SUGAR BEAR TURNS 75, BILLY LANE RELEASED, CLUBS WIN NO-COLORS LAWSUIT THURSDAY NEWS FOR September 18, 2014

Hey,

What a strange day and closing on a very strange week. I felt pressure at the first of the week to finish several features, and I just thought of another one.

I wrote the Tom Seymour, of Saddlemen story for Hot Bike, and will meet with him to confirm all my mistakes and fill out the tech chart tomorrow. I wrote a Cantina episode, and a small speech for the public comment period for the Wilmington Board of Commissioners tonight. We are fighting for a waterfront area. This fight has waxed and waned for over 20 years. Good god get ‘er done, will ya.

It just dawned on me. I need to peel over to Long Beach and the McQuiston’s Custom Cycles. A shop feature needs to be written for Cycle Source. Ryan and his crew have been picked up for a TV series. Soon I won’t be able to talk to him, so I better make this happen quick.

My major project for this week includes starting to rewrite my final chapter of the second Chance Hogan book.

Let’s hit the news, then I’ll fill you in on the strangeness.

The Thursday News is sponsored by Cycle Source Magazine and Las Vegas Bike Fest.

 

FLORIDA STATE FAIR SETTLES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT–In a big win for motorcycle club members nationwide, the Florida State Fair and local law enforcement were dealt a stunning blow when they agreed to settle a Civil Rights lawsuit filed by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos (“Jerry T”) on behalf of the East Florida Confederation of Clubs.

The Florida State Fair and Fair employees, along with two Hillsborough County Sheriffs agreed to pay three members of the West Florida Confederation of Clubs a total of $72,500 to settle the case after nearly a hundred club members were denied entry into the fair by off-duty sheriff’s deputies on Feb. 7, 2010 based on the fact they would not remove their colors.

A posted policy banned “club colors” and the bikers were threatened with jail if they attempted to enter the front gate of the fair, and AIM lawyer Jerry T. captured the entire event on film with a videographer, which was a pivotal reason the federal lawsuit was settled out of court.

“This settlement is a great day for all motorcycle club members, not only in the state of Florida, but across America,” said Jerry T., “We sent a message that our people will not be discriminated against in a public forum.”

–from Bill Bish, NCOM and the Publisher of Ride On Magazine

You can read the entire report and other NCOM Coast to Coast Legislative new on Bikernet.

QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY
A farmer went out one day and bought a brand new stud rooster for his chicken coop. The new rooster struts over to the old rooster and says, ‘OK old fart, time for you to retire.’

The old rooster replies, ‘Come on, surely you cannot handle ALL of these chickens. Look what it has done to me. Can’t you just let me have the two old hens over in the corner?’

The young rooster says, ‘Beat it: You are washed up and I am taking over.’

The old rooster says, ‘I tell you what, young stud. I will race you around the farmhouse. Whoever wins gets the exclusive domain over the entire chicken coop.’

The young rooster laughs. ‘You know you don’t stand a chance, old man. So, just to be fair, I will give you a head start.’

The old rooster takes off running. About 15 seconds later the young rooster takes off running after him. They round the front porch of the farmhouse and the young rooster has closed the gap. He is only about 5 feet behind the old rooster and gaining fast.

The farmer, meanwhile, is sitting in his usual spot on the front porch when he sees the roosters running by. The Old Rooster is squawking and running as hard as he can. The Farmer grabs his shotgun and – BOOM – he blows the young rooster to bits. The farmer sadly shakes his head and says, ‘Dammit…..third gay rooster I bought this month.’

—-from Jerry and Rogue

 

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB PRESENTS THE ART OF THE DUCATI
Celebrate more than 60 years of Italian motorcycle mastery. Over 60 years ago in Bologna, Italy, a small company called Ducati began manufacturing simple, inexpensive 50cc motorcycles–really no more than two-stroke-powered bicycles.

Since then, Ducati has evolved into one of the most storied names in the motorcycling world, its lineup of beautiful machines revered for their technical excellence and extreme performance.

In The Art of Ducati, Ducati expert Ian Falloon teams with renowned British photographerJames Mann to present a gorgeously illustrated, wonderfully curated review of more than six decades of Ducati excitement. From the single-cylinder bikes of the 1950s and 1960s to the bevel-drive twins of the 1970s and early 1980s to the high-performance bikes of the 21st century, The Art of Ducati showcases a motorcycle marque that has never rested on its laurels.

Ducati’s style and technology have constantly evolved, engineering timeless classics like the 900SS, Darmah, Mike Hailwood Replica, 851, 916, Monster, and ST sports touring series, bikes that laid the foundation for today’s cutting-edge models: the Panigale superbike, Multistrada adventure bike, all-new Monster, Hypermotard, and Diavel power cruiser. While there’s no end in sight for Ducati’s dominance, The Art of Ducati pays homage to their past six-plus decades of masterful motorcycle engineering.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!

SAMSON INTRODUCES TRUE DUAL “CROSS UNDER” EXHAUST SYSTEMS

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8960

Do they fit ‘07 Road King?

