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AIRBAGS BUILT INTO JACKETS– Motorcycle airbag jackets will protect and minimize the injuries ofthe motorcycle rider in the event of an accident. We are looking for dealer to represent us in your respective country. for your consideration.
–Desmond Lim
Website: www.mashgate.com
FBI BAD COP REPORT: Miami officer pocketed Crime Stoppers reward cash–Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers doles out cash for tipsters who turn in criminals.But one of their own — a Miami officer taking tips — used the inside information to rip off thousands of dollars in reward money, authorities said.
Officer Wayne Fortella, an 11-year Miami police veteran, was charged Wednesday with wire fraud and conspiracy in Miami federal court. Two of his friends, who allegedly collected the Crime Stoppers payments at Wachovia banks, were also charged. One is at large.
Cellphone calls and text messages between Fortella and each of the two other men — with details for picking up the rewards — helped authorities track the trio.
The tips generally came in from the northern part of the county, and the rewards were picked up in the southern half. Some involved a county gun bounty program.On a single day in June 2008, one of the men picked up four different rewards from four different bank branches.
Fortella, 44, and his friend Kurt Burgess were released on bail Wednesday. Another man charged, Ainsworth Stanley, is being sought, the U.S. attorney’s office said.The men allegedly stole almost $15,000 in reward money from Crime Stoppers. Last year, the program handed out about $100,000 to tipsters.“I was undoubtedly disappointed and disheartened to hear that Officer Wayne Fortella has been arrested today by the FBI,” Miami Police Chief John Timoney said in a statement.
“It is important for me to convey that anonymous tips called in by citizens are crucial to the success of our investigations. Police officers simply cannot do it alone.” Fortella has been relieved of duty with pay.
`SICKENING’
Richard Masten, Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers executive director, called the charges “sickening.”“Crime Stoppers is the victim in the case,” he said. “It was our funding that was misdirected.” Fortella worked in the Crime Stoppers tips office on the first floor of the Miami-Dade police department, along with a handful of officers who handle tips.
Callers are given a number and told to check back to find out whether the tip leads to an arrest. When it does, the Crime Stoppers board meets to decide whether to approve the reward and the amount.
The tipster then gets a unique code name and number, information “available to all the officers assigned to the unit,” according to the criminal complaint in the case.
The person then visits any Wachovia branch and is told by bank officials to contact Crime Stoppers. In verifying the reward claim, the police officer at Crime Stoppers might ask information about the crime.
If confirmed, an authorization form is faxed over by a Crime Stoppers unit officer.Burgess, a friend of Fortella’s who owned a Jamaican restaurant in southwest Miami-Dade, collected almost $9,400 in reward payments approved by Fortella, according to an FBI affidavit.Fortella’s text messages to Burgess revealed how investigators say they scammed Crime Stoppers.
On Feb. 19, Fortella sent a text message to Burgess that said: “6329 gb itai.” He followed up with another message: “Fester at 853 nw 15 has 2 gunthem.”
CODE NAME
According to the FBI affidavit, “6329” and “Itai” were the Crime Stopper’s code number and code name assigned to a gun bounty tip that had been approved for payment.The information originally given to Crime Stoppers by the actual tipster was that the suspect, who used the alias “Fester,” had two guns in his house at 853 NW 15th St.
That same day, when Burgess went to collect the reward, there were 24 phone calls between Fortella and Burgess — including three calls made at the bank.
The FBI affidavit said “there is no legitimate reason” for a Crime Stoppers officer to talk on a personal cellphone with a tipster.Stanley, another friend of Fortella’s who works in the import-export industry, played a similar role to that of Burgess. Stanley is accused of collecting about $5,300 in rewards.
A turning point in the FBI investigation came on May 20, when U.S. District Judge Alan Gold authorized a wiretap on Fortella’s cellphone.The next month, FBI officials intercepted a conversation in which Fortella told Burgess that “Christmas is coming.”
The Miami cop told his friend that the following week would be “Christmas” because a “certain co-worker was retiring” and that “would make it better for them,” according to the FBI affidavit.
`CHRISTMAS PLAN’
During this same time, Fortella called Stanley to tell him about the “Christmas plan” — a reference to collecting more Crime Stoppers rewards.What they didn’t realize was that the retiring police officer had shared his suspicions about Fortella being involved in “some form of illegal activity.”That tip — which was not called in to Crime Stoppers — appeared to be Fortella’s undoing.
