Hey,
I’m more excited than I have been in awhile about a couple of things. Life is just so fuckin’ interesting. You can bang along, but if you keep your eyes and mind open, answers will come.
I’ve been concerned about Bikernet’s growth for a couple of years. I’ve researched, drawn on the knowledge of consultants, and tried various programs. I’ve also worked closely with our Web master in Columbus, Ohio who disagreed with some of the suggestions I received. But according to Joe, Word Press is now up to speed to handle Bikernet. We are headed for a redesign, without losing our style, but more of an infrastructure make-over.
In the next two months we should be easier to navigate, to read, to find things and support our advertisers. I have one hard and fast content rule. We won’t run ads all over content, but we will make some ad spaces available at the bottom of content pages, which we have almost 20,000 pages available.
We will add advertising to Department pages, so our customers will be on 200 pages in addition to the home page. But, I’m most excited about how the Bikernet, Bikernet Baggers, and Bikernet Trikes will function. Hang on.
The other shift in thinking took place just the other day. I spoke to Ron Paugh about our streamlined trike effort, and he discussed the historic project with his manufacturing guy, Steve Massicote. They came back to me with a major, “Yes. We can handle it.”
I’m headed to Houston to pick up the pieces and deliver them to Carson City, Nevada post haste. We’re finally making serious progress.
Let’s hit the news. It’s full of surprises. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader, and ChopperTown.
BELL HELMETS SOLD– BRG Sports Reaches Agreement to Sell Action Sports Business to Vista Outdoor for $400 Million in Cash Plus an Earn-out
Market Leading Brands – Bell, Giro, Blackburn and C-Preme – Will Join Vista Outdoor’s Growing Outdoor Products Business
BRG Sports, Inc. (“BRG Sports” or “the Company”), a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Vista Outdoor, Inc. (“Vista Outdoor”) (NYSE: VSTO) under which Vista Outdoor will acquire the Action Sports business (including the Bell, Giro, Blackburn and C-Preme brands) for $400 million in cash plus an earn-out related to the future performance of the powersports business and subject to a customary working capital adjustment.
Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The divesture is expected to close in the next 30-60 days, subject to normal regulatory approvals.
“We are very proud of our employees and the strong cycling, snow and powersports business we’ve built. The Bell and Giro brands have set the standard for innovation and excellence for many years,” said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO Terry Lee. “We are confident that this business will continue to excel and serve as an industry leader under Vista Outdoor ownership.”
BRG Sports will apply the proceeds from the transaction to pay down debt, strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and pursue strategic growth initiatives that will benefit its most recognizable remaining brand, Riddell. Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment including helmets and shoulder pads, and apparel and related accessories.
BRG Sports’ current owners, Fenway Partners Capital Fund II and Fund III, and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, will maintain their investments in the Company.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as sole financial advisor, and Ropes & Gray, LLC acted as legal advisor to the Company in connection with the transaction.
More information is available at: www.brgsports.com.
–Erin Griffin
eegriffin@brgsports.com
WOMEN RIDERS TAKE TO THE HILLS– for Mountain Moxie
The Blue Ridge Mountains Provide the Backdrop for the East Coast’s Largest Women’s Motorcycling Conference
Little Switzerland, North Carolina (February 19, 2016) – North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains will lend their twisting roads and scenic vistas to the east coast’s largest women’s motorcycling conference as Moto Girl Café presents Mountain Moxie, May 6-8 in Little Switzerland, NC. Mountain Moxie is a three-day event dedicated to women who love motorcycling and the men who ride with them.
Mountain Moxie will feature presentations by the motorcycle industry’s leading women, and will include topics such as international travel, long distance riding, Iron Butt adventures, racing and track days, bike building and motorcycle-related careers. All presentations will be held at the Switzerland Inn and are scheduled during breakfast and dinner hours, leaving plenty of time each day open for small-group rides and area exploration. Maps are included and will guide riders through local mountain twisties and the Blue Ridge Parkway- featuring the famous Diamondback route!
Mountain Moxie offers a unique opportunity for riders and motorcycle enthusiasts to learn from women motorcycling experts and enthusiasts and to create and build new friendships and networking relationships with others who share a love of motorcycling.
Mountain Moxie is a female-focused event; however, men are welcome as paid guests of registered attendees.
In addition to presentations and group rides, motorcycle gear and service vendors and sponsors will be set up in the hotel lobby and parking lot. Breakout sessions will be available for special activities such as bike maintenance. Prize drawings will be held throughout the weekend, and every participant will go home with an event t-shirt and goodie bag full of motorcycling swag.
Mountain Moxie is presented by Moto Girl Café, LLC in collaboration with sponsors MotoMark1 and Worse for Wear, Moto Girl café is a business dedicated to women and motorcycling. Founder Robin Dail, an avid motorcyclist, participates in all aspects of motorcycling and features women through interviews and articles on the Moto Girl Café website and on social media. Moto Girl Café also has an online store with unique items for the passions of women who ride.
