Hey,
Life is bananas on one hand and fantastic on the other hand. Did you read that Buell is coming back? Yes, they signed a deal with S&S after Erik got the factory to back off on his no-compete contract. And did you see out feature on Victory stores is Australia? That means Victory is planning stores here.
And on a smaller level, Big Bear Choppers just opened a new service center on the edge of Lake Elsinore, California. You’ll see an official announcement in the Bikernet Blog this week. It’s all good news, and a strong economic indicator.
The vast Bikernet staff accomplished a great deal last week, so we took a break yesterday to build something crazy for our brother who owned the refurbished floating Chowder Barge in a Wilmington Marina.
He needed a sign in stand, so he could start to collect e-mail addresses. We took a rusting array of nautical artifacts and went to work. You’ll see the final contraption at the end of the news. Let’s see what MIC has to report on the economy.
BIKERNET OFFICIAL READER NUMBERS UPDATE–We rebuilt Bikernet from the ground up last year, and we stumbled, relaunched and now our numbers are growing again. On top of that, we started a blog, plus we work with Jeff Nagar, or Prince Najar, as we call him, on the Bikernet Studios. I’m going to attempt to bring you number reports monthly on all our efforts.
Here’s the Bikernet numbers from January:
Visitors 349,221
Uniques 192,339
Page Views 579,779
Hits over 10 million
According to Google our Bikernet blog numbers are up %18 percent over last month, to 18,000 visits and 30,000 page views. Bikernet is up 20 percent over the last month and 24 percent over the last three months according to Alexa. I will bring you the Studio numbers on Thursday, in the news.
Slowly but surely we will get these numbers under control and bring you regular updates.
FORK TUBE ROCKET DEVELOPMENT– Neal is a good buddy of mine. We worked at Titan together back in ’97. He is a contributing writer to Iron Works magazine, does tech articles. Also, he is a Master Level H-D Tech since ’98.
The cool thing is he made the rocket engine using a old Harley fork tube that was laying around. This reminded me of stuff that Ron Trock use to do around his shop. There
is much more to this Rocket story.
There is going to be a rocket launch. It will be tracked and recovered from the ocean. This is going to be for some kind of college contest that has some Nasa backing. All very cool.
I’ll keep Bikernet posted. This is just one of many examples of how a good laid-off H-D Tech is adjusting to the changing job market out there. Retrain yourself and not letting the Man win, is the key to survival nowadays.
For myself going back and driving a truck made the most sense for me. Truck driving is good honest hard work. It also lets me live the Nomad lifestyle, which is in my blood.
I guess it’s that Navy thing. New places, new faces. My home is wherever I lay my head.
MORE SMART-ASSED ANSWERS–
The police officer got out of his car as the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. ‘I’ve been waiting for you all day,’ the officer said.
The kid replied, Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.’
When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.
SMART ASS ANSWER:
A truck driver was driving along on the freeway and noticed a sign that read: Low Bridge Ahead. Before he knows it, the bridge is right in front of him and his truck gets wedged under it. Cars are backed up for miles.
Finally a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says, ‘Got stuck, huh?’
The truck driver says, ‘No, I was delivering this bridge and I ran out of gas.’
SMART ASS ANSWER OF THE YEAR:
A college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow’s final exam. ‘Now class, I won’t tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that’s it, no other excuses whatsoever!’
A smart-ass student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, ‘What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?’
The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, ‘Well, I guess you’d have to write the exam with your other hand.’
A BONUS EXTRA:
A woman is standing nude looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, ‘I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.’
The husband replies, ‘Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.
–from Don Wills
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER STUDIES FOUR Healthy Snacks–Snacking during the day can be a healthy habit, as it can help to keep blood sugar and energy levels steady. However, what you choose for mid-day edibles is important – use the four suggestions below for some healthy snack ideas.
1. Berries. They are sweet, easy to pop into your mouth, and a much healthier choice than a candy bar. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are all anti-inflammatory, rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, and offer immune-boosting antioxidant activity.
Don’t miss next Four Snacks to Avoid in the Thursday News.
BIKERNET 15TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO DEVELOPMENT–
Overall I like this one; http://www.bikernet.com/docs/stories/8848/width500/15th-logo-skull004.jpg
BUT – I like the laugh on this one; http://www.bikernet.com/docs/stories/8848/width300/15th-logo-skull003.jpg
On whichever one you choose one of the hammers should have a “Ball-Peen” hammer head as is generally used in mechanics, the claw hammer is generally used in construction which I know you are usually always doing around the headquarters. But that is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions!!!
