THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by BILL BISH,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

CONGRESS ACTS TO PROTECT MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR BIKERS An important step toward protecting medical benefits for motorcyclists was achieved on October 29, 2003, when the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted unanimously to approve S. 423, “The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act,” co-authored by U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bipartisan act would eliminate a loophole that allows insurance companies to deny medical benefits to persons injured while participating in so-called “risky activities,” including riding a motorcycle or ATV.

The measure will now move to the Senate floor for consideration, while a similar bill in the House of Representatives, HR 1749, awaits committee action.

Motorcyclists across the country successfully lobbied Congress in 1996 to enact the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibited insurers from denying health care coverage to insureds based on their participation in activities such as motorcycling, skiing and horseback riding, but the legislation was later misinterpreted to require insurance companies to provide coverage, but still allowing them to deny benefits if a person was hurt as a result of such involvement.

Help close this discriminatory loophole by contacting your U.S. Senators and Congressman today and urge their support of S. 423 and HR 1749!

LOUISIANA GOVERNOR LAMBASTS NHTSA Just hours after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report to the national press indicating that fatalities had increased dramatically in Arkansas and Louisiana following the repeal of those states’ mandatory helmet laws, Louisiana Governor Mike Foster called NHTSA’s numbers into question and accused the federal agency of misleading the public regarding the facts.

“You can make statistics say anything you want,” lectured Foster in a press release issued October 30, 2003 to counteract the NHTSA disinformation campaign. “The NHTSA wanted to hear that fatal crashes have doubled, and they looked for statistics that supported that. It’s true that the number of accidents has increased, but the report leaves a lot out of the picture, like the increasing number of motorcycle riders.”

Foster pointed out that NHTSA looked merely at raw numbers and not at the circumstances of the crashes. The number of registered motorcycles rose by over 12,000 in the years covered by the NHTSA study, according to the governor’s press release. In 1998, there were 60,000 registered motorbike operators in Louisiana; two years later, 72,445 were registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

According to a 2001 report by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, “Traffic Crashes Involving Bicycles or Motorcycles,” fatalities per 100 crashes only rose by 0.2 percent from 1998 to 2000, and in 2001 that percentage actually went down to 3.8 percent. In 1998, 3.9 percent of every 100 crashes resulted in deaths. During that time, the number of crashes in general rose from 889 to 1,410, a fact that cannot be attributed to helmet usage rates.

“Bottom line, it’s a matter of personal choice. No one is forcing or encouraging motorcycle riders to ride without helmets,” said Foster. “But the NHTSA says that there were twice as many fatal crashes, but doesn’t want us to know how many of those riders were wearing helmets. There are times where helmets are protective and times when they actually can do harm.”

WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SALES TO EXCEED 35 MILLION Forecasting worldwide demand for motorcycles to advance 5.2% annually to more than 35 million units in the year 2007, The Freedonia Group, an international business research company based in Cleveland, Ohio, says the global motorcycle industry will likely go through a restructuring phase in coming years, driven by increased income levels in emerging markets, continued strong sales in the U.S. and Western Europe, and advancements in technology.

In a new study titled “World Motorcycles,” the research group says there are two separate motorcycle markets. One centered in the industrialized Triad (i.e., the U.S., Japan and Western Europe), where motorcycles are seen as pleasure vehicles by consumers who already have one or more automobiles. These motorcycles tend to be large, powerful machines that cost on average about $4,000 to $7,000 in the U.S. and Europe, and somewhat less in Japan.

The research firm says the market for the larger displacement motorcycles will likely remain strong, but says some concerns regarding future demand have emerged due to the aging of the customer base, especially in the U.S. and Western Europe.

The other, much larger market in unit terms is in the emerging economies of the Asia/Pacific region, where motorcycles are seen as primary family and work vehicles. According to the study, demand for scooters, mopeds and light motorcycles will remain relatively robust in emerging markets such as India, China and Southeast Asia, due to increased income levels.

The third influence on the worldwide motorcycle industry, according to the study, is a transition in technology driven by a confluence of factors, most noticeably exhaust emission regulation. Motorcycle regulations have been increasing worldwide, as developed nations seek emissions parity with automobiles and as developing nations fight to reduce pollution levels in large urban areas.

MOTORCYCLES ARE “SMART GROWTH” Carter, a full service real estate company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia has recently put the finishing touches on a pioneering mixed-use development that has been heralded as the premiere Transit Oriented Development in the country. Lindbergh City Center, which will eventually incorporate 4.8 million square feet of office, retail and residential facilities is located on top of the second busiest transit station in Atlanta.

Michael Hoath, director of real estate development for the project, is an avid two-wheel enthusiast who rides and races. “I ride to work regularly and often notice how many urban environments discourage motorcycle use. We felt it was important to encourage all smart growth principles — motorcycles as commuter transportation is smart growth. They are a frequently overlooked ingredient in providing solutions to urban sprawl and traffic congestion.”

The development incorporates a mix of Smart Growth design principles such as pedestrian access, transit access, and reduced parking. One of the most important design principles is free parking on Main Street for motorcycles. Whereas other vehicles pay for parking, the prime street locations are reserved for free motorcycle parking. Additionally, the project incorporated concrete parking pads to prevent bikes from tipping over due to melting asphalt on hot summer days.

BROWN OUT A recent print advertisement by UPS, seeking Christmas help, features a glaring, stereotypical leather-clad biker, with the following parody to a familiar holiday tune:

“Oh, the leather on Clyde is FRIGHTFUL.
And not paying him back is painful!
Before holiday bills make you sob,
Part-time job, part-time job, part-time job!!”

The ad goes on to say, “Borrowing money from someone like Clyde to cover holiday expenses is a very bad idea. Wouldn’t it be better to get a part-time job at UPS?”

The ad appeared in the Sunday, October 5 edition of the Delaware County Times in Pennsylvania, and was brought to the attention of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists board of directors during the NCOM Regional Meeting in Philadelphia on November 1st by past board member William “Moon” Laber.

If you have a better idea on how UPS could be spending their advertising money, give ’em a holler at UPS Corporate Headquarters, 55 Glenlake Parkway NE, Atlanta , GA 30328.

MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLE NEWS Michigan motorcyclists are making headway in their fight to repeal the state’s mandatory helmet law, but in the meantime bikers are busy supporting and opposing other pieces of legislation that impact riders, and celebrating some other important victories. Due to bikers writing and calling their legislators when the governor tried to remove the Motorcycle Safety Program from the state budget, the Michigan MSP has been removed from the Department of Education and placed with the Secretary of State to protect the program’s funding from being raided to make up for other budget shortfalls. The safety program is, and has been, a self-funded program using biker money to operate.

Concerned Michigan riders are also fighting House Bill 4337, which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to revise the permissible noise level for a new motorcycle or moped. Currently the law prohibits a dealer from selling a new motorcycle or a moped that produces a maximum noise in excess of 83 DBA, but the bill would lower that level to 80 DBA, which is significantly quieter.

Also of concern is a No-Fault insurance proposal, SB 0392, that is generally unfair to those who choose a 2-wheeled mode of transportation.

As if that’s not enough on their plate, they are also supporting a bill, HB 5008, to change the renewal date on motorcycle registrations to your birth date, instead of March 31, and also includes options to purchase more than one year at a time.

They also have a biker anti-discrimination bill in the works. Good job, and good luck!

INTERNET SCAMS USE MOTORCYCLES AS BAIT If you’re shopping for a new motorcycle, beware of a new Internet scam that may take your wallet for a ride. In an October 21 “Problem Solvers” report on Local 6 News in central Florida, commentator Mike Holfeld uncovered Internet scam artists who are pirating legitimate eBay accounts and are reportedly using Harley-Davidson motorcycles as bait to rip off users.

In his report, Holfeld interviews a woman who wired $4,600 to a man in Berlin, Germany to purchase a Harley Fatboy in an online auction. The money was picked up 24 hours later, but then the bike and the imposter disappeared.

Now, it appears phony auctions are being set up by account imposters, some using Harley-Davidson motorcycles as the bait, according to the news report. Holfeld reported that more and more eBay members are discovering their accounts have been hijacked, and industry insiders say 30 or more bogus auctions are running at the same time. Buyer Beware!

