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Read More March 5, 2003
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
RAIN AND NEW RULES DAMPEN DAYTONA BEACH
Daytona Bike Week started Friday February 28th and so did the rain. So far it has dampened more than spirits and the crowds are not evident on Main Street.
Bars and restaurants are doing fine though.
Although officials want the Bikers to spend money, they are fining those that have too much fun. Showing too much skin will cost ya $106.00 and too much to drink in public $53.00 (Don’t Even Think About DUI). Failure to turn headlight on or no eye protection is $44.00, handlebar height, loud exhaust etc. It just goes on and on.
Bikers bring about $260 Million into town annually to the local economy. Town’s people as well as the visiting bikers feel that they are being taken advantage of.
Many popular activities, like spaghetti wrestling at Bikers Paradise and coleslaw wrestling at the Cabbage Patch, are outside the city limits on state road 415 and not subject to the stricter laws. Both places will hold the events on Wednesday March 5th and the weatherman has said the rain will move on.
I hope for once he is right. The Paradise will also host a Best Buns/Wet T-shirt contest,Thursday. Look for fun action at these and other places in the county. If you are not sure what is happening, where or when, just pick up one of the handy event guides that are on counters in shops, restaurants and bars. If you don’t have a good time, it’s because you’re not paying attention.
And of course check in with Bikernet on a regular basis to keep up with WAS HAPPENIN’. If you see me have me take your picture.
–ROGUE
WELCOME TO ORLANDO BIKE WEEK
By MARK HARPER
Staff Writer
Last updated: Mar 1, 10:40 PM
ORLANDO — Rich Mosher downed another Budweiser as he was showing aninquirer how he put $22,000 worth of customization into an $18,000 “hog.”Nearby, a police motorcyclist inched between two rows of orange cones,competing to see if he could deliver the slowest time without placing hisfeet on the ground.
No lines formed at the Swamp Rat Bar, despite the presence of Jack DanielsGirls to pour shots; inside the Harley-Davidson dealership, there were justas many people drinking at the coffee bar.
Welcome to Orlando Bike Week.
The Orlando counterpart to the traditional Daytona Beach Bike Week may onlybe 3 years old, but it’s making strides. Some 100,000 visitors are expectedat the nine-day event that started a bit slowly Saturday. Though little rainfell, people were discussing radar maps perhaps more than that afternoon’sappearance of the 1970s rock band Foghat.
Organizers find Orlando Bike Week an event with promise, a natural, with thepotential to showcase more of Central Florida’s attractions to visitors withgood demographics.
But it is a bane to some Volusia and Flagler county retailers, hoteliers andvendors, who rely heavily on Bike Week as a time to make the money thatmakes their year profitable. There are fears that spreading the action willresult in spreading the wealth.
Some — including Daytona Beach Harley-Davidson owner Bruce Rossmeyer — goso far as to say the Orlando organizers are “taking advantage” of Daytona’scampaign to tame Bike Week. If bikers are turned off by high room rates,efforts to control noise, nudity and inebriation and the city’s concernsabout the cost of playing host to big events, some fear they will move theparty southwest.
“My concern as a Harley dealer is they are going after business that’s outthere, and God love ’em,” Rossmeyer said. “Competition is good for businessand consumers.”
For their part, Orlando Harley-Davidson co-owners Steve and Anne Deli saythey are merely trying to widen Bike Week’s scope by giving riders moreoptions. Making it a Central Florida event can only attract more bikers andtheir disposable income, said Anne Deli.
“We’re hoping the emergence of Orlando will help grow Bike Week beyond whatit is today in Daytona,” she said. “There should be millions of peoplecoming to Bike Week.”
OFFICERS IN FULL FORCE DURING BIKE WEEK
By MARK I. JOHNSON
STAFF WRITER
Last updated: Mar 5, 02:14 AM
EDGEWATER — George Surls was philosophical about the yellow ticket in hishand as he walked back toward his motorcycle along U.S. 1 Tuesday morning.”I broke the law and got caught,” the Lawrence, Kan., resident said.
Surls, who was in town for his first Bike Week, will spend the rest of the10-day festival walking after receiving a criminal citation for ridingwithout the proper endorsement on his driver’s license.
He and his wife, Stacy, were netted in local law enforcement’s effort tocrack down on illegal motorcycle operations. But unlike many of those cited,what could have been a $44 ticket for noisy pipes turned into a visit with ajudge.
Area lawmen said the strict enforcement is needed to address the concerns ofSoutheast Volusians, whose primary complaint is the noise. While the roar ofa set of straight pipes might be music to the ears of some, others wouldlike to muffle things a bit.
“We are trying to satisfy the year-around residents as well as the tourismaspects of Bike Week,” Sgt. Tom Hoover said. “Some motorcycles are extremelyloud.”
Edgewater Police Chief Mike Ignasiak was more direct.”The people are fed up with riders cranking up their pipes at 1 or 2 a.m. intheir neighborhoods,” he said.
“It has been going very well,” he said Tuesday. “During the first three daysof Bike Week, the traffic section wrote 87 citations. If you count the roadpatrol, I believe there are another 70 out there. That is more than triplewhat is issued during a normal week. But then our traffic is about 10 timeswhat it normally is.”
The infractions range from illegal equipment — such as the noisy motorcyclemufflers — to speeding, running stops signs and other safety violations.
“We had one guy clocked going 97 mph in a 55 mph zone in the pouring rain,”Ignasiak said, “and when we pulled him over, he wanted a break because hepulled over.”
FINANCIAL REWARDS OF BIKE WEEK DOWNThe 23-year-old from Orlando said her tips from Bike Week visitors are a bit lower than she expected.
“We’re still making money,” she said, “just not as much as it should be.”
Rain during four of the first five days of the motorcycle festival has dampened sales, threatening to cut into the $260 million the event annually pumps into the economy, according to some nervous entrepreneurs.
“This is the slowest Bike Week I’ve ever had,” said Deyton Peyton, who has run a hot-dog stand outside the Full Moon Saloon on Main Street the past 15 years.
Peyton said so far he’s struggling to make the $500 daily cost for rent and various city and health department licenses.
“That’s a lot of $2 hot dogs,” he said.
He’s also got more competition this year: 26 food vendors on Main Street, double last year’s number, vie for business from the crowd, which usually reaches about 500,000 bikers.
Nancy Silcox, owner of the Caribbean Trading Co. clothing store on Main Street, said about a third of her annual revenues come from Bike Week; this year, business might be down 35 percent.
Farther down the street, Jerry Berkowitz — whose Good Sports company owns a half-dozen stores and equal number of vending operations on Main Street — remained cautiously optimistic.
“The rain might be keeping some people inside their hotel rooms,” he said.
Bikers were staying in their rooms at the 17-unit Famous Shores Motel on South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores where owner Mark Zdunek kept a nervous eye on the cloudy sky Tuesday morning. He hasn’t had any cancellations yet because of the bad weather.
Mark Soskin, an economist at the University of Central Florida’s campus in Daytona Beach, said a depressed national economy, the threat of war, and even the record high gas prices also might be keeping crowds down.
“We get a ton of people from the North and Midwest,” he said. “Maybe bikes get great gas mileage, but a lot them are towing their bikes behind a trailer.”
Doug Chandler, 51, an electrician from Hermann, Mo., brought his Harley-Davidson to Bike Week on a trailer.
“I’ll take a warm rain over a cold dry spell any day,” he said while holding onto a cold beer can on the deck of a Main Street cafe. “I just got my Harley and I wanted to see what this was all about.”
Chandler said going to Bike Week is like visiting Las Vegas. “You want to do it once in your life,” he said. “Now that I’ve seen it, I plan to make it an annual thing.”
— Staff writer Aaron London contributed to this story.
