Hey,
Crazy times. National Health Care; someone just sent me the bill, some 1000 plus pages, but I have a question, isn’t Medicare and Medi-cal a national health care plan? And if so, why don’t we expand it to help others, and fix it in the process? If we pass a new one will we have multiple federal health care plans?
I know someone must have a good answer for my questions. In the meantime Sturgis rages on, and I hope everyone rolls home safely. It’s not fair that I’m stuck here while the Girls of Bikernet party in the Badlands. Let’s hit the news, before I start sniveling:
GIRLS OF BIKERNET ON LAZELLE AND 4TH UNTIL THE END OF THE RALLY AND THE DUST SETTLES– Bikernet Hottie Jesse Layne will be heading home today but Trista will be in the booth the rest of the week at the Motorcycle Expo Lot located at the corner of 4th and Lazalle. Also on the lot is Steven Tyler’s Dirico Motorcycles and Eddie Trotta.
Today Lorenzo Lamas will be doing the Burnout contest and the Budweiser Burnout Bike will be there as well. Paul Sr. from Orange County Choppers will be signing autographs in the Mobil 1 booth.
Attendance seems to be very good this year but it?s become very noticeable that people are not spending as much as in previous years. We expected going into the week to start hearing people say they couldn?t buy a calendar because they were running out of money…. I thought we’d start hearing that on Thursday or Friday but it started on Tuesday.
The weather has been great all week during the day. A few evenings have had some bad storms but until this morning we’ve woke up everyday to sunny skies. Today is overcast and calling for rain.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HELPS RIDERS GET FIT–Motor Company Introduces Fit Shop to Help Riders Find the Perfect Motorcycle Fit .
MILWAUKEE (August 3, 2009) ? Forget the treadmill and spin class ? Harley-Davidson wants motorcycle riders to think differently about getting fit. The Motor Company unveiled the Harley-Davidson Fit Shop at dealerships across the country, which is designed to help motorcycle riders find the perfect fit for their new or used Harley-Davidson motorcycle using Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories.
Dealership Fit Shop specialists work with current and prospective Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners to help customize the suspension, seat, handlebars and/or foot controls to meet their riding preferences. New riders may not realize all the customizations that can be made to a bike to make it a one-of-a-kind ride based on build and preference, while long-time riders may not know about the latest customization options. Any Harley-Davidson model can be customized to fit most riders.
?The Motor Company is thrilled to introduce the Harley-Davidson Fit Shop because we want every rider to feel at home behind the handlebars of their dream bike,? said Steve Earnshaw, director of Parts & Accessories Marketing. ?Sometimes the first time someone swings a leg over a Harley-Davidson motorcycle sitting on the dealership floor, the fit isn?t perfect. Our vision is that by spending one-on-one time with a trained Fit Shop specialist, our customers, whether they?re a long-time or new rider, can ride out of the dealership feeling comfortable and confident on the open road.?
For more information about Harley-Davidson Fit Shop visit your local participating Harley-Davidson dealership.
ALL NEW BIKERNET BLOG–I love the important news about possible California smog regulations regarding bikes being posted in the middle of your page. It might be something you want to think about doing more often.
Bikernet is a community and states like California and Texas read you often. On the home page, a newsflash like what I found today, is an excellent reminder that Bikernet is not only fun, it is a place to get serious about motorcyclist’s rights.
Keep being legendary;
–Trent T.
We’re still tuning the Bikernet Blog. It will shortly contain comment capabilities and multiple ways to sign up and receive updates. Hang on. The Digital Gangster is lost in his tech lab.–Bandit
NEW CIRCULATOR SEAT PADS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Pads Provide Cool Comfort for High-Mileage Touring and Cruising.
MILWAUKEE (July 26, 2009) ? The new breathable, shock-absorbing Circulator Seat Pads from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories promote air movement and reduce heat and perspiration build-up between the rider and the seat for enhanced long-haul riding comfort. A low-profile design minimizes seat-height change compared to inflatable seat pads. Made with UV-stable materials to resist fading, the pads have a non-slip base and elastic under-seat straps that secure with hook-and-loop fasteners for easy installation and removal.
The Circulator Seat pads are available in a medium 14.5-inch wide size (P/N 51074-10, $79.95) for Harley-Davidson VRSC, Sportster and Dyna models; large 16.0-inch wide size (P/N 51076-10, $89.95) for Touring and Softail models, and a 13.0-inch passenger pillion pad (P/N 51078-10, $69.95).
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 TEACHING AIDS–* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.*
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.*
* Don’t judge folks by their relatives.*
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.*
–from Donna O.
