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Read More September 30th, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT FROM NORTH CAROLINA–Not a lot to report on this week. It has been kinda slow and quiet. I guess I will just mention a few things that come to mind.
Last weekend was the national open house for Harley-Davidson. To sum it up, more of the same thing. The really strange part is that two of their paint colors are called “Chopper Blue” and “Chopper Pearl Blue.” I don’t get it, but I guess they are trying some way to cash in on the chopper craze?
It is hard to believe summer is over. It seems the older you get the faster time passes by. There is still some good riding weather left to ride around here, but you know inside the cold is coming. With that though comes the winter projects so it is not all gloom and doom.
I’ve ridden for the past week. That’s the best news. No back pain after the surgery. Not being able to ride for 7-1/2 weeks makes me apppreciate my ability to ride in a whole new light.
The A.H.D.R.A drag races come to Rockingham October 9th and 10th. I plan on making the ride to the races. It is always a good time. There is also a swap meet the same weekend in Salisbury, NC, the same site as the Smoke-Out.
I will close out with this, “Remember life is fragile and precious” and that “All men die, yet very few really live!” So go out and live like it’s your last day!
Until next week!
STEALTHMAN
NEW REFLECTIONS FROM PRO-ONE– PRO-ONE has just expanded their unique line of custom mirrors with a group of die cast models designed to offer high quality and cutting edge style at a down to earth price. The DIAMOND, BLADE and IRON CROSS styles, shown here, are just a sample of the new offerings. These three styles are supplied with both 3 ? and 5-inch long stocks. Head sizes vary from 2 ? x 2 ? to 5 long x 3-inch high.
Adjustment tension is made easily using a pair of flush mount cap screws on back. Each of the mirror assemblies is finished in show quality chrome and will fit just about any Custom, Stock Harley or Metric Cruiser model. Starting at just $39.95 these mirrors offer PRO-ONE quality and function at less than half the price of the company?s billet mirrors. For complete details call 800-884-4173 or go to http://www.pro-one.com.
NEW WHITEHORSE CATALOG–You will see for the first time in our catalog a host of quality ridingjackets, pants, boots, gloves and helmets from top manufacturers likeFirstGear, Cortech, Motophoria, and Nolan. After testing here atWhitehorse, we picked these as the best buys available to make your ridingcomfortable, stylish, and enjoyable.
Motorcycle lighting systems from PIAA, and an array of innovative accessorymounting systems from RAM are also new to this catalog. To help you getpower to your electrical accessories, you’ll want to review “A Crash Coursein Motorcycle Electrical Connectors”http://www.whitehorsepress.com/sidebars.php?pID=4484. That will show youwhat’s available for sockets, plugs, cables, and kits in the popularPowerlet line for powering GPS units, battery chargers, cell phones, heatedvests, radar detectors, and more.
And if you want to listen to your favorite music while you ride, or talkwith your passenger without shouting, find out more about our new IMC helmetcommunication systems. They offer trouble-free performance, crystal-clearaudio, and they’re available at prices you’ll like.
Call (800-531-1133) or email CustomerService@WhitehorsePress.com if you havequestions about any of our products, or if we can help you with sizing andselection. Donna, Jeff the Gadget Guy, and Kelly know all of our productswell and enjoy taking the time to get you just what you need and want.
Whitehorse Press
107 East Conway Road
Center Conway, NH 03813-4012
603-356-6556
7th ANNUAL OKLAHOMA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ALL HARLEY DRAGS– this Saturday Nite October 2nd at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble Oklahoma just south of Oklahoma City. A FINE contingent of Top Fuel Harleys – Top Alcohol Harleys & All types of Sportsman Trophy Harley Racers running everything from Hot Street Stockers to Monster Motored Choppers to Drag Modified Harleys are HEADING to THUNDER VALLEY RACEWAY PARK.
Along with the “BIG DRAGS” there’ll be a CHOPPER BIKE SHOW – LIVE BANDS – FIREWORKS –
THE ASPHALT COWBOYS STUNT TEAM & MORE!!!!!! — YOU BE THERE TOO !!!
CHECK OUT – WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM
WELD RACING–A NEW WHEEL PROCESS AND EVENT– ‘FORGEWIRE’ is the first of a new line of billet wheels from Weld, and is to be known as the ‘Flare Series’.Made from a single piece of billet aluminum, these wheels have the appearance of wire wheels.
The light weight and strength inherent in one-piece construction is also said to greatly reduce the possibility of run out at the rim. Styling effects can be carried on to the hub and add to a 3-D effect created by the revolving wheel.The aluminum used is virgin, aircraft-quality material.
Finished wheels are backed by a lifetime structural warranty, with the chrome guaranteed for five years.The Flare Series will only be available for post-2000 models and the current range of sizes is 18 x 10.5, 18 x 8.5, 21 x 3.25 and 21 x 2.15in.
The new series of wheels will be on display at Weld’s first annual Burn-Out and BBQ.This takes place on Saturday, October 9th, at the company headquarters in Kansas City.Attractions include a Pit Crew Challenge, tours of the plant and displays of show cars, race cars and motorcycles.Music, food and drink will be provided and there is a promise of ‘plenty of burn-outs’.WELD RACING MOTORCYCLEDiamond Bar, California, USATel: 909 861 9422 (Toll free 866 753 4289)Fax: 909 861 9344E-mail: JAY LENO SUES ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS– News on the radio in Florida is that Jay Leno is suing Orange County Choppers because the bike they built for him has serious problems, and they can?t or will not fix it. Ha No Surprise There. There was also a mention that Leno was not the only one complaining about motorcycles from them. Rogue INDIAN LARRY MEMORIAL–I’ve received a number of e-mails asking about Indian Larry. The news travels slow in some parts, so here’s Rogue’s tribute to the man for all who missed the sad news.–Bandit I know you have all heard the name Indian Larry. You have read about him and seen him on TV. You have seen him on the Discovery Channel and Biker Build-Offs around the country. Some of you even had the opportunity to meet him. By now you know that he died doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle while at the Liquid Steel Show Bike Show in Charlotte North Carolina. Larry was performing his famous Iron Cross demonstration for a crowd estimated to be over 8,000 where he stands on the seat of his motorcycle and rides it while his arms are outstretched. For some reason the bike slowed and acted erratic throwing him to the ground. He was airlifted to the hospital but never regained consciousness. A Memorial Service was held for him at his shop located at 151 N. 14th Street in Brooklyn New York on September 19, 2004. The streets surrounding the shop for 3 blocks in any direction were full of motorcycles and people that came to pay their respects. This included many well known motorcycle people in the industry from all over the country, people that knew him personally, clubs, organizations, those that knew about him and even some of the motorcycle squad from the New York Police Department. The turn out was tremendous and rightfully so. Many people had private ceremonys prior and after the official one. Larry left us way to soon, but he did leave his mark on all of us in one way or another. Good News is that the Shop Will Continue to Stay Open and keep his memory alive Tattooed on Larry’s throat was IN GOD WE TRUST, VENGENCE IS MINE SAYETH THE LORD. NO FEAR Long will we remember this man ! INDIAN LARRY 1949 – 2004 –ROGUE YOU MIGHT BE A FLORIDIAN IF– YOU EXHIBIT A SLIGHT TWITCH WHEN INTRODUCED TO ANYONE NAMED IVAN,FRANCES OR CHARLEY. YOUR FREEZER NEVER HAS MORE THAN $20 WORTH OF FOOD IN IT YOU’RE LOOKING AT PAINT SWATCHES FOR THE PLYWOOD COVERING YOURWINDOWS, TO ACCENT THE HOUSE COLOR YOU THINK OF YOUR HALL CLOSET/SAFE ROOM AS “COZY” YOUR POOL IS MORE APTLY DESCRIBED AS “FRAMED IN” NOT “SCREENED IN” YOU TOO HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER YOU NOW UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT “LITTLE 29% HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLE” PHRASE MEANS YOUR STREET HAS 3 “NO WAKE” SIGNS YOU STOP TO CLAP AND WAVE WHEN YOU SEE THE CONVOY OF POWER TRUCKS YOUR THERAPIST REFERS TO YOUR CONDITION AS “GENERATOR ENVY” AND FINALLY YOU MIGHT BE A FLORIDIAN IF YOU HAVE ASKED YOURRELATIVES UP NORTH TO SEND YOU THE REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS –from Rogue Continued On Page 3
http://www.bikerrogue.com
http://www.bikerrogue.com
September 30, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
Hey, we’re rolling into October and I’m planning my hiding place for the airing of the 50th episode of Monster Garage on October 11th. Apparently Jesse’s posted shots of the bike, we built, on his site, although the production company expressly forbids that we release any shots prior to the airing of this episode. Watch out for the new American Rider. I covered the build, but didn’t release any shots of the completed machine. You’ll just have to hang on for the complete build on the Discovery Channel, Monday, October 11, check your local listing for time.
Let’s hit the news running:
NEW 4TH ANNUAL CRAZYHORSE PROJECT–Jim and I are building our 4th Crazy Horse Chopper. The next project for Crazy Horse Choppers is another gooseneck framed bike. We have hung an old ’40 springer front end on the frame. The tank is very special as it is the first paint job I ever completed. Painted in 1979, unfortunately, the paint will be destroyed as Jim moves the tank mounts and stretches it. The tank is also extremely rare.
I’m trying to wrap up our desisions about motor and tranny this week. It seems like a Shovelhead is the only choice. This bike will have attitude and a Shovelhead motor is all about that. Jim will be chopping on the frame as soon as he gets back from traveling with the Cory Ness vs Voodoo Choppers Biker Build-Off bunch.
I have an idea for the paint that Jim will probabaly hate, but I want to do it, I have to do it. I’m burning up waiting to try out this paint job.
Can’t tell ya’ll what it will be yet. But this is one time where the WIFE on the Crazy Horse team is not gonna back down. He got his slots on my BDL covers, I’m doing this mystery paint scheme! Or else he can sleep out in the shop.
JoAnn
Crazy Horse Painting
BIKERNET CODE OF THE WEST TRAINING–A dude (yuppie ? rub) walks into the bar carrying a shotgun in one hand, a bucket ofshit in the other, and with a cat sitting on his shoulder. He walksup to the bar and orders a drink. The bartender proceeds to pour theman a drink. With that the man throws back his drink, cocks hisshotgun, blows away the bucket of shit, which scares the cat off hisshoulder, and finally chases the cat out of the bar never to return.
Five days later the man returns; a shotgun in one hand, a bucket ofshit in the other, and a cat upon his shoulder. He proceeds to walkup to the bar and orders himself a drink. The bartender, obviouslyannoyed at having to spend several hours cleaning up all the shitfrom the man’s last visit, interrupted bitterly, “What the hell doyou want?”
“Gimme a drink, goddamnit,” responded the man.
“No way, not after your last escapade,” snapped the bartender.
“But bartender, I’m in training,” replied the man.
“Training! Training for what?” questioned the bartender.
“I’m training to be a Biker,” responded the man.
“A BIKER?” questioned the bartender. “How do you figure?”
“Well,” added the man, “I go on a trip, I do a little drinking, Ishoot a little shit, I chase a little pussy, and then I take fivedays off!”
–from Rogue
NEW CATALOG OF PROPRIETARY PARTS BY RIVERA & PRIMO– RIVERA ENGINEERING and Primo Belt Drives have issued a combined catalog of their product line.There are dedicated sections for carburetor kits, clutches and transmissions with suitable prominence for the comprehensive range of belt-drive kits and accessories from Primo.
A big choice of carburetor conversion parts includes kits with all the necessary parts and hardware to fit Mikuni, Dell’Orto, Weber and SU carburetors to a variety of models.
Rivera clutches can be supplied to specifications suitable for stock or big-inch motors, intended for street or competition.Six-speed transmissions are listed for either left- or right-side drive.Included in the ‘Transmission’ section are upgrades, parts and complete kits for chain final drive.
The Primo belt-drive range has suitable belt-drive kits for virtually any combination of engine and transmission.The catalog highlights new additions to the product lines of accessories and spare parts for the primary drive systems.The latest kit in the Brute Force range is a package intended for high performance custom applications.The 3-1/2ins wide belt is combined with the Hi-Po clutch, a billet outboard bearing support and a carbon fiber belt guard.
RIVERA ENGINEERING
Whittier, California, USA
E-mail: info@riveraengineering.com
http://www.riveraengineering.com
DOO-RAG TECH REVIEW–Just finished reading John Covingtons Doo-Rag tech article.Absolutely outstanding !!!I’m ashamed that I didn’t think of it first.
I’ve almost gotten creamed too many times to mention by some je-bob slamming on the brakes to pick up his $.99 rag.This humerous feature will hopefully show the youngin’s how we old grease balls keep them rags attached at 95mph.
Good work there John.
–TBear
HOT BIKE EDITOR GONE–Sept. 10, 2004?Anaheim, California: Primedia Automotive Enthusiast and Action Sports Group today announced the departure of Hot Bike Magazine?s long time editor, Howard Kelly. Mr. Kelly had held the guiding reins at Hot Bike for the last seven years. Mr. Kelly is the latest in a string of personnel changes at Primedia?s motorcycle and truck specialty publications. Earlier in the year, the group?s president, executive vice-president, vice-president/publisher and sales/marketing manager left the company.
Mr. Kelly?s tenure at Hot Bike has been likened to the reign of the Pharaoh Keops, the great primed builder, of ancient Egypt. Like the pharaoh, Mr. Kelly treated his associates as slaves and often voiced the opinion that ?none of them know how to write let alone use a camera?. Mr. Kelly prided himself on the fact that he had shot more magazine covers than any past editor of Hot Bike.
It appears that Mr. Kelly?s departure was not the result of the same type of policy differences that effected the other personnel changes. In fact, Mr. Kelly?s termination was the consequence of his commenting to the president of one of Hot Bike?s advertisers that the said advertiser?s marketing manager was a slut, a whore and had slept with everyone in the industry. For reasons that are unfathomable to Mr. Kelly, the afore mentioned marketing manager retained a lawyer and sued both Primedia and Mr. Kelly.
As for his future, Mr. Kelly has hinted that he will branch out into freelance marketing, ?to support those companies that don?t have sluts and whores to promote their own products?.
RUNDLE’S EXOTIC CUSTOMS SHOP DOG–This is the shop dog,Titan, at Rundle’s Exotic Customs. Thought you might get a kick out of it.
— Jay
CLUB DISCRIMINATION–Word comes to us about more police problems and discrimination against clubs. Our ridiculous situation with the Village of Dwight Board of Trustees, the Dwight Police Department, the Livingston County Task Force Pro-Active Unit, the harassment of our biker customers and their right to wear Colors in Dwight.
Remember aggression and enforcement against clubs without any problems other than wearing colors should not be tolerated. The motorcycle rights community should be up in arms. Motorcycle rights are for everyone, not selected groups. Interesting to note that the so-called champions of rights in Illinois, Taylor and ABATE Legal Services and Confederation of Clubs Attorney Mike Mandelman were totally useless in offering help or advice. Why doesn’t that surprise me?
I went to my local ABATE Chapter president first. I also contacted the Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois. At the time, I was advised that there wasn’t much the bikers could do until tickets were issued but at least they were all aware of the situation.
