Hey,
I’m not sure where to start today. I received new 13-inch Progressive 412 shocks the other day for the Mudflap FXR, and I’m itching to install them and go for a ride. I’ll report in. They may be the answer to several questions.
I tried hard to slam a swingarm FXR, and discovered little travel and the chain tasting my oil bag, which is sorta disturbing.
And our Indian project is about to shift gears twice. First I will run a piece on all the Aeromach goodies for Indians, including lower footboard mounts, next week. And the plan now is for me to ride my own Indian to the SmokeOut 16 in Rockingsands, NC. Then, according to Ray C. Wheeler I should ride it home, which will be a Cross-Country.
]
SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK, STREET TWO-UP— The Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 is a great platform to start your own custom look and styled ride. The easiest way to begin is to add either the Saddlemen Street Two Up or the Street Full Fender Solo seats exclusively offered through Drag Specialties
The Street Two Up features a wide, supportive bucket for the driver with a slim contoured rear seat.
Specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position. The refined gel channel design will relieve seating pressure on the perineal area, increase blood flow, thus keeping the rider in the saddle longer.
Features:
Gel Core Technology Combines the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel with our advanced Progressive Density Foam (Pd-F) we are able to create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. The thickness, shape and location of the SaddleGel is adjusted and combined with the Pd-F producing a seat core best suited for each riding mission.
Starting with our staff’s vast experience, then honed by testing and honest evaluation, each Saddlemen seat has a specific Gel-Core combination that creates a superior seat perfectly suited for your ride. So when it comes to day long comfortable control, you simply cannot get a better fusion of technology, materials and design.
Supple SaddleHyde upholstery offers a combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel and weather-resistant, no maintenance good looks.
Gel Channel design which allows for longer riding times in the saddle.
Installs easily using the stock seating mounts
The Street Full Fender Solo is a one of a kind which will transform the 500/750 into a unique cowl solo.
Anyone can easily create a trophy winning custom with it engineered design to easily disassemble for tail section painting. Soft upholstery seating leather creates the true to detail tuck and roll saddle. With Gel Core technology added you get the show bike appearance and comfort at the same time
Features:
Gel Core Technology Combines the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel with our advanced Progressive Density Foam (Pd-F) we are able to create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. The thickness, shape and location of the SaddleGel is adjusted and combined with the Pd-F producing a seat core best suited for each riding mission.
Starting with our staff’s vast experience, then honed by testing and honest evaluation, each Saddlemen seat has a specific Gel-Core combination that creates a superior seat perfectly suited for your ride. So when it comes to day long comfortable control, you simply cannot get a better fusion of technology, materials and design.
Soft upholstery seating leather provides the most luxurious look and ride.
Solo seat removes easily so that painting the surface ready hard cowl is a snap
Installs easily using the stock seating mounts
BIKERNET H-D TRIKE COVERAGE—Three articles on the new H-D trike in three months, and blogs and coverage in the Weekly News. Bikernet Trikes is the only source for Trike info on planet Earth.—Triking Viking
http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/2015_HARLEY_FREEWHEELER_TRIKE.aspx
http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/TRIKING_VIKING_TEMPLE_TOUR.aspx
http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/TRIKING_VIKING_TEMPLE_TOUR_Part_2.aspx
WEEKLY GUN NUT REPORT FROM THE NRA–Interstate Transportation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Introduced.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) recently introduced H.R. 131, a bill that would more comprehensively address the interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition for law-abiding gun owners.
Current federal law guarantees the right of law-abiding persons to transport firearms between two locations where they have a legal right to possess and carry them, regardless of state or local laws that would otherwise apply. The firearm must be cased or otherwise not readily accessible. Unfortunately, anti-gun local officials are using overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers who have made every effort to comply with the law, resulting in seized guns that are sometimes never returned, delayed travel, legal fees, and sometimes even unnecessary guilty pleas.
H.R. 131 would ensure the law has the effect Congress intended when it passed more than 25 years ago. Specifically, the legislation would make clear that transportation of both firearms and ammunition is federally protected, as well as expand the protections afforded to travelers to include “staying in temporary lodging overnight, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, medical treatment, and any other activity incidental” to the trip. Additionally, the bill would place the burden of proof clearly on the state to show that the traveler failed to comply with the law.
The NRA fully supports H.R. 131 and appreciates Rep. Griffith’s leadership on this important issue.
Please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 131.
You can contact your U.S. Representative about this important legislation by using our “Write Your Lawmakers” tool, or by phone at (202) 225-3121.
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–John Nettles probably didn’t give it a second thought when he got a speeding ticket in Ehrhardt, South Carolina, in 1997. Like most people, he simply paid it and moved on. But some 17 years later, that decision has cost him his job.
It seems that Nettles’ ticket was never properly processed so it never showed up on his driving record. That is until two years ago when the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) caught the oversight and helpfully recorded it. Nettles’ job as a power line worker requires him to drive for a living. With the addition of this bit of ancient history to his record, he can’t get insurance, which means he can’t drive. And that means he can’t work.
The issue came to light after Nettles got a copy of his SCDMV driving record and was surprised to see the 17-year-old speeding conviction. He now faces an uphill battle with the court to get the matter resolved. Until then, he has to look for another line of work.
The lesson here is twofold. First, fight every ticket. Pleading guilty/responsible and paying the fine is the same as a conviction in the eyes of your state DMV and your insurance company. This applies to out-of-state convictions as well. They will likely hit your driving record and impact your insurance rates. Also consider notorious gotcha penalties like Georgia’s abusive Super Speeder law. Many out-of-state drivers pay their Georgia speeding tickets unaware that by doing so they may be subject to a $200 surcharge. Many say they would have fought their tickets had they known.
Second, go online and check your DMV record. Go back as many years as you can. It only costs a few bucks and it could save you a lot of grief later on. Also check the current status of your license. You’d be surprised at how many people are driving with suspended licenses and don’t even know it—until they get pulled over. Find out before that happens.
If you do get a ticket, you have access to plenty of online resources that can help you fight it. If you’re charged under a state speeding statute, look up the language. If the officer wrote down the wrong statute or if the specifics of the law don’t apply to you, you might win a dismissal.
While you’re at it, check to see what the penalties are so you know what’s at stake. Look for this information on your state’s DMV website or on the website of the court that has jurisdiction over your case. The court’s website may also tell you how to request a continuance as well as other procedural details about doing business with the court.
The goal of all of this is to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Much of the information you need to make good decisions about your case is available through the very agencies that make up the traffic enforcement infrastructure. Here are some other related NMA e-newsletters that may help:
NMA E-Newsletter #173: Pleading Guilty or No Contest Could Cost More Than You Think
NMA E-Newsletter #174: A Ticket-Fighter’s Guide to Public Information
NMA E-Newsletter #200: When Does it Make Sense to Call an Attorney?
NMA Email Newsletter: Issue #46: Take Care of that Driving Record
Also, be sure to check out the NMA’s E-book, “Fight That Ticket!” It is the best place to start when planning your ticket defense. It’s available free to NMA Supporting Members and as a $9.95 download for others.
HOLLISTER NEWS–ConvExx Selected to Produce Hollister Motorcycle Rally for 2015 and Beyond.