Continued On Page 3
May 1, 2003 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
WASHINGTON POST’S STYLE INVITATIONAL–Each year the Washington Post’s Style Invitational asks readers to takeany word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changingonly one letter and supply a new definition.Here are the 2002 winners:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until yourealize it was your money to start with.
Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of gettinglaid.
Giraffiti: Vandalism painted very, very high.
Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person whodoesn’t get it.
Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit).
Karmageddon: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad
vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s like, a seriousbummer.
Glibido: All talk and no action.
Dopeer Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they comeat you rapidly.
And, the winner of the Washington Post’s Style Invitational:
Ignoranus: A person who’s both stupid and an asshole
SPEEDFREAKS MAKE THE PITCH AND MARIO ‘GOES YARD’ IN THE FREAK NATION– Hollywood, CA (April 28, 2003) – As heard emanating from the Lucas Oil Studios Sunday night, SpeedFreaks and Mario Andretti reiterated how the formerly cancelled Road America Champ Car race made it’s way back onto the open wheeled series play list.
You betcha, the SpeedFreaks national radio show was the catalyst.
“Absolutely, absolutely. After our conversation a few weeks ago (in the SpeedFreaks Pits), it just got the energy going and a lot of reaction from the fans,” says Mario ‘Mojo’ Andretti. “It just rekindled the interest and a lot of voices came to the surface. We had to listen to the fans. That interview we did played a big part.”
“Why there wasn’t an open wheel race named after the Mad Italian in the first place is beyond me,” says former Italian restaurateuring busboy turned SpeedFreaks Prez, Kenny Sargent. “The next step? The Mario Andretti Grand Prix at Road America, presented by SpeedFreaks… Oh boy, Katy bar the door!”
You can hear the interview and the show in it’s entirety on the SpeedFreaks’ web site HARLEY’S 100TH THREE DAY SPECIAL–Participate in three days of special Anniversary events in and around Milwaukee that will include music, entertainment and Harley-Davidson history. Plus, an exclusive event is planned for the 20th anniversary of H.O.G. More info. Fourteen months of celebrations culminate in this event that will launch Harley-Davidson into its next 100 years. Don’t miss this party complete with music, fireworks and ceremonies that are sure to go down in history. The event to launch Harley-Davidson into the next 100 years is the 100th Anniversary Party held in Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sunday, August 31, 2003. Get ready for one of the biggest birthday parties the world has ever seen. The free main stage event will feature big-name, live entertainment and will be the culmination of the year-long anniversary celebration and kick-off another century of great motorcycles. Event details for the Party have not been finalized. More information will be added to the Harley-Davidson site as it becomes available. All dates, locations, times and activities are subject to change. Check back there often for the latest information. WELDING RECOMMENDATIONS–We recently purchased a MIG welder. We’re novices-in-training but received some hints recently. John from StraightPipez sent the following tips: “You are using the BEST made michine for welding. Miller is the Best. The “silicon” your were told to use is actually called Tip Dip. Avialable at any welding supply store in a spray can or as a paste. There are also tools and reamers for cleaning the tip. There is also a 10 in 1 pair of pliers that’ll do the trick. When you use the spray, try not to cover the actual weld area, just the surrounding area. The spray is made to keep the splatter from sticking, but won’t hinder the weld.” THE BIKERNET WHISKEY HUNT–We’re looking for 12-Year-old Tullamore Dew, an Irish whiskey. Here one connection. “We just received our delivery of Tullamore Dew 12 years old today. You mayorder it online at www@missionliquor.com or give us a call at (877)772-0500or (626) 794-0500. Poker Run Registration Bike Show Registration Special Guest Edge from?The Horse/Backstreet Choppers? Magazine Pre-Run Party Door Prizes ~~~~ Good Food & Drinks~~~~ Music by Mike Brooks The DJ All Proceeds Benefit Camp Air Care – American Lung Association of NCThis camp is for children with asthma. Justin Pullin lost his life from asthma at the age of 16. For more information call Mike Pullin at 704-847-4647 or 704-573-9396 BIKERNET REPORTED EMBEDDED WITH COALITION TROOP IN IRAQ–Bandit, The dust and stress and bullshitfinally caught up with me. I spent a couple of days in intensive care inKuwait after my body told me to fuck off. Sucks when you can’t breathe andyour chest has an invisible tank parked on it. Serves me right to try tokeep up with these youngsters. Prognosois : Angina & asthma. My time in theboonies is over. I’m heading back home to Colorado on the 11th, stopping inGermany to see how much beer I can consume in a two-hour layover. Here’s a good quote. Do with it as you will. “It “It is not the critic who counts, not theman who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deedscould have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in thearena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strivesvaliantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the greatenthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; whoat the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, atworst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his placeshall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory ordefeat.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT TEXAS SCOOTER TIMES PROUDLY PRESENTS SWAP MEET TEXAS MAY 4TH AT THE HEART OF TEXAS FAIRGROUNDS–Vendor Rentaly $30 approx. 10×10 (includes 1 admissionReservations RecommentedAdmission $8 for Adults$5 for Kids 5-12Under 5 FREE* Live Band* Door Prizes & other contests* Bargains* Discounts* Parts & PartyShow Hours: 11am-5pmVendor Setup: 8am-11amH.O.T Directions: From I-35 Exit Valley Mills, Go East on Valley Millsto Bosque Blvd. Take a right, Fairgrounds are approx 1 mile down on the left.For Info Call: 254-687-9066or Visit: www.texasscooter.comMark Your Calendar for May 18th!!!!for the 2nd Annual Dallas ChampionshipsAt Red Line RacewaySee You There!!! Continued On Page 3
10:00?12:00
Ben?s V-Twins
2429 South Tryon
$10.00 Per Hand
Poker Run ends at Tumbleweeds Barin Monroe
last hand in at 2:00
12:00?2:30
Tumbleweeds Bar
Trophies will be awarded at 3:30
Unique custom-madetrophies in every class!!!
SaturdayJuly 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Kristopher?s Sports Bar, Matthews
(Paris Sorbonne,1910)
May 1, 2003 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
WASHINGTON POST’S STYLE INVITATIONAL–Each year the Washington Post’s Style Invitational asks readers to takeany word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changingonly one letter and supply a new definition.Here are the 2002 winners:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until yourealize it was your money to start with.
Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of gettinglaid.
Giraffiti: Vandalism painted very, very high.
Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person whodoesn’t get it.
Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit).
Karmageddon: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad
vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s like, a seriousbummer.
Glibido: All talk and no action.
Dopeer Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they comeat you rapidly.
And, the winner of the Washington Post’s Style Invitational:
Ignoranus: A person who’s both stupid and an asshole
SPEEDFREAKS MAKE THE PITCH AND MARIO ‘GOES YARD’ IN THE FREAK NATION– Hollywood, CA (April 28, 2003) – As heard emanating from the?Lucas Oil Studios?Sunday night, SpeedFreaks and Mario Andretti reiterated how the formerly cancelled Road America Champ Car race made it’s way back onto the open wheeled series play list.?
You betcha, the?SpeedFreaks national radio show was the catalyst.
“Absolutely, absolutely. After?our conversation a few weeks ago (in the SpeedFreaks Pits), it just got the energy going and?a lot of reaction from the fans,” says?Mario ‘Mojo’ Andretti. “It just rekindled the interest and a lot of voices came to the surface. We had to listen to the fans. That interview we did played a big part.”
“Why there wasn’t an open wheel race named after the Mad Italian?in the first place is beyond me,” says former Italian restaurateuring busboy turned SpeedFreaks Prez, Kenny Sargent. “The next step? The Mario Andretti Grand Prix at Road America, presented by SpeedFreaks… Oh boy, Katy bar the door!”
