WILD IN THE STREETS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 29, 2015

Hey,

Hang on. We have a challenging question today. Motorcycle sales are down all across the board. Sure, we know about Harley and all their recalls, but all sales are down in general. I received a report that last year two Japanese manufacturers sold 27,000 sport bikes. This year they sold 6,000.

I’ve been told Japanese makes have a tough time promoting their brand against the competition because they are all sold from Powersports dealers, who carry all brands. Maybe the MIC should step up and create an ad campaign for all of motorcycling.

You’ll read an interesting piece in the news about Harley-Davidson branding. We read similar articles 20 years ago, so I’m not knocked-out by this one. The one fact often over-looked is world population growth. It’s not slowing down. There are more potential bikers now than ever before, of all shapes, sizes, and age groups. Let me know what you think about declining sales.

Let’s hit the news. The Bikernet News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader News, and Choppertown.

Both of the distilleries your article covered are ones I built the stills & fermenters for….confederatestills.com

— Paul Caldwell
ala134th@gmail.com
Childersburg, AL

Well done. Maybe Rogue will follow up with an article on your talents, that is when his bottle of shine is empty.–Bandit

AUSTRALIAN CLUB UPDATE– Court told of bikie’s threats to bar owner

“We run this city…and if you don’t pay, we will close your business down by one means or another.”

With those words, the most senior chapter of WA’s Comancheros bikie gang demanded $10,000 a week in protection money from the owners of a Northbridge karaoke bar.

And with late night visits from dozens of patched members, intimidating phone calls and texts — and eventually a Molotov cocktail thrown into the bar — the threats became a reality.

In the District Court yesterday, Ronald Ernest Parr, commander and most senior member of WA’s Comancheros gang, went on trial accused of masterminding the extortion racket prosecutors allege ran for more than a year up until May last year.

Mr Parr, who owned the gym which doubled as the Comancheros Northbridge headquarters, is accused of being present at the very start and the very end of the extortion attempt, which began before the targeted business had even opened its doors.

The owners steadfastly refused to pay any money, despite repeated visits from Parr and what prosecutors described as his foot soldiers and lackeys — including “Lethal” Leslie Grantham, the gang’s sergeant-at-arms and disciplinarian.

But when another associate, Selcuk Kilinc, rode up to the club early on March 9 last year and threw a bottle full of diesel up the stairwell, the owners contacted police.

The jury was told that call sparked a deep undercover operation, which set up a covert operative known as “Danny” to pose as the owner of the karaoke bar.

Four meetings between Danny and various Comanchero members were set up, and secretly recorded, during which they boasted how if businesses on their patch wanted to earn a living, they also needed to pay a fee.

Prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo said at the apex of the gang was Mr Parr.

“He had absolute power within the club and all are answerable to him,” Ms Barbagallo said.

“Lethal Les”, with his facial tattoos and gold teeth, was his right-hand man.

And in a what was described as a “marriage of convenience” with a predominantly Asian group run by Van Hung Phan — also known as Baby Hung — the Comancheros used encrypted BlackBerry phones to run “their patch, their turf, their territory” in Northbridge.

That included a late night visit by 30 patched members of the gang to the bar in July 2013. One bikie licked the shoulder of the bar owner as she walked past.

After being guided into a room to be confronted by Mr Parr, the owner was told her refusal to pay “was getting serious”.

After “Danny” was introduced and earned the trust of the bikies, two “protection” payments of $10,000 were made to the gang by the undercover officer before police swooped in raids and arrests in May.

Mr Parr denies the charge of extortion, with his lawyer Richard Utting admitting his client was the boss of the Comancheros but that that did not mean he knew about the extortion scheme.

The trial is due to last two weeks.

YUASA YIX20HL DELIVERS SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURES– Realizing that many powersports vehicles are used in extremely low temperature conditions, Yuasa Battery, Inc., the worldwide leader in powersports batteries, has introduced the YIX20HL AGM battery, designed to deliver additional cranking power at extremely cold temperatures – tested down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The YIX20HL utilizes some of the advanced technology used in the Yuasa GYZ AGM series of high-performance batteries to deliver improved cold cranking amps throughout its operational temperature range, especially in lower temperatures. It provides 320 CCAs at zero degrees Fahrenheit, the standard BCI test temperature. The YIX20HL is rated at 18 amp-hours (Ah) and 12 volts.

While the low temperature cranking improvement is only a benefit in specific applications, any vehicle using a Yuasa YTX20L or YTX20HL, or a similar size battery from another manufacturer, can benefit from the increased performance at normal operating temperatures by upgrading to the YIX20HL.

Along with increased capacity, Yuasa AGM batteries were also designed to provide a significantly lower self-discharge rate and improved cycle life. The low self-discharge rate, combined with the increased capacity, offers greater residual capacity for improved performance after periods of inactivity. This increased residual capacity is also necessary for the higher key-off power drain common in newer powersports vehicles.

Yuasa Battery, Inc. is a premier manufacturer of powersports batteries in the United States. Due to the proven quality and reputation established over several decades, Yuasa is the leading supplier of batteries to major original equipment manufacturers, distributors and dealers throughout the world.

