Happy Thanksgiving Goddammit,
This is an interesting news, filled with the drive to help others during this special day of the season. Lots of folks in New York are hurting, and we need to help. You’ll see the reports from Carol.
Speaking of giving thanks. I want to thank all the artists and contributors who step up for Bikernet. Recently Dick Allens was knocked out by the feature on the Bonne Belle in the Cycle Source magazine, I believe the December issue. He drew the illustration here and as usual, captured the essence of that 1940 silver bullet. All of our Bonneville bikes will be featured at the IMS show in Long Beach during the first week of December.
I want to give thanks to all of our sponsors. We realize how small our market is in the big picture, and we make a point to help anyone in the industry, even competitors. We all need to make a living to survive in this crazed, heavily regulated economy. I would also like to give a hearty thanks to anyone supporting motorcycle rights. You don’t realize how knowledgeable and critical these folks are in the war to keep motorcycling free. It’s not all about helmet laws. It goes way beyond into safer roads, motorcycle training, awareness campaigns, EPA, noise and outright bans.
If you run across a guy wearing a vest scattered with patches from ABATE groups, the Modified Motorcycle Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, or any state group, thank them for their hard work and dedication.
Happy Thanksgiving,
METALSPORT WILL MOUNT YOUR TIRES AND SHIP YOUR WHEELS COMPLETE—How’s that for a wheel and tire company?
The wait is finally over! MetalSport Inc. has teamed up with international tire giant and O.E. supplier, VEE Rubber to create the perfect WHITE WALL TIRE in most popular sizes for cruiser and touring bikes. 130/50/23, 130/70/18, 150/60/18, 180/50/18, 200/50/18, 200/55/17, MT90-16, MT90-16 Rear, 150/80/16, 200/60/16. In addition to these being the perfect sizes many of the most popular touring bikes on the road, these tires will have the load rating to handle even the heaviest of dressers. The tires are engineered to have superior handling characteristics, and will be available to dealers in the U.S. exclusively through Metalsport Inc.
26″ Vee Rubber Tire SALE $165
“From here on out I’ll only use MetalSport wheels for two simple reasons quality and service, but the main reason is they go the extra for the industry.”
— Dana Hallberg
Deadline customs
SANDY STRUCK HOMES ON THE EAST COAST–Nub is a friend of mine… He volunteered here and gutted 5 homes, in addition to donating tons of necessary stuff. This is his idea of political commentary when he found out FEMA never brought in even port-o-sans into disaster stricken neighborhoods.
–Carol Mittelsdorf
BIKERNET CHURCH OF THE EVERYDAY SAINTS–Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Pray for America!
We need it!
–from Sam Burns
“PIG TROUGH” Oil Change Helper FROM PAUGHCO–Check this out. Paughco is making the very cool and handy Yankee Engineuity “PIG TROUGH” available to consumers. This slick item takes the messy hassle out of changing the oil on 1992-1999 Big Twins.
Simply hook to the frame and it will guide the draining oil from your filter and into a catch pan. PIG TROUGH retails for just $16.95 and can be ordered by calling 775-246-5838 or catch the full Paughco line up at www.paughco.com.
CHANCE II COMING SOON– I renewed my subscription to Bikernet in October. I paid a little extra to get a copy on the second “Chance” book. Has it been published yet? Should I expect it soon?
— Ken Burnett
Wow, I didn’t know the second book was offered. It should be available by the end of January—I hope. Appreciate your support.
–Bandit
Thanks for the quick response! I love the web site, keeps me close to riding when the weather is just too crappy to get out! Looking forward to the book too!!
–Ken Burnett
CLUB’S NATIONAL LEADER ACCUSES COPS OF FEAR CAMPAIGN–Members of Australia’s biggest motorcycle club claim police are driving a fear campaign aimed to shut down their club.
The Attero national police task force was established earlier this year to clamp down on illegal activity in the Rebel’s motorcycle club.
On Wednesday they reported that more than 330 club members or associates had been arrested, and more than 500 charges laid.
The Australian Crime Commission has confirmed the numbers are accurate, but Rebels national president Alex Vella says they have been exaggerated.
Mr Vella accused the police of unfairly targeting his members and exaggerating the clubs threat.
“For 32 years we’ve been doing this same thing. Lately there’s been plenty police telling their own story on TV and trying to scare the public,” he said.
“They’ve been on TV for the last 3 nights now bragging about how they’re going to dismantle us and it’s been a sad story.”
Speaking at the group’s clubhouse at Bringelly in Sydney’s south west, he said misinformation about the Rebels is aimed to scare the public.
“Three years they’ve been out here targeting us. Every one of these people been pulled over some time, twice a night, coming and going. Then we got some friends of ours, they pull them over and harass them,” he said. “We try to encourage people to keep out of trouble, but the thing is the target has been very much thrown at us. Trying to turn the public against us, that’s all it is.”
ENTRY IS NOW OPEN for the 2013 SOBOBA TRAIL RIDE–The country’s only remaining, pure off-road trail ride will again be led by the legendary rider Malcolm Smith on Sunday, February 24, 2013.
Here’s your chance to again join Malcolm as he rides the challenging and pristine trails of the SOBOBA Indian Reservation.
Want to display or ride you vintage motorcycle? New this year is the SOBOBA Rides Vintage Motorcycle Classic Show & Ride.
Presented by Saddlemen, this show has prize winning classes for MX, Off-road and street bike over 25 years old.
And if your classic ride is off-road capable, you can ride her on the reservation on a specially designated course.
Check out our site www.sobobarides.com for more Trail Ride and Motorcycle Classic information.
Or you can simply print out the attached entry form and send it in with you payment to reserve your spot in this classic event.
–The SOBOBA Rides Team
For ride entry support call (951) 654-9436
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT– Shovelhead Wide Tire Advice
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1977
Is it possible to put on a even wider tire in that swing arm? I have a 1974 FXE with a square swing arm and would like to put on a big tire. Anyone know?