You can hear the interview and the show in it’s entirety?on the SpeedFreaks’ web site HARLEY’S 100TH THREE DAY SPECIAL–Participate in three days of special Anniversary events in and around Milwaukee that will include music, entertainment and Harley-Davidson history. Plus, an exclusive event is planned for the 20th anniversary of H.O.G. More info. Fourteen months of celebrations culminate in this event that will launch Harley-Davidson into its next 100 years. Don’t miss this party complete with music, fireworks and ceremonies that are sure to go down in history. The event to launch Harley-Davidson into the next 100 years is the 100th Anniversary Party held in Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sunday, August 31, 2003. Get ready for one of the biggest birthday parties the world has ever seen. The free main stage event will feature big-name, live entertainment and will be the culmination of the year-long anniversary celebration and kick-off another century of great motorcycles. Event details for the Party have not been finalized. More information will be added to the Harley-Davidson site as it becomes available. All dates, locations, times and activities are subject to change. Check back there often for the latest information. WELDING RECOMMENDATIONS–We recently purchased a MIG welder. We’re novices-in-training but received some hints recently. John from StraightPipez sent the following tips: “You are using the BEST made michine for welding. Miller is the Best. The “silicon” your were told to use is actually called Tip Dip. Avialable at any welding supply store in a spray can or as a paste. There are also tools and reamers for cleaning the tip. There is also a 10 in 1 pair of pliers that’ll do the trick. When you use the spray, try not to cover the actual weld area, just the surrounding area. The spray is made to keep the splatter from sticking, but won’t hinder the weld.” THE BIKERNET WHISKEY HUNT–We’re looking for 12-Year-old Tullamore Dew, an Irish whiskey. Here one connection, but the price was $39.95 a fifth. Ridiculous. “We just received our delivery of Tullamore Dew 12 years old today. You mayorder it online at www@missionliquor.com or give us a call at (877)772-0500or (626) 794-0500. Poker Run Registration Bike Show Registration Special Guest ?Edge? from?The Horse/Backstreet Choppers? Magazine Pre-Run Party Door Prizes ~~~~~~ Good Food & Drinks~~~~~~ Music by Mike Brooks ?The DJ? All Proceeds Benefit Camp Air Care – American Lung Association of NCThis camp is for children with asthma. Justin Pullin lost his life from asthma at the age of 16. For more information call Mike Pullin at 704-847-4647 or 704-573-9396 BIKERNET REPORTED EMBEDDED WITH COALITION TROOP IN IRAQ–Bandit, The dust and stress and bullshitfinally caught up with me. I spent a couple of days in intensive care inKuwait after my body told me to fuck off. Sucks when you can’t breathe andyour chest has an invisible tank parked on it. Serves me right to try tokeep up with these youngsters. Prognosois : Angina & asthma. My time in theboonies is over. I’m heading back home to Colorado on the 11th, stopping inGermany to see how much beer I can consume in a two-hour layover. Here’s a good quote. Do with it as you will. “It “It is not the critic who counts, not theman who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deedscould have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in thearena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strivesvaliantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the greatenthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; whoat the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, atworst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his placeshall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory ordefeat.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT TEXAS SCOOTER TIMES PROUDLY PRESENTS SWAP MEET TEXAS MAY 4TH AT THE HEART OF TEXAS FAIRGROUNDS–Vendor Rentaly $30 approx. 10×10 (includes 1 admissionReservations RecommentedAdmission $8 for Adults$5 for Kids 5-12Under 5 FREE* Live Band* Door Prizes & other contests* Bargains* Discounts* Parts & PartyShow Hours: 11am-5pmVendor Setup: 8am-11amH.O.T Directions: From I-35 Exit Valley Mills, Go East on Valley Millsto Bosque Blvd. Take a right, Fairgrounds are approx 1 mile down on the left.For Info Call: 254-687-9066or Visit: www.texasscooter.comMark Your Calendar for May 18th!!!!for the 2nd Annual Dallas ChampionshipsAt Red Line RacewaySee You There!!! Continued On Page 3
10:00?12:00
Ben?s V-Twins
2429 South Tryon
$10.00 Per Hand
Poker Run ends at Tumbleweeds Barin Monroe
last hand in at 2:00
12:00?2:30
Tumbleweeds Bar
Trophies will be awarded at 3:30
Unique custom-madetrophies in every class!!!
SaturdayJuly 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Kristopher?s Sports Bar, Matthews
(Paris Sorbonne,1910)
May 1, 2003 Part 1
By Bandit |
Rare, hand made Hackasaw footpeg.
Laughlin survived another year. I dodged it primarily due to the high price to stay there. A recent report indicated that if you strolled into the desert the week before the rooms were $19 a night. During the River Run weekend rooms started at $175 a night. Does that make sense to you. The weekend the hotels are packed, the parking lot spaces are sold to vendors, the gambling is at an all time high, souveniers are sold by the bushels and the restaurants are over flowing, they charge more and more for the rooms. Bullshit.
I don’t have a problem with anyone making a living, but this goes way beyond that. We’ll have a couple of reports on the Laughlin downturn next week from Frank Kaisler and the Digital Gangster. Our web master has been missing in action since Thursday of last week. I’ll jump off the soap box and get to the news:
NEW EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR EVO, TWIN CAMS AND SPORTSTERS–10 different designs will be available from Cyril Huze. See them installed at: Cyril Huze Custom CHARLESTON HERITAGE MOTORCYCLE RALLY–The first annual Heritage Motorcycle Rally in Charleston South Carolina roared into the Ladson Fairgrounds April 16th and lasted through April 20th, 2003. A great time was had by most and prices and lodging were cheap. Most vendors were located at the fairgrounds however others setup at various other venues and watering holes. Lowcountry ABATE provided camping at a rate of $10 per night and provided live entertainment at Minky’s Social Club one Mile from the Campground. The Campground provided by Lowcountry ABATE was within 10 miles of the Rally Central at the fairgrounds. Lowcountry ABATE’s Booth at the fairgrounds provided information to those curious about ABATE and Motorcycle Rights. Uncle Rock of Cycle Source Magazine and the SOLR paid Charleston a visit during this new rally. Look for an upcoming issue with Heritage Motorcycle Rally coverage and pictures soon. This rally was fatality free. Police from as far away as Daytona Beach came to the event to enjoy the fun and crowds. Most tickets written during the rally went to dangerous cagers who were speeding or otherwise endangering others. If you missed this years rally be sure to come visit Charleston during next year’s Heritage Motorcycle Rally. During Lowcountry ABATE’s Night Run we we paid a visit by our state and local public servants; I sure hope the local citizens don’t mind all the tax money spent to make sure we were save and sound. Apparently one of the SLED agents at the scene was curious about the injustice just up the coast as he took a copy of the SOLR Blood on the Badge flyer with him; he later declined a matching decal. During the start of the Night Run one half of the Ladson Tackle Box’s parking lot was filled with at least 18 police cars all in an effort to inform the owner to close at 2:00 AM. –FastFred –from Rogue LAWYER FIGHTS TO CALL TO TESTIFY AGAINST CLIENT–By David Damron | Sentinel Staff Writer. In a unusual legal move, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Lawson Lamar’soffice is asking a judge to make a public defender testify against hisclient. The legal maneuver — Lamar’s firstsuch, by his own account — hasenraged local defense attorneys, who argue that compelling such testimonycould undermine the faith clients put in their ability to talk freely to anattorney. “I will become dysfunctional as a lawyer,” said Gavin Elliot, the27-year-old assistant public defender at the center of the dispute. “And I’mnot willing to risk my client’s rights. I can’t fold on this.” Prosecutors want to prove Elliot’s client, Tim E. Whittington, was justoutside a courtroom Dec. 4 where he was scheduled for a hearing. They allegethat Whittington left the courthouse after he learned he would be arrestedif he attended the hearing. Assistant State Attorney Jim Altman asked Circuit Judge Frederick Lautento make Elliot testify that his client was outside the courtroom that day,which would prove Whittington intentionally missed a