The cost to attend is $135 per person and includes three breakfasts (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), two dinners (Friday, Saturday), two unlimited wine/beer/cheese receptions (Friday, Saturday), all presentations during the event, local route maps, event T-shirt and goodie bag.
Feeling outrage and betrayed, Bob grabs his gun, goes into the bedroom, and without a word, shoots his wife. Moments later the guy gets a second text: “Really should use spell check! That should be ‘wifi’.”
Have a great day!
–from Rogue and Jerry
MOTHERWELL PRODUCTS IS NOW OFFERING ALL NEW— Four-Point detachable docking hardware for 2014-Up Touring Models.
http://www.motherwellproducts.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=830.
They are currently offered at $139.95 but until the end of the month Bikernet readers can use coupon code WRN4PT to receive 20% off.
Thanks
–Bre
7074 Portal Way #140
Ferndale WA 98248
Ph 360-366-2600
Fax 360-543-9096
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– No. 965 Starter Ring Gear Rivet Fixture Tool.
There are a couple issues that necessitate replacing the starter ring gear on Harley-Davidson Big Twins. Sometimes it’s to upgrade the ring and pinion gear combination for strength and other times it’s just to replace a broken gear. No matter what reason, it’s much easier when using JIMS No. 965 Starter Ring Gear Rivet Fixture Tool.
Featuring a drill guide fixture that clamps over ring gear which allows precise drilling of rivets and a second tool to press rivets out.
JIMS No. 965 has a MSRP of $442.85, is made in the USA and features JIMS lifetime tool warranty.
For use on all 1990-2006 Big Twins except 2006 Dyna.
NEWS FROM THE DMV FRONT— A brother just bought an old bike on Ebay and wanted to check the numbers. I spoke to my DMV connection and he filled me in. California has a database of VIN numbers, but they reboot it every five to seven years. So, if you run numbers and they come back clean, that doesn’t mean they’re REALLY clean, unless the vehicle is less than five years old.
Ah, but it doesn’t end there. Insurance companies didn’t like the reboot system, so years ago they started a much more vast database. The California Highway Patrol uses this base information and so does Arizona VIN check folks.
Bottom line, you can run your numbers, find ‘em clean, build a bike, but lose it to the CHP or another agency using the insurance agency database. Beware. In California, if your car is stolen you have a 97 percent chance of getting it back. It might be wrecked or stripped, but you get it back.
It you’re Harley is stolen the percentage is only 17 percent…
–Bandit
MORRIS MAGNETO AND BIKERNET– Years ago, all magneto suppliers used Fairbanks Morse magnetos (including Harley-Davidson). But as the casting dies, QC, reliability, etc. went downhill, so did their reputation. MORRIS MAGNETO set a goal of designing and building the magneto, an inherently reliable ignition, to be the ultimate ignition, easier starting than other available magneto brands.
Today’s spark output is roughly double what it used to be, and we think you’ll agree the extra effort has been well worth it. The rotor is an especially critical part, and ours is better by far; it’s bulletproof design for efficiency and resistance to malfunction is shared by all MORRIS MAGNETO models.
KEN’S FACTORY IN LONG BEACH— We are working with Ken’s factory on a couple of projects including this feature. An amazing bike, it has never been featured and obviously deserves major coverage, so we will handle it on Bikernet in the very near future.
–Triking Viking
THE GOALS AND OBSTACLES SUNDAY POST for February 21, 2016
OMG!
What an exquisite, new little Redhead on page 1. in the Cantina!
— Pauly D.
Chicago, IL
Anything for Cantina members. The girl above is not the Cantina girl. The babe in the Cantina has fewer clothes…
–Bandit
FLORIDAY MAN DIES IN METH-LAB EXPLOSION AFTER LIGHTING FARTS ON FIRE– GAINESVILLE, FL – A 37-year-old man is dead after his trailer home was destroyed in a meth-lab explosion, caused by him lighting up ‘blue angels’ to amuse his wife.
The man’s wife was found lying naked on the couple’s front yard, reportedly still laughing. “A Blue Angel is when you put a lighter up to your butt and fart on it, making it catch on fire. It’s funny as s—,” explains the man’s wife, who claims to be an expert on the subject.
“Normally we go to Del Taco because of their $0.59 tacos, but we made some extra cash this week so we went to Chipotle. The farts you get from there could fill a gas chamber. I know he’s looking up from hell laughing his ass off saying it was worth it,” she says smiling through blackened teeth, apparently not caused by the fire.
The woman plans on suing Chipotle, which failed to address their peppers causing a higher rate of methane in human farts. She offered a statement, “I’m not mad about my husband dying, I just got my eyebrows did and now they’re gone.” Chipotle Mexican Grill has yet to respond.
–by DAVE WEASEL, The Valley Report.com
–from Rogue
NEWS FROM THE WEEK MAGAZINE— In the February 19th edition the editor kicks off the issue with, “Washington is broken,” in his article about the Presidential election, which is nuts.
