Hey,
Another crazy day in paradise. Rumor has it Big Bear Choppers is stumbling and looking for investors. But Norton motorcycles are coming on strong, and Victory plans to launch new models every six months.
Where one company struggles another emerges. Bikernet may explode next year. Hell, we may have a major announcement next week. But Sunday I’m being whisked off to Vegas to be a judge for the Jesse James/Teutul Build-off. How the hell do I get involved in these things, but it should be exciting.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS–
“Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible,” — Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.
“If I had thought about it, I wouldn’t have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can’t do this,”- – Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M “Post-It” Notepads .
“Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You’re crazy,” — Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859.
“Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.” – – Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929.
“Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value,” — Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre , France .
–from Buckshot
LAST RACE OF THE NHRA SEASON–
The winner – Alanari top fuel won by .001 seconds.
One one thousandth !!!
Top Fuel: Del Worsham
318.02 mph, 3.796 sec – Second place was 3.797
Funny Car: Matt Hagan
317.79 mph, 4.009 sec
Pro Stock: Greg Stanfield
209.59 mph, 6.597 sec
Pro Stock Motorcycle: Andrew Hines
196.39 mph, 6.814 sec
Nice warm day at Pomona Fairgrounds.
Willie G. Davidson and wife on hand for Harley winning drag bike class.
Fryed Brothers played at the Snap On Tools team – Cruz Pendregon.
I got to hang in their paddock.
Great day.
–Art
DOC ROBINSON REPORT FROM AUSTRALIA–Just got in a few hours ago from riding across Australia’s outback to the National HOG Rally in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Seven days on the road each way, kangaroos, emus, wombats and assorted other
wildlife along with huge bushfires made it interesting. And in my mailbox (finally!) was my approval from the Aust Govt to import the Pan. Yee-ha!
What I would really like to see from you by way of article/column is a bit of a history of the Pan. How long you have owned it, what has been done to it mechanically, any special adventures you have had on it . . . That sort of thing and accompanied by a few pics would be great.
Cheers
–Doc
Technical Prime Minister
Heavy-Duty Magazine, Australia
BIKERNET PERFORMANCE EDITOR CHECKING IN–Thanksgiving blasted through Bikernet headquarters like a hurricane on a mission. Unbelievable-melt-in-your-mouth-turkey magically appeared, home made cranberry sauce with dressing that was packed full of surprises. Happy healthy families gathered for the feast, what more can a guy ask for.
Marc, the boss of Bikernet Insurance offers a 15% discount.
Kenny the brains behind Samson Pipes has some bad ass new pipes on the market and offers a 15% discount as well.
Give these guys a call and tell the Bikernet sent ya!
Oops, The Bikernet Performance Editor is also the the head of Security for the Bikernet /Cycle Source Sturgis Lot across from the Easyriders Saloon/Steak House
2012 –72nd Sturgis
This summer Bikernet/Cycle Source will sponsor a lot on Lazelle Street next to Roscoe’s, across the street from the new three-story Easyriders Saloon. Hooter’s is next door to Easyrider’s and Jay Allen’s World famous Broken Spoke is located on the far right corner across the street.
The Bikernet/Cycle Source lot is fillin’ up fast with premium Bikernet vendors. Just this morning a call came in from Mary of Freebird Leathers out of Sacramento. Mary is looking forward to a rockin Sturgis 72nd in a 10×20 set up. If you need a space give Prince Najar a call at 919 886-5075
Bennett’s Performance
Our twin cam Dyna project is headed for the finish line. This week should see all of the parts on the spotless engine room table at Eric’s. We’re almost ready to get in line for a precision assembly.
H-Beam Rods correction
The rod’s in the Darkhorse Crankwork’s lower end are H-Beam, not I-beam that was reported last week. My mistake.
Seems that in the ’60s, building a 4-inch square small block Chevy was a distant dream. Today we’re buildin’ a 4-inch stroke, 3.927-inch bore twin cam for the street. Should run like a dream from the past. A final build sheet and images are headed your way along with reports form the highway.
124-inch Twin Cam Turbo Partially Streamlined Monster is coming together.
All parts and pieces are on the table in Pleasant Hill, Iowa at the Hyperformance machine shop for the motor build.
We’re standing by for images and build data. Bandit just donated a full-on Air Tech fairing for my salt dedicated turbo-charged build. It’s being shipped this week from Departure Bike Works.
Another lucky day in Southern California, 83 degrees without a cloud in the sky.
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor/
ONE WORLD STUDIOS ANNUAL REPORT– It’s been seven years since we started doing this movie-making voyage with all of you. We’re basically a two man operation around here and we wanted to say thank you for all your support. Please use the discount codes below to save on your holiday gifts from www.choppertown.com.
Use the code “choppertown” when you checkout and save 10% on all your orders until January 1st.
Military families save 15% by using the code “military” until January 1st.
HINT: Get five items or more and save an ADDITIONAL 15%! 
Stay independent,
–Zack and Scott
One World Studios Ltd.
SECURITY REPORT FROM AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE–Subject: 800 numbers. Any time you call an 800 number for a credit card, banking, charter communications, health and other insurance, computer help desk, etc)
and you find that you’re talking to a foreign customer service representative
(perhaps in India, Philippines, etc), please consider doing the following:
After you connect and you realize that the customer service representative is not from the USA (you can always ask if you are not sure about the accent), please, very politely (this is not about trashing other cultures) say, “I’d like to speak to a customer service representative in the United States of America.”