For more information about Yuasa YIX20HL battery and the full line of Yuasa performance products and premium accessories, visit www.yuasabatteries.com.

PAINT BY RANDY— This guy is amazing and non stop. Here’s another example of his recent work.

He’s located in a massive facility in Orange County, Calif. You’ll find him at his desk, in the shop sanding bondo, in the paint booth shooting the base, or pinstriping.

–Wrench

ANOTHER OPERATION GRATITUDE MILESTONE– Operation Gratitude celebrated its biggest milestone to that date — our One Millionth Care Package.

On October 17th of this year, we reached another milestone: Our volunteers assembled and shipped our 1.3 Millionth Package!

In the past 22 months, we have experienced extraordinary growth and development:

1. Our 50,000 volunteers nationwide assembled and shipped 311,860 care packages to the Military, wove 98,929 paracord survival bracelets, handmade 49,803 hats, scarves & cool-ties, and wrote 1,247,440 letters of appreciation!

2. We launched two new care package programs:
“Care Packages for New Recruits” — to say “Thank You” to the youngest men and women who bravely pledge the next several years of their lives in defense of our nation; and the
“First Responder Program” — to express appreciation to all who serve our nation here at home: Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

3. We announced our move to a new location that can accommodate our ever-expanding mission.

Your dedication, and that of other Operation Gratitude supporters all over the country, made all this happen, and truly make a difference!

Now, close to 10,000 U.S. troops remain in harm’s way in Afghanistan. More than 150,000 American Service Members are deployed around the globe, many in dangerous “hot-spots.” 2.3 Million First Responders serve on the frontlines here at home.

All of these heroes need, and deserve, to feel our gratitude.

Join us this holiday season to say “Thank You” to our men and women in uniform. Here are three ways you can help:

Volunteer your time
Send items on our Wish List
Donate funds to ship care packages

We are doubling down on our commitment to all who serve this nation. Our goal for the next 14 months is to send 200,000 care packages on our “March to the 2nd Million.”

Together, we can do it.

Thank you for your generosity, passion and commitment to this cause. I am forever grateful.

–Carolyn Blashek
Founder, Operation Gratitude

BIKERNET READER PUSHES HIS TATTOOED GIRLFRIEND TO BECOME THE NEXT 5-BALL RACING MODEL— You’re right, is she hot or what? Chelsey Mac–
Nice outdoor scene eh??

–Paul Davis

Just finished my trike build, DNA axle like yours, noticed your brake calipers are on the bottom. Does this work good for you? Please email me and let me know.

–Frank
Frankieg314@yahoo.com
Sanford, North Carolina

Hey, the calipers can be mounted wherever convenient. Sometimes mounting can add bleeding challenges. In that case, I remove the caliper and place a ¼-inch thick file between the pads, and then elevate the caliper for bleeding. When they are bled properly, I mount them to the brackets, center the rotor to the caliper, and I’m good to go.–Bandit

STEPHANIE ART OF THE WEEK–

–Stephanie

TROPICAL TATTOO BIKETOBERFEST ACTION–
I think Willies Tropical Tattoo Old School Chopper Show is the most popular during the motorcycle events in Daytona Beach during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. It takes place on Thursday and the proceeds benefit Veterans and a No-Kill Animal Shelter.
The show has Twenty (20) Classes and some special homemade trophies.

BIG FUN YA GOT TA MAKE THIS EVENT!!!!

–Rogue

Watch for the full story on Bikernet.–Bandit

NEW HEAL-SHIFTERS FROM AEROMACH–
Aeromach USA, LLC, a motorcycle parts manufacturer located in Charlotte, N.C., has released two new versions of its heel shifter for 2014 and up Indian Motorcycles with the Thunder Stroke engine.

The new heel shift levers are available in all billet gloss black targeted at the Dark Horse motorcycle, and gloss black or chrome with rubber shift peg to more closely match the factory toe shift peg. The heel shift lever attaches to the stock shift lever with included stainless steel hardware.

“We are seeing more orders for the Dark Horse version of the Indian Chief and requests for the rubber peg version of our heel shifter as well,” says Paul Aiken, Owner of Aeromach. “Our heel shifters are designed to allow riders the full use of the floor board. Unlike the factory option, ours extends past the end of the floorboard.”

The heel shift lever is machined from a five-pound bar of T6-6061 aircraft quality billet aluminum. The lever, when finished, weighs in at less than one pound and is finished in chrome or gloss black powder coat.

Retail price is $169.95 and it can be ordered at many Indian Motorcycle dealers, online at www.aeromachusa.com, or by calling 800-990-9392.

Aeromach is also the US representative for Highway Hawk motorcycle accessories from Motolux, BV based in Barneveld, The Netherlands.

Aeromach USA LLC

800-990-9392

paul@aeromach.net

www.aeromachusa.com

NEXT RARE ANTIQUE TO BE FEATURED IN BANDIT’S CANTINA– My nomination for Nov Cantina Antique: 1919 HENDERSON.

