Cool Sportster from David Rogerson.
Hang on for the news this week. It kicked off at 21,000 words. I’ll be here a week coding and editing. That’s over twice the size of a long Thursday news. I’ll need more women and whiskey to struggle through the job, but snivelin’ is against the code of the west.
Hang on, I’m going in…
THREE STRANGERS TO BIKERNET–Three strangers strike up a conversation in the airport passenger lounge inBozeman, Montana, awaiting their flights. One is an American Indian passingthrough from Lame Deer. Another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for alivestock show, and the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student,newly arrived at Montana State University from the Middle East
Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westernerslearn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim and the conversation falls intoan uneasy lull.
The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine tableand tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face. The wind out sideis blowing tumbleweeds around, and the old windsock is flapping; but stillno plane comes.
Finally, the American Indian clears his throat! And softly he speaks, “At onetime here, my people were many, but sadly, now we are few.”
The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward, “Once my peoplewere few,” he sneers, “and now we are many. Why do you suppose that is?”
The Montana cowboy shifts his toothpick to one side of his mouth and fromthe darkness beneath his Stetson says in a drawl, “That’s ’cause we ain’tplayed Cowboys and Muslims yet, but I do believe it’s a-comin’.”
–from Jill Z.
GET THIS FINE FOR KILLING THREE BIKERS– Charter van driver Gary Lee Butler will pay $11.67 in fines for each of the six Mid-Iowa motorcycles riders involved in a deadly crash in Tama County nearly 19 months ago.
Butler, 49, of Des Moines was found guilty of failing to maintain control of a van owned by Brown’s Crew Car Co. of Wyoming and for driving on the wrong side of U.S. Highway 30 near Chelsea on June 22, 2002.
He was fined $35 for each of two traffic offenses by Judge Amanda Potterfield on Thursday. He has until Feb. 27 to pay the fines.
“I suppose I should be happy he was convicted of something,” said Wayne Wierson of Ames, who was the only one of six riders not physically hurt in the accident. “No amount of punishment can bring these guys back.”
Arlen Pickering, 53, of Story City; Douglas Sampson, 51, of Ames; and Ross Holland, 57, of Boone, were killed when Butler crossed the center line and slammed into each of them head-on.
Richard Vauble and James Olson, both of Ames, were seriously injured but survived the crash. Vauble lost his right leg above the knee, and Olson spent nearly four months unconscious in a hospital bed.
At the time of the accident, Butler was returning to Des Moines after dropping off a Union Pacific Railroad crew in eastern Iowa.
The Iowa State Patrol and Tama County Attorney Brent Heeren said Butler likely fell asleep at the wheel.
Last month a jury found Butler not guilty of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle charges. Prior to trial, Heeren dismissed three aggravated misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter.
“It’s hard on all of us,” Wierson said. “I am really disappointed in the justice system. I am not after retribution or revenge, just some sort of justice.
“I don’t know if we are victims of the system or whether I am being paranoid that people who ride motorcycles don’t count as much as other people,” he said. “For the widows and the two people seriously hurt, it doesn’t seem to be quite right.”
By Jason Kristufek, Staff Writer
This is just one reason why we need to initiate Motorcycle Right-Of-Way laws in all states.
–from Rogue
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FOR 2004–
*J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Annie Brokaw grew up with motorcycles. She learned to ride in 1947 at the age of 11 on a Royal Enfield running parts at her dad’s motorcycle shop, married a motorcyclist, competed in eduros, trials, ice racing, motorcycle ice hockey, flat track (oval and TT), road racing, field meets, drag racing and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, winning many, most of which were in men?s classes. Annie helped organized new riding clubs and participated in promoting motorcycle events in several states. Her current love is dual sport riding and boasts, “Unfamiliar dirt roads are explored nearly every ride. As a 68-year-old lady it’s rewarding to still be able to tackle really rough trail rides. The future looks good!”
