Hey,
I’m hit with a spat of negativity, then our Performance Editor reminded me that last night we faced a Wolf Full Moon. You’ll see the descriptions for some Indian moons below, but I occasionally discover bouts of violence or abherrant behavior during these cycles.
I’ll give you a touch of wild behavior for this week wrapped around what our crew is up to. The California Air Resources Board is sending out very harsh demanding letters to guys in California Shops. They don’t care how much anguish they cause the citizen of this great country (the folks who pay them) as long as they can control your behavior to whatever extent they deem is necessary to save the planet. It’s okay to torture and kill our citizens, while folks in other countries are not required to do anything. Does that make any sense at all?
A buddy was riding down Pacific Coast Highway when a citizen ran out in the middle of the street while jaywalking and yelled at him about his pipes. His pipes were muffled, but this citizen felt it was necessary to scream at him in public and risk his life, because of his issue with noise.
A student hugged a coach and the student was cited for sexual abuse. The family of the student hugs everyone. A protester in Europe kissed a cop’s helmet and was arrested for sexual abuse. So what the fuck? Was it the full moon or what?
On a positive Bikernet front, we are busting our butts trying to support freedom with the MRF. If you receive a letter from CARB let us know, and we will give you a way to defend yourselves. We are working to build the MRF Industry Council with Chris Callen of Cycle Source magazine, and we will fight for our freedoms forever.
We are also working on all of our Bonneville efforts including our Belly Tank Streamlined Trike effort. I reached out to Class Glass today, and Kent Weeks yesterday, of Lucky Devil Metal Works in Houston. He is building our frame. We are also talking about front suspension with the Don Gillmore Racing Team Belly Tank car.
The Bikernet Thursday News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine.
I RIDE ALONE–Rock On! Films is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a one of a kind Indiegogo campaign. In support of the exciting and dramatic biker feature film, – I RIDE ALONE, Rock On! Films will launch its unique crowd funding efforts on Monday, January 20th.
What is I RIDE ALONE?
The gripping true story of Vietnam vet and devoted biker Kevin Benedec who has overcome incredible obstacles to put his life back on track. The story picks up as his mother passes away and he loses his way again. In order to find answers, and put his life together again – he jumps on his bike and rides.
Produced and directed by veteran independent film director Joe Eckardt, I Ride Alone combines a riveting true story that showcases the beautiful landscapes of this great country and of course plenty of bikes and adventurous riding for the bike enthusiast.
Why is the campaign so unique?
For the first time in crowd funding history, donations will not be the only thing fueling this campaign. Donors will also have a loud voice in building this project. In return for their contributions, individuals will be able to nominate and vote on important aspects of the project. Specifically the categories open for crowd selection:
•Music/genre of soundtrack
•Bike ridden by supporting actor
•Lead actress
•Bike ridden by lead actor
•Supporting actor
•Lead actor / Director Joe Eckardt indicates, “Here at Rock On! Films we are excited to take crowd funding to the next level. Why not give everybody who donates a voice? Why not let everybody build the project? We think that this is true crowd funding – not just funding the budget, but also the funding of ideas! This is going to be exciting!”
He has worked with some notable names in the industry – including, but not limited to – Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Steve Buscemi, Cuba Gooding Jr., Frankie Muniz, Jamie Kennedy, Danny Trejo, Corbin Bernsen, Diamond Dallas Page, Michael Gross, Andy Dick, Lacey Chabert, Jason Mewes and director Robert Rodriquez to name a few.
1506 N. EVERGREEN ST., BURBANK, CA 91505 646-217-1001 (direct) 646-403-4797 (fax) joe@rockonfilms.com
Full moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. Those tribes of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred.
There were some variations in the moon names, but in general the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England on west to Lake Superior. European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names. Since the lunar (“synodic”) month is roughly 29.5 days in length on average, the dates of the full moon shift from year to year.
Here is a listing of all of the full moon names, as well as the dates and times for 2014. Unless otherwise noted, all times are for the Eastern Time Zone:
Jan. 15, 11:52 p.m. EST: Full Wolf Moon —Amid the zero cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. It was also known as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule. In some tribes this was the Full Snow Moon; most applied that name to the next moon. Since the moon arrives at apogee — its farthest point from Earth — less than three hours earlier, this will also be the smallest full moon of 2014. In terms of apparent size, it will appear 12.2-percent smaller than the full moon of Aug.10, the biggest full moon of the year.
Feb. 14, 6:53 p.m. EST: Full Snow Moon —Usually the heaviest snows fall in this month. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some tribes this was the Full Hunger Moon.
Mar. 16, 1:08 p.m. EDT: Full Worm Moon —In this month the ground softens and the earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signals the end of winter, or the Full Crust Moon because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation.
Apr. 15, 3:42 a.m. EDT: Full Pink Moon —The grass pink or wild ground phlox is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names were the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and —among coastal tribes —the Full Fish Moon, when the shad come upstream to spawn.
In 2014 this is also the Paschal Full Moon; the first full moon of the spring season.
The first Sunday following the Paschal Moon is Easter Sunday, which indeed will be observed five days later on Sunday, April 20. This full moon will also undergo a total lunar eclipse and North America will have a ringside seat for it, as it will occur between midnight and dawn depending on your location. Totality will last almost 78 minutes.