But turn to the U.S. (news) at a glance… in the next issue. There are only six items, and four contain bad guys in the government, sad. A New York cop is convicted of shooting another unarmed black kid. Former New Your Governor Eliot Spitzer is busted for messing with prostitutes. Hillary Clinton’s staff is subpoenaed for charity fraud. And 50 prison guards in Georgia are arrested for running drugs and accepting bribes behind bars.
And we are supposed to believe these guys and never raise our hands when we don’t like what’s happening. Incredible.
–Bandit
BUFFALO CHIP ON THE EDGE–
We’ve been on the edge before, and we like taking the plunge because, frankly, predictable is boring. Nobody shows up at the Buffalo Chip expecting to nestle into a hammock and read a book. We’re all about extraordinarily mad fun.
Over the years, Chipsters have partied with some of the zaniest comedians in history, like Sam Kinison, Peewee Herman and Cheech & Chong. And so to keep the good times going until the very last second of the 2016 rally, we booked the wizard of weird, Weird Al Yankovic, to crank some of his bizarre hits on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. Inspired by Weird Al’s super sense of satire, we put together our own ridiculous video parody to announce his performance. It can be seen here: http://bit.ly/1KZAQw0
We love Al for his musical and comedic genius. He twists lyrics like green Twizzlers; they aren’t quite right, but you love them anyway. We aren’t the only ones who think he’s great either. His last studio album, “Mandatory Fun,” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by a comedy album since Jack Kennedy was President.
When you break out singing “…just eat it, just eat it!” to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” you can blame Al. When you hear “like a surgeon” as Madonna pines for her priest, yup, that’s Al’s fault too. He broke all the rules when he sent a homemade demo tape to Dr. Demento’s Radio Show in 1976, and audiences have loved him ever since. Now, with four Grammys to his credit, Weird Al is a megastar with enough hutzpah to bring his show to The Largest Music Festival in MotorcyclingTM.
Weird Al makes three world-class acts announced so far to perform at the Buffalo Chip in 2016. Celebrating the Chip’s 35th anniversary with Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert and now Weird Al Yankovic, it’s starting to smell like Nirvana around here. Don’t miss out; the saga begins Monday, Aug. 1 and will continue through Weird Al’s epic performance on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Ride Free and Take Risks, and we’ll see your white and nerdy smiling faces in August.
–Woody
Sturgis Buffalo Chip, President
NEW FROM PERFORMANCE MACHINE– The FORMULA design was born from the concept of a contemporary, simplistic composition that pays homage to the early lightweight spoke race wheels. We adopted those sexy cues from the Formula wheel and engineered a set of engine and drivetrain covers to match. These CNC-machined covers feature streamlined spokes stemming from the center for an unforgettable impression.
The FORMULA Cover Line includes a cover for the Rocker Box, Cam, Derby, Inspection and Transmission, and available in Show Chrome and Contrast Cut finishes. All covers are a direct replacement for OE covers, and shipped with gaskets and hardware for a nice D.I.Y. install.
For more information on the FORMULA Cover Line and other premium Performance Machine products, visit www.performancemachine.com.
–Joanna Kaczmarek
6892 Marlin Circle, La Palma, CA 90623
(714)523-3000 fax (714)523-3007
jkaczmarek@performancemachine.com
855-777-9112
[page break]
CANTINA GALLERY FROM THE MASTER– Just a few weeks until the most anticipated event on the East Coast hits! Daytona Bikeweek is when winter goes away for us Northerners, sunshine, warm temps, just can’t friggin wait.
There is nothing better than the smell of hot bikes on Main Street, the sight of hot ladies on Main Street as well, and the sight of tens of thousands of motorcycles at every angle.
Enjoy
the gallery, the past galleries in the Cantina, and the galleries that are soon to come.
— JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER
Co-Editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM
THE UNCLE ON BIZ– Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Believe in yourself and what you do.
Take emotion out of business.
Those are the words that roll off the tongue of successful people, but there is still a lot of the equation that is missing. You see there is more to business than hanging your shingle out and opening the door for the customers to come rolling in.
Luck, financing, and connections play a huge part of being successful. There are thousands of people out there, talented people who are struggling to make their dream come true. They believe in themselves, believe in what they do and have a solid business plan but they can’t get financing. There are no bank loans, no rich uncle with money to burn, no angel investors willing to take a chance on them. They all want to see results, proof that you are successful before they will take the gamble on them.
Others don’t have the connections to make it work. The right suppliers, the right accountant, the right support staff and the right friends to spread the word, to help bring those first few customers through the door. Much of those things come down to luck. Being born into the right family, in the right location, at the right time.
One successful t-shirt designer talked about how he built his company from selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car, while working at McDonalds. What he misses is that he was still living at home, his parents putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, putting gas in the tank. He could spend 100% of his paycheck building his company.
No one living on their own working at McDonalds can afford to spend a couple hundred dollars printing shirts and driving thousands of miles every weekend to get to events and still have a place to come back too.
The other part of your success is dependent on you. You see a business is more than spinning wrenches, more than laying the paint down smoothly. There is advertising, pricing, all the government red tape of every paycheck. Many find themselves more suited to be in the back working than up front.
