Hey,
It’s Halloween and the cute girls are out, wearing the hottest outfits. It was outfit city around here all week, girls coming and going scouring through Sin Wu’s secret stash.
Of course we were in the shop trying to figure out the Salt shaker. We have install a new Dyna S single fire ignition system through Biker’s Choice, then discovered a sheared pinion key and a tight pinion shaft bushing. All have been repaired, and Dr. Willie helped with timing and valve adjustment. Bike harshly kicks back, like it’s 180 out of time, but we’ve checked every which way, and confirmed with Berry Wardlaw, of Accurate Engineering, and Eric Bennett, of Bennett’s Performance. Any suggestions?
I’m waiting for someone to say, “Did you …?” The super-obvious correction. Hang on for more reports. Let’s hit the news, before the girls take over the headquarters and start to party.
BIKERNET ZEN TEACHINGS– There are two excellent theories for arguing with women. Neither one works.
Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.
Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.
We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our ass… Then things just keep getting worse.
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
–from the OK Hamster
THE LEGAL CONTROVERSY OF THE WEEKEND–The Illinois State Supreme Court today handed down their decision on whether or not the Governor has the power to sweep money from the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund and they ruled in favor of the state.
The last little paragraph says it all:
The supreme court concluded that the legislature cannot create an irrevocable trust with public money because this would place an unconstitutional restraint upon the legislature’s plenary power. The court, thus, found no impediment to the legislature’s withdrawals from the cycle fund.
We will get with the lawyers and the Comptroller to see if there is something we can do.
The link below is their summary.
http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2011/October/Summaries/110611s.htm
The following link below will give you their opinions. Just click on ABATE of Illinois vs Alexis Giannoulias.
http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/recent_supreme.asp
I wish to thank the team of Rod Taylor, George Tinkham, and Matt Franklin for their hard work on presenting our case to the Ill.Supreme Court. This is one of the reasons we have ABATE Legal Services, someone to represent us.
There is no shame in losing. Shame comes when you don’t try – and “Try We Did”
–Bob Myers
Legislative Coordinator
ABATE of Illinois, Inc
COMMENT FROM BIKERNET’S OFFICIAL FREEDOM FIGHTER: Part of the problem lies with some of our motorcycle rights organizations and their dealing with members of the legislature.
These groups deal with the legislators who convince them that by adding fees to licenses it will give them money for these programs. It also makes them friends of the legislator, not necessarily a good thing.
The legislator then pleases other legislators because money has been generated for the state that they can later raid and use for what ever.
Ever since I can remember and in many states there is a history of this happening. One would think that those who are suppose to be watching and not let these things happen would know this.
Well some of them do and even after money dedicated to education has been taken for other things in the past some of these groups let it happen again and in some cases even endorse it.
Once the state has the money there is little or no chance of getting it back.
The thing to do is fight against increased fees when they are proposed and to Demand that money already received in the past be used for its intended use.
Notify all motorcyclists in the offending state who the legislators who voted for the money to be used for other than its original use are and then Vote Them Out Of Office.
Some of the organizations do not want to do this because the offending legislator is a friend.
This is not about who your friends are, you believe these programs could do some good or even that some people you know could get employment from the legislation.
I am suggesting that Motorcycle Rights Organizations go back to Lou Kimzey’s method of fighting Totalitarian Enactments.
–Rogue
MORE ON SPRINGFIELD COURT CASE:
By Benjamin Yount | Illinois Statehouse News
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court may have opened the door for Gov. Pat Quinn and state lawmakers to grab hundreds of millions of dollars for the next state budget.
In a 6-to-1 decision Thursday, the high court upheld a 2006 Sangamon County Circuit Court ruling that backed the governor and Legislature’s ability to take money from hundreds of special state funds, a practice commonly referred to as sweeping.
Motorcycle riders sued former Gov. Rod Blagojevich after he ordered that $296,000 be taken from the Cycle Riders Safety Training Fund, or CRSTF. A portion of the fee for an Illinois motorcycle license went into the CRSTF, which the motorcycle education and advocacy group A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, or ABATE, argued, was only to be spent on motorcycle safety education. The governor that year used the $296,000 to pay general state bills.