The Hollister Downtown Association of Hollister, California has selected ConvExx to produce the iconic Hollister Motorcycle Rally starting in 2015. Known as the “Birthplace of the American Biker” the Hollister Motorcycle Rally has been around for over 70 years. ConvExxis an event production company based in Las Vegas with over 40 years experience producing public events and trade shows.
ConvExx is the same team that has produced Las Vegas BikeFest for the past 14 years and has also produced many of the top trade shows in the United States including the SEMA Show and the SHOT Show, both based in Las Vegas.
“We are very focused on bringing our experience and innovation to this great event with our sole objective being to provide bikers and vendors an exciting, fun and safe experience.
We’ll be bringing in a higher level of entertainment and new attractions”, says Chuck Schwartz, Chairman of ConvExx. Joining the ConvExx team’s Event Manager is Seth Doulton, who produced the Hollister Motorcycle Rally in 2007 and 2008. “Together we will produce what we expect to be a rally with a deep history within the motorcycle community with a 21st century twist”, Schwartz continued.
“We are very excited to have ConvExx on board to produce the Hollister Motorcycle Rally. With the experience they have producing Las Vegas BikeFest for the past 14 years,and their 40 plus years producing a variety of events, we feel that ConvExx will bring a breath of fresh air and renewed excitement for motorcycle enthusiasts to this iconic rally”, saidRay Pierce, President of the Hollister Downtown Association.The 2015 Hollister Motorcycle Rally will be held July 3-5 in downtown Hollister, CA.
For further information about becoming a vendor or attending, email mcherry@convexx.com
Rumor has it, the City of Hollister has a handle of the police extortion charges for event security for the future. During 2007 and 2008 Seth was forced to pay the California Highway Patrol over $300,000 which bankrupted the event.
SPEAKING OF EVENT PRODUCTION—Here’s a tidbit about event insurance.
I normally paid $6,500.00 per event through a local agency. A friend turned me on to this website and it’s incredible. They respond to your application on line immediately and send the actual 50-page policy to you, including mailing out all certificates of insurance pronto.
My premium for our event in September was $729.24.
Eventhelper.com Certainly worth exploring!
–Debby Farabaugh
JACK KNOWS MOTORCYCLE SHIPPING-–
For those that import and export regularly, the importance of understanding logistics and Customs Compliance is a daily function in their workplace.
Knowing your product, it’s manufacturer, shipping locations, and import tariffs can be the difference of paying duty or having a proper Customs Broker assign the product a correct tariff number possible saving duty and taxes on every import or export to a foreign land. Knowing your shipping lanes and local agents can combine your products with others to consolidate creating considerable savings with ocean or air freight.
Last, moving your goods, your motorcycles to and from European or Asian trade shows is something that I learned many US Builders are invited to, but fail to attend even with all expenses paid because they simply do not know how to ship their goods.
Speaking as a US Customs Broker, Foreign Freight Forwarder, I encourage you to contact your local Customs Broker for assistance. I am always available to help answer International shipping or Customs Compliance questions. A Customs Broker no longer needs to be in the city which your location is at, we have National Permits, so from my city of Philadelphia, I can help anyone anywhere.
I’m not trying to discourage the use of Fedex or UPS, but if you want the job to be complete, door to door with just a phone call or email, that is what a Broker is for. The shipping costs are always less, the accuracy is 100% better than the quantity movers, and in the end you will end up with a Broker along with its worldly agents that are willing to assist you no matter where you may be going.
In October of 2014 for example, we were contacted by Indian Larry Motorcycles to move 4 of their classic bikes from Brooklyn NY to Milan Italy for a show. We arranged for the crating of each bike, the pickup with a 20’ container, the loading on the ocean vessel, the arrival in Italy, the Italian Customs Clearance, and the delivery directly to the show.
The folks at Indian Larry simply got on a plane and arrived at the show with the motorcycles delivered. That’s what a trusted Customs Broker can do for you. Don’t hesitate to call, I can seriously assist your company with ideas, compliance, and so much more.
JACK MCINTYRE
721 LOGISTICS LLC
610-998-5069
jmcintyre@721logistics.com
Co-Editor in Chieftain Bikernet Baggers
BIKER PLANTS TREES—
Reforest’Action is very happy to celebrate Earth Day by announcing a 3-year tree planting partnership with John Paul Mitchell Systems. More than 300,000 trees will be planted in Peru and Guatemala with the participation of Tea Tree enthusiasts. Through this new initiative, JPMS will plant 500 000 trees by the end of 2016.
Positive impacts of Maya Nut Trees planting on the field will be numerous:
– Sequestration of more than 85 000 tons of CO2 (over 30 years)Tea-tree-+-JPMS
– Restoration of seriously deforested ecosystems
– Development of local biodiversity
– Revenues for indigenous communities who will plant and own trees
– Strengthening of food security for both populations and livestock
Maya Nut Tree is one the biggest tree of American tropical forest. Its leaves can also be used as medicinal treatments.
With this new partnership, Reforest’Action significantly extends his global field of action. These new projects in Peruvian Amazonia and Guatemala complete those in Senegal, India, Northern Peru and France where 300 000 have been planted since 2010.
“Our action gets bigger worldwide thanks to JPMS partnership, we are very proud of it,” Stéphane Hallaire, CEO of Reforest’Action, says. “Our model is unique: we do not propose to top management to only finance an environmental cause. Reforest’Action enables each business to give birth to a forest with its employees and clients in a very federative way.”
In terms of reforestation, JPMS is not a beginner. The American company has already planted several hundred of thousands trees in United States and Peru. Through this new initiative with Reforest’Action, JPMS will plant 500 000 trees by the end of 2016. Beyond fight against deforestation, JPMS supports other causes like seashores protection. The California-based business also takes the commitment not to test its products on animals. By partnering with Reforest’Action, JPMS joins the campaign “1000 businesses for 1 million trees”.
BIKERNET GUN NUT PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–Gun Safe is brand new.
Selling this newly restored vending machine gun safe. Safe will hold 13 long guns and has completely adjustable shelving. Machine lights up as well as the selection buttons.
Machines comes with two lock systems, a padlock box as well as a barrel key lock. Machine has a 1″ seal that prevents moisture from entering gun safe area. Gun safe area is fully carpeted and insulated and carpet works great with Velcro items.
Machine includes a six plug power strip to allow you to add other items such as a dehumidifier. Gun safe includes 6 Velcro lights that can be located any where in side the safe. Machine exterior has a few scratches but nothing major.
Asking $1500
Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Frankie Torres
(559) 706-996one
Will also consider trading for a 16-18 ft utility trailer / Car Trailer
• Location: Fresno, Madera
• Post ID: 8587934
Fresno
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION WEEKLY REPORT–The talks about a comprehensive transportation bill have begun, but it is almost pointless. The funding model for the highway trust fund is broken. With Americans driving less and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles, we are buying less gas, which directly equates to less cash in the trust fund.
What is really needed is a slight increase in the gas tax that right now is 18.4 cents a gallon. Your state gas tax is likely nearly double the federal, and that money goes to Medicare bills and school lunches, not roads and bridges. Not sure if you saw the news, but a bridge collapsed in Cincinnati a few days ago. Our infrastructure is falling down around us and the Congress won’t raise the gas tax a nickel a gallon, which would solve all problems.