The rep might suggest talking to his/her manager, but, again, politely say, “Thank you, but I’d like to speak to a customer service representative in the USA .”
YOU WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONNECTED TO A REP IN THE USA .
That’s the rule and the LAW.
It takes less than one minute to have your call re-directed to the USA .
Tonight when I got redirected to a USA rep, I asked again to make sure – and yes, she was from Fort Lauderdale.
Imagine what would happen if every US citizen insisted on talking to only US phone reps from this day on.
Imagine how that would ultimately impact the number of US jobs that would need to be created ASAP.
If I tell 10 people to consider this and you tell 10 people to consider doing this – see what I mean…it becomes an exercise in viral marketing 101.
Remember – the goal here is to restore jobs back here at home – not to be abrupt or rude to a foreign phone rep. You may even get correct answers, good advice, and solutions to your problem – in real English.
If you agree, please tell 10 people you know, and ask them to tell 10 people they know….etc…etc
–Buzz Kanter
Publisher
But it’s not just the Teutuls who will be putting their skills and their ego on the line. Jesse James, who made his television debut on the Discovery Channel, will return to the network for the first time since 2006 to take on the Teutuls. James will be joining father and son in his attempt to prove that one doesn’t need the surname Teutul to win the title of master bike builder. After all, James’ Discovery documentary, Motorcycle Mania, paved the road for the motorcycle revolution that hit television in the years that followed.
Jesse James and the Teutuls previously shared time on the network with their respective shows, but now these combustible characters will share the same stage for the first time. The fierce competition and live results special will test the breaking points of the Teutuls family feud and Jesse James’ notoriously hot temper.
Coming on the heels of AMERICAN CHOPPER’s return to Discovery Channel last year, the veteran show will take its success to new levels with its first LIVE event. In this two-night special, CHOPPER fans will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite bike after seeing the three finished products during our regularly scheduled AMERICAN CHOPPER on Monday, December 5th at 9pm ET/PT. The following evening, Tuesday, December 6th at 9:00pm ET/PT, AMERICAN CHOPPER LIVE will air straight from the strip in downtown Las Vegas, NV. What better place than Sin City to crown the winner of this unique bike building competition?
Will Senior’s years of experience give him the edge? Will Junior’s younger outlook lead him to victory? Or will wild card Jesse James wipe the floor with the two of them?
AMERICAN CHOPPER is produced for Discovery Channel by Pilgrim Studios. Craig Piligian, Ralph Wikke and Mitch Rosa are executive producers for Pilgrim Studios, and Christo Doyle is executive producer for Discovery Channel.
If you’re interested – you can see some previous episodes on Hulu at anytime: www.hulu.com …just search for American Chopper and they have dated episodes. This video might help: http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/american-chopper-chopper-live/
Here’s the official website: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/american-chopper/chopper-live/
THE KITTY KAT BIKE COMES TO BIKERNET–Can you see the kitty? It makes my buddy furious when we call his bike kitty kat.
–Ted Scallion
FRYED BROTHERS HEADED TO THAILAND FOR BURPA BIKE WEEK– The Fryed Brothers are going to the biggest bike ralley in Asia.
Somewhere between 20,000 & 30,000 people show up. Lots of music and entertainment.
A princess from the Royal Family attended last year.
They will be playing on stage with the biggest musicians in the country. They also have a couple of other gigs scheduled in the area.
–Art Hall
Quick Throttle Magnificent Photo Editor
Bikernet International Editor
PAUL FUNK DESIGNS SITE– At last built a website on my design stuff, but also started a blog about the history of custom bike design on it. Allready got great reactions from many out of the custom bike industry. Hope you can check it:
http://www.paulfunkdesign.com/blog
— Paul.
LICKS NEW SPORTSTER TANK LIFT KITS– Check it out. Lick’s Cycles has just released these slick Sportster Tank Lift Kits that will add an aggressive personalized look to your Sporty without that dreaded cutting or hacking. Tank Lift brackets are formed from steel and finished in black powder coat with laser etched Lick’s logo. They simply bolt in place on 1995 to present XL’s and lift the front of the tank a full 2.5”.
The new sloped angle is a real eye grabber and bracket installation is a cinch. Licks’s Tank Lift Kits retail for just $29.99 and come complete with 2 brackets, stainless washer and chrome finish screw. For complete details and a close up of Lick’s unique Chopper parts line-up visit them on the Web at www.lickscycles.com
UNCLE MONKEY THROWS DOWN THE WINTER INSPIRATIONAL GAUNTLET-– As the cool winds of winter begin to sweep across this land most of us will be heading to the garage to rebuild, repaint, re-resurrect that project we put off all year. It is an annual cycle where the UPS guy starts brings packages of parts every day. Then hopefully, we spend late nights in cold workshops creating life to be born to the streets in spring.
Customizing motorcycles is a huge part of the industry if not the entire industry as motorcycle manufactures simply supply the canvases for our creations. Motorcycle styles and trends come and go. Bobbers, choppers, baggers and café racers grow in popularity. A good solid custom bike looks good no matter what style or year built. But what’s next?
