January 15, 2009 Part 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – SACRAMENTO EASYRIDERS SHOW TO HOST TRIBUTE RIDE AND A WHOLE LOT OF LEGISLATIVE CRAP.Continued From Page 1

CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL SHOW RIDDLE REPORT– I made it out to the 28th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show this weekend in Washington, DC. The DC show was one of thirteen cities on the schedule with shows remaining in New York City, Cleveland, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Greenville, SC over the course of the next 5 weeks. Visit their website at http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ for more info about the remaining shows.

The show included almost 125 vendors , but let’s begin with the beautiful Ms. Sarah Keys, one of the Hardcore models working in the Hardcore Choppers booth. Hardcore Choppers is a local shop out of Sterling, VA and had some great bikes on display, not mention the best looking models at the show. Here are a couple of examples of their work. You can see more Hardcore Choppers at http://www.hardcorechoppers.com/.

Of course all of the major manufacturers were represented and had their latest models on display. I asked several people how they thought attendance was compared to previous years and the resounding answer was attendance was ok, but down. Obviously, a by-product of the economy, but still there was a good turnout on the last day of the show. Since it was family day, there were plenty of kids and quite a few cute moms who got dragged to the show so daddy could fantasize about riding down the road with the wind in his hair.

Sucker Punch Sally was set up in the Progressive booth with several bikes on display. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum had a display set up that included several great antique bikes. The Architects of Inspiration, a joint collaboration between Toyota Trucks, Roland Sands Design and Upper Playground, included motorcycles, trucks and some terrific sculptures. The Victory display included a couple of Ness designs (Arlen and Zach) that showed a lot of creativity in customizing a Kingpin.

All in all it was a good show. The vendors on hand handled just about anything you’d need to customize a bike and cover and protect your ass while you ride it. I’m going to hit the Northeast Motorcyce Expo in Reading, PA in a couple of weeks. Until then, don’t work too hard and take a break every now and then.

–Chuck
criddle123@earthlink.net

FLORIDA EDITORIAL–The same Florida legislators who refuse to make it easier to collect sales taxes on Internet sales or tax services used by more affluent Floridians have found easier marks: speeders. Lawmakers are poised to significantly raise the fines for speeding and other traffic violations just to help keep the courts operating. And they aren’t even being honest about it.

In selling the higher fines to their colleagues during floor votes Friday, supporters argued there is an “epidemic of running of red lights and speeding” in Florida. Don’t be fooled. The real problem is that Republican lawmakers aren’t willing to have an honest discussion about the state’s dismal financial picture and are taking the easy but short-sighted route to balancing the budget.

The higher fines are aimed at raising $63-million to prevent employee layoffs in the state’s courts and offices of state attorneys and public defenders due to the state’s current $2.4-billion deficit. Fines for all traffic violations ? from running a stop sign to having an expired license tag ? would increase $10. Speeders who are between 15 and 29 miles per hour over the speed limit will also be charged an additional $25. The plan also ends the 18 percent discount violators receive if they go to traffic school. And both chambers also would require judges to impose fines in certain rulings.

There are reasonable questions about the practical impact of these increases, including whether they fit the infraction or will prompt some police officers to avoid issuing more expensive tickets to drivers who may have trouble paying up. But speeders don’t have lobbyists, and legislators are in no mood to debate the impact of their shortsightedness.

Combined, the additional fines are expected to limit cuts to the state’s court system to 1.25 percent ? a far more tolerable level than the 4 percent cut many state agencies are facing. Yet lawmakers aren’t willing to make similar efforts to stave off painful cuts in other areas. State universities and community colleges are facing 4 percent cuts; public schools will receive 2 percent less per student. Hospitals serving Medicaid patients will face cuts that total nearly 14 percent over 18 months. And Florida will be cutting services to some of its poorest and weakest citizens, such as foster children and infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. Next year the pressure will be even worse, when state economists predict the state faces a $5.6-billion deficit.

