Hey,
I’ll make this short today. We’re loading the Salt Shaker, Chris Kallas Art and the final Bikernet sculpture for the Michael Lichter Exhibit at Thunder Road in Sturgis. We’re taking them to the master of the Hollister Event and he’s loading this precious material in a big rig for the final journey to Michael Lichter’s hands.
Chris Kallas showed up last night at Midnight with his carefully wrapped original art for this auspicious exhibit in the Badlands. Open all week you can check it out and have a drink at Strokers Sturgis in the Thunder dome. Let’s hit the news, then I’ll take you into our secret Trophy Making laboratory:
TIDBITS FROM THE BUCKSHOT ARCHIVES– The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words ‘The’ and ‘IRS’ together it spells ‘Theirs.’
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
–from Buckshot
V-Twin Vineyards is pleased to introduce our first “Official V-Twin Vineyards Vixen:” Syrah– We’ll keep you posted on the rest of the photo shoot in future newsletters. Be sure to check our members gallery for updated photos. We’ll also post some ‘screensaver’ photos of Syrah on our ‘Hot Links” tab for your enjoyment. Cheers!
It’s AmaZIN! ZAPs Zinfandel Tasting in Ohio. Spectacular Zinfandels from V-Twin Vineyards – pouring alongside 30 additional wineries, all members of the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers organization. Your one-stop event for V-Twin Zin and Poker Run Zin! See Events Calendar
ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLE DESIGN HIDDEN IN THE HILLS OF SOUTH AFRICA– Your South African correspondent, frustrated bike builder wannabe is still alive and barely kicking. I haven?t been in touch because I was hoping to send you some photographs of a finished project but Alas this is not the case. I?m close but as yet the cigars are still on hold. I could go on for hours explaining about how I?ve hit this problem, but you guys have been there before on countless occasions.
Anyway, the good news. I hooked up with a dude who belongs to a ?notorious? motorcycle group. He?s a biker that owns a manufacturing facility of note. We are collaborating on a couple of projects and he?s machining for me. A customer wanted to build a Dyna based street fighter. The photos are of the billet swing arm and the front end. Also some rotors we designed over a bottle of some Mexican shit that is responsible for most of my past customer projects.
How do you come up with new ideas when every customer says, ?Give me something unique that will blow me away? I reach for the Mexican. The other GIGGLE is that the dude to the north of us known as Robert Mugabe, leader and despot of the country known as Chimpbabwe or Zimbabwe depending on one?s view has produced a 100 billion Dollar bill (about $11). I shit you not!!!! Everyone in the country is a billionaire and they don?t have any food. That?s Africa for you, his inflation is 1,2 million % and he says the western world needs to think ?AFRICAN?.
–Mikey.
LATEST SEAT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PRIDDLE STUDIOS– Here’s a shot of my latest seat I just finished for Craig of ‘Custom Spray Painting Concepts’
It’s for his own ride which is a very radical chopper that he’s been building for close to 5 years, I’ll send some shots when the bike is finished.
–Glenn.
G.P. Custom Leather Designs.
Motorcycle Enthusiasts Cruise into Partnerships with Look Media– Advertising firm Look Media USA has begun selling billboard-trailers towed by scooters. Entrepreneurial motorcycle enthusiasts can now quickly enter the mobile outdoor media business through partnership with the media firm.
New York, NY (July 24, 2008) ? With gas prices through the roof, who would think driving around town is a way to make money? That?s exactly what Look Media USA has been doing, using its fuel-efficient Vespa scooters to tow billboard trailers around US cities.
The outdoor advertising firm has now launched a partnership program for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts to get in on the action. The Australian-owned company is selling its classic 2-sided billboard trailer to entrepreneurs aiming to start their own business in ?scooter advertising?.
?Owners of motorcycle and scooter shops are really the ideal partner,? says Charles Thirlwall, co-founder of Look Media USA. ?They have the facilities and expertise to run this business successfully.?
The scooters typically drive in a convoy of two to four vehicles, creating a sort of mini event as they drive by. ?People don?t just see them drive by, they stop and stare,? says Thirlwall. The scooters then sometimes park at key locations and distribute free product samples to the public.
This mobile media or ?alternative out-of-home advertising? has already attracted the attention of major advertisers in the US. In 2008, Look Media?s scooters have carried signs for Sprint/Nextel, Dos Equis, HSBC and Scott Paper. By developing a partnership network across the US, Look Media hopes to make the service more readily available to smaller local advertisers.
To get more information or inquire about partnerships, visit www.lookmediausa.com.
