Hey,
What the hell. I always tell myself, “No appointments, interruptions, bullshit, on Thursdays.” So what happens? Folks know I’m sequestered behind my desk all day Thursday, so they call, pop over, etc.
This morning the official Bikernet Electrician, Kyle comes back to confess. His motorcycle was impounded all behind a destructive relationship. This cutie basically stalled his life for ten years, and he’s just now getting a grip. Like drugs, he could have graduated from college, joined the union, built a thriving business, but he spent a decade chasing a skirt.
Okay, then Jeremiah and James showed up to build the Bikernet Performance editor new steps to his penthouse apartment. Of course they needed my consultation, a T-shirt, tools, and to know about our plans to ride to Vegas for Bikefest next week.
The morning exploded.
The Thursday News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine and Las Vegas Bikefest.
Peter Fonda’s ‘Easy Rider’ bike going to auction—
By ULA ILNYTZKY
In this Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 photo, Michael Eisenberg, sits on the customized Captain America chopper Peter Fonda rode in “Easy Rider” at the Profiles in History auction house in Calabasas, Calif. Eisenberg, a California businessman who once co-owned a Los Angeles motorcycle-themed restaurant with Fonda and “Easy Rider” co-star Dennis Hopper, owns the motorcycle that has come to symbolize the counterculture of the 1960s. The auction house Profiles in History tells The Associated Press it estimates the Harley-Davidson will bring between $1 million and $1.2 million at its Oct. 18, 2014 sale.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Easy Rider Bike Auction
NEW YORK (AP) — The customized Captain America chopper Peter Fonda rode in “Easy Rider” has come to symbolize the counterculture of the 1960s. Now it’s for sale.
The auction house Profiles in History told The Associated Press that it estimates the Harley-Davidson will bring $1 million to $1.2 million at its Oct. 18 sale being held online and at its galleries in Calabasas, California.
The seller is Michael Eisenberg, a California businessman who once co-owned a Los Angeles motorcycle-themed restaurant with Fonda and “Easy Rider” co-star Dennis Hopper. Eisenberg bought it last year from Dan Haggerty, perhaps best known for his roles in the “Grizzly Adams” TV show and movies, who was in charge of keeping the custom-designed bike humming during the 1969 movie’s filming.
–Big Story Ap
Hey, seems to me Dan Haggerty has sold about three of these bikes. Each one is the original… There’s a builder in Arizona who makes very accurate re-pops of the ER bikes.—Bandit
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST, DICK TERESI, WRITING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF HELMET LAWS FOR EASYRIDERS–Just wanted to thank you all for help on the Easyriders/Abate article. But another question. The tally I have for September 2014 is: 31 states WITHOUT helmet laws and 19 states WITH helmet laws.
There are lots of tallies floating around out there, but I’m going by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety table: “motorcycle helmet laws history for September 2014.” Here is the link. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/helmetuse/helmethistory
But maybe there are better sources, or maybe I miscounted or misunderstood what was happening in some states.
–dick t
IKE Jacket: Boot Tough, Rattlesnake Slick—
The 5-Ball Racing Leathers’ IKE Jacket delivers on and off the bike. The five-pocket milled Buffalo leather jacket includes two chest pockets, two waist pockets, snap down collar and one inside gun pocket. It’s that classic Dickies styling with more utility and leather. It has room to move and will conceal just about anything you need concealed. Details at http://crankandstroker.com/5-ball-racing.html
[photo 546541]
QUOTE OF THE DAY–“Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.”
Benjamin Franklin
–from Willie
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
What’s Cool?
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11893
What, no Steve McQueen? The very definition of ‘cool!’
–Stew Phillips
Dunedin, FL
REPORT FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION—
I have been requesting for a long time that motorcyclist contact their legislators and request that they cut the budget of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). My reasoning is that if they have enough money to Harass Motorcyclist and fund other agencies to do so then they have too much Taxpayer Money.
With a current budget of $134 MILLION DOLLARS and the fact that most of their programs have not worked is another reason not to throw more good money after bad.
Going back to 1977 to 1981 when Joan Claybrook was the head of NHTSA and her sidekick Ralph Nader tried to force states to pass 5 pieces of legislation or loose Federal Highway Funds shows a pattern of the unethical and in some cases possibly illegal activity. In my opinion threatening to withhold highway funds was an attempted extortion and blackmail.
The 55 Mile Per Hour was one of the items they wanted and we all know where that went. Mandatory Helmets for Motorcyclists led to Federal Hearings in Washington DC to remove the Blackmail Threat. Lowering the Blood Alcohol content for DUI from 1.2 and continuing each year to the .08 that most states have today has done little to stop DUI and lower the deaths other than Make A Lot Of Money For The States, Members of Law Enforcement, Lawyers, Court Systems and the Mandatory Programs they Send People To. Not that I am condoning drinking and driving But saying other than Making A Lot Of Money the System Does Not Seem To Be Working.
