Hey,
“If you’re still in business, you’re successful,” said Kevin Alsop, of Big Bear Choppers.He sensed that his award from the state of California came from his ability to keep Big Bear alive during the recession. He should be proud.
One aspect of this industry forces us to stay on top of the action, events. It’s tough to cry about the economy when the next Ultimate Builder Show is down the street and we need to polish chrome and load the truck. This year as the holidays rolled closer the show circuit kicked off with Easyriders shows, Ultimate Builder circuit, the Grand National Roadster Shows, and then the Dealer shows popped onto the scene, followed too closely by Daytona and the season is off and running. In fact, the Indy Dealer show rocks this weekend.
I wrote Billy Lane a couple of days ago and busted out in a cold sweat as I described the Bikernet projects for the year. Looks like we have the opportunity with Mr. Lucky to build a 650 Yamaha bobber. I recruited a San Pedro kid who has a young family and struggled to put himself through X-ray technician school to better his chances at a career. He’s our building paint expert, and has helped out around the headquarters for years. He’s going to be the builder of this project, and we will bring you blow-by-blow reports. Let’s hit the news, then I’ll give you an update on our builds and writing projects:
BIKERNET SHOP BOOK OF THE WEEK BY WOLFGANG PUBLICATIONS– How to Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles.
If you just happen to be the owner of a Harley or aftermarket V-Twin, and you’re tired of paying retail for all the repairs, even the simple ones, then we have the right book for you.
How To Fix American V-Twin Motorcycle from Wolfgang Publications covers all the skills needed to do basic maintenance and repairs on your American motorcycle. From changing the oil to adjusting the clutch cable to installing brake pads, this book explains in both words and photos how to safely do your own work. Instead of taking the bike back to the dealer or shop where you bought it, roll it into the garage and do the maintenance and repairs yourself.
When you’re trying to learn something for the first time, there’s nothing like a good photo, or series of photos, that show exactly how the operation is performed. Wolfgang believes that more photos make for better books, and this one is illustrated with over 400 color images.
There is no such thing as a maintenance free motorcycle. Save money – and gain the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Learn how to fix your own motorcycle in your own shop or garage with this new 144-page book from Wolfgang Publications.
Special Price this week from Bikernet. buy Fix American V-Twin Motorcycles for $17.95, ten bucks off the retail price of $27.95, with free shipping to US addresses.
READ THIS BEFORE RIDING THROUGH GEORGIA–The previous post Georgia plans Motorcycle check points Daytona Bike week is an alert From ABATE of Georgia w/ comments as per our being alerted by Rogue. You must be aware of what can happen during such a check, because it can screw up your day big time! Following is a link to a pdf. file, http://www.abatega.org/documents/MC%20Safety%20and%20Enforcement%20Training%20Instructor%20Manual%202010.pdf
We have posted the front page of the manual and and the pages dealing with a motorcycle safety inspection. Remember this is reportedly a federally funded project paid for by us. Until more is known we would suggest familiarizing yourself completely with the pages having to do with the safety inspection. If you have questions you can call Georgia, but get whatever you are told in writing.
Georgia may have a different protocol than that defined here. As this was sent out by ABATE of Ga. It would appear they have concerns.
When and if you get to Florida, remember their is still controversy re: vertical tags. Often times depending on what city you get stopped in.
Our stance would be that the following was designed for one purpose and one purpose only, TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MISERABLE:
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com
–from Rogue
NEW BARS FROM NASH–People keep asking why we don’t make our popular line of handlebars for the Harley Street Glide, so without further ado we now introduce the Bagger Grits.
Produced for all touring models, these one off handlebars will completely change the look and ride of your bike. They will give you the style and comfort you have been dreaming about since you bought your touring model. These bars are offered in 14, 16, and 18 inch and are available in raw, black, chrome, copper, or gloss black.
BIKERNET SECURITY ALERT, NO BULLSHIT–Someone just stole Larry Watson’s Ranchero!! Someone broke into the garage at Larry’s house last night. They stole his Ranchero. Please keep an eye out! Thank you.
The “Larry” is Lary Watson. The car was stolen out of Victorville, CA. I’m trying to get the plate number as we speak. Larry Jr. is being contacted, but so far hasn’t been reachable. The police can’t file a report till Larry Jr. contacts them. If anyone sees the car please call Victorville police(hopefully a report is filed very soon)…or contact Roger O’Dell (951) 570-8582.
BAKER REVERSE INSTALLATION TECH BY MASTER ROGUE, BIKERNET TECHNICIAN–This one massive tech involved four Bikernet sponsors: Baker DriveTrain, Spectro Oils, D&D Exhaust, and JIMS tools.
Here’s a comment from Rogue, “I still have the little girl hidden in the shed. She is not as good as the redhead you sent last time. I think everyone will like the tech. It’s an amazing product. The reverse is working GREAT. I still have a tiny exhaust leak but will get that fixed shortly
D&D working good and I can feel the difference from the old exhaust.”
UNDERCOVER CINCI SHOW REPORT– This time for the first time, there were no motorcycle manufacturers in sight at the Expo. Times are certainly hard for them, but it looks like the aftermarket still has a large field of used bikes to work on.
