Hey,
Life is incredible. I don’t know where to start or where to go. It’s 2015 and guys are still attacking folks with swords, as if it’s the 1400s. And our government, especially in Washington D.C. and California doesn’t want us to be able to protect ourselves. They think we live in Disneyland.
How in the hell are we supposed to make sense of anything? But wait, Daytona bike week starts tomorrow, where the sun is shinning, and bikers all over the world can come to honor the freedom to build cool shit, hang with cool folks, and party. What could be better? Maybe the world will get it one day. Let’s hit the news.
Actually, all terrorists should start building choppers, having wet T-shirt contests, and enjoy riding like the desert wind. We could be having a blast the world over. Hell, they could help us fight helmet laws…
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored generously in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader News, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
QUICK, OPEN THE BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A blonde goes into a nearby store and asks a clerk if she can buy the TV in the corner. The clerk looks at her and says that he doesn’t serve blondes, so she goes back home and dyes her hair black.
The next day she returns to the store and asks the same thing, and again, the clerk said he doesn’t serve blondes.
Frustrated, the blonde goes home and dyes her hair yet again, to a shade of red.
Sure that a clerk would sell her the TV this time, she returns and asks a different clerk this time.
To her astonishment, this clerk also says that she doesn’t serve blondes. The blonde asks the clerk, “How in the world do you know I am a blonde?”
The clerk looks at her disgustedly and says,”That’s not a TV, it’s a microwave!”
–from William DiSalvo
NEWS FROM KLOCKWERKS–Eliminating Bobblehead Since 2006
Link to Webpage with Bobblehead Info
http://www.kustombaggers.com/eliminatebobblehead.htm
Link to Youtube video explaining “Bobblehead Syndrome”
http://youtu.be/vi3IfAX59ZA
Klock Werks is launching a new campaign to help riders understand that to ride “bobblehead” free, they need a Klock Werks Flare Windshield. Fun videos, a life-size Brian Klock Bobblehead on a red carpet setup, free stickers, and giveaways will all support the start of the campaign!
Why a bobblehead? “As we brought our original and patented Flare Windshield to events and rallies with our “Try It Before You Buy It” test ride program, the same response was heard over and over again.
Riding with the Klock Werks Flare Windshield eliminated head buffeting or “bobbling”. So, as we planned our marketing for 2015, the idea of a Brian Klock bobblehead came up.” Stated Laura Klock, Vice President and Director of Marketing at Klock Werks. “We felt a Brian Klock bobblehead figure is a LITERAL representation of the “bobblehead syndrome” riders experience when riding with any windshield other than our Klock Werks Flare.
Symptoms described include: buffeting, stiff neck, blurred vision, bugs in their teeth, trouble hearing from wind hitting their ears, hats and glasses flying off, etc. The bobblehead serves as a reminder to “Try a Flare™” because our Brian Bobblehead figure is holding a Flare™ Windshield in his hands! We are really excited about this fun campaign.”
Klock Werks will kick the “#EliminateBobblehead” campaign off during Daytona Bike Week, March 6th-15th, with a life size Brian Klock Bobblehead on a red carpet setup! #brianthebobblehead will be ready for photo opportunities for all those who stop by the Klock Werks booth, located across from J&P Cycles at Destination Daytona.
The actual bobblehead figures are limited edition, with only 250 total produced that will be promoted throughout 2015 on social media, at events and through Klock Werks’ Ambasadors and Krew Members. You could be one of the FIRST winners of the 10 #BrianTheBobblehead figures assigned to Daytona Bike Week as the Klock Werks Krew will be giving them away to select riders during the bike week event. Everyone who stops by will receive a free #BrianTheBobblehead sticker.
If you’re not going to be at Daytona, don’t worry. There will be online opportunities and more events throughout the year! Be sure to look for fun videos on Klock Werks website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page that will further explain how riding with a Flare Windshield can help you #elimniatebobblehead. As always, you can Try a Flare Windshield at the Klock Werks booth in Daytona for free, and enjoy free installation of your new Flare with purchase.
For More Information please Contact Sara Liberte at Sara@kustomcycles.com
HOLLISTER RALLY NEWS–Sons of Anarchy Star Tommy Flanagan “Chibs” to Appear at Hollister Freedom Rally.
Sons of Anarchy star, Tommy Flanagan “Chibs”, will be making a special guest appearance at Hollister Freedom Rally on Saturday, July 4. Bikers will have a chance to meet and take pictures with the actor during his appearance.
“We are so thrilled to have Tommy Flanagan at our event this year. His appearance will bring so much excitement to the Hollister Freedom Rally” stated Event Manager, Mindi Cherry.
Hollister Freedom Rally is a FREE Rally and we are offering up a special VIP Registration Package. Hollister Freedom Rally will be held July 3 – 5, 2015 in the heart of downtown Hollister, CA. For more information regarding the VIP Registration Package, events and vendor space can be found at www.HollisterFreedomRally.com.
