Bikernet Blog - Online Biker Magazine

Justin’s Trophy

By Bandit | May 23, 2003

There’s a party weekend in Charlotte each year that culminates ina Sunday gathering and a grand bike show. The humid weekend escapewas created five years ago by Mike Pullin a member of the CharlotteH-D team, after his son, Justin, died of asthma complications whileMike was on a run.Mike discovered, that the American Lung Association createdcamps for educating asthma inflicted kids, parents and friends on howto deal with lung associated complications. With the correctinformation, used promptly at the proper time, kids can surviveasthma attacks readily and live long healthy lives. This crucialknowledge is critical for kids, so Mike kicked off this party weekendto support the learning camps and make a hearty donation to theAmerican Lung Association program. For two years Bandit was the proudgrand marshal of this event, “Bikernet will support and sponsor thisweekend for as long as Mike’s involved,” Bandit said recently after athree-day drunk.This year Bandit couldn’t attend, but got a call from Mike’sbetter half, Meanest, who also works at the dealership. “Bandit,” Shesaid in distinctive southern slippery words that slid through thereceiver and lingered on his ear lobe, like butter running off astack of pancakes, “honey, since you can’t make it to the event, Iwould sure appreciate it if you would make us a special trophy forthe Best of Show Class.”

Could Bandit turn her down? There’s no way he could musterthe heartless nature to deny this woman and or the event that meansso much to this bikin’ community. Besides, he had recently purchaseda new Millermatic 175 MIG welder and needed the practice.

“Of course, baby,” he said into the phone to her glee. He pondereda variety of Rube Goldberg art objects, turned trophies at lastyear’s HORSE Smoke-Out. Hackasaw welded various motorcycle partstogether, then chromed the H-D part number trophies and presentedthem to Edge, the show promoter. The winners were dazzled by thecreative nature and the deft construction and welding abilities.

Bandit was challenged. Could he weld a myriad of ring gears,clutch hubs and connecting rods together to create a 50 pound tributeto the Best Of Show Bike? He was perplexed. He brought up his pappy,a big surly bastard who ran a machine shop for a nationwide oil welltesting company. The man welded oil derricks together, if needed,during his 40-years in the oil fields. His law of welding was, “Neverlose the bead,” he grumbled and reveled in vast deep burn wounds,”even if you catch fire. Just keep welding, someone will put youout.” Bandit watched him, as a kid, arc weld with bare hands, theslag sizzling on the back of his scarred paws. He wouldn’t flinchuntil the job was done. “Boot tough and rattlesnake mean,” DavidMann, the artist, said about Bandit’s dad.

The old man made some of the finest metal art sculpturesI’ve ever had the privilege of viewing. He handled iron like asculptor molds clay. With his artistic tradition in mind Bandit wentto work. He’s been welding for 30 years, off and on. Back in the 70she made towel racks with worn out chains. Door knobs were brazedtranny gears and cam shafts. There were motorcycle kitchen utensilsthat never wore out.

He scratched his thinning hair and faced the project athand. Bad Brad, who stops by the headquarters from time to time,delivered chunks of iron and steel. Bandit planned a new steel-basedfence for the headquarters made out of angle iron, solid steelspikes, corrugated steel sheets and old bike wheels . We’ll report onthat later. The ILWU Union man recently brought dropped off a 6-footlength of 6-inch diameter, scrap steel tubing. It was Bandit’sinspiration. He decided to form the leather jacketed arm of a manholding a wheel for the world to see.

We started the project by cutting the steel tubing with areciprocating saw then split it down the middle with a cutting torch.Bandit dug out his HA leather shirt and studied the cuff and cut ofthe forearm. He needed heat like a blacksmith. He cut a wedge out ofthe tubing with the torch then created a stand for his rose bud tip,which you can see in the back of some of these shots. With thatblasting away and a set of vice grips firmly clamped to the tubing hebegan pounding the red hot mild steel until he blacksmithed thedesired shape. Another portion of the rusty tubing was used for thebuttoned placket.

Here’s the beginning of the segment-built base and a mild-steelring Bandit decided to use for the wheel rim. He has a dozen of theserings, that he’s carried and moved from place to place for 20 years.It’s about time he found a use for them.

While hunting through a metal supply joint, Banditdiscovered pressed segments of steel scattered around the concretedeck under the hole-punch machine and hit up one of the workers. Thebiker/employee looked both ways and let Bandit bag a bunch of punchedout hole segments. You can order a sheet of steel with holespressed into it without drilling. Massive hole-punchers snap roundshapes out of the material with immense strength. Some were an inchthick. They’re like thick, mild steel, quarters, dimes and fifty-centpieces. He used them to form the trophy base, then welded themtogether with the Miller MIG welder. He also used various sizedsegments to form the initial shape of the hand. After the base forthe palm was welded together, he began to fill and shape the musclesof the hand with beads of weld. He made the wrist long enough toprotrude deep into the sleeve or be adjusted to fit.