–Charles Thirlwall
Director
305-940-4949
www.lookmediausa.com
www.lookmedianetwork.com
BIKERNET IS ALREADY IN STURGIS AT 2WHEELERS– We are saddled up and ready to ride Sturgis at 2wheelers. Lot’s of good stuff along with new bike builds, accessories for you Harley and new parts from Billy Lane.
DOC ROBINSON RIDES ALIEN HIGHWAY ON A VICTORY VISION–Doc is due to show up at the Bikernet Headquarters tomorrow. He’s on assignment from Heavy Duty magazine in Australia, riding the streets and highways of America all summer long from the S&S 50th to J&P, Sturgis and H-D’s 105th. Hang on for some of his reports including the Victory Vision road test.
Funniest Staff Meeting– The boss of a Madison Avenue advertising agency called a spontaneous staff meeting in the middle of a particularly stressful week. (This is one pretty sharp boss!) When everyone gathered, the boss, who understood the benefits of having fun, told the burnt out staff the purpose of the meeting was to have a quick contest. The theme: Viagra advertising slogans.
The only rule was they had to use past ad slogans, originally written for other products that captured the essence of Viagra. Slight variations were acceptable.
About 7 minutes later, they turned in their suggestions and created a Top 10 List. With all the laughter and camaraderie, the rest of the week went very well for everyone!
The top 10 were:
10. Viagra, Whaazzzz up!
9. Viagra, The quicker pecker picker upper.
8. Viagra, like a rock!
7. Viagra, When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
6. Viagra, Be all that you can be.
5. Viagra, Reach out and touch someone
4. Viagra, Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.
3. Viagra, Home of the whopper!
2. Viagra, We bring good things to Life!
And the unanimous number one slogan:
1. This is your peepee. This is your peepee on drugs
–from Bob Clark
SUNDAY CANTINA PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Ride the Badlands brothers!
Make every heartbeat count,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
Gunbus 410 Cubic Inch V-Twin Motorcycle Completed– The Gunbus 410 cubic inch V-Twin motorcycle is complete. The monster engine placed in a motorcycle frame of comparable size looked impossible and many who saw the photos were skeptical of the bike ever being finished but I guess, Clemens F. Leonhardt is one of those persistent guys who ignores the naysayers and keeps at his work.
The fuel injected, 45 degree 6728 cc / 410 cubic inch V-Twin runs through a 3 speed transmission with reverse and actually looks pretty good in its finished state compared to the initial photos, in fact, everything looks good. It puts out 523 foot pounds of torque. Seat height is 31.5 inches and overall length is 136 inches. It is a little heavy at 1433 pounds so high speed corner carving might be an issue and there aren’t any photos of the big bike on the road so I guess we’ll have to wait for the road test, that is if someone can actually road test this monster.
This is actually going to go into limited series production and a sidecar will be available as well which might help with balance when waiting at a light. I don’t even want to think about a driveway tipover. I think this is great! Now, where’s the video?
Underwear dust — One evening a husband, thinking he was being funny, said to his wife ‘Perhaps we should start washing your clothes in Slim Fast. Maybe it would take a few inches off of your butt!’ His wife was not amused, and decided that she simply couldn’t let such a comment go un-rewarded.
The next morning the husband took a pair of underwear out of his drawer. ‘What the Hell is this??’ he said to himself as a little ‘dust’ cloud appeared when he shook them out.
‘April,’ he hollered into the bathroom, ‘why did you put talcum powder in my underwear?’ She replied …’It’s not talcum powder……It’s ‘Miracle Grow
–from Chris T.
H-D BRAZIL AND KANSAS CITY REACH MILESTONES– 10,000 motorcycles and counting – H-D Brazil employees celebrate milestone
Whether you say it in English or Portuguese, the significance of the 10,000th Harley-Davidson motorcycle assembled in Brazil is the same – it means growing worldwide sales, specifically in Latin America.
After operating for approximately nine years, the Harley-Davidson Brazil site celebrated a major milestone on June 26. An FLSTN Softail Deluxe was number 10,000 to come off the assembly line in the city of Manaus, in the north central part of Brazil along the Amazon River.
“The production of the 10,000th motorcycle not only represents the hard work completed by the staff of approximately 100 employees, but it also signifies the growing popularity of Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles in Brazil,” said Fred Gates, Vice President, General Manager of York Vehicle Operations. Fred not only currently supports the Brazil site from York, but he was also part of the original management team that helped get the Brazil site started.
The motorcycles that Brazil produces are sold through one of the eight dealerships in Brazil. Just as the number of motorcycles produced in Brazil continues to increase, so do the number of dealerships in the country. Although it took approximately nine years to reach 10,000 motorcycles assembled in Brazil, the next 10,000 motorcycles are expected to be completed in significantly less time.