Details and history: see the Grand Vizier himself, Dr. Whalen.

–Markus Cuff
Certified Bikernet Feature Photographer
And Magazine Feature Photographer for
Cycle Source
American Iron
HORSE magazine
And more

CUTTING THE POLITICAL CLUTTER FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–
NMA Founder Jim Baxter knew the power of the written word. Throughout his 30-year tenure with the association Jim penned countless impactful letters to policymakers and editors following a few simple rules: keep it short, focus on one topic and make it personal. We were reminded of Jim’s common-sense approach after listening to this story on the public radio program “Marketplace.”

The piece focuses on James Pollack, a staffer for California Representative Jackie Speier, who reviews and responds to constituent letters and emails. On a particularly contentious issue, Pollack says the office can receive 2,000-4,000 emails per week. To sort through it all, he uses special software that filters out automated form letters from actual personalized email. According to the story, about two-thirds of congressional offices use the same system.

So how do you make your letter stand out? Here’s what Pollack recommends:

“I think one really well-worded, compelling letter raises a flag,” he said, especially if it’s about a piece of legislation the office might not yet be following.

Pollack said it doesn’t really matter if the letter is paper or digital. But with dozens of empty filing cabinets once used for sorting mail now sitting empty, an old-fashioned letter probably will have less competition for his attention.

Sounds like something directly out of the Jim Baxter play book. Here’s what Jim said about writing a letter in a 2009 e-newsletter:

A personal letter implies effort and thought were invested in its preparation. Its physical presence makes it difficult to easily disregard or ignore its content. It has staying power. Sure, it could be just scanned and tossed away, but that would be the exception. And, when the bill comes up for a vote, there it is, sitting in the file, reminding your state representative or state senator of how one of his/her constituents feels about this issue.

We realize that given a choice, most of us will send an email rather than sit down with pen and paper. Writing an email is certainly better than doing nothing, and the Marketplace story provides some helpful hints on how to grab the attention of a harried legislative staffer:

Story: A congressional staffer is more likely to pay attention to a personal story from a constituent, although form letters on an issue or bill will generally be tabulated and considered.

Impact: Explain how the issue or bill will affect you and your congressional district.

Authenticity: Demonstrate you are a real person and a member of the representative’s or senator’s district. Members of Congress care about getting re-elected and pay more attention to comments coming from home.

Contact: Many offices prefer email via their website forms, which tie into their software programs. Emails to a general inbox or through third-party sites might get shunted to spam.

For better or worse, election season will soon be upon us, so it’s not too soon to reach out to your elected officials with your driving concerns.

–NMA

JAMES BITES THE DUST, 5-BALL SAVES HIM— James did it again. This is the second time he’s gone down in the last couple of months, but this time he was wearing his 5-Ball Racing Leathers and walked away without a scratch.

Jeremiah Soto was on the spot to point out his handling mistakes. He was also wearing a 5-Ball Jack Shirt.

The Bikernet crew will help James get back in the Wind soon.–Bandit

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER ENTRANCE EXAMS–  When I was young, I wanted to be a doctor, so I took the entrance exam to go to Medical School.

One of the questions asked us to rearrange the letters PNEIS into the name of an important human body part, which is most useful when erect.

Those who answered “spine” are doctors today. The rest of us are sending jokes via email.

Q: Where can single men over the age of 60 find younger women who are interested in them?

A: Try a bookstore, under Fiction.

Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?

A: Keep busy. If you’re handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you’re done, you will have a place to live.

Q: Someone has told me that menopause is mentioned in the bible… Is that true?
Where can it be found?

A: Yes. Matthew 14:92:
“And Mary rode Joseph’s ass all the way to Egypt…”

Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your over-60 year-old husband?

A: Tell him you’re pregnant.

Q: Why should 60 plus year old people use valet parking?

A: Valets don’t forget where they park your car.

SMILE, You’ve still got your sense of humor!

–from Rogue

[page break]

BIKERNET GUEST EDITORIAL– Harley-Davidson’s reputation as an ‘old, white-guy brand’ may be its downfall

Amid revenue losses and expected job cuts, the famous motorcycle manufacturer must face facts: its all-American bad boy image is no longer cool

It’s been nearly 50 years since Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper rode out on their custom Harley-Davidsons in Easy Rider. Fonda and Hopper live on in American culture – long-haired, wild-eyed expressions of bad boy cool. The motorcycles they rode? Not so much.

If the 100-year-old company’s recent financial results are any indication, the image of Harley-Davidson bikes as the quintessential American two-wheeler may be fading. The US motorcycle manufacturer’s market share slid nearly 4% last quarter. To make matters worse, it also announced that it would scale back production and cut jobs.

The problem may well rest with Easy Rider – or at least the generation that spawned it. Those old enough to remember the movie may snap up the T-shirts, keychains, lawn flags and various other consumer products festooned with Harley-Davidson logos, but the Milwaukee-based manufacturer doesn’t seem to have the reach it once did.