The mandatory seat belt laws do seem to have an impact on saving lives in automobile crashes but I personally do not feel they should be mandatory. Again law enforcement and the courts do make a lot of money from violators of this law. I do wear my seatbelt as a matter of choice.
A recent issue in Florida Today newspaper (9/21/2014) had an article By Ralph Nader about the NHTSA and wants More Money To Go To This Agency.
I suggest that like many of the Government Agencies that Spend A Lot Of Taxpayer Money and have Very Poor Results that if they were In The Private Sector They Would Have Gone Out Of Business A Long Time Ago.
So please pay attention to how things that affects you and Do Not Let The NHTSA Get More Money In Their Budget.
ARTISTRY IN IRON—JUNE, 2015
ONE OF THE LEADERS IN MOTORCYCLES WHEELS, SO MAKE US YOUR FIRST CALL FOR WHEELS AND TIRES!
METALSPORT WHEELS
562-7769594
www.metalsportwheels.com
Burly Bagger Bars – Now available for Rushmore Baggers
The Rushmore touring model line up saw a major refresh for 2014 and those revisions included a fairing update that impacts handlebar clearance. In response, Burly Brand re-designed their Bagger apehangers to flow around the new lines of the Street Glide and Ultra fairings for a perfect fit.
They are making the bat wing specific apes in 13” or 15” tall and finishing them in black or chrome. The revised 1.25” diameter bars are drilled and dimpled for internal wiring and taper to 1” at the control area as well as step down for the clamp. Burly also builds install kits that include extended brake/clutch lines as well as wiring in black or braided finish.
Check out the Burly web site or contact your local dealer to get a set and look for additional products to join our already proven line in the very near future.
http://www.burlybrand.com/category/14/bagger-bars
Burly Brand
6911 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
Phone 888-367-1871
info@burlybrand.com
http://www.burlybrand.com
DHARMA THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY—When our mind overcomes all temptations, every day is a happy day. When illusory thoughts do not arise, every place is a peaceful place.–Buddha
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION Washington Weekly Updates—
And they’re gone. That’s right Congress has adjourned until after the elections. Barring an emergency session to declare war or otherwise all members will be back home campaigning hard. This is a make or break year for both parties so expect the muckraking to be on display. The Congress has not passed all of the must pass bills for the year so that will all happen in the lame duck session. They passed a continuing resolution or CR to fund the federal budget through December 11th. The Congress is scheduled to come back November 12th.
The Senate Commerce committee has oversight of NHTSAs budget and every year the committee brings in the NHTSA chief to go over the agencies policies and procedures. Generally speaking these types of hearings all go the same way. When the political party testifying is of the same political party as the ones asking the questions they are softball style setups for the administration (NHTSA) to tout all their accomplishments. Then when the administration is questioned by the other party the questions come like spears, designed to tear down the administration and point out all they done wrong. Not this time. It seems every one is fed up with NHTSA. They were lambasted time and time again from both parties for bungling the implementation of the last highway bill known as MAP-21. The second portion of the hearing involved the Governors Highway Safety Assoc., the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures and the Advocates for Highway Safety and Auto Safety. No motorcycle specific issues came up, which is good for this group because with the exception of the auto alliance, hate motorcycle rights groups and usually go out of their way to make us look crazy.
Now that the Congress is in recess I won’t be sending out these weekly updates. Rather they will be periodic political reports on what’s going on in key races around the country. If you have a local race thats important to you, let me know about it. This is the time of year when we spend a little PAC money to help our friends in congress or help our friends get into congress.
–Jeff Hennie
Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Harley-Davidson Museum October events usher in fall—
Highlights: Eric Von Munz art show, Central Waters beer dinner, Skulloween Bike Night
The Harley-Davidson Museum is ready for the fall season, offering some annual favorites and a few new events this October. This month includes several activities at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and the opening of a special screen print rock art show by Eric Von Munz. As a reminder, starting Oct. 1, the Museum begins winter hours and opens at 10 a.m. each day and closes at 6 p.m., except on Thursday when it closes at 8 p.m. Operation times for MOTOR and The Shop also adjust, and the most up-to-date information is available at h-dmuseum.com.
October Happenings:
Good Colors, Bad Decisions with Eric Von Munz
Friday, Oct. 17, 5-9 p.m.
Cafe Racer
The Museum features a rock art collection by Eric Von Munz, and a live WMSE 91.7 FM broadcast with the artist, during the upcoming Historic Third Ward Association Gallery Night on Oct. 17. The special display of Von Munz’s work, and the live broadcast, will take place in Cafe Racer located next to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. During Gallery Night, complimentary admission to the Museum offered from 5-9 p.m., and the first 50 visitors during this time receive a Von Munz print. Regular Museum admission applies on Saturday during Gallery Day. Good Colors, Bad Decisions is on display through Oct. 31, and is free and open to the public.
Central Waters Brewery Co. Beer Dinner at MOTOR
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m.