hearing, a separatefelony. –from Rogue THE IRISH BIKER–A drunk biker is riding through the city and his bike is weaving violently all over the road. An Irish cop pulls him over. The cop says to the biker, “Where have you been?” “I’ve been to the pub,” slurs the biker. “Well,” says the cop, “It looks like you’ve had quite a few.” “I did all right,” the biker says with a smile. “Did you know,” says the cop, standing straight and folding his arms, “that a few intersections back, your wife fell off the bike?” “Oh, thank heavens” sighs the biker. “For a minute there, I thought I’d gone deaf.” –from Chris T. MELBOURNE VETERAN’S REUNION– Frank Alverson makes it a point every year to come to the Vietnam veterans’ reunion to chat with old friends but also to pay homage to those whose names are on the replica of the Vietnam wall memorial. The wall, a smaller version of the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C., inspires him to think mostly about old war glories and friends who have died. “It was great, very exciting — until I got shot down,” said the 61-year-old Malabar man, a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. “Bullets came in from the bottom. If it hadn’t been for my crew, I would’ve bled to death.” Alverson and his men were looking for a downed Air Force pilot. After the helicopter went down, he and his crew evaded a Viet Cong ambush and got away. Alverson is one of thousands of visitors expected to see the wall until it is packed up again at the end of the week. “I have a lot of friends on that wall,” he said. “I have one that goes back to the ninth grade. My best friends from flight school are on the wall. It’s a good way to remember them.” –from Rogue FLATHEAD POWER LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DEALERS–If you need rare Knucklehead, flathead or Indian Twin engine parts, this may be your source. They are located in Sweden but want to do business with dealers in the US. Touch on the banner and check them out. BIKERNET BIKE HEAVEN–Recently killed by separate left-turning cages, Trog, Grody, and Animal were waiting for entrance into Heaven. St. Peter walked up to Trog and asked, “How many times did you cheat on your wife, and remember, I will know the truth.” Trog thought for a moment and replied, “Well, sir, it must be around 40 times.” “Fine,” said St. Peter, “you may enter Heaven but you will be riding that little green Suzuki over there.” St. Peter approached Grody and asked the same question. Grody answered, “Sir, I do believe it couldn’t have been more than 20 times. “Good,” said St. Peter, “you may enter Heaven, also, and you will be riding the red 600 Kawasaki. St. Peter stepped up to Animal and repeated the question. Without pause, Animal answered, “Never!” St. Peter peered at him quizzically and said, “Never?” “I have never been unfaithful to my wife, sir” he replied. “Excellent,” stated St. Peter. “You may enter Heaven and you will be riding that gold-chromed custom Road King over there.” Grinning from ear to ear, Animal approaches the bike, but when he reaches the exquisite showpiece, he suddenly lays his head on the tank and begins to cry. St. Peter rushes over and asks, “What’s the matter? You have never cheated on you wife, you’ve gained entrance into Heaven, and you will be riding the bike of your dreams, with no breakdowns, for the rest of eternity.” Animal replied between sobs, “See that woman over there on the old beat-up Vespa? That’s my wife!” –from Chris T. EASYRIDERS STORES ARE UNDER NEW NAMES– “Easyriders of Dallas” will soon be “Rick Fairless – Strokers Dallas”. Effective July 1, 2003, Easyriders Dallas is officially changing its name to “Rick Fairless” – STROKERS DALLAS. The name change is due to Easyriders Corporate making the decision to discontinue the store program. When the decision was made by Easyriders Corporate, Rick Fairless, owner of Easyriders Dallas began the thought process for a new name for his well known custom bike establishment. In addition to Easyriders Dallas, Rick Fairless also owns an adjoining bar & grill called Strokers IceHouse. Strokers IceHouse is a very popular hang out for all motorcycle enthusiasts in the DFW area. On a nice weekend the crowd swells to an excess of 1000 motorcycles. Strokers IceHouse is known for their outdoor atmosphere, live music & the coldest beer in Dallas. It was obvious to Rick what the new name should be, Rick Fairless’ – STROKERS DALLAS. Strokers is already a well known name because of STROKERS ICEHOUSE. “Since STROKERS is already a well known name & all my customers know me, I decided to change the name to, ‘Rick Fairless- STROKERS DALLAS’. Hey, it will make things simpler, now my Custom Motorcycle Shop & my Beer Joint can just be called ‘STROKERS’. Are we a motorcycle shop that sells beer or a beer joint that sells motorcycles? You decide!” STROKERS DALLAS will continue to build some of the most outrageous custom motorcycles in the country. Some of our customers include Randy White & Herschel Walker of the Dallas Cowboys, Mike Modano, Derian Hatcher, Richard Matvichuk, Billy Guerin, Aaron Downey, Darryl Sydor, Jason Arnott, Guy Carboneau, Brenden Morrow & Phillipe Boucher, all from the Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Rick says, “I am very proud to have been Easyriders Dallas for seven years. I want to thank Joe Teresi & the fine people of Easyriders Corporate for helping me get started. I want my customers to know that the only thing that is changing is the sign out front. Everything else is exactly the same. Please continue to expect the same quality people & positive attitude from us that you always have. We will continue to carry the fine Easyriders Roadware clothing line. We will continue to provide quality service & build some of the coolest custom motorcycles in the country. Also, we will continue to sell Big Dog, American IronHorse & Victory Motorcycles as well as late model Harleys. Hey, I look at this as an opportunity to get up a little earlier & work a little harder. I love a challenge!” FIVE-SPEED SEAL KIT–Johnson Engineering has re-engineered their critically acclaimed triple lip oil seal for five speeds, making it the longest wearing, easiest installing, best performing seal in the industry. Installation requires Johnson Engineering’s newly developed seal installation tool, which makes in-frame R&R of all seal types a snap. The new tool eisily and securely presses the seal home square to the bore. Check www.twistgear.net. Forgot to mention, the seal is available indivdually ($12) or as kit with JEalloy chamfered spacer (recommended) for $53. Spacer only is $45. Tool is$30, required for proper install, will work with all 5-speed seals. Continued On Page 2
Motorcycles & Parts
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923
May 1, 2003 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Last week I ended talking a bit about time, and that got me thinking (Oh shit, thinking again !!!). I’m pretty sure a lot of people who read this will relate, others will think that this shit only happened in the old times. How come I don’t have a very chromed out Twinkie and enjoy the ” heavy mileage” of Main street? In other words, what the fuck is wrong with these guys that live in the past, and resist to follow the new ” era”? Sure there’s some things that have improved a lot since the dark ages. Brakes for one (they actually work now), tires that grip and lights that let you see the road, as well as be seen. We live in the era of 6-speeds, the starter button, and hydraulic clutches, I mean, some do, some don’t….
So what is my point? I guess it’s all going back to fun times, to some time far, far away. It could be five years, could be 15, could be 30. We rode amongst friends. Any lame excuse was valid to get on bikes, kick them over and ride around the island or around the block. It made no fucking difference, a couple phone calls and the group would meet, anywhere, anytime. Evo’s and 5-speeds were a brand new thing, way out of our budgets and out of our desires as well.
It was just about a group of friends with their ” old ” bikes, rolling around. No particular place to go, just ride and create some mayhem on the way, while leaving the eternal droppings of ” excess” oil down the black top or the puddle at any bar’s sidewalk (nope, we never parked in the lot, always the sidewalk). Those were times when you carried a tool pouch, plugs, plug tool, points and condenser. It was a must. Amazingly to some riders now, we could use and install all of the above even in the darkest of dark. Those times, when you rode 80 or 90 miles just to go eat something and then just haul ass back (mind you, in Puerto Rico that’s all the way to the other side of the island). Or we’d head out and ride around the city for half an hour, and I mean just ride around, cruising (for lack of a better term), and laughing the whole fucking way. In more simple words, enjoying the shit out of it.