MOTORCYCLE TRIVIA: NEW YORK TO L.A. The record for traveling from New York to Los Angeles by motorcycle is 45 hours, 41 minutes. It was set in 1968 by Tibor Sarossy, riding a BMW Model R69S. Sarossy made four fuel stops, never slept, fainted twice and averaged 58.7 mph all the way across.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: FOR A BUCK, NAKED When a Rappahannock County Deputy Sheriff was dispatched to a rural Virginia residence to investigate a noise complaint about a motorcycle blasting up and down the street at 7:30 in the morning, he was shocked to find 54-year old Peter Kreyling, a county building contractor, roaring along on his Harley buck naked, except for his shoes.

The rookie officer, who just started the day before, stopped the motorcyclist, took a moment to size up the situation, and then calmly asked Kreyling, “Where’s your helmet?”

The deputy soon found out that Kreyling was involved in a photo shoot for a calendar being put together by his wife to raise money for a new track at Rappahannock County High School, and is now the hottest topic in this rural and picturesque county. It features more than a dozen local men–some as old as 80–parading around–tastefully, of course–in their birthday suits. Besides the naked motorcyclist, there are nude apple pickers, a daring beekeeper and a 70-year-old blacksmith presenting the bare facts.

The most famous of the calendar models is former “Dukes of Hazzard” star and ex-U.S. Rep. Ben “Cooter” Jones. The Rappahannock resident has no regrets or apologies.

“This is the best argument for clothes there ever was,” he jokes. “It gives nudity a bad name.”

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”Irving Berlin, American composer 1888-1989

Continued From Page 3

LUCKY DEVIL METAL WORKS–We had a called for Softail techs the other day and Lucky came across with the goods. We will launch a tech on stretching this Softail frame in the next couple of days. I would call it, “The big guys Softail.”

“We stretched the backbone 2 inches and the down tubes 5 inches, and we only increased the rake 2 degrees,” said Lucky this is after we installed the 6″ over tubes stretched the cowbells and stretched the gas tank. this was a fun project, it’s not often you get to chop out a bagger. there is a lot of cool stuff we never go in the old web site.

The owner goes by either Lucky or Devil, depending on his mood. Phone # 281-477-3590

Satan’s Nightmare

I Am Satan’s Nightmare
I May Of Bent
I’m The One She
Could Not Break

I’m The Real Deal
Old School Biker
Respected Beyond
My Years

It Took These
Clouded Eyes
Time To Focus on
Lies And Deceit

And To Think
I Thought You
Really Loved Me

Now Everything’s
So Clear The
Love Remains
But The Lust
Has Wore Off

To The Curb
You’ve Been Tossed
No Longer Will I Be
Double Crossed

Yes I Am Satans Nightmare
The One She Could Not Taint
I Saw You For What You Are
A Big Titted Worthless Fake

These Words May Sting
These Words May Bring
Tears To Your Eyes
I’m Done Crying
Don’t Act So Surprised

As I Ink Satan’s Nightmare
In Old English
At The Base Of My Neck
Blood Dripping
I Can’t Help But Display
And Evil Grin
Making Satan Herself
Cringe
I Am The Evil
The Evil With In

Written With Every Ounce Of Evil I Have, By Panhead Josh Of OutlawsWorld

Do Not Dare Reproduce Without Owners Concent. Satans Nightmare IsWatching You!!

JAY’S REPORT FROM CFL–Here’s Jay from Hawaii, building a bike at West Coast Choppers during Love Ride Weekend. He rode to the Pomona drag strip on Sunday (no not the Love Ride)with Jesse, Bill, and the West Coast gang on Glades smooth-ass El Diablo.

–Jay Hodge

AN AMERICAN LEGEND HONORS AMERICAN HEROES–Harley-Davidson Recognizes Three Veterans With ItsInaugural Genuine Hero AwardMilwaukee, Wis. (Nov. 11, 2003) ? Greg Robillard, Phillip Frasher and RogerKasper have never met each other, but do have a couple things in common.They each have distinguished themselves honorably by serving their countryin the military, and they share a passion and enthusiasm for Harley-Davidsonmotorcycles.

These admirable traits earned the trio distinction in Harley-Davidson?sinaugural 2003 Genuine Hero Award for dedication and military service to theUnited States. Veterans, or their family and friends were asked to write ashort description of how someone they know has made a positive impact on ourcountry or their community through such characteristics as patriotism,citizenship, wartime heroism or community service.

Harley-Davidson selected Greg Robillard, 52, from Chico, Calif., as itsGenuine Hero Award winner. Robillard will receive a $1,000 prize package inHarley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories. PhillipFrasher, 54, from Welch, W.V., was selected as the second place winner andrecipient of a $500 Harley-Davidson Genuine P&A prize package. Roger Kasper,52, from Sobieski, Wis., was chosen as the third place winner and recipientof a $250 Harley-Davidson Genuine P&A prize package.like this to honor the GI?s,” he said. “It?s a really nice thing to do.”For additional information on the Genuine Hero Award and otherHarley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories see yourlocal Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site atwww.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

We will publish the long, complete version of this important report in Special Reports in the next couple of days.

FIRST BIKERNET HOLIDAY HUMOR– The teacher was curious about how each of her students celebratedChristmas. She called on young Patrick Murphy. “Tell me Patrick what do you do at Christmas time?” she asked.

Patrick addressed the class, “Me and my twelve brothers and sisters goto midnight Mass and we sing hymns, then we come home, and we put mincepiesby the back door and hang up our stockings. Then we go to bed and wait for Father Christmas to come with toys.”

“Very nice, Patrick,” she said. “Now Jimmy Brown what do you do at Christmas?”

“Me and my sister also go to Church with Mom and Dad and we singcarols,and after we get home we put cookies and milk by the chimney and we hang upour stockings. We hardly sleep, waiting for Santa Claus to bring our toys,” Jimmy replied.

“That’s also very nice Jimmy,” she said. Realizing there was a Jewishboy in the class and not wanting to leave him out of the discussion, sheasked Isaac Cohen the same question. “Now Isaac, what do you do atChristmas?”

Isaac said, “Well, we go for a ride and we sing a Christmas carol.”

Surprised, the teacher questioned further. “Tell us what you sing.”

“Well, it’s the same thing every year. Dad comes home from the office.We all get into the Rolls Royce, and we drive to his toy factory. When weget inside we look at all the empty shelves and we sing, ‘What a friend wehave in Jesus.’ Then we fly to the Bahamas.”

–from Joan C.

Here’s samples from an article on pinstriping that’s comin’ from Chris T. in Hawaii. These shots arrived today.

IT’S BREAK TIME–Let’s grab a brew or Jack, that girl in the corner who is bubbling out of her bra and hide out for a couple of hours. You deserve the break.

Check out the Shrunken FXR tech. I fired myself from the garage. I couldn’t do anything right when I had a garage full of professional builders. Ah fuck it. There’s another day. I just filled my MIG welding bottle and Acetylene bottle so I’m good to go for another month. I know it’s beginning to cool off over most of the country, so we’ll pack this puppy with techs and dynamite tales of the road to keep the night’s warm and fulla action.

–Bandit

Continued From Page 2

FUNERAL HELD FOR MICHIGAN BIKERS KILLED IN FLORIDA–BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) ? More than 800 members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club accompanied two Michigan members killed in Florida on their “last ride.”

Services for Donald Dunham, 61, and his fiancee Nora Zietler, 47, were held Saturday, 10 days after a man driving a stolen pickup truck plowed into them and four other Outlaws in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Timothy Pilgreen, 26, of Texarkana, Ark., has been charged with two counts of open murder, four counts of attempted murder and other felonies.

Saturday’s services had a biker-rally atmosphere that was serious but not solemn.A leather-jacketed chaplain, a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, presided as guests shouted “Outlaws forever” and ended the service not with a prayer but with a raucous standing ovation.Each Outlaws chapter from 16 states was represented Saturday. Members told The Bay City Times that Outlaws policy calls for every chapter to be represented by at least one member at funerals.

The hearse that carried their bodies to Floral Gardens Cemetery was followed, in order, by members of the Outlaws, prospective Outlaws, the Black Pistons motorcycle club and anyone else with a motorcycle.Bikers rode two or three abreast in a procession stretching at least half a mile.

“It was Don and Nola’s last ride home,” motorcyclist Dawn Schwab told the News Advocate of Manistee. “There were tons of supporters along the road that were waving and saluting us as we went by.”

Dunham, a retired crane operator, was president of the Bay City Outlaws chapter. He and Zietler, whom he had been dating for 13 years, were vacationing in Florida at the time of their deaths.

“She was like a mom to everybody,” said Zietler’s daughter, Jessica Jacobs. “She looked out for everyone in the Outlaws and made sure they were doing OK.”

