Hey,
This is a strange Father’s day. I wish all you rat bastards a terrific holiday. I just rolled back into town from Dixon, California. We hauled a 1912 restored H-D single, a 1917 beautifully restored H-D, a 1914 unrestored running H-D, and my fav, a 1913 unrestored Indian single to the fairground for an AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America). We discussed the business, legislation, and women (the nesters). I better not go there, or I’ll be in trouble for a week.
You know, can’t live with ’em, can’t breathe without ’em. So, now with the site changes, new administration network learning curve, last week’s scramble, and two days and two 6.5-hour runs to the delta region, I’m seriously behind, and now faced with Father’s day. I need to work on my Bonneville Bikes. We are building a custom booth for the LA Calendar show, and the professor of Art, Dr. Nutboy is going to give us a hand. This week will be bananas. I’ll report it.
But the most important thing for all riders is to fight this recent California Noise legislation. There’s another side of this rat bastard. We need to police our own, get straight pipes off the road. We gotta be cool, or we’re going to face this shit constantly. Dennis Manning believes we can’t get the gang to act responsibly. I disagree. Even Jeremiah, the bastard of San Pedro is installing a D&D performance muffler on his straight pipe Shovelhead on his own accord. Let’s hit the news, but join your local motorcycle rights group and get involved:
THE WORD FROM THE BOSS OF THE MRF, MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION– Regarding letters from the EPA
I will state that this is a growing tactic of the EPA thay they deem will be successful in controlling noise, certified stamp pipes only, no stamp the user gets a ticket which would pay heck on a pipe manufacturers.
Law enforcement is supporting it as well as a clear cut way to stop having their noise tickets thrown out for arbitrary reasons.
We all know if they don’t sound cool and enhance performance or we get busted using them we won’t pay several hundred clams for them so we must be very active on this, this is a time when the aftermarket guys will need to get involved – this is moving it’s way through Boston and New York as we speak, certified and EPA stamped pipes, so far we have defeated this in Boston, New York, and New Hampshire but each time it gets closer to sticking.
EPA say it’s for emissions publicly but we all know it is to curb sound and in the hallways I have been told as much by them.
–Kirk Willard
***URGENT BIKER ALERT*** DROP DEAD DATE: Monday
June 28, 2010.– Senate Bill 435, (Pavley) the Smog Check for Motorcycles Bill – has MORPHED into a NO AFTERMARKET EXHAUST Bill.
In other words…sticker matching. The EPA mandated sticker on your frame, must match the EPA mandated engraving on your stock exhaust pipes or…at-DA…TICKET.
SEE THE BILL: http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20100615_amended_asm_v94.html
The Bikers of California must mobilize FASTER than they’ve ever done before.
YOUR efforts against the previous “Smog Check for Motorcycles” version of this bill have forced the author of SB 435 to change tactics – and try to further restrict your enjoyment of motorcycling in a far more clever, potentially catastrophic way, through the back door – under cover of darkness. Nice, huh? Get all your riding friends and the shops you visit to get involved NOW!
If SB 435 is signed into law, SMOG CHECK FOR MOTORCYCLES could be EVEN EASIER to pass in the NEXT legislative session. Do NOT let this happen to the sport you love!
WE MUST STOP BOTH, NO AFTERMARKET EXHAUST SYSTEMS and SMOG CHECK FOR MOTORCYCLES – NOW!
We do that by shutting down SB 435 in the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday, June 28, 2010.
***ACTION***
You MUST contact your state legislators IMMEDIATELY. ESPECIALLY if YOUR state legislator sits on the Assembly Transportation Committee. (See list below)
You must call, write, email, text, FAX and visit your legislators RIGHT NOW. You have no time to waste. Talk to their “Chief of Staff”…that works, too.
***WHO IS MY LEGISLATOR***
FIND your legislator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
You have ONE State Assemblyperson and ONE State Senator.
