Hey,
This is Laughlin River Run weekend and we’re riding out. It’s a King Run to the Nevada border, with Ray Wheeler. Ray is the god of W8less Rotors and the first Brass Balls Bobbers Cross Country Road Test rider for Bikernet.com. Wednesday morning he rolled out of San Jose on his Twin Cam, Bonneville record holding, hot rod Dyna headed for the Bikernet Headquarters in Los Angeles.
We’re riding to Laughlin at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning, like 5:00 a.m. Then Ray is riding to Stroker’s Dallas to pick up a Brass Balls Bobber and hook up with us at the Smoke Out in Cottonwood, where he will start his journey on the rigid to Smoke Our East in North Carolina.
I’m already catching the desert buzz. Like Dave Rash says, “Motorcycles are two-wheeled valiums.” Ever since we decided to ride I can’t sit still. Let’s hit the news early so I can check tire pressures and pack.
Bassani Vintage Metal Signs Discovered–Bassani Warehouse 51 as we like to call it is used to store some rare and sentimental Bassani artifacts for safekeeping throughout the years. Upon re-opening it for its annual fire inspection one of the crates we had forgotten was opened to reveal a real Bassani Xhaust treasure.
Inside small wooden crates, were neatly packed with Vintage metal embossed metal signs measuring about 18″ x 10-1/4″ pre-drilled for easy wall mounting. We all looked at each other in amazement realizing what a find we had made.
There was enough quantities to sell to the public so the boss gave us the okay to offer them on our web store. If you looking to get a genuine Bassani artifact for your house or garage order one of these today. Limited quantities available.
VICTORY IN ATLANTA FOR KRAWIEC AND SCREAMIN? EAGLE V-ROD–Krawiec Wins First NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Event; A Track Record for Hines
COMMERCE, Ga. (April 19, 2009) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec raced to his first career event win in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition, riding a Harley-Davidson V-Rod? to defeat Horne Racing Buell rider Douglas Horne in the final round of eliminations at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. The win was a milestone for Krawiec, who earned the 2008 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship without winning an event.
?It sure feels good to get this win and get that burden off my back,? said Krawiec. ?I?ve been to five final rounds and won a championship, but I still had to prove I was capable of winning an event. My crew chief, Matt Hines, put an awesome Harley-Davidson motorcycle under me all weekend, and it carried me to some personal records in qualifying and then all the way through the finals.?
Krawiec?s win capped a successful weekend for the Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines team. For the second event in a row and the 24th time in his career, Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines was the top qualifier. His 6.877-second/195.03-mph blast on Friday stands as the fourth-best elapsed time in Pro Stock Motorcycle history, set a new Pro Stock Motorcycle track record and is a new personal-best ET and top speed for Hines. Krawiec also set new personal-best marks with a 6.881/194.49 run on Friday to take the second spot in qualifying
Hines defeated MB Machining Buell rider Mike Berry in the first round of Sunday eliminations, and won the second round when Rum Bum Racing Buell rider Shawn Gann fouled at the starting line. Hines faced Horne in the semi-final round, and lost to the rookie at the starting line with a 0.047 reaction time and 6.947 ET to the 0.026/6.959 combination put down by Horne, who took the win by just 0.009 seconds.
Krawiec advanced to the final round with a no-show win over LE Tonglet in round one, a win over Rocklin Motorsports Buell rider Matt Guidera in round two, and a win over Matt Smith when his NitroFish Suzuki broke during his semi-final run.
After a two-hour rain delay, Krawiec and Horne lined up for the event final. Krawiec left the line in 0.019 seconds and posted a 6.902 ET to beat Horne?s 0.041/6.949 by a convincing margin.
?We are so happy Eddie can now check an event win off of his racing to-do list,? said Harley-Davidson race team manager Anne Paluso. ?The team was working on motors up until the hauler pulled out of Indy for Atlanta, and all that hard work definitely paid off. This was a great weekend for everyone on the Screamin? Eagle team.?
After three events on the 17-race 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Smith leads the standings with 270 points. Hines moves from third to second place with 230 points. Hector Arana drops to third with 226 points, and Krawiec moves from sixth to fourth place with 224 points.
The next event on the 2009 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule is the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals, May 1-3 at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill.
The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.
BIKERNET HISTORIC QUOTE OF THE DAY– Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teen age boys.