–Lew
Minersville, PA

I’m guessing and we’ve reached out to Mr. Samson, but I’ll go for yes, they have them. Watch, I’ll get in hot water.–Wrench
 
This just in from the Emperor of Samson Exhaust: I just got back from Cabo. The hurricane stranded me there for several days until I could be evacuated. I was stuck there with 30,000 other tourists. There was no power, water, or phones. The cell tower was destroyed so no cell service either. The entire town and surrounding area is destroyed.

I’m lucky to be alive once more. The older I get the more I realize how precious life really is. I think I need a vacation.

Of course we make them for Kings, you dipshit.

–Kenny Price 

MAN PLEADS GUILTY— in Pike County motorcycle club shooting

PIKEVILLE — A man pleaded not guilty this week to fatally shooting another man and wounding two others at an Eastern Kentucky motorcycle club.

The Appalachian News-Express reported that Daniel Ward, 24, entered the plea in Pike Circuit Court.

Ward is accused of murder, attempted murder and assault in the shootings last month in the Stone community of Pike County.

Police said Bradley Coleman, 29, died at the scene, and two others were injured.

Information from: Appalachian News-Express, http://www.news-expressky.com

–from Mike

Sons Of Silence MC Retired
NCOM Brothers Behind Bars Newsletter Editor

 

METALSPORT DEAL OF THE WEEK–GET YOUR FREE 21″, 26″ or 30″ BLACK WALL TIRE.
 

HERE AT METALSPORT WHEELS WE WANT TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS SO FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER WE WILL GIVE YOU A FREE TIRE WITH ANY 21″ , 26″ & 30″ 2-D WHEEL IN STOCK or NEW ORDER SO DONT DELAY GET YOUR ORDER IN NOW !!!!!!!!

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HERE ARE JUST 2 SAMPLES OF THE WHEELS WE MAKE TO SEE MORE CHECK OUR WEBSITE www.metalsportwheels.com

SO CALL THE LEADER IN BILLET MOTORCYCLE WHEELS
METALSPORT WHEELS
GIVE US A CALL AT 562-7769594

 
 

NEWS FROM PETERSEN MUSEUM–I attended this Sunday event at the Petersen…first time for bikes and cars together!
 

It turned out to be a major success, so museum will keep inviting bikes…but last free breakfast party is coming up before the museum goes into renovation mode…

And about the Alligator…that was one of Dan Gurney’s oddities that showed up…plus the
new hypo version…and many other cool rides….

Let me know if you want this story…..and I can save you some pancakes for the next party…

–PG

Of course we want the story and I want breakfast. Since the ol’ lady peeled out, never have time for breakfast.–Bandit

New VINTAGE Bikernet Reader Comment!
6th Annual Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11281

Thanks for including my bike from 2013 rally.

That was fun.

Small correction guys: My Indian is a 1947 and not a ’39.

–Abel
Los Angeles, CA

THE BULLSHIT JOKE OF THE DAY
 
Eve’s Chat With God “What is it, Eve?”
 

“I know that you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals, especially that hilarious snake, but I’m just not happy.”

“And why is that Eve?”

“Lord, I’m lonely, and I’m sick to death of apples.”

“Well, Eve, in that case I have a solution. I shall create a man for you.”

“Man? What is that Lord?”

“A flawed creature with many bad traits. He’ll lie, cheat and be vain. All in all, he’ll give you a hard time, but he’ll be bigger and faster and will love to hunt, fish and bring you good things to eat. I’ll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs. He will be witless and will revel in childish things like playing cards and gambling and knocking a ball around. He won’t be as smart as you, so he will also need your advice to think properly.”

“Sounds great,” says Eve, with ironically raised eyebrows,” but what’s the catch?”

“Well,.. you can have him on one condition.”

“And what’s that Lord?”

“Well, since he’ll be proud, arrogant and self-admiring, you’ll have to let him believe that I made him first. And it will have to be our little secret… you know, woman to woman.”

–Rogue

 

FUNNY FARM FACTORY NEWS FOR THURSDAY
Just read your intro for today’s Sunday’s Post in Bandit’s Cantina, amazing.

Did you already know the funny farm (factory) is dropping the engine reman program?? This could be good news for the older well equipped shops, especially if they rebuild engines. Shops like Bennett’s Performance in Long Beach and Lee Clemons Departure Bike Works, in Richmond, Virginia should do well. Also 2Wheelers in Denver, if they have a engine rebuild program, and Duncan Keller, for vintage engines.

–PSD

I mentioned to Paul about the S&S Reman program.–Bandit

Yes, but at a cost almost double the H-D reman program. They are very proud of their work.  I did trust H-D’s reman program fully. I R&Red many reman engines. Never an issue ever!

–PSD
 
From S&S
 
 I’d like to correct some bogus info. It appears we can’t reply for some reason. Anyway the true facts will now be revealed!

 

Saying the S&S rebuild program is double the cost is a bit of a stretch.  Not trying to start an argument, but the facts should be heard.  For an 80″ Evolution® engine, H-D had an advertised MSRP of $2995.00.  The S&S MSRP is $3495.  That is only $500.  The Twincam is also only a $500 increase for the A engines and $600 for the B versions.  The engines are rebuilt using S&S Viola V-Twin parts, so the quality of the components is there. 

As far as the workmanship, you yourself attested to the quality of the H-D reman engines.  It is not a well known fact, but a fact none the less, that S&S built those reman engines for HD.

