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BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–When you have a chance to see more of the World, not just only what goes on in the US, sure we have a pretty big American influence here in Puerto Rico. But we also have better contact with the rest of what goes on in the World. We happen to be pretty lucky and have friends in the industry all over. We receive magazines from Japan, Sweden, France and Finland, to name a few.

It’s interesting to see what is going on in those places bike wise, or chopper wise. For example Vibes from Japan, 316 high quality pages, pretty impressive. Since I don’t understand Japanese, I just look at the pictures, but like someone said a zillion years ago, a picture is worth a thousand words. I have the Daytona issue so there’s a lot of bikes I have seen before, but one thing, the magazine shows only choppers, old school choppers if possible. The craze in Japan is for older stuff. There’s many ads of simply ! built “old school” new bikes. I mean, if you have seen Zero’s stuff, the style is very similar. As well as the old parts, a lot of the ad pages are filled with older repro parts, grips, twisted springers, helmets and the such, very few if any ” billet” stuff. This very interesting to me, one nation that is known as the top producer of ultra high tech gadgetry lays back in the form of the old bikes, the Americana that keeps linging around after so many years. To be fair I don’t know if there’s other magazines in the land of the rising sun, Vibes is the only one I have seen, but the looks of it and the massive publication, Old School rules in Japan. (You missed Hard Core Choppers, Japan.–Bandit)

Let’s take Kopteri in Finland as another example. Those guys have to suffer thru inhumane winters. Most of the bikes there are choppers as well, old motors, old style, a lot of hand fabricated parts and tricks. Of course the riding season is very short, so they have time to work on those bikes, and perfect them. In this magazine you see anything from Hondas, to Beemers, Trumps and Harleys, since the actual Big Twins are pretty limited in such a country and the prices sky high. It normal to see choppers built from the ground up and most of the parts hand made by the owner.

Same as Sweden and Scan Bike, the Swedish style is a bit different and there’s such a big market there for Choppers that a few companies are totally dedicated to them, such as Tolle or Flathead Power. This Scandinavian countries are total nuts for long ass choppers. Most are on the verge or being barely legal, but that is what rocks their boat. They also have a keen eye for detail, since once again their winters are long and hard. I think I have talked about Freeway here before. I notice style changes as the climates get warmer. Those guys mix the greaser and Kustom Kulture style, with motards and street fighters. Some of the bikes in french magazines are more elaborate, some even fuckin weird, but I have seen a few of those bikes, including Belgium, that are totally insane and cool as shit !

They also are heavy into the Old School theme, the rock a billy look, pompadours and cuffed Levi’s, riding atop a pretty cool bobber with red rims and white walls. But you also see the high tech billetry bikes that we see rolling (or trailered) in the US. I see a lot of mix and match and precise bodywork in the French magazines, amongst the latest of the late in US building, Jesse James and Billy Lane are common faces in their pages.

Germany has several magazines, we have seen the spartan “farm tractor” preferences of German builders, kinda like the bikes Exile builds in California, but also a lot of overdone, carbon copies of American bikes. Germans are known for their craftsmanship, their eye for detail and machinery domination. The German choppers have an unusual flavor. Also on the lower echelons there’s a taste for the old stuff, and you can see really cool bikes like the smooth flowing Walz Hardcore that are really clean.

From Spain we have received Custom Machines, it’s loaded with similar bikes as it’s French counterpart, but also the Spaniards are big in the street fighter scene and really weird looking hybrids between let’s say a Ducati Monster and a Sportster. We have even received magazines from Brazil, but I was way too busy checking out the Carioca beauties in minimal bikinis to notice the bikes. I caught some Harley style bikes, but also a lot of Jap speed bikes and even dual purpose.

I know this is a world wide site, we reach everyone and their mothers , but most don’t have the chance to write here. I don’t know if it’s interesting to our readers to keep an eye on the chopper matters of the World, but it certainly is to me.One thing I note from all this magazine overload, is that the Old School bikes and the choppers are ruling the land. These people have a deep respect for the past, for the beginning of “chopperism” as we know it, and we shall not abandon it. We’ve got to keep close to our roots, since without past, there’s no present.

See, I can write a whole story without bashing anyone……..Let’s see next week….

And now to the News….

We have been told that the crew from Orange County Choppers had a space leased (kind of a Disco) in Myrtle Beach and were charging 2 bucks or so for access to their bikes and autographs… Maybe this is a landmark on what high visibility builders will do in the future. I hope not. Oh well.. maybe it’s to pay for all those TV shows…. Who knows ??

Jesse James was featured last Monday at the David Letterman show, he ” presented” New York City with the flavor of how to turn a Hot Dog cart into a 1200 hp dragster. He pulled it off even after all permits got cancelled for driving the beast down the street. Watch for the actual transformation….

Discovery Channel is at it again, the week end of May 31st will be loaded with pure motorcycle shows, and I mean, our kind of motorcycles…. Check you local listings for dates and time.

Speaking of Discovery and Jesse, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming issue of The Horse, where the man get’s down and dirty, the no bull interview. Soon grasshopper…soon…

And speaking of The Horse, The 4th Smoke Out is coming pretty soon, for more info get the mag or check their site……

More on The Horse…. at last I have gotten my own bit in the magazine. In upcoming issues I will have a section to vent my thoughts… More or less what I do here week after week….So I’m going to save some bitterness and sarcasm for the mag pages…. You guys can’t get all the good stuff all the time…Right ? Keep your eyes peeled and my e-mail address handy…. Hell will be a cool place after I’m done.

As I have been promising for a few weeks now (yeap just like you were a hot chick I was trying to bang) here’s a couple shots of the build progress. I hope by next week we will have some more… We are putting a lot of overtime on this chop (yeap so what is fuckin’ new…) But there’s a lot more to come.