I dug out the ABATE of Illinois Newspaper because someone suggested that I contact Attorney Rod Taylor’s office. I did that on August 24th before going to my meeting with the chief of police.
I got zero help and a not so logical question to ask. The person I talked to on the phone at Rod Taylor’s office took the time to listen to what was going on. They asked me to find out if there is an ordinance banning Colors in Dwight. That is unconstitutional so how could there be?
I found a great position paper called “No Colors No Rights” on in the Internet. The paper is published by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. I took a copy to the meeting to leave with the chief of police.
I am familiar with Mr. Hupy since he successfully settled my motorcycle accident case in 1993. I sent him an email on 9/9/04 and followed up with a phone call on 9/10/04. After playing phone tag for a couple of days, Mike Hupy and I finally connected at about 4:30 PM on Sunday, September 12th. It was the 11th hour and I was still unsure of what we should do other than attend the meeting the next day.
I sent all of the email I had sent to other attorneys thus far. Mike called back within a few hours after reading the email and offered to come down from Milwaukee for the Village Board meeting the next day.
An hour before the village board meeting, there was a meeting at the home of the president’s of one of the M/C clubs. Representatives of 5 different M/Cs showed up for a meeting with the Attorney Mike Hupy and Bob Sumption, president of Embarras Valley Chapter of ABATE of Illinois.
This was followed by a meeting between the M/Cs and with the Dwight Police Chief, Tim Henson. I did not attend that meeting since I am not a M/C member.
Hold on for the conclusion of this mess.
RonDeVooTavern@aol.com
–from Tony Sanfelipo
S&S PROMOTES BEAN COUNTER OR GIVES BEANS TO CONTROLLER–VIOLA, WI (September 28, 2004) Hired as Controller in September, 2003 and promoted to Director of Finance & Systems this past February, Steve Iggens was recently named CFO/VP-Finance & Systems effective October 1, 2004.
?Steve has added so much to this company that promoting him to an officer level position was a natural progression in his career here at S&S,? said S&S President, Brett Smith. ?We are hopeful that we?ll be able to keep him for many years as good CFOs are in high demand and short supply. He has already had a significant impact on the industry and how we operate within it and I know he has more in store for the future.?
Stephen?s previous employment includes working as Director of Operations/Controller of NCL Graphics Specialties, Inc. He also has three years of public accounting experience. He was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Marquette University .
BIKERNET STATISTICAL COMPARISON, DOCTORS VS. GUNS–
Doctors:
A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.
B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.
C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171. Statistics courtesy of U.S.
Dept of Health Human services and is a conservative number.
Now think about this:
Guns:
A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000. Yes, that is 80 million.
B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.
C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.0000188.
Statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.
Remember, “Guns don’t kill people, doctors do.”
Hell, 150,000 people die of hospital related infections annually.–Bandit
Continued On Page 2
September 23, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
Shot by John Covington
There’s never a dull moment around Bikernet. Between the homeless squatters across the street and industry shake-ups, I never know what to expect. This news was a bear, and I’m going to jump right into the middle of it. I need to write a tribute to David Mann, also. He was a wild man, a friend, a creative master and always the Mann. I have many thoughts on his life. But for now, let’s hit the news:
DAVID MANN TRIBUTE–Me and some of Dave’s friends made him a cremation urn. I used the paint I had left over from when I painted his bike in ’97… David Mann red. It should be finished by Tuesday and then I’m over-nightin’ it to Jacquie.
–Crazy John
BIG DOG CHOOSES BREMBO–IN 2005 Big Dog motorcycles will be fitted with Brembo brakes supplied through QTM.QTM handles brake components supplied by Brembo and makes various alterations before offering the modified parts to the cruiser market.
The braking system to be supplied to Big Dog uses 11.5ins fully-floating rotors for maximum efficiency.The patterns are laser cut into the rotors, including the stainless steel braking surface, to match the wheel to which it will be fitted.The disc centers are billet aluminum, finished in chrome, and QTM has engineered its own mounting system with hardware that eliminates the noise usually associated with fully floating discs.The calipers use a four-piston design for greater efficiency; the pistons are aluminum and hard surfaced, as are the bores they move in.
Brembo has developed its own double-O-ring system to seal the bores and exclude the grit or brake dust that could damage the surfaces.The calipers are offered in chromed, black anodized or plain silver finishes.
QTM
Anaheim, California, USA
Tel: 714 575 5000
Fax: 714 575 5001
E-mail: sales@qtmi.com
www.qtmi.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CUMULATIVE MDA CONTRIBUTIONS TOP $50 MILLION —$4 Million in 2004 Fundraising Propels Efforts.
MILWAUKEE — (September 20, 2004) Harley-Davidson’s fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association has topped the $50 million mark. During the Sept. 5-6 Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, Harley-Davidson announced a 2004 fundraising total of $4 million, bringing cumulative fundraising in the 24 years of Company involvement with the MDA to $51 million.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer Jim McCaslin presented the $4 million on behalf of the thousands who raised the funds. “Harley-Davidson’s family of dealers, suppliers, riders and employees were hard at work planning open houses, rides and other special events to raise money for MDA,” said McCaslin during the Telethon broadcast. “Their hard work helps make life brighter for people with neuromuscular disease and helps make headway in finding a cure.”
Joining McCaslin in the presentation were the top fundraising Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States: Brian Bentley, Brian?s Harley-Davidson, Langhorne, Pa.; Robert and Dev Johnson, Cycle Connection, Joplin, Mo.; Billy Laws, Mitchell?s Modesto (Cal.) Harley-Davidson and Jamestown (Cal.) Harley-Davidson; Dennis and Carol Schaeffer, Schaeffer?s Harley-Davidson, Orwigsburg, Pa.; and Stretch and Karen Smaltz, Smaltz’s Harley-Davidson, Eagle, Pa.
Harley-Davidson fundraising activities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association took place over the 12-month period leading up to the Telethon and included pledge rides, dealer fundraisers, motorcycle raffles and pin sales.
Harley-Davidson has been a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1980. The Funds raised support life-saving research, comprehensive medical care for children and adults with neuromuscular disease, and the MDA summer camps.
BIKERNET N.C. STEALTH REPORT–This week I thought I would tell you all about a local bike shop here in Charlotte. The shop is Ben’s V-Twins. Ben Edwards and his wife Robin are the owners and operators.
Ben opened the doors in 1989 and hasn’t looked back. Ben’s V-Twins is one of the most successful custom bike shops in the Charlotte area. Ben is a top notch wrench and oversees the service department while Robin handles the books and the public relations. There are two other wrenches in the service department, “The Colonel” and Chuck. The parts department is run by my buddy Brad.
At Ben’s V-Twins they work on everything from Flatheads to Twin Cams, so they can handle any problem you may have.
Ben has two of the slickest knuckleheads you will ever see, both are 47’s. The rigid frame old school version took “Best of Show” at the 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin” and the award is proudly displayed on the parts counter at Ben’s V-Twins. The other knuckle sets in a swingarm frame.
Ben’s V-Twins is an “old school” bike shop that makes you feel at home and reminds you of bike shops from the past. No clothes boutiques here! The shop is about one thing, BIKES!
Ben and Robin are real stand up people. Every year they are the starting point for the Run For Breath. They open their store on Sunday and provide free food for everyone. They have been there from day one for the Run For Breath.
If you want performance work, well Ben knows a thing or two about that too. Ben is a former A.H.D.R.A drag racer. They can handle pretty much whatever you want to do at Ben’s.
If you are ever in the Charlotte area look them up or give a call at 704-358-8741. Tell them you heard about them from the “STEALTH” report on BIKERNET.COM!
Until next week!
STEALTHMAN
HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE BIKERNET GULCH?–I thought so. Well it’s now the Bikernet Black Market. Check it out for Books, Bedrolls, Bikernet Ballcaps and Bikernet T-shirts. We may take on Joker Machine apparel and a couple of other lines.
And for sure, you get Black Market prices.
ESTOK WINS RACE, BEMISDERFER CLINCHES THUNDERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP–Buell Riders Storm Formula USA Thunderbike Round at Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 19, 2004) ? Evo-Twin Racing/Harding Harley-Davidson rider Bryan Bemisderfer clinched the 2004 Formula USA National Thunderbike championship with a second-place finish aboard his Buell Firebolt at the Las Vegas Classic road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bemisderfer locked up the title with one race left on the 2004 Formula USA schedule.
The Las Vegas race was won by Bemisderfer?s Evo-Twin Racing/Harding teammate, David Estok, who led from the pole and crossed the finish line 3.8 seconds ahead of Bemisderfer. It was Estok?s second Thunderbike win of the season. Hal?s Performance Advantage Buell rider Dan Bilansky finished third on a Buell Firebolt.
?I think I was one of the few people who realized that we?d clinched the title,? said Bemisderfer. ?I was excited and jumping around after the race, and I?d just finished second. Then everyone started to figure it out. This is a great team that really knows how to set up the Buell for me so I can stay focused on riding. Last year we were in the fight but had a couple of DNFs and got disqualified for going over the horsepower limit once. That really tore us up. This year my goal was to stay consistent and race for the title,? Bemisderfer said.
The 2004 Thunderbike title is the third national championship won by Bemisderfer. The 36-year-old racer from Greencastle, Pa., won the 2001 Formula USA Thunderbike title and the 2002 Formula USA Buell Lightning championship. He has been roadracing since 1984.
For the Corning, N.Y.-based Evo-Twin Racing/Harding Harley-Davidson team, the Thunderbike title is its first national championship. Team owner Jeff Harding started roadracing in 1993, competing in the AMA Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 class. Last season he took on Bemisderfer as a rider, and this season added defending Thunderbike champion Estok to the team. The team is also sponsored by Evolution Industries, Wiseco Pistons, Penske Shocks, Traxxion Dynamics and Dunlop Tires.
?This is a great boost for our program,? said Harding. ?Everyone at the dealership works hard to support this team. I have crew chief Shannon Destasio and mechanic Bill Ripley at the races, but there?s a lot going on behind the scenes, too.?
With 105 points and the Thunderbike title in the bag, Bemisderfer is looking forward to the season-ending Formula USA event, Oct. 21-24, at Homestead Miami Speedway in Florida. ?I can go to Homestead with a different frame of mind,? said Bemisderfer, whose only Thunderbike win this season came on June 27 at Virginia International Raceway. ?I want to match Estok with two wins this season, and now I can just go and race to win without worrying about the title.?
The Points Race
The battle for second place in the Thunderbike championship is tight, with Estok and Suzuki rider David Yaakov tied at 66 points, Suzuki rider Darren Danilowicz following behind with 65 points and Bilansky in close contention with 62 points.
The Formula USA National Thunderbike series is a horsepower-to-weight ratio restricted class, open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2004 Thunderbike series are racing for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company and Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG).
TEXAS BIKER BUILD-OFF REPORT–Covington Won the show in Texas. His motorcycle had a Accurate Engineering Engine it which certainly helped.
One of the judges told me the bike was flawless but the engine is what made the difference.
David Covington’s engine was 103 cu. in Panhead, 4.500 stroke, 3-13/16-inch bore Accurate Engineering cylinders with Accurate Engineering step-studs and 12 point hardware. STD full polished stock style 63-65 Panheads with 3-bolt exhaust flanges. Accurate Engineering stainless steel overhead oil line. Accurate Engineering braided oil return lines. Kibblewhite valves, Rowe guides, Kibblewhite springs, K-Line seals and Accurate Engineering rocker arm bearings.
Billet finned Pan covers with Accurate Engineering “Leak Proof” gaskets. Ross pistons, Hastings rings, Teflon buttons. .540 lift cam. Accurate Engineering intake manifold, linkage, etc. Dual 1937 Stromberg 97 carbs reworked by Accurate Engineering and topped off with “Bonneville” style velocity stacks.
Porcelain toilet handle for carb from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Pinstripping by Henry Haynes. STD polished crankcases, S&S flywheels, shafts and rods. S&S oil pump, Accurate Engineering oil filter adaptor. Jim’s lifter and Accurate Engineering pushrods. Mallory ignition system, Dyna coil, Autolite spark plugs and Taylor wires. 32 amp Cycle Electrics charging system.
All welding, machining, assembly and testing performed in-house by Accurate Engineering. Plating by Chromemasters. Polishing by Steve’s Polishing and Accurate Engineering. Paint work by Accurate Engineering.
David is entering this in the Lone Star Biker Bash at the Texas Motor Speedway, Sept. 17-19.
Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
Damn, that description drives me to want an Accurate engine.–Bandit
STEEL PONY EXPRESS ROARS THROUGH NEW ORLEANS HALLOWEEN WEEKEND–It’s 4 days of Bikes, Bands and Bourbon Street. 4-day motorcycle rally and music festival is for riders and festivalgoers.
NEW ORLEANS (September 10, 2004) – The 7th annual New Orleans Steel Pony Express Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival takes place October 28-31, 2004 at UNO Arena Grounds for four days of local and national music, celebrity bike builders, several bike activities and motorcycle exhibits and great Louisiana cuisine.
The four-day event consists of events for the entire family. The fun begins on Thursday, October 28 with an open house at Harley Davidson of New Orleans, followed by the Official Kick-Off Party at The Dock, located along Lake Pontchartrain.
Friday, October 29 through Sunday, October 31 the Steel Pony Express VII Rally grounds will open to the public for a weekend of live music, great food, celebrity bike builders, stunt teams, over 150 major manufacturers and premier vendors selling all of the latest in motorcycle gear and accessories.
Headlining bands include LYNRYD SKYNRYD, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Big N’ Rich, country music’s hottest new duo. Also, the Festival will feature Louisiana’s best in Jazz, Blues, Zydeco and Gospel.
All festival-goers will have the opportunity to meet the world’s top custom bike builders: Jesse James with West Coast Choppers and DISCOVERY CHANNEL’S “MONSTER GARAGE”, Billy Lane, Jim Nasi, Eddie Trotta, Kendall Jackson, Roger Bourget, Paul Yaffe, Chica, Wild Bill, Jeff Nicklus of Desperado Motorcycles, Dave Perowitz and local boys Ivy Trosclair, Sr. and Jr. of Metry Custom Cycles and many, many more!
Additional attractions include Team Extreme Sport Bike Stunt Team, Team X-Treme Freestyle FMX Show, Ives Globe of Death and the Purrfect Angelz. Also, all festival-goers can participate in the Boardwalk Ride and Bike Show, Bike Games, Guided Destination Rides and much more!
Rally packages start at $60 and day passes are $25. Call 1-877-991-7433 or visit http://www.steelponyexpress.com for more information.
SCREAMIN? EAGLE RIDER RICH KING PLACES EIGHTH AT COLUMBUS–King Runs Strong with the Lead Pack at Grand National Half-Mile.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 19, 2004) ? Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts rider Rich King finished eighth in the AMA Grand National main at the Scioto Downs half-mile?the 15th event on the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship. The race was won by Quality Checked Pre-Owned Ford/Lancaster Harley-Davidson rider Chris Carr aboard a Harley-Davidson XR750. It was Carr?s sixth win of the season.