BIKERNET HISTORY DEPARTMENT RESEARCH STUDY–Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, discovered that Hillary Clinton’s great-great uncle, Remus Rodham, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription: ‘Remus Rodham; horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.’
Hillary’s staff of professional image adjusters sent back the following biographical sketch: ‘Remus Rodham was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad.
In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.’
–from Rogue
ALL NEW CUSTOM SEAT PROJECT–
Starting on a seat that Valhalla Cycles sent me. This is the KING of King/Queen seats that I have had a chance to do.
I will share more pictures when completed, thought you would enjoy seeing my current project from the beginning.
–Adam Croft
TITTIES, TRAVEL AND TIME
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10057
Cool article, but it would appear, part of being a “gypsy drifter” is being a mooch, for food, showers, whatever?
–Shovelrider
oopsy@nothanks.com
anytown, AL
Not in Scotty’s case. He’s a hardworking drifter.–Bandit
MYSTERY MOTORCYCLE RESEARCH PROJECT–I would like to know who built the bike, what year, and what the drivetrain is. Thanks for any assistance.
–Will Stalker
Stalker Electric, Inc.
400 West Cummings Park
Suite 1725-142
Woburn, MA. 01801
Phone:(781) 729-8409
Fax: (781) 729-8433
Cell:(781) 844-3340
E-Mail:wstalker@stalkerelectric.net
If you haven’t seen or heard in a several page spread the AMA is featuring
and championing sound control, easily interpreted (actually doesn’t even require interpretation) as an anti tampering measure/anti customization effort
Interestingly a summit was held that we (The MRF) weren’t invited to, didn’t even know
about, attended by the AMA, Harley-Davidson, Sound Labs, Ken Feith-the EPA
Top Sound Cop, Tom Austin-the developer of the J2825 test/certified engines
program, EPA officials, sound experts, etc.
Reading through it and knowing the players from past meetings, it is a stock sound that is all that will be acceptable and they propose going after the end users with fines
If we can alter our motorcycles any way we want to, so long as it meets current
emission and current sound why then would anyone modify a bike, I have never
seen anyone spend a $1,000 bucks on a set of pipes and another on a couple
grand of performance parts, carbs, ignition, etc so their bike sounds and
runs the same, that would be stupid
What could anyone do, we are back to EPA Official Linc Werhly’s famous rallying cry, you can change what ever you want so long as it is “Color and Chrome”
We’re going to need to get ahead of this one before it is too late
–Kirk Willard
President
MRF
BIKERNET OFFICIAL WINTER SNOW-PARKING ALERT–On a bitterly cold winters morning a husband and wife were listening to the radio during breakfast.
They heard the announcer say, “We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the Snow ploughs can get through.”
So the good wife went out and moved her car.
A week later while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer said, “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd numbered side of the street, so the snow ploughs can get through.”
The good wife went out and moved her car again.
The next week they are again having breakfast, when the radio announcer says, “We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park…” Then the electricity went out.
The good wife was very upset, and with a worried look on her face she said, “I don’t know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snow ploughs can get through?”
Then with the love and understanding in his voice that all men who are married to blondes exhibit, the husband replied, “Why don’t you just leave the car in the garage this time.”
–from Rik Savenko
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Lucky Guess–The Tim Conder Story
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=7356
I worked for one of the Harley dealers in the Seattle during the time Tim was around. I was always impressed with his customs and his outside the box magic that made his work stand out.
At that time in the Seattle area there seemed to be a ton of chromed out fatboys, Softail customs, or for that matter any of the models sold dressed up with every dealer installed “live to ride” option their payment would allow.
When Tim would show up at the dealership on one of his new projects the shiny new Harleys on the showroom floor and most other activity took a back seat….as first the salesmen and parts guys then the mechanics would all come and see what Condor Custom had created.
How refreshing it was to see the cool and unusual new things Tim would create when everything else seemed so cookie cutter. So glad to see you are still livin’ the dream my friend your work continues to amaze and inspire…smooth roads and sunny skies.
–Jon Martin
harleyjon@hotmail.com
Longview, WA
NEW ROBOCOP FEATURES A MOTORCYCLE–
In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years – and it’s meant billions for OmniCorp’s bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it.
When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures present a Strike Entertainment production, RoboCop. Starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jennifer Ehle, Jay Baruchel, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by José Padilha. Screenplay by Josh Zetumer and Nick Schenk.
Based on the 1987 Motion Picture written by Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner. Produced by Marc Abraham and Eric Newman. Executive Producers are Bill Carraro and Roger Birnbaum. Director of Photography is Lula Carvalho. Production Designer is Martin Whist. Edited by Daniel Rezende and Peter McNulty. Costume Designer is April Ferry. Visual Effects Supervisor is James E. Price. Music by Pedro Bromfman. Credits not final.
GET SHINY! S&S OFFERS POLISHED V111 ENGINES–By popular request S&S Cycle has added polished V111 engines for 1984-’99 carbureted Harley-Davidson big twins. The 111 cubic inch V111 engines have been one of S&S’ most popular replacement engines for performance touring applications.
The “square” 4.125” bore x 4.125” stroke configuration makes this engine smooth and improves engine life. The big displacement, S&S cylinder heads, 585 cam, and Super E carburetor will provide plenty of giddy-up.
T-BARS COME TO BIKERNET– I have had the company for coming up on 2 years and now I am really getting it going good. I have my t-bars on a couple guys bikes from the show Sons of Anarchy.