For others it is what they consider success. For some it is guaranteeing that they have a job and nothing more. As long as the lights stay on and there is food on the table they are satisfied. It is the others who reach for more than we hear about that we look up to. They are the ones who can put everything together. They understand enough about the back room to know what has to be done, what is suppose to be done.
They hire the right people for the right positions putting their trust into them with just enough to know if things are getting done. Once that model is up and running they focus on growing the company whether through sales or expanding to another location or capitalizing on their success selling t-shirts or hawking themselves on television.
They are on the spot to oversee things, plus ready to roll their sleeves up to help in the back, and help in the front. It is a 24/7 job. It means missing some birthdays and little league games. But before any of that happens they have to have the luck of being in the right place at the right time with the right people.
-bad Uncle Monkey
NEW MUFFLER SLIDER GUARD PROTECTS HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET MODEL EXHAUST– Protect the muffler of a Harley-Davidson Street motorcycle from daily abuse with the new Muffler Slider Guard Kit (P/N 49000067, $39.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories.
Soft asphalt, tight quarters, and inattentive car parkers are everyday threats to a motorcycle in the urban jungle. This muffler guard is crafted from a polymer that resists abrasion and protects the cosmetics of the tail end of the muffler. The easy-to-install heat-resistant split ring slips over the muffler end cap and is secured by a black-finished stainless steel band. Its knobby surface and satin-black finish add a rugged look to the bike’s profile. The Muffler Slider Guard fits all 2015-later Street models equipped with the Original Equipment muffler.
Give a Street model additional cosmetic protection with an Exhaust Guard Kit, Swingarm Guard Kit, a Rear Fender Guard Kit, a Handlebar Tip Guard Kit, and an Engine Guard Kit, each from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories.
For more information, visit www.h-d.com.
2ND ANNUAL LOST HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE SHOW & CONCERT
SET FOR SATURDAY, JULY 23 AT SAN MANUEL AMPHITHEATER & FESTIVAL GROUNDS IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA–
BRANTLEY GILBERT
TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL
WITH PERFORMANCES BY SOCIAL DISTORTION,
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, CHEVY METAL,
FACE TO FACE, JUSTIN MOORE, BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB,
TONY JOE WHITE, COLT FORD, PAUL CAUTHEN AND MORE
LIMITED SUPPLY OF EARLY BIRD FESTIVAL GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR $15 STARTING
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 AT 10:00 AM PT AT
WWW.LOSTHIGHWAYFEST.COM
Lost Highway is made possible through the support of partner Quaid Harley-Davidson, with more to be announced.
For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Don ‘Snuffy Smith’ was my neighbor, mentor and friend. He was almost like a second father to me in many ways.
Anyway, did a lot of bench racing with Don on flathead KR designs – and we’ve now incorporated them into our 1940 Blown/Alky Cadillac engine that we run at Bonneville. I wish Don was still alive – he would definitely have made it to BVille and had some fun with the FlatCad crew.
I was wondering where you got the tank from? Did it come from one of his boys – Mike or Brian? Anyway, was good to see his name in print – enjoyed many a good time with him and he with my family.
— Dale Hays
Lewis Center, OH
We’re not exactly sure which tank was on his mind. The investigation continues.
–Bandit
BERNIE SANDERS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT– Can you sell marijuana pipes to help fund Bernie Sanders?
Campaign finance experts clear the smoke.
Ceramic pipes touting Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders made by Ariel Zimman of Portland, Oregon.
Ariel Zimman is taking a decidedly grassroots approach to supporting Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. But the legality of her handiwork is hazy, at best.
The 29-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon, is marketing homemade ceramic pipes emblazoned with decals of Sanders’ head and campaign logo.
Her pro-Sanders “smoking ware” — targeted at the “Burners for Bernie” set — sells for $60 apiece. And she advertises that 10 percent of her proceeds will benefit the self-described socialist from Vermont who has emerged as an unexpectedly serious challenger to Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
“It was really just a way to show my support for him as a candidate,” Zimman told the Center for Public Integrity. “People love [the pipes], and once they hear they are contributing in some way to the campaign, they are all about that too.”
But artists like Zimman looking to make a buck off Bernie best beware: While most observers say political campaigns are unlikely to take legal action against their own supporters, attorneys say entrepreneurs open themselves to risk by using candidates’ names, likenesses or logos — especially when promising to donate a specific portion of their sales.
“You can’t promise to pass the money along to the candidate,” said Joe Birkenstock, an attorney at Sandler Reiff who previously served as the chief counsel of the Democratic National Committee.
“If I was advising one of these vendors, I would probably advise them to be a little less specific in their solicitation,” echoed Larry Noble, a former top lawyer for the Federal Election Commission who now works at the Campaign Legal Center.
That’s a step that Sanders-supporting artist Jackie Dandelion of Beacon, New York, has already taken.
Dandelion sells her “Another Mermaid for Bernie Sanders” bumper stickers for $8.50 apiece. She used to advertise that she’d donate 25 percent of each sale to Sanders. Now she simply notes that a portion of the proceeds — an unspecified figure greater than 25 percent — goes to his campaign.
