Holy shit,
This news may kick my ass. Right this minute, prior to editing, it’s over 15,000 words. It’s a magazine in a day. So hang on, ignore the typos and enjoy all the Thursday sweat poured into it’s making.
Then I’ll think of an ending and hopefully take the ’56 Shovel out for a test drive. Oh, maybe there’s a spot of Jack Daniels still in the cupboard.
JIMS TOO OF THE WEEK–FORK LEG AND TUBE HOLDER TOOL–Use this tool to hold fork legs and tubes for easy hands free servicing orre-building. Mounts in a vise to hold the fork firmly during repair withoutcausing damage to the fork assembly. Will not scratch finishes.
No.2251 – Use on smaller or larger fork tubes with a maximum 2? diameter.
Suggested Retail: $90.85
–JT Lepien
www.jimsusa.com
SMOKE OUT RUN JUST ONE WEEK AWAY–We’re loading our weapons, riding rigids and heading into the Arizona Desert to find Cottonwood and Smoke Out sponsored in part by Bikernet, for the weekend, beginning the 6th of October. That’s why I need to test the Shovelhead. I changed gearing, built new shit and changed the oil. Oh, I replaced the battery with an Odyssey. If I don’t test it, the oil filter will fall off, the battery cable brake and the chain will leave me along side the road.
“Bandit is also presenting a Bikernet award at the Smoke Out this year? more details to follow on that?,” said promoter, Edge.
Fortunately, lots of builders are headed out. Here’s the list. I’m sure one will have a master link.
ChoppaHead (Truth)
Mad Monkey Motorcycles
Flyrite
Sucker Punch Sally
Insane Custom (Johnny Goodwin)
Fastlane
Dutch Trash Choppers
O School Chopper
Led Sled Customs
Knock Out (Ralph Randolph)
Hippy Killer (Kutty)
Bare Knuckle
Nash
Troll Works
Fab Kevin
SSinister Chops
Biltwell
Acme Choppers
Chino Valley Cycles
Adam Chandler
Wes White
Steve “Brewdude” Garn
ChopperDave, maybe
The Smoke Out is the world?s largest Chopper Rally and will be held October 5-7 on the Verde Valley Fairground in Cottonwood, AZ (20 minutes South of Sedona). The event will start Friday – October 5, 2007 from 5pm to 11pm. Saturday, 10am to 11pm and Sunday, 10am to 4 pm. For more information (or a vender packet) check the website SmokeOutRally.com website or venders call e-mail Edge at edge.42@mac.com.
See you there.
–Bandit, Jeremiah, Glenn Priddle and Edge
S&S UNVEILS X-WEDGE IN AUSTRALIA–S&S Cycle has unveiled their X-Wedge in Australia at a leukemia fund raiser with the help of one of their 50th Anniversary build teams, Road Rage Customs from Auckland, New Zealand, and their major Australian distributor East Coast Customs.
“It was a great day for S&S and this charitable cause,” said S&S President Brett Smith. “I not only want to thank everyone that came to see the X-Wedge unveiled, but more importantly, supported this charity to help fight leukemia.”
On another note, Smith stated, “I haven’t ridden all the X-Wedge test bikes, but I’ve ridden most of them. So far this one’s my favorite, but maybe it’s just being here in Australia. In all seriousness, Ray Pratt and Dave Anderson did a fantastic job and S&S is very pleased to be associated with Road Rage Customs. We’re eager to see what they have in store for us with their 50th Anniversary build as well.”
“The X Wedge is a stunning addition to the S&S range. The quick response and torque is like no other v-twin on the planet. Great job by the S&S team, you should be very proud” said Ray Pratt, after riding the Road Rage Customs machine.
Road Rage Customs has been building custom motorcycles in Auckland, New Zealand, for 11 years and was recently selected by S&S to join the 50 builder team for their 50th Anniversary Celebration in La Crosse, WI, from June 26th through June 29th in 2008.
Ray Pratt, the owner of Performance Cycle Wholesale, the exclusive S&S distributor and largest Harley-Davidson? dealer in New Zealand, has been “a faithful S&S customer for over 22 years.”
Dave Anderson has worked for Ray for 11 years and was the project lead for the Road Rage Customs X-Wedge motorcycle unveiled in Australia at Gold Coast Bike Week. He will also be heading up the Road Rage Customs build for the S&S 50th Anniversary.
Australian S&S distributor East Coast Custom Managing Director Greg Shepherd said he was “delighted to host S&S Cycle President, Brett Smith at the recent Gold Coast Bike Week Rally.To have him unveil the fantastic new X-Wedge motor at an event in support of our chosen charity was even more special.”
Australian v-twin enthusiasts inspected the all new, environmentally friendly power plant, fitted into the stunning New Zealand built custom motorcycle over the duration of the event. Comments by rally goers were very positive all week long. I feel the new motor has a very bright future in our market place and will be another great addition to the already large range of Proven Performance products we distribute.”