— Andre , Norway
Let’s hear from the experts?–Wrench
TAKE A CHAMPION TRIKE CONVERSION FOR A SPIN–Call Tracy at Westminster Harley and take this 2009 Dyna Champion Conversion for a spin. It has a WindVest windscreen and with the black anodized hardware and clear windshield it virtually disappears.
The unique design creates a smooth airflow up over your head and off your face and chest. 7804 Miles, and only $19,500 this is a awesome Trike.
BIKERNET OPENS ROGUE BAD SAFETY DIRECTOR FILES–State highway safety director reassigned following revelations of driving violations.
By Sean P. Murphy, Globe Staff
The administration of Governor Deval Patrick, embarrassed by revelations that the state highway safety director has a driving record that includes seven accidents, four speeding violations and two failures to stop for a police officer, announced today that the director will be removed from that job.
Sheila Burgess, the top safety officer since 2007, is on medical leave recovering from an Aug. 24 one-car accident in Milton in which she drove off the road and suffered a head injury. She told police she swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle in her lane.
Burgess will be assigned to a “different role” within the state Office of Public Safety and Security, according to a statement released today by Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, the public safety secretary.
“Given her driving record, it is clear that Ms. Burgess should not have been hired as the director of Highway Safety in 2007,” Heffernan said in the statement.
Burgess is a former fund-raising consultant to high-profile Democratic candidates for public office, including Congressman James McGovern, whose office said on Friday that McGovern asked the newly elected Patrick administration in 2007 to hire Burgess, but without suggesting a specific role for her. She is paid $87,000 annually.
Burgess had no experience in public safety, transportation or government administration when hired, according to her resume.
Heffernan called Burgess “a solid and dependable employee” during the intervening years, but today, following a Globe story that revealed her driving record, said she no long has confidence in Burgess leading the state’s efforts to reduce accidents by promoting good driving practices.
Burgess “cannot expect the public’s trust, nor mine, as the directory of Highway Safety going forward,” the statement says.
Burgess, 48, of Randolph, has 34 entries on her her record. Since her appointment to a state job, Burgess has faced no new moving motor vehicle violations, however.
Her license was active but flagged for non-renewal for failure to pay local excise taxes. Those taxes were paid and her license cleared on Nov. 1, after the Globe began making inquiries.
Heffernan’s statement was released hours after Patrick, speaking to reporters at a public event unrelated to Burgess, said he was angry about her being hired as highway safety director and vowed to find out how it happened.
“I will get to the bottom on it,” he said.
Burgess’s most recent crash occurred on a sunny summer afternoon in a state vehicle during work hours. State Police say they arrived at the scene on Unquity Road in the Blue Hills Reservation to find Burgess being assisted by an ambulance crew.
The public safety department produced a record showing Burgess was not talking on her state-provided cellphone, but declined to release a summary of how many text messages, if any, she sent or received during that month’s billing cycle. Such bills provide total number of text messages in the month, but do not say when the texts were sent or received.
Spokesmen for Patrick and Heffernan declined to comment on whether such paperwork will be released soon.
Until her accident, Burgess managed a staff of about six and helped award more than $2 million in grants to state and local police for public awareness programs on safe driving, including money for police overtime.
Those programs deal with the dangers of speeding, texting and talking on a cellphone while driving, driving while impaired, and failure to wear a seatbelt while driving, among other hazards.
In a resume circulated to staff members, Burgess listed herself as a principal of SBH Consulting/Mass Strategy Group, with a client list that included Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray when he was a candidate for mayor of Worcester in 2003 and 2004. A spokesman for Murray’s campaign, however, said Murray does not know Burgess and that she never worked for him. Murray does know Burgess’s sister, Coleen, who worked as a fund-raising consultant for Murray, the spokesman said.
Coleen Burgess and Sheila Burgess are listed as president and registered agent, respectively, of Mass Strategy Group.
Other clients listed on Burgess’s resume including Senator John Kerry, state Senator Tom McGee, former Quincy mayor James Sheets and former gubernatorial candidates Shannon O’Brien and Chris Gabrieli.
–from Rogue
HARLEY REPORT ON TOMAHAWK PAINT PLANT–When you think of paint and motorcycles, most eyes go straight to the fuel tank. But if the paint on color-matched plastic parts doesn’t match exactly, and isn’t just as durable – what’s the point?
Chuck Statz is Director of Operations at the Tomahawk Operations facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where they fabricate and paint more than 4,000 plastic components a day. And he knows better than anyone that painting plastic to meet Harley-Davidson’s premium quality standards is no small challenge.
Here he expands on some of the comments he made in the current issue of HOG magazine:
Q: Tomahawk just invested more than $12 million in new painting technology. Why is paint such a complicated process?
Chuck Statz: Because it’s impacted by so many different variables. You have to control many things to ensure you get consistent results. You’re controlling things like viscosity and the temperature of the paints, and the air that the paint is applied in. It has to be the same, all the time. The length of time the part has to flash off solvents, the length of time it’s in a radiant zone and a convection zone, all are very critical.
The [unpainted] part has to be extremely clean; it can’t have any contamination on it. The paint has to be perfectly clean. The hoses, the paint applicators, all have to be perfectly clean. The environment you spray those parts in has to be perfectly clean. The air that goes through that booth has to be filtered up to three times. And again, you’re controlling the temperature, you’re controlling the humidity, you’re controlling all these things to make sure you have a very repeatable paint job in the end. So that every color is exactly the same, every single time.
Q: And it’s not just about how it looks, but how it lasts, right?
Chuck Statz: Oh yeah! The curing cycle has to be perfect all the time. Because if you don’t properly cure the paint you’re going to have performance issues. If the part has any kind of contamination on it, the paint will not adhere as well. So not only does the part have to be free of all dust, but it can’t have any oils, any fingerprints, and those types of things. Many different factors come into play. If you’re painting one bike, it doesn’t matter so much if the temperature is 100 degrees and the humidity is 90 percent, and you’re doing it in the same day and with the same parameters, yeah you might be able to get away with it. ?