–B.
AMA ALERT: Congressional Motorcycle Caucus gains new member–
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus has a new member: Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
West, a new member of Congress, joins others in the bipartisan group that works to promote safety for motorcyclists.
Reps. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) are the caucus co-chairs.
“I’m very pleased to be able to join the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus to work with my esteemed colleagues on issues related to motorcycling,” West said. “I’m hopeful that I can make a valuable contribution to the efforts of the caucus.”
Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, added: “It’s great to have Rep. West join others in the House in their effort to ensure that motorcyclists aren’t forgotten on Capitol Hill. We look forward to working with Rep. West, and the entire caucus, for years to come.”
BIKERNET TURNS 15–And we needed a rebel teenager styled logo to celebrate this milestone with, so we reached out to Bikernet illustrator extraordinaire, George Fleming.
Let me know what you think of his progress.
–Bandit
Bandit@bikernet.com
K&N Employee Takes Trophy At 2011 Grand National Roadster Show For His Custom Sportster Bobber– 1999 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster converted to Bobber
Typically when one thinks of art, and artists, visions of paintbrushes and canvas come to mind. However, according to Webster’s II new college dictionary, first edition, 2004 the word art can be defined as “a conscious arrangement or production of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a way that affects the aesthetic sense.” In that respect, the show winning motorcycle of Todd White and Matt Dawson most certainly qualifies as a work of art.–Johnny JumpWWW.KNFILTERS.COMThe Bikernet team arranged a feature on Matt’s classic bike for American Iron Magazine. Watch for it in an upcoming issue. And watch for the full K&N report on Bikernet next week.–Wrench
ACE CAFÉ LONDON Streetfighter & Stunt Festival 2011–Following the lamented loss, due to new building works, of last years inaugural event venue of Wembley, and as a consequence of the event having outgrown the original historic North Circular Road premises, Ace Cafe London, in association with StuntUK and the International StuntBike Freestyle (SBF) competition, have teamed up again to present the Ace Cafe London Streetfighter & Stunt Festival, to be held throughout the day from 10am on Sunday 31st July, now relocated one mile east from the cafe along the North Circular Road and near the M1 motorway at the UK’s premier shopping centre, Brent Cross.
In addition to trade and industry stands and displays, this second annual event again combines the cafe’s legendary Streetfighter Sunday, as well as showcasing the live action finals of the SBF competition, with stunt riders from across Europe and beyond taking part.
Highlights of the event include the Evel Knievel ” True Evel” tour, featuring Evel’s original motorcycles, famous jump leathers, personal memorabilia, and untold photos and stories, “Best Streetfighter” static display and “Show Up n’ Shine” competitions, dyno shoot-out, tyre-frying burnouts and a wheelie machine for those who want to experience “up in the air” thrills!
In addition to the Ace stage, with DJ & MC mixing it up, entertainment includes a host of hot tricks from the East Coast FMX display team and pro drifter Belinda Challis, who will be putting her Garage-D built Nissan Skyline R32 through its paces.
London’s Air Ambulance is once again the events chosen charity.
Tickets are available at the cafe and via the Ace web shop, as well as on the gate on the day.
Buy your ticket at the cafe and you will receive a free tea or coffee.
Tickets:
Individual £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike £7.50 (£10 on the gate)
Individual + Bike + Pillion £12.50 (£15 on the gate)
A special family ticket will be available on the gate £15
www.stuntuk.co.uk
All Enquiries Please Contact:
Darren Williams – Ace Cafe Events Team
Email: darren@acecafeevents.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8961 1000
GEORGIA Motorcycle Checkpoints to begin in March–As many of you know, the State of Georgia received $70,000.00 from the NSTB for Motorcycle ONLY safety check points. They will stop all motorcycles at these check points.
We were informed by unnamed sources that the check points would start in early March to coincide with The Daytona Bike Week event. Most points of entry to Florida will be involved.
We are anticipating them to start March 3rd in order to take advantage of the additional flow of motorcycle traffic thru our state.
I was told that the officers conducting the safety check points have been trained in what to check for so be sure you, you paper work and your bike are in order.
We understand that this is just a way to increase revenues, so do all you can to avoid adding to the state funds.
There are many who trailer into Georgia and ride into Florida from here. You may wish to change your plans and trailer on through to Florida.
–Dan Forrest,
State Director of A.B.A.T.E. Georgia
FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST UNION 2-INTO-1 FROM BIKER’S CHOICE–One of the many new exhausts from our friends at Freedom Performance, a 2-into-1 exhaust system with 17% increase in horsepower. A 2.5” O.D. 1-piece blue-proof 220° coverage heat shield and a 4” rolled edge can on a 35° slash are featured. Triple step headers for horsepower, torque and heat reduction with stainless steel hardware for strength and rust resistance.
The system comes with oxygen sensor ports and a removable baffle. Available in show-quality chrome or black with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and as always, 100% American made.
For more information on fitment, visit www.bikerschoice or visit your local
Biker’s Choice® Dealer!