Well guys…I’m keeping this short and sweet, gotta go back and grease them paws a bit more, if I ever want to make it on time to the damn Smoke Out……

–Jose Bikernet Caribbean Report,,, (and a very mild one I might add)
http://www.chopperfreak.com

SPECIAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON DISPLAY TO HONOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY AT RENO’S NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM– Reno, NV-This is the 100th anniversary of that remarkable American icon, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and to mark the occasion the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) will feature an amazing collection of these marvelous machines, May 21 through Sept. 29.

The Museum exhibit, “Harley-Davidson Centennial,” is sponsored by Harley-Davidson of Reno.

The Harley motorcycles will be on display in the Museum’s changing exhibits gallery and all from the collection of Ronald Paugh, President of Paughco, Inc., in Carson City, Nev.

Along with the 16 Harleys that will be displayed there will be clothing, images, collectibles and the history of this now 100-year-old company.

The Harleys on exhibit will take visitors through the history of the company starting with a 1915 Model 11-J. The others include: a 1927 Peashooter race bike, 1938 Knuckle Head, 1941 Flat Head, 1942 WLA Military, 1946 Knuckle Head Bobber, 1948 125 Model S, 1957 Hydra Glide, 1961 Duo Glide, 1965 Electric Glide, 1972 Super Glide, 1978 Low Rider, 1980 XR750 racing bike and a present day custom chopper. There will also be the Captain America chopper from the 1969 movie classic “Easy Rider.”

A YOUNG WOMAN FROM BIKERNET– A young woman was so depressed that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean. She went down to the docks and was about to leap into the frigid water when a handsome young sailor saw her tottering on the edge of the pier crying.

He took pity on her and said, “Look, you’ve got a lot to live for. I’m off to Europe in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I’ll take good care of you and bring you food every day.”

Moving closer he slipped his arm round her shoulder and added: “I’ll keep you happy, and you’ll keep me happy”. The girl nodded yes. After all, what did she have to lose?

That night, the sailor brought her aboard and hid her in a lifeboat. From then on every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit and they made passionate love until dawn.

Three weeks later, during a routine inspection, she was discovered by the captain. “What are you doing here?” the Captain asked.

“I have an arrangement with one of the your sailors,” she explained. “I get food and a trip to Europe, and he’s screwing me.”

“He sure is, lady,” the Captain said. “This is the Staten Island Ferry.”

THAT’S ALL I CAN STAND–In an hour a Goliath bike-in-a-box kit is being delivered to our door. We’re going to build it at the headquarters and bring you reports on our progress. Brought to life, it will promote the Beach Ride, September 7, at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Black Oak Arkansas will be one of the headliners.

We will flush out the Custom Chrome kit with a Bandit touch, surfer’s image on the tanks and Beach Ride logos. It will be for sale in September. You’ll see it sparkle here on Bikernet and in American Rider magazine.

It’s been a wild day, the sun is out, we turned the lights out at noon and hid out for an hour. I need to clear out the garage, then plan for a wild Tattoo Convention weekend. Have a helluva holiday.

–Bandit

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BIKER GIRLS: BORN TO BE WILD–Blaze exciting new trails with America’s hottest, hippest, happiestfreewheeling duo! Bikers Sasha Mullins and Vicki Gray are two attractive,single, funny outgoing young women with a penchant for true adventure.Experience the U.S. of A. like you never have before as our daring youngtour guides stumble upon the quirkiest, most interesting and irresistiblesights, sounds, people, flavors, places and things while road trippingacross America.

World Premiere of the new series.
TLC – The Learning Channel
Wednesday, July 2
10 – 11 PM

Watch for it!!

–Sasha

A TRIBUTE TO NUTTBOY’S MENTOR–The wiry, young man in the photo is Gene Odenbreit- a cigar chomping, Red Man chewing, whiskey drinking, bicycle shop owner, WWII navy veteran, child of the 30’s Depression, history buff, conversational raconteur, consummate machinist, life-time motorcycle rider, husband, father and friend. He bought this 1935 flathead VL Harley-Davidson 74 in 1938 (he never bought ‘new’), then sold it in 1939 to pay for his son’s birth. He died on October 9, 2000. His death created an empty place for all who knew him.

–Nuttboy

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS–NCOM 2003 May 8-11, 2003Legislative Task Force Meeting. Bill Bish spoke first on EPA issues facing bikers. Bill informed usHarley Davidson contacted the EPA in favor of even tougher standards thanoriginally proposed by the EPA provided smaller manufactures would berequired to also abide by the rules. Seems H-D is willing to sell outAmerican Bikers as longs as it helps them corner the market with the help ofthe government. H-D can pass the regulations because of the averaging ofemissions of their various products including the cleaner burning V-Rod.Using the pollution credits from V-Rods sold Harley has an advantage overother Air-Cooled V-Twin manufactures. The new regulations will result inmuch quieter motorcycles; modified bikes will be easy to hear and will gainadded attention from the police. How long till anti tampering equipment willbe standard? EPA agents posing as citizens wishing to remove emissioncontrol equipment now target car shop owners; how long before biker shopswill be the target of EPA agents?

Sputnik of TMRA II spoke of the bill his organization is working oncurrently. Sput also mentioned many SMRO’s are working Right-of-Way Bills.He also spoke of how TMRA II has gained control of the Democratic Party inTexas; TMRA II is now eyeing the Republican Party too. TMRA II currentlyhas 6 TMRA II members serving in the State House and 2 in the State Senate.

Patriot Act Workshop

The hazards and lost of freedom due to the Patriot Act were discussed.Several rights guaranteed in the bill of rights have been compromised. The4th and 5th amendments have been greatly compromised with no counsel, rovingwiretaps, and sneak and peek searches. The rich elite will continue to takeaway our liberties unless we take a stand. The RICO Act narrowly survived a supreme court ruling this year.Legislators did not read the Patriot Act before voting to pass it into law.Caesar and Hitler both passed similar legislation in the past. Patriot ActII has not yet been passed into law and it desires our attention to stop itspassage. PA II will damage the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 10th amendments if itis passed. One very troubling aspect of the PA II is the ability to removecitizenship from native-born Americans.