WORD FROM THE BIKERNET ADVERTISING DIRECTOR–
Now, in addition to the advertising, we are now collecting statistics about how our ads are doing. We can tell who comes to visit us on the web, where they?re from, and what they looked at. This helps us tune the website so that over time, it will have more and more of what people want. This will increase the Return on Investment for your advertising dollars (big shots call that ?ROI?).
Drop me a line if I can help build you sales.
–Steve Thomas
Hiwayman@bikernet.com
The Story Behind Lil Joe’s Legendary Leathers–In the early 1990s Lil Joe Senkir came up with the idea to create a line of motorcycle Apparel that would be made in the USA, and would look great while giving the protection needed, while blasting down the back roads and freeways of the world…
Lil Joe, being the perfectionist, spent countless hours designing and refining the vests we manufacture today.
Officially hitting the market in 1993, HA Leather started off with most of the interest coming from his club brothers and supporters of the club.
In 1998 Easyriders magazine called HA Leathers, ?The Real Deal in Motorcycle Gear.”
In 2002 Kid Rock asked Lil Joe to design a Lambskin shirt, and a Leather vest which ended up on the front cover of one of his albums.
In 2003, Lil Joe, after a long struggle with illness passed on to the other side.
The year 2003 was a long and hard year for Joe’s widow, Lori, who was at a crossroads.Should she shut down the business Joe loved so much, or carry on with his dream, and provide top quality American made motorcycle leathers to the entire motorcycling world?
By 2004 Lori had her answer and hooked up with seasoned Biker/ Businessman Mike Mills,a former club brother of Lil Joes, and Lil Joes Legendary Leathers was officially reborn.
Later that year, Keith Ball, of Bikernet.com called, Lil Joes Legendary Leathers?The Finest American Leathers on the Market.”
In 2004 Black Magic Denim Vest was also added to our motorcycle apparel line.
By 2005 Lil Joe’s Legendary Leathers had reestablished itself as a force to be reckoned with in the motorcycle apparel market.
In 2007 Lil Joe?s dream came to pass, providing top quality motorcycle leathers to all types of riders and to motorcycle clubs on both sides of the fence.
In 2008, Debbie from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson was approached by the producers of the FX TV show, ?Sons of Anarchy,? to provide the leathers for the cast and crew. She knew that if the, ?Sons of Anarchy,? show was going to be realistic, there was only one manufacturer who could provide most, if not all vests to the outlaw motorcyclist scene, and that was Lil Joe’s Legendary Leathers.
With 2008 came the addition of the Zipper Vest, the 4-Pocket Vest and the Leather over-pants.We also started fabricating special orders with different colored linings, gun pockets, holsters, etc?
The Legend is moving forward in 2009?.. Exposure from shows like, ?Sons of Anarchy,? ?Cold Case,? and the biker movie, ?Hell Ride,? gave us the opportunity to meet Bikers from all over the world, of all colors and all stripes.
Over the years we?ve stayed true to Lil Joe?s notions of, “Build the Best,” and ?Made in the USA,? and ?Guaranteed 4 Life,? and they have served us well.
Yes, Lil Joe is gone ???but his dream will live on forever.
Bandit and I both wear Lil Joe?s leathers when we ride. We highly recommend contacting Mike or Lori if you?re in the market for a new jacket, vest, lambskin shirt or even riding pants.
Layla
My measly little donation. It brought in $802. Not too bad….That’s our beloved Patty, (official Hamster den mother and executive assistant (lol) ), “in the can”.–Jim Waggaman
Hamsters USA raise $291,000 for Children?s Care in Rapid CityKurt Rumens of Seattle wins raffle bike– The international motorcycle group Hamsters USA beat their own record by raising $291,000 for Children?s Care in Rapid City during their annual meeting and dinner on Monday, August 3rd. The banquet was held in Spearfish, SD, as part of the Sturgis Rally. Last year, the event raised just over $185,000 for the non-profit organization, which serves children with special needs.
Funds were raised through a silent auction and the raffle of a motorcycle, custom built by world-renowned builder Arlen Ness, for Craig Betz of California. Betz died of cancer weeks after being inducted into the Hamsters USA organization at last year?s annual meeting. His sister Cecily Betz donated the bike to Children?s Care in his memory. The raffle winner, Kurt Rumens of Seattle, Washington, was at the banquet, and donated the bike back to Children?s Care, which was auctioned live to Hamsters member John Christner of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
?Our members are very generous when it comes to children?s issues, and we know all of these funds go directly to help kids in this area, so this kind of success makes us feel really good,? says Hamsters USA spokesman Grady Pfeiffer of Escondido, CA. Pfeiffer recently joined the Children?s Care board of directors. ?Hamsters care very much about making sure that kids get a fair shake in life,? adds Hamsters USA founding member Donnie Smith of Minneapolis.