King qualified for the main with a second-place finish behind Carr in the first heat race. King started the 25-lap main in fourth position. For the first half of the race, King ran in tight formation with a lead pack that included Carr, KTM USA/Jones Powersports/Mid-America Harley-Davidson teammates Ken Coolbeth and Joe Kopp and Cozihar Harley-Davidson/National Cycle rider Johnny Murphree, all aboard Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycles. King fell back and lost the lead pack at the half-way point, engaging in a fierce battle for fifth with Bartels? Harley-Davidson/Corbin rider Jay Springsteen. Doc?s Harley-Davidson/KK Motorcycle Supply rider Bryan Smith eventually slipped past King and Springsteen for fifth. Springsteen was sixth at the finish, as Moroney?s Cycles rider Jake Johnson nipped King to take seventh place. Carr prevailed after a race-long battle, passing Murphree for the lead on lap 24. He then fought off a last-lap challenge from Kopp, who finished second, followed by Coolbeth in third and Murphree in fourth.
?Rich King started out strong today, but he lost ground as his tires went away,? said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. ?We saw some exciting racing in Columbus that I?m sure gave all these great Ohio flat-track fans a thrill.?
Carr?s win gives him 278 points for the season and a 44-point lead over Kopp for the Grand National championship. Coolbeth is third with 205 points.
There are just two events left on the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship schedule. The season will wrap up with a double-header weekend at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds at Du Quoin, Ill., starting with an indoor short-track event at the brand-new Southern Illinois Center on Friday night, September 24. The season will end on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Mile September 25.
The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
Continued On Page 2
September 23, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
NEW ROUND CHOPPER OIL BAG–Paughco has expanded their line of custom and OEM style oil bags with the release of this new ROUND CHOPPER tank. Designed to be used with Softail and rigid 5-speed applications using Paughco brackets, the new tanks combine the best of traditional and contemporary chopper styling. Measuring 6 inches in diameter and 11 ? inches wide the tank features an integrated mounting platform to accommodate stock size batteries. Feed and return tubes are ?-inch pipe and the vent is 1/8-inch.
Fabricated from 16 gauge steel and finished in Paughco?s flawless in house chrome the tanks carry 3.5 quarts and are supplied complete with top fill, thread in cap.
For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit www.paughco.com.
FROM THE POCKET BIKE LAW AUTHOR/SENATOR–I read your report.Remember this. Pocket bike operation is illegal on our street–yet parentsare put in the odd, peer-pressure situation: if they are illegal, why canthey be bought in stores from neighborhood bike shops to Sharper Image andwhy are all the kids on the block riding them. A parent was the impetusfor my bill. I’m all for cyclist rights (10 year record on NYC Council)and even generally against helmet laws. But this seemed much.
–from: sabini@senate.state.ny.us
AUSSIE BIKE WEEK–Bike Week…Shit what can I say…it was dreadful!Every Aussie bike show I have ever been to was…and this one was no exception.Doubtless the three hundred or so Aussie Harley guys who went to Bike Week would disagree…but anyone who has ever been to a British or American bike show would not!
Three hundred Hog riders? Yeah, that was about it I reckon…and I think I am being generous with the figures myself.Half a dozen real custom bikes, lots of bikes with bolt on chrome and bits.
I don’t think any but a few like myself realised that the Kawasaki ZX 900 sports bike had more home made parts than most of the other bikes put together, and it was not in the show, just parked on the street in the Mall.
The campground and main showplace was 15 to 20 minutes out of town…and no sign posting to show where it was…took us 40 minutes to find the bloody place.Couple of beer tents, tiny stage…you get the idea.
Fucking odd to hold a Bike Week at Australia’s premier surf resort and find you’re nowhere near any of the very attractions that draw most people to this part of the country.
The weather was great, the surf was good, the bars and restaurants were top class.Not that I believe hardly any of the bikers who went to Bike Week noticed any of that.I chatted to locals, I chatted to tourists, I chatted to doormen and the strippers and Playgirls.They all said the same thing, apart from the one night two hundred bikes parked in the mall and a few guys got busted for doing burnouts on the main strip…it was like Bike Week did not even exist.
Gold Coast City council apparently sponsored the event…what they actually did apart from give bikes permission to park in the Mall for one night I am not exactly sure.My wife and I were so unimpressed we hired an open top sports car on the weekend and zoomed off into the Hinterland to explore the countryside and the great pubs, perched on the sides of mountains. (Car hire is incredibly cheap in Surfers.)I doubt if more than a dozen or so guys like myself rode the thousand klicks from Sydney to get to Surfers (12 hrs in one day…fuck it’s a long way on a 22 year old BMW Boxer.)
Most bikes I saw, the majority of which were stock standard Harleys, had local plates.
So there ya go…sad I know…but I have been to bike shows in the UK and seen enough of bike shows in the USA to be able to tell the honest truth.I took some pics, will forward them to you.I am interested to see if Glen Piddle went and what he thought of the event.Maybe you can e-mail him and ask…he lives at Noosa…just up the road from Surfers.
And if one more person tells me Bike Week at Surfers is like Bike Week at Daytona…I will punch their fucking lights out!!!
All the best: Kevin or
Jaqhama
LITTLE OL’ TEXAS MOTORCYCLE–Bandit, Here is a shot of the Little ol Texas motorcycle, we didn’t take first place in the competition but I sure did win ( just look at the prize ). There were some good competition and good times were had visiting with some of the other builders and judges. We are getting ready for the next one in Galveston this weekend at the lone star rally we will be co sponsoring the Bike show (we are responsible in providing some custom Trophies) I will send some progress shots of the build when we return home.
— Kent
BIKERNET REPORTER BREAKS A LEG TO ATTEND INDIAN LARRY TRIBUTE PARTY–Busted my foot on the ride down to Larry’s tribute bash Sunday. Still have another foot so I’m not sweating it. I stayed around for about 4 hours then rode home. Gee, I impress myself sometimes.
–TBear
PRO-DRIVE SIDE CALIPERS–PRO-ONE?S new DRIVE SIDE CALIPER is going to solve a lot of rear braking problems for custom and conversion applications alike. This precision piece of braking hardware is manufactured to meet PRO-ONE?S legendary standards for quality and reliability. Machined from solid blocks of billet aluminum and finished in show quality chrome, the calipers feature a 4-piston lay out for superior braking performance and are fit with a single bleed valve and banjo style line fitting. The integrated hanger is machined for strength and a high tech appearance.
Each caliper is supplied with a pair of steel stabilizing tabs which weld to the frame or Softail section and allow for fine tuning axle adjustment. Designed to accept 1? axle assemblies the new DRIVE SIDE CALIPERS are designed for extra wide wheels like the PRO-ONE 18.5 x 8.5 and 10.5 and tires including the popular 250 and 300 series.
Additionally, PRO-ONE offers installation kits which include appropriate rotors and custom machined hubs for use with PRO-ONE rims.
For complete application details call PRO-ONE direct at 800884-4173. On the Web at http://www.pro-one.com.
TRIBAL IRON WHEELS–My “boy” . . . the fellas a tribal iron are cutting my solid wheels into two celtic tri-knots and making custom mirror brackets and clutch lever, then the boy will be done and I can do some serious riding out West. . . no sissy roadstar or v-crappe for me ! ! I believe this country is being taken over by all the plastic carrying yuppies. Where have all the bikers gone ?
Gheeish, an entire day in the hot sun. . . . . Yupp, I’m impressed, needed a paperweight. . . . Luckily I just had the entire engine re-done & he runs like snot. . . .
“Kerry”
kerrwydd@earthlink.com
TEXAS CHOP OFF FROM THE MOTEL ROOM– Chop Off is over unfortunately Lucky Devil did not win. Of course I have shots of cool bikes and cute girls. Luis did have my press ID waiting at the Chop Off so that was good. Met Robert of Thunder Press central/southwest edition, he dined with the Devil crew. I may be selling him some pics of girls from the VIP party Saturday night.
Not sure if I will be able to make the Lone Star Rally this weekend, may have to head to Pensacola. A personal mission.
–RFR
ROB SCHOPF WINS THE HOT BIKE/S&S 124-INCH CHALLENGE– VIOLA, WI (July 9, 2004) Most of the competitors arrived into town on Thursday, July 8th, to make some final preparations on their machines before the grueling competition began. Fresh clutches, tires, chain and chassis adjustments were the order of the day. All fuel tanks were drained and refilled with Sunoco GT100 unleaded fuel from a sealed container. On Friday, July 9th, each competitor was given one cumulative hour of Dyno time on the S&S Dynojet 250. As fierce as the competition was, all of the team members pitched in to help each other to extract the maximum power from their machines. The camaraderie between these guys was just unbelievable! After a half a day of combined dyno time, finally, it was time to shoot ?em out.
A very strict but fair testing procedure was developed by our own Jon ?Opee? Olson. It was decided that each competitor would receive 3 pulls after a cylinder head temperature of 200? F was achieved. After a 3 minute heat soak period, a final pull was made, with the highest number recorded. All of the runs were administered by dyno operators Opee and Tom Hampton using data from the on board sensors. This allowed every run to be started at precisely the same time.
When the smoke cleared, here?s how it shook out: Rob Schopf took top honors, posting 140.1 HP. Next was Kendall Johnson with a 138.1 HP pull. Jim Nasi was not far behind; posting 136.9 HP. Fourth spot went to Kim Suter, with 135.5 HP, and Fifth to Wink Eller with 133.6 HP.
2005 IRON & LACE and GARAGE GIRLS MOTORCYCLE PINUP CALENDARS RELEASED– The renown Iron & Lace Calendar sponsored by Mikuni Carburetors, Performance Machine and Jardine Performance returns again for 2005 with 16 full color pages of the finest custom Harley-Davidsons together with beautiful centerfold models. It’s a revealing look at some of the finest customized, high performance and fully race modified Harleys from America’s top builders, photographed by Jim Gianatsis. Included are the hottest custom bikes from America’s top builders including Paul Yaffe, Don Chica, Harold Pontarelli, Chica Customs, Russell Mitchell of Exile Cycles, Roland Sands of Performance Machine, Mike Stafford of MGS Customs, and Confederate Motorcycles, together with 2-time LA Calendar Motorcycle Best of Show winner Jesse Rooke’s incredible “Kali Kruiser”. The beautiful models in this year’s Iron & Lace include reigning Miss Great Britain Nicki Lane, Andra Cobb from Mikuni’s sexy “Explicit Performance” advertising campaign. Penthouse Pet Martina warren and adult film star Jessica Drake all in sexy lingerie. See why America’s best custom Iron is a perfect compliment to beautiful girls in sexy lingerie in Iron & Lace 2005!
And for those of you who can’t get enough of the beautiful FastDates.com Calendar girls there’s the 2005 Garage Girls Calendar featuring a close up look at the prettiest, sexiest, most popular FastDates.com Calendar Angels , but without the motorcycles getting in the way! This year’s featured models include fashion model Laura Niles and adult star Justine Jolie.Now you have a calendar for every room in the house! And for additional for news and photo features on the bikes, calendars and models visit the FastDates.com Calendar website at www.FastDates.com
For postal mail order send $16.95 each, plus $5 S/H per order. Include calendar name, payment in check, money order, or VISA /MC information and mail your order direct to: FastDates.com Calendars, Van Leeuwen, 13275 Paxton Street, Arleta, CA 91311.
YOU ARE INVITED– WITH the 16-page supplement published for the Global Motorsport Group this week by AMD, the firm is inviting dealers and existing and potential vendors to join them at their Morgan Hill, California headquarters for their 18th annual Dealer Show.
Being held October 8th, 9th and 10th, this year sees both the Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff trading subsidiaries joining forces to hold their annual dealer shows together at the same time and venue for the first time.
This year, the event also sees the staging of AMD’s ‘Pro Show’ for the first time in North America. Now recognized as the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building, the entirely open bike contest will be independently judged by journalists from many leading motorcycle magazines, and with some two weeks to go, is already slated to attract some 40-plus stunning customs from many of the market’s finest V-twin custom engineers, builders and dealers.
CUSTOM CHROME
Morgan Hill, California, USA
Tel: 408 778 0500
Fax: 408 778 7370
E-mail:
NEW CYRIL HUZE SPIKEE COIL BRACKET– A new design from Cyril to relocate your coils between the cylinders for symmetry. Looks great on choppers. Sold without or with a hole to accept an ignition switch. Accepts single fire, single plug Dyna coils (paint the coils like Cyril does, and nothing will look more custom). Bolt on directly to Huze custom motor mount, on any FXR type motor mount, or to your original equipment 2-piece Evo motor mount from ’91 to ’99 using a provided a motor mount adapter. Ignition switch and coils sold separately
Cyril Huze.
Tel: 561-392-5557
http://www.cyrilhuze.com>www.cyrilhuze.com
IT’S A WRAP–I’ve got to jump out of this creaking chair and run for my Road King, then off to the bar. I know the pressure is on to post the Sturgis reports. I have more news from S&S, the Hawaiian Islands, fiction from Australia and my grandson is waiting for me to build him a pocket chopper. It’s off to the bike swapmeet this weekend.
Hang on, that’s just the tip of the news that might explode onto Bikernet next week. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, have a helluva weekend and may she be round in all the right places.
–Bandit
September 23, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–
Last week I did the news a bit early, lucky me. While I was at the shop, late as always, the phone rang and there was a storm heading our way and the flights were going to be cancelled. Meaning that my Wednesday flight would be out of the question. I hauled ass home, packed what I could and got on the last flight out. Destination was JFK in New York. I was scheduled to arrive in Vegas Wed. night. Because of the chaotic packing and all, I had left most of the stuff home, and left a lot of shit undone (yeap that I planned on doing that night).
So I made it to Vegas with time to spare, and luckily since the flights were cancelled for the next two days. I was ready for the Artistry in Iron gig. I tell you, Vegas is way over rated. I really don’t know if it’s that I was in a super rush all the time, or simply I wanted to be in New York with my friends, but it seemed like Vegas was flat. Not the event, which was pretty cool and I believe the Artistry in Iron was a success, (Goldammer won ! ), but the town in general. Maybe since we were in Downtown, which got old pretty quick, or like I said, after the night before rush and time difference I was still out of place.
Then again it was fun, as fun as it can be when you are hanging out with good friends. Brian Klock from Klockwerks in Mitchell South Dakota took my purple bobber all the way to Vegas (thanks guys), and we got to hang out a bit. Then Chica, Johnny Chop and Go, took the bike back to Cali, and we got to create some havoc while there. Chica was teaching me Japanese, and Go teaching all of us how to kill a Vegas buffet and get his money’s worth. Roland and Jesse Rooke were partners in crime as well, even some guys, Paul Tracy and Jimmy Vasser (indy car drivers) were there to control Rooke, or maybe just add to the mayhem.
Michele Smith was there with the American Thunder cameras, she is way cool, so are Mitch Bergeron and his wife. To tell you the truth one of the coolest things about the Artistry in Iron gig was getting to spend time with fellow builders and shooting the shit. Yeah the bikes were cool too, but these days of TV and stuff, it’s still the coolest to be able to hang out with old and new friends alike. Never mind the great Mondo who was showing the best Vegas can bring, and no I’m, not dropping names, just letting you know who was there.Steve from Hawaiian Choppers (the new mag in Hawaii) became another partner in crime as soon as we got there; there was a lot of Hawaiian guys there enjoying the event.