5-BALL RACING TM, Jack Shirt– 5/8 Sleeve Club
5/8 Sleeve Leather Jack Shirt (5 Pocket) features snap front 2 chest pockets, 2 waist pockets and 1 inside gun pocket. Genuine riding leathers.
These 5/8 Sleeve Jack Shirts are Rattlesnake Slick and Boot Tough – Details at http://crankandstroker.com/5-ball-racing/5-8-sleeve-jack-shirt.html
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–Another week, another highway bill hearing. The Senate Environment and Public Works held a hearing this week, this one to hear the perspective from owners and operators of highway construction and trucking types.
The goal was to determine how a long-term highway bill impacts economic growth and stability. All agreed that the longer the life of the bill the better, think six years of solid funding instead of the 11-18 month patches that has become the new normal. A long-term bill gives financial security to large scale projects that have been done in pieces rather than a fell swoop or have just neglected all together.
USDOT Secretary Foxx is in coach mode, demanding a win from the House and the Senate. He is insisting that they do a long-term bill and is determined to keep the whip cracking. Most agree, though that at this point, with the May 31, 2015 funding expiration, it is likely that the Congress will pass a short-term bill sometime near the funding cut off.
Long-term dreams, short-term funding… Last week Congressmen Reid Ribble (R-WI), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Tom Reed (R-NY) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) all sent a letter to Boehner and Pelosi urging them to pass a long-term bill. That letter was cosigned by a super majority of 280 bi-partisan members of congress. So the desire is there, but the will is not.
Ask any of those 280 members how we are going to pay for a long-term bill and the head scratching and hemming and hawing will begin immediately. Some will muster about the idea of “repatriation” – that’s the possible practice of taxing profits stored overseas by corporations at a slightly lower rate than if they had kept the money in the USA.
Outside groups are putting on the pressure as well. Forty-two states Chambers of Commerce all sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to make transportation a priority. Very few of those members will openly support a gas tax increase, and that’s what really needs to happen.
This was a big week for net neutrality. The chairman of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) held a vote on his net neutrality proposal and it was a straight party line vote with the two republicans voting no and the 3 democrats voting yes.
At its core the rules reclassify the internet as a public utility, or a class II entity, like phone companies. Proponents of the new rule claim it will keep providers (ISP), like Comcast, from slowing down, prioritizing, or just eliminating content.
Critics call it a regulatory overreach that will result in more fees, taxes and regulatory burden, therefore stifling innovation and raising the cost of internet at the same time. The proposed rule gathered much attention with over four million submitted public comments.
This is not the end of the road though; a judicial review is expected and many lawsuits will be in play. The opponents of the rule are also expected to seek a stay of order on the new rule.
Why is the MRF even looking at this telecom issue? Part of the debate surrounding net neutrality is the fear that the new regulation would force them to seek additional sources of revenue to pay for the directive. One of those ideas was to charge more for internet use for groups like the MRF that regularly send out thousands of emails at a time.
The claim was that we are chewing up bandwidth at an exponential rate compared to the average internet user. That still may happen, which is why we monitor this closely.
–Jeff Hennie
Supreme Lobbyist
Government Over-reach monitor
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
NEWS FROM THE FRONT IN DAYTONA AT 2WHEELERS– This is our store in Daytona. Arlin with Mo a painter from Miami with a bike Mo painted.
If you’re headed to Daytona, check out 2Wheelers on Main. You can’t miss it. And it’s the coolest shop in town.
K and G Cycles Launches Third Year in Partnership with Daytona International Speedway–K and G Cycles’ Thunder Alley at Daytona Again Features Large at Daytona Bike Week 2015
K and G Cycles, your one-stop, online motorcycle parts and accessories superstore, is launching their third year in partnership with Daytona International Speedway during Bike Week 2015. K and G Cycles’ Thunder Alley at DAYTONA will host all of the V-twin motorcycle action.
“This year we’re bringing more product, hosting more giveaways and providing more tech advice than ever before,” said George M. Marakas, K and G Cycles’ owner. “The Daytona International Speedway is the most-visited location during Daytona Bike Week, and Thunder Alley sits at the heart of it. It’s a big responsibility, and we can’t wait!”
“We’re excited to once again partner with the leader in online motorcycle parts and accessories,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “K and G Cycles’ Thunder Alley gets better every year and we have an fun-filled schedule of activities planned for bike enthusiasts visiting the Speedway.”
Look for the new K and G Cycles giant arched balloon at the entrance to Thunder Alley. There will be a slew of giveaways off the stage, and make sure to visit the K and G booth to register for a $500 K and G Cycles shopping spree, as well as get your hands on free K and G swag.