Happy Riding!!
–Carmen
P.S. The 70th Anniversary BikeWeek is happening March 4-13, 2011, and we are attending! Hopefully, the weather will be warmer than it was last year….Brrrrr! We will be located at J&P Cycles parking lot at 253 Destination Daytona Lane in Ormond Beach, Florida. Stop by and see our new rig, lots bigger and with a lot more merchandise to look at. Talk to our knowledgeable sales force, pick up a free Catalog on disc, and take a look at some of our new products. We will have a lot of our new River RoadTM apparel there for inspection. Try it on, touch it, see the quality of this brand. We’re sure you will be pleasantly surprised by this apparel!
We’re looking forward to meeting many of you this year!!
–The Biker’s Choice Crew
UNCLE MONKEY TO ANALYZE THE TWO-WHEELED BRAIN–When we picture ourselves in our minds eye, tearing up a highway or catching the eye of the pretty young thing at the local watering hole, we see ourselves on a particular bike, our bike, the bike that just simply is us. It is as unique as our fingerprint, as much apart of us as the blood, sweat and tear soaked doo-rag on our head. Motorcycles are one of the few things that we truly honestly make our own.
We are all drawn to different bikes. For some it is the need for speed, flinging a bike back and forth through twisting canyons. The ever-changing notion drives us to ride the fastest, highest performance bikes available to man. To others it is the long miles riding in comfort, music playing on the radio, everything they need tightly packed into a full dresser. Yet for some it is all about being minimalist, the only excess is the style of a long stretched out chopper.
What we ride is what we are most comfortable with. I have friends who only ride FatBoys. They have tried changing bikes. One brother even bought a new Road King but as fast as the bike hit the road it was back in on trade for another FatBoy. Try as they might, they only felt right on a Softail frame with a solidly mounted, counter-balanced V-twin rumbling beneath them.
I have another friend who switched from ElectraGlide to Road King to finally a RoadGlide Ultra all last year. He is sold now. To him there is no other bike than the RoadGlide. He has finally found the bike that is him. It is not surprising that one of his old bikes was a Suzuki GL with a frame-mounted fairing.
For others it is all about riding position. My friend Keith, even though he is the same build as me, swears by mid-mount controls. For others, it is rear controls, hunched over on a crotch rocket or cafe racer. Some it is all about the bars; arms up in the air or down low. To ride anything else would be uncomfortable.
In my mind I only see myself on one bike; a stretched out rigid chopper with my trusty BikerNet bedroll on the bars, my ol’ lady on the back, and a sneer on my lips. I’ve loved my FLH and my FatBoy, thundered across the countryside on custom bikes, borrowed baggers from friends to get from point A to B, but none of them have felt right. Something was missing. Something wasn’t right. None of them were that bike.
Some of us are lucky enough to be able to throw our leg over our favorite bike every time we ride. For others it is a matter of riding what we can until that day we can finally own that one particular bike. Often it doesn’t happen overnight, sometimes it’s not even a bike we ever imagined ourselves riding. But it is our dream bike, our bike, it is us.
-bad Uncle Monkey
Sidebar: The Monkey just bought a new Evo engine. He’s about to start a custom build. Let’s see what he builds. This is the year of the Evo and keeping the tradition alive.–Bandit
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SPANISH LANGUAGE CLASS–A Spanish Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
‘House’ for instance, is feminine: ‘la casa.’
‘Pencil,’ however, is masculine: ‘el lapiz.’
A student asked, “’What gender is “computer?”
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer’ should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men’s group decided that ‘computer’ should definitely be of the feminine gender
(‘la computadora’), because:
1.. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2 The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women’s group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine (‘el computador’), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
The women won.
–Buckshot
Bullshit–Bandit
THE BAD COP ARCHIVES– Damn There is so much Bad Cop stuff going on it is hard to pick which one to send–Rogue
VIERA — A Brevard County judge ruled that a second visit by a Palm Bay police officer to the home of a woman who testified that he previously forced her to expose her breasts was not enough to grant an injunction of protection.But despite Tuesday afternoon’s ruling by Judge George Maxwell, Michelle Gamble and her attorney Michael Bross remained adamant that the officer acted inappropriately.
Gamble testified that Palm Bay police officer Donovan Brickhouse forced her to remove her shirt and bra after responding to her Palm Bay home for a domestic dispute between Gamble and her live-in boyfriend. She said the officer — a 10-year law enforcement veteran — said he was searching for drugs and ordered her to disrobe. After filing an internal affairs complaint against Brickhouse, she testified that the officer returned to the home a few days later.
Brickhouse denied the allegations and also denied that the subsequent visit to the house was an attempt to intimidate Gamble, who said she hid in the backyard while her boyfriend answered the door.
“The judge ruled there was no harassment because there was no physical contact between my client and the officer on the second visit,” Bross said outside the courtroom.
“We think the court may have been incorrect. We want this issue addressed. My client has no motive to lie about this. I’m hoping that by us doing this in the sunshine, other women who may have been victimized will come forward and notify us.” Florida law requires two incidents before an injunction can be granted.Written by JOHN A. TORRES, FLORIDA TODAY
The Cops make the Motorcycle Clubs look like saints. I think we need to continue to demand law enforcement cleans up their Dirty Cops before the try to correct the rest of society.
