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Read More July 29, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
Sturgis blues. As the date nears I stare at the King and it calls me to hit the road. Maybe it’s the Bikernet women holding me back. They don’t like the notion of me riding through Arizona where the Phoenix babe lives or Colorado where, well you know. Don’t forget the girl in Wyoming I saw just before the Deer hit me, and Sturgis… Damn, I want to ride.
Let’s hit the news, I’m in trouble all over again:
IN A VACUUM– A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night. It was her turn. Sherolled the dice and she landed on Science & Nature.
The question was,”If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?”
She thought for a time and then asked, “Is it on or off?”
–from Rev CarlR
WORLD CLASS, ALL-BRANDS MOTORCYCLE SHOW IN NEW YORK CITY OCT 9 & 10–The Gotham Motorcycle Classic (www.GothamMC.com) rolls into New York City October 9 and 10 on the decks and docks of the Intrepid aircraft carrier.
All makes, models and years of motorcycles are welcome, and with 32 classes of show bikes there is plenty for everyone from a four-cylinder Ace to a Zundap.
There will be plenty of motorcycle celebrities on hand showcasing their latest machines, including Roger Bourget, Indian Larry and Eddie Trotta.
Last year’s event featured over 200 classic and custom American and import motorcycles and over 11,000 people attended the event.
American Iron Magazine and RoadBike are the presenting magazines, and each will have staff on hand for a meet and greet sessions and to pick motorcycles for features in their magazines.
Saturday, October 9 is American Iron Calendar day, when a dozen classic and custom American motorcycles will be chosen for a photo shot on the deck of the Intrepid for the 2005 American Iron calendar.
Sunday, October 10 will feature judging for trophies and awards.
For more information, visit
www.GothamMC.com
write info@GothamMotorcycleClassic.com.
ADULT CORRECTIONS POPULATION HITS RECORD NUMBERS–
WASHINGTON — A record 6.9 million adults were incarcerated or on probation or parole last year, nearly 131,000 more than in 2002, according to a Justice Department study.
Put another way, about 3.2 percent of the adult U.S. population, or 1 in 32 adults, were incarcerated or on probation or parole at the end of last year.
A record 4.8 million adults were on probation or parole in 2003, about 73,000 more than the year before. About 70 percent of adults involved in federal, state or local corrections systems fall into this category. The states of California and Texas together accounted for about 1 million.
The number of adults on parole after serving a prison sentence rose by 3.1 percent from 2002 to 2003, to more than 774,500 people. That compares with an average annual rise of about 1.7 percent since 1995 for those on parole, a figure that has been increasing at a much slower rate than those in jails (4 percent a year), in prison (3.4 percent) and on probation (2.9 percent).
Since 1995, states around the country have increased the use of mandatory parole after prison release and cut down on use of discretionary releases overseen by parole boards, the report says.
The report, released Sunday, focused most on the characteristics of those on probation or parole. Its findings include:
* Almost half of all probationers were convicted of a felony, with 25 percent convicted of a drug violation.
* Washington state had the highest number of people on probation per 100,000 population, at 3,767. New Hampshire had the lowest rate at 426.
* Of the 2.2 million people discharged from probation in 2003, three out of five met the conditions of their supervision. Another 16 percent were jailed because of a rule violation or a new crime, with 4 percent becoming fugitives.
* About 95 percent of those on parole had been convicted of a felony.
* Of the 470,500 parolees discharged from supervision last year, 38 percent went back to jail for a new crime or a rule violation, with 9 percent becoming fugitives.
By CURT ANDERSON | Associated Press Writer
–from Rogue
BIKERS AND TV FANS FLOCK TO CARLISLE SUMMER BIKE FEST– The Carlisle (Pa.) Fairgrounds made the transition fromfour-wheeled to two-wheeled vehicles at Carlisle Summer Bike Fest, July23-25. A record 56,087 people visited the event over the weekend, many tosee the group from Orange County Choppers.
Famous chopper builders and stars of the Discovery Channel’s AmericanChopper, Paul Sr., Paul Jr. and Mikey Teutul, as well as Vinnie and Cody,appeared at the Carlisle Summer Bike Fest. Thousands of bike enthusiasts andthose who just love watching the family dynamics of American Chopper stoodin line for hours to get autographs and talk to the crew of Orange CountyChoppers, the shop Paul Teutul Sr. opened in 1999 to customize bikes. “We’dlike to thank all the fans that came out who’ve helped make us a hugesuccess,” said Keith Quill, director of operations for OCC. “We’d like toapologize if there was anyone we didn’t get to see. We didn’t expect such ahuge turnout.”
The Custom Builder Roundtable featured the best custom motorcycle designminds from the East Coast to the West Coast. Legendary builders DonnieSmith, Dave Perewitz, Roger Bourget, Eddie Trotta and other authorities onhigh-performance motorcycle products answered questions about the latesttrends in custom motorcycle building and the future of the custom-buildinghobby. Michele Smith, host of Speed Channel’s “American Thunder,” was themoderator of the Roundtable and also signed autographs for fans throughoutthe weekend.
Also at Bike Fest, the StarBoyz stunt riders amazed crowds with their insaneperformances. Other attractions included a judged bike show, Bike & Ridercustom bike competition, regional builder competition and a specialinvitational display. A 19,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson mall offeredaccessories and apparel for enthusiasts, and thousands of outdoor vendorssold all kinds of motorcycle equipment as well.
Ed Kerr and Rod Jones (Jonesy?s Custom Cycles), both of Carlisle, won theCustom Builders Competition. Nicole Iacono of Hockessin, Del., won thebeauty contest to be named Ms. Carlisle Summer Bike Fest. Bill Foster ofHanover, Pa., won the burnout competition and $500 from Koup’s Cycle Shop.Leah Gable of Elizabethtown, Pa., won the 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RRgiveaway on Saturday, sponsored by Koup?s Cycle Shop and CumberlandKawasaki. Kent McLean of Muncy, Pa., won the Vivid Black 2004Harley-Davidson FXDI Dyna Super Glide Injected, provided by AppalachianHarley-Davidson, on Sunday.
The 2005 edition of the Carlisle Summer Bike Fest takes place July 22-24.Visit www.bikesatcarlisle.com or call the Carlisle Events Info Line at (717)243-7855 to learn more about the Carlisle Summer Bike Fest.
ORANGE COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PARADE– Saw your article on Indian Larry and Gasoline Alley NYC. I woud love to be able to get in contact with Larry and invite him to bring one of his classic bikes to participate in a volunteer firemen’s parade in Orange County, NY. The Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association has been having an annual parade for the last 88 years, and our fire department has been around for 90 years. We thought it would be pretty neat to invite Indian Larry, who makes his bikes from scratch, to ride one of his bikes in the parade.
The 89th Annual Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Parade will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2004, in Maybrook, NY. The parade begins at 2 PM. Hundreds of firemen as well as numerous pieces of fire equipment will march down Homestead Avenue in Maybrook. After the parade there will be food, soda, beer and souvenir tee shirts available for purchase. Come out and support the volunteers that put their lives on the line for no other reason than to help their community.
Jon Hansen
Maybrook Engine Company #1
EMTdRN@aol.com
BARNES FOILED BY MECHANICAL IN FORMULA XTREME AT MID-OHIO–Buell Rider on Pace for Season Best Performance until Engine Problem Ended Run.
LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 24, 2004) ? Kosco Buell/Innovative Motorcycle Research rider Michael Barnes battled for a podium position and a season best performance aboard his Buell Firebolt at the AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme race held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course but was thwarted by a mechanical problem that forced him out of the race.
Barnes qualified eighth for the event, among the ever deepening field of solid Formula Xtreme entries. A great start moved Barnes up to fourth position by the end of the first lap, where he battled for a podium position with a pack that included Yamaha rider Larry Pegram, Suzuki racers Jason Pridmore and Vincent Haskovec, and Ducati-mounted Doug Chandler. Barnes was in fifth place on lap 12 of the 16-lap event, when he experienced an engine problem that ended his race. The race was won by American Honda factory rider Miguel Duhamel, who also leads the series in season points.
The Hal?s Performance Advantage team, which has also been contesting the AMA Formula Xtreme series with a Buell Firebolt, skipped the Mid-Ohio round to let rider Mike Ciccotto recover from injuries suffered in a super-moto training accident. The Hal?s team plans to be back in action at the next Formula Xtreme event.
?Michael put in a great ride,? said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. ?These Buell dealer teams are going through a big learning year, as they have not competed at this level before, and the bikes are still under development. But each race they get stronger, and they definitely have respect now. The AMA is right on target with Formula Extreme. The class is really exciting. It?s the class with the most brands able to participate, and the rules structure appears to have created a fair playing field. We hope to see the entry list and the mix of machinery continue to grow at every event.?
AMA Formula Xtreme is a class open to highly-modified motorcycles with 600cc four-cylinder engines or larger-displacement V-Twin engines. The next stop on the 2004 AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship schedule is Sept. 3-5 at Road Atlanta near Braselton, Ga.
THE CRAZY HORSE PRE-STURGIS REPORT–I figured I could slow down after I finished my chopper in Jan, especiallyif it did well at the bike show, which it did.
Then suddenly the gettingready for riding season rush was on and I was buried in customer work and inwriting a How To Custom Paint Bikes book from Motorbooks International. I tell myself that things willslow down after I finish the book. But I finished the book and immediatelyleft for the Smoke Out. I could rest after that. Then Sturgis was only amonth away and my husband was without a bike having sold his.
So the rush was on to paint his new bike, and seeing how his wife is acustom painterwho thinks she is expert enough to write a custom paint book, this paint hadto be extrawild. Three layers of airbrushed flames covered the frame, tank, fenders, oiltank and headlight. Making things even more stressful was the fact that thebike had to be painted, assembled and running in less than a month. So ofcourse all kinds of things seemed to go wrong. The starter didn’t fit. Theprimary cover was cracked. The bars chosen turned out to be ugly when boltedon. And the air cleaner Jim picked out, which looked cool as hell in thecatalog, was absolutely hideous.
The seat came back from a wanna beseatmaker and was so bad, Jim would not even show it to me. This kidcame into the shop and showed Jim his work. It looked good and Jim alwayslikes to give folks a chance. Bad mistake this time. He rushed the seat downto his usual guy and the guy sent it back looking great in no time flat.
Tuesday night, the tank was bolted on and today, it will be kicked off forthe first time. I wasn’t sure if the paint scheme would work. Would itbe too busy? Too much magenta? No time to think or plan, just paint and now, three weeks later, it looked worth it. No nights off, going out for drinks or dinner.No relaxing rides in the countryside on our bikes. No sitting aroundwatching bike shows on tv. It was a bike build off right outside in thegarage, only no team of builders, just one old guy coming homefrom work and putting in 2-3 hours a night. In 7 days we will beleaving from Gastonia, NC for Sturgis. Hopefully the rest of the buildingprocess will run smooth.
Next the bike leaves for Jim’s daytime shop at Carolina Harley- Davidson.He’ll tune the bike and the staff will put it on the dyno and dial in thedigital speedo. He wants to change the seat springs on my gooseneck chopperand fine tune a few things on that bike before we leave. The speedo on thatbike also needs dialing. It now reads 255 mph when I’m putting down side streets.
By the way, my gooseneck appears on the cover of the Sept issue ofEasyriders. Some 14 years ago when I was extremely poor, broke, and hungry, agood friend told me that my bike would be on the cover of Easyriderssomeday. At the time I had no bike. I’d sold my ’66 Triumph to pay rent ayear earlier. I was lucky to have gas money at the time. I thought my friendwas full of pipedreams. Turns out, he was right. He died 3 years aftermaking that comment. I’m dedicating my next book to him.
Speaking of books,book 1- “How to Custom Paint Your Motorcycle” is in the editing process.Editing a technical book is pretty stressful as one thing placed in thewrong spot can be a big problem. Bikers can be extremely criticial and anymistakes I make, I’m sure I’ll hear about them over and over again.
Book 2-” Basic Motorcycle Painting” is being written.Nine days after I return from Sturgis, I’ll attend the Sportster giveaway partythat SunDrop soda is throwing. They are celebrating 50 years of SunDrop bygiving away a 2004 Sporty. I airbrushed a pinup girl from the ’40s on thetank back in May. The day after the party, I hook up with two friends fromFlorida and ride the gooseneck up to Virginia where the bike club I belongto, The Amazons, is holding their yearly gathering. We have ladies riding infrom as far as California and Vancouver.
So it appears the slowdown I’vebeen waiting for since Jan isn’t happening anytime soon. Everyone headingout to Sturgis– have a fun and safe trip out and back. And ride with extremecare while there.
–CrazyHorse
Continued On Page 2
July 29, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
MAJOR MOTORCYCLE ART SHAKE-UP–Some of these artist were represented by Segal Fine Art for as long as 16 year. Segal lost the license with Harley-Davidson which meant only one thing, they had to strike out on their own.
Traditionally David Uhl, Tom Fritz, Jeff Decker and of course, Scott Jacobs have been notable licensed artists for years and now they’re back as officially licensed Harley-Davidson Artists under their own title.
Ron Copple
http://www.art-inc.biz
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INCREASES SOUTH AMERICAN SALES AND PRODUCTION– BRAZIL is to become the South American export base of Harley-Davidson.
It has been revealed that the company will distribute clothing and accessories from Brazil to a number of Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay.
This action is hoped to increase income from non-motorcycle sales in the region by 60 per cent. Brazil is one of the few large-scale manufacturers of H-D brand clothing and accessories. Currently, 50 outsourced suppliers manufacture 40 different items.
Worldwide sales of ‘general merchandise’ are increasingly important for H-D. In 2003, this sector of trade accounted for $202.1 million revenue (excluding additional sales of 100th-anniversary memorabilia), a growth of 11 per cent compared with 2002. In South America, the rate of increase is even stronger, with sales growing by approximately 20 per cent each year.
