Hey,
We’re back. We survived Sturgis 2008. The reports are flowing in, but I feel odd about mine. Damn, I’m a trailer Queen. How do I write that? I’ll pour Jack Daniels down my throat and see what spills on my stained computer.
I want to thank everyone who helped with the Brouhaha. We had over 60 bikes and the attendance was terrific. Edge, Nyla, Dar, Ray, Barb, Carrie, Lynn, Bob, Jeff and the entire gang did a helluva job and Jeff and Sydney captured every move digitally.
Let’s get with the news and some bits I stole from David Searle of Motorcycle Consumer News. Sturgis thoughts and comments will pepper the news and my thoughts for weeks to come. Congratulations to Paul Vestal, that bastard Fred Harrell who were indoctrinated into the Sturgis hall of Fame along with Kenny Price, Charlie St.Clair, Becky Brown, Malcome A. Smith, Christine Sommer-Simmons and “Smiling” Johnny Spiegelhoff.
Screw it, let’s hit the news. I’ll fill in the blanks at the end:
ALL NEW, Rivera Primo’s New 2008/2009 Parts Catalog!!–It’s here, Rivera Primo’s new parts catalog. Filled with so manyhigh performance items for today’s demanding riders, Rivera Primohas spared no effort in developing their own lines of belt drive,clutch & driveline products for nearly all make & model AmericanV-Twin motorcycles.
Besides those well-known offerings this catalog has a tremendousvariety of other essentials, including complete engines, transmissions,hard motor parts, camshafts, ignitions, carburetors, gaskets, controls, brakes, gauges, exhaust, frames & suspension as well as a huge section devoted to shop tools.
Throw in some real informative tech tips & you end up with a great riding companion. Available at all fine dealers worldwide, this catalog is also featured on our website: www.riveraprimoinc.com
For further info on these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo Inc.
12450 Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
? 562-907-2600
? Fax: 562-907-2606
Website: www.riveraprimoinc.com
World Championship of Custom Bike Building 2008 – RESULTS–Goldammer Crowned World Champion again!–After three and a half days of competition the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building has drawn to a close. What began over a year ago with a series of 12 Affiliate shows, covering four continents and an estimated over 2,000 competitors, has culminated at the pinnacle of motorcycling’s Holy Grail, Sturgis, South Dakota. This year’s OWC has been held at Champions Hall in the heart of Sturgis, South Dakota. Since the opening of the hall on Sunday morning, thousands upon thousands of spectators have poured over the 68 motorcycles, which represent 13 different countries.
People from all walks of life, from local residents to industry insiders, to the builders themselves, have spent many hours studying various aspects of the bikes, which represent the highest level of motorcycle craftsmanship and fabrication in the world.
The competition was divided into four different classes, Metric, Modified Harley-Davidson, Production, and the creme de la creme, the Freestyle Class.
The awards ceremony began promptly at 3:00 pm CST with master of ceremony Chris McGee keeping the packed hall of anxious competitors and spectators entertained. With each winner being announced the anticipation level grew and grew.
Before getting to the class winners McGee announced the winners of the Partners Picks of Excellence.
With no time to waste McGee jumped into the announcement of the overall winner of the Metric Class, Jim Giuffra of AFT Customs, located in Martell, California, with his entry Er Hed.2008 Metric World ChampionAFT Customs, Jim Giuffra, Martell CA, USABike: Er Hed
Next up was Lock Baker’s entry from Eastern Fabrications in Branford, Connecticut, “White Line Nightmare”, taking top honors in the Modified Harley-Davidson Class.
Best Modified Harley-Davidson Prize
Eastern Fabrications, Lock Baker, Branford CT, USA
Bike: White Line Nightmare
It was now time for what everyone was waiting for, the announcement of the finishers in the Freestyle Class. For an unprecedented third time, Canadian Roger Goldammer got the top honors being named the World Champion and overall winner of the Freestyle.
The August Big Birthday Party AT Marie Red?s 3007 E. Abram Street Arlington Texas 76010 Saturday August 16th 7:00pm until when ever? — As usual our Chef (Andy) will be cooking something delicious. We definitely won’t be short on food but when it?s gone it?s gone. So don?t be late! We are also going to have birthday gifts for everyone Who has a birthday in August so bring you?re Proof! (ID-DL)
There will also be a chance at door prizes (Even if you don?t have a birthday this month!) We have some very cool door prizes this month! You just never know what else we will come up with so You really don’t want to miss it
(Hint) We have surprise visitors
Arriving between 9:00pm & 10:00pm with gifts for everyone.
When: Saturday August 16th Starts 7:00pm until? When ever.