John Paul DeJoria, noted owner of John Paul Mitchell Hair Systems, was helped by a fellow motorcyclist when he was down and out and has never forgotten. His personal and company motto is: Success unshared is failure. Today as a successful business man and United Nations trouble-shooter and ambassador, DeJoria works to benefit motorcycling through his sponsorships and considerable fundraising efforts with such noted events as the MDA Love Ride and his Love, Peace and Happiness Ride. He credits his code of brotherhood and helping others to his life long association with motorcycling.
The Early family, father Lloyd Sr., and brothers Lloyd Jr. (Gunner), and Bob, have been involved in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in once capacity or another since 1937. Lloyd Sr., was a lifetime member of the Black Hills Motor Classic, working the race track and encouraging his sons to follow. His son Bob never owned a push bike, instead equipped his bicycle with a Whizzer motor, a glimpse into who he would become, a noted mechanic and proficient off-road racer. Bob was a life member of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, Harley Owners Group and the American Motorcycle Association. Growing up at the track, it was only a matter of time until brother Gunner stepped up, serving several years on the Black Hills Motor Classic Board of Directors and eventually as its president for six years. Gunner later went on to open Gunner?s Lounge, a famous watering hole on Sturgis? Main Street.
Harry Tagaris opened Harry’s Motors in Denver, Colorado in 1927 and it has remained a family run business ever since. Throughout the years Harry’s Motors has sold Super X, Indian, BSA, Zundapp, BMW, Norton, Ducati and Moto Guzzi motorcycles. The family has promoted hill climbs, TT races and half-mile flat track racing; sponsored racers; successfully competed in races; been instrumental in starting several motorcycle clubs; help launch the Motorcyclist Magazine; built trophy winning motorcycles; and restored classic and antique motorcycles. With each passing generation the shop has been handed to the next, however their professionalism, talent and love of motorcycling has been consistent with the dreams of Harry who began this small shop so long ago.
During the past 25 years, Jerry Hatfield has strengthened the appreciation of American motorcycling history through his research, writing and television appearances. He has written 12 books and over 20 articles on motorcycle history. He has contributed articles to motorcycle magazines in the US and the UK, appeared in several television documentaries and served as a research consultant for the AMA, ABC, Indian Motorcycles Japan, Women?s International Motorcycle Association and Motor Books International.
David Mann created his first motorcycle painting in 1963. In 1971 he was hired by Easyriders magazine and began capturing the essence of the biker lifestyle for generations of riders. His paintings derive from personal experience, and his honesty and love of machines can be seen in each piece he creates. His imagination and wit, coupled with his attention to detail are hallmarks of his style, one that is wholly his own. Known as the Norman Rockwell of the biker world, he is noted for documenting the freedom and passion that surrounds motorcycling.
People who know Bruce Rossmeyer call him the “Big Man with the Huge Heart” due to his efforts in raising millions at motorcycle runs and auctions, all of which goes to helping children. Bruce serves on the Board of Directors of the Boggy Creek Gang Camp, founded by Gen. Schwarzkopf and Paul Newman. The largest event benefiting the camp is Bruce’s Ride for Children. He is a major player in Joe DiMaggio’s Children?s Hospital and serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, raising considerable funds for both. Bruce owns several Harley dealerships in Florida, however in spite of a demanding schedule he is committed to using his creative ability and business experience to benefit children and families in need while continuing to promote motorcycling and the generous people who ride.
Some 30 odd years ago Perry Sands was the local “go-to” guy for the custom hungry Southern California biker. His true passion was performance and he realized that nothing out there would live up to his standards. He knew he needed to create his own and within a few years Performance Machine disc brake systems were the standard for any well sorted custom. The presence of his product on high-end bikes persists to this day. Wheels came next and Perry was again the innovator in both custom and race applications. Everything from cast magnesium wheels for Kenny Roberts to beautifully machined billet units for local customers. A keen sense for machinery and an ability to push the envelope of manufacturing has kept PM on the cutting edge.