Mexico, as a country in which H-D already has 12 dealers and four stores, is a particularly important target. In this country, the manufacturer expects to increase sales of clothing and accessories, and also hopes to significantly expand the volume of motorcycles sold. Ninety per cent of these machines will be assembled in H-D’s plant in Manaus, Brazil.
FLORIDA DUI ALERT–The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Florida and 12 other states to participate in a sustained enforcement effort. The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) Safety Office is responsible for implementing this You Drink and Drive. You Lose. Sustained DUI Enforcement Program in Florida. Administrative duties for the effort will be handled through a grant with the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM).
The You Drink and Drive. You Lose. Sustained DUI Enforcement Program targets those counties that report 60% of the state’s alcohol-related crashes. Fifteen Florida counties – Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Leon, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota and Volusia – accounted for 71.8% of the state’s alcohol-related crashes in 2001. These 15 counties are the focus of the sustained effort.
–from Rogue
SHOW CIRCUIT COMPETITION HECTIC– Bike Shows, Biker Build Offs and Just Every Kind Of Competition That You Can Think Of Concerning Motorcycles Has Gotten Hectic. Well known and famous builders are constantly striving to build another motorcycle that will encourage bikers to vote for them. Though the motorcycles are pieces of art in many cases the engines have been kind of blah until recently. Okay they were chromed, polished or powder coated and some times contain exotic exhaust and carburetors.
That has all changed when Bill Lane of Choppers Inc. had Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama build the engine for a Camel Show Bike. The engine was such a success that Billy continues to use them. Other builders like Indian Larry have had and continue to use Accurate Engines with their creations. As a matter of fact when Billy and Larry did the Discovery Channel Build Off they both used Accurate Engines.
OKAY, See where I am going with this? Accurate Engineering Engines are the Choice of The Show Winners. Watch for more of them in upcoming competitions and Build-Offs.
The photo is a sample. If you are interested in a engine of any kind you can visit the Accurate web site at http://www.accurate-engineering.com, or phone them at 334-702-1993
Yes I do use their engines in all my motorcycles because I think they are the Best Out There.
–ROGUE
JUDGE DENIES NEW TRIAL FOR CONVICTED MIAMI OFFICERS–Men Among 13 Charged With Planting Guns, Cover-Up.
MIAMI — A judge denied a new trial Wednesday for four Miami police officers sentenced to federal prison in a plot to plant guns after the police shootings of unarmed suspects and to cover up the wrongdoing.
But U.S. District Judge Alan Gold agreed to consider why prosecutors dropped charges against the last of 13 officers charged in the conspiracy. Two trials ended in nine convictions or guilty pleas in the biggest corruption scandal to hit the department in a generation.
The judge asked for ?a detailed explanation? and any documents from federal and state prosecutors and Miami police to justify the dismissal of charges against Sgt. Jose Acuna last month. Prosecutors must provide their reasoning and supporting papers under seal.
The four convicted officers are free on bail while appealing their convictions and sentences ranging from 13 months to three years. They are Jesse Aguero, Art Beguiristain, Jorge Castello and Oscar Ronda.?The secrecy of the dismissal and the lack of reasoning on any record is something that bothered not only us but the judge,? said Richard Sharpstein, attorney for Beguiristain and Castello. ?We believe that when all of that comes to bear, we?ll be in a new trial situation.?
The U.S. attorney?s office had no comment.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
NEW MODELS ON BIKERNET FIRST–We’ve done our best to bring you all the new model info first. This way, if you make it to Sturgis you can hunt down your favorite.
We’ve all been H-D fans for decades, but try a Victory. I was knocked out by the Vegas and may build a custom Vegas next year. Check ’em out. They’re on the home page or in Special Reports now.
–Bandit
FINALLY, THE BLONDE JOKE TO END ALL BLONDE JOKES!– A girl was visiting her blond friend who had acquired two new dogs, andasked her what their names were.
The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one wasnamed Timex.
Her friend said, “Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?”
“HellOOOooo,” answered the blond. “They’re watch dogs!”
–from Rev CarlR
WORLD’S ONLY ANSWER TO WORN PULLEYS– After 5 years of proto-typing and testing, Super Max now offers the world’s only answer to worn pulleys.
We now can replace the teeth on almost all stock factory and aftermarket 65 and 70 tooth rear wheel pulleys, increasing their wear-ability by at least FIVE times. The fancy aftermarket pulleys that you have paid enormous buck’s for and are gone in as little as 15 to 20,000 miles can be over-layed by Super Max to retain the “LOOK” that you now have. They will outlast “ANY” pulley currently on the market regardless of who made it.
Super Max pulleys have been on the market since the early ’70s and as many of you know, They do not wear out. Our “Space Age” materials have the best “Wearability” of all.
We offer these over-Lays in a variety of colors as well as Black. They are quiet as well as functional. The ‘Squeal’ associated with many drives is gone. These pulleys are not affected by sand or small debris as long as the recommended tensions are adheared to, these pulleys should outlast the motorcycle, regardless of miles ridden.
Many customers ask, “How far will your pulleys go?” and our answer is, “We still don’t know.”
Send Super Max your old pulley to us and we will perform the conversion for you…Retail…$300.00
“PHIL ROSS”
Supermax Belt Drives
supermaxbelts@hotmail.com
PALM BAY CLUB GODDESS AT WAR WITH CITY–After a decade-old battle with Palm Bay, Club Goddess now has filed a lawsuit against the city.
In the latest round, the club complained that Palm Bay police officers intimidated patrons by offering them free alcohol breath-testing as they were leaving the business.
The complaint said that in one case, a patron at the club blew into a breath-testing device, then said he was going to sleep in the back of his vehicle. Police told him that if he got anywhere near the vehicle, he would be arrested.
“As the city is aware, my client, Your Dreams Inc., is concerned that the city has instituted a policy of harassment geared toward closing or crippling its business,” attorney Steven Mason wrote to attorneys representing Palm Bay on the issue.
Palm Bay city manager Lee Feldman was not available last week. An assistant referred questions to an attorney for the city. The attorney did not return a telephone call to his office.
–Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
MAKE POT LEGAL, AND WE’LL BENEFIT–Ah, there’s nothing quite like summer in the Sierra. Mexican drug cartels. Hidden marijuana gardens. Camouflaged rangers armed with M-16 rifles seeking out hoodlums toting AK-47s. Know what?We can end this desecration of national parks, the threat to public safety and the drain on taxpayers by dumping the prohibition on adult marijuana use.
Before explaining why America should abandon its failed war against marijuana, I’ll answer the big question. I’ve smoked dope. More than once. Unlike Bill Clinton, I inhaled. Then, like millions of other baby boomers, I matured a little bit and stopped. But if I had kept smoking marijuana, why is it the government’s business?
Adults in this country use alcohol and tobacco without fear of being arrested or having to obtain those drugs from criminals. Marijuana shouldn’t be any different. The worst thing about it is that it’s against the law.
By deeming cannabis illegal, we waste $10 billion to $15 billion a year turning citizens into criminals and compound that mistake by turning over the cultivation, distribution and sale of the drug to gangs.
Make pot legal, and hikers don’t have to worry about getting shot because they stumble into a marijuana grove in Kings Canyon National Park.
Make pot legal, tax it and regulate it — as we’ve done with alcohol, tobacco and gambling — and everyone but the drug cartels is better off.
A marijuana tax could pay for drug education. Why is a declining percentage of Americans addicted to tobacco? Because it’s been drummed into our heads tobacco is bad for us.
The tax also could help fund schools and public safety. Freed from chasing down otherwise law-abiding pot-smokers, police could focus more on violent criminals.
Farmers would benefit, too. Instead of growing food and fiber subject to market volatility, they’d have a guaranteed cash crop. There might not be a better place than the San Joaquin Valley — with its long growing season and fertile ground — to grow the stuff.
One objection to legalizing pot is children would have more access to the drug. Actually, they’d have a harder time getting it. Legal pot would reduce the black-market trade, and approved sellers would risk losing lucrative licenses by making underage sales.
Besides, how could pot become any easier to get than it is now? Two Fresno middle school teachers I talked to last week said it’s readily available on their campuses.
Legal pot sounds like a radical idea, but it isn’t. William F. Buckley Jr., flag-bearer for American conservatives, says marijuana prohibition is costly and hypocritical.
Last month in National Review Online, Buckley wrote: “General rules based on individual victims are unwise. And although there is a perfectly respectable case against using marijuana, the penalties imposed on those who reject that case, or give way to weakness of resolution, are very difficult to defend. If all our laws are paradigmatic, imagine what we would do to anyone caught lighting a cigarette, or drinking a beer. Or – exulting in life in the paradigm – committing adultery. Send them all to Guantanamo?”
In other words, our marijuana laws smell like they were written by someone smoking too much pot. They need reform.
by Bill McEwen, The Fresno Bee
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
JAMES STEWART AND KAWASAKI SIGN AGREEMENT– Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki Racer Signs through 2006.
IRVINE, Calif. (July 29, 2004) James Stewart, the young supercross-motocross phenom from Florida, today signed a two-year agreement to continue with the Kawasaki motorcycles that have taken him to multiple national championships
BIKERNET LEGAL FILES–Bozeman, Montana, has a law that bans all sexual activity between members of the opposite sex in the front yard of a home after sundown – if they’re nude. (Apparently, if you wear socks, you’re safe from the law!)
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
WE’RE CLOSING THE DOOR ON THE THURSDAY NEWS–That sounds so fuckin’ official. It’s a tad late, but the guys on the east coast will just be rolling in from work.
Here’s a couple of shots of us old farts during our Monster Garage Segment. On top is Custom Chrome master designer for 30 years, John Reed. What a character and an incredible talent. Behind him is Carl Morrow the master of Carl’s Speed Shop in Daytona.
This shot shows my ugly self and old friend Don Hotop, of Don’s Speed and Sport in Fort Madison, Iowa. If there was ever a master builder, Don’s the man. He builds nearly every Drag Specialties project bike. I’ll tell you why. When he hands over a bike, it not only looks sharp, but it will run forever. Guy has a lot of class. This segment on building an Old School Chopper from a stock 2004 Heritage Softail will air on October the 11th. Don’t miss this one.
I want to slip out of the shop this afternoon after I pound iron and shower. I need to ride to a local bar and check out the bartender. She’s a Hispanic goddess with tits forever. The bar is tiny and frequented only by longshoremen and local drunks. She doesn’t deserve to be there. I need to rescue her…
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
July 22, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Tuesday, 6 am, felt like I got hit by Vito the bat boy-bill collector. I guess the 18 to 20 hour days took their toll. I was hit with my worst enemy, a fucking flu that had me bedridden for a whole day. A very precious day I needed to finish the bob for Sturgis. Let?s not even think that I felt like shit and my kidneys felt like they had been kicked by combat boots on an Skin Head let’s beat the puertorican party. All that worried me is that the bobber had to be done, my word was played on it, and you know how I am with my word. I’m still fucked up and floating around the life of the spaced out and cold induced trance, but I still managed to get up and got to the shop, had to finish, no matter what. I guess all those extra hours catch up and when they do, it sucks….Big time.
I also had sent the news to hell, my report was not going to be in Bikernet once more, something that I seldom do, but as everything turns around, here I am, late in the morning, just pounding the key board, one of those nights that you wake up and doze off dozens of times, I guess you know what I mean, and it sucks.
I have not posted any photos lately, and almost no report as well, since all I have been working on is the bobber and the shipping to Sturgis. Yeap that time of the year is back again and I always forget what a pain in the ass it is. Then again, we still do it. I will release the bobbers photos soon, I’m just waiting on getting to the Black Hills so it will be a surprise for all. Not that it will become a standard in the building industry, but it will be cool to keep the expectation, and I like it, so that’s it.
I know many of you are awaiting my Hawaii story, and I do have part of it already done, but I need more time to finish it up, I’m also waiting on Bandit’s and Glenn’s side of the story, to me it’s always as interesting to hear someone elses view of what I lived and how they perceive things…..Come on..get to work you bums!
By the way, if you are in Sturgis, come by the Journey Museum for the Bob’s back exhibition. I’m really looking forward to it and seems there’s going to be a press and media frenzy, it’s Tuesday, 10th. I believe at 4:30 pm, it will be tribute to Dave Mann, and that guys does deserve it. You can see all the cool bobs there and even try to whack me on the head, and I mean try, if you are one of those who don’t like me.
On the Puerto Rico front, I’m working on like 6 bobbers/choppers right now, so guess what, Bob’s back, and I dare to predict that in the near future 280 tires and such will be a thing of the past. We will go back to the venerable 130’s, unless you happen to be a rubbie wannabe who loves watching TV shows of your local heroes…
Anyway, let me get out of here, since I feel like shit and before I start receiving e-mails that I got nasty towards a bunch of clueless dudes, which will prompt me to unleash all the fury, since I don’t feel like being my amicable self….Anyway, for those of you who expect these words week after week, thanks, I hope I have not let you down.
Jose sick as a fucking dog, Caribbean Bikernet Reporter
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PlasmaGlow
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mailto:sales@plasmaglow.com
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT SURVIVES TEST RUN–Here is a real good finished side shot of the pan withthe Paul Cox seat on it and a pic of me on it lastSaturday at the BOOGIE.
Kevin Baas
BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
“When in doubt, burn out!”
FBI AGENT CHARGED WITH DUI– CLEARWATER – An FBI agent was arrested last weekend after Clearwater police found her asleep in her car at an intersection with the car running and she fled the scene once she awakened, court documents state.
Elizabeth Elaine Scott, 37, was charged with felony fleeing and eluding and with driving under the influence of alcohol. One reading of her blood alcohol level was .183 percent, more than twice the 0.08 percent threshold where a motorist in Florida is presumed drunk, the documents state.
Clearwater police spokesman Wayne Shelor said that at roughly 8:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities received a report that a green BMW Mini Cooper had been involved in a hit- and-run wreck on Devon Drive on Clearwater Beach.