White House Pokes Gun Owners in the Eye

Gun Owners of America
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102
Springfield, VA 22151
(703)321-8585

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced legislation yesterday toreauthorize the ban on scores of semi-automatic firearms.As a result, reporters asked White House spokesman Ari Fleischer for thePresident’s position. Fleischer said, “Often, the president will agree…with the National Rifle Association. On this issue, he does not.”The bottom line? The President supports the ban on many semi-automaticfirearms and on magazines holding 10 rounds or more.

The White House seems to think that the bill will never reach thePresident’s desk. At least that is what top officials are counting on. Inpursuing this strategy, they are trying to please both sides and are playinga very dangerous game, to be sure.

ACTION: Please use the pre-written text below to guide your response to theWhite House. It is preferred that you call. But if you can only e-mail,please be sure to do that.You can visit the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center athttp://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm to send a pre-written e-mail messageto President Bush. To call or snail mail the President regarding thesemi-auto ban, you can use the following contact info:

President George Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax: 202-456-2461 or 202-456-1907
Phone: 202-456-1414

–Hawk
>ICQ 34668186
AOL SoLRHawk

THE CYRIL HUZE REPORT–Even if it doesn’t look like it at first glance, almost every week our website at http://www.cyrilhuze.com is updated with new pictures, texts & features. And our online parts store at http://store.cyrilhuze.com with cool new parts. For example:

In page “Downloads” you can download for free a new screensaver and 3 desktop wallpapers featuring our most recent custom bikes “Exotika”, “Surreal Huze” and “Tattoo Chop”. These wallpapers can be downloaded in the resolution of your computer screen. In page “Projects” you can see the 1st pictures of a new built Chopper called “Stray Kat”( Check the exhaust & the trim body work all over the bike, and come back every week for more pictures of the work in progress). In section “Online Catalog”, go to see the new Goodson retro air cleaners (22 carburetor applications), and custom exhausts from Cyril Huze & Martin Bros.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week

It was sunny, it was rainy, it was sunny again. “Broadway At The Beach” is still one of the best places to set up during the national show tour. A lot of parking places, good restaurants & shops, a very relaxed atmosphere, and many, many friends, motorcycle dealers & retail clients visiting us to chat around our bikes. Myrtle Beach confirms over and over the 2 big customization trends: Choppers getting more retro, and Softail getting lower and lower at the neck with a more aggressive stance (See our bikes “Tattoo Chop”, “America”. “Exotika”, “Surreal Huze”). We ended up the week by a big scare. Leaving the city on Sunday morning by the US 17 Bypass, we found a way to wrapped up our trailer around an electric pole on the side of the highway. No scratches for us, but the trailer is dead, our displays exploded, but no bike were damaged….because they were no more in our trailer (thanks God, given back to their respective clients the evening before). So, we are in the market for a new rig.

New Book

We received confirmation that the new coffee table book written and photographed by Tom Zimberoff “Haute Moteur. The Art Of The Chopper” will be in bookstores in September. For the readers, in addition to a selection of the best customs in the world, the big surprise will probably be the unusual black & white pictures (for now we will not tell you more) of the following master builders (by order of apparition in the book): Arlen Ness, Billy Lane, Chica, Cyril Huze, Dave Perewitz, Donnie smith, Eddie Trotta, Mitchell Russell, Jerry Covington, Jim Nasi, Martin Bros, Matt Hotch, Mitch Bergeron, Pat Kennedy, Paul Yaffe, Pontarelli, Roger Bourget, Ron Simms and Teutul. A must gift for all those addicted to custom motorcycles. You can visit Tim Zimberoff website and see his celebrities pictures going to: http://www.zimberoff.com/

Customs Forever!

–Cyril Huze Custom
Motorcycles & Parts
http://www.cyrilhuze.com
http://store.cyrilhuze.com
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923

JUST LIKE A WOMAN–Paul returned from a doctor’s visit one day and told his wife Alma thatthe doctor said he only had 24 hours to live.

Wiping away her tears, he asked her to make love with him. Of course sheagreed and they made passionate love.

Six hours later, Paul went to her again, and said: “Honey, now I onlyhave18 hours left to live. Maybe we could make love again?” Alma agrees andagain they make love.

Later, Paul is getting into bed when he realized he now had only eighthours of life left. He touched Alma’s shoulder and said: “Honey? Please?Just one more time before I die.” She agreed, then afterwards she rolledover and fell asleep.

Paul, however, heard the clock ticking in his head, and he tossed andturned until he was down to only four more hours. He tapped his wife onthe shoulder to wake her up. “Honey, I only have four hours left! Couldwe….?”

His wife sat up abruptly, turned to him and said: “Listen Paul, I haveto get up in the morning! You don’t.”

–from Ken M.

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Continued From Page 1

CYRIL HUZE IN ACCIDENT–On May 18, Cyril Huze & team was returning from Myrtle Beach Bike Week to Florida when the shop trailer was fully destroyed in an accident. The accident happened on highway 17, in the city limits of Myrtle Beach. For this reason, many bikers had the opportunity to observe the accident ,and right away, rumors started to fly that Cyril was seriously injured.

As a matter of fact, nobody was injured. The only damage was to the trailer now a memory and to the parts displays (let’s do a fire sale). No bikes were damaged because they were none at this time inside the trailer: luckily, the evening before bikes were given back to their respective owners returning home to New York & New Jersey.

We are safe back in Florida, working on new projects…

–Cyril Huze Custom
Motorcycles & Parts
http://www.cyrilhuze.com
http://store.cyrilhuze.com
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923

BIKERNET EAST COAST REPORT–Just finished the HOW TO MAKE A CUSTOM LEATHER SEAT feature with Paul Cox and the Choppers Inc seat photos. I sent it off to Paul to fact check. Soon as he sends his OK, I’ll forward it on to you.This is a little different from my past stuff. It’s a photo “how to” piece. 21 photos with captioning explaining the proceedure.