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
Experience true Wisconsin brews at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant on Oct. 22 when Central Waters Brewing Co. teams up with MOTOR’s Executive Chef Kirk Wright for an expertly paired beer dinner. Wisconsin-owned for nearly two decades, Central Waters is known for producing some of the finest, most responsibly-brewed craft beers in the state. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a hand-crafted beer cocktail and passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The dinner portion of the evening will be hosted by Anello Mollica, co-owner of Central Waters. Tickets are $40 per guest and can be purchased online at h-dmuseum.com. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (414) 287-2778.
Customize your Halloween Pumpkin at MOTOR
Saturday, Oct. 25; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
MOTOR invites the smaller ghosts, goblins and ghouls to stop by and decorate a pumpkin just in time for trick-or-treating. Everything is provided to create a customized Halloween masterpiece to take home. Space is limited and reservations are required. $14.95 per pumpkin. Call 414.287.2778 for reservations and more information.
Skulloween Bike Night
Thursday, Oct. 30, 5-9 p.m.
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
It’s time to get out the costumes and get ready for a true Harley Halloween. On Oct. 30, Skulloween Bike Night celebrates bikes and beer at one of Milwaukee’s most popular haunts, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. The evening festivities include a performance by Milwaukee’s own Doghouse Flowers, and Harley-Davidson prizes for the best skull-inspired attire. Participants can also enjoy a smokes and spirits sampling outside the restaurant in the Museum Plaza. Skulloween Bike Night is one of the last chances to see Good Colors, Bad Decisions, a rock art display by Eric Von Munz.
New displays to see at the Museum:
· Project LiveWire™ display in the Design Lab (1st floor) – In June, Harley-Davidson introduced Project LiveWire to get insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Project LiveWire display in the Museum’s Design Lab provides a glimpse into the styling and engineering process behind the first Harley-Davidson® electric motorcycle.
· Scott Jones’ Born Free motorcycle in the Custom Culture Gallery (1st floor) – This display features Scott Jones’ 2009 Harley-Davidson® Dyna® Custom built for the 2014 Born Free competition – the biggest chopper show in the U.S. Design inspiration for the motorcycle came from a visit to the Museum last year, and Jones’ story is presented through an interactive monitor showcasing video and images.
11 Arrested, $30,000 In Cash Confiscated from ‘Heroic’ Raids on Ginseng Farmers—
By John Vibes on September 18, 2014
This week, the West Virginia natural resources police say they have made 11 arrests and seized 190 pounds of ginseng that they claim is illegal, because it was not harvested and licensed under the required conditions.
According to The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, the state managed to plunder over $180,000 worth of ginseng from the unsuspecting farmers.
The police also took $30,000 in cash and a wide range of private property in the raid.
This may seem like a raid that was intended for marijuana farmers, but according to police, these arrests were no mistake. The ginseng bust was allegedly the result of a year long investigation, which delved deep into the business and personal lives of these farmers and their associates.
According to Lt. Woodrow Brogan of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, officers also seized multiple guns and an undisclosed amount of illegal drugs. The drugs and weapons were reportedly not associated with the investigation, oddly enough the ginseng was the reason that the police carried out the raid.
Lt. Brogan said in a press release that, “the legal digging and selling of ginseng root has been a part of the culture of southern Appalachia for more than a hundred years. Many people in this area have supplemented their income by digging ginseng, almost all of which is exported to Asia. In the past, they took care to preserve the resource, but we’ve noticed in recent years an increase in people wanting to make a ‘fast buck’ by digging and selling as much ginseng as possible, both in season and out. Much of that increased activity includes unlicensed dealers trading illegal pills for ginseng root.”
Situations like this call attention to the fact that nearly every good and service is prohibited on some level or another.
Even a business as small and simple as a lemonade stand requires an unbelievable amount of red tape to operate, and in some cases lemonade stands have actually been raided for failing to file certain paperwork.
In the case of ginseng in West Virginia, possession of ginseng roots is prohibited from April 1 through Aug. 31 without a weight-receipt from the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Additionally, ginseng farmers are only allowed to sell to vendors who have been licensed by the state.
John Vibes is an author, researcher and investigative journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture and the drug war. In addition to his writing and activist work he is also the owner of a successful music promotion company. In 2013, he became one of the organizers of the Free Your Mind Conference, which features top caliber speakers and whistle-blowers from all over the world. You can contact him and stay connected to his work at his Facebook page. You can find his 65 chapter Book entitled “Alchemy of the Timeless Renaissance” at bookpatch.com.
Please Note Police Chief Wants Chance To Rebuild Public Trust. At Least Someone Is Aware Of How The Citizens Of This Country No Longer Trust Cops!–Rogue
The Tallahassee City Commission today approved a proposed settlement agreement with Christina and David West for $475,000, as the result of a lawsuit against the City and the Police Department over injuries Ms. West sustained when being arrested on August 10, 2013.