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH AND JAY WEAVER
–from Rogue
AFT Customs? ?LowLa? takes first place in Radical Metric class– from Rats Hole bike show in Sturgis.LowLa, a custom VTX 1300, was built by the sexy girls shown here in the picture. World Champ metric builder and owner of AFT Customs, Jim Giuffra oversaw the project personally.
?The girls did a great job on the bike,? said Jim. ?The knowledge that they gained on this build is what sets our power-sports models apart from the other ?pretty faces?.?
?I am honored to have come home from Sturgis with such a great award,? remarked Suhki, one of AFT Customs? models and owner of LowLa. The bike is now being shot by infamous hot rod and motorcycle photographer, Mike Chase. Once the shoot is finalized, Bikernet Metric will showcase the bike in the features section. It should be pretty cool.
BIKERNET CANTINA MEMBER STEPS FORWARD–I got myself sucked in to the Cantina Soap and was reading chapter 49…waiting to see what happens next…and well, what happened?
–Sam
I swear I’ll write another chapter in the next two weeks. Hang on as this little hotie’s story unfolds.–Bandit
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–This was from one of those days when we stopped riding and started day drinkin.’
Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
THE BIKERNET CULTURAL DEPARTMENT POP QUIZ– Why is PETA against fur coats but not leather jackets? First, imagine a 95 pound vegetarian throwing paint on an old lady.
Second, imagine a 95 pound vegetarian throwing paint on a biker.
Third, call ambulance.
–Buckshot
The New ?Tilly? Utility Motorcycle Bag from Garage Leathers–New Jersey, USA, August 26, 2009 ? Garage Leathers, the guys who have already made their mark with top quality solo leather bags for rigid, Softail, Sportster, and Dyna style motorcycles, have another great, new idea: A utility bag in two sizes ? a 10- and a 12-inch wide model ? that will fit almost anywhere on a motorcycle. Like its companion pieces, the Garage Leathers utility bag is made from sturdy 10-oz leather and is handcrafted in New Jersey, USA.
?We?re calling it the Tilly bag but you don?t have to,? said company founder and product design chief, Robert Camardo, ?because, by any name, this a great motorcycle utility bag that will carry tools, sun glasses, maps, a flashlight, beef jerky, whatever you need on your ride. And the Tilly will look good doing it.?
Another standard feature on Garage Leathers? new utility bags are the heavy nylon mounting straps. Multiple slots on the back side of the bag make it easy to mount the Tilly bag at various angles. Strong interior reinforcement material also ensures that the bag will hold its shape over time.
?The ?utility? part of this bag really refers to both its usefulness in carrying smaller items the rider wants easy access to and in the ability of the Tilly bag to go almost anywhere on a bike,? Camardo said.
The new Garage Leathers Tilly utility bag mounts easily to motorcycle front forks, handlebars, frame sections, or backrests, according to Camardo. The 12-inch wide (5-inch tall, 2.75-inch deep) Tilly bag is $95, and the 10-inch wide version is $85. Both come in classic black and vintage brown finishes with either silver or brass buckles.
?We have thoroughly field tested the Garage Leathers utility bag mounted in various spots on the bike and in good weather and bad,? Camardo reported, ?but our customers are likely to come up with even more creative ways to utilize the Tilly bag; it is an extremely versatile piece of motorcycle equipment.?
In addition to the new Tilly utility bag, Garage Leathers offers a large variety of solo bags for all types of motorcycles and in a number of finishes. To see the full line of Garage Leathers products and to order online, go to www.GarageLeathers.com. Garage Leathers supports the men and women of the United States armed services and offers a discount for active military personnel.
— Robert Camardo
GarageLeathers@gmail.com
Phone (888) 917-6789
LONE STAR RALLY DISCONTINUES USE OF RFID SURVEILLANCE CHIPS– As the National Coalition of Motorcyclists advised our NCOM Member Groups earlier this year, the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas had issued parking passes to all rally participants that contained RFID chip technology which allowed them to be ?tracked? and filmed during the rally, and riders were offered for sale a personalized DVD showing themselves at the rally.
