BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW PRODUCTS, S&S NEWS AND AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE 1902

Another RFR cutie.

Hey,

I’m back on the Bikernet Job and we’re rockin’. I’ll continue to help out the gang at HOT BIKE, Bike Works and Street Chopper. I’m going to handle specials and outserts so the crew isn’t as overloaded as before. But it good to be back.

Let’s hit the news, quick. There’s a barrel full. I’ve got lots to report, but we’ll catch up at the end:

FAT IS WHERE IT’S AT!!–All New from Big Boar Products are these whopping 200mm FAT TIRE KITS for 1986-thru-2003 model Harley-Davidson Sportsters. Get on the Big Boar FAT diet. This comprehensive kit contain Big BEEFY swingarm, 200mm tire, 8.5 inch wide composite fender, offset pulley, spacers, instructions, and all needed hardware. Fatten up your hog with a Big Tire XL kit fron Big Boar. Call for further information or visit www.bigboarproducts.com

Big Boar Products
6289 Corporate Park Drive
Loudon, TN 37774
(865) 458-8640 fax (865) 458-6754
http://www.bigboarproducts.com

INSPIRED BY BTR3–NEW FRAME FROM GOLDHAMMER– RESPONDING to interest generated by winning the first annual Official Championship of Custom Bike Building, Goldammer Cycle Works is now offering a frame inspired by its winning bike – the BTR3.

The frame is of single-loop design, in 1/8 wall DOM tubing fabricated by Tig-welding. The rear end is rigid (unlike the Softail-style BTR3) and features tapered tubes turned from 1/4in wall tube.

Frame geometry follows a 34-degree neck rake with a 1in stretch in the downtubes and a 2-in forward stretch. The frame can be built into different styles based on the two options for the rear end. The alternative configurations accept either a 120-series tire in 21in or 23-in diameters or an 18-in x 200 tire. The frame has a hidden rear axle and a removable, rubber-mounted battery box that is located under the transmission plate.Goldammer Cycle Works tells us the frame is an ideal platform to build into a board-track, bobber or even conventional style of motorcycle.

GOLDAMMER CYCLE WORKS
Kelowna, British Columbia, CANADA
Tel: 250 764 8002
Fax: 250 764 8022
E-mail: mailto:sjgoldammer@shaw.ca
http://www.goldammercycle.com

BIKERNET FINANCIAL ADVICE–I had a bunch of Canadian dollars I needed to exchange so I went tothe currency exchange window at the local bank.

Short line…..just one guy in front of me…. He was an Asian guy who was trying to exchange yen for dollars and hewas a little agitated….. he asked the teller…”why it change,…yestoday I get two hunat dolla fo yen—today I get hunat eighty”?

The teller says—- “fluctuations”

The Asian guy says—“fluc you white guys too”!!

–from Drew

REVOLUTION SPEED CUSTOM OFFERS CUSTOM CARBON-FIBER FRAMES–The initial idea came from the founders’ observation that the V-twin industry had advanced in all areas except that of frame design, which had remained essentially the same for many years.

Revolution decided to adapt competition car technology and bring motorcycle frame engineering into the 21st century. The process (which has a patent pending) and the designs used enable the company to produce what it claims to be the most advanced frames in the industry.

A complete frame weighs in at 40lb – but that includes the tanks, bearings, rear fender and rear wheel axle. The geometry incorporates a 2-in backbone stretch, and a 2-in shorter downtube. With a 32-degree rake, the forks require a 5-degree offset at the triple trees. The engine and transmission sit 1/2-in lower in the frame.

Revolution claims the carbon fiber frame has twice the strength and eight times the tensile strength of steel, but is not subject to the same fatigue rate.

The substantial weight savings should result in a complete bike weighing less than 400lb, with correspondingly impressive performance gains.

REVOLUTION SPEED & CUSTOM
Marietta, Georgia, USA
Tel: 770 420 9191
Fax: 770 420 9192
E-mail: mike@revolutionspeed.com
http://www.revolutionspeed.com

TWO BIKERNET STAFF MEMBERS INDUCTED IN STURGIS–2005 FREEDOM FIGHTERS ANNOUNCED–First Ball was announced and now Rogue. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2005 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductees, John “Rogue” Herlihy (CT), and Simon Milward (UK).

The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of those who ride. In their honor the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame established the nation?s first and only Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.

John “Rogue” Herlihy has been involved in motorcyclists rights for over 30 years and continues his efforts today. As a leader in the Connecticut Motorcycle Association, Rogue tackled the state?s helmet law fight in the 70?s. He went on to help defeat the first national helmet law, HB 3869 in 1975, a fight that solidified motorcyclists’ rights in this country and was the imputes for the powerful grass roots movement that still exists today.

Simon Milward left his lucrative job in 1989 to concentrate on something he believed in and began his full time career working for the interest of motorcyclists with the Motorcycle Action Group United Kingdom. In 1992 Simon established the Brussels headquarters of the Federation of European Motorcyclists and became its General Secretary. It is entirely due to his leadership and tireless efforts that bikers were among the first citizens to benefit from the democratic changes of the Maastrict Treaty. FEM became the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association, which today boasts 22 national riders rights organizations from 18 European countries.

Both inductees will be honored at the annual Sturgis Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast, Wednesday, 10 August, at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Breakfast tickets are available for a $20.00 donation. Traditionally the Breakfast sells out so we recommend that you purchase your tickets well in advance of the event. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the Museum 605.347.2001 or on the Museum?s online gift shop.

WELD LAUNCHES BLUE MAX WHEEL– One of the new designs launched by Weld Racing Motorcycle at the recent V-Twin Expo is the Blue Max.

This is a new design and is part of the Weld ‘Flare’ series – available only for post-2000 models. It is a one-piece billet item that uses an integral hub. This improves the accuracy and stability of the wheel, reduces weight, and allows the design to continue into the hub.

The machined styling details will have a 3D effect when the wheel is in motion.

Weld’s disc rotors and pulleys must also be used. Sizes offered are 18×10.5, 18×8.5, 18×3.5, 21×3.25 and 21×2.15.

Like other Weld products, Blue Max carries a lifetime structural warranty and a five-year warranty on the chrome plating.

This wheel and others in the Flare series, as well as complementary rotors and pulleys, are among the many items featured in the new Weld 2005 catalog.

WELD RACING MOTORCYCLE
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Tel: 866 753 4289
Fax: 816 922 6849
E-mail: mcsales@weldracing.com
http://www.weldmotorcycle.com

NEW CYCLE VISIONS PRODUCTS FOR 2005– Cycle Visions has a number of additional products available for 2005. Among them are the fiberglass-constructed Fat Rod fenders for V-Rods, and the Pyramid cover, an item designed to cover the three holes left when relocating stock license plates.The company also offers a range of sissybars, the ‘Illumabezel’ (with integrated LED run and turn signal), the ‘Road Rod’ pack rack mount and the ‘Correct’ real wheel pulley spacers, which adapt various pulleys to a variety of wheels.

CYCLE VISIONS
San Diego, California, USA
Tel: 619 295 7800
Fax: 619 295 7909
E-mail: info@cyclevisions.com
http://www.cyclevisions.com

S&S PRESIDENT FINALIST FOR WISCONSIN ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR– S&S Cycle is pleased to announce that Brett Smith, President of S&S Cycle, has been selected as one of 16 Wisconsin finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 Awards.Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP announced the finalists on May 11, 2005. An independent panel of judges comprised of local community and business leaders selected the 16 finalist companies. Among the 16 finalist companies, award recipients will be announced in several categories at an awards banquet on June 16th at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

For more information, please contact Brian Conyers at bconyers@sscycle.com or visit http://www.sscycle.com.

“SUGAR DADDY”–Always riding the on the leading edge, PRO-ONE claims their sleek new SUGAR DADDY is the “ultimate way to Pimp in style and comfort”. This super sweet, all inclusive rolling chassis kit is based on the trend setting PRO-STREET SOFTAIL PIRANHA frame and can be ordered in any of 3 different stages, with a virtual catalog of personalized options.

The kit shown here is a Stage 3 version which comes completely assembled and finished with custom paint and graphics. This display model features a Piranha 300mm Pro-Street frame set up for right drive applications. The frame has 5″ stretch in the backbone and 2″ in the single inverted front leg. Tanks are Teardrop stretched for gas and Steel Barrel for the oil. Front fender is a steel Longshot and the rear is a 13.5″ wide strutless Piranha. Wheels are 18 x 10.5 and 21 x 2.15 chrome billet with Avon rubber. A chrome billet drive pulley matches the wheel style and 4-piston billet calipers handle braking at front and rear.

The front end features 4″ over forks with 3 degree chrome billet trees and integrated turn signals. Other trick items include custom leather seating, side mount chrome billet license plate bracket with LED lighting, billet forward controls, chrome T-bars, 5 3?4″ chrome billet headlight and more. As noted the Stage 3 ROLLING CHASSIS KIT as shown is finished in flawless custom paint and completely assembled.

For complete details call 800-884-4173 or visit http://www.pro-one.com/

S&S CYCLE ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF CUSTOMER ADVISORY COUNCIL–LA CROSSE , WI (May 24, 2005) S&S Cycle announces the formation of its Customer Advisory Council. Members from a variety of S&S dealers, distributors, and OE manufacturer dealers make up this new group to provide valuable input to S&S Cycle as they continue to be an industry leader.

Representatives from the following companies include: Arlen Ness Daytona, Hal’s Harley-Davidson, Lifestyle Custom Cycles, Biker’s Choice, CCI, Drag Specialties, Custom Hawg (dealer for American Iron Horse), Gateway Thunder (dealer for Big Dog Motorcycles), and Bourget’s New York (dealer for Bourget’s Bike Works).

This committee will hold quarterly meetings, including two conference calls and two face-to-face meetings throughout the year. The first teleconference meeting took place on May 9, 2005 and the next scheduled meeting will take place at the S&S Customer Support Center in La Crosse , Wisconsin on July 8, 2005. In addition to providing input to S&S about their Proven Performance products and services, this committee will focus on a variety of issues that affect the entire V-Twin industry, including inevitable regulatory issues in the coming years.For more information about S&S Cycle, visit http://www.sscycle.com.

S&S PRO STOCK ENGINES PROVING SUCCESSFUL AT THE TRACK– The S&S 160″ Pro Stock Motorcycle engine is proving to be a success at the track during this drag racing season. Ryan Schnitz on the Muzzy’s Performance, S&S powered Buell won the Pontiac Performance Nationals this past weekend in Columbus , Ohio while Chris Rivas aboard the Mohegan Sun, S&S powered Buell was the runner up the weekend before at the Summit Racing Southern Nationals in Atlanta , GA.

This past weekend, two NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle teams using the S&S power plant made it to the semi-final round. Chip Ellis, of G Squared Motorsports, was defeated by Ryan Schnitz of Muzzy’s Performance. Schnitz advanced to the finals defeating the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod ridden by Andrew Hines to take his first NHRA Pro Stock victory.

G Squared Motorsports, Inc., owned by George Bryce and George Smith, is the exclusive distributor of S&S Cycle Proven Performance racing engines and components. G Squared has been very successful working with new teams and expects to bring more teams on-board with the S&S power plant before the 2005 National Hot Rod Association season concludes. G Squared has devoted much of their time and effort to assist the new teams, which has delayed completion of their own updated 2005 bike until later this year. Nevertheless, Chip Ellis is 8th in the national point standings, only 110 points behind the leader in what is shaping up to be a very competitive drag racing season.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE 1902 LAUNCHES NEW VENTURE WITH EXCITING EVENT HELD IN OHKAY CASINO, SAN JUAN PUEBLO, NEW MEXICO —American Motorcycle 1902, the Ohkay Casino in Espanola, New Mexico, and Renegade Rally?s launched the riding season with their inaugural motorcycle event this past weekend, “Ohkay Casino’s Renegade Bike Rally 2005”, with several thousand motorcycle enthusiasts in attendance. Located between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico the Ohkay Casino is a great kick off spot for rides into the majestic New Mexico mountains, and what better way to make that trek that to stop for the Renegade Bike Rally held this past weekend, May 21-22. Their facilities include a hotel, RV Park, convention facilities and full service casino (www.Ohkay.com).

American Motorcycle is one of the oldest vintage motorcycle brands in the USA. It was first established in 1902?one year after Indian and one year before Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle manufactured by the original company and proudly bearing the American marquee was considered to be the best hill climber of its time; ?power and beauty? were two words often used to describe these classic motorbikes. The original American Motor Cycle Co. ceased production of its motorcycles in 1922.

The vision for the new American Motorcycle trademark is to re-introduce a very limited number of special edition custom v-twin heavyweight motorcycles and to develop a lifestyle brand with related products that appeals to both motorcycle enthusiasts and mainstream consumers alike.

The American Motorcycle 1902 weekend events included “Branscombe Richmond” hosting all of the activities along with his band the “Renegade Posse”. Branscombe and The Renegade Posse played three events including the kick off reception on Friday evening, and two additional outdoor concerts held Sat and Sun evenings. Eddie Money also was in attendance Saturday evening playing his numerous hits. Also in concert Sat and Sun afternoons were “Tres Hombres” playing their tribute songs to ZZ Top, and “Turn the Page” with their tributes to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

American Motorcycle 1902 also hosted the girls of Renegade: Kathleen Kinmont, Sandra Ferguson, and Shauna Sand Lamas, added excitement to the event signing autographs, making guest appearances, and singing / dancing with the Renegade Posse at each concert.

The World Renowned Motorcycle Stunt team of Monte Perlin and his son Sam were also featured throughout the weekend performing their incredible motorcycle stunts and tricks in front of an ever growing crowd. We saw Monte perform wheel stands on everything from his Corvette powered Boss Hoss, to a Mastiff supplied by Big Dog, to the new American Indian 300cc Atv’s, and also on his assortment of off road and trials bikes. They performed inside the steel cage on a variety of machines including a 110 cc mini bike. Their stunts, and bike handling amazed the crowd.

American Motorcycle 1902 and approximately 36 vendors participated in vendor row: including Cliff Fodge w/Big Dog?s Albuquerque, Carefree Choppers of Glendale, AZ, and Harley Davidson of Santa Fe. Street Walker exhausts were seeing a lot of traffic for their unique designs as well as numerous vendors selling apparel, accessories, artwork, food, and related products.

Plan on attending the second Ohkay Casino Renegade Bike Rally in 2006…

To see more news and pictures from this event visit the American Motorcycle 1902 website at http://www.amc1902.com.

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BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – CARIBBEAN REPORT, SEMINOLE IN THE NEWS AND STEALTH REPORT

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STEALTH REPORT–When you write every week for this site you expect to take shots concerning what you write about. I don’t expect everyone to agree with my views and what I write. This comes with the territory. Jose and Bandit have both stated before that ” it is not whether everyone agrees with you or not, it is about people reading what you write!” So when someone takes time to respond to what I have written, I appreciate the feedback, good or bad. With that being said I took a shot on “Your Shot” last weekend that went beyond what we usually do on “Your Shot!” It was personal and was aimed at something I hold near and dear to my heart. The Annual Run For Breath “In Memory Of Justin Pullin,” My son.

A “Proud H-D ” employee blasted me and the run. Blasting me was fine but when you blast the RFB, you have just crossed the line. Let me first say that I can count on one hand over the years how many “Proud H-D” dealerships have supported the run. When I am finished counting I will have at least 3 or 4 fingers left over.

Three years ago one of these “Proud H-D” dealerships agreed to be a sponsor but the deadline had passed for the sponsorship fee to be paid. I agreed to put their name on the RFB t-shirt and they could pay me later. As of this writing I am still waiting for their check! You may wonder how much the sponsorship fee is? A whole $100!

So hey “Mr. Proud Dealership Employee” are you still so proud?

Talking about being proud, if you are so proud of what you do, why don’t you sign your name to your post? Just maybe you are not as proud as you would like for us to believe? One more thing and then I will move on. Every week I sign my name to what I write and a picture is also posted each week, so I do not hide my identity. I stand behind what I write no matter the subject and who it might offend. You see here at BIKERNET, we don’t have to be politically correct like you have to be at your “Proud Dealership.” Maybe that is why you did not sign your name to your post, you want to hide and you are not as proud as you would have us believe. Enough said!

Spring is finally here and the bikes are out on the road. This weekend the Concerned Bikers Association puts on their annual spring swap meet. These are good people and do a great job with the swap meet. I will be there both days and will have a report next week on this event.

Last I would like to thank all of have supported the RFB over the years. It is hard work, but the day of the run it is all worth it.

The 7th Annual RFB is July 24th here in Charlotte. We are still looking for help with the bike show awards. If anyone would like to help, you can reach me through the “Your Shot” section,

Until next week!
STEALTHMAN!

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE HITS THE ROAD AGAIN!ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?–Picture yourself basking in the sun, on a Hard Rockin’ custom bike, that youjust won, compliments of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood,Florida. You can make this dream become a reality, but you have to hit theRoad-the Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour.

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse is back for more hard rockin’ action withthe 2005 featured custom bike builders showcasing metal-carving ingenuityand raw talent. Doug Keim, of New Jersey’s Creative Cycles, Jesse Rooke, ofRooke Customs, Phoenix, Arizona, Roland Sands “New Blood”, from in LaPalma,California and Johnny Vasko aka Johnny Chop from Southern Cal, are setcenter-stage at five key bike rallies-first stop, Daytona Bike Week.

These artists have been featured on TV shows and magazines across thecountry and around the world, and they’ll be presenting their Hard Rockin’bikes for fans to see-and WIN! Your entry could be the one-and you couldbe the one lucky biker to choose a Hard Rock bike to ride home from theseason grand finale-all you have to do is enter!

Entries are taken at each of the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse tour stops, aswell as online at www.hrroadhouse.com or at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino in Hollywood, when the featured bikes are showcased between Roadhousetrips. Just roll up to a laptop, enter your contact information and you’reon the road-the Hard Rock Roadhouse!

After touring from Daytona, to Sturgis, to New Orleans and back to Daytona,(see www.hrroadhouse.com for the full schedule), the Seminole Hard RockRoadhouse will wrap up in South Florida for the season’s Grand Finale at thenew and smoking Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino–party central and thecustom bike Mecca for the second annual Ft. Lauderdale Bike Rally, December1-4. Entertainment, music, food-we’ve got it 24/7 at the Seminole Paradisewhere the crowd will be rocking to great music at Hard Rock Live, cruisingthe vendor booths, and gathering heat–especially during the Hawaiian Tropicbikini contest–just in time to cool down in the slick 130,000 s.f.casino-that’s where the action really kicks up a notch!