“The reality is that this has been an emotional and stressful case for everyone involved including the West family and specifically Ms. West, who was injured during this incident. The dash cam video of her arrest was difficult for all of us to see,” City Attorney Lewis Shelley said. “The West case prompted changes in the Police Department, including new policies and procedures and more stringent reviews. We have a new Police Chief, and there is a strong commitment to rebuilding citizen trust.”
The City Commission today held an executive session with the City Attorney, followed by a public meeting where citizens were given an opportunity to speak. The settlement agreement was unanimously approved by the commission.
By Julie Montanaro
The City of Tallahassee could vote on a settlement in the Christina West case as early as Monday.
A special closed door meeting has been called for commissioners to discuss a proposed settlement in the excessive force suit.
Dashcam video shows officers trying to handcuff Christina West during a drunk driving stop in August 2013 after her SUV plowed through the wall of a house in Killearn.
West says the officers broke her cheekbone, bloodied her nose, gave her a black eye and more when they slammed her into the patrol car and threw her to the ground.
This is what West’s attorney said in September 2013 the day the tape was released to the media.
“I don’t care if she was drunker than Cooter Brown and took a breath test and blew through the moon,” Fred Conrad said, “that’s not warranted. That’s not okay.”
The officers claimed West started thrashing and kicked one of them in the leg, the other in the groin.
TPD said the use of force was justified, but a total of four officers were suspended and a grand jury said they escalated the situation instead of deescalating it.
In March – West filed a federal lawsuit against the officers and the city claiming excessive force.
It is set for trial in May 2015, but a federal judge ordered both sides to the table for mediation first.
Assistant City Attorney Cassandra Jackson says that mediation hearing took place on Tuesday.
A special meeting of the city commission is now set for Monday to discuss a proposed settlement.
“Ultimately, if there was any settlement it would have to be approved by the city commission,” Jackson said.
No one is disclosing any details or dollar amounts. None of the commissioners we contacted has commented on the prospect of a settlement and Christina West’s attorney had no comment either.
After Monday’s executive session, the meeting will be opened to the public. If the commission decides to take any action, the public will have a chance to comment.
–from Rogue
RACE TRIKE OF THE WEEK FROM BIKERNET TRIKES—We are still investigating this puppy.
–Gary Mraz
Supreme Editor and Emperor
Bikernet Trikes
UNCLE MONKEY ON MAKING A GO OF IT, AND SURVIVING—
It seems like the really good weeks are too few and far between. The weeks when all the bills are paid and there is still a little cash in our pockets, even a few extra bucks we hope will still be there by next pay day to be able to buy parts, to be able to put a little away for those rainy days we know will come.
These are the weeks when progress is made on all fronts, when the chopper gods smile down and everything is one step forward. Little projects get finished and out the door leaving you those precious moments to fix that broken switch, change out that burnt out light bulb the old lady has been hounding you about for the better part of a year.
These are the weeks when you steal away to see good friends, when everyone is in good health, when life is good.
So often we feel stuck, drowning under the weight of existence. Money is hemorrhaging trying to keep up with broken bikes, broken cars, dentist’s bills, dance lessons for little girls, sports equipment for a budding superstar. Time is scattered in the wind as we rush from here to there trying to get a hold on this train wreck we call a life.
Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or have a six or seven figure income we all go through it. We have too. We know that the burden of the world rest on our shoulders. We are the ones who have to attend the rally to speak out against the government. We are the ones who stand in harm’s way to protect freedom.
Our parents rely on us as much as our kids do, as much as society relies on us to hold it together. Our only payment is watching our son getting a kiss from a cheerleader for winning the big game, the smile on a little girls face as she bows her deepest bow on stage to thundering applause, that twinkle in a woman’s eye with her satisfaction. But every now and then there is that little more. Those weeks when we know we can do this, keep doing this. When the highs mean the lows won’t be so low next time because we’ve weathered this storm, the last storm and survived.
We roll out knowing that is why we are here, because others need us to be.
–Bad Uncle Monkey
BONNEVILLE FLATHEAD COMPETITION HEATS UP–Let me know how your flathead engine build goes along.
Perhaps you may have some competition in those classes from an Indiana team.
–Drew Gatewood
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
Schuberth and 5-Ball Racing Together at Bonneville
A lightweight motorcycle racing helmet on the bleeding edge of aerodynamic performance.
Aliso Viejo, Calif. – September 12, 2014 – Landspeed racing team 5-Ball Racing’s “JETobey” Harden is the latest Bonneville racer to hit the salt in a Schuberth helmet at the 2014 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trails. 5-Ball joins other landspeed racing competitors Valerie Thompson, Erin Hunter, Andy Sills, MOTUS Motorcycles and Robert Pandya in the Schuberth line up.
NCOM Coast To Coast Biker News for September 2014
Liberty is the right to chose. Freedom is the result of that choice.
FLORIDA STATE FAIR SETTLES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT In a big win for motorcycle club members nationwide, the Florida State Fair and local law enforcement were dealt a stunning blow when they agreed to settle a Civil Rights lawsuit filed by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos (“Jerry T”) on behalf of the East Florida Confederation of Clubs.
