Hey,
The first News of the New Year and I’m scrambling. We are about to launch into tech upgrades for Bikernet, the Bikernet Blog and the BikernetMetric Blog. Of course, my e-mail connection with my new web master went to hell and I lost contact for two weeks.
It’s all good, though. We are working on a ’34 VL repair tech. Just what you need. And with the help of S&S, Compu-fire, and Bassani we are jacking up my Son’s 2002 Dyna Glide, from 88 to 97 inches of Orange County terror.
We are about to shoot a bike being dialed in for the Cannonball rally. That’s a pre-1916 Harley. Hang on for that one and I’m working with Matt over at Wheels Through Time on a raffle bike feature. You’ll get to see the ins and outs of their new Knuckle raffle bike.
This weekend or the very first of next week we will launch our 2010 Bonneville plans. This could be a damn exciting year. One thing I can guarantee, there will never be a dull moment on Bikernet this year. Check for the surprise project at the end of the news:
2009 -10 D&D BAGGER PERFORMANCE – MORE POWER, LESS COST–The pros @ D&D Performance Enterprises has developed the hot ticket for 2009 / 2010 Harley-Davidson FLH / FLT Bagger motorcycles – D&D 2 into 1 Boss Fat Cat Exhaust pipes that increase power and torque as well as reducing the bark when cruising. It delivers a solid rumble and let’s you listen to your tunes too!… But wait, we haven’t talked about value…
The system is designed to work with a hi-flow air cleaner from Zipper’s or K&N but doesn’t require a factory EFI download. Our extensive dyno testing determines that the factory settings will accommodate a D&D 2 into 1 Boss Fat Cat Exhaust pipe with performance air filter… giving you the best bang for your buck, the best tone and the best performance in one package.Click here to cruise the D&D site.
EASYRIDERS BIKE SHOW TOUR KICK OFF EVENT IN POMONA, CALIFORNIA– This is it everyone! The yearly custom bike show you have been waiting for at the Pomona Fairgrounds! The Easyriders Bike Show Tour 2010. I will be there taking photos, promoting my photography, and may possibly even get some published in Easyriders itself, as I have a feature story coming out in the next In The Wind Magazine #141 on The Peter Fonda Signing, The Flat Track Races at Pomona Fairgrounds and the Love Ride Day as it happened even though it was cancelled this year.
For those who knew me from years back, I used to frequently get articles and many photos published in Easyriders Magazine and their affiliates In The Wind Magazine, Biker Magazine and V-Twin Magazine.
Log on to Easyriders.com to subcribe to any of those and all their other magazines Tattoo, Flash, Tattoo Savage, Amusin Cruisin’, Rebel Rodz and all their others. You can also subscribe to these at the show! This is a two day event January 9th and 10th!
This will be the last big event before the Laughlin River Run, and it’s right in our own back yard! Also if you wish to display your own custom motorcycle there at the show contact (800)962-9857. There is limited free space to park your bike!
So see you at the show! Stop me for a picture or two. I will be at the Danny Martinez Paint booth and walking around visiting.
Have a safe and prosperous New Year of 2010!!
–Pete Alva
Director-Fourdot Films
(310) 921-8116
Independent Media Photographer
Pete Alva Photography
petealvaphotography.com
BANDIT’S CANTINA REVIEW– I was reading Bikernet this morning and in the Cantina news I noticed there was an article about Billy Lane. The article talked about how he was helping out in prison working in motor pool, etc. That’s cool. I hope you can continue to bring us progress reports.
On a side note your site is looking great and always kicks ass as usual, so keep up the excellent work, but try to keep up on the Cantina Soap stories. Its been a while since I’ ve read a new episode. Other than that, you out do yourself week to week and your site keeps my attention, (which isn?t easy to do.)
–Casey Orum
p.s I purchased a day roll from you this past summer and I love it, I ll be ordering a bed roll in the spring.
