddie Trotta break-in ritual. Let?s hope this Sturgis Shovel passes the test. Yep, here’s Livia again.
She?s headed into a training session this weekend at the LA Calendar show Sponsored by Bikernet. Her second cousin Sam Dixon is attempting to turn her into a sharp, active, zealous business woman. We?ll see how she fares at the Bikernet, Girls of Bikernet, American Motorcycle 1902, CrazyHorse tent this weekend.
I?m hoping to ride the Shovelhead over to the show and a test run of about 5 miles. I?m working with two builders from Hawaii who are flying their bikes into Los Angeles tomorrow. Hang on for the show report.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
July 14, 2005 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Well, here’s some news, after all the trips, things are slowly going back to normal (yeap crazy ass normal) so I took some time to add something to this week news. There’s no way I can be right on the spot, week after week, like I have done the past 4 and something years, and I guess there will come a time when I will have no news at all. Time can just be managed in so many ways, and the betterment of Caribbean Custom Cycles is the most important on the list.
Just got back from a back to back Smoke Out and Hawaii trip, of course I am toast, but it’s cool to be part of all those different environments, to be back and hang out with friends, to see guys that I met 3 years ago, opening shops and building more and more bikes. The progress of the local Hawaii magazine and of everyone else. It also bothers me that an event that was an excellent one is being run to the ground. So let’s leave it at that. It was fun to spend time with good friends and fellow builders. The only shitty part about my trip to Hawaii is that I don’t want to leave, and I never get to do shit that I really want to. Every year the schedule gets fuller, but so be it, I could be at the shop welding or grinding ……..
The Smoke Out was out of control. So many people I did not even have time to walk around and enjoy the bikes. I say it and always will, bike per bike those are the coolest in any event I have ever been to. As you might or might not know, I did not win the Chop Off (thanks to the hundreds of e-mails saying I should have) but that is the way it rolls. The coolest thing is being able to talk and spend some time with so many people. You are able to see my bike here at Bikernet, T Bear did a kick ass story about it. (http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/PageViewer.asp?PageID=412 and soon in some other publications) Speaking of publications, Easy Riders just did a spread on my Journey Bobber in the August issue. I’m not tooting my own horn, but those are the best photos I have seen of that particular bike.
It’s always cool to get in mags by your own merits, not by having a “godfather” that pushes you there. I guess in the old school way of things, it has much more weight, and believe me, I?ve never gotten a fuckin’ free ride. It’s also quite interesting that people that know you better, or people from your own town tend not to appreciate the stuff what you do, but the difference is very noticeable when you go someplace else. Something that really shocked me in Hawaii and North Carolina is people thanking us for being “approachable”. I guess people are getting tired of egotistical wannabe?s, that is refreshing.
Anyway, I’m out of here, Emily is rolling way South on it’s path to the Gulf and one thing is for sure, there will be waves.
See you guys later….Maybe
Jose
HILLARY CLINTON GETS ELECTED– President and is spending her first night inthe White House. She had waited so long …
The ghost of George Washington appears, and Hillary asks, “How can I bestserve my country?”
Washington says, “Never tell a lie.”
“Ouch!”, SaysHillary, “I don’t know about that.”
The next night, the ghost of Thomas Jefferson appears, and Hillary asks,”How can I best serve my country?”
Jefferson says, “Listen to the people.”
“Ohm! I really don’t want to do that.”
On the third night, the ghost of Abe Lincoln appears, and Hillary asks,”How can I best serve my country?”
Lincoln says, “Go to the theater.”
–from Buckshot
SHRUNKER FXR FEATURE ON BIKERNET–That’s it, the final feature is up. It received more than ten articles over a two-year period and was featured in American Rider and American Motorcycle Dealer. Check it out. It’s a one of a kind and now it’s for Sale $35,000.
BURGER KING SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ–Just found out that to give our troops a little taste of home, BURGER KING has opened an outlet on the base in KOSOVO!! And they’re NOT gouging on the prices, either!
I don’t know about you, but BURGER KING is soundin’ pretty damn good right now, and I think I’ll be eatin’ there a lot more often!
–Buckshot
WILD WEST RECEIVES RECOGNITION–Did you see Wild West on the History Channel this Wednesday (July 13th at 10:00pm Eastern & Pacific, 9:00pm Central, & 8:00pm Mountain) in the Extreme Bikes episode of AUTOMANIAC.
Hosted by pro wrestling and feature film star Bill Goldberg, AUTOMANIAC puts you in the driver’s seat of the coolest, hottest, fastest and most unusual vehicles ever to hit the road. AUTOMANIAC takes viewers into the garage, and out on the road to show how these amazing cars and motorcycles work and what makes them the hottest wheels of any era. The Extreme bikes episode features Wild West’s infamous Dragoon Chopper. Goldberg said he wanted the baddest Chopper around and that?s exactly what he found when he visited Wild West?s new manufacturing facility in San Diego, CA.
For more details and behind the scenes photography visit
Wild West Motor Company,
Tel: 858-547-9780 ext. 104
Fax: 858-547-9760
mailto:shane@wildwestmc.com
http://www.wildwestmc.com
KC CREATIONS TAKES ON V-TWIN MARKETING–Anaheim Hills, CA – KC Creations/Big Inch Bikes Mfg., an industry leading custom bike builder, has hired V-Twin Marketing as their agency of record. Kim Suter, CEO and founder of KC Creations stated, “We decided to go with V-Twin Marketing due to their marketing strengths, networking abilities among industry associates and their total dedication to the V-Twin market.” I had the opportunity to work with Rick when he was the Vice President of Weld Racing’s Motorcycle Division on the Master Builder Program that he developed and we have many of the same business philosophies. I know that this new relationship will prove to be beneficial for both of us”, concluded Suter.
The 2-Lo Magnum frame is 0″ up and 5″ out with a 40? rake and will fit the same tires as the Top Gun Chopper frame. Both of these frames can also be fitted with the new 260/18 Metzler tire. The 2-Lo Magnum softail frame and the Top Gun Chopper softail frame retail for $2995 and the hardtail versions retail for $1995. You can also buy either of these frames as a complete roller which include the following parts and accessories: frame, swingarm, gas tank, fenders, wheels, front end, handlebars, seat and oil tank. Both of the softail versions retail for $10,500 and the hardtail versions retail for $9,500.For further information, please contact KC Creations at (913) 642-3279, (800) 821-9560, or via fax at (913) 652-6712. To see the complete product line from KC Creations/Big Inch Bikes, please go http://www.kc-creations.com. For further information on V-Twin Marketing, please call 714-280-8537.
STEALTH REPORT FROM NC, SHOP OPENING–Last Saturday (7-9-05) we held our Grand Opening at STEALTH BIKE WORKS. Man the time has flew by the past couple of months. In some ways it seems like we just opened. The one thing that I have learned about having your own shop is how fast time passes. When you close the door for the day, you still have things to do. I am not complaining, in fact I enjoy it and I know all the work and long hours will pay off down the road.
We have added Max Brown to our staff. Max brings 30 years of experience to STEALTH BIKE WORKS. We are glad to have Max! The experience he brings covers everything from Knuckleheads to Twin Cams. So I guess we now have most of the bases covered.
Chopper John has been working on a one-off gas tank. It is not finished yet but as soon as it is I will send pictures. We are excited about the kind of things Chopper John can do!
Back to the Grand Opening. We provided food and music. We had a lot of old friends stop by and some people who just found out about STEALTH BIKE WORKS.
July 24th is the 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” The awards for the bike show are coming in and they are killer!
So The next couple of weeks should provide to busy around here. If you need any info on the 7th Annual RFB, Give us a call at STEALTH BIKE WORKS, 704 -882-0889.
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
REDHILL CHARITY BIKE CHALLENGE–The custom motorcycle that Redhill Motorcycle Werxbuilt for the 2005 Colorado Motorcycle Swap Build Offwas raffled off to benefit the Tiny Tim Center, whichis located in Longmont. The winner was Jessie Bradleyfrom Vermont. She bought the winning ticket while shewas out here on a ski vacation.
The bike was a labor of love, with many sponsors andindividuals donating their time and/or money to helpfund the project. When all was said and done RedhillMotorcycle Werx donated over $15,000 to the Tiny TimCenter.
“We felt like raffling off the build off bikewas the right thing to do and we wanted the charity tobe a local so The Tiny Tim Center was a perfect fit.We would like to thank all of the people who helpedmake this happen, from all the employees in the shopto our loyal customers who sold tickets for us,without them we wouldn’t have been able to pull thisoff.” said Mercedes Ross owner of Redhill MotorcycleWerx. The bike was brought to the Tiny Tim Center?sannual charity event and the director of The Tiny TimCenter drew the winning ticket.
The Bike:The fenders, tank, oil bag, exhaust as well as a largeportion of the frame were hand-fabricated in the shopat Redhill by Scot Ross and his team of builders. Youcan be sure that you haven’t seen a bike like thisbefore. It has 127? engine assembled in house and thepaint, done by Phil Greff of Black Canyon Custom Paintis black with copper leaf and red striping. As withall of there bikes it is a head turner.
The Shop:Redhill Motorcycle Werx, located off Highway 66 inLyons, caters to all motorcycle enthusiasts, stockingeverything from t-shirts to transmissions. Thereexceptional service department has incorporated apower commander dynomometer and has an in house paintshop, Black Canyon Custom Paint. They haveparticipated in the Cherry Creek Arts Festival the”Art On Two Wheels Exhibit” for two consecutive years,bringing the art of motorcycles to the masses. Theywere recognized nationally in 2004 as a Dealernews Top100 motorcycle shop
MAJOR NEW PLAYER ENTERS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE MARKET– MASURY, OHIO July 11, 2005 — Backed by a team of motorcycle and custom manufacturing veterans, highly regarded entrepreneur Gene Kirila today announced the launch of Hardbikes, a custom motorcycle manufacturer.
Hardbikes is unique because every bike it builds will be designed by a customer with the support of a Hardbikes-trained designer based at one of Hardbikes’ dealers. “Our customer designs the bike of his dreams, and we build it for him,” says Kirila.
Kirila has been recognized as a hero in manufacturing by Fortune Magazine. He has previous started and built three successful firms, all related in some way to custom manufacturing.
Bob Kay, of Biker’s Choice and American Iron Horse fame, will head up sales and marketing. Bruce Kasanoff, an expert in personalization, will be working alongside Kay. Bob McCollum will head up production. McCollum has worked with Gene before and has13 years of mass customization experience.
Cyril Batten, who has 40 years of engineering experience working around high performance engines, left a Chief Engineer position with Mercruiser to head up engineering for Hardbikes. Seth Rosenberg will head up finance with more than 20 years experience working with start-ups and market-leading firms. Mike Green will parlay his years of procurement experience with Chrome Specialties to build a solid supply chain for Hardbikes.
All Hardbikes dealers will have a Hardbikes Design Center on their showroom floor featuring a computer-aided design station, a Chopper fitment fixture and a Pro-Street fitment fixture. This will heighten the customer’s experience, by giving him or her a specific sense of how their new motorcycle will feel between their legs before they buy. You’ll witness this strategy come together on Bikernet.com
Hardbikes has created a comfort triangle formula that calculates an individual’s Hardrider? number, which dictates the relationship between footpeg, handlebar and seat position. The result will be a perfect fitting bike, every time.
Hardbikes will enter the market this year with 10 models using 6 different chassis configurations. The full line of bikes will be announced next month at Sturgis.
Hardbikes will build bikes that are designed by the riding public, but the firm’s dealers are playing a major role in designing the company itself. Hardbikes is committed to building a manufacturing process and selling system that will support the unique culture of the American V-Twin rider.
The new firm’s tagline is “Work hard, play harder.”
For more information contact: Bob Kay
mailto:bobkay@hardbikes.com
Hardbikes
7807 Addison RD. SE
Masury, OH 44383
Phone: 330-448-1119
Fax: 330-448-1130
Web: http://www.hardbikes.com
CROSS COUNTRY REPORT–I received a phone call yesterday from a friend who was riding cross country. It was basically to let me know they had arrived safely but did include a few mentions of interesting things that happened on the way.
One was she had a mechanical problem with her bike just outside of Phoenix AZ. As she was trying to get someone to stop and help over 30 motorcycles passed by and none of them stopped, though they All Waved as they went by. My first question was did you have out the distress signal that you need help? She answered Of Course, you taught me that a long time ago.