Scott was found asleep in her green 2004 Mini Cooper at the intersection, arrest affidavits state. The engine was running and the car was in drive, the affidavits state.
–by Stephen Thompson, Tampa Bay Tribune
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
ONE IN FIVE GERMANS DRINK TO GET DRUNK BIKERNET SURVEY REVEALS– LONDON (AP) — Almost 1 in 5 German adults – or 17 percent – believe the point of drinking is to get drunk, according to a survey released Wednesday.
Only 8 percent of Britons drink to become stupefied, according to the survey by Mintel, a market research firm.
“Drinking can be more of a low-key social event in Britain than some may have believed,” said Michelle Strutton, consumer analyst at Mintel. “Although Germans may not go drinking as often as the British, when they do drink, many do want to get drunk.”
The average German adult drank 255 pints of beer last year, 35 more pints than his British counterpart, the survey found.
Mintel’s survey of 35,000 consumers covered France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain.
Spain, the third-largest consumer, was the fastest-growing market for beer, but Italy was likely to overtake it. Beer consumption in Spain grew by 17 percent since 1998.
France’s consumption was down 13 percent since 1998, though sales of premium beers were holding their own.
Britain has the highest percentage of beer drinkers in Europe, with 61 percent of adults – including 82 percent of men.
In the United States, annual consumption per person in 2002 was around 175 pints, according to industry figures.
–from Rogue
DA, DA, DAMN, SHA SHA SHOES–Sha Sha Fine Shoes, Inc., a manufacturer of alternative styled footwear for men and women, has introduced their first ever signature shoe, co-designed by one of the most famous chopper builders in the United States, Billy Lane.
Billy Lane of Choppers, Inc., made famous by his beautiful bikes and appearances on the Discovery Channel chopper build-offs, has collaborated with Sha Sha and his pinstriper, Joe Richardson, to develop his own signature line of custom pinstriped shoes in three different colors. The shoes are available at dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada and are available direct to consumers on Sha Sha?s website as well.
For more information about the Billy Lane Signature Shoes, or any other products available from Sha Sha, visit the Sha Sha Fine Shoes website at http://www.sha-sha.com, or click on the banner above. Email info@sha-sha.com, or call 1-877-3-SHA-SHA.
VIRGINIA GANGSTER CHOPPERS PROFILE–On the South side of Richmond, in Chesterfield County the crew at Gangster Choppers still carries out the spirit of rebellion in their approach to building hard core rides.
John Dodson along with his father Ken and Floyd Young make up the crew at Gangster Choppers. John is a machinist by trade having served the mandatory 4 year state apprenticeship program and working in the rigid confines of industrial machine and fabricating shops. John and Ken wanted to open a shop where they could let their imagination run wild on bikes.
Gangster Choppers has a full in house machine shop and fabrication department that enables them to truly build one of a kind choppers.
Gangster Choppers believes that a chopper should be fun and safe to ride. That’s why only the best materials and parts go into the fabrication of their bikes, no corners cut here. The parts they make or modify are engineered to meet and often exceed industry standards. All of their bikes, parts and services are by bikers for bikers. They know from many years of machining, welding and fabricating what they want to ride and they pass it on to you.
John was tired of seeing hacked up frames that were too unsafe to ride. Frames modified with out the use of a frame jig to retain correct geometry and poor welds covered by bondo. To be sure they produced the finest quality frames; they engineered and built their own frame fabrication table. The table is so versatile, a new frame can be manufactured or an existing frame can be stretched and raked. They are able to calculate the trail on any given chassis to determine the ride ability and know what stretch and rake combination will work best with any given project.
In addition to frame work, Gangster Choppers hand manufactures their own sheet metal. Their gas tanks are fabricated with a one piece bottom, no leaks there. Steel fenders are hand rolled from 14 gauge steel in various widths to accommodate different tire sizes. Oil tanks can be had in steel or stainless, with internal plumbing so all the oil lines are routed nice and clean to the bottom of the tank.
They also have the Gangster line of billet aluminum foot pegs, hand grips, jockey shifter knobs, derby and points covers. The crew is hard at work now developing some hard core parts that will adapt to factory style bikes. Foot controls that will incorporate the ace of spades theme and a well-engineered jockey shift set up. The jockey shift lever pivots on maintenance free bearings and is “O” so smooth feeling. It is nice to see a shop introducing such well engineered parts that feel good and most importantly deliver that rebellious southern flavor. Check out their web site at
–TB
A BIKERNET ROMANTIC MOMENT–One night Jerry brought home a dozen red roses to his wife.
“How lovely, dear,” she said, “What’s the occasion?”
“I want to make love to you” he said simply.
“Not tonight, dear. I have a headache.”
The next night, Jerry came home with a big box of chocolates and explained that he wanted to make love with her.
“I’m awfully tired, honey” said his wife. “Not tonight.”
Every night for a week Jerry brought home something, but each time his wife’s answer was no.
Finally he came home with six black kittens with little red bows around their necks and handed them to his wife.
How adorable, Jerry,” she exclaimed. “But what are they for?”
“These are six little pallbearers for your dead pussy.”
–from Skooter
AUSTRALIA HAS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–Things are really flat chat busy – flat chat is an old biker term I believe,from sitting on top of the tank or something.
Hey, there is a biker museum in Australia, down the road from here @ Nabiac.
Check out:
http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.com.au
http://www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/bulahdelah.html
http://www.mediaman.com.au/profiles/regional.html
Best Rgds from down under.
–Greg Tingle
PENNSLYVANIA CHANGES RIGHT-OF-WAY TO CARELESS DRIVING BILL–In PA HB 873 passed the house 202-1. We changed it from Right of Wayviolations to careless driving. ROW only covered certain accidents wherecareless driving applies when someone rear ends you at a red light or justabout any other way someone can run over you. We also included a definitionof “serious injury” to say “any bodily injury which creates a substantialrisk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protractedloss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ”. That waylawyers can’t argue if your injuries were serious or not an delay yourgetting paid for years.
–John
HN JT Purviance during battle for Salman Pak, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE–Alexandria, Va. – The U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center issupporting families of deployed soldiers by providing a toll-free FamilyAssistance Hotline. The number, 1-800-833-6622, is for use by family members of soldiers onactive duty as well as those in the Army National Guard and the Army Reservecalled to active duty. The hotline will remain in operation indefinitely.
The call is free from the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska,PuertoRico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Hotline staff takes calls from 8 a.m. to8 p.m. EDT to answer family support-related questions. Emergency assistanceis provided between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. EST.
While the hotline staff cannot give out information about a soldier’sspecific location, status, or mailing address, the staff has beeninstrumental in linking thousands of extended family members to the familysupport groups and rear detachments at the soldier’s unit.
In addition to local and Army level assistance via telephone, familymembers can find answers to many routine questions about family readiness,Army Community Service, and deployment support resources online at the ACS
Web site, www.goacs.org, and at the Army Family Liaison Office website,www.aflo.org. Information about Operation Iraqi Freedom is atwww.army.mil
The Army National Guard and the Army Reserve state and regional supportcommands also operate assistance lines, though they may not always betoll free. Information is available at www.guardfamily.org andwww.army.mil/usar.
The U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center is the headquartersDepartment of the Army agency responsible for Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs the Army provides soldiers and families worldwide.
BRADY’S BIKE–Brady’s suicide Shovel,home-built ride by hard-core bikemaster in Minnesota.
BIKERNET STAFF VENTRILOQUIST–A young ventriloquist is touring the clubs and one night he’s doinga show in a small town in Arkansas. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde in the 4th rowstands on her chair and starts shouting: “I’ve heard enough of your stupidblonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does the color of a person’s hair have to do with her worth as a humanbeing?
It’s guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at workand in the community and from reaching our full potential as a person.Because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes, but women in general, and all in the name of humor!”
Theembarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologize, and the blonde yells, “You stayout of this, mister! I’m talking to that little smart-ass on your knee.”
–from Skooter
NEW VICTORY 8-BALL IS THE BEST VALUE FOR 2005–New 2005 Model Combines the Stunning Looks and Performance of a VegasWith a Tough “Blacked-Out” Look at a Great Price!
July 2005, Minneapolis – There’s no need to qualify the statement. Plain and simple, the new Victory Vegas 8-Ball is the absolute best value on the market among American-made cruiser motorcycles.
The new for 2005 Vegas 8-Ball is a basic black version of the award-winning Victory Vegas and its suggested retail price in the U.S. is just $12,999. That’s about two grand less than a Vegas and the same as the suggested retail for an original Victory V92C in 1998. The 8-Ball is priced lower than competitive models and beats them all in terms of styling, comfort and performance.
Next week we will launch all the new Victory models for 2005 with complete specs. If you haven’t thrown a leg over a Victory yet, try one on. You’ll be surprised.–Bandit
THAT DOES IT–No more politics here, just motorcycles, sex and Jack Daniels. My shop is just below me now and my new Paughco Project Chopper is waiting . I’m picking up another lift this weekend and it will immediatly find a home, as I begin to slip this baby together.
I’m working with S&S on the engine, the JIMS tranny is in and I’m ready to rock. I’ll hand make the pipes and ponder what to do for the gas tank and seat. Hang on.
That’s ahead for the weekend. In the meantime I’m headed over to the Monster Garage offices, then to the bar for a drink.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
July 22, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
GRAVES CUSTOMSJerry’s one talented cat ! 32 years old, Originally from Indiana. This guydoes it all. Both of the bikes that I sent you, are mine. On the drop seatbike, He handmade the chassis, fuel tank, fender, shifter, plenum / intakefor the twin 58 MM downdraft carb ( that ain’t no weber ! ) Motor mount,handle bars and on and on.
Why buy something that’s on every other ride intown ? He just builds it ! The only thing he outsources, is chrome & seats.Everything else is done in house. I’ve been fortunate enough to call him myfriend for several years.
I Just had a recent brush with some health issues.He offered up a kidney if I needed it. What more can I say about this guy.Talent out the a$$, but a true brother none the less. It’s my mission tosee that the world knows who the hell Jerry Graves is ! More pictures onthe way.
Were heading to Sturgis in a couple of weeks. Hope we can hook upwith you and enjoy some fine Patrons tequila! Here’s Jerry’s website,http://www.gravescustomcycles.com/ It’s under construction as I write. Newsite should be up around the time we return back from the black hills.
Wheelies are fun !
–Mike Mays
954-494-7680Art work on the second red bike was done by Sonny Depalma. Pictures don’tdo it justice. The whole bike is wrapped in skulls and creepy stuff. It’smind blowing !
?BOB?S BACK WITH DAVID MANN; OLD SCHOOL BIKING RETURNS TO THE JOURNEY? EXHIBITION TO COINCIDE WITH 2004 BLACK HILLS MOTORCYCLE RALLY RAPID CITY, S.D. ? The Journey Museum will mount its fourth annual motorcycle theme exhibition in the Stanford Adelstein Gallery which will coincide with the 2004 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally.
The roots of custom motorcycling inspired this year?s exhibition. ?Bobber? style motorcycles, which reflect a popular custom bike design from the late 1940?s through the early 1960?s, will accompany a retrospective display of 50 original paintings by David Mann, the renowned artist who chronicled motorcycle culture from the 1960?s through recent times.
David Mann first became known from his work in Easyriders Magazine, where his art was reproduced as the magazine?s center spread from 1973 through 2003. Standing at a newsstand or mailbox, readers would open the magazines right to David?s witty interpretations of the biker lifestyle. The images could be based on myth or legend, but most often, you felt they came from the artist?s personal experience. This was David sharing his imagination, his vision and his life with the biker world.
Mann?s paintings always touched a nerve in the readers. His illustrations were commonly torn from magazines and tacked to the walls of shops, garages, living rooms and clubhouses across America. To this day, any biker that has been riding for twenty years or more remembers specific images that they can still describe in full detail. David?s most famous image, ?Ghost Rider?, was reproduced on everything from flags to custom gas tanks and was even tattooed across biker?s backs.
This exhibition at the Journey Museum will be the largest group of his original paintings to ever be displayed and it coincides with David?s induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. (He was inducted into the National Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame earlier this year.)
To accompany David Mann?s paintings, motorcycling photographer Michael Lichter has put together a group of old school motorcycles that will be showcased in the same gallery. ?Bob?s Back,? as this exhibition of bikes is called, reflects the recent resurgence of the ?Bobber? style motorcycle. The style itself dates back to just after World War II, when GI?s returned from Europe.
The 17 motorcycles that make up ?Bob?s Back? include original and restored old ?bobber?s?, contemporary ?bobbers? built by some of the best builders in the country as well as several antiques that were relevant to the style first developing. A ?jewel? that will be on display to represent traditional ?Bobbers? is Steve McQueen?s original 1946 Indian Chief that was recently purchased by the famous motorcycle customizer Billy Lane of Choppers Inc. Also representing the traditional look is a 1941 Crocker owned by bronze motorcycle themed sculptor Jeff Decker of Utah, the 1941 Indian Scout Bobber that toured for four years with the Guggenheim Museum?s ?Art of the Motorcycle? owned by Cycle World?s Editor, David Edward?s (CA), a 1939 Velocette single also owned by Edwards, a 1928 Indian Sport Scout from Shane Binder (PA) and Brent Mayfield?s 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead from Ohio.
Contemporary ?Bobbed? bikes, many of which were created just for this show, were built by popular builders like Billy Lane (FL), Chica (Japan/CA), Hank Young (GA), Jerry Covington (OK), Brian Klock (SD), Cole Forster (CA), Donny Loos (OH), Twisted Choppers (SD) and Jose de Miguel (Puerto Rico). One bike that is being built just for this exhibition is a traditional ?bobber? by Paul Teutle, Sr. of Orange County Choppers and the incredibly popular ?American Chopper? series on the Discovery Channel. Some of these bikes could pass for an original ?50?s or ?60?s ?bobber? but others will stretch the idiom to new horizons.
