BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW FROM BIG BOAR, ULTIMATE PAN SEAL AND GOTHAM RODEO

Continued From Page 3

Photo from Bob T.

BIKERNET BABYSITTING ADVICE ? DON?T MESS WITH KIDS–A little girl was talking to the teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, “When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah”. The teacher asked, ” What if Jonah went to hell?” The little girl replied, “Then you ask him”.

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, “They will in a minute.”

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to “honor” thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?” Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered,

“Thou shall not kill.”

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, “Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?” Her mother replied, “Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.” The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, “Momma, how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?”

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. “Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, ‘There’s Jennifer, she’s a lawyer,’ or ‘That’s Michael, He’s a doctor.’A small voice at the back of the room rang out, “And there’s the teacher, She’s dead. ”

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, “Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face..” “Yes,” the class said. “Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn’t run into my feet?” A little fellow shouted, “Cause your feet ain’t empty.”

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.” Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.

RevCarl

BENEFIT NEEDS YOUR HELP–Bandit: There will be a Bike Benefit in Minden LA Sat April 30,2005. This is for 23 yr old Keith Stanley, He is currently at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA….He has battled this horrible disease since last Fall, right after he had just graduated from LSU on a Golf Scholarship, and had just been accepted to Law School… It has been a long road with a lot of Bumps… The Cancer is now in his brain and his bone marrow….The Doctors say this is the final stages….

The Bike Show will be this Saturday…we have been trying to reach every biker we can…Please PLease Please help spread this invitation….we do have the Sport Bike Angels from Dallas Texas coming to make an appearance….We need all the help we can get…there will be a band that has volunteered their time…and we have a lot of things scheduled… We will have BBQ Plates and a lot of food. There will be a Silent Auction with a lot of nice items donated by area merchants….

Please if there is any way you and others can make this trip for a special young man…it will be greatly appreciated.. If you need me to FAX you a Entry Form or any other info…Please Email me…or even Call…We Need YOUR HELP….

Thanks for your time,
Tina
The Hitchin’ Post
15273 HWY 80 East
Minden, LA 71055
318-382-1901
MY CELL 318-834-2988

We are about 30 miles from Shreveport
Off I 20 Take Exit # 49 NOrth on Hwy 531 about one miles to Hwy 80…Take Left and you will be looking at us….Please COME!!!

HIGH TECH 3″ introduced by ROADMAX–With the introduction of this extremely rugged yet stylish 3″ open belt conversion, Roadmax has once again raised the bar for strength, precision fit, function and reliability. Focusing on the needs of enthusiasts running big inch, high horsepower engines, the “HIGH TECH 3″ belt drive is unique in its superior strength and use of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Sold as a total package, each Roadmax belt kit includes everything needed for a straight forward, no hassle installation. From the polished, solid billet motor plate assembly to the ultra strong Gates 3” belt, complete diaphragm clutch, HP front and rear pulleys, polished pulley covers and chrome belt guard, to the aircraft quality mounting hardware, pulley JIG and even a tube of Locktite, it’s all here.

Manufactured to the same industry leading standards found in Roadmax revolutionary transmissions, the new open belt system is specifically designed and manufactured from materials capable of handling the awesome torque being produced by contemporary street machines. “HIGH TECH 3” is currently available for all Softail models from 1990 to present. If you’re looking for piece of mind in a truly brutal primary drive give Roadmax a call at 714-446-0787. For a closer look at all of the latest from Roadmax visit http://www.roadmax.net.

GOTHAM RODEO PRESENTS–Awesome honky tonk throttle rockin’ music.

See us every Friday at Snitch (59 West 21st) 6pm – 11pm for the Honky Tonk Happy Hour Hootennany.

May 21st is the Off the Hook Motorin’ Party at The Hook in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

All info is on the website http://www.gothamrodeo.com. Lots more shows to come.

We are NYC & W citybillies! Come on and party with us.

-Sasha

JAMES ULTIMATE PAN SEAL– This is it! The final answer to those leaky Pan covers. No matter if you are running painted stamped steel, chrome, cast or billet aluminum covers these high tech PAN SEALS, just introduced by James Gaskets, are going to provide a seal that virtually eliminates seepage like nothing offered before. These unique PAN SEALS feature a solid steel core, which is fully encapsulated in a thin layer of high-temp NBR rubber. This revolutionary compound provides outstanding torque retention while a thick perimeter bead on two sides produces the conformability needed to seal the wide range of covers that have been produced for these popular engines.

The new JAMES PAN COVER SEALS are sold in pairs and can be used on all Panhead engines from 1948-1965 and clone engines with the same Pan cover to head design and specifications.

For complete details and the location of a JAMES GASKETS dealer near you call 775-246-2220 or visit them on line at http://www.jamesgaskets.com.

NEW FROM BIG BOAR PRODUCTS–200mm Fat Tire Kits for ?86 ? ?03 models. Kit includes Beefy Big Swingarm, 200mm tire, 8 ?? high-quality composite fender, offset pulley, spacers, etc., complete with instructions. For $995.00 you can fatten up your hog!

Big Boar Products
6289 Corporate Park Drive
Loudon, TN 37774
865-458-8640 ? phone865-458-6754 ? fax
email- bigboarpro@aol.com

BIKERNET MODEL OF THE WEEK–My name is Michelle Renee and I am a semi-professionalmodel in Dallas, Texas. I am interested in shootingfor your magazine/website if you are seeking models!

I am 5’6, 123 lbs., dark brown hair, brown eyes andlong legs. My measurements are 34D-25-35. Pleasetake a moment to review a recent photo which I haveattached. If you are interested in using me for aphoto shoot, please let me know.

Thank you,
Michelle Renee
rnmphotography@yahoo.com

A THURSDAY WRAP–The girls did it again, while I played footsiewith a redhead at lunch. Not really, although the red sauce on the pastawasn’t bad. Let’s see what I can report on. We’re wrapping up the July issueof Street Choppers, the August Issue of Hot Rod Bikes (about to relaunch asBike Works), planning Sturgis and our HOT BIKE Sturgis survival guide, andthe evil 13th issue.

It just dawned on me that we’re jamming to Sturgis in August andthe run and party plans continue for two weeks, so how the hell are wesupposed to put together the December issue. Got that? A December issue inAugust that hits the stands in the middle of October. Makes no sense to me.

This weekend is my Shovelhead deadline, but whatI hadn’t planned on yet, no stinkin’ switches. I remember a Panhead I had in ’73. Itwisted wires to make it run. Could I do that again? Maybe not, but I needto plan a switch, something crazy. The bike is torn down to the wheels andI’m finishing the bracket under the trans for the Dyna coils, Compu-firevoltage regulator and a fuse or two (maybe circuit breakers). I need tofinish and grind all the welds and off to the powder coater next week. Keepyour fingers crossed.

I’m going to post a battery tech from Aaron at Big Boar in the nextcouple of weeks as a teaser for the September issue of Hot Bike. It’s amassive 300-page issue with a 36-page outsert Sturgis Survival guide.Remember it hits the stands in July.

Have a helluva weekend,

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW FROM CYRIL HUZE, FAB KEVIN AND WHERE THE HECK IS LIVIA?

Continued From Page 2

Mike ?Stealth? Pullin & Little Mikey

MRS. STEALTH REPORT–Hey Layla and Mr. Bandit and Bikernet.com Readers,

This is Meanest! Maybe you haven’t heard from me in a while, but I’ve been around. Life has been crazy lately, getting Stealth Bike Works off the ground. Looks like we won the final battle in the red tape war and the shop should be open on May 10th. We have tried to make the shop the way Mike remembers a bike shop used to be, and we have tried to add our own special touches and make it a place where you can stop by or you can stay awhile. There is the corner where you can play checkers; there are some of Mike’s most prized collectibles, and then there is “The Wall” where our friends and neighbors can permanently make their mark with their comments and their signatures.

I asked Mike if I could do the Thursday news this week, but I didn’t tell him why. He sent me the following e-mail today and the way he pours out his heart and soul is something that I would like to share with all of you. We should all be so lucky to be so excited about going to work every day!

Mike mentions Ben and Chopper John and Shorty — without the help of these guys, we would never be where we are right now. We couldn’t have done it without them!

Love and kisses,
Meanest

E-Mail from Mike to Meanest, 4/23/05

Hey Meanest,You know sometimes it does not seem real that the shop will be open in a couple of weeks. I am really at home there. I am comfortable there and I can be myself. I like the feeling of not having anyone looking over my shoulder. This has been a long time coming and I have always dreamed about it. No matter what the shop turns into or how big it gets or how much it grows I am never going to lose sight of who I am and what it is supposed to be about. I can’t wait for the shop to open on the May 10th. It is funny how you never know where you will end up or how things will turn out.