?But we’re painting in an environment where it’s 90 degrees during the summer, and 80 or 90 percent humidity. And then in the wintertime it’s 20 below, and you might have 10 percent humidity. So we have air handlers that can take 20-below air and heat it to, approximately 70 degrees and during high temp periods in the summer, we cool the air so it’s always consistent. All those variables have to be the same, every single day, in order to achieve very consistent processes. All to ensure that the customer sees a high-quality, consistent product on their bike.
To read more about the Tomahawk Operations facility, see HOG magazine issue 018 – in mailboxes now
THESE NEW YORK IMAGES ARE FROM YESTERDAY MORNING 11/19/12… As agencies were packing up to leave Staten Island, residents shiver in the dark in their homes.
Sandy hit over three weeks ago and it still looks like day 3 down in Ocean Breeze, Midland Beach and the Cedar Grove neighborhoods. EVERYONE is getting “that cough” and FEMA is wandering around passing out flyers door to door with information for resident to go to the website for info.
If you have NO POWER or way to charge a cell phone, and computer and cars got washed away no wonder FEMA’s records of victims are way off. FEMA’s website currently is
maintaining the most updated “RUMOR CONTROL LIST”? vs. Getting in the street
and providing basic human needs like toilets, showers, heating tents and light towers for residents who lost EVERYTHING.
This week volunteers, officials, police, National Guard are packing up saying “the street lights are on, time to go home”, with families living in house tagged “GREEN” in between the houses (tagged red and yellow) in rubble, still with NO POWER, NO HEAT, HOT WATER and as reported yesterday the few porto-sans that have made it to neighborhoods are OVERFLOWING!!!!
–Carol Mittelsdorf
Staten Island, the lost Borough!
PS THE FEMA RESPONSE BELOW IS REAL AS IT CAME TO US YESTERDAY:
“Thank you for contacting FEMA and giving us the opportunity to assist you. We appreciate and value your suggestions to aid the disaster response and
recovery for Hurricane Sandy.
We are currently focusing our efforts on the disaster survivor assistance, response and recovery in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Please submit your request at a later date. Thank you in advance for your patience regarding this matter.
As it has been for more than 30 years, FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against,
respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. For more information about FEMA and its mission, you may wish to visit our Web site at
www.fema.gov .
You can also visit our Hurricane Sandy page at http://www.fema.gov/sandy for information on declared counties, applying for disaster assistance, tips to recover from this disaster, and additional updates on our response and recovery efforts.There is a lot of misinformation circulating on social networks regarding the response and recovery effort for Hurricane Sandy. Check here http://www.fema.gov/hurricane-sandy-rumor-control for an on-going list of rumors and their true or false status.
We hope this information is helpful in addressing your question. If there is additional information you are requesting, FEMA offers a page on our website where you could search some of the most frequently asked questions https://faq.fema.gov/. In addition to these questions, FEMA¹s website also offers the ability to submit questions if what you are looking for is not addressed.
Thank you once again for your interest in the agency.
Sincerely,
Webmaster
“BUILD YOUR OWN” CUSTOM PIPE KIT– Paughco’s “Build Your Own Pipe” program t not only allows you to do-your-own-thing, but is also a real problem solver. These comprehensive kits include all the pieces you’ll need to custom fabricate your own 1 ¾ inch exhaust system.
Paughco engineers gathered a combination of bends, straight pieces and flanges for most all popular models that provide the basics while leaving the end result to your imagination.
Available for Iron Sportsters, Pans, Shovelhead and STD heads, EVO Big Twin, late Sportsters and TC machines, these unique kits retail for just $254.95 and are available by calling Paughco direct at 775-247-5738.
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE FILE IS NOW OPEN–I was talking to a girl in the bar last night.??She said, “If you lost a few pounds, had a shave, and got your hair cut, you’d look all right.”??
I said, “If I did that, I’d be talking to your friends over there instead of you.”
–from Bob Clark
[page break]
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MAP PRINTING HEADQUARTERS–Mapping It Old School Even if you’re all about your GPS and the H-D Ride Planner, it’s still cool to have a “real map” to consult on the road. The H.O.G. Touring Handbook is a great item to keep handy on any ride. It’s compact, easy-to-pack format enhances the wealth of information it contains: maps of every U.S. state, and Canadian province; overview maps of Mexico, and South America; information on every H-D dealership in the Americas; basic motorcycle laws for the U.S. and Canada; H-D facilities tour information; and more. You can even use it to document your ABCs of Touring contest photos.
If you want to get your 2013 Touring Handbook early, simply renew your membership now. You’ll receive the latest version, along with your 2013 membership materials early next year.
NEW FROM THE BIKERNET CRANK AND STROKER SHOP—New 5-Ball Racing shirts, Ladies V neck and men short sleeve. Discharged print. Ink selection really works well with this art.
Have a great thanksgiving.
–Andy
RACE TECH CENTERS EXPANSION–Over the past couple of seasons Race Tech has noticed a massive growth in business across the North Central region of the United States. To better serve a rapidly increasing customer base, Race Tech is proud to announce two new authorized Race Tech Centers; Racing Unlimited in Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Vaith’s Cycle in Racine, MN.
Racing Unlimited has been a top Race Tech dealer, and in response to the rapid growth in Race Tech business has taken on additional education to become a Race Tech Center.
“Racing Unlimited has been tuning Race Tech suspension for quite awhile with an already established group of happy riders. With a deep passion for motorcycling in a town rich with two and four wheeled enthusiasts; we are confident Racing Unlimited will be able to help Race Tech provide the same great products and services locally to riders around the Fort Dodge area,” said Race Tech’s Director of Marketing Chris Riesenberg.
