Hey,
As we guessed, the Thursday News is rapidly turning into the Bikernet Special Reports for the week. There’s some very heady shit here from a tech on Paul Yaffe’s build for the state of Arizona, to reports on EPA corruption, and Sasha’s V-Twin Expo Industry essay.
And of course we saved the best jokes and the baddest cop reports for Thursday. We also will release any Bikernet haps right here from new projects to book reports. Let’s hit it:
CHRIS MAIDA HAS HIS JAMES DEAN MOMENT– American Iron Magazine Tests the Brass Balls Model 1S – Chris Maida is caught throwing a leg over a Brass Balls Model 1S motorcycle in Sturgis SD this past year. Moments later he kicked the sled into gear and blasted off towards the Badlands.
As the editor of American Iron Magazine, Maida can test just about any bike that he wants. He decided to exercise the Softail-style custom-production motorcycle for a full week during the 2009 edition of Sturgis. His review will be in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
Enthusiasts and owners of the Model 1S have agreed that this is one cool bike. And with Maida’s black shades and black T, black jeans, and black ride, well, we think he is sporting his James Dean look.
The hand-built custom-production Model 1S is just 17,995. The hand-built custom-production Model 1S is just 17,995. To get your James Dean look call the office today at 405-270-0995 or get the 411 on the bike and trip, check out Brass Balls Bobbers Dot Com.
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SCIENCE LAB REPORT– A marine biologist developed a race of genetically engineereddolphins that could live forever if they were fed a steady diet ofseagulls. One day, his supply of the birds ran out so he had to go outand trap some more. On the way back, he spied two lions asleep on theroad. Afraid to wake them, he gingerly stepped over them. Immediately,he was arrested and charged with… transporting gulls across sedatelions for immortal porpoises.
Back in the 1800’s the Tate’s Watch Company of Massachusettswanted to produce other products, and since they already made thecases for watches, they used them to produce compasses. The newcompasses were so bad that people often ended up in Canada or Mexicorather than California. This, of course, is the origin of theexpression … “He who has a Tate’s is lost!”
A thief broke into the local police station and stole all thetoilets and urinals, leaving no clues. A spokesperson was quoted assaying,”We have absolutely nothing to go on.”
An Indian chief was feeling very sick, so he summoned the medicineman. After a brief examination, the medicine man took out a long, thinstrip of elk rawhide and gave it to the chief, telling him to biteoff, chew, and swallow one inch of the leather every day. After amonth, the medicine man returned to see how the chief was feeling. Thechief shrugged and said,”The thong is ended, but the malady lingerson.”
–from CarlR
WEEKLY GUN NUT REPORT–New Rule On Guns In National Parks Takes Effect February 22. On February 22, a new law on guns in national parks takes effect. The law repeals a National Park Service rule that has long prohibited Americans from lawfully possessing firearms in national parks for self-defense.
Volunteers Needed For 2010 NRA Annual Meetings In Charlotte:
The 2010 NRA Annual Meetings Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together May 14-16, 2010, in Charlotte, NC. You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meeting Volunteer.
Get Your Copy of Stephen Halbrook’s Freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Right to Bear Arms, 1866-1876:
Does the Second Amendment apply to the states? The Supreme Court will soon decide that critical question. As that historic day approaches, there’s no better time for all Americans to learn more about this issue.
NRA Online Advisory Panel Hits 10,000 Registered Members:
Last November, the NRA introduced a new service and community for our members, the NRA Online Advisory Panel. Inside this community, NRA members can vote and comment on Second Amendment issues, see how they compare to Congress, and track key legislation. We are proud to announce that, just this past weekend, the community added its 10,000th registered member! The opinions and feedback of the Online Advisory Panel are helping to guide the strategy and agenda of the NRA heading into a critical political cycle. If you’re not already a member of this growing community, you don’t know what you’re missing. We hope you will take a moment to join today by clicking HERE Second Amendment March On Washington Scheduled For April: There will be a Second Amendment March in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees will gather on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 10:00 a.m., and the entire event will take place there (due to logistics, the event will be more of a “rally” than an actual march). 