The process continued from weekend to weekend. The Bikernetschedule is hectic and a stack of articles, to be written edited andprepared for posting, grew. If Bandit was missing from his desk, weimmediately checked to see if sparks were flying in the garage. Inthe old days he found time behind a doobie to lose himself in theflame of a cutting torch. “It was actually a good feeling todisappear in the quiet cubicle of steel and wail away,” Banditmumbled. One afternoon he snuck out of the headquarters and dugthrough drawers to find just the right hub-nut for the trophy wheel.He bought some 1/8-inch diameter brazing rod for spokes and went towork building the wheel. The rods are labeled bronze, yet to Banditthey’re brass. With the wheel set aside and the sleeve MIG welded tothe base, the hand was the difficult sculpture’s task ahead.

Bandit attempted to carve out an afternoon for Trophy progress. ASaturday afternoon availed itself and he hauled ass to the garage,but as he snapped on the Miller MIG his weld sputtered unnaturally.He double-checked the setting on the dinky 50-pound tank filled withArgon and Carbon Dioxide (75%-25%). It was next to empty. Two morebeads and welding was shut down for the rest of the day.

The headquarters went into red alert for an Argon refill. It wasafter noon on a Saturday–welding supply joints were closed… Therewas hell to pay until Monday.

With a new gas supply torqued into place, he went after thehand like Frankenstein forming the monster. He welded long flowingbeads, then yanked off his welding glove to inspect the lines andcurves of his right hand. Back and forth he poured long beads of mildsteel in patterns to mirror a fortune teller’s image of his palm.With a satisfactory underside region “in hand”, he turned the10-pound claw over and began to work the wrist area. Then it dawnedon the big bastard, “I better bend this sonuvabitch,” Bandit growled,”before I started forming the back of the hand and knuckles.”

The tough part was bending the hand. Some of the elementswere almost 1-inch thick. Bandit used vice-grips and chunks of pipeshoved over the massive fingers to pull the palm into shape, whilepouring on the flames for heat. He yanked, snarled, lurched and beatit with a ballpeen hammer. He broke digits off and had to re-weldthem, but with the garage fuming with steaming sweat and the heat ofred hot chunks of steel and torches ablaze, it began to take shape.

Finally, Bandit started to fill in the back of the handand build the knuckles. MIG welding is like working in a pitchblack tunnel. You can’t see shit until you strike an arc. Then youcan only view about a 1/4-inch radius circle from where the wire isfeeding. You can slow your progress, or weave in the same area, butwhile you’re trying to find your bearing or direction, you’rebuilding a puddle of molten, red-hot metal. Your mind must fixate onthe position of the wire and give guidance immediately to your hand,as the wire feed won’t stop and allow you to check out thesituation. The more he worked with the excellent MIG machine, themore he adjusted his sight to see ahead and understand the form orshape he was searching for.

The monster’s hand took form and he studied every element forneeded filling and shaping. The wheel actually slipped between thethumb and forefinger effortlessly and seemed to fit snugly, as if themonster had come to life and knew its mission was to clutch theultimate symbol of motorcycling forever more. The wrist fit neatly inthe sleeve and Bandit welded it into an everlasting position and thenwelded the wheel.

Bandit was fortunate to have several true, trained artist, who arelife long friends, and are only to happy to tell him when his designis shit. Nuttboy, who teaches art at several colleges and ChrisKallas, a biker artist who’s work is for sale in the Bikernet gulch,risked their lives to stick their heads in our garage from time totime. Nuttboy told Bandit to go wild with the buttons he planned forthe lapel of the sleeve. He pondered polished brass nuts, but whileworking on the King, discovered a couple of chromed license plateskulls with 1/4-20 studs on the back. He drilled and taped the holes.The skulls fit neatly into place. It was beginning to take shape.

Bandit contacted “Meanest” and requested the exact wording, sheneeded engraved into the trophy for the Best of Show recipient. Shedictated each word to him, in no uncertain terms. May Ling, the newgirl, feverishly hauled ass to the San Pedro trophy barn where sheordered a brushed brass plate engraved in black. It took the trophybastard longer to computer-engrave a 2-inch piece of brass than ittook Bandit to hand make the goddamn trophy.

Bandit asked his artist friends for finish input. He had chromecredit and considered show chrome. Chrome has strange effects onvarious objects. It reflects the world, which works for custom parts,but often not on sculptures. Nuttboy again stepped up to the plate,since Chris sensed an evil spirit in Bandit’s seaweed green eyes,each time he lit the torch. Nuttboy suggested Bandit leave thecorrosion-covered sleeve alone and bead-blast or wire brush the handand base to give those areas a variety of treatments. Bandit sortatook his Ph.D. advice. He polished the wheel and spokes, thenwire-brushed the hand and the base.

When it came to the sleeve, he learned something about MIGwelding. There are anti-splatter sprays to prevent slag from stickingto the welded surface and to the MIG tip. He hadn’t experienced thistreatment, so the trophy was scattered with small beads of weld. Hecouldn’t leave the steel leather sleeve alone. He wire brushed it,but only to remove the slag. The rusty hue and the varied corrodedpits remained.

Finally he dug through the garage box of spray cans for a heavyclear coat. He discovered Rust-oleum gloss, metal clear and dousedthe trophy. After it dried he peeled the skin off the double sidedtape, on the back of the engraved brass plaque, and stuck it againstthe welded billboard. Done deal.

Two more tasks await. Sin Wu will find a thick felt lining to beglued to the bottom to prevent the 40-pound trophy for cutting thesurface of furniture. The lovely one also suggested a light droppedin the depths of the sleeve, so he will drill a hole in the back foran extension cord. We’ll post another shot of it glowing. Hang on.