Vaith’s Cycle located in Racine, Minnesota has also completed the necessary hands on training with Race Tech and is the latest addition to the list of authorized RT Centers. Vaith’s Cycle not only has an established service department with tuning experience, but also is known for great trackside support.
“Our GM Rob Brown first worked with Jason from Vaith’s Cycle years ago, while Jason was a mechanic for current Race Tech rider Kurt McCabe. Rob and Jason developed a mutual respect for each other as tuners, and Kurt’s strong recommendation of the Race Tech product filled in the missing piece. With Vaith’s strong Trackside Support presence, it is a great fit for Race Tech. Riders will be able to get the service and support they need on site from experienced tuners; it’s a combination that we feel will help Race Tech be successful in Minnesota,” said Race Tech’s Director of Marketing Chris Riesenberg.
Chris continued, “Having Centers like Racing Unlimited and Vaith’s Cycle allows us to do more testing and development with more riders, at more diverse locations. All the data is then compiled at Race Tech to make a better product available to all of our consumers.
A lot of riders want the testing and R&D experience from a large company like Race Tech, but also want a suspension tuner that is at their local events; working closely with RT Centers; we can give our riders the best of both worlds.”
You can learn more about Racing Unlimited at RacingUnlimited.com. Call Racing Unlimited today to experience the Gold Valve advantage by calling Cody at 515.955.6000.
UNCLE MONKEY TACKLES THE CODE OF THE WEST–“If it’s not broken – don’t fix it,” is a mantra I hear all the time from my friends. It seems to make sense at first. Why mess with something that is working. Anytime you change something there is a possibility of problems.
Sometimes what seems like a good idea at the time opens a whole can of worms, leaving you frustrated and defeated. Most of us, at one time or another, have done tweaking only to have it blow up in our face. I disagree with the idea because deep down it is a flawed notion. Change is inevitable. Change is necessary.
It is survival of the fittest and only those who learn to adapt and change are the ones to survive, to prosper.
There is nothing wrong with the stock handlebars, but that’s not good enough for many. Why? Companies spend millions to make sure their handlebars suit the majority of their riders. Still people mount ape hangers because they find them more comfortable, more stylish, or there’s that evil sparkly in his eyes. And he needs to satisfy a nasty drive to dance with the devil by the sparkling chrome moonlight.
Personally, my back prefers a set of drag bars, so while I would love to have a set of apes, drag bars mean I can ride longer both daily and well into the future, because of reduced strain on my back.
There was nothing wrong with the stock 883 engine in my Sportster, and it was quick enough to eat up 100+ CID bikes but it lacked the cruising torque to maintain speed through the rolling hills of Saskatchewan. It was lightening fast on the flat and straight but a dog on anything but. So, while the 1200 kit actually slowed my off-the-line speed it smoothed out the place where I spent 90% of my riding time.
We have all benefited from change. Switching to softer compound tires because we love the twists and turns, harder tires because we rack up the long miles.
Many people think that change is an all or nothing proposition; that to change means to throw everything away and abandon everything before. It isn’t. I would be hard pressed to argue the improvements and changes of a late model Twin Cam Softails compared to a rigid 1952 Panhead, or a new ElectraGlide compared to an original FL.
The truth is people change, our tastes, our expectations change. Clinging to the “Not broke – don’t fix” puts an expiration date on everything. The day will eventually will come when a component wears out, or becomes extinct, and needs to be scrapped. It applies to all aspect of life, our bikes, our cars, our careers, and our wives. Make small changes now so you don’t wake up one day with something you no longer want.
-bad Uncle Monkey
THE MASTER SIFU CHECKS IN FROM ENGLAND–I was conducting a seminar in Coventry, England last month and toured a motorcycle museum. Coventry was the first to be bombed by Germany because Coventry was a factory for automobiles and vehicles used in the war. Even thou there were no Harleys, the antique English bikes were very interesting.
If you have the time I’d like you to go over my ’62 Panhead. I want to change the front wheel spokes and the chain to belt drive. When you have the time to work on my Panhead I’ll ride it down to you.
–Aloha, “Dick Bondano”
START A CUSTOM ENGINE PROJECT WITH A NEW TWIN CAM SHORTBLOCK– A Twin Cam Bottom End Manufactured to OEM Specs by Harley-Davidson
A new Crate Engine Shortblock from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories can be the perfect starting point for building a custom Twin Cam engine. These shortblocks are manufactured and assembled on the Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road engine assembly line for exceptional quality and reliability. Shortblock cases, flywheels, bearings and rods are preassembled.
The kit includes current-spec Original Equipment cam plate, oil pump, and cam drive components, and the gaskets, seals and most of the hardware required to complete the engine and install it (some components not shown).
Select one of the Screamin’ Eagle Stage kits to finish the engine with cylinders, heads, and cams for desired displacement with reliable performance. Harley-Davidson decorative engine covers can customize the look.
Shortblock Assemblies are finished in black powdercoat, and can be the basis for 96 CI to 103 CI engines. Each is stamped with a new VIN number, and includes MSO (Manufacturers Statement of Origin). Kits ship directly from the factory within three to five days.
Two Crate Engine Shortblock kits are available:
P/N 16200070 ($1,695.00) fits 2007-later Dyna® and Touring models (except CVO™).
P/N 16200071($1,995.00) fits 2007-later Softail® models (except CVO™).
For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING WHEELER REPORT–We removed a stock type wiring harness that we struggled with. We could not get the correct voltage the brain box. So, we reached out to Dan Thayer at www.vtwinfuelinjection.com for a solution.
Tuesday afternoon we received a space shuttle quality 8-pin wiring harness that will connect the Daytona Twin Tech computer.
Thanksgiving eve and we’re down to a couple of relays, oil, and fuel.
Eat a turkey and Ride for your Life,
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Maniac
Bikernet Extreme Performance Editor
V.P. of Cantina Membership Missing in Action
All-Powerful Lyndall Racing Brakes Road Rep in Charge
EAGLERIDER RENTAL SPECIALS–One-Way Specials starting at $49/day!*
One-Way Rental Specials
On certain occasions EagleRider locations offer discounted one-way motorcycle rental rates for the return of specific bikes instead of transporting them via truck. All motorcycles offered on this page are rented on a first come first served basis at a substantial discounted rental rate.
