HARLEY-DAVIDSON ENDS FACTORY SUPERBIKE RACING PROGRAM– Harley-Davidson announced two days ago that the company has chosen to end its factory VR 1000 Superbike racing program and retire from the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike series after the final round of the 2001 season at Virginia International Raceway on Sept. 28-30.
“Our development team took a hard look at rebuilding the program this year, and what it would take to bring the VR 1000 to a competitive level and replace it with a new design. Harley-Davidson has determined the resources required to do that are simply too costly to pursue given our other business priorities,” the company said.
The VR 1000 Superbike racing program helped Harley-Davidson develop and refine technologies such as liquid-cooling and electronic fuel injection. The program also led to the development Harley-Davidson’s first production liquid-cooled motorcycle, the VRSCA V-Rod, which was introduced this summer.
Despite memorable performances in the eight-year history of Harley-Davidson’s Superbike racing program, including a pole position in 1996 and podium finishes by Pascal Picotte as recently as 1999, Harley-Davidson has concluded the VR 1000 is at the end of its development cycle and is no longer competitive in the AMA Superbike series.
“I’m thankful and proud of the dedicated efforts of our racers, Gemini Racing Technologies, the Harley-Davidson development team and external partners,” said Director of Racing John Baker. “Hundreds of talented people worked on the VR 1000 Superbike program from its inception. They gave thousands of Harley fans a thrill at racetracks around the country, while teaching the company a great deal about high performance technology.”
Harley-Davidson has competed in various forms of motorcycle racing since 1914, winning countless races and championships at the national and world level. The company will continue to field a factory team in U.S. National Dirt Track events. Harley-Davidson also plans to enter the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing series with a new effort, the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock team, which is currently developing a new highly modified race motorcycle for competition.
WANNA SELL OR BUY SOMETHING–There are a couple places to go. Check the Bikernet Classifieds or go to the new site, EHarleyauction.com. I’m going give them a shot with the Blue Flame. See it auctioned this week.
A SIGN OF REVELATIONS– A Little Rock woman waskilled yesterdayafter leaping through her moving car’s sun roofduring anincident best described as “a mistaken rapture” bydozens of eyewitnesses.
Thirteen other people were injured after a20-car pileupresulted from people trying to avoid hitting thewoman who wasapparently convinced that the rapture was occurringwhen she saw12 people floating up into the air, and thenpassed a man onthe side of the road who she claimed was Jesus.
“She started screaming ‘He’s back, He’s back,’ andclimbed rightout of the sunroof and jumped off the roof of thecar,” saidEveret Williams, husband of 28-year-old GeorgannWilliams, whowas pronounced dead at the scene.
“I was slowing down but she wouldn’t wait till Istopped,”Williams said.
She thought the rapture was happening and wasconvinced thatJesus was gonna lift her up into the sky,” he wenton to say.
“This is the strangest thing I’ve seen since I’vebeen on theforce,” said Paul Madison, first officer on thescene.
Madison questioned the man who looked like Jesusand discoveredthat he was dressed up as Jesus and was on his wayto a togacostume party when the tarp covering the bed of hispickup truckcame loose and released twelve blow up sex dollsfilled withhelium that floated up into the air.
Ernie Jenkins, 32, of Fort Smith, who’s been toldby several ofhis friends that he looks like Jesus, pulled overand lifted hisarms into the air in frustration, and said, “Comeback here,”just as the Williams’ car passed him, and Mrs.Williams was surethat it was Jesus lifting people up into the sky asthey passedby him, according to her husband, who says his wifelovedJesus more than anything else.
When asked for comments about the 12 sex dolls,Jenkinsreplied, “This is all just too weird for me. I neverexpectedanything like this to happen.”