It appears that many riders do not know what that is especially some of the newer ones to the lifestyle. Placing a Helmet on the Ground Well To The Rear of The Motorcycle Near The Road So it is Clearly Visable has been a recognized signal that the rider needs assistance for as long as I can remember.
With Sturgis coming up as well as numerous other events around the country it might be a good time to let people know about this. But the disabled rider must also do their part because if riders stopped every time they saw some one sitting on the side of the road and it turned out they were taking a smoke break or draining their kidneys they would never make any time at all.
I realize that a lot of states do not have helmet laws but going interstate you will most likely run into those that do. I may be a good idea for the motorcycle society to also come up with another suitable signal for those that do not have helmets.
My suggestion of females topless was quickly shot down and I am not stopping for some dude with his equipment hanging out so How about asking people what they would think would be a good signal to notify others they need assistance ?
–Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com>
NEW VIEW TECH I SQUARE BILLET MIRRORS FROM JOKER MACHINE– VIEWTECH I mirrors have a small rectangular head for a minimalistic and custom look, but also provide EXCEPTIONAL rear visibility due to the use of OUR EXCLUSIVE custom-made CONVEX mirror glass.
Unique “Pocketed” aircraft milling design along the stem for lightness.
VIEWTECH mirror stems and heads are completely CNC machined from billet aluminum(not cast),light-weight,strong,and fully adjustable in every direction to fit just about everyone.
Once the mirror is positioned, a simple twist of a wrench keeps them at your desired tension setting right where you want them, unlike the competition’s non-adjustable designs that fail with time.
Swivel post assembly is completely serviceable and is machined from stainless-steel alloy to ensure corrosion free operation.
Available in show chrome or HARD black anodized finishes.
A direct bolt-on fit for late model Harley hand controls (including V-Rod) and most aftermarket hand controls.
Also available in round, ViewTech II style.
CUSTOM BIKE BUILDER BOOT CAMP– an exciting and exceptionally well organized project is well on its way to becoming recognized as “Bike Builder University,” and for good reason. The first semester of this innovative program was such a huge success that second and third BOOT CAMPS have been expanded and upgraded substantially to handle the growing number of applicants.
CUSTOM BIKE BUILDERS BOOT CAMP #2 will be an all inclusive, high intensity training program held this September 29 through October 1 in Pomona, California. KICK STAND PRODUCTIONS, the event organizers, have locked down a block of rooms at the up scale Shilo Hotel located just minutes for the Camp site.
Why Pomona? KICK STAND put together an elaborate program with non other than PRO-ONE MANUFACTURING. That’s right, PRO-ONE will be hosting the classes at their huge facility which is also located in Pomona. With their massive in house machine, manufacturing and assembly capabilities, PRO-ONE technicians, BOOT CAMP instructors and some of the industries most prominent designers and builders will provide students with class room presentations and hands on instruction covering virtually every aspect of designing and building a custom motorcycle. Classroom style presentations providing insight and guidelines for operating a custom shop include a wide variety of subjects including but not limited to:
Business building and development guidelines
Architectural and Engineering parameters
Bike builder’s tool identification and requirements
Appraisals
Insurance
Legal issues
Tech sessions
And much, much more!
The three day program will open with an itinerary and program “prep course” at the hotel conference facility. This will be followed by an intensive “factory classroom/workshop” at the PRO-ONE facility. Attendees will follow fabrication of several different style customs from the ground up and be encouraged to interact with PRO-ONE and BOOT CAMP technicians. Numerous breakout segments will provide valuable information on topics covering frame design and fabrication, belt drives, custom drive line integration and other relevant issues. This will all culminate with the presentation of Biker Boot Camp Degrees and Certificates of completion.
All students will be provided with a wallet full of “Discount Bike Builder Bucks” which can be used for products at the PRO-ONE Factory Store and a “goody bag” jam packed with all kinds of cool stuff! Additionally the promoter will provide daily lunches and transportation between the host hotel and PRO-ONE facility. Provisions have been made for the hotel to provide a daily full buffet breakfast prior to class start times.
If you’re interested in entering one of the most prestigious, exciting and gratifying professions catering to a lifestyle and clientele like no other, CUSTOM BIKE BUILDER BOOT CAMP will provide you with the tools for sure fire success.
The September course is filling fast with applicants from all over the U.S. and as far away as Asia and Europe, so get off the couch and call KICKSTAND PRODUCTIONS at 800-346-9266. This may just be the most important call you’ll ever make. For an in dept overview of the programs content check the web at www.custombikebuildersbootcamp.com
READER’S SHOWCASE BIKE–Bandit – kick ass work you have done to the mags. Would love to see my bike in the reader?s rides.
We would love to see your scoot featured on Bikernet in the Reader’s Showcase area. It’s a department where you can post your own feature, tell your story, or replay tech tips.
For years Joann Bortels of Crazyhorse paint was the Reader’s Showcase editor in exchange for Bikernet advertising. She’s gone on to be featured in several magazines and to write paint technique books for MotorBooks international. We’re looking for a new Reader’s Showcase editor. Drope me a line, if you’re interested.-Bandit@bikernet.com
WELD RACING ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTS–Kansas City, MO- Weld Racing’s Motorcycle Division recently announced the addition of 2 new products to round out their billet line of brakes. Weld’s new patent pending Pulley/Rotor Brake System incorporates a state-of-the-art heat resistant coating found on the inside of the rotor ring, where it connects to the pulley, not on the braking surface, in order to bleed heat away from the drive belt. Weld also found that by using this hi-tech coating, the brake pedal pulsation commonly associated with similar competitor’s products is completely eliminated or greatly reduced, giving you smoother, constant “stopping power.” The Pulley Brake is available in both 65 and 70 tooth, narrow (1 1/8″) and wide (1 _”) configurations.
Mark Finnie, Vice President and GM of Weld’s Motorcycle Division has been the driving force behind the expansion of their brake line. Mark Finnie stated, “We have always been an innovator in everything that we design and manufacture and our new Pulley/Rotor Brake System is no exception. We tested every type of coating available to make our new Pulley Brake setup superior to others.” “The pulley/rotor can be ordered separately, or as a complete system including the caliper and the bracket with the pulley designed to match the wheel, in left or right drive side,” Finnie added.
The complete system comes with the pulley with the attached brake rotor rings, pulley mounting hardware, pulley/brake bracket, anchor rod (with hardware), centering spacer and weld-on tab. (Brake line not included) The complete system retails for $1344 in polished and $1495 in chrome.
Weld has also introduced their new Driveside Brake System that tucks the brake rotor behind the pulley for a clean, custom look and will fit on stock Harley-Davidson Softail bikes with a very few minor modification and is perfect for all custom applications. This brake system is available for 65 and 70 tooth pulleys, both wide (1 _”) and narrow (1 1/8″) configurations. This totally new and unique brake system was specifically designed to work exclusively with Weld wheels, rotors and brake calipers. This system comes complete with caliper, driveside bracket, weld on tabs, centering spacer and all related hardware. (Brake line not included) and is available for left or right side drive fitments. The complete system retails for $649 in polished and $699 in chrome.
Please call 866-753-4289 to receive Weld Racing Motorcycle’s ’05 catalog (TELL ‘EM BIKERNET SENT YA) featuring their complete line of wheels, rotors, pulleys, sprockets, billet calipers and apparel or visitwww.weldmotorcycle.com on the internet. Weld Motorcycle, 6600 Stadium Drive, Kansas City, Mo. 64129
Continued On Page 4
July 14, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
THE INDUSTRYIS PREMIER EVENT– Don’t miss this premier biker event during the Sturgis Rally Week, Sponsored by Bikernet.com, Wednesday, August 10, 2005. Mingle with the industry greats all while helping out two worthy non-profit organizations. Help the kids served by Children’s Care and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame by getting a raffle ticket or participating in awesome silent and live auctions held at the event.
TRUE-TRACK IS BACK–Just thought I’d drop you a note on the latest NEW PRODUCT.TRUE-TRACK, for 1980-1992 HD touring motorcycles. Constructed from Billet Aluminum with Black anodized finish! All the hardware is STAINLESS STEEL, yes the stabilizer link is also STAINLESS STEEL with vibration isolated properties and made in the USA! The main bracket bolts to the bottom rear crossmember of the frame. The power train bracket attaches to the transmission trap door and replaces the stock sheet metal exhaust bracket.
The exhaust mounts to the billet bracket with a Stainless Steel hose clamp. TRUE-TRACK acts to mitgate instability on vibration isolated motorcycles. It sells for $395.00 (cheaper than a Funeral)! FREE FREIGHTAvailable NOW!
In addition,the NEW, TRUE-PIVOT, bronze bearings to replace the vulnerable clieve blocks is another first. NO PLASTIC ITS ELASTIC! The kit includes the bronze bearings and a new H-D pivot axle. It sells for $298.00 FREE FREIGHT. I will keep you posted on other new products in the pot.
Oh, Cycle World did a test on TRUE-TRACK article due 9/05 or 10/05.
Thanks for all of your support! To date over 1300 TRUE-TRACK worldwide are preventing injury and death from the serious instability associated with “BAGGERS”.
www.true-track.com
tracktrue@netscape.net
818 623 0697
818 623 8705 FAX
DARWIN AWARDS FOR 2005–The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and, after a little hopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence, sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and lost a finger.
The chef’s claim was approved.
RIT STUDENTS CREATE CUSTOM–These Harley motorcycles are one sweet ride.A group of engineering majors at Rochester Institute of Technology created a custom motorcycle conversion kit to transform two Harley-Davidson 883C Sportster motorcycles into “custom choppers.” The kit could be produced and sold commercially since no similar product exists, team members say.
Working with Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson, a Harley dealership in California that donated the two Sportster motorcycles, a multidisciplinary student design team customized the two-wheelers from end-to-end-making modifications to the bikes’ front ends, headlights, handlebars, mirrors, seats, fenders, paint, exhaust systems, electronics, brake lights, rear ends and more. The result: customized “Tiger choppers”-named for their tiger theme, including paint scheme and wheel design emulating a tiger claw. (“Chopper” is the term used to describe a radically customized motorcycle-with certain components “chopped off”-and a tiger is RIT’s school mascot.)
A customized LED lighting system adds to the choppers’ unique look while also enhancing safety by making the bikes more visible to other motorists, particularly at night. The conversion kit includes both custom-made components and products available on the motorcycle aftermarket.One of the custom choppers earned the Best in Show award in RIT’s 175th-anniversary parade. The second bike may be auctioned this fall, with proceeds used to create another chopper next school year.
“Working on the Tiger chopper was a great time,” says Jeremy Rank, one of the engineering majors involved in the project and who previously completed a co-op position at a Harley-Davidson plant in Kansas City, Mo. “I sent pictures to former co-workers-they were surprised a Sportster could look so good. Educationally, we had a great experience working with three different engineering disciplines and with industrial design students. The end result was a great bike.”
In addition to Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson, owned by Mike James, the team was also supported by DMG America Inc., Hardinge Inc., Magnum Shielding Corp. and Remmco Inc.”Our objective was to take the least expensive Harley-Davidson model, which retails for about $6,500, and create a customization kit for dealerships to sell to customers interested in enhancing their motorcycle design at a lower cost,” says James Taylor, team mentor and RIT associate professor of industrial and systems engineering.
The multidisciplinary engineering team also worked with students in RIT’s School of Design and College of Business.Adds Mike James of Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson: “We were very excited to see the results of the Sportster chopper project. What a great collaborative effort across multiple engineering disciplines-the big payoff is students learned a lot about working collaboratively to design and build a project in a finite amount of time.”
EVER WONDER WHAT THOSE ENGINE LETTERS STAND FOR?–The “F” stands for the Big Bike with the Big Engine, so you know that all models that begin with “F” have the big motors, 80 to 88 cubic inches or 1340 to 1450 CC’s.
The next letter… “L” stands for a big fat front tire, while an “X” stands for a “Skinny” tire. So, an “FL” would be a big motor and a fat front tire.The next letter(s) denotes the frame… like a “D” indicates a “Dyna” frame (with the rubber mounted motor), while “ST” signifies a “Softail?” frame and “HT” a “Highway Touring” frame. So an “FXD” would be a big engine Dyna frame with a skinny front tire.