“Just know when you purchase from me, you’re purchasing from someone who actively supports Bernie Sanders for president,” she wrote on the peer-to-peer e-commerce website Etsy.com.
That website, and others like it, offer Bernie fans a number of imaginative ways to show their support, including pendants, makeup bags and candles.
Other lawyers contacted by the Center for Public Integrity didn’t find these activities as troubling.
Ken Gross, who leads the political law practice at Skadden Arps, noted that such artists are “actually doing good for the campaign,” even if the products they make are not licensed or authorized.
“I can’t imagine the campaign going against them,” Gross said. “They’re supporters. They don’t want to turn them off.”
By Michael Beckelemail
The Center for Public Integrity
AMAZING 21-INCH WHITE WALLS FROM METALSPORT— Don’t miss the MetalSport 21-inch White Wall Special .
Metalsport Wheels has the Vee Rubber 21-inch wide white wall for only $116.99 each
Including shipping
Dealers call for special pricing
Metalsport Wheels
10112 Miller Way
South Gate, CA 90280
P# 562-7769594
F# 562-7769635
www.metalsportwheels.com
MORE AMAZING FACTS— A group of prostitutes called Hookers for Hillary endorsed Hillary Clinton in the upcoming Nevada cacuses. “Women should help other women, right?” said Entice Love, a 26-year-old sex worker.
–from the Week Magazine
The girl above is not a prostitute, I don’t think. She was shot on the streets in Daytona. I don’t mean she was on the streets, like a prostitute… Hell, I love prostitutes. It should be legal.—Bandit
AMA PRO FLAT TRACK SEASON CLOSER– As the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track season grows closer, the stakes grow larger. Stepping up from a contingency sponsor to an official series partner, McElroy Packaging has teamed up with AMA Pro Racing to create a new bonus award for the sport.
As part of the McElroy Packaging “Lucky 13” award, the rider leading at the completion of the 13th lap in each of the season’s Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines main events will receive a $1,000 bonus.
“McElroy Packaging has been a long-time supporter of the sport and we appreciate their expanded partnership,” said Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “The ‘Lucky 13’ award is a creative way to give back to the riders, and will add yet another element to the excitement on the racetrack.”
The winner of each McElroy Packaging “Lucky 13” award will be announced at the event and on the live streaming broadcasts, exposing the company to the brand-loyal AMA Pro Flat Track fans in the grandstands and watching online via FansChoice.tv.
AMA flat track series is also sponsored by Law Tigers.
For more information about McElroy Packaging, please visit their website at http://www.mcelroypackaging.com/.
Next Up:
The 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track season will once again kick off with a doubleheader at the DAYTONA Flat Track during Daytona’s Bike Week festivities. The twin short track races will take place at the “World Center of Racing” on Thursday and Friday, March 10 & 11. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Events/2016/DAYTONA-Flat-Track/DAYTONA-Flat-Track.aspx.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK– “A Liberal’s paradise would be a place where everybody has guaranteed employment, free comprehensive healthcare, free education, free food, free housing, free clothing, free utilities, and only law enforcement
has guns. And believe it or not, such a place does indeed already exist: It’s called “prison”
–Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Maricopa County, Arizona
WEEGO QUICKLY EMERGING AS THE #1 QUALITY PORTABLE POWER BRAND ACROSS MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES: AUTOMOTIVE, POWERSPORTS, MOTORCYCLE, OUTDOOR & MARINE
-Jump Starter Battery+ Starts Engines, Charges Phones and Fits in Pockets-
Weego, innovator of portable jump starters and rechargeable battery packs, is quickly emerging as the premier portable power brand across specialty retailers throughout the U.S. The Weego Jump Starter Battery+ line, including accessories, are powering the automotive, powersports, motorcycle, outdoor and marine industries.
Weego is the ideal tool for all drivers, bikers, off-road trailblazers, and boaters by eliminating the need for jumper cables, bulky jump packs or calling for a tow. Worrying about dead batteries is a thing of the past – high-quality, ultra-convenient, portable power is in! And when we say power, we mean power, as in jumping a 500 cubic-inch, big-block engine.
Of the three Jump Starter Battery+ models available, the Professional model can jump start gas engines up to 9.6L (4.8L diesel). Now that’s big power! Plus, Weego jump starters are incredibly long-lasting – created to withstand 1,000 charging cycles and losing only 2 to 5 percent charge per month when stored. All models feature a built-in flashlight to help you see through the jump and the two largest models have SOS and strobe light functions for emergencies.
Outside of emergencies on the road or water, Weego is there no matter what. Jump Starter Battery+ will also charge anything with a USB port: phones, speakers, tablets, etc. And the two largest models also charge laptops. No more excuses traveling salesperson!
“All of our Jump Starter Battery+ models are so compact, they can fit in your pocket,” said Gerry Toscani, CEO of Weego, “in your glovebox or under your bike’s seat. So with Weego, you can ‘ditch the cables Mabel’ and your heavy, bulky, jump pack. You’ll never have to call for a tow again!”
