Hey,
Another Crazy Day in paradise by the Los Angeles Harbor. Friday we made a run out to the new Big Bear Choppers Service center, just east of Lake Elsinore, California. Doc Robinson, the esteemed Tech Editor for Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia, and I spoke to Kevin Alsop, the boss of Big Bear.
It was a fascinating candid conversation about the economy that destroyed the production chopper business in this country, except for Big Bear, Sucker Punch, and Brass Balls. Maybe Big Dog is still around, but all the rest are gone. Incredible, but this has occurred in the past a couple of times. Remember, in the ’20s there were over 200 American motorcycle manufacturers.
I joke that as the population grows, there are more bikers born every day. They just need a job and the income to jump back into the game. Kevin’s story was amazing. He’s been through hell, and learned from every step. He went from building 100 motorcycles a month to five, but he’s confident in our economic recovery. Currently his largest market is Australia. Let’s hit the news:
ACCORDING TO V-TWIN NEWS MILWAUKEE IRON IS BACK– Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron returned to the V-Twin Expo this year, and he wanted everyone to know that Milwaukee Iron is back in business:
“After my little “break” from work, I made a deal… to go back to work,” said Randy. “I think most of my time after that was spent acquiring equipment to get back to work with, and setting up a new 60’x75′ building on a major road just 15 miles south of where we were.
“We still spin our fenders on our tooling for all Spun Series Fenders and of course, the Signature Series as well, is done how we originally designed them. We build far more bolt-on fenders than any other manufacturer on the market today. We still offer our Fork Cups with Internal Stops and our Internal Stops for frames with non-removable cups. All, of course, were done at Milwaukee Iron first.
“We offer Steel Dashes in three lengths 19-, 21- and 23-inch, with straight or tapered for models 1984-90, 1991-95, 1996-99 and 2000 up.
“I really look forward to working with you in the future on any frame work such as straightening, raking and stretching or reconditioning older frames with new necks, sidecar loops and read axle blocks, all done on our original Harley-Davidson frame table.
“We are back in action, and located at 10613 Wards Rd., Rustburg, VA 24588. Come by and see us or call us at 434-821-1044, or use the old number, 434-385-1044. Check out all we have to offer at www.milwaukeeiron.com
—Randy Simpson
–from Rogue
DAYTONA CONSIDERS A VENDOR BAN–
Bandit I’m sure Rogue will be all over this but I wanted to make sure word got out about this extremely short sighted proposal. Daytona is trying to kill Bike Week ala Myrtle Beach. This article taken from today’s www.news-journalonline.com
By the numbers
Here’s a roundup of the number of vendors during Bike Week and Biketoberfest, and the amount of money the city collected in vendor fees.
BIKE WEEK
Year; vendors; city revenues
2008; 204; $109,444
2009; 162; $89,600
2010; 152; $84,300
BIKETOBERFEST
2008; 128; $76,800
2009; 108; $64,800
2010; 87; $52,200
Source: City of Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH — For decades, the Main Street landscape during Bike Week has been shaped by throngs of roaring motorcycles and a gauntlet of temporary vendors selling everything from giant turkey legs to T-shirts.
Those vendors will disappear from the picture if the city’s elected officials follow the lead of City Commissioner Pam “anti-motorcycle” Woods. At next week’s City Commission meeting, Woods said she’ll suggest the city outlaw the outdoor salespeople to return the tavern-dominated Main Street to the days when it included a mix of businesses and drew people 365 days a year.
The idea of a vendor ban is a divisive one, with longtime beachside merchants supporting the ban, saying it could rejuvenate local businesses, and Main Street property owners saying it would destroy a longstanding and profitable tradition.
Still, Woods says it’s time to talk about it again. “It’s been a concern of mine for years,” Woods said. “All you have to do is drive down Main Street to see how good it’s been for that street . . . There’s empty buildings most of the year.”
Woods will need at least three other commissioner votes to put an end to the Main Street itinerant vendor era, and it’s not clear if that will happen.
Helen Humphreys, owner of Humphreys and Son Jewelers on Main Street, said it would be “really sad” if the temporary vendors were banned from her road.