Entertainment is non-stop and the nightlife is never-ending at the SeminoleHard Rock! Join sponsors Budweiser, Hawaiian Tropic Performance Machine,S&S Cycle, Baker Drivetrain, Hot Bike, and bikernet.com. Cold Bud and HotBabes and Bikes–Are you ready to Rock? Then hit the road! Take a ride onthe Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour! www.hrroadhouse.com.

MAVERICK MOTORCYCLE MAKERS SQUARE OFF TO SEE WHO CAN BUILD THE BEST BIKE ATDISCOVERY CHANNEL’S “BIKER BUILD OFF: ULTIMATE CHOP”–

— Awards Show Competition To Be Held In Las Vegas At The Hard Rock Hotel &Casino —

WHO:
Twenty four of the world’s most extreme bikers convene for the first timeunder one roof to display their moving works of art. Attending are bikergreats such as the renowned Arlen Ness, super-hunk Billy Lane, Hollywood’sRuss Mitchell, Shinya Kimura, Mondo, and last season’s biggest winner MattHotch, among others.

Special musical act includes performance by ZZ Top.

WHAT:
An awards ceremony to honor the craftsmen and artists who fabricatecustomized motorcycles. The awards to be given out include:
*Biker Rookie Award for Future Legend
*Biker Maverick Award for Unusual Build
*Biker Soul Award for Lifetime Achievement
*Biker Full-Throttle Award for Horsepower

Fans can get in on the action too, going online to www.discovery.com to casttheir vote for select categories, including the coveted Ultimate Chop.

The ceremony will also pay a special tribute to cult-biker legend IndianLarry, who died tragically last year while performing one of his classicstunts

WHEN:
Black Carpet Arrivals — Thursday, March 31 from 5-7 PM; press event tofollow.

Awards Show Ceremony – Friday, April 1 from 6-9 PM.

WHERE:
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

MEDIA:
Interviews with the bikers and photograph opportunities with the bikers andthe bikes will be available from Tuesday, March 29 through Friday, April 1.All media requests and access to the events must be coordinated through thecontacts listed below.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
BIKER BUILD-OFF: ULTIMATE CHOP – In Biker Build-Off’s season finale, all 24contestants from this season come together in Las Vegas to celebrate oneanother’s creations and talents. Viewers will also be able to vote fortheir favorites in select categories. Awards will be given for everythingfrom building style to painting techniques, but in the end, only one biker’screation will be named the Ultimate Chop. BIKER BUILD OFF: ULTIMATE CHOPairs Sunday night, April 3 on the Discovery Channel from 9-11 PM (ET/PT).

QUICKIE–John & Marsha decided that the only way to pull off a Sunday afternoon quickie with their 8 year old son in the apartment was to send him out on the balcony with a popsicle and tell him to report on all the neighborhood activities.

He began his commentary as his parents put their plan into operation:

“There’s a car being towed from the parking lot” he shouted.

A few moments passed.

“An ambulance just drove by”

A few moments later, “Looks like the Anderson’s have company” he called out.

“Matt’s riding a new bike…..”

“The Coopers are having sex!!”

Startled, Mother and Dad shot up in bed!!! Dad cautiously asked, “How do you know they are having sex?

“Jimmy Cooper is standing out on his balcony with a popsicle too.”.

Dave F.

Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team OPENS ’05 SEASON WITH RECORDS– Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team OPENS ’05 SEASON WITH RECORDS, MILESTONE PERFORMANCE Harley-Davidson Takes Multiple Honors from Season-opening Event

Both ends of the national record, career-best numbers, milestone performance and a track record – not a bad way to start the 2005 NHRA POWERADE Drag Racing season.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team set out this weekend to defend the 2004 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship they earned with rider Andrew Hines. The 15-race season started with the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway and so far, the season looks very promising.

“This team collected the first six-second run in NHRA history, both ends of the national record and a track record,” Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said. “We want to defend our championship and this is a great way to start the season.”

On Friday, returning champion Hines put Harley-Davidson into the record books with a 6.991-second pass at 196.10 mph. It was the first pass in the six-second range and the honor was worth a $10,000 bonus from the Mickey Thompson 6-second Club. Hines later improved his speed, reaching 197.45, setting both ends of the national record.

Hines qualified in the top spot with teammate GT Tonglet closely behind in the number two spot. Tonglet set a track record, going 197.45 for a career-best speed along with a career-best elapsed time of 7.007. He and Hines recorded the same speed, but the track record went to Tonglet because he made the run first.

Both Hines and Tonglet were disappointed by losses in the second round Hines by red-lighting and Tonglet due to a mechanical gremlin – but they both gained impressive milestones and kicked off the season with high hopes of winning rounds in the future.

“We came into this event wanting both bikes to qualify in the number one and two positions,” Tonglet said. “We did that and we got into the six-second range too. I really wanted that mark but if I couldn’t do it, I’m just glad it stayed with the Screamin’ Eagle team.

“To be able to run a 7.007 at the first race of the season is saying something about the way the season is going to be. We have two great, new bikes and we’re close to having two good, consistent setups.”

At just 21 years old and with a championship on his resume, Hines had a milestone performance at Gainesville.

“It’s disappointing that we both lost and in the second round too,” Hines said. “Breaking the six-second record was amazing and it topped the entire weekend, but it would have been better to finish the weekend in the winner’s circle. This is a great accomplishment for the entire team, our family and Harley-Davidson. It’s even better that it came at the start of the season.

“Now we have to focus on winning rounds and winning races. We need to start running for our second championship, and we have 14 races left to make that happen.”

CARIBBEAN REPORT–Since I will be taking my ass kissing puckers into another immoral trip I might not be able to do the news for next week. You know I need to spend all that money that is given to me by the nay sayers and spend it well in my auto gratifying quest for self promoting. Anyway, forgetting about all that bullshit and people who don’t even have the balls to post their names and e-mail addres, here’s the weeks story and I’m fucking sticking to it.

Next week, March 29th to be exact, the Discovery channel will have the last of the bike build off shows (for this season) and the reason I mention this is because it was filmed in my home, Puerto Rico. Yes, as in Caribbean island, sun, surf, skimpy clad chicks and eternal riding weather. Roland Sands and Arlen Ness battled themselves and the mountain/ beach roads of Puerto Rico, but knowing that Discovery won’t show a quarter of the footage taken, I believe I should talk a bit more of what this West Indies rock is about, without sounding like a tourism bureau ad.

Some say I might be a cocky mother fucker, some might say the newbie from Puerto Rico, and you know what, that is totally cool. o when you come from paradise, when you come from a place that is not remotely known for it’s Harley Davidson heritage, those are simple and daring ass-umptions, people are way too quick to critique something they don’t know much about, so in order not to sin of being ignorant, let’s get into the thick of things.

To some I might have crawled under a rock, and in a certain way they are right. 16 years or so ago, I started what is now called Caribbean Custom Cycles. From that day on, I worked with a certain goal in mind, to build and promote the Harley style of bikes and get people to know what Puerto Rico. When I had the chance to invite Discovery here, I was glad they decided to visit, not because I would be part of it, but because people from the US and the TV audience would have a chance to briefly see what our country was about, they would have a chance to cruise down the roads, hugging the beach so closely that Arlen would get sand into his velocity stacks, or twisting so hard into the green lush mountains that Roland would become dizzy, even with his years of experience riding race bikes. But more so to be able to enjoy the freedom of what riding should actually be. Not having to look over your shoulder all the time scanning for cops, not worrying if your apes are a couple inches too high, not worrying if your helmet ended up in the back of a truck “by mistake”.When we all have a mental image of what the freedoms of the road should be, believe it or not, a place like PR is closer than any of the states I have had a chance to visit; it’s really easy to actually enjoy the ride. Sure it will take me a really long time to describe what is going on in here, but a good try is better than none.It’s not all a rose garden, traffic in a small island tends to get to you, getting everything here, what many take for granted is a bit more expensive and time consuming, but there’s a trade off for everything. Let’s just say that a Sunset in Rincon is worth any hassles, way over. I’ve had the chance to ride in many places, places I have been before, even places i have lived for short stints, but somehow when I got to re visit and then cruise on a bike, it all seemed different, it all had a different effect on the way I perceived things, but I guess folks, that could be a story for a following news…or maybe a string of them.I have been here so long that sometimes I take all the stuff for granted, but when people come visit, it kind of changes the perspective, I see their eyes or the way they react when we end up in a perfect road, the surf and sand , the palm trees, the smooth pavement and no cops for miles, just to stop at a little kiosk, beachfront may I add, and enjoy the surf and the beautiful senoritas catching the rays, working on their deep tans. It’s very simple and tempting to spend the whole afternoon sipping on cool drinks or ice cold beers while soaking it all in, or to the more adventurous ones, just grab the surfboard and battle the waves, all this while your motor is still clicking away while cooling down. More than once people have fallen in love with this scene, fallen in love with one of the hot (in many ways) girls and never gone back. I live here and I fall in love with that scene, over and over again. This is still home, and as it is sometimes, home is work, and daily boring living, sure I work my ass off, like I sure all of you do, and we live in a certain routine, but still I find the time to escape to those scenes described, to get away from what we really are or the actual shit that we have to go through. That is why when we have guests, not tourists, not visitors, guests, it enjoyable when they feel awed by all this surrounding them. Those of you who have been lucky enough to ride the Black Hills, or into the Grand canyon might get the feeling of what I am talking about, that feeling of being there and going, holly fuck this is cool !

So speaking of cool, and of Discovery, you know what to me would be really cool? How about a bike trip island by island, enjoy the pristine Charlotte Amalie bay in St Thomas, or the Baths in Virgin Gorda, the nude beaches in St Martin, the old British dockyard where Lord Horatio Nelson watched for French attacks and fixed the fleets ships in Antigua, the awe inspiring Jaques Cousteau sanctuary in Pigeon, Guadaloupe, the never ending Friday night party in the old pirate town of Gros Ilet in St Lucia, on and on and on….. Sure the Caribbean is (to me) the greatest back yard on earth, and it’s rich with history, from the “discovery” of the New World, to the Indians before, to the pirates and trade routes. We still have 600-year-old towns, with the architecture neatly preserved, but doing so atop a cool bike with a hot chick is the real treat.

Sure I could be better off if I was in the states, sure those 16 years of work would pay off much more than it has, but why? Why should I leave a place like this, the freedom, the sun, the surf….. The swinging move of a curvaceous brown eyed beauty, the island that winks at you and makes you forget all the hardship, all the time lost, and all the cool things that makes you thank whomever is up there for having chosen you to be born here.Sure Puerto Rico is not the hotbed of bike building, but it was made for perfect riding, so the connection is totally obvious and was way overdue.It’s sad that you will just catch a glimpse of what I am trying to explain here, but at least you will be able to catch something,

Let me be frank, just like when you see that beautiful girl and you must try to conquer, every step in the right direction feels like there’s a lot gained. When I get to watch that TV show on the 29th, it will just be another small step that has been already taken towards a much higher goal. Nope, not my self-promotion like others dare to say, the exposure of my home to all of you, to what we do and who we are. The friendliness of the people and the beauty of the land. I’m sure that after that show you will fall in love with it, just like that hot girl, wearing the yellow bikini catching the winter surf.

I promise I will keep on in my tour, there’s times that is needed to explain where we come from and how we got there to be able to reach. If you have noticed in the many years I have written this column, I don’t talk about me, I talk about what?s around me, what going on and the way I see things. I have the fortune of being able to work hard to be at different places, ride at different places and enjoy those with friends. I guess it’s time to start a new chapter in whats out there. All those things that some of us are not fortunate enough to be able to enjoy.

Have a great Easter weekend, enjoy the time of rest….. I will try to have the news for next week, but I never make promises I can’t keep.

Jose – Bikernet Caribbean Report

That?s a Wrap– I?m heading out to Palm Springs in the morning for a restful weekend with the Girlies. Actually that?s a lie. When I hang out with the girls, we don?t rest. We party!

Have a great weekend and enjoy Easter Sunday with those that you love.

Layla

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – SONS OF LIBERTY NEWS, FIGHT THE SPEED TRAP AND KIDS & CHROME

Here?s a quickie– I?m preparing to go away for the weekend and trying to take care of a million things before I go. Lucky for you Bandit will be home tomorrow and hopefully wipe out this sorry intro and type in a new one.

Here?s the news.

Oh bullshit. The broads hit it for Palm Springs and I can’t wait for the reports. It’s been quiet around here today, but I’ve roughed out three articles for the mags and caught up on Your Shots. Then I slipped out to the Hot Bike Studio. Markus was shooting a 1900 Orient Trike. It’s the only one in the country, and we’ll feature it in the August Issue. It’s incredible, an example of the first production motorcycle built in America.

Tomorrow Branscomb Richmond and his partner are dropping by, then it’s all Sturgis Shovelhead for the rest of the day. Can’t wait. Back to the news:

“KIDS & CHROME, A GRAND AFFAIR? GAINS MOMENTUM–March 2005 – – Kids & Chrome, A Grand Affair, sponsored by V-Twin, an exciting new fundraising event scheduled during the 2005 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, continues to grow and gain momentum. Hot Bike is also involved with the Kid’s charity on our run to Sturgis this year.

The event will be held on Wednesday, 10 August, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Spearfish, SD, is being supported by virtually every major industry player and up-and-coming motorcycle business in the country. Currently over 60 businesses have signed on to endorse the event, with more joining the list daily.

V-Twin Kids & Chrome will add a new dimension to the Rally, and will serve to help fund two worthy non-profit organizations, Children?s Care Hospital & School in Rapid City and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. You can personally make a difference in the life of a child with special needs or help to preserve the history of motorcycling by participating in a couple of ways.

Participate in one of two raffles, priced to suit every ones budget. Jesse Jurrens of Independent Cycle, Inc. has donated a one-off extreme custom valued at $70,000.00 in support of the event. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold for $100.00 each or 6 for $500.00. Todd and Shelly Erdman of Thunder Mountain Customs have also donated a motorcycle for the raffle, a brilliant $40,000.00 custom. Tickets for this bike are $10.00 each or 6 for $50.00.Tickets for both motorcycles are available by clicking on to the Kids & Chrome web site, www.kidsandchrome.org.

If you are interested in more information on Kids & Chrome, A Grand Affair, sponsored by V-Twin; are interested in being a sponsor; or would like to schedule a press interview, contact Director of Fundraising Bob Illingworth by phone 605.490.2628, or email lobbymc@yahoo.com

Fight That Speed Trap!– “You can?t fight City Hall!”You?ve heard that phrase so often it has become a clich?. Those who say it and mean it are usually in the employ of City Hall. The truth is you can fight City Hall… and win.

Speed traps are often used by municipalities as one method of generating revenue to run the government. “Safety” is given as the excuse for running a speed trap, but the real reason boils down to money. The police department wants more money for equipment and salaries. The City wants more money to avoid raising taxes. Local residents and businesses often go along with local speed traps because it reduces local taxes, and besides, they?re usually not the drivers who get the tickets anyway. A “win win” situation for everybody in town, but not for the poor saps that suffer fines, points and insurance surcharges in the name of “safety.”

However, any person, if persistent enough, can take meaningful action to eliminate the classic speed trap. There are multiple approaches to bringing public and private wrath down upon the perpetrators of speed traps.

Using Economic Pressure
With sufficient prodding local businesses can be effective in lobbying for the end of community speed traps. One way to prompt this kind of lobbying is to convince business owners that the local speed trap is costing them money, or is about to cost them money.

To add a little momentum to your efforts you may want to purchase small ads in surrounding community newspapers that identify the speed trap and ask for fellow victims to contact you. If you generate some additional interest and help, the media and local officials will start to take you more seriously.

The combination of economic sanctions (loss of business) and embarrassment of local officials may generate pressure to eliminate the speed trap, or at least reduce its most abusive characteristics. This isn?t all you can do.

Stimulate Government Action
If a local village or city is using a state or county highway as a speed trap you may be able to provoke the state or county officials sufficiently to have them force the end of the speed trap. For example, if the speed limit is severely under-posted you can request a copy of the traffic engineering study that sanctioned such a low speed limit. (You can use a “public information request” or “freedom of information request” to force the release of this study, if the public agency won?t willingly release it.) More often than not, no such study exists.
If the posted speed limit is 35 mph, but the traffic engineering study says the limit should be 55 mph, the speed limit should be considered illegal and unenforceable. Unfortunately, it may take a civil lawsuit and a forced refund of fines to actually get the municipality to comply. However, if the municipality is dependent on state or county funds they can be coerced by the state or county to eliminate the speed trap, or at least raise the speed limit to a more appropriate level.

Political Action
All elected officials give lip service to the belief that underhanded and exploitative speed enforcement should not be used as a means to extort money from honest responsible citizens. It?s fair game to ask them to put substance behind their words. You have every right to ask your state legislators to pass a law that will reduce, if not eliminate the abuses common to speed traps.

Require that any posted speed limit that differs from the standard speed limit for a given type of road or highway (speed limits for urban areas or rural highways are generally specified in state statutes) be supported by a legitimate traffic engineering study that determines the 85th percentile speed of free flowing unimpeded traffic. The posted speed limit should not be adjusted downward more than five miles per hour below the 85th percentile speed, as determined by the traffic engineering study.

Establish a limit on the percent of local revenues that any community can generate through traffic fines. Any local unit of government that is generating more than 10% to 20% of its total revenue from fines is abusing traffic enforcement for revenue enhancement purposes.

Require that a high percentage (75 %) of all traffic fines AND RELATED COSTS be transferred to an unrelated state fund, e.g. public education, emergency relief, or public library aids.

Prohibit the use of electronic speed measurement devices to enforce speed limits that have not been determined through the use of an official traffic engineering study.

Require specific and proper training for any person using electronic devices for speed enforcement purposes.

Provide that any motorist charged with a traffic violation has the automatic right for a change of venue to a court of record (from a local administrative or municipal court).

Prohibit the use of electronic speed measurement devices to clock vehicles within 100 yards of a speed limit sign that reduces the speed limit.

Several states already have laws that outlaw speed traps. Most of them can be found HERE or by clicking on STATE LAWS in the Directory, and will give you specific examples to share with your state representatives or senators.

By giving your legislator concrete and realistic suggestions you will have made it difficult for he or she to just ignore your request. Getting a bill drafted and introduced is still a long way from getting it passed into law, but it sure is a good start in the right direction.

Rogue

SENIOR PERSONAL ADS–Some “Senior” personal ads seen in Florida newspapers:(Who says seniors don’t have a sense of humor?)