The ultimate motorcycle has yet to be built (though in 1969 Captain America was close). We’ve seen every possible combination all the way to Billy’s hubless and even a few “Tron” bikes rolling around.
So my challenge is for you build something different. Throw out the rulebook and start from square one. Maybe it means leaving the bar and shield and deciding on a Victory. Sometimes less is more, sometimes it means grafting the sweeping speedometer from a ’57 Bel Air into your bagger fairing.
Look outside the cookie cutter mold to automobiles new and old, get inspired by that old Evinrude hanging on the back of the fishing boat. Perhaps inspiration will come from nature and mother natures’ incredible pallet of colors. Personally, I’ve wanted to do a paint job inspired by poisonous frogs or tropical fish. Instead of staring at that blank canvas, look out to the world and bring it to the world of motorcycles.
If all else fails tell your wife you are watching the Victoria Secret Fashion Show as research for your bike.
-bad Uncle Monkey
Let’s see what Jesse and the Teutuls come up with?–Bandit
WINGSHIELDS ARE DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS FROM STONES, BUGS AND THE COLD– Made of Lexan polycarbonate – WingShields are virtually UNBREAKABLE! Lexan is one of the toughest transparent materials available ~ about 300 times stronger than single-strength glass! Lexan is also weather-resistant and light weight!??
So, that translates into a lightweight, transparent, virtually unbreakable protection for your hands while traveling on your motorcycle!?? While shaped to curve over your hand grips on your bike, WingShields are approximately 5 inches at their widest point and 12 inches in length. The shape and curve takes advantage of the wind flow past your hands. They attach to your bike quickly and easily where the mirrors are installed and the hardware is made of Stainless Steel and aluminum. There is a product for metrics as well.
Price enduser 110 Euro.
For more information contact BikeNord Solutions who sell and marketing Brukus I Europa. www.bikenord.se or mail to info@bikenord.se . 040-29 22 22
Brukus Motorcycle Parts, LLC – please visit them online at www.brukus.com
$5.6 Million in Refunds Sent to Consumers Under AG Coakley’s Latest Motorcycle Insurance Settlements—BOSTON, Nov. 29 — The Massachusetts Attorney General issued the following news release:
More than $5.6 Million in additional insurance refunds are headed back to Massachusetts motorcycle owners, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today.
Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts (“Travelers”), American Automobile Insurance Company (“Fireman’s Fund”) and Electric Insurance Company (“Electric”) issued the refunds under settlements (http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2011/2011-10-03-motorcycle-refunds.html) reached with the Attorney General’s Office last month. Statewide, Travelers is sending $5,000,386, Fireman’s Fund is sending $571,394, and Electric is sending $123,882 in refunds.
“Our motorcycle insurance investigation began with a single consumer complaint,” said AG Coakley. “Our investigations will continue until each and every insurance company that engaged in this practice has refunded the overcharges to its customers.”
The payments by Travelers, Fireman’s Fund and Electric are part of the Attorney General’s industry-wide investigation into motorcycle rating practices. In total, 15 insurance companies have settled with AG Coakley’s Office, resulting in nearly $40 Million in refunds for Massachusetts motorcycle owners.
The other 12 settling companies are Safety Insurance Company, Arbella Mutual, Plymouth Rock, Pilgrim, Metropolitan P&C, Liberty Mutual, Hanover (aka Citizens), OneBeacon (aka Mass Homeland), Quincy Mutual, Norfolk & Dedham, USAA, and NGM Insurance Company. A number of additional insurance companies remain under investigation.
All 15 related settlements stem from a single consumer complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Office. That consumer owned a 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. In each year between 2003 and 2008, the consumer’s insurance company calculated the consumer’s premiums as if his 1999 Road King Classic were brand new and worth $20,000. By 2003, however, the consumer’s four-year-old motorcycle was worth significantly less than its original $20,000 price, and by 2008, the nine-year old motorcycle was worth less than $12,000. Still, in each year between 2003 and 2008, the consumer’s insurance company used the inflated $20,000 value to rate his policy, resulting in more than $1,500 in overcharges. For more information about how the overcharges occurred, including charts depicting the overcharges, visit http://www.mass.gov/ago/motorcycles.
In order to be eligible for a refund under the Attorney General’s settlements, a consumer must have purchased comprehensive and/or collision insurance coverage for a motorcycle on or after January 1, 2002 and that motorcycle must have been overvalued by the insurance company for the purposes of calculating premiums. Consumers who think they may be entitled to a refund can use the Attorney General’s Motorcycle Insurance Refund Lookup Webpage www.motorcycle.ago.state.ma.us to find out whether they are eligible, and if so, how much they are entitled to receive. Consumers who have questions about the settlements or their refund may visit the Attorney General’s webpage about the motorcycle insurance settlements http://www.mass.gov/ago/motorcycles or call the Attorney General’s Insurance & Financial Services Division at 1-888-830-6277.
–from Rogue
SAM CHOPPER ORWELL QUICKIE BOOK REVIEW–You have quite the friggin’ crystal ball there man! Very interesting!