A restored 1948 Harley-Davidson WR flat track racer from the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA will be on display to demonstrate where the look of ?Bobbers? is derived. Also on display is George Smith?s original 1953 Panhead, on loan from S&S Cycle, which he used throughout the 1950?s as a test bed for the performance products he was developing for S&S.
In conjunction with the reception, Metzeler Tires has organized its second annual Custom Motorcycle Competition on Tuesday August 10th in the parking lot in front of the museum. Custom motorcycles that use any of Metzeler’s tires, from standard sizes right to their super wide 280, will be checking in until 11am and remain on display until 6pm while judging takes place. The grand prizewinner, who will be announced during the reception, will win a trip to Germany with their motorcycle to attend the EICMA show, the largest motorcycle show in the world.
?Bob?s Back with David Mann? will open to the public on Saturday August 7th and will remain open through Saturday, August 14. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended hours until 6 p.m. during bike week, August 2?9. A reception with live music and refreshments at which many of the motorcycle builders will be present will be held, August 10 from 4:30 ? 8:30pm. The reception is open to the public. The museum is located at 222 New York Street, two blocks east of the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn and the Civic Center where Harley-Davidson is headquartered. The normal $6.00 admission has been reduced to $5 (kids 10 and under are free) to welcome motorcyclists during bike week, August 7?14. This also includes admission to the four major prehistoric and historic collections, the Duhamel collection of traditional Sioux artifacts and the museum theatre.
For more information, visit the museum’s web site at www.journeymuseum.org or call the museum at 605 394-6923. Additional information is available on Michael Lichter?s Web site at www.lichterphoto.com and Segal Fine Arts? Web site at www.motorcycleart.com.
MIKE LICHTER TO DISPLAY AT CARLISLE ANTIQUE SHOW THIS WEEKEND–July 23rd – 25th, 2004Carlisle Events.Michael will be in Pennsylvania exhibiting his work at the Carlisle Summer Bike Fest, that is, if he can catch a flight in vast tornado conditions attacking the country. Michael will also be hosting a Q&A session at a time to be announced. He’ll be there with the OCC guys, Borget, Donnie Smith and Eddie Trotta. Don’t Miss it.
STEEDS GIRL OF THE WEEK–London–Here you go, her name is “London”, 21 years old. What a knockout.
John Covington
MAILMAN’S BASICS–The Mailman from Washington has been a Sportster drag racing fanatic for a decade and currently is, I don’t know, in point standings. I better check with him.
“As of July 16th I am 8th in the Western Division and 34th Nationally in Syn3 ET,” Mailman explained. “Only got 10 points for entering Seattle, as I destroyed my entireprimary drive on my 2nd qualifying pass. The clutch blew first, droppingchunks into the primary chain which broke and bunched up taking out chunksof the inner primary, which on Sportsters is part of the engine case.Presently waiting for my welder, Michael Beckler, to work his magic on thecase. My engine builder, Doc Ford, has gone through all the internal partsand is ready to reassemble when the cases are done. He found 2 crackedvalve guides, a spun wrist pin bushing and big end bearings beyond wearlimits. I guess it ran high 10’s because it was so loose. Had around 500dragstrip passes on it since the last rebuild.”
We drank heavy dark ales and discussed the basics of engine performance, so I thought I would pass a couple of learned items along:
I always wondered why the spark fires while the piston is roaming up the cylinder before top dead center. Hell, why doesn’t the bike run backwards? He explained that when the spark fires and lights the fuel it doesn’t explode immediately. As the piston continues north and the flame spreads over the piston it builds pressure to kick it south at a high rate of speed. If you think about this flame creeping over the top of the piston it makes two elements stand out: Flat-top pistons for ease of burn and dual plug heads for more efficient and faster burn (can advance an engine from 35 degrees before TDC to 32 degrees).
Mailman worked with a tuner who had tremendous performance success tuning exhaust systems. The man cut the baffle in half and inserted the cut end into the pipe and fastened it. He tested performance and cut the baffle some more until it ran to his liking. Makes a lot of sense to me. I would like to take the time to test this formula.
So why are domed pistons used? It’s that Hemi Head configuration. Because the shape of the combustion chamber allows for larger valves and more flow, whereas a flat combustion chamber restricts the space available for valves.
A Mailman comment about single fire systems: “The systems is focused on one plug at a time for more efficient firing, and you’re not firing the wrong plug and igniting an incoming charge.”
Here’s a final thought about sparkplugs. The bigger the gap the more voltage it takes to jump the gap. That’s why early bikes, especially with 6 Volt systems needed smaller gaps. Ah, but the wider the gap the larger the spark, the more efficient the burn.
THE 11TH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE CARS SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2004, 9A.M. – 5P.M.HANSEN DAM PARK, LOS ANGELES–ENTER ON DRONFIELD AVE. off of OSBORNE ST. The 11th annual Blessing of the Cars kicks off Saturday, July 31, 2004, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M at Hansen Dam Park in Los Angeles, California. The actual blessing starts promptly at 12:00 noon on the main stage.
In attendance at this year’s show will be an estimated 800 vintage cars, hotrods, customs and motorcycles as well as an approximated 5000-8000 show goers and attendees.
There is, of course, an actual blessing conducted by a real priest. He will go to each car and give them a blessing (blessing, of course, is optional). Giving car owners the added protection for their vehicle and all who ride in it.
The car show at The Blessing of the Cars is open to pre 1968 vehicles of all types. The majority of cars in attendance are custom and hot rod cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the 1950s and earlier. There is also a high attendance of stock and restored classic vehicles that appear to have rolled out of their heyday showrooms and on to the grass at Hansen Dam.
The Blessing of the Cars car show would not be complete without a competition amongst the cars. Awards will be given out in the form of custom-made trophies by an assortment of local artists. At past events some of these extravagant trophies have shot flames from their tip tops and roared tiny engines in celebration of their new owners. Trophies are awarded in the following categories: Best Custom, Best Hot Rod, Best Girl Owned, Best Stock (original or restored), Best Nostalgic, Best Unfinished, Best Flames, Best Truck, Best Hearse, Best Paint, Best Pin striping, Best import, Best Shifter Knob, and more.
What would an awards ceremony be without Trophy Girls? Just plain no fun is what!
The registration and admission fees are as follows:General Admission is $5.00. Children under 12 get in free!Registration the day of the show is: $20.00 for cars, $8.00 for motorcycles.
To register for the show or for more information please contact either Stephanie Baltierra or Gabriel Baltierra of Kingpin Productions at (323)663-1265. The Mailing address is 2027 1/2 Talmadge St., Los Angeles, CA. 90027.
Continued On Page 4
July 22, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
AMD’S CHOPPER PARTS PRO-GUIDE–Production of AMD’s PRO-GUIDE special on aftermarket CHOPPER PARTS is now underway.
If you have any product news, catalogs or other information that you would like to have considered for inclusion, please let us know by return e-mail, or call us TOLL FREE (from USA & Canada) on 866 849 5704. Full contact details are below. As always, our requirements for images are 300dpi resolution JPEG/TIFF/EPS and a minimum 4 inches width whilst at that resolution.
Advertising spaces in this valuable marketing opportunity are filling fast and advertisers are more than welcome to utilize the facilities and services of our full time design studio.
As with all monthly AMD editions, mailing will be to over 10,400 Harley aftermarket dealers, distributors and parts manufacturers. More than 7,700 of these businesses are in the United States.
AMD can proudly and uniquely claim to offer its advertisers access to more market-specific potential trade buyers, in more countries, than any other trade journal produced by anyone, anywhere. Our Pro-Guides have proved to be respected and influential long-term reference tools for dealers.
For more information contact either Group Advertising Manager Steve Rix, mailto:steve@dealer-world.com.
Publisher Robin Bradley mailto:robin@dealer-world.com
Editor Fraser Addecott mailto: fraser@dealer-world.com
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER
Kenwood House
1 Upper Grosvenor Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 2DU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1892 511516
USA TOLL FREE: 866 849 5704
OLD SCHOOL CHOPPER MONSTER GARAGE UPDATE–The air date for the episode #50 Old School Chopper is October 11th.
Thanks-
Hope Moore
Associate Producer
Below is a letter from one of the Chopper team, John Reed, a life-long product designer for Custom Chrome Inc.:
I just want to tell you guys that it was an honor working with you atMonster Garage, I wish they could have brought us there a month or sobefore, so we could get some tools jigs etc and organize it so we couldmake things closer than we do at home.
I was a lot more nervous than yourealized at the start, because I don’t like working with people becauseof all the egos and B/S, so for me it was a unique situation, and I can’tbelieve how comfortable I felt with you all the last half of theweek, especially when Carls two boys came visiting while we weresitting outside our rooms in the evenings solving all the world’sproblems and they realized that I wasn’t as bad as they thought and Don (Hotop)and Mark (Rowe) were really the ones who got me in trouble by winding me up.
I don’t think the situation will arise to allow it to happenagain, but if it does, I would jump at it, and if any of you guys wantanything from me just ask. I enjoyed the hell out of it. I know thatyou were all at the top of the game, and I was just the grindingbitch, but it as cool. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but for some reason I almostfeel like I miss you all.
It will stay in my minds all my life,
Thanks,
John Reed..
CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE — ONE WEEK ONLY — EXCLUSIVE FOR WHITEHORSE ENEWSCUSTOMERSPlace an online order no later than midnight, July 31, 2004, and save 10% onevery item you order. Follow the link below to search or browse our onlinecatalog for new books, gear, tools, accessories, t-shirts, bargains, andgifts. We’ll deduct 10% when we process your order. This is a rare chanceto get a reduced price on that special item from our catalog that you’vealways wanted, but you do need to use this link or refer to EN0406 toqualify for the discount.http://www.whitehorsepress.com/email.asp?cn=52&en0406&id=home
Everyone at Whitehorse Press wishes you happy shopping in July and goodriding for the rest of the summer. We appreciate your business and yoursupport. If we can assist you in any way, don’t hesitate to phone ustoll-free at 800-531-1133 or email CustomerService@WhitehorsePress.com.
Whitehorse Press
107 East Conway Road
Center Conway, NH 03813-4012
603-356-6556
4TH OF JULY ROADBLOCK IN HOUSTON– There was a road block on the southbound I-45 @ Rayford Rd on the 3rd of July from 11:00 PM thru 1:00 AM on the 4th. It was supposedly a ” zero tolerance” stop by Harris County and HPD to check for drunks. However, EVERY motorcycle was pulled over, but not one car. Some 49 bikes were stopped from what I understand, and none were even ticketed? What the Hell?
If anyone out there did get a ticket or get hauled off, let me know. Oh, and 49 bikes with no drunks? My congratulations.
–Jan the Man, West Houston BMC
LAND SPEED RECORDS UNDER THREAT–BUB ENTERPRISES, organisers of the International Speed Trials by BUB, has been in touch with the latest information on the event, which is scheduled for Bonneville Salt Flats on September 6th-10th, 2004.
Obviously taking advantage of the infrastructure that will be in place for the Trials, we are told there are three serious contenders for the ‘World’s Fastest’ crown.
This title is currently held by Dave Campos at 322 mph, and the bike he used, the Easyriders Streamliner, will be on display at Bonneville.
Other display bikes, representing a history of record breaking, include the Triumph-engined Texas Ceegar, the Plymouth Monster, Tenacious ll (fastest motorcycle in Australia) and The Tramp lll (fastest conventional single-engined motorcycle).
Anyone else wishing to enter should note that the deadline for registering an FIM world record attempt has now passed and the pre-entry deadline for the event is just days away.However, there is still time to pre-enter and save $100.Entry forms can be downloaded from the event web site.The site also features an impressive list of sponsors who are helping to make the event a success.
INTERNATIONAL SPEED TRIALS BY BUB
Grass Valley, California, USA
Tel: 530 477 7490 (x209)
Fax: 530 477 7489
E-mail: mailto:eventinfo@speedtrialsbybub.com
http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com.
CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL INSTRUCTORMISTI HURST GRABS INTERNATIONAL RACINGSPONSORSHIP FROM HONDA ITALY–At 24 she bought her first motorcycle. At 26 she was taking checkeredflags and thrilling crowds with her stunt riding at racetracks throughoutWestern Canada. Today, at a seasoned 28, California Superbike School instructor Misti Hurst is about to embark on the ride of her life — in Septembershe’ll crank the throttle of a new Honda CBR600RR and go head-to-headwith some of Europe’s best in the Italian CBR Cup Series, thanks to arecently signed sponsorship deal with Honda Italy.
“Riding for the Honda team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – oneI’m training hard for,” said Hurst, whose instructional duties with KeithCode’s traveling Superbike School will keep her busy until late August,at which time she’ll travel to Italy to get familiar with how the CBRhandles on local tracks.
Hurst, a bona fide “natural born rider”, said her skills on two wheelshave increased markedly due to her involvement with Code’s school… firstas student, then as instructor.
“In November of 2002 I arrived at the school to learn the technical aspectsof riding. Until that point, I had been riding intuitively, but withno real idea of the how’s and why’s of riding, or what to do if I foundmyself in trouble on the road or the track. The instruction was amazingand my confidence, speed, and control of the motorcycle improved tremendously,” said Hurst.
As she neared completion of her training as student, Hurst tried outfor a position as instructor and was accepted. “My continuous training as instructor has been intense but extremelyrewarding. I learn something new every time I’m out on the track,” saidHurst.
“My ultimate goal in life is to make my passion my job. With my roleas instructor at the Superbike School along with the opportunity Hondais giving me, I really feel like I’m living my dream,” said Hurst.
“It’s really great to see our staff doing well in racing, “said SuperbikeSchool founder Code. “It validates our riding technology and keeps thementhusiastic about the whole process of learning the Art of Cornering.”
CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL
WWW.SUPERBIKESCHOOL.COM
BIKERNET COMPUTER ADVICE– I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Haroldthe computer guy, to come over. Harold clicked a couple of buttons andsolved the problem. He gave me a bill for a minimum service call.
As he was walking away, I called after him, “So, what waswrong?”
He replied, “It was an ID ten Terror.”
I didn’t want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired,”An, ID ten T error? What’s that. in case I need to fix it again?”
The computer guy grinned…. “Haven’t you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?”
“No,” I replied.
“Write it down,” he said, “and I think you’ll figure itout.”
So I wrote out …….. I D 1 0 T
I used to like Harold…
–from Skooter
THIS SATURDAY NITE – JULY 24th “Under The Lites”
Its the – “Texas Style Party Drags” HOUSTON CHAMPIONSHIPS
At The UNDISPUTED QUICKEST & FASTEST DRAGSTRIP IN TEXAS !!HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK in Baytown….
****************************
Top Fuel Harleys – Top Alcohol Harleys – Nostalgia Fuel Harleys & 32 Sportsman Trophy Classes for any type of Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Stock to Drag Modified!- If you LOVE Hot Rod Harleys – You Just Gotta See THIS RACE !!! –
LIVE MUSIC – VENDORS MIDWAY – DOOR PRIZES – DOLLAR BILL POKER
************************************************
Sponsored By: Ancira RV & Fatboyz Racing With Associate Sponsorship by: Bad Boys of Texas, Inc., Goe Cycles, MC Creations, & KT?s Cycle Service.
Gates Open: 2pm – Time Trials & Pro Qualifying 4pm – Eleminations 8pm
Admission: Adults $20 – Kids 5-14$5 – Under 5 Free
Track Phone:281-383-RACE
Track Location:I-10 East from Houston to exit 798, go 3 miles south on Hwy 146 turn left at the sign on FM 1405 & follow the signs on in!!
Continued On Page 3
July 22, 2004 Part 1
By Bandit |
The 9/11 Commission is in with findings and recommendations. Let’s see if I have this correct. They’re not pointing the blame finger, but everyone fucked up. They’re not recommending new governmental levels, just a new bureaucracy. We live in strange times.
As far as I’m concerned these so-called terrorist punks get way too much publicity, which gives them world credibility and power. See, CNN did it again. Enough of that shit, we’ve got real business to consider. Just the bikers in NYC could kick ass on all the Al Cuty members in the world.
The real biker terrorists are automobile drivers. Did you read the report that 70 percent of all bike accidents are caused by cell phone calling and drunken cager drivers. Imagine if this news was plastered on CNN daily. In a week Bush would be at war with the Los Angeles freeway system.
Let’s hit it:
NEW DANGER TO BIKERS–$5,000 Reward Offered By Minnesota Hupy Law Firm. It’s something that could be as devastating to a motorcyclist as a sniper with a high-powered rifle or kitchen-variety plastic wrap. On Tuesday, July 13, 2004, Daniel Buckel and his girlfriend, Theresa Brzycky, were injured by it on Guthrie Road in Waukesha County as they traveled the dark and foggy, rural road.
Somebody had stretched a barrier of plastic wrap, wound tightly from traffic pole to traffic pole on opposite sides of the road. Buckel did not see the potential death trap until he was ten feet from it.
“It’s appalling, and it’s really frightening,” Brzycky said. Buckel was driving 5 miles an hour under the 45 mph speed limit because deer had been seen along the road, and there was a slight haze.
Buckel announced that he would pay a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible. However, Attorneys Michael F. Hupy and Jason F. Abraham were so appalled by the incident and were so concerned about ensuring that this does not occur again, that their law firm, Michael F. Hupy & Associates, S.C., has offered a $5,000 reward in place of that offered by Buckel. For the actual newspaper account of this incident, click on: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wauk/jul04/244241.asp.
Anyone having information about this crime should contact the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau at (262) 548-8156. Michael F. Hupy & Associates, S.C. has offered the reward to be paid to the first individual to provide information to law enforcement officials leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible.
This is the third time the law firm has stepped up for biker’s rights recently. First, the firm helped draft and pass a law denying insurance companies the right to argue non-use of a helmet as a defense in a motorcycle injury case in Wisconsin. Next, the firm represented members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, Milwaukee, in a suit against the Summerfest and World Festivals Board asking police to remove the members from the festival grounds for nothing more than wearing club insignia on their t-shirts.
This latest event underscores the vulnerability of motorcyclists, as stated by the American Motorcyclist Association in it’s “Justice for All initiative.”
YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN Texas IN JULY WHEN…The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, “What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?”
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
…….Ah, what a place to call home.
–from Skooter
SYNDICATED NEWS–The comic strip FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE has been running a piece on Liz coming home from college and family friend Gordon loans her a motorcycle and teaches her how to ride.
Good For Motorcycling
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
MOTORCYCLISTS “RIDE TO WORK DAY” NEARS–Rally promotes bikes as helpers in easing traffic.You want them as you trudge from your parking slot, miles away from the entrance to your office. Those motorcycle parking spots, so nice and close. Perhaps riding a motorcycle to work isn’t a bad idea.
Peter Cooper, who rides his Kawasaki daily from his Satellite Beach home to his job at Harris and Base View in Melbourne, agrees.”I have a family, and I don’t get to ride as much as I’d like,” Cooper said. “Commuting is a good excuse to ride.”
Feeling ultra-cool while going to work may be reason enough to ride a motorcycle to work, but there are many others.Ride to Work, a motorcycle advocacy organization, will highlight all the benefits of motorcycle commuting Wednesday during its 13th annual international Ride to Work Day.
Although each day more than 80 million cars and trucks do the commute routine, less than a quarter million people regularly ride their cycles to work, according the Ride to Work Day Web site.
At his workplace’s facility that has enough parking spaces for 70, Cooper is one of four cycling employees.
Ride to Work would love to change those figures.”For many people, riding is a socially responsible form of personal mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits,” said Andy Goldfine of Minnesota, this year’s Ride to Work event organizer.
Ride to Work estimates this year’s event will triple the number of riders on the road.Visit its Web site at ridetowork.org.
–BY MARIA SONNENBERG,FOR FLORIDA TODAY
CENTRAL FLORIDA SAFETY COURSE–The Central Florida Safety Council offers a course that teach riders skills needed to ride a motorcycle safely.
Students learn about physical impairment, riding gear, starting and stopping, swerving, turning, and slow-speed maneuvering — among other things.The course is required for anyone under age 21 and recommended for anyone who wishes to ride a motorcycle on the street.
The course fee ranges from $225 to $235 — depending on where the course is taken.
Melbourne: 1515 Elizabeth St., Suite C
Patrick Air Force Base: 1225 S. Patrick Drive
For more information, call 952-5327 or (800) 372-3335.
I do not understand how the courses are so expensive. There is money from our driver?s license and registration that is earmarked for education plus the motorcycles are donated by the manufacturers.
–Rogue
FLYNT/MAJOR CLASH ON SEX SHOP–Fort Lauderdale is to get an `upscale’ porn store. City leaders tried to keep it out. Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt is expanding his pornography empire to South Florida, opening an “upscale” sex shop despite opposition from this city’s mayor and others.
Hustler Hollywood is supposed to open Friday, featuring items ranging from coffee to vibrating eggs. Flynt is scheduled to visit Aug. 3.
“In every city we open a store there is always some politician who needs to showboat before his religious or conservative constituents about keeping us out,” said Flynt, 61, who is on a national 19-city book tour.
Mayor Jim Naugle and City Commissioner Dean Trantalis had spearheaded an attempt to block Flynt by changing a city zoning law.
Currently “less than half” of a store’s inventory can be sexually oriented if it is within 500 feet of a residential area. Otherwise, the city can close it.
Naugle and Trantalis wanted the ordinance changed so a store could be closed if a “substantial” amount of its inventory was of a sexual nature. But after Flynt threatened to sue, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted down the notion 3-2, despite Naugle’s and Trantalis’ opposition.
“These are upscale shops where sexuality is presented in a clean, healthy, natural way, which is why 50 percent of our customer base are women,” Flynt said.”I’m not done with South Florida — my next stop is Miami Beach,” he said.
–Sentinel Staff Writer
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
PITBULL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY RELOCATEDPITBULL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY has re-located its workshops and corporate headquarters to a new facility in Orlando, Florida. The main business of the company is the manufacture and distribution of high-end, affordable choppers and custom motorcycles. The present range features bikes in chopper and Pro-Street styles, with a choice of Softail and hard-tail models, supplied as complete bikes or rolling chassis.
Pitbull’s new facility has more than 14,000 square feet of space, with a newly renovated showroom for the display of finished motorcycles, parts and apparel.
In the workshop area, more than 20 motorcycle lifts are already installed and there is space to increase this number when demand increases.
Owners explain that the new facility will create opportunities to improve the services they offer and allow further expansion of the customer base.
PITBULL MOTORCYCLE
Orlando, Florida, USA
Tel: 407 290 9212
Fax: 407 290 9097
E-mail: mailto:info@pitbullmotorsports.com
http://www.pitbullmotorcycles.com
BASSINI SLIPS-ON TECH COMING TO BIKERNET–Actually the tech will be launched next week. Roque installed their new performance touring slip-ons last week, and if I get off my ass you’ll see it soon.
SOLID WORDS OF WISDOM FROM BIKERNET– People who live in glass houses should make love in the basement.
Never read the fine print. There ain’t no way you’re going to like it.
If you let a smile be your umbrella, then most likely your ass will get soaking wet.
The only two things we do with greater frequency in middle age are urinate and attend funerals.
The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.
To err is human, to forgive – highly unlikely
Do you realize that in about 40 years, we’ll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?
Money can’t buy happiness — but somehow it’s more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than in a Hyundai.
Drinking makes some husbands see double and feel single.
Living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.
After a certain age, if you don’t wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead.
–from Rev CarlR
SCREAMIN? EAGLE FLAT TRACK TEAM DISAPPOINTED IN DAVENPORT–King Narrowly Misses Making the Main in AMA Grand National Event.DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 17, 2004) – Screamin? Eagle Performance Parts rider Rich King was thwarted in his attempt to qualify for the main event in the seventh round of the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.
The race was the first AMA Grand National event held at the half-mile track, and King, who is from Dysart, Iowa, was hoping to put on a good show for his home-state fans. King ran in the main pack during his 10-lap qualifying heat, but placed fifth and failed to advance to the main. King had a good chance to qualify in the first semi-final heat, and had just taken the lead on the seventh lap of the eight-lap heat. However, the heat was red-flagged when rider Josh Toungett crashed in turn four. Riders reverted to their position on the previous lap for the re-start, which shuffled King back to third place. With just two laps left in the heat, King was unable to pass for one of the top two spots and thus did not advance to the main.
?The Screamin? Eagle team worked hard, and Rich had a good running bike, but also had some bad racing luck,? said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. ?That?s racing, but we?ve got a strong team and we?re looking forward to the next round.?
The main was won by KTM USA/Jones Powersports/Mid-America Harley-Davidson rider Kenny Coolbeth aboard a Harley-Davidson XR750. His teammate Joe Kopp finished second. Chris Carr, riding for the Quality Checked Pre-Owned Ford/Lancaster Harley-Davidson team, finished sixth but continues to lead the series with 119 points. Kopp is second with 109 points, and Coolbeth third with 88 points.
The next stop on the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship series is July 24 at the Atomic Speedway near Knoxville, Tenn., a race that was rescheduled after it was rained out in June.
The Screamin? Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
THE NORTH CAROLINA STEALTH REPORT–I visited a new shop that is about to open. This shop is going to have a BIG impact on the biker scene here in Charlotte. The shop is called The Cycle Xchange.
Jeff and Brian Clark are the owners. I met Jeff back in February when he was just starting to get things set up. We talked and the conversation turned to the Run for Breath and before Jeff had left, “THE MEANEST” had him signed on as a sponsor and he also agreed to make two awards for the bike show. By the way, the 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin” will be held this Sunday July 25th here in Charlotte. What impressed me about Jeff was that he didn?t hesitate to support a good cause and it didn’t take long for him to make up his mind. Jeff is more of the hands on guy at The Cycle Xchange and from what I gathered Brian oversees shop operations.
The Cycle Xchange specializes in custom hand made exhaust systems. These exhaust systems feature some of the cleanest bends I have ever seen! That is not all they will do though, the facility is set up to do ground up builds, performance engine work complete with dyno room along with a complete parts department and service department which will feature nine wrenches when they are up and running. They will also have an apparel department. The building consists of 12,000 square feet. Speaking of performance Jeff and Brian know a thing or two about that, both have worked on NASCAR race teams!
Jeff tells me his big break came when he was asked to participate in the Gibson bike build off featuring the three kings of custom, Arlen Ness, Donnie Smith, and Jeff?s good buddy Dave Perewitz. Jeff built the exhaust system for this bike. The kings recognized talent and encouraged Jeff and that is how he got the idea to open the Cycle Xchange.
The VQ bike of the year from Shannon Davidson from the Chop Shop also features a set of pipes hand made and bent by Jeff. The Cycle Xchange also does exhaust for such names as Carolina Customs, Independent Cycles and Jeff and Brian have teamed up with Kendall Johnson on a couple of projects concerning exhaust systems.
I didn’t get to talk to Brian a lot, but Jeff is a down to earth guy. He tells me he talks to Dave Perewitz and Billy Lane for advice on a regular basis. From what I see and can tell they have given him some pretty good advice so far!
The Cycle Xchange opens its doors August 1, 2004. Good luck to everyone there! Give them a call at 704-708-5828 and tell them you heard about them in “THE STEALTH REPORT” on BIKERNET.com!
Well that is it for this week, gotta tie up a couple of loose ends on the 6th Annual RFB!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
Continued On Page 2
July 18, 2004
By Bandit |
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
LOUISIANA REINSTATES HELMET LAW All motorcyclists will be required by law to wear helmets when traveling Louisiana’s roads beginning August 15, under a bill that won final passage through the state legislature with the backing of Governor Kathleen Blanco, who has said that she will soon sign the measure.