Last October I felt like I lost who I was when I left my job but you know I now realize that was never who I really was. It was some good experience but it was not who I was or what I believe. Now I believe in what I am doing and I know if I do it right the money will come, but what is most important to me is to make a decent living and when I know someone needs help to help if I can, not to just see the $$$$$ signs.

My heart for what I love and do will never leave. It is funny that after all these years of being into bikes I still get excited and I get a certain feeling inside when I see a nice bike and I get that same feeling when I am around Ben, John, Jay and Shorty, they all do it because they love it. You can tell who those people are, the ones with heart. I think that is what I got tired of the most at a dealership, there was no heart or soul.

I feel like I have a new beginning and everything is new again. I never thought I would be this close to opening a shop. I feel like I belong to a special club with people like Bandit, Jose, Ben Edwards and everyone else who owns his own shop or business in motorcycles. It is a special feeling to think that you belong with people you have looked up to for a long time.

So I guess that is enough, I am anxious and real excited and I want to thank you for everything you have put up with and for everything you have done for me. You are half of STEALTH BIKE WORKS and that is a pretty big part!

So as we set out on this journey I look forward to it all, the tough times, the in between times, the good times, and the really good times because come what may it is ours and we have each other and no one can change that or take that away and that is the best thing about all of this!

I love you!

Mike

J.C., Stealth Bike Works shop dog.

MOTOJOURNALISM MUSEUMAND INTERNET CAF?–Coming This Springin beautifulEagle Nest, New Mexico.Featuring men & women?s bunkrooms with full bath and lockers, covered, locked bike parking, in-house computers with free hi-speed internet serviced by:

Enchanted Circle Macintosh
For more information call:
(505) 377-3010
Email: info@gotwanderlust.com

NEW FROM FAB KEVIN–I finally have these taillights ready for sale. They have 2 high intensity (dual intensity) LED lights, housed in a case machined of 6061 aluminum.The light is held onto the bracket with polished stainless steel fasteners, and polished brass wingnuts.

The bracket is my “standard” style steel side mount, designed to last forever.
It is also available as a “custom” fender mount too.
Priced at $200 for the side mount, and $175 for the fender mount.

HEY, IS THAT LIVIA?–Chopperz4Life Mfg. Co. signs Livia as spokesmodel for 10 shows and will be using her photos in a national advertising campaign covering several biker magazines.

This weekend is the Virginia Beach Bike Classic held in Virginia Beach, VA. Livia will be signing new photos of her on a Chopperz4Life Pro Street 300 Series. You’ll also be able to check out the new 330 Series Chopper at the show. Just look for Livia in the Chopperz4Life Booth and stop by to get a signed photo or polaroid.

You’ll also be able to see Livia at these events in the Chopperz4Life booth:

Virginia Beach Bike Classic – Virginia Beach, VA April 29 – May 1
Myrtle Beach Weekend – Mrytle Beach, SC May 12-22
Thunder Run in DC – Bull Run, VA May 27-29
Gettysburg Bike Week – Gettysburg, PA June 7-10
Thunder in the Valley – Johnstown, PA June 23-26
Little Sturgis Rally – Sturgis, KY July 14-17
Summer Bikefest – Carlisle, PA July 22-24
WVMountainFest – Morgantown, WV July 29-31
Mid-Atlantic MotorFest – Fairfax, VA September 2-3
Delmarva Bike Week – Ocean City, MD September 15-18

Thought you were having a bad day? Kenny S.

MANURE– In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship, and it was also before commercial fertilizer’s invention, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by-product is methane gas.

As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles, you can see what could (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined what caused theexplosions.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term “Ship High In Transit” on them which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term “S.H.I.T.,” (Ship High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day. You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I. I thought it was a golf term.

Chris T.

BIKERNET PRODUCT PICK OF THE WEEK–
Crime Scene Choppers Introduces Speedster? Gas Cap
Flip-top gas cap brings vintage race car style to your bike
? Crime Scene Choppers announces the availability of the Speedster gas cap ? a custom gas cap inspired by vintage race car style, scaled for a bike.

The Speedster is CNC machined from 6061-T6 and hand finished. The pivot arms are mirror-finished stainless. The Speedster is available with your choice of brass or polished stainless pivots and mounting screws. A weld-in mounting boss and gasket are available separately.

The Speedster is made in the USA.

Quality and Style

?Our new gas cap? said Joe McGlynn, owner of Crime Scene Choppers. ?traces its roots to quick release gas fillers used on Indy cars in the 1950s. I wanted to capture that style with lots of fine details, and scale it to look right on a custom bike. We introduced the cap at the Laughlin run last week and we?ve had an unbelievable response!?

Speedster Availability

The Speedster gas cap is available through http://www.CrimeSceneChoppers.com immediately. The cap may be ordered with either stainless or brass pivots and mounting screws. New products are being introduced every month, so check the website for the latest news.

REQUEST FROM THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS–At the 2002 NCOM Convention in New Orleans, in a moving tribute to Brothers &Sisters Lost, Doc Reichenbach, Chairman of the NCOM Board and President of ABATEof Florida, read a list of names of recently deceased Freedom Fighters submittedby motorcycle organizations and clubs nationwide for this special dedication.ABATE of Florida donated a brass bell to the National Coalition of Motorcyclistswhich was rung once for each name on an 18-page list, which took eight minutesto read.

This dedication has become a Convention tradition and will once again take placeduring the 20th Annual NCOM Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, and the NationalCoalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MRO’s, motorcycle clubs, andriding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who havedied since May 2004, so that we may pay tribute to their memories.

IN ADDITION, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is once again requestingthat Convention attendees from motorcycle rights organizations, clubs andassociations please bring an auction item on behalf of your group to help raisemoney for bikers? rights and provide entertainment after the Silver Spoke AwardsBanquet on Saturday evening. Proceeds from the auction go into the Freedom Fund,which provides funding for several NCOM programs and projects that benefitmotorcycling and bikers? rights efforts.

The 20th Annual NCOM Convention will be held May 5-7, 2005 at the Sheraton MusicCity Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, Tenn 37214. Call (615) 885-2200. CallNCOM for Convention registration information and hotel availability at (800)525-5355.

Rigid Frame Richard.

RFR – RIGID FRAME RICHARD ? ROVING FREELANCE REPORTER–So how was the weekend? Not bad here I had to miss a party at Spanky & Vanna’s with ALL the girls from here club last night in Houston. I shot that orange panhead today for Greg, he called after you forwarded my e-mail and said he was interested. It won 3rd Place Spectator Class at the ER show yesterday.

I also shot this bike for the shop, it won 2nd Place Antique Judged Class. They took two bikes and came home with two trophies, not bad for a days work. There are no riding shots it was just finished, Seth said they fired it off for a few minutes and rolled it in the trailer and went to Dallas. I told them I would let you check it out. I have 3 other contact sheets if you want to see more.

RFR

P.S. You are more then welcome to send large cash donations for my birthday in the am or high end photography equipment. Someday I may learn to use it.

When is/was your birthday?

CYRIL HUZE SPIKEE RISERS– These riser kits have a unique design with spike covers. They feature invisible hardware: cover hides the upper handlebar clamp bolts. They are beautifully chrome plated. Available in 3″, 5″ and 7″ rise for 1″ handlebars. Matching hand grips, foot pegs, mirrors, coil brackets, engine head bolts, are also available.

Cyril Huze.
Tel 561-392-5557
Fax 561-392-9923
http://www.cyrilhuze.com

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – RUN FOR THE WALL, 96″ S&S AND MOTOHAAS DETACHABLE

Continued From Page 1

NEW TAXI SERVICE IN WAIKIKI–Chris T.

MOTOHAAS DETACHABLE–Wall mount storage for all your detachables.?

The standard docking station comes with all the hardware necessary to store your Harley? detachable windshield and detachable passenger backrest.?

Should you prefer the backrest mount luggage rack for your ride, the backrest can easily be remounted to accommodate you with the addition of two docking points, into the pre-drilled holes.