“Clearly, the fee charged by the state for motorcycle registration and licensing is state revenue, and therefore the portion of this state revenue which the General Assembly has allocated to the CRSTF is also public money,” wrote Justice Anne Burke in the majority opinion.
Burke rejected the ABATE lawyers’ argument that the special fund was tantamount to a special trust fund.
With the lone opposing vote, Chief Justice Tom Kilbride wrote in his dissenting opinion that he is “concerned, however, that the legislature may have swept private or federal funds.”
In 2003, the Illinois Supreme Court in City of Chicago v. Holland, ruled that federal dollars cannot be rerouted for state needs.
But Kilbride pointed to $2 million in “fund transfers” from the State Park Fund. Some of the money in the State Park Fund comes from charitable contributions from Illinois taxpayers.
“This court has an obligation to address the implications of sweeping private donations and federal grant moneys,” he wrote in his dissenting opinion.
Former legislator and current professor emeritus at Northwestern University Law School, Dawn Clarke Netsch, said private and federal dollars are a different issue, but the court was on target with the idea of “public money.”
“If there are no specific constitutional protections for money that comes into the state, the General Assembly can always change its mind and do something different with those dollars,” she said.
“Just because a bill is passed that sets forth a path to paying certain monies to certain funds, doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever.”
Laurence Msall, president of the Chicago-based public policy research group the Civic Federation said he hopes the lawmakers and governor will use the money to pay the state’s bills.
“But even with permission to sweep every state fund, it would not be enough to fix the state’s problems,” Msall said.
Quinn’s budget spokeswoman, Kelly Kraft, said there are no plans to sweep any special funds for the next state budget.
“Gov. Quinn worked to end the practice of fund sweeps, and sweeps are not a possibility for FY13,” said Kraft.
But the governor has come to rely on interfund borrowing. Quinn borrowed $500 million from special state funds in the current state spending plan. That money is supposed to be paid back at the end of the fiscal year.
ABATE lawyer Rod Taylor said, “The decision just strikes terror into the basic fabric of American life, the sanctity of contract.”
–from Rogue
VETERANS DAY COMING–Fifty-one years ago, Herman Shook, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army. On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair.
On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth. On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.
–Riche
DRAG RACING FRAME SEARCH– I am looking for a 1960’s style drag frame to help with a little project my son and I are working to complete.
We are building a 93-inch Shovster to provide power. Please don’t laugh, it’s from parts that I already have (and have had for quite some time).
I want him to experience the smell of rubber, and the timing tree.
I hope to get him out to bracket race on a strictly Sportsman class level.
— Drew Gatewood
GEARS – Gatewood Engineering And Race Support
P.O. BOX 2568 CHESTERTON, IN 46304
TEL/FAX: 219-926-5647
EMAIL: GEARS55@FRONTIER.COM
WEB: WWW.GEARSWEBSITE.COM
SCARY WORD OF THE DAY--sepulchral suh-PUHL-kruhl, adjective:
1. Proper to or suggestive of a tomb; funereal or dismal.
2. Of or pertaining to burial.
3. Of, pertaining to, or serving as a tomb.
4. Hollow and deep: sepulchral tones.
I expect you are aware that my brother had an abiding interest in sepulchral art and tomb antiquities, sir.
— Amanda Quick, Mischief
For, except in one or two doubtful instances, these mountainous sepulchral edifices have not availed to keep so much as the bare name of an individual or a family from oblivion.
— Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun
Sepulchural is derived from the Latin sepulcrum, from sepul- meaning to bury and -crum which was the suffix denoting place, so it literally meant “place to bury.”
BIKERNET INSURANCE WEEKEND MEMO: “BOO” Cantina Members. Do you own a battery charger that you can trust?
Motorcycle and automobile battery chargers come in many shapes and sizes not to mention reliability. Furthermore, chargers come in a wide range of prices and all charge batteries in differently ways. Some are fast, others painfully slow. Then, add to this the many different promises made by each brand of battery charger and it can all make for some confusing charging experiences. Given all the custom bikes and hot rods we’ve had over the years and those we still tinker with, battery chargers have always had a special place in our Bikernet Garages in SoCal. Let’s look at some basics.