–Doug
DELUXE CAR MAGS GET MILITARY VOTE– Geno, here you go, love your magazines. Can you let me know if you include it in an issue? –Terry
P.S. The one is me with my ’37 Ford truck rat rod, I chopped and channeled it and it has a 472 V-8 with a 400 Trans and a quick change posse race rear end. Scary fast! Thanks again, you have my full permission to include both in an issue, like to know what one, T
TERRY L. KIRKBRIDE, CMSGT
766th AES SUPERINTENDENT
DSN: 481-4293
VoSIP: 431-4216
BIKERNET READER WEEKEND DEAL– Okay, how about a 2010 FXD Dyna Glide with 2000 miles, still in warranty for $10,500.00? My son has his for sale. Just like figgin’ new.
Please find attached photos of 2010 Harley-Davidson FXD Super Glide. Bike has just over 2,000 miles and is still under factory warranty. First maintenance has been done. Stock 96″ engine with six speed transmission. Solo seat, mid-controls…just as it came from the factory. Last year for the FXD (seems standard bikes are becoming a thing of the past with the Motor Company). My son needs to sell the bike…newly married, baby boy, and lots of bills. I would buy it if I could. This is a good deal. $10,500.00 Sam Burns 512-557-8862 or rotorkat@yahoo.com
–Sam
ILLUSION DOES BAGGERS–Illusion now does baggers. Look for one of their latest creations coming soon in Bagger Magazine. Illusion does all phases of bagger upgrades and building.
Watch for a Bikernet tech on their process in the next couple of months.
–Rusty
BIKERNET VETERAN’S HELP DESK RESOURCE OF THE WEEK–Lawyers for Veterans. Check out the PTSD section.
http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/
–Ray Wheeler
VP Cantina Club
AVON TYRES THE BIKERNET TIRE OF THE YEAR–For our Mudflap girl and bobber projects. We have been working with and happy with Avon tires for over a decade.
This year we are going to use Avon Tyres on our two Mudflap girl FXRs. One will run a 160 and the other a 180 rear, our limit for wide tires. We are both running 19 fronts.
Then is looks like we’re building a 650 Yamaha bobber with Mr. Lucky and a our Bikernet official building paint supervisor, Danny.
AUSTRALIAN BIKERNET READER WANT ENVY, STREET WALKER EXHAUST SYSTEM– Bandit , Thanks for your time mate. Would appreciate any info available for Envy Cycle Creations, ( Streetwalker Exhausts ) as i have seen one of their exhausts on a bike called “BULLY” on their web page – a 2 into 1 custom ‘hot rod’ style that i just gotta have. The phone no. I’ve been trying is 602.391.8488 and can’t get through.
Like i said any info would be great so i can get in touch with them asap. Look forward to your reply- Scott Carter, Australia. I know Bassani do one similar but this is it mate. Also would like to hear your opinion on comparing the two- performance and quality. Cheers for your time.
–Scott Carter
cartersexclusivelandscaping@gmail.com
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS WEEKEND SPECIAL DEAL–A sweet weekend deal from THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS! An 82 FLT, ready for that long trip, new paint and tires, very clean and priced right!
Take time to check out THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, you never know what you will find! BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS where the adventure of buying and selling bikes begin!
–MIKE the STEALTH
1982 HarleyDavidson FLT custom.
Nice shovelhead flt,80 cu,5 speed transmission,Electric start, new clutch, new Dunlop tires,New PPG 2 stage Black paint,
($1700)new glassmat battery,new throttle & clutch cables.
It was lowered 2″ in rear and has a Le Pera custom seat to give it a street glide look.
Also comes with two boxes of extra parts stock shocks, dual headlight fairing, stereo and a custom built solo seat.
Trades ACCEPTED: MAY TAKE Partial or full trade on, 2000 or newer gmc or Chevy or Ford 3 or 4 door pickup truck, Silverado ss, F150,F250,F350 ,snow machine, 4×4 atv 4stroke
Item Location: ELGIN, IL
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/category/1628/Touring_FL/post/2130977/1982-FLT-Custom.html
AN EAST COAST STURGIS RIDE– We’ll be keeping you updated on new and exciting things pertaining to the “EAST COAST STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY.” Every year we strive to keep adding to the enjoyment of all who attend and support this rally.