I offer a handlebar that is unlike any other on the net. I sell common sizes like 8-inch and 10-inch handlebars. Then we have our extreme T-bar line. Going from 12-inch to massive 18-inch riser T-bars.
I offer them in raw metal, powder-coated and chromed.
–Scotty Grow
WESTCOAST-TBARS.COM
VL CROSS COUNTRY PROJECT UPDATE–Building the Transmission.
I started out the new year driving to Replicant Metals to enlist the help of Tom Feeser for phase two of my project. Our main focus was rebuilding a 3-speed transmission. As with the engine, I started with just an empty transmission case and a pile of parts. It took two full days to get all the parts prepared and to assemble the transmission, but it was well worth the time as the finished product came out great.
There were three different transmission cases used on V-series motorcycles, so it was important to make sure that I had the correct case for a 1933 VL. If the transmission is out of the motorcycle, it is easy to see the differences between the three cases.
From 1932-1935 the case had a mounting boss just behind the drive sprocket, which is an attachment point for the primary cover. Earlier cases have an additional boss in front of the drive sprocket and later cases have no boss at all.
so the first step was to clean them with a rotary tool and wire brush. The outside of the case, all the covers, arms and other parts needed a trip through the blasting cabinet to get them looking new again.
Before placing any piece in the cabinet, every bearing surface or shaft that rides on a bearing was covered to make sure that the abrasives in the cabinet would not damage them. Then each part was thoroughly cleaned in the cabinet, followed by wire brushing. The final step in the cleanup was a thorough washing with lacquer thinner and carefully blowing out all the orificies with compressed air. Next, black hi-temp paint was applied to shift rod, kicker arm and kicker spring while the rest of the parts got a coat of silver.
–By Panhead Jim
Watch for the full story on Bikernet in the next couple of weeks.–Wrench
[page break]
Roads that will thrill you, chill you, and test your skills, and leave you wanting more.
As equally renowned as their transatlantic cousins when it comes to the pursuit of road-based excitement, the Europeans are a bunch who have contributed just as much as, if not more as any other population towards the advent of motorcycle culture.
With photos and text by Dewayne Jasper, we will take you on the best cycling roads in Europe.
The Transfãgãrsãn Highway – Romania
Trabzon to Savsat – Turkey
Antrim Coast – Northern Ireland
Bar (Montenegro) to Sarajevo (Bosnia)
Cabo de Gata to Grenada – Spain
Sarandë to Vlora – Albania
Furka Pass – Switzerland
Bergen to Geiranger – Norway
Cat and Fiddle Run – England
Amalfi Coast Road – Italy
–Mistress Chris
Women’s Editor
Internet Content Coordinator
Bikernet.com
5-BALL and Bikernet.com are at the top of the list. I will take it with me to Cincy for a guide as to who your advertisers are and get photos for you.
Let me know if you have a preference and or if you want your photo with anyone while we are there.
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
www.bikerrogue.com
Official Bikernet V-Twin show correspondent
Lynyryd Skynyrd is often credited with the creation and popularization of the Southern rock music genre. The band blends together gritty blues-based rock and traditional country undertones, employing lyrics that celebrate the values, dreams and excesses of the Southern working-class.
“Lynyrd Skynyrd’s patriotic hits have now served as the anthem to multiple generations of freedom-loving campers who have stayed at the Chip over the past 33 years,” says Rod Woodruff, president of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “It will be an amazing night as they continue to celebrate 40 years of performing the world’s most-loved rock n’ roll on the Chip’s stage.”
Fans can expect to hear plenty of Skynyrd’s universally known hit songs during their Buffalo Chip performance, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Saturday Night Special,” “You Got That Right,” “What’s Your Name,” “Smokestack Lightning,” “Simple Man,” “They Call Me the Breeze,” “Gimme Three Steps” and, of course, “Freebird.”
The 33rd annual Motorcycle and Music Festival will deliver nine days of non-stop entertainment Aug. 1-9, 2014. Over 20 live bands will take to the Buffalo Chip’s main stage during the festival, including both Lynyrd Skynyrd and the previously announced performance from country superstars, Florida Georgia Line, on Wed, Aug. 6. More band announcements will be coming throughout the year. Camping passes are on sale now and all concerts are free with camping. For more information or to get your passes, visit www.BuffaloChip.com or call (605) 347-9000.
The Buffalo Chip is a festival experience like no other. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com.
–Rea McLean
NEW HISTORIC MOTORCYCLE BOOK COMING–Check out Paul D’Orlean’s Vintagent blog – www.theVintagent.blogspot.com
Sacramento Easyriders Show was great. I shot several bikes with Harmon classic front ends. Can you tell from these shots it was fun!
MOTORCYCLE STIRRUPS ARE HERE–What do you get when a lifelong horse rider and motorcyclist from Nebraska gets inspired to combine his two loves? Why, motorcycle stirrups, of course! The idea came to Devin Santana, proprietor of Nebraska City Iron Works, one day when he was riding his Harley-Davidson down the road and looked down at his feet. The moment he got home pencil met paper and design work started on the motorcycle stirrup.
On his website, Santana explains how he and his wife downsized to a smaller home, requiring them to sell their beloved horses. Time away from the horses meant more time on the Harley, and “I started to wonder how I could bring horses to my iron horse,” he says. From there the idea for stirrups was born. “Brother, they are so cool and a very comfortable ride. My iron horse was bad before, but now man watch out!”
