Hey,
This is shake-up week with a good friends stepping out of the business, Custom Chrome switching once more and a Big Dog shake-up. This year has turned into a wild one and hell, I’m not even going to Bonneville.
On the other hand there’s never a relaxing dull moment. Our Bonneville book from Wolfgang publications is on the streets and my plan is to hit the bricks with another fiction book before the end of the year. Berry Wardlaw is tuning the Assalt Weapan for a run at the Maxton Mile.
Bikernet, Edge and the Bikernet Metric gang are putting the wildest Sturgis Show date together ever. This won’t be just a bike show. Check the news below for updates. Also this year finds us facing legislative challenges and I think the industry is going to get involved. There’s more new TV shows afoot according to Hugh “Da Chopper” King.
So between gas prices and this crazy election year, there’s a lot of good news and action here at Bikernet. Let’s hit the news:
EDGE TALKS SMOKEOUT & BIKERNET BROUHAHA IN THE BIKERNET STUDIOS RADIO STATION BOOTH– Bandit talks with Edge about 2008 Sturgis Brouhaha and the 2008 Smokeout East. The Brouhaha is located at Thunder Road, the custom capital of Sturgis. The Brouhaha includes a bike show, skits, wet t-shirt, booze and music. Get You Bikernet Radio Show by clicking into Studio.
HOLLISTER RALLY WOULDN’T BE HOLLISTER WITHOUT A FIGHT–I don’t know how you feel about doing this but you know that I get a few emails and comments about the changes we made to Hollister. Well we really did not make changes we just started a new rally.
18 months after I came to town the City government was looking forward to the rally for the first time. and now the whole city has gotten involved and the Chamber of Commerce is my committee. I even talked the City into marketing the merchandise. What a turn around.
All the good aspects were completed because for the last 20 months I have hauled ass to Hollister just about every week to kick ass, take names and keep the ball rolling for all the brothers who want the Hollister Rally to live. I still have a lot of work to do like get racing back and night time concerts. It’s all comin’ together. Horse Power Promotionsph 805.686.2007fax 805.686.0890www.horsepowerpromotions.com
NEW GLASS BLACK RACK FOR SOLO SEAT SOFTAIL MODELS–A Functional Rack That?s Easy to Remove.MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2008) ? Add touring capabilities to a solo-seat Softail model in less than 60 seconds with the new Gloss Black Detachable Solo Rack (P/N 53612-08; $169.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. This attractive, curved rack fits over the fender when the passenger pillion is removed, and features brazed hand-polished tubing with a black finish. Installation requires a separate purchase docking hardware kit, which makes the rack easily interchangeable with Detachable Passenger Sissy Bar Upright and Sideplates. Fits 2008 FLSTSB, 2006-later FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FXSTS and 2007-later FLSTF models. Installation also requires separate purchase of Directional Relocation Kit P/N 53959-06.For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
BRASS BALLS BOBBERS SIGNS PAINT-MEISTER JERAL TIDWELL– Since 1988 Jeral Tidwell has designed art for everything from hot sauce labels to skateboard decks, for clients ranging from the Mayor of New Orleans to Interscope Record Company and now he has turned his attention to Brass Balls Bobbers.
Jeral is producing custom paint for Brass Balls Bobbers and the result of his first engagement was a 1st place award at the Military Bike Build-Off in Branson, Missouri held May 15-18, 2008. Brass Balls Bobbers competed with Scorpion Choppers, South Side Kustoms and Coyotes Customs in this tightly contested event.
Attendees came through the gate and received a People?s Choice ticket to vote on the best bike in the contest. Once the dust settled at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex and the votes were tallied, the crew from Oklahoma came away with the gold.
To see more of this incredible talent, to Brass Balls Bobbers.
POLICE SNATCH-A-BIKE CREWS– In Biker issue: number 181?s “Newsmagazine” section, there was a sidebar (?Daytona Warning?) by Lucky in Florida, pertaining to confiscation of motorcycles during Bike Week.
I would like to state I also had a discussion with a deputy sheriff when I caught him going over my motorcycle in 1998. When I asked him what he was doing, he told me: checking the numbers. I asked him why he was looking at the transmission, then, as the bike had a Florida-issued identification tag on the frame. I reminded him that meant the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles had already checked the motorcycle and issued a tag saying all other numbers on the motorcycle were void.
A bike down the line from me was having some trouble, though. A young couple from out of state had recently bought a motorcycle with welded cases. It had the classic crack from behind the front lifter block that many ’90- ?91 Harleys develop. The cop was ready to snatch the bike when I gave the female the lawyer?s phone number. She whipped out her cell phone, talked to the lawyer, handed the phone to the cop, and another bike was saved.