The people we aspired to be decades ago.
The people we aspired to be decades ago were much different than the celebrities young people looked up to today. The values of our past have nearly vanished, but I’m hoping that if everyone sees this, they might think differently about what “cool” was yesterday and what is considered “cool” today. . . really isn’t.
Share and remind everyone what “cool” used to be like!
Bit by an Alligator Just for Flippin’ over Pancakes!!!
Petersen Automotive Museum Breakfast Cruise-In.
And from BAGGERS we have the following:
Little Fella built by AR Baggers
2006 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic/Road Glide Conversion.
Johnny Mac’s Chopper House demonstrates their Fiberglass production.
Johnny Mac’s Chopper House, located just North of Philadelphia, Pa, operates from a 16,000 Sq Ft building housing our Motorcycle Building shop, a huge showroom of apparel and parts, our airbrush studio, our all white CYC photography studio which hosts Bikerpics.org and House of Choppers Magazine, and in the heart of it all, our fiberglass production area.
As seen below, we have 3 over-sized spray booths for either paint or fiberglass spray. Our products range from motorcycle bagger parts to auto lids, plumbing accessories, and marine raft components, but there is really no limit to what can be produced.
“We don’t devote enough scientific research to finding a cure for jerks.” -Calvin & Hobbes
-Mistress Chris
Bikernet Content Coordinator and Women’s Editor
www.bikernet.com
New Polaris Partnership Brings Powersports Savings to Costco— Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it will partner with the Costco Auto Program (CAP), an auto-buying program specifically for Costco members, as the exclusive promotional partner for its powersports division. Starting today, Costco members will be able to access special pricing and promotional incentives on select Polaris products at participating dealers in the U.S.
“We are excited to announce our role in expanding the selection of powersport products offered through the Costco Auto Program,” said Tim Larson, vice president, global customer excellence, Polaris. “This program allows Costco members to experience industry-leading Polaris products at a great value while connecting members with our valued dealers to engage even more riders in our brands and lifestyle.”
“Polaris is an industry leader offering the breadth and depth of products that are a great fit for Costco members,” said Jeff Skeen, president and general manager of Affinity Auto Program, which operates the Costco Auto Program. “Costco members rely on us to recommend premium products while saving them time and money. This new partnership gives us the opportunity to offer an exceptional value on powersport products without the hassle of negotiating.”
As a partner in the Costco Auto Program, Polaris, Victory and GEM branded products will be on display inside select Costco warehouses. Costco members will be able to obtain special pricing and purchase these products through trained and certified Polaris dealer representatives at participating dealerships. Costco members can locate a participating dealership by visiting CostcoAuto.com/powersports.
As part of this new partnership, the Costco Auto Program will feature different Polaris products on promotion throughout the year, beginning September 2014. Products will include snowmobiles, off-road vehicles (Sportsman, Ranger and RZR), Victory motorcycles and GEM electric vehicles. Specific Polaris brand participation will vary by store and dealer geography. To learn more about the Costco Auto Program and the variety of powersport products available through the program visit www.CostcoAuto.com/powersports.
Thieves sour Cannonball Run for Texas man, stealing his antique bikes, truck, trailer
–By Adam Lynn
Staff writer, News Tribune
The thrill of accomplishment turned to dread Tuesday morning for Jon Neuman.
Some time overnight Monday, a thief or thieves made off with Neuman’s truck, trailer and the five vintage motorcycles they were carrying.
The rig was parked on the second level of the Hotel Murano parking garage in downtown Tacoma. The trailer also was crammed with spare parts and tools, everything Neuman and his team needed to keep the motorcycles on the road, he said.
“These are professional thieves, I think, because they did not leave a trace of evidence,” Neuman said Tuesday morning. “I’m sick about it.”
Neuman said he last saw his truck and trailer about 10 p.m. Monday. He got up about four hours later to use the bathroom and glanced out the window toward the parking garage where his truck had been parked.
“It wasn’t there,” he said. “I first thought it was towed.”
A conversation with Murano staff disavowed him of that notion, Neuman said.
He said he made a report to Tacoma police and made arrangements to raise reward money, which totaled $20,000 on Tuesday. Anyone with information about the location of the missing vehicles and trailer was asked to call Tacoma police.
Police spokeswoman Shelbie Boyd confirmed that Neuman filed a report. Detectives are looking into the theft, she said.
The pickup is a 2001 dark gray Ford F-250 crew cab. The trailer is dark gray, with two windows on the sides. Truck and trailer sport Texas license plates and Cannonball Run stickers.
The motorcycles are:
• A 1919 Harley Davidson with Mississippi antique plate 9620.
• A 1926 Harley Davidson JD with Texas antique plate BDKX4.
• A 1928 Harley Davidson JD, with Texas antique plate BFGV2.
• A 1931 Harley Davidson VL with Texas antique plate BFGR3.
The fifth cycle is mostly disassembled and used for parts, Neuman said.