The couple owned a cabin near Brethren in Manistee County that they hoped to move into someday. “They liked to go up north,” said another daughter, Jennifer Zietler. “They were always together. You never saw one without the other.”

Outlaws member Larry Berryman, 57, of St. Ignace, was recovering from serious injuries suffered in the Florida incident. Two fellow bikers were unhurt and a sixth had a minor injury but was not taken to the hospital.

–Associated Press

–from Rogue

BRUNDAGE TOY RUN COMING–Sunday, November 16th 2003,Ghost Riders Tavern, 550 Bell Street, Los Alamos, California.Admission:A new unwrapped toy. In honor and memory of avid motorcyclist and Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brundage, who originated the collection of toys for needy children where he was stationed in New Cuyama. Once again, we hope to brighten the Christmas of children throughout the Central Coast this Christmas Season.

Join the ride and fun with music by the Cadillac Angels and feast on BBQ. All bikes and cars are welcome.

For more information contact Fred or Becky Lange (805) 937-4972.

JEET KUNE DO SEMINAR–Is coming to Los Angeles:A founding member of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation,A member of the Black Belt and World Hall of Fame,A first generation instructor of Bruce Lee’s JKD,Richard S. Bustillo, will teach JKD five ways of attack,Explosive power of hand and foot,Resistance training against of equipment,Foot work and balance for hand & foot speed, andHand Trapping Energy drills & Sensitivity exercises.

The hands-on training is not designed to compete against your style but will compliment all levels above age eighteen: male and female, beginner to advance, and non-martial artists are invited.

IMB Academy, Inc.
22109 So. Vermont Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502
Saturday, December 6, 2003 from 1:00 PM to 4 :00 PM
Contact: Sandy (310) 787-8793

Video: Bruce Lee in his own words in his own voice will be shown

Don’t miss the IMB 2004 Instructors Conference,Queen Kapiolani HotelWaikiki, Oahu, Hawaii,April 26 – 30, 2004.

Named for Hawaii’s beloved Queen Kapiolani, the hotel is located near the foot of majestic Diamond Head and just steps from famous Waikiki Beach. The 108-acre Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, shopping, dining and great entertainment are all also within walking distance of the hotel.

The IMB group rate of $60.00 per single or double occupancy will be each individual’s responsibility. More information on the Conference pre-registration fee, guess instructors, training topics and schedules will soon be announced.

Address: 150 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815-4097
Toll-free (US & Canada): (800) 367-2317
Hotel Direct: (808) 922-1941
Hotel Facsimie: (808) 924-1982
Website: www.queenkapiolani.com

BIKERNET GULCH–We interrupt your reading pleasure to remind you of the Bikernet Gulch. Just in case you didn?t know, you can shop online for leather from HA, t-shirts from Joker, books and even artwork from artists such as Eric Herrmann and Chris Kallas. With Christmas only weeks away, you may find just what you need for gift giving this year.

SNITCHES ARE A DYING BREED–Hells Angels’ associate Chad Proctor admitted in court yesterday he was “despicable” for ratting out Rick Mandi, his sponsor in the outlaw motorcycle club.Proctor testified in B.C. Supreme Court that the ultimate betrayal anyone associated with the Angels could commit was to help police.

Mandi is charged with kidnapping and beating Kirk Cooley, a Langley man who stole 7.7 kilograms of pot from a friend’s marijuana grow-op in November 2001.

Two weeks later, Proctor, who held the rank of “hangaround,” sent the first of several e-mails to Delta police naming Mandi as the culprit.

But Proctor, who said he played a role in the extortion of Cooley, failed to cover his tracks and Delta police found him out.

After his arrest in June 2002, Proctor — who had risen to the status of “prospect,” which allowed him to wear the widely feared club’s colours — was told the e-mails would come out and he had no realistic option but to assist the police and risk the club’s wrath and retribution.

His fate sealed, he agreed to enter the witness-protection program.

Proctor told Justice Nancy Morrison, who is hearing the case without a jury, he received a total of $33,000 from police from June 2002 to September 2003, and $40 per day since then for as long as he holds up his end of the bargain.

“Your whole motive was a plot on your part to have Rick Mandi evicted from the motorcycle club,” suggested lawyer Greg DelBigio.

“Yes,” Proctor replied.

He said he knew he was taking a risk when he sent his e-mails, but added, “My hatred of Mandi outweighed that.”

Proctor accused Mandi of using drugs and lying, and said working under Mandi was “intolerable.”

“You would love to see Rick Mandi convicted of this and sent to jail, wouldn’t you?” asked DelBigio.

Proctor paused, then quietly agreed.

A group of Mandi’s supporters in the courtroom and eyed the witness with displeasure as he left under guard. Proctor averted their gaze as he exited and did not look back.

–from Rogue

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

NEW FEES TARGET MICHIGAN DRIVERS–On October 1, new fees, fines and surcharges aimed at generating more revenue, at the expense of Michigan motorists, goes into effect. Most drivers don’t realize the full extent of the penalties coming their way.

Public Act 165 has instituted new “Driver Responsibility Fees” which amounts to raised fines and surcharges on traffic tickets. If you have seven points on your drivers license, you will be paying $100 each year for two years. And, you will be paying an additional $50 per point for every point above seven. If you’re stopped and you can’t present proof of insurance, youmust pay a $300 fine, even if you later prove you do have insurance.

If you receive an Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL), not only do you have to pay your fine, a new $40 surtax, and license reinstatement fee, but you will also be getting a $1,000 bill each year for the next two years (courtesy of Governor Granholm and Senator Gilbert).

This additional money will go to local governments and police, county sheriffs, the State Police, the state General Fund and local fire departments. This sets a dangerous precedent, as the agencies that issue tickets will directly profit from them.

“Guaranteeing police a share of motorist fines will lead to further fine increases down the road,” says Eric Skrum of the National Motorists Association. “It creates a vested interest effect: more police revenue equals more patrols, which equals more tickets, which equals more revenue. The state legislature and city governments are sure to put pressure on police agencies to issue more tickets.”

The National Motorists Association (NMA) was established in 1982 to represent the interests and rights of North American motorists.

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–As you might know by now I just got back from California and like always it was great to see friends once more, visit the Bikernet headquarters, Chica, WCC, Diamond frames, etc, plus be able to hang out with all those who I call friends. Nui from Grumpy’s Custom in Hawaii joined us, Jay Hodge was there as well, trying to finish his WCC CFL, Wicho, Fabricator Kevin and Irish Rich to name a few.

Unlike last year where it was raining and cold, this year the No Love party took place on a really nice day. There were so many bikes and cool cars that it was impossible to soak it all in, and let’s not even talk about the primo “talent” Man ! Good looking chicks galore, I’m sure Frank Kaisler filled a few photo cards there….

No more about that since the story is coming soon…. I guess…Although Bandit gave me the Pan registration as soon as I walked in the door I did not ride, we mostly cruised in Nui’s rental Town Car. I still would like to score a Shovel or Pan, even better a Knuckle, to leave it in Pedro and be able to cruise, maybe I’ll keep that bike and send it to Hawaii so I can also have a ride there. I tell you, I would love to be able to go more often to the West Coast, even though it’s a pretty far trip from our slab of earth in the Caribbean, it’s always good to be there. Maybe I’ll find a girlfriend that lives there, that means housing, comfort and a pretty good excuse to head over more often….Any takers on the bike or the girlfriend let me know, I’m on the look out.

I’ll also want to thank Jesse, Bill and Renay for the hospitality and giving me carte blanche to hang out in the “forbidden’ areas at West Coast Choppers.The only shitty part is that it seems like time flies away, there are so many things to do, so many people to visit.

On the other hand….
Von Dutch, the clothing people is building some bikes, and I have been invited to their opening of the Miami/South Beach store. I will have to sacrifice and take a trip over; will keep everyone posted on how the party unveils.

I want to congratulate Bill Dodge and Renay on the birth of their twins, I know it’s been some time from this happening, but with all the shit going on I tend to forget stuff.

Kid Rock and Jesse James have a pretty cool article in the new issue of Men’s Journal, it’s about their antics in Mexico while filming Jesse James Rides… I guess boys will be boys…

I’m taking the time to do my 64′ Impala, I need airbag suspension and wheels, if anyone knows of a good deal on these items let me know….I might use the installation on an article for Old Skool Rodz.