Those against a fast tax say we should first look at where we can cut out non-essential spending in the current form. Mass transit does not pay into the trust fund whatsoever yet they get about 20 percent of the money right off the top. Then there are ludicrous programs such as the one that gives money to roadside museums; largest ball of dirt anyone? The problem is when you start cutting, why stop there?
Some will say that the motorcycle safety money deserves to be cut. If it’s not building roads, bridges, or tunnels, it must go. Also reality dictates that the Congress is not going to strip mass transit funding; it’s just not going to happen. Mass transit makes the argument that they help alleviate congestion by keeping cars off the roads.
Your friends over at the Advocates for Highway Safety released their annual report this week. Entitled “Lethal Loopholes,” the report takes aim at what State Legislatures are up to. Concerning motorcycles, they say “no mandatory helmet laws (were) adopted, but none (were) repealed.”
So they know that we have the power to repeal laws, and they will do everything in there power to stop us. Success can invite opposition with strength. The report parades out the usual nonsense like referencing the 1997 low point of fatalities, which was the lowest fatal year in history (and also the lowest year of registrations) as well as how much money would be saved if we had all rider helmet laws. Don’t take my word for it, read the report here.
–Jeff Hennie
National Legislative Advocate
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!-–
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Discovery for July 2013
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11133
I’m almost considering buying a 1964 Sears and Roebuck bike (not sure model or motor cc). I’ll find out soon. Are these valuable bikes? This one has a windshield.
I’m asking you guys because I know bikers know everything about bikes. I’m a disabled Vet and worked on jets. Now I’m looking to restore an old bike and this one came along.
They only want like $80-110 bucks for it. Clear title and going today to see how much corrosion and inspect it.
Thanks a lot for your help.
–Ryan
Alexandria, LA
Ss for the Sears bike from 1964 it is of little too no value as a collectable and that isn’t likely to change in the next 100 year until the museum for fossil fuel burning vehicles opens to the public and even then it a little sketchy !!!—DW
I don’t entirely agree with the master of expensive vintage motorcycles. It wouldn’t hurt to pick up this bike for $100 and study the art of restoring it. Then you might move up to a more price vintage project. You can’t go wrong with old motorcycles.–Bandit
GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW JUDGING CONTROVERSY–Turns out this one actually won the award and Harpoon’s bike didn’t. A lot of folks aren’t happy about the judging. The previous photo (of Harpoon with the trophy) has been removed from the internet.
–Mari Cruz
Over recent years judging teams have left the ranks of GNRS judging. I learned a lot about properly judging cars and bikes through a very respected team, including Jim Waggaman. Unfortunately the team left this event.
NEVER MISS A CHANCE AT AN ADVENTURE–Sail Croatia on a Gulet
June 6-13, 2015
Come cruise the beautiful islands and castle villages of Croatia on a private, fully crewed, 98′ wooden Gulet yacht.
Just you and yours, and a dozen friends of Adventure enjoying meals and drinks served on deck between explorations ashore.
Croatia is the new premier coastal destination in the Med.
Two cabins left.
THE INDIAN/INDIAN LARRY PROPOSAL CONCEPT–Using the Victory Vegas 8-Ball frame and 180 55 18 rear & 90/90 21 front wheels as a starting point so POLARIS would not have to retool very much, they should make an Indian Larry chopper/bobber model using the 111ci INDIAN MOTOR.
Larry was minimalist aka he kept his bikes simple, so they could be ridden along the backroads.
I’ve attached a photo of a Victory Vegas 8-Ball with ‘Hacker pipes.’
Picture that bike but with the Indian 111ci motor, a solo seat designed by Larry’s closest friend Paul Cox and with ‘tubeless’ spoke/wire wheels (tubeless like BMW uses but in the 180 55 18 rear & 90/90 21 front sizes) it would sell off the shelf for under $20,000
PEACE RIDE SAFE
–Derrel
P.S. I put the Indian Larry tribute model by INDIAN MOTORCYCLES idea out on the (VOG forum) the largest online forum for Victory and Indian and got ‘all’ positive responses.
MAGNAMOUS PEREWITZ SHOW UPDATE— This thing is really taking off and we will keep you up to date with additional information as it becomes available.
Sponsored by PPG PAINTS, the PEREWITZ CUSTOM PAINT SHOW is going to be featured at the exclusive Pavilion at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach on Wednesday March 11, 2015. Registration will be held from 11AM-1PM on the day of the show and awards will be presented at 5.
The show is open to any custom painted motorcycle or trike with a wide variety of classes based on type and style paint. And most importantly, a select team of custom painters will JUDGE ON PAINT ONLY!! That’s a biggie as it opens the door to, well you can imagine.
Awards? Big Time! Best of show walks off with a cool $500 cash and a custom, one-of-kind Perewitz painted trophy. 2nd place picks up $300 cash and sponsor supplied prize and 3rd pockets $100. And that ain’t all. There will be a ton of prizes with an estimated value in the thousands to be presented randomly throughout the event.
As word gets out about this first of its kind of event, the number of entries and sponsors is certain to explode. So, don’t miss out. Give Dave a call at 508-697-3595 and get your foot in the door early. You can also email Jody Perewitz direct at: jody@perewitz.com
OOPS, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
Amber, the Most Delicious GOB
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12065
Agree with rik, same girl and same bike.
–EWOK
Mukilteo, WA
Okay, we fired the model and the bike and replaced her lovely self with Britt who I immediately started to chase, so she quickly left Florida for St. Johns in the US Virgin Islands. What the hell?–Bandit
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASS–Where you live makes a difference.
You may have heard on the news about a Southern California man who was put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned 100 guns and allegedly had 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in his home. The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.
By Southern California standards, someone owning 100,000 rounds is considered “mentally unstable.”
In Michigan, he’d be called “The last white guy still living in Detroit.”
In Arizona, he’d be called “an avid gun collector.”
In Arkansas, he’d be called “a novice gun collector.”
In Utah, he’d be called “moderately well prepared,” but they’d probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.”
In Kansas, he’d be “A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend.”
In Montana, he’d be called “The neighborhood ‘Go-To’ guy.”
In Idaho, he’d be called, “a likely gubernatorial candidate.”
In Georgia, he’d be called “an eligible bachelor.”
In North Carolina, Virginia, W.Va., Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina he would be called “a deer hunting buddy.”
And in Texas: he’d just be “Bubba, who’s a little short on ammo.”
–Kelly Dube’
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE BRITT FILES–Here is another with my girl Britt, on East coast Bikeworks chopper “Northern Bad Ass.” I shot this in South Philly, down near the Port of Philadelphia.
–JACK MCINTYRE
Co-Supreme Editor Bikernet Baggers
BACK TO THE GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW JUDGING CONTROVERSY–As far as I’m concerned….This is SO BOGUS !!!! They’ve turned this show into a FARCE.
I ask you WHAT is NEW or DIFFERENT about this car ?
The quality and “Freshness” of the other contenders was far beyond what this repetitious 30 year old atypical Alloway-Style car is !!!!!!
Remember, this is just MY opinion…..but I don’t think I’m alone.
–El Waggs
JUST THE FACTS–Obama’s EPA breaks pledge to divorce politics from science on toxic chemicals–In his first inaugural address, between promising to fix the economy and lower the cost of health care, President Barack Obama made this pledge:
“We’ll restore science to its rightful place.”