For information regarding the July 27th Run For Breath, contactMeanest or Mike Pullin at Harley-Davidson of Charlotte, (704)847-4647. Don’t forget to compete for this trophy by entering yourbike. Make sure you have a back-up truck to haul the trophy.

–Wrench

By Bandit | May 23, 2003

Jesse from JW Design contacted us here at Bikernet back in Octoberinquiring about a link. When I asked what he was all about, this is whatI received back. Anyone who’ll go through the trouble of giving us thelowdown on their business along with photos, deserves their fifteenminutes of Bikernet fame. Jesse doesn’t need to blow his own horn because I thinkhis style and integrity speaks for itself. All he had to do was give ushis info, we’ll blow the horn for him.

Layla

I started JW Design about 10 years ago as a side line business in mygarage, In November 2000, I decided to go full time and haven’t lookedback. A friend of mine built and maintains my web site. WWW.TRICKPAINT.COM has anextensive gallery that in continuously updated and provides my clientsfrom all over the world a chance to see the superior quality work we do hereand see their bike on the web.

In order to insure the highest quality for my clients I do all thepaint and airbrush work myself. JW Design does custom metal work in house like rivetshaving, light recessing, fender stretching etc…

At www.trickpaint.com JW Design, customer service is #1. I work veryclosely with each client to insure I know exactly what they want in their custompaint, It doesn’t matter how nice I think the paint looks, if thecustomer’snot happy, the jobs not done.

The snake bike owned by Chad Eaton of the Seahawks, mentioned below,won best custom paint at the Seattle Roadster Show.

I’m also including one more bike for you.

Its owned by Shaun Duncan, and was built by Classic Iron works in RedmondWa. That’s a candy lime green with gold metal flake, Candy cobalt blue andpearl orange flames.www.trickpaint.com will be soon offering a full line of embroidered logowear.We’re designing a new logo for this and will be offering everything fromleather jackets to “G” strings.ThanksJessThe chop was built for and owned by Chad Eatonof the Seattle Seahawks.

He wanted it to look like a snake was laying on topof the bike. I used 3 different House of Kolor “camelian” kolors to get avery unusual effect, of course the pics don’t really show that. I fullymolded the frame and one piece softail fender. I also did all the final finishshaping of both fenders. This entire job took only 21 days to complete andget back to Classic Iron works in Redmond Wa. for assembly.

“Flames” pretty much speaks for it self. I like to add specialeffectsto my flames to give them a unique look with lots of depth and life.especially in the sun light.

“Walkers tank” is all custom mixed candy colors. This is a hand-stretched tank.

Freedom Stands Tall

-Jess

JW Design
(509) 664-1051
Jesse@Trickpaint.com

You can see a LOT more of Jesse’s work here on his gallery page. It’s worth a look.

By Bandit | May 22, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–JOSE’S CARIBBEAN WORLD NEWS, RENO DISPLAYS H-D MUSEUM AND BIKERNET WEATHER REPORT

Continued From Page 3

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

By Bandit | May 22, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–HUZE NEWS, WOMEN ON BIKES ROAM THE COUNTRY AND WE’RE LOSING FREEDOMS–WATCH OUT!

Continued From Page 2

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.

Continued On Page 4

By Bandit | May 22, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–FLAMES FOREVER, ROUTE SET FOR 100TH PARADE, SEAT TECH COMIN’ AND CYRIL IS ALIVE AND WELL

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

By Bandit | May 22, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–SCREAMIN’ EAGLE RECORDS, CANTINA IN THE NEWS, BEACH RIDE ALIVE AND STURGIS NEWS

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

By Bandit | May 17, 2003

LOUD PIPES, PARKING BILLS, PULSATING TAILLIGHTS, HELMET REPEAL AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

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

By Bandit | May 15, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–NEW FENDERS, MAY DAY POKER RUN, TEXAS BIKINI WASH AND THE PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK.

Continued From Page 2

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP ADVICE–A guy can’t get his unit up anymore, so he goes to the doc’s to get things checked out. The doc does a full exam and tells the guy “Hate to tell you this, but you’ve worn your penis out.” The guy asks “What do you mean ‘Wore it out’???…I can never use it again??” The doc says “You’ve got *MAYBE* 30 more times with it…”

The guy is depressed as all hell and decides to go home and tell his wife. He fills her in and she’s like “Only 30 more times?? That’s horrible! Why…each time will have to be for special occasions…we should make a list!”

He says “I already did, and you’re not on it!”

–from David M.

LASER CUT FOR YOU–This is a completely unique motorcycle gift. PERSONALIZED WITH YOUR NAME, CLUB OR MESSAGE (One or Two lines-20 letters & Spaces per line). Plaque is Laser cut from 14-gauge steel then brush polished and lacquered. Measures 24″x6.5″ and is drilled with two mounting holes. (Two drywall anchors with brass screws included). You can have anything you want cut into the 8-inch by 2-inch center piece for $69.95 + $10 UPS S&H. Your name, nickname, wife, girlfriend, date, event, memory, business name, favorite saying, use your imagination. TO ORDER CALL Toll Free 1-800-283-1717 (10 to 3 Pacific time). All forms of payment accepted.

Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed. Allow 3 weeks for delivery-Rush Service available on request. ORDER NOW 1-800-283-1717.

PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK–The Crazy Horse Paint Job of the Week belongs to Beth Vale of Gaylord, Michigan. Not too many women request skulls, but she and her husband Tom designed every detail on this one. They wanted the skull not to be too mean looking, bone white flames that fade to a dark silver, black pinstripe, and for the base coat color, the reddest red on the market, which turns out to be House of Kolor Blue Blood Red.

Gaylord is a small town pop. 9,000. But I think this paint would stand out anywhere. One of the old redneck guys who hangs at the bodyshop that does my clear work claims that this paint, out of all my paintwork that he has seen, he likes the best. Not what I’d expect from guy whose main ride is a golf cart.

BIKERNET FORIEGN RELATIONS NEWS–An Englishman, a Dutchman and a Frenchman are all in Saudi Arabia,sharing a smuggled crate of booze when, all of a sudden, Saudi policerush in and arrest them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severeoffence in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime of actually beingcaught consuming the booze, they are all sentenced to death!

However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers,they are able to successfully appeal their sentences down to lifeimprisonment. By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday theday their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheikh decidedthey could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.

As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: “It’smy first wife’s birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each ofyou one wish before your whipping.”

The Dutchman was first in line, he thought for a while and then said:”Please tie a pillow to my back. This was done, but the pillow onlylasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishmentwas done he had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.

The Frenchman was next up. After watching the Dutchman in horror hesaid smugly: “Please fix two pillows to my back.” But even two pillowscould only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and theFrenchman was soon led away whimpering loudly (as they do).

The Englishman was the last one up, but before he could say anything,the Sheikh turned to him and said: “You are from a most beautiful partof the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. Forthis, you may have two wishes!”

“Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful highness”, the Englishmanreplied. “In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that yougive me not 20, but 100 lashes.”

“Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are alsovery brave”. The Sheikh said with an admiring look on his face. “If 100lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish, what isit to be?” the Sheikh asked.

“Tie the Frenchman to my back.”

–from Buckshot

TEXAS BIKINI WASH–On May 25th the Martin Bros, located down in Duncanville, Texas will behaving a free Bikini Bike Wash and a Bike show. Joe, Jason and the crewbuild some of the meanest customs around.

Their latest bike, the Dragsta II,was unveiled at the Dallas Easyriders show. The complete details follow, aswell as a couple of shots of the bike.For more information contact the shop or go to the website:

Martin Bros Bikes
519 East Highway 67
Duncanville Texas
972-709-2552
www.martinbrosbikes.com

–Chuck

ONE LINERS FROM THE GOOD DOCTOR–1) My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought hewas God and I didn’t!
2) I don’t suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
3) I work hard because millions on welfare depend on me!
4) Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them.
5) I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
6) Don’t take life too seriously, you won’t get out alive.
7) You’re just jealous because the voices only talk to me.
8) Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
9) Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
10) Quoting one is plagiarism; Quoting many is research.
11) I’m not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.
12) Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
13) NyQuil – The stuffy, sneezy, coughing,why-oh-why-is-the-room-spinning medicine.
14) The trouble with life is there’s no background music
15) God must love stupid people; he made so many.
16) The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
17) It IS as bad as you think and they ARE out to get you.
18) I took an IQ test and the results were negative.
19) Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
20) Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
21) To err is human, to really foul things up requires a computer.
22) Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up
23) My Dog Can Lick Anyone
24) I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts – Do You Want Fries With That?
25) Computer programmers don’t byte, they nibble a bit.
26) All men are idiots and I married their king!
27) Failure is not an option. It comes bundled with the software.
28) My wild oats have turned to Raisin Bran.
29) A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.
30) Stupidity is NOT a handicap. Park elsewhere!

–from Nuttboy

BIKERNET TRAVEL ADVICE–An airline’s passenger cabin was being served by an obviously gay flight attendant, who seemed to put everyone into a good mood as he served them food and drinks.

As the plane prepared to descend, he came mincing down the aisle and announced to the passengers, “Captain Marvey has asked me to announce that he’ll be landing the big scary plane shortly, lovely people, so if you could just put up your trays that would be super.”

On his trip back up the aisle, he noticed that a well-dressed rather exotic-looking woman hadn’t moved a muscle. “Perhaps you didn’t hear me over those big brute engines. I asked you to raise your trazy-poo so the main man can pitty-pat us on the ground.”

She calmly turned her head and said, “In my country, I am called a Princess. I take orders from no one.”

To which the flight attendant replied, without missing a beat, “Well, sweet-cheeks, in my country, I’m called a Queen, so I out-rank you. Tray-up, bitch.”

–from A. Friedman

FROM THE BIKERNET SPECIAL OPS REPORTER–Figured I would show you the latest addition and a few images from The May Day Poker Run last Sunday.

Just got back from Oh Canada the whole week sucked and the snow bunny lost her mind. Just proves that no matter what country you are in, they are all crazy!

The Poker Run did not seem to have as large a turn out as last year. Not sure if that has anything to do with the C.O.C. meeting on the same day or not. Patsy Thompson played this year again. I need to see if her new CD is out already. Just a bunch of good ol? folks just having fun.