Starting at $99 SRP, Weego Jump Starter Battery+ is very affordable, paying for itself with just one use. Weego is available throughout the U.S. in marinas, auto and motorcycle dealerships, boat service and supply shops, sporting goods and outdoor outfitters, in addition to online retailers.
For more information about Weego and their full line of products, including fun videos, please visit www.myweego.com. To schedule an interview with a Weego executive, contact us at media@myweego.com or 951-719-1040.
CAMPAIGN FUNDS RAISED BY THE MAJORS— I find this interesting. Hillary raised 188 million so far, double what Bernie Sanders raised at 96 million, and hang on Donald Trump has raised only 27 million. Is this nuts or what?
–Bandit
–Info from the Center for Public Integrity
HOT LEATHERS PARTNERS With Custom Bike Shops– Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, has announced new partnerships with six custom bike shops. Hot Leathers will offer custom merchandise from Chaos Cycle, Speed King, Led Sled Customs, Speedmerchant, TPJ Customs and Forever Two Wheels Maine online and at one-stop rally shops in 2016.
“We like to support and promote people we believe in,” says Hot Leathers Executive Vice President Andy George. “We’ve seen each of these shops grow and evolve, and they’ve got some great merchandise–we’re proud to carry it.”
Hot Leathers expects to have merchandise from all six of these custom bike shops available in two locations next month during Daytona Bike Week’s 75th Anniversary rally and online.
–Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting
970.227.2588
1717 Deweese Street
Fort Collins, CO 80526
NEWS FROM THE ISIS FRONT— Falling oil revenues and Western bombing forced ISIS leaders to stop giving their fighters free energy drinks and Snickers bars. “You can sense the frustration,” said one Syrian exile. “Their morale is down.”
–The Week Magazine
GENUINE SCOOTERS INTRODUCES VENTURE 50 SCOOTERS– Big wheels, great looks and low price — with same low carbon footprint
Genuine Scooters, the largest US based scooter company, today announced the release of their new Venture 50 scooter.
“We have listened to our customers and feel the Venture 50 will meet their needs with large 16” front wheels and a three-valve, liquid cooled engine,” said Genuine Scooters co-founder Jim Kolbe. “And with an MSRP of $1,599, there will be no reason not to Venture out there.”
Highlights of the Venture:
· Three-valve, liquid cooled 49cc engine;
· 16” front and 14” rear wheels with alloy rims;
· Dual disc brakes;
· CVT Transmission;
· Stylish design lines;
· Available in favorite Genuine colors of glossy titanium, tangerine, turquoise and white.
The Venture 50 engine size makes it drivable in most states with only a standard auto license and, as restricted, will go 30 MPH at an estimated 100 MPG. In addition to saving money, you’ll also be saving the planet: the average car gets 28 mile per gallon compared to close to 100 miles per gallon for a scooter; a car emits 0.93 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile, compared with 0.31 pounds for a scooter; a car produces 21/2 times as much greenhouse gas as a scooter per mile driven.
The Venture 50 comes with an industry leading 2-year, unlimited-mile Genuine Confidence Warranty and Roadside Assistance Program, supported by a network of 240 Genuine Authorized Dealers across the country.
Founded in 2002, Genuine Scooters has sold more than 50,000 scooters and is “America’s Favorite Scooter Company.” To find the closest Genuine Scooter dealer, go to http://www.genuinescooters.com/dealers.html
–John Vita
[page break]
BIKERNET VAST AND UNRELENTING BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– An Honest Face.
A Newfie goes down to the Grand Bank wharf looking for work and comes up to the captain of a fishing boat and says, ‘Hey Capt’n got any work fer Me?’
The captain gives him a 28 page job application and says ‘Fill this out and bring it back to me’. So two days later the Newfie brings it back and gives it to the Captain.
The captain takes a quick look at it and says ‘OK, you’re hired, now go on board and find something to do.’
Just then, this Korean guy comes up to the captain and says, ‘Lookie wok, need wok.’
The captain tells him ‘OK you’re hired.’ The Newfie is standing right there and asks the captain ‘Hey, you made me fill out a 28 page job application and you just hired this guy like that, Why?”
Captain replies ‘He’s got an honest face’.
The Newfie sighs and walks onto the boat, all upset. A few days later, they’re out to sea and the Newfie is up in the crow’s nest looking for icebergs and the Korean guy is down on the deck mopping the deck. Just then, this great big wave comes along and washes the Korean guy overboard.
The Newfie gets down out of the crow’s nest and walks into the Captain’s’ office and says:
“Remember that Korean guy you hired with the honest face?
Well, he just fucked off with your mop!”
–from Stu Lach
DESTINATION DAYTONA NEWS– Let’s Make History and Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Daytona Bike Week
at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona & Daytona Harley-Davidson
The 75th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week will be the biggest and best motorcycle rally in history! Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona – home of Daytona Harley-Davidson – is the go to place for motorcycle enthusiasts with major concerts, over one hundred industry-leading motorcycle vendors, daily live music, Baddest Bagger Contest, Ride-In Shows, Swimsuit Competition, motorcycles, tons of free parking and so much more.