AUG. 26 RUN FOR THE GRIZZLIES 2001-HOG INLAND CHAPTER–This was a poker run at Big Bear Lake, Calif.to benefit the Big Bear Zoo.They are moving their facility from the Moonridge areato the North Shore. And of course they need donationsto do this, so all local bikers and Hog members are the firstin line to help. Sign-in started at 7:3O a.m., so I, living in the desert, left at 6 a.m., blasting across Highway 247 at 70 to 80, plus keeping a sharp eye out forcoyotes. I didn’t want to do what my good friend Bandit did and hit something. Surprisingly the temperature was a little nippyin only a T-shirt and vest, wished I had my HA leather shirt with me. Got to Chad’s, a local bar, for the sign-in andit was 54 degrees — cool for an old desert rat but it did warm up tothe high 80s. Good turn out, saw a lot of bros I haven’t seen for awhile.
The parking lot of Chad’s was packed with lots of good peopleto help the cause. Left mid-afternoon down the back side of BigBear to the desert highway. It was 110 degrees, so hot I thought I was riding in HELL. Not a soul in sight. The day’s end was refreshed with a cold shower and a cold brew.
–Bob T
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN POSTS STURGIS REPORT– Reading about Bandit’s trip to Sturgis, I had some envy of sorts.While he was riding through amazing land, we had to drive our truck and trailerup to the Hills, hours and hours of non-stop boring interstate scenery.Stop, gas ,piss, eat, go! That was our routine for 36 hours, Jacksonville toSturgis. I have been planning with Roger (Bourget) to do the ride fromPhoenix for the past few years, but our duties won’t allow it. Someday wemight ride. Funny though, all the trailered dressers and Road Kings fromnearby states. (I guess I’m allowed to tow 12 choppers from PR ?) Saw less bikes on the road this year than ever.
Thehundreds of bikes screaming down I-90 were not seen this year, but alas, wealways get there earlier and earlier. I would not dare to put down peoplewho trailer, since we do, but then again, we have to. I guess timeis getting more precious, spending the money there and not on the road is avalid concern. Still we got to ride around a thousand miles while in the Black Hills, which is equivalent to crossing Puerto Rico from coast to coastfor 10 days straight. Yes, we would love to be able to ride there someday,meanwhile we have a lot going on and it’s a miracle we can make it everyyear. (You have read before how much of a pain it is to ship everything.)Oh well…..here’s the news.
Sept. 2 is the annual HOG MDA ride. They meet early and have ashort ride before showing up at the events door to donate money for MDA. Then kids get to ride on a bike around the parking lot, or just sit in forphoto ops, any which way, they love it.
Sept. 2 is also the first Ticket Ride. They will end with a bikeshow and all money will be donated to children’s charity. Good event, baddate.
On Sept. 3, there will be a ride to raise funds for Cucho (our friendwho had the accident in Oklahoma).The Desertores organized this run. Cucho is in Jacksonville, Fla.,receiving therapy and is on the long road to recuperation.
We just received some news that a rider from Puerto Rico was involved in anaccident in the Black Hills (we did not know he was there). Apparently anovice rider lost control and invaded his lane, hitting him on the leg, fullforce, with his bike. We don’t know how he is doing, but will find out. Hisson was behind him and is OK.
We received this photo of a guy on a rigid chopper who rode all the way fromMassachusetts. We met them at Devil’s Tower and shot the shit for a bit. Nice bikeand made it in one piece. We hope he made it back.
A friend of ours from Lynn, Mass., saw the WCC bike here on Bikernet, met withus in Sturgis and gave us the sheet metal to repaint his bike. Will postphotos as we get to it. Also for those of you who have followed the WCCstory, the bike will take its maiden voyage in less than a week. We willkeep you posted. Another CFL has already been commissioned.