Californians are represented by 40 Senate Members (4 year terms, limit of 2 terms) and 80 Assembly Members (2 year terms, limit of 3 terms)
***WHAT DO I SAY?***
“My name is ______________ and I’m calling to ask Assemblyperson ___________ to PLEASE vote “NO” on SB 435 (Pavley). Thank you”
It’s that easy!!
Be polite, kind and respectful, or don’t bother. Remember, YOU represent ALL of us, don’t mess it up for Bikerdom.
Talking points are available from ABATE of CA, here: http://www.abate.org/IssuesLegislation/CurrentIssuesLegislation.aspx
A PRINTABLE info sheet produced by ABATE of CA for motorcycle shops is available here: http://www.abate.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gr3b6mgeDjM%3d&tabid=73
***PLEASE***
Remember – YOU represent ALL motorcyclists when you call.
PLEASE do NOT embarrass us.
Be respectful and polite or don’t bother.
Don’t trust this to somebody else, take responsibility for YOUR rights, TODAY!
***BY WHEN?***
Our DROP DEAD date is Monday June 28, 2010 when the Bill is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
If you wait, they’ll walk right in and strike a blow against motorcycling. Your aftermarket exhaust system could become ILLEGAL.
If you want a job done right, do it yourself. We must DOMINATE their phone lines and emails.
Don’t let this bill reach the floor, kill it in committee.
Call or FAX these members of the California Assembly Transportation Committee
* indicates a key vote, if you’re in one of these districts please make a special effort to contact your Assemblymember.
Bonnie Lowenthal (Chair)
P (916) 319-2054
F (916) 319-2193
Kevin Jeffries (R–Murrieta)
P (916) 319-2166
F (916) 319-2066
Bill Berryhill (R–Stockton)
P (916) 319-2126
F (916) 319-2026
Bob Blumenfield (D–Van Nuys)*
P (916) 319-2140
F (916) 319-2040
Joan Buchanan (D–San Ramon)*
P (916) 319-2115
F (916) 319-2015
Mike Eng (D–El Monte)*
P (916) 319-2149
F (916) 319-2049
Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach)*
P (916) 319-2155
F (916) 319-2055
Cathleen Galgiani (D–Stockton)*
P (916) 319-2117
F (916) 319-2017
Mary Hyashi (D-Hayward)*
P (916) 319-2118
F (916) 319-2018
Jeff Miller (R–Corona)
P (916) 319-2171
F (916) 319-2071
Roger Niello (R–Sacramento)
P (916) 319-2105
F (916) 319-2005
Chris Norby (R–Brea)
P (916) 319-2172
F (916) 319-2072
Anthony Portantino (D–Pasadena)*
P (916) 319-2144
F (916) 319-2044
Jose Solorio (D–Anaheim)*
P (916) 319-2146
F (916) 319-2046
BIKERNET WEBSITE CHANGE COMMENTS FROM READERS–We have received hundreds of comments regarding the new Bikernet. Some are positive, some shooting us down. We’re listening and making adjustments. Hang on for more changes.
OBAMA PROMISED CHANGED AND NOW WE ARE FUCKED. STOP FIDDLING WITH THE WEB SITE, HAD ENOUGH CHANGE LATELY.
STAY VERTICLE
–SOFTAIL BILLY
Santa Maria, California
The new site design looks great. Round of shots for everyone! …now get back to work.
–Wayne Wuschke
Moose Jaw, SK, Canada
I don’t know about the white font on black back round……….makes my eyes hurt. And all that busy back round on the home page….blah! Keep it simple dudes.
–STEINER
Loveland, Colorado
I guess I’m a fan of simpler times. The way everything else is changing around us at the speed of light I liked the old format. To me anyway, this is like looking at your Bro’s going down the road and all their scoots have radiators.
Just my heavily taxed .02 cents.
–Tinman
Apopka, Fl
REPUBLIC (ROT) OF TEXAS REPORT– I meant to send a few ROT images earlier but had to leave, I will send more later and work on some words too. Maybe you can still squeeze one or two in?