Michelle Dell and the hottest chicks imported from NYC were promoting the upcoming opening of a Hogs and Heifers in Sin City, and according to the newspaper, the coming of a new era for Downtown Vegas.
The set up for the Artistry in Iron was cool as well; there was a book with all the builders bios and photos with space on the bottom for autographs. The attendees were diggin it and we got to sign a shit load of books, but still the breast count was zero.
As cool as Vegas was, we needed to be in Brooklyn for Indian Larry’s memorial, and that’s were we headed. It was a massive exodus towards the airport as soon as it was eight o’ clock. The Vegas airport was a concentration of builders on the way out, Russ Mitchel, Chica, Mondo, Johnny Chop, Paul Yaffe and your truly, comes to mind, the red eye flights awaited, so off towards NY we went.
6:45 am, JFK airport.The shittiest flight in my life, and I travel a lot. I was at the Vegas airport two hours before the plane departed and almost did not make my flight, America West kind of sucks….The plane was packed to the gills, but I HAD to be in NY so nothing mattered. I went straight to the hotel for a 3 hour nap.When we got to Larry’s memorial it seemed like the whole world was there. Where the last block party was kind of mellow, this was insane. The whole block (and some others) was solid with people and bikes. I guess I can sum up who was there by saying everyone…. Then again we were there to celebrate our friends life, and being able to be there with other friends. Bill, Renay and Jay were there since the night before, it’s always good to see them. Again, it was good to see everyone there. It was a hell of a memorial with bands, booze, food and babes all over the place, but more important, sharing it with good friends.
The whole trip was beginning to catch up with me, but I held on, even though we stayed ’till really late, we still were not able to say hi to everyone, but I managed to say goodbye to Larry’s remains, by the way in a really cool urn. If I would start talking about the whole party I would need the whole news space for just that, so I will cut it short. Chaos, mayhem, zoo, and RESPECT are some of the words that fit. After seeing Chica and Mondo I really know why they call the flights red eye…Then again, me too.
Although I wanted to rock on, my body had other plans, time to head back to the hotel as we wanted to meet with friends again. But I ended up just having some dinner and just crashing. Alexis and I had flights back to Puerto Rico and I had to be back at the shop (which had no power from the storm ’till Sunday) I had many things to catch up with since I had left in such a hurry a day earlier.I want to thank Bobby, Paul, Anne, Elisa, Bambi and everyone else at Indian Larry’s for a memorial that we will never forget, I’m sure Larry was enjoying the chaos from up there, wondering how the fuck so many people loved him.
See you guys next week….I’m sure there will be some juicy news and stories.
Jose ? Caribbean Reporter
SPEAKING OF BIKER ETIQUETTE–A biker goes to a restaurant and orders a chicken dish. By the timethe food is ready and he is about to eat, the waiter comes back andsays, “Sir, I’m afraid there has been a mistake. You see, thatpolice officer who is sitting at the next table is a regularcustomer of ours and he usually orders the same dish. The problemis, this is the last chicken in the house. I’m afraid I’ll have totake this dish to him and arrange for another dish for you!”
The biker gets really upset and refuses to give up his food. Thewaiter walks over to the other table and explains the situation tothe officer. A few minutes later the officer walks over to the biker?stable and says, “Listen and listen good. That is MY chicken you areabout to eat and I’ll warn you, whatever you do to that chicken I’lldo the same to you. You pull out one of its legs, I’ll pull out oneof yours. You break one of its wings, I’ll break one of your arms!”
The biker calmly looks at the chicken, then sticks his middle fingerin the bird’s rectum, pulls it out and licks it. He then gets up,drops his pants, bends over and says, “Your turn!!”
MORE RESTAURANT RULES–This guy went into a restaurant and ordered his meal. When thewaitress came out with his soup, he noticed that she had her thumbstuck into the soup.
This upset him, but he was a gentleman and let it go. She thenbrought out his chili, and again her thumb was in the food. He letit go again. When she brought out his hot dessert, her thumb was inthe food and this was too much for him.
He said,”‘Goddammit, woman, get your damn thumb out of my food!”
She replied,”Well, I injured it a while ago and the Doctor said Ishould keep it warm.”
The guy said angrily,”Why don’t you just shove it up your ass!”
She said, “That’s what I do when I’m in the kitchen.”
Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
STEEDS MUSCLE BIKE UNION ADDRESS–We’ve sold every bike made so far…this shop looks like a ghost town today.The last seven units just went to Galveston, Texas for a show thisweekend with one of our dealers. The truck arrived today, and they sold twobikes as the rear door was lowered. This is just nuts…feast orfamine…FEAST is better…after 15 years. Thanks for all your help.
John Covington
President
Steeds Muscle Bikes
Phoenix, AZ
John manufacturers the only line of bikes based on the Muscle Car theme. They are strickly performance oriented, sharp and host the new 300 Avon Tyres.–Bandit
BIKERNET FARMING ADVICE–Two little potatoes are standingon the street corner. One is aprostitute.
How can you tell which one is the prostitute?
Hold on……
It’s the one with the little stickerthat says…I – DA – HO
–from Ken Miller
HIGH-HEELS DEFENSE BEATS DUI CHARGE–TAKE NOTES– Attorney Bill Thomas may get a lot more business from female motorist thanks to a novel defense strategy: High Heals Can Beat a DUI Rap.
Thomas last week asked a judge how anyone could pass a field sobriety test ? which requires a lot of walking ? in a pair of 3-inch stiletto high heels. The argument created a minor sensation among court officials and observers. Thomas contended it would be ?fundamentally unfair? to use the results of a field sobriety tests against one of his female clients because she was wearing stiletto heels at the time, making her unsteady on her feet.
–from Rogue
PENTAGHON MAY BAR USE OF PROSTITUTES–Pentagon WASHINGTON — U.S. troops stationed overseas could face courts-martial for patronizing prostitutes under a regulation drafted by the Pentagon.
The move is part of a Defense Department effort to lessen the possibility that troops will contribute to human trafficking in areas near their overseas bases by seeking the services of women forced into prostitution.
In recent years, “women and girls are being forced into prostitution for a clientele consisting largely of military services members, government contractors and international peacekeepers” in places such as South Korea and the Balkans, Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J., said Tuesday at a Capitol Hill forum on Pentagon anti-trafficking efforts.Defense officials have drafted an amendment to the manual on courts-martial that would make it an offense for U.S. military personnel to use the services of prostitutes, said Charles Abell, a Pentagon undersecretary for personnel and readiness.
By the Associated Press.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
DWI BULLSHIT–Law enforcement is fighting the danger posed by drunken drivers with DWI checkpoints on nights when drinkers are likely to be on the road. A favorite location for such checkpoints is near blue-collar bars where the pickings are easy.
I’d like to see them set up outside the fancy country clubs where many judges and lawyers do their drinking in private. Maybe the resulting bad press would shame the legal establishment into doing its job.
–Rogue
WILL BIKETOBERFEST BE EXTENDED–The tourism industry got a one-two punch with hurricanes Charley and Frances. Those hotels, gift shops and restaurants that didn’t sustain major structural damage were hurt by days-long power losses. Mold, mildew and spoiled food cost many businesses dearly — and some may have to close for good. Waiters, waitresses and store personnel, many of whom lived from paycheck to paycheck, lost wages that can never be made up — and yet bills still mount.
Frances hit during the lucrative Labor Day weekend, and it has been followed by days of rain. Business remains slow in many areas, and sympathy is widespread for everyone whose livelihood depends upon serving tourists.
Folks have been looking for a way to boost morale and attempt to revive the tourism business. Extending Biketoberfest from a four-day event to 10 days is one option being discussed — but that concept brings with it unplanned taxpayer costs and widespread inconvenience. Another is to hold a Columbus Day “Back to Paradise” celebration, which proposes a few shows generating goodwill and fun.
Truth is, neither plan will do much to put money in the pockets of those who were hurt most by the storms. But backers of the Columbus Day weekend event recognize that reality while supporters of extending Biketoberfest do not. Both events are likely to draw people from surrounding communities seeking respite from hurricane deluge, not throngs of tourists from elsewhere with money to burn. And even if those sought-after high-tipping tourists were able to come, they would likely be disappointed. There are not enough available, mold-free hotel rooms to accommodate them.
Although the Biketoberfest request is not on the agenda, the Daytona Beach City Commission is expected to hear pleas at its meeting tonight to change the event from Oct. 21-24 to Oct. 15-24. As a “special event,” the expansion would require use of city police, fire and cleanup crews as well as revising the length of vending permits. So backers need the commission’s blessing. Commissioners would be wise to say thanks to those concerned about the well-being of tourism workers but should firmly say “no.”
–from Rogue
MOONING JUDGE DOESN’T WORK–A New Haven man returned to the Milford courtroom where he mooned the judge and this time he left with more prison time.
Three months after dropping his pants in front of Superior Court Judge Patrick Carroll, Richard Brown was back in the courtroom Monday for a plea agreement on a robbery.
Brown’s June 23 pants dropping cost him a year in prison. He got six months for contempt of court and an extra six months that the prosecutor tacked on to the sentence offered in a plea agreement for robbery.
Brown’s outburst in June began when Carroll told him to say “yes, sir” when addressing the court
According to terms of the plea agreement, Brown will be sentenced in December to 10 1/2 years in prison for holding up the Krauszer’s market in West Haven, on Dec. 11, 2003.
Browns will begin serving that sentence when he finishes his six months for contempt for the mooning the judge.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
POCKET BIKE CONTROVERSY RAGES ON–Read your article about the outlawing of Pocket Bikes in PA. A common theme these days as cities rush to get the word out that these pocket bikes are not legal for the street. We thought your readers might be intrested to know that there are street legal mini choppers available. Read on:
Bay Town Choppers introduces Street Legal alternative to Pocket Bike.
San Carlos, CA – Tuesday August 21, 2004 ? With the pocket bike craze cooling off quickly due to a heavy crackdown by police and local officials the unavailing of a street legal mini bike couldn?t have come at a better time for young riders. Today the first street legal Mini Chopper is hitting the streets.
Pockets bikes are smaller then normal bikes giving riders a rush as they race only a few inches off the ground. Add a price tag that fits most budgets and a craze is born. Welcome to the next craze. Custom Mini Choppers.
Bay Town Choppers has been producing Custom Mini Choppers for almost a year in their San Francisco Bay Area shop. They are just one among many across the country building custom mini choppers, however, they are the only one offering street legal custom mini bikes. With the crackdown on pocket bikes and the media blitz covering their demise being street legal has never been more important.
?We offer our buyers the ultimate custom bike at an affordable price and a manageable package. Some of our buyers don?t want a Custom Chopper with over a hundred horsepower and an equally high price tag.? Ken Montes is the lead fabricator at Bay Town Choppers and still gets a charge out of the reactions his creations continue to receive. ?Women love them because they are smaller then the full sized bikes, men like them because women like them. It never fails when a guy brings in his wife or girlfriend to show off his new purchase, they not only approve but want one for themselves.? Ken can only laugh ?Wife Approved!?
The mini choppers take about 6 weeks to build and the waiting list is only getting longer. A lot of the bikes are sold to people that see Ken and his business partner, and brother, Domenique, cruising their latest mini chopper around town. ?We sell a lot locally, but we have sold all over the country thanks to our website, BayTownChoppers.com. ?
The pocket bike craze may have been forced off the road but there are still options out there for people interested in mini bikes. This time it?s legal.
Ryan Rossiter
TransPac Consulting Group
858-717-3929
http://www.baytownchoppers.com
AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION REPORTS– I managed to get a ride in last week down to a little town in N.S.W about a 2,000klms round trip met up with a bunch of guys from Sydney all mostly riding old Indians and Harleys had a blast and the Sturgis went great.
I’ve been writing this for about a week now and I’m glad Bandit is back safe and hopefully had a great time. I have a fair bit off stuff to write about, so I will get off my arse and write, okay. Hope this finds you both well and Kerry sends her love.
— Glenn.
MOTOCROSS CHAMPION INSTRUCTOROFFERS FREE 4-DAY MX TRAINING COURSE!–As an incentive for riders to become acquainted with his step-by-stepapproach to motocross success, pro motocross instructor Gary Semicsallows visitors to his online web-based Motocross Training Center(www.mxtrainingcenter.com) to participate in a four-day introductorycourse at no charge.
Covered in the free online sessions are practice strategies, breakingand cornering tips, tips for attacking jumps, and the secret to negotiatingwhoops. A free tutorial on bike set-up is also available for download.
Those visitors who sign up for the Free 4-Day Mx Training Course (value$19.95) will, each day, for four days, be sent an information-packed articlevia email that includes pictures and video clips as follows…
– Day 1: Practice Strategies.
– Day 2: Braking and Cornering.
– Day 3: Attacking Jumps.
– Day 4: Secrets of Whoops.
All 4 training sessions are written and produced by Gary Semics.For more information you may visit www.mxtrainingcenter.com or callWebmaster Paul at (812)240-9813 or Gary at (330)424-9295.
Continued On Page 4
September 23, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
CHECK IT OUT–A CUSTOM INDIAN?—I thought you might dig these pictures of my friend Dave Parker’s 2001 Indian Scout. I sold it to him (and he is still my friend???), when I was working at an Indian dealership at a good price. We both knew it was fundamentally a good bike, after the bugs were worked out, and he put a lot of miles on it as a mostly stock bike.
Indian went in the crapper and he decided to make it into the chopper he always wanted. The only thing that remains is the frame, engine, tranny, primary and controls. He put a raked Paugho springer, new tank, fenders and swingarm. He stuffed a 180 in the back and powdercoated everything black. The bike gets a lot of looks and unless you’re na Indian expert you would never know it was a Scout enjoy!
Dave asked that Colin Mcloud be recognized for assembly and Tracy Wright for the paint on the Scalped Indian.
–Ken
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588
MODEL FINDS BIKERNET–Hi.. I found your site through a friend.I do modeling and was wondering if you might be interested in some new photos we just did with a custom Harley…
I am adding a new photo of myself so you can see who is e-mailing you.Here are two of the photos with the Harley. if you are interested in more let me know..I can also do a shoot anyway you would like them done with this bike.. full nudes.. wet hair : ) you name it..
Thanks for your time..
My friends call meJag
What do you think?–Bandit
G SQUARED MOTORSPORTSPRO STOCK BIKE: G2/S&S/STAR RACING BUELLRIDER: CHIP ELLIS–20TH ANNUAL NHRA LUCAS OIL NATIONALSMAPLE GROVE RACEWAY ? READING, PENN.SEPTEMBER 16-19, 2004Qualifying:Session 1 Friday: 7.224 seconds at 183.34 mph (# 5)Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals postponed until Oct. 8-10Ellis in 5th after one qualifying run.
MOHNTON, Penn. (September 18, 2004) ? Two days of heavy rain showers from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan completely saturated the grounds of Maple Grove Raceway, including the racer pit areas and spectator parking lots, forcing NHRA officials to postpone the 20th annual NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals until Oct. 8-10.