After I was home for a few days and going through my March/April 2000 issue of H.O.G tales from the Harley Owners Group, I came across an article called “Aftermarket Bike Buyers Beware.? It told a story about how a couple bought a hot bike after the owner did an insurance scam. It went on to say the cops had confiscated the bike in Sturgis The article also mentioned Sergeant Bob Kenney of the Connecticut Auto Theft Task Force who, last time I met up with him, was a Connecticut state trooper. While I was president of the Connecticut Motorcycle Rights Association, I filed charges against Trooper Kenney for wrongfully confiscating motorcycles.
Trooper Kenney confiscated a motorcycle that was built at a local shop it had a Sporty front end on a Big Twin. His story was that the numbers didn?t match when he called it in to the Harley factory. Of course they didn?t, but nothing had been done by the shop that was illegal, and all the parts were receipted.
MONSTER HORSEPOWER FROM D&D EXHAUST & ZIPPER?S
Easy Horsepower Gains From D&D Performance Enterprises & Zipper?s. There is nothing better than blasting down the road with a wad of horsepower available at a flick of your wrist. And D&D has the program to pump your sled full of steroids.
D&D?s New Bandit Kit – It simply kicks asphalt on your Harley-Davidson fuel injected motorcycle. But don?t take our word for it? Bandit got 20 more ponies when he installed the kit.
Bandit Improve His Performance By 20HP!
Bandit took the challenge and hooked the kit up to his black bagger. And the results? More power and more torque? just what the doctor ordered. Read his tech tip and see if your fuel injected Harley could benefit for it. Click it here for the Bandit?s D&D tech tip.
The Bandit Kit comes with a D&D performance exhaust pipe, high-flow air cleaner and Zipper?s Performance ThunderMax with AutoTune tuner. And we will provide a 15% discount just by mentioning the Bandit Kit!
Save 15% on The Bandit Kit – Call 817-834-8961 Now!
All the experts agree that the most cost effective upgrade to your motorbike is a performance pipe, a free-flowing air cleaner and a tune up. The Bandit Kit delivers it all in one easy to use and to install package from D&D Performance Enterprise.
Your Performance Hotline – 817-834-8961
The Zipper?s Performance ThunderMax with AutoTune tuner calibrates itself so you don?t need to put your bike on a dyno. That saves time and money. Also, if you add more go-fast parts, it knows it and modifies itself. Fast, efficient and easy to use – that’s the D&D way.
So call the D&D team today at 817-834-8961 or get more information by clicking here and start making horsepower gains tomorrow.
BIKERNET STAFFER FINALLY PUBLISHED IN EASYRIDERS– Don’t know if ya seen the newest “Easyriders” but yer picture is in “The Wind”.
Looks like yer getting ready for that trip up to the Classic bike show yer wrote about . I happened to catch my picture the other day at the Post Office in the “wanted section”.
–Mothergoose
EBAY SCORE OF THE WEEK–Ford’s ubiquitous Model T has seen its fair share of modifications over the years. Often powered by an engine other than what was originally designed for the large engine bay, countless variations of the hot rod theme have made Henry Ford’s original mass-market vehicle a highly desirable machine to customize.
Today, we’ve stumbled across an entirely new way to power the T, and it’s just too cool not to share. Behind the custom spiderweb grille of this 1923 Ford Model T is a 1200cc V-Twin engine taken from the frame rails of a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Considering how little this vehicle is likely to weigh, the air-cooled twin cylinder mill with Screaming Eagle mods is probably plenty powerful to get the vehicle out of its own way.
The owner used quite a few H-D cues in the overall design and as many original parts from the donor bike as was possible. Note the dual rear shocks suspending the rear axle — those are from the Sportster, as well as the foot pegs which now see duty as the gas and brake pedals. Nice work.
CHOPPER MAGAZINE PROJECT FINALLY FINISHED–it’s been a year in the making, but I finally finished the bagger/rigid… umm, baggid? rigger? Thought you would want to see a pic or to and if you post this, please be sure and include the brothers I want to thank for all the help (btw, the bike is named El Endrogado) which loosly translates to “in debt” to friends.
Special thanks to Todd Slilcato from Todd’s Cycle, Matt Adams from Redsoul, Brandon Holstein from Brawny Built, Rob Stark from Holeshot Graphics, Fab Kevin for some kick ass parts and fab work and Jockey Journal and The Horse BC forums. If it weren’t for these cats, this bike would never have been completed and would not have turned out like it did.
Yes, this is the bike that started out as a ex-police bike bagger.