FOXY LADY:
Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty,80’s, slim, 5’4″ (used to be 5’6″),searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion.Matching white shoes andbelt a plus.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT:
Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, and am lookingfor someone to round out a six-unit plot.Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.

SERENITY NOW:
I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation.

If you are the silent type, let’s get together,take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

WINNING SMILE:
Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a dedicated flosserto share rare steaks,corn on the cob and caramel candy.

BEATLES OR STONES?
I still like to rock,still like to cruise in my Camaro on Saturday nights and still like toplay the guitar.If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen,let’s get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

MEMORIES:
I can usually remember Monday through Thursday.If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let’s put our two headstogether.

MINT CONDITION:
Male, 1932, high mileage, good condition, some hair,many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves.Isn’t in running condition, but walks well.

–Jester

Record Bike Numbers Compete for European Championship–CUSTOM CHROME DEALER SHOW, MAINZ GERMANY MARCH 19th – 20th, 2005
A total of 64 top class custom builders from Europe and beyond entered 71 bikes in the AMD ProShow, held on Saturday March 19th and Sunday March 20th, to compete for the coveted accolade of being the official European Champion Custom Bike Builder for 2005.

The show was organized by custom V-twin industry magazine American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD) and presented at their annual dealer show by specialist aftermarket parts distributor Custom Chrome Europe (CCE), a division of Global Motorsports Group GmbH.Held at the Phoenixhalle in Mainz, Germany, Custom Chrome?s generous support and creative staging of the show was recognized and appreciated by builders and visitors alike.

Commenting on the job Custom Chrome?s show and marketing staff had done, AMD publisher Robin Bradley said: ?This is the fourth time that we have worked with Custom Chrome?s European Division in this way and I have to say that they have excelled themselves this year.”

Builders came from fourteen different countries and from as far afield as Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. The top twenty saw bikes from ten of those countries, confirming the international credentials of the event and the widespread excellence of European custom engineering.

Of the top ten, three bikes were entered by Swedish customizers, three by Germans, with one each from the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium and the Czech Republic.The winner was Thomas Habermann of Habermann-Performance from Erbach-Ringingen in Germany, with an innovative S&S Shovelhead-engined chopper called ?Caligo?.

Second place went to Piet Hofman, who owns Violator Motorcycles in the Netherlands. He took his second spot with ?Full Metal Jacket? an S&S 145 inch-engined low-rider.

Completing a clean sweep of top honors for S&S engine-equipped customs, third place went to Mika Neminen, owner of Mr Moore Custom Craft in Finland, for ?Viridian?, another S&S shovelhead chopper.

All three of these delighted builders will be appearing with their bikes at AMD?s second Annual Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, being presented by Custom Chrome, at the Big Twin West Dealer Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 18th to 20th 2005.

At Custom Chrome?s expense, each of the builders will be flown to Las Vegas for a week-end at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Centre this year?s venue for the World Championships, with their bikes being shipped to America so they can go head-to-head with America?s finest builders for the ultimate prize that custom bike building has to offer.

Custom Chrome?s support for the European Championship also included further prizes for the winners in the form of a polished RevTech 110 inch engine for the winner, a 96 inch S&S engine, and a RevTech 6-speed transmission for the third placed builder.

Further prizes for the fourth to tenth placed builders amounted to more than 1500 Euros of Custom Chrome merchandize credit sponsored by Corbin, Pro-One, Crane and Spyke.Further news releases, including details and pictures of the winning bikes, will follow this announcement. Additional reports and pictures will be posted to the event website (www.amdproshow.com), and appear in upcoming editions of AMD and HOT BIKE.

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS–Do you visit states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky to ride without a helmet? Would you like to have that choice here in West Virginia? Are you comfortable with the fact that motorists can kill motorcyclists, and get off with a $20 fine? Did you know, there are two bills in the legislature right now addressing these concerns? SB-293 the Helmet law modification would allow adult motorcyclists to choose whether to wear a helmet or not while riding a motorcycle in West Virginia.

SB-444 “Danny’s Law” our Careless Driving bill, would finally give motorists a reason to look for motorcycles with fines, points, and suspensions on drivers licenses for repeat offenders, and those who kill, or seriously injure motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.

But these laws will not be passed without your help.

HAVE WE GOT YOUR ATTENTION YET?

Both bills are in committee with no action being taken. Our only hope is for Citizen Motorcyclists to talk with their representatives, via phone, e-mail, or the old fashioned letter. Our Biker Governor is using the tourism angle, and so are we. Here are some talking points, and a sample letter you can use to get you started.

We have been looking at some numbers and have come to a realization that somewhere we are missing the point of what it is that is important in our information that we use. First of all there are more motorcycles on the road than our state officials think and it is growing at an enormous rate. We as a state are not addressing the problem we are merely putting a band aide on it.

? BIKERS VS. NASCAR As Daytona Bike Week draws to a close, it’s interesting to ponder these statistics reported by the Los Angeles Times in an article concerning the Daytona Speedway in their February 20, 2005 edition. According to a University of Central Florida survey, Daytona Beach’s two annual motorcycle rallies, Bike Week and Biketoberfest, generated $744 million in revenue for the area and an equivalent of 17,800 full-time, year-round jobs in 2001, the year of the UCF study. Speedweeks and the Pepsi 400 in July, by comparison, brought $560 million and the equivalent of 10,600 full-time jobs. So bikers are more beneficial to the economy than NASCAR moms and dads.

? MORE THAN NASCAR? Can you imagine what West Virginians spend on NASCAR? It seems we can’t go anywhere today without being exposed to NASCAR trivia. West Virginia has even cashed in on the NASCAR craze, by offering NASCAR license plates for your car. Motorcyclists spend more money than NASCAR fans. West Virginia has the best motorcycle roads East of the Mississippi. West Virginia is within a days ride of all the major population centers on the eastern seaboard. But Motorcyclists from across the country avoid West Virginia because of our Mandatory Helmet Law. Even West Virginia motorcyclists take their money to PA, OH, KY so they can have the choice to ride without a helmet.

MORE STATS TO PONDER According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC);

? The number of motorcycles in the United States – 8.8 million – is a third more than in 1998. – The median age of motorcycle owners is 42, up from 27 in 1985; the median income of motorcycle owners is $55,850, up from $25,600 in 1985.- The median income of Harley buyers is about $80,000.

? SAFER CRASHES ARE NOT THE ANSWER PREVENTING THEM IS. Helmets may ease the mind of our legislators but it is not affecting the numbers of dead bikers that we see. Look at the information from the MOTOR CYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL and you will see that motorcycle use is way up and is now mainstream in our society.

? Motorcycle Industry on Track for 12th Year of Consecutive Growth; 24 Percent

More Units Sold in the Past Four Years Than in the Entire Preceding Decade.

According to Motorcycle Industry Council estimates, year-to-date sales are up 4.4 percent through October 2004, marking the 12th consecutive year of growth for the United States motorcycle market.Thanks to motorcycling’s continuing popularity, 24 percent more units havebeen sold in the last four years than in the entire preceding decade

? Motorcycle Industry on Track for 12th Year of Consecutive Growth; 24 Percent More Units Sold in the Past Four Years Than in the Entire Preceding Decade.

Motorcyclists Say They Have Right To Choose
LANSING, Mich. — The state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to let motorcyclists ride without helmets if they are at least 21 years old and meet other requirements.

After nearly two hours of debate, the Senate — which in the past has refused to change the state’s mandatory helmet law — voted 21-13 to send the bill to the House.

The legislation would repeal parts of the 36-year-old law, letting riders 21 and older go without helmets if they have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have taken a safety course.

Motorcyclists say they deserve a right to choose whether to wear helmets, arguing that helmets don’t prevent accidents. They also note that every state surrounding Michigan gives riders the option to not wear helmets.

Canyon Inn Benefit Run–Hello All,You people are the BOMB! I want to give you a heart felt ‘THANK YOU’ fordoing so-o-o much to help us with the Canyon Inn Benefit Run that we hadlast Sunday, March 20, 2005.

The run was a great success in that we generated about $4K for the CanyonInn Business Development Fund and we understand that all of theriders/people that attended it had a real nice time too.

You all know the valuable part that each of you played during theorganization and execution of this event. And, would you please tell allof the volunteers that you’re associated with that we thank them too! Wecouldn’t have done it without them…

Montie and Lisa are drawing up the plans for the new building site, theground is being prepared for the footings, and they hope to start pouringthe foundation later this spring. We wish them good will and god’sspeed.

Maybe sometime soon we all can meet there and have some good food and acold drink inside the New Canyon Inn in beautiful Harbison Canyon!

Watch the Canyon Inn Benefit Run web site for run/party pictures andconstruction news up-dates too.

Later
–Lawrence/SunSoul

For those interested:
Our run pictures are up.
http://canyoninnbenefit.com/

This run was different than many, 100% of the money went to one of our own. While I thought more could have made it, I was pleased with the turnout and we all had a blast.

Animal

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zonehttp://solriders.com/ or http://bikers4row.org

Continued On Page 2

HELMET LAW SQUASHED, NY HANDLEBAR HEIGHT AND ARIZONA EXEMPT

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

NATIONAL HELMET LAW AVOIDED– Due to quick actions by national and state motorcycle rights organizations and concerned individual riders, an attempt to amend a helmet law requirement into the federal highway bill has been averted.

Just days before Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) intended to introduce yet another national helmet law mandate as an amendment to the Senate’s version of the transportation reauthorization measure SAFE-TEA (HR 3), word was spread over the Internet and through discussion groups which mobilized bikers nationwide to flood their Senators’ offices with e-mails and phone calls urging them to oppose the amendment.

On Wednesday, May 11, the Lautenberg Amendment to reinstate the federal helmet law that he masterminded back in 1991, which was eventually repealed after heavy lobbying by bikers in 1995, was decisively defeated by a vote of 69-28. The amendment would have diverted a portion of any state’s federal highway funding into safety programs if that state did not have and enforce a mandatory helmet law for all motorcycle riders.

The House of Representatives passed their version of the highway funding bill, H.R.3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) by a vote of 417-9 on March 10, including motorcycle safety agenda language and training grant funding, and is now awaiting the Senate to do likewise so that both bills can go to conference committee to iron out any discrepancies and then on to President Bush for his signature or veto. Congress is currently on their 6th deadline extension to enact a highway bill, and the deadline for completion is May 31st.

MISSOURI RIDERS CLOSER TO HELMET FREEDOM– State representatives have given approval to a bill (SB 221) that would repeal the law that requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, and would allow cyclists over 21 the option to wear a helmet if the law would pass.

The repeal of the mandatory helmet law is part of a larger bill that deals with several transportation issues. Part of the measure would allow police to pull over motorists solely for not wearing seat belts. The House approved the helmet provision but disagrees with the Senate on whether the seat belt provision should be included. The legislative session ends soon, however, and there may not be enough time to resolve the differences.

NEW YORK SEEKS MODIFICATIONS TO HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LAW– Custom motorcycle maven Paul Teutul Sr. has a reason to smile under his Fu Manchu mustache. The New York state legislature is considering a bill to allow motorcycle handlebars to be as a high as a rider’s shoulders. Now, they can only be 15 inches above the seat.

Teutul, owner of Orange County Choppers and star of the Discovery Channel’s hit show “American Chopper,” told the New York Daily Star that the bill is “great,” even though the bill doesn’t go as far as he’d like. He prefers a ride with handlebars over his head.

“I like ape hangers,” Teutul said, referring to the high handlebars. “It’s actually a really comfortable ride and it really doesn’t change the handling.”

ABATE of New York activist Larry Schwartz said the 15-inch restriction was put in place in the 1960s to give police a reason to pull over “outlaw bikers” on choppers. “It was just an easy way to stop anybody they wanted, but it has nothing to do with ergonomics or the comfort or safety of motorcycles.”

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, an Albany County Democrat and Assembly sponsor of the bill, said a shoulder-high limit makes more sense.

“It is more popular with the motorcyclists, more consistent with the newer motorcycles, some of which are custom-designed, and there are no safety hazards posed by it, which is the most important thing,” Canestrari said. The bill also has majority support in the Senate.

Teutul said he was once ticketed in New Hampshire for his high handlebars, but police in New York have never bothered him. “They’re pretty cool about it,” he said.

KEYSTONE BIKERS PRESS SAFETY ISSUES ABATE– of Pennsylvania is working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to distribute safety messages to road users.

“The ABATE office received a call Mark Jeannette, a manager at PennDOT, who informed us that they have two new cards very similar to what we suggested, that will be put in with the new registrations for automobile operators and motorcycles and others,” explains John Mullendore, ABATE of Pennsylvania Legislative Coordinator and a member of the NCOM Board of Directors.

The one is entitled, “Drive Aware – We’re Out There” and the other is “Sharing the Road with Motorcycles and Automobiles”. It has safety tips for drivers on how to look for motorcycles and how to drive once they see us.

They are ready to go to print and then start inserting the 2-sided cards into the registrations.

“Since we have had so many legislative victories it seems PennDot is finally giving us the respect we deserve,” says Mullendore. “Looks like another positive step for motorcycle safety and awareness.”

In separate legislative action, Mullendore reports the introduction of Pennsylvania House Bill 901by Representative Kerry Benninghoff to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a section 4310 to read – “Auxiliary lighting may be added to a motorcycle to protect the driver, including blue dot illumination, standard bulb running lights and various colors of valve stem caps, light-emitting diode (LED) pods and strips, light wire, neon tubes and strobe lights.”

The newly proposed lighting measure would allow other drivers to see motorcycles moreclearly, says ABATE Lobbyist Charles Umbenhauer. “Visibility’s always been a problem,” Umbenhauer said. “Whenever there’s an accident, the first line of defense is always, ‘I didn’t see him.”

State Rep. Kerry Bennighoff, R-Bellefonte, proposed the measure after some motorcycle enthusiasts in his district asked him about it. He said that motorcycles are now allowed to have front and rear lights only. While he still thinks it’s a good idea to allow for more lighting, heacknowledges that the bill will probably end up altered to prohibit any moving or flashing lights that might prove a distraction. If it ends up passing in a form that simply allows some lighting on the side to better enable drivers to see motorcycles, that will be fine by him. “If it helps to make them more visible at night, why not?” he said.

ARKANSAS PASSES ROW LEGISLATION, RED LIGHT LAW — Arkansas 85th General Assembly successfully passed two key pieces of pro-motorcycle legislation this session.

SB993 introduced by Jim Holt (R – Springdale) entitled “An Act to Levy Additional Penalties for Violations of the Rules of the Road that Involve the Failure to Yield to the Right-of-Way” that adds additional fines and penalties against a person who is guilty of a right-of-way violation causing an accident that results in injury or death.

They also had signed into law legislation authorizing motorcycles to proceed through controlled red lights if they can’t trip the pressure plates, similar to legislation recently passed in Tennessee.

HB2833 introduced by Representative Mark Pate (D) (Bald Knob), will “…Allow the drivers of Motorcycles to Proceed Through an Intersection Controlled by a Traffic-Control Device Under Limited Circumstances”. If a driver of a motorcycle approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, the driver may proceed through the intersection on a red light if the vehicle sensor fails to detect the motorcycle.

“Not since March 12, 1997 when Arkansas bikers amended the helmet law has pro-biker legislation been introduced,” says Ginger Lewis of ABATE of Arkansas and Ride Free Arkansas PAC. “Many thanks to the Ride Free Arkansas PAC for actively soliciting legislators to present the legislation as well as the support of the members of Arkansas Bikers Aiming Towards Education (ABATE) who took action when time came to call on their senators and representatives for support and passage.”

ARIZONA EXEMPTS MOTORCYCLES AND CLASSIC CARS FROM EMISSION TEST– Motorcyclists and old-car fanatics were cheering recently over legislation signed by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to exempt motorcycles and collector cars from emissions testing.

The Arizona Republic newspaper reports that the bill allows vehicles 15 years or older to forgo the emissions tests in Maricopa and Pima counties, but only if they carry special collector-car insurance, which has stipulations on annual mileage and use. The bill also exempts motorcycles from testing in Pima County, but not Maricopa County.

House Bill 2357 was based on a recent study by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality that concluded that such vehicles have “negligible impact” on air quality and would not affect clean-air efforts in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. The bill was approved unanimously in the House and Senate.

The plan now goes to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for final approval.

Motorcycle groups such as ABATE of Arizona, the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Clubs had joined old-car hobbyists in backing the legislation, hoping to get their vehicles exempted from what they call unfair and unnecessary emissions regulation.

In Pima County, where only 6,200 motorcycles are registered, the study found no problem with exempting them. But the DEQ study found that the 22,000 motorcycles registered in Maricopa County contributed a small but statistically significant amount of pollution to the Valley’s air, and thus the Phoenix area remains one of the only places in the U.S. where motorcycles must pass emission testing.

“This is a big step in the right direction and we’ll go back next session and get motorcycles in Maricopa out also,” said Bobbi Hartmann, a lobbyist for the motorcyclist groups in Arizona.

SUNDAY BIKE SALES OKAY IN MICHIGAN– The Michigan Secretary of State has clarified a murky measure which now allows purchases of motorcycles on Sundays, after dealers complained.

Since the end of January, motorcycle dealers have been keeping sales reps home and cordoning off their showrooms with yellow caution tape, some even refusing to discuss prices with Sunday customers.

The crux of the confusion was a Michigan law dating back to 1953 that was changed to crack down on unlicensed car wholesalers. Public Act 495 has been on the books for more than 50 years and was enforced by the Department of State and county prosecutors. But some dealers found it a bit murky even before the recent rule change. Some motorcycle dealers would complete most of a sale on Sundays, but wouldn’t deliver bikes on that day, just to be safe.

The reason? An update to the state’s Public Act 495 not only continued a longstanding ban on “any attempt to buy, sell trade, or exchange any motor vehicle” on Sunday, but also ratcheted up the punishment, calling for the Secretary of State to strip dealer licenses.

The 2004 changes to the law — which took effect Jan. 31 — seemed pretty black-and-white: no sales on Sunday. But that wasn’t the intent of the law. The Detroit Automotive Dealers Association lobbied for the new restrictions to limit automotive wholesalers, who did not have to be licensed before the changes.

Now, however, the Secretary of State’s office has put motorcycle dealers back in “H.O.G.” heaven on Sundays, posting clarifications to the law on the state Web site after inquiries from The Detroit News. Under a frequently asked questions section on the law, the query, “Can a dealer sell motorcycles on Sunday?” is answered with an unequivocal “Yes. Motorcycles can be sold on Sunday.”