Right now we are back into work, I have to finish a couple bikes for the upcoming Puerto Rico event, December 5th to 7th, two of them almost done, three to go. I’ll post some photos as things progress. Yeap, way too many trips cut into the work, but what the hell is work good for if you can’t spend some of what you earn.

Well, that’s it for now….See ya’ next week..

Jose Bikernet Caribbean Report

BROTHER DOWNED–Bob Bryant was killed by a 20 year old girl in Fairfield Ohio.Deals were being made in this small town to get her off with a minimum sentence.Local, State and National Motorcycle groups got involved and she was recently sentenced. See e-mail I received from a local friend. The efforts of those concerned and the wishes of the family were all taken into consideration. This shows that the work all these groups and indivuals did have a influence.

She received a fine of $750.00, 1 yr suspended jail time, and 3 years suspended drivers license, she cannot get caught driving even to school, or she loses her license permanently, and the she has about a million hours of community service, well a lot of it, at a driver safety class, on how to observe for motorcycles. Bob Bryants children got up and asked the judge not to put her in jail.

–Michael

–from Rogue

JANKLOW JURY WON’T SEE TICKETS– The prosecution cannot use U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow’s past speeding tickets and traffic accidents as evidence in the congressman’s manslaughter trial, a judge ruled Monday.

Moody County Circuit Court Judge Rodney Steele said Janklow’s driving record, which includes 12 speeding violations and three accidents, would unfairly prejudice the jury in the case. The decision is a victory for the defense, a legal expert said.

But the judge will allow the testimony of a Trent woman who said Janklow nearly ran into her family’s pickup truck in December. She said the near miss occurred after Janklow allegedly ran a stop sign at the same rural Moody County intersection where the former governor collided with a motorcycle in August, killing the driver.

Janklow faces a felony second-degree manslaughter charge and three misdemeanors in connection with the accident. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 1.

The felony carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.The accident has cast doubts on the political future of Janklow, a former four-term governor who won election to the House of Representatives last year.

–David Kranz

–from Rogue

THE INSIDE REPORT–The average person does not know how big Prison Labor Industry is. Yet prisons still want more tax money. It is another Big Goverment Con.

When I was working for Quantum Cycles they negotiated to have a lot of the work handled in one of the private prisons in Florida. Private Prisons are making Big Money from Slave Labor.

–ROGUE

Scott Gilreath is on his lunch break after a hot morning bent over a welding machine. He and 26 other men work along an assembly line in a torque converter plant where old automotive transmission parts are reconditioned.

The windowless building looks much like any manufacturing plant with large industrial equipment, a tool room, and piles of boxes waiting to be shipped out.

It’s only at lunchtime that the plant’s identity becomes apparent — the South Bay Correctional Institute. Gilreath and his prison work mates silently line up to be counted before they shuffle off to picnic tables and wolf down hamburgers and chocolate cake delivered on plastic trays.

The torque converter shop is one of 20 businesses run through the St. Petersburg-based nonprofit Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises program, or PRIDE, in Florida’s 56 prisons.

Moving well beyond hammering out the traditional license plates, Florida’s inmates today churn out some 3,000 products and services ranging from orange juice to cardboard boxes to digital document conversion.

Last year, they generated $62 million in sales, mostly to state government agencies such as the Department of Corrections.

The feeling of being in the outside world — at least during their eight-hour work shifts — is one reason the inmates at South Bay prize their jobs and why dozens more are on a waiting list.

“It’s like being off the ‘pound. You’re not being harassed by other inmates or officers,” said Gilreath, a 32-year-old from Fort Lauderdale serving 10 years for parole violation, escape and battery. “And it’s the only paying job on the ‘pound.'”

Inmates may like it, but prison industries are not universally popular. Across the country, some companies, organized labor and industry groups charge that prison businesses are unfair competition and exploit a captive, malleable population.

“They have an extraordinary advantage,” said John Palatiello, executive director of Mapps, an association of digital mappers and surveyors that wants prisons barred from its sector.

“It makes a huge difference in the institution,” said Kanut Rostad, president of the Enterprise Prison Institute, a private research group in Maryland. “It’s very important because of the ripple effect it has on the inmates. About half believe they can compete for the job. This really is a different world than the outside.”

–Associated Press

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Kenny Price, or Mr. Samson with Blond raffle winner during Love Ride Samson Boat Tour.

The coast was battered by an errant Arizona flash flood Monsoon last night. Immediate flooding. Los Angeles can’t handle it. We hid under the covers.

Last weekend was love ride madness. We rode the Samson party boat while Jose and Frank Kaisler hit the No-Love party at West Coast Choppers. Bikernet even tossed a barbecue into the Saturday night festivities. It was warm and the food terrific, thanks to Sin Wu. Let’s hit the news. I’ll tell you more about the weekend later:

RIVERA’S LOCK-UP CLUTCH–This Lock-Up clutch-head is designed & manufactured to fit on Primo’s existing 3 and 3.5-inch wide electric start, belt-drive, diaphragm-spring clutch baskets. The head assembly is CNC machined from 6061 aircraft quality billet aluminum. It is infinitely adjustable relative to the pressure plate allowing for the addition of various size brass weights on the slinger arms. More weight means quicker lock-up. One must first bottom the four outer springs without any weight on the slinger arms. The tension on the four center pressure plate is then adjusted until the clutch lever attitude is to your liking. Weight is added to the slinger arms & the outer springs are backed off until a happy medium is reached between slip& lock-up. Adjustment is determined in part by the final drive ratio of the motorcycle. The clutch pack is comprised of alternating Kevlar & sintered bronze clutch plates. PRIMO’S Competition Sure-Lok Race Clutch is for use with extensively modified Big-Twin gas powered motorcycles in race-only applications (not for street use).

CONCERNED BIKERS ASSOCIATION SWAP MEET REPORT–This past weekend (Nov. 8th & 9th) the C.B.A. (Concerned Bikers Association) held their annual fall swap meet here in Charlotte. We set up our area Friday night and we were at it until 11pm. Thanks to The Meanest, Gingles, and Angela for all their help. The best part about setting up Friday night, is that after you set up you have a chance to look over a lot of what people have brought out before the crowds get there.

The doors opened at noon on Saturday and the crowd poured in. It is good to know that some people still build their bikes the old school swap meet way. To me a swap meet is like a journey, you never know what you will find until you get there. You can still find some cool stuff lying around at the swap meets. Saturday afternoon the wet t-shirt contest took place and the best way I know to describe it is… Just let me say, that it should have been billed as THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE UGLY!

Sunday morning brought out all the hangovers from Saturday night. Another fun thing at the swap meet is seeing old friends and all the people who I have met through years of working the swap meet, the ones I only see twice a year. The C.B.A. holds a spring swap meet every March and a fall swap meet every November. Vendors come from as far away as Florida, Kentucky, West Virginia, Georgia etc. to name a few.

I sold all the parts that I set up. I have a saying for the swap meet, “These parts are one way only.” I hate hauling them back to the shop.

An older guy came up to me Saturday and said, “I remember you from three years ago, I was in a money bind and you really helped me out with an inner primary, and I still have it on the bike today!” To me that’s what swapmeets and being a biker is all about!

–Mike “The Stealth” Pullin

4-SPEED TRANNY CASE FROM S&S–S&S transmission cases are manufactured from 356T aluminum and machined with state-of-the-art CNC equipment. The 4-speed transmission case is designed for 4-speed Big-Twin frames with 70-84 Shovelhead style drive trains & chain final-drives. To help ensure a simple trouble free installation, the studs & dowel pins are installed at S&S prior to shipment. The users countershaft & shift fork shaft will require shortening. The S&S 4-5 speed transmission cases accept most OEM and after market 5-speed style trap doors, bearings, seals and other parts for 1985-99 Big-Twin style 5-speed transmissions. The OEM trap door will require minor modification for use with this case. All modifications are thoroughly explained in the instructions. This 4-in-5 speed case is NOT compatible with the factory Harley-Davidson primary belt drive used on 1980-83 FXSB Sturgis.

4 & 5 speed transmissions use the same 1:1 final drive ratio. As a result the 5 speed gear set will NOT alter motor RPM at highway speeds. The additional gear narrows the gap between lower gears for improved acceleration.

This case will fit earlier Big-Twin frames, however the motor sprocket shaft must be of the type used in 1970 & later Big Twins. The case is compatible with Harley-Davidson rear belt drives if the correct main shaft, main drive, inner primary cover, shifter rod, starter housing, and related components are used.