Stop by and see LIL JOES LEGENDARY LEATHERS AT THE RIVERFRONT PARK NORTH on Beach Street, 1-800-643-3321–“Made in The USA” and “Guaranteed 4 Life”
Our Lifetime Guarantee covers the workmanship and materials on all of our American made chaps, jackets, vests and pants as long as you own them.
This includes any problem with snaps, zippers, seams and grommets that arise due to normal use of the garment.
If you have any problem please e-mail us
liljoesleather@yahoo.com or call 1-800-643-3321 for Repair Authorzation #.
Our Guarantee does not cover the liner or any hardware attached to the liner. Any garments that have been abused (accidents, knife fights, failure to properly maintain the garment) will not be covered. Gloves and items in our accessories section are not covered. Garments that have had pins or patches installed can be repaired but not replaced. We Can Also Replace your Lining of any age Leathers at a minimal charge.
BIKER PROS GARAGE PARTY–The press and the biker community came out to the Biker Pros Garage Party and SS Trike Intro this past weekend at A Bikers Garage in Roanoke Texas. Robert Filla from Thunder Press and Penny Osiecki from Barnett’s Magazine as well as Paul Aiken from Aeromach USA, Dar Holdsworth of Barss Balls Bobbers and Kyle Shorley of Shade Tree Fabrications all come out to support Jason Nieman of SS Trike.
The Big Wheel SS Trike made its North American debut on Saturday February, 20, 2010 on a day that started overcast but it didn’t damped enthusiasm for a truly innovative ride with test rides booked back to back from the time the facilities opened at 8AM to closing time at 5PM.
The SS Trike delivers a spirited ride with the pilot maneuvering the trike with a 24 inch Metzeler shod Big Wheel tire leading the way. The tire floats over many of the highway potholes because of its size, which offers an incredibly smooth ride.
The first thing you notice about the trike is the spiritual interpretation of Mattel’s Big Wheel sporting a custom forged wheel out front and a set of American Racing’s Torq Thrust in the rear.
The seat position is low with a good view of the road. The low center of gravity provides a stable platform with outstanding maneuverability. The motorbike profile is a traffic stopper from either side. The lines are appealing, retro and spirited. Enthusiasts like the look and performance.
More details at SS Trike.
FIRST CHANCE HOGAN BOOK SOON TO BE RELEASED ON BIKERNET–When will your new book go on sale and what will be the cost.
–Cannonball
It’s at the printers now. Can’t wait.–Bandit
BEV’S NEWEST OUTLAW BOOK SOON TO BE RELEASED–Here’s a portion of the Forward by the most articulate biker alive, Bill Hayes, author of the Booze Fighters history book:
club culture and its seductive appeal. That particular journey has seen our lifestyle creatively populated by villains, clowns, cutthroats, buffoons, deviants, sadists, criminals, badasses, and everything in between. But no matter what characters or images the writers, reporters, producers, and directors have devised to represent our lifestyle, the bottom line is that people love it. They fear it. And deep down in those trembling, vicarious bones they would give anything to be a part of it.
Anything, for just one ride in an endless pack, hammer-down in the screamer lane of some interstate.
Anything, to walk proudly into a bar or an event with a set of colors on recognized colors that are not given, but earned, through serious effort, blood, and brotherhood.
Anything, to be able to call a brother at any hour of the day or night when they needed help with anything, and to know that their back is covered.
Anything, to be intimate with the powerful family life that is truly enjoyed and unapologetically embraced by so few.
But envied or not, this way of life often comes at a high price. A patch on one’s back can translate into a titillating target for law enforcement, as well as media.