Well, that’s it for this week. It’s been raining everyday here inparadise and all eyes are glued to the weather channel for storms. Ohwell, just a couple weeks more……
–Jose, Caribbean Bikernet News, Caribbean Custom Cycles
DEGENERATE JIM RETURNS– ?????Here’s one that might make you grin. While rummaging through mypersonal stash for the BOB BITCHIN scan, I found a note from Degenerate JimPisaretz. (Jim was associate editor-head drunk for B.L. during that era.)After the takeover in 1988, Jim ran the magazine (briefly) and then followedBB into oblivion.
?????Anyway, his note simply read “Keep up the good work – love thosestories.” (I remember that he used a photo of himself posing by a tower ofBudweiser cans with each column… ) The note is from 1984. I moved at leastsix times while writing for Bob, so it’s amazing any of this survived. ?????Ride on!
–Rod Ice
BARTELS’ SCUTTLEBUTT–Bartel’s in Marina del Rey, Calif., is throwing an open house on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the arrival of the 2002 Harleys and Buells. There will be blowout specials on back to school goods, kids’ clothing and halloween collectibles.
They are also planning a Halloween trick or treat special Oct. 27-31. You may not be near Bartel’s, but check at your dealership. They too will be celebrating the evil holiday. If you have questions call (310) 832-1112.
CINDERELLA–Cinderella wants to go to the ball, but her wicked stepmotherwon’t let her. As Cinderella sits crying in the garden, her fairy godmotherappears, and promises to provide Cinderella with everything she needs to gotothe ball, but only on two conditions. “First, you must wear a diaphragm.”
Cinderella agrees.”What’s the second condition?”
“You must be home by 2 a.m. Any later, and your diaphragm will turn into apumpkin.”
Cinderella agrees to be home by 2 a.m. The appointed hour comesandgoes, and Cinderella doesn’t show up. Finally, at 5 a.m., Cinderella showsup,looking love-struck and very satisfied.
“Where have you been?” demands the fairy godmother.”Your diaphragm was supposed to turn into a pumpkin three hours ago!”
“I met a prince, Fairy Godmother. He took care of everything.”
“I know of no prince with that kind of power! Tell me his name!”
“I can’t remember, exactly …Peter Peter, something or other….”
PRINTS FROM C. KALLAS–Under Bikernet Special Reports we have a feature on a little known lifetime biker/ fine artist. Check it out if you’re into the art of motorcycling as much as I am. Just yesterday we convinced Chris to make available his signed, limited-edition prints to the Bikernet clan.
The spirit and freedom of riding is portrayed in ‘Outwest’ and ‘Desert Chopper’.These quality color lithograph prints are produced on 80# acid free cover stock. ‘Outwest’ is 16-by-20 inches (image size 10-by-12) and ‘Desert Chopper’ is 16-by-24 inches (image size 9-by17).
These beautiful prints are $39.95 for a signed limited edition of 300, or $19.95 unsigned, plus $4.95 for shipping.To place an order, call C. Kallas Fine Art/Illustration at (310) 316-2790, or read the entire saga of the artist’s life and see more about the prints in the Special Reports section.
DAVIE ALLAN UPDATE–Attached is the only CD scan I haven’t sent you, “The Arrow-DynamicSounds of Davie Allan.” His lastest disc was “Live Run,” which you used to startoff the Bikernet feature. (They’re all packed with full-throttle tunes.) Hementioned a show coming up sometime in October… details are always on hissite. (www.davieallan.com) His discs are available there as well, and theycome autographed when you buy them direct. (The prices are cheap, too!) Myfriendship with Davie began because I ordered some of those discs. Heincluded a personal letter with my recordings… and I wrote about that forthe newspaper here. The rest (as they say) is history.
THE FASTEST AND QUICKEST TOP FUEL BIKE IN COLORADO IS FOR SALE!– TONY DREXLER’S TOP FUEL BIKE IS FOR SALE FOR 35K…..WITH LOTS O’ EXTRAS!
CONTACT TONY DREXLER AT HIS TOP FUEL SHOP FOR DETAILS……(303)238-0416.