S&S trapdoors are of the 1987-later style. It is recommended that this style be used along with a ball-&-ramp clutch actuator system. Early trap door strength is marginal when used with high performance clutch springs.

Most 4-speed Big-Twins use transmission driven mechanical speedometers. This case REQUIRES an electronic sensor & speedometer. Alternately a wheel driven speedometer can be used, and the sensor hole on the case can be plugged.

The clutch actuator end of the 4-speed clutch cable is not compatible with the 5-speed type clutch actuator. Either replace the existing clutch lever with a 1987-up style lever or purchase a custom cable with the required ends from Motion Pro (650) 329 0427 .

3215-0023 old # 56-1038 ….4-5 Speed Case assembly which includes; case, shifter shaft guide, all studs & dowels (installed), output shaft bearing, countershaft bearing, case seals & miscellaneous hardware.

FLAME CUT GIRDER SEARCH–I’m looking for a “yesteryear” type flamecut girder frontend to use on a blown V-8 trike I’m building.

Any ideas?

Tom
tjaros@att.net

HOSTILITIES IN IRAQ POSTPONE BIKERS IN BAGHDAD TOUR–“Packed, Racked And Loaded In The Cadillac”, JB Walker and the Cheap Whiskey Band were told to stand downafter Iraqi hostilities take more American lives.

The band which has tour for American Forces since the first Gulf Warwere disappointed but fully understand from experience that the troops have their hands full and the State Departmentis concerned with their safety and the safety of our men and women.

“We’ll be ready whenever they are,” explained JB,it doesn’t matter when we go as long as we are there when they are ready for us, and from the looks of thingsthey will be more than ready for a little taste of home and we will go give it to them. Ride Safe 1st Cav!!”

DUE TO POSTPONEMENT JB WALKER AND THE CHEAP WHISKEY BAND HAVE SEVERAL DATES NOW OPENDURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. NOW YOU CAN HAVE THE WORLDS MOST FAMOUS BIKER BANDAT YOUR EVENT OR PARTY DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER!

CALL TODAY AT 770-245-7123 OR E MAIL JB AT bikerock@bellsouth.net

PAUL YAFFE?S GIFT —Here?s yet another show-stopping mirror style from Paul Yaffe Originals. This awesome creation was originally designed exclusively for Yaffe?s 1999 Oakland Roadster Show Champion ?Silver.? Paul has revised the original version and now the Power Mirror has the PYO logo etched lightly in the mirror. Paul thanks his customers and dealers for making the Power Mirror the number one selling mirror, and it is now available at a reduced price for your custom bike. Available to purchase on-line at http://www.paulyaffeoriginals.com or call our sales line at 602-840-4205 ext 233. Use code RN555 for sale pricing.

Originally $235.00 a set now $200.00 a set

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PAUL YAFFE BLOWOUT!–Take advantage of the Paul Yaffe Originals T-Shirt Blowout! Over 15 different styles tochoose from. We are making room for our new designs so the savings is being past on to you. Choose from t-shirts, girls tanks and sweat shirts.

Check it all out here. Or give us a call to order @ 602.840.4205 ext:224

THE JANKLOW CASE–FLANDREAU – Two pieces of evidence the prosecutor in U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow’s felony manslaughter trial wants to introduce were ordered unsealed Tuesday.

Circuit Judge Rodney Steele made public Janklow’s driving record and an affidavit from a rural Trent woman detailing a close call in December between her pickup and a car driven by Janklow.

An undetermined number of “other acts” submitted as evidence in the case by Moody County States Attorney Bill Ellingson remain sealed.

Janklow was not present for the 50-minute hearing.Another hearing will be held Monday on all the pretrial evidence motions.At that time, Steele will decide which ones will be allowed inJanklow’s trial. Only the portion of the hearing dealing with the two released motions will be open to the public and the media.

Janklow is charged in connection with the Aug. 16 death of Randy Scott, 55, of Hardwick, Minn. Janklow’s car and Scott’s motorcycle collided at the intersection of Moody County Highways 13 and 14. Scott died at the scene. Investigating officers say

Janklow’s car was traveling 71 mph in a 55 mph zone and ran a stop sign before the accident.

He faces felony second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors in connection the accident. The felony carries a possible penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The case has brought Janklow’s political future into question. The Republican won his first term in Congress last year after serving four terms as governor.

By David Kranz

–from Rogue

CRAZYHORSE GOOSENECK MEETS BDL–CrazyHorse, the painter extrodinaire from the East Coast, recently sent in her Biketoberfest report which will be launched today. With her master builder husband they are building a rare old school gooseneck chopper to release her from riding Sportsters. It’s in the works and she’s running a BDL primary drive system to power the transmission.

BLUE KNIGHTS VISIT ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS– My story begins two weeks ago. A member of our group called Orange County Choppers (NY) you know, the one on TV. He spoke to a receptionist there, explained who we are, made arrangements for us to visit, see the bikes and maybe meet the builder(s).

The receptionist said “no problem. The bikes will be on display, and ‘the guys’ will be around to chat with our group, which consists of active and retired law enforcement officers.

Some of us used up vacation days; others swapped work schedules in order to be off on ride day (9-26). Two members brought their kids, who took off from school to go and meet Paul, Paul Jr, Mikey, and Cody.

We arrived shortly after 3:30, after several hours of riding (a stop for lunch, and some fuel/stretch stops) through some BEAUTIFUL Pennsylvania and New York roadways. Foliage was just starting to turn orange and brown autumn color. The temperature was a little cool, right around 60s dry as a bone, and little wind. Bikes were humming right along. I think we had approx. 20 bikes for the group ride.

Got a lot of attention while riding through a few small towns. Lots of waves from pedestrians, honks of horns from motorists, and plenty of thumbs up along the way. So we arrive, I had the biggest grin on my face when pulling into the driveway of OCC, thinking, “This is so cool!!” Well, that feeling was very quickly erased by one of the OCC employees. We were denied even entering the office to speak to anyone. We tried to explain our situation to the jackass, that we had spoken to a receptionist to make arrangements for this trip. He could care less, and directed us to a small trailer set up alongside the building, which contained merchandise for sale, and we could buy a hat, and speak to the employee there.

Buy a hat. BUY A HAT? F**K your hat. F**K the show, F**K OCC, and especially F**K that smart assed bastard who wouldn’t even let us explain our story. Our group came all this way to pay tribute to the guys for their “contribution” to the NYC firefighters, and this is the thanks we get. Needless to say, there are a few less fans here in PA, and amongst the law enforcement community. So we decided to call it a wash, couldn’t even look at any of the bikes unless we had 40 grand to buy one. We then left for a dissappointing 4 1/2 hour ride back home. The best quote, which was said at OCC, and probably explains their whole attitude in a nutshell was, “200,000 other people watch the show too. What makes you so different?”

I guess we just didn’t make good TV. And I hope someone that wants a bike built says, “200,000 other people build bikes too. What makes you so different?” and walks away. Anyway, thanks for listening, at least the ride was fun, and lunch was delicious.

— Meanie
’03 FLSTF
BKPAXV – Ride With Pride

EXCELSIOR-HENDERSON CAUSES HEART ATTACK–If you read last week we sent Richard Kranzler our E-H because he sold all his bikes and moved to Spokane to help his wife through MS. The startling news that he would ride again caused undo stress and Richard will face hospitalization tomorrow for a double bi-pass.

Jesus, it was supposed to be a good deed for a man who has assisted Bikernet in the past. Anyway, here’s the Bandit E-H, the first custom E-H built and the first one to run from the West Coast to Sturgis in 1999, at it’s new home. At least Richard will have something to look forward to when he is released from the hospital.

A WORD FROM GONZO–THE DIAMOND CUT CONTROVERSY–DANGER ? Labor Processes Being Patented – US Patent Office Falls for Pseudo Science

On 9/30/03 the US Patent Office approved patent #6626134 that prevents anyone from performing a labor process that was in use 30 plus years before the patent was applied for.

Some very “Inventative” writing skills were put to use to make it sound like the applicant had “Invented” a product. Like someone remarked to me, “Reads like a Steven King novel…full of fictional happenings and very scary…”

Patent holder has filed suit against at least one party (see details at www.yourMachinist.com) and many others who have used similar processes are extremely concerned they will be next.

I urge you to contact your Federal and State elected officials and ask how a labor process can be patented. If the doorway to Labor Patents is allowed to remain open not only will numerous people be “Restrained from their Trade” but consumers will see an increase in the cost of motor vehicle ownership.