The Pan is a 56? With some new upgrades like disc bakes & electric start. The blonde in the red shirt tried to run over me while I was trying to do my job as a correspondent.

I see some folks are looking for the bedrolls. Keep one with my name on it if & when you decide to get some more.

–RFR

PRO-FATTY– So you’ve got the big meat, now how are you gonna keep it from throwing roadkill all over you and your precious mount? PRO-ONE has you covered with their new PRO-FATTY rear fender. Custom fabricated from a single piece of heavy gauge steel, no welded seams to split, these awesome units measure a full 9 inches in width, plenty wide enough to house today’s popular Big Meat tires. Available in three styles, Bobbed, Heritage and Contour, each fender is fit with wire tubes on both sides and comes ready for paint.

Suggested retail for the new PRO-FATTY fenders is $289.95 and they can be ordered from any PRO-ONE dealer or by calling 800-884-4173. Catch PRO-ONE on the web at www.pro-one.com or email sales@pro-one.com.

DEFINITION OF A HARLEY–Definition of A Harley: From here up Roy Rogers, from here down Southern Pacific.

–old shot from Bob T.

POUR THE TULLAMORE DEW–It’s time to post this mess and scramble to the garage. I dug through the back streets of Wilmington, California, for old maritime junk yards, but they’re a dying breed. I searched for metal-art scrap. We’re building new fences around the Bikernet headquarters out of steel, motorcycle wheels and handmade steel gargoyle faces. Hang on.

I was also looking for some small, 1.5-inch brass rings to braze into dainty female Bandit belt buckles. I found a half dozen at Kelly’s Marine salvage yard just a couple of blocks away. We live in the best part of town–the ghetto.

Keep an eye on the site. Several features are on their way. I may take shots, as I make two buckles this afternoon. Newlyweds are heading this way from Strokers of Dallas. I need to fix them up properly. Jose didn’t mention my rare, stylish buckles in his descriptions of the latest trends. Hope I’m not on the outs. They’re featured in the Digital Discovery area of the Cantina.

Ride Forever,
–Bandit

By Bandit | May 15, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–CARIBBEAN REPORTER STUDIES BIKER APPAREL STYLES

Continued From Page 1

Bob T. dress for style in 1974.

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT GOES STYLE AND FASHION– I received a copy of Freeway magazine (from France) a few days ago. We had a small feature in it and it was pretty cool. The editorials by Zed are really good, but with my limited French I loose a bit of the “real content” .

They have a style of reporting events like Daytona, pretty much like what we do here in Bikernet. Whoever goes takes a bit and reports about it. The difference is that we all report our point of view, they do different angles to get the complete idea, needless to say in a very different way to what we are used to in the US. So once more you might be wondering what the fuck am I talking about ?

Here’s a synopsis of the article titled Gangsta’ Paradise. Eric was talking about the “look” of builders and industry people, and I mean younger, at Daytona (and every place else) The loose shirts, the baggie pants, sneakers, tattoos (well these are not exclusive to young), backwards caps, beanies, etc, etc. The old Heavy Metal which has been replaced by hip hop, or rap Ala Kid Rock, punk rock, or even Funk. The choppers sporting “pointy” objects, not the soft lines, the bullets and the brass knuckles. The kind of bikes being built now, rigids, with lots of rake and stretch and “gros pneu” or big ass tires, jockey shift and no nonsense approach (sort of a follow up on my less is more rant of last week).

But ladies and gentlemen, strippers and saints, this will be the first time that yours truly will take a serious approach at fashion in the bike world, or at least attempt to explain a point.If you think of a biker, most people think of leathers, boots, skull caps or bandannas and a bunch of crap attached to those leathers or hanging from any other article of clothing (for a pretty good example of the Faux bad ass look, check your local HOG or Main Street rally time)/ That can’t be further from the truth. So let’s keep on…..

Stylish gentlemen from the biker collection.

Sure leathers will save you from some road rash and sorta keep you warm and the boots and all that hoopla. But in reality, the ” biker” of today is a lot more than a riding individual. There’s booth’s to peruse, places to go, standing up for long hours, working at the shop, etc,etc. To top it off the space in bikes is less and less. Bulky stuff is out, stuff that can be used and be comfortable is the norm. So let’s take this shit apart, piece by piece…. Baggie pants and jeans, wearing those jeans that are so tight, restraining movement and making you sing soprano after a while, is out. We can live without them. Most of the younger industry people wear pants that are comfortable, can be dirty and can be used as much as wanted, but not because we are following a hip hop trend. Besides, why ruin a good pair of Levis (for special occasions only) while we can beat the shit out of some Dickie’s and replace them for less than 20 bucks? Shorts? No thanks been burnt enough.

Sneakers, while this is not new, it has changed a bit. I have seen Arlen Ness and other builders wear white sneakers for a long time, the only difference is that the ” newer generation’ prefers Vans or Pumas, so why is this? Try standing around for eight hours, which sometimes turn to sixteen or twenty in a pair of “shit kickers” or engineer boots. Yeah, you might as well wear stripper stilettos, because you will take the same beating. So if something happens we are not as protected as with boots, that’s correct, but I rather risk my ankles than kill them. And let’s not even talk about nasty blisters. Are we copying the young skateboarders, nope we are being smart. Plus their grip factor is excellent in these days of ” billet” and bare metal controls.