“The younger generation has no interest in Harley-Davidson as far as I can tell,” Michelle Krebs, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book, said in an email. “Unless you ride a motorcycle or scooter in a city as your transportation, motorcycles are a splurge millennials can’t afford and have no interest in – especially Harley-Davidson, which seems like a old white-guy brand.”

Old school still has its appeal. But other brands have been gaining traction with retro looks at Harley’s expense. Polaris Industries – a company best known for manufacturing snowmobiles and ATVs – revived the once-celebrated Indian brand. Indian seems to have upped the Americana ante, offering fringed leather saddle bags and classic 1940s styling aimed at direct competition with Harley. Ducati unveiled a retro model called the Scrambler last year, increasing the Italian manufacturer’s sales by 22%.

But there may be something else – a deeper cultural issue – that’s at the root of Harley’s trouble. The company’s bikes, which have always been a platform for customization, have become more available in “custom” trim straight from the factory, complete with dealer-supplied financing packages.

“It’s not cool if everyone else has the same stuff as you,” Carlos Dos Santos, owner of Brooklyn Motorworks, a New York motorcycle repair and customization shop said. “They’re flooding the market with these cookie-cutter bikes, and it’s not special any more if everyone can just buy instant cool.”

Brian Robbins, a longtime Harley enthusiast and one of Dos Santos’ customers, said that personal expression was important to many in the motorcycle crowd.

“If I’m going to spend my disposable income on a bike, I want it to be unique,” he said. “I don’t want to drop $40,000 on my bike and have some guy roll up at a light riding the same thing. Ever.”

Dos Santos suggested that Harley’s strong sales in the past may have led to over-production. He also explained that as Harley has begun offering directly from the factory trick wheels, louder exhausts and other accessories that were once the purview of aftermarket companies, aftermarket innovators like Roland Sands Design have focused their efforts on other manufacturers’ motorcycles.

“There was a time when there was a waiting list to get a Harley-Davidson,” he said. “Now you can roll up with a scooter and walk out of the dealership with a financing deal on a new bells-and-whistles Harley. It’s almost too easy.”
Advertisement

He also said the more well-heeled of his customers were going for older machines than Harley’s gleaming mechanical odes to a bygone era.

“I worked on more Honda CBs and other ‘70s bikes in general this year than any other platform,” he said. “I’ve had more high-dollar vintage rebuilds this year than ever before.”

Chalk the vintage craze to hipsters, but with the baby boomer wave breaking – Easy Rider generation motorcyclists are getting too old to ride – perhaps it’s time for Harley to consider its next move. Accordingly, the company announced this week that it would increase its marketing budget by 65%. It has also begun selling its most basic motorcycles in India.

While neither move guarantees success, Harley has been through worse. American Machine and Foundry nearly ruined the company and its reputation in the 1970s (ask any Harley aficionado about the infamous “AMF years” and watch them cringe), but the brand rose from the ashes and once more became a top-seller known for high-quality loud bikes. It remains to be seen whether Harley has enough gas in the tank to pull that trick off one more time.

–Benjamin Preston, the guardian

–from Paul Aiken

Benjamin missed the mark on several fronts. First the Easy Rider guys weren’t bad asses, so he picked the wrong example. They were loners seeking freedom. That notion still stands.

Regarding vintage styled bikes, Indian sales have doubled and they are all about vintage looks.

The one thing he mentions, but doesn’t investigate is the custom element. Yes, we want custom, personalized bikes. From bobbers to café bikes we want to mess with them, young and old riders. If the government won’t let us, then we are fucked. So, we need to fight back. But that’s not Harley’s problem, it’s a greater issue.

–Bandit

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!!! CYCLE SOURCE NOMINATIONS– Please follow this link to vote for the Best Of 2015 from the motorcycle industry and culture!

That’s right, we asked you for your nominations and now it’s time to put them to the vote. Please take five minutes and help us spread the love! Just click the link below and cast your vote.

Sometimes the best you can get from the hard work involved in making a living in motorcycling is an atta boy… Helps us hand em out! Voting will close at Midnight On Monday, November 2nd.

Click Here To Cast Your Vote!!!!!!

–Chris Callen
The Cycle Source Magazine

Love the article. I have done my share of riding. Have done 10 provinces, 49 states, and many nights in a tent. I envy you. “Ride safe!” Hope I meet you on the road some day

— Bob
harleybob46@gmail.com
Winter Haven, FL

UNCLE MONKEY ON DREAMING– We all have ambitions and farfetched dreams. Maybe it is to write the next great American novel, maybe to build a killer custom bike; maybe it is ask out that special someone you’ve had your eye on.

You go through the motions, planning, collecting needed information but you never really do pull the trigger and actually go for it. People always ask me what the hardest part of writing is. They are shocked when I tell them that it is sitting down and start writing.

We all have great stories rolling around in our heads, we all have that perfect girl on our mind but doing something about it is the hardest thing. We over think things, over plan things, figuring if we plan it to perfection there is no chance for failure. But the failure is not getting off the dime.