If you want more information contact: Gonzo@yourMachinist.com

For Names, Addresses, Phone/FAX and e-mail addresses of your elected officials, Federal & State go to www.Congress.org

How you can help:

Letters to Elected Officials, Local, State & Federal; if you need some suggestions on forming the letter just contact OnlyBillPayer@comcast.net

Spread the word to everyone you know.

Help find people who saw and/or knew of the process, now called diamond cutting, prior to 1997. We?ve already received one head done back in the 1980?s but need as many letters as possible. I?ve received a lot of calls from people who knew of the process from the 70?s & 80?s but most were hesitant to send a written statement as they were concerned about the expenses of possibly having to go to court in Salt Lake City Utah, however, we will not call witnesses to Utah and the Plaintiff cannot require anyone, other than defendant, to travel to SLC if they reside more than 100 miles from Utah. All we ask is a formal written statement. If plaintiff’s lawyers want to talk with you they HAVE to come to your hometown.

JESSE JAMES MEETS BIKERNET BLONDE–We can’t talk about this much. There’s nothing really to say. Jesse was in the neighborhood and blazed by the Bikernet Headquarters. Did he steal the young Bikernet Blonde. We can’t find her. More news in the future.

Making brake linkage with H-D shift linkage.

Positioning master cylinder under transmission—watch for the next tech.

ROCK AND ROLL–Jose just took off to meet with Jesse James. We may try to hook up with Mike Maldanado, but Mike is meeting with a couple of members of the Chicago Cubs. He’s building a couple of bikes for Baseball’s finest.

It dawned on me the other day that the Bikernet Wrecking Crew is the most active bike building publication crew in the industry. We have a custom painter on staff, a master fabricator–Jimmy, three of us are riding 2003 touring H-Ds and have old bikes. Jose is soon to be recognized as a Discovery Channel master of custom mayhem. Chris T. may be opening a shop on Oahu and Rogue has been riding and building bikes for about 125 years. He’s older than he looks. Hell, our web master built three bikes in the last three years.

Check the Texas Halloween coverage. They’re all cute.

Not bad and I’m proud to know and be associated with every one of them, and all the other contributors who make Bikernet happened everyday. Have a helluva weekend, and if you’re going to the Love Ride, be careful goddamnit. It’ll be nuts.

–Bandit

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BIKERNET FARMING DEPARTMENT–For all those men who believe that there’s no reason to buy the cow when you can get the milk free…Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why?

They’ve realized that for a little sausage, it’s not worth buying the entire pig!

–from A. Friedman

HALLOWEEN BENIFIT PARTY FOR DEL BLAKE– Captains House & Goode Park ? Palm Bay Florida. Del suffered a heart attack and his hospital bills and monthly expenses are very high. His motorcycle friends and others in the community decided to have a party to raise some money to help him out.

The party was held the day after Halloween so that was close enough to add that as part of the theme. These types of events start off as family affairs, though have been know to get more adult as it gets dark and the kids go home.

It was a good turn out. Plenty of Food by Pork Boys BBQ and Chef Steve, Of course kegs of Beer, plenty of soda and cold water. Kid?s games and contests, tattoo contest, bike bash, bike games, well you get the idea, plenty to keep you entertained.

There were drawings through out the day for items that were donated by local businesses, Custom Chrome and even an Autographed copy of Bandit?s Orwell Book.

Local bands played through out the day and every one had a good time. Some of us more than others. I had my share to drink and left before it was over. At least I shot pictures before I got drunk, and most of them are clear.

I would like to thank all the people that worked to make this a success. It just goes to show you, you can have a good time and help some one while doing it.

–ROGUE

BIKERNET SPORTING DEPARTMENT– An old married couple no sooner hits the pillows when the old man passes gas and says, “Seven Points.”

His wife rolls over and says, “What in the world was that?”

The old man replied, “It’s fart football.”

A few minutes later his wife lets one go and says “Touchdown, tie score.”

After about five minutes the old man lets another one go and says, “Aha, I’m ahead 14 to 7.”

Not to be outdone the wife rips out another one and says, “Touchdown, tie score.” Five seconds go by and she lets out a little squeaker and says, “Field Goal, I lead 17 to 14.”

Now the pressure is on the old man. He refuses to get beat by a woman, so he strains real hard. Since defeat is totally unacceptable, he gives it everything he’s got, and accidentally craps in the bed.

The wife says “What the hell was that?” The old man says, “Half time, switch sides.”

Jose’s next X.

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN BY WAY OF CALIFORNIA REPORT– As you all might know, I?m hanging out at the Bikernet headquarters in California, yes, this is a first, my news is coming directly from the main place, so here we go.

Bandit and I spent the whole day driving around So Cal. We visited our friends at Diamond Chassis and Erwin, the owner, gave us the tour and showed us the frame building biz. It?s pretty interesting how everything is done and what it takes to put those suckers together. After a super overload on Sushi, we got to sit down and talk over some design stuff that was in my head and now is on the ?making? stage. I had the chance to sit down with Travis, the designer, and sort of explain what I wanted, so I will let you guys in it, but not now.

Erwin (right) Diamond Frame owner, and the man who designs and get’s projects completed, Travis.

I had the pleasure of cruising the Freeways, I really don?t know why the fuck they call them that, since there?s always heavy traffic, no matter where you go or are heading. A couple of near misses for motorcycles as well. Some drivers really have their head up their asses. One biker got cut off from the carpool lane the other on an u-turn by a cell talking woman. This one clipped the guy on the rear tire, and did not even notice. Fortunately, none of them went down, but I really don?t know what?s up with cage drivers; they really don?t pay attention.

As you know, everyone is loading the big guns for the upcoming Love Ride. There are a lot of bikes being finished as I write this for the event Sunday. There?s even something going on with Von Dutch stuff, but I guess I will save that for later as well.

After Diamond, I made the old man (Yes, I mean Bandit) take me to Chica?s place. Man, I always like heading over there, he has so many cool projects going on, so many wicked and trick things, you have no idea unless you go there. He had this really sweet Knuckle, and was working on a few other bikes. I did not take any photos, but promised to go back and do so. I?m also waiting on Nui from Grumpy?s in Hawaii and Wicho to head over there once more.

Old Bandit and his young son, Jose.

It?s really good to go to all these places, I end up with a lot of enthusiasm to go back and work on my stuff, more so when you get to hang out with such creative people. I mean like right know, I?m typing this and I am within reach of Bandit?s bikes, I guess I?ll have to wait ?till he falls asleep and steal one of them. I have my eyes on that 28? Shovel She will be mine..

Everyone is heading towards the WCC party this Saturday. We need to go and find Jay, foam sucker extraordinaire and see what?s he?s up to. I guess I will have a bunch of stuff to write about once this week is over, so I don?t want to burn it all here and now, and photos, yeap, lots of photos.

See ya next week.

Jose Caribbean @ California Bikernet report.

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Here’s the master and his Pan/Shovel of many years.

DAVID MANN STILL LIVES–I was thinkin’ about David Mann the other day and hit his site for a few minutes (DavidMannArt.com) . As I was roamin’ through the gallery, I spotted one of his pieces that had been used to illustrate a story I wrote years ago called “Daytona Run”. The story was published in Iron Horse or Easyriders in the early ’80’s when I sold a few stories under the name “Cool Bob” .

Anyway, Mann’s piece showed a couple of scoots loaded in the back of a pickup facing out into a snowstorm. In the distance through the snow, you could see the palm trees and the ocean of Daytona. The point of the story was that, snow and cold be damned, you should ride your motorcycle to Bike Week. This illustration was used with my story when it ran in the magazine.

I’ve long since lost my copy of the rag but I was reminded of how David Mann can “paint” stories far better than I could ever write ’em. Twenty years later, my story is remembered only by me, but David Mann’s painting is still speaking to thousands of people. It kinda humbles ya. I was honored back then, to have my writing associated with his artwork, and I still am. I know in my heart that a lot of folks read that story only because of Mann’s artwork.

I heard his bike was for sale on Ebay and got to thinking. Through out all the troubles and tribulations of my life, I’ve always been lucky enough to be able to hold onto my scoot. He shouldn’t have to sell his. For everything he’s given to the lifestyle, I feel like I owe him somethin’. So I got to thinkin’…when I first submitted “Neighborhood Watch” we discussed the possibility of a few bucks flying my way for the fiction you use. My idea is… whatever you send for “Neighborhood Watch”, I’ll turn around and ship out a check to David Mann for that amount as my way of saying thanks for everything he’s given me and the life over the years.