In addition, K and G Cycles will have customer-service techs on hand to answer any parts- or motorcycle-related questions; visit with current customers to discuss their motorcycle needs; and help customers order parts that’ll be waiting for them when they return home. And folks can enjoy computer kiosks that allow for the viewing of a vast array of parts and the ordering of products and accessories. Featured vendors and products include Brukus Security, for latches and security add-ons; Bone Mountain Leather accessories; EarthX lithium batteries; Speedway Shelters; and the famous K and G Cycle Shade.
The K and G Cycles team is also planning a number of events at K and G Cycles’ Thunder Alley at DAYTONA, including giveaways, vintage motorcycle displays, fashion events, and special guests. If you can’t make bike week this year, be sure to go online and visit the K and G Cycles blogs to keep up with all the action. K and G Cycles will post videos, pictures and stories about all the major Rally happenings at www.vtwinmotorcycleblog.com and www.metricmotorcycleblog.com.
–Ken Conte
GLOBAL WARMING, THE HOAX—if you have ever had any doubts about Global Warming read Michael Crichton’s novel, STATE OF FEAR. I will publish quotes from time to time. This is something I claim on a regular basis, but he puts it so well in his author’s notes:
The current near-hysterical preoccupation with safety is at best a waste of resources and a crimp on the human spirit, and at worst a invitation to totalitarianism. Public education is desperately needed.
We are in the midst of a natural warming trend that began about 1850, as we emerged from a four-hundred-year cold spell known as the “Little Ice Age.”
Nobody knows how much of the present warming trend might be a natural phenomenon.
Nobody knows how much of the present warming trend might be man-made.—Michael Crichton
METAL SPORT WHEELS DISTRIBUTES VEE RUBBER TIRES–Thanks to consistent growth throughout the last few decades, Vee Rubber Group has established itself as a successful tire manufacturer and exporter. Vee Rubber was formed in 1977 as a manufacturer of bicycle and motorcycle tires and tubes. Vee Rubber’s reputation in manufacturing and service is well recognized in all major markets.
Vee Rubber has received Awards and certifications from many agencies such as the U.S. department of transport (DOT). All Vee Rubber tires are DOT approved. Vee Rubber’s outstanding performance is evidenced by the 1995 and 1998 Prime Ministers Export Awards, introduction of the new “Monster” series motorcycle custom tires. These being the largest motorcycle tires available in the world.
Acceptance of these products has been so well received that within months of introduction, Vee Rubber won the inaugural Custom Builders World Championship Freestyle class in the USA.
Vee Rubber has more than 10 branches situated all over the world, now employing in over 4000 people. Vee Rubber operates three large manufacturing facilities on the outskirts of Bangkok. Its combined annual production exceeds 25 million tires. With more than a quarter of a century of experience and commitment to constant development, Vee Rubber ensures that its manufacturing standards are second to none, combining state-of-the-art skill and technology to manufacture superior quality tires.
Vee Rubber in collaboration with Metalsport Wheels has developed many new tire sizes in the motorcycle industry including 26, 30 & 32-inch tires. Metalsport Wheels is the driving force behind the growing line of white wall tires manufactured by Vee Rubber. Metalsport Wheels is one of the largest distributors of the Vee Rubber “Monster” series custom motorcycle tires in the United States.
DEI Teams up with Chop-in Block–The popular traveling Motorcycle Road Show
adds DEI Products to a growing line-up for 2015
Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), announces today it has teamed up with the Chop-in Block Travelling Motorcycle Road Show. The CIB team travels the country attending some of the nation’s largest bike rallies including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis, and Las Vegas Bike Week.
The 53 foot long Chop-in Block display trailer showcases trend setting original custom bikes from well-known builders such as Kustom’s Inc. and Chop Doc’s Choppers. They also feature younger emerging builders such as Austin Martin Originals.
The unique aspect of the CIB Traveling Roadshow display is that it’s a rolling custom chopper workshop that can create a custom bike from the ground up, on-site. This gives motorcycle fans a “behind the scenes” look and a unique perspective on how a custom bike is created. The show also features seminars on bike building skills such as welding, pipe bending, cutting, metal finishing, sheet metal shaping and more.
CIB members are featured in countless magazines, TV shows, and builders competitions.
This year’s season will kick off at the perennial bike event of the year: Daytona Bike Week. Chop-in Block headquarters will be located at the Cackleberry Campground in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
To learn more about DEI’s complete line of thermal control products for power-sport applications call 800-264-9472, visit www.deipowersports.com , or email sales@DesignEngineering.com.
Billy Boy Primary Cover For ’89-’06 Evo and Twin Cam Softails and Dynas–Inspired by Panhead and Knucklehead tin primary covers, EMD’s Billy Boy primary case is designed to give true vintage style to your modern motorcycle.
Cast in aluminum and featuring CNC-milled gasket surfaces for a perfect fit to your OEM inner case, the Billy Boy primary cover fits EVO Big Twins and Twin Cams including ’89-’06 models with forward controls or mid controls to fit both Softails and Dynas. Billy Boy covers are available in Raw with chrome Derby Cover, Black with black Derby Cover, and Black-Chrome with chrome Derby Cover.