Shirts are the same issue, something that is (and most of the time) saying who you are and what you do, or who your friends are and what they do. It’s free advertising at its best. We wear it loose for all the above reasons, unless we are buffed and want to impress some chick. I prefer dark colors so the stains don’t show. It’s all a matter of convenience. Plus is the daily bread of most shops.Caps and bandannas, they have several uses. In places where’s there’s no helmets, the caps are what keep your hair in place.

Have you seen Billy Lane, his hair? He went the extreme way and grew da’ dreadlocks mon… It is a major bitch trying to get those knots out, needless to say painful, plus it protects us from the sun and becoming red necks. Even wearing the caps under the helmets prevent that awful smell that helmets gain after some time, you know what I mean, and presto, no comb, no nothing, just take that stupid lid off and look like a champ. The security blanket of the biker, the infamous bandanna, as many uses as a tie wrap or duck tape, best used to avoid those deadly needle like rain drops from our mugs, hold the hair in case of loosing the cap on the Freeway, and everything and anything. But please, they have no use whatsoever tied around your ankle or thigh, that’s really gay.

And now the most famous item of all–the chained wallet. Have you ever lost a wallet on the road? Now you know why. The Vest? Unless you are in a 1% club, or freezing your ass coming back from the Love ride, no way! Gloves? Mechanic gloves or dumpster, some protection from the cold and better yet from burning items on your bare bike. Someone has to stick their hand in there, better be prepared. Tattoos, self explanatory, being here since the start of the civilized world. Jackets? Any lighter jacket will do. There’s preference for working jackets, like Dickies. If they are good enough for guys who work day in and day out in them (and warm enough) they are good enough for me, plus they are easier to handle and stow than any big ass, heavy leather jacket, and save some cows as well.

So what do I make of all this? To some it might be a certain style of certain people (see Jesse James for a good example), but in reality this ” young guns” of the industry are being practical. Simple as that, and wearing stuff that is all around, as practical and uncompromising as the choppers we build.

Gotta get to the news since I got another piece to write for Glamour…..

And now to the news:

We have received a few e-mails from the boys in Iraq, pretty cool stories of stuff that we have not seen on TV (and are not compromising national security) There’s claim that one of the favorites web sites amongst the forces from Puerto Rico is ChopperFreak.com, even more we have heard that there’s a The Horse banner flying around some secret place in Baghdad, I still waiting for the photos and I will post them here as soon as we get them.

We also received an e-mail from a friend who is hand-fabricating miniature choppers out of wood, pretty cool and very detailed. They even come with a show case. You can reach Miguel at maikol99@hotmail.com, he’s a very talented artist and wants to get his wares out in the world.

And now to the hottest news of the week, we have received a letter from a lawyer requesting the immediate cease and desist of selling our “Priceless” shirt, (note* I can mention anything I want here since this is the news and protected by the Fair use Copyright act). They claim that our “version ” is too similar to the credit card ad. Since I have no desire to give a red cent to any of these guys I am not going to argue and take the shirts off my site. But, a little research and help from various friends has lead me to this:

The Copyright act 107 allows fair use as long as it’s a parody, the acclaimed “tarnishment” and dilution can only be achieved if the words are used in a repulsive or immoral manner to consumers, and the shirt does not compete with a Financial Institution which is what the credit card company is. As well the copyrighted words are ” PRICELESS” noted that it’s all in caps, and ” There are things money can’t buy for everything else there’s Mastercard (again this is protected for my use under the Fair use Copyright act, since it allows news reporting and parody). We ended our shirt with, ” There are few things money can’t buy, for other there’s always suicide.” If you read word for word, it’s not the same. You will be the judge.

More so, the letter claims it is only valid for Puerto Rico, so that means I could use it for the US. Now all this said, what has me in awe is How the fuck did they figured this one out ?

We are not that famous, and I know why. Someone here Snitched, and I have a vague idea of whom it was. I guess they are just envious of our vast success, while they are thieves in order to pay the bills. And I know they might read this… So here it goes: At least I’m not using false advertisements in my ads (which is punishable up to $10.000 in Puerto Rico). I’m not infringing on the copyrighted Harley-Davidson, West Coast Choppers, Screaming Eagle and such logos to promote goods without permission. Plus they are using the trademarked, West Coast Chopper logos, on business cards and print ads (while not being a dealer). They also copy shirts and caps with trademarked logos. You fuckers opened the Pandora’s box, now tighten your britches, motherfuckin’ Weasels !

By the way, I’m looking for a set of Panhead tops from Custom Cycles engineering, the old ones, if you have any you would like to part with let me know at Jose@chopperfreak.comCheck the photo.

We’ve heard of some recalls from Indian motorcycles and as soon as we get them we will let you guys know about them.

As we speak the Myrtle Beach rally is taking place, let’s see if we get some reports from the front, we received a letter from HOG SC of their intentions of leaving the “riff raff” piggybacking on the image of hog…. Let’s see what’s up with that. Also the boycotts’ results and damage done.

Also heard on the grapevine that our pseudo competitors are building a web site. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery….Have fun Suckas !