Santana is nothing if not enthusiastic. Laugh all you want, but if nothing else the stainless steel stirrup is bound to put a smile on your face. I know it did to mine. As an added bonus, the stirrups are made entirely in America, as Santana was able to source the production of the stirrups to a plant in nearby Pickrell, Nebraska.
Judging by the pictures, the stirrups clearly add a bit of width to your ride, so be careful if you live in a bigger, more congested area. But if you’re roaming the open plains and feel the need to kick your feet up and relax, the $260 stirrups seem like a great idea. Local Nebraska riders can get a set at Dillon Harley in Omaha. Otherwise, visit www.motorcyclestirrups.com to get a pair sent to you.
Santana claims to offer free shipping on his site, but we assume it to mean to the lower 48. Contact him via the website to be sure.
–By Troy Siahaan
—from Motorcycle.com and Paul Aiken of Aeromach
CARMAKERS KEEPING DATA ON DRIVERS–Washington, A government report finds that major automakers are keeping information about where drivers have been collected from onboard navigation systems for varying lengths of time. Owners of those cars can’t demand that the information be destroyed. And, says the U.S. senator requesting the investigation, that raises questions about driver privacy.
The Government Accountability Office in a report released Monday found major automakers have differing policies about how much data they collect and how long they keep it.
Automakers collect location data in order to provide drivers with real-time traffic information, to help find the nearest gas station or restaurant, and to provide emergency roadside assistance and stolen vehicle tracking. But, the report found, “If companies retained data, they did not allow consumers to request that their data be deleted, which is a recommended practice.”
The report reviewed practices of Detroit’s Big Three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. It also looked at navigation system makers Garmin and TomTom and app developers Google Maps and Telenav. The report, which didn’t identify the specific policies of individual companies, found automakers had taken steps to protect privacy and were not selling personal data of owners, but said drivers are not aware of all risks.
The agency said privacy advocates worry location data could be used to market to individuals and to “track where consumers are, which can in turn be used to steal their identity, stalk them or monitor them without their knowledge. In addition, location data can be used to infer other sensitive information about individuals such as their religious affiliation or political activities.”
Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., who chairs a judiciary committee on privacy and requested the report, said Monday that more work needs to be done to ensure privacy protections for in-car navigation systems and mapping apps. He plans to reintroduce his location privacy legislation sometime this year.
“Modern technology now allows drivers to get turn-by-turn directions in a matter of seconds, but our privacy laws haven’t kept pace with these enormous advances,” Franken said in a statement. “Companies providing in-car location services are taking their customers’ privacy seriously — but this report shows that Minnesotans and people across the country need much more information about how the data are being collected, what they’re being used for, and how they’re being shared with third parties.”
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade group representing Detroit’s Big Three automakers, Toyota, Volkswagen AG and other major automakers, said automakers are committed to driver privacy. “Details of the industry’s strict privacy policies are traditionally included in our sales and service agreements,” spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist said. “That way, we ensure our customers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with these strict privacy policies.”
In addition to navigation systems, there are other ways vehicles can collect information: Event data recorders, known as “black boxes,” store data in the event of crashes. Transponders like EZ-PASS transmit location and are used in some instances by law enforcement and for research. Some owners also agree to monitoring of driving habits to qualify for lower insurance rates or to keep tabs on teen drivers.
The report said “companies should safeguard location data, in part, by de-identifying them; that companies should not keep location data longer than needed; and that such data should be deleted after a specific amount of time.” It found companies use different de-identification methods that may lead to varying levels of protection. It also found wide variation in how long they keep information.
None of the companies told the GAO how long they keep data.
A contractor that works with three of the companies told the GAO that when a consumer requests services, information such as location, vehicle information number and other information may be kept for up to seven years.
Another company said it “retains personally identifiable location data for no more than 24 hours.” A representative from another company said that it does not retain such data at all. However, the report said representatives from both those companies said they kept de-identified location data indefinitely.
The GAO also found one developer of mobile apps did not encrypt transmitted information, and the agency was able to view locations and other information such as passwords. “This developer acknowledged that such data were not encrypted and told us that it had made a decision independent from our review to encrypt the data…,” the report said.
David Shepardson Detroit News Washington Bureau
–from Rogue
This is true or echt because I used a calculator.
Outside, there is the kind of veiled, wintry sunshine which never manages to warm the chilly air, stirred by a light and capricious, echt Berlin breeze.
Echt entered English from the German word of the same spelling in the early 1900s.
THOUSAND OF BIKERS RIDE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE ON 1-4– Event organizers for the Roar on I-4 Sunday expected about 1,500 bikers to come out to support the fight against child abuse. About 2,600 came out.
Sons of Anarchy stars ride against child abuse Foster parents needed
How you can help
Orange County has the some of the highest rates of child abuse cases in the state.
Stars from the hit TV show “Sons of Anarchy” hopped on their bikes to join in for the ride.
“It’s pretty amazing when you see 2,600 people riding down the highway and you’re in front and you kind of look back and it’s just a sea of the bikers,” said “Anarchy” star Theo Rossi. “Powerful stuff – happy to be a part of it.”
Officials with the Department of Children and Families say child abuse is often not as obvious as it may seem. Bruises or injuries are not always the case; many times it’s neglect.