Check out the website– http://www.motohaas.com/home1.htm

BILL RUCKER IS RECOVERING FROM THE STURGIS ACCIDENT OF 2004–
Rucker Performance is Delivering American Muscle Bikes
There is no thrill like being on your motorcycle and seeing Rocky Mountains lay out in front of you. As your gaze levels you can see the ribbon of asphalt wind down and then up to the next peak, your large-bore S&S engine provides reassuring power, and you have become one with the bike and the road.
Then tragedy strikes, a distracted motorist nails you head on and sends you forty feet in the air. After 21 days in the hospital you come out with your lower left leg removed-facing months of excruciating physical therapy.
What would you do if that happened to you? If you’re Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance, you grab your dream even tighter, pull your family and friends together and do what you do best? build cutting-edge motorcycles.
After the accident and during the recovery Bill’s daughter, Erin Rucker took control of the firm and kept production moving. By necessity she became highly efficient at putting out fires, resolving supplier and customer issues and making sure that the bikes were getting to the dealers. The accident occurred right after Sturgis in 2004. As of April 2005, Bill is fitted with a prosthesis and is up walking around on his own.
The accident slowed Bill down but hasn’t reduced his creative fire. Ever since Bill co-founded American IronHorse, he has been turning out inspired and innovative designs.
Since the entire team at Rucker Performance lives and breathes high-performance American Muscle Bikes, it is no surprise that the latest designs are cutting edge all the way.
Rucker’s latest design is the Predator; it is a long, lean American Muscle Bike that sports a high-output S&S 124 CI engine with metal skin. The technology advanced Assassin uses the new S&S closed-loop fuel injection system with carbon fiber tail section, belly pan and light housing. In addition, the rear suspension uses a cantilever Indy-style suspension that makes ride height adjustments a snap.

About Rucker Performance
Rucker Performance Motorcycle Company started production in 2004 and have quickly become a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American Muscle Bikes and Chopper motorcycles. Rucker Performance is known for ground-shaking performance with fit and finish that is comparable to one-off custom motorcycles.
Additional design queues include soft-style suspension, high-performance V-twin dual-cam 124 cubic inch engines, clean, sharp lines, 6-speed transmissions, stretch tanks and fat tires. Designing and manufacturing is performed at the company’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

S&S CYCLE RECEIVES TUV APPROVAL FOR 96″ ENGINE–GERMANY (April 19, 2005) S&S Cycle announces TUV approval for its popular 96″ high performance V-Twin engine. This is the second engine to receive TUV approval; the S&S 124″ engine was approved on March 20, 2005.

The European Community has strict guidelines regarding emissions and noise standards. The S&S 96″ engine has met the required criteria for EC regulations of emission (2002/51EC) and also passed the current noise limits (97/24EC Chapter 9) testing. The results of the testing on the S&S 96″ engine were in accordance to the strict requirements for TUV. Testing and approval of additional S&S engines is expected.

S&S is now able to deliver products in the European community without having to rely exclusively on the verification or certification of other dealers and distributors. These stringent TUV guidelines help establish standards for safety and quality for a variety of products sold in the European community, including Proven Performance S&S products.

Related to the 96″ and 124″ approvals, S&S received TUV verification on December 20, 2004 for their Quality Management System, used for producing complete assembled engines and frames, among other things. This verification was approved following a detailed audit performed (#20662508) at the S&S facilities in Viola and La Crosse , Wisconsin .

“This is great news,” said S&S president Brett Smith . “Our 96″ engine is extremely popular; having TUV approval of this engine, along with previous approval of our 124″ engine is another important step in strengthening our international distribution and showing our commitment to our European customers.”

TUV sets the standard for safety and quality for new and existing products, systems, and services for the European community, with Germany having the most stringent requirements. This TUV verification gives S&S Cycle even more credibility in the European market as business continues to expand internationally. S&S products are sold through their extensive international dealer network, including direct dealers and distributors across the globe. For more information visit the S&S web site at http://www.sscycle.com.

COFFEE & DONUT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR ABATE HOSPITALITY BOOTH AT RFTW– ABATE Locals from throughout California will be hosting a Coffee and Donut Tent at the starting point of Run For The Wall on Wednesday May 18, 2005.

6-8 AM at the T/A Truck stop in Ontario, I-10 @ Milliken.

No cost. No politics. No recruiting. Just a nice thing to do for our nation?s heroes and their supporters. A stack of Bailing Wires will be on hand for riders to take along and my Biker Civics 101 column for the May issue talks about the ride.

Please contact Robert at 909-574-8909 or your Local ABATE President if you would like to donate money, donuts, coffee, supplies or time as a volunteer.

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Small road items too, for instance, one generous donor contributed 400 tubes of lip balm and another donor contributed packets of Flavored Oatmeal for riders to eat or take along.

WHAT IS RUN FOR THE WALL?

Run For The Wall (RFTW) was started in 1989 as an effort by a couple of Vietnam Veterans who traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles, talking to local Radio, TV, and Newspapers about the fact that we have thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from all of our wars. We continue this tradition every May.

We don’t give political speeches or stage demonstrations. Run For The Wall gets its message across by traveling through the United States in a safe and orderly manner. We obey traffic laws and treat the citizens with respect.

But the issues of public awareness are only part of the benefit of Run For The Wall. We also give Vietnam Veterans the opportunity to get the welcome home they never got twenty years ago, and start their healing process.

Everyone who has fought, or has friends or loved ones who have fought in a war has their own issues from their experience. Everyone has something, be it the welcome home, the good-bye to buddies lost, the ability to finally help the young boys we watched every night on TV, or just trying to make up for coming home alive. Once you have participated in Run For The Wall you find that whatever you’ve been missing, can be found in the Run For The Wall family. You can finally start settling issues that have been put away for over twenty years.

There is no charge for participating in Run For The Wall, although you have to pay your own expenses. We have been very fortunate in the past in that we generally get a great deal of support from organizations and people along the way. Most night?s dinners are provided free or for a small donation by concerned citizens, as well as some breakfasts and lunches. We have generous groups who have paid for gas and lodging as well.

The trip takes ten days to reach the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where our Run officially ends on the Friday evening before Memorial Day. Additionally, we have things scheduled for the weekend, ending with participation in the Rolling Thunder Parade in Washington DC, on Sunday. It is quite a sight to behold, 200,000 motorcycles all starting at once and parading through downtown Washington, ending at the Wall.

Along the way across the U.S. we make stops at Memorials, Veteran’s Hospitals, and we enjoy parades, escorts, and welcome home receptions from many of the patriotic towns.

The ages of the participants range from eight to eighty, there are mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers (who ride their own bikes!), veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, active military, supporters, and family. Everyone is welcome. The only rule is NO ATTITUDES.

Some people join Run For The Wall and think of it as just another vacation or motorcycle event. But after one or two days you realize this is something very special. It is unlike anything else you have experienced, and it becomes a mission! You become part of the Run For The Wall family, whose members come from all over the United States, Canada, and Australia. What could be more perfect than having fun, making new friends, and helping a very good cause, POW/MIA.

You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to participate, we have some members who drive chase trucks, some bring motor homes, or cars, one year there was even an 18 wheeler who joined us. The important thing is to join the cause!

Visit the Run For The Wall website: http://www.rftw.org

Thank you for your support of this worthwhile endeavor, an opportunity for ABATE of California Members to say “Thank You” to our Nation’s Veterans and their Families.

~Richard “Splatt” Hall

Assistant State Director, ABATE of California

BIKERNET/HOT BIKE/STREET CHOPPER/HOT ROD BIKE RIDE TO STURGIS OPEN THE PUBLIC–Yep, it’s the third annual HOT BIKE, Bikernet.com, Street Chopper and BikeWorks Charity Ride to Sturgis. I’ll give you a brief rundown: The charityefforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills. We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride alongwarm twisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.

It’s a chance to ride with the staffs of all three mags and thegirls of Bikernet to Sturgis. We’ve designed the ride to be comfortable andentertaining while supporting the Crazy Horse Monument. Each day will cover250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hang out by the pool, hitthe gym, shop in town then have a killer meal. We’re looking for IndustryCompanies to sponsor each evening meal, beginning in Durango, then Aspen andfinally in Cheyenne. We’ll handle all the arrangements, just pick up the taband support our Charity. Full Throttle will take care of our First RallyParty in Sturgis. That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we makeall the arrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.

To get hooked up you need to contact Joerlene, our travel agent andline up hotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and ifyou’re not hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her email address is – carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com.

We can’t wait for the ride.