It might sound arcane as a presidential priority, but it was a big deal at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Political interference from the Bush White House had delayed or derailed dozens of the EPA’s findings on potential health risks posed by toxic chemicals.
Some of those findings applied to chemicals to which all of us are exposed. Formaldehyde is in our kitchen cabinets and carpet. Arsenic is in our drinking water and rice. EPA scientists had determined that both of these carcinogens were more deadly than previously thought. Yet, officially, the agency remains unable to say so or to do anything about it.
On her first day on the job, Lisa Jackson, the new EPA administrator, sent employees a memo echoing the president’s promise to divorce politics from science. The agency has said it needs to assess 50 chemicals a year to do its job properly. Yet in the Bush years it was averaging only five assessments a year. Jackson quickly rolled out a plan to break through the logjam.
The plan seemed easily achievable. It required no congressional approval and involved tweaking the inner workings of bureaucracy. Republicans never passed any legislation to block it.
Yet the Obama administration’s plan has been a failure. In the past three years, the EPA has assessed fewer chemicals than ever. Last year, it completed only one assessment. Today, the agency has even embraced measures sought by the chemical industry that have led to endless delays.
“Of late, the administration has displayed a disturbing tendency to retreat in the face of a blistering and self-serving industry campaign to stifle this vital program once and for all,” said Rena Steinzor, a University of Maryland law professor who closely follows the EPA’s chemical assessment program.
The story of how this happened is a lesson in how Washington works.
–David Heath, Center for Public Integrity
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Justifiable Use of Deadly Force–The Code of the West
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12085
Great article, I have a CCW Lic and carry a Glock 36 daily. Really good information for those who don’t know, carrying a weapon comes with great responsibility and should not be taken lightly.
Weekly practice is a must for those who carry. Get as much training as you can with someone who is an expert. There’s lots of good instructors in California and Nevada.
— Houston Thad Cranford
Clinton, LA
UNCLE MONKEY ON THE JOY OF LEARNING—
There is a certain satisfaction learning a new skill. Maybe it was from growing up on a farm outside of Mossbank, but I learned to be self-sufficient as much as possible.
Any service call out to the countryside was expensive even for the most basic of calls, so we had to learn how to repair things on our own. Learn how things came apart, how they could be fixed, how they go back together. It meant knowing where to buy things, where to buy things when the nearest proper store was a couple hours away.
John Deere is a surprising good source for older Harley’s. They may cock their eyebrow at you but if you know what you are looking for, there is a good chance they will have it.
It meant learning and accumulating new skills, and trades along the way. Lots of time things would be straight forward, sometimes trial and error (only if it was safe too). I would follow the occasional trades person, soaking up everything I could like a sponge. It has made me into a jack-of-all-trades. Sure there are a few things that I’m not very good at like changing fork seals but there are lots of things I’ve mastered.
This weekend I learnt a new skill. When a part finally wore out I bought a new one and quickly changed it out. But it is with the worn out one that I learned how it came apart, how it worked, how it was suppose to work, what failed, what could be changed, and what couldn’t. It sent me on a journey as I pulled apart the next one to see if it too was near failure. Luckily it wasn’t but it let me customize, change it up, so it will be truly unique.
What took an hour the first time I can now accomplish in less than five minutes. It means that I can cross another service need off the wall, one less service call in the future. What would have been a $1000 bill I accomplished for less than $10 and a lazy Sunday afternoon. It is a skill I may only use a few more times in my life but it means when the times comes I’ll be ready to teach it a lesson.
-bad Uncle Monkey
NEW FROM THE Bikernet Event Calendar
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/calendar.aspx
Do you have a Great Bike Event you would like to share with others?
Want to get your Bike Event advertised?
Or just want to share one of your favorite events or meets?
Just go to http://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/calendar.aspx and follow the instructions:
Would you like to submit an event? Click Here!
Want to know about events throughout the United States? Well then here is your page!!
Submissions show up here on the Event Calendar page.
Here is one for all the Colorado Riders!
37th Annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo
1/31/2015 to 2/1/2015
Denver, CO – National Western Complex
Saturday, January 31, 2015 to Sunday, February 01, 2015 – 9:00:00 AM to 7:00:00 PM
The Colorado Motorcycle Expo is one of the largest motorcycle events in the country. It’s also one of the few great authentic shows left for real bikers!
It features:
(i) the country’s largest indoor Motorcycle Swap Meet with over 800 booths,
(ii) a Custom & Antique Motorcycle Show with 125 Bikes,
(iii) the Miss CME Wet T Shirt Contest,
(iv) Live Music, onsite tattooing, and 20,000 of the greatest people you’d ever want to meet!
This event occupies over 300,000 sq ft of indoor space. It’s THE motorcycle social event of the winter, so don’t miss it! Sat 9-7 Sun 9-4 One Day Pass $15; Weekend pass $20 www.ColoradoMotorcycleExpo.com
— Chris “Mistress” Kranzler
Women’s Editor and Internet Content Coordinator
BIKERNET QUOTE OF THE WEEK–“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.”
–Dwight D. Eisenhower
–from Rogue and Jerry
SENIOR BIKERNET TECH EDITOR FLORIDA DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATION—
I have decided I am going to try and ride my Twin Cam Bagger to every Harley-Davidson dealership in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Besides it will be a cool thing to do, my lady “DMac” aka Diane MacLennan has just accepted a position with Global Products – a dealer- exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Harley- Davidson official licensed headwear, giftware, and collectibles. She will supply the dealerships in these areas with a line of products this company makes.
Her plan is to ride her motorcycle to these dealerships and she invited me to go with her. It will give me an opportunity to ride, spend time with her, get photos of all the dealerships, oh and collect a Poker Chip from each dealer.
Not sure where all this is going, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If you want to know more about Global Products I suggest you start with their website http://gpii.com/
The company also has a different division that makes promotional product for businesses other than Harley-Davidson.
–Rogue
TROOPER BACKPACK
The Trooper was designed for, well, anything and everything you can imagine. It’s big. It’s tough. It’s perfect. Of course, it includes interior and exterior pockets, tie-downs, the expected fittings and adjustments, a special laptop / tablet pocket and hydration compatible. Not to mention, a place for first aid, a place for goggles and the ability to secure your helmet to the back. You’re going to quit before the trooper even gets close.
•PVC backed, micro-weave 600-denier construction with double-needle seams
•Four-way adjustable butterfly harness ensures security and a proper fit
•Designed to fit with a neck protector of roost guard and can be used in conjunction with American Kargo hydration systems
•Retroflect material provides additional visibility in less than optimal riding conditions
•Includes optics pocket storage pocket, internal mesh pockets, TSA lock-compatible side compartment and 15” padded laptop storage
•Easy overhead removal when releasing lower buckles
•Waist straps can be stored at the bottom of the harness
•Complete with Y-zip format, audio routing, storage tie-down points, helmet cargo net, over-sized zipper pulls and space for tool storage
•Can be used with optional Trooper rain cover (Sold Separately)
•Measures 22” H x 14” W x 10” D
noun
1. navigation or trade along the coast.
Quotes
Origin
Cabotage entered English in the 1820s. It is derived from the French word caboter, meaning “to sail coastwise.”
THE WEEKLY HUPY/ABRAHAM LAW FILE–Loophole or Loopy?