Types of Battery Chargers and How They Work?
1. Buck Regulator
This charger works through a DC converter. It features a basic design and a small output filter. Motorcycle and automobile aficionados like this type of charger because it is very efficient and easily handles high output currents.
2. Pulsed Charger
This is one of the most common types of chargers and works using simple transistors. It is compact and quite efficient as it slowly transfers current into the battery being charged. The “pulsing” approach used by this charger can transfer high levels of energy through only one charge.
3. Stunt Regulator
The stunt style charger is the most basic design regulator and often, the lowest cost product on the charger shelves. An alarm within the charger goes off and shuts down the charger once the battery reaches maximum power. Very easy to operate and good for those not familiar with charging batteries.
4. Switch Mode Regulator
This is perhaps the most complicated of the charger bunch. It needs a large passive outlet filter to operate. This type of charger controls voltage of the battery via pulse width modulation. Very efficient product all things considered.
5. Series Regulator
The series regulator is also known as the “linear” style regulator. It is a basic form of switch mode regulator. It does not require an output filter. It is small by design and runs quiet. One of the easiest chargers to operate.
6. Smart Chargers
The “smartest” battery chargers in the world are very sensitive to today’s complicated and sensitive electronic equipment found in many custom motorcycles and high-end automobiles. Many of these vehicles are left in standby mode for long periods of time so naturally, the battery depletes energy if not properly charged. The smart battery chargers take care of everything for the user. Simple to use, ultra-safe, and reasonably priced.
So there you have it Cantina Friends.
You are now armed with enough information about battery chargers to consider either shopping for a new regulator or upgrading to the world’s smartest charger. Hang on before you spend your hard-earned money. We’ll provide some guidance and buying direction for you all in an upcoming battery charger article.
Ride safe out there and remember, you are not just a policy number with us. We are fully “charged-up” about our customers at Bikernet.
Marc Beaulieu
President & CEO
Bikernet Insurance Center LLC
Toll Free: 888-467-8703 | Fax: 858-693-8703 | Cell: 619-565-8703
Email for fastest response: service@bikernet-insurance.com
BIKERNET AUCTION NEWS–Classic California: Collectors’ Motorcycles, Motorcars, and Related Memorabilia
Saturday November 12, 2011
Petersen Automotive Museum
Los Angeles
Previews:
Thursday November 10th: 2pm to 6pm
Friday November 11th: 10am to 6pm
Saturday November 12th: 10am to 12pm (Motorcars and Motorcycles only)
V-TWIN EXPO INTRODUCE NEW SEMINARS– The V-Twin Expo revs up with new seminars for attending dealers.
Agoura Hills, CA— Three new seminars are announced for the 12th annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, OH February 4-6, 2012.
“Each year we work closely with V-twin dealers to create and deliver relevant seminars that assist them in their efforts to grow their business or improve overall operations. By inviting industry experts as our seminar panelists, we deliver informative, interactive and pertinent seminars to attending dealers. We are confident these new seminars will meet their needs.” explained Show Producer Jim Betlach. New for 2012 are the following three new seminars. Additional seminars to be announced later this year.
Patent Law Changes and How They Impact You
Have you heard about the new changes to the United States’ patent law system? On Sept. 16, 2011, President Obama signed the America Invents Act (the Act), enacting the first major overhaul of the United States patent system since 1952. The Act’s most substantial change is a transition away from awarding a patent to the “first-to-invent” the patented technology, to a system that awards the patent to the “first-to-file”. Attend this seminar to learn more about the new changes and how they impact you and your business.
Make Noise on Audio Sales
Aftermarket audio upgrades are a top selling accessory, which makes Audio a
flourishing opportunity for your dealership. Audio is relevant beyond just
Bagger/Touring riders. Systems are available for bikes with or without fairings.
Attend this seminar to advance your current Audio sales, or come to learn how to get started.
Bagger Market Review
This highly interactive seminar is presented by Road Iron Magazine and will be
lead by prominent builders. Join Paul Yaffe, Arlen Ness, Brian Klock, Tom
Motzko, Jim Nasi, Dave Perewitz and Bad Dad to learn more about how they
increase profits and build long-term customer relationships by accessorizing and building custom baggers.