I just launched chapter 56 of the Soaps, and it’s hot, if I don’t say so myself. Another chapter is due out in the next couple of weeks.–Bandit
MYRTLE BEACH HELMET BATTLE REACHES THE SUPREME COURT– The SC Supreme Court will hear the case 10:30 AM February 3, 2010.http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/calendar/dspSupEvents.cfm?Day=2010-02-03
–from Rogue
BIKERNET INSURANCE FOR RIDERS AND VENDORS–“You Don’t Have To Be An Industry Giant To Attend The V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati – But You Do Have To Have Event Exhibitors General Liability Insurance.”San Diego, CA (January 3, 2009) – V-Twin dealers and exhibitors are getting ready for the 10th Annual V-Twin Expo by EasyRiders to be held on February 6 – 8, 2010 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Protect your company’s event liability exposure by securing a Commercial General Liability Policy from the Bikernet Insurance Center. It?s Easy. It?s Convenient. It?s also, the best dang premium deal in the country.
Insuring a motorcycle industry event has never been easier. Two options to get your coverage fast:
1. Jump on the 2010 V-Twin Expo Group Exhibitors Policy.This General Liability Policy was created by our Insurance Pros for your convenience and in recognition of the bone-dry economy. You can apply for instant event coveragequotations by simply sending us an email for the Group Exhibitors Policy link. You fill out and submit a quick form online and in most cases, you’ll get an instant quote.Like the quote? (hint: around $65 for $1,000,000 event liability limit). Then, if ready to bind coverage, pay up with your credit card and voila, your proof of coverage is ready in minutes and youhead out to the show with total peace of mind.
Send your email to bikernet@totaleventinsurance.com and we’ll jump to serve ya.
2. Secure Your Very Own Exhibitors Policy (Not Part of the Group Policy)Just as easy but you’ll pay around $100 for a $1,000,000 Event Liability Policy. Go to our branded broker portal at www.bikernet.com/insurance. Click on #1. Event Liability Insurance and completethe quick application. Pay up and proof of insurance is yours.
Note: Please make sure you include the following “Additional Insureds” in your policy. The lawyers insist on it.
1. 2010 V-Twin Expo by EasyRiders, Cincinnati, OH
2. Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
3. Trade Show Management: Reaction Management Inc., Corcoran, MN
4. Paisano Publications, LLC , Victoria, MN
Contact us at ClientService@Bikernet-Insurance.com if you have any questions. Enjoy the show.
KEEP WARM WITH HOT LEATHERS–Manchester, CT- Hot Leathers, The Leader in Motorcycle Apparel, is keeping you warm this winter with our embroidered knit hats. Don’t freeze your ears off while riding or even outside working on your bike. Hot Leathers has tons of designs to choose from for men and women. At only $9.95, looking great while staying warm has never been more affordable.
Hot Leathers also carries a wide array of fleece earbands, plain or embroidered, for only $7.95 each! Leather earbands with fleece lining start at just $9.95! Hot Leathers has you covered when the temperature drops with full or half face masks, neck warmers, dickies and more! Check out our cold weather accessories and don’t sacrifice riding on two wheels just because the mercury dips.
NEW JERSEY MOTORCYCLISTS WON A HUGE VICTORY DECEMBER 3!–A great big THANK YOU to everyone who answered ABATE’s “Call to Action”!!
Six members of ABATE of the Garden State attended the Senate Transportation Committee meeting on December 3 which was to vote on Senate Bill S3062 and its companion Bill A3292. The purpose of this Bill was to enact several new motorcycle safety provisions. ABATE supported most of those provisions but was absolutely against the proposal in the Bill to eliminate the current system of motorcycle inspections. That provision was bad for the motorcyclists of NJ for several important reasons.