WEIRD NEWS: EXPLOSIVE SITUATION– Heidi Brown was told she could park her new scooter outside the vehicle registration office in London while she waited to get number plates. But to her horror, it was blown up by the army after someone reported that it might be a bomb.

Police in Ipswich confirmed that a moped had been blown up in a controlled explosion after local business people “raised concerns” that it could be a bomb.

“The moped was chained to the perimeter fence outside the building. We weren’t able to identify whose vehicle it was because there were no number plates on it,” said a spokeswoman for Suffolk police. She said the surrounding office buildings were evacuated and three roads were closed off.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported the scooter belonged to Brown, a 22-year-old care worker, who said she had been told she could leave it there awaiting inspection.

NCOM CONVENTION SWINGS THROUGH MUSIC CITY– Near-record numbers of motorcyclists rights activists converged on the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee over Mothers’ Day Weekend to learn, share and network for the betterment of biking nationwide.

Approximately 1,200 bikers registered for the 20th annual NCOM Convention, overflowing the host hotel and swelling over into neighboring hotel rooms. Attendees came from virtually every state, and represented most MROs and Confederations of Clubs across the country, crowding meeting rooms and hospitality functions throughout the weekend of May 6-8.

Highlights of the 3-day conference included an appearance by former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a long time member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force and a stalwart supporter of bikers’ rights during his tenure in the Senate. South Dakota Representative Jim “Putt” Putnam entertained the crowd as the dinner speaker during the Silver Spoke Awards ceremony on Saturday evening with his homespun humor, and Wisconsin Senator Dave Zien was scheduled to address the Convention but dislocated his shoulder when he slipped while starting his bike in a Wisconsin parking lot while leaving a legislative meeting and was unable to attend?though he was back to work the following day.

The NCOM Legislative Task Force also welcomed Oregon State Senator Gary George as the newest biker-legislator to join the LTF.

This year’s agenda was packed with meetings such as the NCOM Board of Directors Meeting, NCOM Legislative Task Force Meeting, A.I.M. Attorney Conference, Christian Unity Conference, Women In Motorcycling, SMRO Presidents’ Meeting, and the ever-popular Confederation of Clubs General Patch Holders Meeting. Seminars were held on the PATRIOT ACT and pending gang legislation, as well as Insurance “Nuts and Bolts” and a one-on-one with NCOM Legislators.

Slider Gilmore’s always informative and entertaining “Two-Wheel Trauma” seminar taught bikers how to save each others’ lives, followed on late Saturday afternoon by an Anti-Discrimination Skit called Dip Dan Dinkle aptly performed by the High Point Players of CBA/ABATE of North Carolina.

Silver Spoke Award winners honored during the Saturday evening banquet were MEDIA: Randall Wilson for his film “American Biker”; ENTERTAINMENT: Emmy-winning television news commentator “Tattoo Gypsy”; GOVERNMENT: former legislator and current ABATE of Minnesota lobbyist Tom Workman; LEGAL: Georgia A.I.M. Attorney Jerry Abendroth; and special recognition awards were presented to MMA of Arizona lobbyist Roger “Priest” Hurm; Kim Adams of ABATE of Georgia; and ABATE of Florida office manager Elizabeth “Boots” Buchholz. The Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dennis “Big D” Watson, a founder of ABATE of New Mexico and longtime NCOM board member.

Many thanks to the Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee (CMT/ABATE) and the Tennessee Confederation of Clubs for hosting this twentieth annual gathering of motorcycling activists. Thanks also go out to the Tennessee COC and Soldiers for Jesus M/C for hosting Hospitality Suites during non-meeting times throughout the weekend.

The 2005 NCOM Convention was dedicated to the memory of Jack “Bear” Grider, Indian Larry, Dave Mann and Al “Crash” Cook.

Next year’s NCOM Convention will be hosted by the Kentucky Motorcycle Association (KMA/KBA) and the Confederation of Clubs of Kentucky, May 11-13 at the Executive Inn in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, contact NCOM at (800) 525-5355.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis (1856-1941)

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – JOSE RETURNS, BIKER PROS ROADMAX TRANSMISSION AND MORE CRAP…

Chopper Diva

WE?RE ON A COUNTDOWN HERE–Counting the days and hours till tomorrow. Bandit will be back in all his glory and the site will rock the way he use to make it rock.

This is gonna be a quick intro, a short news and then a quick word from Bandit in the end. I?ve had one heck of a whacky week; trying to guide my son, who is jobless as he finishes the brand-new, custom crafted closet Torsten built last week. It?s fantastic. Kraig, on the other hand is not. He?s stained two coats, brushed on the first coat of sealer, sanded after the appropriate amount of time and for some darn reason the second coat is showing brush strokes and specs.

We were at each others throats yesterday, I guess too many cooks so today I backed off. Pray for a satin finish for me will ya?

AMA HOSTS 2ND SUMMIT ON MOTORCYCLE SOUND; GROUP PUBLISHESRECOMMENDATIONSPICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) hasannounced that the second National Summit on Motorcycle Sound was heldon Saturday, May 14 in Columbus, Ohio, and that the group has publishedits recommendations for addressing the issue.

The recommendations, released as a document called “Sound Advice,” isthe product of two years of effort by the Motorcycle Sound WorkingGroup, which was formed after the first summit conference in May of2003. Contributors included representatives of the street and off-roadmotorcycling communities, as well as motorcycle manufacturers,aftermarket companies, event organizers, law enforcement, municipalgovernment, and research institutions and regulatory agencies.

“We’re grateful to all those who contributed to these recommendations,helping American motorcyclists address a difficult and important issue,”said Robert Rasor, AMA President. “Now, for the motorcycling communityand the powersports industry, the real work begins, and the AMA willcontinue to participate in creating solutions.”

“‘Sound Advice’ speaks with virtually every voice in Americanmotorcycling, and it speaks to everyone who has a stake in Americanmotorcycling’s future,” said Ed Moreland, AMA Vice President forGovernment Relations and facilitator of the Motorcycle Sound WorkingGroup. “We encourage motorcyclists, businesses, and communities to worktogether to support the working group’s recommendations.”

“Sound Advice” is available on the AMA’s website, AMADirectlink.com, athttp://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/Sound_Advice.asp.

NEW FROM AEROMACH–Flame Levers for Stock Harley ControlsThese flame levers replace the factory levers easily and look great on your bike. The edges of the levers are rounded so they are comfortable to squeeze. CNC machined from T6 extruded billet aluminum, chrome plated and designed to mount to all Harley Davidson’s 1996-2005 with manual clutch. FLAME LEVER SET For Harley-Davidson w/OEM Controls $135.95/Pair

Pistol Grip Levers for PM Contour Hand ControlsThese levers are made specifically to fit the awesome, performance machine controls. CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and chrome plated. Use with manual clutch contour controls. Pistol Grip Lever Set For PM Contour Controls $139.95/Pair

Aeromach Mfg Inc.
800 990-9392
http://www.aeromachmfg.com

THE LONG AWAITED CARIBBEAN REPORT–Ok, guys and ladies, like Bandit, I am back for this week. I guess this is the longest I have been away from the news, but such is life.

As you might know, I am building a bike for the Horse Chop Off, plus we have several other projects to finish, so yeap, what’s new, the urgency is because we have a new local event. Memorial week end to be exact, and some of the customers bikes need to be done, that also cuts my Chop Off build time for about a week. While all the other guys can breeze it up to the 22nd of June or so, my shit has to be shipped by the 10th. There?s a lot of people and companies that have helped with the build and soon I will mention each one of them.

Hank Young and Roland Sands will join us for the event here and from there my bike and Hank’s head over to Hawaii, no I will not be taking part of the Choppers Only show, we have our own agenda. I will release the news in due time, but don’t expect to see my face around KCC.

I also have a show here in PR Father’s day week end, and right after that we will be heading over to Atlanta to ride with Hank to North Carolina. It’s kind of crazy, but what the fuck, if I could convert all that shit going on into bill paying cash, it would be well worth it.. Let’s see what happens.

To top it off, I also broke off all relations with the Puerto Rico Bike weekend, and we are working hard on our own event for December, which will be better and funnier than ever.Keep an eye out cause there’s like 5 more bikes coming out of the shop soon……and a few more to start, so it’s all cool, and to top it off, I like most of the bikes….

Anyway, I just dropped this short note to let you know what was going on, very long nights await…. So what the fuck… See you next week, I hope.

Jose ? Caribbean Reporter

Photo from Rigid Frame Richard

The Man

The Man You Know
Died A Long Time Ago
But You Won?t Find His Bones
Encased In Concrete
Beneath Some Marble Headstone

Re-Invented
He Stands On His Own
No Need For Powdered Crutches
Or Straws Of Chrome

The Crystal Has
Long Since Left His Veins
It?s Been Years
But The Damage Is Done
Everyday He Lives With
The Pain Of Addiction

Memories Of The
Ones Who Walked Away
Not To Mention The Ones
Who Made Him This Way

Others Were
Not So ?Lucky?
Locked Away , Behind Bars
Paying For Their
Mistakes

Some Left Us, Forever
Rotting In Graves
Of Concrete And Stone
But You Won?t Find His
Decaying Bones

Or See His Name
On Some Pretty Headstone
He Lives With His Addictions
As He Sits Before You
Reciting This Poem

As A Addict My Words
Are Just One Of My
Addictions , My Addictions
Won?t Leave Me Alone

Panhead Josh 5 – 16 ? 05

MESSAGE FROM THE DEVIL– It’s official, our painter Mike is moving in to offer in-house paint services from skins to full show customs. I just got off the phone with the installers and it looks like we will have a nice cross draft filtered booth ready to go by the first of July. Here is a shot of a small project we just finished with some wheels, paint & chrome goodies but no choppin on this one.

Here is a shot of an Evil little air dam. In this shot Bongo has just finished the initial finish work. Hope all is well and that Bandit’s transition is a smooth one.

Take care, The Devil

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Update…Billy Lane’s Blood Sweat and Gears Tour pulled into The Broken Spoke Saloon on Wednesday and will be there for the rest of the week. Billy is on stage taking questions from fans, signing autographs and building a custom bike from 12noon to 4pm each day.

Yesterday Billy stayed for over 2 hours after his show to sign autographs for the crowd.

On Saturday Billy Lane is giving one of his bikes to a very lucky U.S. Marine. For those in the Myrtle Beach area or coming into town later this week, be sure to stop by and meet Billy.

Livia

Cycle World previews 2005 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in June issue!Our tip of the helmet, or in this case Calendar Angel Rockin’ Robin Cunningham’s sailor cap, goes to senior editor Dave Edwards for the nice half-page feature preview of this year’s upcoming LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in the June issue of Cycle World, the world’s largest read motorcycle magazine.

Cycle World normally doesn’t cover motorcycle shows, let alone offer up a 1/2 page preview beforehand. We’d like to think the top quality and excitement of our event weekend as the biggest and best custom and performance streetbike Show in the world had a little to do with it.

Other wise it’s just the sexy shot of beautiful Robin in her cute sailor outfit posing with Zero Engineering’s Best of Show bike from last year?

Harley dealer sues for turf–
Merchant says vending unfair
By Dawn Bryant
The Sun News
CONWAY – The big bucks bikers spend during the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Myrtle Beach Rally has led to a legal turf battle between the local and outside dealers.Phil Schoonover, the local Harley dealer who last year tried unsuccessfully to move the rally dates to early May, has sued the Carolinas association, individual dealers and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Inc.

He says allowing the outside dealers at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center infringes on his franchised territory, costing him money.And, for the first time this year, Schoonover says, he’ll take a bigger hit because the outside dealers plan to compete with him directly by selling new merchandise, not just the discontinued items they’ve sold in the past.

Harley officials say the association has sponsored the rally for 65 years and has the right to sell parts and accessories here temporarily.The lawsuit could set a precedent that affects Harley rallies in other destinations, including Daytona Beach, Fla., and Sturgis, S.D., leaders say.

“This case is about money,” said Peter Stone, a Wisconsin attorney who represents Harley corporate. “There is enough business for everybody.”The rally is a May tradition along the Grand Strand, with as many as 300,000 bikers flocking to the beach and pumping millions into the local tourism economy. The event has grown in recent years, with vendors and activities spread across the county. The lawsuit has put some Carolinas dealers on edge.

“This rally means a lot to our customers,” said Tim Lucas, owner of Harley Haven in Cayce. “We’ve created this atmosphere over the years, and they expect it.”On Thursday, Judge Paula Thomas denied Schoonover’s motion for a temporary injunction that would stop next month’s event at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center until the issue could be settled. The rally is set for May 18-21, though many of the bikers arrive earlier.Schoonover has asked for a jury trial, but no court date has been set.

“I don’t think an injunction is appropriate under the circumstances,” Thomas said Thursday. “There are adequate remedies of law.”

Schoonover and the association, of which he was president in 1993-94 but is no longer a member, butted heads last year after Schoonover pushed to move the rally to the first week of May. The association refused.

Local elected leaders, fearful of three weeks of rallies in one month, intervened and forced Schoonover to cancel the event he had been promoting.In an affidavit with the lawsuit, Schoonover says Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson could supply an adequate amount of parts and merchandise for the rally.

“He decided it was his rally. That’s what happened,” said Don Tilley, a dealer from Statesville, N.C., who has participated in the rally since 1957. “Now all of a sudden, he wants us out of here.”

That’s not the case, said Mary Eaddy, a spokeswoman for Schoonover.

“The rally belongs to the Harley-Davidson association. He doesn’t want it to be his own,” she said. “He does believe the rally can grow into something bigger than what it is.”

Schoonover filed the suit March 18 after receiving a March 4 letter from Harley’s corporate office saying the outside dealers would be selling new merchandise this year. He ordered $1.9 million in new merchandise to sell during the rally, thinking the outside dealers would offer only discontinued items, said Mike Scardato, a Charleston lawyer representing Schoonover.Schoonover claims Harley corporate is breaking its contract and does not have good cause to grant the request from member dealers to set up temporary locations within his territory.Allowing the out-of-town dealers to set up and sell merchandise, not motorcycles, doesn’t violate the contract terms because they aren’t considered permanent dealers, Stone said.

“There is no dealership being established here,” he said. “It just doesn’t ring true.”

Prior to 2003, Schoonover consented to the temporary locations as long as the outside dealers sold only discontinued items and gave him a cut of the revenues.Schoonover says he did not get a share of the revenues for the past four years, and that the association said it wasn’t making any money.

“We just want to get what is due us,” Scardato said.In his lawsuit, Schoonover asked for double the actual damages to his business, though no dollar amount is given in court filings.

“This is all totally uncalled for,” said Gene Lummus, the association’s president and one of eight dealers who attended Thursday’s hearing. “There’s enough to go around.”

EXCLUSIVE PRO-ONE CATALOG AVAILABLE NOW– Once again PRO-ONE looks as if they have raised the bar not only for quality products but for world class catalog presentation as well. Just released, their latest directory is nothing short of a work of art. High quality images set on clean backgrounds provide a clear picture of each product and important details. This catalog includes virtually everything you need to fabricate your own personalized custom. From the full line of PRO BUILDER, PIRANHA and SLINGSHOT frames to what may be the industries most exciting selection of chrome billet wheels, everything you’ve come to expect from PRO-ONE can be found in this coffee table quality catalog. Looking for the finest and widest selection of ROLLING CHASSIS KITS? They’re here and feature trend setting styles like the popular NYMPHOMANIAC, LOUNGE LIZARD, BAR FLY, EVIL BASTARD, CHEAP WHORE, DEVIL’S TAIL, BALL BANGER and SUGAR DADDY frames. From frame, fork and wheel kits to complete, fully custom painted rollers, PRO-ONE offers a collection ROLLING CHASSIS KITS unmatched in the industry. In addition to their in-house line of fine quality billet accessories PRO-ONE is proud to distribute an amazing selection of products from B.I.G.S., DAKOTA DIGITAL, CUSTOM CYCLE CONTROL, CUSTOM V VALLEY, SCORPIO, TP ENGINEERING, ROADMAX, PRIMO, BAKER LEGEND, KRAFT TECH.

The brilliant, full color collection of unique accessories is presented on 256 pages of shop friendly, heavy grade paper stock. Call 800-884-4173 to order your personal hard copy or catalog on CD today. Visit PRO-ONE on the web at http://www.pro-one.com .

2005 FREEDOM FIGHTERS ANNOUNCED– May 2005 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2005 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductees, John “Rogue” Herlihy (CT), and Simon Milward (UK).

The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of those who ride. In their honor the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame established the nation’s first and only Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.

John “Rogue” Herlihy has been involved in motorcyclists’ rights for over 30 years and continues his efforts today. As a leader in the Connecticut Motorcycle Association, Rogue tackled the state’s helmet law fight in the 70’s. He went on to help defeat the first national helmet law, HB 3869 in 1975, a fight that solidified motorcyclists’ rights in this country and was the imputes for the powerful grass roots movement that still exists today.

Simon Milward left his lucrative job in 1989 to concentrate on something he believed in and began his full time career working for the interest of motorcyclists with the Motorcycle Action Group United Kingdom. In 1992 Simon established the Brussels headquarters of the Federation of European Motorcyclists and became its General Secretary. It is entirely due to his leadership and tireless efforts that bikers were among the first citizens to benefit from the democratic changes of the Maastrict Treaty. FEM became the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association, which today boasts 22 national riders rights organizations from 18 European countries.

Both inductees will be honored at the annual Sturgis Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast, Wednesday, 10 August, at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Breakfast tickets are available for a $20.00 donation. Traditionally the Breakfast sells out so we recommend that you purchase your tickets well in advance of the event. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the Museum 605.347.2001 or on the Museum’s web page http://www.sturgismuseum.com

CHOPPER DIVA–Hey Guys,First of all, welcome back Bandit! I know everybody, and especially Layla, are glad to have ya back full-blown. Just checking in with an update from the lovely Crystal. While everybody is sunnin’ down at Myrtle Beach, our girl will be posing for Gangster Choppers in Richmond, VA this weekend. The first couple weeks of June are full with Hawaiian Tropic events and shoots at the famous Ron Rice’s house in Daytona, then the Smoke Out in Salisbury, NC. Tell the Stealth we are headed his way! We will be giving him a shout in the next couple weeks, and hope to meet up. We have a got a shout out for ya in the news on Crystal’s site http://www.chopperdiva.com Lots of happenings, and new pics will be up shortly. Hey Bandit, get back to work! HA!!! Thanks crew, and have a good one.