Lots of times I’ve had a very clear idea about the bike I was building only to have that plan change and mutate during the build. By letting things mature and grow you reach greater heights than we could have ever hoped.

We’ve all had that girl in our life we thought was the one, only to learn the bitch was the most evil thing on the face of the earth. We’ve reached a point and discovered it’s not where we want to be. We moved on taking what we learned and hopefull try again.

We are hindered by self-doubt. We think that the little hard body at the gym is out of our league. We think that only someone else can build beautiful bikes. We think no one wants to hear what we have to say. We settle; never even lacing our shoes to get in the race.

The hardest step is the first step. Climb in the ring and commit to accomplishing your goals. We fear we will fail but failure is just another step. That ugly guy with the beautiful girlfriend asked out hundred of girls before he found one who said, “ Yes.”

First builds might be hideous and misguided but you brush yourself off and put what you learned into the next project. Success and perfection only come from hard work, from doing something hundreds, even thousands of times before it becomes second nature.

The only way to destroy self-doubt is to plow right over it. The only way to success is learn, keep and open mind, and be flexible, to allow things to change and grow into what it needs to be.

You may find yourself on the other side of the globe, maybe doing something you never imagined possible but it all starts with the first step. Do it, just do it!

-bad Uncle Monkey

BIKERNET HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE—AMAZING– Motorcycle enthusiasts will soon be looking for special gifts for their friends and family or to add to their own wish list. Starting Black Friday, Bikernet will publish its Second Annual Holiday Gift Guide. It is the ultimate platform to promote your brand and products ahead of the holiday shopping season.

This dynamic guide will be live and will be updated until Christmas. Click here to view last year’s Gift Guide.

We will regularly promote the Gift Guide on the Bikernet Blog and in the weekly news, as well as on our Facebook page. Content for the guide will be updated on a regular basis, so we will accept new entries at any time. In other words, the quicker you react and the best exposure you are likely to get.

How To Be Featured in the Holiday Gift Guide
Send two images, a 150-word description and your hyperlink.
Current Bikernet Sponsors get one free product featured
$200 for your the next product insertion *
$100 for each additional product *
We require payment up front; contact ben@bikernet.com to process your entry.

–Ben Lamboeuf

HOG FEVER, THE MOVIE–
Escargot Books and Music partners with Downpour.com to unleash HOG FEVER.
An Ear Movie Coming December 2015 to a Podcast Near You

An outrageous mash-up of a 21st century radio play, an audiobook on steroids, an off-the-wall comedy album and an original soundtrack—all in one!

On December 1st, 2015, Escargot Books and Music partnering with Downpour.com, proudly presents HOG FEVER, an outrageously entertaining “Ear Movie”, starring legendary Academy Award-nominated actor Terence Stamp.

Lovers of audiobooks, serial podcasts, and anyone who cherishes the thrill of riding a Hog on the open road, will savor every episode of this wildly entertaining production, adapted from the bestselling book by Richard La Plante.

This dark comedy of errors chronicles the story of Robert Lourdes, a man in the throes of midlife crisis, desperately searching for himself from the saddle of his motorcycle while reliving his misadventures from the sanctuary of his psychiatrist’s couch.

The brainchild of La Plante, brought to life by La Plante and ground-breaking music video director Kevin Godley, HOG FEVER is a full cast production created specifically for audio entertainment, complete with an original, rock n’ roll soundtrack, including new songs “Flame On” by Daniel Ash and “Confession” by Kevin Godley.

HOG FEVER will be released as a free, streamable weekly serial for five consecutive weeks, and will be available via Blackstone Audio’s direct-to-consumer site, Downpour.com.

Each episode follows Robert Lourdes, a struggling American author on the cusp of forty. With his marriage on the rocks after Coco, his high-maintenance, screenwriter wife remorselessly steals his idea for a screenplay, Robert sets out to reinvent himself, turning to classic motorcycle films The Wild One and Easy Rider for inspiration and immersing himself in the Harley-Davidson legend.

Following Robert as he seeks out shiny accessories, motorcycle rallies, and bigger Harleys, listeners will enjoy every leg of Robert’s toot, tattoo and testosterone-fueled journey to reclaim his manhood and rise from the ashes a new man, rejuvenated by HOG FEVER.

The free podcast will be available for streaming at Downpour.com. Listeners who want to purchase all six episodes at once as a digital download or CD can do so at Downpour.com.

Experience the HOG FEVER Ear Movie Trailer Here

Title: Hog Fever: An Ear Movie
By: Richard La Plante and Kevin Godley
Producer: Escargot Books and Music
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Price and ISBN: Retail CD; 978-1-5046-5711-2; $24.95
MP3 CD; 978-1-5046-5711-2; $19.95
Library CD; 978-1-5046-5709-9; $30.00
Digital Download; 978-1-5046-5708-2; $13.95
Music produced by: Greg Penny and Ash and Goodrum
Performed by: Terence Stamp and a full cast

BIKERNET TRIKES NEWS– YelvingtonDesigns.com Introduces 2 New Suzuki Trike Conversions

YelvingtonDesigns.com introduced two new trike conversion models today…The Suzuki TU250X and the Suzuki Burgman 650. Yelvington combines the classic styling of your bike model, the functionality of the Yelvington conversion and your imagination to create the complete “Rolling Art” trike package.