If You like a good old fashioned motorcycle rally/party then you may want to attend the ” East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” Big and getting bigger, but not over commercialized. From Ol’ timers to newcomers to the motorcycle lifestyle, everyone seems to be under the spell of the beautiful mountain region of Western Maryland and the surrounding hills.
Riding the twisting acending decending roads or kicking back enjoying all the activities, bands, vendors and sights on the Apple Mountain Main Event Grounds, people have been leaving this rally year after year vowing to return and bring their friends! So ride safe and we hope to see you in August!
–Kenneth Appel
kenappel@wildblue.net
phone: 301-478-3421
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THIS EXCLUSIVE JUST IN FROM THE INDY DEALER SHOW– Attached is an image of Erik Buell and Frank White February 18th at the 2011 Indianapolis Motorcycle Show
According to White, “Erik’s new bike looks terrific”……….
President
ATK motorcycles
ANALYST TELLS MIC that economic recovery has begun–Paul Leinberger says we’re at the beginning of an economic recovery. The executive vice president and director of The Futures Co. was back again at Dealer Expo to address MIC members at its annual meeting Feb. 17, this time offering a three-pronged forecast for 2011: Cautious consumers, the importance of the Internet, and something he calls the “dependable middle.”
Leinberger predicted that new vehicle sales will start to rebound by third quarter. Consumers are suffering from a “frugality fatigue” and are itching to spend — as evident from the boost in recent holiday sales. But the recovery process will be slow, based on what consumers have indicated in recent surveys, he said. The majority of consumers don’t plan on going back to their pre-recession spending habits during the gilded years of 1990 to 2007.
Gone is the bigger-is-better mentality. In its place– Quality over quantity. “[Customers] walk into a store thinking very differently than [they] did three years ago,” Leinberger said. “For them, it’s not about accumulation, or ’can I full up that three-car garage.’ It’s about ‘what the stuff means in my life.’”
Knowing that customers are looking for “the dependable middle” — moderately priced, quality goods — can make or break your business.
An example of a dependable middle is Hyundai, once considered a non-competitor in the auto industry. “It’s now the perfect brand at the perfect time,” Leinberger said. Hyundai offers a $15,000 model that includes seat warmers for the back seat — a feature that in the past was only available in high-end models like BMW. Hyundai shows that today’s consumers are looking for more bang for their buck: They’re willing to lose the name-brand and luxury status, but they aren’t willing to sacrifice on quality.
“Ask yourself, what products are your ‘dependable middle’?” Leinberger counseled the audience.
Another key focus is the increased importance of community: Today, 63 percent of consumers are more inclined to buy from companies that are involved in improving their communities. “It’s about what you do, not what you say,” Leinberger said.
If you are going to “say” something, consider carefully. In the past, marketing and advertising exceled in delivering one-sided messages to potential consumers through TV, radio and print. But consumers now want to be part of the conversation — to be talked to instead of talked at — and they can do this with applications like Twitter and Facebook. Social networking usage among consumers jumped 43 percent (to 22.7 percent of consumers from 15.8 percent) between June 2009 and June 2010.
“The 25- to 34-year-olds — the heart of this market — are also turning more and more to social networking,” Leinberger said. “The Internet is no longer part of our life. It is our life.”
– Cynthia Furey
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINT MAY END UP IN THE SUPREME COURT–
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Motorcyclists across the nation are awaiting a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York which they hope will declare New York’s “motorcycle only” roadway checkpoints to be unconstitutional.
The case Wagner et al. v. The County of Schenectady, et al. could end up in the United States Supreme Court. The checkpoints, which target well-known motorcycle events, force motorcyclists traveling to and from those events to leave the roadway, regardless of any wrongdoing, and have their vehicles and equipment inspected for safety and non-safety equipment violations and stolen VIN numbers. Motorcyclists have been detained as long as 45 minutes in makeshift stockades while undergoing the inspections. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently began Federal funding for motorcycle checkpoints nationwide in order to assess their effectiveness despite objections raised by members of Congress.