–from Rogue
NEWS FLASH FROM NEGOTIABLE PARTS IN APPLE VALLEY– I hope this means i’m close to a Pot O Gold????
–Tim
PROFESSOR KATMANDU INVESTIGATES IRAN–As I’ve said all along, it was Woodstock, not Vietnam, that was the most influential postWW2 event. The Taliban banned kite flying in Afganistan. Now, Iran outlaws Valentines Day. Humiliations at the most basic emotional level. It’s come home to roost – again:
— Katmandu
Iran Bans Valentine’s Day
The regime’s posture turns the smallest gestures into thrilling acts of subversion.
In another sign of its ever more improvisational approach to governance, the Iranian regime has outlawed Valentine’s Day. “Symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses, and any activities promoting this day are banned,” announced state media last month. “Authorities will take legal action against those who ignore the ban.”
Some 70% of Iran’s population is said to be under the age of 30, so it seems natural that Valentine’s Day has caught on in a country where the young keep trying to find non-state-mandated rituals to call their own. The state, for its part, continues to respond with a Whack-a-Mole approach to any social ripple not dreamt of in its philosophy.
Theocratic regimes invariably suffer from the same besetting sin: As the world evolves, they must either revise their antiquated doctrines or try to hold the world rigidly in stasis. Iran’s ruling mullahs keep choosing the latter option. And with mosque and state firmly conjoined, there’s no stray detail of daily life so arcane that the scriptures can’t be mobilized to rein it in.
The Iranian state has pronounced against unauthorized mingling of the sexes, rap music, rock music, Western music, women playing in bands, too-bright nail polish, laughter in hospital corridors, ancient Persian rites-of-spring celebrations (Nowrooz), and even the mention of foreign food recipes in state media. This last may sound comically implausible, but it was officially announced by a state-run website on Feb. 6. So now the true nature of pasta as an instrument of Western subversion has been revealed.
The regime’s posture turns the smallest garden-variety gestures into thrilling acts of subversion. Slipping a Valentine card to a girlfriend takes on the significance of samizdat. Every firecracker set off during Nowrooz diminishes the police state’s claims to omniscience. The mullahs have appointed themselves the enemy of fun; as a result, wherever fun herniates into view, it is a politicized irruption of defiance.
In “Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the playwright Tom Stoppard proposes that rock music more than anything else—the arms race, dissident intellectuals, economic decay—brought down the communist system because it came from an unanticipated source for which the politburo theorists had no answer. Their enforcers could counter explicit resistance, but their ideologues never prepared defenses against the onslaught of pure fun. No one in charge knew how to neutralize this entirely new category of opting out through the delirium of music. In the play, the rigid communist edifice crumbles in the face of a mysteriously apolitical impulse to freedom embodied by young folk who simply “don’t care about anything but the music.”
Iran’s theocrats scramble daily to apply systemic tourniquets to spontaneous outbursts of nondenominational fun. They must find—or conjure up—an authoritative category of evil for each unforeseen flare-up. Indecency, immodesty, un-Islamic behavior, alien Western customs, insulting God, insulting the Supreme Leader—the ideological fabric is made to stretch way beyond its natural limits.
The mullahs can offer no specific dogma against the widespread underground rock scene in the suburbs of Tehran and elsewhere. They often arrest those at basement shows or garage performances with improvised expedients—for the blasphemous nature of their gyrations, or for illicit socializing between the sexes. In being able to justify their prohibitions on religious grounds they have an advantage over their communist counterparts of old.
By MELIK KAYLAN
FLORIDA VERTICAL PLATE UPDATE– I live in Deland Florida about ten minutes west of Daytona, I have a vertical plate on my bobber which at first I was very hesitant about . Then I found back in 2009 Gov. Charlie Crist removed the word horizontal from the statute and reinstated the vertical plate. So come down for bike week and rock your vertical plate see you then . Check out this link stating the facts.
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-governor-charlie-crist-signed-amended-bill-res-1252720213.html
–Bryan Hathaway
HAWAIIAN BIKERS HIT THE PAGES OF JAPANESE MAG–Check this out… funny the photog gets a cover of from the other side. The new Club Harley Japan by EI Publishing… they even did a story inside with me , Chris Tronolone (Bikernet sticker manufacturer) and Todd.