The 12th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati February 4-6, 2012 focuses exclusively on the American V-twin motorcycle market. It is the only exclusive V-twin trade show attracting dealers from the US, Canada and world. The V- Twin Expo by Easyriders is wholly owned by Paisano Publications. The V-Twin Expo has not been combined with any other show or company.
HERE IS THE SUNDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS! A 1980 80″ SHOVELHEAD!– New stator, New battery, New primary belt, Fl front end, Early style fairing, Stretched tanks, Drag bars, Custom seat, Oil cooler, Muffler pipes, Forward controls, Custom paint. Something different, a look all it’s own for $7000!
–MIKE the STEALTH
MOTORCYCLES CRASH THE AMERICAN FILM MARKET–
“iKuztom” — the show that digs into the custom motorcycle world and shows us what the desire to build is all about — arrives November 3 at the Loew’s Hotel in Santa Monica for AFM, the single biggest film market of the year.
Joining filmmakers and powerplayers from around the world, “iKuztom” producers Leomark Studios and Grip Ace LLC will unveil a full season of smoke, fire, and steel framed by fast-paced comic sketches, beautiful models, and burning rubber in 13, 30-minute commercial episodes.
See these stories:
Seven beautiful models build a custom motorcycle and ride it at the Bonneville Land Speed Trials.
A Romanian toymaker creates an outer-space monster bike.
A terminally ill man with one arm builds a left-handed, handicapped motorcycle and lives life to the max.
A successful photo model and veterinarian discovers his real talent and becomes a legend in the custom motorcycle world.
An ordinary commuter scooter becomes a turbo-charged, stretched-out beast called “Game Over: The Resurrection.”
Film cans, door knobs, army food containers, and airplane wing stabilizers mixed with rusty scrap parts mutate into the coolest Rat Bike you ever saw.
A modern-day blacksmith rides his enduro bike up a mountain and gets inspired to turn a pile of raw metal into the next level of Street Fighter bikes.
A motorcycle artist, inspired by the Mayan culture, commits 110% to infinite details — both seen and unseen – and unveils “Disciple Warrior” at the IMS show.
A hardworking heavy-metal guitar player gets hired to build the baddest bad-ass bagger ever known, but with one catch: It has to match the owner’s Lamborghini.
A land-speed recordholder hooks up with the legendary Ace Cafe in London and builds a tribute Cafe Racer with speeds to match its fame.
Inspired by a famous movie star, one man goes on a worldwide hunt for unique bike parts and brings his dream to life.
A dog-loving family uses the hypnotic qualities of a masterpiece paint job to create the Best-in-Show Bobber at the Easyriders Invitational.
The godmother of an Army vet surprises her godson by commissioning a super-loud and out-of-this-world tribute bike to Michael Jackson, and rides it herself.
The son of a proud Cuban man learns that dedication and perseverance will enable you to build a custom chopper, even if you’ve never done anything like it before.
“iKuztom” asks and answers questions like:
How does the brain react to loud pipes? Are pin-ups a distraction in the garage? Why were bikers fascinated with monsters as kids? Is drinking tea mandatory for Cafe Racers? Is speed addictive? Are custom motorcycles art? Is the motorcycle bringing out our darker alter ego?
And much, much more….
Leomark Studios is a production and sales company based in Los Angeles. Our growing catalogue includes cutting-edge motor sports programming and features ranging from family comedy to sci-fi, action, and true crime. We put together talented writers, directors, and talent to bring projects to life for both theatrical and non-theatrical release.
MYTHBUSTERS MOTORCYCLE TO CAR COMPARISON–Not Really. . .
Recently the Discovery Channel’s popular program MythBusters attempted to determine if a motorcycle is “better” for the environment than a car.
If you are not familiar the program, it’s a cable reality show that takes on different challenges each week, such as “Can an airplane made of duct tape fly?” or “Will a bullet explode an RPG if they hit each other mid air?” and so on.