For a variety of reasons commercial gain, high-profile PR, and political pandering among them both have dipped to sordid lows in their pursuit of the essence. Those clowns and buffoons of the old biker movies have increasingly given way to the cutthroats and the criminals. Entire television networks use shows about the presumed inside of the motorcycle clubs as their commercial anchors. Dozens of books and productions glorify the dirt-digging adventures of undercover law enforcement infiltrators, turncoats, and snitches.
We’re hunted using a simple template: focus on a single alleged illegal act; find a disgruntled member (or simply a shrouded actor) to talk about it; get some stock public film footage or stills of patches; and boom! A blanket condemnation of an entire club or the whole culture.
The same template could of course be used for virtually every other large group or coalition including big-league urban police departments and the United States Congress. But those types of exposes don’t have the same attraction as those dealing with bikers and motorcycle clubs. Maybe no one really wants to have a vicarious fantasy that involves a cop or a senator.
Another bottom line is evident here: While most of these monster expos don’t produce many tangibles in the way of the legally-righteous elimination of crime, they do produce a lot of media.
But not media like this book.
The photos and the people in this book are real.
–Bill Hayes;
Author, Motorcycle Culture Historian, and
American Biker
Check the rest of Bill’s uplifting pros and Bev’s historic shots in the next American Bikers photo book.
LATEST BIKERNET PROJECT WITH MIKE COLE CUSTOMS IN OHIO–Bill Hayes drives an old white Cadillac hearse. Bikernet could not be outdone. We just purchased this 1994 Buick Roadmaster Hearse in Pennsylvania. Mike Cole, a Hamster, hauled it to his Ohio shop for a handful of mods, before shipping it to the West Coast.
Here’s the deal. Our Ford F150 truck has been a dream for about 8 years, but it’s getting long in the tooth. I wanted to support Ford, my favorite car company, but I wasn’t having much luck. It was time to replace the truck. We decided to purchase a Kendon trailer for hauling bikes, and I asked what’s the finest vehicle for pulling a trailer? From two reputable sources I heard that Buick Roadmaster station wagons, with Corvette engines, are the bomb, so the hunt began.
We will bring you reports from Mike’s shop weekly as the process takes shape. Bandit is going to enlist Kevin Baas to help with metal Bikernet Logos to replace the Hearse markers. Hold on for the next report.–Wrench
Mike Cole Customs
(740) 708-1846
mikecole@bright.net
THE V-TWIN EXPO FROM SASHA’S PERSPECTIVE–The V-Twin Expo was large in hope and forward motion, even if it may have been smaller without the volume of exhibitors from years prior. There was a feeling of camaraderie and excitement in the air; a genuine throttle hand-to-the-grindstone, rally-ho, no time to exit from the rough roads of a shaky economy. Yes, there is a slow-down, but the uplifting enthusiasm pouring from the oil pulsing in the veins of attendees and exhibitors alike kept spirits and attitude afloat. It was evident that we are all rockin’ arm and arm, riding neck and neck down the roads of new opportunity.
What I saw was a closeness knitting everyone together….a keep on keepin on, power through during the toughest times, lots of laughter and lightness sort of unity. There was an innovation in the air that was, to me, like touring an art gallery of new parts, accessories, and designs that featured an ingenuity provoking an anything is possible enthusiasm from all.
It was great to reunite with everyone because it had been so long since I had seen folks from the industry. It seems that I’d get a few feet and there would be a hug awaiting me or I would spot someone and have to give a little love. So, getting to thoroughly review all of the goodies that exhibitors were showing or sitting in on seminars became an illusive objective in my twenty hour run and gun trip to Cincinnati. I did love that the VTwin reception paid special tribute to the beautiful and generous Bruce Rossmeyer. It was incredibly moving and I surely hope that no one will ever forget the light in this brilliant soul. He is a legend in our culture.
A few highlights were two new exhibitors. I have kept my eye on Rebel Girl apparel and accessories for quite sometime. It was a delight to finally meet proprietor and designer, Cher, who was bursting with fun ideas for her line. Her entire presentation was right on, sexy, strong, and exciting. Her line targets the wild, elegant side of a female motorcycle rider, hence the name Rebel Girl. Ed Hardy motorcycle helmets and gear, and the brand apparel line joined the expo for the first time and were so happy to receive a great reception for their product. Their goal is to price their motorcycle line to be affordable and competitive with the more popular names like Harley-Davidson, First Gear and the like.