–RFR
ACE CAFE REUNION 2010–Independently acclaimed as the world’s coolest motorcycle event!
Three Days, Three Rides, One Reunion!
Friday 10th September from 6pm – The Continental Run Ride-In
Saturday 11th September – Cafe Racer Ride-Out – Depart 10.30am
Sunday 12th September – Brighton Burn-Up & Ride With The Rockers – Depart 10.30am
Route: A406 – A40 – M25 – M23 – A23 to Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
Taking place over three days of the second weekend in September and first held in 1994, the 17th annual Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend & Ride With The Rockers celebrates the unique history, culture and style of Ace Cafe London and what it represents. The event acts as a focus in the motorcycling calendar for all those who are not only interested in the Ace Cafe, Ton Up and Rocker heritage, but also for many others who enjoy a weekend full of rock n’ roll, motorbikes and fun!
Over the years, Ace Cafe London has forged lasting and strong links to the global motorcycling and rockin’ community, which is reflected by the many visitors from overseas, one of the largest contingents being The Continental Run, which starts with a party at Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany, before departing the next morning to cross Holland, Belgium and France, gathering numbers en route to the ferry, arriving at the cafe late afternoon, and culminating in an evening of rock ‘n’ roll!
The Brighton Burn Up & Ride With The Rockers, has been an integral part of Ace Cafe Reunions since 1996, and is a free, grand day out at the seaside on Brighton’s famous seafront road, Madeira Drive. With trade and club stands, stunt displays, live music and special guests, it’s an experience not to be missed!
Ace Cafe Reunion line-up:
Porky’s Hot Rockin (Friday 10th), Daddy Slick Shift, Hot Doggin, The Daytonas and The Polecats (Saturday 11th) at the cafe, plus Lights Out and The Jets performing at Brighton (Sunday 12th), with DJ’s Dave Crozier & Bill & Jimmy Guntrip spinning the wax throughout the weekend, and it’s all free!
For updates: http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/Programme-Page.aspx
HEY BANDIT – WTF? — I left Phoenix for the Redwood Run on Tues, June 8 and returned on the 17th. What a ride … a total of 2,527 miles, a little heat, a little cold, lots of great miles and time on the road with some of my favorite riding partners. The Redwood Run was a great party as usual, good music, a terrific location, lots of bike action and big titted women. It’ll be a shame if 2010 is the last of this 33 year tradition. My intuition says it won’t be!
Anyway, I get back home, crawl under the porch like an old hunting dog, curl up and lick my wounds for a couple of days before trying to get back to where I was before I went feral. When I fire up my iMac and hit the Bikernet site … lots of changes … CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Rolling out a new web site is always an exciting time … you want everybody that uses the site to be impressed and, no doubt, get a little hurt when users respond with negative statements. I like the new look and the feel of the site and hope that the statements I make will be of value to you.
First, the challenge that Bikernet faces: there’s a huge amount of material available on the site and the key is organization. I find the pull down menus at the top of the page far easier to use than the list of categories used in the previous version. I sometimes struggle to find what I’m looking for and would like to see a “site” search engine. A search engine would allow a user to locate articles that they know are there but just can’t find much easier. As an example, I’ve been hunting for the “Panhead Billy” story for three days and still haven’t found it.
I’d also like to see the pull down menus at the bottom of each page or at least a “top of page” button that would keep a user from having to scroll to the top to make another selection. Sometimes Bikernet articles are several screens in length.
I’ll agree with several of the comments made regarding the new format’s black background. I’ve used the site with my 20″ iMac, a 15″ MacBook Pro and my iPad. The smaller the screen size gets, the more difficult reading the text becomes. My iPad is the prime offender, the text is readable when I orient the iPad in landscape but becomes difficult to read in portrait mode.