The next letter(s) indicates the model bike within the frame family…Like “F” would signify “Fat Boy?”, “WG” “Wide Glide?”, etc… so… an FLSTF would be a big engine, fat front tire, softail, Fat Boy?. a FXDWG would be a big engined, skinny front tire, dyna frame, Wide Glide? model and an FLHTCUI is a big engine, fat front tire, highway touring, Ultra Classic? model with fuel injection (the “I” on the end signifies Fuel Injection. And, all the models that begin with an “X” are Sportster? Motorcycles.
So, now you know!
–from Rogue
RUSSIAN BIKERS MAKE TAXI DRIVER CIRCLE NAKED–A group of bikers attacked the driver of a taxi van in the city of Astrakhan, in Russia’s south. The bikers dragged the man out of the van, pulled his trousers off and made the driver run around the vehicle naked, lifting his arms up.
The incident occurred on July 3rd, at about 8:00 p.m., near one of the bus stops in the city, Regnum news agency reported.”We punished the driver for his joke, when he made one of out friends drive his bike very close to the street curb,” a “lyncher” explained the reasons of the punishment. “Unfortunately, there are some people, who do not understand that a road is not a playground. We decided to punish one of those people. There are many way to teach someone a lesson within the framework of the law,” said he.”Next time we will put down the names of those drivers, who will be running around their vehicles naked. We will take pictures of those men and upload them on our website,” the biker promised.It is noteworthy that bikers already punished the driver of a Land Rover Defender offroad in September of 2004 in Moscow. Dozens of bikers, who participated in the annual biker parade in Russia’s capital, started chasing the offroad vehicle on their Harley, Honda and Kawasaki motorbikes. The driver of the offroad vehicle, 32-year-old Muscovite Sergei Danduryan, provoked several accidents, ran over three parade participants and knocked several motorbikes down.
The bikers stopped the vehicle on one of the central streets of Moscow, pulled the driver out of the car, beat him, overturned the Land Rover Defender, set the car on fire and escaped.
Thank You
Pat Watts
BOB?S PHOTO ART–Hey Bro, Here are a couple of pieces from my archive that I manipulated up using Photoshop. These were originally shot at Dick’s Wings Bike Night Jacksonville Beach Florida. It’s a must do if you are ever passing through on a Tuesday Night. Ride Safe,Whiplash Biker Photog
Cyril HuzeMini Spikee Mirrors– Perfect for a Chopper or Bobber and for any minimalist style bike.This mini mirror by Cyril Huze features a bezel with 3 spikes. Glass is enclosed with no risk of falling off because of vibrations.
Simple, practical & beautiful. Matching risers, grips, pegs, head bolt covers, etc.
Cyril Huze
Tel 561-392-5557
www.cyrilhuze.com
American-made mini chopper from Kikker 5150– KIKKER 5150 has introduced the ‘Bonesaw’ chopper. The company tells us that this bike should not be confused with similar, cheaper models appearing in the market.
The genuine Bonesaw frame is Tig-welded from Reynolds 531 alloy steel tube. Other components are CNC-machined from billet aluminum. Some features are chrome plated and the specification also includes saddle grade leather. The bike weighs just 42lb, but complete with adult rider can reach 30mph. With the performance options, speeds of over 40mph are attainable.
The bikes are built to order at the company’s Brentwood, CA, facility. Using UPS Express overnight service, Kikker claims it can deliver the ordered bike globally within 2-3 days of receipt.
It is easy to customize the initial purchase as a wide range of accessories, including different fender, handlebar, paint and engine options can be specified. A functional Springer fork, CNC-machined wheel rims, parts machined from billet, O-ring syle footpegs and a hand-stitched leather seat complete with ‘flame’ design are other options. A high performance head kit, HP carburetor, a billet velocity stack and a tuned exhaust are also offered as performance aids.
Kikker 5150 offers a one year warranty on its products. It says that other alternative bikes may offer no such warranty or factory support, and spares back- up may be limited. Kikker 5150 claims to be the only American pocket bike manufacturer and, as such, offers a full parts inventory and advice service.The Bonesaw chopper is one of a range of pocket bikes produced by Kikker 5150. Other models include ‘Roughshod’, ‘haVoc’ and ‘Phatty’.
New parts and accessories are introduced every month, and these parts are also suitable for retro-fitting to all existing models.
KIKKER 5150
Brentwood, California, USA
Tel:925 516 1188
E-mail:sales@kikker5150.com
www.kikker5150.com
Foot-in-Mouth Testimonials:–
FIRST TESTIMONY:
I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, “How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?” I turned around and walked back out and never went back. My husband didn’t say a word…he knew better.
SECOND TESTIMONY:
I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women’s type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who works at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, “I think I like playing with men’s balls.”
THIRD TESTIMONY:
My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts. As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, “No, I’m just looking at your nuts.” My sister started to laugh hysterically, The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my Sister has never let me forget.
FOURTH TESTIMONY:
While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler decided to release some pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to grab hold of her after receiving looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I told her that if she did not start behaving “right now” she would be punished. To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice just as threatening, “If you don’t let me go right now, I will tell Grandma that I saw you kissing Daddy’s pee-pee last night!” The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped what they were doing. I mustered up! the last of my dignity and walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow. The last thing I heard when the door closed behind me, were screams of laughter.
FIFTH TESTIMONY:
Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, and she was clean. Then I realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while, so I asked him if he needed to go, and he said “No.” I kept thinking, “Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don’t have any clothes with me.” Then I said, “Danny, are you SURE you didn’t have an accident?” “No,” he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse. Soooooo, I asked one more time, “Danny, did you have an accident?” This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over and spread his cheeks and yelled, “SEE MOM, IT’S JUST FARTS!!” While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An old couple made me feel better by thanking me for the best laugh they’d ever had!
LAST TESTIMONY: This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow but don’t get any….a true story… We had a female news anchor who, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn’t, turned to the weatherman and asked: “So Bob,where’s that 8 inches you promised me last night?” Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too they were laughing! so hard!
Now, didn’t that feel good? Pass it on to someone you know who needs a laugh.
Hello Friends of Bike-Shows.com!–What a great time to go for a ride!!!If you are stuck inside and want to check out some great photos of what is happening in the So-Cal area check out www.Bike-Shows.com:
The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse 2005 Goes?Full ThrotTle? WITH Summer / Fall Tour DatesFeaturing Custom Bike builders, their Creations and More– FT LAUDERDALE, FL (July 12, 2005) ? Showcasing the hottest custom motorcycles on the road, four of the nation?s most exciting custom bike builders and the largest, most rockin? bike rallies, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is hosting its second custom bike builder rally tour ? The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse 2005. The tour kicked off at Daytona Bike Week and is heading to the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD; followed by The Steel Pony Express in New Orleans, LA and Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL; with the Grand Finale at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL during the Ft. Lauderdale Bike Rally.
The 2005 featured custom bike builders are Jesse Rooke of Rooke Customs in Phoenix, AZ; Roland Sands from Roland Sands Design in LaPalma, CA; Johnny Vasko aka Johnny Chop from Southern California; and Doug Keim of New Jersey’s Creative Cycles. The Roadhouse Tour rocks hard with the metal-carving ingenuity and raw talent of these four exciting custom bike builders, set center-stage at four bike rallies. Check out their 2005 custom Hard Rock bikes and kick back at the Roadhouse, featuring live entertainment, beautiful Hard Rock models, Hawaiian Tropic pageants, the Roadhouse Bar, Celebrity Custom Builder Ride-ins and more during the following bike rallies:
August 8th ? 14th / 65th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota
October 20th ? 23rd / Biktoberfest in Daytona Beach, Florida
October 27th ? 30th / The Steel Pony Express in New Orleans, Louisiana
December 1st ? 4th / Grand Finale at the new Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida ? party central and the custom bike Mecca for the 2nd annual Ft. Lauderdale Bike Rally. Entertainment, music, food 24/7 as the crowd will be rocking to great music at Hard Rock Live, cruising vendor booths, and gathering heat, especially during the Hawaiian Tropic bikini contest. Then, cool down in the slick 130,000 sq. ft. casino.
The Roadhouse features a Custom Bike Sweepstakes to win one of the four Hard Rock Custom Bikes built. Five semi-finalists will win a complimentary getaway including accommodation and roundtrip air to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, for the Grand Finale. Entries are taken at each of the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse tour stops, as well as online at www.hrroadhouse.com or at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, when the featured bikes are showcased between Roadhouse trips.
Two-year, title sponsor of the Roadhouse, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a destination for rock n? rollers from across the nation to discover their rock n? roll dreams. The 86-acre resort in Hollywood, Florida, located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is pure paradise, featuring a colossal 130,000 sq. ft. casino, a lush 4-acre lagoon tropical pool area, a legendary Hard Rock Caf?, sensational European-style spa and fitness center, and the famous Hard Rock Live concert hall. Seminole Paradise, South Florida’s newest entertainment destination for savvy shopping, delicious dining and explosive entertainment offers a little something for everyone, both day and night.
Other sponsors include Budweiser, Hawaiian Tropic, S&S Cycle, Performance Machine, Baker Transmission, Bikernet.com and HOT BIKE. For more information and a complete listing of scheduled events, please visit www.hrroadhouse.com.
BLAK FLAG FOR LIFE–Blak Flag is not just another bike shop. This Blak Flag is a lifestyle company, born out of frustration as well as a company that salutes those who have paved the way before now. Owners Pat Notaro and Derian Drickersen run their shop out of Westlake Village, California, where you will find ground up custom bikes, the Blak Flag line of parts designed in house, and of course a fine looking line of apparel.
But again, it’s not strictly bikes. One of the coolest aspects of the Blak Flag lifestyle mentality is that Pat and Derian involve their other interests into the shop. These interests include skateboarding, surfing, and punk rock. Like it says on the Web site, Blak Flag is for straight up fearless independence and liberation. That’s the way it’s done, when it’s more than just a bike shop.
Blak Flag
30941 West Agoura Road Suite 324
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Phone (818) 707-1246
Fax (818) 707-1275
http://www.blakflag.com
SHE WAS SO BLOND–
* She thought a quarterback was a refund.
* She thought General Motors was in the army.
* She thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats.
* She thought Boyz II Men was a day care center.
* At the bottom of an application where it says “Sign here,” she wrote “Sagittarius.”
LOOK NO FURTHER-APE SCORE– Apes? Johnny Chop Ind. (J.C.I.) has got Apes, more than one length even. Made with narrow bikes in mind, the J.C.I. Narrow Bars are 1-inch polished T-304L stainless steel bars with a 4-inch width in the base and 2-inch diameter bend. Available in Small (6 inches), Medium (12 inches), and Tall (20 inches), just pick your length and you’ve got the bad ass set of apes you’ve been searching for. For more information, contact: Johnny Chop Ind., (714) 851-3177, http://www.johnnychop.com.
GET SICK RIGHT DOWN TO YOUR FRAME– Now you can get just as sick with your ride as Doug Keim Creative Cycles (D.K.C.C.) did with the Hard Rock bike featured on the Hard Rock tour, 2005. How? By using the D.K.C.C. Tetanus frame, available by special order only. Fully fixture built and completely TIG-welded, this is the same frame used on the incredible Hard Rock Bike. The frame features 8 inches of backbone stretch, minus 4 inches of leg stretch, and a 40-degree neck angle. Chain drive only, Tetanus is right-side-drive, fitted for a 280 or 300 series tire, and comes with steel jet-cut downtube, seat post tube, frame-side plates, and swingarm.
Anyone who lays eyes on a ride built using the Doug Keim Creative Cycles Tetanus frame will get a healthy dose of bike envy, guaranteed. For more information, contact: Doug Keim Creative Cycles, (732) 751-1403, http://www.dougkeim.com.
Continued On Page 3
July 14, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit |
I’m hammering at the news today. I’m trying to finish the Sturgis Shovel for this weekend and it’s flying together. With Buster’s help we finished the wiring yesterday. I needed some shims for the BDL engine pulley and couldn’t find a goddamn woodriff key for the clutch. I dug through every stinkin’ box and coffee can searching for this goddamn little heat hardened chunk of steel. I have a half dozen clutch hubs but no keys. So I had to make a hard charged run to Walker’s Machine for some engine shims (it’s key to make those pulleys line up perfectly), a fuel filter and that goddamn key. It may run tonight.