Whiznut

LET’S RIDE!–Bad Boys six to sixty are going to be King of the local watering hole when they slide in on one of these slick CHICO CHOPS. Recently released by Chico Custom Choppers, the scaled down customs are being offered ona built to order basis with a long list of options that set them apart from the competition. Check out these features. True Chopper style tanks and fenders,CNC machined fully functional plunger front forks, custom risers, trees, pegs and other unique hardware. Each frame is CNC bent to precision specs and tig welded throughout.

There are several wheel configurations to choose from including a polished 10″ rear wheel with hydraulic disc brake and 16″ front fitwith a drum brake. Power is provided by your choice of Hongdou 125cc engines producing 12 hp. These reliable power plants can be ordered with or without electric and kick start capabilities. Power is transferred to the chain driven rear wheel through a smooth and durable 4 or 5 speed transmission. This innovative drive line combination and specially developed gearing produce topspeeds in the 55 to 60 mph range.

For you do-it-yourselfers, Chico offers their mini choppers in several stages ranging from “bare frame” to “turn keyready to rumble.” For complete details call Chico Custom Choppers at 928-778-3078 or visit them on the web at http://www.chicocustomchoppers.com

Now That’s a Sportster–Top Shelf Customs takes on what others are afraid to even attempt in custom motorcycle building. Redefining what a custom motorcycle can be, just look what these guys do with a Sportster. Top Shelf creates bikes using the philosophy that bolting parts together never gets the job done right. Located in Huntington Beach, California, owners Barry Lacour and Todd Silicato, former contributor to Performance Machine R&D (research & development) and PM bike builder, along with their talented crew have backgrounds in hot rods, surfing, motocross, skateboarding, along with, and just about anything else kick ass.

However, these days, they specialize in custom design, fabrication and aftermarket accessories, putting all that invaluable experience into anything they take with unparalleled style. Add to the wicked sense of style, (just look at the apparel section online) plenty of years of experience in the aftermarket custom motorcycle industry. Meaning, they know which parts if not from their own custom line of custom motorcycle parts, are the best for your bike.

More importantly, they know which parts work together to create a Top Shelf custom motorcycle. For more information, contact: Top Shelf Customs, (714) 903-8042, http://www.topshelfcustoms.com.

Top Shelf Customs

15102 Bolsa Chica Rd. Unit E

Huntington Beach CA 92649

ROADMAX FROM BIKER PROS–Hank Young, President of Young Choppers & Hot Rods, Inc., builds custommotorcycle projects in any stage, from ground up customizations to specializedadaptations and fitments. For his latest motorcycle project Young picked aRoadmax transmission to debut on his latest creation.P?I?m using a Roadmax right side drive supplied by Bob Kay of Biker Pros fora project that Micheal Lichter is putting together at the Journey Museum, Itwill coincide with the 2005 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis,? saidYoung. ?This motorcycle has a similar look to the Bonneville Salt Flatsracers of yesterday.?

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

The Bonneville project features a 120CI Harmon Motor manufactured by JohnHarmon in the 1980?s. This motor is a prototype based on a shovelheaddesign with dual carburetors. The style of the bike will be long and low withan aerodynamic design.

?We are excited to be a part of this project with Hank Young,? stated BobKay, President, Biker Pros. ?Hank (Young) is so enthusiastic about theRoadmax products that he is building two other custom motorcycles with Roadmaxtransmissions concurrently with his Bonneville project.?

About Roadmax Transmissions – Roadmax transmissions are designed for OEM replacement and kit bikes, as wellas high-performance and wide-tire applications. Roadmax transmissions arethoroughly tested and have passed a rigorous pre-delivery inspection.

The Roadmax product line includes six-speed conversion kits and OEM-stylereplacement transmissions for Dyna, FXR and Softail models as well astransmissions for right side applications. On most models consumers have theoption of selecting black wrinkle, polished or chrome casings.

About Biker Pros – Biker Pros is serving the American motorcycle builder with a range ofhigh-value products and services that assist builders in improving motorcycleperformance by providing high quality parts, troubleshooting Powersportsoperations, as well as building and marketing exclusive products by buildersfor the American V-Twin marketplace.

THAT?S A SHORT-ORDER WRAP–As of next week the news will be firmly back in my lap with her soft ass, I hope. I need to install my internal throttle this weekend. Next week all the part will ship to powder coating. Can?t wait.

Here?s the HOT BIKE, Street Chopper, Bike Works deal. I?m staying on board as the Editor at Large, or the Large Editor. I?ll help them with special projects, outserts, 13th issues and, we?ll you know, anything they can?t handle. There?s a good group of guys working there, keep watchin? as we tune these rags.

That?s it. Let?s ride.

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW SHOP IN THE DESERT, MORE NEW PRODUCTS AND WHY THE CHICKEN CROSSED THE ROAD

Continued From Page 1

SUPREME LEGENDS USA AnnouncesNew Triple Trees– Supreme Legends USA has just released our new billet aluminum smooth top triple trees for Harley Davidson Wide Glide Front Ends.

Supreme Legends USA, Inc. is a privately owned corporation which began operations in 1993. The company is a precision CNC machine manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket components for Harley Davidson, custom and metric motorcycles. Supreme Legends USA is featured in most major distributor catalogs, and sells worldwide.

Universally know for the award winning forward controls, Supreme Legends USA has manufactured quality, American-made brake calipers, grips, mirrors, rotors & triple trees almost since our inception. We have now updated our classic triple trees to better reflect the current needs of the marketplace.

Our new smooth top trees are the ultimate in cool, sleek design. Featuring internal fork stops and all U.S. billet aluminum construction, in show quality chrome or anodized finishes, these triple trees will give any bike a refined look that can’t be beat. We offer these triple trees in 0, 3 & 6 rakes to fit most frame geometries. They are design to fit 41mm fork tubes for most Harley-Davidson models, 1949 to present.

For more information on Supreme Legends USA and our products, visit us on the web at http://www.supremelegendsusa.com

CCCS OFFERS PROJECT BIKE DEAL–Custom Cycle Control Systems (CCCS) has begun work on a project bike scheduled to be completed and on display at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in 2006.
The company is actively seeking sponsorship in the form of products to be featured on the bike. In return, companies whose products are used will be mentioned in conjunction with all CCCS publicity.
The bike will appear at shows and a feature article will appear in Easyriders magazine. The names of all those who have contributed will also be displayed in all the relevant show publicity.

The list of sponsors at present includes Airea 5150 for the paintwork and finishing details, while American Suspension is providing the ‘Phantom’ front end and the padlock-style caliper. Maximum Metalworks has been signed up to provide the frame and V-Bros will provide the sheet metal work. CCCS is providing its specialty internal hand controls. The bike will be a ‘Drop Seat’ design, with a seven-inch stretch in the backbone and the neck lowered two inches. The rear tire will be a 250-series.

Major items still to attract sponsorship are the wheels, motor and transmission.

CUSTOM CYCLE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Tel: 702 438 2129
(Toll free in USA: 866 438 2129)
Fax: 702 438 4276
E-mail: info@customcyclecontrols.com
http://www.customcyclecontrols.com

PIPE DREAMS FOR SPORTSTERS–Pipe Dreamz is producing three different pipe styles – ‘Wet Dreamz’, ‘Day Dreamz’ and ‘Sweet Dreamz’ – for Harley Sportsters from 1986 to present.

The exhausts are American made using 16-gauge steel pipe, mandrel-bent to form the shape. They are finished by polishing and triple chrome-plating to a quality the company says well exceeds normal industry standards.

Intended for both 883 and 1200 Evolution-based Sportsters, the pipes’ design means they will fit all stock and most custom applications. Wet Dreamz pipes are offered for wide tire (up to 280-series) and custom applications.

Orders should be filled from stock and Pipe Dreamz ships worldwide on a daily basis.

PIPE DREAMZ
Stanton, California, USA
Tel: 714 920 1588
Fax: 714 897 7472
E-mail: franklin22171@aol.comhttp://www.pipedreamz.biz

CHICKEN TICKETED FOR CROSSING THE ROAD–RIDGECREST, Calif. (AP) — Linc and Helena Moore may have finally learned the answer to that age-old question: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because the chicken doesn’t know jaywalking is illegal.

Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy J. Nicholson does know, however. The deputy issued a ticket March 26 because one of the couple’s chickens allegedly impeded traffic in Johannesburg, a rural mining community near Ridgecrest, some 220 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

The Moores were in Superior Court on Friday to plead not guilty. A trial was scheduled for May 16.

Nicholson has declined to discuss the matter, but sheriff’s Sgt. Francis Moore said chickens on the roadway have been a problem in the community of 50 residents. Officials didn’t believe it could be resolved by simply issuing the couple a warning.

“Sometimes you have to let people talk to the judge,” Moore said.

The chicken’s owners say they believe they were cited because they were among several people who complained that sheriff’s deputies haven’t done enough to control off-road vehicle riders who create dust and noise in their neighborhood.

Sheriff’s officials say that isn’t so, adding they are doing what they can to keep off-roaders away from homes.

“The chicken thing has nothing to do with the motorcycle thing,” Moore said.

Rogue

NEW FROM COMPU-FIRE–Compu-Fire is pleased to announce a new application for the Gen 3 startermotor. The new GEN 3 Starter is designed to operate with the popular Baker(TM) Drop Starter Slam Clutch Right Side Drive Transmissions. The Compu-FireStarter features a highly efficient motor design that produces 2kw ofcranking power while only drawing one half the amps out of the batterycompared to other units available. The starter has a lower reduction gearratio of 6;1 for more torque and a six pole permanent magnet field design toeliminate starter stall-out. The industrial strength DURA-START clutchinsures reliable starting of large displacement engines without the need ofCOMPRESSION RELEASES. The starters are American made and are available fromBaker and Compu-Fire. For more information contact Compu-Fire at909-598-5485.

NEW LIGHTED REAR TURN SIGNAL MOUNTS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–
Bright LEDs Synchronize with Tail and Brake Lamps
The new Lighted Rear Turn Signal Mount Kit (P/N 68624-04 Smoke or P/N 68428-04 Red, $69.95) utilizes brilliant LED lamps to supplement red rear lighting when the motorcycle ignition is turned on. Designed to accent the bullet-style turn signal housing, the airfoil-shaped mounts feature two rows of LED lamps that light with the tail lamp and increase in intensity when the brakes are applied. Designed as a direct replacement for the original-equipment turn signal mounts, the Lighted Rear Turn Signal Mounts are available with red or smoke lenses and fit 2002-later XL, Dyna (except FXDXT), FLSTF and FX Softail models (except FXSTD). They will not fit models equipped with saddlebags.

NEW DETACHABLE SADDLEBAGS FOR BUELL XB MODELS–
Custom-fit Carrying Capacity for Lightning and Firebolt Models
Buell owners can add touring capacity or just around-town utility to an XB Lightning or XB Firebolt model with the new Detachable Saddlebags ($159.95) from Buell Accessories. Constructed of molded polyester, these streamlined black bags are weather- and UV-resistant, and the rigid body and lids maintain shape when empty. The bags expand two inches for additional capacity, and feature reflective trim and waterproof zippers.

Detachable Saddlebag P/N 91310-04Y fits all 2003-later XB Firebolt models, and includes support brackets and reflector relocation brackets. Detachable Saddlebag P/N 91458-05Y fits all 2003-later XB Lightning models and features an easy-to-use hook-and-loop mounting system.

BIKERNET SHOP OF THE WEEK– Just to let everyone know, out here in our little drink water of a town, Yucca Valley, we have a new HD performance shop.If any of you riders coming up old Hwy 62 to Laughlin or going to Las Vegas, stop and see Larry.

He worked at Palm Springs Harley Davidsonfor years and decided it was time to go on his own. So if you brake down or need work done, he?s the man for the job. Notice the BikerNet sticker in the left hand corner of the display case. Larry is one of the good guys

Or stop by and just say hi and get some cold water before you hit the road. Larry is also a former Marine and an avid racer at Bonneville Salt Flats..

Be Cool
Bob T

THAT?S A WRAP–Sorry for all the product releases, but that?s all we got. They say no news is good news? Here is a statement Keith ?Bandit? Ball wrote to explain in his words why he resigned from Primedia.

?My commitment to thereaders of Bikernet was etched in stone. I would not abandon them. Mycommitment to Primedia was to help them direct their AMG titles for twoyears, if they bought Bikernet, and six months if they didn’t. I honored mycommitment.

So what’s the deal? I helped the AMG staff (American MotorcycleGroup) build a freelance team all over the country for expanded editorialcoverage. We redesigned all three titles and gave each a strong individualface. With the October issue of Hot Rod Bikes the name will change to BikeWorks for a tech bible re-launch. We expanded their involvement with eventsfrom two events to 10. We Sponsored Carrie Repp’s Road House Tour andsupported Billy Lane’s Blood Sweat and Gears tour along with Bikernet.

Istruggled with the big guys behind Primedia for a strong internet presence,but budgets held me back. I hope they will remedy that aspect. I pushed opendoors to involve our titles with Build or Bust and Build-Off programming andhopefully someone will follow through. The list goes on.

So what’s next? I’m coming home to Bikernet, but will continue tofreelance write and work with the HOT BIKE Staff on special issues. Andgoddamnit, now I can finish my Sturgis chop.?

There you have it. Like I said in the intro, this will be my second to the last news I do alone, after that I?ll gladly hand the keyboard back over to Bandit for his ever-so wise commentaries on all things bike related.

I hope you all have a great weekend; I was planning a trip with my daughter to just drive till we found miles and miles of California wild flowers, spend the night then come back. However, today Torsten the Master Cabinet Maker, started the closet in the master suite and will finish it on Saturday. So I guess I?ll be hanging around.

Layla

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW PRODUCTS, STEALTH REPORT AND ULTIMADUMS

Sturgis Chop in pieces.

IT?S OFFICIAL, WE?RE ALL INSANE–Or is it just me? The last six months have been a stressful haze of day to day drudgery trying to keep up a home, a business and try to have somewhat of a life with a man who works from dawn to dusk, thirty miles away for someone else. I couldn?t take it anymore.

This morning I snapped and told Bandit it?s either Primedia or me, my way or the highway. With my hands on my hips and toes a tapping, I blocked his path to his bike and waited for an answer. I imagined his response while I waited confidently; he?d promise me anything and everything, and swear to never leave me again.

When he finished laughing, he picked me up, moved me aside and told me as he walked to the warehouse, he already submitted his resignation this past Monday and gave them two-weeks. He then told me he was packing the Big Dog and leaving for Arizona in the morning with the guys. He?ll be gone for three days.

Was I happy about this? Damn straight I was. Bandit is coming back to Bikernet for good! I knew he?d see things my way?

Now for the second to the last news I do alone— Yippeee!

AMA MEMBERS HELP DEFEAT HELMET LAW–The U.S. Senate has voted down a provision that would have forced states to impose mandatory helmet laws or risk losing federal money for their highway and trail projects.Action by American Motorcyclist Association members, many of them using AMADirectlink.com’s Rapid Response Center, helped defeat the amendment. The AMA worked alongside the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the American Highway Users Alliance, and many state motorcycle rights organizations to defeat this amendment. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), along with Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), had offered the amendment to a six-year, $294 billion transportation bill currently being debated in the Senate. The amendment was voted down 69-28 on Wednesday, May 11. The AMA first learned of the impending amendment when the Senate was out of session and quickly alerted AMA members to the impending action. Based on feedback by Congressional staff, AMA Government Relations Department staff believe that AMA members voiced their personal opinions on the issue in great numbers.

?I am pleased that AMA members and other groups and organizations worked closely together on this issue,? said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president of government relations. The amendment would have penalized any state without a mandatory motorcycle helmet law for all riders by denying the state the ability to determine how their federal transportation dollars were spent.

The AMA believes that states should be able to determine their respective helmet policies free from the threat of federal sanctions. Congress affirmed this as recently as 1995 in the National Highway System Act, when it removed federal penalties placed on states without mandatory helmet laws. While victory was achieved by this latest action, this is still not the end of the transportation reauthorization process. Check AMADirectlink.com and the Rapid Response Center to watch for future ?Action Alerts? related to this important piece of federal legislation as it moves toward final passage and signing by the president.

? 2005, American Motorcyclist Association

Rogue

NEW CUSTOM HORN COVERS FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD–
Two Hand-Painted Designs Available
MILWAUKEE (March 21, 2005) ? Two new Custom Painted V-Rod Horn Covers ($129.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories are available for any 2002-later VRSC V-Rod model. The ?Real Fire? design (P/N 69169-05BWX) features realistic flames licking a Vivid Black base color. The ?Skull? design (P/N 69169-05BWY) features the Harley-Davidson Skull Collection design in red and white, also over a Vivid Black base color. Both covers are finished with a deep clear-coat to protect the artist?s work.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

THUNDER IN THE ROCKIES UPDATES–
The World Famous Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Show to Attend2005 ?Thunder in the Rockies? Motorcycle Rally
LOVELAND, CO (May 6, 2005) ? On Saturday, September 3rd,2005 the ?Thunder in the Rockies? Motorcycle Rally will become home to one of the most innovative and recognized bike shows in the world ? The Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Show. This year?s competition will showcase the hottest, most unique and truly one-of-a-kind bikes anywhere on earth. From Germany to America, the best of the best in chrome, paint and steel will all come together at what is said to be ?The Next National Motorcycle Rally.?

The Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Show will showcase a minimum of 17 categories, including classes such as: Three-Wheeler, Street-Racer, Antique/Classics, Most Unusual, and Best of Show. Participating bikes will then be arranged according to entrants? registered classifications. Those interested in participating in the competition can pre-register on-line at www.RatsHole.com or can register on-site the day of the Rally.

Every entrant to the show will receive a ?Goodie Bag? donated by Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Shows, Inc. and its supportive sponsors. Along with the trophies awarded in each class, the participants will be competing for over $5000 in awards. The Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Show?s Inc. International Judging Team will be working under strict guidelines to ensure the integrity of the event.

The history of the world famous Rat?s Hole Custom Bike Show is a colorful story of one man?s vision??Big Daddy Rat? a.k.a. Karl Smith. Even after his death in 2002, interest of both custom-bike builders and visitors remains high. Today, son, Ted takes the contemporary approach to the competition. The Rats Hole Custom Bike Show during the 2005 ?Thunder in the Rockies? will be a place to ?see and be seen!?