–Paul Aiken
Aeromach Manufacturing
FIRSTGEAR FROM BIKER’S CHOICE WARM & SAFE HEATED GEAR–
It’s getting COLD outside, and some of us still want to ride! Extend the riding season with Firstgear heated riding apparel.
The 90w heated liner, combined with the 60w pant liner, is sure to keep you warm and toasty this winter riding season. Several Heat-Troller options are available, but the dual remote controlled Heat-Troller allows you to control each zone separately. Gloves, socks and glove liners are also available.
One-year limited warranty on liners-lifetime on wiring.
Jacket Liner MSRP $199.95
Men’s sm-3XL and Men’s Tall L- 2XL
Women’s XS-XL
Pant Liner MSRP $189.95
Men’s Sm-3XL
Women’s XS-XL
Dual Portable Heat-Troller MSRP $139.95
Also available is a battery and charger for when you’re not on the motorcycle. The battery allows you to keep the warmth with you wherever
you want to go. (Pouch for charger is also available).
Battery MSRP $99.95
Charger MSRP $29.95
For more information, visit: www.firstgear-usa.com or call 866-302-5676.
Happy Riding!
–Carmen
SONS OF ANARCHY–I was at a local swap meet a couple of weeks ago. I heard a lot of conversations and the conversations did not involve the economy, unemployment, gas prices and all the dismal stuff we usually hear everyday. No, the conversations were all about the Sons of Anarchy and what was going to happen in the next episode. I never miss an episode and look forward to it every Tuesday night.
I always hear, “It is not real. It is just a TV show.” All of that is true and that is what makes it so GREAT! It is not real and nowadays a lot of us can use a break from reality, even if it is just for an hour. Thank God it is not another reality show where we have to watch what some idiot does all day.
I agree that sometimes what takes place on SOA is a little far-fetched but then again some of what takes place is close to real. I dig SOA because it features bikes and the characters portrayed in the show look like bikers used to look, with the exception of Jax’s shoes? Yeah, some of them have long hair and beards and they wear leather when they ride, not shorts and flip flops! The guys are not politically correct and that is a good thing! While some will say SOA shows the negative side of bikers and motorcycle clubs, which in some ways may be true it still proves to be a great break from listening to the gloom and doom news each night.
Sons of Anarchy is about brotherhood but it also shows what happens when brotherhood is over taken by greed. Any of us who have ever thrown a leg over a bike and have lived the biker lifestyle have faced some of the lessons portrayed on the show, the hard choices that sometimes come. The parties, the good times, the hangovers, the loss of friends, the beating the system, blasting down the road with a couple of your best brothers. All of us have these memories and SOA contains all of this.
So as the season finale fast approaches next Tuesday night, I have a question for you. What do think is going to happen? Come on now, I know you have your thoughts on this!
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTH
BIKERNET BLACK MARKET BOOK DEAL OF THE WEEK, American Tattoos from Wolfgang Publications–Among the most visually powerful tattoos are those that can only be called American. Whether it’s Old Glory in red white and blue spread across a bicep, or the Harley-Davidson bar and shield done in orange with a black outline, these images are among the most compelling ever seen.
This new book from ArtKulture and Wolfgang Publications begins with a discussion of the things that define an American Tattoo. There’s the subject matter of course, but also the overall design, the style and the bold colors. Author Doug Mitchel, (author or the best-selling Advanced Tattoo Art book) uses 144 pages of color photos to show a variety of patriotic designs and how each was created on a living canvas.
Each step in the is documented here, from the initial concept drawing to the last prick. Captions include information on both the art and artist, and why one set of needles works better for a particular application than another. Also included are pictures of exceptional finished Tattoos, as well flash art of the highest quality.
American Tattoos is from ArtKulture, sister company to Wolfgang Publications. This week you can add this photo-intensive tattoo book to your collection for only $17.95. Save ten bucks off the regular $27.95 price and get free shipping to continental US addresses.
HERE IS THE THURSDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS!– A 2005 DYNA LOW RIDER! Hooker exhaust, one piece drag bars, sissy bar. lower spoiler, 10k on the clock. A tight all around bike for $8550! CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN!
–MIKE the STEALTH
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/Dyna-Low-Rider/2389224/2005-Harley-Davidson-Low-Rider-.html
BIKERNET INFILTRATES THE OTHER GUYS–I have noticed that LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) spend an incalculable amount of off-time finishing up incident reports on their days off. The amount of paperwork they have to fill out for each report is simply mind-numbing. So, to save you guys some time so you can go straight to your gun cleaning, I give you:
MJ’s Handy Guide to Police Report Slang and Abbreviations
[Note: In order to keep my desired PG-13 rating, I have censored and/or changed some of the more vulgar language in the originals.]
When first arriving on scene, you must immediately determine one of the following diagnoses for the contact:
* OPD (Obnoxious Personality Disorder)
* Rectoencephalitis (Head-up-own-butt syndrome)
* Faecal Encephalopathy (Crap for brains)
* SBOD (Stupid B*tch/B*stard On Drugs)
* VIP or PPA (Very Intoxicated Person or Practicing Professional Alcoholic)
* ETOH (Extremely Trashed Or Hammered [note: also EtOH is the chem. for Ethanol])
* CCFCCP (Coo-Coo For Co-Co Puffs)
* or simply having CBT (Chronic Burger Toxicity)
You may also want to do a Tooth to Tattoo Ratio Test – a test of basic intelligence, more tattoos than teeth is a bad sign.