When the Bill was called by the Transportation Committee Chairman, Senator Sacco announced that the provision to eliminate motorcycle safety inspections had been withdrawn from the Bill. So even though four of us were prepared to testify, it was not necessary. It was ALL due to the huge response to our Call to Action, and the hundreds upon hundreds of emails you sent and phone calls you made to the Senators? offices.
Senator Van Drew was given an opportunity to speak and he thanked the Chairman for amending that provision out of the Bill. He then turned and spoke to the audience, but was looking at the section where the ABATE members were seated and he spoke directly to us. He said, “You folks did a great job!” and congratulated us. He said, “A lot of people heard from you from all across the State, from North to South to Central and it really made an impact.” Senator Van Drew went on to say, “Removing that provision was the right thing to do.” He was looking at us, but he was really speaking to all motorcyclists. Senator Sacco also thanked us for coming and said, “Thank you for all your emails,” and then chuckled.
The elimination of the motorcycle safety inspections would have had several negative consequences. The majority of riders in NJ are responsible enough to self-inspect their own motorcycles and ensure that they are safe for the road. But we all know that there is a certain percentage who will not, or cannot, or just don’t care. There will be unsafe and uninspected motorcycles on NJ roadways that can contribute to a higher accident rate. And, we know what that will do to our insurance rates!
Eliminating motorcycle inspections is also extremely bad for hundreds of small business in the State, specifically motorcycle dealerships and independent shops, which rely heavily upon the revenue stream they derive from performing motorcycle inspections.
But, perhaps the most troubling aspect of the elimination of motorcycle safety inspections is not what was in this Bill; it is what WAS NOT in the Bill. This piece of legislation would only have eliminated the inspections. It DID NOT say what would take their place. It has been learned that the MVC would have put into place a system of random roadside motorcycle-only safety checkpoints. At first the MVC assured ABATE that ONLY trained MVC personnel would be conducting the actual inspections, with NJ State Police making and enforcing the stops. But, it has recently come to ABATE?s attention that the NJ State Police have been sending officers to be trained on how to conduct the actual inspections! One can only guess how long it would have been be before County and Municipal Police Departments would also start requesting this training. Couldn?t you just imagine seeing these checkpoints being set up near all the major bike runs and at the shore during summer months? Anywhere large numbers of motorcycles congregate, you could count on these checkpoints being there, too!
Without a sticker to prove that a motorcycle had already been inspected, a rider could have theoretically gotten stopped once a week, or even more, to be inspected. This provision was just a way to increase the number of tickets written, and again, bring in more money to State, County and Municipal coffers.
Anyway, it sure feels great to finally win something big like this for the motorcyclists of New Jersey. My sincere thanks to those of you who sent emails and made phone calls. We could not have done it without you!
Our thanks are also extended to the members of the Transportation Committee, Senators Nicholas Sacco, Fred Madden, Andrew Ciesla, Sean Kean and Jeff Van Drew, for listening to their constituents.
When the motorcyclists of New Jersey speak with a unified voice, the Legislature hears it!! The system worked this time, but that is how government should work ALL the time!
If you?re a New Jersey motorcyclist or own a motorcycle-related business in New Jersey, and you?d like to get involved in the fight for our rights, please contact me at: legislativedirector@gardenstateabate.org.
— Jim Parker
Legislative Director
ABATE of the Garden State
Hotel Search Engine Names Top Ten U.S. Places To Pursue Hobbies–In recognition of January as National Hobby Month, HotelsCombined.com names the Top 10 Places in the United States to Pursue Hobbies, including suggested hotels in those destinations. Whether spending the day golfing at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, skiing at Amangani Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or collecting shark’s teeth off the coast of the Inn at the Beach Resort in Venice, Florida, there is something to be found on this hotel search engine and price comparison site.
For Motorcycle Riding, Las Cruces in New Mexico makes the list, with the Hotel Encanto receiving a mention. HotelsCombined.com suggests to tour Southern New Mexico on the back of a Harley and take in six different climate zones in less than an hour. After a long day of exploring New Mexico’s snowy mountains and white sand dunes, riders unwind at, among many other fine places in the region, the Hotel Encanto.