Or during the times we had our bikes in Florida and would ride from Daytona to Tampa, just for the hell of it, at 3 a.m., in the crisp cool of the early morning. We stopped in the most desolate and pitch black places just to smoke a cigarette, sounds simple? It was, and fun as well. Maybe the times that we left for a short ride and ended up doing the 250 mile lap around the island, fourth gear screaming for a break. Those old Pans and Shovels putted along, even on one cylinder.
I have noticed that in much of what I share with you guys there is a strong base in what I’m talking about. The way it was, and to some still is. Your buddy would get gas in an empty beer bottle if he ran out. Your friend would grab the spare plugs in your tool pouch, if someone was too fucked to kick his bike you kicked it. If someone bought the latest ” live to ride ride to live” badges, you ripped them off his bike. Let’s not even start on the police siren stories, they were still, kinda illegal. We created so much chaos with those. Ah, the good ol’ times.
Like everything, times change, schedules and shops. We’re now building high end choppers. Events and all the stuff that involves being part of this industry has changed, while other guys grow up and have to attend to their own kind of burdens. You know, real jobs, wives and such deals. But wait, there’s hope and there’s always stuff that does not go away. Like most things in this life, the fun ones. I mean, they disappear from our schedules or get replaced by others. Not in this case, and this is certainly not the sad end of the story. Little by little all my friends have managed to keep, or even re purchase their old bikes. Sure, now they are parked next to the latest neo-chopper or maybe a Heritage. They have been re-rattled and new white walls replaced the cracked ones. Once more we are taking the time to meet at least once a week and ride a bit. The fun is coming back to this thing we call a lifestyle.
I would not change it for the world. Hell, now we don’t have to run the red light (without wanting to), since they actually Stop.
In line with what I said above, and some stuff I have been promising for ages, here’s some photos of the latest projects. It seems like we build some newer choppers and then some old school stuff. Right now we are heavily into the old stuff. Most of these bikes are getting ready to roll to the Horse Smoke Out, so there’s a lot of work ahead. While some are ready, some are not, and some like my ’60 are being rebuilt (once fucking more), just for the hell of it. Enjoy the photos !
And now to the news…..
We want to wish Jesse a prompt recoup, (yes THAT Jesse) from his shoulder surgery, I’ve seen some of his cool projects and can’t wait to get the go ahead and post them here.
We’ve got news that our own T Bear has been spending some time at Gasoline Alley, taking a look at what Indian Larry is building for the Discovery Channel Biker Build off 3. I know what it is, but I won’t let the cat out of the bag. I know T Bear has a gag order… I wonder what Paul Yaffe is up to in Phoenix ???
Speaking of T Bear, that report (by Bandit) from Tahiti rocked! I hope I can join the next trip in November. I wanted to go this time, but knowing that Bandit was going to hit on all the Tahitian wahines (you know, and tell them stories about his King) I decided to stay away and have a clear slate when I visit. I’ve heard it’s no fun going on vacation with your dad.
I guess we are all waiting on news from the Laughlin front. The over policed scene must have been a burden to many. But that’s what you gotta do so the big spenders, aka Rubbies, feel safe pretending to be bad asses.
Oh well, I’m outta here. gotta go mount that rear white wall on and secure my new seat from PDQ in the chop/bob. The super B with Goodson air cleaner is looking bad ass and I found an Imperial (whatever that is) Pan primary cover that I’m polishing back to life. Have a good week, and week end. Feliz cinco de mayo to our Mexican brothers !
–Jose, Old Skool Bikernet reporter
MOTORCYCLE STOLEN IN LODI, OHIO–We lost our ’96 RoadKing 4-27-03. Taken without a trace Sunday morning between 4:30am and 6:30am. WE feel raped. It’s like losing a loved one.
The insurance co. says we have to wait at least a month to begin anything? We want a bike now. Life sucks sometimes.
–Anne Cavano & John Emmerich
Acemmerichunl1@aol.com
ANOTHER SWAP MEET REMINDER–Just another reminder of the swap meet in Waco this Sunday. Looks like a good chance of rain this weekend, but this show is INSIDE at the Heart of Texas Fairgrounds.
Admission :$8 for Adults
$5 for Kids
Free for under 5
Show Hours 11am-5pm
Vendor Set-up 8am-11am
From I-35 Exit on Valley Mills – Go WEST ON VALLEY MILLSto Bosque Blvd. and take a right. Fairgrounds are approx one mile down on the left.
For More Information Call: 254-687-9066or visit: www.texasscooter.com
Also remember to mark your calendar for theDALLAS CHAMPIONSHIPS May 18
BIKERNET MARRIAGE ADVICE–Marty wakes up at home with a huge hangover. He forces himself to openhis eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins and aglass of water on the side table. He sits up and sees his clothing infront of him, all clean and pressed. Marty looks around the room andsees that it is in a perfect order, spotless, clean. So’s the rest ofthe house.
He takes the aspirins and notices a note on the table, “Honey,breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love you.”
So he goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast andthe morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Marty asks,”Son, what happened last night?”
His son says, “Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and delirious.Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave yourself a blackeye when you stumbled into the door.”
Confused, Marty asks, “So, why is everything in order and so clean, andbreakfast is on the table waiting for me?”
His son replies, “Oh that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when shetried to take your pants off, you said, “Lady, leave me alone, I’mmarried!”
–from Redhorse
100TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE ENTRY DEADLINE OF MAY 1, 2003 APPROACHES–Don’t miss your chance to join the 100th Anniversary Parade. Get your tickets by May 1st for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee and you’ll be entered into a random drawing to ride in the parade.
Tickets on sale for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee.Join the 100th Anniversary Celebration August 28-30, 2003 in Milwaukee, Wis. Ticket packages are on sale now! Get all the details on the activities featured during this once in a lifetime event.
Collector’s Edition Mobile Phone By Motorola Now Available for a Limited Time.Don’t miss your chance to own the ultimate conversation piece. A must for every enthusiast, the Harley-Davidson? 100th Anniversary Edition Mobile Phone by Motorola brings together the classic heritage of Harley-Davidson with the forward-thinking technology of Motorola.Get more details on how you can purchase the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Mobile phone from a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or by visiting motorola.com today. Limited time offer.
15 YEARS FOR DEER HUNTING–Judge admits he had ‘great difficulty’ imposing mandatory sentence.Jack Altsman will spend a mandatory 15 years in federal prisonbecause he hunted deer on his own property, reports the AssociatedPress.
The Beaver Falls, Pa., man was caught on the horns of amandatory-sentencing statute requiring a minimum 15 yearsimprisonment for convicted felons found in possession of a firearm.Altsman, 43, has had two burglary convictions.
However, according to sentencing guidelines of the Armed CareerCriminal Act, the 15-year sentence was mandatory. McVerry could havesentenced Altsman to 19 years.
Custom Chrome ? and Chrome Specialties ??have joined forces to bring you the most comprehensive product offering in the Harley-Davidson ? aftermarket! At over 1,400 pages and over 25,000 part numbers, the Custom Chrome 2003 Catalog features everything from nuts & bolts to HR3 bike kits, and sets the NEW industry standard. ?
?ONLY $9.95 + 6.95 Shipping
Once you find the part you need, go into Chrome Specialties building in the Bikernet Gulch (at the bottom of the page), plug in the part number and order online for the fastest delivery! It’s that simple.?
BIKERNET MEDICAL STUDY–Should children witness childbirth?
Due to a power outage at the time, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn, a 3-year old girl, to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby. Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Connor was born.
The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help and asked the wide-eyed 3-year old what she thought about what she had just witnessed.
Katelyn quickly responded, “He shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place. Smack him again.”