•Primary enforcement of seat belt laws
•All rider motorcycle helmet laws in every state
•Booster seats for ages 4-7
•Graduated driver licensing
•Ignition interlock devices (IID) for anyone convicted of DUI
•All driver text message restrictions
One of the states singled out as among the worst is Iowa. Advocates site the fact that Iowa is one of only three states with no helmet law, no requirement for rear seat belts and no age 18 requirement for an unrestricted driver’s license. Iowa Representative Josh Bymes, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said there is legislation pending which would require hands-free devices in cars and he expects an ignition interlock bill to be offered also. There has been little to no interest in authoring a mandatory helmet law in Iowa.
Although there were 51 fatal motorcycle crashes in Iowa in 2014, up from 41 in 2013, the ten-year average number of motorcycle fatalities is 50– no significant change over that time period. Meanwhile, motorcycle registrations in Iowa have increased by 25 percent since 2005.
Michigan recently repealed it mandatory helmet law for adults, and although the numbers are not in yet, preliminary reports suggest the fatality rate in that state is down and nowhere near the doom and gloom figures helmet advocates have been predicting.
Despite claims by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that helmets reduce the chance of fatal injury by 37 percent, and the fact that the General Accountability Office (GAO) reported that laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven to be effective in reducing fatalities, ten states attempted to repeal their existing mandatory helmet law.
Although all ten attempts were unsuccessful, it shows there is a constant resistance to these types of laws which take personal-decision making out of the hands of people.
Riders insist that rider education and public awareness campaigns are the best way to avoid crashes, which in turn are the best ways to reduce injury and fatalities.
That strategy has an uphill battle, even more now with states cutting or borrowing from motorcycle safety program monies. This year, Michigan is cutting its state motorcycle safety program by 6 percent.
Several states facing major changes in their rider course programs, along with the proliferation of three-wheeled vehicles (whether considered motorcycles or auto-cycles), are presenting a new problem in rider education.
The challenge in 2015 will be balancing highway safety and education programs with the increased call for stronger legislation and enforcement practices.
–By Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Or you can read more articles of interest to bikers here: http://www.hupy.com/news/current-news-for-bikers/
BIKERNET POLICE INVESTIGATION OF THE WEEK--Family finds massive pot stash in 13-year-old van.
(KOB) A family in Alamogordo, New Mexico made a shocking discovery over the weekend when they went to repair a door in their van. Inside the door panel they found 13.5 pounds of marijuana.
Melodie Peil, a mother of seven, has been driving her kids around in the van for 13 years not knowing all that pot was inside the whole time.
“I think it’s just crazy to think that we’ve been driving around our whole life with this and didn’t even know,” said Anderson.
A family friend found the marijuana on Friday when he was replacing a door handle.
“When I first pulled out the brick, it was a two-pound brick,” said Bryan Reyes. “I was like, ‘Holy cow,’ so I put it on the chair and I looked and there was like six more bricks. I was like, ‘This is a lot of marijuana.'”
Police believe the marijuana is at least 15-years old.
“We pulled it out of the door it was packed so hard, like a brick and it was wrapped maybe 10-12 times with saran wrap,” said Melodie Peil.
Kayleigh has ridden in the van since she was 3-years-old. In fact, on the window it says ‘Mom’s taxi.’
The family van has been shuttling around kids for years.
“I’m surprised we never smelled anything,” said Anderson. “The cops even asked them, they were like, ‘you guys never smelled it, never even noticed?’ And never – we’ve never smelled it at all.”
New Mexico authorities never suspected anything either. The family says they’ve driven through border patrol checkpoints at least ten times.
The family bought the van from a used car lot in Alamogordo in 2001. Police say due to holes in the back doors, the car was likely searched for drugs before the family bought it.
They think police must have missed the passenger door when searching.
Police believe there is likely more marijuana hidden in the van.
–WFLA.com
–from Rogue
S&S TO ANNOUNCE NEW PRODUCT LINE IN CINCINNATI AT THE V-TWIN EXPO—
Here is the newest S&S video…just came out on Youtube today. Talks about their history in engine building.
–Ken Conte
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
The 2015 Easyriders Bike Show Tour Continues
Enter your bike for free at the Easyriders Bike Show in Charlotte, NC this Saturday.
EXCITING NEW CLASSES & CUSTOM TROPHIES!
– Basic 5′ x 10′ Display space is FREE!!!
– Space upgrades are available with additional fees.
– All competitors must pay standard entry fee for the show date(s).
– First 50 competitors to pre-register will receive a commemorative bike show mug.
The competition has been streamlined this year – all bikes will be voted on by the public as well as the judges. The Editors of Easyriders magazine will choose the winners in the event of a tie in any category.
Bike space is going to sell out fast. Book your spot and get more details by hitting the banner at the end of this story.
Justifiable Use of Deadly Force–The Code of the West
What protections are we afforded if we use deadly force? By Tony San Felipo
What about us, as citizens? What protections are we afforded if we use deadly force? It’s widely accepted across the country that you have a right to defend yourself, using lethal force if necessary. Determining the justification of lethal force comes down to the “reasonable man” doctrine. In other words, what force would a reasonable man use if faced with the same situation as you?
NCOM Coast To Coast Biker News for January 2015
Anti-profiling, MSF news, motorcycle injuries, market expanding, motorcycle only checkpoints, ethanol study and weird news.
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to
Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
MINNESOTA ANTI-PROFILING MEASURE INTRODUCED A proposed anti-profiling bill before the Minnesota House would create rules to reduce perceived
Once drafted, law enforcement agencies would then have to train every officer and verify that with the state.
From BAGGERS we bring you:
Johnny Mac’s Chopper House — Project Street Glide — Part 1
It all starts with a Fender. By Jack Mcintyre.
At Johnny Mac’s Chopper House, we specialize in ground up Bobbers to Bagger conversions. In the Philadelphia area, we are known for our charity builds and raffles.
Customs motorcycles such as our “Hunger Strike” bike was built and painted by Franny Drummond of Paint Zoo, and taken all around the Tri-state area for the sale of ten dollar raffle tickets. In the end, we chose a winner and a large check was handed to Philadundance, a Philadelphia based charity that feeds those in need.
Following that was another terrific build for Tony Luke, a local popular chef and TV personality which provided scholarships for students. After each build, FOX NEWS has us to the studio on Philadelphia to discuss the builds, how to obtain tickets, and so on as seen below.
From TRIKES we bring you:
TRIKING VIKING TEMPLE TOUR Part 1
On a 2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, Triking Viking & Christina.
Over Singapore Slings at the Buddha Bar a lively discussion ensued about the many spectacular Hindu and Buddhist temples that dot Los Angeles and vicinity. The intoxicating topic (and strong drinks) got us all monked-up which inspired this Triking Viking to take a trek on my trike to see these shrines. Turns out there are some 50 such sanctuaries in Southern California, so with zen in hand my Norwegian sidekick,
Christina and I hit the road. The Hsi Lai Temple, located Hacienda Heights was our first stop.
WIILLIAM SHATNER COMMISSIONS SPACE AGE TRIKE
Threedom: The final frontier, by Triking Viking.
Threedom: The final frontier.