Their helmet line is over-the-top cool, so cool it’s hot. Now that Tennessee has cracked down on their DOT helmet law even more, I need to find a really fun DOT helmet that matches my psychedelic riding attire. They have designs that are so unique, and expressive. Plus they have their own manufacturing for their helmet line with a variety of ol’ skool styles to choose from including the more traditional half helmet, too. The Ed Hardy motorcycle jackets feature removable safety armour coupled with thoughtful storage pockets and an obviously well tested closure and vent design to endure all kinds of weather conditions. They managed to infuse high end couture aesthetics at very reasonable price points, pricing less than some of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle jackets, but without sacrifice on design, sturdiness, or fabric quality.
Ron Finch. Oh my. He can turn anything into a work of motorcycle art. His hand crafted garden flowers and amphibians made out of motorcycle parts are the absolute perfect gift for the whimsical gardener. Me. His latest jaw-dropping, “how the heck did he do that?” project is a complete motorcycle and sidecar made out of welded together tools made into a delicate lace pattern. Yes…it looks like metal lace tools. Think of your granny’s little doilies beneath lamps and picture the little flower designs as wrenches and washers and sprockets and, you’ve got yourself a metal tool lace crafted motorcycle and sidecar. I dare say, if I were to straddle a Ron Finch custom motorcycle designed for my eccentric taste, wearing Rebel Girl threads and sporting an Ed Hardy helmet…I certainly would look like a rock star riding down the highway more so than any other rock star riding down the highway. Wink.
Hard at work, Jim Betlach, along with his wife and two daughters, and the entire Paisano family made everyone feel like they had come home for the weekend at Cincinnati. The environment is always so easy and –apple pie meets Budweiser– friendly — the perfect place to get your business on, place new orders, and kick tires with old friends.
–Sasha
UNCLE MONKEY RELEASES ANOTHER CHAPTER–Bike For Sale. Probably three of the cruelest words in the English language. Bikes come up for sale for a number of reasons. The owner purchased a new bike and has to make room for his new toy. Perhaps the ticking in the motor has become too much and now that problem they had been ignoring, hoping that it would go away is now an expensive repair bill. Sometimes it is simply a case of being bored with what one has. Time to clean the roost, free up some greenbacks so that they can find something new that twisted their crank. Some bikes are projects that have lingered way to long, never been seen through to completion.
Then there are the sad cases. Instances when the rider can no longer ride. Flesh and bone worn out from a life of happen stance. Finally the spirit has come to terms with the fact that they can no longer ride and for all the hopeless pride and determination they would rather see the bike out on the road where it belongs Free in the wind where it was meant to be and not cooped up in a dark dusty garage collection dirt and insects never to breath fresh air again.
For others it is a situation of love gone bad. The thrill and excitement of riding. Throwing their leg over for a thousand miles of coffee shops and meandering roads. But they didn’t research what it meant to get there. Naively assuming that it was as simple as riding a bicycle. Close calls, near misses all because their bullhead pride told them that they didn’t need to start out on something more practical, less powerful. They hate gasping for air in the wind, hate the stinging of bugs, hate the spray of sand as they pass a semi. It is too much and so the bike is eventually sold.
The truly unfortunate ones are those that have been denied. Their loves ones have spoken, forbidding them from some preconceived death trap. The love, the passion, the longing for the open road extinguished by someone who doesn’t understand.
In the end every motorcycle has a story. Remember that as you scan the sale ads.