Dal Smilie has been active in on and off-road motorcycle rights lobbying at a state and federal level for over 25 years and a leader on the AMA Board of Directors for over 20. Smilie was the youngest person ever elected to the AMA Board and is the longest to serve at 22 years. Additionally, Dal finds time to race. He has picked up four national AHRMA motocross championships since turning 50. His love of motorcycling in all its forms is clear through his association with the AMA; as a 23 year member of the Antique Motorcycle Association of America; as a volunteer with the AHRMA for 15 plus years; as a rider with over 500,000 miles on road bikes, having won BMWMOA’s high mileage contest twice. He has received the MSF’s Award of Excellence, their highest honor, fought to get legislation passed to start Montana?s rider funded safety program and has been named by four different governors to head the Montana Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee.
Bill Waltermire’s children always thought it was cool that their dad raced motorcycles. Before the war Bill raced TT?s but switched to flat track after the war, calling racing his therapy. His wins on Indians and Harleys are many and legendary however his family will tell you they are most proud of his generosity and willingness to help strangers. They fondly remember many nights when Bill would bring home a biker he didn?t even know whose bike had broken down or who had been involved in an accident and needed a place to rest. His favorite bikes have always been Indians and he still owns the first motorcycle he purchased new, a 1946 Chief.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame will be holding their fourth annual Induction Breakfast during the 2004 Rally on Wednesday, August 11th. The breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, SD (Exit 14). Tickets are available for a $20 donation per person or $160 per table of 8. Tickets are available online www.sturgismuseum.com or by calling 605-347-2001.
This year’s Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast will offer an opportunity to mingle with and listen to an impressive cross section of the motorcycle community. Space is limited and tickets have sold out completely in previous years so get yours early.
THE TEXAS PEDAL–Here are some images of both Texas pedals. I need to smooth them up some and I guess get them chromed, still trying to decide.
I heard there is a company in Dallas or FW with a Texas horn cover and a shift linkage, it only has a small Texas shape on it. Can I copyright Texas?
Spoke with Kent at Lucky Devil this morning he said we can still get a cable bracket made in the shape of Texas which will be cool. Plus he is going to make me an arm that will align with the cable bracket.
–RFR
A FLORIDA CONNECTION– I was at a party for the mag here in Florida and met couple of riders who know of you. Been reading the biker rags for centuries (to hear them tell it!). Nice people. Thought maybe, if you hade any pull at BIKER or Easyrdiers, maybe you could get them into the Wind section? Attached is their photo.
Their names are Frank & Windy. She’s the service writer at Harley of Palm Beach. I shot the flick in Stuart, FL.
Bob Bitchin
Founder/Publisher
On the road.. Currently enroute to Miami Boat Show
Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine
FTW Publishing, Inc
FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL FILES–Down south, Bubba called his attorney and asked, “Is it true they’s suin’ them cigarette companies fer causin’ people to git cancer?”
“Yes, Bubba, sure is true,” responded the lawyer.
“And now someone is suin’ them fast food restaurants fer makin’ them fat an’ cloggin’ their arteries with all them burgers an’ fries, is that true,Mista Lawyer?”
“Sure is, Bubba.”
“And that lady sued McDonald’s for millions when she was gave that hot coffee that she ordered?”
“Yep.”
“And that football player sued that university when he gradiated and still couldn’t read?”
“That’s right,” said the lawyer. “But why are you asking?”
“Well, I was thinkin’ . . . What I want to know is, kin I sue Budweiser fer all them ugly women I slept with?
–Rogue
SHAMROCK SECRET INVESTIGATION– This is how I finish off my pipe seams. I trust you will just keep this between us, because one of the things that sells my pipes is the ability to get all those seams to look like one solid pipe. Kinda like a pinstriper guards his paints and brushes, you know…..
With respect for Irish Rich we edited the following to maintain his secrets. –Bandit
First, I use a small …. grinding disc. You use it in the same motor you’d use for a cut-off disc. I knock the weld down until it is not quite level.
Then, I take an old …. sander, and I lock the pad solid, so it can’t sand in a ….. pattern. It acts as a small …. sander this way.