“It adds flavor to the experience,” said Humphreys, who has vendors selling sunglasses and T-shirts on her property during Bike Week. “We have a lot of fun. It’s the excitement of special merchandise.”
She said it would be “shortsighted” of the city to impose a blanket ban on Main Street.
“There has to be a reasonable middle ground there,” said Humphreys, who sits on the city’s Main Street Redevelopment Board. “I’d love to see more permanent business, too.”
By EILEEN ZAFFIRO-KEAN, Staff writer
–from Rhys H. Ralston
rhys.ralston@erau.edu
SPITFIRE PRODUCT NEWS–We are working with the gang at Spitfire on our Mudflap Girl FXRs. Here’s a report from the shop: Since November 24 2010 a few things have happened.
“Our Raffle Bike” took second place at the 2011 Easyriders Bike Show
You can check ANGEL EYES PICS
– Did you see that DLMC Campfire Set Up right behind the ripper, if you clicked on Donna’s melons you did. The Douche LaRouche MC received a best display award for their dirty work. Hopper Magazine
– The GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW was good to us.
– The Ripper received Best paint
– The Ripper also took Second over all. For all you Raffle Ticket holders that mean’s your Bike’s already got 3 Show Trophies.
– The Lizard King took 3rd in Custom. Owner Brian “Slash” Hanson first saw the reptilian masterpiece at the show. Slash didn’t actually name the bike. Apparently Paul googled Slash’s name and saw something that said Lizard King. Since the bike’s green, blue, and sparkles and Paul needed a name for the show he ran with it. Slash asked Paul how he got the name… laughed and then told Paul that Lizard King was his friend who’s also a professional skateboarder.
check out that new front end
– Cocaine Cowgirl’s been getting a lot of love. She’s been on her back the last two months laying down the ground work for her upcoming Street Chopper Magazine feature. She’s currently sprawled out on Chop Cult
– Seems that sneaky pirate winch Julie Rouge
– Spitfire Motorcycles is now a member of the Limpnickie Lot
–Paul Cavallo
Spitfire Motorcycles
WHEELER RACING WEEKEND UPDATE–2011…………………….TARGET 200 MPH!
or any successful pass will be just fine and dandy that’s straight and true, then we turn up the heat and squeeze the trigger just a little bit harder has we challenge the salt gods in 2011 at the B U B Speed Trials.
Not only are we on target for a fairly fast build but we just moved up a week and as a result…… haulin ass this evening headed South on 101 in black beauty, my trusty 330,000 mile pick up (the secret ……………MARVEL MYSTERY OIL!).
Destination SoCal for an early Sunday meeting with a Busa used parts dealer to retrieve all of the necessary suspension for a first class ride at any speed on the street, the dragstrip, Mojave MIle or the Bonneville events. After the meeting in the morning for the Busa
parts haulin’ ass back to the bungalow in San Jose, shower, change my socks the peel out Monday evening headed North to a magic shop that builds custom frames located near the top of Oregon.
Stay tuned has we construct a rubber isolator bed hardtail for theStreet, back alleys, Highways, Dragstrip, Mojave Mile and the Salt Flats. It will be a rider…………….a vibration free hardtail, imagine that………………..running a 124″ Turbo charged monster.
–Ray Wheeler
President
Wheeler Racing
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS KILLER DEAL FOR THE WEEKEND! A 1947 Knucklehead bottom end with a Shovelhead top end! Classic rigid frame lines right out of a Dave Mann painting! Check out the BIKERNET CLASSIFIED section, where you will find over 500 bikes listed, parts and accessories and shop store front ads. Something for everyone! If you have a bike for sale, give BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS a shot. Your bike will get viewed by 2.7 million viewers per day!
Mike the STEALTH
47 harley knuckleshovel
Ad #2125377 Posted:2011-02-09 19:03:16
This ad expires in 3 days.
$7,600.00
47 knuckle with shovel topend
all new
Seller Phone Number: 2704221754
This item is NEW
Trades ACCEPTED: old cars
Payment options:
Item Location: BRANDENBURG, KY
This ad expires in 3 days.
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/category/1769/FLH/post/2125377/47-harley-knuckleshovel.html
WHY ARE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSES NOT FREE In Every State–
This should be a major concern for all Motorcycle Organizations. Bike and trike training Rider safety courses well worth time invested. Motorcyclists, take heart, spring is a mere 37 days away, and PennDOT says it’s time to map plans for taking its rider safety courses.