 

Bruce Tessmer

Marketing Projects Coordinator

S&S® Cycle Inc.

608-627-0283

 
 
 
 

5-BALL RACING LEATHERS’ JACK SHIRT— Not for Posers

You know buffalo are tough. Just look how big those bad asses are. That’s why 5-Ball Racing Leathers selected buffalo for the 5/8 Sleeve (5 Pocket) Jack Shirt.

They also designed in a gun pocket, two chest pockets, two waist pockets and extended the length to cover your waist. It has a slick look.

They are built for riders, not posers. Take a look – http://www.jpcycles.com/product/160-709

 

AUSTRALIA’S QUEENSLAND STILL GRAPPLING WITH CLUBS–Dob in a biker reward system not working.

In October 2013, Police Minister in the Australian state of Queensland, Jack Dempsey, announced Queensland’s Crime Stoppers would be allocated $5 million in reward funding for information about criminal gangs or bikers.

But so far only $1,150 has been paid out.

Dr Terry Goldsworthy, Bond University Criminologist, said the information being provided has not necessarily helped the crackdown on bikers.

“[Crime Stoppers] have received about 1200 pieces of information,” he said.

“124 offenders have been arrested in relation to drug and property and weapon matters, but interestingly though, only 22 people can actually be able to have shown to have any links to any criminal organizations.

“That’s not necessarily saying they’re a club member, it just saying they have an alleged association or links to a criminal organization – it’d interesting to see how many of those 22 were actually bikers.”

Between 2000 and 2010 Queensland police – a separate organization from Crime Stoppers – paid out $900,000 in rewards between 2000 to 2010.

Figures weren’t available for Crime Stoppers and Dr Goldsworthy said they’d be quite different to QPS figures.

He said the reward campaign has not had the outcome the Government anticipated..

“This reward system has been highly advertised, and to only have one successful pay out, indicates to me that I don’t think it’s a success.”

If they will send me 5 million, I’ll get Snake to tell them anything…–Bandit

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION Washington Weekly Updates–

And we’re back. Congress returned from their traditional five-week summer district work period this week, with sort of a whimper. With lots of backlog on news of jobs (there aren’t any), foreign acts of terrorism (there are a lot), and not to mention the looming November elections, one would think that it would have been a busy week.

It hasn’t been and its not likely to be busy. The Congress is planning an unprecedented event, adjourning early. In my days on the hill we would be is session until late December in election years with no adjournment to speak of. So this move to send all the politicians back to their home districts to campaign like crazy, shows how important this election is. Target adjournment is September 23rd.

Speaking of elections, this is where I encourage you to join a campaign, any campaign! There are lots of state wide Senate toss up races that could dramatically shift the control of the Senate. I’ll leave it up to you as to whether a new Senate majority would be good or bad.

You likely saw my release earlier about the TIGER grants or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recover grants. The TIGER grants are a holdover from the failed stimulus package of 2009. Here’s my “thing about” TIGER grants. They don’t work to address national transportation needs and they are highly political.

TIGER grants allow the Secretary of Transportation to doll out 600 million a year with very little oversight. The money is petered away on small scale projects that impact a handful of users. Things like bike paths, electric vehicle corridors and street cars are the recipients of the award money instead of big ticket items such as major congestion issues and multimodal projects.

One grant is even going for a walking path. I guess walking is technically transportation but c’mon! The grants or as they should be called, gifts are supposed to also create jobs, which after all was the main goal of the stimulus package in the first place.

So far there has been zero evidence that this grant program has created any jobs. I participated in a conference called with the Secretary on Friday and he blamed Congress for not passing a large scale spending bill, which is definitely part of the problem with our nations infrastructure.

I hope everyone is gearing up for MOTM!

–Jeff Hennie

 

BIKERNET INVESTIGATOR TOURS PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA–Spent a couple of hours meandering around. Arial is rooftop of my hotel. Grand palace and an old wat that seems to have burial crypts.

Warm weather, okay in the shade.

Met up with biker friends for drinks last nite One biker is millionaire developer. Another is big-time architect. One has wife at embassy and he teaches crave McGraw.

–Art Hall
Bikernet Supreme Undercover International Editor

[page break]

THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS IN FULL SWING–The Irish Priest

He rose from his bed one morning. It was a fine spring day in his new west Texas mission parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of the beautiful day outside.

He then noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn. He promptly called the local police station.

The conversation went like this: “Good morning. This is Sergeant Jones. How might I help you?”

“And the best of the day to yourself. This is Father O’Malley at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. There’s a jackass lying dead in me front lawn and would ye be so kind as to send a couple o’ yer lads to take care of the matter?

Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit and recognizing the accent, thought he would have a little fun with the good father, replied, “Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of the last rites!”

There was dead silence on the line for a long moment.

Father O’Malley then replied, “Aye, ’tis certainly true; but we are also obliged to notify the next of kin first, which is the reason for me call.”

–from Robin Hartfiel

Karns Kustoms Wins the OC Bikefest Custom Bike Show by Customization in America (CIA)–If it is rock and roll on the main stage, roasted donuts at the ILLConduct stunting compound and slick customs at the Customization In America (CIA) Bike Show then it must be OC Bikefest. And what a weekend for the fans of custom bikes as builders came to compete for $6,000 in prizes from Ridewright Wheels, Biker’s Choice, Nino 925, Chop Docs Choppers and Shadetree Fabrications. Local talent and builders from as far away as New York came to showcase their latest work.