Two rounds of professional qualifying for all four professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock cars and Pro Stock Bikes) will be held on Friday (Oct. 8) at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and two additional qualifying sessions are set for Saturday (Oct. 9) at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday (Oct. 10).
In the only qualifying session completed for Pro Stock Bike, Chip Ellis, aboard the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell, covered the quarter- mile drag strip at Maple Grove in 7.224 seconds. The run was good for the No. 5 spot.
That qualifying session, along with one that Pro Stock cars completed will be carried over until the rescheduled event.
Although the ever popular motorcycles will not be part of the program, the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series moves on to the Texas Motorplex near Dallas for the NHRA O?Reilly Fall Nationals next weekend (Sept. 23-26) before heading to Chicago for the NHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals (Sept. 30-Oct. 3) at Route 66 Raceway, in Joliet, Ill., about 30 miles from Chicago.
The next event for Pro Stock Bikes on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, excluded the rescheduled Lucas Oil Nationals on October 8-10, is the NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event unfolds October 28-31.
WOMEN’S TEE SHIRTS.. WASHINGTON POST– runs a column each summer listing interesting WOMEN’S T-shirts observed at the Ocean City, Maryland beach.
1. I CHILDPROOFED MY HOUSE, BUT THEY STILL GET IN.
2. (On the front) 60 IS NOT OLD. (On the back) IF YOU’RE A TREE.
3. I’M STILL HOT… IT JUST COMES IN FLASHES.
4. AT MY AGE, “GETTING LUCKY” MEANS FINDING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT.
5. MY REALITY CHECK JUST BOUNCED.
6. LIFE IS SHORT. MAKE FUN OF IT.
7. I’M NOT 50. I’M $49.95 PLUS TAX.
8. ANNAPOLIS–A DRINKING TOWN WITH A SAILOR PROBLEM.
9. I NEED SOMEBODY BAD… ARE YOU BAD?
10. PHYSICALLY PFFFFFT!
11. BUCKLE UP. IT MAKES IT HARDER FOR THE ALIENS TO SNATCH YOU FROMYOUR CAR.
12. I’M NOT A SNOB. I’M JUST BETTER THAN YOU ARE.
13. IT’S MY CAT’S WORLD. I’M JUST HERE TO OPEN CANS.
14. EARTH IS THE INSANE ASYLUM OF THE UNIVERSE.
15. KEEP STARING…. I MAY DO A TRICK.
16. WE GOT RID OF THE KIDS. THE CAT WAS ALLERGIC.
17. DANGEROUSLY UNDER-MEDICATED.
18. MY MIND WORKS LIKE LIGHTNING. ONE BRILLIANT FLASH AND IT’S GONE.
19. EVERY TIME I HEAR THE DIRTY WORD “EXERCISE”, I WASH MY MOUTH OUTWITHCHOCOLATE.
20. CATS REGARD PEOPLE AS WARM-BLOODED FURNITURE.
21. LIVE YOUR LIFE SO THAT WHEN YOU DIE, THE PREACHER WILL NOT HAVE TO TELL LIES AT YOUR FUNERAL.
22. IN GOD WE TRUST. ALL OTHERS WE POLYGRAPH
NEW DALLAS CHROME CONNECTION–Rick Fairless and the gang from Stroker Dallas bought Show and Go Chrome Plating in Dallas. It’s not a production shop, but dedicated to custom applications. In otherwords they know motorcycles and how to handle custom parts.
” Fellow Hamster Joe T. Moore & I have bought a chrome plating/powdercoating/polishing shop in Dallas,” Rick Fairless told me, “The name of the shop is Show & Go. They have been in business for over 30 years. Our friend was the owner & founder of the company. Now he has moved to California (search me?) & Joe T. & I own & operate the shop.
“We have a very nice shop & our work is excellent. One of our platers is the original guy that has worked there for 30 years. Our polishers have been there for over 10 years. Please give us a shot. I promise you’ll be happy with our work.
You can ship your parts here to me at Strokers Dallas or directly to Show & Go. I have a runner that picks up here every day. Joe T. & I truly would appreciate your business.”
Rick Fairless
Cell # 972.567.4427
Strokers Dallas
9304 Harry Hines
Dallas, Tx. 75235
214.357.0707
Show & Go
11702 Plano Pkwy.
Dallas, Tx. 75243
214.343.8871
THE PEG SCRAPPERS BALL– My accountants wife is organizing “The Peg Scrappers Ball” for the City of Torrance. She works for the Torrance PD. It will be held October 10th to benefit the special olympics. Can you help promote it on your website??
Her e-mail is: kkiesling@torrnet.com
Bob Bitchin
Founder & Publisher
Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine
publisher@latsandatts.net
www.latsandatts.net
888-8-WE SAIL
(310) 798-3445
CRAZY HORSE PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK– It was odd getting back on my Sportster after riding my gooseneck chop. The poor Sporty gathered dust in the shop, while I fussed over the chopper. I hadn’t taken the sporty out since May when I rode to Myrtle Beach. Yet here we are, the Fall Myrtle Beach Rally is this weekend. I planned riding the gooseneck. Planning on how to pack without using saddlebags is a trick. I think I can go for a weekend with only two pairs of jeans, tank top, 1 long sleeved shirt, jacket, and 1 pair of boots. Hey, I’m a chick and I have packed tons of crap on that Sporty. Sturgis taught me how to travel on a trimmed down chopper with only a dayroll on the bars and small backpack on me. Then I got the news from Tony at Sata Spray Guns, my chopper, which is appearing in their airbrush magazine ads, will be on display at their booth at the big yearly automotive refinisher’s trade show, known as the NACE show. So it must be kept relatively clean until that show which happens in Las Vegas during the first week of Nov.
And I have been feeling kind of guilty about my poor Sporty. So I rolled it out into the sunshine Sunday afternoon and wiped the cobwebs off. It was a crisp, yet warm day. The kind of fall day, we in the Southeast dream about after a hot, humid summer. I figured I’d better find out how the old Sporty was feeling before I hopped on it to go to Myrtle. It’s so weird when you get used to the way a vehicle feels. Like after driving a standard for year, ya get in an automatic and your left foot is always searching for the clutch peddle and you keep trying to shift. Well that’s how it was Sunday on the Sporty.
Rode that bike 10 years, yet it took me a few miles to get used to it after riding the gooseneck. The bike just felt short. The chopper is all stretched out and I have to lean forward, not sit straight up like at Grandma’s dinner table. The Sporty shifted way too smooth. No fighting with that shifter peddle. And I actually have to steer the bike. I sit low on the chopper and basically steer it with my butt. It’s hard to describe. It handles like a little dirt bike. It actually handles better. Then there’s the fact that I only have four gears, and drag gears at that, with the Sporty. But Sunday afternoon that may have been a good thing. It’s hard to get a ticket for speeding when the bike doesn’t want to go over 65. Now if I’d been on the gooseneck……….
But then I remembered how fun the Sporty is off the line and every time I took off, it made the most of it. The Sporty did punish me. It refused to release the rear brake, until I went down the road a ways after stopping. I finally began to use only the front. But it was a sweet day for riding. I went over the state line to South Carolina. Highway 21 is one of the favorite riding roads. I saw quite a few bikes and even a few big packs of bikes out. It runs through the back country of north central SC, just south of Charlotte, NC. No subdivisions, no strip malls, no Walmarts. Just farmer’s fields, trees, trailer homes and traditional style Southern homes with wrap around porches. In the driveways, I saw no Lexus, two-seater BMWs or Hummers. No manicured lawns. Just down home real life, you could practically smell the biscuits and gravy. There’s a couple of cool little bars on the south stretch of 21. The Handlebar is just down the road from Rt. and is often a stop for poker runs. There looked to be about 25 bikes in the lot. More bikes than cars or trucks. The other bar, The Double R Bar is a few miles farther south. I may have the name of that one wrong as I wasn’t concentrating on the sign and have not stopped there yet. I gassed up when I got to Rt 9. The other customers at the station included pickup trucks, one of which was hauling a battered race car whose sponsor was The Kickstart Bar. Four people sat across the bench seat of the dusty late 70’s pickup.
On my way back up 21, a pack of bikes, that had rolled by me at the gas station, pulled into the Double R. They waved as I went by. No, I didn’t stop at any bar. I had a pile of work waiting for me at home. I just wanted to catch some wind and reacquaint myself with a bike that I too often forget.
I forget how good looking that bike is. I spend too much time in a world that is too clean and new. I drive by subdivisions that are full of houses that look like the set of a TV show, so clean, so perfect, not a blade of grass out of place. I wait at intersections surrounded by immaculate new luxury cars, my ’98 Explorer looking completely out of place. I spend time at bike shows and rally parties where the average motor in those gleaming bikes, costs way more than the $3500 I paid for my whole Sportster.
So it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race to be better, prettier, more successful-the rush to be upwardly mobil. The Sportster reminds me who I am. I am the girl who was totally thrilled 10 years ago to be the owner of that bike. The woman who waited 31 years to be the owner of a Harley. A person who will never forget how wonderful it feels to own a bike free and clear, no loan to pay back. People tend to be judged by the image they present to the world. My sporty will never win a bike show. It will never be featured in a magazine. It will never draw a crowd with folks lining up to get my autograph. But that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about being happy where you are and thankful for what you have. Enjoying a sunny day. Living a real life, not one based on what TV and magazines tells us life should be. Too bad so many out there forget that. There’s alot of incredible roads to ride and many people riding them that don’t fit into the narrow definition of what’s cool. Go out and ride a few, and if you see a bike broke down on the side of the road, stop and lend a hand. Be real.
Continued On Page 3
September 19, 2004
By Bandit |
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
PENNSYLVANIA MOVES TO BAN POCKET BIKES, Philadelphia Councilman Rick Mariano recently staged a protest of a local Pep Boys to announce his intentions to introduce a measure outlawing the sale of all pocket bikes, he told KYW Newsradio following the death of a teen who was riding the wrong way down a one-way street.
Even though the “pockets bikes” are illegal on city streets, they are still being sold in Philadelphia stores.
“They’re not street legal — so where are they gonna ride them? On the sidewalk?,? he asked during the Sept 11 protest, organized to pressure the automotive chain into taking the mini-motorcycles off their shelves.
So Mariano says at Council’s first session next month, he’ll introduce a bill to ban the scooters outright. It’s not clear yet though if the city has that power, because the state regulates motor vehicles. According to KYW, similar efforts are in the works at the state level.
STUDY CLAIMS MOTORCYCLES DAMAGE HEARING, Is it any wonder why motorcyclists hate “scientific studies”? Here?s a new one that’s sure to fuel the fires for noise ordinances, as researchers from the University of Florida told the Washington Times that “the noise from a motorcycle is as intense as that from a loud rock concert and can permanently damage hearing.”
In a test of 33 motorcycles, audiologists at Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions determined that nearly half produced sounds above 100 decibels when throttled up. That’s equal to a chainsaw or loud music, they said.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health warns that exposure to noise at 100 decibels is safe for only 15 minutes. The federal agency cautions that permanent hearing loss can result from eight hours of exposure to any noise measuring 85 decibels or above.
“Almost all of the motorcycles we tested reached action-level noise, which in the workplace would require ear protection,” said Joy Colle, an investigator in the Florida study, which the university released before it was published in a medical or scientific journal. “Potentially, the vast majority of motorcyclists could be exposed to dangerous levels of noise.”
But here’s the kicker; in the UF study the noise levels were tested at riders’ ear levels from stationary motorcycles when idle and throttled up. How many riders sit astride a parked motorcycle and “throttle up” for lengthy periods of time?
At least the audiologists admitted that motorcycle helmets do not provide much protection against hearing loss. No evidence was found that motorcycle noise harmed the hearing of those standing on a sidewalk near the test site either, but you can bet that won’t stop lawmakers from citing this “study” as justification for noise ordinances that target motorcycles.
FEDS SEEK STIFFER SENTENCES FOR “GANG” MEMBERS, “In an attempt to make punishments stiffer for street gangs, a bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to define what a criminal street gang is, ” reports ABATE of Pennsylvania’s Legislative Coordinator John Mullendore, who is also a member of the board of directors of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).
S.2358 defines a criminal street gang as “an ongoing formal or informal group, club, organization, or association of 3 or more persons through or for which they individually, jointly, or in combination, have committed or attempted to commit, for the direct or indirect benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with the group, club, organization, or association, three or more unrelated predicate gang crimes.” Also, having “membership, age or other qualifications, initiation rites, geographical or territorial sites, boundary, or location, or other unifying mark, manner, protocol, or method of expressing or indicating membership.”
“Needless to say,” concludes Mullendore, “any one of us could be defined as a gang under this broad definition if this bill passes. So let your Senator know we are against this bill.”
If you would like to read the entire bill, go to the Senate website: www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/g_three_sections_with_teasers/legislative_home.htm, and type in s2358.
B>>sers/legislative_home.htm>
CALIFORNIA AMENDS HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LAW, Following a spate of handlebar height citations, ABATE of California set out to amend their “no more than shoulder high” handlebar height limit to allow for greater flexibility. Assemblyman Jay La Suer introduced Assembly Bill 2844 to “prohibit a person from driving a 2-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than 6 inches above his or her shoulder height.”
ABATE lobbied AB2844 through the Assembly and Senate, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law on August 23. AB 2844 has become Chapter 280 of the law books and will become effective January 1, 2005.
“CONGRATULATIONS to every freedom loving rider in this state who took a minute to stand up for something!” said Jean Hughes, ABATEPAC Chairman. “We can make a difference! We can change the law! Now go for a nice long ride and come back refreshed and ready to work some campaigns so we can lock in those remaining votes we need to get the helmets off our heads!”
A COOL IDEA, Air conditioning for motorcycles? An Israeli inventor has designed what he claims is the world’s first air-conditioning unit for motorcycles. Physicist Glen Guttman from the company Entrosys said the device was technologically simple, but added: “Like any simple idea, you have to think it up, and then you have to implement it.”
The bike is fitted with an electronic unit powered by a standard motorcycle battery which funnels cold air into a thermal vest worn under the rider’s jacket. Speaking to Israel Army Radio, Guttman said the air conditioning unit was a small, lightweight box that fitted into the vehicle’s storage compartment and was connected to the driver’s body by a rubber tube. “The torso is the obvious target for air conditioning if you take into account the human physiology,” said Guttman.
The system cost $450,000 to develop, which Guttman raised through investors, and he now hopes the cooling motorcycle air conditioning unit will be on the market by the middle of next year. He said each unit would cost “several hundred pounds” and would first hit European and American shores. The inventor said, however, that he will not be testing the unit himself: “My investors don’t want me to ride a motorcycle myself. They want to make sure I stay safe.”
Meanwhile, “Air-conditioned” jackets have become a big hit in Japan. Jackets with built-in electric fans are providing relief in Japan during the country’s record-breaking summer heat. The prototype grey nylon coats have two fans in the back above the waist which are connected to a battery pack. The air runs along the wearer’s body and comes out at the cuffs and the neckline, drying off sweat which cools the skin as it evaporates.