We agree.
They’re free and informative and help cyclists hone their skills for another riding season. We urge motorcyclists in our region, young or old, novices or veterans, to sign up. The courses offer excellent instruction and tips – both classroom and practical riding experience – and for newcomers, an opportunity to become licensed to operate motorcycles.
“Through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, we are committed to helping all riders improve their safety knowledge and operating skills,” acting PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said.
“By practicing proper riding techniques and learning how to handle their motorcycles in all types of road and weather conditions, motorcyclists can further reduce their chances of being involved in a crash.”
And although no one likes the thoughts of being involved in traffic accidents, motorcyclists are just as vulnerable – perhaps even moreso – as motorists operating four-wheeled vehicles. But, perhaps surprising, is the fact that in Pennsylvania, both motorcycle crashes and fatalities involving riders have decreased over the past three years for which data are available.
In 2009, there were 3,736 crashes, down from the 4,111 in 2007. During that same period, there were 204 fatalities in 2009, down from 225 in 2007.
We say “surprising” because both licensed motorcyclists and the number of registered motorcycles are, as one might expect, increasing.
In 2010, PennDOT says, there were 838,000 licensed cyclists, 36,900 more than in 2007. And there were 397,700 registered cycles in 2010, 37,400 more than in 2007. Perhaps education efforts by PennDOT and state and municipal police officers are paying off.
We hope so.
PennDOT’s riding courses are offered March through October at about 70 locations throughout the state, but we urge our readers who are interested not to delay in signing up. Courses traditionally fill quickly.
And there is a welcomed new twist this year: A basic rider course for three-wheeled motorcycles will be offered in Butler, Lehigh and York counties.
Anyone attending Johnstown’s annual Thunder in the Valley motorcycle rally in June can attest to the growing popularity of the trikes.
The 12-hour trikes course features four hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of practical riding experience. Students must provide their own three-wheeled motorcycle and protective gear.
We commend PennDOT for realizing a need to cater to the trike trend, which has caught on with older riders, women looking to ride on their own, and people with physical handicaps who have difficulties operating traditional motorcycles.
The 15-hour basic rider course consists of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience. Students taking the basic course are provided a motorcycle and helmet, but are responsible for providing all other protective gear.
Also offered to riders who have completed the basic course is a six-hour advanced, refresher course. Those riders must provide their own motorcycle and all gear.
All course participants must have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license.
The training is under the direction of certified rider coaches. Another bonus is that insurance companies offer discounts to people who have completed a rider safety course.
Registration
* For additional information on or to register for PennDOT’s motorcycle safety program, go to www.pamsp.com, or call (800) 845-9533 Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and noon.
* An interactive website designed specifically for motorcyclists can be found at www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com. Included is a documentary featuring several Pennsylvania riders, their family members and friends, who share their riding experiences and lessons about what they’ve learned
Anonymous, The Tribune-Democrat The Tribune-Democrat
–from Rogue
On the other end of the scooter we can add these Bullet Lights for Big Twin and Custom Use
12 volt, die cast aluminum, chrome plated, 3 1/4″ long x 1 1/4″ diameter and includes 12″ of lead wire. This bullet has 2 single filament type bulbs. Kit includes 2 signals, 2 amber lenses, 2 red lenses & mounting hardware.
Use this in dual function operation as running lights and turn signals. This fits FL 4 speed 1974/1984, FLST 1986/2006 & FLT 1991/2006
This week they’re yours for $35.48 That’s 20% off retail!
Add this Mount Bar and have the complete setup
Turn signal mount measures 9 3/4″ wide x 4″ tall and is threaded for 5/16-18 mounting bolts. It features a hard steel construction mount and drilled for internal wiring.
This mount fits FL 4 speed 1974/1984, FLST 1986/2006 & FLT 1991/2006 and is perfect with the light above. The best part is that you can get it for 20% off at $52.22.
Finally, we have a couple of brake calipers this week.
How about a front brake caliper for 2000-Up FLT? This is a direct replacement for the 4 piston type factory unit and includes sintered metal brake pads that are compatible with most types of brake discs. You can use your original mounting hardware. It’s chrome plated and fits FLT 2008/Later.