–TBear, Bikernet East

Nice work, the story will be posted in a couple of days.–Bandit

ROUTE SET FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON 100TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE IN MILWAUKEE–MDA Heroes to lead motorcycle parade celebrating Harley-Davidson. With a group of Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) fundraisers leading the way, 10,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will parade through the streets of Milwaukee on Saturday, August 30, 2003 to celebrate the Company?s 100th Anniversary.

The Parade will depart at 9 a.m. from the Milwaukee County Zoo (10001 W. Bluemound Road) and ride east on Bluemound, turning to Wisconsin Avenue at 45th Street. Riders will continue east on Wisconsin Avenue to Milwaukee Street, then turn south to Erie Street and into the Italian Community Center and Summerfest parking lots.

The Harley-Davidson Parade of MDA Heroes is made up of those riders who have raised at least $5,300 for MDA prior to July 15, 2003. The $5,300 is equivalent to the funding required for 100 minutes of MDA research. The Parade of MDA Heroes will lead the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Parade, which will include representatives from Harley-Davidson dealerships around the world, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members in the H.O.G. Chapter Parade of Flags, Harley-Davidson employees, and thousands of Harley-Davidson customers. The lucky Harley riders will have been chosen at random from among those who purchased Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration tickets prior to May 1, 2003. Parade access is limited to a total of 10,000 motorcycles and riders must have proper credentials to participate.

“The 100th Anniversary Parade is a unique chance for Harley-Davidson to share the excitement of 100 years of great motorcycles and at the same time help support the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Harley-Davidson Vice President, Communications Kathleen A. Lawler. ?It?s a tribute to the Harley-Davidson family of riders, enthusiasts, employees, dealers and many others who have helped the Company make this milestone a reality.?

Harley-Davidson had motorcycle parades in Milwaukee for previous anniversary celebrations in 1998 and 1993. On both occasions, the community enthusiastically welcomed the riders making the parades both fun and memorable experiences.

Harley-Davidson is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2003 with the largest birthday party the world has ever seen. The Celebration takes place in Milwaukee from Thursday, August 28 through Saturday, August 30, followed by the Party, the event that launches Harley-Davidson into the next century on Sunday, August 31, 2003.

Additional information on the Parade and the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary is available at www.harley- davidson.com.

THE CRAZYHORSE PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK–This week’s paint job doesn’t have clear coat on it in these photographs,but the flames still rock. It belongs to a guy named Jerry who builtone mean, evil black hardtail. He was a sweetheart of a customer.

Theflames were pinstriped by Mike Monte, best pinstriper in theCharlotte, NC area. Nothing like a sweet set of flames. I can’tpicture anything else on a bike I would own. Now if it would quitraining here I might even be able to ride my very own flamed bike.

BIKERNET LEGAL FILE–A very successful lawyer parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver’s door of the Lexus.

The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn’t more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up.

Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically.

His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again.

After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. “I can’t believe how materialistic you lawyers are,” he said. “You are so focused on your possessions that you neglect the most important things in life.”

How can you say such a thing?” asked the lawyer.

The cop replied, “My God, don’t you even realize that your left arm is missing? It got ripped off when the truck hit you!!!”

My God!” screamed the lawyer.”Where’s my Rolex?”

NEW FROM DAYCO/CARLISLE–The All New Panther Ultra-Cord rear belts are here.
The Ultra-Cord is a strong non-aramid tensile member that doesn?t stretch orshrink, eliminating the need for high initial installation tensions to compensatefor tension decay. This puts less strain on bearings, shafts and other drive components for longer system life. The cords higher tensile strength increaseshorsepower capacity by up to 20 percent.
Ultra-Cord doesn?t absorb moisture, so belts won?t shrink and don?t requirespecial handling or storage. The cord is more stable in use also and as aflexible tensile member, Ultra-Cord improves the overall flex life of any drive.
The parabolic tooth design of the Panther belts, reduces noise, resists jumpingand improves meshing with standard tooth profiles.
A graphite-loaded, self-lubricating, nylon fabric facing provides exceptional resistance to wear and low coefficient.

Available from all of the major distributors through BDL. www.beltdrives.com

Continued On Page 3

Laughlin Report is up and debate is heated. Bikernet had launched a formal investigation into the price of rooms. Reports are in that rooms were as low as $19 prior to the event and as high as $260 during the event. It stinks. That’s like going to the market for toilet paper, buying 100 rolls and paying 4 times the going rate.

There are also reports of more police presence than mentioned in Frank’s candid article. Undercover was strong in addition to SWAT teams and armored vehicles. Hang on as more information surfaces.

Last night I spent four hours with several biker Internet readers and major Jesse James fans. The conversation was high on message boards. We’ve considered launching a board several times. Whatta ya tink? Let’s get to the news, there’s a woman I want to…, and I rode the King last night. I need more time on the emperor.

LAUGHLIN REPORT FROM FRANK KAISLER–This is just a taste of the Laughlin Report, the bikes, the broads, the broads, the bikes and the cops.

BIKERNET ON PRIORITIES– An old lady was standing at the railing of the cruise ship holdingherhat on tightly so that it would not blow off in the wind.

A gentleman approached her and said: “Pardon me, madam. I do notintend to be forward, but did you know that your dress is blowing up inthis high wind?”

“Yes, I know,” said the lady, “I need both hands to holdonto this hat.”

“But, madam, you must know that your privates areexposed!”said the gentleman in earnest.

The woman looked down, then back up at theman and replied, “Sir, anything you see down there is 85 years old. Ijustbought this hat yesterday!”

–from Bob T.

DAVIE ALLAN ROCK REPORT– I just received the word on the new album: http://www.davieallan.com/mockup.htmlThe release date is August 26th on the “Sundazed” label. Also, a new forum (we need members!): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KINGOFTHEFUZZ/

–Davie Allanwww.davieallan.com

STURGIS REPORT–Spring Fever has finally come to the Black Hills! Throughout the Black Hills, Bikes & Bikers are out in force! After a week of rain the Hills are putting on foliage at an incredible rate. Bring your cameras!

