Hey,
Tis is a party weekend, but don’t forget the men and women who have died to keep us free. We also need to take some time out to preserve our freedom. The fight isn’t over. I’m a nut. I love to post content daily on Bikernet. Sometimes we post more than one article in a day. But suddenly this week I hit mud. I couldn’t seem to make anything happen, so I worked on bikes, and the Bikernet Hearse.
I was waiting on a tech, a girl feature, and images for a Bonneville report from Saddlemen. I couldn’t wrap anything up. Just as my frustration level piqued, a wave of content smacked the Bikernet editing desk. We now have a dresser drop-seat tech from Ian, our Canadian correspondent. Rogue is sending a report on the Cycle Source Run to the Mountain, and so is Marilyn Bragg. Johnny finally posted a wild Paul Funk bike. Next, I’ll be buried in content and can’t get into the shop to work on bikes. Life’s choices can be a bitch. Let’s hit the news:
Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers from Motorbooks is an idea book for building custom motorcycles. The book is full of hundreds of photos from famed motorcycle photographer Michael Litchter with text by Howard Kelley.
The format is simple; there is a basic introduction of the different styles of bikes followed by nine chapters covering everything from frames to paint. In between there are chapters and close up shots of fenders, tanks, seats, suspension, wheels, engines, handlebars and commentary on the similarities and differences between the different styles. It?s like walking through a bike show with an expert at your side comparing the different bikes and the subtle nuances of each bike compared to others and the values of each bike alone.
I can see this book being a useful tool for anyone with the idea of building a custom bike. From an expert builder to someone just starting out if you need some inspiration just whip out this big paperback and dive in. It?s like a custom bike show in your own garage.
Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers
ISBN 978-0-7603-3607-6
Motorbooks.com
–Kevin Thomas
2011 BRAWLER OUT & BEATING UP THE COMPETITION–The Brawler is the first Muscle Bike to emerge from the Skunk Works of Darwin Motorcycles World Headquarters located in Oklahoma City, OK.
Darwin Motorcycles, creator of the popular line of Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers, has been increasing the breath and depth of their offering by producing a signature series line of motorcycles. These motorcycles extend the core development strategy of value and premium components.
The Brawler is a spiritual interpretation of Harley-Davidson?s FXR motorcycle. It?s designed to deliver spirited riding experience in a package that is exciting for canyon carving as well as comfortable for extended trips.
Darwin Motorcycles? latest creation comes in three configurations including Brawler, Brawler GT and Brawler GTR.
Get all the details at BrassBallsBobbers.com
CATALINA GRAND PRIX MOTORCYCLE RACING IS BACK–Now here’s a great return to the old days of motorcycle racing, the Catalina Island Grand Prix is coming back, scheduled races will take place on December 4th and 5th, topped off with a 100 mile Pro Race on December 5th, though all of the activities should run over a period of 4 or 5 days. The last time the race was run was in 1958, the image shows a map of the old race course. Catalina Island is located off the coast of southern California
The Avalon City Council Tuesday, May 4 unanimously approved a request by AMA District 37 Motorcycle Club to host a Catalina Island Grand Prix. The on road and off road event should be a great boost to tourism at a time when business is usually slow.
From the Catalina Islander:Throughout the 1950s, the Catalina Grand Prix was one of the premier motorcycle races in the United States. Every year, boats loaded with motorcycles crossed the channel from the mainland. The races usually consisted of more than 206 bikers competing in a mad scramble over a 10-mile course that ran through city streets and up into the hills above Avalon, through the golf course and then back into the city streets.
“This is going to be a family orientated event,” he said. “There will be plenty of spectator access to races… we are bringing back a piece of Catalina’s history and the nostalgia of the Island.?
However, (Avalon Mayor) Kennedy said the event could have a short shelf life on Catalina. “This is a one time permit,” he said. “The success or failure of this event is going to dictate whether anything like this happens again on Catalina.”
Details are still very limited, a website with complete information is expected to be up next month.
Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive another ‘EconomicStimulus’ payment–
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I’ll explain it byUsing a Q & A format:
Q. What is an ‘Economic Stimulus’ payment ?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q.. Where will the government get this money ?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money ?