Where: Marie Reds 3007 E. Abram St Arlington TX 76010
The Custom Motorcycles of Ron Finch is sponsored by Hupy and Abraham, S.C. AT THE 105TH HARLEY ANNIVERSARY– Park your bike beneath the wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum on Art Museum Drive, just south of the lakeside Harley Roadhouse concert venue. Become a Museum Member at the door, and the parking is on us.
V.I.P. Bike Parking
Thursday?Sunday, August 28?31
In: 8 a.m.?8 p.m. (Sunday until 5 p.m.)
Out: When you go home
$15/free for Members
Cafe769; Calatrava by the Lake
Friday?Saturday, August 29?30
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Get the best grab-and-go grub on the Lake, smack in the middle of the Meier festival grounds and Harley’s Roadhouse in Veteran’s Park. On Saturday, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee floats good music into the fresh air around the Museum.
Finch Sculptures and Miteff Prints on Sale Ron Finch’s newest experiment, METALife, is a collection of creatures and plants made from used metal and motorcycle scraps. Selections from METALife will be available for purchase at the Milwaukee Art Museum Store during the duration of the exhibition, along with photographs from Jim “Flash” Miteff’s collection of hand-developed prints.
The Store moves outside to sell these and other items to benefit the Museum Thursday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday til 4 p.m.
Ron Finch has been building choppers since 1965, when he opened Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, and has established himself as one of the premier builders of our time. A fusion of function and whimsy, Finch’s innovative motorcycles are truly “art in motion.” His bikes have been appreciated by art lovers in several museums and art galleries and in shows throughout the United States and Europe. Images and Interviews Available upon Request.
The Milwaukee Art Museum
700 North Art Museum Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
MAGAZINE SALES NEWS: Newsstand Sales + American Iron Retailer expands to Motorsport Retailer–Here is a brief recap of the more popular Harley-oriented magazines.
I am including their paid single copy sales for the first half of 2007 and the most recent period – 2008 if they are audited by ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation).
Please note, that, in spite of a 4.6% sales dip on the newsstand, American Iron Magazine continues to lead the category in copies sold and it suffered the smallest decrease in sales.
I note V-Twin and Hot Bike have lost roughly a quarter of their readers on the newsstand in the last year. I also note most of the smaller circulation Harley-oriented magazines are either not ABC audited or failed to report their sales to ABC.
NEWSSTAND SALES AS REPORTED TO AND BY ABC
2007 Ave 2008 Ave Change
American Iron 58,574 55,853 – 4.6%
Easyriders 55,982 47,923 – 14.4%
V-Twin 33,982 25,535 – 24.9%
Hot Bike 29,535 21,996 – 25.5%
American Bagger ????? ????? No Audited Data
American Cycle ????? ????? No Audited Data
American Rider ????? ????? No Audited Data
Barnetts Cycle ????? ????? No Audited Data
Hot Bike Baggers ????? ????? No Audited Data
IronWorks ????? ????? No Audited Data
Street Chopper ????? ????? No Audited Data
The Horse ????? ????? No Audited Data
Advertising opportunities for the Nov/Dec issue of MotoSports Retailer end August 21st. Please call your advertising representative at TAM Communications now at 203-425-8777 X121or e-mail Johns@TAMcommunications.com.
Interesting stuff about magazine circulation, and natch I checked Bikernet’s numbers from July and we had our largest month in our 12 year history: 380,000 readers came to Bikernet 603,000 times for 1.2 million impressions and 7.8 million hits. Bikernet grew 70 percent last year and another 30 percent so far this year. Plus our advertising rates are a small fraction of magazine ads and we can post client info on a daily basis. Okay, I’ll shut up–Bandit
Milwaukee Twins Curved License Plate Mounting Kit for 1974-2008 Models from J&P Cycles– Streamline your fender and license plate mount with Milwaukee Twins new curved license plate mount, available exclusively from J&P Cycles. This mount bolts directly to any standard three hole fender mount pattern used from 1974-2008. The chrome aluminum frame attaches to a black backing plate and comes with all mounting hardware. This kit accepts plates measuring 4″ x 7″ and gives your bike a dramatic new look compared to the stock square license plate mounts.
For more information on J&P Cycles full line of Milwaukee Twins products visit us on the web at WWW.JPCYCLES.COM or call toll-free at 800-397-4844.
JIMS BIKERNET TOOL OF THE WEEK–External Lock Ring Pliers–Easily installs and removes snap rings. This plier?s jaws are scored on theoutside to hold the snap ring securely. Use with new snap ring (JimsNo.11067 for 5-Speeds). Instruction Sheet No.2362-IS.
No.2362 – Use on EVO & Shovel 1980-995-Speed. Use on Sportster 1957-present. Use on Buell 1987-present. Use on1999-05 FXD, 1999-06 FL and 2000-06 FXST. Use on aftermarket 6-Speed.