The People’s Choice Award is always a treat because fans get to vote on their favorite custom bike and the builders compete on influencing the voting of their bike. After 3 days and over 1,000 votes Jack Deagazio came away as the people’s favorite and was awarded a Special Ops Vest from 5 Ball Racing Leathers. The 12 pocket vest features heavy duty gun metal grey zipper, double needle seam construction and 2 conceal and carry pockets.

“This is the 1st year for the CIA Bike Show at OC Bikefest and we are excited to be at the exceptional venue at the Ocean City Inlet right on the Boardwalk,” said Bob Kay, Partner at Biker Pros.

FreeStyle Class Winner at CIA
Karns Kustoms builds custom Sportsters. They have a small shop and do most of their work with hand tools. There 1000cc bike called Hooligan features a hardtail, hydraulic clutch, hidden wiring and custom tank and custom rear fender. Karns Kustoms are known for their bright paint and sano builds. Karns took the FreeStyle win and the Biker’s Choice $2,000 award.

1. FreeStyle Class Winner – Adam Karns, Hooligan – ’74 Sportster, Karns Kustoms

Retro MOD Class Winner at CIA
Jack Deagazio rolled in his latest build called Evil. The first thing you notice about the bike is the paint. Jack originally wanted it black but his painter, Tom Felier, said the bike looked so good that he wasn’t going to paint it that color. So after a lot of back and forth they settled on a slick orange. Brian O’Hara of Bman Striping took care of the pin stripe duties.

The bike features a 1974 74ci mil, engraving and hartail. The points cover is a Jeremy Cupp of LC Fabrications’ porthole. Besides the 5 Ball Racing Leathers’ Special Ops Vest, Jack took home awards from Chop Docs Choppers and Shadetree Fabrications.

1. Class Winner – Jack Deagazio, Evil – 1974 Bobber

MOD Harley Class Winner at CIA
Mike Barrett rolled in his 1996 Harley-Davidson Bad Boy springer to the OC Bikefest Bike Show and rolled out a MOD Harley winner. The 1340cc Harley EVO delivers grunt and a fabulous tone with his V&H pipes. Mike added a custom saddle, saddlebags, tool bags and updates throughout. The bike rolled in the facilities as a bare bones and bad-assed bike. Mike won the Ridewright Wheels award.

1. Class Winner – Mike Barrett – 1996 Harley-Davidson Bad Boy

MOD Street Class Winner at CIA

The MOD Street class is the most interesting class because the diversity is so great. This class includes everything from stretched busa’s to Yamaha Bolts. And Eric Johanson’s Jokers Wild didn’t disappoint.
 

The 1800cc Honda VTX features a custom front end, custom wheels, air suspension and 48deg rake. It also includes custom intake, exhaust and Power Commander. Eric takes home a Nino 925 Rockstar ring for his effort.

1. Class Winner – Eric Johanson, Jokers Wild – 2002 VTX 1800

When not checking out the bikes, attendees were treated to national entertainment including Jackyl, Big Engine, Kashmir, Davisson Brothers Band, Travis Tritt, Big Engine, The Marshall Tucker Band, Don Felder and his band Live and Rowdy Johnson as well as ILLConduct stunt shows, vendors and carny food and beverage.

5-BALL RACING LEATHERS’ SPECIAL OPS VEST AWARDED AT OC BIKEFEST BY CIA–Winner Receives Special Ops Vest

The winner of the People’s Choice Award at the OC Bikefest Custom Bike Show by CIA is awarded a 5 Ball Racing Leathers’ Special Ops Club Vest.

“We are excited to be a part of the OC Bikefest Custom Bike Show by CIA because it is one of the fastest growing bike shows on the East Coast,” said Keith “Bandit” Ball, Leather Evangelist and Boss at Bikernet.com.

The Special Ops Club Vest is designed to accommodate the needs of riders who want to carry their personal items with them. The outside features 4 zipped pockets and 2 waist pockets. The inside features 2 conceal and carry snap pockets, 2 zipper pockets and 2 credential pockets.

“We have enough pockets so that everything has a place and every place has something critical for the ride,” explained Bandit. “The outside waist pocket is deep enough to use to secure your cell phone while using it on the go as a GPS device.”

The 5 Ball Racing Leathers line, designed for motorcycle riders, offers plenty of storage and protection and comes equipped with one or two gun pockets, depending on the style. The 5 Ball Racing Leathers team have over 100 years of riding experience between them, and they know what riders need and want. They have integrated their very best ideas into the line. Click here to see the entire line of leather at J&P Cycles.

About 5-Ball Racing Leathers
Keith “Bandit” Ball, Bikernet.com President, and Bob Kay, Biker Pros Partner, designed a line of Genuine Riding Apparel™ for cruiser, chopper and bobber riders. The shirts, jackets and vests are known for their innovation, functionality and quality craftsmanship.

–Jeffrey Najar, Partner
Biker Pros
c. 919-450-5060

 

SOMEBODY GOT A JOB
Samson Exhaust, USA is pleased to announce the addition of the newest member of the sales and marketing crew.