At this time you may decide the case is a WOMBAT (Waste of Money, Brains, And Time). In this case you may FIDO (F*ck It and Drive On) or follow through with a PRATFO (Person Reassured And Told to F*ck Off).
In the case of a car accident, determine which of the following reasons was the cause of the accident:
* DICC (Drunk Involved in Car Crash)
* DWHUA (Driving While Head Up A**)
* DWE (Driving While Elderly)
* or simply a FIRT (Failed Impact Resistance Test)
Make sure to remove and Oohs and Aahs (people who stop to watch) in the area.
In the case of drunks, you will probably deal with people who are WWI (Walking While Intoxicated) which generally results in UDIs (Unexplained Drinking Injuries) or AGAs (Acute Gravity Attacks). After arresting them, decide whether or not to allow them to MTF (Metabolize To Freedom).
In the case of a suicide “jumper”, you can describe the person as the following:
They FTF (Failed To Fly) because of TDS (Terminal Deceleration Syndrome) or GACP (Gravity Assisted Concrete Poisoning) and became Sidewalk Souffle.
In the case of children, designate them as either a BFH (Brat From Hell) or ELF (Evil Little F*cker) and decide if it would be best for them to undergo a Parentectomy (removal from parents).
In the case of criminals, immediately give them the Silver Bracelet Award. Should this be followed by signs of Incarceritis, Pre-Detention Stress Disorder, or Chrome Induced Ischaema (illness due to handcuffing), be sure to take him to the nearest hospital, give the doctors the SPAK (Status Post A**-Kicking) and let them know your guy has MGM Syndrome (great acting skills).
In the case of criminals with HVLP (High Velocity Lead Poisoning – gun shot wounds), determine the seriousness of the case – 185 Grain Injection (9mm), 240 Grain Injection (44cal), etc. This information will allow the ER doctors to calculate the person’s Cockroach Factor: a patient’s ability to survive trauma or serious treatment is inversely proportional to his contribution to society. Meanwhile, the “victim” will maintain he was SOCMOB (Standing On Corner Minding Own Business). Keep in mind always that TWSAM (Trash Will Survive And Multiply). You may advise hospital staff to APTFRAN (Apply Pillow To Face, Repeat As Necessary).
In the case of a death on scene, you can use any of the following terminology to describe the victim:
* ART (Assuming Room Temperature)
* FDSTW (Found Dead, Stayed That Way)
* GPO (Good for Parts Only)
* MFBCFD (Measure For Box, Call For Dirt)
* DRT (Dead Right There) or DRTTTT (Dead Right There, There, There, and There)
It is also appropriate to classify criminals as: Mortally Wounded BUNDY (But Unfortunately Not Dead Yet).
In the case of a 13-6 (Count your ABCs), you may decide the situation calls for a Rapid Lead Infusion (shoot them). In this case, cause of death can be determined as a SBLEO (Suicide By Law Enforcement Officer).
–from officer RH
BILLY LANE INTERVIEW ON BIKERNET– I’m printing a hard copy now for Billy, and hope to get his okay to post your link on our Facebook page. (I’m very wary these days of what to publish, since the DOC is apparently watching the FB page closely –as well as all of our conversations & Billy’s interactions with me & others.)
Meanwhile, I’ve also received a few e-mails in response to your article. People are wonderful about showing support, which definitely speaks well of my brother.
Thanks again for your effort in putting this together. I think you represented Billy very well.
–Georgia
Georgia Lane-Briggs
CHOPPERS INC.
(208) 573-3534
www.facebook.com/ChoppersInc
FAMOUS FLOATING CHOWDER BARGE READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS–We lit the Barge …..
www.chowderbarge.com
310-830-7937
BIKERNET EXECUTIVE CHEF WORKS WITH DR. WEIL– Adding some spice to your life may do more than enhance the flavor of foods. Preliminary evidence indicates that the common spice cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar – a benefit for those with diabetes.
A study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care reported on people with type 2 diabetes who were given differing daily amounts of cinnamon (1, 3, or 6-gram capsules). Regardless of the amount of cinnamon they received, the study group reduced their blood glucose levels by 18 to 29 percent compared to those receiving a placebo. They also experienced a reduction in their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
If you are diabetic, consider adding one-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon to your diet twice daily and see what effect it has. If it works for you, cinnamon should be used as an adjunct to, but not a substitute for, other medications and lifestyle measures such as exercise, a healthy diet and shedding extra pounds – all of which are proven ways to help control glucose levels.
–DrWeil.com
FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS TO SUPPORT VIRGINIA TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAMS– November 26, 2011 The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles announced last week the award of nearly $19 million in grants to support statewide traffic safety programs.
Grant funds — that originated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — were administered in varying amounts by the DMV to local and state government agencies, higher education entities and non-profit organizations. The grants are to fund efforts to improve safety belt and child safety seat usage; deter impaired, aggressive and distracted driving; lower motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian injuries and fatalities; and to promote awareness of risks to teen and senior drivers, according to a DMV statement.