The special expires when the described bikes are gone, and special pricing only applies to motorcycles specified below. Currently this web site doesn’t apply these special rates, so you must contact the person listed with the special to receive the special rate.
If you book online, normal pricing will apply. All motorcycle rental terms and conditions apply to one-way specials.
ENTER ULTIMATE BUILDER SHOW COMING TO LONG BEACH IN DECEMBER—ENTER YOUR BIKE, QUICK AND WIN OVER $7,000–
J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is looking for a few good custom motorcycles for Long Beach on December 7-9. We are awarding $7,000 in cash, over $500 in prizes, FREE pro photo shoot and a feature on Bikernet.com. It’s easy to get in the game, hit the jump at http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ultimate-builder
ERIC HERRMANN’S ART FOR CHRISTMAS– No worries, Eric didn’t go off the deep end and start painting Butterflies and Bunnies! It’s just the title of his latest painting. The “Wild Life” in this work of art is the people out having a bit of fun on a beautiful desert afternoon.
Blasting down a two lane, crossing a double yellow, somewhere between finger rock and big breast butte, the biker, hot rodder, and their All-American, gun totin, passengers, have some harmless fun. The driver and rider pound fists while the gals flash and remove their Red, White, and Blue tops.
As in most of Eric’s work, it’s the details that tell the story. The V/8 and other tattoos, cigarettes rolled in a sleeve, reflections from the bike passenger as they blow by the Bunny Star Ranch, The Goodguys sticker on the hot rod, and the 911 remembrance on the biker’s rings, it’s all there. A Bald Eagle, Diamondback Rattlesnake, Gila Monster, Coyote, and Roadrunner all add to the potential treachery and sense of freedom. Both the ‘51 Merc. (GNRS Winner) and the stunning bagger were home built by their owners.
“In my paintings I can have as much fun and freedom as I like,” said Eric. “No one gets hurt, no tickets or jail time are handed out, no motors ever blow up.”
Enjoy the fun within the artwork. Our American freedoms are diminishing: we are overcome with laws and regulations, and will soon be forced to drive electric vehicles. “I even had to paint this work in two formats, censored and un-censored, to be politically correct,” said Eric. “You have the option of having her top on or off!” ‘Wild Life’ will surely become a cult classic in our Motorsport History.
The original ‘Wild Life’ painting took three months to complete, measures 36″ x 48″ and is available for $32,000.00.’Wild Life’ is entirely hand painted using Acrylics paints on canvas.
Limited Edition Prints are being offered in several formats, Censored and Un-Censored.
Wash Day
ULTIMATE BUILDER NORCAL WINNERS– Rick Bray’s Pala Duro Wins the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show in NORCAL.
For the 3rd year in a row the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in the NORCAL town of San Mateo, CA met with overcast skies and blasts of rain coming off the San Francisco Bay. Even so, motorcycle enthusiasts headed toward the city’s convention center to see the latest and greatest from the manufacturers and the creative artists participating in the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
As they walked the red carpet in the expo halls they were treated to custom bike displays from internationally recognized builders like Kirk Taylor, Zach Ness, Jim Giuffra, Bryan Schinke and up and coming builders like Dalton Walker and Rick Bray.
FreeStyle Class
Rick Bray brought his custom bike to the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show in San Mateo, CA and took the win. The bike’s name is Pala Duro, which means Hard Shovel in Spanish and that’s good because the bike is running a Harley-Davidson 80- inch Shovelhead. It’s low and slender and has just the right stance.
Rick is an off-road racecar builder by trade and his fabrication work shines through. All of his brass components from the gas cap to the fasteners are from scrap metal that he turned on a lathe. The bike has a finned theme from the Kirk Taylor built engine and rocker boxes to the frenched in gas tank panels to the beehive oil tank. After the bike was built in raw metal, it was torn down and sent out for paint.
Rick has worked with his painter, Kool Hand Luke, for so long that he just drops off his parts for paint and it comes back right every time. Rick bought the roller from his brother to start the build and the rest, as they say, is history.
1. Rick Bray – Pala Duro, 1981 Kustom Kustom
2. Gino & Denise Ilacqua – Cadamia 300, 2009 Custom Pro Street
MOD Harley
Wicked Beauty, a 2003 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, took 1st place in the NORCAL edition of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Bruce Boldon went for the big bore kit, Screamin’ Eagle cams and diamond cut heads. If the bike isn’t chromed then its powder coated. Ridewright wheels are engraved and diamond cut. The frame is chromed and engraved. An outstanding build.
1. Bruce Boldon – Wicked Beauty, 2003 Fat Boy
2. Paul Binford – No Bullshit, 2004 Roadglide
Performance Custom Class
Halia, hailing from the AFT Customs stables, is a testament to girl power as 60% of the bike was built by the AFT models. The bike was purpose built for custom bike shows and running on the salt in Bonneville. The little v-twin sports an AFT Power Package, which includes new pistons with ported and polished heads. Barnett clutch, K & N filters, Leo Vince muffler and Dynatek coils fill out the power upgrades.
1. Jim Giuffra, AFT Customs – HALIA, 2012 Honda VT750BR
2. Darrell Schneider – GP250R Café Racer, 2004 Honda CRF 250R
Retro MOD
Joe Fratis of Motion Pro brought in Dirty Knuckle and won the Retro Mod Class at the NORCAL Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. It features a Duane Ballard leather seat, Baker tranny, 13” Braking Wave Rotor with Brembo caliper and master cylinders riding on Ridewright Wheels.