Suggested Retail Price $59.40
–JT Lepien
Tel: 805-482-6913 ext 290
Fax: 805-482-9224
www.jimsusa.com
TO MY FRIENDS A VERY VALID BIKERNET HOUSEHOLD WARNING – IN CASE YOU DID NOT ALREADY KNOW !!– Subject: The dangers of microwaving a cup of water …….
WHY DON’T MANUFACTURES POST THIS ON THE OVENS? Microwaving Water! A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of waterand put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had donenumerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but hewanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, heremoved the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that thewater was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup ‘blew up’ into hisface. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand , but allthe water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. Hiswhole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his facewhich may leave scarring.
He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital,the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly commonoccurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. Ifwater is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup todiffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc., (nothingmetal).
It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.
General Electric’s Response:
Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that youreceived is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubblewhen they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and notbubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when itis moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquidfor more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in themicrowave for thirty seconds! before moving it or adding anything into it
Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: ‘Thanks forthe microwave warning I have seen this happen before. It is caused by aphenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated andwill particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, orwhen heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).
What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapour bubbles canform. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surfacescratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As thebubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquiddoes not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boilingpoint.
What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which isjust enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel thehot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beveragespews when opened after having been shaken.’
NEW SINGLE DOWN TUBE CHASSIS– Paughco, the world?s largest and oldest manufacturer of custom and replacement frames for Harley-Davidson motorcycles is now offering all of their stock and wide tire rigid frames in a SINGLE DOWN TUBE configuration. Shown here, the SINGLE DOWN TUBE SPORTSTER comes complete with your choice of straight or curved 1 ?? down tube, 1 ?? backbone, hidden axles and Chopper neck for 1? bearings.
Custom build to each order the frame with single down tube and hidden axle assembly starts around $1500. The standard double down tube chassis, which is available with stock or custom rake and stretch starts at just $1203.95. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit them on the Web at www.paughco.com
GREG WELD, FOUNDER OF WELD WHEEL INDUSTRIES, R.I.P.– GREG Weld, the driving force behind Weld Racing, has passed away at the age of 64.Weld began his career in sprint car races, winning over 100, including the 1963 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing, as well as the USAC National Sprint Car Championship at the age of 23.
After retiring from racing he founded Weld Wheel Industries in 1970, starting the business with $2,300 he’d saved from racing with the simple idea of making sprint car wheels that performed better. He went on to manufacture forged alloy wheels for various vehicles, including racecars, and was an active sponsor of the United States Auto Club series, NHRA and IHRA. In January 2007, Greg started a new company, Greg Weld Competition Wheels.
Weld was honored during his life and was inducted into numerous Halls of Fame including the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1998. “Greg Weld was a visionary in the Motorsports industry. He raced his way into the record books and into the hearts of many, but more than anything else, Greg Weld was a great friend and will be missed by everyone,” said Bob Baker, President of the Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Weld leaves behind his wife Deb, former wife Marilyn Brockman-Weld, daughter Christian Weld-Brown and sons Taylor and Brock, as well as sisters Delores Wesley and Marilyn Burasco, and brother Ricky. Greg Weld is survived by his grandchildren Marin Brown, Sophia Brown, Spencer Brown, Harley Weld, Quinton Weld, Aiden Weld, Lola Weld and numerous nieces and nephews.www.weldracing.com
Travel Channel has chosen Saxon for their new show The World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides– The Travel Channel is broadcasting a new tv program called ?The World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides?. Obviously they do these rides with bikes. After deliberating all the options, they have chosen to experience those rides on a motorcycle from Saxon.
Henri Cole, presenter of the program, chooses the routes in the USA and Europe and shows them to the viewer, enjoying the ride on the Saxon. In the first two episodes Henry Cole makes his rides through the American Desserts en on Highway 1 on a Saxon Firestorm
Saxon Motorcycles Europe is excited. ?It is a real compliment and confirmation that our motorcycles are beautiful to see and fit to make every kind of ride, this shows the comfort and experience of riding a Saxon.? says Rinke Andringa, owner. ?In this program you can again see the Saxons in action, being driven throughout the most beautiful motorcycles rides in the World.? adds Frank Vermeulen.
Saxon Motorcycles presents summaries of the first shows on their website and on YouTube. Riding Higway No.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS1IfwcW9Vo and Riding the American Desserts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-asT_6B95o
More information about Saxon Motorcycles Europe and the Warlord and Firestorm can be found on the internet www.SaxonMotorcycles.eu. Information of the tv show can be found on www.travelchannel.co.uk/Series/ourprogrammes/worldMotorcycle.htm
Continued On Page 2
