Hey,
This is a nutty week. I wish I could figure it all out. The guys from the MIC believe we can’t fight the EPA. Their notion is to trade a sound testing procedure and muffler certification process for smog testing. Senator Fran Pavley, from Camarillo, California, who is pushing for Smog testing motorcycles, wants to eliminate tampering and she wants equity when it comes to testing motor vehicles. Its nuts. You’ll see my letter to Fran below.
Many members of the government have completely forgotten what this country was built on–freedom. They want to regulate everything. So, get these facts: The largest polluter in Los Angeles is the port and they just started regulating it two years ago unsuccessfully. The second largest bad guys include fast food restaurants and personal barbecues. Motorcycles are at the very bottom of the EPA list with less than 1 percent of emissions.
Just this week in The WEEK magazine two other bits of information surfaced : A historic shift on CO2. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared, for the first time, that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases endanger human health. Government efforts to limit emissions of gases could affect nearly every part of Americans’ lives, from the cars they drive to how they cook.Hang on for the repercussions.
But get this in the same issue, quoted from the Wall Street Journal. Cities and states across the country are installing cameras at busy intersections, hoping to catch motorists speeding through red lights. But it’s not safety that’s the goal. It’s writing lots of tickets, and increasing municipal revenues. Red-light running is not truly a major safety concern, as it causes only 8 percent of all accidents. Studies have proved that at intersections “where red-light running is a problem,” lengthening the timing of the yellow signal to three seconds virtually eliminates that problem. Nonetheless, municipalities are flocking to install cameras.–Holman Jenkins Jr. Wall Street Journal.
Good god, does anything make sense? We need to fight back. Join your local motorcycle rights group, the AMA, and or SEMA. Never give up. Let’s hit the news.
BIKER?S? CHOICE BANDIT AND DUAL THROTTLE GRIPS– Looking for functional and stylish grips for your ride? Biker?s? Choice introduces Bandit Grips, new for this year. Made of CNC 6061-T6 aluminum and chrome plated, these will wear well and feel good in your hands. These will fit H-D? dual cable with 1? handlebars.
Featured along side the Bandits are the Twisted, literally!! These aptly named grips are chrome plated with soft rubber insets and will fit H-D? dual cable motorcycles. Also made of CNC 6061-T6 aluminum and chrome plated, they are sure to draw looks from the crowd. Both sets are sold in pairs and retail for $79.95; they won?t break the bank but will look like you did!
For more information on other grips and motorcycle parts, visit www.Bikerschoice.com Happy Riding!!
–Carmen
STOCK HOLDERS MAY LOSE OUT–Source Interlink Files for Bankruptcy, Will Go PrivateNearly $1 billion in debt, distributor reaches agreement with lenders– Magazine distributor and publisher Source Interlink is filing forbankruptcy?and going private.
The company?controlled by billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos.?announcedtoday that it has reached an agreement with its lenders to ?eliminateapproximately $1 billion dollars of existing debt? and privatize thecompany.
At yesterday’s market close, Source stock was trading at 16 cents pershare. (In August 2007, when Source acquired the Primedia Enthusiast Group,its stock was upwards of $4 per share. A year earlier, it was above $10 pershare.)
Under terms of the agreement, the company?s lenders will cancel nearly $1billion of the Source?s debt, as well as funnel $100 million in additionalliquidity. Source, in turn, has agreed to pay ?all of its vendors in fulland on time.?
As part of the restructuring, the company filed a lender-approved plan ofreorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
?We couldn?t be more pleased,? Source Interlink CEO Greg Mays said in astatement. ?This restructuring will materially reduce our interest expenseand debt levels, substantially improve free cash flow and allow us tocapitalize on several operational opportunities to further improve and growour business.?
Mays said he anticipates Source will emerge from bankruptcy within 35 days.
Earlier this year, Source was at the center of a massive magazinedistribution lawsuit, claiming rival wholesalers as well as publishers?likeTime Inc., Hachette and American Media Inc.?were attempting to force thecompany out of business.
The company eventually settled with most of the defendants (Bauer is thelone defendant remaining in the lawsuit).
— By Dylan Stableford
–from Art Friedman
POLITICAL NAIL ON THE HEAD QUOTE–Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -Ronald Reagan (1986)
–from James Schnarr
NEW REJUVENATOR LEATHER TREATMENT FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Easily Restores Color to Faded Black Leather Seats and Bags
MILWAUKEE (April 24, 2009) ? New Harley Rejuvenator Treatment for Black Leather (P/N 98839-09, $6.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories is a black-pigmented leather treatment that puts new life back into faded black leather seats and saddlebags.
To re-color and condition weathered leather, just clean the surface and apply the treatment from its six-ounce container with a Harley Softcloth. Wipe off the excess, buff the leather surfaces to the desired shine, and leather looks like new.
For lasting weather protection, follow the application with Harley Leather Dressing (P/N 98261-91V, $5.95).
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 UNIVERSITY MARRIAGE STUDY FINDINGS– Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say — talk in your sleep.
Just think, if it weren’t for marriage, men would go through life thinking they had no faults at all.