Air filters, rocker, cam and tranny covers are also available from EMD to radically restyle any Big Twin and Sportster model. Check them out at www.emd-part-usa.com or call 818-268-3789.
THE DUMBEST CONTEST WE EVER CAME UP WITH—And you could win this book for just signing up, no charge.
From the most trusted brand in outdoor sports, Field & Stream, popular F&S bloggers and the hosts of the popular Gun Nuts show on the Outdoor Channel (sponsored by Smith & Wesson share insider hints, amazing stories, and hands-on guidance for the first-time gun owner and the seasoned veteran alike.
The Ultimate Gun Guide – 335 Essential Shooting Tips and Techniques
Choose the Right Gun The complete guide to figuring out what you really need, and then picking the right shotgun, rifle, handgun, and ammo for whatever sport you want.
Shoot Better Increase your rifle accuracy, boost your shotgun scores, and come home with game instead of excuses.
Hunt Smarter Field-tested tips on how to make tough shots on big game, get more ducks, fool a gobbler, and much, much more.
Stay Safe The plain facts about the best hardware for home defense, and how to use it safely to protect your family, as well as solid advice on shooting safety in the field.
Specifications
Publisher: Weldon Owen, Incorporated
Publish Date: Sep 18, 2012
ISBN-13: 9781616284329
ISBN-10: 1616284323
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 256
Written in: ENG
Shipping Weight (in pounds): 2.32
Product in Inches (L x W x H): 9.8 x 7.8 x 1.0
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cool_Package_of_Bling_to_GIVE_AWAY.aspx
Join the Bikernet E-mail family for Updates and get a chance to win a Bikernet package of bling!!
We have a cool package of bling to give away – one a week for the next 5 weeks. Yes, that’s right – 5 chances to win!!
Winning Packages Can Include:
A copy of ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ on Blu-ray Combo Pack
(Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in the sequel to the smash hit that took the physical comedy and kicked it in the nuts. Own DUMB AND DUMBER TO on Digital HD, Blu-ray & DVD now. From Universal Studios Home Entertainment.)
Plus some Bling from the Bikernet Shipping Surprise Shelf – whatever is sitting around at the time!!
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JUST DISCOVERED–Some awesome barstools
Built by 1-Off Creations out of Missouri
— Tyler Ludlow
Bikernet Baggers
www.bikernetbaggers.com
REACTOR Captures a New Dimension of Time with the
Debut of the Warp Tachymeter Watch–Dial in the need for speed with new high performance, ultra-durable design
REACTOR, maker of the worlds’ most durable and progressive sport watches, is introducing the Warp, a solid 316L stainless steel tachymeter watch. Available in several styles, the Warp is a stylistic blend of sleek fashion and professional function akin to a high performance racecar or speedboat.
Man, horse, motorcycle, car or boat, the Warp allows its wearer to track the speed of any moving object over a set distance. Numerical markings along the tachymeter of the Warp make it simple to calculate speed. For example, when tracking the speed of a car travelling one mile, note the starting point of the second hand as the car reaches the starting line. When it reaches one mile, note the new position of the second hand. If it takes the car 20 seconds to travel one mile then it is moving at a rate of 180 miles per hour as indicated on the tachymeter bezel.
In addition to speed markings, the Warp has a 1/20 second chronograph with a 1/4 second sweep hand. Superluminova hour markings and hands make the watch easy to read in low light conditions. The 43.5mm case is made of solid 316L stainless steel with a solid 316L stainless steel bracelet link band. The solid forged design of the Warp and screw down crown make the watch water resistant to 200M. The Warp will be available in several color plating options with polished, brushed or sand blasted finishes and either stainless steel, IPB, IP gun or IP gold plated bracelets.
REACTOR has designed its watches from day one to be the best built performance sport watches. Built on the REACTOR DNA, the Warp is no exception. Every REACTOR has a solid forged 316L stainless steel or Titanium case and case back and all bracelets are solid link construction. Additionally, every REACTOR has solid screw bars for strength, free floating lugs for ultimate comfort, screw down crowns and a proprietary application of true Swiss Superluminova.
The Warp will have an MSRP of $600 and will be available for purchase beginning in September 2014. For more information or to find a local retailer, visit: www.reactorwatch.com/.
ARCH MOTORCYCLE FEATURED IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL–Keanu Reeves and the New KRGT-1 Motorcycle: An Excellent Adventure
Keanu Reeves and Arch Motorcycles have developed the KRGT-1, a wonderful—if expensive machine that allows one to blow off just the right amount of steam.
Here’s a blurb from the article:
It’s called the KRGT-1—do I have to spell it out for you? It is The One. And I sympathize with the man’s loss of words in describing the bike. No one likes to say “pornography.” But, wow, this is a fairly radical bit of industrial design, starting right in the middle, with a two-liter (124-cubic-inch), 45-degree, air-cooled V-twin built to order by the thunder gods at S&S Cycle. This black-finned paint-shaker is attached to the frame with rather indifferent attention to vibration isolation, I note. Like Mr. Reeves himself, the bike stirs feelings in the loins not easily explained.