The Yelvington Trikes 3.0 is the perfect conversion for your 2009-2015 Suzuki TU250X. The Suzuki TU250X conversion takes only a few hours to install and requires no cutting or welding.

It uses a unitary live axle design and a wide track for excellent riding and stability. The stock swingarm, drives and rear shock assemblies are retained for simplicity and economy of conversion. Its stability, light weight handling and safety, make it the right choice for your school training program or merely an agile, fun, and affordable trike to drive around town. All the standard Yelvington quality features makes this an excellent value.

The Suzuki Burgman 650 redefined the luxury scooter market by combining comfort and performance. As the originator in the midsize trike market, Yelvington Trikes has redefined the luxury scooter market. The Yelvington 3.0 conversion is a simple bolt on installation that retains all the stock features including ABS brakes. Available for all 2002-2015 Suzuki Burgman 650 scooters. The Suzuki Burgman and the Yelvington 3.0 true three wheel trike conversion, the ultimate in comfort and ridability. You will love it and your friends will be jealous.

Additional 3.0 Features Include:

* True 3-Wheel Trike
* Light Weight Handling
* Uses stock exhaust
* Spider Gear Full Differential
* Dual Piston Rear Caliper
* Aerospace Design
* CNC Precision Machined
* Grade 8 Hardware
* Made in USA

Yelvington Trike conversion kits are also available for the V-twin market including all Touring, Dyna, and Sportster models from 2000-2015. Installation is simple, there are no modifications to the motorcycle and conversion can be reversed should you purchase a different bike in the future.

To contact YelvingtonDesigns.com, please call 727-233-3610, email Mark Russell at mrussell@yelvingtondesigns.com, or check them out at www.yelvingtondesigns.com

–Rick Raus

BIKERNET PARENTING CLASS LESSON–
Your father probably told you a few things, but just in case he wasn’t around enough, here are some words of wisdom you might have missed out on:

Buy high quality tools, so you only have to buy them once.

Keep a change of clothes at the office.

Never hit anyone unless they are an immediate threat.

Every hat should serve a purpose.

Never take her to the movies on the first date.

Learn to wet shave.

Nothing looks more badass than a well-tailored suit.

Shave with the grain on the first go-around.

Always look a person in the eye when you talk to them.

Buy a plunger before you need a plunger.

Exercise makes you happy. Run, lift, and play sports.

Brush your teeth before you put on your tie.

A small amount of your paycheck should go directly to your savings account every month.

Call Mom and Dad every week.

Never wear a clip-on tie.

Give a firm handshake.

Compliment her shoes.

Never leave a pint unfinished.

If you aren’t confident, fake it. It will come around.

You can tell the size of a man by the size of things that bother him.

Be conscious of your body language.

The only reason to ever point a gun at someone is if you intend to shoot them. Period.

Always stand to shake someone’s hand.

Never lend anything you can’t afford to lose.

Ask more than you answer. Everybody likes to talk about themselves.

Never have sex with anyone that doesn’t want it as much as you.

Go for women out of your league. You may end up surprised.

Manliness is not only being able to take care of yourself, but others as well.

Go with the decision that will make for a good story.

When you walk, look straight ahead, not at your feet.

Nice guys don’t finish last, boring guys do.

Find your passion and figure out how to get paid for it.

Don’t let the little head do the thinking for the big head.

No matter their job or status, everyone deserves your respect.

The most important thing you can learn is personal responsibility. Bad things happen; it’s your job to overcome them.

The first one to get angry loses.

A man does what needs to be done without complaining.

Never stop learning.

Always go out into public dressed like you’re about to meet the love of your life.

Don’t change yourself just to make someone happy.

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

Luck favors the prepared.

Women find confidence sexy as hell.

Do whatever you want to do, but be the best at it.

No one is on their deathbed wishing they spent more time at work.

–Ben Lamboeuf
For your Digital Marketing needs on
Bikernet.com
818-268-3789

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THE LATEST FROM BIKERS CHOICE– Twin Power Lithium Ion Batteries

Which one of you guys would like to try a new Twin Power Lithium Ion battery?

The Softail/Dyna model is 3.5#, 375 amps, the dresser model is 5 # , 625 CCA (!)

These are direct bolt in, no shimming, no terminal adaptors, no bullshit!

These 4 P/Ns cover almost all electric start H-Ds since 1973. (we did not do one for the side mount FLT style)

• Ultra high cranking amps from a super-lightweight battery. Only 1/3 the weight of a lead acid battery
• Built-in charge and equalizing protection prevents battery from over-charging
• Remarkably low self-discharge for extended storage periods up to one year
• Suitable for low temperature environments
• More than twice the service life of conventional lead acid batteries
• Superior vibration resistant construction allows multi-directional installation without damage
• No corrosive liquids, no toxic heavy metals make Twin Power Li-On batteries environmentally friendly
• Direct fit for OEM applications with no shimming or adaptors required
• Heavy duty terminals in stock configuration for easy installation and long lasting performance
• 2 year warranty

Our batteries are an exact fit for stock, they have a stock size case and stock style terminals, they bolt in with stock hold downs, etc. They are the first of their kind and require no rubber pads and terminal adaptors, etc. Does that sound like you?