Funds raised will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus special educational and psychological services to children served by Children?s Care of Rapid City.
Hamsters USA has raised and donated funds at their annual meeting for the last four years, wanting to give back to the greater Black Hills community, which many Hamsters consider to be their second home.
Larry Page honored with Chrome Heart Award
As a part of the evening?s festivities, Children?s Care honored Hamsters USA member Larry Page of Richmond, Virginia, with the 4th annual Chrome Heart Award, which recognizes an individual in the motorcycle world whose philanthropic support and civic duty represents everything positive in the motorcycle industry.
The design of the award is based on the heart-apple logo of Children?s Care Hospital & School. Page, who owns six car dealerships in the Richmond metro area, plus a car restoration shop called Page Customs, is well-known in Virginia for his philanthropy, especially for children?s projects. Page has been a generous supporter of Children?s Care since the Hamsters USA organization began championing them.
Last year?s Chrome Heart Award went to former motorcycle lobbyist and charity organizer Bob Illingworth of Minneapolis, who passed away on March 24, 2009. Children?s Care of Rapid City served over 1200 children last year with special needs.
SHASTA RALLY COVERAGE RECOGNIZED–Debbie & I want to thank BIKERNET and Gene & Thunder Press for the terrific coverage of the Shasta Salute to America Motorcycle Rally & for putting us on Thunder Press? August cover.
We believe bikers are ready to come out in force to support this rally.
This venue is the best one for a motorcycle rally we have ever seen. It hosts a 58-year-old annual fair with attendance of 40k-60k. It is well maintained & managed. The Fair Board would like a long term commitment.
After our second year working with AVTT, we have been asked for a long term commitment. The Commander of the Klamath Falls VFW is on our Rally committee. He planned all issues related to AVTT?s escort, display & Independence Day weekend ceremonies.
The riding and destinations that appeal to motorcyclists are everywhere in this region ? Lava Beds Nat?l Monument, Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, Medicine Lake, Crater Lake & Mt. Shasta. Roads & highways to get to these destinations have spectacular scenery, are uncrowded & well maintained.
Klamath Falls is a city with all the goods & services to support a major Rally including a commercial airport 30 minutes from the venue.
The venue is 4 hours from Reno & Redding, 8 hours from Sacramento & the Bay Area, 6 hours from Portland, 1 ∏ hrs from Medford (Harley Dealer & motorcycle rentals), 6 hours from Boise, ID, etc.
–Jeff Kraus – EZJ
Shasta Salutes America Rally
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY VOCABULARY LESSON– The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little
behind in his work.
No matter how much you push the envelope,
it’ll still bestationery.
A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for
littering.
–from Bernard the Great
BIKERNET STAFFER MAKES CONFESSION–My brother’s predisposition to be a chronic pack rat has finally paid off. He just sent me this picture. This is me when I was about 25, right after I got out of the navy, and was running with a rough crowd out of Milwaukee. Note the can of beer. After a few million of those beverages, the ol’ Hiwayman is packin’ a little more uhhhhhh…..luggage….
–Hiway
D&D DEALER DIRECT PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXPAND–I’m sorry I sent the last email to you it was suppose to be for Jeff Nagars. Anyways I’m running a little behind on getting you the new dealers because Brittney has been out. Here are the new dealers from two weeks ago and I’ll send you an email with last weeks dealers:
Libby’s Moto World 60 Printers Ln New Haven, CT 06519 203-772-1112
Indy Southside 4930 Southport Crossing Pl Indianapolis, IN 46237 317-885-5180
Motorcycle Riders Depot 639 Grand Ave Schofield, WI 54476 715-359-0989
Cycle Image & Acc 10263 Beach Blvd Jax, FL 32246 904-641-2379
RNR Custom Cycle LTD 108 Beaumont Cresent Guelph, Ontario, CA N1E6B2 519-821-8666
DC Cycle LTD 1933 W Kearney St Springfield, MO 65803 417-869-2289
DP Motorsports 713 W Bethany Home Rd Phoenix, AZ 85013 602-246-0492
NE Performance Cycle 36 Converse St Palmer, MA 01069 413-732-6263
Precision Metal Fab Racing 589 Citation Dr Shakopee, MN 55379 952-496-0053
Full Throttle Powersports 9143 Mission Gorge Rd Santee, CA 92071 619-258-0400
Joe Carson Motor Sales 2930 Helena Dr Carroll, OH 43112 740-756-1900
Conley’s Classic Cycles 56 Main St Dresden, NY 14441 315-536-4151
Anderson Bros Yamaha 1233 US 17 S Elizabeth City, NC 27909 252-338-2211
Outlaw Motorsports 741 E Thompson Blvd Ventura, CA 93001 805-607-2866
Scooter Bums 1357 Butternut ST Abilene, TX 79602 325-672-4446
Central Texas H-D/Buell 804 E Braker Ln Austin, tX 78753 512-973-8521
–Jennifer Millican
D & D Performance Ent
BIKERNET STAFF MEMBER WINS!–A husband says to his wife, “what would you do if I won Lotto?”