Kansas City employees celebrate the production of a quarter of a million Dyna motorcycles
Born on Tuesday, July 8, at 1:10 p.m. and weighing 632 pounds, the 250,000th Dyna motorcycle assembled at Kansas City came into the world and was welcomed by a family of 1,112 proud employees.
The black 2009 FXD Super Glide was celebrated by employees who posed for photos with the motorcycle, which is destined for a dealership in New Mexico.
“Being able to build a quarter million of anything is a remarkable achievement, and the success of the Dyna line reflects the dedication of all the Harley-Davidson employees who put their heart and soul into every motorcycle we make,” said John Lowry, Plant General Manager, Kansas City.
The Dyna line of motorcycles debuted in 1991 with the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis, and in 2002 the Dyna assembly line moved from York to Kansas City, where employees are currently working to assemble their next 250,000 motorcycles.
WHAT HOLE AM I ON?–What hole am I on? While playing on the front nine of a complicated golf course a gentleman became confused as to where he was on the course. Looking around, he saw a lady playing ahead of him. He walked up to her, explained his confusion and asked her if she knew what hole he was playing.
She replied, ‘I’m on the 7th hole, and you are a hole behind me, so you must be on the 6th hole.’
He thanked her and went back to his golf. On the back nine the same thing happened; and he approached her again with the same request.
She said, ‘I’m on the 14th hole, you are a hole behind me, so you must be on the 13th hole. ‘
Once again he thanked her and returned to his play. He finished his round and went to the clubhouse where he saw the same lady sitting at the end of the bar. He asked the bartender if he knew the lady.
The bartender said that she was a sales lady and played the course often.
He approached her and said, ‘Let me buy you a drink in appreciation for your help. I understand that you are in the sales profession. I’m in sales, also. What do you sell?’
She replied, ‘If I tell you, you’ll laugh.’
‘No, I won’t.’
‘Well, if you must know,’ she answered, ‘I work for Tampax.’
With that, he laughed so hard he almost lost his breath.
She said, ‘See I knew you would laugh.’
‘That’s not what I’m laughing at,’ he replied. ‘I’m a salesman for Preparation H, so I’m still a hole behind you!’
–from Chris T.
SPECTRO OILS SAYS: GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT– Spectro Oils wants to see where, what, and how you ride. Submit the best photos you have for a chance to win a case of your favorite Spectro Oils product.
Brookfield, CT? Spectro Oils of America is holding a monthly contest for the best pictures of riders on their motorcycles. Every month one image will be chosen as ?The Best Shot of the Month?. The winner will be awarded a case of Spectro Oils product, their choice. Pictures may be submitted on the Spectro Oils website. ?Spectro Oils has an excellent line of products for motorcycles to help deliver the best performance possible. Our team at Spectro Oils wants to see real riders in action, so whether you?re riding a v-twin or an off-road bike, Spectro Oils wants to see your best shot,? said Spectro Oils President, Dave Miller. For a chance to win a free case of your favorite Spectro Oils product, simply log onto the Spectro Oils website and submit the best shot of you riding a motorcycle.
For more information on Spectro Oils, please visit: www.spectro-oils.com
S&S ANNOUNCES SUMMER CAC MEETING AT 50th CELEBRATION– LA CROSSE, WI (July 25 2008)
The celebration weekend started early for S&S as another CAC (Customer Advisory Council) meeting was held the morning of Thursday, June 26th, 2008. This meeting brings together representatives on the Distributor, Original Equipment Manufacturer, Dealer and Media sides of the motorcycle industry to discuss what S&S is doing right?and wrong. Led by Brett Smith, Kurt Peterson, Michael Scaletta and Charlie Hadayia of S&S, the CAC meeting allows plenty of information to flow back and forth between the groups, which is then transferred to dealers and customers through the course of the year.
S&S thanked outgoing members Greg Kottman of Gateway Thunder, Bob Cashwell of Drag Specialties & Nate Jones of Custom Hawg for their previous years of service. They then welcomed Sam Wills of Thunder Cycles as a new member and thanked Holger Mohr, Kevin Alsop & Xavier Essayans for their willingness to renew their existing terms on the council.
All in all the day was productive and a lot of ideas and suggestions were discussed. Particular attention was placed on EPA and C.A.R.B. related issues as well as on dealer training. S&S has taken the lead in both of these issues and hopes to help dealers remain competitive in the market by offering EPA and C.A.R.B. approved engines and technical training to its dealers.
More information on S&S cycle can be found at www.sscycle.com and all of the news about the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration can be found at www.sscycle50th.com.