?THUNDER IN THE ROCKIES? ANNOUNCES CONCERT LINE-UP AT BUDWEISER EVENTS CENTER–
*TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS GO ON-SALE SATURDAY, MAY 21 AT 10 AM*
LOVELAND, CO (May 5, 2005) ? The Budweiser Events Center and Dream Machines Entertainment are proud to announce the concert line-up that will take place during this year?s `Thunder in the Rockies`. The national motorcycle rally will take place September 1st ? 4th, 2005 with Rally headquarters located at The Ranch.

The three concert line-up will kick off on Thursday, September 1st at 7:30 p.m. with the ?Born to Be Wild? boys of Steppenwolf who will perform with Blue Oyster Cult-also known as the ?thinking man?s heavy metal group?. Tickets for this concert are priced at $30 and $40 (VIP).On Friday, September 2nd beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bret Michaels, front man for the hair-metal band Poison, will take the stage with .38 Special, one of Southern rock?s most favorite bands. Tickets for this show start at $25 and $35 (VIP).

Rounding out the line-up will be Alice Cooper, a pioneer of dark theatrics in heavy metal shows, who will bring his twisted rock to life on Sunday, September 4th at 7:30 p.m. Cheap Trick, the band that successfully combines pop and heavy metal will also be performing this evening. Tickets for this show are priced at $40 and $50 (VIP).

Tickets for all three shows go on-sale Saturday, May 21st beginning at 10 a.m. and may be purchased at the Budweiser Events Center Box Office, ComcastTix.com, Fort Fun in Ft. Collins, Ikon Center in Cheyenne, Woody’s Newsstand and Cafe in Greeley, City News Newsstand in Longmont, or by calling 1-877-544-TIXX (8499).

Grounds admission to ?Thunder in the Rockies? will be free to the public. Other scheduled events include a bike show, vendors, stunt shows, and charity fundraisers. Combining the classic elements of a motorcycle rally with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, `Thunder in the Rockies` will also include daily rides and poker runs showcasing Colorado?s most scenic routes and historic locations. For more information please call (970) 292-0418 or visit the website at http://www.ThunderintheRockies.com.

NEW TOUR-PAK INTERIOR LIGHT KITS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–
Bright LEDs Illuminate Tour-Pak and Saddlebags
MILWAUKEE (March 21, 2005) ? The new Tour-Pak and Saddlebag Interior Light Kit (P/N 54331-04, $109.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories utilizes brilliant white LED light pods to illuminate the luggage compartments of any 1994-later Harley-Davidson touring models equipped with a King or Chopped Tour-Pak.

A single LED light pod mounts inside the Tour-Pak lid, while two additional light pods mount to the bottom of the Tour-Pak to cast light inside the saddlebags. Each light pod features a soft-touch switch and a five-minute automatic shut-off timer to prevent battery drain. The kit includes a quick-disconnect wiring harness and installation hardware.

BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT–Well it is official, STEALTH BIKE WORKS opened the doors to the public this past Tuesday! It is the end of one journey and the beginning of another. It has been a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun along the way.

The shop is set up to remind you of shops from the past. Simple and to the point. No boutiques here! We have dedicated one wall as the “Dave Mann” wall. I have always loved his work. All of the prints have been framed. It is funny how when I look at them, each one takes me back to a certain time in my life. To me that is what is cool about the prints.

We have already planned two events at the shop. The first will be June 25th, we will have a ride that leaves the shop at 12 noon and head to THE HORSE SMOKE-OUT. The second will be July 9th, we will have STEALTH BIKE WORKS grand opening. If any of you are in the area for either event, give us a call at 704-882-0889. We would be glad to see you!

The vision I have for our shop is to be the shop for the working guy. The guy who comes to see you every week. I also want to be the place for some young kids to stop by and learn about what it use to be about. As far as our inventory goes, I want to be a shop that carries things you don’t see everywhere else, like Z-bars, sprung solo seats, the accordion fork boots. I hope I spelled that right? In other words “bobber” style parts. The bobber has always been my favorite style bike and I am glad to see it making a comeback, although for some of us it never left.

As far as vendors go, we are set up with CCI, Tedd’s V-Twin and Kuryakn and we carry the Jammer line from CCI. It is good to see the Jammer name back out there.

We have even come up with a couple of things on our own already. One being dice that we can thread to fit on most bolts. i will have more info on these soon. My buddy “Chopper John” is working on some one-off gas tanks and he has some other good stuff going on. This guy is a real talent with metal. Hopefully if things take off maybe we can persuade him to come on full time?

So with the opening of “STEALTH BIKE WORKS” we embark on a great adventure. No promises, no guarantees, but I have a feeling of confidence. I know a lot of hard work has been done and a lot awaits us and in some ways it is kind of scary, but most things in life involve risk, just like riding. Asked me if I would do it again, go ahead and ask me! HELL YEAH I WOULD!

Get out and RIDE!
STEALTHMAN!

PRO-PIRANHA MEGA-TUBE CHASSIS– PRO-ONE recently released a pair of frame styles that immediately set new trends in the chopper community. Both the MEGA TUBE and PIRANHA frames, shown here, are available in a mind boggling variety of configurations that provide the building blocks for assembling everything from your basic bar blasters to all out show machines. MEGA-TUBE Softail? frames can be ordered for use with 180/200/230/240 and 250 rubber and with front legs in “curved single” or “straight double” down tube styles. Down tubes are offered with an additional 2″, 4″ or 8″ of stretch. Backbones come with 0″, 1″ and 4″stretch for the double down tube models and 5″, 6 ?” and 8 ?” on the single down tube. Frames feature an integral, one-piece transmission plate with built in offset. MEGA TUBE frames come with fender struts, swingarm pivot and bearings, ” rear axle and all necessary brackets.

The PIRANHA Softail? chassis is offered in dual 1 ?”down tube styles for TC88 power plants and with a single 2″ down tube for EVOs. Backbone stretches offered include 2″ or 8″ over with 5″ or 8 ?” in the legs. There’s a PRO STREET option with 2″ backbone and 38 degrees of rake. Rake on the Softail? is 38, 40 or 43. PIRANHA frames are also available in RIGID styles and feature pointed axle housings with flush mount 1″ axles, offset built into integrated one piece, transmission plate, CNC machined brackets throughout. PIRANHA frames are designed specifically for RIGHT DRIVE applications.

PRO-ONE offers their new frames in a number of configurations not listed and will consider special requests to meet your specific needs. For pricing and complete details on PRO-ONE MEGA TUBE and PIRANHA frames call 800-884-4173 or visit them on the web at http://www.pro-one.com

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCEMENT HALL OF FAMERS–

Motor Maids Inc., J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Lifetime Achievement Award
Founded in 1940, chartered by the AMA in 1941, the Motor Maids are credited with being the first women’s motorcycle organization in the United States, possibly the world. The founding premise of the Motor Maids was to unite women motorcyclist in promoting motorcycle interest, a principle they still live by today.

Since the beginning and throughout their existence, the Motor Maids have been held in high esteem. Impeccably dressed in their traditional royal blue and grey uniforms, parading at a race or riding to an event, their standards are never compromised. Their members include recognized names and some not so recognizable, yet their respect for one another has created a sisterhood that has lasted over six decades.

Their spirit of adventure and belief in themselves, and their abilities, paved the road that so many others now ride. Each mile they rode made it easier for another woman to throw a leg over, each turn they took broke down a wall, each journey they set out on opened a door.

Formed by a visionary, guided by strength and compassion, and held together by friendship, camaraderie and their love of two wheels, this group of pioneers has built a legacy that all riders can admire.

Keith “Bandit” Ball
Biker, freedom fighter, author, publisher, editor, promoter, builder, patriot – Keith Ball has done it all, done it well and, when presented with a new challenge, will astound everyone with the ease in which he tackles it.

In 1971 he was hired to run the first national motorcyclists rights organization, ABATE. Within a few years ABATE grew into the largest grassroots motorcycle organization in the world with 28 chapters and some 50,000 members, and it still remains a viable force in bikers rights today.

Around the same time Keith became associate editor and the first full-time employee of a new motorcycle magazine called Easyriders. He went on to become editor and ultimately editorial director of 14 titles, including familiar titles In The Wind, Biker and VQ. With Keith at the helm, Easyriders became known as the “bikers bible” and boasted a monthly circulation of 550,000.

Next, Keith pursued a long time dream to write, completing three motorcycle adventure novels over the last eight years.

He also owns and operates a biker-oriented website; BikerNet.com, that offers tech material, classifieds, riding tales, event coverage, and legislative info. And in his spare time he builds a couple of bikes a year, always on the cutting edge, always innovative.

Currently Keith oversees three motorcycle magazines, Hot Bike, Hot Rod Bikes and Street Choppers.

Soichiro Honda
Sochiro Honda created a motor vehicle industry when it should have been impossible. The territory was taken, transportation was a mature industry and one man could no longer create such a manufacturing empire. Yet Honda did. He knew his own country men well enough to lead them and he sought in others talents he himself did not have. Work and study brought success, so that when he produced his first post war motor-bicycles, he knew the value of continuous reinvestment in technology. Honda understood that if you made a product no better and no worse than your competitors, the customer had no reason to prefer yours. But reinvestment in technology offered something different – a way to grow ideas into useful new things that people would want.

Honda also changed marketing and manufacturing methods. A product that can be made in easy steps can be made well, and a product that does that, does its job reliably, pleases its users.

The step-through Honda Cub was the first international success for the Honda Motor Company, and it was the model for all the successes that were to follow. Recognize a need, create a unique way to satisfy it, incorporate unusual performance, quality and reliability, then build from an expanding reputation into other areas. This was the pattern that defined Honda.

Marketing targeted the general public with good, clean two-wheeled fun and introduced millions to motorcycling. When the market was saturated, Honda had the vision to see that a similarly trouble-free kind of sports motorcycle could become equally popular. Honda expanded its line, always offering its customers a step up to more sophisticated models.

From Honda’s continuing research and development, a long succession of technological triumphs has resulted – low emissions engines, variable valve timing, the latest lean-burn combustion system and minimalist alloy chassis are only a few.

Michael Lichter
People who know Michael describe both the person and the artist with one word, passion. For over 20 years Michael Lichter has captured his passion for living, riding and being a biker in his photographs. Michael began taking pictures in 1968 and began his love affair with motorcycles in 1976 when he took a ride on a friend’s Knucklehead chopper. He bought his 1971 Shovelhead used in 1977 and is still riding it. In the late 70’s he managed to combine these two loves when he began taking pictures of bikers, submitting his first photos to Easyriders magazine in 1979. He’s often seen shooting photos while riding his trusty Shovelhead, one hand on the handlebars, the other on his camera. To date Michael has published over 800 magazine articles on motorcycles and has shot some 60 magazine covers.

Michael has been photographing Sturgis, his favorite rally, since 1979. His photos have chronicled the history of this great motorcycle Mecca over the past two decades. Many of us have witnessed the changes in the biker lifestyle over the years through Michael’s talented photography.

Michael says it best, “After more than 20 years of participating and photographing the rally, I have seen it change just as I have seen myself change. I was younger and wilder, just as the rally was. We were both na?ve and a little less worldly. The town outgrew its geographical boundaries years ago, so that it in no longer a town; it is a phenomenon. It is a feeling inside. It is still a destination, but it has come to represent the journey. It stands for all that motorcycling is, for all that motorcycling can be.”

Motorcycle and commercial assignments have taken Michael across America and abroad to Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. He has contributed work to many books on motorcycling including images that were requested by Willie G. Davidson for his 100th anniversary book on Harley-Davidsons.

Jim and Phyllis McClure
The Harley-Davidson legacy of McClure made global waves, making magic with billet aluminum and nitro methane. And that magic made friends and fans of thousands.

Jim’s first career was as a lineman, but not just a lineman, he chose high lines, high power. He had an enthusiasm for motorcycles but that all changed when he took his street Sportster to the dirt drags, and he underwent a life changing experience when he saw asphalt Harley drag racing, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jim began his professional career in the mid 70’s, during the old iron head era. His championship career began shortly there after when he took nitro Harley drag racing by storm. He won so many championships he stopped keeping track of them. He holds the unbroken record of 19 National and World Top-Fuel Harley-Davidson Championships, with speeds exceeding 216 mph in a quarter mile, winning over 21 events in a row. But no matter how many championships he garnered, or how many record certificates he earned, McClure was always looking for a new challenge. His diligence on and off the tack resulted in innovations that are still in use today. The primary example, his Overkill design, the first truly reliable nitro V-Twin engine.

You have to give Jim a great deal of credit for choosing the right partner in life, his wife Phyllis. They weren’t just husband and wife, they were best friends and teammates who lived together, raced together and loved each other. He loved to race down the track and she loved to wave at the crowd as she ran down to tow him back. On the return trip they both were all smiles. Jim and Phyllis traveled the world promoting the sport that they loved, and all of their friends would agree that separately they were good, but together they were brilliant and unstoppable.

When Jim passed away in 2004 almost every motorcycle publication remembered his remarkable career, but more importantly, they remembered the man, the friend, the husband, the generosity, the smile.

Scott Parker
Called one of the greatest racers of our time, Scott Parker literally decimated all the records during his extraordinary career.

At age 17 Parker became the youngest rider at the time to earn his expert pro license when he turned professional. In 1981 a dream was realized when Harley-Davidson asked Scott to join the factory team and in 1985 he finished third in the AMA Grand Nationals. He really began making a name for himself in 1988 when he won his first AMA Grand National Championship, which he did again in 1989, 1990 and 1991. At the 1991 Indy Mile, Parker surpassed Jay Springsteen as the all-time win leader in the AMA Grand National history with his 41st career victory.

But that would only be the beginning for this racing genius. In 1994 through 1998, Scott Parker became the first rider in history to win five straight AMA Grand National Championships. In those five championship seasons he won an incredible 39 nationals.

Before retiring, Scott would go on to win three more Nationals to bring his career total to 94.

The Walker Family
Harold Walker came to Sturgis in 1924 after purchasing the Meade County Bank, and ran the bank until 1962. J.C. “Pappy” Hoel became a customer of the bank and thus began the relationship that lasted through several generations of the Walker family. The tradition of a free feed for rally participants in City Park began in the late 40’s. Then there was the cost of trophies and awards, and as the races were free, the cost of sponsoring and holding the races. These costs were always underwritten by Harold Walker.

Harold’s son Bruce took up the rally banner next. In addition to taking over banking responsibilities, Bruce served as treasurer on the Black Hills Motor Classic Board of Directors for 30 years, always making certain that the Motor Classic was solvent and had sufficient funds to operate effectively. He also worked the races, supervising admissions, overseeing attendance and finances.

Brother Herman, still an avid motorcyclist, also served for many years on the Board of the Black Hills Motor Classic and worked the races during each rally. He and his wife went on to open Hog Heaven Campground, developing it into one of the most beloved gathering spots for visitors to the Rally.

Event and Ticket Information
The induction ceremony will be conducted at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday, August 10 at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota.Breakfast tickets are available for a $20.00 donation, eight for $160.00. Traditionally the Breakfast sells out so we recommend that you purchase your tickets well in advance of the event. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the Museum 605.347.2001 or on the Museum’s web pagehttp://www.sturgismuseum.com.

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – SHOVEL SALE OF THE WEEK, ED’S PANHEAD, FLYRITE ROLLING CHASSIS AND MORE…

Continued From Page 1

BORN TO RIDE– a motorcycle based television show, magazine and website, is pleased to announce its 500th television episode airing on May 15, 2005.

COMPANY HISTORY

Ron Galletti, Executive Producer of Born to Ride TV, has demonstrated his commitment to the motorcycle community with over ten years of producing a quality television show, currently aired on UPN 44, Sunday nights at 11:30pm. On Sunday, May 29th, join Quaker Steak and Lube to help Born to Ride celebrate. Activities include a bike show with a $500 purse and 500 pounds of roasted hog to give away. Ron says it?s his way of saying thanks for ?inviting Born To Ride into your homes and letting us be a part of your lives by wearing our shirts and supporting our events?.

BORN TO RIDE MAGAZINE

The May 2005 issue represents the one year anniversary of Born to Ride Magazine, also!!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Born to Ride TV, Magazine and .com supports numerous charities including:

Childrens?s Protection Education of America, Lukemia and Lymphoma Society, Moffitt Cancer Center, The Florida Center, March of Dimes, Make a Wish, Prisoner Benefit, Habitat for Humanity, Benefits 4 Bikers, Unity Run, US. Military Vets, YES United of America, Inc., MC Cruise for Cancer, Bikers for Bayfront, Orphaned Children of Marion County, American Cancer Society, Deaf Services of West Central Florida, Inc, Pinellas Park Angel Fund, Inc., Pinellas Park Police Explorers, Boy Scouts of America,

For more information, visit the new, comprehensive website at http://www.borntoride.comor Contact Ron Galletti

STEALTH REPORT–It has been a real busy week. Final preparations for the opening of STEALTH BIKE WORKS. We are on schedule to open Tuesday(5-10-5). It has been a lot of hard work and some long days but it will all be worth the effort.

When you take on something of this nature, things come up everyday that you don’t think of but I guess that is half the fun. So far it has been a great adventure and we have not even opened yet. We have received a lot of well wishes from the local biker community. I would like to thank Brian from Georgia for the Dave Mann art book. We will put it on the counter for everyone to see!

Like I said, it has been a real busy week and I pressed for time so I have to cut it short.I am sure next week I will have a lot to talk about.

Before I close always remember; never give up on your dreams, no matter how big they are or how far off they seem because you never know when the opportunity will present itself to make them come true!

Until next week!
STEALTHMAN

FLYRITE CHOPPERS ROLLING CHASSIS KIT– Flyrite Choppers presents their 2005 rolling chassis kit at the new price of $2699. The rigid frame features 1? tubing, 33? rake, and 2? of stretch in the down tubes. The frame is designed to accept any big twin engine and 4 speed or softtail case transmission. MSO is included.

The kit includes: chrome springer front end, chrome headlight with bracket, choice of drag bars, 12?, or 16? ape hangers, risers, sportster-style tank, FRC Solo Seat with chrome hardware and springs, chrome 40 spoke front and rear wheels (21? x 2.15? front and 16? x 3.5? rear), rim strips, tubes, choice of black or white wall rear, black wall front tire, bearing cup set and dust shields, front and rear axles, rear fender and strut.

Flyrite Choppers, Inc. is a manufacturer of affordable, traditional choppers and bobbers out of Austin, TX. Jason Kidd began working to open the shop in 2002 and began manufacturing in April 2003. Currently they offer 6 production models, each customizable. Production for 2004 was 90 bikes and the 2005 projection is 150.