“These are the rides of the Trike Rivet. Its Three-year mission: to explore new roads; to seek out strange TRIals and TRIbulations; to boldly ride what no man has ridden before.” James TRI-berius Kirk
In a bold move that only Captain Kirk himself could justify, William Shatner has started a company that creates custom futuristic steampunk motorcycles. Shatner posted a link to the new company’s website on his Facebook page. “Excited about my partnership with American Wrench in forming Rivet Motors,” the post reads. “This is the cycle of the
future.” Perhaps he missed the memo about the Polaris Slingshot or one of the most amazing trikes on planet earth built by “The Frogman”: Tim Cotterill (See Video). The companies Logo for the Rivet is a frog but frogs cant make sounds like “Rivet”. They would need teeth to make a “V” sound. Maybe Bill plans to install a croaking device to avoid speeding tickets or it’s some twisted reference to the Star Trek Muppets
…somebody is out of their Vulcan mind here.
TRIKING VIKING TEMPLE TOUR Part 2
Reincarnation is making a comeback at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Cultural Center, by Triking Viking.
A Leisurely ride down the backside of the Hsi Lai Buddhist temple on Hacienda Blvd intersects Lambert Road which turns into SR 142. Only a 22 mile ride on this sweeping two lane roadway, it weaves through gentle rolling hills. Passing an occasional home or farm, cows can be seen grazing lazily on the hillsides. Just past the 71 freeway was the
Triking Vikings next stop, the Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Chino Hills.
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass: Its about learning to
ride in the rain.”
Mistress Chris
Women’s Editor and Internet Content Coordinator
[page break]
Federal civil forfeiture reform introduced in U.S. House and Senate-–
Today, January 27, 2015, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., introduced the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act of 2015. The FAIR Act would correct serious defects in current federal civil forfeiture law that place enormous burdens on owners faced with the loss of their property while permitting law enforcement officials to profit from forfeiture. The bill is introduced in the wake of growing criticism and outrage about the government’s civil forfeiture practices.
“The FAIR Act would provide essential protections for innocent property owners who have for decades lost their cash, cars, homes and other property without being convicted of or even charged with a crime,” said Scott Bullock, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, the nation’s leading legal advocate against civil forfeiture. “This legislation would also go a long way toward stopping the perverse practice of policing for profit, where for the past 30 years federal law enforcement officials have been able to keep for their own use the property they seize and forfeit from Americans.”
“The federal government has made it far too easy for government agencies to take and profit from the property of those who have not been convicted of a crime. The FAIR Act will ensure that government agencies no longer profit from taking the property of U.S. citizens without due process, while maintaining the ability of courts to order the surrender of proceeds of crime,” Sen. Paul said today.
Under federal civil forfeiture laws, law enforcement agencies can forfeit property merely suspected of involvement in criminal activity. Unlike criminal forfeiture, however, civil forfeiture allows the government to permanently seize and keep property without charging—let alone convicting—anyone of a crime. The FAIR Act would enact simple, commonsense but urgently needed changes to federal civil forfeiture law.
The FAIR Act would curb the profit incentive by prohibiting the Department of Justice from retaining seized assets for its own use. Property forfeited by the DOJ would have to go to the General Fund of the Treasury. That was where forfeited property and funds were sent before the law was changed in 1985. Since the profit incentive was put into the law, forfeiture revenue—and abuses—have skyrocketed.
The bill would abolish the equitable sharing program for civil forfeiture, which allows local and state law enforcement agencies to circumvent stronger state restrictions by teaming up with federal agencies to pursue forfeitures under more lucrative federal law. It would require the government to prove property is subject to forfeiture by “clear and convincing” evidence, instead of a mere “preponderance of the evidence” which is currently required. It would restore the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” by shifting the burden from the property owner to the government to prove that the owner had knowledge that his property was used in criminal activity.
The FAIR Act would provide indigent property owners with appointed counsel in civil forfeiture proceedings. It protects innocent small business owners by codifying the new IRS policy limiting prosecution of “structuring” cases to those involving funds not derived from a legitimate source. Anti-structuring laws were aimed at catching serious criminals who made frequent, small cash transactions to avoid bank reports to the U.S. Treasury concerning large cash transactions. Increasingly, those laws have been used to take money from innocent small businesses who deal with a lot of cash.
The FAIR Act would insert a criminal intent requirement that individuals knowingly “structured” their cash transactions for the purpose of evading currency reporting requirements. It includes a hearing requirement to allow individuals and small business owners a prompt opportunity to contest the seizure of their funds for alleged structuring violations.
–from Rogue
ULTIMATE BUILDER SHOW RESULTS FROM DALLAS ON BIKERNET RIGHT NOW-–
I just posted the J&P Ultimate Builder Bike Show- Dallas, Texas and here is the link for the Bikernet Weekly News:
— Chris “Mistress” Kranzler
Women’s Editor and Internet Content Coordinator
CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT COMING FOR YOUR GUNS—We’ve heard rumors of such activities, but they hit one of our own. A member of the staff had a conviction and was not allowed a gun for 15 years. That was 25 years ago and his record is clean, but suddenly black and whites have been harassing his work, his relatives, and associates in the search for one pistol.
But, as usual, there’s a way around this. He can sell his gun through a shop or to a friend. So, he’s going to sell it to his brother to avoid any more harassment.
–Bandit
.jpg)
Biker’s Choice expands Florida and Pennsylvania warehouses–AS part of their “ongoing initiatives to increase our service commitment to our V-twin market dealers, Biker’s Choice has expanded the size of its Florida distribution center by 80,000 square feet, and invested more than $3 million to equip it with a state-of-the-art high-density pick module for faster order fulfillment”, said Biker’s Choice Brand Manager and product specialist Aaron Whitney.
“We are also nearly doubling the size of our Pennsylvania operation by relocating some two miles from our existing facility near Scranton, PA, to a new 280,000 plus distribution center with state of the art technology.
“We’re extremely excited about these developments. The new facilities provide dealers in the Southeast and Northeast with double the number of brands previously available in their one-day shipping zone,” said Dan Courtney, President of Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice.
The company also exports products to international distributors and dealers, offering dealers access to a program that is said to number over 100,000 products for street, custom, touring and off-road motorcycles, and vehicles of all kinds.
It has exclusive distribution rights to many well-known powersports brands that sell in the v-twin market, such as BikeMaster, ProTaper, Firstgear, Speed and Strength, River Road and Twin Power, the popular and fast growing specialty Biker’s Choice brand of service products, hard parts and accessories for the custom v-twin industry.
THE ULTIMATE LEATHER JACKET FROM 5-BALL RACING, THE IKE—
Five-Pocket Buffalo Leather jacket — Features two chest pockets and two waist pockets, snap down collar and one inside massive gun pocket.
Classical styling.
The IKE is Boot Tough & Rattlesnake Slick –
–Jeffrey Najar, Partner
Biker Pros
c. 919-450-5060
Introducing the Love Jugs Cool-Master BLACKS – Makes Your Harley Super Cool!–
The Love Jugs Cool-Master, the most popular selling model Harley-Davidson cooling system from Hammerhead Engineering, manufacturers of the Original Love Jugs, is now available in two new finishes – Gloss Black and Matte Black.
The new Cool-Master colors are a direct result from customers wanting something to complement their custom machine’s blacked out style as well as those riding newer Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Models. The Love Jugs Cool-Master is the World’s Most Powerful Cooling System for Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines. It has a number of innovations that helps Harley owners cool down the heat coming from their bike.