Since this report the motorcycles have been discovered and returned.–Bandit
[page break]
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRAY NOW OPEN—
To help save the economy, the Government will announce next month that the Immigration Department will start deporting senior citizens (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and N.H.S. costs (‘flu jabs, Zimmer frames,wheelchairs, free prescriptions, bus passes, etc.)
The Government has established that older people are easier to catch and, in most cases, will not remember how to get back home. I started to cry when I thought of you –maybe I’d never see you again….
–from Jerry and Rogue
HAWGS GETTING READY FOR VEGAS—Charles is scrambling to finish customer bikes for the run to Vegas.
ATK MOTORCYCLES MAY BREAK INTO THE MARKET–These articles were just released. Yesterday I got a call from Michigan all keen on ATK. They got tipped off by Dealer News and Bikernet about ATK and American Brand making small bikes… Of course we will need to be CKD assembled in Utah.
The Michigan Director told me other states will call me soon (they all collaborate) because the Harley is too much money (nearly $8k) and two heavy to meet MSF requirements. Our Price is around $3,800 and well under the weight limit…
We are more attractive than the Japanese brands too because they go through a dealer and therefore the price is much higher with the dealers mark-up. The seeds we planted with MSF back in 2011 may start to sprout…
–Frank White
CEO
ATK Motorcycles
QUICK, New AUSTRALIAN Bikernet Reader Comment—
S.O.A. apparently means Sneakers Only, Asshole!
http://www.bikernetbaggers.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12853
I find this story rather ironic, especially on a website that openly supports those who don’t want to use a helmet.
–Augie
Melbourne, Australia
It’s easy, some folks raze folks about wearing helmets, other raze riders about wearing tennis shoes. We can raze but we don’t want to pass any laws making it illegal for a rider to wear tennis shoes!--Bandit
NEW GLIDE HARDWARE–Ditch The Swingset Hardware On Your 39mm Narrow Glide Fork–Tighten up the look of your 39mm narrow glide with the Radius Fork Tube Caps ($74.95 / pair, SKU 003680) and Radius Steering Stem Bolt ($39.95, SKU 003679) from Lowbrow Customs.
Precision machined, steel, and the square broach accepts any standard 3/8″ drive ratchet for easy install. Run the full set for optimum style.
Made in Ohio, USA.
Fits 91-05 FXDL, FXD, 87-94 FXR, and 87-14 XL Sportster (except 1200S, 00-05 FXDX, FXDXT)
USE OF TRAFFIC CAMERAS UNDER QUESTION—
There is also concern about them being used to monitor the public. In the case of the Motorcyclist, concerns are about the threat of being rear-ended.
Hidden eye of the law
Are traffic cameras for safety or for raising cash?
Without prior knowledge or intent, I recently was inducted into a club I had no interest in joining, especially in light of the $200 initiation fee.
In fact, I had no idea I had joined until the bill arrived notifying me that a camera had caught me exceeding the speed limit somewhere along the route between downtown Washington and the Maryland border. My aggravation at being charged, judged and sentenced without the courtesy of a human exchange was made worse by the realization that I had been denied the opportunity to adequately appreciate that on at least one day, the city’s eastbound traffic was actually moving.
To a fan of eye contact under almost any circumstance, the feeling was of having been observed without permission. There is a reason our justice system allows the accused to face his accuser.
Notwithstanding these common understandings, speed and red-light cameras are more prevalent as reflected by the bulging coffers of participating municipalities. In Washington, traffic citations total about $179 million a year.
So what’s wrong with that? Drive too fast or run a red light, and take your medicine, non-drivers contemptuously intone. Well, yes, but not really.
Here’s the relevant question: Are the cameras designed to increase public safety, or are they just a means to trap citizens and make money?
The conclusion of an audit earlier this month by the District of Columbia inspector general suggests the latter. In one revealing quote cited in the report, a senior district official commented on the effrontery and efficacy of the parking ticket system: “One of the beauties of parking, it’s like the (Internal Revenue Service). If you get a parking ticket, you are guilty until you have proved yourself innocent. … And that’s worked well for us.”
Ditto can be said of camera-caught speeders, which resulted in 745,875 tickets in 2013.
As a consequence, annoyed citizens have begun challenging speed cameras on issues of property rights and home rule. In Ohio, 29 state lawmakers and two civil liberties groups joined a motorist in a court challenge claiming that the city of Toledo violated his constitutional rights to due process.
The argument basically questioned whether the city was attempting to exact property from Ohio drivers without access to a judge authorized by and accountable to duly elected legislators.
The Ohio motorist’s case points to the more general concern that gotcha cameras, by eliminating the middle man, violate our sense of fair play.
What was that camera’s name, anyway, and what was he doing in my business? Did the camera bother to wonder why I might be driving faster than I’m supposed to? Excuse me, but could I speak to a human, please?
Bottom line: Mr. Camera doesn’t care.