-P.J. O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian
–from james Schnarr
LE PERA?S LATEST MUST HAVE CATALOG– Hot off the press, Le Pera?s latest catalog is every bit as stylish and well thought out as the company?s legendary seats. The table top quality directory to premium custom seating opens with a tribute to industry icon, Bob Le Pera and an extremely interesting history that follows the amazingly successful, family owned and operated business, from its opening in 1972 to present.
Thumbing through the beautiful and informative directory, you?re treated to page after colorful page of the finest in custom, contemporary and traditional seating. Unmistakably Le Pera, trend setting and personalized styles are presented in a one-of-a-kind collection of the finest leathers, hides, carbon fiber design, Gator, Serpernt Stingray, Ostrich and even Old School Metalflake.
Inlays bordered with intricate pinstrip stitching, nostalgic ribbed and Tribal embossed set the Le Pera line of in a league of their own It is evident from the new catalog that Le Pera?s custom design center can provide seating that will add the finishing touch to any Chopper, Bagger or Bobber or stocker. They truly are ?Like no other?. Get your hands on a copy by calling 818-767-5110 or visit them on the Web at www.lepera.com .
London International Custom Show cancelledThe second London International Custom show (L.I.C.S.), due to be held at Earls Court this May, has been cancelled–Whilst the number of stands booked at the event was around 100, representing over a 100% increase on last year’s show, the organizers are pointing to cash-flow issues among the potential exhibitor community in the UK as being a primary factor in the decision.
The organizers are saying that all booth payments so far are being refunded and that whilst they regret having to take this decision, the project has simply become a victim of the times.As a start-up event last year the London International Custom Show exceeded expectations and had proven that a London venue could generate a viable attendance in the context of the UK.
The UK market has long been in need of a professionally organized custom show in order to help consolidate the growth of the past decade, and to provide a foundation for dealers, builders and vendors to take the market forward.The event was being staged at London’s famous Earl’s Court Arena, and this year’s 2nd annual would have seen it move within the facility to prestigious and primary space, providing an environment in which the industry would have been able to showcase itself to maximum benefit to a clearly enthusiastic public.
The event was being organized by a professional and reputable show organizer, Pioneer Global Media, and that firm’s decision not to pursue the project is regretted.
AMD Magazine had endorsed the two-prize (best domestic and ‘best international’) custom bike builder competition as an Affiliate event to its Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building program, and many UK and Continental European builders have voiced their disappointment that the project will not be proceeding at this time.
Whilst there appears to be no immediate prospect of the L.I.C.S. project as such being revived, it is to be hoped that it won’t be long before the market has an alternate to rally behind.One proposal that is finding favor is that, after the summer, those with an interest in seeing such a show emerge in the UK market gather for a market ‘town hall meeting’ to see what ideas and options could be developed for a possible event in the UK in 2010, in the hope that economic conditions will be better by then.
Hot Leathers to Produce Merchandise Line for the Legendary Buffalo Chip–MANCHESTER, CONN.–April 22, 2009–Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle accessories and apparel, today announced the release of their new merchandise line, customized for the Legendary Buffalo Chip – the famed Sturgis hot spot.
Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers is using its expertise and vision to produce a unique line of Buffalo Chip-branded items. The company’s team of in-house artists has developed a line of Legendary Buffalo Chip merchandise, which will include men’s and women’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items. The all new Buffalo Chip merchandise will be available for purchase at the 5 Hot Leathers’ retail locations throughout the Buffalo Chip complex, at Hot Leathers’ stores in Sturgis as well as on the Hot Leathers Web site.
“The Legendary Buffalo Chip is the best known venue at the annual Sturgis Rally, and we’re honored they have asked us to develop their merchandise line,” said Andy George of Hot Leathers. “We’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and we’re looking forward to adding the Legendary Buffalo Chip to our growing list of satisfied customers.”
The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been featured on five nationally syndicated television specials since 2004, is internationally known as “the Best Party Anywhere” for its camping facilities and its always stellar music festival lineup during the Sturgis Rally. Legendary Buffalo Chip merchandise will be available for purchase from Hot Leathers beginning in June.
Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. The company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Known for fast and friendly service, Hot Leathers’ priority is its customers, both in the shop or on the road. Hot Leathers is a division of Good Sports, Inc. and currently has store locations in Sturgis, S.D., Swansea, Mass., Daytona Beach, Fla., East Providence, R.I. and South Windsor, Conn. Hot Leathers also showcases its merchandise at various rallies and events across the country. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.