–JimRussi
c: 808-228-3307
Jim is the Hawaiian Michael Lichter, and very famous surfing photographer for decades. Check his latest Bikernet feature on the home page: http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8845
HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF GOING TO IRELAND–CHANCE OF A LIFETIME–Malahide is a pretty town in County Dublin located 16km north of Dublin City Centre. The sea has influenced much of the development of the town. The broad Velvet Strand stretches to the horizon and is very popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. One of modern Malahide’s key features is the 300-berth marina making it a very popular place for sailors. Malahide is a popular destination for Irish and International yachts visiting the area.Malahide is familiar place to those who like good food. With an array of restaurants renowned for the quality and diversity of their food representing numerous nationalities. This town is a wonderful place to visit. There is a good selection of interesting pubs with traditional music.Malahide has become one of Dublin city’s satellite towns; the town can be dated back to the 12th Century when a castle, Malahide Castle, was built there. Sir Richard Talbot was made Lord of the Malahide Estate. This castle is open to the public and is one of Dublin’s favorite places to visit. Also in the grounds of the castle are a model railway museum, and an arboretum. Malahide was a prosperous industrial centre during the 18th and 19th Centuries. A silk factory, cotton manufacturing, salt works and cod liver oil manufacture are just some of the trades that were here. The introduction of the railway from Dublin in the 19th Century transformed Malahide into a residential area and a tourist destination for Dubliners. Despite some modernization Malahide largely maintains its charming character.
Your guide will be Dr. Nuttboy or Ladd Terry, Ph. D. and his wife Debra Zimmerman. Ladd and Debra have led five Study Abroad programs to England and Ireland through Long Beach City College and Orange Coast College. Ladd has a certificate in Irish Studies from the University of Ireland/Galway. In addition, Ladd has a Ph. D. in psychology and an MFA in art. Ladd has been an instructor of visual art and art history at the college level for over 30 years and drinks heavily. Feel free to contact Ladd Terry at LADDDZ@MSN.COM or (562) 439-4808. Or Robert White, of Festival Travel at www.toursfestival.com or (714) 221-6381
15TH CONGRATULATIONS– Hey Bandit, Happy 15th to you and all the staff. Great job you’re doing. God Bless, Mikey.
BEST SMART ASS ANSWERS–
SMART ASS ANSWER #6
It was mealtime during an airline flight.
‘Would you like dinner?’, the flight attendant asked John, seated in front..
‘What are my choices?’ John asked.
‘Yes or no,’ she replied.
SMART ASS ANSWER #5
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her.
Without missing a beat, she said, ‘Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub.’
SMART ASS ANSWER #4
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ‘ Do these turkeys get any bigger?’
The stock boy replied, ‘No ma’am, they’re dead.’
–from Don Wills
MRF ALERT: Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, Standout Supporter of Motorcyclists–
United States Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) has always been a staunch supporter of motorcyclists and this week, he once again went above and beyond the average member of congress.
Sensenbrenner penned a letter to the USDOT last year asking for some clarification on the agency’s plan to fund motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. When the USDOT funded a program in Georgia to the tune of $70,000 before responding to Mr Sensenbrenner’s letter, it ruffled his feathers, so to speak.
The Republican from Wisconsin took another tack and decided to try to defund the program entirely. Sensenbrenner introduced an amendment that would strip all funding for the controversial program. The amendment would make it illegal for the US DOT to use any money to conduct checkpoints or any program to check for helmet useage.
However, the amendment is one of 600 introduced to this particular bill and may not see the light of day. We commend Mr. Sensenbrenner for his defense of motorcyclists and fully understand that the amendment may not receive a vote. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation stand by, ready to assist Mr. Sensenbrenner in any way we can.
FREEDOM RUN, DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY TREATMENT BY BIKERNET–
Two riding brothers live in an industrial shop in Los Angeles where they stash their bikes. One is a quiet, reflective type, and the other a mad man extremist. Together as motorcyclists, they are pushed by helmet laws, noise blockades, discriminatory cops, EPA rules, and cell phone-talking motorists. They feel penned in and unable to find freedom to ride in peace.
Fed up, they pack up and head out across the country, looking for motorcycling nirvana and the sense of freedom this country was founded on. They ride into some of the most restrictive regions of the country, and in each case, meet with brothers and sisters who fight for our freedoms. They’re arrested, tested, cited and ticketed. Their motorcycles are towed; they’re harassed and followed. They investigate the laws and the family of riders trying to change them. They interview law enforcement officials, city fathers, merchants, and active citizens for and against more restriction. At the end of each investigation, frustrated and disillusioned the look at each other and holler, “Let’s ride,” as they straddle their motorcycle and begin their search again.
Ultimately, I pray, they find a community supportive of their two-wheeled sport, a place where a brother can ride free. Where “We, the People” and “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” are not just ancient words inscribed on a piece of parchment. Hopefully, it’s not at the top of a chilly mountain in Maine.
By K. Randall Ball
Wilmington, California
This is a major project for this year. We registered the notion with the Screen Writer’s Guild this week and will begin research next week. If you are aware of excessive regulation in a particular community, let us know. We will need some contact info, then we’ll put our research team on the case. We will bring you reports on the progress right here.–Bandit
Bandit@bikernet.com
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS DEAL OF THE WEEK! A Sportster on a Amen Savior frame. Nice clean lines. Girder front end and sharp paint scheme. Reminds of bikes we used to see in Dave Mann centerfolds.
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, over 500 bikes listed, 2.7 million viewers per day! Go check it out, you will be glad you did!
–MIKE the STEALTH
chopper bobber trade for late sportster 1200
Ad #2078559 Posted:2010-12-24 15:37:09
This ad expires in 29 days.