Tommy Flanagan is also one of the show’s stars. “It’s just appalling,” he said. “Someone who puts their hands on a child is, you know, the lowest form of life, as far as I am concerned.”
Sunday’s event was the third year for the Roar on I-4 and those with DCF say there is one thing they need above anything else – more foster families.
About 1,500 riders were expected to attend but organizers say it was closer to 3,000.
Proceeds from Sunday’s event will benefit the Tri-County Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.
–By Joel Schipper, Reporter MyNews.com
–from Rogue
FIRST EVER 32-INCH WHEEL AND TIRE COMBO–Metalsport, Inc. Introduces the “Corleone” and the World’s First 32″ Wheel/Tire Combination
South Gate, CA – Metalsport, Inc. announced today the world’s first 32″ billet wheel/tire combination which will be released at the V-Twin Expo next month. Metalsport, Inc. is known not only for their “excellence” in quality, but for making the world’s largest wheels including the NEW 32″ front and 18″ x 14″ rear, as well as all of the standard Harley and custom sizes. Being design pioneers, Metalsport always has a variety of other wheel designs and products on the drawing board getting perfected.
Ron Loynds, President of Metalsport, Inc. stated, “We chose Matt Hotch, Shannon Davidson and Andrew Rumley from Custom Cycles LTD as an integral part of our marketing efforts launching this new 32” wheel due to their reputations and respect of their peers. All of their new Metalsport creations featuring the new 32’s will be displayed either in Metalsport’s booth or in the lobby in Cincinnati at the V-Twin Expo next month.
Available in show quality luxurious chrome or black anodized with “machined in” contrasting designs and three different dimensions, 2-D, 2-D w/3-D Cut and Full Profile 3-D.
Loynds concluded “We are extremely pleased to have the exclusive rights to VEE Rubber’s 30″ and 32″ tires.” VEE Rubber Tires come in 26″, 30″ and NOW 32″ tall for the front and 310 and 360mm wide for the rear. Metalsport, Inc. offers wheel sizes to match all 25 of VEE Rubber tire sizes.
For more information on Metalsport, Inc., call them at 562-776-9594, email them at info@metalsportwheels or check them out online at Metalsportwheels.com. Follow Matt Hotch, Shannon Davidson, Custom Cycles LTD/Andrew Rumley and Metalsport, Inc. on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and other popular social media sites.
The Penny for Pasco surtax enabled the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in New Port Richey, Fla. to purchase six new Victory police traffic unit motorcycles.
The “Penny for Pasco” surtax provided by residents of Pasco County enabled the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to purchase six new Victory motorcycles, equipped with all the tools necessary for traffic unit deputies to accomplish their duties.
The six new motorcycles were unveiled on January 09, 2014, at the sheriff’s office main Operations Center in New Port Richey, Fla.
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco was on-hand to marvel at these new law enforcement units, and to answer questions from both the public and media.
The specialized purposes for the new motorcycles is to allow traffic unit-assigned deputies to essentially conduct traffic enforcement throughout the county, and to easily maneuver among crowds at county events, such as parades and government festivals. Moreover, traffic deputies –also known as motor units– can smoothly patrol in more narrow pathways.
Patrol cruisers cannot traverse among crowds in parks, in narrow passages, congested populations at parades, and escort-oriented assignments. The motorcycles are also great public relations tools. Deputies showcase the police motorcycles (and all equipment) at school functions, crime prevention meetings, and dignitary-related venues.
Each of the Victory motorcycles is fully-marked with PCSO insignia, outfitted with a laptop, and a bevy of law enforcement equipment.
The Penny for Pasco surtax was used to purchase the motorcycles and all necessary tools of the trade for each traffic deputy operating a motorcycle. The surtax was initiated in 2004 and renewed by Pasco County voters in 2012. Broken down into percentages, 20% is allocated for public safety and alleviation of traffic congestion issues.
The PCSO deputies who operate the motorcycles have specialized skills.
Each member of the PCSO Traffic Unit must pass a lengthy law enforcement motorcycle operations class, a hand-held speed measurement course (“radar gun” operators), and indicate an interest to function as a traffic-oriented deputy.
With the six new police motorcycles, the residents of Pasco County will get to see their tax dollars at work, PCSO deputies atop police motorcycles, keeping the streets safe and traffic flowing accordingly.
–-by the Examiner.com
–from Rogue
UNCLE MONKEY STARTS THE NEW YEAR WITH A NEW PROJECT–Starting a new project is an exciting time. I want to tear into the project reducing it to a pile of parts. Progress measure by what is left bolt together. Its a trying time this is the time when most mistakes are made. Parts get throw together, dropped and misplaced. Mental notes are made only to be forgotten days, weeks, months down the road when it is time to put it all back together. That is when you realize this part needed to be fixed, that one replaced, some chromed, some painted. It all adds to the overall cost.
I’ve done enough bikes that it really doesn’t take that long to tear a bike down but slowing down and being meticulous is what it takes to get the finished bike to next level.
Throw in the fact that I often get carried away and forget to pick up a camera once and awhile for info and for possible article ideas and it pays to be patient. As I spin the wrenches on the King, nuts and bolts for each assembly go into a separate zip lock bag along with any notes necessary. Long bolt here, spacer there makes a world of difference when it comes time to bolt it back together.