HONDA HYBRID, Honda Motor Co., the world’s biggest motorcycle maker, said it is developing motorcycles that can run on gasoline-electric engines and fuel cells, extending the so-called hybrid technology for the first time to two-wheeled vehicles.
The company has built a scooter with a 50 cubic centimeter hybrid engine and a 125cc fuel cell-powered scooter, said Honda President Takeo Fukui, speaking to journalists at its research center in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.
Honda, one of the world’s two makers of vehicles with hybrid engines, is trying to use its technology to extend its edge over smaller motorcycle makers Suzuki Motor Corp. and Yamaha Motor Co. Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest producer of hybrid cars, doesn’t make motorcycles.
Automakers are trying to take the lead in developing cleaner technology as governments around the world tighten emission regulations. Vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and which run on alternative fuels are also becoming increasingly popular as the price of oil surges to record levels.
WEIRD NEWS: LICENSE TO BILL, Jim Cara just wanted a vanity license tag for his Suzuki Hayabusa sport bike that would make people laugh, but when he chose to put “NOTAG” on his plate, the joke backfired.
The new tag arrived under an avalanche of Wilmington, Delaware parking violations. “All the traffic tickets say, ‘Notice of violation. License number: no tag’,” Cara told the News Journal newspaper.
City computers, talking to state Division of Motor Vehicles computers, had finally found an address for ticketed vehicles that lacked license tags: Cara’s home in Elsmere. He has received more than 200 violation notices, ranging from $55 to $125 for violations such as meter expirations.
Cara, 43, admits he’s been a lifelong prankster, but this time he says, “the cleanup is going to be worse than the joke.”
Officials say they are clearing up the glitch, but advised Cara to get a new plate.
QUOTABLE QUOTE “It is now proved beyond doubt that riding a motorcycle is one of the leading causes of statistics.”
NCOM CONVENTION UPDATE, The 20th annual NCOM Convention will be held next Mother?s Day weekend, May 5-7, 2005, at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, located at 777 McGavock Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. Reserve your room by April 3rd for the special NCOM rate of $79 single/double by calling (615) 885-2200. Registration fees for the Convention are $75 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $40 for the Convention only. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355.
A News Break–The Cathouse ParrotA woman went to a pet shop and immediately spotted a large, beautifulparrot. There was a sign on the cage that said $50.00
“Why so little,” she asked the pet store owner.The owner looked at her and said, “Look, I should tell you first thatthis bird used to live in a house of Prostitution, and sometimes it sayssome pretty vulgar stuff.”
The woman thought about this, but decided she had to have the birdanyway.She took it home and hung the bird’s cage up in her living room andwaited for it to say something.
The bird looked around the room, then at her, and said, “New house, newmadam.”
The woman was a bit shocked at the implication, but then thought “that’sreally not so bad.”When her two teenage daughters returned from school the bird saw andsaid, “New house, new madam, new girls.”
The girls and the woman were abit offended but then began to laugh about the situation considering howand where the parrot had been raised.
Moments later, the woman’s husband Keith came home from work. The birdlooked at him and said, “Hi, Keith
Sons of Liberty Riders TEA Party
Well, the annual TEA Party is here and gone.As usual, if you missed it you missed a lot.Some folks came in on Thursday but most rode in on Friday.It was a weekend packed full of brotherhood, great conversation, debate, eatingand drinking. Weather was perfect.But like years past this group isn’t your normal biker crowd. There was plentyof beer and liquor remaining because most are more involved in learning andteaching.
Sunday morning came early and for those who slept in, reveille came with thesounds of shooting at Rangers gun range.
I wish everyone a safe trip home and look forward to seeing all of you in thefuture.
To all my Brothers and Sisters
Thank you for a great weekend
–T
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MSF imposes restrictions on Arizona’s use of MSF-branded tape
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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recently contacted ABATE ofArizonaInc. in regards to ABATE’s Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP).Motorcyclists in Arizona have been presenting motorcycle awareness andthemessage of how to share the road with motorcycles for over three years, andtomore than 5,000 Driver Ed Students and Adults alike. The program hasbecome extremely popular and is now touching more than 3,000students/adults each year.
The MAP is coordinated by ABATE of AZ, approved by the State MotorcycleSafety Advisory Council (SMSAC) and Sponsored by Arizona’s MotorcycleSafety Fund and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). During the53-minute presentation of the MAP, an 8 minute MSF – ‘Common Road’ tapeisshown. Although the MSF does not consider the MAP to be an MSF-brandedprogram, the tape is.
Because of this, the MSF stated that they expect that anyone presentingthe Common Road tape or any other MSF video to the school system, even aspart of a larger program such as MAP, will follow MSF’s basic safetyrecommendations of gear to be worn to and from the school. The Gearincludes eye protection, long pants, DOT-compliant helmet, jacket, glovesand over-the ankle boots. The MSF also alluded to the fact that not towear this recommended gear, would “undercut the message of the program.”
ABATE of Arizona states that the message of the MAP is “How motorists cansafely share the road with motorcycles”, not “What to wear or not wearwhen riding a motorcycle.” They do not discuss the pros and cons of ahelmet or any other gear, nor do they discuss their own personal choices.
Teachers often say they appreciate how the matter is handled. At the endof each presentation, the Riders Ed Course is strongly recommended to anystudent who plans to obtain an MC endorsement. The benefits of such aprogram are discussed and the teacher is provided with a list ofavailableschools in the state of Arizona.
Although ABATE of Arizona owns approximately 14 copies of the Common RoadTape, they were not aware of any restrictions/requirements to wear theMotorcycle Safety Foundation recommended safety gear when using thesetapes.
Bobbi Hartmann, ABATE’s Designated Lobbyist, State Safety Officer andcoordinator of the MAP, stated, “This is just one more example of theMSF’s recent push, in such states as Idaho, Oregon, Hawaii and Illinois,to gain uniform authority over all motorcycle rider education,curriculum,and program delivery. They’ve gone too far. The MSF has crossed theline.”
ABATE of Arizona Inc. regrets the fact that due to the MSF demands, theywill be eliminating the use of the Common Road tape from the MAPpresentations. Their message will be the same, “How to Share the Roadwith Motorcycles” – Crash Prevention – not Safer Crashes.
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Candidate for State Representative to the MRF Board
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I am asking each of you for your state’s vote at MOTM for StateRepresentative to the MRF Board. ~FastFred
Candidate for State Representative to the MRF Board: Fast Fred Ruddock
Several months ago, I officially announced my intention to run for StateRepresentative to the Board. I am still prepared to work as a liaisonbetween state representatives and the MRF Board of Directors. I feel as amember of the board I will be able to both help balance the current boardand improve communications especially those between the board and state reps.
Experience and Qualifications:I have been a member of ABATE of South Carolina since the early 1980s; Ihave held various positions from chapter coordinator to my current positionas state coordinator. I volunteered to be a MRF State Representative in late2002. I have worked hard to increase the membership levels of both the MRFand ABATE in South Carolina. I network and work with many other biker rightsactivists in my region and across our nation as an officer and member of theSons of Liberty Riders. I believe this board position would be a naturalextension of these efforts. I also maintain an ezine and biker rights websites geared towards increasing communication within our biker community.
Goals:I would like to work to increase the level of communication between theState Representatives and the Board of Directors. I would also like to workto increase the number of members in the MRF nationally. I am convinced thatincreasing the power and reach of the MRF is currently the best way to curbunwanted federal legislation. Many of the problems in my statehouse comefrom the federal government in the form of federal mandates and bribes topass legislation at the state level.
Personal Information:My current motorcycles are an ’89 FXRC and a ’03 FLHT; the FLHT has over45,000 miles on the odometer. Due to a serious crash I suffered in earlyJune the FLHT is still currently under repair; I have logged over 4,000additional miles on my FXR since the June crash though I was sidelined forsix weeks. I have owned many bikes over the years but only one cage; I soldthe cage last winter as it was deteriorating from lack of use. I averageabout 30,000 miles a year in the saddle riding all year in rain or shine. Ihave no children thus motorcycling and biker rights are my top priorities; Iwant my nieces to grow up in a free constitutional republic such as BenjaminFranklin and the 2nd Continental Congress forged and envisioned.
FastFred Ruddock
843-345-5926
mrf@fastfreds.com
Join FF’s MC Rights Ezine email list athttp://www.fastfreds.com/join.htm
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Rider “Radio” Bob Letourneau wins primary, needs help!
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Motorcycle leader and current New Hampshire State Rep. “Radio” Bob LetourneauWON in Tuesday’s Senate primary, beating the incumbent. Kudo’s to Bob and histeam. See story below.
But now Bob needs riders help for the general election November 2, 2004. Hiscampaign treasury is low. He needs an influx of donations and fresh workers (ifyou’re in the Derry, NH) area.
Riders nationwide can help by sending in or passing the helmet to collect $10 or$20 or $30 dollars for Bob’s campaign. He’s given THIRTY YEARS to motorcyclistsrights issues. Let’s get behind him, one by one, and help him continue to be inthe New Hampshire legislature, as SENATOR Bob!
Contact me directly at claimscote@aol.com or Bob at DerryRep@juno.com on whereto send your checks.
Let’s ROAR for BOB!
Thanks – Paul W. Cote
By JOHN DiSTASO and MICHAEL COUSINEAU
Union Leader Staff
Two first-term state senators were ousted by conservative challengers inyesterday’s low-turnout state primary election. With the general electioncampaign about to unfold, Republicans hope to increase their current 18-6supermajority, while Democrats hope to put a significant dent in it.
Turned aside by Republican voters were Sens. Frank Sapareto of Derry andAndrew Peterson of Peterborough.
Four-term state Rep. Bob Letourneau defeated his fellow Derry residentbecause “of the hard work of people in Derry. This was not won by me alone. Itjust comes down to a style of leadership,” Letourneau said.
The Associated Press reported Letourneau with 1,652 votes and Saparetowith 1,540.
Letourneau beat Sapareto 865 to 552 in Derry. He won by 112 votes out of3,200 cast districtwide. In Hampstead, Letourneau won 239 to 196, while Saparetowon in Windham, 749 to 591. Letourneau now faces Grace Reisdorf of Derry in thegeneral election.
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HERO AND DORK OF THE WEEK
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This weeks winnersare:
HERO Sputnik of TMRA IIFor being himself and taking home the Region 1 Warrior award
DORKThe thief that dipped into the donation bucket at the TEA Party.
If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zone
http://solriders.com/ or http://solriders.net/index.php
September 16, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
Things You Don?t See Everyday- From Miller4Nitro
BIKERNET SMART ASS REMARKS?
Smart-ass Answer #1
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to checktickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticketand he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing abeat…she said, “Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub.”
Smart-ass Answer #2
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store,but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked a stockboy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?” The stock boy replied, “Noma’am, they’re dead.”
Smart-ass Answer #3
The cop got out of his car and the kid who was stopped for speedingrolled down his window. “I’ve been waiting for you all day,” thecopsaid. The kid replied, “Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.”When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his waywithout a ticket.
Smart-ass Answer #4
A truck driver was driving along on the freeway. A sign comes up thatreads “Low bridge ahead!” Before he knows it, the bridge is rightahead of him and he gets stuck under the bridge. Cars are backedupfor miles. Finally, a police car comes up. The cop gets out of hiscar and walks around to the truck driver, puts his hands on hishipsand says, “Got stuck, huh?” The truck driver says, “No, I wasdelivering this bridge and ran out of gas.”
and finally…..
Smart-ass Answer #5
THE TEACHER Smart-ass Answer OF THE YEAR:
A college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow’s final exam. “Nowclass, I won’t tolerate any excuses for you not being heretomorrow.I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury orillness, or a death in your immediate family but that’s it, nootherexcuses whatsoever!”
A smart-ass guy in the back of the room raised his hand andasks,”What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering fromcomplete and utter sexual exhaustion?”
The entire class does its best to stifle their laughter andsnickering.
When silence is restored, the teacher smiles sympathetically at thestudent, shakes her head, and sweetly says, Well, I guess you’dhaveto write the exam with your other hand.”
From S&C
BIKERNET NEW PRODUCT FROM ENERGY ONE–Having trouble finding neutral, having disengagement or clutch slippage problems with your Big Twin ?90 – ?97, Sportster & Buell ?91 to present? The fix is easy. Energy One Clutches offers a complete ?EXTRA PLATE? clutch kit which eliminates the OEM double riveted steel plate and the annoying rivets that work themselves loose. The Energy One kit not only eliminates the double riveted steel plate, it adds an extra friction plate and steel plate, making it a high performance extra plate kit.
The Energy One kit includes 9 high performance frictions, 8 steels and a 15% stronger diaphragm spring (Part No. BTX-11). Our parts are race proven and tested. Proud sponsor of the AHDRA Drags.
Energy One Clutches
(562) 698-7809 http://www.energyoneclutches.com
BIKER POEM–Hey Bandit, Not sure how you submit thing on this site so I thought that I would sendthis to you. Hope you like it.
Face in the sun
Wind in the hair
Bugs in the teeth
Smell of fresh air
Watch the world passing
Without a care
Roll the throttle on
Soon we’ll be there
Hear the pipes rumble
Lost in the sound
Every note sounds perfect
Time for a round
The girls they smile
The kids they wave
The guys look jealous
Riding in their cage
Pull into the bar
Friends gather round
Lift up to toast
That sweet rumbling sound
Now is the time for stories
And for lies to pass around
Remember that time last summer
When I almost went down
See that girl dancing
My she looks so sweet
Biker girls are best
They just can’t be beat
Now she’s coming over
Think I caught her eye
I’ll love you forever
Of course I wouldn’t lie
Get a little kiss
Buy another round
Better drink soon
The sun has gone down
Barmaid hollers out
Lights get bright
Last call is spoken
The end of the night
Tell your friends later
I’ll see you again
Tomorrows another day
Time to get in the wind
Walk out to the bike
Dig in the bags
Clear glasses are somewhere
Here, under the rags
Bike comes to life
Kick up the stand
Feel the power move through you
Aint this so grand
You leaving without me?
Comes a sweet voice
Please take me home
So what’s your choice?
Pull in the clutch
Push it into gear
Roll on some power
A little smoke from the rear
Arms and legs rapped around
Streetlights fade away
Smile on my face
A hell of a day
It’s what we where made for
Here we feel alive
Good times and bikes
This is where we thrive
Give a little twist
Just to hear the sound
Out goes the stand
Then shut her down
Lying in the bed
Her head on your chest
Eyes slowly close
Today was the best
By : Rusty Hylton
2004 Version–Daddy, how was I born?…….Ah, well, son, one day you will need to find out anyway!Here Goes: Mom & Dad got together in a chat room on MSN. Dad set up a datevia e-mail with your mom & we met at a cybercafe. We sneaked into a secludedroom. Your mother downloaded from dad’s memory stick & as soon as dad wasready for an upload, it was discovered that neither one of us had used afirewall. Since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine monthslater; a blessed little virus appeared.
And that’s the story.