Which brings us to my own rather metaphysical perspective. While not on an existential par with events in Syria and Iraq, someone has to worry about our self-inflicted war on ourselves and our submission to dystopian efficiency over humanity.
There may be reason to install cameras at red lights to catch those who fail to stop. But exceeding the speed limit often means keeping pace with traffic, which is sometimes safer. One car pulled aside by an officer is usually sufficient to slow the herd, whereas a camera no one notices gives no one pause. Where’s the safety in that?
And then there are the true emergencies — a woman in labor or an injured child being rushed to the hospital. While these occasions are rare compared to people who are just in a hurry, they illustrate our increasing lack of regard for the human side of events.
Once we accept the necessity of cameras to keep the citizenry in line, especially when keeping order is so profitable, we needn’t let our imaginations wander far to see that absolute order is the endgame in a brave new world. The weird genius of the speeding/ parking ticket industry is that we the people enrich the bureaucracies that torment us. And their little machines, too!
Surely with all that money just from parking tickets — $82.8 million in 2013 — Washington could hire some organic traffic officers. Or at least provide a little soma to ease the transition.
–by Kathleen Parker, washpost.com.
In My Opinion The Cameras Need To Go Away.
–from Rogue
BAKER DRIVETRAIN PREPS FOR WINTER–That’s right! Purchase a BAKER Transmission this off-season and BAKER will pay your winter storage fee up to $250!
The Winter Storage Rebate is available with the purchase of a DD6, DD7, OD6, or 6-into-4 transmission. The Winter Storage Rebate will cover storage fees up to $250.
Call 1-517-339-3835 or e-mail info@bakerdrivetrain.com for more information. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other promotional offer.
BAKER Drivetrain reserves the right to cancel any portion of this sale without notice. Offer available from 12:00am EDT 9/1/2014 to 4/1/2015 at 11:59pm EDT.
DURING THE LOVE RIDE Get Your Jay Leno’s Garage Pass—The Peter Fonda Love Ride Bike Show presented by Customization in America (CIA) is kicking off on Saturday October 25, 2014 in front of thousands of your closest riding buddies…
Donate $50 to MDA for entry and if you win your class… You get a tour of Jay Leno’s Garage. Details at http://custombikeshows.com/loveride/
WIRE PLUS SPECIAL OF THE WEEK–Save 30% on All Wire Plus Mid Frame Wiring Systems!
Repairing, restoring or building a new bike? Let Wire Plus help offset the costs of your new build. All Wire Plus Mid Frame Wiring Systems are 30% off until the end of September!
Wire Plus manufactures a complete line of self-diagnostic wiring systems to fit any stock or custom bike. They’re pre-assembled and designed for bikes with and without stock or aftermarket ignitions, electric or kick start and can be used with or without turn signals and a variety of other options.
Some of the advantages that you get with Wire Plus include Solid State Breaker Technology (the breakers never have to be replaced) and a replaceable start relay that can be purchased at most auto parts stores.Their power modules are waterproof and very compact in size with harnesses that are engineered to be smaller than any other on the market.
There are 7 different mid frame wiring systems available to choose from:
- Stock Controls
- Mid Frame Wiring System with chopper style harness for minimal system switches. (Compression releases included)
- Mid Frame Wiring System for stock controls…includes DOT suto cancel module and compression release.
- Mid Frame Wiring System, for stock controls includes lighting control and compression release.
- Mid Frame Wiring System, for stock controls.
- Chopper Style Controls.
- Mid Frame Wiring System, chopper style with automotive start and lighting control module.
- Mid Frame Wiring System, chopper style automotive start.
- Mid Frame Wiring System, chopper style.
Wire Plus has been providing innovative high quality products for the V-Twin market for the past decade and continues to provide their customers with the most cutting edge technology needed to survive in the Harley-Davidson and custom bike markets.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Wire Plus, you can reach them at (620) 221-2417 or check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.
–Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
714-280-8537
BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT STUDIES ASIA—
Went to visit some motorcycle shops today in Phuket, Thailand. The shop I know the longest and owner good friend died a few years ago, now the current owner operator is no longer there.
–Art Hall
Bikernet International Editor
Commander of International Security
Super Undercover Agent
Australian state government answers rider related questions--Some motorcycle specific answers to questions put to the Victorian State Government by the Herald Sun newspaper about road safety initiatives it promised in its 2013-16 action plan.
Q. What have you done about your pledge to work towards resolving the current inequity that exists between motorcyclists and other road users where motorcyclists are not detected when committing traffic offences due to the lack of a front number plate?
A. On August 2 this year, Victoria Police announced a tender process to deliver an upgrade to their mobile camera technology. Within the scope of this tender is the evaluation of technology that will capture front as well as rear license plates.
Q. What have you done about increasing the penalty for obscured number plates?
A. VicRoads is currently working with Victoria Police on a project looking at appropriate penalties for motorcyclists who do not display number plates that are identifiable. We expect this project to be completed by the end of 2014.
