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IRISH MOTORBIKE & SCOOTER SHOW–Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter ShowFollowing its success in March 2007, Ireland’s biennial Motorbike & Scooter Show will be staged at the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) Exhibition Centre in Dublin again this year (February 27th – March 1st), with the event again hosting the Irish Custom Bike Championship as a World Championship of Custom Bike Building Official Affiliate.
2007 saw Mick Creedon and Ger Conlon of C&C Choppers winning the event and going forward to represent the show and the country at the World Championship.
With what event organizer Ruth Lemass (SDL Exhibitions, Dublin) is describing as “an unprecedented number of entries”, the 2009 competition looks like it will showcase another step-up in the rapidly developing story of a market where the custom market has been small, but where it was always expected that design and engineering passion and creativity would develop just as vigorously as it has done elsewhere if there was a showcase and catalyst for it to do so.
Congratulations, therefore, to Ruth Lemass and her team at the Carole Nash Insurance sponsored show for staying the course in difficult times and giving the builders in Ireland the opportunity they have needed.
As its name suggests, The Irish Motorbike & Scooter is a broad-based event that showcases the current product lines from most of the mainstream OE’s as well as the wide spectrum of parts and accessory distributors that import from all around the world.
This will be the sixth ‘year’ for the show (the third for the custom show’s affiliation with the World Championship Program) and with some 25,000 visitors and 120 plus exhibitors in 2007 it represents the small but enthusiastic Irish market’s primary showcase for a sport that has deep racing roots and heritage in Ireland.
“Despite the economic downturn we already know that this will be the biggest motorcycle show ever held in Ireland” Ruth Lemass told AMD, “and by far the largest custom bike show too”.
“New motorcycle sales are down, but pre-show interest in The Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show, and in the AMD affiliate custom bike show, has been extraordinary. Both in terms of public and exhibitor enthusiasm it really has taken even us by surprise. I think it is fair to say that the show will be busy and that the public’s enthusiasm for motorcycling here in Ireland is at record levels at this time”.
A CAT…NOT JUST ANY “CAT” BUT ONE WITH 502 CUBIC INCHES OF BIG BLOCK CHEVY RIGHT UNDER THAT HUGE GAS TANK–OH, AND IT PUTS OUT ONE HORSEPOWER PER CUBIC INC OF DISPLACEMENT SO “DO THE MATH”…THATS 502 HORSEPOWER IN A MOTORCYCLE! YOU CAN BET THAT THIS THING IS ONE WICKED & SUPER CRAZY RIDE!
BREAKFAST AT DENNY’S– In honor of the mother of the octuplets, Denny’s is offering a new breakfast special: You get fourteen eggs, no sausage, and the guy next to you has to pay the bill.
–from Rodan
Click To Purchase a Bandit?s Bedroll
GETTING LOADED, 6 TIPS, PACKING YOUR MOTORCYCLE, THE SAFE AND SMART WAYS–Unless you’ve learned the hard way (you’ll know if you did), most riders don’t know how to pack gear on their motorcycle the properly. Stability and steering, not to mention safety, are seriously compromised when you load a bike improperly.
1) The first thing you need to know about proper load distribution on two wheels is to keep it centered between them. Contrary to all the “Easy Rider” mythos, you should not be strapping heavy bedrolls on your handlebars. Screws up the steering badly by adding to the pendulum effect of turning the handlebars. Instead of a precise, delicate response to your input at the grips, you get a fork that wants to flop radically from side to side.
Think twice about slapping 150 pounds in a backrest bag that hangs over your luggage rack. The luggage rack probably has a little sticker on it that says “15 pounds maximum load” or words to that effect. It takes very little weight hanging over and behind the back axle to make your steering a little… ahem… light. It also compresses the rear shocks too much, thus largely negating any help from them in the event of a problem. Taken to extremes this “strap it on the ass end” logic can lead to a motorcycle doing a poor imitation of a wheelbarrow loaded with wet cement. Control all but disappears, wet roads become lethal (OK, more lethal), steering gets twitchy even in the dry because the front wheel is barely skimming the tarmac, and you may be asking for a flat rear tire if you exceed its load rating.
2) Keep the weight low on the chassis. Saddlebags make more sense to the steering geometry of your machine than backrest bags on sissy bars. The bags keep the weight positioned down low, below seat height. This makes for superior stability. Perhaps the next best thing is a tank bag. True, it’s higher up on the machine, but unless you’re carrying bowling balls in the thing, it’s still more stable than the same mass slung on bars… be they handle or sissy. The bonus is, with a tank bag the load is once again contained within the wheelbase. Some larger tank bags have saddlebag attachments for the sides of the tank. This isn’t a bad plan, if you need the extra capacity, and even further lowers your load’s center of gravity.
3) Heed payload warnings on luggage racks and backrests and such. Mentioned before, this bears repeating, because aside from creating instability, some folks do overload a rack, sissy bar, or seat rail, beyond the break strength of the welds or the bolts that attach the thing to your machine. The best way to avoid this and still bring all the necessities along is not to put all your eggs in one basket — or on one luggage rack if you prefer. Take the same amount of stuff you were carrying on the rack and move some of it to saddlebags, tank bags, windshield pouches, back packs, and so on. Don’t use extra storage space as an excuse to bring more stuff. It’s extra, not additional. Use it, if you must, to carry those souvenirs from the trip back home.