-bad Uncle Monkey
THE LIFE AND MOTORCYCLES OF ONE BIKERNET READER, ANSON–I was thinking of purchasing a Panhead to fool around with recently.Owned two back in the day, a 1965 in high school and a 1959 later in college. After reading Rick Schunk’s Panhead Restoration book this past tour offshore I thought perhaps an Evo instead to keep the cost down. I thoroughly enjoyed the Evo’s I had. A couple simple hop-up goodies and they were ready to roll. Especially the Crane 310 cam, loved it. (I saw Bandit and Dave Perewitz at the Crane Cam open house lunch in Daytona once.) Back when the events were small and everyone was invited.
Dave had taken an Evo dresser and put a chopper front end on it, blew my mind.So, I was thinking about a Heritage Softail in Tijuana fashion. High bars and a 21″ up front. That was what I ran on my 1989 and I toured the hell out of it.
Then I read you were doing a Frisco FXR with a Paughco frame. I remember the Springer FXR you did in Easyriders, read each installment like it was the bible.
I met Arlen Ness’s morning ride in Spearfish Canyon many years ago. They were all riding stock FXRs but there was something different about them. After talking with Arlen he pointed out that each FXR was frame raked slightly to give it a lowered profile. Not with raked fork trees, but the frames raked ever so slightly. Very cool look on an otherwise stock bike.
I pointed to my overloaded Heritage and apologized for my lack of cool. Arlen laughed and said no apology needed. He appreciated my travel from Louisiana and staying on the road for three weeks. Told me I had a “rider” and we shook hands. Two years later found a friend and I chatting with Arlen at 9am on Main St. Daytona. We both had FXRs by then. My buddy wanted to install a wide glide and we were picking Arlen’s brain about what was needed. After a long explanation of our concerns of rake, trail and handling. Arlen told us the wide glide was a piece of shit and the best Harley fork was the 39mm. However if we were insistent to install the wide glide then put the damn thing on and figure it out afterward.
The way he encouraged us to experiment and forget the technical was hilarious. My buddy did just that and Arlen was right on, looked cool, handled like shit. My 1992 FXLR has been sitting in the buyer’s shed for 12 years. I keep offering him $2000 for it, maybe someday I’ll get it back.
Despite all the work I did on my Twin Cam I feel like I am riding a Honda Shadow each time I take a putt. I installed the S/S gear cams. But I’m still an Evo fan, a more traditional ride.Right now I would rather drive the Sporty, it looks better, goes like hell and fits a midget like myself to a “T”.
–Anson
Hey, Anson was good to share his complete motorcycle history with us. We are going to run all his bikes and history in Life and Times in the Cantina. Terrific report.–Bandit
KING DEAL OF THE WEEK–Bandit is selling his 2003, 100th anniversary Road King for a steal, $10,500 or best offer. This bike is special in many respects with only 13,500 miles on the clock. It has mag wheels, world’s lightest floating rotors, D&D exhaust, S&S gear driven cams, Screamin’ Eagle heads, Zippers EFI module, Pinstriping by George the Wild Brush, blacked out front end, lowered rear shocks, pinstriped street stalker front fender and modified stock rear.
There are over a dozen articles on this bike posted on Bikernet. It has been featured in magazine and Monster Garage. It’s a celebrity.For more information contact Bandit@bikernet.com or call (310) 830-0630
Another week and another round of “Peel Back Pricing” from K and G Cycles!–This week, K and G Cycles has outdone itself with peel back pricing on a great selection of products. We have drive chains, Big Boar batteries, batter testers, taillights, ignition switches, ignition kits, frames, bling and gauges.
How about a 3-pole Fat-Bob style ignition switch with key for $20.00! That’s 30% off. Or a V-Factor Digital Speedometer/Tachometer For Tank Mounted Dash for less than $281.00 — that’s 30% off.
K and G has Diamond Primary Drive Chain for Big Twin 4 Speed, Softail 1984-06 or Dyna’s 1991-05 for $69.88. That’s over 25% off
K and G Cycles is your one-stop online motorcycle parts and accessories megastore. If you can’t find it at K and G Cycles, it’s probably going to be really hard to find!
Just stop by www.kandgcycles.com
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