NEWS DEADLINE APPROACHES–Suppose this is my day to bitch. I’ve been trying to bring you as much information on the 100th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, but can’t seem to get cooperation from the factory. Kate from their PR agency tried to assist. I was going to devote a special section of the site to ride-in routes, agendas, lodging, etc. I’ve been told to go to the media site or the Harley-Davidson web site. Unfortunately, I can’t pick up all I need from the H-D web site and the media site is severely lacking data and easy-to-use images. So, I suppose I’m stuck. Just trying to help. The best way for you to get information is to head over to the Harley-Davidson website. They have complete information. We’ll publish sporatic releases when we receive them.
Watch the site for new material. I’m about to wrap a Shrunken FXR tech and a new fuel injection tuning/timing and fuel delivery system was just launched by an old friend, Allen Alvarez, in Florida. An extremely interesting report that covers many of the existing systems will be launched in the next couple of days.
Seems our esteemed, tireless Digital Gangster and road- weary web master was lampooned in Laughlin and is missing in action. We have an APB out for the dizzy-eyed bastard. Report in goddamnit.
–Bandit
May 1, 2003 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
NEW TWIN TECH FUEL INJECTION TUNING KIT– In the TCFI Kit the customer gets everything he needs to install thesystem. It includes the NUT fo the O2 Sensor, O2 sensor, TCFI ECU, Softwareand the PC Link and the WEGO with all the hardware to install the system.
The nice thing about the system compared to the rest you don’tneed a dyno to tune it. You get on the bike and ride it and it tunes itself.
If you compare pricing to the Powercommander 3 which retails for about $350plus pay $200 for dyno time plus labor to install it. Then if you make anychanges you have to back and put it on the dyno to adjust for the changes.
The difference between TCFI andthe DFO and Powercommander is we are taking the system from a speed densityto a Alpha/N closed loop. The problem with speed density is when you get into high lift cams thesystem can’t handle it. Our system works like most of the formula 1 racecars. If an engine builder is using a certain combination all the time he canthen save the program after he dials it in using the O2 sensor and then withour PC Link he can upload that program into TCFI
A chart comparing single to dual fire ignitions. Watch for the TCFI tech to be launched on Bikernet in the next couple of days.
Contact:
Allen Alvarez
Sales Manager
386-304-0700
allen@daytona-twintec.com
CRUISING RIDER MAGAZINE TO CARRY RARE PANHEAD EDITORIAL–I wrote a column for Cruising Rider last week that involves a contraption I built for my dual-carb, ’48 Panhead. I’m not sure this article makes sense to me, but here’s what the esteemed editor had to say. Let me know what you think when to see a copy in about four months:
“Good column,” Josh Placa said, “Mr. Bandit, although my melon started to twist trying to keep upwith the various permutations of your cobbed carb project. My only surpriseis that a genius such as your esteemed self didn’t anticipate all thisbefore you even started.
So, how does the thing run? Dual 2003 Mikunis metering fuel to a ’48 Pandefinitely bridges the tech gap of more than a half century. Please excusemy ignorance here, but what is the advantage of such a set-up other than itlooking cool and being a bear to hook up? BYW, I assume ID stands for InsideDiameter and OD for Outside Diameter? Or does it mean Overdose of gas fumes.”
Also, how can you expand the ID without expanding OD? Isn’t it really thesame?”
I tried to answer his questions and explain. I suppose his jumbled quiz points out just a few problems with the rambling article. If only I can find that Irish Whiskey.–Bandit
BIKERNET ACCIDENT ADVICE–Two bikers are riding side by side down a county road. One of them has the zipper on his jacket break, and the flapping in the wind is driving him crazy. So he pulls over and decides to don the jacket backwards, at least til they get home. It works well enough, if a bit uncomfortable.
A little while later both guys wipe out in a turn when they don’t see a patch of loose gravel. They are lying inert in a field, their bikes nearby, when a farmer happens upon them. He immediately calls 911.
“You gotta send an ambulance!” he yells into the phone. “These two boys are twisted up pretty bad.”
“Are they still breathing?” asks the operator.
“Well the one was, until I turned his head back around the right way….”
–from Chris T.
Cyril Huze Spikelights–These spikelights are provided in 3 designs & 3 sized: Mini, Hardcore or Visor style. They are offered in 2-function bulb or 2-function L.E.D.. L.E.D’s are brighter than bulb, have no filaments, are not susceptible to failure due to vibrations, and have a 100,000 continuous hour life span. Choice of lens: red, amber, blue & clear. All lights are high gloss polishing billet aluminum. Wiring is included.
Cyril Huze CustomMotorcycles & Parts
www.cyrilhuze.com
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923
PROFESSOR NUTTBOY ON TULLAMORE DEW– It’s an illusive thing, the dew, it be. Many a tale is told ’bout sippin such 12-year nectar ‘neath the risin’ moon on a foggy bog. But then them tales be in yer head, ya blatherin’ idjit. It’s as dear as me old mammy’s heart, as rare as a nun’s fart, and as welcome as the charms of a comely, young tart. You find it, me young bucko and I’ll gladly share a dram or two.
–A thirsty Ladd
BIKERNET SEXUAL SCHOOL–She married and had 13 children. Her husband died. She married again and had 7 more children. Again, her husband died. But, she remarried and this time had 5 more children. Alas, she finally died.Standing before her coffin, the preacher prayed for her.
He thanked The Lord for this very loving woman and said, “Lord, they’re finally together.”
One mourner leaned over and quietly asked her friend, “Do you think he means her first, second or third husband?”
The friend replied, “I think he means her legs.”
–from Ray R.
THE BIKERNET MOST INTERESTING EXHAUST SYSTEM OF THE WEEK AWARD GOES TO HACKASAW–I may run them into a collector and out under the seat,” Hackasaw said recently. “Some 55 hours in them so far.All root passes have been made and some of the fill passes are done.Still have to make tabs and such as well as heat shielding.”
Later…….. I can’t wait until this bike gets it’s hand hammered alloy tank fitted…….. HELL NO it won’t be “period correct” or anything conventional”
FRANCE FOUND GUILTY–The London Guardian found documents showingParis fed intelligence to Baghdad before the war.Iraq got diplomatic secrets and military guidancefrom France. Who else could have taught the Iraqis how to lose their entire country in two weeks?
–from Bob T.
BIKERNET FREE CONTEST WINNERS–
UJJWAL DEY
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.
Suggestion: CRUISER BIKES SHOULD COME WITH ADDICTION WARNINGS.
DAVE MULHOLLAND
CANYON LAKE, TX
Wanted: A COUPLA TOPLESS HARDBODIES AND A CASE OF BEER. OR IF YOU CAN’T MANAGE THAT, THEN HOW ABOUT A T-SHIRT?
Dave Mulholland & Ujjwal Dey, if you?re reading this I need you to send me an email at Congrats! 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, Continued On Page 4
–Stroker
Da Flow Bench
By Bandit |
This is only the second Flowbench I have built. The first one was modeled after a commercial one but was under powered. I could barely get 8″ w.c. test pressure on intake testing.
I have been working on this thing for quite some time now. This second design is not of the Laminar Flow type benches like Jerry Branch or Don Tilley use. This design is more like the larger comercial Flowbenches most commonly used by alot of cylinder head porter’s nowdays.
This new bench was made by using some old plans from a old car magazine from the early 90’s.
My compadre, Tone from Green Bay, Wisconsin, knowing that I like Science Project’s, turned me onto this stuff. I owe all my inspiration for this madness to Dr. George Fishbach!! Besides it’s winter and what the fuck else is there to do when it’s too cold to ride.
This new bench will have the potential of as much as 1600 CFM @ 28″ w.c. I’m starting out with a 400 CFM @ 28″ w.c. capability. This is mainly because due to the cost of the vacuum motors. You really only need 300 to 600 CFM to do cylinder heads. 1200 to 1600 CFM comes into play when you’re performing serious intake/carb/EFI throttle body testing.