The bulk of the $18.9 million in funding — $6.8 million — will go to state agencies while $5.56 million will go to local government entities. About $3.3 million will be distributed to non-profits and $1 million will be allocated to colleges and universities, according to DMV data related to the grants.
Street Smart
Most of the funding was for “selective enforcement” operations which include police activities such as conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.
Allocations to Hampton Roads localities, based on DMV data, included:
•Hampton — $44,287
•Newport News — $39,240
•York — $34,393
•Williamsburg — $10,500
•Poquoson — $20,528
•James City County — $41,212
•Norfolk — $80,780
•Virginia Beach — $135,100
•Isle of Wight — $28, 618
For a full list of grant recipients, go to http://www.dmv.virginia. Click on “Grants Management” under the Commercial Services tab and look for the “2012 Transportation Safety Grand Awards” heading.
Tide gate testing
The Virginia Department of Transportation will conduct routine tide gate testing at the Interstate 64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel on Dec. 4 from 5 a.m. until 6 a.m., according to a VDOT statement.
Crews will fully cycle tide gates and roadway drain valves at the openings of both tunnels as part of routine testing that is conducted every six months, the statement said.
Motorists should expect delays during the testing period and are encouraged to use the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as an alternate route.
Ferry service
The Jamestown-Scotland ferry, Pocahontas, will be taken out of service Monday so it can undergo biennial hull inspections and other maintenance. The ferry will return to service by February, according to a Virginia Department of Transportation statement.
The ferries Williamsburg, Surry and Virginia will remain in service, but motorists should expect delays, especially during peak times, as operations will be diminished by 40 vehicles per hour, VDOT stated. Drivers should consider taking the Interstate 664 Monitor Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, The James River Bridge (Route 17) or the Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge (Route 106/156).
By Jon Cawley
–from Rogue
THE PERFECT HOLIDAY PRESENT–A BOOK, Terry the Tramp: The Life and Dangerous Times of a One Percenter
WILMINGTON, CAL. (Dec 1, 2011) — Over 50 years ago the term one percenter was coined by the AMA who said that 99 percent of motorcycle enthusiasts are good law-abiding citizens, which leaves one percent. That one percent made is up of motorcycle clubs full of outlaws, hardened criminals, ex-cons, murderers, drug dealers and some bikers who sought out brotherhood. Terry the Tramp: The Life and Dangerous Times of a One Percenter takes you into the back alleys, biker bars, secret hideouts and the back room deals of the one percenter lifestyle. Terry “the Tramp” Orendorff was the notorious leader of the one percenters, becoming the International President of the Vagos Motorcycle Club for 26 years.
Terry the Tramp takes you through Terry’s childhood from a broken home with an absentee father, where his mother struggled to bring him up in poverty. Terry got most of his education on the streets of Alhambra, California, where he developed a vicious chip on his should for having the terrible luck of being born on the wrong side of the tracks. He learned the lessons of the street well and they took him all the way to the top leadership position of the national Vagos Motorcycle Gang. He controlled one of the most violent, extremely powerful group of outlaws and hardened criminals in motorcycle history for two-and-a-half decades.
Not satisfied with being confined to Los Angeles, Terry expanded the power and influence of Vagos into Wyoming, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada and Japan. He guided his brothers through the pot smoke of the hippie era, the needless violence precipitated by the use of reds in the ’70s and the gangster era of cocaine and speed in the ’80s.
Terry managed Vagos through turbulent and deadly club wars with other clubs. The Vagos Club itself was rife with internal conflict as various members vied for more power, violated honor codes and reacted with horrific acts of retribution and revenge.
After 42 years of loyal allegiance to Vagos and his brotherhood, that same brotherhood staged a coup and Terry was ousted from his role as President. Ironically, Terry was also brought up on charges and jailed, not for his involvement and activity of as the International President of the Vagos, but for a white-collar crime.
Each page of Terry the Tramp: The Life and Dangerous Times of a One Percenter takes the reader on the ride of his life, on a rough ride through the dark and seedy side of biker history — the characters, the bikes, the women and the men who lived the story and those who died trying. This is the ultimate look inside the life of the one percenter.
Author, Keith “Bandit” Randall Ball was the founding editor of Easy Rider Magazine and has been publishing motorcycle magazines for 40 years. He currently publishes Bikernet.com, the most popular biker magazine on the Internet. Ball has written four motorcycle novels and two nonfiction motorcycle books to date. Ball is a former member of a 1% Motorcycle Club in good standing.
–Ken Conte
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR EVERYONE!– Looking for the perfect gift to give that hard to buy for person that has almost every motorcycle related knick knack? The Flame Shop is a store that features biker and hot rod cards, mugs, shoes, shirts, postage stamps, and even IPhone cases.
JoAnn
AN UNEARTHLY SHRIEK CAPTURED IN OILS– Tom Fritz is pleased to announce the release of his recently completed artwork “So Woefully Underpaid”, featuring Kenny Roberts broad-sliding and tagging hay bales in the final turn of the 1975 Indy Mile.
A little background first: In a desperate attempt to find a faster dirt-track bike to run down the booming XR Harleys, Yamaha stuffed a TZ750 four-cylinder, two stroke, road-racing engine into a dirt-track frame. The engine pumped out 125 hp, 50 more than a Yamaha twin dirt-tracker.