V-Twin air cooled engines can approach 500 degrees in stop and go traffic. This kind of excessive heat can ruin your riding day, making both the rider and passenger uncomfortable to the point of being painful. Super heat like this can destroy the lubricating capabilities of your engine oil and damage your power plant.
The only way to cool things down is to consistently run a powerful stream of air across the engine’s cooling fins. All Love Jugs models, including the new Black Cool-Master models, utilize a unique patented dual fan cooling system that delivers more cooling air that any other product on the market.
Gloss Black
The new Gloss Black and Matte Black Love Jugs Cool-Masters offers a number of new product design features that are sure to appeal to many Harley riders:
* The heat treated black powder coating is applied on top of the highly polished stainless steel components making sure the final finish is super smooth and consistent and blends in well with other blacked out engine components.
* The solid sleek face gives each fan unit a finished custom look that’s at home on a $100,000 custom bagger or 25 year old Electra Glide.
* Recessed switches on the face of each fan motor are easy to use and the smooth outer band on the fan motor cover gives it a cool custom compact look.
And, the Cool-Master utilizes new compact fan motors deliver the most cooling air (CFM) ever offered in a Harley engine cooling system. The smaller size fans, coupled with the new compact styling are sure to appeal to many enthusiasts concerned keeping cool and looking cool.
The Cool-Master is simple to install, looks like it is an original OEM part from the factory and it is priced much, much lower than you would expect to pay. The introductory price of the new Gloss Black and Matte Black Love Jugs Cool-Master is $429, and is available now on the company web site. All Love Jugs products are shipped FREE via Priority mail in the US within 24 hours (except weekends) which normally arrives in two days.
The Cool-Master also comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee and a full One Year Warranty. Its unique patented design looks as great as it works. Get ready to really enjoy your ride – Use Love Jugs Cool-Master to make your Harley Super COOL!
The Love Jugs Black Cool-Master is available at Love Jugs Authorized Dealers and on the company website. For more information, please contact: Hammerhead Engineering CEO Steve West at info@love-jugs.com or visit the web site: www.love-jugs.com. Dealers and Distributors are invited to inquire.
–Skip Johnson
V-Twin Marketing-Digital POWER Media
Skip@digitalpowermedia.com
www.vtwinreport.com
www.digitalpowermedia.com
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR HEADING TO KOREA— First leg of about 12 hrs done, 6500 miles. Free wifi with no password even. On my way to the big Burapa MC motorcycle show of 20-30 thousand people. A week of parties and activities.
First time on Korean airlines and first time on the A380 biggest passenger plane flying. Can hold 800 passengers if set up that way. Best flight experience ever in coach. Seat and knee room bigger. Techie mood lighting. Digital faucets in bath. Isles wider. Quiet and smooth at 560 mph cruising.
They have a duty free store in the back that should be a standup bar.
Never saw people leave a plane messier. Worse than 16 innings at Doger stadium. Seemed to be mostly Korean passengers on a full flight.
So, I saw 4 or 5 movies on the largest seat screen yet. Interactive touch. Great feature is that you can start watching movies as soon as you sit down. All other airlines make you wait until after takeoff.
Two very good meals of low calorie choice. Grilled chicken with a nice array of grilled veggies. Later poached salmon on risotto. Salad and fruit with both. Of course all drinks are free so a couple of beers peanuts and wine during the movies. Get up and walk around a few times. Got a very short nap and soon it was wheels down
Three-hour layover gave me time to do all my email. Big modern airport with lots of shopping like big brand names and a 10 oz box of 24 Godiva chocolate for $50-$60. The bargain meal was a $4 subway sandwich. Too bad I am not hungry, plus another full meal is coming on the next leg of 6 hours.
Did I mention how messy the plane was? Unbelievable, to no fault of the attractive staff which were very attentive and always available.
–Art Hall
STILL IN THE INTERNATIONAL MODE–Moscow Custom & Tuning Show, February 20th – 22nd
THIS year’s Moscow Custom & Tuning Show is being staged at the 12th annual Moto Park Expo, the leading annual motorcycle show in Russia, at Moscow’s IEC “Crocus Expo” facility.
It will again be co-joined with the Moscow Custom & Tuning Show 2015, which features an AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building affiliate custom bike show, the winners of which will be seen in competition at the next AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building.
Moto Park regularly sees some 100 exhibitors and close to 80,000 visitors. Many of the leading manufacturers are represented at Moto Park, and these have included Harley-Davidson, Polaris (Victory and Indian), Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Triumph and Peugeot.
While political and economic considerations have caused the international motorcycle parts and accessory industry to eye the opportunities in the Russian market with caution, at this time, motorcycle sales are still growing in Russia, even though that growth is slowing and is expected to flatten out in the next three years.
Having been selling in the region of 100 to 300 units a year until the past couple of years, it is thought that Harley is hoping to ship around 1,000 units to Russia this year as the company is now reported to have grown its network to some eight dealerships, with more planned.
In 2013 the Russian motorcycle market is said to have had total revenues of $1.4bn and to have grown by over 40 percent since 2009; however, that rate of growth is thought to have slowed, with growth set to average something in the region of 4 percent a year between now and 2018.
Estimates of annual motorcycle unit sales and of the total market size in Russia are hard to come by, and vary wildly.
However, data from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat – www.gks.ru) suggests that annual unit sales in Russia were around 203,000 in 2010, up from around 77,000 in 2005, or thereabouts. Other sources suggest that around 70 percent of new model sales in Russia are of low-cost Chinese vehicle imports.
Russian market research specialist AutoStat (www.autostat.ru) reports that at the end of 2012 there were some 2.5 million motorcycles in total ownership/use in Russia (the ‘bike park’) – which is five percent of the 47.9 million total vehicles in use there; the total population of Russia is around 144 million, of which 110 million are thought to be of riding age.
By way of comparison, this means that an estimated 2 percent of Russia’s riding age population have a motorcycle of some kind, whereas in 27 member states of the European Union the figure runs at something closer to 10 percent (35 million PTWs among a riding age population of approximately 380 million).
–DealerWorld and AMD
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DELIVERS STRONG FULL-YEAR 2014 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE–Diluted EPS Rises 18.3 Percent on 5.6 Percent Revenue Growth
Retail Motorcycle Sales Grow Worldwide On Strength in International Markets
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) full-year 2014 diluted earnings per share increased 18.3 percent to $3.88 compared to diluted EPS of $3.28 in 2013. Net income was $844.6 million on consolidated revenue of $6.23 billion compared to full-year 2013 net income of $734.0 million on consolidated revenue of $5.90 billion. For the fourth quarter of 2014, diluted EPS increased 2.9 percent year-over-year to $0.35. Fourth quarter net income was $74.5 million on consolidated revenue of $1.20 billion compared to net income of $75.4 million on consolidated revenue of $1.19 billion in the year-ago period.
Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 2.7 percent for the full year compared to the year-ago periods, driven by strong international sales – up 9.2 percent in the fourth quarter and 5.4 percent for the full year.