With time running out on this year’s legislative session, the Senate voted 26-12 on June 17 to send the House-passed measure to the governor, despite the bill’s defeat in the House just weeks earlier. With Governor Blanco’s support in reviving the bill, it passed the House by a vote of 57-27 and was sent to the Senate just one week before adjourning.
Backed by the new governor, the bill effectively repeals a 1999 law pushed by former Governor Mike Foster, an avid motorcyclist. The Foster-backed law allowed anyone over 18 to ride without a helmet if they had at least $10,000 of bodily injury insurance. Louisiana has 95,000 registered motorcycle riders.
Foster blasted passage of House Bill 109 by Rep. Clara Baudoin, D-Carencro. “It’s Big Brother rearing its ugly head — or Big Sister,” he told the Baton Rouge Advocate after the Senate vote. Foster said passage puts the state out of line with most of the rest of the nation. “Most states have a choice in their law,” said Foster, referring to the fact that 31 states currently allow adult riders to decide whether to or not to wear a helmet. He also said there are no death or injury statistics to justify the mandatory helmet law.
NORTH CAROLINA INCREASES PENALTIES FOR RIGHT OF WAY VIOLATORS In the waning days of session on July 13, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted 113-3 to concur with the Senate-passed version HB – 965, which increases penalties for people who fail to yield the right-of-way if the violation causes serious bodily injury in a wreck.
“This bill does not have to go to the governor, so it’s now law,” said Sam Nobles, Legislative Coordinator for the Concerned Bikers Association. “It becomes effective December 1st.”
The bill requires a $500 fine and 90-day suspension of a driver’s license if serious bodily injury occurs from wreck where a motorist did not yield the right-of-way.
“We not only scored the first win for the bikers of North Carolina,” said Nobles, “we left a network in place and built relationships that will continue to serve us well.”
BIKERS NOT TO BLAME, SAY INSURERS Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles in Victoria, Australia are not caused by the motorcyclists, new insurance figures show.
Data from insurance claims showed drivers caused 68 per cent of the multiple-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles in Victoria between 2001 and 2003, according to national motorcycle insurer Swann Insurance.
The figures, reported on July 5, 2004, also showed that during the same period drivers were responsible for more than 70 per cent of the accidents involving motorbikes in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
Swann Insurance general manager Duncan Brain said: “These figures confirm what motorcycle riders have been saying for some time — that motorcyclists generally are not to blame for multiple-vehicle crashes.
JUST YOUR AVERAGE MOTORCYCLIST According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a typical motorcyclist is a 38-year-old man with a wife, kids, college degree and $44,250 annual income.
The MIC reports more than 4.3 million women operated motorcycles last year, up 34 percent from 1998.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, one out of every three new riders enrolling in training school is female.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities remain a largely male phenomenon. After five years of declining rates, motorcycle deaths began rising again in 1997 along with increased popularity of motorcycles — and 90 percent of the deaths are among men.
NEW POLITICAL PARTY AIMS TO SERVE BIKERS If you believe that the existing political parties don’t reflect your views as a motorcyclist, maybe the ABP is for you! Neenah, Wisconsin businessman Steve “Mad” Erato has formed the American Biker Party to serve as a grassroots alternative to the Republican and Democratic parties.
The American Biker Party will be geared toward motorcyclists, but the party is open to anyone. “If your grandmother wants to come, she is welcome,” said Erato, who owns Eagle Nation Cycles where the party’s organizational meeting was held on June 23rd to shape the party platform and agenda.
Erato told the local newspaper, the Post-Crescent, that the party will emphasize less government than either the Republican or Democratic parties and will fight against laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.
“We believe in freedom of choice,” he said. “We believe there is way too much government involved in everybody’s life. We are the ones paying for all of this government intervention.”
Erato said the American Biker Party would be marketed to motorcycle groups throughout the United States. He said bikers in Wisconsin share many of the same concerns as bikers elsewhere. “We need something to tie it all together,” Erato said. “That’s what we want to be.”
$50 GRAND AWARDED FOR ARIZONA SAFETY CAMPAIGN ABATE of Arizona was recently awarded $50,000 from the Motorcycle Safety Fund to be earmarked for a billboard campaign to heighten the awareness of passenger vehicle operators to be more observant of motorcycles.
“It’s official,” exclaimed Bobbi Hartmann, ABATE Lobbyist, “I signed the contract today (June 15, 2004) and the lobbyists will be meeting with Viacom to determine specific locations for the 35 – 12′ x 24′ billboards in the Phoenix and metropolitan areas.”
According to Viacom, these billboards should be up and running by the end of July for an eight week contract period, though many billboard messages stay visible until the board is sold again and printed over.
NEW YORK AMENDS HANDLEBAR HEIGHT LIMIT Companion bills to modify New York’s current handlebar height limit (A08237 and S1997) have passed through the Senate and Assembly and have been sent to the governor’s desk.
Current law regulates that all handle bars on motorcycles be no higher than fifteen inches above the seat. The new amended law “Prohibits a person from operating on a public highway a motorcycle on which the handle bars or grips are more than the height of the operator’s shoulders.”
REFLECTIVE VESTS REQUIRED FOR MILITARY MOTORCYCLISTS Military safety regulations for motorcycle riders have long been the strictest in the world, requiring such personal protective equipment (PPE) as helmets, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, over the ankle boots, long sleeve shirts and long pants, both on and off base, and for both military and civilians who operate motorcycles on military installations.
Now, according to the military newspaper Stars and Stripes in their July 13th Pacific edition, Pacific Air Force bases (PACAF) have released stricter new rules for motorcyclists set forth in the service’s traffic safety program.
Besides a requirement for motorcycle safety training, and a refresher course every three years, the most noticeable change is the requirement that all motorcycle riders wear an international orange or lime-green safety vest with 90 square inches of reflective material.
The PACAF supplement was released May 17 and already is being enforced at most bases, according to military officials.
The Air Force requires that riders wear a brightly-colored and contrasting long-sleeve shirt or jacket. A spokesman from PACAF’s safety office said that the vest was adopted to “clarify the wide array of possibilities left open” by the Air Force instruction.
“Each installation interpreted this standard differently and enforced it differently,” the spokesman said. “The colors chosen reflect the most internationally recognized safety colors. They are highly visible and signify ‘Safety’ or ‘Attention’ around the globe.”
Most PACAF bases have adopted former Commander General William Begert’s zero-tolerance policy to enforce the vest rule: First-time violators lose motorcycle-driving privileges for 15 days; a second citation within 12 months results in a 30-day suspension; and a third ticket in a year equals no riding for 12 months.
But some motorcyclists feel that it cramps their style since it doesn’t allow them to show off their club colors. Others voiced their concern that the bright vest might make any military member off base a target to would-be terrorists.
“Wearing the vest makes the motorcycle no more safe,” added one rider.
What a bunch of bullshit. –Bandit
ITALIANS OFFER FREE HELMETS TO INCREASE USAGE Officials in a southern Italian town are handing out free motorcycle helmets following a series of accidents in the region in recent months. The initiative is being undertaken in Sant Anastasia under the slogan: “It’s better to wear a helmet, than be a dead man without a helmet.” More than a hundred helmets have been given out so far. Mayor Vincenzo Lervolino said: “As far as we know this campaign is unique.”
HARLEY “U” With the backing of Harley-Davidson Inc., Fort Scott Community College in Kansas will begin offering a degree program this fall that teaches the applied science of motorcycles.
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer said it is supporting the formal degree program because it needs people who are trained in both technical and management skills.
The degree program will be the first of its kind at Kansas public colleges, although Butler Community College’s computer-aided design and drafting program works closely with Big Dog Motorcycles.
The city of Frontenac is spending $400,000 to build a training facility modeled after a dealership, and Harley-Davidson will provide 10 motorcycles in the first year.
The college worked with Harley to design the curriculum, which will include technical courses on engines, diagnostics and shop practices. Students will also have to take English, science and public speaking, and serve a paid internship as a dealership technician after their first year.
So far, 40 students have registered for Fort Scott’s Harley classes, and the program has a waiting list. Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has more than 650 dealerships in the United States.
WEIRD NEWS: STRETCHED AND RAKED Rick Dozier of Georgetown, Kentucky, and three friends have broken the record for the longest motorcycle in the world, stretching 29 feet 11 inches, and built from scratch. The previous record was held by an Australian man whose motorcycle was 24 feet 11 inches long.
QUOTABLE QUOTES: “We have given away far too many freedoms in order to be free. Now it’s time to take some back.”John le Carre (1931- ), English novelist, author of “The Spy Who Came In From The Cold”
July 15, 2004 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
FIREMEN AS SPIES?– Orlando – Civil rights groups voiced concerns Thursday about a law enforcement plan to teach fire fighters, utility workers, and others who regularly go into homes to report terrorist activity, drug trafficking, or other suspicious acts.
Leaders of the American Civil Liberties Union and a defense lawyers association said the plan for the Citizens Awareness Program proposed by a local domestic security task force could invade privacy and add to a culture of suspicion and paranoia after the Sept. 11 attacks.
” We think it is misguided” said Scott Rost of the ACLU’s Orlando office. “we think it’s an attempt to turn neighbor against neighbor, intrude on privacy and encourage racial profiling with little reason to believe it will make us safer.”
–from Rogue
AMA SURVEY–The American Motorcyclist Association has a survey for its members in their August 2004 issue.4 of those issues pertain to drinking and riding.
#26 How do you feel about the following Statement “Drinking and riding is a major problem facing motorcyclist today” (check only one)
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neither agree or disagree
Somewhat disagree
Stronly disagree
No opinion
#27 How often have you ridden within two hours of drinking any alcohol in the last 30 days? ( check only one)Never
1-2 times
3-4 times
5 or more times
Don’t drink and ride
#28 If you drink,where did you drink on the last ocassion before riding your motorcycle?
Restaurant/tavern/bar
Motorcycling event/meeting
Home
Someone elses home/party
Other
#29 Have you ever prevented a friend from riding if you believed it was unsafe for him/her to ride after drinking?
Yes
No
#30What are the best methods for reducing alcohol-related crashes?
( check all that apply)
Brochures and similar materials to educate motorcyclists
Policies to limit alcohol service at meetings, events,rallies, etc.
Peer intervention training
Rider education and training courses
Articles in national motorcycle publications
Television/radio/ public service announcements
Programs that safely transport both the rider and bike home
Increased law enforcement
Other
American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Riders Please contact AMA and comment on these questions.My complete forum has been filled out and I am also writing to all the people there that I know.This is a very good opportunity to get a organization with the political power of the AMA to get involved in the unjust DUI laws that effect all of us. –ROGUE STURGIS IS COMING– Signs in windows of Main Street businesses in Sturgis illustrate how the town’s giant motorcycle rally dominates the local economy. “Because of the rally we are moving out July 20,” the sign at Rushmore Office Supply says. “Back August 23.” A few doors down a sign at the Salvation Army store says, “We will not accept more donations until after the Rally.” It’s a fact of economic life in Sturgis: Hundreds of thousands of bikers bring millions of dollars to this small town every August. For a week or so, downtown property in this small town is some of the most valuable retail real estate in the region. –By Bill Harlan, Journal Staff Writer –from Rogue THE CENTER STAND HUNT–Coincidentally I just ran across rivcoproducts.com. ATTACHABLE centerstands for many Harleys, VTX, others. –from Dickiebird135@aol.com MOST DUI ARRESTS REWARDED IN FLORIDA–FORT MYERS, Fla. – A district commander in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is offering a free fishing trip to the deputy who makes the most arrests this month. Capt. Randy Crone oversees the office’s largest district. After winning the $100 fishing trip in a raffle, he sent a memo titled “The Race is on!!” to 55 deputies, offering up the trip and outlining the incentive. “It’s no different than the state of Florida giving an award to an officer who makes more than 100 DUI arrests,” he said. Lee County Sheriff Rod Shoap said the contest does not encourage quotas or “bad arrests,” partly because supervisors must still approve all arrests. “How many businesses offer their employees bonuses for top performance? You tell me the difference,” Shoap said. The neighboring Collier County Sheriff’s Office offers cash bonuses for deputies who serve 25 or more warrants in a year, said spokesman Dennis Huff. But that program is not a competition between deputies, he said. “We feel comfortable because a judge has already looked at a warrant and signed off on it,” he said. Former Deputy Mike Scott, who is running against Shoap in the Aug. 31 primary, called the fishing-trip incentive a “poor way to motivate your troops,” saying it could compromise the arrest process –from Rogue ON THE OTHER HAND–Madison, WI policeman had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, butwasn’t getting many Then he discovered the problem – a 12-year-old boywas standing up the road with a hand painted sign, which read “RADARTRAP AHEAD”. The officer also found the boy had an accomplice who was abit further down the road with a sign reading “TIPS” and a bucket fullof money. (And we used to just sell lemonade!) –from Rogue
Attn. Highway Survey
13515 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147
ANGEL DECOY–Photos of an Air Force C-130 releasing flares to repel heat seeking missiles. The pattern formed by these”decoys” are how they got their name….Angel Decoy. It’s truly awesome!
Because maneuvers are usually in remote areas and over water, the general public does not get to see these exercises.
–from Rev CarlR
FIGHT BREAKS OUT BETWEEN SUV DRIVER AND MOTORCYCLE CLUB–A woman gets trapped underneath her car after an irate driver tries to mow down several people on motorcycles.
It happened just after 1:30 Sunday morning at the intersection of Allen and Ford street in Shreveport. Police say Malvin Ford was driving his vehicle and got into some type of altercation with members of 2-motocycle clubs. That’s when Ford started chasing the motorcycles and began driving in circles. He knocked several riders off their bikes. A woman, Bridget grimes, stopped to help her husband who was hit, but ford’s spinning car hit her, trapping her underneath. A fight then broke out. Emergency crews had to be called in to lift car off the Grimes.