From S&C
EVIL BASTARD ROLLING CHASSIS–The radical new line of CUSTOM ROLLING CHASSIS KITS just introduced by PRO-ONE have, without a doubt, some of the most creative names we?ve seen. And they actually do reflect the image produces by the different styles. Shown here is the EVIL BASTARD, a rigid chopper frame. The new roller reflects the company?s reputation for superior quality and workmanship with styling that?s right on the edge. EVIL BASTARD chassis are a perfect fit for 250, 280 and 300 applications and provide a nostalgic yet contemporary hard core chopper image. The frame is 1 ?? tubing with 6? over single or dual downtubes, 5? in the backbone and 40 degrees rake. A custom fit steel strutless rear fender is included as is the steel Longshot front fender, oil bag, stretched steel teardrop style gas tank and leather solo seat. PRO-ONE provides each kit with your choice of PRO-ONE 1-piece chrome billet rims, chrome billet brakes, forward controls, side mount license plate, headlight, 1 ?? pull back bars, 5 degree trees, matching rotors and drive pulley and more. EVIL BASTARD shown here includes optional assembly, custom paint, Sinister II wheels and custom stitched seat. For complete details contact PRO-ONE at 800-884-4173 or go to http://www.pro-one.com
BIKERNET COMPARISON–PROBLEM: Two books are for sale. Which to buy? “The Titanic” or “My Life” byBill Clinton?
Titanic: $29.99
Clinton: $29.99
Titanic: Over 3 hours to read.
Clinton: Over 3 hours to read.
Titanic: The story of Jack and Rose, their forbidden love, andsubsequent catastrophe.
Clinton: The story of Bill and Monica, their forbidden love, and subsequent catastrophe.
Titanic: Jack is a starving artist.
Clinton: Bill is a bullshit artist.
Titanic: In one scene, Jack enjoys a good cigar.
Clinton: Ditto for Bill.
Titanic: During an ordeal, Rose’s dress gets ruined.
Clinton: Ditto for Monica.
Titanic! : Jack teaches Rose to spit.
Clinton: Let’s not go there.
Titanic: Rose gets to keep her jewelry.
Clinton: Monica’s forced to return her gifts.
Titanic: Rose remembers Jack for the rest of her life.
Clinton: Clinton doesn’t remember Jack.
Titanic: Rose goes down on a vessel full of seamen.
Clinton: Monica… oooh, let’s not go there, either.
Titanic: Jack surrenders to an icy death.
Clinton: Bill goes home to Hillary… basically the same thing
Jay Hodge
S&S Officially Opens New La Crosse Distribution and Manufacturing Facility– LA CROSSE, WI (August 31, 2004) While S&S began operating out of its La Crosse facility on August 11th, the official “Revving Cutting” Ceremony took place today in the shipping docks. Beautiful weather allowed the 50+ employee motorcycles to arrive right on time for the celebration. The event was sponsored by 95.7 The Rock FM providing live coverage, by Grizzly’s providing barbeque sandwiches, and the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. On hand were S&S Chairman of the Board, George Smith; S&S President, Brett Smith; Mayor of La Crosse, John Medinger; La Crosse Area Development President, James Hill; La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce President, Dick Granchalek; and over 500 other dignitaries, friends, and employees.
“Today is certainly a cause for celebration, but the real work is ahead of us with new endeavors like powder coating, polishing, and manufacturing frames and billet components,” said Brett. “Not only did we officially open the new distribution facility, I promoted Gary Larson to Director of Logistics since we’ll need on-hand leadership here and he did such a tremendous job with the move. Now he’ll have the chance to do more with some of the initiatives I just mentioned.”
Brett closed, “I’m not only thankful for all the hard work of the employees and S&S team members, the support of the Board-particularly former Board member, Jack White, for facilitating this deal. I also want to thank our service providers like Virchow Krause, US Bank, and Foley & Lardner. Finally thanks to the City of La Crosse. However, God truly blessed all of us with this move and we will return those blessings by providing much needed manufacturing jobs in this area.”
“It is overwhelming for me to visualize the business back in 1980, when I took over as President after my Dad’s untimely death and see it now with my son leading us into a third generation of successful growth,” said George. “I am sure that Mom & Dad would be proud with what we accomplished and even more pleased to see that our second generation efforts translated into continued success with the third generation.”
S&S Cycle has been a leading manufacturer of Proven Performance V-Twin motorcycle components and engines for over 45 years. George Smith and Stanley Stankos founded the company in 1958 in Blue Island, Illinois. Shortly after the founding of S&S, George, and his wife Marjorie (whose maiden name was also Smith), bought out Stanley Stankos and Smith & Stankos became Smith & Smith (S&S). In 1969, S&S moved from Blue Island to Viola, Wisconsin and expanded to La Crosse, Wisconsin in 2004. This 3rd generation business supplies components and/or engines to several large custom OEs including: American Ironhorse, Arlen Ness, Big Bear Choppers, Big Dog, BMC, Bourget Bike Works, Hellbound Steel, Swift, Titan, Ultra, Vengeance, & Victory (please see the S&S website for a complete listing).
AEC Introduces Two Distinctive, Right-Side Drive Prowler Frames–American Engineering Company has two new frames on the prowl. The Prowler Halfmoon Chopper and Prowler Prostreet Style frames are set up for right-side drive and can fit tire sizes from 240 to 250. Each frame comes with a shot-peened surface and features accessories including a swingarm with bearings, weld-on gas tank mounts, internal fork stops, built-in neck bearing cups, splash guard, oil tank, an integrated transmission plate and a 1? axle with axle adjusters and covers. Call AEC for detailed information, and ask for it by name?Prowler! Dealer inquiries invited.
Thought the photo belonged on bikernet.com for all the vets.
Patriots,
This is a truly outstanding photo of a Marine AH-1W Cobra during the battle for Najaf. The aircraft pictured has just destroyed an enemy mortar position, the photo was shot by his wingman. The unit engaged are the “Coyotes” of HMLA-775, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA; reservists deep in the fight. Note the golden dome in the background, this is the Shiite’s most sacred mosque which was taken over and occupied by Al Sadre’s thugs.
Semper Fidelis
Agent Zebra
BIKERNET SUPPORT–I have not seen this personally but I do Know Grumpy and he is a good source.
Cityhawg posted this on HTT
How many have seen the new Toyota Tundra commercial ? If you havent it shows a biker on a 2 lane country road all by himself. He looks in his mirror and see`s 5 Tundras coming up fast. They force him to ride the center line of the road while they pass using both lanes. I called Toyota about this and gave them an ear-full. And we all know of someone who has been killed or injured by this type of driving.
This shows a complete disregard for motorcycle safety on the part of Toyota. If anyone wants to call them about this and demand that this commercial be pulled off the air call: 1-800-331-4331 option 3 and let them know we will not put up with this callous view of bikers.
They gave me a document number after registering my complaint. I did give up Phone and addy, but I think worth it.
1-800-331-4331 option 3, option 4.
Everybody should call and let them know what you think.
Grumpy : (
Rogue
Photo by Bob T.
That?s the news? Bandit returns home tomorrow – yay! I?ve really missed the big guy. It just isn?t the same around here without him cause a girl can only take so much relaxing, and then she needs a good strong man to come along and boss her around.
If I didn?t mention before where he?s been, that lucky bastards been in Alaska Salmon fishing, hiking, touching glaciers and enjoying the beautiful landscape ? without me. I can?t wait to see the pictures he taken and hear the fishing stories of the one that got away. Oh, about that email Bandit got, here you go.
Hi Bandit,
I was just doing a “Howard Kelly” search online and noticed a funny storyabout you having a scrape with Howie and the Primedia posse over some sortof misappropriation of funds thing or something. Oh well, by now you surelyknow that they offed the f** t** of l*** this past Friday and the entirebike industry has been dancing in the streets ever since. I’ve hoisted myshare of extra-dry martinis to celebrate the occasion.
Take care,
Mr. Unknown
Have a great weekend!
Layla
September 16, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
DID HE SAY ?BOBBERS??–Hey, I really dig your site. Love the Tim Conder stories. Take a look at my site if you get a moment.
Take care,
Anthony
ABATE Handlebar Bill Signed into Law–Governor Schwarzenegger Signs ABATE Handlebar Bill into Law.
Sacramento. ABATE of California, a motorcycle rights organization, is pleased to announce the signing of Assembly Bill 2844 into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 23, 2004. The common sense measure will modernize the outdated motorcycle handlebar height restrictions contained in California’s vehicle code section 27801, instituted in 1963.Assemblyman Jay La Suer of La Mesa is the Bill’s author. Denise Ducheny brought the bill to the Senate floor. ABATE of California consulted with the California Highway Patrol in sponsoring the measure which will allow a rider’s handgrips to be up to, but no higher than, 6 inches above shoulder height. The bill passed by a near unanimous vote on both the Assembly and Senate floors.
The current law limits handgrip height at shoulder level. AB 2844 was drafted in response to a rash of selective enforcement coupled with aCalifornia Judicial Council ruling which modified the offense from a simple fix it ticket to a non-correctible offense worth a point against amotorist’s driving record.
While the new legislation makes no change to the recent judicial ruling, ABATE Legislative Director Jean Hughes predicts the new law should put an end to 95% of the traffic stops.
The new law will go into effect on January 1, 2005.
SECTION 1. Section 27801 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
27801. A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with either of the following:
(a) A seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or her feet.
(b) Handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.
Contact:
Jean Hughes, Legislative Director, ABATE of California
(707) 446-9432
Submitted by Splatt
ROGUE REPORT –ROGUE REPORT Hurricane Frances came to Florida and kicked ass!125,000 still with out power but there are power companies in from all over the country working 18-hour shifts to restore power.
My family and myself are fine and though we are on generator power at least we have refrigerator, water (showers), TV and fans. There is minor damage to the roof and some trees down.
We just got phone service back and the cell phone only works in certain areas. I am doing this on laptop, as my cable hook up is not working so I use the phone or cell phone.
We had some hard times through this but are very lucky compared to some others nor far from us who lost roofs and buildings and are living at shelters.
I have good neighbors and a lot of friends and we are all helping each other and it is working.
Fema is setting up along with the Red Cross and helping a lot of people. The National Guard is doing road duty as traffic lights are out in many places. Most of the cops have been pretty decent and there is a curfew in effect and the Sheriff is telling places not to sell beer or alcohol. That is not going over to well.
Ivan is being watched now.
I have to get back to work around here but wanted to let all know what was going on.
Florida People – Check In When You Are Able To. If you are in need of something let us know and we will see what we can do.
BE SAFE ? Rogue
WILLIE G?S BASTARD–From Suds and Butterfly News Letter
Recently I was riding my daily work commute bike, a 2002 Buell X1W White Lightning. Now I have an old panhead, but when it comes to making it to and from work without having to stop and wrench something back in working condition, the little Buell does a fine job of keeping me from being late for work and running the gauntlet back home in rush hour traffic, fast acceleration, great brakes, great handling, nuff said. So I am sitting at a traffic light, and two yuppie bolt on chrome owners pull up and one hollers “HEY LOOK IT’S ONE OF WILLIE G’S BASTARD STEPCHILDREN” So as soon as I got the front wheel back on the ground after my powerful little Buell made it’s exit from the light, I started thinking about how those of us who ride every day, good weather or bad, sure get a lot of disrespect from these yahoos who happen to have more money than common sense and enough credit to keep their local HD dealer in business. I bet neither of them has ever made a run from Oklahoma to Santa Cruz California on a motorcycle just to keep a process server off their back. They probably stay in a nice motel or guest ranch if they go to Sturgis, just so they can have a t-shirt. And I know damn well that there isn’t a tool roll under their seat to make roadside repairs with.
So anyway, I came up with these patches, so if you know any Buell hooligans, let em know. I am selling these things for $10 each and I pay the postage. Sure liked your website, I used to work oilpatch out in the Tejas panhandle back in the day, rode a scooter to the rig every chance I had. Kinda miss huge grasshoppers bouncing off me.
Thanks, Rusty
PICTURE OF PATCH : http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com/files/Willie_G_patch_-_fr_Rusty_sm.jpg
Man Goes to Jail for Putting a Sign in his Yard–
“You can look through ’em all.”
Up to his ears in legal documents, Phillip Dean is fed up with the judicial system.
“That’s the kind of court system we’ve got in Jackson County, Alabama and I want everybody to know,” Dean says.
So he put a sign in his front lawn saying “Our Court System Is a Joke.”A message landing him behind bars.
“I was in a cell about four foot wide and six foot long and nothing in it but a toilet,” he explains.Arrest orders signed by Judge Haralson claim Dean to be in direct contempt of court, even though the sign is on County Road 107, not in the county courthouse.
“The signs were so derogatory to the court they could not be ignored,” Haralson responds in a local paper.
With Dean locked up, the signs were removed.
“Before they would let me go in front of Judge Haralson,” Dean says. “They put leg shackles, they put handcuffs, they put chains from my legs up to my waist. They put a chain around my waist. They put chains from my waist up here and had my hands pulled up like this.”
With an apology, Haralson released Dean after a day in jail, but the experience leaves Dean with unanswered questions.
“When it gets to where a man hadn’t got any free speech in this world, what has he got?” he asks.
Answers he hopes to find with a message already back in place.
Rogue
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–I squeezed one more news day before heading out, so here we go.First of all , I want to thank everyone that has sent e-mails and posted on your shot about my writing. I want you guys to know that I really appreciate it, no bullshit.
I have said a thousand times, it still amazes me of the people we reach, and the people who know of me and what I do. I was thinking about how “open” my life is to a bunch of people, how simple is to find me, or e-mail, or how much of what goes on and my life is open for anyone to read. I guess not enough, since I don’t have any hot chicks stalking me yet, but then again, there’s still time.
Funny, the other day I was looking at the News archives, then I searched for the first news report I had ever done, it was August 2000, at least the one I could find. That is 4 years ago, and what amazes me the most is how things have changed, and changed for the better. I also got to read an old interview Bandit did on me, many things have happened and others are still waiting. It?s bizarre how a life is plastered all over a computer screen, week after week, more so, not only my life, but also of others who contribute to this site. It is our own little “family” and we have millions of spectators, we might know a percent of a percent of those.
Funny that some people hate you, while others enjoy the success. It?s also an art to be able to figure out e-mails and see the truth in them; that is without knowing the person or ever seen them. Like I said jokingly the other night, If every person that read the news would send me a mere dollar, I would be able to pay a lot of rent and build a few bikes, but it’s not a matter of money, it’s never been about the money. Although I have to pay rent, utilities, car, etc,etc, like everyone else, this is kind of a labor of love. It?s a compromise from me to Bandit and Sin, plus all the other readers, those who like it and those who don’t.
Sure I would love to be able to walk out the door and buy whatever I wanted, or not worry about all those bills every month, but if it’s going to happen , it will happen. Will I change or change what I’m doing? I really don’t think so, first and foremost I build bikes, and I enjoy what we do. “Grown kids” as Glenn so eloquently put it. Sure there’s better times and there’s times that we want to call it quits, but no one gets off the boat on this trip. We lose some very dear friends, but that also gets us closer to others. Life has a very funny way to portray itself to us.