74 chopper, finished last spring. Fresh top end. Has brand new cylinders at standard bore. wiseco 10:1 forged pistons. Andrews “Y” grind cams. Manley valves,springs and retainers. S&S Super E carb, intake, and aircleaner. Runs GREAT. Built on an AMEN SAVIOR frame and has girder forks. Lots of powder coating. Lots of custom one off pieces. New rubber, sprockets, chain, etc. This is not a rat bike. I have pics of the entire build process.
This is a long low bike and will easily accommodate big tall guys.
I am very interested in a late model sportster for my wife. She has trouble reaching the bars and controls on this one.
This item is USED
Trades ACCEPTED: Sportster with low miles, prefer 1200
Item Location: VALPARAISO, IN
SONS OF ANARCHY STAR CHARLIE HUNNAM “JAX” JOINS THE 2011 EASYRIDERS RODEO TOUR–Due to an over whelming demand and tens upon tens of thousands of requests from loyal Easyriders Events patrons we are both proud and excited to announce the star of TV’s #1 hit show “Sons Of Anarchy” Charlie Hunnam “Jax” will be featured for the entire 2011 Easyriders Rodeo Tour & Rally.
Charlie will be meeting, signing autographs, and taking pictures with guests on July 8th-10th in Wilson, NC, July 15th-17th in Columbus, TX, August 20th-22nd in Fowlerville, MI, and September 1st-5th in Chillicothe, OH.
“We had Charlie for the 2011 Bike Show Tour in both LA and Sacramento and he was both a tremendous fit and a crowd favorite” said Easyriders Events Marketing & Entertainment Director Tucker Kroll. “Guests waited in line for up to six hours to meet him and get a picture with him. In over a decade of celebrity related events I had never seen anything like it. Most importantly Charlie stayed hours later than what was originally scheduled to make sure he took care of everyone in line which was really something else. After the events, we spoke several times and both really felt he would be the perfect addition to the Easyriders Events family. Charlie’s schedule is extremely busy but luckily we were able to work out all of the 2011 Rodeo & Rally Tour dates with him. He actually will be filming the 4th season of Sons Of Anarchy all summer long. They shoot during the week, so we were able to work out getting Charlie to our four events on the Saturday of each event weekend.”
For complete information, event details, event highlight videos, celebrity interviews, event photos, and other recent happenings please go to www.EasyRidersEvents.com
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK 2002 CUSTOM ROAD KING–SUPER DEAL! YOURS FOR ONLY $14,995.00!
This Road King has got it all! It features a powerful 95 cubic inch motor, 5-speed transmission, Quadzilla fairing with four speakers, 18″ ape hangers, CD player, lindby bar, 21″ front wheel, 18″ rear wheel, Fat Daddy spoke rims, saddlebags, fishtail exhaust, lizard lights, chrome front end and much much more!
Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.
INTERVIEW WITH THE WORLD’S FASTEST FEMALE– Interview with Leslie Poterfield of High Five Cycles at Ultimate Builder Customer Bike Show in Chicago, IL.
BIKERNET INSURANCE ADVICE COLUMN, WINTER GOT YOU DOWN? TAKE A VACATION– It’s the middle of February and you’re getting tired of the Travel Channel shows showing some dude getting paid to travel and frolic around exotic locales while you are stuck in your 9 to 5 existence freezing your butt off. Enough already, you say to yourself. I need to go on a vacation.
As you ponder your options, (or lack thereof), you realize that you’ll need some good reasons to make this vacation idea a reality. What do I tell the boss? What reasons can I come up with to get away? Here are ten reasons why you should get off your ass and go!
1. It’s good for your health. When was the last time you saw an fat backpacker?
2. There are no nude beaches in your town. You need to go and find one.
3. You get to meet cool people. Especially if you head on to Daytona Bike Week in early March or Laughlin in April.
4. Weed is totally legal and encouraged in Amsterdam.
5. You get to learn dirty words from different countries. For example, “Merde” sounds more upscale than “Shit”.
6. There are aspects of your personality yet to be discovered.
7. No matter how ugly you may be, you automatically become 100% sexier with a foreign accent.
8. You just might get lucky. Schedule your trip during Spring Break somewhere even if you are older than 50.
9. Your friends will think you are adventurous and mysterious. And, that makes you irresistible.
Travel is a fantastic way to reward yourself with new experiences. Tomorrow may never come so better go somewhere and live it up. And remember, never leave home without good travel insurance protecting your hard-earned money. Our Travel Guard portfolio of travel insurance products is the best in the business and surprisingly low-cost. We recommend you purchase the “Platinum Plan” and a Worldwide Health-Medical Coverage Option for total peace of mind.
Travel Safe Out There. We Care About You.
The Crew at Bikernet Insurance
Call us anytime: 888-467-8703
Email for fastest response: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
Go to www.bikernet-insurance.com and click on the Travel Insurance banner.
Then, click on the blue “Travel Guard” banner for a quote.
Enter your state or province and select the travel insurance plan options that are right for you.
Complete the quick applications, pay with your credit card and print your policy. Done. Call us if you have any questions at all.