Roberts was asked to race it – a ride that has since become part of AMA Grand National lore. The TZ could hit about 150 mph at the end of each straight, but balancing throttle and traction in the corners wasn’t easy. Coming from nearly a dead-last start, Kenny managed to wrangle the intimidating beast and win the event. When he got off the bike after sliding and spinning to one of the most famous wins in American dirt-track racing history, Roberts was quoted as saying, “They don’t pay me enough to ride that thing” – hence the painting’s title.
After winning Indy, the bike was reconfigured and raced twice more before it was banned by the AMA. To ensure historical accuracy pertinent to the Indy event, Fritz researched what little photographic and film records are obtainable of that nighttime event, and visited the restored bike for reference. Substantial effort was spent on specific details that were confirmed by Kenny himself.
Tom’s spectacular interpretation debuted at the 2011 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas this past weekend. Prints are available. Get yours at www.fritzart.com, or call Tom at 805-499-1630
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT QUOTE OF THE DAY– “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
– Mark Twain
DEEP OVERDRIVE AND THE ULTIMATE DRIVETRAIN PERFORMANCE PACKAGE– A few years back we introduced the 21-tooth compensating sprocket for 1990-2006 Big Twins which delivers 19% more torque to the rear wheel by increasing the overall drive ratio. Hands down, it is the easiest and most inexpensive way to increase performance with no change in dependability. Compared to stock, this change makes the power hit like a 2-stroke 250cc motocross bike in 1st and 2nd gears. Coincidentally, Harley also introduced a 21 tooth compensating sprocket. The down side of this drivetrain modification is that the cruising RPM on the highway increases 19%.
The fact that the 19% increase in torque comes at a cost of increasing the cruising RPM by the same amount is called engineering compromise. To get one thing, you must give up another. However, engineering compromise can be cheated by installing a 6-speed because it gives you an extra gear and offsets the increase in cruising RPM from the 21 tooth sprocket. But standard 6th gear ratios on all 6-speeds, including the BAKER OD6, are not deep enough to bring the cruising RPM back to the stock level or below. So we developed the deep overdrive option with our OD6 (Overdrive 6-speed).
With the BAKER OD6, two 6th gear ratios are available; .86:1(standard Overdrive) and .80:1 (deep Overdrive). For overall drive ratios less than 3.55, we recommend the standard .86:1 overdrive ratio for most applications. The deep Overdrive .80:1 is recommended for overall ratios greater than 3.55.
The overall drive ratio of a Big Twin is calculated by multiplying the primary reduction (primary drive) by the secondary reduction (drive to the rear wheel). Most Big Twins from 1994-2006 have a 36/25 primary drive ratio and 70/32 secondary drive which translates to an overall ratio of 3.15 ([36/25]X[70/32]). This number is equivalent to the rear axle ratio in a rear wheel drive car. Replace the stock 25 tooth compensating sprocket with a 21 tooth sprocket and the overall drive ratio jumps up to 3.75 ([36/21]X[70/32]).
Actual calculated numbers tell the complete story. By using the RPM and Speed calculator from our website the cruising RPM at 75MPH for stock, BAKER OD6, Screamin Eagle 6-speed, and BAKER deep overdrive are derived:
RPM at 75 MPH for the stock 1994-2006 5-speed configuration:
[75X70X36X1X88]/[6.54X32X25] = 3178 RPM
RPM at 75 MPH for a stock 5-speed with 21 tooth compensating sprocket installed:
[75X70X36X1X88]/[6.54X32X21] = 3784 RPM
RPM at 75 MPH with a Screamin Eagle 6-speed with .895 6th gear ratio with 21 tooth compensating sprocket installed:
[75X70X36X.895X88]/[6.54X32X21] = 3387 RPM
RPM at 75 MPH with a BAKER OD6 with standard .86 6th gear ratio with 21 tooth compensating sprocket installed:
[75X70X36X.86X88]/[6.54X32X21] = 3254 RPM
RPM at 75 MPH with an OD6 with .80 deep overdrive 6th gear ratio with 21 tooth compensating sprocket installed:
[75X70X36X.80X88]/[6.54X32X21] = 3027 RPM
The first and last calculation spells out, in black and white numbers, a stock bike vs. running deep overdrive with a 21 tooth sprocket. We consider the 21 tooth compensating sprocket and deep overdrive 6-speed the ultimate drivetrain performance package because this combination yields 19% more torque to the rear wheel and a 4.8% reduction in cruising RPM on the highway with no compromise in engine durability. For more information on your particular bike or application give our tech line a call.
WORD FROM THE BAD COP MASTER ARCHIVIST– This is why I send you Bad Cop articles. Cops are breaking laws every day and are Not Being Arrested.
In the rare case, if they do get arrested they get a slap on the wrist.
Law enforcement needs to clean up their own to set a example for others.–Rogue
Cop’s departure after alleged drug thefts causes stir in West Melbourne–from Florida Today
Public records indicate that a now-retired West Melbourne police commander admitted to consuming drugs taken from an evidence room because he was suffering from an addiction to pain pills. But Schrum was never arrested, never faced criminal charges and now receives a monthly pension of $3,245.