I have an offer. Many riders expected great things from HOT BIKE and subscribed. We were able to make some editorial changes and a few programs were initiated before I left. But now it’s in different hands and no-tellin’ which way they will steer the mag. If you find you don’t like the direction as of the December or issues for 2006 let me know. I will gladly give any subscriber who is disappointed in future HOT BIKE?s a subscription to Bandit’s Cantina. Let’s hope the mag just gets better and the staff is devoted to the reader as much as we were, but if something runs afoul, I will stand behind my commitment to devoted readers.
Let’s hit the news.
INTERESTED IN VON DUTCH– I was at Hacienda in Scottsdale. Seriously contemplating getting the Von Dutch Cruelworld Chopper. Any input?
–Joe
Let us know, if you have experienced a Von Dutch ride? –Bandit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
PM HAND CONTROLS, THROTTLE HOUSINGS AND MIRRORS–Never quite satisfied with the status quo, PM decided their Billet Aluminum, Contour Style Hand Controls needed a final touch. To complete the package, they created a matching billet throttle housing and mirrors! Both the throttle housing and mirrors are designed to blend perfectly into the Contour Master Cylinders (available in both brake and clutch version) as well as Clutch Assemblies! PM Contour mirrors are available in long and short stem.
Create the ideal control package by combining PM’s Contour Master Cylinder and clutch perch, with their matched billet switches, throttle housing and mirrors! Available polished or chrome plated and master cylinders are available in 9/16″” or 11/16″ to match your brake system.
For more information, call or write to:Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle,
La Palma, CA 90623
714-523-3000
http://www.performancemachine.com
METRIC NEWS ON BIKERNET–Kawasaki has taken the wraps off its KX? competition and off-road motorcyclelines, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and select street bikes for 2006!
Among the many exciting models unveiled is the highly anticipated KX450F,Kawasaki?s new flagship motocross bike. Built with performance, durabilityand reliability in mind, the KX450F features a slim and lightweight aluminumframe, and a liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with the best peak performancein its class.
Be sure to visit www.KawasakiMedia.com for access to the latest productinformation, specifications and high-resolution photography, as well asracing news, photos and ongoing Kawasaki updates.
Check back often as news features and photos are continuously posted!
–Jacquelyn
Email: j.albrecht@freemanmccue.com
Bobstar Customs – A Pioneer in the Custom Metric Motorcycle Industry– (PRWEB) January 16, 2005 — After 20 years of building custom choppers as a hobby, the founders of Bobstar Customs; Bob Gray, Don Gray, and Tom Metcalf turned their passion into a partnership. In April of 2003, they formed Bobstar Customs in Nashville, Tennessee.
After exhausting research for components to customize the metric Yamaha Road Star into a sleek custom-built chopper, the patriarchs pooled their collective technical knowledge to create new innovative ideas. __Hard work and imaginative collaboration produced the initial Bobstar Customs chopper.
Using their custom frame design, a Road Star 1600 power plant, Morton’s exhaust, 63mm front end, RC wheels, ostrich/ stingray seat, and custom paint by Shane Brown, the bike came to life. Designated the “Tangerine Road Star”, the guys debuted their design at Bike Week 2004 in Daytona Beach, Florida. They went on to win numerous awards and trophies from shows in Sturgis, Rat’s Hole, Star Days, and others.
To complete their line of custom theme choppers, the Bobstar team designed three unique individual styles to choose from. __The hometown favorite in Nashville, “Titan,” was developed to demonstrate a “one-of” ability to customize a chopper for corporate and individual buyers. A Harley engine and RC Components frame was used along with custom manufactured wheels, pegs, and logos. The seat is made from an actual NFL football split in half, and the paint is designed to match the Tennessee Titans colors.
Master builder Don Gray, is turning heads across the US with this awesome piece of machinery. Bobstar Customs has teamed with Cingular Wireless, Circuit City, and Nashville radio stations to display this fan favorite at numerous autograph sessions, charity events, and grand openings.
__Reverting to their roots and passions of the 1970’s, Bob and Don Gray took great pride in creating the Honda 750 “Pink Floyd” chopper. A sleek design with great lines, Bobstar Customs has created an artwork that brings many riders back to the days of “Easy Rider”.
Taking a four cylinder and adding modern day components was a unique achievement. The “Pink Floyd” has won numerous awards across the US, and developed a cult following among metric riders.__Rounding out the stable, Bobstar Customs created the “Bobstar Road Star Cruiser”. Starting with a stock 2001 Road Star, modifications were made to the body and frame to accommodate a new inverted 63mm front end. A 200 rear tire and custom LED brake lights, and custom “Bobstar” wheels add to the Road Star design.
__Endless hours of inventing and tweaking resulted in a unique design for a custom bolt-on frame for a stock Road Star that is a complete replacement for your existing frame (not exchange). These patented parts are in bolt-on condition which means that the engine, drive train and battery will all bolt right on without any rework.__The Bobstar Customs’ frames are TIG welded by ANSI/AWS certified welders. Frames are assembled in custom made jigs and fixtures. This is the same material used in many race car frames. Chrome-Moly tubing is both stronger and lighter than Mild steel tubing. Accordingly, a thinner wall tubing of Chrome-Moly (.083″) is comparable in strength to mild steel (.120″ or .134″). So when you have two similar frames of equal strength the Chrome-Moly version will be about 40% lighter.
Bobstar Customs offers the frame in two styles; PRO-STREET or CHOPPER, in any rake, stretch or rise. They are both available in single or double down tube, straight or curved. Their versatile design allows up to a 300 width tire.__In addition to their frames, Bobstar Customs designed a custom swing arm assembly if you want to go to a wider rear end. Their kit will take you from a stock Road Star rear end to a 230, 240, or 300 width tire.
Bobstar Customs offers a choice of two styles; CONVENTIONAL or SIGNATURE. The Conventional Swing Arm Assembly includes frame with hidden axle set up includes the rear axle 1 INCH to fit an American wheel, off- set pulley, and axle covers. The Signature Swing Arm Assembly includes frame with hidden axle set up rear axle 1-inch to fit an American wheel, an off- set pulley, axle covers, four chrome bullet ends, LED lights in tip of four bullet ends, and a 1 _-inch LED strip in curved axle plate. Both of these innovative assemblies are compatible with the stock Road star frame.__Also available in the catalogue of Road Star conversion parts, are axle covers, 63mm front ends, Bobstar wheels, and triple trees.
The motto, “If you can dream it, we can build it!” clearly defines the ability of Bobstar Customs.__Contact Information:_Don Gray_Bobstar Customs_110 Midtown Court_Suite 101_Hendersonville, TN 37075
_http://www.bobstarcustoms.com_e-mail
_888.822.7780
_615.822.7780 (fax)_
Crime Scene Choppers Introduces a Slick Deep-Finned Oil Tank–
Finned oil tank combines style and practicality
Scotts Valley, CA ? July 12, 2005 ? Crime Scene Choppers announces the availability of the newest item in their ?Radical Retro? line, a deep-finned oil tank. The round oil tank features deep cooling fins on the ends and an internal oil filter. All of the line connections are grouped together for a super-sanitary installation.
The finned oil tank is the latest collaboration between Joe McGlynn and Mark van der Kwaak. The tanks are built in aluminum from cast and CNC machined parts, had assembled and finished to produce a truly unique and distinctive product. The combination of cooling fins, an internal return line to the filter and a drop-in filter lets you clean up the oiling system on your bike, and add a ton of style too. The tank is 6? in diameter, 11.5? long and has four mount points; two on top and two on the back.The filled oil tank is exclusively made in the USA.
Quality and Style
?We?re really excited about this new oil tank? said Joe McGlynn, owner of Crime Scene Choppers, ?I wanted to design a tank that combined hot rod style and practicality. We exaggerated the fins slightly to push the design, added an internal filter and fit it all into a nice compact package.?
Deep-Finned Oil Tank Availability
The Deep-Finned oil tank is available through http://www.CrimeSceneChoppers.com immediately. The tank is supplied with a satin finish; polished tanks are available by special order. An optional ?start up? kit may be purchased as well, which includes four vibration-absorbing mounts, a fill cap, a magnetic drain plug, a filter and a filter cap. New products are being introduced every month, so check the website for the latest news.
TOP 10 INDICATORS THAT YOUR EMPLOYER HAS CHANGEDTO A CHEAPER HEALTH CARE PLAN–
10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.
9) Directions to your Doctor’s office include “Take a left when you enter the trailer park.”
8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.
7) The only proctologist in the plan is “Gus” from Roto-Rooter.
6) The only item listed under Preventative Care Coverage is “An apple a day.”
5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to Goodwill last month.
4) “The patient is responsible for 200% of out of network charges.”
3) The only expense covered 100% is “embalming.”
2 Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M’s on them.
AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU’VE JOINED A VERY CHEAP HEALTH CARE PLAN:
1) You ask for Viagra, and they give you a Popsicle stick and duct tape.
THE LATE DAYTONA REPORT–Images from our Daytona Photo Booth. Hope you like them.
–BonBonBan@aol.com
ACCURATE ENGINEERING CNC MACHINED DUCTILE IRON CYLINDERS–Accurate Engineering announces the availability of their CNC Machined Ductile Iron Cylinders. Engineered to the highest standards with extra consideration given to clearances for pushrod tubes, circuit breakers, exhaust flanges, intake hardware, and assembly tool fitment.
The material used is the best ductile iron available for this application. Precision machined for square decks with straight and true bores. The cylinder bases are drilled for a 3/8″ studs instead of a 7/16″ stud. 7/16″ to 3/8″ step studs on the cylinder bases allow for plenty of strength at the base nut relief even after they are bored to their final size. Available in 3.500″, 3.625″ and 3.8125″ bores and lengths to accommodate a variety of strokes.
Beautifully coated in a durable gloss black finish. These cylinders are designed to fit Panhead and Shovelhead style engines and they are available in finished or unfinished bores.
Cylinders include precision-made step studs and chrome 12 point base nuts. Complete with instructions and installation tips.
Accurate Engineering
128 Southgate Rd
Dothan Alabama, 36301
334.702.1993
http://www.accurate-engineering.com
READERS GETS A PATCH–Hope you are doin well. I gotta say the pic ya posted with the news last thursday was a good one. You look really happy. On the flip side, the one ya did with Livia in the Sunday post looks like yer pissed off or something? Either way it’s all good. I think the Idea the guy had in “your shot” of a webcam is really cool. Have ya ever thought about instructional videos to go with tech articles or is that too much problems and expense? Maybe it’s not a good idea. Maybe it’s as simple as the web cam thing. I am uninformed on the issue of doing it all, so I really don’t know.
Well, ya know I look up to ya, and I just got my probate rockers. I sent this pic out to family and friends. I’m kinda proud of it. I still have a long way to go of course, and a lot to learn. We are taught in the club that going from prospect to probate to patch isn’t like climbing a ladder, but rather like a gently ascending slope. We are merely recognized for what we have accomplished along the way. The longer you’ve been with the club, the more of a brother ya should be. I’m proud the club voted on me and gave me the privilge of wearing rockers. Some things have got easier, and in some respects it’s more work. No one is allowed to coast. I’m still a young buck in the herd. I’m looking forwards to the day I patch out.
All good things come in time though.
The pic in front of the bike isn’t my bike. It’s my sponsors trike. We wanted to get the flag in there. We were helping with a MIA funeral in savannah.
Respects,
–Probate Brian (form Georgia)
Thanks Brian. We will look into the web cam with my next bike project. You can watch me toss tools around the shop. Could be interesting. Oh, I wasn’t pissed of in that shot. There comes a time when a man wants the photographer to disappear, if you know what I mean. –Bandit
Continued On Page 2
July 7, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
BIKERNET CRAZY HORSE RIDE TO STURGIS DEADLINE APPROACHING– I’ll give you a brief rundown: Thecharity efforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills.We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride along warmtwisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.
Each day will cover 250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hangout by the pool, hit the gym, shop in town then have a killer meal.
Here?s the latest: Master Builder Harold Ponteralli, Barry Wardlow ofAccurate Engineering, Bandit, Rogue the writer, are riding along. Guys areflying in from Hawaii and moto-journalists from Australia. On the final daywe?ll meet up with the Hamster Ride in Wyoming for lunch before the finalblast into the Badlands. Just today we found that a national non-motorcyclemag will be covering the ride and the celebrity ride to the Crazy HorseMonument during the rally with Branscomb Richmond. We may even have a filmcrew along for the Sturgis Run. We?ve already collected a check for $250 from Biker Attorney and Bikernet Sponsor Mike Hupy?Thanks Mike. Let?s ride.