The Hosts ran a number of somewhat scientific tests on a few motorcycles to measure single vehicle emissions. The show determined that, “At best, it’s a wash; motorcycles are just as bad for the environment as cars. At worst, they are far worse.”
When tested side by side, a motorcycle will give off more of some gasses in the exhaust than a car of the same year. But that’s to be expected. As engines get smaller, it becomes more and more difficult to use a catalytic convertor to catch all the gasses. So it becomes an engineering and usability issue to catch all of the gasses a car can. However, when it comes to CO2 emissions, motorcycles emit a fraction of what cars are accountable for. It should be noted that CO2 emission levels are largely what drive climate change legislation.
Another factor that the MythBusters failed to account for was the population size. Motorcycles make up less than three percent of the vehicles on the road today. Such a small percentage of all total vehicles cannot be singled out as the lone problem.
That’s not to mention all of the other factors that make motorcycles more environmentally sound, such as smaller battery, longer life of vehicle, less raw materials to construct, less oil needed, and of course, less fuel to operate. Also keep in mind how motorcycles reduce congestion and do not contribute to gridlock. Add all those factors up and motorcycles are far better for the environment than any car.
So for those of you out there who want to “go green,” the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) suggests that you simply ride your motorcycle.
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL–Rivera Primo Inc. now offers its popular Brute IV Extreme Open Belt Drives in Matte Black Powdercoat finish. We went with powdercoat due to its extreme ability to withstand severe usage and weather related trauma versus anodizing which typically fades to a non-descript color when used out in open weather.
The 2016-0107 Brute IV Extreme fits 1990-2006 Softail models. All these fine Open Belt Drives include the motorplate kit with billet outer guard, rear pulley assy. with Pro Clutch and 66 tooth ring gear, front pulley and Primo 2 or 3″ drive belt as well as all nessecary hardware for a succesful bolt-on installation. As always, our world renowned quality and reliability is inherent in every Genuine Primo Belt Drive that we proudly manufacture in the U.S. of A.
BIKERNET THOUGHT FOR THE DAY– There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer’s research.
This means that by 2020, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.
–DR Willie
DirecTV to Drop Sons of Anarchy?– As shocking as it may seem, for a show that has broken records for FX Networks and been renewed for another season, word of the threat comes from none other than the show’ s creator, Kurt Sutter.
On Tuesday’s broadcast of SOA, Kurt himself made the announcement, which was repeated during several commercial breaks. Kurt (who also plays Otto on the show and is married to Katey Sagal) said that DirecTV is pulling FX Networks off the air by November 1st, and that fans could miss the last 5 episodes of the season. He referred concerned viewers to www.keepmynets.com where it states “DirecTV says Fox Networks wants a 40% increase. That’s just not true.”
Quick Throttle called DirecTV and we were told that they’ve received a lot of calls on this (it was only 9 am, the following morning) but that they could not answer our inquiry until November 1st. They referred us to www.ourpromisetoyou.com, where one finds the claim that “Newscorp has demanded that DirecTV customers pay nearly 40% more…” they then show you a bunch of misleading pie charts and graphs that are supposed to make you feel better about their position on this.
FX tells us “We’ve asked them to pay the same price…..that their competitors (Dish, Cablevision, etc) pay. AND, we are willing to keep our channels on while we continue talks…”
–Quick Throttle Magazine
DAVE ZIEN MEETS WITH STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME--It would be an honor and privilege for me to attend the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. My intent is the same yours, “To enhance and empower the mystique and heritage of motorcycling.”
Possible topics for a 20-minute discussion are:
(1) Ask BOD to sign the denim Sturgis jacket that you sent me while in the hospital. You gave me inspiration and helped me survive.
(2) Spearhead with the BOD’s approval, a movement to develop cohesiveness and camaraderie with both the Hall of Fame & the Freedom Fighters previous inductees.
(A) Ask each of them to help us develop a complete mailing, e-mail and phone list.
(B) Encourage them to interact with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and each other.
(C) Ask for business cards, mementos, pamphlets or handouts to be made available at the Sturgis Museum.
(D) Schedule for appearances at the Sturgis Museum before and during the rally.
(E) Share the scheduled time with the Biker and regular media.