Another reason I’m building this is I can’t afford a commercial one which can cost thousands of Dead Presidents. In building one myself, the dough I save will allow me to hook up a cool computer and add on stuff for the bench from Audie Technology
The Flowbench with 400 CFM capacity can be built for under $500.00 US. The Flowbench cabinet is made in two section’s top and bottom. It’s dimensions are 27 x 38 x 40 inches for the bottom cabinet. The top part with the lighting and where the manometers are located is 18 x 38 x 40 inches. I designed it in two sections for portablity and ease of construction. The 3/4-inch particle board is way heavy.
The cabinet was built using a Skil saw, Roto Zip drywall tool, Black and Decker workmate, battery powered drill and various wood working hand tools. You also need to have access to a lathe and milling machine. They are useful for manufacturing the metal parts that will be used inside the bench.
These initial photos and text were kinda of a update progress report showing where I’m at with all of this. So far this winter the Flowbench project is moving along nicely, mainly because of a lack of any kind of a fucking “Dead Line”. When you have a deadline on a project, no matter what it is, you are doin you wind hurrying some aspect of the thought/building process. Which means it can turn into a “Cluster Fuck”!
This flow bench is being developed by a master Harley-Davidson mechanic from Charlotte, North Carolina Harley-Davidson. It’s based on professionally manufactured units, but Pablo is adding additional tooling to improve the ability for this unit to test heads. Once the unit is complete we will see top ends studied. We’ll begin to understand how headwork is critical to performance.–Bandit
This flick shows the inside of the lower plenum with top plenum partition removed. This looks inside from the top of the main lower cabinet that houses all the vacuum motors below this bottom plenum.
The photo above shows inside the cabinet from the back side. This is showing the back of the lower plenum and also the mounting of the relay switches that fire up the vacuum motors.
This shot depicts one of the air valves, in it’s seat, partially open.
Here are the switches, with the bezel in place, on the exhaust side air valve bushing.
This is the left side intake door shown open. The door was made out of .060 thick aluminum. Door opening is 8 1/2 x 11 inches.
Here’s the air opening’s of the vacuum motors mounted in center divider of the lower cabinet. The four motors are mounted in the center. The other holes are drilled but blocked off with aluminum plate for additional motor capacity, 12 total.
The last shot shows how I mounted the four motor’s on the center partition wall. The original plans had the motors glued to the partition. I wasn’t comfortable with that assembly, so I came up with (garage engineering) brackets that allow me to service the motors if need be. Also they won’t fall off during operation. The motors are fairly heavy. Gluing just seemed like B.S. to me. I know that some commercial flow benches glue their motors in place. Cheap bastards!!
–Pablo
April 25, 2003 Part 4
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 3
by Crazy Horse
Photos by Crazy Horse & Layla
The last full day of the infamous Tahiti Run was supposed to be where we all just lazed around the grass huts. But no, not Bandit, the big bastard just can’t keep still. He had brought this nasty long knife from Cali and he wasbound and determined to do something with it. So he sent Layla out withinstructions to find wood worthy of boat building or don’t come back. She made the biggest sad eyes she could, and let me tell you, she can make sad eyes that melt the heart of most any man. But not Bandit. He don’t give in.Not even when she wanted a Margarita at the end of the previous evening. ” I guess I’m not getting a Margarita,” the great granddaughter of Popeye pouted as she walked down the dock to our huts. Bandit did his best John Wayneimitation and kept on walkin’.
Me? I’m married to a guy who would have bought her 10 Margaritas. So I was goofin off, sleeping and swimming and doing whatever I wanted to. Then the phone rang. ” Hey you!” Came the gruff voice of reality over the phone. “Get off your duff and get over here. We need some expert help on something.Bring that bike-building hubby too. There’s serious stuff going on.”We hustled over to Hut #116. Layla met us at the door and led us to theporch where Bandit was sitting in a chair surrounded by wood shavings,holding an amazingly well carved outrigger canoe model.
” The natives said we were fools to try it, they said no one has ever built one!!” I didn’t bother to tell him that most folks were too busy napping or eating or drinking Mai Tais, to do anything industrious. ” We had to do it just to prove them wrong!!!!” He thundered.
The challenge, build a boat using only found materials and tools that we had packed in our bags which consisted of a knife, needles, thread, pen, fingernail polish, scissors, and several bottles of white wine.Layla had found 4 pieces of wood and a bit of cloth. She used her sewing kit to fashion lines to hold the mast and boom in place. We then used needles to rig it together.
She had even found a Roger Rabbit figure in the parking lot of the store. Roger would captain the boat.
Now it needed a gel coat to keep it sea worthy. I was sent home to Hut #109 to paint a purple gel coat followed by a set of flames that ran the 16″ length of the boat. Big Charlie the main man at Sofitel’s Ia Ora Resort let us borrow his son’s fishing pole as a safety line.
Bandit launched the boat and off it went. It was doing great, then disaster struck. The wind had caught the sail and the mast had not held up the wet sail. We pulled it back in and worked on the problem over a bottle of white wine. The mast was reattached and corks from the wine bottles were attached to the outrigger to aid in buoyancy. Layla snidely reminded Bandit that she had recommended the corks be used before. He did not seem amused.Bandit now launched the boat and it looked to be very successful.
Out over the water it went into the sunset as we watched through binoculars. Then suddenly, it disappeared! The current downstream of the huts is very strong, so strong you can just about swim in place. Bandit and I jumped into the water and swam off to save Roger. We were both frantically searching when Layla hollered that she had pulled the boat to safety with the fishing line.Some floating seaweed had caught it and dragged it down.Now Bandit and I had to make the swim back to the huts. As darkness closed in, I finally climbed out of the water to a waiting bottle of chilled champagne. The first episode of Monster Marina had drawn to a close. We were happy, life was good, and Bandit was even willing to buy Layla a Margarita.
Join us for our next installment of Monster Marina. Anyone can participate!Just come along on our next Tahiti trip in Nov.Unlike the big TV show, there were no fancy toolboxes full of tools given out, nor were fits thrown, the only reward was sitting on the porch of a grass hut watching the thunderstorms play out over the water and knowing that someplace there was a world full of noise, CNN, alarm clocks, traffic jams and road rage. And that was 4200 miles away from here. Not a hell of alot mattered to us other than watching the storms and polishing off anotherbottle of wine.
Thanks,
JoAnn
Crazy Horse Painting
April 25, 2003 Part 3
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 2
The shrubbery is more lush and green than anywhere in the states. The radiant colors of the Temple flowers would inspire any custom painter. The city of Papeete is wild with a strong European flair. It’s right on the harbor. The main street has 100 year old commercial buildings on one side and only a broad sidewalk on the other separates it from the water. Yachts back up to the concrete abutment and moor. You can step off the stern of your ketch and walk across the street to the bank or coffee shop.
The third day we jumped in Kiki’s van and headed toward the catamaran ferry boat that hauls ass to Moorea. The comfortable ship’s seating kicked ass as it flew over the surf at 30 knots for the half hour jaunt to the clover leaf island of Moorea. Another van snatched us and packed us off to the Sofitel Ia Ora Hotel on the coast, only three miles from the ferry port.
This hotel was made up of a myriad of Palapas (or huts) some set on steel pillars over the water of which we were graced. Additional Palapas were set in gardens in the grassy property or overlooking the beach. One of the myriads of startling aspects of this journey was the bountiful breakfasts and fruit available from Pomegranate, passion fruit, oranges, limes, mango, and grapefruit like curvy Layla had never seen before. Guava, Polynesian vanilla, avocado to Papaya and pineapple like you’ve never encountered lay before us. Incredibly lush fruit and rich jams.
That night we attended a Polynesian banquet at the hotel with a traditional dancing show, enhanced with the native colors of the Tiare Tarona group costumes and the beauty of the dancing Vahines (Polynesian women). It was the perfect invitation to the rest of the week. Another night we ate at a restaurant on Cook’s Bay and watched the waiters feed the broad Eagle Ray’s swimming in a foot of clear water at the edge of the dining room. The Rays glide along the undisturbed sand as if giant underwater sails.