That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we make all thearrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.
To get hooked up you need to contact Joerlene, quick. She?s our travel agent and will line uphotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and if you’renot hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her contact info is:
— The lovely Joerline
(808) 638-8550
Sent By Joe Lankau
JUST TO REMIND YOU THAT SCANDINAVIAN HOG BIKE WEEK IS JUST 43 DAYS AWAY– August 11th-14th 2005 ( 12th consecutive rally ).On our website: www.bikeweek.noYou will find:Program,Hotel, motel and camping info, andOnline registration.
PLS Note:Our spoinosring dealer: Lazy Boyz Sped & Customs Workswill be responsible for the service-workshop.If you like you can pre-order a repair/service by contacting:Tommy at: workshop@lazyboyz.noOr telephone: +47-22907814
See you in Lillehammer ? Norway
Dag Koppervik
Scandinavian HOG Bike Week
Nybuveien 59
N-2609 Lillehammer- Norway
Phone: +47-612-86057
Fax: +47-612-63008
Cellular: +47-915-34385
Email: mail@bikeweek.no
http://www.bikeweek.no
NEW SIN CITY SHOW OPEN FOR THE OLD SCHOOL FANS–When I opened the shop last year you mentioned you could do an article on us or help out. Well it?s been a year business is amazing and we just launched our #2 web site.
Please take a looky see and do what you can. Also need to get into the mags with some advertising. Anyway hope we see ya in Long Beach this year maybe a vendor
ROB “chop” Wilkinson
O School Choppers
SINCITY,NV
http://www.oschoolchoppers.com>www.oschoolchoppers.com
I?m working on an article for Bikernet and some of the industry mags. We?re moving on it.–Bandit
SUCKER PUNCH SALLY REPORT COMING TO BIKERNET–Here is an SPS update pasted below. I have alsoattached a copy of the roller, working man’s, hot rodfender struts and H-bomb oil bag. You can get someother pics of bikes from Curt. I will send anothere-mail with some bikes….
–Ken
Watch for the article to be launched this evening.–Bandit
INTERNATIONAL BIKER SHOW MOTOR SHOW 2005–The Moldovan Biker’s Club Brothers” is pleased to invite all biker clubs to take part in the 6th International Biker Show Motor Show 2005″, that will take place in Chisinau, from 18 to 24 July. To get more information, please, visit our web-site www.brothers.md .
I part – Unofficial18 – 21 July, Hospitable Moldova. Visiting the most famous European wine cellars: Cricova” winery – the biggest depository of wine in Europe; Milestii Mici” winery and Cojusna” winery.
Trip along Nistru River by white boat.
National cuisine tasting.
II Part – Official22 – 24 JulyAnyone can take part in this wonderful show that will last for 2 days:
22 July – Registration of our guests, accommodation and dinner.
23 July – Motor show”, city’s parade.We’ll be glad to meet old friends!
ROLLER KIT FROM WAR EAGLE– A NEW ROLLER KIT from War Eagle Customs is based on the company’s most popular frame. Essential geometry of the frame has a five-inch stretch in the backbone, but nothing in the leg, combined with a 42-degree neck rake. The sheet metal includes the oil bag as well as a teardrop gas tank, also with a five-inch stretch. The fender is frame mounted using a kit that includes smooth fender struts. The fender can also be supplied as swingarm-mounted. Front forks are billet aluminum, of 41mm diameter supported aluminum triple trees with a smooth top and internal fork stops. These can also be supplied chrome plated or in black powdercoat.
The wheels are WEC (War Eagle Customs) Slots, supplied in either black powdercoat or polished finishes.
The kit can also be supplied with a number of upgrades. Any chrome wheels can be supplied from the ranges of Weld or RC Components. The gas tank can have hidden mounts and a HotMatch gas cap is a further option.
WAR EAGLE CUSTOMS
Oakland Park, Florida, USA
Tel: 954 938 6224
Fax: 941 938 0238
E-mail:
http: www.wareaglecustoms.com
NEED SPORTSTER INSPIRATION?– Chances are your Sportster could use an overhaul. In fact, with the right game plan, it could be a really sweet ride. Top Shelf Customs used the frame you see here for one of its custom projects. After seeing how cool the ride turned out overall, the guys at the shop thought other people would like to get their own Sportster projects started out on one of these babies as well.
The Top Shelf Customs Frame is made with the top standard DOM steel tubing featuring a hidden axle. It also sports a 2-inch stretch, 34-degree rake, and is 2 inches under in the single downtube. It will accept up to a 150mm tire with chain drive or 130mm with a belt. Use with all Evo-style, Sportster, or Buell engines. There are a lot of people out there that have a Sportster and don?t know what to do with it ? well here you go.
For more information, contact: Top Shelf Customs, (714) 903-8042, www.topshelfcustoms.com.
LUCKY DEVIL REPORT FROM HOUSTON–And now I am busy stripping it down to finish out all the welding and send this rascal next door to Lucky Devil Paint Works for some clothes. The booth arrives on the 9th so we are making sure to have plenty of scoots ready to shoot.
— The Devil
HOLLEY REVAMPS WEBSITE–Bowling Green, KY ? Holley, the world?s largest manufacturer of aftermarket speed parts, is proud to announce the launch of their new and improved consumer website, www.holley.com.
Holley?s new website is much easier for consumers to find the information that is most important to them during their visit. While visiting www.holley.com consumers now have access to over 15,000 products from Holley, Hooker, Lunati, Weiand, Earl?s, NOS, and Flowtech. New products are hot linked on the product brand pages along with any consumer news such as rebates, coupons or special discounts.
Several functions were added to make a www.holley.com visitors life much easier. Holley added downloadable instruction sheets for all products, and an application search function by year, make and model or look for a product with a keyword search. A catalog section was added for all Holley brand catalogs so they can be viewed in PDF formats. Holley added a Motorsports page for the circle track and drag racers with online contingency program information and event/race trailer schedules. Other areas of interests will be the Virtual Show and Shine online car show where consumers can show off their pride and joy, the Holley Store and Holley?s Custom Shop.
For those of the media you will love the Holley News section. Media can find relative news by brand, month, search a date range or by a keyword search. All artwork and product photos on www.holley.com are hi-res and can be downloaded for printing. There is also an option to join Holley?s press release mailing list and information on how to source each Holley brand in editorials.
LETTER FROM THE FRONT–Been reading Bikernet for a while. Enjoy the articles and event coverage aswell as the tech info. This is the content of an e-mail my father sent me. I’m sure it’s goingaround, but I thought maybe you and your readers might like to see it too.
Thanks,
Chris
DID YOU KNOW THIS? I DIDN’T. Did you know that 47 countries have re-established their embassies in Iraq?
Did you know that the Iraqi government employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?
Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are underrehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schoolshave been built in Iraq?
Did you know that Iraq’s higher educational structure consists of 20Universities, 46 institutes or colleges and 4 research centers?
Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January2004 for the re-established Fulbright program?
Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have five 100-footpatrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.
Did you know that Iraq’s Air Force consists of three operation squadrons,nine reconnaissance and three US C-130 transport aircraft which operate dayand night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and four Bell jet rangers?
Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a CommandoBattalion?
Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained andequipped police officers?
Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over3500 new officers each 8 weeks?
Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq?They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroadstations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electricalfacilities.
Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of five have receivedthe first two series of polio vaccinations?
Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary schoolby mid October?
Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq andphone use has gone up 158%?
Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radiostations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?
Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004 and thatthe Iraqi economy is BOOMING?
Did you know that two candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had atelevised debate recently?
OF COURSE WE DIDN’T KNOW! WHY DIDN’T WE KNOW? OUR MEDIA WOULDN’T TELL US!
RUCKER PERFORMANCE SELECTS METZELER TIRE– The 2005 Assassin Motorcycle Runs Metzeler Tires.
Fort Worth, Texas (July 5, 2005) ? The Assassin, the formidable American Muscle Bike, is equipped with the Metzler high-performance radial tires.
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 ME880 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 ME880 tires grow only 2mm at 160mph in testing due to our patented zero degree steel belt technology.?
Metzeler tires utilize an Advanced Silica Compound, which reduces rolling resistance, and that increases tire mileage. The Metzler tread pattern combined with the Advanced Silica Compound increases wet grip. Metzeler provides one of the softest rides in the V-Twin marketplace due to high-quality construction materials.
Buyers of Rucker Performance motorcycles can select from over 16 Weld Racing Wheels to fit with Metzler 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.
The Tiki Bike – Best Of Show by Roger at Kustom Fab.
ALOHA FROM HAWAII–Which means hello and goodbye. We took a red eye from Honolulu to the mainland and boy am I tired of flying. Between the crowds and security, it?s a drag. Ah, but what a trip.
I had something else to report. I plan to work on the Sturgis chop all weekend. I?ll hopefully install the new Rev Tech Tranny with a Kicker. It?s going to be Kick Only until Compu-Fire and BDL get the bugs worked out on the engine based starter system. Then you?ll see it come together.
I have a complete set of hydraulic brake lines from Rev Tech at Custom Chrome, so I?ll have brakes before the end of the weekend, the BDL clutch system will be in place and then I?ll begin the wiring after I install a complete Compu-Fire charging and ignition system. I could be up an running by the middle of next week.
That would be a kick and a relief. Then I?d carefully apply Eddie Trotto?s break-in formula. Ride it a mile and check it out, and make adjustments. Then ride it five miles and do the same. Then 25 and change the oil. Then ride it 50 miles and check it over one more time. She should be ready to rock.
I?ll report on the progress. Have a helluva weekend.
–Bandit
July 7, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit |
Check out this sharp illo from Jon Towle, the original Bikernet Illustrator, introducing The Girls Of Bikernet. A portion is free, check it out!
Hey, I know I?m in trouble. I spent the last week in Hawaii at the Choppers Only Show in Waikiki. We kicked sand, chased girls, watched burnouts, saw some killer bikes and drank too much beer.
The hospitality was world renowned, the show was better than ever and I tried to con a couple of outstanding builders into coming to the LA Calendar Show in Long Beach next week. I want the rest of the country to see the bikes they build.
Markus Cuff, the photographer, went along to cover the show, the first Girl of Bikernet, Cheryl, bike features and tattoo shops for Tattoo Magazine. Watch for them on Bikernet and in a magazine or two.
Let?s hit the news quick. My next goal is to finish the Sturgis Chop. Custom Chrome helped out emensely recently with a transmission problem I was having. Kip Woodring is working with me and Custom Chrome to develop a transmission Help chart so we can find out what tranny fits what, the shaft lengths, shifting mechanism, clutch actuating and tranny plate mounting configurations. That article will help all of us for years to come. Let?s hit the news:
WORLD PREMIERS OF THE 2006 SBK FAST DATES.COM CALENDARS– Meet Cover Model and SBK Fast Dates World Superbike Girl Rockin’ Robin Cunningham at the Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show July 16-17th
July 1st, 2005 – The new 2006 FastDates.com Motorcycle Pinup Calendars – Fast Dates Racebike Pinup, Iron & Lace Custom Bike Pinup, and Garage Girls Pinup Calendars – will have their US live world premier at the Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach, CA on the July 16-17th weekend.
It’s now the biggest custom and performance streetbike Show in the world, and the exciting 2-day weekend event will be hosted by 2006 Fast Dates Calendar cover model and actress Rockin’ Robin Cunningham, official SBK Fast Dates and Team Ducati Corse umbrella girl, Miss Texas, and Miss Hawaiian Tropic International.
Monica and Gemma Blow the Lid Off at Brands Hatch World Superbike August 6th-7th
NEW MONSTER GARAGE SHOW NEEDS YOUR HELP– I am doing some research for a new show called “Backyard Monsters”. We are looking for people who are in the midst of building or who have already built their own unique “Backyard Monsters”.
We’d are looking for “Monsters” that are automobile-related or not (any type of vehicle, boat, aircraft, motorcycle, train etc. ). The theme of the show is “mixed elements that shouldn’t necessarily be together.” One example might be a Jet powered mini cooper that also has a brewery that serves beer.
I was wondering if you knew of anyone doing any cool projects that might be appropriate for this new show? If so, please pass their contact information along to me. We are going to start shooting this show in a few weeks and need to make a selection quickly.