Motorcycle industry veteran Bob Sporka brings years of distributor, wholesale and retail experience the Samson Exhaust sales team, while becoming an integral part of the famous Samson Exhaust organization. Bob will be responsible for the timely supply of renowned Big Guns, Street Sweepers, the successful Legend Series and the highly popular Cholo Longtail line, as well as many other exhaust systems for Harley-Davidson, Indians and other world known nameplates.

“The Black Hills simply amazed me” says Sporka, “My wife and I came on a vacation and fell in love with the people, the mountains, and the area in general. To be allowed to work with Kenny Price, a gentleman and businessman I’ve respected for years was the icing on the cake.” He continued. “I’m really looking forward to supporting this great group.”

Sporka is a married father and step-dad as well as grandfather of 2 who is relocating his wife to the Sturgis area. Arriving from the heat and humidity of Houston, TX to the four distinct seasons and Bikers’ Mecca might be a bit of a shock at first, but they make snow shovels in all sizes!

 

BRASS BALLS DOES IT AGAIN FOR A VET— Congrats to Brian Jarvis!

It’s official, we’ve given another bike to a vet. Brian Jarvis, of Twentynine Palms, California is the winner of the Onnit bike. Brian is currently serving in the US Navy.

And if that wasn’t enough… Onnit also donated funds to Pros 4 Vets. There are great people in this world. We see it everyday. Support our troops.

Special thanks to all involved who helped make it possible. Thanks to Nicole for donating the bike to be customized and restored. Thanks to Jim Johnson who was the catalyst for getting the bike donated. Thanks to Richard at King’s Customs for all they contributed to making this bagger a real winner. Thanks to LePera for a killer seat. Thanks to Outlaw polishing for bringing back that shine. Big thanks to Onnit for being a key partner in getting this bike promoted and given away to a veteran.

As always, a portion of sales proceeds help us in our philanthropy efforts for our troops. To see more about that click here to see what we do. Thank you for your support.

Brass Balls Cycles by Darwin Motorcycles
UNCOMPROMISING AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES

 

HOW-TO BOOKS FROM WOLFGANG
Since the days of Von Dutch, hot rod and motorcycle enthusiasts have used pinstripes both as stand-alone art, and as a compliment to a flame or graphic paint job.

Timothy Remus uses over 500 color images to present the work of 11 well-known pinstripe artists. Each chapter presents one start-to-finish project and an interview with the artist. The photo sequences take the viewer from the initial sketch to the finished design.

Text explains each step of the artwork, the interviews explain the artist’s choice for paint and brushes. The artwork, often complimented with gold leaf or airbrush colors, is done on panels as well as various vehicles and components.

Advanced Pinstripe Art brings the reader into the shop of some of this country’s best pinstripe artists, for an intense and intimate how-to lesson.

This is pinstripe school, taught by masters, brought to your own home or shop. 144 pages, 100% color.

Advanced Pinstripe Art
How-to Secrets from the Masters
ISBN: 978-1-929133-32-1
$27.95

WASHINGTON UPDATE
Though this article is about what is happening in Washington DC it is actually happening all over the country.–Rogue

D.C.’s war on motorists

Capital squeezes even more revenues out of public

“You are guilty until you have proven yourself innocent. … That has worked well for us.”

— A “senior” District of Columbia official, explaining to an investigator how tickets are issued in the nation’s capital.

There is a startling abuse of power in Washington — an appalling overreach by the government — and it has nothing to do with the feds.

A report issued last week by D.C.’s inspector general confirmed what many who live and work in Washington have known for a while: The capital is on the cutting edge of efforts nationwide to squeeze more revenue out of the public by forcing motorists to pay money to resolve “violations” they did not commit.

D.C. has hired an army of parking enforcement personnel and has installed hundreds of cameras to give automatic tickets for speeding and other moving violations. Those efforts brought in $172 million for the D.C. treasury last year, and they have spun completely out of control.

The IG found that D.C., unlike jurisdictions such as Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, California and New York, has virtually no restrictions on the speed cameras. In addition to the guilty-untilproven- innocent mindset quoted above, the IG found that tickets are being issued to vehicles even if the police can’t “conclusively identify” the violator and even if the vehicle doesn’t match the registration information. A District study that tried to show the public that speed cameras were installed to improve safety, not just to bring in revenue, “created the opposite effect,” the IG said.

As it happens, the day before the IG report came out, I received a “Notice of Infraction” from D.C. police saying I had run a stop sign. The photos and video offered as evidence showed my car moving slowly and braking until it did what a reasonable person might call “stopping.” But I got a $50 ticket — same as if I had ignored the stop sign. A week later, I got another “Notice of Infraction” — this one saying I had run a red light a few blocks away. I had made a legal right on red after a slow-rolling stop, but I got a $150 ticket, same as if I had blown straight through the intersection at full speed. A police spokeswoman said my actions justified both tickets.

I showed the videos to Lon Anderson, who runs government relations for AAA Mid-Atlantic. He said a human officer wouldn’t ticket either supposed infraction, because “there was no safety threat in either case.” But the cameras are there for money, not safety.