Yet the Legislature refuses to take even the smallest steps toward considering additional revenue for the short or long term. Democrats’ calls to review sales tax exemptions or close a corporate tax income loophole went unheeded. Instead, Republicans are insisting on raiding up to $1-billion more from critical state reserves. Senate President Jeff Atwater has pledged the Senate will consider new revenue options during the regular legislative session that begins in March, including raising the cigarette tax and closing some tax exemptions. That’s a positive sign, but House Speaker Ray Sansom has shown no such leadership.

Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, opposed the increases in traffic fines in a floor speech on Friday and urged lawmakers to avoid easy fixes. He’s right. The state needs a better financial plan than keeping the courts open by raising the cost of speeding tickets

—from Rogue

FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUNDS– Here is how much money is collected by Florida that is suppose to be used for Motorcycle Safety each year.Does anyone have any idea where it is or how it was spent?
http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html

General Reports Revenue Report FY 2000-2008

FY July 2007?June 2008
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $1,669,207.50
Total: $1,669,207.50

FY July 2006?June 2007
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $1,516,345.00
Total: $1,516,345.00

FY July 2005?June 2006
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $1,433,232.50
Total: $1,433,232.50

FY July 2004?June 2005
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $1,254,595.00
Total: $1,254,595.00

FY July 2003?June 2004
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $1,123,210.00
Total: $1,123,210.00

FY July 2002?June 2003
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $95,675.00
Total: $95,675.00

FY July 2001?June 2002
Motorcycle Safety Education
State Revenue: $820,152.50
Total: $820,152.50

FY July 2000?June 2001
Motorcycle Safety Education
FY 00/01 State Revenue: $811,365.40
FY 99/00 State Revenue: $676,366.17

FY July 1999?June 2000
Motorcycle Safety Education
FY 99/00 State Revenue: $678,366.17
FY 98/99 State Revenue: $630,825.70

Motorcycle Safety Education Fees
FY 2004-05 Actual Cash Receipts: 1,241,160
FY 2005-06 Actual Cash Receipts: 1,427,653
FY 2006-07 Estimated Cash Receipts: 1,470,483

–Rogue

EASYRIDERS BIKE SHOWS STIMULAS PACKAGE WORKING, POMONA MASSIVE SUCCESS–With over 210 bikes on the floor the crowds came out for a 60 percent attendance increase over last year. Pomona was a success “Great news for the industry for a change,” said John Green, the boss of ER Events. “This is the first substantial increase in the bike shows in three years.”

Next Show is Sacramento this weekend and bike registration is already up from last year. Again bike registration is free as long as the owner buys a weekend attendance pass.

“We are downtown Sac so people can come to the show and party,” said John, “then go have a great meal at one of the downtown restaurants, then come back to the show and hang out for awhile. Then there’s after-show partying downtown, then crash at one of the hotels all within walking distance.”

“It is a change up from most motorcycle events. Having a show in a first class venue in the heart of the city is a lot of fun for everybody. The city of Sacramento loves the Easyriders Bike Show.”

“We have the best Motorcycles,” said John, ‘ It’s that simple. Our product is consistent. More bikes more people. No secret sauce.”

A CLIP FROM A BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING SESSION–A little boy asks his mother, “Mommy, how come I’m black and you’re white?”

His mother replies, “Don’t even go there! From what I can remember about that party, you’re lucky you don’t bark!

–from Buckshot

OFFICIAL GANGSTER CHOPPERS PRESS RELEASE– Just in time to kick off 2009, Gangster Choppers launches their brand new official web site. The new site features 98% new content, never before seen pictures and tons of biker related information.

The Online Store features dozens of Gangster Choppers Brand parts that goes into building their award winning bikes.

John Dodson of Gangster Choppers states, “The Gangster Choppers Online Store will receive at minimum two new products a month for the entire ’09 year.” Many of the parts found on the new web site are specific for the “do-it-yourself”, back yard type builders.

This, my friends, will be a Shop to keep an eye on. Mark it in your favorites now, sign up for live streaming news feeds and more. Also, don’t forget to come out and meet John Dodson and the rest of the Gangster Choppers South Side Crew during the 2009 EASYRIDERS CENTERFOLD TOUR.