The New York lawsuit is the first to challenge the constitutionality of motorcycle checkpoints. The plaintiffs are being represented by Proner & Proner, a plaintiffs personal injury law firm with a long history of doing “pro bono” legal work on behalf of motorcyclists. The Proner firm commenced the lawsuit on behalf of four motorcyclists who were detained at two separate checkpoints.
The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly made it clear that any roadway checkpoint whose primary purpose is general crime control constitutes an unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment and is presumptively unconstitutional. Notwithstanding that fact, the progress reports which the police prepared on the checkpoints specifically state that the grant funds are used “for overtime for intelligence gathering and the subsequent criminal and traffic enforcement.” The police admit that the checkpoints, which focus only on equipment violations and forged and stolen VINs, do not address any of the major causes of motorcycle accidents such as reckless driving, driver inattentiveness and alcohol impairment.
Lawyers for the Plaintiff Riders and Defendant State Police are both seeking summary judgment on the Fourth Amendment claims. The future of motorcyclists’ rights hangs in the balance.
— from Rogue
SUNDAY CANTINA SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENT– A man entered the bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful blonde.
The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets.
Finally, after many such glances from her, he said, “It’s golf balls”
Nevertheless, the blonde continued to look at him for a very long time, deeply thinking about what he had said.
After several minutes, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked… “Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?”
–from Robin Hartfiel
THE BIKER BAND ATTIKA7 WILL PLAY AT THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR–
L A based rock/metal band has been added to the line up for the Mar 4th MUSINK Show at the O.C. Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, Ca. This is set to be a great show with Suicidal Tendencies, Biohazard and CKY. Look for ATTIKA7 to hit the stage around 8-8:30pm. ..As an added bonus the guitar player for ATTIKA7 will have 10 or more exotic motorcycles built by his company Illusion Motorsports on display all 3 days at the event next to their merch booth…
Illusion Motorsports is one of the premier custom builders of exotic motorcycles in the country.
To keep up to date on daily events visit us at www.facebook.com/Attika7.
For more information on this years 4th Anual Musink Tattoo & Music Festival or to purchase tickets please visit WWW.MUSINK.ORG
FINALLY THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY DISCOVERS THE TRUE MEANING OF–
libation ly-BAY-shun, noun:
1. The act of pouring a liquid (usually wine) either on the ground or on a victim in sacrifice to some deity; also, the wine or liquid thus poured out.
2. A beverage, especially an alcoholic beverage.
3. An act or instance of drinking.
Hearing that the train had lost one of its engines and that the remainder of the trip would be very slow, I headed for the bar car for a libation and a snack or two to soothe my growing hunger pangs.
— Lawrence Van Gelder, “Tales of Flying Cars and Trees”, New York Times, May 28, 2000
Giving careful packing instructions to his Sherpas who would befreighting the spirits to his Base Camp, Todd more than half-anticipated some nights when the libation might serve to take off the edge.
— Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt, The Climb
I’ve got Coral naked, strapped to the bed. I suggest a libation to celebrate our economic recovery and my first Bikernet raise in a decade. You pour and I’ll lick it up.
–Renegade
Bikernet.com
Libation is from Latin libatio, from libare, “to take a little from anything, to taste, to pour out as an offering.”
BETWEEN OCC IN THE EAST AND ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA, I DON’T KNOW WHO IS MORE NUTS–The attached is an article that ran in Wednesday’s OC Register.
–Steve
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/government-288454-homes-payments.html
California’s state government is $25 billion in the red, and Washington’s deficit is in the trillion-dollar range. Nevertheless, both governments plan to use taxpayers’ money to bail out people who also spent more than they could afford then similarly found themselves in the red.
“Keep Your Home California” is administered by the state and financed by the federal government, but taxpayers pay the $2 billion for its ill-conceived plan to fend off foreclosure looming for 25,000 homeowners.
Targeted beneficiaries owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Moving assistance also is available for 6,500 people who lose homes to foreclosure. The program ostensibly helps low- and moderate-income homeowners, defined as annual incomes up to $67,500 in many rural counties, and up to $104,650 in Orange County and $119,300 in Marin County.
This should infuriate people who deny themselves purchases they can’t afford, pay their bills and live within their means. It’s their money used to reward others chosen by government to receive special favors.
Unemployed homeowners can receive up to $3,000 a month, or 100 percent of their monthly mortgage payments, up to $18,000 total. Others with mortgages greater than their homes’ value can have principal paid down. Homeowners behind in payments can get up to $15,000. It’s possible to qualify for more than one subsidy, up to $50,000 total.