1. Joe Fratis – Dirty Knuckle, Custom S&S Knuckle
2. Zach Ness – 2008 Custom S&S Shovelhead
MOD Street
Javon Samonte worked with Roie Pozas to assist him in completing his 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 build. Results? 1st place in the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike show in San Mateo. Jovan upgraded suspension, drivetrain and brakes. The bike boasts an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, 2006 R1 swingarm, OZ Racing magnesium wheels and Brembo brakes.
1.Javon Samonte – 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1
2.Russell Sotto – Kandee, 2008 Yamaha R6
3.Toni Renzi – Fast & Furious, 2001 Roadstar
The Show Dog Winner is Ron Ramos The Ultimate Builder Show Dog award is given to the dealer or builder that has shown exemplary effort in engaging the audience and furthering their marketing goals and objectives. The award for the effort is a biker chain wallet from http://www.rockingkcustomleather.com/, a $200 value.
The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is produced by www.bikerpros.com. At each round of the competition Biker Pros photographs each bike and makes them available in their Flickr gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/bikerpros.
TOYS FOR TOTS COMING TO KENTUCKY–Just a reminder folks that the Annual Louisville Toys for Tots Run is this coming Sunday Nov. 25th.
Starts at Logistics Drive off Greenbelt Hwy and goes to Papa John’s Stadium
Sign-ups are from Noon to 2pm
AUSSIE STATE OF VICTORIA MOVES TO RESTRICT MC ACTIVITIES–The government of Victoria, Australia’s second most populated state today announced that it will introduce legislation into Parliament to restrict the activities of motorcycle clubs.
The change would allow Victoria Police to apply to the Supreme Court to make a declaration declaring a motorcycle club a criminal organization and impose control orders on groups and individuals.
The legislation would also allow declarations and orders made in other states and territories to be upheld in Victoria.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says the laws would empower police to “protect Victorians from the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs.”
“In opposition, we pledged to stop Victoria becoming a sanctuary for criminal bike gangs. Other states have taken various steps in this regard,” he said.
“Victorians do not want to see criminal bike gangs flourishing in this state, and they do not want to tolerate these activities.”
Individuals breaching a control order would face up to five years jail, while organisations could be hit with a $400,000 fine and have property confiscated.
Clubs could also be prevented from wearing their club colours, associating and riding together.
Attorney-General Robert Clark says he is confident the legislation would stand up to a High Court challenge because it follows normal judicial processes.
“The Supreme Court would need to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that an organisation is being used to undertake serious criminal activities, or that individuals within the organisation are using it to undertake serious criminal activities,” he said.
The process could take place behind closed doors, but the Attorney-General has rejected suggestions this would create a kangaroo court.
He says the public release of some sensitive criminal intelligence could put sources at risk.
BIKERNET BLONDE FILES NOW OPEN–The Blonde Flight Attendant.
A lawyer boarded an airplane in New Orleans with a box of frozen crabs and asked a blonde flight attendant to take care of them for him. She took the box and promised to put it in the crew’s refrigerator.
He advised her that he was holding her personally responsible for them staying frozen, mentioning in a very haughty manner that he was a lawyer, and proceeded to rant at her about what would happen if she let them thaw out.
Needless to say, she was very annoyed by his behavior, but bit her tongue and carried on with her duties.
Shortly before landing in New York, she used the intercom to announce to the entire cabin,”Would the lawyer who gave me the crabs in New Orleans please raise your hand?” Not one hand went up … so she took them home and ate them.
2. Many blondes aren’t as dumb as people think they are.
BULLY DOG SPONSORS AMSOIL CHAMPIONSHIP Minneapolis, November 20th, 2012– Fresh off the heels of the their major showing at the SEMA Convention in Las Vegas, Bully Dog Technologies is thrilled to once again step into the national spotlight and be a major sponsor of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross, presented by Traxxas. The series begins at the Duluth National Presented by Bully Dog at Spirit Mountain, November 23-25th.
Bully Dog has been a longtime mainstay for snowmobilers and snowmobile events throughout the U.S. and Canada. Bully Dog Technologies’ products and gauge tuners are very often the power push snowmobilers need when they hit the snowy roads in search of recreation during the winter months. Fans of Amsoil Snocross are known to be as serious about their truck performance as they are about their sleds—that’s why Bully Dog Technologies makes such a perfect partnership with AMSOIL.
Bully Dog products are now available through Western Powersports. For more information on Bully Dog please visit : www.bullydog.com. For more information about the event, visit www.isocracing.com.
ROGUE REPORTS ON YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK—BOSTON No electrolysis for prisoner A federal judge in Massachusetts says he won’t order more hair removal treatments for a transgender inmate who won a court order for taxpayer-funded sex change surgery.
Judge Mark Wolf also ruled Tuesday that the gender reassignment surgery he ordered for Michelle Kosilek in September will be on hold until the state appeals his ruling. Kosilek, convicted in the 1990 murder of wife Cheryl Kosilek, was born male but has received hormone treatments and now lives as a woman in an all-male prison. Wolf said Tuesday that additional electrolysis for Michelle Kosilek would have to be part of a new case. — Associated Press
–from Rogue
EU PARLIAMENT ADOPTS TYPE APPROVAL REGULATION–The Members of the European Parliament approved the regulation on the approval of two- and three wheelers. Further amendments before the final adoption by the Council of Ministers are not expected.
Motorcyclists welcome the agreed compromises. The regulation is setting new rules and technical requirements for manufacturers who sell motorcycles in the European Union.
In Strasbourg on 20th November, after two years of discussions, the European Parliament has approved (643 out of 677 votes in favour) the regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles. As from 2016 member states of the EU will no longer have the option to restrict the maximum power output of motorcycles to 74 kW. New motorcycles with an engine capacity exceeding 125 cm³ (sub-categories A2 and A3) will have to be equipped with Anti-lock Braking systems (ABS) while light motorcycles (sub-category A1) between 51 and 125 cm³ will have to have at least Combined Braking Systems (CBS).