The Rossmeyer team has ramped up their inventory and staff to accelerate your shopping and service experience in its 109,000 sq. ft. showroom and service facility.
Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe, General Manager, is proud to announce that two custom-built 75th Anniversary commemorative GEICO Motorcycle show bikes will be on display at the GEICO Motorcycle booth at Destination Daytona!
“These two bikes were donated by Daytona Harley-Davidson and customized by Misfit Industries in cooperation with GEICO Motorcycle. We are extremely excited to see how Misfit Industries has customized these two Harley-Davidson Road Kings,” says Shelly. “The customization will not only be a head turner, but is a fitting tribute to our longstanding partnership with GEICO Motorcycle”.
The stage is set at Saints & Sinners Pub, home of the Giant Sandwich and party headquarters for live music every day and night. The Pub will also host the March 5 Full Throttle Magazine Bike Week Kick-Off Party & 10 Class Bike Show and the March 10, People’s Choice American V-Twin Custom Bike Show where you can show off your custom ride.
The all-new Jesters Live at Destination Daytona (formerly Coca-Cola Pavilion) is offering a huge lineup of events and concerts at the 35,000 sq. ft. premier entertainment pavilion. Headliners include Buckcherry and Blackberry Smoke; Black Label Society with Big House Pete; Creedence Clearwater Revisited with opener Chris Hennessee; and, The Charlie Daniels Band with The Marshall Tucker Band.
There will also be a Swimsuit USA Contest, Arm Wrestling tournament as well as several daytime Bike Shows including Warren Lane’s True Grit and Perewitz Custom Paint Show.
For details and concert ticket information, visit www.JestersLive.com. Concert tickets can be purchased on-line or on your smartphone.
For more information on Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona or for the complete Bike Week event schedule, visit www.BruceRossmeyer.com
AH, THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– A father told his three sons when he sent them to the university: “I feel it’s my duty to provide you with the best possible education, and you do not owe me anything for that. However, I want you to appreciate it; as a token, please each put $1,000 into my coffin when I die.”
And so it happened. The sons became a doctor, a lawyer, and a financial planner, each very successful financially. When they saw their father in the coffin one day, they remembered his wish.
First it was the doctor who put ten $100 bills onto the chest of the deceased. Then came the financial planner, who put a $1,000 bill there, too.
Finally, it was the heartbroken lawyer’s turn. He dipped into his pocket, took out his checkbook, wrote a check for $3,000, put it into his father’s coffin, and took the $2,000 cash.
–from Jerry and Rogue
THE EDGE IS RECOGNIZED AT LAST–
“In South Carolina, a handful of bikers are recognized for their dedication and success in making our country a great place to ride a motorcycle. The inaugurated few are known as the South Carolina Biker Hall of Fame, and their ceremony is this weekend. See the article in Special Reports on Bikernet in the next couple of days.”
–Tyler Ludlow
MOTORCYCLE USA will cease operations this Friday– it has been revealed.
The sister publication to Cycle News, MotorcycleUSA.com has been a cornerstone of the U.S. online publishing industry for 20 years, employing some of the finest bike journalists in the business.
The announcement came via the publication’s twitter page, which simply stated, “What a long strange trip its been…Breaking news. LDI is pulling the plug on Motorcycle USA Friday. Thx for the 20 year run readers.”
The move to close Motorcycle USA is part of a wider restructuring by owners MAG Retail Group.
“We’ve certainly had our fair share of highs, and some lows just to keep us grounded, but we want to thank all of our loyal readers and fans across the globe,” said Motorcycle USA’s Road Test Editor, Adam Waheed. “We were able to leave one hell of a skid mark over the last two decades and help set the bar and influence online motorcycle publishing.”
–rennie.scaysbrook
cyclenews.com
http://www.cyclenews.com/2016/02/article/motorcycle-usa-closing-its-doors/
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY—
Supercilious: soo-per-SIL-ee-uh s
adjective
1. haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression.
Quotes
In the shadow under the green visor of the cap Ignatius J. Reilly’s supercilious blue and yellow eyes looked down upon the other people waiting under the clock at the D. H. Holmes department store, studying the crowd of people for signs of bad taste in dress.
— John Kennedy Toole, A Confederacy of Dunces, 1980
Origin
Supercilious is related to the Latin supercilium meaning “eyebrow.” It’s been used in English since the 1500s.
MEMPHIS SHADES JOINS THE PARTY AT Daytona Bike Week 2016–
Daytona Bike Week will be your first chance to experience our NEW Spoiler Windshields for the HD Road Glide, stop by J&P Cycles Destination Daytona to see us – March 2nd – 13th, 2016.
Our new Spoiler Windshields for the Road Glide where designed to work in concert with the splitstream vent on the new Harley Rushmore fairings, models also so available for 2004-2013 OEM FLTR fairings.
As always, Free Installation on all Memphis Shades products – a great time to add a Batwing Fairing or add a little club style with a Gauntlet Fairing. Come check our full line of Fairings and Windshields for your ride!