East Coast Customs has been distributing S&S products in Australia for 23 years. Their relationship with S&S has been instrumental in building the market and goodwill for S&S Cycle in Australia. They are also an avid sponsor and supporter of the Gold Coast Bike Week and ANDRA, two of the most important venues for S&S in Australia.
IRON HORSE TRIKES HITS EMMY’S–Iron Horse Trikeworks has been offered a reality show by The Shaeffer Entertainment Group, Inc. They have produced and aired several reality shows, including the SPIKE-TV hit Reality Racing where aspiring Nascar drivers compete for the chance to drive in a real race. They have made a serious offer to Mike and Don to shoot a pilot before the end of the year and to be on-air before May 2008.
While showing the trike at the EMMYs, I was also approached by Original Productions, producers of the Discovery Channels’s ICE ROAD TRUCKERS and THE DEADLIEST CATCH. Meetings have been set up for later October. However, Shaeffer Entertainment has asked for “first right of approval” on the production.
The biggest news lately is that I went to the EMMY’s. The trike was set up ON the red carpet. Thanks for making the connection. I have about 60 pictures of Celebrities sitting on the trike and made possibly 8-10 sales. Kevin Dillon, of HBO’s ENTOURAGE, called the show’s producer suggesting the trike be featured on the show.
Serious potential celeb trike owners included Blair Underwood of the new NBC show DIRTY,SEXY MONEY.
–Mike Davis
HEY THIS ALASKAN RIDE IDEA IS REALLY TAKING OFF ISN’T IT? SAW YOU ASKING FOR NAMES FOR THE RUN…SO HERE’S A FEW– BIKERNET ALASKA: TUMBLEWEED TO TUNDRA.
THE BIKERNET’S BUMS RUSH TO ALASKA.
THE BIKERNET IDITAROD. (THAT’S THE NAME OF THE BIG YEARLY SLEDDOG RACE THEY HAVE UP NORTH, NOT SURE I’VE SPELT IT CORRECTLY?)
BKERNET: ALASKAN ASSAULT.
I’VE LOOKED AT VARIOUS SCENARIOS FOR ME (AND LIN MY CURENT GF) TO DO THE RIDE.NONE OF THE WAYS I HAVE SURMISED WORK OUT EXACTLY CHEAP, HELLISH EXPENSIVE MORE LIKE.TWO UP ON A ROAD BIKE TO ALASKA..A TRAIL BIKE EACH TO PRUDOE BAY…BUT THAT’S A $500 SURCHARGE FOR EACH TRAIL BIKE.PLUS WE HAVE TO CONSIDER THE AIRFARE EACH AND ACCOMODATION AND PETROL COSTS.
I’M KEEN TO DO IT, ALONE IF IT GETS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR BOTH OF US. LIN IS A RIDER AND SHE’D LOVE TO RIDE SOME OF THE RUN HOWEVER.I SHALL KEEP LOOKING AT DIFFERENT IDEAS.MIGHT HAVE TO BE…BUY ONE BIKE IN SOCAL AND DO IT TWO-UP ALL THE WAY.
KEEP THE ALASKA RUN IDEA ON THE BOIL.I WILL WORK SOMETHING OUT.
–CHEERS: JAQ.
I’ll run out of run name ideas before Xmas I expect.
Bikernet 2008: The MIDNITE SUN RUN.
Or Run to the Midnite Sun. (Incorrect spelling was on purpose.)
–Jaq.
CUSTOM CHROME OFFERS 3-INCH HP-PLUS SLIP-ON MUFFLERS BY KHROME WERKS–Check out Khrome Werks high performance mufflers for all current H-D models. Khrome Werks HP-Plus patented steel construction baffle, which now features more high temperature fiberglass packing, provides significant gains in both horsepower and torque and exhibits a distinctive, deep throaty sound.
All models retain factory crossover features and utilize factory brackets, clamps, gaskets, and mounts. Made in the USA, and available with slash cut or tapered ends. Sold in sets. Distributed by Custom Chrome; view our online catalog at www.customchrome.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM REVEALS PLANS FOR UNIQUE SPECIAL EVENT SPACES–The Harley-Davidson Museum, scheduled to open in summer 2008, has rolled out the details of its unique special event capabilities. With a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces located on a park-like setting near downtown Milwaukee, the Harley-Davidson Museum can accommodate a gathering of 20 or 15,000 for an event unlike any other.
Indoor event spaces are equipped for as few as 20 people and as many as 1,050. With its clean and simple room interiors, the Harley-Davidson Museum is geared up to host a corporate meeting, wedding or other social gathering. All of the indoor meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities and feature floor-to-ceiling views of the Milwaukee skyline and Menomonee River.
For outdoor events, the Museum’s vibrant, open green spaces can handle as many as 15,000 people. And for a true rally atmosphere, outdoor spaces will be equipped with audio/visual for bands and live entertainment. The Museum grounds, which will be open to the public, will feature picnic and seating areas in welcoming outdoor spaces, allowing people to gather and enjoy the unique Museum architecture and Milwaukee riverfront.