There is so much wrong with this scheme we may not have room to itemize all its injustices.
First, the government has no business paying any portion of private banks’ loans to private homebuyers. Every one the government pays is an injustice to borrowers who continue making payments. Second, the government has no business making up banks’ losses on risky loans to borrowers whose income and credit showed they were unlikely to pay them back. Lenders not subsidized this way are at a distinct disadvantage because of government’s favoritism for competitors.
Third, government’s faux compassion for this select group shows no real compassion for responsible lenders and mortgage holders, whose burdens won’t be lightened, precisely because they played by the rules.
Fourth, by doling out $2 billion to compensate for irresponsibility and misfortune, the government teaches that, if you fail, Uncle Sam will send someone else’s money through the California Housing Finance Agency to pay for your mistake.
Sixth, as economist Thomas Sowell noted, foreclosures correct the market. Those homes are likely to resell at lower prices. Voila! Affordable housing.
Moreover, in California, Mr. Sowell has observed since California’s housing debacle, “more people are buying less-expensive homes, making bigger down payments and staying away from ‘creative’ and risky financing,” having quickly learned from the consequences of previous decisions.
Unfortunately, profligates awash in red ink in Sacramento and Washington are teaching a different lesson.
–Orange County Register
DEALER EXPO AWARDS, Iron Pony Is 2011 Dealer Of The Year–INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 18 – Westerville, Ohio-based Iron Pony Motorsports Group took top honors last evening at the 20th Annual Dealernews Top 100 Dealer Awards Ceremony, held at the Indianapolis Marriott.
More than 25 individual awards were announced by emcees Robert Pandya and AMA Hall of Fame recipient Larry Huffman.
Iron Pony, owned by Chris and Tammy Jones, primarily sells parts, gear and accessories out of a massive store that once housed a Kmart. In the last two years, the Jones have taken on three vehicle franchises – Yamaha, Polaris/Victory, and Piaggio.
The Ohio store was lauded by Top 100 judges for its merchandising inventiveness, promotional excellence and success with its surrounding community.
Rexburg Motor Sports out of Rexburg, Idaho, was first runner-up, and Bob Weaver Motorsports & Marine, North Tonawanda, N.Y. was second runner-up. Rexburg also took home the Special Merit award for best dealership exterior, and Weaver won a Special Merit Award for Best Display.
World of Powersports, Decatur, Ill., was third runner-up. Honorable Mentions went to Outdoor MotorSports, Spearfish, S.D., and Signature Harley-Davidson, Perrysville, Ohio. Rounding out the Top 10 list were A.D. Farrow Harley-Davidson of Columbus/Sunbury, Ohio; Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, Va.; Powersports of Joplin, Joplin, Mo.; and Road Track & Trail, Big Bend, Wis. Road Track & Trail also was named Best Independent Dealer.
The first annual Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to brothers Bob and Jimmy Jones, owners of J&W Cycles in Washington, Mo. J&W Cycles is the only dealer to have been named to the Top 100 list all 20 years that the competition has been in existence.
The award is named for the late Don J. Brown, a founding editor of Dealernews and longtime research editor for the magazine. Brown’s good friend and AMA Hall of Fame recipient Don Emde presented the award to the Jones brothers for their lifetime dedication to retail excellence.
J&W Cycles also won a Special Merit Award in the media category for its use of Jumbotron messages during a county fair.
The first Consumer’s Choice Award, presented by the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, was given to South Texas Suzuki. The Lytle, Texas, store received a staggering 37,000 votes during a late 2010 online voting competition on the www.motorcycleshows.com site.
World of Powersports, Decatur, Ill., walked away with three awards, for Best E-Commerce Operation and Best Promotion in addition to its third runner-up placing.
Best Media Campaign-Radio/TV went to Strokers Dallas for its new reality TV series, “Ma’s Roadhouse,” on TruTV. Rick Fairless and daughter Lena Fairless were on-hand to accept the award.