CA 0G67810 & 0D70128 – Travel products available in the U.S. and Canada.
Not intended to solicit insurance in jurisdictions not licensed.
Note: Article adapted from Travelated Editors – E.C. Sim, A. Ritter and R. Kirchner, 02/14/2011
STATE OF WASHINGTON MIGHT MODIFY THEIR HELMET LAW–HB1984 has been entered into consideration by the Washington Legislature. This Bill would remove all language referring to mandatory use of motorcycle helmets from the statute in WA. Check it out:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1984.pdf
— from Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
2011 Target 200 mph….WHEELER RACING REPORT–Staying on target is tough when your running from San Jose to Long Beach (727.24 r/t) sat./sun., spend Sunday night at the bungalow in San Jose and haul ass after an eye appt. Monday morning..destination Salem, Or. (1,241.32 r/t) to deliver the suspension for the new frame build.
On tap after a days rest in San Jose………Haul ass on the trusty turbo hot rod Thursday morning at the crack of dawn , destination Phoenix to pay my respects to a long time acquaintance on Sat. morning, come rain or shine.
Stay tuned and RIDE FOR YOUR LIFE!
–Ray
President
Wheeler Racing
P.S. Here’s a shot of the latest clutch up grades, performed in Long Beach by Dr. Willie..
Early model tensioner, fresh primary chain, Fisher Harmonic Balancer, Rivera Pro Clutch w/ a lock up unit that holds all of the power I’ve ask for, just keep stretchin the rear chain, imagine that?
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER MISSES VALENTINES DAY DEADLINE–A Healthier Chocolate? By now we’ve all heard the good news about dark chocolate: the antioxidants – phenols and flavonoids – found in dark chocolate may offer protection against heart disease. In addition, cocoa butter – a saturated fat – may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. A number of chemically active compounds in dark chocolate can improve mood and pleasure by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. And consuming dark chocolate may slow the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Milk chocolate, however, is not as heart-healthy as dark chocolate: it contains more fat and sugar and less cocoa and antioxidants. White chocolate, which contains no cocoa solids, is generally no more than a mix of fat, milk and sugar with a minimal amount of cocoa butter added.
By eating an ounce of dark chocolate with at least 70 percent pure cocoa a few times a week, you can enjoy its benefits without guilt. When you’re indulging, savor the flavor and texture, and try to note the effects it has on your body. Most importantly, enjoy yourself.
LIVING LEGENDS Cancelled !– ‘LIVING LEGENDS’ with Sonny Barger & Jim Brown is currently under re-evaluation for a larger venue. We appreciate the overwhelming interest – therefore we are postponing this unique opportunity to a later date in 2011.
We are satisfied knowing exciting details will be announced soon. THANK YOU, and pass this email on to your friends.
He is still very active in the H-D drag racing circuit, with the Mid-Continent Race Team. The single is a rare, one of three known, 1910 Yales. The twin is a 1914 Yale, and he wouldn’t give up any info on the Sears. I’ll work on it, and report back.
–Wilburn Roach
Bikernet Historian
S&S TECH TIP OF THE WEEK– When choosing a cam for a vehicle like a Tri Glide, you will be looking for a super torque cam to accelerate the extra weight.
S&S specifically developed the new bolt-in 557 Easy Start cams for the Tri Glide. The short duration produces lots of torque, and the automatic mechanical compression release makes the engine a snap to start! Stock cam base circle allows use of stock pushrods, but we recommend the S&S Quickee pushrods for easy installation.
Available in chain drive and gear drive versions. Boost your performance even more with an S&S 3-1/2″ round touring muffler and S&S Power Tune Dual header system.
FITMENT
2009-’11 Harley-Davidson® Tri Glide® models
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
557 Easy Start Cams
Bolt-in – no headwork
Start any engine with a stock starter
Save your starter and battery!
Reliable – tested for 100,000 accumulative starts and over 150,000 road miles without breakage or compression release failure!
BIKERNET SAFETY ALERT–BRP recalls about 160 Can Am Spyder RT SM5s for crash hazard in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BRP is recalling about 160 2011 Can Am Spyder RT SM5 roadsters due to a potentially defective reverse actuator cable.
According to NHTSA, while downshifting it may be possible to inadvertently engage reverse without pressing the reverse button. if that happens while the vehicle is moving forward, the rear wheel could lock and the engine could stall. If it happens while vehicle is stopped, the vehicle could back up. Either one could cause an accident.
The cable is part of the column shift assembly in the manual transmission.
Consumers are advised to take their vehicles to dealers, who will validate proper operation of the reverse actuator and if defective, replace the actuator free of charge.
The safety recall was announced Feb. 11. Owners may contact BRP at 1-(888)-638-5397 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-(888)-327-4236.
Posted by Holly Wagner
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
PARADOXICAL THOUGHT FOR THE DAY– “Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but people don’t have to prove they are citizens.”–Ben Stein
CITY LIMITS DEAL OF THE WEEK–2007 H-D FXD Dyna Super Glide
Only $149.99 / Month
Price is $9,200
UC9-046
Only 4,200 miles
Windshield, Thunderstar Rims, Air horn, Forward Controls, Pipes, Sounds Awesome!!!