I also have several clipboards with note pads for important notes. One each for parts that need to be repaired, which need to be replaced, what will be painted and plated along with a detail list of how the bike is coming apart so when the time comes to put it all back together I just work from the bottom of the list up. I admit more then once I’ve bolted together a Softail only to realize I forgot to put the belt on.
The same attention to detail can be said about my other project – restoring my uncle’s South Bend 9C lathe. I’d love to rip it open but I have to bide my time, figure out what is worn out, what will need to be replaced. I could make lots of parts for it on it but the tolerances just won’t be there until I spend some money. I have to check, double check and triple check tolerances before I take it apart otherwise I’ll be chasing my tail around wasting time and money.
Projects like these are prefect times to slow life down. Marvel at the ingenuity behind the parts that combine into great things, how everything interacts. Pour a Jack&Coke and step back. Life comes and goes a million miles an hour but taking the time now may mean that, when finished, that project will last long after we are gone.
–bad Uncle Monkey
[page break]
Attorney Jason Waechter: Lane-splitting Requires Renewed Focus on Safety–
In the January 2014 edition of their magazine, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) published a position statement endorsing lane-splitting for motorcycles, provided it is done in a safe and responsible manner.
The AMA’s position statement can be read in full on their website.
Most bikers will know what lane-splitting means, but other motorists may not be familiar with the term. Lane-splitting, sometimes called “white-lining”, refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. The legal status of lane-splitting varies state-by-state, but regardless of the law most drivers have probably seen a motorcycle moving through heavy traffic by driving between lanes and other vehicles. In some states, like California, lane-splitting is allowed, and the California Highway Patrol provides information about it on their website.
The AMA cites safety as the main reason for their endorsement: “Perhaps one of the most dangerous situations for any on-highway motorcyclist is being caught in congested traffic, where stop-and-go vehicles, distracted and inattentive vehicle operators, and environmental conditions pose an increased risk of physical contact with another vehicle or hazard. Even minor contact under such conditions can be disastrous for motorcyclists.”
There isn’t a lot of solid data to show if lane-splitting improves safety for motorcyclists. The AMA refers to the Hurt Report (1981), that concluded that lane-splitting could slightly reduce vehicle-motorcycle crashes, but it’s difficult to say if a 30-year-old study can provide data that is relevant on today’s roadways.
Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer, questions the safety of lane-splitting with car and truck drivers seemingly more and more distracted behind the wheel. “Distracted driving is already a real problem,” says Waechter. “My concern is that if motorcyclists start lane-splitting, especially in slow traffic, drivers who are texting or fiddling with their phones may think they’ve got room to make a move because they can see the cars moving around them, but they might not think to look for a motorcycle moving much faster between the lanes. Given that most drivers who collide with motorcycles claim they never saw the biker, I wonder if lane-splitting doesn’t put bikers at higher risk for not being seen.”
The AMA very specifically connects their endorsement to rider responsibility, and while Waechter agrees, he goes a step further. “Bikers have a responsibility to ride safely and be smart, always,” he says. “But I think there is an even greater responsibility for drivers to watch for motorcyclists. Especially if lane-splitting is going to work on the roads, drivers need to be hyper-vigilant about doing proper shoulder and mirror checks and signaling their intentions, especially in heavy traffic when a motorcyclist may be lane-splitting to try to stay out of harm’s way.”
Ultimately, Waechter believes that more research on lane-splitting and safety is needed before the practice should be introduced widely on US roads.
—PRWEB.COM Newswire, by the Digital Journal.com
–from Rogue
Join the MRF and support freedom.
BIKERNET STAFFER OF THE WEEK—Jim Waggaman has been apart of building race bikes, painting Bikernet custom bikes, helping with techs and having his custom creations featured from time to time:
I started my love affair with the motorcycle when I was 13. And then, it was just a mini-bike, but that was all it took to get me hooked to 2 wheels. My first real motorcycle, (even though it was a Honda), came when I was 15, then a small procession of British; Triumph, BSA, Norton.
Along with motorcycles, around that same time, I discovered cars and the airbrush, the art tool that would set me on my future path. I always loved to draw and as a young lad I always knew “I was going to be an Artist” as an adult. In the ’70’s and ’80’s I was an illustrator and graphic designer, but always with motorcycles, old cars and hot rods along for the ride.
I acquired my first Harley, a ’52 Panhead, by trading a ’60 Volkswagen windowless van when I was 19. I swore I would keep that bike “forever”.
Well when you get married and start a family, “forever” isn’t as long as you thought, or hoped, it was. After 12 years of owning and loving that bike, and through MANY a transformations, I had to sell my beloved Pan to fix the family car after it took a dump and $#!T the bed on us.
It was a few years before I had the opportunity ($$$$) to pick up a replacement skoot. The first one (yeah I’m guilty of having more than one) was a ’79 Shovel FLH. By then I was diggin’ on the “Classic, quintessential, Harley look”. Keeping the Shovel but, finally, having the chance to get another Pan, I found and bought my favorite of ALL the Pans, a 1948. And as luck would have it, an FL.
In 1989 a couple of buddies and I decided to check out Australia. So in Jan. of 1990 we shipped our bikes Down Under. That way they would arrive in time for their summer. I shipped my Shovel to ride. I came home but she didn’t. So when I got back what do you think I had to do….get another bike of course.