–Dan Neil
Wall Street Journal
UNCLE MONKEY ON FREEDOM– What is the price of freedom? First you have to define freedom. You have to strip away all the rules and regulations, all the bureaucracy and start with one man by himself in the wilderness. He can hunt, fish, grow his own food. He will only take from the land what is needed. He is free to think what he will, go where he wishes, believe what he believes.
He will set down roots, limit himself to one area – even it is only following the herds as they migrate. He is truly free.
We can now add a wife and kids and establish a family. Very little will change. It is only when we add an outsider, someone else, another family that we beginning adding rules. But these rules are universal – don’t steal, don’t kill, don’t mess around with another man’s wife and family, respect others and their properties, work together for common betterment. These are the core of what we call the Ten Commandments. These are our rights. Nothing more – nothing less.
All religions, Christian, Jewish, Muslin etc, all mankind believe these same truths, same rights. They are accepted and held in high regard because they do not affect the freedom of the small world our first man created around himself. They only prevent man taking what belongs to others or hurting others. These are the only beliefs we need to live in peace. The only aspect of absolute freedom that is taken away is to do harm to others.
If we superimpose this over our modern lives we will find that the majority of people in the world are free. Billy works in the machine shop to buy food from the store to provide for his family and can move and think unrestricted in his little world. A goat herder in the mountains of Afghanistan provides for his family, can move and think freely in his countryside. A farmer in North Korean works in his field to provide for his family and again is free to think and move in his world. As long as none of them do harm to another person they are truly free.
As society grows then rules are needed. Rules are the grease that keeps a society running smoothly. Rules should not stop a person but only guide them. Their sole purpose is to help society to flow smoothly.
The best examples are the rules of the road. A speed limit does not stop you from traveling. Its only intent is to provide consistence, so that everyone has a reasonable expectation as to how fast everyone is traveling. Having to use a signal light does not stop you from turning a corner but keeps traffic moving smoothly. Stop signs and red lights are to cause breaks in the stream so that traffic continues to flow so that others can enter.
Every time you break a rule you are a piece of grit slowing the machine down. If you turn your signal light on to change lanes the vehicle in the next lane eases off the throttle slightly to let you slip into that lane and traffic continues uninterrupted. If you change lanes without signaling that person has to brake harder causing the person behind them to have to brake as well. The person who had been following in the first lane and who had intended to change lanes as well now has to wait for traffic to return to normal before they can change lanes. Did using your signal light slow you down or stop you from reaching your destination? No, it actually helped to speed you along…
–by the Bad Uncle Monkey
We will publish his entire thesis in Special Reports on Bikernet in the next couple of days. He’s from Canada, with a slightly different perspective, so let me know what you think.–Bandit
ANOTHER ROOT BEER FLOAT HOT ROD IS COMING TO LIFE–This is a color I’m thinkin of for my Roadster
–Jim Waggaman
Jim is a master builder and I sent him some shots of our Root Beer Float project, built and painted by Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil Metal Works.—Bandit
THE MISTRESS DEPARTS THE VAST KINGDOM OF BIKERNET–
It is with great regret that I have decided I cannot continue on as Mistress Chris and must leave Bikernet. With the sudden passing of my husband, Richard Kranzler, my life has been turned upside down. As I struggle with the emptiness in my heart, the mess from dying without a will, and the progression of my MS, I think it is time to retire and become “grandma” to my 6 grandkids and spend
time with my son and daughter in law, while I can. Death comes to all of us, but you never imagine it could happen so quickly, so unexpectedly and at such a young age.
I have met many wonderful people, reported on many fascinating subjects, even written a few stories myself and learned more about motorcycles and the motorcycle world than I ever thought possible! To all the Bikernet staff and contributors, it[‘s been a fun ride!!
Always keep the sun on your face and the wind in your hair and Ride on!
–Mistress Chris
BIKERNET REPORT FROM CAMBODIA–
Quick week in Cambodia. Heading back to CB Chon Buri for last leg of trip. Return Mar 13 to LAX. At the a/p for the one hour flite.
–Art Hall
Supreme Bikernet International Editor in Charge
FROM THE SHOP–Cleaning images off my phone, thinking I was taking a pic of the hippy sticker? But Bikernet stickers are everywhere in my garage/tool boxes.
I’m squared away for the Spring Nationals in April. The divisional races for this weekend were rescheduled until… too due to the weather.
Hang on!
–RFR
Official Bikernet Texas Correspondent
NEW FROM JIMS, Late Model Wheel Bearing Support Plate–Wheels change and so have we.
This new support plate provides accurate and precise wheel bearing removal and installation on the latest Harley-Davidson cast wheels without risk of damage.