“D.C. has been executing a war on motorists,” running “a major revenue making enterprise that is not strictly or even marginally related to safety,” Anderson said. Anderson said he’s all for punishing people who speed or who run lights, because they are a danger. “But we’ve got these cameras that are ticketing you for going an inch over the stop line, or making a rolling right on red, or unintentionally running a red light by two tenths, three-tenths of a second. … It’s a system run wild.”

D.C. officials testified before a Senate committee Monday afternoon about their desire for statehood. I’m sympathetic, but statehood is not going to happen anytime soon, nor should it, if the government runs the place like a banana republic. Clearly, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier isn’t for reform; she called the IG report “flawed” and “sensationalist.” If the D.C.Council can’t get itself in line with the rest of the country, perhaps Congress can force a change.

The Washington Post’s Ashley Halsey, writing about the report, said it portrays D.C. as “the Wild West of traffic enforcement.” That’s true, but in a way it’s more like the Soviet East, where officials invented rules and citizens had no recourse.

I drive all over town to cover events, so I get more than my share of parking and camera tickets. I generally pay them, regardless of merit, treating them as a cost of doing business. I challenged some at first, but with adjudication examiners having average annual caseloads of 11,514 each, success is a remote possibility.

I sent in photos and a video showing that I had not parked in an “emergency” zone as the ticket indicated — appeal denied, no explanation.

In Washington, you aren’t guilty until proven innocent. You’re just guilty.

— Dana Milbank, Florida Today

–from Rogue
 
 

Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.

Indian Motorcycle Show Their Metal At European Bike Week

Austria’s Faaker See region becomes an annual biker’s mecca in the first week of September, for European Bike Week. This year the hills were alive with the sound of Thunderstrokes when Indian Motorcycle came to town!

Indian Motorcycle dominated the Bikers Power Area 1 – the middle of three distinct ‘villages’ that turn Faak Am See into the center of Europe biking culture for a week. Surrounded by authorised dealers selling parts and accessories as well as the new line of finest quality apparel, Indian Motorcycle previewed their new 2015 Roadmaster.

CLICK to read more….

Arch Motorcycle Showcase

ARCH Motorcycle Company begins production of the highly anticipated KRGT-1 and is now accepting reservations.

ARCH Motorcycle founders Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves are proud to introduce the custom-production KRGT-1, a versatile, performance-oriented, American V-twin with the perfect balance of performance and design. Manufactured exclusively in ARCH’s Los Angeles area factory, the KRGT-1 will be built to order with an initial offering price of $78,000. Production will be limited, making ownership a coveted experience, according to a the company’s news release.

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2014 Cannonball Motorcycle Endurance Run

Start of the 3,938 mile ride to Tacoma, WA.

The 2014 Cannonball Run is an endurance test of motorcycles built prior to 1937 that started at the Daytona Beach Resort in Daytona Beach Florida on September 5th. The riders started to assemble on the beach at 8:30 AM for a group photo. They started the 3,938 mile ride to Tacoma Washington at 10:00AM and are scheduled to arrive there on September 21st.

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JIMS NEW 135-INCH RACING MONSTER

The latest from the House of JIMS will be the Power House behind the 5-Ball Belly Tank.

Editor’s Note: We’ve worked with JIMS staff for maybe 30 years, maybe longer. Jim Thiessen has one of the most solid companies in the industry. When the custom world is on fire JIMS keeps rolling along. So, when we decided to create something completely nuts for Bonneville in a Belly Tank configuration I discussed it with Jim and he immediately wanted to be involved. JIMS is our first, and so far our largest 5-Ball Racing sponsor behind this endeavor. Second to JIMS is Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil Metal Works, then Paughco.

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The WMDRA’s AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals 2014

Some of the quickest and fastest drag bikes on the planet.

The WMDRA’s AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals brought some of the quickest and fastest drag bikes on the planet to a vintage 1/8 mile strip just out of Sturgis, South Dakota for the 74th Annual Sturgis Race and Rally, along with–oh–400,000 friends.

The WMDRA came to be a part of the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and to bring drag racing to Sturgis Dragway. Sandra Alberti’s collaboration with Sturgis Nationals Title sponsor AMSOIL was busy even before their races began.

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J&P Cycles Giveaway Bike – Part One

Transforming the J&P Roller with an S&S X-Wedge motor into a street pounding machine.

Editors note: The following is an introduction to a 5 part tech series which will document the processes used at Bare Knuckle Choppers to transform the J&P Roller with an S&S X-Wedge motor into a street pounding machine to be given away at the 2015 J&P Cycles Open House Rally.

Clocks dictate so much of our lives. My wake up call is at 6am. Checkout is 9am. I’ve been on the road for 30 of the last 48 hours to get to the roller for J&P Cycles’ Giveaway bike. At least before Paul Wideman of Bare Knuckle Choppers (BKC) rips into it. Kate, who’s been with me since Atlanta, is from my hometown near Chicago. She knows me better than myself. She’s also the Sicilian version of Jessica Rabbit, if Jessica could belch like a sawed-off shotgun.

CLICK to read….

What in the name of what’s its name are you doing?” -Norbert

-Mistress Chris

[page break]
 

THIS JUST IN, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Bad Boys Saloon Hits Main Street Daytona

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11562

Workin for the man few weeks now. I see him pay EVERYONE so far. Bought me this laptop. Jealous peeps bad mouth us all at some point, myself included.