We wanted to let all of you know that we have remodeled our on-line store front. All of your great favorites are still here and there are tons of new items too. The new cart has a much faster search engine too! We have the most complete on-line Sturgis Rally collection you will find anywhere. Use the search to help find the more unique items you’ve been watching for. One of the newest items is Buffalo Chip Kippered Buffalo Strips… simply delicious!ht.://www.Sturgis.com/mall

As always, putting everything that is available on-line is a huge task, and we are always updating with new merchandise. If there is something in particular that you are looking for and cannot find please, let us know… We just might have the right connection to find those items.

Also watch for our Random Discount, dozens of customers receive random discounts on their orders. The Lucky Shoppers will be notified by e-mail if their order is chosen.

This Newsletter also starts our May Military Special. We are giving FREE SHIPPING to all orders sent to any APO Military address for orders placed from now until the end of May, 2003.

This years Rally schedule is shaping up… it’s going to be a big rally! More bikers and more activities… The Buffalo Chip is bringing in Travis Tritt, 3 Doors Down, Tesla and more… Friday’s band is “hush-hush” so we’re expecting them to announce something BIG! We have events listed from many other places too. Check out the most complete on-line Schedule of Events at:http://www.Sturgis.com/schedule.html

Lodging: There are still plenty of campsites. Hotels, motels, B&B’s, etc. are getting harder to find… there are a few openings yet. Check out the following to help arrange your accommodations… they go fast, so hurry!http://www.Sturgis.com/lodging.html – List of campgrounds, motels, etchttp://www.Sturgis.com/lodgingboard – Messageboard just for Private Housinghttp://www.BlackHillsReservations.com/sturgisdeals.html – One stop reservations for many different accommodation places.

For those of you that are vendors, spots are still available. To find out how to rent a booth during the rally there’s information posted on our site at: http://www.sturgis.com/vendorsjobs.html including links to the various Vendors Manuals.

We’re in the process of updating information about riding in the Black Hills…Check out: http://www.Sturgis.com/ridesmaps.htmlMore to come there yet too…

THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE FIRST ON THE LIST OF TOP TEN STOLEN CLASSIC VEHICLES– The Chevrolet Corvette was named the number one stolen collector vehicle in a recent study conducted by the Hagerty Protection Network (HPN) between July 1999 and December 2002.

The report issued by Hagerty Insurance, the nation’s largest insurer of collectible cars and motorcycles, indicates that vintage Chevrolets are the most stolen brand commanding close to 40 percent of collector cars stolen in the last three years.

HPN named the following models to its Top 10 Stolen Collector Vehicles list:

1. Chevrolet Corvette (1966-1982) 13.3 percent
2. Ford Mustang (1964-1969) 6.5 percent
3. Chevrolet Impala (1958-1967) 5.6 percent
4. Chevrolet Camaro (1968, 1969) 4.7 percent
5. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (1941-1974) 4.4 percent
6. Chevrolet Nova (1963-1972) 3.6 percent
7. Chevrolet Chevelle (1966-1973) 2.7 percent
8. Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1970-1978) 2.4 percent
9. Cadillac DeVille (1955-1965) 2.1 percent
Chevrolet Pickups (1950-1971) 2.1 percent Mercedes 450 (1975-1979) 2.1 percent
10. Ford Thunderbird (1955-1963) 1.7 percent

Broken down by marque, Chevrolet tops the list by a wide margin at 39.3 percent of all Hagerty-insured stolen vehicles, followed by Ford (14.8 percent), Mercedes (4.7 percent), Cadillac (4.4 percent), Harley Davidson (4.4 percent), Pontiac (3.6 percent), J aguar (2.4 percent), Plymouth (2.4 percent), Porsche (2.4 percent), Dodge (2.1 percent) and Lincoln (2.1 percent).

Old vintage Panhead photo from Bob T.

BANDIT’S CANTINA ARCHIVES GROWS–We are constantly looking for unique and interesting motorcycle historical facts for our Cantina Readers. Stuff you just won’t find anywhere else. Stuff that Cantina members will have constant access to when restoring a piece of cycling history. We’ve scored recently.

Bob Tronolone has supplied us with a vast array of antique motorcycle photography. Don Whalen, an antique motorcycle expert, is writing captions for each precious shot. These will become in integral part of out daily antique motorcycle collection.

Bob has also supplied us with invaluable antique memorabilia that will become special features in the Cantina Antique section. In addition he recently found a series of Bobber photos from the ’40s and ’50s. I recently researched the history of the bobber and will share that with this line-up of photographs. It’s a trip.

Finally, we have made a lovely Redheaded connection with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. She recently supplied us with a shot and feature of a Museum ’49 Panhead. We hope to launch features of their bikes on a monthly basis.

BUMPER STICKER OF THE WEEK–Who Lit The Fuse On Your Tampon?

–from Bob T.

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE DRAG TEAM RESETS NHRA RECORDS AT ENGLISHTOWN– The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team continues to rewrite the NHRA record books at each Pro Stock Bike event. This time it was GT Tonglet who set a new NHRA record for V- Twin performance with a 7.113 second/187.55 mph run in qualifying for the K&N Filters SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey.

Tonglet?s V-Twin record run aboard the Screamin? Eagle V-Rod placed him fifth in the field. The time was just .013 second off Tonglet?s career best ET of 7.100 seconds.

Teammate Andrew Hines struggled with the windy conditions in first round qualifying and a mechanical issue in the second round. Hines posted his best run of 7.216 seconds/185.66 mph with his V-Rod during the last round of qualifying, but missed the bump time by .009 second. The 7.209-second Englishtown bump time was the quickest in NHRA Pro Stock Bike history.

Tonglet faced 12th-ranked Steve Johnson?s Suzuki in the first round, but had to shut down mid-track due to a mechanical failure. Shawn Gann won the event with a 7.100 second/188.49 mph pass over Craig Treble. Both riders were aboard Suzukis.