For days we made love to the sound of the Pacific ocean, snorkeled for hours along the coast, lounged on our patio and partied with KiKi and his wife Lynn, when they rode over on his flamed Softail, via ferry. One day we drove around the island, checked the local arts and crafts, hauled ass to the a ridge near the top of one of the volcanic mountains covered in palm ferns and checked ancient monuments to the natives, built long before the French brought European disease that wiped out 75 percent of the population.
From the majestic crest, called the Belevedere look-out, we looked directly down on the two bays, Cook’s Bay and the Bay of Opunohu. Thick stratus clouds drifted around and past the peaks like mystic ghost ships.
One afternoon, Tbear, Maggie, Layla and I were swept into a school bus and taken to two educational facilities. We ate lunch with the older bunch and spoke to the Tahitian chef who cooks 50 meals a day for both schools and the staff. She spoke fluent English and helped explain the programs. Along with schooling, the kids earn their keep making baskets, weaving black pearls into necklaces and polishing oyster shells for sale as gifts.
During our outrigger testing day, I discovered that JoAnn Bortels had a vast art background that included fighting her way into Parson Art Center in New York. “Two days before my interview, my dad’s garage caught fire. It was smoking and when I opened the side door it exploded. Screaming for help, I tried to crawl in on my belly thinking my dad was inside. All my paintings burned up and my dad was having lunch in town with a friend.” She threw a sketch book into a makeshift folder with one rushed painting she and was still accepted. She’s been approached by Segal Fine art to become a licensed Harley artist and has painted custom bikes for some of the best in the business including Cyril Huze. When she started to flame our outrigger she mentioned custom painting boats, “I love painting boats. They are much more manageable than bikes.” She’s loves the industry and her craft but has a tough edge. I suppose that a small, petite woman who has run her own business for many years would need to be strong to survive, “A builder pulled a gun on me once,” she said. I turned my back and walked out the door. If he had cocked it I would’ve dove.”
One of the best aspects of travel is the people you meet and this trip was no different. Stephano, the New York cop was on the tarmac preparing to leave the airport, when the second plane hit the twin towers. “We were headed out of town to chase down another fugitive,” Steph said. “We jammed back to the station, changed into our uniforms and went downtown. “Everything was so hot. Jet fuel was everywhere and my boots kept melting,” Stephano said. For days he worked on bucket brigades. “We wore masks because we were breathing flesh, blood and asbestos constantly. Some of the guys are getting sick now.” They hired an earthquake expert from California to guide them through the rubble. “We found over 30,000 body parts during the search and clean-up,” Stephano said. A side note to his story included one of the massive shredders suppied by John Gotti, was used during the 9/11 effort, free.
It’s terrific, as Stephano’s stories attest, to be able to spend time with new friends and listen to their stories. I had never met JoAnn’s husband before, but discovered a little known master builder who worked with Eddie Trotta for years. Jimmy was quiet and reserved, but you could sense his love for building custom bikes. The partnership between him and JoAnn will become a well known team in the future. He currently works for Carolina Harley-Davidson, which is one of the five largest H-D dealers in the US and one of two H-D dealers with their own fab shop. Yet together J and J build a couple of bikes a year in their own Waxhaw Creek facility.
The days swept past like a dream we hoped would never end. We swam with fish so radiant that I’m sure Crazy Horse will meld their colors and graphic shapes into paint jobs for years to come. I wish I could describe the radiant Fire fish, White Band Trigger Fish, Reefcrest Parrotfish, Emperor Angefin and so many fluorescent Angel fish there were too many to mention. They moved quickly and illusively yet unafraid of humans. They glided as if the ultimate custom motorcycle lost in a crowd. We caught a furtive glimpse from time to time but were never able to visually capture their glowing essence.
As we departed the islands, it became apparent that this had been a dream come true for many of the gang. It was a wonderful benefit success for the Kiki, his club and handicapped kids of the Tahitian Islands. The next benefit takes place in November and it may be the date for the first annual Run To Tahiti. If interested contact TBear at, tbear@mhcable.com. He’ll keep us posted as the Run Develops.
–Bandit
Don’t stop here. Read about the first Monster Marina on the following page.
Continued On Page 4
April 25, 2003 Part 2
By Bandit |
Continued From Page 1
Seems since 9/11, all law enforcement agencies from local cops to the FBI, CIA, DEA and homeland security are connected. He’s been hauling in guys for murders committed 50 years ago. I followed him, to allow him time and the space to adjust to riding again.
As we entered a round-about on the edge of Papeete, I became aware that I had forgotten to turn on my petcock. I pulled to the side, adjusted the petcock and lost the pack. Attempting to catch the crew, we took on one simple philosophy; kept the ocean on our left. After a couple of wrong turns and moves we inadvertently turned left onto the coastal highway and the only road that circumnavigated the entire island on the winding coast. Whatta ride.
Although the island is reasonably small, 402 square miles (1/10th the size of the big Island in Hawaii). The population for all the major islands is 220,000 while 150,000 reside in only Tahiti, and most of them in the Papeete area. As soon as we turned left the population of the French territory was left behind. We rode for miles and miles past groves of coconut palms, banana trees and lush vegetation on the right and coral beaches on the left over looking two million square miles of French Polynesia. It was a ride through paradise, no traffic, smooth winding roads and unlimited coves, bays and pristine beached to investigate.
The Island has a brief peninsula connecting the main body, Tahiti Nui, to a much smaller mountain, but the 71 mile paved road doesn’t venture onto the smaller berg, Tahiti Iti, but cuts across the natural land bridge and back to the opposite side of the island past vast shallow turquoise bays. Soon we were heading back into Papeete and the sprawling Sofitel facility. It was a comfortable three hour ride until we reached the myriad of round-abouts and off ramps leading into the interior of the island, the international airport and the outskirts of Papeete. The asphalt snake dipped and weaved as I rolled the dice in hopes that my luck would carry me through the correct turns and back to the Hotel. We made it in time for Happy Hour, a sensuous swim in the warm Pacific, some sun along the beach and a shower before the banquet kicked off. From the beach we could see the island of Moorea only 10.5 miles from the Tahiti coast by Ferry or plane.
It was during the 16 and 17 centuries that Spanish and Dutch explorers first laid eyes on these islands of mystical beauty. It was an Englishman, Samuel Wallis who, in 1767, stumbled across Tahiti and christened it King George’s island. A year later, unaware of Wallis’ discovery, Louis Antoine de Bougainvillea, claimed the island of Tahiti for France.
In 1768, British military explorer James Cook embarked on the first of three voyages to Tahiti. It was the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty in 1789 that ended Polynesia’s first period of contact with Europeans.
France returned in 1841 to claim Tahiti as its protectorate. During this period, Tahiti was ruled by the Pomare dynasty who had the support of first the English, then the French. The Pomare dynasty continued to reign until 1880, when King Pomare V surrendered his kingdom to France.
Today the majority of the population speak French and topless vacationing French women adorn the beaches. French Polynesia includes 130 islands and atolls which are divided among five archipelagos: The Society Islands, including the Windward Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and the leeward Islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti and Bora Bora. The Tuamotu, which contains mostly atolls including spectacular Rangiroa. The Gambler Islands to the Southeast. The Australs islands to the South and finally the Marquises Islands to the Northeast. There’s no end to the islands to explore.
One of the immediate romantic aspects of these unencumbered islands is the basic architectural openness. Upon departing the plane we discovered tall angular roofs over lobbies with no doors below, just broad open portals. There is no need for thick glass enclosures and deep wooden doors. The weather is always balmy. When it rains is does so in robust showers that dry up and float away as fast as they arrive. The hotel had the same open lobby with comfortable rattan furniture and large sprawling roofs covered with palm leaves.
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