4) Pack light. You ride a motorcycle not a RV. Think carefully about just how much you need for your trip. When you get home from a long road trip, pay attention to the things you brought and never used, then leave them at the house next time. If you forget something, you can stop and buy it, borrow it or, well, you can manage without it. If it’s provided at your destination or any stop along the way, omit it. Don’t tote it — especially heavy, bulky stuff.
5) Take the time to adjust the shocks stiffer and run more pressure in your tires, just like the owner’s manual instructs — particularly important if you plan to travel burning up highways, instead of meandering down byways. Heavy loads and high speeds are not a natural mix, no matter what you’ve heard about “road-hugging” weight. The laws of physics say otherwise. The fact is an obscenely obese wobbler will have a terrifying tendency to leave the road well before a lightly loaded, properly suspended one even makes you nervous. Never mind that an overloaded machine lets you know painfully, where every bump in that road is. How uncomfortable do you want to be? Sometimes, less really is more.
6) Small temporary loads can, and likely should, be carried on your person, in a backpack or stuffed in your jacket or fanny pack. Two reasons: namely to get you out of the habit of thinking of your motorcycle as a U-haul, and to give you some sense of empathy with the difference weight and bulk make to things like center of gravity and maneuverability.
Bottom line, a road trip should be an exhilarating, carefree example of the motorcycle experience at its best. Literally, traveling lightly, in all senses of the word. In an ideal world, travel by motorcycle should involve nothing more bulky than a credit card. In this world, there’s more to it than that, in some cases, much more, in still others too much? period. Learning to balance your needs and your luggage means your time on the road will be a better trip. And isn’t that what it’s about?
–by Kip Woodridge
Women Riders Now
ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA VINTAGE 45 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ESSAY CONTEST–Yes, you could win a vintage H-D and be trained in restoration techniques. Just click on the banner. Here’s the latest report as Matt continues to hunt for all the parts.
“I just got these two pics in my email,” said Matt. “The pics are of Rocky Haltar, he will be helping me out with the demos on Wednesday at the Limpnickle Lot in Daytona.
Thanks for all of your help with getting the word out about what I am trying to do.
–Matt Olsen
POST A SHOT OF MY BIKE GODDAMNIT!–My name’s Steve Nobriga. I live in Galt California. Here’s a picture of my Bike. I’m hoping you post it on your site. How cool would that be. Sending all your friends to the the site to see your own bike.
Thanks
–Steve N.
EXTENDED BRAKE ARMS FOR METRIC CRUISERS– Softbrake offers an extensive line of unique bolt on replacement components for Metric Cruiser and HD motorcycles. Developed to enhance both the bikes looks and rider comfort and control, items like these extended brake arms are direct bolt on replacements for Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki cruiser machines. The Softbrake brake arms are approximately 2? longer than stock providing better leverage, comfort and more precise braking.
They utilize the stock rubber, are a direct replacement for stock and come finished in flawless show quality chrome. All Softbrake components are available exclusively from North County Customs.
For complete details call 714-680-0911, email to dkovacs@northcountycustoms or visit them on the Web at www.softbrake.com.
NEW HIGHER HANDLEBAR KIT FOR BUELL 1125CR– Includes all Lines and Cables Required for Installation.
MILWAUKEE (Feb. 29, 2008) ? The new 1125CR Handlebar Kit (P/N N2002.1AT, $215.00) from Buell Accessories makes it easy to replace the original equipment Clubman-style handlebar on the 1125CR model with a higher handlebar that raises the rider to a more upright position on the motorcycle. The kit includes a black anodized handlebar and all cables, brake lines and related hardware required for installation.
For additional information on Buell Accessories, see your local Buell dealer or visit the Buell website at www.buell.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
SEMA OPENS HOT ROD TRADE SHOW SPACE TO MOTORCYCLES, EXPANDED BOOTH SPACE FOR 2009 SEMA SHOW IS NOW AVAILABLE– Demonstrate to the world that your company is OPEN FOR BUSINESS. When times are tough, it is important to be visible to all buyers. The SEMA Show provides the best opportunity of the year for your company to make a statement. Nowhere else does the automotive specialty-equipment world truly come together than at the SEMA Show.
Begin the process of exhibiting at the 2009 SEMA Show today by following this link to access the online Exhibit Space Rental Agreement. The Exhibit Space Rental Agreement has never been easier to complete. Agreements and deposits must be received by May 8, 2009 in order to participate in priority space selection.
Later Space Selection: In order to provide exhibitors with additional time to plan for maximum cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency and ROI, space selection has been moved from early May to mid June.
SEMA Installment Payment Plan Option: Pay only 25% down with the submission of the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement. The final payment will not be due until September.
New ?Powersports & Utility Vehicles? Show Section: Designated for scooters, ATVs, motorcycles, pocket bikes, mini-bikes, golf carts, two and three wheel personal vehicles, accessories and services, the section is sure to attract a whole new world of qualified buyers.