Visit Gangster Choppers online at: www.gangsterchoppers.com

AFTERMARKET MOTORCYCLE COMMITTEE RESPONSE– I read a ?blurb? on the SEMA situation and your involvement. I just wanted to take a second to say ?Thank You? for taking the time to act upon the opportunity that SEMA has offered. I have been saying for years that we, the motorcycle industry, need to get in line with SEMA or form our own version of such if we are to survive. To date; it seemed I was speaking to deaf ears.

If there is any way I can assist you in this endeavor, please do not hesitate to call on me.

–Doug Keim
Doug Keim Creative Cycles
Shop – 732-751-1403
Personal cell ? 732-682-0117
www.creativecycles.com
<doug@creativecycles.com>

One way we can show SEMA that we’re serious is by joining SEMA. Click on the logo above for membership info.

CITY OF NEW YORK ATTACKS MOTORCYCLES– The future of custom motorcycles could rely on the outcome of this legislation. Although it is NYC, its just a matter of time before it goes state-wide and nationwide.

–Suzi Q Long
ABATE of NY Public Relations

ABATE of New York Opposes New York City Int. No. 416-A FROM: Timothy D. Werder, ABATE of New York State President

Following a December 29th meeting with New York City Council Member Alan Gerson (1st District) to discuss proposed Local Law Int. No. 416-A, which he sponsored, ABATE of New York, Inc. reiterates its strong opposition to this legislation, however well intended, that will potentially make unavailable non-stock exhaust systems that conform to current sound level standards, due to cost & availability issues, and production & equipment-related concerns.

There is the severe potential of wide-ranging negative results of this legislation passing.

If a motorcycle owner is fearful that a stock or stock equivalent exhaust will be unavailable in the future, then the owner is more likely to remove and store the stock exhaust for future use. A chosen replacement exhaust may meet legislated sound levels, but not be legal due to stamping requirements.

Also, there are a number of motorcycles for which stock replacement and stock equivalent exhausts are already not available. Owners of many of those motorcycles must seek out exhaust systems from custom manufacturers, many of whom are not large enough to be able to afford EPA certification.

Additionally, examples are readily available of current, stock vehicles that do not meet the stamping requirement sitting on showroom floors and in owner?s garages. These vehicles have not been modified in any way, meet the current legislated sound levels, and are being legally operated on the highways.

Lastly, ABATE of New York, Inc. vehemently opposes the discriminatory tactic of targeting only motorcyclists when there are numerous other sound-level violators on the streets.

It is far better to enforce the existing sound level requirements across-the-board, than to pass this onerous legislation.

ABATE of New York was established in 1974, and incorporated in 1991 as a 501c4 not-for-profit corporation representing the rights of all New York State motorcyclists.

For further information, contact ABATE of New York, Inc. at the above address, or: Susan Long, Public Relations Officer 585-255-0103 or George Gorman, State Legislative Officer 585-293-2086

MYRTLE BEACH STILL IN THE THROWS OF BATTLE–The city of Myrtle Beach has set up the following web site to tell everybody about their feelings regarding the event. I would suggest you send this web site to all our members so they can see what is happening. www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com <http://www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/> . Based on this info, those who wish to come should know what to expect.

If anybody wants more information, I will be glad to provide it.

–Bruce

This it what they want us to ride–Rogue

2009 ROADMAP TO STATE HIGHWAY SAFETY LAWS–JANUARY 2009–This report highlights gaps in Advocates’ list of 15 essential andlifesaving highway safety laws and is a call to action for Governors andstate legislators. In 2007, motor vehicle crashes caused over 41,000deaths and over 2.5 million injuries and cost the nation over $230billion each year. Passage of the 15 laws identified in Advocates’report will help prevent these tragedies and, at the same time, willsave the states billions of dollars in economic costs associated withhighway crashes.