SIMPLE, RAW-BONED STYLE IN A NIMBLE TOSS-ME-A-LONG-SERPENTINE-STRETCH-OF-ASPHALT FRAME.
Wanted: People possessing a maniacal devotion to two-fist navigation. We built our most generously priced Big Twin to be ridden long and often. Simple, raw-boned style in a nimble toss-me-a-long-serpentine-stretch-of-asphalt frame. Beefed up 49 mm forks. Straight up and rugged exposed twin-shock styling. Cast wheels wrapped with 160 mm rear rubber. Deep within the long and low custom styling lives 96 cubic inches of silver powder-coated volcanic V-twin.. Fully loaded with six factory-fresh gears. Some view the Super Glide as a starting point for their own custom creation. Others revel in its simplicity. How you see it is up to you. Just follow your gut.
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Get mechanical piece of mind by adding the Exclusive Harley-Davidson Extended Service Plan, good at all US and Canadian Dealers for less than $1 a day.
*Price of the motorcycle does not include taxes, lic, title and dealer fees. Monthly payment includes all applicable fees and taxes, and is based upon 20% down and interest at 7.99% for the term of 72 months. All approvals are based upon individual credit ratings and some applicant(s) may not qualify or be approved.
QUICK– You know the difference between an epileptic corn farmer and a hooker with diarrhea?
*********
The farmer shucks between fits.
–Buckshot
WIRE PLUS Introduces New Big Dog “HCM” Retrofit Kit–Winfield, KS- Wire Plus Powersports Electronics is proud to introduce their new, state-of-the-art “HCM” Retrofit Kit for all EHC module equipped 2004-2008 Big Dog Motorcycles. This replacement module is the fix to get rid of the EHC for good. This is the perfect fix for all Big Dog owners tired of not being able to start their bike due to electrical problems.
This replacement module works with all of the switches used on all 2004 models through current Big Dog Motorcycles. Each kit comes complete with Wire Plus’ proven power module and switch control module configured to work with the ground input switches used on the Big Dog Motorcycles.
Wire-Plus products are built to survive the rugged urban environment. Their products feature vibration resistant, solid-state breaker technology (the breakers never have to be replaced) and a replaceable start relay that can be purchased at any auto parts store.
Their power modules are submersible waterproof and very compact in size with harnesses that are engineered to be smaller than any other on the market. The lighting control module controls the operation of the front, rear turn signals, and provides load equalization and auto cancelling. It also operates the rear turn signals as brake lights and running lights with one wire hook-up. Wire Plus’ main focus is on the reliability of everything that they manufacture.
Don Bromlow, National Sales Manager for Wire Plus stated, “We have added ring terminals; butt splices, and wire to the kits to make the hook-up of the ground wires easier. We have also added wire and butt splices for the wires that have more than one wire going to a pin. Combining more than one wire in a pin could compromise the weatherproof qualities of the DEUTSCH connectors. We recommend using a DEUTSCH crimper when making the connections and have these available as well.
ELECTRIC BIKE HEADED FOR 200 MPH MARK DOWN UNDER– Going for 200mph with an EV downunder. http://www.evmotorcycle.org/home/node/53
Aussie Speed Week at Lake Gairdner:
http://www.dlra.org.au/2011.htm
Another year, another land speed challenge. Speed Week 2011 is fast approaching and this time Jon Eggenhuizen of Catavolt fame is bringing a brand new pony to the traps.
Dubbed the Catavolt/Daelim, this 150kW 4x double-stack Mars powered electric beast is set to smash the previous 2010 Catavolt record of 177kph on the salt. But that’s old news!
What’s new is that the Catavolt/Daelim bike will be making a debut on the blacktop for the upcoming eFXC/TTXGP Australian series in 2011. And that’s exciting!
This new challenge also brings along a new rider. Aussie racer, Jason Morris is expected to be the new Catavolt/Daelim rider for the 2011 season. Jason is no stranger to the podium on the Australian race circuit and holding the lap record on one of those circuits is no bad thing. Knowing the tracks will allow Jason to focus on developing his electric riding style with the new bike.
What’s more, the Catavolt/ Daelim bike will have two setups. On the salt the bike will be using a 4x double-stack Mars motor system bolted directly to the rear swing arm. For the track the rear swing arm will be returned to original and an EnerTrac wheel hub system will be used.
NEVER A DULL MOMENT–And that’s the point. We are damned fortunate to be able to build bikes, go racing, write books, go after a film effort, you name it. I always try to balance the fun, and whiskey drinking with support for our motorcycle rights community. Do me a favor and make it a goal to join a motorcycle rights group in your area this year. I don’t care which group you choose, just pick one. You’ll discover a riding passion like you never imagined, coupled with vast knowledge and political savvy.
I’m working on the next Brass Balls sweepstakes build story for the HORSE, so we will launch another report on Bikernet next week. Plus you don’t want to miss this girl, from Jerry Southworth in the Sunday Post this weekend. Hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