If you want to learn more about the area, a good starting point is the website of the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.lascrucescvb.org.
– – C.S. Berg
MATT WALKSLER BUILDING FOR THE CANNONBALL– Happy New Year! Hope yours is off to a great start. I’ve been in the shop working hard on the 1916 HD J-Model cutdown I started a few months ago. Lots of framework on this one. Cut 2 inches out of the seat-post. Relocated the bends on the backbone tubes. Cut 1.5 inch off the bottom of the neck, and moved it to the top, then cut a bit out of the rear and jacked up the axle plates. All in all, it sits a heck of a lot lower….about 3 inches of ground clearance instead of a J-models 6-inch clearance. Lots of fun.
Thanks for posting the story in your Sunday news, and thank you for offering to do a feature on this years raffle bike. This year’s ’47 is a nice one, with lots of great accessories to boot. Please let me know what you need for the feature (pictures, spec sheet, etc). I’ll be glad to get them all to you whenever you need them.
–Matt
Wheels Through Time Museum
P.O. 790 / 62 Vintage Lane
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
(828) 926-6266
mattw@wheelsthroughtime.com
FIRST CHANCE HOGAN BOOK OFF TO THE PRINTERS–I’d do away with the screaming yellow broad (or change the color, make her smaller, and put her in the background), and 86 the teaser text in the upper right-hand corner – or at least make it smaller. My opinion, of course.
–Bruce
Official Bikernet Copy Editor
Motorcycle Supershow To Honor Toronto Custom Builder Kenny Kerr–Kenny Kerr discovered his love of motorcycles and keen eye for creating master pieces early in life. Growing up in Scarborough Ontario in the early ’60s, his love of bikes drew him to become a member of the infamous bike club the ?Canadian Lancers?. Over the next 40 years Kenny Kerr became a legendary custom bike builder in the motorcycle world.
His early nickname of ?The Eater? later changed to ?Magic?. Kenny operated bike shops in Scarborough, Orillia and three in Newmarket Ontario.
In the early 1960s Kenny Kerr and his friend Ian Stewart were building custom choppers in Scarborough Ontario. One of the most infamous choppers that Kenny Kerr built was ?The Eater?, affectionately named after him. During the late 1960?s and early 1970?s, ?The Eater? toured the United States with celebrated bike builders Ness and Finch.
Upon returning to Canada, the chopper was stored in Kenny?s heated garage for over 30 years. In 2005, it was disassembled, and cleaned. It was sent to Kenny?s old friend and fellow bike builder Ron Finch who repainted it in its original design. In 2007, it was entered in Speedorama and won Best Chopper, and in 2009 it won Best Old School Chopper at the International Motorcycle Supershow.
Amazingly, ?The Eater? has survived over 45 years. In the 60?s and 70?s, choppers were built, shown and dismantled by builders so that they could use parts to build new creations. Kenny Kerr?s ?The Eater? is the only known surviving original 1960?s chopper from that era which he left to his friend Ian Stewart.
This past summer Kenny Kerr passed away leaving an immeasurable void in the Motorcycle community. He will always be remembered for his vision and dedication to bike building. As a tribute to his passion and love of bikes, Ian Stewart will be showcasing ?The Eater? in Hall 5 at the International Centre during Supershow 2010.
The North American International Motorcycle Supershow takes place January 15 to17, at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Canada. Parking is free. For show times and information scoot over to www.supershowevents.com or call (905) 655-5403.
– – C.S. Berg
Official Bikernet Desert Correspondent
Rock artist Jasmine Cain to appear for booth signing at EMG representing the Women of Rock!–Anaheim, CA?January 3, 2010: Jasmine Cain will be signing autographs for EMG Pickups on Thursday, January 14th from 2:30pm ? 3:30pm.