Measures to prevent tampering of the powertrain are going to be installed on all new powered two wheelers with a performance of up to 35 kW (sub-categories B, A1 and A2). The riders organisations represented by FEMA successfully managed to exclude A3 motorcycles and sidecars from these measures. Similarly, special schemes for the approval of individually built motorcycles remain in place which means that the possibility to exempt custom motorcycles from some of the strict measures of this regulation remains.
Emissions limits for motorcycles will become stricter in two stages. In 2016 EURO 4 and in 2020 EURO 5 applies for new types of motorcycles (A1, A2 and A3). FEMA had called for high durability requirements to guarantee that emissions remain on a low level throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. The European Parliament has now decided that manufacturers will need to prove the durability of pollution control devices for a mileage of 35.000 kilometers.
In order to increase competition and to help especially small and independent workshops manufacturers will have to provide easy and unrestricted access to maintenance and repair information for their products. At the same time access ports to On-Board Diagnostic systems, whose installation will also be required as from 2016 for new motorcycles, are going to be standardised.
Read the full article including an overview of the new vehicle categories here.
MAKE YOUR PLANS FOR THE ULTIMATE BUILDER LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA SHOW–The Long Beach edition of the Ultimate Builder is just around the corner. Friday, December 7th is load in from 9 – 2PM. Load out is on Sunday at 5PM. Show details are at the jump — http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ultimate-builder
Promotional Details:
4.$7,000 in cash awards will be given away
5.A custom leather chain wallet is awarded to the guy/gal that engages the audience throughout the event
6.Bikernet will provide an editor’s choice award & provide a bike feature to the winner
7.Each bike is provided a FREE & Pro Photography shoot
Venue Information:
Long Beach Convention Center
(Exhibit Halls A-C)
300 East Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562)436-3636
Directions to Dock
Take Pine Avenue to Seaside Way and make a left. The docks are the first entrance on your right.
We have watched government services pack up tent loads of supplies and leave these devastated neighborhoods because they were instructed that they are no longer needed because NO ONE is supposed to be living here, yet this morning
I observed school multitudes of school buses making their rounds, picking up kids on all these streets.
So if the Board of Ed knows kids are living in these homes, why doesn’t FEMA or the National Guard? As of today, more than 3 weeks have gone by and
families with children ARE LIVING in houses, with no heat in these uninhabitable, filthy neighborhoods.
Where are the heating tents? Were are the hot shower trucks? FEMA told my friend yesterday that they are no providing any more food supplies to victims and people need to find volunteer groups that are doing that (how messed up is that? With Thanksgiving 2 days away and the temperatures predicted to plunge into single digits this weekend).
I feel alone with my neighbors, literally left out in the cold, confused and needing real answers and REAL RESOURCES.
~Carol
917-763-1334
PRIMO OPEN BELT DRIVES FOR ’90-’06 FXR AND TOURING MODELS–THE engineers at Primo appreciate that many riders want to run open belt drives, and that includes riders who have touring bikes with floorboards where traditional open belt drives would not be compatible.
To solve this issue the company makes a narrow open belt drive to fit ’90 – ’06 FXR and Touring models. It makes use of a high performance, heavy duty 8mm drive belt and forged 6061 aluminum pulleys.
The motorplate is machined from a solid block of 6061 billet aluminum and includes the heel toe shifter shaft support, which can be unscrewed from the motorplate for applications using forward controls. The outer center guard is machined from billet aluminum stock and chromed, with the clutch beauty cover chromed too.
For newer models, Primo has its Brute IV Extreme, which fits ’07 and later Touring models. This open belt drive features a 3/8in thick billet aluminum outer guard and a Rivera Pro clutch. It also uses an 8mm drive belt (said to be capable of handling 150hp plus engine outputs) and Primo’s forged 6061 aluminum pulleys. The same features and styling of the motorplate used for earlier bikes are also used on this application.
–AMD
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS SIGNS COMING TO KENTUCKY–
By Renee Bruck,Courier Staff Writer
Several people addressed the Trimble County Fiscal Court on Tuesday to request motorcycle road signs, while others talked to magistrates about plats of land between KY 36 and the Ohio River in Milton.
John Dolby with the Kentucky Motorcycle Association spoke to the Fiscal Court about posting “Share the Road” signs in the county. Dolby said the state passed legislation in 2005 to allow signs to be posted throughout the state to warn drivers about the potential for motorcycles on the roadways. Several members of the local Kentucky Motorcycle Association ?chapter were in attendance to show their support for the road signs.
“For some reason, the public doesn’t see motorcycles,” Dolby said. “People who ride motorcycles watch for motorcycles. People who don’t ride motorcycles don’t.”
Carroll County posted the signs this year to bring awareness to the issue, Dolby said, becoming the first county in the state to purchase and post the signs.
“We have to start somewhere to educate the public,” Dolby said. “We would like to see these signs put up.”
Magistrates unanimously voted to approve the signs for Trimble County roadways. The county will contact the state Department of Transportation to learn the next steps.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK 2006 VICTORY 8-BALL–Ready to hit the open road? Check out this Victory Vegas 8-Ball! It’s got 6″ risers with Z bars, brushed aluminum wheels, black exhaust, black triple trees, black lower legs, floating rotors, and much much more! And at this low price, it will not last the weekend! Come see it today, and ask out our financing! 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.
Lifestyle can handle the financing for $7,995
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY THANKSGIVING VOCABULARY LESSON–giblets JIB-lits, noun:
The heart, liver, gizzard, and the like, of a fowl, often cooked separately.
She prods the chicken, flexes a wing, pokes a finger into the cavity, fishes out the giblets.
Whatever you say to such people, they think you’re talking about their problem, like the story of the cat, where the couple was arguing about a divorce but the cat thought they were disagreeing about the giblets for its lunch.
Giblets most likely derives from the Old French gibelet, “a stew made from wild game.”