Left Front. Replaces HD# 43027-08 20% off at $161.37
Right Front. Replaces HD# 44023-08 20% off at $161.37
As always, we’ve got lots of deals like this in our Peel-Back Pricing section
Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kandgcycles
A SUNDAY CANTINA RELIGIOUS MOMENT–A Priest and a Rabbi were sitting next to each other on an airplane.
After a while, the Priest turned to the Rabbi and asked, “Is it still a requirement of your faith that you not eat pork?”
The Rabbi responded, “Yes, that is still one of our laws.”
The Priest then asked, “Have you ever eaten pork?”
To which the Rabbi replied, “Yes, on one occasion I did succumb to temptation and tasted a ham sandwich.”
The Priest nodded in understanding and went on with his reading.
A while later, the Rabbi spoke up and asked the Priest, “Father, is it still a requirement of your church that you remain celibate?”
The Priest replied, “Yes, that is still very much a part of our faith.”
The Rabbi then asked him, “Father, have you ever fallen to the temptations of the flesh?”
The Priest replied, “Yes, Rabbi, on one occasion I was weak and broke my faith.”
The Rabbi nodded understandingly and remained silent, thinking, for about five minutes.
Finally, the Rabbi said, “Beats the shit out of a ham sandwich, doesn’t it?”
–from Rik Savenko
BIG BEAR RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS STATE AWARD–Senator Dutton Recognizes
31st District Businesses of the Year
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – In recognition of May as national Small Business Month, Senate Republican Leader-elect Bob Dutton (R – Rancho Cucamonga) has presented Business of the Year Awards to five businesses located within the 31st Senate District.
Looking to acknowledge businesses that are not only successful but are invested in California’s economy and committed to providing private sector jobs, Senator Dutton has chosen to honor the following companies: the Joseph Filippi Winery in Rancho Cucamonga; Toyota of San Bernardino; Luminex Software of Riverside; Big Bear Choppers of Big Bear Lake; and, Windermere Real Estate of Yucca Valley.
“Businesses are having a tough time right now,” said Senator Dutton. “These five businesses have been able to succeed under the pressure of California’s regulatory climate and at the same time have chosen to keep operating and providing jobs here in the Inland Empire.”
“California has historically led the country out of tough economic times,” said Senator Dutton. “For that to happen today we need to do what we can to ease the regulatory burden on businesses and at the same time stimulate the economy to help more businesses succeed and create more private sector jobs.”
31st Senate District’s
Businesses of the Year
Big Bear Choppers Motorcycles:
With roots that date back to 1994, and even earlier when owner Kevin Alsop was home in his native Australia, Big Bear Choppers began in earnest in 1998 when Alsop and his wife Mona opened shop in Big Bear Lake, Calif. Today, Big Bear Choppers is a world recognized custom motorcycle manufacturer, with Kevin the brainchild of designs, components and direction, and Mona in charge of day to day operations. Mona believes in a well respected, family oriented business, which means a large family during the week, seamlessly working together.
Kevin Alsop is what you would call an American success story. Hailing originally from Australia, he grew up around motorcycles thanks to his father who was a professional racer. What started as a job building custom bikes at a small chopper shop in Pomona, CA, evolved into a repair shop run out of a small shed in Big Bear Lake where Kevin started a repair business fixing anything from jet skis to Harleys for a humble living. That business eventually grew into one of the most-respected factory-custom motorcycle manufacturers in the country.
EVERY MOTORCYCLE RIDER IN THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO WRITE THEIR CONGRESSMAN AND TELL THEM TO STOP FUNDING THE NSTB–Motorcycle Checkpoints to begin in March. As many of you know, the State of Georgia received $70,000.00 from the NSTB for Motorcycle ONLY Safety Check Points. They will stop all Motorcycles at these Check Points.
We were informed by unnamed sources that the Check Points would start in early March to coincide with the Daytona Bike Week event. Most points of entry to Florida will be involved. We are anticipating them to start March 3rd in order to take advantage of the additional flow of Motorcycle traffic thru our State. I was told that the officers conducting the safety check points have been trained in what to check for so be sure you, your paper work and your bike are in order.