I then use a …. disc to knock the weld down flush with the pipe surface, and ….. out the seam.
Next, I use a ….. disc to ….. out the scratches, and smooth out the adjoining surface.
Next, I use a ….. disc, with the Roloc pad you’d use for the Roloc grinding discs.
That’s how I do it. It’s a lot of work, but the finish comes out beautiful, and your ceramic coater/plater will love you for it, because you’ve done 3/4 of his work for him. If you do it right, the seams are virtually invisible.
As Always, Rick
Visit our website:
ROGUE’S BAD COP INVESTIGATION–GARLAND -The Garland Police Department released a squad car videotape of a violent confrontation between officers and a motorcyclist Friday after fired police officer Glen Shaw pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge.
Mr. Shaw was sentenced to two years probation, fined $600, and ordered to undergo anger management counseling. If the terms of his probation are violated, Mr. Shaw will serve one year in jail.
As part of his plea agreement, he also signed a permanent relinquishment of his Texas peace officer?s license, according to Pat Batchelor, chief of the public integrity section of the Dallas County District Attorney?s office.
Garland police chief Mitch Bates suspended Mr. Shaw for 15 days without pay following the September 6, 2003, incident in which Mr. Shaw was found to have used excessive force against motorcyclist Randall James Ling.
Mr. Ling, who allegedly led Mr. Shaw and other officers on a high-speed chase on the Bush Turnpike, was later indicted for felony fleeing.
By RICHARD ABSHIRE / The Dallas Morning News
–from Rogue
SOFTAILS REQUEST BIKERNET REPORTER ATTEND–The girls of bikeweek yahoo group is all about a a little saloon just 10 minutes west of the Speedway in Daytona. Actually it is two saloon’s in one. One side of the saloon is a semi sports bar, for those that just want to play darts, shoot pool, or just want a cold beer or other adult beverage. The other side,,,,,well that is a little more involved.
Softail’s is biker owned and operated, and does business 365 days a year. So bikers are welcome the year round. We won’t BS you, we started this group in order to drum up even more business. However, this group isn’t going to disappear the week after bike week is over. We hope to keep you informed about events, and happenings in the area so you can keep up with the atmosphere in the Daytona Beach area between Bike Week and Biketoberfest. As the Daytona area becomes less and less bike friendly, we find ourselves in a unique position of being out of the area of the Daytona city laws that seem to make bikers miserable.
So if you are comingdown to Daytona for bike week stop by and have a drink with us. If not, then follow what is happening every day with our daily photo diary. But not matter what, ride well. Biking and Babes, is this a great country or what?
SAMSON FOUR-STEP DUAL CROSSOVER HEADER AND MUFFLER FOR ROAD KINGS AND DRESSERS–Caliber High Performance Exhaust has designed and developed a cutting edge true dual crossover 4-step exhaust system for 1995 to 2004 Road Kings and Dressers. The system utilizes a 3-step header and incorporates the tuned muffler as the 4th step. The system greatly improves the street performance of these fine road motorcycles, at the same time producing a deep invigorating sound.
The complete system includes full coverage heat shields, new exhaust gaskets, all mounting hardware, a brilliant chrome 3 muffler and an engraved chrome aluminum end cap. The beauty of the Caliber True Dual Header System is the LOOKS of the system. The smooth flowing lines are evidence of careful planning and an eye for good looks. The right side pipe carefully follows the lines of the classic styling of the bike and makes a single straight line from the floorboards to the end of the muffler. Without drama or excess, the left side pipe exits from the rear cylinder to form strong lines that end at the perfect location behind the bags.
“Street ride-ability is what these pipes are all about” said Kenny Price, CEO of Samson Motorcycle Products. ?The new Caliber line raises the bar for performance pipes that look good.? Extensive Dyno testing proves the Caliber True Dual Crossover system put the power to the road with significant increases in horsepower and torque.
All Caliber exhaust systems come with a Full Two Year Warranty.
The Samson Crew and Rig. Click on their Bikernet home page logo for more info.
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