–Hope Moore
Associate Producer
Monster Garage
e: hmoore@origprod.com
ZIPPER?S OIL FILTER HOUSING FOR ?86-?90 XL & S&S ENGINES–Building a killer XL engine from scratch? You?ll need this critical part, now obsolete from H-D?! CNC machined from billet, the Zipper?s Oil Filter Housing fits ?86-?90 Evolution? XL cases and all S&S XL-style cases and includes all internal valving required, oil pressure switch and oil filter adapter. Add oil filter and hoses and you?re rockin?!
For more information, contact:
ZIPPER?S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828
Fax 410.579.2835
www.zippersperformance.com
IMAGINE BOGUS INFORMATION FROM THE NHTSA– NHTSA admits Misinterpretation of Alcohol-Related TrafficFatality Statistics by some Data Users.
August 17, 2004 In a letter I received on August 15, 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has admitted that the statistics compiled by NHTSA under the heading of alcohol-related traffic fatality are on occasion, being misinterpreted by data users. This wasn’t news to me, but still, it’s nice to finally get some of my arguments validated. Although NHTSA did try to minimize the frequency of the misinterpretation of their statistics, I am of the belief that once is enough, especially if the misinterpretation becomes misrepresentation to our lawmakers.
I challenged NHTSA to prove that they were not in violation of the Data Quality Act. The Data Quality Act establishes guidelines designed to maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information that federal agencies disseminate to the public.
Responding to my challenge, Susan White, Chief Information Officer for NHTSA offered the following thoughtful comments.
“NHTSA uses the term alcohol-related as a term of art (underline added) in reporting of data for use in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).”
“Alcohol-related is a convenient term (underline added) used to categorize the incidence of alcohol presence from reviewing law enforcement crash reports either from known alcohol test results or from an imputation method when reports fail to contain the necessary data. NHTSA does not collect information to determine the actual cause of the crash or the fatality (underline added).”
Even in plain-English, use of the term related is not translated to mean cause (underline added).”
“In addition, the panel noted that the term alcohol-related is occasionally misinterpreted (underline added) by data users.”
“Acknowledging this occasional misinterpretation (underline added), NHTSA plans to take further actions to educate users and clarify NHTSA’s use of the term alcohol-related. Among these actions will be the introduction of a new fact sheet in the near future that will detail the roles and BAC levels of those killed in alcohol-related crashes.”
“We appreciate your attention to the accuracy of data regarding alcohol-related crashes. We agree that the information of this importance needs to be communicated as clearly as possible (underline added).”
So who are these data users that might be misinterpreting the alcohol-related traffic fatality statistics? They are members of MADD, police departments, highway patrol, and insurance companies, along with some attorneys, politicians, and newspaper editors. What troubles me most about some of these data users is their apparent lack of interest in any statistical evidence that might weaken their chances of convincing lawmakers to pass even harsher DUI laws.
Isn’t it the primary goal of DUI laws to reduce drunk driving traffic fatalities in the United States? If so, then why is there any need whatsoever to work with questionable, misleading, misinterpreted, or misrepresented statistics?
Why are some of these data users angered by the idea that drunk driving might not be responsible for as many deaths as they once thought? What if it were to be discovered that of the approximately 17,500 alcohol-related traffic fatalities reported in 2003, only half actually were caused by a confirmed, legally intoxicated driver?
I can see the headlines now – Drunk Driving Traffic Fatalities Plummet 50% Overnight! Of course on page A-16 between the horoscopes and weather map would be this headline – 1.5 Million People Arrested for DUI in 2003 Demand a Recount!
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
BILLY LANE?S CHOPPERS INC CRANKS OUR NEW PARTS–Choppers Inc Releases Two New Parts in Time for Sturgis. Billy Lane of Choppers Inc, the guy who 10 years ago brought you the now famous six-gun line of parts is at it again, this time with new parts guaranteed to generate looks for your bike.
As always, Billy makes everything here in the USA and all by hand. Choppers Inc takes pride in using the best materials available.
Sneaky Tank
Wouldn?t it be great if you had flexibility in how you angle the oil tank on your next bike? It is important to have options to create the ultimate ride- at least Billy thought so when he developed this new product. With the Choppers Inc Sneaky Tank, not only do you have the freedom to angle the tank for the best fit on your project, but it looks trick from all angles plus it cools well too. You may remember this oil tank from the Biker Build Off that put Billy against a certain unnamed builder that carries a bible? Anyhow, Billy prefers to place this new tank under the transmission on the bikes he builds, but you choose what will work best for you. Battery relocation is necessary when using this product.
Part Number: SNKYT
Retail Price: $675 w/out oil cap & unchromed
www.choppersinc.com
Trucker Girl Taglight
Spending too many hours pounding down the highway behind semi trucks watching their mud flaps for miles on end, Billy came up with the idea for the Trucker Girl Taglight. With a keen eye for women?s shapes, Billy figured that familiar curvaceous figure would make a cool taglight and for the times when you don?t have your girl on the back, you are never alone. With twin bulbs and solid construction, adding this girl to your bike doesn?t mean any nagging to pull over from the back seat- just great styling from the rear.
Part Number: TLG
Retail Price: $495
www.choppersinc.com
To learn more about Choppers Inc and Billy Lane visit:
BIKERNET PAN AMERICAN HOT ROD LINCOLN ENTRY SPONSOR–Nick’s Performance Accessories, http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190/ , is proud to be one of the sponsors of The Bikernet.com Team’s Pan-American Hot Rod Lincoln entry. Included below is info from the Bikernet.com website and photos of the 54 Lincoln they are racing from Oxaca, Mexico to Texas. Nick Roberts of Nick’s Performance Accessories is proud to be a part of the team racing this race proven Lincoln and looks forward to the victory party when the Bikernet.com team rolls into Texas later this year.
By supplying Amsoil lubricants Nick’s Performance Accessories is helping this veteran Pan-Am race car and the Bikernet.com Team in it’s quest for victory in this world renowned vintage auto race. The use of Amsoil Synthetic lubricants will allow this old warrior to face the heat and strain of the race as well as deliver unsurpassed protection to all the moving parts on the beast.
Nick, whose father was an old gear head, hotrodder and biker from the fifties, said he was doing this in memory of his Dad, who “loved these races” and also to ” keep alive the spirit of unbridled enthusiasm that these vintage racers embody.”… he went on to say… ” It’s also a great opportunity to show that Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants are second to none. Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants offer outstanding performance and value to all racers, rodders and bikers who seek every bit of performance their engines can provide. I’m offering everything they’ll need… motor oil, gear lube, and grease for the Lincoln and Bikernet.com’s support vehicles.” Nick said, when he confirmed Nick’s Performance Accessories support. ?
Anyone interested in joining the sponsorship of this beast should immediately contact Bandit at bikernet.com for further info. If you love fast old cars, handbuilt bikes and possess the wild eyed optimism that being involved in something like this generates then drop Bandit, bandit@bikernet.com , or Nick, nrobert1@mac.com , a line and join them as they chase fame and fortune in a true test of men and machines.
For All Your High Performance Lubrication Supplies.
http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190/
Nick’s Performance Accessories
Independent Amsoil Dealer ZO# 1124190
9608 Tiverton Way
Louisville, Kentucky,40242
phone: 502-548-3023
Buyamsoil@mac.com
S&S CYCLE ANNOUNCES 4th ANNUAL DAY AT THE TRACK– LA CROSSE, WI (July 1, 2005) S&S Cycle announces their 4th annual Day at the Track on Saturday July 8th, 2005, at the Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa. Racing is scheduled to start at 10am and conclude at approximately 5pm. The event will be open to spectators and all proceeds will be contributed to local charities.
Each summer, S&S reserves this NHRA sanctioned track to allow employees and invited guests a chance to drag race. Along with many talented employee racers, numerous industry professionals and celebrities are expected to attend. This is an excellent opportunity for employees and friends of S&S to carry on the passionate tradition of going fast that founded S&S Cycle in 1958.
In conjunction with the S&S/American Iron Old School Shovel Tour, five builders will be riding their custom bikes from the new Customer Support Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin to the Tri-State Speedway in Earlville, Iowa during the morning of July 8, 2005. Plan on coming to this event to meet and greet the builders and view their custom bikes. Visit
Along with the Old School Shovel Tour, the “American Iron Magazine FLASH Race” will also take place in between S&S employee bracket racing and exhibition runs by many leading industry celebrities. Visit
This event will be open to spectators at a nominal charge of $5 per person or $10 per family. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse and the Children’s Museum of La Crosse
“We are an event driven organization,” said Terry Erickson, Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse. “We appreciate working with businesses like S&S Cycle who really care about the kids in our community and are able to give to the club. Partnering with these quality organizations gives us credibility and it’s one of many reasons that this club is one of the most successful in the entire country.”
For more information about the Children’s Museum of La Crosse, visit
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse, visit
For more information about Tri-State Raceway, visit www.tristateraceway.com .
THESE ARE REPUTED TO BE ACTUAL NEWSPAPER ADS!–
FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 8 years old. Hateful little dog. Bites
FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor’s dog.
FREE PUPPIES… Part German Shepherd, part stupid dog
FREE GERMAN SHEPHERD 85 lbs. Neutered. Speaks German.
FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG. Looks like a rat … been out a while . . . better be a reward.
COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.. Also 1 gay bull for sale.
NORDIC TRACK $300 Hardly used, call Chubby
GEORGIA PEACHES, California grown – 89 cents lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer $300
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE. WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE. Call Stephanie
VICTORY CHALLENGE IS ON–2005 Victory Challenge helps riders raise money for chronically ill children.
MINNEAPOLIS, June 29, 2005 – This summer, motorcycle enthusiasts across the country can take advantage of a fun and exciting opportunity to help raise funds for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, founded by NASCAR racing star Kyle Petty to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. For every person who visits a Victory Motorcycle dealership before July 31 and participates in the Victory Challenge by test riding a 2005 Victory Vegas, Kingpin, Hammer or other model, Victory will automatically donate one dollar to the camp.
Test riders also will receive a free commemorative Victory Challenge T-shirt for testing a bike. Through the Victory Challenge and other corporate support, Victory Motorcycles has raised more than a half-million dollars for the Camp, and this year the Minnesota-based motorcycle manufacturer expects to donate an additional $20,000 to give chronically ill children a much needed distraction from their everyday health concerns.
Victory also is entering its seventh year as a sponsor of the Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride. Since 1999, Kyle and Richard Petty have been riding a variety of Victory motorcycles on the annual cross-country trek. This year the ride will include a stop at Victory’s manufacturing plant in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual motorcycle ride that raises money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp – a summer camp for children battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses that Petty and his wife, Pattie, created in memory of their son Adam. Each year, more than 200 motorcyclists from around the U.S. join Petty on the cross-country trip and have raised more then $6 million to date. This year, the ride will take place from July 23 through July 31. Along the way, Petty and the bikers will stop to visit with motorcycle and NASCAR fans across the U.S. and spread the word about the ride and the mission to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
RAFFLE BENEFITTING THE CRAZY HORSE MOUNUMENT FOUNDATION–Hosted by: American Motorcycle 1902, Branscombe Richmond, and Keith Ball of Bikernet.com.
A Raffle to benefit the ongoing endeavors to complete the building of the Crazy Horse Monument. When completed the Crazy Horse mountain carving will be 641 feet long by 563 feet high. Crazy Horse’s completed head is 87 feet 6 inches high. The horse’s head, currently the focus of work on the mountain, is 219 feet or 22 stories high.
Help us support Mr. Korczak vision. He believed that if the public accepted the goals of Crazy Horse Memorial, they would support it financially. He believed in individual initiative and private enterprise without governmental influence. So they need our support. Join us to make it a successful event.
Grand Prize: Custom Performance is making available a Turbo Your Harley package (total value of $6495) for your Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and Keyboard Carriage will transport your motorcycle to and from a local authorized Harley Davidson dealership near you.
Second Prize: Cowboy & Indian?s magazine has donated a custom pair of Ostrich and Leather, hand tailored to the winners specifications, cowboy boots (men?s or women?s), valued at $1000. Other sponsor prizes may also be made available.
All prizes will be raffled off to lucky winners at the Horsepower Shootout awards ceremony on Friday evening, August 12th at 7:30-8:30 PM at the Full Throttle Saloon w/ Branscombe Richmond, of American Motorcycle 1902 and movie and TV fame. Proceeds from this raffle will then be made available to benefit the Crazy Horse Monument and Foundation.