She was taken to the hosptial and is listed in serious conditon this morning. Malvin Ford is charged with DWI, aggravated assault and attempted first-degree homicide.
–from Rogue
~~~~~~~~~~~
We’ve Always
Been Brotha’s
Bikers Of Wind
Poets Of Pen
Drunkards Of Whiskey
Seducers Of Sin
Bastard Children
Of mistress wind
Independent
Though offered
Throughout many years
Our Backs Cannot Be Sold
No Space For Rent
Is What Their Told
They Nod Out Of Respect
We Have No Regrets
Except one We’d admit
When we turned on each other
‘Cause of some dumb slit
Almost sought vengeance
On a dark lonesome road
Under cover of night
So far from home
That Was Then
And This Is Now
Words No Longer Weapons
We’ve Put Them Down
So Lets Toke On This
Peace Pipe
Focus On The Future
Forget The Past
Holding much closer
To A Bro’s
Hard earned respect
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Composed By Panhead Josh Of Outlaws World & Sorez The Scribe incollaboration under copyright
WELL BRO… DID IT AGAIN–and lovin’ it! Got hitched Saturday night, andleft for Hollister Sunday AM with my bride ridin’ next to me. She doesn’tbitch me out, doesn’t get headaches, and rides better than most guys I’veridden with. Holds her line come Hell or high water, and she’s always in mymirror, or next to me, so I don’t have to look for her. Now and then, she’llpull into the lead just to give me an excuse to twist the wick. When I shootby her, she gives me that grin, cause she knows how much I love to crankthat sucker on.
Quite a lady, that one!Sendin’ a picture of her so maybe you can put it on Bikernet.
–Buckshot.
STARBUCKS BUCKS UP– I have indeed confirmed the fact that Starbucks charged rescue workers $130 for 3 cases of bottled water on September 11, 2001, so the following info that was passed on to me would not be surprising to me at all!!
Recently Marines over in Iraq supporting this country in OIF wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffee and try to score some free coffee grounds. Starbucks wrote back telling the Marines thanks for their support in their business, but that they don’t support the War and anyone in it and that they won’t send them the Coffee.
So as not to offend them we should not support in buying any Starbucks products.
Semper Fidelis, Sgt Howard C. Wright 1st Force Recon Co 1st Plt PLT RTO
–from Rogue
BLOND BIKERNET PATIENT– A surgeon went to check on his blonde patient after an operation. She was awake, so he examined her. You’ll be fine,” he said.
She asked, “How long will it be before I am able to have a normal sex life again doctor?”
The surgeon seemed to pause, which alarmed the girl.
“What’s the matter Doctor? I will be all right, won’t I?”
He replied, “Yes, you’ll be fine. It’s just that no one has ever asked me that after having their tonsils out.”
–from Skooter
AUSSIE SHOW COMING–Glad you liked the idea. I am looking forward to Bike Week at Surfers because it’s the biggest show for motorcycles we have here. Sad as that may sound.
–Jaqhama
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SERIES AIRS IN IOWA–A series on motorcycle safety, produced and aired by WHO-AM radio of DesMoines is scheduled to air on July 6th,7th,8th, & 9th at 5:30, 8:30 AM,12:30 and 5:30pm. ABATE of Iowa member Mark Maxwell of Des Moines wasasked to interview for this show. ABATE leadership has been very carefulin granting interviews with the media without having the final say on whatis aired, but I do not know if that was the case here. The personproducing the report say’s that this is not to be a “controversial”report. “FYI, this series isn’t anything that’s too controversial, It’sbasically about how there are more motorcycles on the roads these days.anda lot of efforts to keep everybody safe.” Her words.
WHO-AM radio is a 50,000 watt clear channel station which can be found at1040 on the dial. I looked over the website at www.whoradio.com and didnot find any web cast. Some of you in other states may be able to catchthe morning broadcasts. The fact that we were called for an interview wasbrought about, to the best of my knowledge, through our professionalrelationship with Strategic America, a public relations firm hired by ABATEof Iowa two years running now.
–Jim
I’M LATE–I know I’m going to catch heat, but it’s hot as hell and Frank Kaisler stopped by for a tour of the headquarters, fish tacos and to help sort some machine shop odds and ends. I’m struggling to make one small bench lathe work.
It’s a wild story of a local boy who inherited his dads machine shop, and he just wants to lose all this shit so he can run his own home business. I can’t describe this sagging wooden, one-car garage. It was stacked to the rafters with every concievable machine shop tool and gadget, all rusting in the coastal spray. I’m still helping him move stuff, but I believe he has an E-bay treasure chest, if he knew a drill bit from a tooth pick. It’s cool, but a mess. Think I’d rather chase the Steed woman than pick through a box of rusting bearings. Speaking of women, bikes and machines…
Goddamnit, I’m late with this news. It’s over 90 degrees in my office and I’m missing the on shore, Pacific, afternoon breeze. No snivelin’, about the heat I’ll catch. I’m more concerned about catchin’ the woman I love tonight. She ain’t bad about half the time.
–Bandit
July 15, 2004 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
HOT SPRINGS MOTORCYCLE WEEKEND 2004 IS HISTORY–Early reports indicate over 2,500 bikers attended and help make thisfundraiser for biker rights a great success. Buncombe County CBA memberssuch as Larry, Tammy, Roger, and many others serving on the staff made therally safe and enjoyable for all. Leaders of CBA/ABATE of NC, ABATE of SC,and CMT/ABATE of TN spoke between bands while others worked the informationbooth handing out information from all three SMROs. Hot Spring MotorcycleWeekend is still the best rally I have ever attended; I will return againnext year. Expect to see some pictures and an article posted soon atwww.fastfreds.com
PS – I sold some new patches (“Don’t Tread on Me”/”I Refuse to Allow MyCivil Servant to Run My Life”) at this event that seemed well received; ifyou are interested visit www.fastfreds.com or www.fastfreds.com/menu formore information.
SMUGGLING SUSPECT SWALLOWS $47,500–BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A suspect swallowed nearly $50,000 in cash in a failed attempt to smuggle the funds out of Colombia, officials said Monday.
Bogota airport police said they X-rayed the suspect because he was acting nervous while preparing to board a flight for Lima, Peru.
The photo showed dozens of latex-wrapped packets inside his stomach and police assumed it was drugs, since such a smuggling technique is used by traffickers.
But as the suspect passed the packages from his body, police discovered they were filled with cash – $47,500.
“We find drugs inside the stomachs of smugglers all the time, but this is the first time we’ve ever found dollars,” the head of Bogota’s airport police, Col. Jorge Luis Vargas, told The Associated Press.
Passengers leaving Colombia can carry up to $10,000 in cash without having to declare it. Police say new anti-money laundering laws have made it more difficult for drug traffickers to send and receive cash, forcing them to adopt the same methods used to smuggle drugs.
Vargas said interrogations of the suspect indicated the money was probably going to be used to pay for a drug shipment.
–from Rogue
THE BIKERNET HAIR SALON– A guy sticks his head into a barber shop and asks, “How longbefore I can get a haircut?”
The barber looks around the shop and says,”About 2 Hours.”
The guy leaves.
A few days later the same guy sticks his head in the door andasks, “How long before I can get a haircut?”
The barber looks around at the shop full of customers and says,”About 3 hours.”
The guy leaves.
A week later the same guy sticks his head in the shop and asks,”How long before I can get a haircut?”
The barber looks around the shop and says, “About an hour and ahalf.”
The guy leaves.
The barber who is intrigued by this time, looks over at a friendin The shop and says, “Hey, Bill, follow that guy and see where he goes.”
A little while later, Bill comes back into the shop, laughing hysterically..
The barber asks, “Bill, where did he go when he left here?”
Bill looks up, tears in his eyes and says, “Your house.”
–from Skooter
HARLEY DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA–Here is an answer from a friend in the industry that replied to the e-mail I sent out a few days ago pertaining to Harley doing business with China.Getting the facts straight will help every one make a decision on what they want to do, if anything, about this situation.–ROGUE
While I may share some of the original author’s concerns I can’t really use this for the magazine. I expected this type of backlash when the original press release broke announcing Harley was going to be looking to deal with the Chinese, however, the call to action is a bit misguided. Although Harley is a member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (and it is true that Tim Buche is MSF boss), MSF has absolutely nothing to do with international trade issues. Rider training and international safety concerns are the only items on MSF’s mandate (this call to arms might make sense if it involved helmet laws, but it really has nothing to do with import/export issues involving the Chinese).
It is also true that Tim is the president of the Motorcycle Industry Council, but as far as I know, Harley-Davidson is not an MIC member. In fact, I have found Harley to be in opposition to just about everything MIC has tried to do over the years. Having Buche resign from the MIC role really would not have any impact on the the folks in the Ivory Tower on Juneau Ave. As for Tim Buche’s position as the head of The Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, I’m not clear on what SVIA’s efforts on behalf of the ATV industry have any sort of impact on Harley-Davidson.
As an MIC member I can certainly forward this to my fellow members or take it along with me to the next MIC Aftermarket Committee meeting that I sit in on, but my guess is that they wouldn’t take it serious when they see that beyond boycotting MotorClothes and writing to Jeff Bluestein, the call to action to remove Tim Buche is mixing apples and oranges. Instead of delivering a message to Harley-Davidson, this would be perceived as showing how little author knows about MSF/MIC/SVIA and dilute the effectiveness of the real message.
Not that I’m a shill for Tim Buche or Harley corporate, but I see this as a case of apples and oranges rather than truly expressing the American Rider’s discontent with Harley-Davidon’s dealings with the Chinese. You may have seen we ran a copy of the MotorClothes label and highlighted the “Made In China” a couple of issues ago noting the odd dichotomy of the all-American eagle logo sitting right next to the source origin. Anyway, that’s my two cents which you can pass along to the originator of the 5-step call to action or just hit the “delete” key and move on.
–from Rogue
HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S SECOND CENTURY MOMENTUM BUILDS WITH ANOTHER RECORD QUARTER–Milwaukee, Wis., July 14, 2004 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its second quarter ended June 27, 2004. Revenue for the quarter was $1.33 billion compared with $1.22 billion in the year-ago quarter, an 8.9 percent increase. Second quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were 83 cents, a 25.8 percent increase compared with last year?s 66 cents.
?We are pleased to report another excellent quarter for Harley-Davidson,? said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. ?The record results we have delivered through the first six months of this year are in line with the Company?s previously stated long-term direction of sustainable growth.?
U.S. retail sales of Harley-Davidson? motorcycles were 18.8 percent ahead of last year for the quarter and up 16.5 percent for the first six months. ?Our dealers report that floor traffic is brisk, driven by keen interest in the entire Harley-Davidson experience and in particular, the Sportster? motorcycle family which was completely redesigned for the 2004 model year. The redesign, which was intended to broaden the appeal of that product line, is clearly achieving its purpose. Tomorrow we will bring even more excitement to our customers when the 2005 model year motorcycles and related new products will be unveiled to our worldwide dealer network at our summer dealer meeting in San Diego,? said Bleustein.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Second Quarter ResultsSecond quarter revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.02 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent over last year. Worldwide shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the second quarter totaled 82,034 units, up 6,009 units or 7.9 percent over last year. The Company?s shipment target remains 317,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 2004.
Second quarter revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $230.1 million, a 12.7 percent increase or $25.9 million more than the year-ago quarter. Over the long term, the Company expects P&A revenue to grow at a rate slightly faster than the motorcycle unit growth rate.
Second quarter revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes? apparel and collectibles, totaled $53.1 million, up 21.5 percent or $9.4 million over the same period last year. Over the long term, the Company expects General Merchandise to grow at a rate lower than the motorcycle unit growth rate.
Second quarter gross margin for the Motorcycles and Related Products Segment was 37.9 percent of revenue compared to 36.4 percent in the second quarter of last year. Favorable gross margin was primarily impacted by plant efficiencies, including those that generally occur at the end of the model year. Some of these efficiencies are not expected to be maintained in the second half of the year due to new model year startup.
Operating margin increased from 21.9 percent in 2003 to 25.2 percent in 2004 due primarily to higher gross margin and a change in the timing of marketing related costs in 2003 when compared with 2004. In 2003, operating expenses were higher in the first half of the year to support the 100th Anniversary activities and programs. In 2004, operating expenses will be higher in the second half of the year, which is more typical of the Company?s operations.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Six Month Results
For the six month period, revenue was $2.49 billion compared with $2.33 billion, a 6.9 percent increase over the year ago period. Diluted earnings per share were $1.52, compared with $1.28, an increase of 18.8 percent compared to the same period last year.Through the first six months of this year, shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units were 156,124, a 6.5 percent increase over last year?s 146,633. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $1.94 billion, a 5.8 percent increase over $1.83 billion in revenue in 2003. P&A revenue totaled $399.3 million, a 9.7 percent increase over last year?s $364.0 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $107.5 million, a 7.3 percent increase compared with $100.1 million during the same period in 2003.
During the same period, HDFS operating income was $99.3 million, a 13.1 percent increase over last year?s $87.8 million during the first six months.
OUTSOURCING JOBS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS–Washington DC – Congress today announced that the Office of President of the United States will be outsourced to overseas interests as of June 30th, the end of this fiscal year. The move is being made to save $400K a year in salary, a record $521 Billion in deficit expenditures and related overhead. “The cost savings will be quite significant” says Congressman Adam Smith (D – Wash) who, with the aid of the GAO (the General Accounting Office) has studied outsourcing of American jobs extensively. “We simply can no longer afford this level of outlay and remain competitive in the world stage”, Congressman Smith said.
Mr. Bush was informed by email this morning of the termination of his position. He will receive health coverage, expenses and salary until his final day of employment. After that, with a two week waiting period, he will then be eligible for $240 dollars a week from unemployment insurance for 13 weeks. Unfortunately he will not be able to receive state Medicaid health insurance coverage as his unemployment benefits are over the required limit.