A former West Melbourne police commander took drugs for his personal use from the police department evidence room more than two years ago, according to City Manager Scott Morgan.
Police Chief Brian Lock investigated the incident in 2009, but never reported the matter to city leaders until about two weeks ago, Morgan said.
Schrum had admitted to Lock that he took the drugs. Lock did consult with the State Attorney’s office at the time of the incident, according to records released by the city. The State attorney’s office determined that Schrum’s confession would not be admissable as evidence and that there were other factors that would have made it difficult to prosecute the case.
The former commander, Charles Schrum, was not arrested nor faced criminal charges and was allowed to retire on a medical disability.
Morgan released details of the case as a result of a FLORIDA TODAY public records request.
The news comes as Lock is a finalist for the police chief’s job in Springfield, Tenn.
According to reports from Tennessean.com, Lock is among for candidates who are participating in evaluations that conclude today.
Lock started working with West Melbourne Police Department in 1980 and rose through the ranks to become its chief in 1990.
BARE KNUCKLE CHOPPERS SS² Seat Springs– Bare Knuckle Choppers is excited to about this new offering for all you chopper fiends; 3-inch stainless steel seat springs. These seat springs fix three major problems with the current springs offered to the public. First and foremost, these springs are made right here in the USA! Secondly, the springs eliminate the need for shoddy chrome plating, as they are made from stainless steel. And finally, they are 20% stiffer than the run of the mill springs out there. No more bottoming out!
Hey, the best part is the price! These bad boys are only $15! Electropolished version will be available soon, and will run ya a couple extra bucks. Of course dealer inquiries are always invited. Contact the crew at 1-888-240-NUKL or hit them on the web at www.bareknucklechoppers.com and www.facebook.com/bareknucklechoppers.com
BRING A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY– and join The Hells Angels San Fernando Valley at SFV’s Clubhouse.
Sunday December 4 — GATE OPENS 11am
NEW VICTORY TO BE REVEALED AT LONG BEACH SHOW–This bike gets revealed at the IMS event next Friday at 5:00 Pacific time. I hope to see you there – have a good week!
–Robert Pandya
Polaris Motorcycles
ERIC HERRMANN STUDIES DESERT WILD LIFE–No worries, Eric didn’t go off the deep end and start painting Butterflies and Bunnies! It’s just the title of his latest painting. The “Wild Life” in this work of art is the people out having a bit of fun on a beautiful desert afternoon. Blasting down a two lane, crossing a double yellow, somewhere between finger rock and big breast butte, the biker, hot rodder, and their All-American, gun totin, passengers, have some harmless fun. The driver and rider pound fists while the gals flash and remove their Red, White, and Blue tops.
As in most of Eric’s work, it’s the details that tell the story. The V/8 and other tattoos, cigarettes rolled in a sleeve, reflections from the bike passenger as they blow by the Bunny Star Ranch, The Goodguys sticker on the hot rod, and the 911 remembrance on the biker’s rings, it’s all there. A Bald Eagle, Diamondback Rattlesnake, Gila Monster, Coyote, and Roadrunner all add to the potential treachery and sense of freedom. Both the 51 Merc. (GNRS Winner) and the stunning bagger were home built by their owners.
“In my paintings I can have as much fun and freedom as I like,” states Eric. “No one gets hurt, no tickets or jail time are handed out, no motors ever blow up. Enjoy the fun within the artwork.” Our American freedoms are diminishing: we are overcome with laws and regulations, and will soon be forced to drive electric vehicles. “I even had to paint this work in two formats, censored and un-censored, to be politically correct. You have the option of having her top on or off! ‘Wild Life’ will surely become a cult classic in our Motorsport History.”
The original ‘Wild Life’ painting took three months to complete, measures
36″ x 48″ and is available for $32,000.00. ‘Wild Life’ is entirely hand painted using Acrylics paints on canvas.
LIFE IS NUTS–But you knew that. We feel like Bikernet is working for our industry and doing the job correctly in our current economic climate. We don’t have any debt. We support maybe 30 writers, photographers, editors, and trades people. We are not feeding off the government, although we did try to obtain a grant to refurbish the exterior of the building, but we offered a Wilmington mural on the side of the building in exchange.
Plus, we work with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and with NCOM, and any other group throughout the country and the world to keep motorcycling alive. In fact, next week we should have our logo designed by George Fleming, Bikernet artist, to kick off the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Industry Council.
Plus for 2012 we may expand Bikernet and be able to support more writers, editors and photographers. We could all help out by making sure to join the motorcycle rights group of your choice next year.
Okay, I would dive into the content for next week, but I’m lost between heading to Vegas, trying to carve out a book outline, and writing three magazine features, one for Heavy Duty in Australia, then one for Cycle Source on our Subscription Sweeps Bike for 2012, that’s right, you will have the chance to win a very cool custom bike, built by Gary Maurer and the Chop Doc, by subscribing to Bandit’s Cantina, or the Cycle Source. The third feature will be wrapped around Rick Krost’s new vintage Panhead for Iron Works. But I need to feature the Machine Gun Preacher’s bike, then the Spitfire Julie Rouge Sportster, finish the next Mudflap Girl tech, and work on Mr. Lucky’s weld on kickstand tech.
It never stops happening on Bikernet. Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