Raffle tickets are available online at (www.amc1902.com), at The Long Beach Calendar Show in the American Motorcycle/Bikernet.com booth, at local bar?s and restaurants throughout the greater Phoenix area, and from, Sat, Aug. 6 through Friday Aug.12 available at the following locations: the Custom Performance booth, the Hot Bike / Full Throttle Horsepower Shootout, as well as at Hot Bike / American Motorcycle 1902 Vendor Row, and at all Full Throttle souvenir stands and their Chop Lot office locations, which are all located at the Full Throttle Saloon . Raffle tickets are available at a cost of $10, or five tickets for $30, and are fully tax deductible contribution.
June 30, 2005
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
THE SMOKE OUT SIX–Every June, for the last six years, thunder rolls across the North CarolinaHills. Bikers on their home built choppers from as far away as Californiaand Canada ride, yes I said ride, to the Rowan County Fairgrounds for a realold chopper show down. The Smoke Out sponsored by BIKERNET.COM and the Horse/BackStreetChoppers Magazine brings out the best of the best in true “old Skool” bikesand back yard builders. Undeterred by the 95 degree heat and the 100%humidity the joint was jumping again this year as usual. Approximately15,000 people attended this year and no one was disappointed.
On hand this year to greet their fans were Billy Lane of Choppers Inc., Joseof Caribbean Custom Cycles of Puerto Rico, Hank Young, Eric Gorges of VoodooChoppers, Paul Cox and Keino of Indian Larry Legends and many other giantsof bikerdom.
This year’s event marked a special tribute to our troops.Scores of active duty service men and women rode in and were given a specialtribute on stage by the event staff and were entertained on Saturday nightby the Reverend Horton Heat.
There was every type of home built chopper youcould imagine at the Smoke Out this year. The Smoke Out has earned itsreputation as being one of the countries most Hard Core events with justcause. It’s one of the last events you can attend where all the bikes andbuilders are truly individual.
You won’t get confused by all the same bikeswith different sideshow paint work here. This event is put on by bikers forbikers. No attitudes and no Prima Donna’s here, just good people who buildgreat bikes getting together to party and share ideas.
–TBear
NEW STINKIN? ?54 LINCOLN BANDIT RACE NEWS–I?ve run this in the news before, but there?s new news. We?re beginning to see some interest from sponsors. We?re running 2,500 miles from the bottom of Mexico in Oaxaco, to Texas in a mad dash to get out of the country.
Nick Roberts from Amsoil stepped up to offer all the lubricants we need to hang for 2,500 miles in the Mexican desert. ?I’m offering everything you’ll need motor oil, gear lube, grease for the Lincoln and your support vehicles,? said Nick. This particular car ran the race in 1999. This model won the race two years running in the mid ?50s. We?re looking for more sponsors to have their emblems emblazoned on the big sheet metal panels. Kellog cereal, Mercedes and major corporate sponsors are all over these cars like Nascar players. Some race efforts eat over a million bucks on this annual competition.
We?re looking for $8,900 in sponsorship funds to keep up with the big dogs. Let us know if you want your company logo running with the big dogs all over Mexico. Sure, it?s crazy for a couple of bikers to enter this race, but what the hell. Ya only live once.
–Bandit
FABRICATOR KEVIN’S STEEL CHOPPER PARTS–If it ain’t steel, It ain’t real.
Fabricator Kevin’s Steel Chopper Parts “Doubleshot” taillight and bracketis designed to mount to most rear axles, on stock H-D frames as well asafter-market. The CNC machined and show polished aluminum light housingholds (2) high output dual intensity LED light pods, and is much brighterthan stock. The laser cut and formed steel side-mount bracket is availablein a vertical or horizontal tag position, and is designed to be the onlyside-mount bracket you will ever need. Retail – 199.95
The Stainless Steel sprung seat hinge is also laser cut, but of 304stainless steel. The hinge pivots on stainless steel shoulder screwsutilizes pressed-in oil impregnated bronze bearings to eliminate slop,noise, and all other headaches associated with cheaper seat hinges. Thepivot tube is 1018 steel, so it can easily be welded to an existing frameusing mig, tig, stick, or even gas welders. Retail – 104.95
Fabricator Kevin’s Steel Chopper Parts
44306 Macomb Industrial Drive
Clinton Township, Mi 48036
ph: 586-465-2600
fax: 586-469-3194
http://www.fabkevin.com/>http://www.fabkevin.com
mailto:fabkevin@sbcglobal.net>fabkevin@sbcglobal.net
GOBLIN MILLWORX–GOBLIN MILLWORKX is a full service magneto repair facility. GOBLIN can repair/refurbish ARD, Hunt, Morris, Fairbanks, Morse, Ratley and Ferguson as well as Burkehardt and Drag Race conversions, as well as being an authorized service facility for Morris Magneto,
GOBLIN MILLWORX only use Genuine parts, and stands behind their work. They also are a manufacturer of one -off custom parts, bar end mirrors, grips, pegs, Hydraulic clutch conversions, master cylinder conversions (remote ops) Custom Trees, fwd controls as well as many other custom adaptations.GOBLIN prides themselves on their products durability and quality, as well as its being unique, no two parts will ever be alike. Goblin uses 7075 aluminum, Brass, copper, and Titanium.
Proprietary work is accepted, as are prototype projects. Upon completion all parts/plans/scraps are returned to the customer, with a guarantee never to reproduce, all threaded areas in the softer alloys(aluminum/brass /copper) haveinserts/helicoils, to further extend the parts life span. GOBLIN’s mirrors/stems carry a replacement guarantee and sizes/prices range from the smallest aluminum at $165 for a 1″.900 round and 3 “stem, to the largest titanium @288$ for a 3″inch round mirror with a 6″stem. GOBLIN sizes are 1.900″,2.500″ and 3” round, all can be made in any of the above listed materials
GOBLIN also polishes engine cases, tranny cases, lower legs, (they shave fender and brake tabs as well) any item billet or cast, and our prices are competitive in toadies market.GOBLIN MILLWORX also does tig/mig welding, NDT testing, case modifications(stroker) and will assist the customer in any way necessary to complete his/her project, from the smallest electrical component, to the hottest nitrous system, they will source out any part necessary to complete.
GOBLIN MILLWORX: (843) 200-1563
HTTP://WWW.GOBLINMILLWORX.COM
DIGITAL DISCOVERY IN BANDIT?S CANTINA–If you?re not a member of the Cantina you may not know about this fine department. It?s dedicated to the rare and unknown aspects of motorcycling and the historic search for the code of the west. You?ll find magnificent stuff in the Cantina that you won?t find anywhere else on the planet. We?re always on the search for the strange and never-before-discovered.
Gene Koch, a Hamster and a member of the Drag Specialties Sales team for over 15 years sent us this piece.
?About 25-30 years ago my brother Jerry printed t-shirts with an airplane that had chains to the propellers driven by a Harley motor and the caption, ?If Harley made an airplane would you fly in it?? I guess the answer is yes for some people, check out this web site.?
–Gene
ALL NEW CYRIL HUZE Z-BARS– Totally cool Z-Bars that you can ride because they are very comfortable. They measure: 8 inches center width, 30 inches wide, 5.5-inch pullback, 3-inch rise. They look bitchin’ when used on a chopper or bobber with Cyril Huze full line of Spikee risers, grips, pegs, mirrors, gas caps etc. Beautifully chrome plated.
Cyril Huze.
Tel 561-392-5557
NHTSA RECALLS TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES–The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) has ordered Triumph Motorcycles of America to recall the popular Daytona motorcycle and several other models because a cooling system failure could cause the engine to seize and lead to a crash.
Also recalled are the Triumph Speed Triple, Sprint and Sprint with ABS. NHTSA reports that on some of the motorcycles the lower by-pass coolant hose can rupture. The loss of coolant from the engine could result in overheating and seizure.
Dealers will replace the coolant hose in July. Triumph Motorcycle owners should contact the company at 1-678-854-2010. Owners can also contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236
–Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
PRUNO GIRLS TRAPPED–Hey, if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll score an autographedposter from our Pruno Girl or maybe even get a picture takenwith our Pruno Girls. Stop by our booth and check out ourkiller line of products and apparel…the eye candy isalways nice too…
They?ll get cut lose for the LA Calendar Show coming up.
MOM GIVES BIRTH IN CAR?POLICE POINT GUNS– And you thought YOUR childbirth story is a good tale. Move over. Debbie Coleman of Kettering, Ohio has you beat by a mile. In full labor, she drove herself to the hospital with her sleeping 3- and 4-year-old daughters in the back seat just after midnight on Tuesday. Knowing she’d never make it to the hospital, she pulled over to a Citgo gas station, report The Associated Press and Cox News Service.
A customer alerted the station’s co-owner, Lloyd Goff, that there was an emergency at pump No. 7. “I asked if she needed help, and she just leaned back in the seat, hollered a little, and I looked down and there was the baby’s head,” Goff recounted to The Associated Press. Coleman threw her leg over the steering wheel, groaned once, and the baby was born. “She caught that baby, put it to her chest, gave me a look, like, ‘I gotta go,’ closed the door, put the van in gear and away she went.”
That prompted a good Samaritan at the gas station to call 911 so police could escort her to the hospital. But a mix-up in communication and license plate numbers led police to believe that Coleman had stolen the 1984 Chevy van in which she was driving. They gave chase. Meanwhile, Coleman was driving to the 7-mile trek to the hospital, naked below the waist, with her newborn son in one arm while she steered with the other. The umbilical cord was still attached. “I kept pulling over, making sure (the baby) was all right, breathing,” she told AP.
Before police caught up to Coleman, they figured out she was not driving a stolen van, but then they received what turned out to be a mistaken report that someone was trying to throw a baby from a van. By now the police had located Coleman’s van and one of several cruisers in pursuit cut her off to get her to stop. The police drew their guns and ordered her out of the van with her hands up. “I opened the door and said, ‘I just had a baby’ and just let them see everything,” she told AP. Police Sgt. Chris Selby told Cox News Service that when Coleman opened the door, he could see the baby still had part of the placenta on its head, “and I’d seen both my kids born, but I said, ‘What the hell?'” Police sent her on her way.
How are mother and son now? Coleman was discharged on Wednesday, and baby Richard Lee Coleman Jr., weighing in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces, remained in intensive care.
–Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
NEWS FROM THE STEALTH MAN IN NC–The Horse Smoke-Out hit town last weekend and it was a great show! I don’t have any official numbers but I have to say this was the biggest Smoke-Out to date. The weather was hot and so were the bikes and yeah there were some hot ladies in attendance, including my wife “THE MEANEST!”My brother Gary and Fritz and his buddy Gary from Indiana rolled in Friday. This was the first road trip for my brother on his new Dyna Wide Glide. He had a smile from ear to ear all weekend. Fritz and Gary’s bikes are both shovels and you would swear they are out of a Dave Mann centerfold. Very cool and to the point bikes. Hey guys, I had a great time hanging out with you all. See you July 24th for the 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin”.
The Smoke-Out is more than a bike show. It is a place to see old friends and a place to make new ones. You see things here that you will never see anywhere else. This year the place was packed with Triumphs. Not your everyday Triumphs. These were top notch bikes and they stood out from the crowd. There were hard core shovels and Pans and Evo’s and even Twin Cams everywhere.
Speaking of old friends, I got to talk to my buddy Jose, something I always enjoy. Jose had some killer bikes on display. The old school variety. Another friend of mine I got to see was Fab Kevin. It was good to see you. Kevin makes some of the coolest stuff around! Another real good friend I got to see was Lee Clemens from Departure Bike works. Lee it was good talking to you. Crazy Horse was there with her paint display booth. Good to see you JoAnn. I also got to meet Kevin Baas. He mad 3 RFB awards and they are killer! Thanks for youe efforts, Kevin!
One the things I will always remember from this Smoke-Out is seeing a couple of people with STEALTH BIKE WORKS t-shirts. Yeah we wore ours, but I am talking about other people. I guess it made having the shop more real for me.
So if you missed this Smoke-Out plan on the next one, no matter where you live. There out of state plates from everywhere. So this Smoke-Out is in the books and it has to go down as the biggest yet. New friends were made and memories are stored for a lifetime. To me the Smoke-Out is really one the last true biker events remaining, so with that in mind plan on attending next year!
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
HOT BIKE EVENT T-SHIRT AVAILABLE–Be the first on the road to wear the Hot Bike Tour T-Shirt. Regular $15.00 but buy it now for $10.00 including shipping at:
http://www.horsepowerpromotions.com
IT?S A SHORT STROKE THIS WEEK– I had to hit the bricks early to make the Choppers Only show in Hawaii. So have a helluva 4th holiday, watch those fire crackers and drunks.