Bandit

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BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – BOOMERS RIDE, BUELL RACING PROGRAM AND MORE ON HOT BIKE SUPER SHOW

The Lovely Livia

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE–There?s a few things whirling around my feeble brain today; first is the new Hot Bike that?s about to come out. Bandit always gets the first few copies and brings them home for my boys and me. I look through them and try to be biased of my opinion. Of course anything Mr. Editor does I like cause, I like him. However, I always try to look at it like I don?t know him or anything about the magazine business, just as a consumer. My honest opinion is the mags always look good. I read the ?Letters To The Editor?, more specifically the complaints. I?m amazed at the close-minded individuals out there. Now this is just my opinion, just like those who write in, but who buys a motorcycle magazine, geared towards adults and complains that because now that there is a woman (yikes!), and a cuss word or two, they can no longer buy the magazine cause their wife won?t be happy, or child can?t read it? You can go to any public beach and see more skin than what they show in Hot Bike or Street Chopper. And I?m sure these 8-year olds are gonna read the articles verbatim. I know we?ve been through this before but I?m picking an old scab cause of the letters posted in the newest issue. I guess I shouldn?t let it bother me cause just like here in Your Shots, for every one bad letter you get ten good.

Secondly, I?ve stayed away from posting too much about the progress of the Headquarters cause I didn?t want to seem like we turned in to ?Biker Home Improvement?. But recently a few people have mentioned that they liked seeing the pics of the building and following the progress, so next week I?ll show you what?s happened in the last couple of months. I promise not to get carried away.

Third and lastly, I just want to thank all who come to Bikernet and take the time to write to Your Shots, submit your Events, post your Bike Shops, Bars & Hangouts? This really is an exciting time in this industry and being able to spend my days corresponding with you readers, industry leaders, start-up companies be it bike products or apparel, it?s very rewarding and enjoyable.

OK, enough bull-crap, now for the news?

ALL AMERICAN CHOPPERS–Bandit, These came from All American. Check out the Dark Blue custom.

Don

http://www.TheBikerFoundation.com

GREAT SITE YOU GOT THERE BROS– Just Posted an Event with you for Nebraska, We’re a New (REAL) Biker Foundation. Legal with the Man, if you know what I mean.

Send Us a Banner, and we’ll put your Link on Our Site, and Hope you do the Same. All we ask is Spread the Word We’re Here to Try and Help…..

HOT BIKE SUPER SHOW IN IRVINE–YO, Horse Power Promotions artist has been working hard to create this killer One-of-a-kind Hot Bike Super Show tour free t-shirt. Each person that pays the 15 dollar ride-in admission to the Hot Bike Super Shows at The All American Motorcycle Madness May 20-22 in Santa Maria, Ca. The West Coast Super Show June 4th and 5th at Hidden Valley in Irvine, Ca. and the Kentucky Super Show September 10th and 11th in Louisville Ky. will be sporting one of these free tour t-shirts. If you?re not lucky enough to visit one of these motorcycle market places, just click on to http://www.horsepowerpromotions.com and order one for 15 dollars and we will pay the shipping. For more info on these and the Hot Bike Mid State Rally check out the web site.

The Hot Bike Super Show tour is just what it says ,a super bike show. Horse Power Promotions, the tours production and promotions team has pulled out all the stops to create a bike show worthy of being tagged Super Show. You know what I mean, 90% of the bike shows out their give away cheap little plaques like spelling B plaques from second grade. Even though they were always out of my reach. Horse Power Promotions works with some of the craftsmen in our industry like Cycle Smith, Dakota Digital, Ego Tripp, Carriage Works and Joker Machine to come up with some killer one of a kind billet and handle bar awards. First through third place are awarded in at least 17 classes for baggers to bobbers. So get that polishing going. No matter if you have an American V Twin , chopper or a metric bike we have a class for you and a trophy that you will be proud to put in your case.

The Hot Bike All American Motorcycle Madness May 20-22 Santa Maria Ca.
The Hot Bike West Coast Super Show June 4-5 Irvine Ca.
The Hot Bike Mid State Rally Sept. 2-4 Paso Robles Ca.
The Hot Bike Kentucky Super Show Sept. 10-11 Louisville Ky.

For more info check out http://www.horsepowerpromotions.com or call 805-686-2007

1st Sgt. Mike Ferrusi

FROM LAST WEEKS NEWS–We ran the article about Billy Lane and Mike Ferussi, but didn?t have a picture of Mike. Now we do.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MACHINING–As spring reaches most of the United States, auto and motorbike do-it-yourselfers are turning to eMachineShop http://www.emachineshop.com/, the world’s first online factory for customized parts. EMachineShop.com is helping customers ready vehicles for the road and track, restore classic cars and prepare motorcycles for rides in the coming good weather.

In just the past week, eMachineShop.com has produced parts for automobile shifter brackets and linkages, brake dust shields, and windshield wiper arms. Motorcyclists have created customized parts for handlebars, locking and brake mechanisms, tank spacers and engine crankshafts.

“Customization of cars and motorcycles is extremely popular, and gear-heads often need to quickly, inexpensively and accurately obtain specialized parts made from steel, aluminum, brass, plastic and just about any other industrial material, “ said Jim Lewis, eMachineShop.com president.

“Automotive enthusiasts are a very demanding breed,” continued Mr. Lewis “yet most franchise auto parts retailers simply cannot meet their needs with off-the-shelf parts. Therefore, obtaining exactly the right part for an out-of-production 1960 Sunbeam Alpine sports car, or a special saddlebag bracket for a Harley-Davidson low-rider means looking in new places. eMachineShop.com is an innovative solution offering the easiest, most cost-effective way to turn ideas into real 3D parts at both prototype and production quantities. Car, truck and motorcycle applications are by far the most common specialized parts we create,” he said.

eMachineShop.com drives the solution

Until now, someone needing a custom part had to buy and learn expensive and complex CAD software, make technical drawings, locate a machine shop, find a way to transmit the drawings to the machine shop, discuss the design with an accomplished machinist, sift through numerous price quotations, and eventually get the part – often paying much more than necessary while adding weeks of delay. Via the Internet, eMachineShop.com has put computing horsepower where it will do the most good – right at the fingertips of the customizer, restorer, racing technician and shade-tree mechanic.

eMachineShop is a subsidiary of Micro Logic, a privately held technology organization located at 666 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Telephone 201-447-9120.

Web site: http://www.emachineshop.com/.

FAR OUT LEATHER–My name is Dror Shalita and I own Far Out Leather in Needham, MA. We import tanned ostrich leather from our family owned ostrich farm in South Africa. In recent weeks I have been receiving unusual increase in volume of inquiries regarding ostrich leather for motorcycle seats and automotive upholstery.

Incase you also got inquiries or need ostrich leather, we offer:

1. The right ostrich skins for the job. We have the capacity to produce exactly what you like.
2. Custom tanning to your needs (water and UV protection)in standard and metallic colors.
3. All the advice you need for making the best custom ostrich leather job.
4. Ostrich leather accessories for motorcycles and other motor sports.

More information about our ostrich skins is available at http://www.faroutleather.com

Thank you
Dror Shalita
Far Out Leather
60 Nardone Rd.
Needham, MA, 02492
tel: 781-400-1054

WHO THE FUCK!?– Hey Bandit!! Can you make out that shirt? Bring back any hazy memories? My 2nd tattoo at Samy’s in Frankfurt, Germany during the 70’s…Having fun in the military mom!

You can almost make out the duct tape on the right boot in the one image, hell yea, Good Times!

That one image is from the night of our party for the movie The Wild One, first time it had shown on base. Heilbron, Germany, 22nd Maintenance Company.

RFR

BUELL ANNOUNCES NEW 2005 RACING CONTINGENCY PROGRAM–
More than $200,000 in Cash Contingencies Offered to Privateer Buell Racers
MILWAUKEE (April 21, 2005) ? Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced a new addition to its racing support program for 2005, with $134,350 in contingency paid to racers aboard Buell motorcycles in multiple regional race series. Combined with the already announced $70,500 support for the Formula USA National Thunderbike series, privateer Buell racers will be chasing more than $200,000 of cash contingencies at race tracks across the U.S. in 2005.

The new program pays cash to Buell racers competing in Championship Cup Series (CCS) Expert and Amateur Thunderbike class, Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) Battle of the Twins (BOTT) Middleweight Expert class, Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA) Formula Thunder Expert class and All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) Hot Street class. Any year and model Buell motorcycle is eligible for the contingency program and racers should contact the racing organizations to receive the Buell contingency form with complete program details.

For more details go to http://www.buell.com or contact the race series organizers listed above.

?As a former privateer racer, I understand and appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to compete week in and week out. We?re proud to support the efforts of Buell racers nationwide,? said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company.

To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or go to http://www.buell.com.

BOOMERS HAVE A TICKET TO RIDE–MOTORCYCLES: The market for two-wheel excitement continues to grow, fueled by middle-class baby boomers.
BY RICK BARRETT
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
MILWAUKEE – Ken and Jessica Sierszen are the kind of bikers the motorcycle industry just can’t get too many of.He rides an American Iron Horse chopper. She rides a Buell motorcycle and completed a Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge program aimed at getting women and younger riders into the sport.