BIKERNET HOME-BUILD OF THE WEEK? Bandit, My husband Ed Gilman built a custom 1949 Panhead Chopper from the frame up in his garage. He built everything including but not limited to frame, front forks, all sheet metal, exhaust, caliper brackets, and pretty much everything in between. He has also done the sheet metal fabrication for a bike shop here in Columbus, OH for a motorcycle that took first place in Kansas City last year and he just finished a one- off from the ground up for the same shop which this bike took second place among ten of the best bike builders in America in the Heritage Rally in S. Carolina. Through all his time, dedication, and talent he has received no recognition…

He is trying to build another bike and possibly start his own business, but for right now I am just trying to get his name out there. I was wondering if you would be interested in putting a picture of his bike in a magazine. Please let me know what you think?

Thank you for you time and consideration.

Chrissy – Chrissy1@wowway.com

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE– What do you expect from such simplecreatures?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a whiteT-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
CarMechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gasstation restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don’t haveto stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work,more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000.
Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you are talking to them.
Theoccasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conservations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A 5-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all of your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe even decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter what how your legs look.
You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

BIKERNET CUTIE OF THE WEEK–Hey Bandit and Layla,Wanted to give ya heads ups on a new hottie coming through the ranks. She hit the bike scene last year with some pretty good success, but is planning for a breakout 2005. She has actually graced your pages a couple times, but not like this. Her name is Crystal. She?s based out of Virginia. She is looking to make a few more covers, attend some more shows, and have some more fun.

If you guys don?t care, I was hoping you could throw up a couple pics and a link for her. We can keep ya posted on shows, appearances, and shoots through the summer. If you know anybody in the mag business, maybe pass these along. (I?m kiddin?, I?m kiddin?). All jokes aside, we have been serious on the bike scene for about a year and a half, and have been enjoying bikernet.com and the mags. You guys have been through a lot in the past year. Keep up the good work, and hope to catch you guys on the road.

http://www.chopperdiva.com I think you?ll like it. Be sure to check out the flash portfolio on the portfolio page.

Thanks for the spot, and look forward to working with ya. Feel free to give a shout and throw down a few thoughts.

Be Good!
Rick

YOU DRANK WHAT?! ? PRUNO–Pruno Apparel – New clothing is coming soon. Until then, pick up some ofthe current stuff while it lasts.

Lower Apparel Prices – Check out all of the Pruno Apparel for savings. All ofour apparel prices have been lowered. Our savings is yoursavings.

THAT NEW FLORIDA SELF DEFENSE LAW– Florida Governor Jeb Bush has now signed the bill .. and the left ismightily upset. The bill? You know, that bill that actuallyrecognizes the basic human right of self defense. Simply put, thenew Florida law says that if find yourself under attack in a publicplace you don’t have to look for a way to run away before you respondwith deadly force.

Here’s your actual wording: In Florida a personnow has “the right to stand his or her ground and meet force withforce, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it isnecessary to do so, to prevent death or great bodily harm to himselfor herself or another.”

What, pray tell, is the problem with that? You’re attacked. Youhave a reasonable belief that you are in danger of great harm ordeath, or someone else is in danger, and you get to protect yourselfwith deadly force. Imagine that! A basic human right is the rightof self defense. The very first governments formed by humankind weregovernments formed for one purpose … to act to defend the people.

But what about the opponents? Well, it’s the same old cast ofcharacters. The mainstream media and liberals … Democraticleftists. Democrats have a long history of opposing virtually anylaw that would allow a person to exercise their right to selfdefense. Most of you don’t remember this, but about 30 years ago Ted”The Slug” Kennedy came up with a law introducing a new FederalCriminal Code. His idea was to compel the 50 states to adopt thefederal code as their own. In that bill there was a retreatrequirement. If you woke up in the middle of the night and heardsomeone rummaging around your home, you would be required to leaveyour home to the intruder if there was any way you could escape. Youwere simply not allowed to protect your home and its contents if youhad the option to turn tail and run. Thankfully, Kennedy’s billfailed.

But why is it that Democrats always seem to oppose measures likethis? Because it’s all part of the standard Democratic/leftistmindset. It’s part of the war against individualism. It’s part ofbuilding reliance and dependence on government. A law like Florida’sactually reinforces the concept of individualism. It recognizes theindividual’s right to self defense; the individual’s right todominion over their own body, their own personal safety and their ownfuture. Don’t we realize that we’re supposed to depend on governmentto protect us? How dare we take that responsibility on ourselves?

To the liberal, it is the government that gives us, if it chooses todo so, the right to defend ourselves; and since our right toself-defense comes from the government, then it is the government’sright and responsibility to tell us just what we can and can’t do todefend our lives and our property.

Recognizing one’s right to self defense only serves to reinforce oursense of individuality. Remember, Democrats have flatly stated thatour nation is at war against individuality. Attacking the individualright of self defense is part and parcel of that war.

Oh .. and as for those hysterical leftists who will scream about the”Wild Wild West?” You need to know that there was less crime in theso-called Wild Wild West, where everyone carried a gun, then there isin almost any major urban area in America today.

Rogue

SALE OF THE WEEK– Negotiableparts@aol.com – $8500.00

More of beautiful Michelle Rene. rnmphotography@yahoo.com

I?M DONE–Tonight is First Thursday in San Pedro so I?m cruising the Art Galleries to eat cheese & crackers and drink wine set out by the owners . A break from cooking and a meal for free. Sorta like when you shop at Costco.

Anyway, I promise to be a little more informative of what?s going on around here and with more umph. I think the weather has got me down, plus I?m missing Bandit. Have a great weekend and don?t forget about the mothers? in your life. Sunday is Mothers Day, let her know how much you appreciate her.

Layla

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – DAYTONA FOR BIKERS, ODIE CONDER, NORTH TEXAS ROCK RALLY AND MORE…

The Lovely Livia

IT?S BEEN AN INTERESTING WEEK HERE AT THE HEADQUARTERS– Bandit tore down the Sturgis Chop in preparation of powder coating. Joe from Crime Scene is sending him that cool gas cap we featured in last week?s news, one of the last items Bandit needed for the final touches. We?re looking for a powder coater hopefully close to us so we don?t have to ship the frame. So if anyone knows of any in the Los Angeles area, let us know.

I was told that if you try to handle too many tasks at once, you?re brain won?t work. You forget things, and I think that?s what happened to me. Commercial property insurance, teenagers smoking pot, grown sons without jobs, painting fences, leaks under the building, website content, book orders, divorce, curtains, closets ? I?m fried. I would say it?s been one of those weeks but it?s more like one of those years.

Brain is not working so on to the news?

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EXPANDS TO LA CALENDAR SHOW– Los Angeles, CA, April 11th – The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show, America’s premier custom and performance street bike event is excited to announce its affiliation with American Motorcycle Dealer magazine, the world’s leading dealer trade magazine for the American V-Twin market, as an official Affiliate Sponsor and Qualifying Round of the AMD Pro Show World Championship of Custom Bike Building sponsored by Custom Chrome.

The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show is produced by Gianatsis Design Associates, a well-known and respected advertising design agency in the motorsports market, and producer of the world famous FastDates.com Motorcycle Calendars and Website. Agency Director Jim Gianatsis had this to say about the Show’s new affiliation with the AMD Pro Show series of events:

“We have been a strong supporter and friends with publisher Robin Bradley and his American Motorcycle Dealer magazine since he first began publishing it some 10 years ago. For our own advertising clients like Mikuni American and STD Performance, Robin’s AMD magazine is the most effective, affordable and attractive way of reaching dealers and distributors world-wide in the American V-Twin market.

Our affiliation as a Qualifying Round for AMD Pro Show’s World Championship of Custom Bike Building sponsored by Custom Chrome is a natural pairing. It brings together our LA Calendar Show, America’s premier custom and performance consumer street motorcycle event with its key industry manufacturers and retailers exhibiting their products here to the public, our international media attention from all the world’s top motorcycle magazines and TV shows, along with many of the world’s top custom bike builders showcasing their hottest newest machinery here, now joining together with AMD’s recently established World Championship of Custom Bike Building which will is poised to become the crown jewel in the professional bike building world.

The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show AMC Pro Show Qualifier with its own huge $70,000 Cash and Awards Purse, will be taking place again this year at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, the 3rd weekend of July on the 16-17th this year, will give our $5,000 Performance Machine Best of Show winner, our $5,000 Best Performance Machine Equipped Bike winner, and the top 3 winners in our Pro Builders Class a guaranted invitation to the AMD World Championship Final in Las Vegas on November 15-16th 2005 with its own huge $50,000 cash purse posted by sponsor Custom Chrome.

The tie-in is even more significant because Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff under the Global Motorsports Group are two major distributors of our very popular FastDates.com Calendars. Even more exciting is the fact that last year’s AMD World Championship winner, Roger Goldammer of GoldammerCycle.com out of Canada, his incredible winning retro Board Track racer is featured on the cover and inside the upcoming of our new FastDates.com 2006 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Pinup Calendar which will premier at our LA Calendar Motorcycle Show in July.”

BLOND NUN–MOTHER SUPERIOR CALLS ALL THE NUNS TOGETHER AND SAYS TO THEM, “I MUST TELL YOU ALL SOMETHING…. WE HAVE A CASE OF GONORRHEA IN THE CONVENT.”

“PRAISE THE LORD” SAYS A BLONDE NUN AT THE BACK. ” I’M SO TIRED OF CHARDONNAY.”

Chris T.

GUN-FREE AUSTRALIA–Here’s a thought to warm some of your hearts…From: Ed Chenel, A police officer in Australia

Hi Yanks, I thought you all would like to see the real figures from Down Under. It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by a new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by our own government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more than $500 million dollars.

The first year results are now in: Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent, Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent; Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)! In the state of Victoria alone,homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent. (Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not! and criminals still possess their guns!)

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since the criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed. There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the elderly.

Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in “successfully ridding Australian society of guns.” You won’t see this on the American evening news or hear your governor or members of the State Assembly disseminating this information.

The Australian experience proves it. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding citizens.

Take note Americans, before it’s too late!

MAIN STREET BECOMES THUNDER ROAD ? LITERALY– LEESBURG ? Thousands of people lined the sidewalks of downtown Leesburg Saturday, watching a sea of shiny motorcycles on the street, glistening in the rain. Steven Trapp of Fellsmere joked that he and his wife India rode their motorcycle to Leesburg?s Ninth Annual Bikefest Saturday ?because we wanted to get wet.? Decked out in rain gear and sheltered by an overhang as the rain came down Saturday afternoon, Indian River County sheriff?s deputy Steven Trapp said it was the first time they had attended Leesburg?s Bikefest, but could only stay for the day due to work commitments. They planned to return and stay overnight next year, however. ?We came to get rid of some stress,? Trapp said. ?We?ve already ran out of cash, so we?re doing our part for the City of Leesburg.? The Trapps had visited the hundreds of vendors, and picked up some souvenir T-shirts and collectible pins along the way. Cloth patches, food vendors, clothing vendors, tattoo parlors and even a Biker Beauty Bar ? where festivalgoers could get haircuts ? were a few of the hundreds of stalls set up for the event. Three stages also offered a variety of live music throughout the day and night.

Richard and Alma Bierlair of Fort Lauderdale also rode to Leesburg with 10 members of the Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club. It was the Bierlairs? first time attending the Leesburg Bikefest too. ?It?s small compared to the Daytona Beach one,? Richard Bierlair, a former Leesburg resident, said. ?But I?m loving it. It?s all good and is well designed. The rain ain?t doing much to slow it down, but it?s good for the rain gear guy,? he said, pointing to a vendor selling waterproof wear.

Jeff and Lori Moser of Homassasa brought their 8-year-old daughter Lindsey to the event for the day. Jeff Moser purchased a motorcycle a little more than a year ago. ?Everybody I had talked to have raved about Leesburg being a nice festival,? Jeff Moser said. As they sat on a bench waiting for the rain to ease up, the Mosers said they had arrived early Saturday and enjoyed the sunny weather in the morning as they shopped, watched the bike games and the bands. ?It?s nice. It?s small enough you can walk and see the whole thing, and a lot of kids are here,? Jeff Moser said. Lori and Lindsey had followed Jeff to Leesburg in the car. ?Although I don?t ride, I love going to the different events and looking at all the different motorcycles,? Lori Moser said. The roar of motorcycle engines throughout Lake County will continue today, until Bikefest wraps up this evening. Leesburg Downtown Partnership officials anticipated about 130,000 people would attend the event over the course of the weekend. There were only a few rules in downtown Leesburg for the event, including no alcohol outside designated areas.

Jennifer Hopkins, 18, a volunteer helping with Bikefest, said although the organizers loved all types of motorcycles, trikes were not permitted on Main Street, where thousands of motorcycles of all shapes, designs and colors were lined up all for blocks. ?There?s not enough room, but we love trikes. We love all types of bikers, trikes just may not fit through the aisles,? Hopkins said.

JODIE MUNRO O?BRIEN
The Daily Commercial

Rogue

I don’t know if I’d want to go in this room. Chris T.

BIKERNET WEBSITE OF THE WEEK–The site Travmatix.com was reviewed today in the local newspaper. It is a free service that maps along interstate highways as well as showing every motel, gas station and restaurant at each exit. I did a search from Louisville to Tucumcari NM and based on what I can recall from my ride out there last month it is pretty darn accurate.

It even shows where the rest stops are and uses the highway exit numbers as the point of reference. I plan to use it whenever I travel, if for no other reason than to locate fuel and lodging. I prefer traveling along US Highways but armed with this info and a road map it wouldn’t be hard to get back to an Interstate ramp if the need arose.

Here’s the link:
http://www.travmatix.com/travmatix/index.cfm

If it doesn’t open when you click on it then just copy and paste it into your browser to get there.

Later
Nick

MIKE ROMINE TAKES SCREAMIN’ EAGLE NITRO HARLEY EXHIBITION VICTORY AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY– BRISTOL, Tenn. ? Mike Romine has a nice streak going and a little rain wasn’t any reason to keep him extending it another year. What’s the streak? He’s won at least one Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley Exhibition Tour event at an NHRA POWERade event for the last three years.

Romine took the victory Sunday at the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, beating Larry Brancaccio in the final round. It’s the third time Romine’s Top Fuel motorcycle has won an NHRA exhibition event.

“It’s the second win with me on the bike but the third for the bike,” Romine said. “In 2003 I hurt my back just before the race at Joliet (Route 66 Raceway) and we had Mark Conner ride the bike and he won. Then we won the same race last year. It’s great we have a win before we even get to Joliet this season.”

Romine’s bike broke near half-track, slowing to a 10.536-second pass at 76.75 mph, beating Brancaccio, who broke at the 100-foot mark. It was the worst run of the day for Romine, but he was still the best in the final.

“There is a lot of luck involved with this sport,” Romine said. “You have to run well but a little luck every now and then helps get you the win. On a day like today when they were rushing us through the rounds, we were consistent and we didn’t have any major problems until the finals and even then, we had that race covered.”

The rounds were raced on a quicker pace than usual because of the rain that turned the Thunder Valley Nationals upside down. Rain forced NHRA officials to cancel all qualifying runs on Friday and most of them on Saturday. The Nitro Harley competitors had just one round of qualifying, held Sunday afternoon.

“We sat around for two days because of the rain and we didn’t have a great run during the qualifying pass because we had a problem.” Romine said. “We fixed that and went out and ran a great pass and won first round and kept going from there.

“We started to get a little anxious about racing because every time they got the track dried and ready to go, and we started getting ready for a run, the rain started again. The great thing is that we got the race in and we don’t have to come back and finish it later. Even better, we won the event.”

Romine beat Doug Vancil in the first round. Vancil went 6.851 at 207.37 and Romine was the clear winner, but no time or speed was recorded for Romine. Romine went on to beat Mike Lehman with a 6.612 at 210.87 to Lehman’s 6.709 at 206.45 in the semifinal.

ANNOUNCING THE SECOND ANNUAL NORTH TEXAS ROCK RALLY–
Rock & Roll Biker Party To Feature Headliner Ted Nugent and Custom Bike Builders,
Guitar wildman Ted Nugent and rock’n’roll outlaw David Allan Coe will share top billing with Rick Fairless, Kendall Johnson, and other top custom bike builders at the second annual North Texas Rock Rally, a three-day blow-out featuring 150 acres of music, motorcycles, and related madness at Coyote Texas July 15-17. The event is presented by RJ’s Roadhouse and Hooters.
“We had about 18,000 people last year at our kick off, and I expect we’ll more than double that number this year,” said Gary Littlefield, the event’s founder and CEO of The Pegasus Agency. “We have 60 bands coming from all over, we have the top builders, it’s a national event and the only one of its kind in North Texas, so I’m really expecting great things this year.”
A portion of the event proceeds benefit Texas Confederation of Clubs (DFW Chapter), J.W. Rock Foundation, B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) and The Tom Hanley Memorial Fund benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
In addition to Fairless and Johnson, bike builders Kim Suter, Jeff Nicklus, and Jeff Long, lead designer for American IronHorse Motorcycle Co.-who also plans to conduct a search with Hooters for AIH’s 2006 calendar girls at the rally-will be on hand. An Indian Larry Tribute with Paul Cox and Keino also is scheduled to honor the late, great builder, and organizers are negotiating with a half-dozen other top designers to attend.
Mark Farner, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad, will heat it up with Nugent and Coe on the entertainment stages, which also will feature A-List acts like Blackfoot, Warrant, Jackyl, Blackberry Smoke, Maylee Thomas, and Back in Black.
In total, 60 bands from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean will rock North Texas ’round the clock on three stages over three days, come rain or shine. Other action planned for the bash includes a custom bike contest with celebrity biker judges, motorcycle stunt show, car show, rodeo with biker bull riding, chili and BBQ cook-off and an opening day motorcycle parade that drew nearly 1,000 bikes last year.
No one will be admitted to Coyote Texas without a ticket. Tickets prices begin at $45 per person for a three-day general admission pass. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.NorthTexasRockRally.com until July 1or at RJ’s Roadhouse or any DFW Hooters location.
Lead sponsors of the 2005 North Texas Rock Rally include RJ’s Roadhouse, Hooters, American IronHorse Motorcycle Co., Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas, Shark Performance Art, Weld Racing, Wells Cargo, Skinz Wraps, Comfort Suites and Interior Supply Services.

Rally online at http://www.NorthTexasRockRally.com.