This last week we had the privledge of entertaining Kevin Lumley, Bikernet Fiction writer from Australia. He?s also a security professional and well traveled. Speaking of cutting a dusty trail he was headed to Kansas and ultimately Sturgis. A Pedro rider gave him a tour of the coastline while he road Sinwu?s Sportster. He was a smile from ear to ear. He honored the headquarters with an Australian Army badge and Australian flag. We?ll hook up again in the Badlands.
I launched three stories on the Sturgis Shovel and it?s flying together. More stories are forthcoming. It the meantime have a helluva holiday.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
June 30, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey, I’m heading out to Hawaii for the third annual Choppers Only Show on Oahu in Hawaii sponsored by Bikernet.com. We’ll bring you back the very best of Hawaii Biker Action. It’s rapidly turning into a Hawaii Biker Holiday. There’s more than one scintillating party or event.
If you’re going, stop by our booth and meet a couple of The Girls of Bikernet.com. Grab a shot of the most beautiful girls on the island with Chris Tronolone’s WCC styled chopper and pick up a free Bikernet sticker.
That brings up our introduction of a new Bikernet element and two new staff personnel. Hopefully with this news we will launch the free section of The Girls of Bikernet.com, Girls of Bikernet.com and Bikernetgirls.com. All three names will take you to the same hot location.
Sam Dixon is the man designing this location, with a long history in the photographic site business. He’s also the main photographer and site specialist. Livia, his lovely cousin and a veteran Bikernet model, will be the photo editor. The Girls Of Bikernet.com is destined to showcase many of the most beautiful girls and bikes in the country and maybe the world. We will seek out the most talented photographers on the planet. This is in no way a porno site. Nothing beyond topless will ever be featured. It’s all about the bikes and the most beautiful girls to straddle a motorcycle. Below, in the news, Sam will describe some of the hot elements of the site in detail. And, of course, I’m the boss. So don’t hesitate to contact Sam or me if you need anything. Let’s hit the news:
STURGIS RIDE CORRECTION–Regarding the route outta Cheyenne on Sat August 6th. Route 85 takes us north up the Wyoming SD border, then on into Lead, Deadwood & Sturgis. This is considered the Northern Black Hills.
Don’t mean to split hairs with ya but the actual “Badlands” is located Southeast of there partially on & just North of the Pine Ridge Indian Rez……
–A reader
We’ll still get there. Bandit
BIKERNET MINUTE MAN REPORT–Pedro was trying to get into the U.S. legally through Immigration.
The Officer:”Pedro, you have been given and passed all but one test. If you pass this last test you can enter the U.S.”
Pedro: ” I am ready for the test.”
The Officer: “The last test requires you to make up a sentence using the words yellow, pink and green.”
Pedro: (after thinking for a few minutes) “Officer, I am ready.”
The Officer: “Go ahead let me hear your sentence.” Pedro: “The telephone goes green, green, green, and I pink it up, and say, Yellow, this is Pedro.”
Needless to say, Pedro now lives in a neighborhood near you.
–Nick Trumbo
Blood Sweat & Gears Delivers– Billy Lane with the Blood Sweat & Gears Team Hand over keys to 2005 Springer in Laconia to Army 1st Sgt Mark Gonthier.
Billy Lane and the Blood Sweat & Gears team of Kendall Johnson, Paul Cox, Aaron Greene and Mondo finished customizing the 2005 Harley-Davidson Springer provided by Carolina Harley-Davidson in Laconia during the rally. In the now usual wrap up of the show, Billy lit the rear tire up and did a burn out on stage, only this time he added an extra surprise for the audience. He asked Kendall to start the bike and ‘warm up’ the rear tire while he invited a young man from the audience to join them on stage.
Mark Gonthier was attending the show in Laconia in his Army uniform. Billy began asking Mark about his service and tour over seas. The audience heard Mark tell an impressive story of how he was shot during his tour in Iraq and received a Purple Heart.
Just as Mark ended his story Billy said, “Thank you for keeping us free. What you do is amazing. For your service, take this bike, really, take it”.
Mark shook his head in disbelief,
Billy added “I am not kidding you, it’s yours, take the bike. Free and clear. I do want you to do one thing first before you ride it off stage, do a burn out with it!.”
With tears rolling down his face, Mark turned to Billy and said “No way, this isn’t really happening”. “Yes it is” Lane said. Mark then turned to Lane and slowly unpinned the Purple Heart from his uniform and handed to Lane. At that moment the entire audience that had gone literally silent, began chantingU-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!
On its fourth stop of 6, Billy Lane’s Blood Sweat & Gears Tour was at the Broken Spoke in Laconia, NH featuring live in your face fabrication delivering on its promise- to give back to those protecting our freedom. Billy and his friends, Kendall, Paul, Aaron plus special guests Dave Perewitz and Mondo got to work finishing the Springer from Carolina HD and starting another new bike that will be given away in Sturgis.
The bikes built during the Tour are built for one purpose, to thank the military personnel serving to protect our freedom. Each bike will be given away during the Tour to military personnel. A new custom was started in Laconia and is slated to be given away at the 5th stop of Tour in Sturgis, SD at the Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle Street where Billy and the Blood Sweat & Gears Tour will be fabricating in your face throughout the rally. “Same deal as in Laconia, I am just going to hand the keys to someone in the audience when it feels right” Lane said. It is his way of thanking military folks for their heroic efforts.
“I can’t do this on my own” said Lane. “Without the support of the Blood Sweat & Gears sponsors like Dodge, Activision, House of Kolor , BIKERNET.COM and Paisano Publications, this can’t happen.” Lane finished.
“It is our greatest desire to keep this positive momentum rolling into 2006 and beyond. We really want to be able to give away more custom bikes and more cool stuff. In order to do this, we are lining up sponsors for 2006 right now. We have had tremendous support so far, but need more folks interested in showing their support through Blood Sweat & Gears so we can keep delivering the goods” added Darcy Betlach, Tour Manager.
For Blood Sweat & Gears Tour sponsorship information, please contact Chrome Marketing Inc at 612-940-6115. Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is owned and copyrighted by Psycho Billy LLC, affiliated with Choppers Inc and Billy Lane.
We’ve been working all day getting The Girls of Bikernet.com site up onto the server. At the time of this posting most of the FREE area will be up and Sam and I will be working on it all night until the FREE section is completed.
The members area should be ready to launch Sunday night. It’s just a matter of getting the join page and the passwords working.
The site is going to be the best bikerbabe sites you’ve ever seen. Over 500 photos to start out and we’ll be putting 100+ photos into the site each week. Each week I’ll be selecting a feature Bikerbabe of the Week. I’m also traveling almost every weekend to shows all over the country and will be keeping a photo diary of my trips. Bikini contests, wet t-shirts, bikes and babes…
Sam has shoots scheduled with some knock out models this month in Los Angeles. You’ll be seeing some playboy models making appearances in the site soon.
Check out http://www.thegirlsofbikernet.com and send me an email from the contact page with your comments.
-Livia
RAFFLE BENEFITTING THE CRAZY HORSE MOUNUMENT FOUNDATION–Hosted by: American Motorcycle 1902, Branscombe Richmond, and Keith Ball of Bikernet.com.
A Raffle to benefit the ongoing endeavors to complete the building of the Crazy Horse Monument. When completed the Crazy Horse mountain carving will be 641 feet long by 563 feet high. Crazy Horse’s completed head is 87 feet 6 inches high. The horse’s head, currently the focus of work on the mountain, is 219 feet or 22 stories high.
Help us support Mr. Korczak vision. He believed that if the public accepted the goals of Crazy Horse Memorial, they would support it financially. He believed in individual initiative and private enterprise without governmental influence. So they need our support. Join us to make it a successful event.
Grand Prize: Custom Performance is making available a Turbo Your Harley package (total value of $6495) for your Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and Keyboard Carriage will transport your motorcycle to and from a local authorized Harley Davidson dealership near you.
Second Prize: Cowboy & Indian’s magazine has donated a custom pair of Ostrich and Leather, hand tailored to the winners specifications, cowboy boots (men’s or women’s), valued at $1000. Other sponsor prizes may also be made available.
THIRD PRIZE: Hand made Brass and Bronze Bandit Belt buckle with a Tony Murga brown or black exotic stingray belt. You’ll be able to pick up your Buckle from Bandit at the Full Throttle and ride downtown to pick a belt from Tony Murga’s booth on Maine Street in Big Al’s Swap Shop.
All prizes will be raffled off to lucky winners at the Horsepower Shootout awards ceremony on Friday evening, August 12th at 7:30-8:30 PM at the Full Throttle Saloon w/ Branscombe Richmond, of American Motorcycle 1902 and movie and TV fame. Proceeds from this raffle will then be made available to benefit the Crazy Horse Monument and Foundation.
Raffle tickets are available online at (www.amc1902.com), at The Long Beach Calendar Show in the American Motorcycle/Bikernet.com booth, at local bar’s and restaurants throughout the greater Phoenix area, and from, Sat, Aug. 6 through Friday Aug.12 available at the following locations: the Custom Performance booth, the Hot Bike / Full Throttle Horsepower Shootout, as well as at Hot Bike / American Motorcycle 1902 Vendor Row, and at all Full Throttle souvenir stands and their Chop Lot office locations, which are all located at the Full Throttle Saloon . Raffle tickets are available at a cost of $10, or five tickets for $30, and are fully tax deductible contribution.
Support this events sponsors: American Motorcycle 1902, American Indian, Custom Performance, The Full Throttle Saloon, Hot Bike, Hot Rod Bike, Street Choppers, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping, BIKERNET.COM, Pacific Health, Hacienda Custom Motorcycles, VTRacegirl.com, and the Seminole Hard Rock Road House. Sponsors of the raffle to benefit The Crazy Horse Monument and Foundation.
Also, join us on the Crazy Horse Charity Ride leaving the American Motorcycle 1902 booth at The Full Throttle Saloon, on Thursday the 11th of August. Ride with Branscombe and his friends on this fabulous ride through the wonders of South Dakota. Registration is available online at (www.amc1902.com) or from 9 AM till 10:30 AM the day of the event, leaving the Full Throttle Saloon for Crazy Horse at 11AM that morning. Join these worthwhile causes. Help keep The Crazy Horse Monument project moving forward. We look forward to seeing you there.
And of course, if you want to ride on the Crazy Horse/Bikernet ride to Sturgis, you’re welcome to hook up with us in Phoenix and hit the road for Durango, Aspen, Cheyenne and Sturgis. See below for details
If you cannot make it to Sturgis to participate but would like to contribute please send a tax deductible check payable to The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation to: 19528 Ventura Blvd, Suite 425, Tarzana, CA 91356
BIKERNET RUN TO STURGIS– I’ll give you a brief rundown: Thecharity efforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills.We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride along warmtwisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.
Each day will cover 250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hangout by the pool, hit the gym, shop in town then have a killer meal.
Here’s the latest: Master Builder Harold Ponteralli, Barry Wardlow ofAccurate Engineering, Bandit, Rogue the writer, are riding alone. Guys areflying in from Hawaii and moto-journalists from Australia. On the final daywe’ll meet up with the Hamster Ride in Wyoming for lunch before the finalblast into the Badlands. Just today we found that a national non-motorcyclemag will be covering the ride and the celebrity ride to the Crazy HorseMonument during the rally with Branscomb Richmond. We may even have a filmcrew along for the Sturgis Run. We’ve already collected a check for $250 from Biker Attorney and Bikernet Sponsor Mike Hupy, Thanks Mike. Let’s ride.
That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we make all thearrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.
To get hooked up you need to contact Joerlene, our travel agent and line uphotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and if you’renot hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her contact info is:
–Joerline
(808) 638-8550
fax 808- 638-0171
email – carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com
PeaceMaker Road King Saddlebag Locks– Now you can lock your leather bags with the PeaceMaker locks for Road King Classic. Carved out of billet aluminum using CNC technology for precise manufacturing tolerances. Beautifully chrome plated and easy to install in about an hour.
Prevent your saddlebags and their contents from theft. PeaceMaker lock sets come complete with chrome lock plate, lock assembly, hardware and instructions.
To order: www.aeromachmfg.com 800 990-9392
Continued On Page 2