Q. What have you done to improve the safety of country roads under the Motorcycle Blackspot Program?
A. The Motorcycle Safety Levy was introduced in October 2002 to provide specific funding to reduce motorcycle related road trauma.
The levy is applied to projects that specifically benefit motorcyclists that would not otherwise be implemented without such funding. This includes the Motorcycle Blackspot Program involving infrastructure improvements, research projects and educational activities.
In the period 1 October 2002 to 31 December 2013, the Motorcycle Safety Levy has raised $56.6 million. The annual levy fee is currently $67.10 and is paid in addition to the cost of vehicle registration. The levy raises approximately $6 million each year.
Since the commencement of the levy, funding has been approved for 173 road improvement projects on popular motorcycle routes and at locations with a history of motorcycle crashes, and 60 education or research and development projects.
Q. What have you done about encouraging the Federal Government to introduce an Australian Design Rule for ABS to be fitted on all new motorcycles sold in Australia?
A. Consultation is continuing with the Federal Government on the requirement for implementing an Australian Design Rule for Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) on motorcycles
Victoria will contribute funding to a project being undertaken by Monash University Accident Research Centre into the likely costs and benefits of introducing this standard on a national basis,
Q. What have you done about introducing a graduated licensing system for motorcyclists to help beginners develop critical riding skills under safe conditions?
A. Learner and newly-licensed motorcyclists will also have a safer start on the roads, with the phasing in of the new Graduated Licensing System, 1 October 2014.
This involves new or extended requirements for learners and newly licensed riders, including zero blood alcohol a ban on mobile phone use extended from 12 months to three years.
In a move to improve their visibility, novice, or newly licensed motorcyclists, will have to have their headlights on at all time, while learners will be required to wear high visibility vests.
The second stage of the rollout of the motorcycle GLS involves a new on-road test and enhanced training, which will come into effect from late 2015.
Q. What have you done about developing new education materials that highlight to motorcyclists the benefits of wearing protective clothing?
A. The TAC will investigate the need to redevelop its existing ‘Get Your Gear On’ brochure on protective clothing.
New information to be included in the brochure will be informed by the protective clothing testing pilot program. The pilot program, which is almost finished, involves testing the protective quality of motorcycle gear against the European standard.
The TAC will continue to promote the importance of wearing protective clothing at a number of motorcycling events including the Australian Moto Grand Prix, the Motorcycle Expo and the Victorian Road Race Championships.
Q. What have you done about introducing a mandatory requirement for motorcyclists and scooter riders to wear boots that are at least ankle high?
A. VicRoads is working towards finalising the requirements for mandatory footwear for motorcyclists and scooter riders, following consultation with motorcycle groups.
Q. What have you done about introducing a requirement for all drivers and motorbike riders to carry their license when they are the roads?
A. This initiative will be considered in future legislative programs to ensure it is delivered by the end of the Action Plan (2016). The first year’s legislation program has included changes to expand the alcohol interlock program, impoundment for high-level drink driving, the creation of a combined alcohol/drug offences and new safety measures for inexperienced motorcyclists.
When will we evaluate how much torture a human can take in order to improve safety statistics? –Bandit
adverb
Quotes
“Ye, iwis,” quoth that other wye, “here is wayth fayrest / That I sey this seven yere in sesoun of wynter.“
Origin
Iwis has been around in English since before 900. It finds its roots in the Old English adjective gewiss meaning “certain.”
NUTS—Like Uncle Monkey said in his weekly report, life is nuts. We flew at this week and it’s not over. I worked with Tom Seymour and his Saddlemen bike feature for HOT BIKE. I had a couple of conversations with Denis Manning about a business venture. I visited with the staff of BDL and we outlined several tech articles for the future. I will work on a shorty over the weekend.
I finally worked out a program to buy the first 5-Ball Racing Motel key fobs. I’ve been working with National Hospitality on this little bullshit project for six months. Jeremiah expanded our shop driveway last Sunday and him and the tile man, James are working on the concrete steps for our Performance editor right now. I’m working with Christine Le Pera on a feature about their Mexican-styled seats. And I ordered a Le Pera seat for Jeremiah’s new Dyna, a Daytona two-up seat with basket weave panels.
I’m working on an interview with the Pope of Pipe, Dave Rash from D&D and hope to have it up on Bikernet tomorrow. We will have a meeting with Denis Manning on our Wheeler Work Stations tomorrow, and met with Toresson, our official German cabinet maker on panels for the stations. Then we will blast to San Pedro to meet with a woman who has a bronze sculpture foundry.
I posted another Cantina episode and will be working with Lee Wimmer on a Girl of Bikernet feature. Chris Kranzler is about to post Andrew’s bike feature. His bike is currently on the cover of American Iron—terrific Sportster.
I need to get together with Pat Patterson or Lead Sled on his bike feature for the Horse. And I’m tuning my FXR for the ride to Vegas next week. I’m just scratching the surface. Richard Kranzler promised the story about Paughco for the tenth time. Maybe we’ll get lucky.
And I met a girl, but who has the time? Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