Jasmine Cain?s new album release Locks & Keys is riding the high waves after winning a record-breaking 6 awards from JPF including Song of the Year ?Give me Love? out of 560,000 song submissions from all unsigned artists worldwide as well as being crowned JPF Female Artist of the Year!!
Jasmine Cain has built her career mostly alone without a manager, agent, record label…just through her sheer passion for music and love for her audience, and the help of loving friends. NAMM proved to be just the warm embrace she needed because stellar manufacturers stepped out to recognize this hard working artist even without an entourage of representatives. They just saw the raw proof in her talent punch as bass player, lead singer and dynamic entertainer.
This is what Nashville’s number one rock station had to say: “Jasmine Cain is THE REAL DEAL. Few new artists come to mind who encompass the essence of rock n roll. Jasmine’s songs are filled with emotion as well as detail -putting you in the driver’s seat as she takes you on a musical ride of imagery and diversity. With a kick ass band who knows how to lay down a groove (including Jasmine on bass), Jasmine Cain’s new album Locks and Keys gives hope to the future of rock n roll. With an unrepentant spirit, Jasmine Cain Band is ready for lift-off. Lucky for us, the lift-off is NOW.” – Mac, 97.1 RQQ – Nashville’s Rock Station, Music Director/Afternoon Radio Personality (11/08)
?I went to NAMM just looking to meet folks and let them know who I am. They took one look at my media book, heard my music, read the reviews, and immediately took me in as one of their artists. I?m so incredibly honored for their recognition of my artistry,? tells Cain. Jasmine?s music is powerful, alluring and diverse. Her bass and vocal chops evolved over the years playing bluegrass, country, rock, and power pop ballads, ever since she was eight years old.
Jasmine Cain?s shows are stadium quality performances, high energy, and wildly entertaining. The entire band is a cast of musical characters offering a tightly unique performance. ?In the twenty years that I have been promoting events the longest lines I have ever seen at a band?s merch area is at Jasmine Cain?s booth. The Jasmine Cain Band leaves the audience wanting more,? says John Green, Promoter for Easyrider Events, the world famous Broken Spoke Saloon, and the Lone Star Rally.
Jasmine Cain?s new album release is Locks and Keys, which follows her incredible self-released debut, The Inside, a collection of music that received an online award for best indie release and best rock single for ?Help Me.? She is currently booking spring/summer tour dates.
This once striving, super talented Cinderella of the music business is now the belle of rock balls to the wall.
For more information:www.myspace.com/jasminecain – www.jasminecain.com
BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS REVIEW– Thursday post was great! I get more info from reading the posts than any other source. Looking forward to the changes to Bikernet, but it will be hard to make it better. “More exposure to gain more readers to give the sport more of a voice to try and hold the bastards, who want to take our fun away, at bay.” That’s all good.
The blog is good but I prefer the posts with more content. What about adding another post between Sun and Thurs? I know you’re overworked, goddamnit!! But who better to keep leading us through the fog?
The pics on Sun from the ‘glory’ days were great. Thought they would never end…
Ride hard!!
–Mike
SUCKER PUNCH RAFFLE BIKE–For those who don’t know you can win a Sucker Punch Sally’s motorcycle that we did in conjunction with CAO Cigars, it is called Lady Liberty and is as fine a custom motorcycle as you will find. You can go to www.caosuckerpunch.com or see the bike in person at these locations this weekValrico FL, Cigar Attic January 7th 4-8 p.m.Del Ray Beach FL, Cigar Connoisseur January 9th 1-6 p.m.
–Ken
SEMA TRAINING SEMINARS TO KEEP BUSINESS STRONG–Training is critical, especially during today?s challenging economy. Everyone needs to do more with less in these tough times. To address these needs, the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) has enhanced its professional online training courses through a new agreement with Harvard Business Publishing*. The agreement provides SEMA members access to world-class business management training through the Harvard ManageMentor 10 program.