All in all, I think you’ve made a vast improvement with the new format. As a Bikernet user, I appreciate that the site material continues to grow and you strive to maintain past articles for reference. That’s a powerful draw to your site … again, the challenge is organizing the material so the users can quickly and easily access the information they want.
Keep up the good work, I’ve really enjoyed using Bikernet as look forward to contributing additional articles in the future,
–Gypsy Raoul
HAPPY FATHERS DAY FROM JEFF KRAUSS – Father’s Day is a day honoring fathers, celebrated on the third Sunday of June in 52 of the world’s countries and on other days elsewhere. It complements Mother’s Day, the celebration honoring mothers.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father’s_Day http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father%27s_Day&sa=X&ei=SjQeTOYjkog0ppGAxQo&ved=0CAoQpAMoAQ&usg=AFQjCNGpkbr1SMjoMXM3j0o0am_r-c_1wQ
My fatherhood means everything to me. My sons conference called me a few days ago (love technology…sometimes). We talked & joked for over an hour. We’re going to the beach today. They planned this for me – simple. A summer day, beach chairs, surf gear and voila! I have the perfect Father’s Day gift.
I think we all despise how holidays have morphed into commercial opportunities for retailers. Because of the emphasis on con$umeri$m, the soul of what holidays should be about is camouflaged. I like the message in #2 & wish I had sent y’all the link sooner – lots of worthy causes.
Every father on this email list is a man I am proud to know & count as a friend. I wish all you fathers a day of love & appreciation from your children – you men deserve it!
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/opinion/20kristof.html?ref=columnists
2. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/opinion/17kristof.html?scp=2&sq=june%2017%20opinion&st=cse <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/opinion/17kristof.html?scp=2&sq=june%2017%20opinion&st=cse
Bikernet Insurance Newswire: Sunday, June 20, 2010 – How the uninsured and under-insured can ruin your day.–In our quest to provide bikers with the best combination of price and coverage, we get a lot of phone calls and emails around this uninsured/under-insured coverage issue. Most of the time its because the cost of this coverage is significant and can make up anywhere from 15% to 38% of your total motorcycle insurance bill. Other times its because there’s confusion around what this coverage does and does not do. So let us try to clarify how this coverage works.
What is UM/UIM insurance?
Uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage reimburses you in an accident involving an uninsured, under-insured or hit-and-run driver. It is a very important coverage since it pays for injuries to you and your passengers, and in some states, damage to your property, when there is an accident and the other driver is both legally responsible for the accident but is deemed to have no insurance or does not have enough insurance to take care of you.
UM/UIM Defined.
Uninsured – this is someone who simply does not have insurance, has insurance but it does not meet a state’s minimum liability requirement, or they may of had insurance but their insurance company “denied” the claim. A hit-and-run driver for example, also counts as uninsured as it relates to bodily injury (UMBI).
Under-Insured – an under-insured driver is someone who met minimum legal financial responsibility requirements, but did not have payment limits high enough to cover the damage they caused you.
Why should you care about UM/UIM insurance?
If you are involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault but has no insurance, your policy will cover your medical expenses, up to the limit on you policy. In the case where the other driver has insufficient insurance available and they cannot meet payment of all your damages, you UM/UIM insurance will make up the difference up to the limit you have purchased and have listed on your policy.
According to the Insurance Research Council, the percentage of uninsured drivers in the USA is close to 14%. Ten states are even worse. They are New Mexico, where 29% of the drivers are uninsured, Mississippi 28%, Alabama 26%, Oklahoma 24%, Florida 23%, Tennessee 20%, Arizona 18%, California 18%, Michigan 17% and Washington has 16% of its drivers without any insurance. These are 2007 figures before all hell broke loose with the economy. We estimate that the percentage of uninsured has increased by at least by 20% during the economic downturn. We understand that some drivers simply can’t afford insurance and some drivers with surcharges for accidents or serious traffic violations don’t want to pay the high premiums that result from poor driving record. This said, it’s a huge calculation error to not carry this coverage.