She says, “I’d take half then leave you.”
“Excellent,” he replies, “I won 12 bucks, here’s $6 now F** off!”
–Keith S.
VMAX Returns for 2010–Cypress, California, August 4, 2009?.Star Motorcycles is pleased to announce that the 2010 VMAX will go on sale at Yamaha dealerships beginning today via an exclusive priority delivery customer order program and continue through November 30.
Making its triumphant return to the Star line last season, the all new VMAX has been a hit with the enthusiast motorcycle press and with owners alike. The 2010 Star VMAX features a striking, new Candy Red paint scheme.
The bold, next-generation interpretation of motorcycling?s iconic muscle bike, the reinvented VMAX has at its heart an all-new 1679cc four-valve, DOHC liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that uses YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle and YCC-I variable intake length technologies, a five-speed transmission with slipper-type clutch, shaft drive and 200/50 R18 rear tire.
Just as innovative, the chassis of the VMAX is an all-new design with a lightweight aluminum frame and swing arm, fully adjustable forks and single rear shock, Brembo-designed brake master cylinders, wave-type brake rotors, and ABS.
Visually powerful, the engine?s iconic VMAX aluminum intake covers are hand buffed by craftsmen for superb quality and individuality, testament to this bike?s unique stature.
The 2010 VMAX production is limited and deliveries are scheduled to begin in November. Each owner who purchases through the priority delivery program will receive a two-year warranty.
The 2010 Star VMAX will have a suggested retail price of $19,500.
Star is also pleased to announce special retail financing available for the 2010VMAX, with rates as low as 5.99% APR for 72 months for qualified customers who place their order and deposit during the priority delivery period.
Please visit www.starmotorcycles.com for complete information.
COOLBETH SECOND AS RAIN SHORTENS HAGERSTOWN HALF-MILE–Defending Champion Moves Up to Second in AMA Grand National Season Points.
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (July 25, 2009) ? Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth raced a Harley-Davidson XR-750 to second place in the AMA Grand National Twins main on the Hagerstown Speedway half-mile. The race, which was stopped after 18 laps because of rain and an oiled track, was won by Jake Johnson, also riding a Harley-Davidson XR-750.
Blue Springs Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Jared Mees led the opening lap of the Grand National Twins main, but was overtaken on lap two by Johnson and Halbert Family/King Kustoms rider Sammy Halbert, who was the fast-qualifier for the event. Halbert took the lead and pulled Johnson with him as the pair opened a gap on Coolbeth, Mees, Chris Carr Racing/Lancaster Harley-Davidson rider Chris Carr, and the Matt?s Racing Harley-Davidson of Matt Weidman.
Johnson passed Halbert to take the lead on lap 11 and quickly opened a gap of almost two seconds. Coolbeth broke away from Mees and Weidman, reeled in the faltering Halbert, and made a pass for second place just as the sprinkles that had been falling since the race started turned into a light rain, and oil was left on the track by the failed engine of Brandon Robinson?s motorcycle. AMA officials ended the race, scheduled for 25 laps, on lap 18 and per the rules backed the scoring up to lap 17.
Johnson was the race winner, Coolbeth was scored second, followed by Halbert, Mees and Weidman. Moroney?s Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Bryan Smith finished eighth, while the fourth member of the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew, Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin? Eagle rider Joe Kopp, finished 11th.
Johnson also won the four-lap Dash for Cash bonus sprint, finishing 1.9 seconds ahead of Coolbeth. Mees was third in the Dash.
?It was good to get back on the pace here tonight,? said Coolbeth, who bounced back after placing 15th at the previous race in Lima, Ohio. ?We had a good set up and a strong Harley-Davidson motorcycle. We got podium points and second in the Dash, so not a bad night.?
After four of nine 2009 AMA Grand National Twins Championship events, Mees holds the lead in series points lead with 77. Coolbeth moves past Halbert and Carr into second with 70 points. Halbert is third with 66 points, and Carr is fourth with 65 points. Johnson and Weidman are tied with 56 points, followed by Smith in seventh place with 51. Kopp is ninth with 38 points.
The 2009 AMA Grand National Twins Championship will next race tomorrow, August 4 on the Black Hills Speedway half-mile in Rapid City, S.D.
The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.
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