?We?re frustrated that we didn?t get both bikes in the field. GT ran great, but we had some bad luck in qualifying with Andrew. We?re learning all the time and we?ve two weeks to get ready for Joliet,? said crew chief Byron Hines.

BIKERNET FRAT BROTHERS–Lee wasn’t the brightest guy in the world, and his frat brothers were continually ribbing him. One in particular, Grady, would greet him each morning and precipitate this exchange:

“Say Lee, you seen Ben?”

“Ben who?”

“Ben’ down and kiss my a–!”

Tired of falling for the same joke day after day, Lee confided in his friend Judd who said, “Listen, next time you see Grady, ask him if he’s seen Eileen. Grady will ask, ‘Eileen who?’, and you say, ‘Eileen over and YOU kiss MY a–.'”

Memorizing his lines, Lee got up early to wait for Grady. As soon as he arrived, Lee ran over to him.

“Hey Grady,” he said, “have you seen Eileen?”

“No,” Grady answered, “she ran off with Ben.”

Lee frowned, “Ben who?”

–from A. Friedman

Continued On Page 2

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 <

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

NCOM CONVENTION TAKES MILWAUKEE BY STORM Neither rain, nor sleet nor gloom of night shall stay the dedicated freedom fighters from their course…Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the 18th annual NCOM Convention.

Tornadoes, hail and rainstorms marked the route from many parts of the country, but near-record numbers poured in from the four corners of America and most Canadian provinces. Many weary travelers arrived wet and cold, but warm welcomes from fellow conventioneers brought out smiles, hugs and hearty handshakes.

Over a thousand attendees gathered at the Four Points Sheraton for a weekend of learning, networking and camaraderie, hosted by the Wisconsin Federation of Clubs. The weekend began on Thursday, May 8th with the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Board of Directors meeting, with directors from all nine NCOM Regions discussing local and national issues affecting motorcyclists.

Friday morning started off with the Legislative Task Force meeting and the AIM Attorney Conference. After lunch, the congregation was welcomed to Wisconsin by Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and our own Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien, a longtime member of the NCOM-LTF.

Seminars included “Motorcycle Safety and Insurance,” “The Fight Against Motorcycle Confiscation,” and “We The People; A Biker’s View of the U.S. Constitution.” Special Meetings were convened for “SMRO Presidents,” “Christian Unity,” “Women in Motorcycling,” “Rainbow Caucus,” and “Brothers of the Third Wheel.”

Following the invocation by Kenneth “Stuntman” Hagan of Solders for Jesus, Florida, NCOM Chairman James “Doc” Reichenbach once again rang a bell for our brothers and sisters lost. This moving ceremony has become a Convention tradition, though as Doc laments, “I hope the day comes when we never have to ring that bell again.”

The Confederation of Clubs General Patch Holder Meeting on Friday evening was one of the best attended to date, and featured representatives of 48 COC’s from throughout the United States and Canada.

The Mock Legislative Session was once again both entertaining and enlightening, and received rave reviews from attendees.

Topping off the weekend’s festivities was the traditional Silver Spoke Awards Banquet, recognizing the achievements and accomplishments of our fellow riders. This year’s Silver Spokes were awarded to: Actor Mickey Jones, Entertainment; Cartoonist Paul Jamoil, Art; Scott Cochran, editor of Dixie Rider, Media; Trevor Dealy, Canadian Harley-Davidson Dealer, Commerce (posthumously); Michael Mandelman, Wisconsin AIM Attorney, Legal; and the Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Butch Harbaugh, Chairman of the NCOM Legislative Task Force and freedom fighter from Oregon. Also receiving Special Recognition was Marilyn “Lady” Sickler, co-founder of the Brothers of the Third Wheel and NCOM Board Secretary; and “Little Jimmy” Rouse, Business Manager for the MMA of California and member of the NCOM Board of Directors (posthumously).

After the banquet, Mickey Jones donated a script from the final episode of Home Improvement autographed by the entire cast, which fetched $1,000 during the auction to raise money for the Freedom Fund! He also donated several copies of various movies and short films he has appeared in, including the infamous Breath Savers commercial, which garnered several hundred dollars more to be used for lobbying and advancing bikers’ rights causes. Mickey instantly became the star of the Convention, graciously signing autographs until 2 a.m., and was the last person to leave the banquet room.

As news reports flooded the airwaves with storm warnings and tornado sightings, including two that touched down in Oklahoma City, site of next year’s NCOM Convention, motorcyclists bundled up to protect themselves against Mother Nature’s wrath. But as they left the parking lot, each also took with them the tools to protect against a storm of legislation and regulation that is easier to predict than the weather!

Make plans now to attend next year’s 19th Annual NCOM Convention, May 6-8, 2004, at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, OK. For further information, contact NCOM at (800) 525-5355.

NHTSA SEEKS COMMENTS ON MOTORCYCLE SAFETY STUDY The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) are seeking public comments regarding the collection of data for a proposed motorcycle safety study.

According to information published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 82), “NHTSA asks for public comment on the following proposed collection of information: Title: Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators. Affected Public: Under this proposed collection, personal interviews will be administered to motorcycle operators from the general public. The survey will be administered by face-to-face interviews conducted at sponsored events, races, and recognized motorcyclist gathering sites throughout the United States. In addition, survey data also will be collected at smaller and more localized events such as motorcycle club meetings and popular riding locations. States currently being considered for inclusion are California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Florida.”

The post further states that “NHTSA has a central role in the national effort to reduce motor vehicle-related traffic injuries and deaths. U.S. motorcycle-related deaths dropped consistently from 1980 to 1997, but over the past few years this downward trend reversed and injuries and deaths are increasing. The number of fatalities among motorcycle operators rose from 2,116 in 1997 to 3,181 in 2001. Data from NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis indicate that this increase is associated with older riders, use of larger motorcycles, and frequent use of alcohol, especially among older riders.”