From Dan Forrest, State Director of A.B.A.T.E. Georgia.
–from Rogue
ENSENADA RUN COMING–We are planning a lunch ride to Ensenada, bc. This day, Saturday, March 5 also coincides with Ensenadas mardi gras. Should be a fun day riding the coast of baja, eating fish tacos, and shopping for stuff you can only get in Mexico. We will be meet at Krispy Kream donut shop in the block of Orange and leave around 8:30 (hopefully) and return that evening.
Passports are preferred but two forms of ID will get you back in USA (with maybe just a 2nd inspection for verification of ID) will be meeting up with some friends in San Diego and possibly some more friends from Tijuana…. should be a day to remember.
–Andy
tenesmus23@yahoo.com
MISS THE PARTY–I do. Jeff Kraus put together a major event to support a Vet Charity. Here’s some shots from the last Shasta bash in northern California.
–Jeff Kraus
BIKERNET NEWS ARTICLE REVIEW–
Hey, I wasn’t able to add a comment to the current article on the Bikernet site as it would not display the anti-spam words to submit. Regardless, just wanted to drop a note:
Nice bunch of articles. I always enjoy the broad coverage of shows, legislation reports, and product information – not to mention the “commentaries” & jokes.
However … sorry you missed the Chicago Motorcycle Show & Swap. It appeared to be a bit smaller this year, but had some VERY good new builders/shops represented. Dave Cook is always there. I’m sure the economy and the snow that was dumped on us days prior to the show didn’t help. We had out booth set up (SFJ MC) but managed to get out and visit. Not as many big name vendors as the other shows but a nice varied collection of parts – a lot of vintage parts. Some of the larger parts vendors from the Denver Show always stop as part of the “tour”.
Maybe next year.
–Sarge
Soldiers for Jesus MC Midwest
LATS AND ATTS’ LIVING ABOARD MAGAZINE PRESENTS– The 5th Annual Cruisers’ Party At The Miami International Boat Show Strictly Sail Show Free Pizza, Free Beer, Bring Your Own Dance! The 5th Annual Cruisers’ Party at the Miami International Boat Show is set for the Bayside Marina, Saturday, Feb. 19 at 6PM ——————————————
The Eric Stone Band, with Steve Shell Hall and special guest appearance by Kyle Rife, direct from his tour with Jimmy Buffett! ———————————
– But wait! There’s More! At every event we sponsor we have a raffle with part of the proceeds going to the refit of the Charles W. Morgan at the Mystic Seaport Museum. This year we have some unbelievable prizes, including, but not llimited to… A Spectra Watermaker From Murray Marine A Ventura 150D watermaker from Spectra and Murray Marine. This great unit is valued at over $5,500!! From Dream Yacht Charters A week in the Caribbean on a Lagoon 400 Take your family and friends for a cruise in the Caribbean and enjoy the true cruising lifestyle. Be there or be square! The largest boat show in the US, and one of the best Lats cruisers gatherings. Saturday night! Just be in the show before it closes at 6pm.!!
Want Discount Tickets? Click Here Tell ’em Lats sent ya!
.jpg)
ANOTHER WHACKY DAY–We hit it to Spitfire yesterday to check on our Mudflap Girl frames. Since Paul Cavallo launched the Spitfire line publicly, the shop has grown. They now have 19 ground-up bike builds in the mix. They are building customs from rigid bobbers, to Sporty Denver-styled long bikes, and 500 Honda-4 customs.
They build everything from frames axles, girders, and forward and mid control sets. Larry rebuilds engines, and they handle any service work. I’ve been collecting Mudflap girl material for months, and it’s about time to launch our first build report. Here’s the notion. I’m building two Frisco’d, single loop framed FXRs. They both will be powered by 80-inch Harley-Davidson Evos with JIMS 6-speed transmissions. The build will be featured on LeoMark’s Televison series, in over 10 articles on Bikernet, with features and techs in Cycle Source and we’re working on a Book deal about the build. I better get my ass in gear.
Also next week we will publish Rogue’s Baker Reverse system install with D&D exhaust. Then we will publish our first antique feature from the Sturgis Museum and a feature from South Carolina and the Stealth team. Never a dull moment.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