Each coded pass was embedded with an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object or animal, or in this case each motorcycle affixed with a pass. A link on the Lone Star Rally website said, ?The chip technology will allow us to pinpoint you and produce a DVD of the entire rally event with personalized footage of you and your bike on the Strand!? Such surveillance technology has been proposed for other bike rallies as well, such as Sturgis and Daytona.
This issue was brought to the attention of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists board of directors, and discussions ensued about opposing such invasive chipping if it?s without the rider?s knowledge and consent.
?It was never our intent to do harm to the Lone Star Rally, but felt obligated to inform our NCOM Member Groups of this practice,? said Richard M. Lester, AIM/NCOM founder.
A.I.M. Rep Denise Nobs, whose husband Louie serves on the board as NCOM Christian Unity Liaison, wrote about the use and possible misuse of such RFID chips earlier this year in the AIM/NCOM Legal & Legislative Newsletter to bring awareness to the issue.
Lone Star Rally organizers have since announced the discontinuation of the RFID chipped parking passes, and had this to say on the Homepage of their website (www.lonestarrally.com
Billed as ?The World?s Largest Halloween Party?, the Lone Star Rally will take place Oct. 27 ? Nov. 1, AND NCOM ENCOURAGES ITS MEMBERS TO ATTEND AND SUPPORT THE EVENT.
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at www.ON-A-BIKE.com
Governor Steve Beshear’s Communications Office Statement of Governor Steve Beshear on Special Election Results– ?I want to congratulate Robin Webb on winning a hard-fought, hard-run campaign. I look forward to serving with Robin as we work together on the significant challenges confronting our Commonwealth. The people of the 18th Senate District have spoken with one voice: They want someone who will help create good jobs, ensure quality schools and help provide affordable health care. And I believe they want someone who will work with me in a bi-partisan fashion to move our state forward. Now, the election is over. The real work of representing Kentucky must continue. I?m glad to have Robin as my partner in work ahead.?
Now the next wrinkle in these events. Since Robin was a member of the House her seat is now vacant and another special election will be held to fill her position. The details of this election are to be determined but if you live in Robin’s house district and are interested in running for this open seat now is the time to start looking at it and talking to the folks that can help it along. Please let me know if you have an interest in running for that seat. It includes Carter and Lewis counties in Northeastern KY. Stay involved and lets get more bikers elected to office.
–Jay Huber
SCARIEST PHOTO OF THE WEEK–Is nothing sacred ? electric cycles, really!!!!!
–from Ray Hughes
GEARS & GLAMOUR 2009 TEXAS FASHION SHOW–The Gears & Glamour 2009 fashion show will see the United Cerebral Palsy of North Dallas (UCP) join forces with Rick Fairless? Strokers Dallas to support the UCP?s mission of providing a life without limits for people with disabilities. Fashion, music and motorcycles will unite fashionistas and riders alike at the benefit, set for Saturday, October 3, at Strokers Ice House. Guests will watch as local celebrities strut down the runway in the latest trends in motor clothes and casual wear, with a post-catwalk concert by local rock band, The PowderKegz.
While Gears & Glamour is the first event of its kind for both UCP and Strokers Dallas, the partnership was seamless for Rick Fairless, owner of Dallas? largest seller of custom and custom-built motorcycles.
?We are always looking for ways to help our local charities, so UCP was a perfect fit since we are neighbors on Harry Hines. We are excited to work with them and host the Gears & Glamour fashion show here at Strokers Dallas,? said Fairless. ?This is something new for us, but I think we have the perfect venue for an event like this so it will be really cool. I?m looking forward to it.?
By bringing together the glamour of high fashion and the rebel appeal of motorcycles, the UPC hopes to expose the versatility of the two industries and create opportunities to build partnerships with supporters of each lifestyle.
Individual tickets for the event are also available for purchase through the Gears & Glamour Web site.
Money raised by the event will help UCP reach the $100,000 fundraising goal set forth by the organization, which will be used to support programs offered by UCP such as early childhood development, day rehabilitation, case management through home and community-based services and community living assistance.
For more information about Gears & Glamour 2009, visit www.gearsandglamour.com.
TODAY – AUGUST 27th at 4pm – SSK GOES BEHIND BARS!– (not literally) BUT WE ARE HELPING TO RAISE MONEY for the MDA (muscular dystrophy assoc.) – We will be at Pearl St Brewery from 4-5pm to help out with raising money – even if it’s only $5.00 you can donate, all is appreciated! – You can help the MDA and SSK by clicking on link and making your donation!