Bottom-line, if you get hit by an uninsured driver and that driver has few assets and no insurance, you’ll be out of luck and have to cover any costs incurred from the accident on your own. This is reason enough to carry UM/UIM insurance. The other issue revolves around too many drivers with under-insurance. State minimum liability limits are way to low in our opinion. Bodily Injury limits of $15,000/$30,000 won’t go far for if you are facing a $100,000 bill from an accident.
Bikernet Insurance highly recommends UM/UIM coverage to all its biker friends.
The virtues of uninsured and under-insured motorist insurance cannot be over-estimated. You absolutely need this coverage because, if you get in an accident with someone who has no insurance or does not have enough insurance, you want to be made financially whole again. You must protect yourself financially and physically. Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist insurance is really important is this regard. It could pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In summary, buy UM/UIM insurance limits at least equal to your Bodily Injury policy limits. Its well worth the cost. If you have this coverage, you can get money even if the other driver can’t pay up.
Ride safe out there. We care about you.
Contact us anytime.
Email: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
Toll Free: 888-467-8703
Fax: 858-693-8703
Online: www.bikernet.com/insurance
Serving 20 states. CA 0G67810 & CA 0D71028
Team Kriega Roosts into a Respectable 2nd Place Finish
at the Tecate SCORE International Baja 500!–Chandler, AZ. – Today North American Kriega distributor Scott Conley announced Team Kriega’s proud second place finish in class 40 at the 42nd annual running of the Baja 500.
“The course was unbelievably brutal this year according to the guys, but their Kriega rucksacks kept them hydrated well so they could perform at optimum levels,” said Scott. He added, “The team used Kriega R20s, US10s, US5s and R8 waistpacks during training then used the Hydro 3 for the race and it did the trick, the riders felt great and brought home second place at the Baja 500.”
With Team Kriega’s 2nd place finish last week, they should be sitting in second place in championship points. The next race will be the famous Baja 1000, a one thousand mile course that runs from Ensenada to La Paz where anything can happen. Team Kriega riders are Henrik “H” Andersen of San Clemente, CA who kicked things off on the team’s Honda CRF450X; Eric Rasmussen of Lake Tahoe, CA; Collin Corrigan of San Diego, CA and Todd Corbitt of Irvine, CA who brought it home for the team. The team finished second only to famous racer Ricky Johnson in class 40.
Kriega is known internationally for their rucksacks and has long been a favorite brand of European motorcycle enthusiasts and members of the press with the company’s innovative, patented QuadlocTM harness system, superior quality materials, overall fitment and durability. Kriega products are designed specifically for motorcyclists, both in terms of features and performance, centered around the ergonomics of wearing a pack while riding – which is completely different than wearing one while standing and walking. The company promises that a correctly adjusted Kriega rucksack will outperform any other backpack on the market, period.
For information call 480-782-9300, visit http://www.kriega.com or send us an email at info@kriega.us.
PRINCE OF DARKNESS TO LIGHT UP BUFFALO CHIP STAGE
BUFFALO CHIP CAMPGROUND, SD – He is the Godfather of Heavy Metal. He is the Prince of Darkness. And, he is playing at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Ozzy Osbourne will play at the iconic biker campground on Thursday, Aug. 12 during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Campground owner Rod Woodruff said, “The word ‘icon’ is among the most overused words in music media. But, Ozzy is truly a pioneer of Heavy Metal and no person I can think of deserves that moniker more than Ozzy. We are genuinely honored to have this particular icon grace our stage.”
Osbourne is a Grammy-winning trend-busting recording and performance artist who began his rise to rock royalty with Black Sabbath and later took possession of the entire heavy metal genre as a solo artist.
Osbourne’s career spans four decades and he has achieved star status in both the recording and television industries. His reality show, The Osbournes, also starred his wife and manager Sharon and two of their three children, Kelly and Jack.