DON’T MISS STROKERS STURGIS AND THE MICHAEL LICHTER EXHIBIT AND THE BIKERNET BROUHAHA IN THE THUNDER DOME, AT THUNDER ROAD, NEXT TO THE GLENCOE CAMPGROUND JUST 3 MILES OUTSIDE STURGIS, THE CUSTOM CAPITAL OF STURGIS– If you’re going, we’ll see you there! Be sure to come visit us at Strokers Sturgis at Thunder Road!
Come join us all week and create a mini-rally right here in Dallas! This week Rick and the gang will talk about tips for a safe trip to Sturgis, give you highlights of what they’re looking forward to while they’re at the Rally, and of course there will be plenty of dumbass logic to go around!
DETRIOT BROS DELIVERS BEAR TRAP FOOT PEGS– Always striving to improve the quality and functionality of their vast and diverse range of products, the Detroit Bros. have released their re-designed Bear Trap Foot Pegs. The bodies of the pegs are now cast, for a more kick-ass look, while still maintaining maximum awesome-ness. The foot pegs are tapped for a 3/8″-16 screw and the toe pegs are tapped for a 5/16″-18 screw. Cages are available in polished aluminum or black powder coat. For more info call 866-DET-BROS or visit www.detroitbros.com.
Artwork to be Auctioned at Three Sturgis Rally Benefits– STURGIS, SD – Photojournalist-promoter Jeff Bartucci captured motorcycle artist David Uhl at work in Myrtle Beach 2008 just as his paint brush was ?tickling? the legs of a pin-up model in a painting that pays tribute to legendary artist Gil Elvgren. A limited edition canvas print of ?The Tickler? signed by the photographer and artist at work will be auctioned off during the First Annual Legends Celebrity Charity Ride at Sturgis 2008.
Two others will be auctioned during Top 50 Rally Park?s ?Every Woman Counts? Charity Bike Ride (Aug. 7) and the Sturgis Kids & Chrome Benefit Dinner (Aug. 6.) The completed painting by Uhl is part of a Vintage Pin-up Series that pays homage to the ?American Pin-up Girls? illustrated by Elvgren in the mid 1930?s through 70?s. ?The series is selling out within days after each new print is released,? said Uhl.
Bartucci has also donated a limited edition canvas image of bike builder Roger Bourget seated on his bike during opening ceremonies, and the singing of the American anthem last year at the 20th annual Florida Toys Run in Ft. Lauderdale. The image, titled ?Goose Bumps? was captured by Bartucci just after Bourget turned to him and said, ?Tell me this does not get to you.?
The Legends charity ride and auction will originate at high noon, Aug. 7 in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota and include a 50-mile ride to attend concerts at Buffalo Chip.
Legends Ride participants, including celebrities and industry icons will be entertained at Deadwood Tobacco Company and enjoy an exclusive appearance by the Playboy Playmates at The Silverado-Franklin Gaming Complex, followed by an escorted ride through the beautiful
?Hills of Dakota.? The charity event, presented by the legendary Buffalo Chip and sponsored by the City of Deadwood, has already raised over $30,000 for the Kids & Chrome Foundation, which in turn benefits the Children?s Home Society and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Tickets for the Legends Ride may be purchased for $150 online at Legends Ride or for $200 the day of the event. Participants will receive a souvenir gift pack which includes an official event T-shirt, poster and other sponsor items, plus food, drinks and concert admission.
The 3rd Annual Kids & Chrome Benefit during last year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally raised more than $100,000 and was an eclectic mix of fun, food and festivities. Kids & Chrome began as the brainchild of Jim Burgess and his partners at Black Hills Harley-Davidson and continues this year with the 2008 Kids & Chrome Benefit Dinner and Auction, Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Spearfish Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Details and online dinner reservations can be found at http://www.kidsandchrome.com/.
–Jeff Bartucci
Jeff@BikerDATA.com
863-412-3309
THERE YOU HAVE IT–And now for a tour of the Bikernet.com Brouhaha trophy making facility. Watch how Nyla grinds metal flake trophy tubes straight, after I fucked up the cuts.
The Home Depot bars of all-thread were cut too, ground and tapped, because we screwed up the threads.
Here’s the corrected tubes waiting for the drilled and tapped 5-Balls.
Finally we finished the 5-Ball trophies.
Then I moved on to the Best of Show Trophies and a special Panhead Trophy for the Broken Spoke Show.
There will be Three Best of Show Trophies for the Bikernet Brouhaha Show Friday August 8. Jim Murillo, from Jim’s Custom Paint is saving my ass on the Best of Show trophies by adding some class candy Tangerine hues. Hang on for these. Now I’ve got to load the truck and peel north.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