In 2008: ? No state passed a primary enforcement seat belt law;
? No state passed an all-rider motorcycle helmet law, although 12 tried repeal, as fatalities more than doubled in 10 years;
? A few states adopted optimal booster seat laws protecting children through age 7;
? Of the 116 graduated driver licensing laws needed, only 4 were passed throughout the nation in 2008; and,
? Other than three ignition interlock laws, no state passed even one of our other basic impaired driving laws.

Only 11 laws out of 344 gaps in last year?s Roadmap Report were adopted among all 50 States and the District of Columbia in 2008, half the number in 2007.

It?s a very dangerous and deadly broken record and the wait is literally killing us. Another year has passed during which more than 41,000 people perished and millions suffered injuries in motor vehicle crashes on our nation?s streets and highways.

Although death and injury numbers have declined somewhat in the last few years most likely due to the high price of gasoline and the economy, it is still urgent that all states provide a stronger safety net of uniform laws to safeguard against inevitable future increases and to make progress in reducing the over- all, unacceptable annual death toll.

–Judith Lee Stone, President

This society needs to get away from the constant desire to pass more laws, jack up fines and enact tougher penalties, to fix everything. How about education not legislation.–Wilburn Roach

MYRTLE BEACH SIDEBAR–As a sidebar piece of probably useless info, Rainman is a former North Carolina Highway Patrol officer. Jocelyn is a member of the NC MRO, CBA/ABATE of NC and her chapter lies right on the NC/SC state line. They are literally a bedroom community to Myrtle Beach.

That is the same crap the PIO gave me months ago when I spoke with him about the new “laws” MB was enacting. Ride your bikes, wear what we tell you to wear – even if it is outside the laws of the state, wear an approved helmet (WTF is that? Even the Feds don’t know) AND eye protection. No noise mufflers. AND the suggestions that bikers were the wrong kind of person for MB. Crap on them.

I will never spend another penny in Myrtle Beach, or for that point, South Carolina.

–Rainman

The city of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on a Web-and-print campaign to make visitors aware of the city’s new rules about bike rallies.Myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com launched last week, and brochures are due out this week for distribution primarily through local hotels.

What people should expect: stricter noise and muffler rules, a local helmet law, no parties in parking lots, a juvenile curfew and more.

The Web site bears a message from Mayor John Rhodes, a list of the 15 ordinances and amendments the city approved last fall to target the two May motorcycle rallies it says have grown too large and too difficult to control, and a section of questions and answers.

The top of the site says “effective 2009, Myrtle Beach, SC will no longer host motorcycle rallies.” Even though the city never officially hosted the rallies, “Myrtle Beach doesn’t want to be the center of the motorcycle universe in May anymore,” Kruea said.

The Harley-Davidson and Atlantic Beach Bikefest have drawn nearly half a million visitors over about three weeks, and prompt locals to complain loudly each year. But in 2008, after a Coastal Carolina University student was shot to death in a dispute over a parking space during Bikefest, even though the shooting didn’t involve bikers, the city said it would take steps to end the rallies.

SACRAMENTO EASYRIDERS SHOW TO HOST TRIBUTE RIDE– I was working the Cycle Source booth this weekend at the Easyrider show and got word of this ride. It was announce at the show and they are going to announce it at the Sacramento Easyrider Show this weekend.

This story received national attention when a gunman dressed as Santa planned on fleeing to Canada with $17,000 after committing a Christmas Eve massacre that took nine lives at the home of his former in-laws. Instead, he committed suicide after accidentally burning himself when fuel he sprayed in the home exploded prematurely, officials said Friday. Bruce Jeffery Pardo, 45, plotted to kill his ex-wife Sylvia Ortega, 43, and her family at their home.

Cycle Source is helping to spread the word and wants everyone to attend. I will personally be working the grill ,flipping burgers and dogs.Let’s all help this family out!

We are also seeking items to have for a raffle at the park.I will send you the price of the t shirts as soon as I get it.

–Lisa
Blog Editor
Cycle Source Magazine
West Coast Contact
603-377-0517
www.cyclesource.com/newsblog
Duane Ballard Custom Leather
603-781-7505
www.dbcustomleather.com

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