Preparations have been underway for some time for the job move. Sanji Gurvinder Singh of Indus Teleservices, Mumbai, India will be assuming the Office of President of the United States as of July 1. Mr. Singh was born in the United States while his parents were here on student visas, thus making him eligible for the position. He will receive a salary of $320 (USD) a month but with no health coverage or other benefits. Due to the time difference between the US and India, Mr. Singh will be working primarily at night, when offices of the US Government will be open.
Congress continues to explore other outsourcing possibilities including that of Vice-President and most Cabinet positions.
–By Staff Reporter Melynda Jill
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!!! Our organization is growing by leaps and bounds. We had many, many new members join since my last update in April. Thank you all of you for joining us in this battle to fight the unfair DUI laws that have been passed in this country over the last 20 years. I hope you will find the information on our website helpful.
In addition, many new members have discovered that our Discussion Forum helps them to work through the issues either themselves, friends or family members face regarding DUIs in this day and age. Take comfort in knowing that at RIDL we do not make you feel like the scourge of the earth that organizations such as MADD, the courts, and your local DMV would have you believe. We know that most people who get DUI’s these days are just average citizens who got trapped by the propaganda we’ve all been spoon-fed for the past 20 years.
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT, ALMOST–The report will be super short; mainly just letting you know that there’s will be no report. I?m still working on the Bobber, frenzied like cause we only have a week until shipping, as well as another chop that is going to North Carolina.
Hawaii was lots of fun and a good time, but I landed at 2:00 PM and by 3:00 was at the shop working. Deadlines are a bitch, but so is crossing the ocean, two weeks before….
Have a beer on me and squeeze some boobs…be a good sport. The cool side of all this is that I will have new photos for upcoming reports…
Later, Jose
BIKERNET CONTEST WINNERS–Last week we were in Hawaii, so this week I chose a few winners. Here they are—
KURTIS JAMES HEINEN FROM MORENO VALLEY, CA
Suggestion: WHEN RIDING WITH AND HANGING AROUND HARLEY RIDERS DO NOT MAKE DISPARAGING COMMENTS CONCERNING THE RELIABILITY OF HARLEY MOTORCYCLES UNLESS YOU CAN RUN FAST OR TAKE ON 20 OR 30 BIKERS – DON’T ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS!!!
Kurtis didn?t ask for anything so he get a Bikernet T-Shirt. Let me know your size, Kurtis.
ALAN LABOSSIERE FROM YORKTON, SASKATCHEWAN CANADA
Suggestion: A QUICK FIX FOR THE BATTERY CABLE RUBING AND GETTING MESSED UP ON THE OIL TANK SEAM RIDGE. USE A PIECE OF FUEL LINE SPLIT LENGTH WISE. PLACE IT ON THE SEAM AND IN MY CASE WISH HAD DONE IT SOONER!! LOL
Wanted: A COPY OTHE ART OF CHOPPERS BOOK SIGNED TO AL AND AUTOGRAPHED BY THE BUILDERS AT GASOLINE ALLEY . A TEE SHIRT IN A 3 XL SIZE . A FREE RAT FINK MEMORIAL BIKE!! (LOL)
I can probably get the book and I know I can get Indian Larry autograph on something. Just give me a day or two. Or a week or two?
FOR THE CANTINA WINNER–
Ken from Springside, Saskatchewan Canada
Wanted: sure could use this book as the old pan needs some TLC!! MECHANICS and OWNERS GUIDE TO 1941-59 HARLEY DAVIDSON OHV BIG TWINS by Kirk Perry. Thanks
We?ll see what we can do about this, Ken. Bandit has tons of books so he?s going digging.
Till next week, Layla
STURGIS 2004 COMING- – Traffic numbers entering Sturgis during the 63rd Annual Motorcycle Rally were 541,390 vehicles, South Dakota Department of Transportation officials say.
The number, officials say is up 8.8 percent from last year’s 497,474 vehicles in 2002 and was compiled from six traffic counter sites which monitored traffic coming into the city.
The sites are located at the interchange on-ramps at Interstate 90, Exits 30 and 32, on Highway 14A, on Highway 34 by the Full Throttle Saloon and Glencoe Campground, one on the Interstate between Exits 30 and 32, and two sites on Highway 79 near Bear Butte.
The counters are tubes, laid across the road which are set up to count vehicles from Aug. 4 through Aug. 10. Jeff Brosz, of the SDDOT said the counters tally one vehicle for every two axle hits on the tubes, without differentiating whether a vehicle comes through multiple times. Additionally, he said the counters do not separate the difference between a motorcycle with only two axles and a semi-truck with five axles.
“But it’s mostly motorcycles,” Brosz said, “so it’s fairly accurate.”
The largest traffic influx this year came on Tuesday, when 96,666 vehicles entered Sturgis. The lightest numbers were Sunday, Aug. 10 when 30,561 vehicles traveled into town. The average number of vehicles entering town each day during the Rally was 77,341.
Sturgis Rally Director Lisa Weyer said city officials will plug DOT numbers into a city formula to come up with official crowd estimates. However, she said those numbers will not be available until next week. While considering crowds, Weyer said city officials consider DOT numbers, trash amounts, and estimates from city residents and officials who are present during the Rally year after year. Despite all of their efforts, Weyer said, officials are not able to get a 100 percent accurate count.
“There are a lot of factors that go into it,” she said. “It’s completely a ‘guestimate’, that’s for sure, on our count.”
The DOT has collected traffic information for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 1990 and the 50th Anniversary of the Rally.
from the The Black Hills Pioneer, Newspapers, South Dakota, SD 2004
–from Rogue
NITRO CHOPPERS STURGIS PROJECT–Here is a recent project that just wrapped up, thought you might want to see it. We’re heading to Sturgis soon.
–“Craig” craig@nitrochoppers.com
Continued On Page 4
July 15, 2004 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
THE 100 PERCENT FORMULA–What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?
Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If:A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is represented as:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K equals:8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E equals:11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E equals:1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
And,B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T equals:2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%
AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G equals:1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%
So, one can then conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and knowledge will get you close, and, Attitude will get you there, Bullshit and Ass kissing will put you over the top.
–from Ray R.
BILLY LANE INJURED–I’m sorry to inform you, but it seems that, as according to thelocal newspaper, the Discovery Channel won’t be coming to the LittleSturgis,Ky Bike Rally next weekend.
Billy Lane, of Choppers Inc., was injured in a wreck and is toundergo surgery sometime this week.
The article went on to report, that Mike Brown, of Amen ChassisWorks, is still scheduled to make an appearance.
Let’s keep Billy in our thoughts and prayers.
–Rogue
SMOKE OUT BLUES–Just rolled in from the Horse Magazine Smoke Out 5 in Salisbury,NC.I’ll get you a write up and some photos in a few days after I recover from hosting 18,000 chopper fanitics in the rain and mud. Indian Larry, Billy Lane and Hank Young were there representing the Discovery Channel for all their fans.
Friday was a real wash out weather-wise. Torrential rains and mud reminicent of Woodstock 69. Spirits were high inspite of the inclement weather. Ice Cream Man From Hell and I were in charge of the stage both nights.We thought we would dry out the crowd with heat from some nekkid ladies. It seemed to warm things up a bit.
Hooked up with Jay, Makoto and Moto from Hard Core Choppers mag in Japan. Nice buncha dudes. Couldn’t be in NYC to show them around so I invited them down to the Smoke Out.I think they thought it was worth the trip. Hooked them up with Lane and crew and a few other East Coast builders and they were in Hog Heaven. They shot a few bike features and generally were impressed with the quality of the rides there.
Also hooked up with a dude named Rigid Frame Richard who was claiming to work for you to unsuspecting young nipples. Asked Jon Towle if he knew the dude, negative, sooooo, with all intentions of slamming him into the mud and confiscating his photo gear I politely asked him a few questions not telling him who I was and he seemed to know the right answers. He said that he was just a contributor and with that settled I took him under my hairy wing and got him stage access and made sure he and his friends had a good time.
–TBear
MO’ JANKLOW BULLSHIT–SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Former U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow was on duty when he caused a fatal accident last summer, so taxpayers should pay any civil damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, according to a court ruling Tuesday.
U.S. Magistrate Arthur Boylan sided with U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger’s conclusion that Janklow, 64, was on official business Aug. 16 when he sped through a stop sign near Trent and collided with motorcyclist Randy Scott, 55, of Hardwick, Minn.
Boylan concluded that the federal government, not Janklow, should be listed as the defendant in the lawsuit filed by Scott’s mother, sister, son and daughter.
The family’s lawyer, Ronald Meshbesher of Minneapolis, wanted the case moved back to state court in Minnesota so the family could get punitive damages, something not allowed if the case stays in federal court.
Meshbesher said he’ll file an objection with U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery in hopes of getting the ruling reversed.
If that doesn’t work, he’ll appeal to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Meshbesher said.
–from Rogue
I suppose the state always pays his traffic fines?–Bandit
THE STEALTH REPORT–All of the chopper build offs and bike related shows on the Discovery Channel has everyone talking about choppers. People you never would imagine are talking about building bikes. Everyone sees themselves as the next Jesse James. Most are looking through rose colored glasses and are only dreaming!
Every bike shop is named Something Choppers. Most are not chopper shops at all and do very little fabricating on their own. Maybe the name of these shops should be called “Bolt Together Choppers?” People have been coming in and asking “What engine should I use? What frame should I use? How long will it take? How much will it cost?” Most of these questions are relative as to how much you can do on your own and how FAT your wallet is. Most who have these dreams of building what they see on Discovery haven’t a clue as to what is involved in building what they see on TV! The guys they see on TV are very talented and do it everyday. You can’t teach talent and the art of having an “EYE” for what looks cool. Another fact is that building a chopper is not as easy as it looks on TV. Yeah, there isn’t anything that comes close in the fun department, but there is a lot of work involved. All of this is not bad though. The interest these shows generates helps our industry, the motorcycle industry. It means we have jobs, it means we can pay our bills and it beats the hell out of regular TV!
On a personal note my son Blair has told me he watched all the build offs and now wants to build his own chopper! He even confiscated one of my West Coast Choppers hats! Whether you like the shows or not, you have to agree they inspire a lot of people. I am waiting to see how serious my son Blair is about building a bike. Is he willing to make the sacrifices needed to obtain what is needed to put the bike together? He is only 24 and only time will tell. I told him that it will take a lot of work and that there is a lot more involved than just what you see on Discovery, his reply was “If they can do it, so can I!” Good answer and good attitude! It’s a start!
Everyone is jumping on the chopper band wagon these days, even good old Harley-Davidson. In their color chart for 2005 they have two colors that start with the word “Chopper!” Get this, “Chopper Blue and Chopper Pearl Blue!” Who would have thought it? It seems that anything with “chopper” on it is cool, young people, old people, people of every race are attracted to choppers. So in a strange sort of way choppers are uniting people. Do you think we could get the world leaders into choppers?”
Some people say that choppers went away and have made a comeback. I say that choppers never went away and were always around, they just didn’t get the publicity that they receive today and if they did back in the day it was negative. Now everyone and their grandmother wants to ride a chopper, again this is not all bad. For us “old schoolers” it is probably a bit strange to see bikes that were once seen as “The Outlaw or Bad Boy” only bikes now becoming more mainstream. There is a line from a Grateful Dead song (Truckin’) that says “What a long strange trip it’s been,” nothing has ever been any more true concerning the “Chopper Scene” of today.
One more thing, I am waiting for one of my favorite bike builders to be on Discovery. You ask who is that? Why my mentor Mr. Bandit of course! I always really dig his bikes, that outlaw style they all had always hit me in a good way!
One more note on choppers, on July 25th some of the HOTTEST choppers in the Charlotte area will come and compete in the 6th Annual Run For Breath Bike Show “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” The awards for this bike show are out of this world! They are made by local bike builders as well as nationally known builders and the “Best of Show” award is done by our own Mr. Bandit, it is AWESOME!
Well that is enough about choppers for this week, I have got myself all worked up, I have to go chop something and the “MEANEST” says she will help as long as she doesn’t have to get her hands dirty??? Go figure!!!
Until next week, RIDE!
STEALTHMAN
BIKERNET PARENTAL AND TRAVEL ADVICE–A mother and her son were flying Southwest Airlines from Kansas Cityto Chicago. The son (who had been looking out the window) turned to hismother and asked, “If big dogs have baby dogs and big cats have baby cats,why don’t big planes have baby planes? “
The mother (who couldn’t think of an answer) told her son to ask the flightattendant.
So the boy asked the flight attendant, “If big dogs have baby dogs and bigcats have baby cats, why don’t big planes have baby planes?”
The flight attendant responded, “Did your mother tell you to ask me?”
The boy said, “Yes, she did.”
“Well, then, tell your mother that there are no baby planes becauseSouthwest always pulls out on time. Have your mother explain that to you.”
–from Rogue
BIKERNET TRAVEL ADVICE–A guy was traveling through Mexico on vacation when, lo and behold, he losthis wallet and all identification.
Cutting his trip short, he attempts to make his way home but is stopped bythe Customs Agent at the border. “May I see your identification, please?” asks the agent.
“I’m sorry, but I lost my wallet,” replies the guy.
“Sure, buddy, I hear that every day. No ID, no crossing the border,” saysthe agent.
“But I can prove that I’m an American!” he exclaims. “I have a picture ofRonald Reagan tattooed on one butt cheek and a picture of George Bush onthe other.”
“This I gotta see,” replies the agent. With that, Joe drops his pants andbends over in front of the agent.
“By golly, you’re right!” exclaims the agent. “Go on home to Boston.”
“Thanks!” he says. “But how did you know I was from Boston?”
The agent replies, “I recognized the picture of John Kerry in the middle.”
–Ken Miller
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