Get a Free Memphis Shades All Kleer Kare Kit with any purchase – while supplies last.
Memphis Shades – Style that Works
NEED A BAND?– The world’s #1 premiere Bon Jovi tribute band Livin’ On A Prayer and Paradise City: The most authentic tribute to Guns N’ Roses are routed throughout the United States in 2016 and are available for booking!
The bands share three members making this an extremely cost effective approach to a night of top-tier tribute entertainment!
AVBAILABLE FOR BOOKING THROUGHOUT 2016 AND BEYOND!
“Paradise City recreates the powerhouse sights, sounds, and attitude of a Guns N’ Roses concert. Even the most raved fan will find the show unbelievably true to life.”
“Livin’ on a Prayer spans the decades that made Bon Jovi one of the biggest acts in the world.”
Christopher Holloway
Music Zirconia Tribute Agency
Just Like the REAL Thing….Only Less Expensive
5595 Magnatron Blvd Unit A
San Diego, CA 92111
Office: (858) 598-7311
Cell: (760) 883-0625
Web: mztributebands.com
Email: chris@mztributebands.com
CA Talent License #155441
CHARLEY REESE’S FINAL COLUMN FOR THE ORLANDO SENTINEL– He has been a journalist for 49 years. He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.
This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It’s a short but good read.
Title: 545 vs. 300,000,000 People
– By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The President does.
You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don’t control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts — of incompetence and irresponsibility.. I can’t think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it’s because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it’s because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like “the economy”,”inflation,” or “politics” that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess.
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
–from Brian Wood
I tried to check this story on Snopes and couldn’t find anything. Let me know.–Bandit
THE LARGEST SWAP MEET IN TEXAS–
The Cherokee Chapter is extremely proud to once again be associated with The Pate Swap Meet. Pate is the Second Largest All Things Transportation Event in America slightly behind the Hershey PA event. In fact we believe that perhaps this year, Pate may even grow larger than the #1 size event?
The Cherokee Chapter is the single largest leasee of vendor space at Pate. In 2016 Cherokee has 400 spaces committed strictly for Vintage and Classic Motorcycle parts and motorcycles related memorabilia making the Cherokee / Pate Swap Meet the largest of its kind in the South Central United States.
Within a few more years our goal is to build the Cherokee Pate Swap Meet into The Davenport of the South. Yes this is a big undertaking with year around efforts taking place by our Cherokee Pate Management Team and your Cherokee Board of Directors. You will read about all these dedicated Cherokee People in this issue.
Vending Space Registration and Concours d’Pate Registration Forms are enclosed within this issue.
Follow the instructions right away to ensure you have the opportunity to participate as a vendor or have one or more of your classic motorcycles in the 2016 show. The Pate Swap Meet Organization does lease spaces up to and during the event so we cannot guarantee extra spaces anywhere near the Cherokee Classic Motorcycle portion of this vast show.
–Steve Klein
POW / MIA Honor Chair Dedication– Including Table Ceremony to Honor all Branches Of Service
The Rolling Thunder Chapters of Illinois will present and dedicate a Chair of Honor for all POW’s and MIA’s at Woodstock Harley Davidson. The chair will remain perpetually empty until all of our Country’s soldiers are home. At 11:00 am, Rolling Thunder will present a Remembrance Table Ceremony to Honor all Branches of Service and the Honor Chair to will be presented and dedicated for the over 88,000 POW/MIA’s and their families.
· Woodstock Harley Davidson 2235 S Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098
· Saturday February 27th, 2014 at 11:00 am
· Remembrance Table Ceremony and POW / MIA Honor Chair Dedication
Rolling Thunder is proud to partner with Woodstock Harley Davidson for providing a prominent place to honor our POW’s and MIA’s along with Hussey Seating for producing and donating the chair. It will remain a permanent fixture of the dealership reminding all who come through the doors of the sacrifices that have been made by each and every one of the over 88,000 POW/MIA’s and their families.
Bandit, I left for SE Asia in January, ‘65, volunteered, stayed until December, ’66. It was a whole different world I came back to. I still cannot figure out when Americans decided to give our rights to the government? I will get off my soap box now.
–AJ
Deland, Florida
ACTION PACKED— American Pickers threatened to visit the vast Bikernet Nerve Center, but couldn’t pass the unrelenting security requirements. But you might want them to visit your farm. Just give them a buzz or drop ’em an e-mail. She will take you through the ropes.
I’m working with Motherwell on a rack installation for my Indian.
We need a couple of later model spacers. I could machine them, but I decided to go on the hunt. They are odd looking puppies.
The Motherwell rack is killer and fits the fender like a dream. Just need the spacers. We will keep you posted.
Don’t miss the Caducci Dual Sport feature. It’s killer and an interesting concept for older, solid-mount Sportsters. One reader just asked, “Cool, but what does it sound like.” We will listen for a response.
I’m still scrambling on my second Chance book. I’ve been through 33 Chapters, chugging away.
Have a terrific weekend.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