(F) Encourage attending Hall of Fame breakfast for group pictures – our legacy.
(3) Accept, sign, and sell 10 ‘Don’t Tread on me 3×5 flags, which are already signed by 3 Freedom Fighters. Publicize as appropriate, another 10 flags can be supplied (all signed by as many inductees as appropriate).
(4) Prompt visitors to sign a 5 x 8 ft. “Don’t Tread on Me” or other flag to be later displayed where appropriate.
– Visitors desire to be interactive, be remembered and to leave their mark.
(5). 500 of my calling cards and 500 of my trademark Apache tears will upon approval by the BOD, be made available at the Million Mile Motorcycle area.
My request is that those taking these items would return a signed calling card or piece of paper. Visitors would enjoy interacting, sharing and leaving their mark.
Perhaps a thank you could be sent. Legible names, address, e-mail and phone numbers must be encouraged.
This may provide inspiration for other Hall of Fame’s to be even more creative, to do something with their displays.
(6) My vision is that a display should entertain all 5 senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch. The more tantalizing and interactive – the more inspiring and memorable.
Please consider a push button sound system with words of the songs at the Million-Mile Motorcycle area in the Museum.
Some songs could be from Ride to Live and Yesterday 1903 Mike Jones C-D’s and Charlie Brechtel. Several others from Mighty Biker Nation,Whiskey Jack’s Sturgis and others.
(7) Discuss briefly the Born to Ride DVD movie released 7/27/11. Apparently it was sold out in United States and Canada at many locations. The movie about two guys going to Sturgis had the whole 3rd act cut out. Marcus Theatres is planning to release on screen in nine states, select areas only.
Mike Jones at wolfonthemoon.com is working on two other movies, including Legends – about the history and dramatic impacts of Harley-Davidson upon United States patriotism and success.
The goal to be complete and released by 2012 – the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary.
(8) Sturgis should be prominent here and everywhere.
(9) Other items as deemed appropriate by the BOD.
Please feel free to contact me about these items or others to discuss. God Bless You!
Pray to Live, Live to Ride!
–Dave Zien
Former State Senator
Million Mile Motorcycle Man 715-874-6450 or 715-829-9436
LOVE RIDE REPORT–Last Sunday was the annual Love Ride fund raiser.
At it’s peak years about 20,000 motorcycles would ride to the lake.
A million dollars would be raised in one day. Quite big.
Hard times have fallen and now there are about 4,000 only.
Still a warm beautiful day and a good event.
Celebrities like Jay Leno – Robert Patrick – Mickey Jones – & others.
Western band – Montgomery Gentry played familiar tunes.
–Art
Quick Throttle Magazine
Bikernet International Editor
BIKERNET PERFORMANCE EDITOR’S REPORT–Bag’s “R” Packed,
SEMA Show next STOP!
Your Bikernet staff, minus the 2 watch dogs, Claud the cuss-like-a-sailor-Macaw and the lovely Sin Wu (holdin the fort down), will peel out of the harbor Monday afternoon on a Jet Blue.
Destination an hour and 15 minutes later is downtown Sin City. The SEMA jungle consists of 2,000 booths and 100,000 visitors are expected. We’re hoping to discover the holy grail, a pot of gold, or that ever-elusive part or top-secret-information pertaining to the latest developments in technology related to our two wheel sweethearts. Seems that everyday a new idea hits the shelf that might be worth a shit, we’ll see what we can unearth for you.
We expect a bit of a challenge navigating the isles, especially if the scantily clad show girls are out in force. I Love My Job!
Hang on for a full SEMA report in the Thursday news.
Numbers
Bikernet’s ever diligent web site guru has informed us that Bikernet.com is rated well-within the TOP 1% of all websites, averaging over over 13,000 visitors every day.
*Please Note*
At Bikernet your comments and suggestions are welcome, most of the time. No un-necessary snivilin or bullshit or your call will be transfered to Claud’s cage! Give it a shot!