His album “Blizzard of Ozz” has gone quadruple Platinum with iconic hits “Crazy Train,” “Suicide Solution,” and “Mr. Crowley.” The triple Platinum “Diary of a Madman” and “Bark at the Moon” contained numerous hits including, “Flying High Again” and “Over the Mountain.” He scored quadruple Platinum again with “No More Tears,” and double Platinum with “The Ultimate Sin” and “No Rest for the Wicked.”
Hundreds of heavy metal bands around the world claim Osbourne as one of their inspirations. His heavy metal festival, Ozzfest, was begun in the 1990s and has proven to be the launching pad for new hard rock and metal bands including Korn, Drowning Pool, Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Velvet Revolver, Seether and Skipknot.
Sharing the stage with Osbourne on Thursday is country sensation Jason Aldean. Also confirmed for performances at the Buffalo Chip this year are: Dave Mason, Lee Rocker, Tesla, Drowning Pool, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, The Guess Who, Trailer Choir, Buckcherry, ZZ Top, Orianthi, Kid Rock, Stone Sour, Motley Crue, Disturbed, The Scorpions, The Doobie Brothers and Williams & Ree.
Woodruff said the 2010 schedule is shaping up to be one of the best in the campground’s 29 year history. He said more entertainment announcements are forthcoming.
For reservations and more information see BuffaloChip.com or call 605-347-9000.
NEW FROM FLATHEAD – S&S ENGINES–
ENGINE KN93
DISPLACEMENT 93″
BORE 3 5/8″
STROKE 4 1/2″
CARB S® Super E
CAMPSHAFT FHP 420
PISTON TYPE S® Forged
COMPRESSIONRATIO 8.2:1
Retro never gets old. The classic style of motorcycles of the past just can’t be beat for coolness. The problem is, the good old days weren’t always as good as we sometimes remember them – sometimes those old bikes could be cranky and unreliable. Now there’s a way to tap into the coolness of retro style while maintaining modern dependability. The new KN-Kone motor combines the look of a knuckle, with the bullet-proof design and charging system of the 1970-’99 style alternator lower end.
In spite of the larger 93″ displacement, the KN-Kone is the same height as a stock 74″ or 80″ shovel motor. That means that it will bolt into any stock big twin chassis from 1970 to 1998, and will fit 1999 chassis originally equipped with an Evolution® engine. This engine can also be installed in earlier chassis if a transmission with a 1970-up mainshaft is used. The alternator style crankcase allows the use of modern primary, transmission, and clutch components, as well as a dependable electrical system.
Available in August of 2010.
FEATURES
Bolt into any stock big twin chassis from 1970-1998 and 1999 chassis originally equipped with an Evolution® Engine
FALLEN SOLDIERS SUPPORT RUN FROM ILLINOIS COMING TO BIKERNET– Here is a couple of teaser shots from an event in my local area that I try to support every year. Tens of thousands of bikes show up and ride to the Wall located in my hometown of Marseilles Illinois. The Wall is the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall.
Where I live is the perfect motorcycle destination, well from May to November, then the cabin fever sets in.
This is a big event to honor our fallen soldiers.
–Kevin Thomas
IT’S A WRAP FOR FATHER’S DAY–I’m going to meet my son, his wife, and all the grandkids for Dinner. Don Whalen, the master, when it comes to antique bikes asked this weekend, “Did you see a bike that rocked your world?”
It’s always the case in this industry. There’s always at least one bike, a notion, a new product, or a girl who rocks my world. In this case it was two electric-start Knuckleheads from Jed’s Cycle Products (916) 806-1582. They looked like slightly bobbed bone-stock Knucks until we got close. Jed, along with his son Jim, developed a magnificent system, which they hope to introduce to the market in the next three months. With the help of Felicia Morgan and Crawdaddy, in the Delta region of northern California, we will bring you a feature on these beauties, and a complete tech on this electric-start system.
Innovation, creativity, drive, desire, and motorcycle passion always run high at even the smallest event.
Ride Forever
–Bandit