He’s earned it and shouldn’t have to sell his bike. So, if the deal still holds, ship me the dough and an address where I can forward it to David Mann. If we all kick in a little by way of payback for what he’d given us over the years… he might not need to sell that bike. I mean…it ain’t charity…it’s brotherhood.

Ride forever, write forever.

–Hutch

I spoke to David Mann and his lovely wife Jacquie this morning. Yes, Dave, at 63, has had heart problems, COPD and terrible arthritis in his painter’s hands. Easyriders cut off his insurance benefits when he moved to Missouri. His bike is for sale on E-Bay for about $25,000 (2440943445). Or if you would like to send a donation to help the biker artist with his doctor bills, his address is: David Mann, 9510 Parkwood Road, Kansas City, MO 64137. Or you can drop him a note to DavidMann@KC.RR.com. I’m sure anything will be highly appreciated.–Bandit

THREE GENERATIONS AND FIRST, THEN AND NEXT ! PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE MY EFFORTS AND CHALLENGE ! ANY SUGGESTIONS OR IDEA’S WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED FOR HISTORY IN THE WIND … AGAIN!–STEED MONOGLIDE 200/300 Performance Motorcycle Platform is unleashed.With over 7 years of on-the-road performance history, the Steed Monoglide chassis is a proven motorcycle platform that combines engineering and esthetics into pure form and function. The Monoglide chassis that Steeds has developed for use in their limited production Steed Musclebike motorcycles has undergone a transformation this year to accept larger fitment tires. The Steed 200/300 platform is also available as a complete kit for builders.

The Steed Monoglide 200/300 frame kit accepts the biggest performance rear motorcycle tire that the industry leader, Avon Tyres, just introduced into production. New styling cues have also been introduced with the use of 1-1/2-inch tubing and a 2-inch arched front down-tube with a unique front cradle design. The Monoglide is compatible with all big twin motors, including the H-D Twin-Cam 88a motor with a dyna-style tranny. The Steed Monoglide big rear tire frame kit includes the proprietary three-way adjustable Monoshock with a chrome coil spring.

Steed’s criterion for the groundbreaking Monoglide chassis design in 1996 was inspired by a desire to improve on the performance of the status quo. By placing the shock absorber readily accessible under the seat, adjustments in compression, rebound, and dampening allow the suspension to be easily tuned to any riding condition. The seat height is low, while the drivetrain is at a relatively stock height, which allows for substantially better cornering without dragging the pipes or kickstand in the corners. The battery is located away from the boiling oil-tank for extended life. In fact a remote oil-tank is not needed since the motor-oil reservoir is integral in the dyna-style transmission.

Performance was the main feature that was driving the new updated Monoglide.This chassis is still one of the few big tire machines that you can ride at 80 mph, take your hands off the bars, and find yourself going straight down the road. This trait alone offers less rider fatigue that directly adds up to more comfort and a superior ride. The design philosophy at Steeds, a belief that motorcycles are meant to be ridden, combined with new styling features, is a combination that is sure to raise the bar in performance big-tire American machines.

The Monoglide kits can be custom ordered directly from Steed Musclebike motorcycles, with any rake, or stretch. Call them toll free at 877 4-STEEDS to order, or visit the updated Steed site www.musclebikes.com for more information.

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Brothers and sisters are riding in, flying in, driving in and swimming into Southern California for the Love Ride. There’s parties every night, shops to visit, women to chase, bikes to see and traffic to unsnarl. That’s the only draw back of coming to Los Angeles. You thought Daytona got crowded. The lucky 13 million population of Los Angeles swarms the freeways 24/7. Between sporting events, concerts and movie previews, not to mention Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knotts Berry farm and the beaches, there’s always a crowd heading someplace. If their ain’t anything going on, yeah right, half the population is on the road to Las Vegas.

Jose, from Caribbean Custom Cycles in Puerto Rico (and Bikernet correspondent) and I hit Diamond engineering in Colton, then Chica’s Shop. Chica and his designers are inspirational. I gotta finish the Amazing Shrunken FXR. Let’s hit the news:

DAYTONA VOTERS ENERGIZED BY CLOSE CITY RACES–Voters energized by close city races Bishop Derek Triplett gazed at about 100 residents gathered patiently on metal folding chairs for a political forum and saw the chance to forge forward in Tuesday’s city election.

“It’s an opportunity for new ideas, new leadership,” said the pastor of Hope Fellowship Church, marveling at the large turnout of people who chose to spend that recent evening in a community center listening to candidates for city office. “If we can provide a new vision for our city and strategy to accomplish it, then I think we will be on our way.”

Many residents see the city at a crossroads in one of the most contentious elections in recent years, with campaigns marked by unprecedented monetary contributions and pressure from political committees.

At stake is which direction the city takes on major issues such as shoring up city finances, getting control of the rowdy behavior and costs of special events and reviving the west-central core of the city.

“Both candidates have defined themselves in such a way that her or his election would seem to be a mandate to the city in making critical choices,” he said.

Shallow has hit a chord with residents for his proposal to recover losses on special events by billing businesses for police, fire and cleanup services before permits are issued for activities.

“I don’t believe those who are benefiting are paying their fair share,” he said.

Scarlett-Golden stopped short of saying businesses don’t pay their fair share, but said she would support higher permit fees.

Both candidates want to ratchet down the noise, traffic and bawdy behavior from special events such as Bike Week and Spring Break. But neither wants to end the events that annually bring more than 1.5 million visitors and a $1.3 billion boost to the local economy.

–By JOHN BOZZO,Staff Writer, Daytona Journal

–from Rogue

BIKERNET OLD FART DEPARTMENT– An older couple decides to retire for the evening. The husband was almost asleep as his head hit his pillow, but his wife felt a little romantic and wanted to talk.

She says, “You know, when we were courting, you liked to hold my hand”.

Wearily, he reaches across and holds her hand for a few seconds, and then tries to get back to sleep.

A few moments later she says, “After that, you used to kiss me softly”.

Mildly irritated, he turns over and gives her a peck on the cheek andagain settles down for the night.

Thirty seconds later she says, “Then after that, you used to bite me lightly on my neck”.

Angrily, he throws back the bed covers and gets out of bed.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“To get my teeth!”

–from Rev CarlR

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORHEADS MONEY-UP– SpeedFreaks, the world’s most popular motorsports show ‘crewed up’ with California Speedway, one of the world’s greatest motorsports facilities, and in just two hours raised close to seven-thousand dollars.

The Freak Nation showed up in droves at Dave and Buster’s in Ontario, California to bid on the many donated and autographed items. Highlights included: NASCAR big timer Joe Nemechek’s Cellular One firesuit; Joe Nemechek’s Kleenex pit crew shirt and pants; NASCAR favorite Ricky Craven’s Tide pit crew apparel; Four-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin’s racing helmet; Supercross/Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael’s jersey; AMA Superbike rider Jamie Hacking’s bike faring and shirt; ACTION Performance diecasts; NASCAR artist Sam Bass prints; and California Speedway winners Jimmie Johnson, Jeremy Mayfield and Cristiano daMatta autographed programs.

“First and foremost, props to members of the Freak Nation who showed up with plump wallets and big hearts,” says SpeedFreaks President turned auctioneer Kenny Sargent. “They could have stayed home and I would have understood. Look, Southern California was under siege with devastating fires and choosing to leave the safety of one’s house to give to those less fortunate is beyond human kindness, it’s down right bravery.”

For an additional SpeedFreaks affiliate listing, log on to www.sportsbyline.com/affil.htm. The Armed Forces Network and on Sirius Satellite Radio’s channel 122, via Sports Byline USA.

ILLINOIS ABATE FREEDOM SEMINAR– We’re planning our 18th Annual State Seminar in January, where every chapter comes to participate in the workshops, and brings lots of money to spend during the silent and live auctions to support our ABATE (state) PAC, and Fed-PAC.

I’ll be honored to pass on our doings here in IL. We have regular updates all the time, and if you like, I’ll also send you the MRF’s bulletins about what’s going on in Washington, and when “URGENT ACTION” is needed (calling your senators, etc.). How about that? More word spread on what’s going on and what needs to be done is always good! Thank you for the opportunity!

Everyone at the seminar (we usually have somewhere in the range of 400+ people) will be from ABATE of IL, or some random freedom figher or another… I know they’ll love the opportunity to get one of your books! Even better, if you can bear with a few days of Illinois cold, we’d love to have you come to speak to us some year…? If you do that kinda stuff…) I’ll probably hold out a few of the books to take to the other seminars the ol man and I go to throughout the year. We’re scheduled to get to NCOM’s and the MRF’s main conferences this coming year, in both Oklahoma and St. Louis, respectively.