It was then, with a little help from some Hamster friends, I started my love affair with the FXR. Today I own 3, along with my ole ’48 and 3 more Pans and a Shovel chopper. Oh, and a small contingent of British, two Triumphs and a Norton
It was when I returned from my excursion to Australia, and the fact that the computer was taking a strong hold on both the graphic design and the airbrush illustration profession, I decided to change careers. I shifted gears and began dedicating my time exclusively to doing kustom paint jobs on kustom bikes.
Well, that didn’t last long. I wasn’t satisfied with just doing paint jobs. I then set my sights at re-styling, re-designing and fabricating the whole package. I was even approached by Bandit to assist him in converting a new Dyna he had at the time. He wanted something with a LOT more attitude and distinction. We were so successful with our “re-styling” it was immortalized as a center spread in the pages of Easyrider and later to be a major ingredient in an Eric Herman painting. And the painting was used as the cover of one of Keith Randall Ball’s “Biker” novels.
Now fast forwarding to today, or sometime close to today or yesterday or whenever you read this, I am still, 6 days a week, slugging away playing with motorcycles, the airbrush, cars and anything that catches my eye or keeps me excited.
Jim “el Waggs” Waggaman
–Mistress Chris
Women’s Editor
Internet Content Coordinator
Bikernet.com
CITY ALLEGED ‘outlaw’ CONNECTIONS–KINGMAN – The federal lawsuit a former city employee filed against the city of Kingman last May moves forward this month as both sides conduct depositions.
Melissa Summerson, who worked in the city’s Human Resources and Risk Management Department, was fired in December 2012 because her husband is a member of the Desert Road Riders Motorcycle Club, a purported outlaw gang that law enforcement says supports the Hell’s Angels.
Human Resources Director Jackie Walker terminated Summerson’s employment because employees of the city’s law enforcement community – including police, dispatchers, court workers and attorneys – feared she would provide the Desert Road Riders with their confidential information, such as home addresses.
There is no indication Summerson actually provided or planned to provide such information and her employment record, by all accounts, is stellar.
Her attorney, David Kresin, a Phoenix-based employment law attorney, said the federal court scheduled depositions to be conducted starting this month and lasting until Feb. 28, at which time a trial date could be scheduled.
The depositions will give attorneys on both sides a good idea of what they can expect at trial.
Depositions involve sworn testimony from parties to a lawsuit in civil cases and are used to a lesser extent in criminal cases. Judges are rarely involved in depositions, but the testimony can be used to help develop legal theories and to either support or impeach credibility.
Several people affiliated with the case on the city’s side will likely be deposed, including Walker, former Mayor John Salem, Mayor Janet Watson and other members of the City Council, former City Manager Jack Kramer, Deputy Police Chief Rusty Cooper and City Attorney Carl Cooper, among others.
Depositions are not open to the public.
“The association with a documented (outlaw motorcycle gang) severely jeopardizes the security of confidential employee information and the safety of this large segment of our workforce,” wrote Walker in an email sent to Summerson explaining the reason for her termination.
“The loss of a close and trusting relationship with these employees is a significant disruption to the efficiency of the services human resources/risk management provides.”
However, neither Summerson nor her husband, Bill Summerson, or any member of the Desert Road Riders stand accused of wrongdoing insofar as her employment goes.
However, a law enforcement report published in 2009 labeled the Desert Road Riders a criminal street gang. In 2002, according to the report, the Road Riders voted to support the Hell’s Angels and that club members “pulled away from the original friendly relationship that was once established with law enforcement and have taken on a ‘One Percent Club’ mentality.”
The trial will be held in front of a jury.
–Doug McMurdo Miner Staff Reporter
–from Rogue
THIS JUST IN FROM THE MILWAUKEE LAW OFFICES–Maxine Hupy and Egoraptor have been in first place all nine weeks. This is the finale. Please scroll down for her message and link.
Thank you. Mfh
Maxine’s Finale Performance
This is it! The finale, my favorite and the MOST IMPORTANT Dance Showdown performance is here!
We have been in first for nine weeks in a row! Please help keep us in first by voting, but only once every 30 seconds. http://www.danceon.com/video/90-egoraptor-has-saturday-night-fever
If you like you may forward to your friends and post on your social media.
Thank you very much for your support,
–Maxine Hupy
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Andrews’ Cams in Twin Cam with Late Model Cam Plate:
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8690
Thanks so much. I’m going to do the same to my bike.
–Bob
bbtaylor70@hotmail.com
Arthur, ON, Canada
LATEST INDIAN DEALERSHIP GOES TO CARLOS AND EMMA–Okay Grass Hopper,
We have been working on getting a dealership & were given a dealer # for Indian today.
So we are going for it.
–Carlo & Emma
Carlo and Emma owned Auburn Harley-Davidson, sold it, then the economy tanked. They started a new shop and it burnt to the ground. Emma was in a terrible motorcycle accident, but they never gave up or stopped loving motorcycles. This is damn exciting news.–Bandit
Emma Lujan
emma4hd@ymail.com
UNKNOWN INDUSTRIES PRESENTS “HARLEY WHEELIES 12”–UNKNOWN Industries Releases New Episode From Famed “Harley Wheelies” YouTube Series.
Watch the video here: www.UNKNOWNindustries.com
The video features UNKNOWN riders Nick Leonetti, Buddy Suttle, Kade Gates and their friends as they ride through the streets of San Francisco, Petaluma and throughout the Northern California Bay Area on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. “Harley Wheelies 12” entertains viewers as the UNKNOWN riders take the Golden Gate Bridge on one wheel. The short video is filled with motorcycle wheelies, burnouts, drifting and more.