The residents of Bay View, Wis., come from a middle-class background, aren’t shy about spending money on their bikes and plan to ride for decades. That’s exactly what the U.S. motorcycle industry wants as the baby boomer generation pushes the middle-age envelope.

“My interest will always be on two wheels,” Ken, 42, said. “As long as I am healthy enough to ride, I will keep going.”

Thank goodness for the baby boomers, born between about 1946 and 1964.They’ve been the driving force behind two major expansions in motorcycle sales during the past 40 years, according to David Anders, a Merrill Lynch analyst in New York.And the baby boomers aren’t finished yet, as many reach their peak income-earning years.

Given that an average boomer is 49 years old, they will continue to ride another 10 or 15 years, Anders said in a research report released in March.Even a 2 percent increase in motorcycle sales to this generation would result in about 750,000 new riders, and that’s probably a conservative number, Anders said.With kids in college and more free time, baby boomers have returned to motorcycling after at least a few years on the sidelines or having never been in the sport.

Since 1995, U.S. motorcycle registrations have increased from 3.8 million to nearly 6 million at the end of 2004. Baby boomers are in the driver’s seat of the current expansion, Anders said.

“Not surprisingly, between 1990 and 2003, motorcycle ownership rates among baby boomers increased 44 percent, versus only 6 percent with non-baby boomers,” he said.

Harley-Davidson has fueled much of the growth, too, Anders noted.Nearly 75 percent of all highway motorcycles sold in the United States in 2004 were cruisers and touring bikes, which are the categories where Harley has done well. The company significantly improved its product quality and selection, upgraded its dealership network, and launched effective marketing campaigns, Anders said.

“And the potential customers were right there: the baby boomers,” he said.

Harley-Davidson, which skated on the edge of bankruptcy in the 1980s, was in the right place at the right time in the 1990s, said Bob Simonson, an analyst with William Blair & Co. in Chicago.Consumers went on a buying binge from 1995 to 2000.

“They bought just about anything you put in the store, and that included Harleys,” Simonson said.

Harley’s sales outlook remains solid for another decade, but the motorcycle icon can’t rely on baby boomers to stay in the saddle forever, he said.

“When these guys reach their mid-60s, they may not be buying motorcycles the way they used to,” Simonson said. “At different times in your life, you do different things.”

Harley sales won’t fall off a cliff when the baby boomers reach their senior years, but the company won’t have the wind at its back, either, analysts say.The percentage of young motorcycle owners has consistently fallen for more than 20 years, according to Anders.

In 1980, for example, nearly 25 percent of bike owners were between 18 and 24 years old. In 2003, that age group represented less than 11 percent of the owners.Harley officials would not comment on demographic trends. But the company knows it must bridge a generation gap between baby boomers and younger riders, said Donald Brown, a motorcycle industry economist in Irvine, Calif.

Harley has tried to narrow the gap through bikes such as the V-Rod, a sport bike that appeals to some younger riders, and a separate line of Buell motorcycles aimed at riders who otherwise would be on Japanese-made bikes.But the V-Rod is too expensive for many first-time motorcycle buyers, and so far it hasn’t been a great success, Brown said.With a wide range of smaller, less-expensive bikes in their stables, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have an advantage over Harley when it comes to recruiting younger riders, according to Brown.

The price of an on-highway motorcycle has increased almost fivefold during the past 20 years, Anders said.

“Considering the additional insurance costs and the necessary gear, motorcycling has become an expensive passion to pursue, especially for young people,” he said.

Since the 1990s, consumers have had more entertainment options, from more-sophisticated video games to faster, user-friendly motor scooters. Attitudes toward motorcycles also have changed, Anders said.

“Some argue that motorcycles have evolved from a symbol of anti-establishment in the 1960s and 1970s to a prestige and status symbol of the establishment,” Anders said. “Adults demonstrate their youthfulness with their powerful motorcycles, whereas young people look for other activities… to express their rebellion.”But the trend toward fewer young people owning motorcycles might be slowing.One reason is the growing popularity of custom bikes such as the Orange County Chopper that have been given generous amounts of media exposure through reality television shows. The TV shows have struck a chord with a young audience, as well as baby boomers, and will help increase motorcycle sales, analysts said.They’ve given custom bike builders more credibility with people who might not be hard-core riders, said Jamie Strasser, president and owner of Jamie’s Customs, a Big Bend, Wis., motorcycle dealership.

“It’s almost like the stock market,” Strasser said. “People see their friends and neighbors getting into it, and they jump in, too.”

Harley has set a goal of producing a record 400,000 motorcycles in 2007. The company will need between 8 percent and 9 percent annual sales growth to reach that target, according to analysts.

In a survey of 20 Harley dealerships in 19 states in March, only 11 dealers, or 55 percent, said they thought Harley could sustain 8 percent to 9 percent sales growth during the next three years, according to Piper Jaffray Co., a Minneapolis investment firm.

“This is down from an 80 percent dealer response in our September 2004 survey,” said Anthony Gikas, a Piper Jaffray analyst.“I think it’s highly unlikely that Harley’s business will start heading down,” he said. “But the standing question is whether they can increase sales enough” to meet ambitious sales goals.

Harley can still get plenty of mileage from the baby boomers, at least for another seven years or so, according to Anders.

“The boomers have been the major customers and growth drivers of the motorcycle industry for a long time,” he said.

Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com

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NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

FEDERAL HIGHWAY FUNDING BILL ON THE MOVE AGAIN — Following six deadline extensions since October 2003, the massive federal highway funding bill is on the move again, this time passing the House on March 10th by an overwhelming 417-9 vote.

The House version, H.R.3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), contains several motorcycle safety provisions including providing federal grant money to promote rider training and motorcycle awareness.

With the current extension expiring on May 31st, the Senate has yet to introduce their version of the comprehensive highway funding bill. Once the Senate passes their own highway bill, both measures will go to a conference committee to iron out any differences and then would go to the President for his signature or veto.

In other news from the Capital, Senate Bill S.577, the HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act (Senators Susan Collins R-Maine and Russ Feingold D-WI) “To promote health care coverage parity for individuals participating in legal recreational activities or legal transportation activities” was re-introduced on March 9 and is essentially the same bill as last year. S.577 would close a loophole that allows health insurance providers to deny medical coverage to insureds who are injured while participating in so-called “risky activities” such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, horseback riding and other legal activities. The Senate passed similar legislation last session, but time ran out before the House of Representatives could act on it.

MOTORCYCLE CLUBS OPPOSE PATRIOT ACT– Sacramento, April 9, 2005 (AP) — The Northern California Confederation of Clubs, representing 41 motorcycle clubs – including the Hells Angels and the Vagos – is asking its members to send letters to their senators opposing the USA Patriot Act. They also oppose California’s Gang Abatement Act and a similar measure now before Congress (S 155, HR 970), according to an article appearing in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

According to Nick Vales, a Vagos member and founder of the Sacramento Bill of Rights Society, the California Justice Department classifies Hells Angels and Vagos as “motorcycle gangs” and treats them the same as street gangs. Critics call this a form of group profiling.

“We are not a gang,” said Vales. “Last year we raised money for Christmas presents for the kids at the Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home and donated $1,000 to a school for disabled children in Auburn. In August we sponsor a campout for our own kids.”

The federal legislation contains several provisions similar to the Patriot Act, but unlike the Patriot Act, these provisions don’t have a “sunset clause,” i.e. they are not subject to periodic review and possible expiration. “If they lose those parts of the Patriot Act, they will still have them in the gang law,” Vales said.

Under the California Gang Abatement Act, a misdemeanor charge (“like spitting on the sidewalk,” said Vales) automatically becomes a felony if you are identified as a gang member, and a six-month sentence can be increased to five or 10 years. It also becomes a strike against you under California’s Three-Strike law.

People are being coerced by the threat of long sentences to sign a statement admitting to being a gang member. “This would make me a ‘person of interest’ under the Patriot Act,” Vales said.

“Because of the vagueness of the legislation, if I go to see my brother in Chicago, I can be charged with money laundering because I take cash across a state line and am identified with a motorcycle club.”

“Our club also has ties in other countries, such as Mexico and Japan,” Vales said. “If I give a club brother in Mexico $100, I could be charged with supporting terrorism in another country. Even collecting dues for any club or association can be called money laundering.

“As a young man I volunteered for the military,” he said. “Now they are trying to tell me what to wear, who I can associate with, what causes I can fight for. We’re trying to educate all our people that they have rights and should stand up for their rights.”