If they’re hating on you, yer doin it right. Say comments to his face lol…. My only request is that ya get to know him first. Most folks tellin’ me bout his bad rep have never met the man…come on out to bad boys… see for yourselves…

–Cincinnati kid
Daytona beach , FL

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–California: Governor Brown Needs to Hear Your Opposition to Four Pending Anti-Gun Bills–

Governor Jerry Brown has until the end of this month to sign or veto the anti-gun bills below. It is vital that you call, fax AND e-mail Governor Brown DAILY respectfully urging him to VETO these anti-gun bills. Governor Brown can be reached at (916) 445-2841, by fax at (916) 558-3160 or by e-mail here.

Senate Bill 199 removes the BB device exception from the imitation firearm prohibition.

Senate Bill 808 bans firearm manufacturing and 3-D printing.

Assembly Bill 1609 makes it a state crime to transport or otherwise import firearms into California that were acquired from out of state, unless the firearms are sent to and transferred through a licensed California firearms dealer.

Assembly Bill 1014 allows any person to file a restraining order against YOU causing your firearms to be forfeited.

Please forward this alert to your family, friends, fellow gun owners and sportsmen in California urging them to call, fax AND e-mail Governor Brown and urge him to VETO SB 199, SB 808, AB 1014 and AB 1609.

The following anti-gun bills have already been signed into law this year:

Assembly Bill 1964 unnecessarily removes existing exemptions for all single-shot pistols, other than those with a break top or bolt-action, from California’s roster of “not unsafe” handguns.

Assembly Bill 2310 allows city attorneys in Los Angeles and Sacramento counties to initiate unlawful detainer actions against residents who have been arrested for any firearm-related crime.

You are facing four gun related bills, SB199, SB 808, AB 1609 and AB 1014.

Try to take the time to write the governor, I did.–Bandit

 

HANG ON–Canadian’s Version of David Letterman’s Top 10 sponsored in part by Hudson Motorcycles.
 

Just makes you wanna shake your head in disbelief.
This is Canada ‘s Top Ten List of America ‘s Stupidity
Of course we look like idiots …. because we are.

Number 10 Only in America could politicians talk about the greed of the rich at a $35,000.00 per plate Obama campaign fund-raising event.

Number 9 Only in America …could people claim that the government still discriminates against black Americans when they have a black President, a black Attorney General and roughly 20% of the federal workforce is black while only 14% of the population is black 40+% of all federal entitlements goes to black Americans – 3X the rate that go to whites, 5X the rate that go to Hispanics!

Number 8 Only in America …could they have had the two people most responsible for our tax code, Timothy Geithner (the head of the Treasury Department) and Charles Rangel (who once ran the Ways and Means Committee), BOTH turn out to be tax cheats who are in favor of higher taxes.

Number 7 Only in America …can they have terrorists kill people in the name of Allah and have the media primarily react by fretting that Muslims might be harmed by the backlash.

Number 6 Only in America…would they make people who want to legally become American citizens wait for years in their home countries and pay tens of thousands of dollars for the privilege, while they discuss letting anyone who sneaks into the country illegally just ‘magically’ become American citizens (probably should be number one).

Number 5 Only in America ….could the people who believe in balancing the budget and sticking by the country’s Constitution be thought of as EXTREMIST’S.

Number 4 Only in America …could you need to present a driver’s license to cash a check or buy alcohol, but not to vote.

Number 3 Only in America …could people demand the government investigate whether oil companies are gouging the public because the price of gas went up when the return on equity invested in a major U.S. Oil company(Marathon Oil) is less than half of a company making tennis shoes (Nike).

Number 2 Only in America … could you collect more tax dollars from the people than any nation in recorded history, still spend a Trillion dollars more than it has per year – for total spending of $7-Million PER MINUTE, and complain that it doesn’t have nearly enough money.

And Number 1 Only in America…could the rich people- who pay 86% of all income taxes – be accused of not paying their “fair share” by people who don’t pay any income taxes at all.

–from Bikernet Investigator at large
E.L. Waggs

 

INDIAN AIR CLEANER KITS FROM S&S— Air Cleaner Kit For 2014-‘15 Indian Thunder Stroke 111

If you’re looking for a way to make your new Indian Chief a little more warlike, and look cooler too, check out the new S&S billet air cleaner kit for Indian Chieftain Classic, Vintage, and Roadmaster models with Thunder Stroke 111 engines. More air, more power! There are two chrome billet cover designs available, and they’re both bitchin’! The air cleaner kit and covers are sold separately, so it’s easy to swap covers if you want to.

Bolts on with no modifications – easy installation
Twice the filter surface area – 37% more flow @ 10” H20
More power!

Looks great!
 

Today I Raise My Level of Expressing Life
The past has no Power of the Present –YALE

As we begin the gift of this glorious day let us Pause to decide to have a great day. Yesterday is gone, so Let It Go and know today is a fresh brand new start.

Let us not limit our possibilities by giving any energy to what has happened in the past, for now, is all that counts.

Isn’t it great to Know we are One with the Invisible Intelligence that becomes the form that we see as Life. Look around you at the marvel that people have created from thought. If you think about it, creation is truly amazing always moving to a new and higher level of expression.