For more information about Hot Leathers or the 2009 Rally Schedule, please call 800-845-0084 or visit www.HotLeathers.com.
–Ken Conte
RACE JACKET BLOW OUT SALE @ TORIAN MARKET–ON SALE NOW – 35% Off, Only $199. A traditional styled race jacket for Chopper Jockeys featuring 4 external and 3 inside pockets. Designed with a generous fit for miles of comfortable riding.
Every leather jacket is made from the finest hand-selected naked cowhide. This provides a supple feel and instills a quality that will provide years of protection while maintaining its good looks.
Get your Leather on at Torian Market.
–Jeff Najar
IMPROVED ELECTRA-GLO LIGHT PODS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Adjustable LED Pods Now in Four True Colors to Accent Any Part of a Motorcycle.
MILWAUKEE (April 24, 2009) ? The LED Electra-Glo? Light Pod Kits (P/N 67679-09, Amber; P/N 67680-09, Red; P/N 67695-09, Blue; P/N 67701-09, Purple; each $169.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories feature a new solid-state circuit board sealed against the weather. The LED output is also slightly more brilliant, and the purple-colored pods are now a true purple, rather than a mixture of red and blue lights.
These self-adhesive accent lights radiate a neon-like glow and can be placed almost anywhere on a motorcycle, from under the fuel tank to behind the air cleaner to below the chassis. The LED lighting draws minimal amperage, so the lights may be left on for hours when the motorcycle is parked. Electra-Glo Light Pods connect directly to the motorcycle wiring harness, and the one-way wiring simplifies installation. Each kit includes six light pods in one of four color choices (amber, red, blue and purple), basic wiring in a selection of lengths, adhesive wire ties, and a compact on/off switch with rheostat to control the lighting intensity.
Available four-pod Electra-Glo Expansion Kits ($116.95 in each color) provide plug-in installation of additional lighting. The kits fit all models. Lights are intended for display use only. Some local regulations prohibit using colored lights during vehicle operation on public streets.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
BIKERNET MARRIAGE COUNSELOR REPORT– A woman is incomplete until she is married. Then she is finished.
–from Rogue
411 ON THE SMOKE OUT WEST PARTY– The 10th Anniversary Smoke Out will start in Cottonwood, AZ with a two-day blow out launch party. The party in Cottonwood starts Friday night May 8, 2009 and goes all day Saturday. The party will include the usual mayhem with music, The AZ Derby Dames, venders, a chop-off, bike show etc. XsSpeed will be there and the XsSpeed mini-bike races will be one of the key highlights of the weekend (remember: you must be in a superhero costume to race).
We will also mint a commemorative poker chip and have one free (at the gate) with each purchased ticket. If you pre-register we will also have a commemorative poker chip for you at the gate.
The bands this year include The Last Call Brawlers, The High Rollers, Hellbound Hayride and Jasmine Cain.
Sunday morning the hardy chopper-jockeys that dare will start a 2,000-mile ride to the Rockingham Drag Strip in Rockingham, NC. The ride called, The Long Road, will be about a 350-mile ride each day with an insane party each night.
–Jeff Najar
Homeward bound Special Ops soldier rewards himself with custom built chopper–The sudden clamor of two inbound HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters cut short Ash Spurlin and his squad?s hushed conversations. Spurlin, a Special Ops Squad Leader with the US Army, ordered his men to start their final gear check and to form a circle of security around the landing zone. Once the area was secured, Spurlin marked their position with an infrared strobe. The Blackhawk?s landed easily. Within 60 seconds, both helicopters and men were airborne.
No lights, no talking, just his own thoughts to deal with for the next fifteen minutes of flight. With the side doors open, the cool Afghan air was a nice break from the stifling heat on the ground. Spurlin positioned himself with his legs hanging out the side door of the Blackhawk and used his night vision goggles to scan the area below for possible hostile fire. The wind pushing against his helmet and moving his pant legs only reminded him of riding his Road King back home in California. No lights, no talking, just thoughts of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway. No sweaty body armor, or M4 rifle, just a t-shirt, boots and his favorite jeans. Instead of the heinous helicopter engine, it was a V-Twin roaring. Right then Spurlin knew that while he couldn?t control when he would return home, he could still make plans for what he would do once there. He would ride his newest custom built chopper!