BIKERS LOBBY AGAINST NEVADA HELMET LAW– Motorcyclists showed up in force in Carson City to back a bill that would let them ride without helmets if they’re at least 21 years old. Senate Bill 151, sponsored by Sen. Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas, would remove the helmet requirement for adults who have been riding for at least a year and who have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course. Also, passengers over 21 wouldn’t have to wear helmets.

“We believe that the real issue is freedom of choice, and there is a double standard,” said Rick Eckhardt, a Reno-area resident who questioned why skiers, horseback riders and rock climbers don’t have helmet requirements. Eckhardt of the Northern Nevada Coalition of Motorcyclists told the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee he would still wear his helmet 95 percent of the time, but would like the option not to “when it’s 114 degrees in Las Vegas.”

Beers said 26 states have some sort of helmet law depending on the age of riders, four have no law, and 20 states and the District of Columbia require helmets of all riders.

“I’m not a motorcycle rider. To me this is not about obviously having the wind blow through my hair, but instead about personal freedom and liberty,” said Beers who doesn’t have a full head of hair. “My concern is that when the government mandates a helmet, it propagates the myth that government can be your parent.”

“Education is the key, not helmets or insurance,” said Donald Boyer, senior director of Motorcyclists for Nevada. “Let me ask you: If we took all of the motorcycles off the road today, could we close down just one hospital? I wouldn’t think s

o.”

AUSTRALIAN POLICE WANT TO BAN BIKER PATCHES — Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan wants laws toughened to crack down further on outlaw “bikie gangs”. The police legal services team is reviewing possible legislation, including that affecting bikers, and Commissioner O’Callaghan will take his proposals to Police Minister Michelle Roberts within weeks, according to March 13 The Sunday Times.

South-West district Supt. Ron Randall wants the reforms to include a ban on bikers wearing their colors in public. And they should be stopped from riding in groups bigger than four when moving between towns, he said.

“All I’m saying is that the environment may now be conducive to some debate on this issue, whether or not there is a need for reforms and separate legislation, and whether or not this is viable,” he said.

Reforms that might result from such debate would benefit the community because police resources now used to deal with “bikies” could be used elsewhere, he said.

TROOPER TELLS 911 CALLER “TOO BAD” — A Connecticut state trooper was suspended for 15 days without pay after he was recorded on a 911 tape saying “too bad” to a caller seeking help for a man injured in a motorcycle accident, reported the Associated Press on March 22, 2005.

State police said the dismissive answer caught on tape by Trooper Robert Peasley did not affect the response time to the accident involving Justin Sawyer, 21, who died of a severe head injury a week after the accident last August.

Russell Shepard, a friend of Sawyer’s, called 911, which was routed to the state police barracks in Montville, CT. When he reported the accident, officer Peasley said, “Yeah … too bad,” and hung up, according to the audio tape obtained by WTNH-TV.

Shepard said he was shocked, believing he had reached a wrong number. So another friend made a second call. “Yeah,” the officer responded. “Help will get there. Shouldn’t be playing games.”

A third emergency call was finally answered by a different dispatcher, who asked about Sawyer’s condition and advised those nearby not to touch him.

“I am absolutely outraged every time I hear that ‘too bad’ and then click,” said Sawyer’s father, Jim Sawyer. “I only know that I would have felt a whole lot more comfortable if I had heard people responding on the end of that 911 call with some heart and caring.”

State police said the comments by Peasley, an 18-year-veteran, were unprofessional, and the agency apologized if “our actions added to the family’s pain.”

WEIRD NEWS: HYDROGEN-POWERED MOTORCYCLE IS TOO QUIET– The world’s first hydrogen-powered motorcycle has been launched in Britain. It can reach 50mph in 12 seconds, produces no emissions and is as quiet as a laptop computer – but that could be a problem. While anti-noise groups welcome the prospect of a quiet motorcycle, engineers are considering adding an artificial “vroom” as they worry its silence might be dangerous.

Harry Bradbury, chief executive of manufacturer Intelligent Energy, said: “There has never been a silent bike produced, so no one is used to it.” As it goes forward towards production, we’re going to give thought to some light noise modulation.” He is planning to introduce an artificial engine noise which could be used in an urban setting to alert other road users but switched off in the countryside to allow for a peaceful ride. The bike is powered by a briefcase-sized cell filled with high-pressure hydrogen, which needs to be refilled every 100 miles.

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH —and a member of ABATE of California has suggested a new driving game to promote awareness of motorcycles sharing the road with other vehicles.

Most of us grew up in the back of mom and dad’s car playing driving games such as “slug bug” or “punch buggy” when you’re the first to spot a VW “bug” on the road, or more recently “Cruiser Bruiser” for kids who see a PT Cruiser cruising alongside the family sedan.

Cathryne Darmer of ABATE of California suggests a new twist on the old road games with “Chopper Chop”; where the first one to notice a motorcycle gets to render a harmless karate chop to the leg of their traveling companion. The idea is to teach kids to play the game and instill awareness of motorcycles in traffic. Adds a new meaning to “Look Out For Motorcycles!”

MUSICAL “THE RIDE” DEPICTS RUN FOR THE WALL– As Memorial Day looms closer and riders across the country plan their annual trek to Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on May 29 for Rolling Thunder, perhaps a side trip to West Springfield, Massachusetts is in order. A musical that portrays the emotional aftershocks of the Vietnam War will be presented by the Theater Project at the Majestic Theater entitled “The Ride,” an original work by Theater Project founder Danny Eaton and Majestic Theater Music Director Mitch Chakour, which will run April 21 – May 29 at the 230-seat theater.

Described as “a patriotic love story – with motorcycles!” the story focuses on a successful engineer who decides to take his first Memorial Day weekend journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Eaton, a Marine Corp veteran who served from 1965 to 1970, participated in his first Run for the Wall in 2003. He acknowledges what he calls “the unquestioning sense of brotherhood among all military vets,” but notes that Vietnam veterans “kept P.O.W./M.I.A. issues top-of-mind more than any other group of vets. This play is a tip of the hat to their nobility.”

“The Ride” will be directed by Zoya Kachadurian. Mitch Chakour composed the score. Eaton and Chakour wrote the lyrics. Tickets for the play range from $17 – $25 and can be ordered by calling the box office at (413) 747-7797.

(NOT SO) QUOTABLE QUOTES:– “They are the scourge on our highway. They are an epidemic..They continue to clog the trauma centers of America.”

Dr. Jeffery W. Runge, Administrator

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Referring to motorcyclists in a speech during the Safety Awards Luncheon at the annual Lifesavers Convention in Charlotte, NC
– March 14, 2005

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW FROM COMPU-FIRE, STURGIS TRIP PLANNING, BILLY LANE AND BOB T.’S A GRAMPA

I KNOW IT?S ONLY WEDNESDAY–But we?re outta here to Laughlin maybe tonight. We were thinking about heading out at the crack of dawn tomorrow, but I think we should drive all night so we can lounge by the pool with drink in hand tomorrow instead.

Sorry the news is short; we?ll make up for it on Sunday in the Post. ~~Layla

PM CONTOUR MID CONTROLS–We?re seeing more and more builders experimenting with mid mounted foot controls and it looks like the aftermarket may have noticed, as well! These absolutely gorgeous mid controls are a product of Performance Machine and the prolific mind of Roland Sands. The left side is designed to hang from PM?s Contour Belt Drive Primary, and the right side is available for both a traditional drive bike (control mounts off of PM?s clutch slave) or a totally integrated hydraulic clutch slave and rear brake assembly for right side drive bikes.

The detail on these parts is amazing and they are available with a rubber wrapped peg, as well as a trick knurled aluminum peg. PM says they?ll make then in Polished, Chrome or black anodized finish!.

For more information, call or write to:

Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle,
La Palma, CA 90623
714-523-3000
http://www.performancemachine.com

TO THOSE WHO SAY MOTORCYCLING IS DANGEROUS–“Everything is dangerous if you’re stupid.”

Nick Roberts

RON HOUNIET WINS FIRST SCREAMIN? EAGLE NITRO HARLEY EXHIBITION OF THE NHRA SEASON–LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 18, 2005) ? There was a little luck behind Ron Houniet?s victory during the first Screamin? Eagle Nitro Harley event at the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Houniet beat Greg Grove on a motorcycle owned by legendary rider, Ray Price, during the final round of the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Houniet qualified fourth in the eight-bike field with a 6.610-second run at 211.73 mph. He turned in a 7.680-second pass at 124.59 mph in the final race on Sunday against Grove, who fouled at the starting line, immediately handing the victory to Houniet.