A. Only a smidgen of it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase aHigh-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn’t that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up!
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. Economy bySpending your stimulus check wisely:
* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money willGo to China or Sri Lanka .
* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to theArabs.
* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India , Taiwan orChina .
* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico ,Honduras and Guatemala ..
* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea .
* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan .
* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will goto management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
1a)on Choppers
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos.
6) Buy a Harley-Davidson
7) Buy a Ford
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S… ) Conclusion:
Ride to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yardsale and drink beer all day !
No need to thank me, I’m just glad I could be of help.
–Jim Waggaman
Driver won’t face criminal charges2 motorcyclists died when SUV hit them at red light–Mount Pleasant — A man who drove his SUV into two motorcycles that were stopped at a red light last week, killing both riders, will face no criminal charges and will be cited for a minor traffic offense.
Charles J. McDonald, 38, of Meggett, was driving the Ford Explorer that struck the motorcyclists shortly before 11:30 a.m. May 11 on U.S. Highway 17 at Anna Knapp Boulevard, according to police. Motorcyclists James Doucette, 80, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and James Hines, 50, of Yaphank, N.Y., died in the accident, and the driver of a car stopped in front of them, 73-year-old Mary Lucarelli of Mount Pleasant, was injured.Statement
McDonald’s vehicle struck the two motorcycles, then Lucarelli’s truck, and her truck then struck the last vehicle in line at the traffic light, according to police statements and reports. A police report says McDonald was going the speed limit, 45 mph, when he struck the stopped vehicles, and lists “driving too fast for conditions” and “distraction/inattention” as contributing factors in the accident.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department said the decision to file no criminal charges related to the two deaths came after a review with 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s office. Wilson said Tuesday that she consulted with police officials at their request, but that the decision on charges was theirs.
Capt. Stan Gragg said police had no reason to believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident, and did not have cause to test McDonald. He also said there was no indication a cell phone was being used at the time of the wreck, but Gragg said he had no information as to why McDonald did not notice the motorcycles and cars stopped at the red light.
“It’s sad, but accidents happen every day,” said Lionel Lofton, McDonald’s attorney. “He’s very, very sorry that this happened.”
“It was a terrible accident, but it was an accident,” he said.
McDonald’s treatment by police is similar to a number of other recent accidents involving motorcycles. In incidents this year in North Charleston, Ladson and Myrtle Beach, drivers were charged with failing to yield the right of way after collisions with motorcycles, two of which involved the death of the motorcyclist.Previous coverage
2 motorcyclists die in wreck, published 05/12/10
Report names driver in crash, published 05/15/10
Such cases are treated quite differently if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if the outcomes are similar.
In a 2008 wreck in Mount Pleasant, also involving two motorcycles and a sport-utility vehicle on U.S. 17, one man was killed and another injured after their bikes were struck from behind just after the red light they were stopped at had changed to green.
The driver of the SUV, Mallory Hood, now 22, was sentenced last month to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony DUI involving a fatality.
The traffic charge McDonald will face, traveling too fast for conditions, carries a fine and points against a driver’s license. Lofton said he expects McDonald will pay the fine rather than fight the ticket.
Lofton said he expects civil litigation against McDonald could follow.
Mount Pleasant police Capt. Carl Ritchie said previously that the motorcyclists struck by McDonald were in the Myrtle Beach area for Bike Week and had decided to come to Charleston for the day.
By David Slade
The Post and Courier
–From: ff@fastfreds.com
Apparently a biker’s life is worth less than that of a dog in SC. If you kill or maim a service animal even by accident the minimum fine is $5,000. However killing a biker even through gross negligence often results in a minor ticket and two points against one’s driver’s license. Case in point two bikers were killed near Charleston while waiting at a traffic light with other vehicles. The driver of a pickup truck in front of them was also injured but Solicitor Wilson and Mt Pleasant Police failed to charge the offending driver appropriately. I urge all concerned citizens to work together to vote 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson out of office.
You can learn more about this injustice by reading the article at the following URL: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/may/19/driver-wont-face-criminal-charges/
Ride safe out there and remember if the other driver sees you assume they are trying to kill you. Your safety begins and ends with you. Do not expect others to drive safely or look out for your safety.