I’m glad to report that I have been hired to do a monthly editorial, kinda what I do here, you know, bitch and rant with no mercy whatsoever, on our local motorcycle magazine Bikerspot. It’s gonna be fun and I will make sure I piss a lot of people off. What the hell, they hate us anyway….Be prepared.

Ok, enough rant and bad blood, have a nice week end, enjoy the bike and go riding, Summer is across the corner, the rallies are starting to sprout, take a trip, send me a chick, do something……..See you next week…..Remember the only certain things in life are death , taxes and me giving someone or something hell, here in Bikernet.

–Jose, Bikernet’s Caribbean reporter

Continued On Page 3

By Bandit | May 15, 2003

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–COP ARRESTED, BOOK ON BUILDING A SHOP AND SUMMER EVENTS

Old shot from Bob T.

What the hell! I’m trying like a mad dog to post the news post haste. I’m at a loss for an intro and I think I know why. She whispered in my ear this morning, “Coffee, news or sex?” I was caught up with my goddamn list for the morning, looking at the clock and feeling the pressure of multiple deadlines. Okay, so I broke one of the major Code Of The West Rules. A man never passes on an opportunity for sex.

My punishment will be severe. I’m already feeling the nasty effects of writer’s block. We better get to the news, quick:

MYRTLE BEACH FEELING THE BOYCOTT BLUES–

Fewer vendors means Horry County is nearly $200,000 short on money officials planned to use to fill budget gaps, said county spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier.

The county will have to make up the difference by leaving some job openings vacant and taking money from elsewhere, Bourcier said.As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, 233 vendors had bought county permits, compared with more than 500 vendors last year, Bourcier said.

Organizers of the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Myrtle Beach Rally say the permit price reduced the number of vendors.

“I can’t imagine many more being sold,” said Sandy Leone, spokeswoman for Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson, headquarters for the rally.

RUN FOR BREATH UPDATE–Just a quick update on the 5th Annual Run For Breath. Billy Lane sent us some great door prizes from Choppers Inc. Jose said his awards are done and are waiting for paint.

Have you rented an 18 wheeler to ship the “Best of Show” award? Oh by the way, the layout for the T-shirt was completed this week. It’s lookin’ great!

–Mike Pullin

COPS TRYING TO SHUT CLUB PARTY DOWN– East Hartford Police Department, intent on shutting down any party put on by the Hells Angels MC, took a message to the owner of Michael’s Restaurant Cafe, where the Hartford chapter of the Hells Angels had hoped to have its Spring Breakout Party on Saturday.

First scheduled at the Shamrock Cafe in Suffield, the party moved once Suffield police encouraged the bar’s owner to close for the day instead. Hells Angels then approached Eugene Lavigne, Michael’s owner, and he agreed to host the party.

But Thursday, two East Hartford officers informed Lavigne that he did not have the town’s mandatory $10 amusement permit, which needs 90 days to process. They also told him that he would have to foot the roughly $3,500 bill to pay for the six officers, one supervisor and associated cruisers, as per state statute.

Lavigne remembers the conversation. “They said that they don’t want that kind of element in the town of East Hartford, that’s what they said,” he said.”What choice do I have? I have to comply with them, otherwise they’d put me out of business” he said.

–from Rogue and Bikernews.net

NEW DIGITAL DISCOVERY FIND–There’s a special spot in Bandit’s Cantina, the secret, membership only section of Bikernet. We hunt day and night for odd, rare, unknown and untold stories and post them in the Digital Discovery area. It’s a kick. This week we posted biker fiction from 1930, illustrated with the above fine art.

The Cantina is cheap, less than a couple of bucks a month. That contribution supports all the content on Bikernet. Enjoy.

COP FEELS THE HEAT–Dennis Kalinoski, 60, was accused of possessing firearms while using crack cocaine, selling guns and ammunition to a convicted felon, and transferring such weapons for use in drug trafficking and violent crimes.

“When you see a former law enforcement official betray his past, it’s always disheartening,” U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said.

If convicted, Kalinoski would face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the three counts in the complaint.

Federal officials said an unnamed member of the Black P Stones street gang identified Kalinoski as a crack user and gun supplier last week. The information prompted an investigation that included an undercover purchase of firearms, surveillance and the seizure of seven guns from an individual seen leaving Kalinoski’s house in suburban North Riverside.

Agents raided Kalinoski’s North Riverside home Saturday night and found 402 guns and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition, authorities said.

–from Roque and the Outsiders Bikernew.net

BIKERNET THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK–There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra thanAlzheimer’s research. This means that by 2020, there should be a largeelderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutelyno recollection of what to do with them.

THE INCREDIBLE LA CALENDAR MOTORCYCLE SHOW–HOT FOR JULY 19TH-20TH WEEKEND– Now in its 12 year, the Performance Machine sponsored Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show produced by FastDates.com publisher Gianatsis Design Associates has grown to become the biggest and best Custom and HiPerformance Street bike Show in America. Held on the 3rd weekend of July at the Queen Mary Event Park on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in exciting downtown Long Beach, we weren’t content to sit on our hands when we could make the best Bike Show in America even better. Joining our associate sponsors Corona Beer, ReCycler.com / Cycle Buys, Trader Publications / Cycle Trader, Iron Works magazine for Harley enthusiasts and BikerNet.com, and The Shop will be The Los Angeles Times, one of America’s leading and largest newspapers assisting with pre event publicity and post event coverage. The Speed Channel’s premier American motorcycle series American Thunder produced by WATV will also be dedicating an entire program to the Calendar Bike Show as they do every year.