“You never want to win on the red light, but sometimes it just happens that way,” Houniet said. “We had a couple of lucky breaks this weekend and it’s fitting we’re in Las Vegas of all places, but I think consistency was really the key for us. We kept making runs in the 6’s and it would have been nice to make bigger improvements along the way, but I’m real happy with the victory.”

The race was the first of three stops on the NHRA tour for the Nitro Harley-Davidsons. The top 10 Screamin’ Eagle Nitro riders from the AHDRA (All Harley-Davidson Racing Association) are invited to make the special appearance at the NHRA event. Houniet was more than happy to participate in an extra weekend of racing.

“Being here and being able to race with the likes of John Force, Larry Dixon and everyone else is just great,” Houniet said. “We love coming out here and it’s good exposure for the sport.”

The next stop on the NHRA tour for the Nitro Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn., April 29- May 1. The final appearance will be at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., Sept. 29- Oct. 2.

AMACC CAR SHOW–The Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce Car Show Committee is currently planning the 4th Annual Classic Car and Bike Show (including swap meet and craft show) to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005.

We would like to offer your company the opportunity to have promotional items in our participant goody bags. We will be putting together 200 goody bags on May 13, 2005. All items can be shipped to the address below.

If you are interested in a vendor booth or how to participate in the car show please see attached flyer. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for your time and support! Have a GREAT day!

Brandy Crain
Alvin Convention & Visitors Bureau
105 W. Willis
Alvin, Texas 77511
Phone: 281-585-3359
Fax: 281-585-8662
alvincvb@alvintexas.org

BILLY LANE RIDES WITH RANGERS– Billy Lane Rides with returning Ranger?s out of Hunter Army Airfield
At Daytona Bike Week, Billy Lane worked on a bike that belonged to 1st Sgt. Mike Ferrusi during the Blood Sweat & Gears Tour. Mike?s wife wanted to surprise him while he was gone by adding a few parts to his bike, to do it right; she sent a letter to Billy Lane asking for parts advice. Billy chose to use that opportunity as a tool to thank service men overseas for what they do─ fight for our freedom. Billy brought Mike?s bike on stage daily and rebuilt it resulting in a unique Choppers Inc bike.

Following the build in Daytona, Billy promised to personally deliver the bike to Mike when he returned. Mike and his entire battalion returned last week to Savannah, GA. Over the past several weeks, Billy worked behind the scenes with the Hunter Army Airfield officials to be a part of their annual deployment ride. Attending the ride was Billy?s surprise for Mike and the whole crew at Hunter Army Airfield.

Thursday morning nearly one hundred riders saddled up for the 5th annual deployment ride. Billy rode up just before they left on 1st Sgt. Ferrusi?s bike and proudly handed it off with a heartfelt thank you adding; ?I?m here. I live a dream life. I ride motorcycles for a living and do what I love and these guys are out fighting for OUR freedom. I thought this would be the least I could do to thank them? said Lane.

Following the formal presentation of the bike, Billy and Ferrusi led the crowd on a 60 mile ride out of the Hunter Army Airfield.

?His generosity and support are unbelievable,? said 1st Sgt. Ferrusi. ?When I called home in March and learned that I was on the phone ?live? with Billy Lane at the Blood Sweat & Gears Tour in Daytona, I could not believe my ears. Then to see what he and the Choppers Inc crew had done to my bike via satellite, I was speechless. I thought that was the end and was so pleased, but it just kept coming, before I knew it, Billy was headed to Savannah riding my bike to present it to me in person. What a welcome home!? said Ferrusi.

Blood Sweat & Gears stops in Laughlin, NV next where a new bike project will begin. Billy will begin customizing a 2005 Heritage Springer provided by Carolina Harley-Davidson in Gastonia, NC. ?Some lucky person will be handed the keys to this bike when it is done.? said Lane, someone will get it just for coming to see us on the Tour?.

Following Laughlin, Blood Sweat & Gears will be at the Broken Spoke in Myrtle Beach, SC.

For Blood Sweat & Gears Tour sponsorship information, please contact Chrome Marketing Inc at 612-940-6115. Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is owned and copyrighted by Psycho Billy LLC, affiliated with Choppers Inc and Billy Lane. http://www.choppersinc.com

GOOD, BETTER, BEST– A Denver, Co policeman had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, but wasn’t getting many. Then, he discovered the problem – a 12-year-old boy was standing up the road with a hand painted sign, which read “RADAR TRAP AHEAD”.

The officer then found a young accomplice down the road with a sign reading “TIPS” and a bucket full of money. (And we used to just sell lemonade!)

BETTER A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated radar post in Vail, CO. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40. The police responded with another mailed shot of handcuffs.

BEST A young woman was pulled over for speeding. As the Colorado State Trooper walked to her car window, flipping open his ticket book, she said, “I bet you are going to sell me a ticket to the State Troopers Ball.”

He replied, “Colorado State Troopers Don’t Have Balls!”

There was a moment of silence while she smiled, and he realized what he’d just said. He then closed his book, got back in his patrol car and left. She was laughing too hard to start her car.

A WORD FROM ROGUE–This is Not a Good Bill. It was tried last year and defeated.It raises Money for the State but Does Nothing To Increase Penalties For Crashes, Injured or Killed People.Contact your Legislator and tell them not to pass without Loss Of License for Injury and Jail For Causing A Death.The State Does Not Need More Money and when you look at where the money goes it does not address the problem. ROGUE

Lawmakers back tough red-light penalties
By Sean Mussenden
Tallahassee bureau

TALLAHASSEE — As the parents of two young Orlando girls killed by a red-light runner watched stoically, the state House gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a law that would more than double fines for drivers who do not obey traffic signals.

The “Velez Memorial Traffic Safety Act” was named after 5-year-old Anjelica Velez and her sister, 2-year-old Victoria Velez, who were struck and killed by a sport utility vehicle that police said ran a red light on Goldenrod Road last fall.

The bill would increase the fine for running a red light from $60 to $125 and funnel the extra money to hospital trauma centers. It also would increase the number of license points from three to four as penalty for running a red light.

The girls’ father, Ivan Velez, said increasing the penalty for running a red light is a “good first step” toward preventing others from suffering as his family has.

Rep. Dean Cannon, a Winter Park Republican who sponsored the legislation, said he hopes the increased penalties will force drivers to think twice before going through an intersection after the light has changed.

“An enhanced penalty will impact behavior,” he said after the bill won approval without any debate.

State records show that in 2003, red-light runners caused 8,900 crashes that led to 115 deaths and about 13,000 injuries.

The legislation (HB 497) appears to have broad support in the House and is expected to gain final approval later this week.

A similar bill (SB 1264) is moving through the Senate.

As the House passed the measure Tuesday, Ivan and his wife, Yamilka Velez, looked on with approval from the visitors gallery. In October, Yamilka Velez was pushing Victoria in a stroller across Goldenrod in east Orange County.

Her other daughter was walking a few steps ahead when police say 22-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Townsend drove her SUV through a red light.

Townsend was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide last month. She has pleaded not guilty.

After the vote, Ivan Velez said he was happy lawmakers were moving to increase the penalty. “Florida has a major issue with people running red lights,” he said. “It’s a start. This is just the beginning of what’s needed.”

But the state Legislature has so far rejected the idea of passing a law to allow cameras at intersections to catch violators.

House Speaker Allan Bense said before the legislative session that he would block any legislation aimed at bringing red-light cameras to the state, calling it unnecessary “government intrusion.”

The devices are used in 19 states but are illegal in Florida. This year, efforts to introduce them to the state have stalled in both the House and Senate, something that has happened for years.

Proponents of the devices say it would help catch red-light runners and prevent hundreds of accidents per year. Opponents say it would invade drivers’ privacy.

Even Cannon, who pushed the bill in honor of the Velez children, said installing cameras at intersections would be going too far.

“I don’t like the idea of a mechanical device issuing a penalty, and a lot of people feel the same way,” he said.

Rogue

FROM THE LAND OF OZ–The garage was finally clean and I knew there was no way left to avoid going to the grocery store (Mrs. Oz had put milk and bread on the list) a dangerous mission, but nevertheless a necessary one. Knowing the spandex wearing bicycle riders, PETA people, and other scum that I might encounter on the run, the choice of the proper sidearm was one not to be taken lightly.