–James
Simonelli, Tucker Rocky Distributing | Biker’s Choice
Twin Power Brand Manager

REPORT FROM THE ENFIELD–
Sorry, WR racing 45 cylinders are still a couple of years off.

I have to get the UL & KR cylinders I got from S&S in production first.

–BRUCE ARGETSINGER
MOLD THREADS, INC
PHONE: 203/483-1420
FAX: 203/483-1568
email: moldthread@aol.com
web sites: www.moldthreads.com & www.enfieldracing.com

IGNORANCE IS BLISS Or is it just Complacency?–

“…Yet ah! Why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more: – where ignorance is bliss,
‘Tis folly to be wise.”

Thomas Gray’s Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College

What Thomas Gray was talking about in his poem was the fact that people are comfortable in their existence, not knowing too much of the ills of the world, and would rather continue living in ignorance of the things that cause pain or discomfort.

Thankfully, most people do not subscribe to this type of thinking. Or do they? As bikers, we like to throw words around like yesterday’s baseball. I’m talking about words like brotherhood, liberty and freedom.

How free do you think you are?

Certainly we enjoy more freedoms than some people in Europe or Asia, but are we content with enjoying what we perceive as freedom or should we be learning as much as we can about the rights we have as sovereign citizens of America?
When we were fighting the mandatory helmet law in the 1970s, a common slogan was “educate, don’t legislate.” Although rider education and motor vehicle awareness campaigns are in vogue today, we were all about education from the beginning of our grass-roots activism.

We considered ourselves patriots and we fought to secure our right to be left alone. Our bodies were our property and we didn’t need any help from the government to help us decide what to wear when we rode. Two of our most sacred rights, from which all other rights derive, are the right to property and the right to be left alone. Think about that for a moment.

When I lecture about rights at a traffic stop, I often start my presentation by saying the only rights you have are the rights you know you have. If you don’t know you have a right to refuse answering certain questions at a traffic stop, you’ll probably let yourself get talked into relinquishing more rights, like allowing a search of your car or person. What you don’t know can hurt you.

Yet, we’d like to continue in our blissful ignorance because it’s uncomfortable to think of the alternative. It’s understandable that no biker is going to want to stay home and read some reference books on the Constitution when it’s sunny out. But what about those rainy weekends or cold winter days? Do you really want to educate yourself to learn all you can about your rights, or are you complacent with life as it is, thinking nothing really bad is going to affect you?

A recent event, like the tragedy at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas, has awakened the patriot spirit in many bikers. What really happened in Waco? Conspiracy theories abound, and Waco has its history with conspiracy theories.

The destruction of the Branch Davidians compound in Waco comes to mind. If David Koresh was guilty of crimes, why not arrest him during his numerous outings from the compound? Instead, a standoff developed which ended in many of his followers, women and children included, meeting a horrible death by fire. Who started the fire is debatable; what’s known is a lot of innocent individuals died because of a botched federal enforcement exercise. Just like the modern-day Waco incident, the evidence surrounding the Davidians was seized by the FBI and kept secret.

Later, that evidence was destroyed in the Murrah Federal Building that Timothy McVeigh bombed. Many questions about that incident lend to another conspiracy theory. It remains to be seen how much evidence of the Waco shooting last May will be released, especially the ballistics reports of the nine slain bikers.

But this is America and we have to trust our government. The truth is the continued erosion of rights has caused many to lose faith in our government. None of the wars since WW II have been declared by Congress, although only Congress can declare war. To get around this fact, there have been resolutions to declare war, although there is no legal basis for this in the Constitution.

The war in Iraq and all of the wars that we have engaged in since World War II have been unconstitutional. The War Powers Act of 1973 notwithstanding, as in Article 1, Section 8, only Congress can declare war, not the President. The AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military force in Iraq) resolution is not an act of Congress, but a resolution as defined in a legal dictionary: Resolutions are not laws; they differ fundamentally in their purpose.

Some say the Constitution is a living document. I think it’s just a piece of paper if the government can amend or interpret it according to some political agenda or another. The blissfully ignorant among us think it’s OK to limit things like speech, association or gun ownership, for the good of society. The problem with that thinking is those things are all inalienable rights, which means they were never given by government and cannot be taken away by government. Here’s where some of that education becomes relevant. Read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Learn the difference between rights and privileges. Unfortunately, almost everyone, me included, has given up some rights for privilege.

The most often examined is the right to drive. I’ve had arguments with motorcycle rights leaders who have surrendered to the false belief that driving is a privilege. It goes back to that property right I spoke of earlier. Not only is your vehicle your property, but the roads are your property also. Ignorance of the facts and a trusting belief that you need a driver’s license to drive has made almost everyone fall into the trap of surrendering a right to government, thus allowing it to tax us (a license is a tax).