The plate attaches to the brake rotor mounting holes and is used in conjunction with both the JIMS sealed wheel bearing puller No. 939 or OEM wheel bearing puller.
This plate is used on 2014 to present cast FL wheels and 2010 to present CVO and accessory open hub wheels with 5 or 7 lug rotors. For more information, contact us at sales@jimsusa.com, visit www.jimsusa.com, or call (805) 482-6913.
–Clark Kirkendall
LAW DOCTRINE FROM THE HUPY/ABRAHAM FILES–Texting While Driving Has Deadly Consequences.
Here’s a real life example of how texting while driving cost a young man his life and put a young woman in jail for a substantial amount of time. It is also a stark realization of how fast a distracted driver can ruin two lives in the blink of an eye.
Tara Jenswold is a Deputy Attorney General and Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor for the State of Wisconsin. She successfully prosecuted the first conviction in Wisconsin of a texting driver, convicted of Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Although the defendant in this case was proven to be texting at or about the time of the crash, she was charged with homicide, because the texting law in Wisconsin is a civil traffic offense, and has no provisions addressing drivers who injure or kill someone.
On October 24, 2010 a van driven by a 19-year old woman struck a young man who was walking around the rear of his car, after he inspected the exhaust pipe that had come loose. Although he was wearing very bright clothing, the woman said she did not notice him until just before the impact.
She said another vehicle blocking her view, suddenly moved left, revealing the young man in front of her, and she had no time to avoid him. She stated she applied her brakes as hard as she could just before hitting him. The road this happened on is a four-lane street, with two lanes of travel in each direction. She further stated that this was an unavoidable accident.
As Deputy Attorney General Jenswold so aptly points out, rarely, if ever, are crashes unavoidable. Without witnesses coming forward, the prosecution relied on reconstruction of the crash and forensic evidence. Although the defendant was driving the speed limit, she still dragged the victim 88 feet, supporting the evidence that she never applied her brakes. Nothing was found, and no witnesses substantiated the claim, of another vehicle blocking her view.
Charging the young woman with Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle was a calculated risk on the part of the prosecution. Usually, that type of charge was reserved for defendants who engaged in conduct considered to be reckless, or traveling at extremely high rates of speed; drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs, but were not legally impaired; or drivers who violated multiple traffic laws.
The texting law was new on the books, and prosecutors suspected some jury members probably used a cell phone at some time while driving. How sympathetic would a jury be toward the defendant was the big question?
In the end, the jury found that the defendant was driving her 4,000 pound minivan down a crowded street, through eight controlled intersections, while she continually used her cell phone, alternating between making calls and composing and reading text messages. Those actions caused her to take her eyes off the road, failing to notice the young man or his stopped vehicle with its warning flashers blinking. Her decision to use her cell phone in that manner, while driving, cost someone his life and put her in prison.
While punishment of distracted drivers is justifiable, it won’t bring back a life or help someone heal faster from horrific injuries. As bikers, we need to be vigilant of the vehicles around us, but even constant vigilance might not be enough to avoid the texters of the world who think planning their daily social calendar while driving is more important than everyone else’s right to be safe.
This article was based on an article in the National Traffic Law Center’s Between the Lines, entitled Unchartered Territory: The Anatomy of a Texting While Driving Vehicular Homicide Case, by Tara Jenswold.
— By Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo, senior investigator at Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
www.hupy.com
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THIS WEEKS DUMB AND DUMBER BIKERNET WINNER–Nathan Barnes is your contest winner for this week.
Get off your ass and ship him the Dumb and Dumber DVD, your book, and a box fulla bling. Make it snappy.
–Lisa Jorgenson
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cool_Package_of_Bling_to_GIVE_AWAY.aspx
TAKE A BREAK IN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A teacher asks her class, ‘If there are five birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?’ She calls on little Ralphy.
He replies, ‘None, they will all fly away with the first gunshot.’
The teacher replies, ‘The correct answer is four, but I like your thinking..’
Then little RALPHY says, ‘I have a question for YOU. There are three women sitting on a bench having ice cream: One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone.
The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?’
The teacher, blushing a great deal, replied, ‘Well, I suppose the one that’s gobbled down the top and sucked the cone.’
to which Little RALPHY replied, ‘The correct answer is ‘the one with the wedding ring on,’ but I like your thinking.’
–from Rogue and Jerry
TUNE IN: ALL-NEW EPISODE OF ‘OUTLAW COUNTRY,’
AIRS TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AT 10 PM ET
ON WGN AMERICA--After A Good Old-Fashioned Street Race, The Task Force Shifts Gears
Link to “Outlaw Country” trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx1yPYCkzvw
Link to “Outlaw Country” music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih_vSgkY9Yo
Episode 103 –“Overdrive”
Premiering Tuesday, March 10th at 10:00 pm ET/9:00 pm
A stolen motorcycle case leads the Task Force ever closer to the Monks.