“Harley-Davidson achieved a great year of financial performance in 2014, with double-digit earnings growth, revenue topping $6 billion and continued strong improvement in margins,” said Keith Wandell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
“We also continued to broaden our customer base and expand the reach of our brand through unrivaled products and experiences. In international markets, our dealers in Asia Pacific, EMEA and Latin America posted their highest new motorcycle sales on record for each region, delivering on our expectation for international sales to grow at a faster rate than U.S. sales. And in the U.S., for the third straight year, sales to our outreach customers grew at more than twice the rate of sales to core customers.”
“Our success is the result of a clear focus on managing the company for the long term, building on our well-established strategies and driving continuous improvement in every aspect of our business,” Wandell said.
Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales
Dealers worldwide sold 47,149 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the fourth quarter of 2014, up 2.8 percent compared to 45,875 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,957 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the quarter, down 1.6 percent compared to sales of 27,387 motorcycles in the year-ago period. In international markets, dealers sold 20,192 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the quarter, up 9.2 percent compared to sales of 18,488 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with unit sales up 14.2 percent in the Asia Pacific region, 8.7 percent in the EMEA region and 4.7 percent in the Latin America region, and down 5.7 percent in Canada.
For the full year 2014, dealers sold 267,999 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, up 2.7 percent compared to 260,839 motorcycles in 2013. Retail unit sales were up 1.3 percent in the U.S., 11.8 percent in the Asia Pacific region, 6.4 percent in the EMEA region, 2.1 percent in the Latin America region and down 10.8 percent in Canada compared to full-year 2013.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Results
Fourth-Quarter Results: Operating income for the Motorcycles and Related Products segment (the Motorcycles segment) was $35.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to operating income of $60.7 million in the year-ago period. Operating income in the quarter was primarily impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.
Revenue from sales of motorcycles to dealers and distributors increased to $784.5 million, compared to revenue of $781.8 million in the year-ago period. The Company shipped 47,157 motorcycles worldwide during the quarter compared to shipments of 46,618 motorcycles in the year-ago period.
Revenue from motorcycle parts and accessories was $165.6 million during the quarter compared to $169.3 million the year-ago period. Revenue from general merchandise, which includes MotorClothes? apparel and accessories, was $75.0 million compared to $75.9 million in the year-ago period.
Gross margin for the Motorcycles segment was 30.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 31.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013. Fourth-quarter operating margin for the Motorcycles segment was 3.5 percent compared to operating margin of 5.9 percent in last year’s fourth quarter.
Twelve-Month Results: For the full year 2014, the Company shipped 270,726 motorcycles to dealers and distributors, a 3.9 percent increase compared to 2013 and in line with guidance. Full-year revenue from motorcycles was $4.39 billion compared to $4.07 billion in the year-ago period. Revenue from parts and accessories was $875.0 million compared to $873.1 million in 2013. Revenue from general merchandise was $284.8 million compared to $295.9 million in the prior year. Full-year gross margin for the Motorcycles segment was 36.4 percent, and operating margin was 18.0 percent compared to 35.4 percent and 16.6 percent respectively in 2013.
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPENS THE BLONDE WING–A young ventriloquist was touring Sweden and, one night, he was doing a show in a small fishing town. With his dummy on his knee, he started going through some of his standard dumb blonde jokes.
Suddenly, a blonde woman in the fourth row stood on her chair and started shouting: “I’ve heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype Swedish blonde women that way? What does the color of a woman’s hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It’s men like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community, and from reaching our full potential as people. It’s people like you who make others think that all blondes are dumb! You and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against, not only blondes, but women in general; pathetically, all in the name of humour!”
The stunned ventriloquist started to apologize, but the blonde interrupted and screamed: ” You stay out of this! I’m talking to that little shit sitting on your lap.”
–Rogue and Jerry
BIKERNET EMBRACES THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE— It is glad to send to e-mail to introduce HONGYUMOTOR to you.
Our company located in zhejiang province,taizhou city.We exports gy6 engine 50cc,80cc,100cc,125cc,150cc to all the world for scooters.
We still have parts for most Chinese scooters.
Our company website below:
Please kindly directly reply mails to: roy@hongyumotor.com
–Roy huang
ANTI-GUN NUT BULLSHIT—
LaRue Tactical, manufacturer of precision rifles, optics mounts, and other rifle accessories, is well-known for their bumper stickers saying, “God Bless Our Troops, Especially Our Snipers.”
That’s because LaRue understands that military snipers place themselves at immense risk to protect the rest of our troops. This has included–during the Global War on Terror–making it dangerous for adversaries to try to hide improvised explosive devices and mines along our troops’ lines of travel when a disciplined, highly-trained man behind a telescopically-equipped rifle is watching.
Many other Americans apparently understand this as well. American Sniper, Clint Eastwood’s new movie about Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (who holds the record for the confirmed number of enemy personnel killed), is setting box office records and has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Unfortunately, some Americans don’t appreciate the sacrifice and service of brave warriors like Chris Kyle. One such person is Michael Moore.
You’ll recall that, in 2002, Moore disparaged America generally and the NRA in particularin his movie, Bowling for Columbine. This week, he demonstrated that NRA members aren’t the only armed Americans he despises by marking the release of American Sniper with a tweet suggesting that Kyle and other snipers are “cowards,” adding, “Snipers aren’t heroes. And invaders r worse.”
To make sure people knew who he meant by “invaders,” Moore continued, “if you’re on the roof of your home defending it from invaders who’ve come 7K miles [roughly the distance from the U.S.A. to Afghanistan or Iraq], you are not a sniper, u are brave, u are a neighbor.”
Chief Petty Officer Kyle, who received, among other military awards, two Silver Stars and Five Bronze Stars with “V” for valor, died in 2013. Thus, even if he were inclined to have dignified Moore’s comments with a response, which is doubtful, he is unable to do so. Instead, Kyle is being defended, and Moore is being criticized, by Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer (USMC), former Army sniper Sgt. Nicholas Irving, Kid Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Laura Ingraham and many others from varying walks of American life. Sgt. Irving, apparently taking Moore’s “neighbor” comment at face value, even suggested that Moore be airlifted to Afghanistan to see those neighbors for himself.
NRA members can be proudly counted among the millions of Americans who are grateful for CPO Kyle’s service to our country, and who will never allow our country to devolve into anything of which the likes of Michael Moore would approve.
–NRA
2015 STARTED WITH A BANG—I don’t know if you agree, but we’re scrambling and shit is flying fast and furious. Hardly a minute to breathe. Hell, it’s SuperBowl weekend, then the V-Twin Expo next week.
I have three deadlines in between. I need to work on my mudflab girl FXR and write another story about my 2014 Indian Chief, with Aeromach components. We are working with D&D on Indian tuning and perhaps a 2-into-1 exhaust system.
I have a CV carb to rebuild. Plus, I’m starting to modify my 1940 Bonne Belle for Bonneville this year. I ordered another fender from the team at Bare Knuckle Choppers. If you are in need of a strong custom fender, don’t hesitate. But it’s important to call and speak to Nichole. One lousy fender takes tremendous thought, consideration and planning.
Making something designed to cover most of the wheel is a trick. Here’s a quick list of some of the considerations: The chain, the sprocket, brake rotor, tire size now and in the future, chain adjustment, mounting, seat, aerodynamics, tire width, tire diameter, fender arch, and the list continues.
I found George Fleming, the young artist, and he’s working on some Cantina characters like Speede Shift.
Nothing slows down, and we never stop. Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