Free Drayage Program Expanded: Entitles free drayage to exhibitors with 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles.
Rock-Bottom, SEMA-Negotiated Hotel Room Rates: Prices start at less than $65 a night.
Your investment not only fuels the best trade event in the industry, but supports a wide range of programs and services year-round that grow your business. We look forward to your participation in the 2009 SEMA Show.
— Gary Vigil
SEMA Trade Shows Director
TWIN POWERTM STARTER MOTORS FROM BIKERS CHOICE– These new starter motors from Twin PowerTM meet or exceed the original manufacturer?s specifications and are 100% O.E.M. interchangeable. These starters are a heavy-duty gear starter giving it more torque. The double sealed bearings and heavy-duty clutch drive make for a longer life for these starters.
These come in a range of sizes?from the 2.0 which fits 89-06 Big Twin Models to the 1.2 starters which fit 81-08 Sportsters. For more information on these starters and others, check out our new and improved website; www.bikerschoice.com or contact your local Biker?s Choice dealer.
Safe Riding!!
–Carmen
NEW SCREAMIN? EAGLE HYDRAULIC CAM CHAIN TENSIONER KIT–Upgrades an Early Twin Cam Engine to the Latest Twin Cam 96 Design.
MILWAUKEE (Feb. 23, 2009) ? Update the cam chain tensioner of an early-model Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine to the latest Twin Cam 96 design with the new Screamin’ Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit (P/N 25284-08, $429.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The kit features a billet cam support plate designed to facilitate the installation of the late-model hydraulic cam chain tensionser to early Twin Cam-equipped models.
These hydraulic cam chain tensioners will significantly outlast the original spring-loaded tensioners, and are an ideal addition to an engine modified for improved performance. In addition, 2002-2006 models feature the late-model, single-row front cam chain and sprockets (1999 – 2001 models use the existing front silent chain).
The kit includes the improved late-model oil pump that increases flow by 8 percent and scavenging by 22 percent to enhance other performance upgrades.
This kit fits 1999-2005 Dyna models, 1999-06 Touring models, and 2000-2006 Softail models. Installation requires separate purchase of Spacer Kit (P/N 25285-08, $17.95).
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
H-D SHOP BARCELONA WINS AT LLUNATICA–The latest round of the Official World Championship Affiliate Program took place at Benicassim in southern Spain on February 5-8. Winner of the Best in Show title was H-D Shop of Barcelona with their stylish bobber “Milagros”.
The margin of victory was incredibly tight, with the winning bike and Nicolas Chauvin’s S&S 50th Anniversary V-Series class winner “Wild Night” only separated by a tie-breaker.The winning competitor gets a contribution towards the expense of competing at the 6th annual World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Sturgis on August 2-5.
The two runners-up win a contribution towards the cost of competing at this year’s European Championship at the Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show, Mainz, Germany, on March 28-29.
Full results:
Best in Show: H-D Shop Barcelona – “Milagros”
Runner-up: Nicolas Chauvin Design – “Wild Night”
2nd Runner-up: Morlako Kustom – “Baby’s Racing”
Modified Harley : Hard Bike – “La Xata”
Metric : Morlako Kustom – “Baby’s Racing”
Freestyle : Bonneville – “Cashmir”
Chopper : Miguel Hernandez – “Big Bear”
Bobber : H-D Shop Barcelona – “Milagros”
Streetfighter: Nacho Fighter – “Killer Fighter”
Homemade : Elias y Evo – “The Shadow Conspiracy”
Best Paint : Marbella Performance – “Fire Born”
ASSOCIACION LLUNATICA
www.llunatica.org
AH, THE CODE OF THE WEST SURFACES IN STRANGE PLACES–A motorcycle patrolman was rushed to the hospital with an inflamed appendix. The doctors operated and advised him that all was well. However, the patrolman kept feeling something pulling at the hairs in his crotch. Worried that it might be a second surgery the doctors hadn’t told him about, he finally got enough energy to pull his hospital gown up enough so he could look at what was making him so uncomfortable.
Taped firmly across his pubic hair were three wide strips of adhesive tape, the kind that doesn’t come off easily. Written in large black letters was thesentence:”Get well soon….from the nurse in the Jeep you pulled over last week.”
–from Michael Boen
BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO / 2-26-09– HeadLed’s Custom Headlights They’re unique, good-lookin’ & economically-priced !
* Rivera Primo’s new aluminum headlights come with a beautiful chrome finish for that show-winning appearance
* They’re bullet-style featuring integral visors & measure 5-3/4″ in diameter
* Each headlight features our exclusive LED turn signal ring which can serve as left & right turn signals or as cruising lights
* All HeadLed’s have a clear tri-bar lens with a 60/55W halogen bulb & are delivered with wiring harness & chromed mounting pedestal
* Currently available in two styles, the “Mighty Magnum” and “Mini-Magnum”
1116-0001 “Mighty Magnum” HeadLed’s? Custom Headlight $ 177.78
1116-0010 “Mini Magnum” HeadLed’s? Custom Headlight $ 177.78
For these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraprimoinc.com
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