A local mechanic owes John and Josh Monk some serious money. They hold an outlaw street race with cash on the line, but Steve Cook breaks up the fun by impounding their cars. Looking for leads on some stolen motorcycles, the Task Force investigates the cars and the mechanic. Surveillance cameras reveal a tiny clue that leads to a search warrant and a big break. The Monks steer clear of the body shop as the Task Force goes into overdrive, scoring some major busts.
“Outlaw Country” is a one-hour docudrama set in the town of Buckner, Missouri, offering one-of-a-kind access into a unique and dangerous subculture. With a reputation for drug dealing, gun running and robbing the Heartland blind, The Alliance threatens to overtake Kansas City.
“Outlaw Country” follows as an elite team of law enforcement officers attempt to thwart their illegal operations at every pass, doing whatever it takes to break this assemblage of bandits—including running alongside the crew and bending a few laws of their own. When bad blood threatens a good town… whose side are you on?
“Outlaw Country” is executive produced by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey for Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television (“The Devils Ride,” “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago”), alongside Bo Kaprill, Peter Karlin and Charles “Chuckie” Lynch. WGN America has ordered seven one-hour episodes.
Facebook.com/OutlawCountryWGNA
Twitter.com/OutlawWGNA, join the conversation using #OutlawCountry
–Erin Mahon
QUICK, PAY ATTENTION TO THE GUN NUT REPORT–NRA Submits Opposition to “Emergency” Regulations for California’s Firearm Safety Certificate Program
On Monday, March 2, 2015, the National Rifle Association (“NRA”), along with the California Rifle and Pistol Association (“CRPA”) and FFLGuard, submitted a letter of public comment opposing the California Department of Justice’s proposed “emergency” regulations for California’s new Firearm Safety Certificate (“FSC”) Program and safe-handling demonstrations.
The FSC Program, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on October 11, 2013, requires every individual wishing to take possession of a firearm in California to first take and pass a written test and to perform a safe-handling demonstration with the firearm to be acquired.
The launch of the FSC Program was abysmal, and it has been plagued with problems since it took effect on January 1, 2015. The Program’s many failures were the result of the Department’s refusal to meaningfully engage FFLs, certified FSC instructors, and gun owners in the creation of formal regulations for the administration of the Program.
Instead, the Department unilaterally unveiled a host of generally applicable “rules,” such as requiring all certified instructors to obtain and maintain a valid Certificate of Eligibility, to submit FSC fees to the Department by major credit card only, and to access an automated, web-based system to process and issue FSCs. These rules have already cost FFLs and certified FSC instructors untold sums and will cost them thousands of dollars each year, forcing many to simply stop administering the FSC Program altogether.
With the support of the NRA, the CRPA, FFLGuard, and five individuals filed Belemjian v. Harris in the Superior Court of Fresno, challenging the Department’s actions as a violation of California’s Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”) and asking the court to direct the Department to formally adopt regulations for the administration of the Program in accordance with the law.
Nearly two months after the lawsuit was filed, the Department submitted a package of proposed “emergency” regulations to preserve the rules it had illegally adopted in violation of the APA. Under the procedure for emergency regulations, the general public was given only 5 days, as opposed to the 45-day minimum under normal rule-making procedures, to offer comment after the Office of Administrative Law received the proposal and posted it to its website. The Department claims that firearm sales will necessarily cease if their FSC regulations are not adopted under that shortened time frame, inviting costly Second Amendment litigation against the state and bringing harm to the public welfare.
But the Department was given nearly a year and half between the adoption of the FSC Program and its implementation. It had plenty of time to follow the regular rule-making procedures, providing adequate time for input from the general public and open discourse with FFLs, certified FSC instructors, and Q owners. It instead chose to promulgate informal rules in violation of the APA, and then seek to push those same rules through as “emergency” regulations, circumventing the generally stringent requirements of the APA and shutting down the ability of the public to work with the Department to create a workable program.
What’s more, the Department’s “emergency” regulations are simply not necessary to avoid serious harm to the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. They are not even necessary for the FSC Program to continue. Indeed, the former Handgun Safety Certificate Program has thrived in California for over a decade without any of the regulations in question.
Ultimately, it seems the proposed “emergency” regulations are not really about protecting the public at all. As the Department’s own “Finding of Emergency” letter demonstrates, the regulations are truly aimed at generating over one billion dollars in additional revenue annually for the Department’s unrelated law enforcement activities, which include the highly controversial APPS Program, at the expense of law-abiding California gun owners.
The letter submitted by the NRA, CRPA, and FFLGuard requests that the Office of Administrative law not to allow the Department a free pass and, like the NRA-supported lawsuit, Belemjian v. Harris, it simply seeks to have the Department open the regulations to public comment and discussion as it should have done from the beginning.
BOOK OF THE WEEK–Motorcycle Passion
Edited by Michael Köckritz
published by teNeues in May 2015
There aren’t many other ways to better escape everyday woes than on a motorbike. They invoke emotions and a longing for adventure. Form and precision define these machines as timeless and important cultural objects.