If this outrages you please contact your SC legislators to help prevent future injustices! http://www.scstatehouse.gov/
~FF
House Chamber, Washington, D.C.
May 20, 2010
M. Speaker:I rise to take strong exception to the speech of the President of Mexico while in this chamber today.
The Mexican government has made it very clear for many years that it holds American sovereignty in contempt and President Calderons behavior as a guest of the Congress confirms and underscores this attitude.
It is highly inappropriate for the President of Mexico to lecture Americans on American immigration policy, just as it would be for Americans to lecture Mexico on its laws.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S NEW STURGIS LOCATION–Abandoning the Rapid City Convention Center, Harley-Davidson unveiled its 2 new locations in the heart of Sturgis, S.D., where the Motor Company will celebrate the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 6-14, 2010.
The Harley-Davidson Road Tour with the newly released 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories, MotorClothes merchandise and H.O.G. members-only pin stop will run from Friday, Aug. 6 through Saturday, Aug. 14 at the intersection of Lazelle and 3rd streets in downtown Sturgis. All Harley-Davidson activities in Sturgis are free of charge.
Harley-Davidson demo rides for 2011 motorcycles will be available in Sturgis at a location near Interstate 90 at Exit 30.
–from Rogue
BIKERNET GANGSTER INVESTIGATION–A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper, Enzo, has cheated him out of 10 million bucks.
His bookkeeper is deaf. That was the reason he got the job in the first place.
It was assumed that Enzo would hear nothing that he might have to testify about in court.
When the Godfather goes to confront Enzo about his missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer who knows sign language.
The Godfather tells the lawyer, “Ask him where the 10 million bucks is that he embezzled from me.”
The lawyer, using sign language, asks Enzo where the money is..
Enzo signs back, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
The lawyer tells the Godfather, “He says he doesn’t know what you are talking about.”
The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Enzo’s temple and says, “Ask him again!”
The lawyer signs to Enzo, “He’ll kill you if you don’t tell him.”
Enzo signs back, “OK. You win!
The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed in my cousin Joey’s backyard in Old bridge NJ!
The Godfather asks the lawyer, “What did he say?”
The lawyer replies, ” He says you don’t have the guts to pull the trigger..”
–Geno
CYCLE SOURCE BMR STORY COMING–Bandit, I attended Cycle Source’s BMR pre-party at Slick Willey’s, and rode with the cycle source crew from slick willey’s to Tilly’s HD, then onto the Campgrounds in Tellico Plains TN. I left a day early and missed some festivities…but I still have a story to tell (with pictures). Want the story?
It was like living in the ’70s again, only without all the young adult angst and BULLSHIT. This is what a biker party was/should be/ and I was so grateful to experience it once more. How nice to ride with guys and gals who realize what real biker etiquette and respect is about. How refreshing.
Marilyn
NEW BIKES FROM JOHNNY’S CUSTOMS OUTSIDE AUSTIN– Attached are some pictures of another project we recently completed.
–Johnny Gil
johnnyscustom308@aol.com
Johnny’s Custom
1316 Trenton Rd.
McAllen, TX 78504
(956) 687-4256
johnnyscustom308@aol.com
www.johnnyscustom.com
STURGIS SHOVEL FEATURE–How’s this for a Bikernet time warp. I threatened to write a story about my 2005 Sturgis Shovel build, only to discover we already posted a feature years ago. Here’s the link:http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/PageViewer.asp?PageID=771
I’ve been working and fixing up that bike. It was beginning to squeak, and I discovered a worn out tappet roller, so I replace all four. Then I discovered an intake air leak and corrected the strap. It still hauls ass. Fuck it, I’ll write about something else. Our Bonneville projects.
NEGOTIABLE FINDS THE MOTHER LODE–Tim from Negotiable Parts, Riverside, Ca, is constantly digging for old or neglected parts. Stay in touch with him for the finest swap meet special, or vintage parts for your project.
Here’s some shots of his latest score.
negotiableparts@aol.com>
GARAGE GIRLS ULTIMATE BIKER MAKEOVER–Hurry Up, Get your Vote in for The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.