A favorite attraction at past Calendar Bike Shows, our West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shootout returns this year sponsored and produced by Jardine Headers, America’s premier performance exhaust system manufacturer for sportbikes and V-Twin motorcycles. Bike builders and enthusiasts will be able to roll their 2-wheeled rockets up on the Jardine dyno in front of hundreds of spectators and prove just how much horsepower their bikes really produce.

Another new attraction this year will be the Jim’s Machine Burnout Contest produced by one of America’s leading engine component manufacturers in the American V-Twin market. Taking place on the front straight of the SuperMoto track each afternoon during race intermission, this is the chance for performance bike exhibitionists to show how much smoke they can make in destroying a rear tire to the cheers of thousands of admiring fans. The folks at Jim’s Machine promise to award trophies for this eye watering / ear shattering mayhem that are as unique as the Burnout Contest participants themselves.

Additional Spectator and Exhibitor information for the Show can be found online athttp://www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM

A BIKERNET RELIGIOUS MOMENT–“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose woman.”

The priest asks, “Is that you, little Tommy Shaughnessy?”

“Yes, Father, it is.”

“And who was the woman you were with?”

“Sure I can’t be tellin’ you, Father. I don’t want to ruin herreputation.”

“Well, Tommy, I’m sure to find out sooner or later, so you may as welltellme now. Was it Brenda O’Malley?”

“I cannot say.”

“Was it Patricia Kelly?”

“I’ll never tell.”

“Was it Liz Shannon?”

“I’m sorry, but I’ll not name her.”

“Was it Cathy Morgan?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Was it Fiona McDonald, then?”

“Please, Father, I cannot tell you.”

The priest sighs in frustration. “You’re a steadfast lad, TommyShaughnessy,and I admire that, but you’ve sinned and you mustatone. You cannot attend church for three months. Be off with you now.”

Tommy walks back to his pew. His friend Sean slides over and whispers,

“What’d you get?”

“Three month’s vacation and five good leads”, says Tommy.

–Rogue

CHOPPERS INC. ON BIKERNET–That’s right. Jose, the Bikernet Caribbean reporter unveils the inside story behind the Choppers Inc. experience. It’s on the home page now.

THE BIKERNET FARM–On the farm lived a chicken and a horse, both of whom loved to playtogether.

One day, the two were playing when the horse fell into a bog andbegan to sink. Scared for his life, the horse whinnied for the chickento go get the farmer for help! Off the chicken ran, back to the farm.

Arriving at the farm, he searched and searched for the farmer, but tono avail, for he had gone to town with the only tractor. Runningaround, the chicken spied the farmer’s new Harley. Finding the keys inthe ignition, the chicken sped off with a length of rope hoping he stillhad time to save his friend’s life.

Back at the bog, the horse was surprised, but happy, to see thechicken arrive on the shiny Harley, and he managed to get a hold of theloop of rope the chicken tossed to him. After tying the other end tothe rear bumper of the farmer’s bike, the chicken then drove slowlyforward and, with the aid of the powerful bike, rescued the horse!

Happy and proud, the chicken rode the Harley back to the farmhouse, andthe farmer was none the wiser when he returned.

The friendship between the two animals was cemented: best buddies,best pals. A few weeks later, the chicken fell into a mud pit, andsoon, he too, began to sink and cried out to the horse to save hislife! The horse thought a moment, walked over, and straddled the largepuddle. Looking underneath, he told the chicken to grab his “thing” andhe would then lift him out of the pit. The chicken got a good grip, andthe horse pulled him up and out, saving his life.

The moral of the story:When you’re hung like a horse, you don’t need a Harley to pick up chicks.

–Rogue

BIKERNET SHOVELHEAD–We’re damn excited about the completion of this 4-year project by Strokers Dallas. If I come out of this terrible 10-year writers block ailment. I’ll write a progress report this afternoon. Watch for it.

NEW BOOK FROM WHITEHORSE PRESS–A new edition of one of Whitehorse Press’ perennial bestselling books, HOWTO SET UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE WORKSHOP, has just come off-press and is nowavailable. Packed with easy-to-read practical advice, author Charlie Masidescribes designing, building and equipping the workshop you need and helpsyou make the most of your available space. This is a must-have,money-saving reference you’ll return to time and again.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE WORKSHOP: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUILDING ANDEQUIPPING YOUR DREAM WORKSHOP, 2nd Edition by Charles Masi, 175 pages, b/willustrations throughout, item code W-MASI2, $19.95http://www.whitehorsepress.com/email.asp?cn=50245&en=en0305&id=masi2

Eight profiles of real-world workshops, from small garage spaces topurpose-built restoration and race-prep shops, are featured in this editionto provide ideas and inspration for Do-It-Yourselfers. Each profile has ascaled layout of the shop with photos as well as tips from the owner ordesigner. With the workshop design in place, Masi helps identify themust-have and want-to-have tools to appropriately equip the space, and bestof all, how to use them.

Continued On Page 2

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