First guy says, ‘My wife’s an angel!’ Second guy remarks, ‘You’re lucky, mine’s still alive.’
–from Rogue
BERT BAKER INTERVIEWED ON BIKERNET RADIO–Thanks for the interview opportunity. Bandit’s interview style and pace makes it really easy for me to open up and share information that I’m sure is interesting to our audience.
–Bert Baker
BILLY LANE STURGIS CROCKER BASED PROJECT BIKE– Progress on the Crocker. I need to make the oil tank, passenger pegs,foot pedals and shifter, and front fork….. And it is ready for paint.
–Billy Lane
Brass Balls Bobbers Shifts into High Gear with Baker DrivetrainBAKER Now Available For the Above Average Bike–April 27, 2009 – Dar Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles’ BossMan and manufacturer of the Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers line of motorcycles, reported today that as of May 1, 2009 every motorcycle from the firm will feature a BAKER transmission as standard equipment. This includes the full line of custom-production motorcycles as well as the price leading Model 1 motorbike.
“I started this company with the premise to build the ‘above average bike for the average Joe’ and each year we have delivered on that commitment by continuous improvement of manufacturing techniques, component selection and customer care,” explained Holdsworth. “I am ecstatic to include BAKER Drivetrain in our family of American firms that support our company. This bullet-proof transmission is now standard on all of our Bobbers and Choppers.”
Even though sourcing from BAKER Drivetrain is a premium upgrade, the quality, prestige and reduced warranty issues more than justifies the investment. Every motorbike will come with a BAKER 5 speed with the option to upgrade to a BAKER 6 speed.
“The Model 1 is the most important motorbike in our stable for 2009,” commented Holdsworth. “We feel that including the BAKER Drivetrain provides us with a clear distinction as the value leader in the custom-production Bobber at just $15,995.”
“BAKER Drivetrain has a history of doing business with premier custom builders and industry leaders,” explained Bert Baker. “We shy away from the copy cats and the me-too companies because that’s not what we’re about. The new alliance with Dar and Brass Balls Bobbers is no exception. These hard working folks from Oklahoma manufacture American motorcycles with deep rooted design cues inspired from classic American motorcycling history. “Holdsworth began working on getting the Baker Drivetrain product in the lineup after building a ground-up custom Bobber that featured one of Baker’s first Powerbox transmissions. The comparison with the production unit was night and day in terms of shift smoothness, build quality and noise.
ACCIDENT IN BANDIT’S CANTINA DINING ROOM–A father walks into a Bandit’s Cantina with his young son.. He gives the young boy 3 nickels to play with to keep him occupied.
Suddenly, the boy starts choking, going blue in the face.. The father realizes the boy has swallowed the nickels and startsslapping him on the back..
The boy coughs up 2 of the nickels, but keeps choking. Looking at his son, the father is panicking, shouting for help.
A well dressed, attractive, and serious looking woman, in a bluebusiness suit is sitting at a coffee bar reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. At the sound of the commotion, she looks up, put s her coffee cup down, neatly folds the newspaper and places it on the counter, gets up from her seat and makes her way, unhurried, across the restaurant.
Reaching the boy, the woman carefully drops his pants; takes hold of the boy’s testicles and starts to squeeze and twist, gently at first and then ever so firmly.. After a few seconds the boy convulses violently and coughs up the last nickel, which the woman deftly catches in her free hand.
Releasing the boy’s testicles, the woman hands the nickel to the father and walks back to her seat at the coffee bar without saying a word.
As soon as he is sure that his son has suffered no ill effects, thefather rushes over to the woman and starts thanking her saying, “I’venever seen anybody do anything like that before, it was fantastic. Areyou a doctor? ”
‘No,’ the woman replied. I’m with the I.R.S.
–from Buckshot
PURE BIKER FM GOES LIVE–Thank you for the publicity over in the US. We also have a radio station just started called Pure Biker FM which is an internet radio station (soon to be DAB and satellite too). Its a 24 hour biker radio station with all types of rock and metal music and chat about motorcycles.
Would you please place something on your website about the radio station which is already getting rave reviews from customfighters.com Our website is www.purebikerfm.co.uk –Jason. FORTUNATE SON, BY CREEDENCE CLEARWATER– I noticed in last week’s (Thursdays?) post about “CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED JOINS STELLER CHIP LINE-UP” that the song “fortunate son” was posted as “fortunate sone.” it’s probably just a typo but dig these lyrics and please edit the song title to give a bit of respect to reflect what the song’s message is really about. It’s about freedom and in these days of banker bailouts with taxpayer money, I find it relevant all these years later. Besides, it’s the best song creedence ever played. Some folks are born made to wave the flag, Some folks are born silver spoon in hand, Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes, –from T
ooh, they’re red, white and blue.
And when the band plays “Hail To The Chief”,
oh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no senator’s son,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no,
Lord, don’t they help themselves? oh.
But when the taxman come to the door,
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no, no.
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no.
ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, how much should we give,
oh, they only answer, more, more, more, yoh,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no military son, son no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me,
I ain’t no fortunate son, son son son
HISTORIC BIKE FEATURE SHOOT COMING TO BIKERNET– Just wanted to thank you for setting up the photo shoot with Peter Linney. He’s coming up Thursday 30APR09. Also thanks for the picture of my shop and of Howard on the new Tree. (Tree was featured in Easyriders in the ’70s) He is coming up to see the photo shoot and he’s riding up. Do ya think Peter can shoot a couple of pics of me and Tree? Our scoots are completely different but somehow kinda blend together. We try to build ’em clean and tight.
You blew my mind again the other day. As I was scrolling through the site, all of a sudden pictures of my shop and Tree popped up. Man it’s like a surprise party. I guess that since I’ve been reading Hot Rod Magazines since I was about nine years old, I really trip on seeing my stuff or my friend’s stuff in print, and now on the net.
Thank You Brother.
–Ross
Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Defect– Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation (BATO) is recalling certain batches of Bridgestone Exedra G850 G defective motorcycle tires sold for MY 2008 and 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring motorcycles, according to a report in Consumeraffairs.com. It has been found that torque from riding can cause “torque-induced degradation” in a body ply, which may result in inner-liner cracking and lead to a slow leak in the rear tire. When the defective tires are used continuously, they may start to vibrate at moderate speeds or even lead to a motorcycle crash.
Bridgestone is working with Triumph to notify owners. The defective tires will be replaced free of charge. Also, the front tire will be replaced free of charge because of the matching requirements of the motorcycle although the front tires are not included in this product defect recall. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Bridgestone at 1-800-465-1904 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.
Tire defects related to tire pressure or tread separation issues can have devastating consequences. Even a seasoned motorcycle rider will not be able to control his or her bike if the tire fails suddenly, especially if it happens at freeway speeds.In cases where a serious injury or fatality occurs because of a tire defect, the tire manufacturer could be held liable. Victims or their families could receive compensation for medical/funeral expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization or long-term care and loss of wages among other damages. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a motorcycle product defect such as a tire defect, please contact us at (800) Bill-Ley or visit our website at BikerLawyer.com.
We make it our business to protect victims of Texas motorcycle accidents!
–from Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
BRASS BALLS RAFFLE BIKE OPPORTUNITY–Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Bobbers? BossMan, has something special for all the motorcycle enthusiasts? A chance to win a $30,000 custom Brass Balls Bobbers? sled for just $10. Click here to enter. It is the least expensive way to put a custom motorcycle in your garage. –Jeff Najar
Lightning Strike Kills Man on Motorcycle–(April 27) — A Lawrence, Kan., man died Saturday after he was struck by a bolt of lightning as he and six companions rode their motorcycles through a rainstorm, the Lawrence Journal-World reported.Troy Gentzler, 45, was killed shortly after visiting an abuse victim for the northeast Kansas chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.The bolt struck as the group was traveling between the towns of Grantville and Perry.”You can sum it up in one word: bizarre,” Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told the newspaper.
A woman riding next to Gentzler was injured in the accident. She was treated at a hospital and released.Bikers Against Child Abuse supports children who have suffered physical or sexual abuse. Members of Gentzler’s chapter conducted their annual tour Saturday, visiting people who had been in the program for several years, the Journal-World reported. Gentzler had been a member for about two years.
Justin Waters Scores First Pro Top Ten–After only six Pro starts, 19-year old Yamaha rider Justin Waters continued his march up the WORCS leaderboard, finishing his best-ever tenth in last weekend’s ATV Nationals in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
With a strong start again this weekend, fourth to the holeshot turn in a field of nearly 30 Waters knew he had to ride strong, push himself hard but also pace himself in the nearly 90-degree heat, battling extremely rough, sandy conditions. Suspension would be key.
“I just got my new Teixeira Tech A-arms and it was the first time I really had them on with the Fox Shox. We could have used some more [practice] time.”
But when the gun went off for Sunday’s final so did the Yamaha, and it was a solid result at the end of the two hour event.
“I went out fast again. I knew some of the riders behind me were strong enough to probably come around me but it’s also about staying ahead of trouble as much as you can, so you can’t just let off. And I’m not going to just let someone around me anyway. If they are faster than me, they’re going to have to come take it.”
“I did crash once, went off a jump next to Timmy [Tim Shelman], but there was only enough landing room for one of us, so I went off the side of the landing. Got back on and going as fast as I could. Didn’t feel it when I did it, but I guess I hamburgered my elbow pretty good. Think I ruined my new MSR jersey!”
If the only thing Justin has to worry about is a new jersey, he’ll be in good shape for the next round in Milford CA, the first weekend of May.
OLD SKOL RODZ PROJECT UPDATE– here is a shot on the interior.
–geno
SEARCH FOR DAVID MANN PAINTING– I’m trying to see if I can locate a picture of a David Mann painting from Easyriders (probably in the late 70’s, early 80’s)- it was a guy and his lady on a 80 flathead chopper, front view- might have been from issue #80,even.
I painted one of these on a leather jacket a few years back, then stupidly sold it. I’d like to try it again, but can’t find the picture. Tried searching the internets, but no luck so far.
-Keith Silcox
keith.silcox@gmail.com
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