Recently, NHTSA jointly sponsored an effort to assess future needs regarding motorcycle safety. Recommendations from the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety indicated that additional research is needed to determine rider characteristics and factors leading to motorcycle crashes. “This study supports the National Agenda and future efforts to reduce motorcycle injuries and deaths by providing updated information about rider operator characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors. Of particular interest will be comparisons of the training, experience, attitudes, and behaviors of those operators who have been involved in crashes versus those who have not,” states NHTSA.

NHTSA proposes surveying a random sampling of motorcycle operators, and indicates that “The findings from this proposed survey will assist NHTSA in addressing the problem of motorcycle operator safety. NHTSA will use the findings to help focus current programs and activities to achieve the greatest benefit, to develop new programs, to decrease the likelihood of such crashes, and to provide informational support to states, localities, law enforcement agencies, and motorcyclists that will aid them in their efforts to reduce motorcyclist crashes, injuries and fatalities.”

Comments must be received on or before June 30, 2003, and can be submitted to: Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Please refer to U.S. DOT Docket Number NHTSA-2003-14375.*

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MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AND YOU While NHTSA ponders how to protect us from ourselves, motorcyclists around the country have taken a proactive step toward promoting motorcycle safety and motorist awareness by getting the month of May declared Motorcycle Awareness Month. Virtually every state and major municipality has passed proclamations and resolutions declaring May as the month to “Look Out For Motorcycles.”

In fact, through encouragement by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, biker vanguard U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado has announced that he will introduce a measure to declare May as National Motorcycle Awareness Month.

While some states, Massachusetts in particular, are advocating the month of March as Motorcycle Awareness Month due to increased rider fatalities in early Spring, the message is clear that motorcyclists want to promote safety and awareness and decrease accidents and fatalities, no matter what time of the year.

With this in mind, it’s important to keep an eye on rider education funding and take preventive measures to block states from raiding our training funds to balance budgets. Massachusetts is the latest fund under attack, joining Utah and Michigan on the chopping block.

A review of the proposed Massachusetts House Budget shows Section 23, seeks to REPEAL GL c. 10, section 35G, the “Motorcycle Safety Fund.” Further review of the line item budget shows the Motorcycle Safety Fund (Line item 8400-0016) has been transferred to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, in general, (line item 8400-0001), says Paul W. Cote, Legislative Director for the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA).

Cote also points out that Massachusetts motorcyclists agreed to ‘tax themselves’ an additional $2 of each annual motorcycle registration fee for this dedicated Fund for Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Programs. “The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association is AGAINST the repeal of this dedicated fund, which reduces accidents and injuries,” he says.

On a brighter note, due to intense motorcyclists’ lobbying, the state of Michigan has renewed its rider ed funding and added it back into the state budget. Utah, however, remains unconvinced that their “little safety fund” is worth continuing.

As state legislatures nationwide seek budget compromises, perhaps our battle cry should be changed to: “Look Out For Motorcycle Safety Funds!”

LOUISIANA SENATOR DROPS HELMET BILL It was just four years ago that Pelican State riders won their right to choose regarding headwear, but efforts have been underway in the state legislature to put helmets back on motorcyclists’ heads, or at least on their passengers’ noggins. Four helmet bills went down to defeat this year, including one for passengers only and a Senate proposal that would have required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets which was withdrawn by its sponsor.

According to the Times-Picayune newspaper, “Governor Foster, an avid biker who says riders should be given the choice of wearing the headgear, said he probably would veto any such legislation.”

Four years ago, Foster helped persuade lawmakers to change the law.

“We got it though the Senate two years ago,” said Senator Chaisson upon pulling his bill. “I think we can again, but we can’t get it through the House committee. We’ll try again next year” when there is a new governor in office.

Earlier in the week, the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works killed a bill that would have allowed motorcycle drivers to remain helmetless but require passengers to wear them, and two separate bills that would have required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. ABATE of Louisiana, the Louisiana Motorcycle Rights Association (LMRA), ABATE of Northern Louisiana, and the governor’s office led the successful fight against these bills.

“Four for 4 in getting helmet bills canned,” said Steve Howardell, Legislative Director for ABATE of Louisiana, “But remember, our magnanimous governor, who is a rider, will not be overseeing next session, so there will be no threat of a veto hanging over their heads. The safetycrats will be coming after us again, and the bikers of Louisiana need to stand up and be heard as a strong voting block, a united voice, or we have no chance.”

PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR SUPPORTS HELMET REFORM Despite threatening weather, more than a thousand bikers showed up at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday, May 12 for the annual Motorcyclists Rights Rally sponsored by ABATE of Pennsylvania. Among the speakers was Governor Ed Rendell who presented a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month throughout the Commonwealth. Governor Rendell also stated during the rally, “I support Senator Wozniak’s (helmets optional) bill and I will sign the bill.”

“That puts a little momentum on our part,” said Charles Umbenhauer, lobbyist for ABATE of Pennsylvania.

That same day, Wozniak’s helmet modification bill, Senate Bill 259 (PN 265), was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the full Senate will most likely vote on the bill in early June. A secondary scenario would have ABATE amending House Bill 607 (PN 709) by Rep. Kirkland to designate State Route 291 in Delaware County as the Senator Clarence D. Bell Memorial Highway. Senator Bell was an avid supporter of ABATE and annually authored their helmet repeal measure. This bill has already passed the House (197-0) on May 12th, and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“If we could successfully amend this bill with our helmet modification provision, we believe it would have a good chance of passing for obvious reasons,” explained Umbenhauer. “Then the bill would have to be returned to the House for their concurrence with Senate amendments. That should be a doable thing. Then the bill could be sent to Governor Rendell for his signature. This could all happen in June before the legislature takes their summer recess.”

Other legislation of interest to Pennsylvania motorcyclists includes special motorcycle registration plates for veterans (HB-184/SB-279); automobile lemon law to include motorcycles (SB 216); covering loose loads on trucks (HB 880); and abandoned mine lands for use as ATV trails (HB 330).