As I approached the Oz Armory I considered my choices. The Desert Eagle .50 cal., loaded with the Speer Gold Dot Action Express 325 gr. soft point or the Magnaported S&W .44 sporting the Federal 180 gr. fmj. seemed slightly heavy for this trip. (Even the most aggressive spandex wearer generally won’t be found in an APC.) As I looked over my selection my eyes came to rest on the ever popular Browning Hi-Power 9mm, loaded with the 115 grain Parabellum round, but when you think of the Krishnas and the signature gatherers that might get between you and the dairy case you had better have a little more stopping power so I picked the crowd pleasing H&K USP Compact in .40 cal., sporting Speer 180 grain with a full metal jacket.

I slipped the H&K into its breakaway paddle holster and the rig into my waistband and headed out into the world knowing I was prepared. Just then a thought crossed my mind “Agent Who?”

Oz

TIME FOR A CUTIE BREAK–Hey man, just a few shots of some hunnies and a bike or two from the Laval, Quebec “Classic Bike and Tattoo” show.

Later
Bill

BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT–I am writing this Tuesday night. I just got back from the town planning committee meeting for STEALTH BIKE WORKS and it was approved by all 10 members! That is the good news. Well there really isn’t any bad news, I have one more meeting to attend, the town council meeting, May 9th. The bad news is I can not get my business liicense until May 10th. You asked what is the difference between the town planning committee and the town council? That is a good question because I don’t know! They told me I was cool to sign the lease so I guess that is all that matters.

I have waited all my life for this so I guess a little set back with time won’t kill me. We still need another couple of weeks to get the building ready and equipment in place. This up coming weekend , the crew and I are planning on getting a lot done. You know when you decide to do something like this, you think of more things that need to be done each day. Right now the list consists of getting the power on, phones. security, insurance, equipment, signs, etc. These should go pretty smoothly since I have everything in place to make them happen.

Something else you go through when you decide to go out on your own are the ups and downs. Thankfully I have “THE MEANEST” to even them out. Like she always tells me “You know motorcycles and I know everything else!” Hey I bet a lot of you out there have a wife or girlfriend who tells you the same thing!

Another thing I am getting in place are our vendors. Right now we are getting hooked up with Custom Chrome, Drag Specialties, Kury-Akn, Teds V-Twin, Mid-USA, Gardner Westcott, S&S and Mustang just to name a few.

I don’t have our phone number as of now but I have the address:

STEALTH BIKE WORKS
14113 East Independence Blvd.
Matthews NC 28104

This Saturday I have been asked to judge a D.A.R.E bike show for the kids. I am honored to have the privilege and I am proud that I was asked. I think while I am there Saturday and the crew is hard at work, I will pass out a few SBW flyers. Hey, I think I like this boss thing! Ha! Ha! I think I will wear my BIKERNET t-shirt and hat to promote the best biker website out there!

Hey, you know life is good even though you go through some bad, some tough and even some tragic times it all has a way of balancing and sooner or later if you “keep pounding” you get to where you want to be. So keep punching! That is a wrap!

Until next time!

STEALTHMAN

WELCOME THE NEWEST BIKERNET READER– Now I know I am getting old, I am now a grandfather. I almost forgot it`s a girl, “Brianna Elizabeth Lee”

Bob T

SAMSON SPONSORS THE AHDRA PRO MODIFIED– Samson Motorcycle Products is now sponsoring the AHDRA Pro Modified Class for the 2005-2006 National Points Series. Samson will design and coordinate special long-term promotions with Ray Price Racing to maximize exposure of our products and Ray Price Racing. ?The name Ray Price is synonymous with Harley Davidson drag racing and we are proud to be able to sponsor this race team,? said Kenny Price. As title sponsor to Ray Price Racing, we are able to show are support to the industry.

Sponsorship benefits include an official designation spot in prime, central location in Manufacturers? row with full samples and sales rights. All Class awards and trophies will read: ?Samson Pro Modified Winner or Runner Up?. Samson Motorcycle Products name and logo will be added to the Class sponsor section of website with a link to sponsors website. Samson will also have a ?-page full color ad or same value increments in the Speed magazine.

?SAMSON EXHAUST is the industry leader in motorcycle exhaust and Ray Price is the leader in drag racing,? said Nick Trumbo, SAMSON Sales and Marketing Manager. ?It is only natural that Kenny and Ray team up to put the Number 1 plate on Ray?s bike.?

SAMSON Motorcycle Products designs, manufactures, markets and sells premium quality motorcycle exhausts exclusively in Anaheim, California, USA. Every product has been thoroughly tested to improve performance, enhance appearance and give the sound customers are looking for. As the industry leader in aftermarket exhaust, every part is inspected for the highest quality standards. SAMSON Motorcycle Products markets products under the Samson Exhaust?, Caliber? High Performance Exhaust and Shogun? Exhaust brand names.

PRUNO MFG.–What Is It?Pruno Mfg. is a cutting-edge motorcycle parts and apparelcompany. We are based out of Terminal Island, California.Featured are our innovative cut out grips and folding pegsmachined from 6061-T6-billet aluminum and engineered withadded length for comfort. We offer these in 6 differentstyles (cross, diamond, star, spade, fireman, plain) and in3 different finishes (polished, chrome, black anodized).

The grips will fit single or dual cable throttles andinternal throttle models are available upon request. Mostcustom design requests can be accommodated.

We have also just released our new custom billet wheels.There are two designs, ?The Shank? (3 spokeconfiguration) and ?The Nickel Crew? (5 spokeconfiguration). They come in both a solid one-piece designas well as a three-piece design with various finishcombinations. In addition to the wheels, we will bereleasing custom one-off air cleaner covers.

We at Pruno are also proud to announce that we are now aKendall Johnson Customs Authorized Engine Distributor. Wefeel that KJC engines are the most reliable high horsepowerengines on the market today. We will be selling to bothdealers and end users all across the country. So if you areinterested in a KJC built S&S or Ultima El Bruto engine, wecan help you.

Not only do we have unique motorcycle parts but we offer asick clothing line as well. Our ?killer? looking logocombined with the concept of the company name is sure toturn some heads. ?Pruno? for those who don?t know isjailhouse wine generally made from a fruit, ketchup andsugar base. This vile and putrid beast is so potent thattwo gallons is said to be ?a virtual liquor store?enough to get about a dozen people mind-blowingly wasted.

-PRUNO
Come check us out on the web at http://www.prunomfg.com

THE COMPU-FIRE POWER TEAM–The Compu-Fire Power Team Products areavailable for custom builders who will be required to use fuel injectionsystems to meet the new strict emissions regulations established by the EPAfor 2006. FI systems require more electrical energy than carbureted bikesand the controller boxes are sensitive to voltage drops caused by poorlyselected electrical components. Compu-Fire has the products ready to meetthe market’s needs.

The Compu-Fire Gen 3 Starter Motor produces 2kw of power while drawing onlyone half the energy from the battery compared to other starters availabletoday by using a more efficient motor design with six pole permanent magnetsin the field housing and lower ratio planetary reduction gearing. Thesefeatures allow the starter to draw less current, produce motor torque, andeliminate starter stall-out. The new 40 Amp 3 phase charging systems deliver25 amps at an idle and a constant 40 amps above 2800 RPM. The dynamicallybalanced rotor and the precision wound stator are designed to fit the narrowSoftail style primary cases used on most custom bikes and the 3 Phasevoltage regulator will attach to the frame in the standard mounting locationwithout frame mods. A large flanged seal spacer is supplied to giveadditional support to the rotor and vents in the rotor allow the stator torun cooler under heavy electrical load conditions.

For more information orfor a free catalog contact Compu-Fire at 909-598-5485.

BIKERNET/HOT BIKE/STREET CHOPPER/HOT ROD BIKE RIDE TO STURGIS OPEN THE THE PUBLIC–Yep, it’s the third annual HOT BIKE, Bikernet.com, Street Chopper and BikeWorks Charity Ride to Sturgis. I’ll give you a brief rundown: The charityefforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills. We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride alongwarm twisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.

It’s a chance to ride with the staffs of all three mags and thegirls of Bikernet to Sturgis. We’ve designed the ride to be comfortable andentertaining while supporting the Crazy Horse Monument. Each day will cover250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hang out by the pool, hitthe gym, shop in town then have a killer meal. We’re looking for IndustryCompanies to sponsor each evening meal, beginning in Durango, then Aspen andfinally in Cheyenne. We’ll handle all the arrangements, just pick up the taband support our Charity. Full Throttle will take care of our First RallyParty in Sturgis. That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we makeall the arrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.

To get hooked up you need to contact Jorelene, our travel agent andline up hotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and ifyou’re not hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her email address is – carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com.

We can’t wait for the ride.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND–And we?ll be back in a couple of days.

Bandit