GEARING UP FOR EASYRIDERS SHOW CIRCUIT–We’re gearing up for the Easyriders 2013 Bike Show Tour. Easyriders Events offers your company twenty plus years of proven performance as one of the most respected motorcycle production companies in the business. We are your connection to the motorcycle consumer.
The Easyriders Bike Show Tour will put your company and products in front of tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the 2013 season.
As always, we’ll be rolling out the best bikes from the best builders across the country. Adding to the excitement this year are appearances by stars from the #1 Hit TV Show Sons of Anarchy Charlie Hunnam “Jax”and Ryan Hurst “Opie”—Charlie in CA and OH and Ryan in NC and TN. Michael Ballard and Angie from Tru TV’sFull Throttle Saloon will also be on hand for autographs and pictures.
A collection of Dave Mann’s original artwork will be on display throughout the tour. And the Purrfect Angelz will be back performing at each show—always a crowd-pleaser!
Vendor space is going to go fast. Book your exhibit space at one or all of the following tour stops today!!!!
January 5 Anaheim, CA
Anaheim Convention Center
January 12-13 Sacramento, CA
Sacramento Convention Center
January 26 Charlotte, NC (One Day Only)
Charlotte Convention Center
February 2 Nashville, TN (New Location)
Nashville Convention Center
February 8, 9, 10 Columbus, OH
Greater Columbus Convention Center
The more shows you do, the bigger the discount you receive!
Help us help you! For flyers call us at 800-962-9857 or email Tucker@EasyridersEvents.com.
We’ll mail you some flyers or send them to you digitally for use on your website and social media pages or for email distribution to your customer base. Let’s get the word out that Easyriders is coming to town and that you’ll be with us! Special pricing may apply if confirming multiple shows.
Book early, call today!!!!
Please click link for complete vendor details http://www.easyridersevents.com/eflyers/bike2013/bike2013_exhibitor.html
Please check out our website. www.easyridersevents.com for videos and photo
BANDIT’S 6TH WIFE CHECKS IN–Happy thanksgiving! Please be thankful for your 6th wife on Thursday!
–Lena Fairless
Marketing Manager
Strokers Dallas, Strokers Ice House, Strokers Ink
lena@strokersdallas.com
214-357-0707
www.strokersdallas.com
ABATE OF INDIANA STEPS UP TO SUPPORT THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION (MRF)–I am pleased to announce that ABATE of Indiana’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to fund Wayne’s MRF expense for 2013.
We will set up a plan for a preliminary budget of $3000 that may be evaluated as appropriate or necessary,
Thanks Wayne for all that you do
Ride Safe,
Ride Free,
–Jay
As a motorcyclist involved in this movement, as a member of an SMRO that has to really think hard about how much financial support they can commit to, I am VERY THANKFUL, and in awe of ABATE of Indiana for this decision. Wayne is (don’t listen, Wayne, cover your ears) a very positive asset. I know without such support from my own state and certain other individuals, I couldn’t continue on… and knowing that others find you to be such an asset is incredibly humbling.
Thank you, ABATE of Indiana for helping the rest of our biker nation in this way.
–Cindy
MRF
CAMPAGNA MOTORS’ V13RTM,
THE ULTIMATE ROADSTER ?WITH AN AMERICAN HEARTH IS NOW CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED– BOUCHERVILLE, CANADA, November 12, 2012 – If James Dean was driving a vehicle today, it would surely be a V13R, the three wheels roadster with an attractive retro look from Campagna Motors. Now that this North American builder is certified by the California Air Resources Board, Golden State drivers can get their own limited edition vehicle, stand out from the crowd and be unique at the wheel of this ultimate attention magnet.
“Very few limited edition street legal vehicles can obtain CARB certificate” explains Michel Paquette, Sales and Marketing director at Campagna Motors. “But after going through a stringent qualification process, we are proud to announce that our V13R roadster is now ready to be enjoyed by a selected few motorists in California.”
The California Air Resources Board’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants in recognition and consideration of the effects on California’s economy.
THE ROADSTER WITH ATTITUDE– Hand-crafted with pride, the V13R will definitely catch the eye of many baby boomers with its unique styling and design. Power comes from a 125 HP All-American Harley-Davidson V-Twin liquid-cooled motorcycle engine. Reminiscing the past era with its Hot Rod looks, the award winning V13R design offers a wide stance for stability and a vast cockpit for a comfortable side-by-side escapade.
UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE VEHICLES– Since 1994, Campagna Motor’s vehicles have generated tremendous interest from many celebrities including Justin Bieber, Antwaan Randel El from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Rob Dyrdek from the Fantasy Factory. Some vehicles were featured in Black Eyed Peas’ video Imma Be, in the Mindfreak 6 television show featuring Criss Angel and in CSI: New York episode featuring Danica Patrick.
“Who needs four wheels? It’s a lot of fun to ride and it is amazing how comfortable it is,” stated Jay Leno when he experienced it at Jay Leno’s Garage. “It’s amazing they build this vehicle in Canada, because it is the perfect vehicle for California!”
Please visit www.CampagnaMotors.com
For more information, a test drive or to organize an interview with a representative from Campagna Motors, please contact Sophie Allard, AH!COM toll free at 1 888 523-2783, ext. 771 or by email at sa@ahcom.ca.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING—Try to make time for others. Try to help a brother with his bike, feed the dog down the block, send a friend a note, join a motorcycle rights group, or make a donation to the American Red Cross.
We will try to do all of the above over the weekend, and post Bill’s Coast to Coast Legislative news from AIM Aid to Injured Motorcyclists, and NCOM, National Coalition of Motorcyclists. I’ve notice NCOM and MRF working in conjunction on some projects recently. Some folks don’t like it, but I think we all need all the help we can muster.
We are working on the 1928 Shovelhead, and Richard broke a primary belt while he was riding it. We are about to install a new Rivera-Primo system with a new, stronger belt. You’ll see the tech shortly.
Stay safe over the holidays and no drinking and driving. It’s not worth it. Or get a sober girl to give you a lift.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