Just a reminder to head on over to www.garage-girls.com and vote for who you feel most deserves to win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Voting ends June 15th 2010.
This is it, the winners of the Ultimate Biker Makeover are up to you. 2 winners will be selected, both getting hooked up with??new riding Jacket and Gloves from Z1R, a Vega helmet, HD Footwear boots, a cleaning kit from Wizards Products, a years subscription to IronWorks Magazine, a case of Synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, a pair of riding glasses from 7 Eye, T-shirt from VaVaVroom, and a technology case from Otterbox. The one winner with the most amount of votes will also be scoring parts for his or her motorcycle such as, accessories from Kuryakyn, A set of AVON Tires and lots of other goodies.
They need your vote to win. Who will you choose? The contestants are;
David Bardwell – down on his luck after losing his job at a Chevrolet dealership and has been forced to sell his house and possessions to care for his family.
Kathy Redman – After losing her husband to cancer all she wants to do is one day get his 81 Shovelhead back in running condition in his memory.
Judy Reed – A 52 year old rider that desperately needs help fitting her bike to herself.
For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com or www.CarlisleEvents.com. If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com
For more information, visit www.garage-girls.com or www.carlisleevents.com contact Sara Liberte at
sara@garage-girls.com
VINTAGE KLASS WILL BE AT AN EVENT NEAR YOU, BE THERE–Hey everyone. Happy summer to you! Here is where we will be vending in June –
June 11 – 13 Ink and Iron, Queen Mary, Long Beach, CAwww.ink-and-iron.com
June 19 Big Bear Choppers Show, Big Bear Lake, CAwww.bigbearchoppers.com
June 27 Long Beach Cycle Swap, Long Beach, CAwww.toppingevents.com
–Joel and Mary, Vintage Klass
Vintage Helmets and Leathers
949 355 8098
www.myspace.com/vintageklass
Bikernet Word of the Week–waxing WAK-sing, verb:
1. To increase in extent, quantity, intensity or power.
2. (Of the moon) to increase in the extent of its illuminated portion before the full moon.
3. To grow or become.
We move into the waxing moontime of our lives with an enthusiastic impatience for life beyond the family.
— Nancy VanArsdall, Coming Full Circle: Honoring the Rhythms of Relationships
New York spot gold prices softened a bit Friday afternoon after showing strength earlier in the day, waxing and waning amid the mix of positive domestic news and uncertainties over Europe’s expensive debt rescue plan.
— “Spot Gold Prices: Waxing and Waning”, TheStreet.com
Waxing often refers specifically to the moon (the increase in the size of its illuminated portion prior to the full moon), but is often put to general use. Often paired with wane, “to decrease in intensity.
BATOR INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS–California Classic Motorcycle Auction,June 5, 2010,Pasadena Convention Center.BATOR INTERNATIONAL AND BATOR AUCTIONS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE LATE ARRIVALS ARE COMING IN!
“WOW WHAT A LINE UP!”
1929 Harley Davidson JDH Twin Cam
This 1929 Harley Davidson JDH Twin Cam was originally owned by the late and great Bud Ekins. It was featured in the Walt Disney Movie “The Rocketeer” then sold to Otis Chandler’s Vintage Museum. Restored by Glenn Bator in 1993. Has been on static display ever since!
1971 Munch Mammut TTS 1200
One of only 250 Munch motorcycles ever produced! Original condition with 46,000 miles. Serial #201. This bike is an excellent runner!! Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity!!
1950 Vincent Gray Flash Replica
Built from a Vincent Comet, frame and engine and a correct Albion transmission. On static display for a number of years, this frame off restoration has been masterfully built and restored by CTG Vincent, UK.
MANY NEW BIKES COMING IN DAILY!
REGISTER YOUR MOTORCYCLE NOW!
CONTACT US AT 805 646-9566 OR
AT WWW.BATORAUCTIONS.COM
California Classic Motorcycle Auction
Bator International Auctions
June 5, 2010
Pasadena Convention Center
300 Green Street
Pasadena California 91101
Continued On Page 2