This is just fantastic, Bandit, I can’t thank you enough. The seminar is not until the end of January (23rd & 24th).

BTW, I have been a subscriber to The Horse for the last couple of years, and I think some of the best parts are your personal stories that you submit, and all those old pix… I just love it! I found one of an old friend of mine I just had to attach for ya… If you care to check em out, actually there’s two of em. A friend from each coast! And lastly, one of my sister and I and our friend Mike. I’m the one on the right with the cup of beer.

For more information on this important upcoming event contact:

Ruth “Ruthless” Allan
ABATE of Illinois
State Public Relations Coord.
Lincolnland Chapter – VP
www.abate-il.org
www.abate-il.org/lincolnland

2004 H-D TOURING MODEL LINE-UP–If you need info on the new line of touring models, we got it for you with images of each model, and specs right down to the color options. Actually check special reports for information on all the new 2004 H-D models. It’s all there except for the CVO line-up. That’s coming soon.

The new Road Glide fairing has been adjusted for aero-dynamics and comfort, also check the new Road King Custom. The factory is making major custom strides.

BIKERNET STEALTH CORRESPONDENT REPORTS ON GOBBLE RIDE IN SOUTH CAROLINA– It is getting to be that time of year when bikers get together to help those less fortunate than ourselves. This past Sunday Nov. 2nd, here in Charlotte the annual Gift and Gobble ride was held. Riders began meeting at the Charlotte Coliseum at noon and at 1:00 p.m. over 800 riders headed for Harley-Davidson of Charlotte who were the host for the event.

When the riders arrived there was plenty of food and music for everyone. The weather was great, 85 and sunny! There was a wide variety of bikes on hand, everything from stockers to choppers to some sharp classic antiques. Each rider donates a toy and canned food that is distrubuted to needy families during the holidays, Thanksgining and Christmas.

At the end of the day a great time was had by all who attended and even those who worked. I have always believed that bikers have the biggest hearts when it comes to helping others and it was evident on this day. It was one of those events that made you glad to be a biker!

–Mike “The Stealth” Pullin

COMPETITION LEATHER JACKET AND PANTS–A lot of products roll across my desk to review. Sometimes even something useful.This was the case with Harley-Davidsons new line of COMPETITION LEATHER JACKET AND PANTS. I received the basic black set of rugged riding leathers during the hot summer here in NY and could hardly wait till a cool fall day to check them out on the road. I picked a day that the Weather Gods promised would be cool and dry, donned the leather second skins and headed off to the New England Coast to see if they would keep me warm and comfortable.

The Competition Jacket is reinforced full-grain leather and is definitely designed for performance.

It features impact-resistant Comfort Foam in the elbows and shoulders. A removable quilted lining that will keep you toasty on those chilly days and vents that will keep you cool while stuck in traffic. A two-way zipper on the front and zippered cuffs keep out the wind and rain. The jacket also features an action pleated back and the power-stretch leather/elastic waist with adjustable tabs to insure a perfect fit. The jacket also enables you to zip it to the leather pants at the back to make a perfect wind resistant performance suit. The Harley logo is tastefully embroidered on the back and front breast in black and white so you don’t feel like a riding billboard.

The full-grained leather pants are designed to be easily worn over the rider’s pants. The two-way leg zippers make them a lot easier to get on and off and the adjustable snap fit belt insure a comfortable fit as well. Two front pockets that let you get to your jeans and a back pocket that snaps shut are a good touch. The feature that I felt was deserving of mention here is the use of a power-stretch feature at the back of the pant and the stretch material at the back of the knee. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this feature. No more knee binding while riding with this well thought out and constructed design.

As fate would have it, the weather gods proved once again incorrect and I rode back 200 miles in pouring rain. Harley never made the claim that their Competition suit was waterproof. That little gem I found out for myself! The comfortable mandarin collar kept the rain from running down my neck and the well sewn seams kept me warm and dry all the way home.

The HARLEY COMPETITION JACKET Part: 98110-97VM is available in sizes from small to 3XL and retails for $500, while the matching pants, Part: 98481-97VM are available in sizes from 28 to 44 waist retailing for $365. With Christmas coming HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S COMPETITION LEATHERS would be a great gift for the rider in your life.

–TBear

Continued On Page 2

Hey, Bandit… we just rolled in from Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, Florida. Man, the weather was perfect this year, sunny and warm, just like it’s should be for a bike run. The temperature was in the 70s-80s during the day, with only a hint of some clouds, on Friday. In the evening, the temperature was in the low 70s, which was just perfect for riding from one party to the next sandy saloon.

The crowd this year was larger than ever, with the talking heads on the local TV channels crowing about a 100,000 bikes plundering the region. If the mile-long line of scooters posed on Atlantic Boulevard, waiting to creep down Main Street, was any indication, for once the news geeks were right.

If riders chose to avoid the screwed up traffic on Main, then there wouldn’t be any reason to wander the east side of the inter-coastal–well maybe Lollipops. Ah, but that's a completely separate succulent attraction.

For the past few years, the city of Daytona has been trying to divert the bulk of two-wheeled traffic to the mainland, due to the sniveling residents on the narrow peninsula. They cry about loud pipes, crowds, half naked women and too much fun. Most of the available square-footage on the mainland side is occupied by vendors.

However, the beach side sported a new vendor area just over the Main Street Bridge, in a tire company’s parking lot. Inside this new area were a couple of truck rigs from Weld Wheels and your old friends Orange County Choppers. The Indian Larry and Billy Lane combined booths, which were at the east end of the lot. That was the big crowd draw. When both Larry and Billy were on site, two-legged traffic was backed up the street for a block. The hotties taking care of selling t-shirts didn’t hurt either. Across the lot, where the OCC truck was set-up, the scene reminded me of the movie, “Night Of The Living Dead”. You know, the part where all of the Zombies stumbled toward some distant object, moaning something that sounded like “Mikey, Mikey”.

Directly across from the tire store on Main Street, is the Wreck Bar, where the parking area was dominated by bouncing beer tub girls and the West Coast Choppers display.

Beach Street, between the Harley shop and Main Street has become the motorcycle center of Daytona Beach with several blocks of retail shops starting with the Harley-Davidson dealership and continuing north with Carl’s Speed Shop, the Trike Shop, Arlen Ness Store and finally, up the block, to Euro Components.

We wandered from booth to shop for hours along Beach Street and then headed over to the Last Resort, where The Horse staff snatched-up residence, since the demise, earlier this year, of Will’s Honky Tonk on US1.

Due to the heavy presence of the “Man”, we had to be extra careful rolling down US1. Nearing the Last Resort, the cops segregated the traffic. Bikes rolled down the right lane only, and the left lane was designated for cars and through traffic. After maneuvering through this gauntlet we found a place to park and made our way in the front gates to face a throng of party animals tuning up for the “Old Skool” Chopper Show to be held the next day.

After negotiating the narrow pathways in the Resort, we came upon the trailer acting as the remote headquarters for the Horse Magazine crew. The usual suspects were present in one form of consciousness or another, Hammer, Geno, English Jim, Chicago Greaser, Hank, Crazy Horse and the famous Jose, were at least up right and walking.

Parked on the front sidewalk was the world’s longest chopper which was featured on the cover of The Horse a few issues back. With local-cop cooperation, the world’s longest chopper made a couple of passes up and down US1 (or so they tell me). I helped a rider with Shovelhead mechanical woes and missed the historic blast.

As the sun made its daily decent beyond the trees at the back of the Last Resort, the owners of the bikes in the chopper show waited for the arrival of the show judge, Billy Lane.

You would have thought it was Christmas Eve. Rumored Billy Lane sightings slipped through cracks in the saloon doors every 10 minutes. “I just saw Billy making the turn off of the Main Street Bridge, heading South,” an enthusiastic rider reported. Then, “Billy just passed the Port Orange Bridge.”

Finally Billy showed up and for the next hour weaved through the crowd and assembled scoots looking for the “one”. There were three trophies awarded from the stage, with the third place going to a clean little Crocker built by famed sculptor, Jeff Decker. To find out who the other winners were, you’ll have to wait to see the issue of Horse.

After the trophy presentation, I worked my way back to the parking area and headed north. I had a steak and a woman waiting in the region of Baltimore.

See ya next year.