–Eric
chop@chopmagazine.com> wrote:
FIRST BIKERNET SHAKE-UP OF THE DAY, HOLGER MOHR BECOMES CEO AT CUSTOM CHROME/GMG– Following Nace Panzica’s decision to step down from the Custom Chrome and Global Motorsport (GMG) management team, and Frank Esposito’s exit from the Group last month, owners Dae-Il have selected Custom Chrome Europe Managing Director Holger Mohr to take over as the group’s CEO with immediate effect.
Mohr had decided to return to his post in Germany in August last year after a year and a half at the firm’s Morgan Hill, California, headquarters as President of Custom Chrome.
That decision had been triggered by former owner Cerberus’ reluctance to provide the necessary backing for the company’s business needs. With such backing for the business “now assured”, Mohr told AMD that he was “delighted to be asked to return and take the company forward”.
In an exclusive interview with AMD, Mohr was candid about recent events. “It has been a tough few months, indeed a tough few years for Custom Chrome / Global Motorsport Group, its vendors, dealers and employees, but thanks to Nace’s efforts and Dae-il’s backing throughout the past five months, we are now in a position to draw a line under the process of rescuing the company, and start building for the future”.
Part of that process has included settlement of some $7 million of agreed pre-petition vendor payables liabilities. In a letter to vendors Mohr said that “I am delighted to announce that as a result of our 90 day plan ? we have achieved our goal for our vendor community”.
Commenting on Dae-Il’s decision to assume those liabilities in the first place, Mohr said that “some outside our industry recommended we not assume the previous vendor liability and start with a clean slate. Indeed, others in our industry have taken that route. Our decision to assume these debts underscores our belief that those liabilities represent relationships with key partners, and we understand that the best way to protect and promote our business is to protect and promote our vendors’ business interests too”.
Mohr has already been with GMG for 13 years and seen the entire cycle of the firm’s fluctuating fortunes throughout that time. He is one of several industry insiders that represent an emerging generation of managers and entrepreneurs now achieving strong reputations and important positions in the custom parts and accessory industry.
Mohr concluded his letter to vendors by saying “We owe our gratitude to Nace Panzica and Chairman Kim of Dae-Il. Their actions have placed Custom Chrome on a firm financial footing. It was their decision that having met agreed pre-petition obligations, leadership would be turned over to a new management team, and under our new ownership I am convinced that we have the tools to succeed in restoring this company to its rightful position in the industry”.
MICHIGAN FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM–Here is the latest on the helmet bill in Michigan. And, please contact the Governor. Contact info & protocol stated below (compliments of Angel – thanks)….
Out-of-State letters are welcome too…our Legislature is very interested in tourism dollars and the effect a helmet repeal will have on visitation to the state of Michigan.
Freedom is not free…keep up the hard work!
Yesterday in Lansing, the House voted on concurrence with the Senate version of the helmet bill (HB4749) and the bill passed 70 to 38. The bill has been ordered enrolled and then it will go to the Governor.
Contacting the Governor and requesting that she sign the bill when it gets to her is the plan of action we should follow. The following is the contact information for Governor Jennifer Granholm. There are several phone #’s that you can call to voice your opinion to the Governor along with her fax, e-mail and mailing address.
BE POLITE NO MATTER HOW THEY REPLY TO YOU.
Call, write, E-mail, FAX or all four. You need to let the Governor know that your asking her to support House Bill 4749 to allow Motorcyclist 21 years and older to choose whether to wear a helmet or not. BE SURE
Governor’s Contact Information:
Governor’s Constituent Relations Office: 1-517-335-7858.
This number is to voice your opinion. They don’t want your name, just your opinion. This is possibly the best number to call.
Governor’s Capitol Office Phone: 1-517-373-3400. This will get you a recording or an office staff member but not the Governor.
S.E. Michigan Office ( Detroit ): 1-313-456-0010. Not sure if this is a recording or if you will reach a staff person. When I called I got a recording.
Northern Michigan Office ( Marquette ): 1-906-228-2850. Legislative Affairs Office in Capitol: 1-517-241-3950. Be extra polite when calling this number because we have to deal with this office the most.
Fax # in Lansing : 1-517-335-6863.
Fax letters and notes to this number. Be sure to sign and address the fax and letters and ask for a response.
E-Mail to Gov. You will need to go to the Governor’s website at http://www.michigan.gov/gov and Click (Contact the Governor) at the top middle part of the page. Scroll down to Share your Opinion) ….a page will come up to fill in and send to the Governor. NOTE: you do not get a response,
Address your letters as follows:
The Honorable Jennifer Granholm
Governor
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing MI. 48909
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