SOUTH SIDE KUSTOMS IS BEHIND BARS! HELP BAIL US OUT!https://www.joinmda.org/buffalo09/southsidekustoms THE NEW HITMAN BOBBER IS HERE!http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/HitmanBobber.html BILTWELL’s NEW MEGAFLAKE HELMETS ARE HERE!http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/BiltwellHelmets.html South Side Kustoms 69 Helmet Are Available!http://www.south-side-kustoms.com/HelmetsApparelMagazines.html Thank You for your support and helping with the MDA Telethon! –Jason
SSK
SOFTBRAKE EXTENDED PEDALS FOR 2010 H-D BAGGERSSoftbrake recently introduced a new version of their immensely popular extended brake pedals. The new addition is designed specifically for 2008 – 2010 H-D models. The arm is 1? longer than stock and the fulcrum has been adjusted to match the later application. Users of the early and new versions have reported that Softbrake extended brake pedals provide superior braking control and pedal feedback for safer, more predictable stopping.
Designed to be floorboard compatible with H-D Bagger machines, the pedals are a quick bolt-on replacement part and accept factory rubber pads. All SoftBrake pedals are manufactured from premium quality American steel, and finished in durable show quality chrome or black powder coat. Three different pedal designs are available; plain, slotted, and circle-punched.
SUPER-TECH PEDALS retail for just $149.95 and are available exclusively from North County Customs. Call 714-680-0911. On the Web www.softbrake.com
THE TECH HUNT OF THE WEEK–I’m trying to find an Edlund rigid frame? Drop me a line if you can help.
–Doug
tech@head-quarters.com>
148 MPH STEAM CAR RUNS MUROC–Development driver Don Wales suited up today on the Muroc dirt at Edwards Air Force Base to lay down a sizzlig pair of runs that qualify for another flying mile and flying kilo record ? the second in two days for the British Steam Car Challenge! (see yesterday?s post for details) After weeks of grueling toil in withering desert heat, the Brits kept their wits and saved the best for last. Wales averaged 148.308 in the kilo and 148.166 in the mile.
The team now has the happy duty of deciding which of the provisional records it will submit for ratification by the FIA World Sporting Council. Odds are that owner/driver Charles Burnett III will submit an application for certification that will give both he and Wales each a piece of world record glory pie.
Wales, is the grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, a noted icon in world record setting, and the nephew of Donald Campbell, Sir Malcolm?s son. Wales is also the nephew of Donald Campbell, Sir Malcolm?s son, who also set plenty of speed records in the 1950s and 1960s before he died in 1967 when his speed boat (Bluebird) came apart in a spectacular 300MPH crash on Coniston Lake in northern England.
Wales has had speed dreams with a car called the Bluebird Electric, but has yet to find any record-setting joy with the vehicle. It is thought that Wales might be eying an electric boat record in the future, but until then he will continue his work as a professional photographer.
–from LandSpeed Louisehttp://www.landspeedproductions.biz/
Introducing Versa-Mount – Saddlemen?s New System Offers More Flexibility And Options For Securing Motorcycle Luggage– Versa-Mount Under-Seat Yoke and Harness Mounting System.The easy-to-use Versa-Mount yoke and harness system fits under the passenger area of two-up seats, allowing the attachment of a sissybar bag, rack bag or seat bag to a motorcycle without the use of a sissy bar or rack. The two-piece construction enables the yoke to be adjusted to fit a variety of passenger area seat widths and includes a one-inch-wide security strap and D-rings to insure that luggage will stay put on almost any motorcycle with a one-piece, two-up seat.
? Easy to install and easy to remove
? Attaches to almost any bike in seconds
? Adjustable straps feature chromed, spring loaded hooks
? Can be used with many types of luggage
? No sissy bar or rack necessary
? Considerably adds to the amount of potential luggage a bike can carry without modification
? Matching luggage available
Model: 3550-0117
Suggested Retail Price: $24.95
Available soon through Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited at dealerships nationwide, and at saddlemen.com
TALON MIRRORS MATCH THE KICK STANDS–Camarillo, CA ? August 21, 2009- Image Motorcycle Products is proud to announce the long awaited release of our new Talon Mirrors. IMP Talon Mirrors feature an eagle claw holding the mirror frame. These mirrors pivot at the joint to adjust. IMP Mirrors are cast in aerospace quality stainless steel and finished with a high polish.