DEVELOPMENT IN DAYTONA ? A NEW DRAW FOR BIKERS–
New York Times
Daytona Beach, Fla., is about to get even friendlier to two-wheeled tourists.One of the motorcycling world’s magnet cities and the host of the Bike Week rally every March, Daytona will gain another attraction this summer with Destination Daytona. The 150-acre site will have what is called the world’s largest Harley-Davidson dealership — 109,000 square feet that will include a motorcycle museum — as well as a hotel and condominiums, two restaurants, two bars and more than 30,000 square feet of retail space.

Project creator Bruce Rossmeyer owns 10 Harley-Davidson dealerships, including the one at Destination Daytona. The roughly 500,000 bikers who visit during Bike Week spend about $400 million, said Kevin Kilian, a spokesman for the local Chamber of Commerce. “People who can afford $20,000 toys,” he said, “are people you want visiting you.”

Rogue

SOLO SEAT RETURNS WITH COLOR–Flyrite Choppers Solo Seat is back and in color. Still available in black vinyl at the original $110 price, the seat consists of a custom steel seat pan formed in-house then powder coated semi-gloss black with standard mounting hardware/springs. Due to a high demand, we have added custom upholstery ranging from metal flake vinyl to pinstripe stitching, starting at $200. Personalized seats are available, from copies of your tattoo to a company logo to matching a paint scheme, but you will have to call us for a quote. Watch our website, http://www.flyritechoppers.com, for pre-made colored and stitched seats, offered as available, and ready to ship. Call the shop, (512) 918-2467, or email us, flyrite@flyritechoppers.com to order and get quotes.

THE BIG, BAD DAUGHTER OF TIM AND ALYSSA–That’s right! If you haven’t heard already, Alyssa gave birth to Audrey Odalene Conder at quarter to midnight on April 25th. Audrey Odalene, a.k.a. “Audrey O”, “Odie” or “Little Tex” was 8 pounds 8.8 ounces and was 22 and a half inches tall.

She’s pink, with a happy, all knowing demeanor. We have taken to consulting her on all manner of family business…A smile means “yes”, a grimace means “no”. The doctors say she’s just gassy, but I’ll never believe it.

We seem to have grown some sort of SUPERBABY who’s beauty is only rivaled by her lightning fast (almost catlike) reflexes. We’re very proud to say the least. My wife Alyssa showed poise, bravery and a threshold for pain that defies description.

Our family and friends sprung (have sprang?) into action, cutting a smooth velvety swath through the jungle that is our lives so Audrey and Alyssa could land safely. How a guy like me wound up with this unbelievable family is a mystery, obviously there are powers at work here that can’t be explained.

This world is a superbad, chopped, chromed, candycoated metalflake sled and I’d like to thank everyone who’s in it with us.

– Merry Christmas,
Tim, Alyssa and Audrey

The Conderosahttp://www.armageddontopfuel.com

Continued On Page 2

BILL BISH COAST TO COAST AND GUNNY REPORT – GET THE FACTS, BROTHER

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, NCOM

HIGHWAY FUNDING BILL REINTRODUCED– The new Surface Transportation Bill, H.R. 3, a reincarnation of last year’s highway package that failed to pass Congress due to budget impasses, was introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives on February 9th and will take up where prior Congressional negotiations left off.

This time around, the House version of the highway reauthorization legislation includes similar motorcycle-friendly language contained in last year’s Senate proposal; including the establishment of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council to “coordinate with and advise the Administrator (of the Federal Highway Administration) on infrastructure issues of concern to motorcyclists”; a call for the completion of a motorcycle accident causation study; and would establish grants for motorcycle safety and awareness efforts.

The House bill authorizes $299 billion to fund highway projects for the next six years.

Last year, House and Senate conferees were unable to hammer out a compromise that would appease both chambers and the White House, as President Bush threatened to veto any package over $256 billion.

The Senate version of the bill has yet to be reintroduced.

NORTH CAROLINA MAY BAN CHILDREN ON MOTORCYCLES– Representative Nelson Cole introduced a bill in the North Carolina legislature, HB-39, which would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 10 to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle.

“This has nothing to with helmets – they just can’t ride at all,” said Sam Nobles, State Legislative Officer for CBA/ABATE of NC and Lobbyist for NC BikePac. “If you have been complacent about getting involved in bikers’ rights, this one ought to wake you up! How would you like to explain to your child or grandchild that you can no longer take them for a ride, because your government doesn’t think you are responsible enough to make decisions for your own family?”

So far there is only one sponsor to the bill, and CBA/ABATE of NC is asking help from bikers across America to help shut this bill down now. “Our goal is to generate enough e-mails and phone calls to Rep Cole to shut this down before he has time to get cosponsors,” said Cotton Tedder, President of CBA/ABATE of NC and member of the board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).

You can contact Representative Nelson Cole at Nelsonc@ncleg.net or phone (919) 733-5779. Remember to be polite and considerate, but let him know your views about kids being able to go riding with their parents.

PENNSYLVANIA CONSIDERS BAN ON “SELF SERVE” GAS– The Keystone State is considering legislation that would prohibit self-service gas stations. House Bill No. 73, dubbed the Gasoline Station Dispensing Safety Act, which states in part: “The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel at a fuel dispensing facility, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures, including turning off vehicle engines and refraining from smoking while fuel is dispensed.”

“When customers, rather than attendants, are permitted to dispense fuel, it is far more difficult to enforce compliance with safety procedures.”

“Exposure to toxic gasoline fumes represents a health hazard when customers dispense their own gasoline, particularly in the case of pregnant women.”

“The significantly higher prices usually charged for full-service gasoline in states where self-service is permitted results in discrimination against low-income individuals, who are under greater economic pressure to undergo the inconvenience and hazards of dispensing their own gasoline.”

The bill goes on to prescribe penalties for “non-authorized users” and stations that do not comply, and describes training and certification of attendants to qualify them to pump your gas.

“In my opinion, this bill is an answer to a question nobody asked!,” said John Mullendore, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Pennsylvania and a member of the board of directors of NCOM. “Let your representatives know that this is not a good idea especially with motorcycles. I will fill my own thank you.”

Currently only the state of New Jersey prohibits “self-serve” gas pumps. Oregon bikers won exemption from such a law in 2001, winning their right to pump their own gas thanks to the legislative efforts of BikePAC, ABATE of Oregon and Oregon Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney Sam Hochberg who helped draw statewide attention to the problem.

HONDA PLANS TO DEVELOP AIRBAGS FOR MOTORCYCLES– Japan’s Honda Motor has launched research into developing the first safety airbags that could be mounted on motorcycles, reported the mass-circulation newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.

Japan’s largest motorcycle manufacturer aims to commercialize motorcycle airbags in about three years, the paper reported on January 5, 2005 without citing sources.

Honda plans to develop an airbag that will fit under the handlebars and protect the driver from the head to lower back when it is opened in the event of an accident, it said.

No immediate comment was available from Honda.

Honda wants to commercialize the product after finding ways to minimize production costs and working out the best suitable shape of the airbags, the daily said. The newspaper said that the technology had been offered before, on BMW motorcycles, but it had proved too costly at more than $2,000 for most buyers.

ARIZONA MULLS EMISSIONS TESTING FOR MOTORCYCLES– Arizona is currently the only state to require motorcycles to pass emissions-testing, which are required only in Pima and Maricopa Counties as part of the state’s clean air plans. But that may soon change as collectible-car and motorcycle enthusiasts are nibbling away at the state’s vehicle-emissions policy, successfully arguing that they should be exempt from the vexing test because they barely put a dent in air quality.

A state study backs them up, although only for the 6,200 motorcycles registered in Pima County, where Tucson is located. The 22,000 motorcycles in more populated, and polluted, Maricopa County, home of the city of Phoenix, would not get the same pass.

However, motorcycle and collector-car enthusiasts say they see House Bill 2357 as the first step in efforts to exempt their vehicles entirely from the test, regardless of location.

A study done by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality concluded that a blanket exemption would harm the clean-air plans in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. But certain groups would have only a “negligible impact” if they were exempted.

Bobbi Hartmann, a lobbyist for ABATE of Arizona, is hoping to persuade lawmakers this year to exempt all motorcycles. The MMA of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs agree, and are also lobbying for passage of the emissions exemptions.

Arizona, she said, is the only state that tests motorcycles and the test, she argues, gives a skewed picture of emissions since it’s done only when motorcycles are idling, and air-cooled engines don’t run clean at idle, making it difficult for them to pass emissions testing.

“The two big things, looking at the big picture as far as emissions, is that motorcycles are absolutely nothing,” Hartmann said. “And the fact that they’re testing only under idle is unfair.”

The bill, which won unanimous support from the House Environment Committee, later passed by a near-unanimous vote on the House Floor on February 2nd and will be taken up next in the state Senate.

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR SUPPORTS LID LAW FOR ATV RIDERS– Governor Bill Richardson has pledged his support for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety bill that would require riders younger than 18 to wear a helmet and eye protection and pass a training course.

SB 252 would also establish a fee that would both pay for the training and be used to establish new ATV trails and recreation areas, require adult supervision for all riders 12 or younger and prohibit passengers on vehicles that are designed for one rider.

Richardson said 62 New Mexicans have died as a result of ATV crashes in the past 10 years. A quarter of them were 18 or younger, according to a University of New Mexico study.

A similar bill passed in the Senate last year but died in the House when time ran out on the 30-day session.

LONE STAR BIKERS FIGHT HELMET LAW– Okay, so Texas was one of a handful of states to recently rescind their states’ mandatory helmet law for adult riders, but in order to ride lidless a rider must be at least 21 and complete a safety class or carry a minimum amount of medical coverage.

Those requirements may change now that a state lawmaker has introduced legislation to allow anyone 21 and older to ride without a helmet, regardless of safety training or health care insurance.

Proponents feel they have a right to decide whether or not to wear a helmet, especially on hot summer days, but opponents of the measure fear that further weakening the helmet law could result in more fatal accidents. Now it’ll be up to the legislature to decide.

CHANGING GEARS– When Fox Cable Networks Group re-launched Speed Channel in February 2002, executives thought that devoting two-thirds of their scheduling to fast-moving cars and a few motorcycle races were all the network needed to draw viewers. Now the head honchos are changing gears.

The network has gained more than 20 million subscribers, and now reaches 63.3 million homes, but ratings gains have not equaled the expectation that a growing nationwide interest in Nascar would deliver a big audience boost.

This February, Speed Channel hopes to do better by pushing past its car racing roots to, among other things, launch a new reality series for those who like to watch a good bike build. Only this time it’s not Jesse James or OCC wrenching on a fabulous putt, it’s just Joe Average.

“Build or Bust” is billed by Speed Channel as being a little different than typical reality shows. The customization occurs on motorcycles, and regular Joes rather than specialists do the work. The series, which premieres February 23, gives motorcycle enthusiasts all the tools to build the bike of their dreams in 30 days. If the task is completed, the builder keeps the bike. If not, they get nothing.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:– “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizen in a Republic”, April 23, 1910

FROM THE GUNNY SACK–

We are always talking about getting our biker people elected to the legislatureand other elective offices in our states. This is a good thing, but it isn’t allthere is to it.

A good friend of mine, Clark Brooker, is working on a bill to present to ourlegislature and he is looking for a sponsor to get it considered. He is lookingat the left turn signals and other electronically-driven traffic lights thatdon’t trip for motorcycles.

He says, and I agree, that bikes should not have to sit all day waiting for thelight to change when it’s obvious it won’t change unless a CAR hits the rightspot on the road. He proposes that after the second or third cycle of thelights, the bike should be permitted to proceed through the light with caution.This doesn’t automatically allow the biker to ignore the light, but it gives usa practical solution!

What’s interesting is that ONE PERSON can do this, with some spare time and alot of energy. We can do much to preserve our rights and freedoms just bygetting involved in the processes that govern this land. It’s easier than you think!

The battle over whether or not to be forced to wear helmets when we ride isn’tthe only fight. I agree, we should have the choice and I will fight for thatright as long as there is breath in my body, but I’m not against wearing a lid.I wouldn’t for the world deny people the CHOICE. I think there are a lot ofissues out there we need to deal with that are just as important. The wholereason we have this country to live in is the folks who went before us neededthe freedom of choice in their lives just as much as we do, and they paid dearlyfor us to have those liberties.

ALL MOTORCYCLISTS INVITED AND WELCOME! MAY 5-7, 2005.This year’s National Coalition of Motorcyclists Convention is to be held inNASHVILLE, TENN., folks. It will prove to be one of the best yet, for sure. Roomreservations can be made at the Sheraton Music City Hotel at 777 McGavock Pike,Nashville, Tenn 37214. Call (615) 885-2200. The special rate is $79.00 per nightsingle or double. You get the rate by mentioning you are attending the NCOMConvention. After the end of March you will have to pay the full amount becausethe special rate will end then. Make sure you don’t miss out on this trip. Youcan pre-register for the conference by calling NCOM at (800) 525-5355. Theseminars will be the best and the party won’t be forgotten for many moons. Therewill also be a National Confederation of Clubs meeting you just don’t want tomiss. I’ll see you there.

NEWSBITS ‘N’ PIECES: DAKAR: Marc Coma of Spain won the Dakar cross country racefor motorcycles. The race this year took two bikers’ lives, so it was animpressive win of one of the world’s most difficult races.The Dakar rally covers 5,566 miles of some of the most treacherous terrain inthe world, from Barcelona Spain to Dakar Senegal. I think I’ll park my ‘Wingthis year, so I don’t show up all those racers.

MALTA, N.Y. Starfire Inc, Manufacturer of motor products has a new ceramiccomposite disc brake system that is drawing high praise from Jason DiSalvo, oneof the world’s foremost motorcycle racers. The system is comprised of a newlightweight brake pad and rotor system that even improves fuel mileage

Starfire is a leader in improving motor vehicle performance with innovativeimprovements in design and operation of many components of motor vehicle partsform autos to trucks to motorcycles. The braking systems will be available formotorcycles early this year.

KEIZER, OREGON: The cops are at it again in this small town that’s grown into asuburb of Salem. Our Oregon AIM attorney, Sam Hochberg, is doing a pro bono (forfree) case down there for around THIRTY Gypsy Joker MC folks who were ticketedby some over-zealous officers. It’s also a project of the Oregon Confederationof Clubs, the COC. It’s the same story Sam keeps running into over the last fewyears: The police see ONE rider who they THINK committed a traffic infraction,and it turns into a citation festival ? or as Sam says, a “fund-raiser” for thetown’s treasury ? when they cite ALL the bikers. Sam’s going to court on itsoon, so we’ll let you know what happens at trial, right here in The Sack.

DANA POINT, CA: Patriot Motorcycles Co. has proven there is a growing market inAmerica for the affordable “Yamoto” off-road bikes, made in China. They tookover distribution last November and in the first 60 days they delivered 1,750units at the average price of $950.00 each. We need to pay more attention to themanufacturers off shore! If you’re interested in selling Patriot bikes, you cancall their Sales Director at (949)488-0434. Who knows? You might make a newcareer with a dealership.

Click To Check It Out

PORTLAND, OR: I looked over a Korean motorcycle in one of our shops here inPortland not that long ago ? Columbia Scooters it was ? and I was impressed atthe fit and finish as well as the good looks of the machine. If you’re in thearea, go check out all the other interesting machines they sell there. They havea 3-wheeler truck with a motor under 200cc’s that can haul a full ton and itsips the gas! They’re made in India, where they use ’em all the time.

ATLANTA, GA: Bluelinx Corp and Orange County Choppers (of TV fame) pulled outall stops for the International Builders Show in Florida and apparently it was ahuge success.

GERMANY: Police in Germany are hunting some folks they think are justpranksters, who have been sticking miniature US flags into piles of dog poop inpublic parks. You know, some people around the world have very little regard forthis country, and they can have their opinions, but THIS kind of thing irritatesme.

German authorities say they don’t know what they will do if the clowns arecaught, because there is no statute that deals with this sort of behavior. Maybethere should be. There are laws that govern everything else, especially in Europe.

WEB-WRECKS: For those who are interested in reading about bike wrecks, there’s awebsite that supposedly collects and links you up to all motorcycle accidentsthat are reported in the papers. It’s interesting to see how folks mess up; butit’s scary when you see the ones you just know could have been you.

Sobering stuff, but it DOES keep this Gunny’s eye on the ball just that muchmore, out on the road. Here’s the site, courtesy of my boss, Sam Hochberg, ourOregon AIM Attorney. He likes to poke around the internet:http://www.wcow.com/html/motorcycle_accident.html . And NO, Sam says he’s doesNOT send out letters to accident victims, like a dozen or so other lawyers dohere in Oregon. Sam’s plate is pretty full anyway. He says it seems prettydamned slimy to send out a letter trying to hustle some poor guy who’s allbusted up. Some states forbid that altogether, but not Oregon.

PORTLAND, MN: David Sharp of the Associated Press brings us this bit of news:Safety experts suspect older motorcycle riders with a lot of disposable incomeare buying more machine than their aging brains and out-of-practice bodies canhandle. Several other groups have come out with similar stuff on us OLDERriders, and I’m starting to get annoyed about it. I may be the exception, butthen I’ve been riding a looonngg time; well in excess of fifty years, and I’mstill doin’ OK. I ride a big bike, too. The difference might be that I takerider ed courses often. It really helps folks, especially with the traffic onthe highways the way it is nowadays. It distresses me to read about all thefolks being killed and maybe for no better reason than lack of preparation whenit comes to getting on their scooters to enjoy life a little more. Please take ariding course if you haven’t ridden for a few years, or if you’re a new rider.It just might save your life and keep your family from losing someone they love.The annual number of motorcycle fatalities among 40-plus riders tripled over thepast decade to 1,674 in 2003, in the USA. That’s way too many of us gone.

HELMET PROTEST in INDIA: Cutting across party lines, elected members of the PuneMunicipal Corp. (PMC) resolved to launch a mass protest against the state’sdecision to make helmets compulsory for motorcycle riders and passengers. We arenot alone in the agitation caused by compulsory helmet laws, folks. These areelected officials protesting what the state says they have to do. KUDOS forthem. I hope it does the job.

GUNNY AGAIN: As always I remind you good people, the AID TO INJUREDMOTORCYCLISTS (AIM) attorneys across this country are the best source of helpthat bikers have when we get ourselves in a nasty accident or any other messdealing with the laws of this land. Use their expertise and be glad they arehere for us. We have enough going on in our lives without trying to get aroundthe insurance companies alone. The number to call is 1-800-On-A-Bike. Visit ’emon the web, at www.On-A-Bike.com or www.AIMNCOM.com . Both’ll getcha there! Youwill get at least some info, or if you need it, good advice.

Keep the round side on the bottom.
Gunny, Oregon’s AIM Chief of Staff