BIKERNET WEEKLY POLITICAL LESSONS–
? A CHRISTIAN: You have two cows. You keep one and give one to your neighbor.
? A SOCIALIST: You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
? A REPUBLICAN: You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. So what?
? A DEMOCRAT: You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You feel guilty for being successful. You vote people into office who tax your cows, forcing you to sell one to raise money to pay the tax. The people you voted for then take the tax money and buy a cow at five times the market price cow and give it to your neighbor. You feel righteous.
? A COMMUNIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with sour soy milk.
? A FASCIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and sells you the milk.
BASSANI–DYNO-PRO–Bassani’s trend-setting line of Pro Street headers is now available for Harley Dyna models from ’96 to present. These unique pipes feature aggressive Hot Rod styling with an exhaust note to match.
Designed for both mid and forward control models, each pipe is hand fabricated using a stepped head pipe process tapering from 1 3/4-inch to 2-inch and exiting through a massive 2 1/2-inch diameter pipe. Its ease of installation is reflected through its 16-gauge steel system plated to a flawless show chrome finish. They’re available exclusively from North County Customs Dyna-Pro headers retail for $349. NCC also offers matching heat shields for all models–www.northcountycustoms.com.
AHDRA SPONSORSHIP ROUND-UP–?????The AHDRA proudly announces sponsors for the 2001 season. The AHDRA proudly announces the sponsors on board that make our race season possible. Please join us in thanking the 2001 sponsors.
JIMS returns to support the Nitro Screaming Machines of Top Fuel! Welcome back Jim Theissen, Paul Platts and the fine staff at JIMS.Catch the 200 mph Harleys of JIMS Top Fuel in action during the 2001 AHDRA season!
Joker Machine is back on board this year, taking on the highly competitive Modified Class! Look for some of the largest bike fields ever in modified competition this year in Joker Machine Modified!
Carolina Kenworth joins the AHDRA as the 2001 sponsor of the Pro Drag series. Ted Smith and the staff of Carolina Kenworth teamed up with AHDRA in 2000 and we are honored to have them support this year*s Carolina Kenworth Pro Dragster competition.
A brand new addition to the AHDRA sanction. Dynajet, this year*s sponsor of the Street Pro Class! Thanks to Paul Langley and the staff at Dynojet, and be sure to follow the competition in Dynojet Street Pro!
Andrew*s Products is back in full support of the ET series. Welcome back John Andrews, Carolyn Goss and the staff of Andrew*s Products!?
AHDRA is proud to have Vanson Leathers on board as an AHDRA Associate Sponsor and Contingency sponsor. Thanks and Welcome to Alan Slavin and the staff of Vanson Leathers!?
Rivera Engineering/Primo Belt Drives are back for contingency support and this year*s sponsor of the 2nd stop on the AHDRA tour in Phoenix, AZ. Thanks to Mel Magnet and his staff, sponsor of this year*s Rivera/Primo Arizona Bike Week Nationals!
The AHDRA is proud to have PRP Elite Nitro join in supporting the AHDRA contingency program. Romine Racing distributes PRP Elite Nitro products.with the largest inventory of PRP Products in North America. Thanks to Dennis Paul and PRP Elite Nitro for your support!
Contingency Sponsors back to support the AHDRA 2001 season include:
Autometer,Cycle Performance Products,Diamond Engineering and Saddlemen
Also returning for another season of racing. Comp Cams, Dixie Frames, Nitrous Oxide Systems, Performance Machine, PMFR, VP Racing Fuels. Our sincere thanks to all of these loyal sponsors returning for another season of racing with the AHDRA!
Eaglestar Photography is back to assist with your photography needs and available on site at AHDRA events throughout the season.
Thanks to all of this year’s 2001 sponsors of the AHDRA series. Stay tuned as many more are on tap to be announed!
Look for more exciting news regarding sponsor support right here on www.ahdra.com!
–Thanks to our 2001 Sponsors
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