In those old news columns, I did a little introduction and then went to the news, but how everything has changed….. What Bandit called going “editorial” is what I do every single week, and it looks like a lot of people follow those “lifetorials”. What shocks me the most is that I have always been very private. I would not even like people to know if I was taking a trip or my destination. Some of my friends ended up calling me the myth. And here we are, half a World reading all this, every week, bizarre, once more. Thank God there’s no hits on me, since it would be very simple to pop a cap in my ass. Then again, sometimes there are some things better left untold.
Check the old news archives if you have the time, they used to be one short page, but like I have said, we all have grown.
Like this industry, when will it stop? No one knows, and no one wants it to, but still they ponder the question.
This upcoming Sunday I will be paying tribute to the life of a good friend that is with us no more, but the bright side of it is that other friends will be there as well, to share the moment, to augment the bond. It?s sad that a moment like that will bring many of us together, but I’m sure one will enjoy it the most, the one that it’s all about…He will be scratching his head and wondering how come so many people loved him…Simple man….because you were you.
As I used to say goodbye back then,Saludos
Jose ? Bikernet Caribbean Reporter
Dave MannTo view some of his historical art you can go to the following websites: http://home.att.net/~knucklehead-47/dmannphoto.htm
Rogue
On Loosing David Mann– They say only the good die young. If that?s true, then Dave Mann must have put one over on the Big Man upstairs to have blessed this world with his goodness for sixty four years.
None of us can do everything and be everywhere. David Mann?s vision and his ability to bring the biker?s world alive through his art enabled many of us to experience through his eyes, things that we otherwise might have missed out on or couldn?t be a part of. His was an extraordinary gift that enriched the lives of millions of bikers. In a way, through the art he created over the years, Dave Mann chronicled the history and evolution of what it means to be a biker. How the Hell do you say ?thank you? for something like that?
Like most of us, I never had the honor of meeting Dave Mann. I knew him only through his artwork. But because of that artwork, I feel I owe him a special debt. Like a lot of you, when I learned of Dave?s health problems and the financial challenges he was facing, I sent what I could to help out. I considered it an opportunity to make a small down payment on what I owed him for everything he?d given me over the years. I also sent along my only surviving magazine copy of a story of mine that was published in Easyriders back in May of 1982. The story was called ?Daytona Run?. I thought it was a good story and as I recall, it was well received at the time. But what made the story so special to me, and I have no doubt, what made a lot of folks take the time to read it, was the David Mann artwork used to illustrate it.
I felt then, as I do now, that the reason the reaction to that story was so favorable had a helluva lot more to do with Dave?s illustration than the way I put the words together. To be honest, Dave turned the tables on me. Instead of serving as an accessory to my story, his superb painting made my words seem unnecessary. All you had to do was take one look at his rendering of two bikes loaded in the back of an old pickup truck parked in a dark snowy driveway with the sunny beaches of Daytona appearing in the snow swept shimmer of the headlights, and you could have saved yourself the trouble of reading further. He had told the story far better with his brush than I did with my words.
I believed then, and I believe now, that my story (and a lot of other good stories by other writers) might well have been overlooked by a lot of readers without the power of David Mann?s illustrations to draw them in. I just wanted him to know how much it had meant to me over the years to have my simple story associated with his genius.
A couple of weeks later, I got a personal note of thanks from David Mann. It?s my understanding that, his health not withstanding, he personally thanked all those who sent help and encouragement. In his note to me, the Great David Mann turned the tables on me again. He used some of his precious time to tell me that the illustration used for ?Daytona Run? had been inspired by my story and been painted especially to go with it. I was honored and humbled all over again. Now, in those times when the stories just won?t come, and the words just won’t fit together, his kind message, like his work, will always serve to inspire me to keep trying. How the Hell do you thank someone for a gift like that?
And how do you thank someone for a life lived like that?
I?m no philosopher. I don?t claim to understand why I can look around me and see good people gone way too soon while the bad ones live forever, fat and happy. But maybe, if there is a grand design to all this, there’s a reason why people like Indian Larry and David Mann don?t get to stay with us longer. Maybe the good really do die young. And, maybe, just maybe, the Big Man Upstairs knew that true genius is still young at sixty-four.
Because that?s what David Mann was and always will be, a true genius who died way too young at sixty-four. He will be honored, respected, and missed for as long as even one true biker still draws breath.
Hutch in The Heartland
Continued On Page 4
September 16, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
HEY BANDIT–
VIRUS WARNING–During the next several weeks be VERY cautious about opening or launching any e-mails that refer to the World Trade Center or 9/11 inany way, regardless of who sent it. PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOURFRIENDSAND FAMILY. FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, “WTC” STANDS FOR THE WORLD TRADECENTER. REALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL OPEN IT RIGHT AWAY,THINKING ITS A STORY RELATING TO 9/11! BIGGGG TROUBLE !!!! DO NOTOPEN”WTC Survivor.” It is a virus that will erase your whole “C” drive..Itwill come to you in the form of an E-Mail from a familiar person. Irepeat, a friend sent it to me, but called and warned me before Iopenedit. He was not so lucky and now he can’t even start his computer!Forward this to everyone in your address book. I would rather receivethis 25 times than not at all. So, if you receive an email called “WTCSurvivor”, do not open it. Delete it right away! This virus removesalldynamic link libraries (dll files) from your computer. PLEASE FORWARDTHIS MESSAGE!
Chris T.
BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT–Man, it has been a tough month for the biker community. First we lost Indian Larry and before we had a chance to heal from that hurt, we hear of Dave Mann passing away.
When I was a lot younger and just getting into bikes Dave Mann was one of my heroes. I really should not use the word ?was,? to me he has always been a hero of mine and always will be.
I remember my friend Mike J. and me working together and at lunch time, on the day we thought the new issue of Easyriders would hit the local 7-11 store, we would head over there and scrape together enough money to buy each of us a copy. Back in those days it seems we didn?t have enough lunch money, but we always had enough to buy Easyriders. If one of us was short, the other would spot what we needed until the next issue. I would always search first for the Dave Mann centerfold. Nothing else in there mattered until I saw the centerfold and once you saw one of them you were hooked.
Dave Mann?s artwork was more than a drawing or a picture. His artwork came to life, it was real! I could feel the air in my hair, the power of the engine, the pop and crack of the pipes, you could feel the night air, most of all though you could feel the freedom that riding and being a biker was about. There was nothing better on a cold Virginia winter night than opening up that Easyrider magazine and feeling the warmth of spring through a piece of Dave Mann?s artwork.
I finally met Dave Mann in December of 1996 at an EasyriderS Show here in Charlotte. You could buy his centerfolds and he would autograph them for you. I remember he was friendly and easy to talk to. I framed the print and treasure it to this day. I have a huge collection of his centerfolds and they will always have a place in my home. They all have meaning to me. I can look at them and some take me back to certain times in my life and you can never put a price on something like that.
Another thing Dave Mann?s art did was inspire bike builders worldwide. My highbar springer is styled by what I saw in those centerfolds. My taste in bikes and the styles I like are all influences of Dave Mann. Nothing brought out the bare bones ?Outlaw? style better than a Dave Mann centerfold.
I remember last year hearing of Dave?s health failing and you could make a donation to help. I did not hesitate, I sent a small gift and I did not expect anything in return. About three weeks later Dave sent me a small copy of ?Ghostrider? and at the bottom of it was a thank you note with the famous ?David Mann? signature. It blew me away! I always knew what kind of person Dave was just through his artwork, this just reinforced what I had I always believed. Dave Mann was a stand up guy!
Thanks Dave for the enjoyment you gave me over the years, from being a kid who knew very little about bikes and the biker lifestyle to who I am today, a biker who loves the lifestyle that your artwork portrayed. For me there will never be anyone who comes close to you and your artwork. I am sure wherever you are right now, you are working on a piece of art for everyone to enjoy! Ride on!
Until next week!
STEALTHMAN
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ABATEPAC Voter Guide in Motorcycle Shops and Online–Another election is fast approaching and you’ve been too busy riding to know which candidates are biker friendly. Some politicians would like to ban bikes and get it over with. Others want to end lane splitting or impose new smog and noise standards. So, how does a good scooter tramp know where politicians stand on issues of importance to motorcyclists?
The new ABATEPAC Voter Guide has been distributed to motorcycle shops and biker hangouts throughout California. The 2004 edition endorses biker friendly candidates based on past voting record or favorable completion of a comprehensive questionnaire. ABATE of California’s Political Action Committee has also made the Voter Guide available online at the http://www.abate.org website. Campaign contact numbers are provided for riders willing to make a donation or volunteer time working in a campaign office.
Form a group ride to your local polling place and proudly display your “I Voted” sticker on your helmet, vest or jacket.
Remember, you must be registered before October 18th to vote in the November 2 election.
2005 presents the greatest opportunity for positive change we’ve seen in years. For those of you interested in lickin’ the lid law, this is the time to get involved, and the ABATEPAC Voter Guide makes the job as easy as punching out chads.
Splatt
CRAZY HORSE REPORT —
I’m not sure why I think about the past so much, it really wasn’t that pleasant for me. I was always broke beyond belief due to poor choices of boyfriends. They were always creating some gawd awful mess that I’d have to bail them out of. But in a way, it wasn’t so bad. I lived in unreal beautiful places, like in a 200 yr old farmhouse next to the Connecticut River or in a large artsy contemporary at the top of a 100 ft cliff. And one thing that always took my mind off the latest fiasco was always the latest issue of Easyriders. I’d come to depend on seeing that Dave Mann centerfold. It was as much a part of my world as my friends. The paintings would take me to a dream biker world, where the sunsets were always blood red and friends always rode together on super cool choppers. But it was also a very real world, where bikes didn’t always start and people screwed up, yet their friends forgave them. I never met Dave. I saw him at shows a few times, but I never said hello or got an autograph. I guess I just took it for granted he would always be there, just like his paintings would always be in the magazine centerfold.
When I heard he was dead, it stung hard. I mean losing Indian Larry was bad enough, but losing two legends in such a short amount of time? I knew Dave was ill, and like the optimist I am, I kept hoping he’d hang on and get better.
Out in a large filing cabinet in my garage are all the Easyriders I’ve collected over the years. In all the moves I’ve made, I keep dragging them along. They are not all in good shape. It’s been a tough 30 years since I started reading Easyriders and many of those issues show the wear. I had finally decided that I would go through them and sell the lot at the next big swap meet. I mean, I never look at them. There’s not many free afternoons to idle away leafing through the past. Too many bikes to paint, stuff to do, family to tend, and roads to ride. Sure there’s time to think about the past but not time to actually handle it, to touch the pages I sought comfort in so long ago. Life keeps happening and the magazines sit. But now, I may not sell them, not yet. For me they represent what used to be, but what is forever gone. Like when my friends and I would have a keg party the night before a swap meet. Then we’d load the keg in the back of my ’64 Ford pickup and bury it under bike parts. I’d set up at the meet, selling paint jobs, spare parts and $1 beers. My friends would give free beer to cute guys. It was a fun way to blow off a Sunday afternoon. I mean we had nothing better to do. None of us were married, no kids to worry about. Just sit around and wonder about men and talk about our dream bikes. Mine was a ’64 pan. We thought we were so wise and worldly, when we were actually so young and unspoiled. To be able to freeze those moments in time. And that’s what Dave Mann did. He painted life the way we wanted to see it. The way we wished it could always be.
Joann ?Crazy Horse?
BIKERNET ART CORNER–Just as we predicted David Uhl’s limited edition canvas of ROSE has sold out. In the secondary market this piece is now selling for $2600 framed. (from $1850 opening price). This is obviously good news to those who have already acquired the piece and not altogether unexpected. Rose had all the elements to be a very successful work, as does this next David Uhl painting entitled THE REAL THING. As you can see by the attached visual THE REAL THING is “Rose” only from a little different prospective. David’s concept here was to create a more “Rubyesque” portrait which is more about the girl and her allure and independence (sound familiar?) Given that the editions are much smaller now this piece will undoubtedly be the next sold-out edition. Call me when you get a chance.
Ron Copple
Artists Riding Together
866-985-9989http://www.art-inc.biz
Charlie Bretchel Band ? Live at the Love Run–Hey Bandit, Nov 14 I will be playing the Love Ride and we will be flyingRogue out to party with us and shoot some footage and a interview with Rogue for inner circle 2. We are bringing him out for a week Nov 11 till 17. Maybe we can hook up and do a interview with you to guys together? That would be very cool.
Charlie Bretchelhttp://jmedina.homestead.com/mediaschedule.htmlhttp://jmedina.homestead.com/mediaschedule.html
THE FUTURE OF TEXAS–
Please note that Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union (please refer to the Texas-American Annexation Treaty of 1848).
We Texans love y’all, but we’ll have to take action if Kerry wins president over Bush. We’ll miss you too. Texas has given all those complainers plenty of time to get used to the results. After seeing the whiners along the campaign route, the folks from Texas are considering taking matters into our their hands.
Here is our solution:
#1: Let John Kerry become President of the United States. (all 49 states.)
#2: George W. Bush becomes the President of the Republic of Texas.
So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?
1. NASA is just south of Houston, Texas. (we will control the space industry.)
2. We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States.
3. Defense Industry. (we have over 65% of it) The term “Don’t mess with Texas,” will take on a whole new meaning.
4. Oil – we can supply all the oil that the Republic of Texas will need for the next 300 years. Yankee states? Sorry about that.
5. Natural Gas – Again we have all we need and it’s too bad about those northern states. John Kerry will figure a way to keep them warm….
6. Computer Industry – we currently lead the nation in producing computer chips and communications: Small places like Texas Instruments, Dell Computer, EDS, Raytheon, National Semiconductor, Motorola, Intel, AMD, Atmel, Applied Materials, Ball Semiconductor, Dallas Semiconductor, Delphi, Nortel, Alcatel, Etc, Etc. The list goes on and on.
7. Health Centers – We have the largest research centers for Cancer research, the best burn centers and the top trauma units in the world and other large health planning centers.
8. We have enough colleges to keep us going: UT Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Rice, SMU, University of Houston, Baylor, UNT, Texas Women’s University, Ivy grows better in the south anyway.
9. We have a ready supply of workers. (just open the border when we need some more)
10. We have control of the paper industry, plastics, insurance etc.
11. In case of a foreign invasion, we have the Texas National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard. We don’t have an army but since everybody down here has at least six rifles and a pile of ammo, we can raise an army in 24 hours if we need it. If the situation really gets bad, we can always call Department of Public Safety and ask them to send over a couple Texas Rangers.
12. We are totally self sufficient in beef, poultry, hogs and several types of grain, fruit and vegetables and lets not forget seafood from the gulf. And everybody down here knows how to cook them so that they taste good. Don’t need any food.
This just names a few of the items that will keep the Republic Of Texas in good shape. There isn’t a thing out there that we need and don’t have.
Now to the rest of the United States under President Kerry: Since you won’t have the refineries to get gas for your cars, only President Kerry will be able to drive around in his 9 mile per gallon SUV. The rest of the United States will have to walk or ride bikes.
You won’t have any TV as the space center in Houston will cut off your communications. You won’t have any natural gas to heat your homes but since Mr. Kerry has predicted global warming, you will not need the gas.
Signed, The People in Texas And Y’all have a nice day!
RevCarl
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