Think back how communicated 20 years ago and how we have advanced. Steve Jobs thoughts are still manifesting even though he is not here. I bet you he is smiling with the new launch of the IPhone 6 Plus. I wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would have to say if we was time transported into the present.

Take the lessons we have learned and use them to have a better day. Welcome challenges and problems (we will have them) for they are an opportunity to move above them to find the solution. Einstein said “we can never solve a problem at the same level of thinking it was created in”, so become part of the solution not part of the problem.
Today is an opportunity to grow, to be more, do more and have more!

Today Know: As I begin this marvelous day I Pause and set my intention. I declare that I am going to have a great day. I refuse to give any of My Power away to the past, to any challenges, to any problems for I rise above any obstacle and express myself in new and wonderful ways. Today I am going to Live at a new and Higher level of Consciousness, of expression, of Living Life.

I am going to attract Good All Day.

I feel deep within myself that need to express more of me, the Divine Gift of Life is just waiting to be expressed. As I express more Life I inspire others to do the same. I Know that there is an Infinite amount of Good for all of us.

I am Grateful to realize and no My Truth that I am Divinely Guided, Guarded and Supplied and Life is Great from this moment on.

And So It Is
Namaste’

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

The mind is everything. What you think you become. –Buddha

–Yale

Yale Custom Cycles
 

 
 

ANOTHER Biker Book of the Week!!!
The One Percenter Encyclopedia: The World of Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs” is the now modern-day classic book by Bill Hayes, the best-selling author of The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club and American Biker: The Clubs, the History, the Lifestyle, the Truth.

The One Percenter Encyclopedia is not simply a listing of clubs, and it doesn’t just deal with “certain types” of clubs; the point that the book makes is that there are many different definitions to the words “one percenter” and “outlaw” within the motorcycle club community (and how law enforcement looks at those labels!).

Included in the book are listings for “pioneer” clubs, the clubs that really “invented” the one percent/outlaw definitions back after World War II, and there are clubs listed that don’t consider themselves either one percenters or outlaws at all but who have contributed to the overall lifestyle.

And one of the most important focuses of the book is on the international clubs, showing how this lifestyle has spread around the globe! The book is 256 pages long and in a large format (9”X11”) with a heavy “Dutch Binding” cover.

The One Percenter Encyclopedia, and so many other great books and DVD documentaries produced from the “inside” of the biker way of life, is available at www.BikerMediaUSA.com.

 

QUICK, Get Your Ticket to Ride @ Jay Leno’s Garage

Ok Motorhead, our buddies at Biker Pros has a deal for you. Enter the Peter Fonda Love Ride Bike Show presented by Customization in America (CIA) and you get a tour of Jay Leno’s garage when you win your class. They are awarding tours to the winners, Peter Fonda signed winner certificate and acknowledgement on-stage.

The Love Ride Bike Show presented by CIA features (7) classes including Freestyle Class, Custom Bagger Class, Custom Big Twin Class (Harley Class), Custom Sportster Class (Harley Class), Custom Retro Class, Ladies Custom Class (Ride-In only) and People’s Choice Class.

Cost is $50 with the money going to MDA. Enter the show at http://custombikeshows.com/loveride/

–Jeffrey Najar, Partner
Biker Pros
c. 919-450-5060

EXCLUSIVE REPORT FROM Phnom Penh, Cambodia— Today is my last day here. Bangkok tomorrow. Been a good stay. People generally nice but one needs to carry a big sign:  NO MOTO/TUK TUK.

Weather has been warm while not unbearable. Much less expensive here than Thailand.

There is a very nice dish here called Amok Style, Fish Amok etc. coconut milk base.

First pic is wiring amok. Very Asian spaghetti mess of lines and not the worst I’ve seen. This is obviously the lowest of low season as I am often the only customer in a bar or restaurant.

–Art Hall

Extreme International Editor and Spy For Bikernet
 

THERE COMES A TIME FOR DECISIONS—I wish I knew when it was. A buddy of mine experienced a fiery relationship with an interesting woman. She keeps sending me messages, then goes back to him. I’ve tried to stay neutral, but it’s tough. I won’t betray a friend, but should I say something, or let him ride it out?

I’m beginning a series of Cantina Soap Episodes on enabling. I see it all the time. I’ve seen it on the highest levels, like a young girl with a million dollar penthouse, to a kid who has next to nothing but enough money to buy drugs, then comes home to an open door. As a kid, if I had tried any one of these bullshit programs, I would have immediately got my ass kicked and launched out the door.

The problem with enabling is two fold. It causes stress with the parents and it stops all progress with the kid. Hell, I know a couple of very sharp, good looking kids, who have been enabled to do drugs and get away with it for several years. They have completely destroyed any progress in their lives for that time, nothing, nadda, except going down hill. But mama always wants to say, “He’s just a kid. It’s a holiday. He’ll get it together next week…”  

Okay, and of course I need to make decisions about staffing on Bikernet. It’s sorta an enabling process. If I see a problem and just let it ride, it could jeopardize all of our jobs. Need to be very careful. Whatever I’m forced to decide, I’m always the prick in the mix.

Watch your back, and have a helluva weekend. I’ll be out riding the Mudflap Girl FXR.

Ride Free Forever,

–Bandit
 
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