Talon Mirrors coordinate with our Talon kickstands, footpegs, kickstand covers and Eagle gas caps. Holiday gift certificates are available. Mirrors retail for $420.00 a pair.
For more information contact: Image Motorcycle Products, 918 Calle Portilla, Camarillo, CA 93010. (800) 304-5838, www.imagemotorcycle.com
T-BEAR REVEALS HIS TRIUMPH BOBBER–Just a few pix of the ?almost done? Mutha-Fokker I?ve been working on for the past 2 years.Just have to get her pinstriped and work out a few little details.
We finally got her up and running yesterday and she runs and sounds like a real beast!Sad part was that I couldn?t take her for the first spin. I gave my building buddy, Bo, the honor.
–TBear,
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO EXPAND INTO INDIA–Initial Steps Include Establishment of Subsidiary and Dealer Network. NEW DELHI (August 27, 2009) ? Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced today its plans to formally enter the motorcycle market in India, where it expects to start selling its iconic motorcycles in 2010. The company has established a subsidiary to be located in Gurgaon, near Delhi, and has begun the process of seeking dealers.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Levatich, is an invited speaker at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers annual convention on August 28, and will provide further details on the company?s plans then.
?As India continues to extend its global reach, so does Harley-Davidson,? said Levatich. ?We believe Harley-Davidson has outstanding opportunities for continued growth around the world.?
The company?s current approach is to import its motorcycles, accessories and riding gear, and it will continue to evaluate how best to evolve its approach to the market as Harley-Davidson?s business in India grows.
?India is important to our long-term vision of being a truly global company,? said Harley-Davidson Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell. ?We are committed to India for the long term, and we are focused right now on establishing a strong foundation.?
India is the second-largest motorcycle market in the world, with sales dominated by small, inexpensive bikes used as basic transportation. However, India?s rapidly growing economy, rising middle class and significant investment in construction of new highways have opened the door to leisure motorcycle riding.
The company will focus its initial steps in India on growing the Harley-Davidson brand through a variety of consumer experiences and on establishing a local dealer network.
The Harley-Davidson subsidiary in India will be led by Managing Director Anoop Prakash, who said the company has begun the process of identifying initial dealers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Punjab State.
THIS WEEKS BIKERNET FREE CONTEST WINNER IS–
ARIC HECKMAN FROM SEYMOUR, IN.
Suggestion: MORE SHOVELHEAD TECH, AND MORE REDHEADS…
Wanted: WHATEVER YOU GOT, I’LL TAKE IT.
We got t-shirts, bandanas, books, doo-rags and more. That?s what you?re gonna get. Congratulations, Aric!
We still have the SCORPION EXO-700. A lightweight, fiberglass and Kevlar helmet with a ventilation system, Aero-tuned rear spoiler, Speedshift quick change shield system, Everclear no-fog faceshield, Kwikwick moisture-wicking, breathable helmet liner & cheek pads, Custom liner & cheek pad kits and its Snell M2000 and DOT certified. Not to mention the cool scorpion graphics painted on it?
I haven?t received many entries who want this helmet, so I?m gonna run it for a couple more weeks.
To enter win this helmet, click on the Bikernet Giveaway banner above and tell us why you should be the winner. It is a large, so only enter if it will fit you. This will be our July & August promotion, and you only need to enter once.
Click on the image for more information on Scorpion helmets, and other products.
We also have a Bushwakka swag, from Australia that will be given away for the September promotion.
THE END–at least for today. I’m sure you noticed, we started a blog. We’re still stumbling some, trying to get it dialed in. Then we’ll get serious. Ultimately the question will arise: Should we just do the blog and drop the Thursday News?
What the hell. We’ll see, if it doesn’t kill me first. Trying to keep up with this fast moving monster is a constant challenge.
We have several features headed your way. Above is Evan’s bike from Power Plant. It was part of the Chopper Challenge with Scott Long. This is a sample page from the next issue of Cycle Source. After he runs it, we will feature the bike on Bikernet. You’ll get a strange Hollywood kick out of the story.
Hopefully, my ThunderHeart ignition module will UPS itself into our headquarters tomorrow, I’ll wire the 5-Ball Factory Racer and take it for a ride. Hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