The Museum will offer a variety of customizable menu options, all delivered with a hearty, classic American flavor. Partnering with Levy Restaurants, who have more than 30 years experience in a variety of venues across the country, menu options will cover everything from breakfast to formal dinners. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to select menus based on their preferences and budgets. Menu options include offerings such as “Road King Breakfast” with all the fixings, “Brake Out” afternoon snacks of penny candy and root beer floats and a New York strip steak prepared on a custom-built barbeque, fired up right outside the Museum. While the Museum will offer many unique food options, such as Crispy Reuben Potato Pancakes, guests will also be able to make their own menu suggestions of things they would like.
Harley-Davidson Museum special events:o
Accommodates events of 20 up to 15,000 attendeeso
Parking for 500 cars or 1,000 motorcycleso
Indoor event seating for:o
1,000 in theater-style seatingo
750 for sit-down dinnerso
15-100 for meetings in five different breakout rooms.
The Museum has begun taking reservations for events held after Labor Day 2008. Visit www.h-dmuseum/specialevents for more information.
CHOPPER DAVE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY WARNING–Spread the word…………DANGER for motorcyclists.DANGER on I-5, forward this to ‘ALL’ motorcyclist that you know……..NOW!!!!!!
This was sent to DOT…. It almost killed me tonight…I have over 150,00O motorcycle miles and this one just about got me tonight.
There is a very dangerous construction situation for motorcycles in the construction zone I-5 NB around mm 189-192 or so. Very shortly after the first sign NB declaring the construction zone there is a 3-4 inch high lane edge that crosses the lane #2 or #3 at an angle.
I rode through there in the dark around 10 PM tonight and I could not see it until I hit it. You have no choice but to hit this ledge at an angle.
When I hit this ledge at about 55 mph it threw my bike violently and I had to struggle to stay aboard. This is going to kill a motorcyclist and I was lucky tonight Shortly AFTER this angled ledge is the first sign cautioning motorcyclists. About a mile further north there is another angle ledge that is similar.
A 3-4 inch high ledge crossing the lane without warning is deadly for motorcyclists. This weekend is the Oyster Run in Anacortes and 10-15,000 motorcyclist will be headed towards Anacortes up I-5. If this ledge is not fixed someone is going to get killed because of it. There is a seriously liability here for the state.
–Chopper Dave
BIKER ARTIST ENROLLS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BIKERNET.COM– I’m hoping you can help out an old biker/artist. I’ve been doing motorcycle art for the last 5 years,I’ve been showing my art work at rally’s and swap meets in the Oklahoma City area, sure I sell a print every now and then. Not near enough to cover my bills or booth space, and I get all kinds of commits, from fantastic to ( my personal favorite ) ” I can do that.”
Hell I even tried going to the uptight OK Art Council. Think I scared them, I couldn’t get any of those stuffed shirts to talk to me. So without going into any more boring details.
I’m hoping you can help a brother out and steer me in the right direction. My web site is WWW so you can see some more of my artwork. my email is WWW Thanks for your time, let me know which avenue to take next.
–Ron Morgan
hippieokie@cox.net>
AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION FOR OLD PARTS– Firstly congratulations on the great success you and your five ball team achieved and you, Nyla and your guys/team are to be admired for the tenacity and dedication you showed to attain such an awesome finale.
It for me is like the tale of three cities: Wilmington-Dothan -Wendover. Panheads Rule, Panheads forever.
I certainly can help with a fair amount of flathead gear and will do an inventory for you asap.
–Rusty
“Rusty’s Bayside Custom Cycles”
rustyscustom@powerup.com.au
EASYRIDERS RAFFLES OFF KNOCKOUT MOTORCYCLE BY RALPH RANDOLPH AT CHILLICOTHE RODEO–Steve Blevins was knocked out to win this classic bobber. Bikernet.com and Easyriders Magazine will deliver a full feature on the classic custom, the builder and the home builder Steve Blevins from Sardine, Ohio. We may have Sardina spelled incorrectly. It might be Anchovy, Ohio or Guppy, Ohio. We?re not sure.
BIKERNET’S BEAR ALASKAN ADVENTURE– it is Lance here. You might remember I met you and your son at Billet in Scottsdale when you came in to test the Saxon motorcycle. Also, I am the “winner/non-winner” of the Hardbikes contest.
Being the lone wolf that I am, I am not usually one to ride with others, but your Alaska trip sounds like the ride of a lifetime. I would like in, but am not sure the details or what I need to do.
Congrats on your Bonneville win– very cool.
–Lance Rowe
WIDE OPEN CYCLES RAISING FUNDS FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF RETURNING SOLDIERS–I was wondering if you would mind posting info regarding a bike raffle we are doing to raise money for Freedom is not free whose organization provides money for the spouses and children of returning soldiers and those killed in battle.
This group has no political tone and it is not about supporting or not supporting the war just helping those who served and are back home and need help.
We are raffling one of our bikes called Low Down and only 2,000 tickets will be sold with proceeds going to this group. The drawing will be held during Bike Week 2008 on main street at the Hard Rock Roadhouse area.
–Vince
Wide Open Cycles
wideopencycles@bellsouth.net>
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