Simply put, motorcycles make a statement.
All you have to do is just hop on, rev up, and go. Within these pages you’ll experience the thrill of feeling the wind on your face on a journey through the exciting world of motorcycles.
Readers will delve into the game-changing bikes and heroes as well as the songs and films that sought to replicate the yearning for independence and rebellion. Riveting tours, the world’s most unique motorcycle shops, and legendary events are also highlighted throughout this compelling title.
Motorcycle Passion presents motorcycles as timeless objects of desire.
A journey through the world of motorbike culture.
Photographs and text that are wonderfully inspiring and informative.
— Christa Carr
It’s SHOWTIME…Love Jugs Hits the Road Beginning with Daytona Bike Week–Delray Beach, FL – Hammerhead Engineering, inventor of Love Jugs, the World’s Most Powerful Cooling System for Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines, announces its start of an aggressive schedule of live event exhibits, beginning with the 70th Annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach Florida, March 6-15, 2015.
Enthusiasts will be able to see and buy all of the Love Jugs popular products at three different locations. Items include the original Love-Jugs cooling system available in the Slots and Bullets design. Both feature a high polish stainless finish that looks like show quality chrome.
Also on hand along is the record setting Cool-Master, now available in three popular finishes, high polish stainless steel, matte black and gloss black.
The Love Jugs Cool-Master cools down a hot Harley-Davidson engine by 100 degrees in less than four minutes. Love Jugs products will be available at the J&P Retail store at Destination Daytona, plus at Company authorized locations offering sales and installation at the Boot Hill Saloon and at their outdoor display at Destination Daytona.
Enjoy the Love Jugs Experience
Each outdoor Love Jugs exhibit has a lot of activity going on. In addition to seeing and hearing about all of the new Love-Jugs products, including new Love Jugs T-Shirts, attendees will be able see and feel a demonstration of the Love Jugs cooling power for themselves with their new unique demo display that shows exactly how the cooling system will cool down your V-Twin motorcycle.
Enthusiasts will also get to meet Miss Love-Jugs, who will be on hand for photos and autographs. Some of Daytona’s most beautiful women will be competing in special Love Jugs T-Shirt contests during the perpetual band stand performance at the Boot Hill saloon.
Also on display is the incredible “Harley That Wouldn’t Get Hot!” which now holds the record (84 hours and counting) for continuous operation throughout a number of recent rallies.
The Destination Daytona and Boot Hill Saloon/SKULLY Customs/Love Jugs locations also offer installation of all Love Jugs products.
Calendar of our Upcoming Love Jugs Events
Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach, FL March 6-15, 2015
Arizona Bike Week Phoenix, AZ March 25-29
Outer Banks Bike Week Outer Banks, NC April 18-26
Laughlin River Run Laughlin, NV April 22-26
Leesburg Bikefest Leesburg, FL April 22-26
Thunder Beach Panama Beach, FL April 29- May 3
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Myrtle Beach, FL May 8-18
Ride to the Wall Washington DC May 18-22
Ohio Bike Week Sandusky, OH May 29-31
See the rest of our event schedule at www.love-jugs.com
All Original Love Jugs and Cool-Master products are made of the finest materials, come with a 100% money back Guarantee, are backed by warrantee and are protected by a US Design Patent. All products are available at Love Jugs Authorized Dealers and on the company website.
For more information, please contact: Hammerhead Engineering CEO Steve West at info@love-jugs.com or visit the web site: www.love-jugs.com. Dealers and Distributors are invited to sign up now!
NEVER A DULL MOMENT—Okay, so we are constantly scrambling to finish deadlines, complete projects, repair shit, and plan for the next run. I spoke to my retired brother the other day. He worked as an engineer for the Navy for 40 years.
He said something about not wearing a watch because he has no deadlines, no place to go, no projects, etc. I thought to myself, “What a crock of shit.”
From the moment I get out of bed in the morning, it’s a dead run at life throughout the day. Don’t get me wrong. I make a point to relax, hang with friends, or visit companies in our industry. Hell, I even try to read books and The Week Magazine for my news source.
I’m not sniveling. I love getting shit done, helping others, spreading the word, and being creative. Here’s a couple of projects looming ahead. I need to work on an Evo engine build with Terry the Tramp. Terry was the international president of the Vagos for 27 years and I wrote a book about his life.
We are about to feature a Brass Balls, limited edition Rocketeer. This one of 15 bikes was just shipped to the Brass Balls dealer in Shanghai, China. Amazing, the first Brass Balls dealer in China.
We are planning a couple of techs on our new 2014 Indian mods. We discovered performance cams by Andrews at the V-Twin expo. If only Dyno Jet’s tuning system could handle changes to the timing. We could make that puppy fly with the S&S air cleaner, and D&D 2-into-1 exhaust and Andrews cams.
Like I said, Never a Dull Moment. Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