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor/
Cantina Backstage Security Commander
wheeler@bikernet.com
ANOTHER HALLOWEEN WORD FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY—thanatopsis than-uh-TOP-sis, noun:
1. A view or contemplation of death.
2. A poem (1817) by William Cullen Bryant.
Once upon a time not too long ago I was married to a young woman whose every waking moment was underlain by a preoccupation with thanatopsis.
— Harlan Ellison, Edgeworks
Yet, having heard Khideo’s playful thanatopsis—he meant it to be playful—Ilihi looked at him with strange concern. “You sound as if you long for death, but I know it’s not true.” said Ilihi.
— Orson Scott Card, Earthborn
Thanatopsis was first used in English by poet William Cullen Bryant in his 1817 poem. The word literally comes from the Greek thanato- meaning death and -opsis meaning likeness or idea.
BEST COWBOY PICK-UP LINE–A cowboy walks into a bar and takes a seat next to a very attractive woman.
He gives her a quick glance then casually looks at his watch for a moment.
The woman, liking the looks of the fellow, notices this and asks, ‘Is your date running late?’
‘No M’am’, he replies, ‘I just got this state-of the-art watch, and I was just testing it…’
The intrigued woman says, ‘a state-of-the-art watch? ‘What’s so special about it?’
The cowboy explains, ‘It uses alpha waves to talk to me telepathically.’
The lady says, ‘What’s it telling you now?’
“Well,” he says half blushing, “it says you’re not wearing any panties.”
The woman giggles and replies ‘Well it must be broken because I am wearing panties!’
The cowboy smiles, taps the watch again and says, ‘Damn thing’s an hour fast!’
–from Michael Boen
KNIEVEL INKS DEAL TO SELL COLLEGE-THEMED MOTORCYCLES– Knievel Motorcycle Manufacturing has signed a deal to customize six of its special-order motorcycle models with official logos and colors of participating U.S. colleges and universities.
“Having never licensed custom production motorcycles, this opportunity for both CLC institutions and Knievel Motorcycle Co. reaches into new potential markets for their products,” sources at Knievel stated.
CLC is The Collegiate Licensing Co., a division of IMG College. The contract is between CLC/IMG and Knievel Custom Cycles, owner of the Knievel motorcycle division.
“Currently, we have production available for Bobbers, Springers or Softtails, a Pro-street and Chopper configurations,” Knievel Motorcycle Mfg. states on its website. Those ordering the bikes on the company’s website then configure them with the engine and drivetrain of their choice. The company said its six available product models meet or exceed U.S. regulations and have received Blanket Vehicle Type Approval from the European Union.
CLC institutions so far involved in the deal include Auburn University, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Georgia, The University of Kansas, Louisiana State University, University of Miami (Fla.), South Carolina University, University of Tennessee, and University of Wisconsin.
Each collegiate-themed motorcycle is delivered with a certificate of authenticity and assigned a collegiate hologram representing the new owner’s officially licensed and numbered product.
Posted by Mary Slepicka
Published courtesy of DealerNews: www.dealernews.com
VETERAN Brotherhood– Brother, life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don’t, just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands, those of you who served in Viet Nam know this. If it changes your life, let it.
Take a few minutes to think before you act when you’re mad. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy, He just promised it would be worth it.
Happy Brothers’ Day!
To the cool men that have touched my life. Here’s to you!! I was never a hero, but I am thankful I served among them.
A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you.
–from Rogue
HAPPY HALLOWEEN, GODAMMIT–If you have a late model touring H-D, don’t miss the latest product from the Baker Masterminds.
Next week, while the Performance Editor and I roam the SEMA isles, Sin Wu will launch a Paul Garson Motorcycling History piece, and a very important piece on Berry Wardlaw, regarding his effort to build a state-of-the-art skate park in his son’s memory. His story is inspiring.
When we return, I will work with Saddlemen on a seat for the Mudflap Girl FXR, and another tech for you. I will install a weld-on Mr. Lucky kickstand on my son’s Mudflap FXR, and I need to test the kickstand on my bike. I hope, like hell, it works. Ray, the Performance editor is working on a tech with Kewl Metal, on their touring raking system, plus he’s working with Dark Horse on a TwinCam lower end rebuild. In the meantime, have a helluva Halloween.
Ride Forever,