If we agree that driving is a right, not a privilege, then we must look at Miller vs. US, 230 F 486, at 489: “The claim and exercise of a constitutional right cannot be converted into a crime.” And yet, driving without a license is a crime.

What is this driver’s license they require us to have? License – the permission granted by competent authority to exercise a certain privilege that, without such authorization, would constitute an illegal act.

Well, now we know what a license is, what is a “driver’s license?” Under Sec. 390.5 Definitions, of the Code of Federal Regulations, Driver means any person who operates any commercial motor vehicle.

–by Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Investigator for Hupy and Abraham
Law Offices and Bikernet Law School

Read and learn from the entire Special Report on Bikernet. Just click here.—Bandit

The New ALL AMERICAN WHEEL 16-INCH Floating Rotor– We just added the biggest rotor to our product line of Floating Rotors. The rotor features an inner plate made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and the outer is made from 420 stainless steel. This big 16” joins the other sizes available, 11-1/2”, 11.8” and 13”. The center bore is 2.220”.

They come with the mounting holes drilled or you can special order them without for special applications. These rotors feature the lug drive system using the spiral clips – no more buttons. The inner plate offers more design space, approximately 11-1/2”.

It’s lightweight for its size, weighs less than 8 lbs.

$395 to the aftermarket community – our products are not available to the consumer.

To get yours, contact All American Wheel at (562) 602-6550 or drop us an email at sales@allamericanwheel.com

–Lizette Hotinger
VP of Sales & Marketing
ALL AMERICAN WHEEL CO
(562) 602-6560

PAUGHCO’S TRIKE KINGDOM— We just featured new Paughco Trike Fenders, but the masters have a vast array of Trike kits, rear ends, exhaust systems, you name it, from trike servi-car bodies to taillights.

We will feature their products and how to use them on Bikernet Trikes.

–The Triking Viking
The Supreme Bikernet Trike Editor in Command
Of Everything on Three Wheels

Hollister Power Sports hosts ‘WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT’– Gotta go, wind and tide ya know…was on my mind as I left for the Hollister Powersports October 24th hosting of the ‘Wounded Warrior Project’ for the benefit of our current and past military and their families.

The morning ride from Moss Landing to Hollister took me through and out of coastal fog to clear skies. Better to ride the little Victory Vegas 8-Ball along the backroads through San Juan Bautista to get to Hollister than save a few minutes playing lane roulette with Hwy 101 traffic even though it would’ve been a more direct route. And besides the 8-Ball seems to be happier (…happier is a highly technical term used only by the elite ‘in-the-know’ in motorcycling) puttin’ along the backroads than on the freeway.

It was a charity event and for a good cause. Having served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, as many of us, I had friends and loved ones that were killed or wounded in that war. And as a high school teacher I had students who were killed or wounded during our seemingly ongoing war in the Middle East.

I’ve never really gotten my mind around all the excuses for the two wars but then again I’m not an expert and for that reason I won’t judge. All I can speak to is the need to ‘always’ be there to help the men and women that serve in them and to never turn our backs on them.

Invited to the event were owners of classic bikes: from 1915 board track racers, to replicas of Peter Fonda’s classic ‘Captain America’ chopper used in the movie EASY RIDER, to some tricked out modern 111ci Indian motorcycles. They’d be judged and the winners, like in a beauty contest, would be awarded prizes.

Hey, what can I say, as far as I was concerned all them were winners. Oh, and the tri-tip was excellent.

Can you say music from the ‘70s and ‘80s…thank you, thankyouverymuch to the Greenwood family, Rey Sotelo and all the folks that put this charity event together.

Perfect day for riding but a lot of folks took time out to support the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT.

–by Derrel Whitmeyer

KEEP THE FAITH— Uncle Monkey hit the nail on the head, just go for it. I’m trying to teach a couple of youngsters around here about focus. If your focus is on getting high, you lose. Sure you can party, but don’t lose focus, don’t stop learning.

I watched a sort-of over-Hollywood story on the Brain, called Nova. It scratched the surface in a long-winded hour. It spoke briefly on genes, then smacked us with the thought about thinking and the billions of electrical factors influencing each decision, from the outside, the behavioral side. Conclusion: none, except we have the ability to think anyway about anything.

The Dalia Lama spoke of changing our thinking and how possible it is. That’s key. If you know you can change your thinking about anything, then why not… Lots to think about.?
Three Good Deeds

•Do good Deeds
•Say Good Words
•Think Good Thoughts

Our projects never end. I hope to bring you an update on the new Bonne Bell engine, being worked on at Departure Bike Works in Richmond, VA, next week. We are modifying the oil pump and adding cams.

I roughed out a new Cantina Episode recently. It’s nasty. I don’t even know what to make of it. Hang on.

If it ever stops raining in Houston we may see a report on the Salt Torpedo.

In the meantime have a helluva weekend, ride like the wind blowing in the shop all day long, and keep the rubber side down.

–Bandit