Other Special Merit winners last evening:
# Media Campaign-Print – Outpost Harley-Davidson, Pueblo, Colo., for its “Winter Specials” postcard mailings
Media Campaign-Online – A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson for its Facebook campaign supporting a breast cancer event
# Service Department – Bayside Harley-Davidson
# Employee Incentives – Outdoor MotorSports
# Store Theme – Bayside Harley-Davidson
# Use of Space – Ducati Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Calif.
# Dealer Event – McGrath Powersports, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for its Motocross Clinic
# Web site – Deptford Honda Yamaha, Deptford, N.J.
# Customer Service – Powersports of Joplin for its customer focus groups
# Community Involvement – Signature Harley-Davidson for its Ride to Recovery charity ride
The Top 100 Dealers, the top winners and the Special Merit winners are showcased in the Top 100 Galleries near the Top 100 Hall of Fame Walk and in the exhibit hall.
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
2011 WHEELER RACING Quest for 200 mph– Thursday morning saddled up early and rolled South on 101 out of San Jose in a mild down pour, destination Phoenix in what might have
been a slight weather break, but no…by the time Pacheco Pass was on my radar the sky opened up and poured.
Rather than spend anymore time riding on water at 70 mph plus, decided to return to the safety of my bungalow in San Jose for a fresh pair of socks, a hot shower, and the chance of living to ride another day.
Ordering a set of Cometic copper head gaskets early Monday morning for the hot rod, seems that after 4,000 miles of running the turbo we’re developing a slight head gasket leak that will receive the O- Ring treatment for a sure seal situation, bring on the boost.
Continuing to gather parts for the new hardtail that we will run this summer at Bonneville after riding to Sturgis…that’s today’s plan that’s subject to change.
Stay tuned.
Think Healthy, Ride for your LIfe!
–Ray Wheeler
President
Wheeler Racing
BIKERNET READER CUSTOM SHOP TIRE CHANGER–whaduthink?
–Grinder Bill
BIKERNET READER COMMENT REGARD TECH TIP: Rebuilding The S&S Shorty Series Carbs, http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=7153
Loved the article. Very useful. Just installed a super E shorty on my ’97 Dyna. One problem is the bellows seal is leaking gas. When I open thethrottle it pisses fuel. What would cause and how do I fix it?
— Dave
We always respond to tech question. And if we feel direct contact with the manufacturer is the key, we make it happen. In this case we immediately reached out to Bruce Tessmer at S&S, and he took care of Dave:
Bandit asked me to shoot you an email about your carb. If this thing is”pissing gas”,as you put it, when you open the throttle, by all meansdon’t ride it until you get this fixed. Gas leaks are dangerous!
My best guess as to the cause is a cracked or incorrectly installed accelerator pump diaphragm. There shouldn’t be any gas in that part of the carb. The bellow seal is intended to keep dirt and moisture out of the carb, not to keep gas in.
If you take the pump cap off the bowl, I’d suggest that you do it in a shoe box so as not to lose any of the little springs and balls. In case you don’t have an instruction sheet, here is a link to the instruction sheet on our website. There is a line drawing that will show what’s supposed to be in there and how it goes together.
http://www.sscycle.com/instructions/instructionslist.php?x_cat=1
If you can’t figure it out on your own, please give our tech line a call at 608-627-1497.
–Bruce
TIME TO SHIFT GEARS--It’s my son’s birthday. He’s turning 37, good god, and we’re having a party at the headquarters. I’ll recruit him and his son, Frankie, to help me clean the shop and move some bikes around. We need to clear off some lifts so we can move forward with the FXR builds, and make room for the Yamaha bobber project with Ed Martin and the Mr. Lucky line of products.
We are going to photograph two rare Yale motorcycles tomorrow. I’ll bring you the entire scoop on the new S&S Knuckle cone motor next week, then a sharp bobbed Sporty feature, and the Coast to Coast legislative news.
Our mudflap frames are being built next week at Spitfire, and I’m hoping for completed frames and front ends before the end of the month, and we can begin rough assembly. That’s right, I’m planning the first Mudflap girl report for next week.
George and I are working on the Bikernet 15th Anniversary logo. One reader didn’t like the logo to look like a club patch. He was tired of skulls. Check this. I just finished a feature for the HORSE on the Jolie Rouge, a bobbed Sporty from Spitfire. Jolie Rouge is French for their first Pirate Flag, or a red attack flag. Jolie Rouge, became Jolly Roger.
Here’s one early version from the 1700s. Whatta you think about all this. I could shift the 15th logo to a bomber girl type logo? Let me know your thoughts, quick. George is hauling ass.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