Existereo & Paris Zax provides the music for “Harley Wheelies 12” with the unreleased track, “Nice Things” from their forthcoming album Dirt Road Holiday. Director Strati Hovartos shot the video exclusively using GoPro cameras.
The “Harley Wheelies” YouTube series began over 4 years ago and has an outstanding 2.5 million views to date. The previous episode, Harley Wheelies 11, has over half a million views on YouTube.
“We’ve met so many great people from riding this way and making these videos, said Buddy Suttle, UNKNOWN Industries Co-Founder and Rider. I love going to Oakland, San Francisco and the bigger cities where we can get away with a lot more on the streets, but we’ll never stop hitting the hills and back roads of Sonoma County, where it all started for us. “
UNKNOWN Industries would not be able to continue to produce the Harley Wheelies series without the support of it’s partners: Big Al’s Cycles, Deft Family, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Etnies, Hot Bike Magazine, Lyndall Brakes, San Diego Customs, Schultz Designz and Custom Paint, and Works Shocks.
www.UNKNOWNindustries.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/unknownindustries
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnknownRiders
Instagram: @unknownindustries http://instagram.com/unknownindustries
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING OWNERS SUE–Proprietors say topless photos hurt family-friendly attraction’s reputation.
“You can sue me all you want, just no RPGs, please,” Henson said. RPGs are rocket-propelled grenades. The owners claim Henson damaged the building’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly attraction when he took photos of the model in August. They say Henson never asked for permission — and that he would never have gotten it.
“I think they are being bullies,” Henson said. “They aren’t in touch with what is going on. But they are involved with so much litigation, to them this is just another lawsuit. I don’t think they take it very seriously, either.” Henson, 29, said he was miffed at the owners’ claims that he took the photos for his “self-styled ‘boobs around town project’ ” while the deck was packed with visitors, including kids.
Henson said he took the photos with his phone when no kids were around. And he said they have no commercial value, he just posted them on social media.??Henson said he started taking photos in public places, including Central Park, last year, after hearing that going topless was legal. “It was a social experiment,” he said. “When I heard it was legal, I thought ‘Really?’ “On paper it sounds great, but I wanted to see how it worked out in the world.”
“You can sue me all you want, just no RPGs, please.”
— By John Bacon USA Today, published by Florida Today
–from Rogue
V-TWIN EXPO 2014—Yes, it is that time of the year again when Jim Betlach and his crew put on the Easyriders V-Twin Expo. With his years of experience, it is well planned and has always been a pleasure to attend.
Many of us consider it to be the premium show of its kind. It virtually is the only place on the planet showcasing all that’s new for the V-Twin Industry, exclusively for dealers, distributors, and the media.
There has been a change in the schedule from previous years and all should pay attention to that. The new dates are February 8th and 9th, one week after the Superbowl. It is still being held at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati Ohio.
The show is only open to Licensed Members of the Motorcycle Industry and or their employees and this allows for them to interact with the leading manufacturers, builders, designers and the distributors who supply parts and services for the V-Twin motorcycle.
I hope if you plan on attending you have already registered as the Free Registration for Retail Dealerships ends on January 17th 2014. You can still register by going to http://www.vtwin-expo.com/dealer/registration.htm
I will be attending and photographing the event for Bikernet, and if we see each other please make sure I take your photo.
I look for new products for technical articles, so this event is the shit. Anything and everything that’s new for 2014 will be showcased.
You can find many of those Technical Articles here on Bikernet by going to http://www.bikernet.com/default.aspx and using the search feature on the right, in orange. It is also an opportunity for me to meet company folks I have done business with in the past and to see if they have anything new that needs coverage.
By doing this I help them get their product known BUT It also lets the readers of Bikernet know what is available, how to install the part and how well it works.
In addition to all the displays there are seminars on various issues and business.
Of course all work and no play make for a dull day so on Saturday evening from 6:00 to 7:00Pm is the V-Twin Welcome Party. Jasmin Cain will be performing live during the reception.
I will also be attending some of the other numerous parties and social events and looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones.
Here are some photos I took in 2013 for you to enjoy.
I hope to see You There!
–ROGUE
PS Be sure to stop by 690 to see the crew from 5-Ball Inc – Bikernet. They will be there with riding apparel and Ray C. Wheeler, the performance editor will be on hand. Don’t miss it.
HANG ON—Duck the full moon with your girl friend, if she’s not chewing your head off. In that case, find a new one and a fresh bottle of Gentlemen’s Jack. Spend the night licking her from head to toe and drinking Jack.
The full moon will pass while you are warm and in a pure state of bliss or Nirvana. The next morning the sun will shine like never before, and life will be perfect on your ride home or to meet the bros. You’ll never know the wrath of the full Wolf Moon or the devastation it wreaks on unsuspecting citizens, because you were nestled at her side.
I’m getting chills while looking at the Mudflap Girl FXR and pondering her. I better wrap up the news and cut a dusty trail. We are shoot all of our new 5-Ball apparel line tomorrow with a couple of brothers and Coral and Stormy. Coral reminds me of… I’m outta here.
Have a helluva weekend and ride forever.
–Bandit