TENNESSEE TO ALLOW PULSATING TAIL LIGHTS The city of Memphis is the only place in the state of Tennessee that requires the annual inspection of motorcycles, and “The head of the inspection department has taken a part of the city code to an interesting interpretation,” says Fogman of CMT/ABATE of Tennessee. “Aftermarket manufacturers sell a brake light which pulses rapidly for the first few second when activated, but whenever our erstwhile bureaucrat sees one of these offending lights, he refuses to pass the bike and tells the owner to take it home and remove the illegal light and then come back. His reason? People might confuse the offending light with a fire truck!”

Fogman says, “We tried to reason with him but got nowhere, so CMT/ABATE introduced a bill to clarify that these lights are legal.”

CMT/ABATE’s “brake light bill” has since passed both Houses and been signed by their governor. “When the bill allowing pulsing brake lights becomes law, we are going to present said public servant and defender of a lawful society with his own personal copy of it,” Fogman promises. “Sometimes there is justice in the world.”

MARYLAND PARKING BILL PASSES Motorcyclists in Maryland may be able to legally park two or more bikes per spot after the state legislature overwhelmingly approved House Bill 923 (voting 132-2) and Senate Bill 650 (46-0). The parking bill will prohibit local governments from restricting the number of motorcycles that can legally be parked in a metered parking space.

Current law allows local governments to restrict the number of motorcycles to two. Only some local governments limit motorcycle parking in this manner, but it can cause confusion and hardship for motorcycle riders who are unaware of the restrictions. This law would eliminate confusing and sporadic enforcement practices and make parking regulations for motorcycles uniform throughout the state, according to ABATE of Maryland.

BIKERS LOUD AND CLEAR AGAINST NOISE ORDINANCE Motorcycle enthusiasts packed Town Council chambers in Old Orchard Beach, ME recently to oppose an ordinance proposed to silence loud bikes. “Education, not legislation, is the key to getting along,” Howard Karakhanian of United Bikers of Maine told town officials at the public hearing.

“It’s just not necessary,” one biker, Rick Musial, told the council. “There’s no need for it.”

The ordinance being considered would outlaw loud motorcycles such as those with altered mufflers.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the proposed motorcycle ordinance would prohibit bikers from installing noisy, attention-getting exhaust pipes. The measure also would outlaw “rapid throttle advance and/or revving of an internal combustion engine resulting in increased noise from the engine and exhaust system.” Under the ordinance, a first-time offender would be fined $50. Repeat offenses could bring fines of $500.

The measure, said Police Chief Dana Kelley, “is an effort to stop those who come here and abuse the privilege. This ordinance would enable us to deal with exhaust systems with no mufflers. We’re not looking to target motorcyclists in general.”

Councilor Roxanne Frenette, who said she has a motorcycle, said bikers who don’t alter their machines won’t have any problem. Motel owners are among those who favor cutting down on motorcycle noise, which Kelley said is the No. 1 complaint he gets during the summer. Norm Marquis and Marc Bourassa, who run motels, said motorcycle noise bothers their customers. “Not a day goes by when someone doesn’t ask me, ‘Why is that allowed?’ ” Bourassa said.

Councilors are scheduled to vote on the proposed motorcycle ordinance later this month.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: JESUS IN TROUBLE FOR NOT WEARING A HELMET A man riding a motorcycle while dressed as Jesus to celebrate Easter in Colombia was almost fined for not wearing a helmet. The man was acting out bible passages near the church of Maria Goretti in the streets of Las Delicias neighborhood in Cartagena.

Parish priest Aristobulo Duque told El Tiempo newspaper that Jesus was supposed to be on a donkey but it had been stolen during the night so he decided to use a motorcycle instead. The police officer who tried to fine him said: “You can be Jesus but you are on a motorcycle and are not wearing a helmet. I feel bad but I have to fine you.”

Witnesses say when the policeman tried to fine ‘Jesus’ the crowd started to boo and the priest convinced him not to do it. The priest said: “Can’t you see he is Jesus? And in Jesus? times there were no helmets how could he wear one?” The policeman agreed and ‘Jesus’ was not fined.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “I am afraid that the current helmet law, as written now, is almost totally unenforceable. I requested an Attorney General’s Opinion on the matter and the answer we received has led the Commanders of the Highway Patrol to the conclusion that unless a rider has a cooking pot on their head each individual officer will have to be able to articulate that he/she was able to determine from a distance that the helmet did not meet the standards set by USDOT. Our law relates to what manufacturers have to do. The Highway Patrol is not against, or for helmets, as we are not the policy makers, however the law must be clear so that we can fairly and evenly enforce it.”

David S. Hosmer, Colonel
Nevada DPS, Highway Patrol Division

* Following came from a Bikernet Reader. His statistics demonstrate that accident rates are not up. Check it out. It’s Bikernets contention that the NHSTA should study the number of motorcycle accidents caused by motorists and act on that aspect.

BIKERNET ACCIDENT REPORT CORRECTIONS–Damit Bandit, you published NHTSA’s lie in Thursdays news again. Assoon as they get the whole world convinced that “TRAFFIC SAFETYOFFICIALS SEE SHARP RISE IN MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES” they will startdumping a bunch of “safety” laws on our asses. If you’re going topublish it can’t you at least set the record straight? They are using bogus data for “vehicle miles traveled (VMT)” to come up with thislie.

How can we have over a million more motorcycles on the road in2001 thSn we did in 1998 and travel a billion fewer miles? NHTSA saysthe average rider traveled 1,943 miles in 2001. Our recent Internetsurvey showed that only 7% of motorcyclist traveled under 2,500 milesand 74% travel more than 5000 miles per year. 26% said they travelmore that 10,000 miles per year.

There is not any increase inmotorcycle fatalities, it’s another NHTSA lie! The total number ofinjuries have actually lowered. The percentage of injured that die hasremained the same. The number of fatalities track with the number ofregistered motorcycles with a consistently widening gap since 1986. Iwill again attach the charts I compiled from NHTSA’s Traffic SafetyFacts Report dated December 2002.

FTW,
–Stroker