As his helicopter touched down on the rooftop of a Taliban stronghold, all six men looked at one another, each knowing what the other was thinking, but no one saying a word. Within seconds the men are out, the helicopters are gone, and so are the thoughts of grabbing that V-twins throttle. Anyway, this is a different type of adrenaline rush. The mission completed, Spurlin debriefs his superiors, eats and logs onto his Yahoo account. He is intent on finding from friends in the industry who they?d recommend for his next build. That?s how he found Guilty Customs and Errant, his next and third custom motorcycle.
Errant, part of Guilty Customs ?Last Chance? line, caught Spurlin?s attention with its 70?s dragster styled influences. Spurlin comments about his decision to have his next chopper built by Guilty Customs: ?Since I had two bobber styled bikes that were similar in looks, I wanted something different, but dependable and affordable. One of my friends told me about Guilty Customs so I called and spoke with Cj. We talked for about an hour. I didn?t feel like it was a business call, which is when I knew 100 percent, this company was the kind of business I?d always heard my father and grandfather talk about. Not cookie cutter $65,000 choppers or assembly line bikes, but actual one-on-one discussions about my next bike.? ?Having the opportunity to build a bike for Ash is an honor. We are extremely proud that he will be riding a Guilty chopper? says CJ Hanlon, owner of Guilty Customs. ?Each time we speak with Ash, either before or after a mission, it poignantly reminds us of the sacrifices these soldiers (and their families) are making to defend our country. Even the companies that supply our parts have a unique interest in this build. Everyone wants to make this bike really special for Ash.?
Spurlin and Hanlon have even started talks about a cross-country ride to raise monies for the widows and families of soldiers killed in battle. It gives us one more reason to want to see this soldier return safely home.
Guilty Customs, LLC (www.guiltycustoms.com) is a custom motorcycle company that is quickly establishing itself in the custom chopper industry by bringing to the public innovative, dependable and affordable custom motorcycles and parts.
From BIKERNET’S Fox News spy– They just want the numbers to justify their position ? truth has become an un-necessary evil.
–Scooter
Russ Petrone Sr. is taking strides to make “CF” stand for “Cure Found!” Visit Russ’s GREAT STRIDES Home Page at:http://www.cff.org/great_strides/RussPetroneSr NOTE: If link looks broken, cut and paste ENTIRE link into address bar. If you are presented with a “Find A Walker” page, enter Russ’s first and last name and click on “Find Walker.” Then click “View Walker” in the results list to go to “Russ Petrone Sr.’s GREAT STRIDES Home Page.” UNCLE MONKEY ALIVE AND WELL–Patience is a virtue especially if you are a biker and live someplace other than the sunshine states. No to be a biker here you need an abundance of patience to spare. Rarely do you get the chance to hop on your bike and ride off. Often the bike has to idle for several minutes until it?s warm. Meanwhile you are gearing up; helmet, shades, gloves, proper shoes, often a couple layers of jackets to be prepared for the constantly changing weather. I envy those in the warm, helmet free states where you can simply pull on some gloves, your shades, hop on and go. Arriving can be just as time consuming for us as we walk the bike back to the curb, remove our gloves, helmet, adjust our shades, check the mirror and realise you better throw on that hat or doo rag in your saddlebag. What good is it to be a biker if you look like a slob? Even the most sloth of bikers takes the time to look mean if not at least good. Patience is something missing in our caged friends lives. In and out of cars and parking stalls, rarely worried about the world around them. They play with their GPS and text their friends that they are on their way, half way there, down the block, in the parking lot? you get the idea. The thought of actually putting an effort into a trip is a foreign concept to them. Bikers pick a direction and go. Deep down I think we all hope to get lost just to have the opportunity to discover new roads, new places, new friends. The world has to stop and wait until we are ready for it. ?Yes Mr Cable Bill, he is ready to see you now, Mr Alimony you?ll have to take a number and have a seat.? We get where we are going when we get there, not a moment sooner. Wondering where we are? Well you should have waited and came with us. –Wayne ?Uncle Monkey? Wuschke
Southern Independent Riders
www.stvictorboogie.com
ROLLER STARTING TECH COMING TO BIKERNET–Hey, I built this out of a set of rollers from a conveyor. I didn’t buy anything but the sprocket. I had the rest of the stuff. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, now the back insists. I plan to put some wheels and a handle so moving it will be easy. I think maybe a little ramp will help, so the jack isn’t necessary. She works though, fired up the old ’55. This should be news worthy.
–FATBOB
Watch for the full build tech to come to Bikernet, next week.–Wrench
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