The Harvard program offers the most practical and engaging online resources available today for fostering management skills. The series addresses the full spectrum of issues faced by new and experienced managers alike. Harvard has collaborated with recognized business leaders, practitioners and experts to develop this exclusive program for SEMA members with the same practical step-by-step tools used by many Fortune 500 companies.
The ManageMentor 10 program offers 42 hour-long modules covering a variety of topics including: business-plan development, crisis management, finance essentials, hiring, marketing essentials, strategic planning, performance measurement and many more. Each learning module contains tips, tools, downloadable forms and worksheets for continuous use and flexible application. The modules are structured to guide the learner through the key ideas and concepts using real-world scenarios presented in an interactive audio and video format that provides instant feedback in a safe environment.
Typically, this curriculum is only offered to large companies that invest tens of thousands of dollars to provide training for their managers. SEMA has negotiated an agreement with Harvard to offer even its smallest member companies the opportunity to receive the same access to all 42 modules for the single, limited-time low price of only $199. For more information, and to get started, visit www.sema.org/harvard.
–Bob Price
SEI Executive Director
*Harvard Business School Publishing is the leading resource for management practices, programs and content and is a wholly-owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Harvard University
UNCLE MONKEY TABLOIDS DISCOVERED FOR 2010–The thunder of the engine, the thump of the highway strips, the roar of the wind in our ears. They capture us, they envelope us, they hypnotise us. Mile after mile, road after road, a primordial heartbeat pumping to the rhythm of a great land. Even when we stop to fill up on gas and food it is still there, pumping, roaring, coursing through our veins. We talk about our bikes and what we want to do, where we want to go, but as soon as the words stop our souls are carried back to the road. Back to the warm sun on our skins, the wind in our hair, back to a mule deer feeding in a field, a bird bobbing on a swaying thicket, a gopher saluting us on the side of the road as we thundered by.
We don?t like to talk about it much less to try and explain it to someone who hasn?t ridden. But we all know it. We all feel it. It brings us together, makes us all part of a family, and makes us all one. Wherever you are reading this you know what I am talking about it. It is the road that brings us together. It’s what makes us different from everyone else. It’s what makes us the way we are.
The road conditions us to sense and feel the minute changes that are in this world. We feel the shift in temperature when a dark cloud passes in front of the sun. We feel the sting of mosquitoes and flies from a slough that most never realised was there. We smell the fields of corn and detect the rain in the air. We feel the temperature drop as we climb through a pass, note it warming as we make our way back down. We feel the wind rolling off of a minivan, the push of a semi going by. We know when the pavement is hard, when it is soft, when it is time to head home, when it is time to ride out again.
We become one with the road, with this world and all that is around us. We see the insignificance of ourselves and the importance of our actions. Because of this we feel when someone is down. We sense when someone needs our help or when they need us to leave them alone. We know when someone has had a good day, when they want to share what’s in their hearts. Not by their words, not by their actions, but by a sense that can?t be described, we notice. It is this bond, this spirit that brings us together until we are all brothers and sisters of a common mother – the road.
– bad Uncle Monkey
SLICK BAGGER INNER SHIFT LINKAGE ARMS– These trim and sleek inner shift arms from Softbrake are direct replacements for OEM inner arms found on 1982 to present FLH touring models. Shown here with optional spring loaded anti rattle spacers, shift rod spacer and shift rod cap, the arms are precision machined from 6061 billet aluminum.
Each arm is designed with a splined, Allen bolt clamp for a secure fit, light weight and a super sanitary high tech look. Available in show chrome or black powder coat, the BAGGER INNER LINKAGE ARMS can be ordered in slotted, grooved or with holes and retail for just $75.00. While you?re at it these cool arms are a perfect compliment for Softbrake billet shifters and shifter to transmission linkage components.
Call direct to 714-680-0911 or head over to www.softbrake.com
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