Hey,
This news may kick my ass. I just rolled onto the coast from Arizona where I rode Saxon Bikes with my son Frank, the mad weightlifter, tattoo artist. We’re working up a couple of features for Bikernet on how Saxon builds bikes and a road test on their Warlord. I picked the Warlord, ’cause it’s stretched and cool and the staff member who rides and tests every Saxon the build said it was his favorite. Perfect.
Frank, the son of Bandit, helped me with a road test of the Scepter Hot Rod, highbar Saxon for the HORSE. Watch for it. So I just rolled in, washed my face and downloaded 150 e-mails. Let’s hit the news. It’s cold in the shop. Hell it was even brisk in the Arizona desert near the Mexican boarder flying along the sand, passed Soyonora Cactus at 90 mph. I’ll fill you in on new Bikernet features at the end of the news:
BIKERNET SPONSORS WOODSTOCK EXTREME SAND DRAGS AND MOTO EXPO IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA–The event is named the Woodstock Extreme Sand Drags and moto expoVenue Millicent Showgrounds South AustraliaDate 24th of March 2007Ticket Price $46 a adult $65 a Family 2 adults and 2 Kids
The event will host Sand Drags, Australia?s best Freestyle riders, Custom Built Chopper show n shine and music festival
This is the first year we are hosting it so it is being kept to one dayFor the Sand drags we hope to get at least 50 entriesChopper show 30 bikes would be niceThe Freestyle riders will be Blake’ Bilko’ Williams and Cam’ Sincs ‘ Sinclair and Wayne ZilmeTrench Cutter Racing will be sending a photo through of a sand bike so keep an eye out for it
–Cheers Dale
dni10806@bigpond.net.au
Bikernet will be there. I’ll judge the bikes, maybe. I’ll sign books, hand out Bikernet stickers and check out the girls.–Bandit
NEW VICTORY VISION TOURING MODEL ON BIKERNET–A report will be on the home page and in our new model, road test department in the next hour and it’s 1:00 Friday.
FASTENER TOPIC OF THE WEEK– I’m working on some info for your readers on different topics of fasteners. It’s been crazy around here, just got back from SEMA, and now heading back to Vegas for a fastener show. I’m in the process of finding socket head drilled bolts and also titanium bolts. Our address is 9510 owensmouth ave #2 Chatsworth , ca 91311.
Happy New Year to all at Biker net and fellow readers. Our last article dealt with bolt tensile strength and I thought we should follow that up with plating fasteners.
We all have seen chrome bolts or grade 8 yellow finish bolts or maybe a bluish silver bolts? What do the colors mean? Generally speaking the different colors or finish have nothing to do with the grade, they are merely for corrosion protection or cosmetic appearance.
When you typically purchase fasteners such as bolts, nuts and washers the grade of the bolt generally has certain plating applied to them. Example when you buy a grade 8 bolt for suspension parts it is usually a yellow or gold finish called yellow zinc or yellow chromate. These two plating are similar but slightly different in appearance. Now don’t be fooled that all grade 8 fasteners are these two colors only. Some grade 8 comes with what we call a black oil finish not to be confused with black zinc or oxide. A black oil finish is the process a fastener goes threw during manufacturing of heat treatment. Also some grade 8 comes in a clear zinc or blue zinc finish. So the wise thing to do is always look at the makings on the head to be sure what grade you’re using.
Some of you might be using or perhaps seen SOCKETHEAD Allens with a black finish, these fasteners are grade 8 and are generally plated in black oxide or zinc. The black oxide is often a dullish finish as the black zinc has a higher gloss to it. Black oxide and zinc both have great corrosion properties but will rust. Some of us like the look of black fasteners but don’t want the rusty bolt that will come with that finish after a few months in the weather.
Is there a black bolt that has a better corrosion finish? Yes, depending on the strength you require, you can use stainless steel fasteners and plate them black zinc. We offer this to our customers who don’t want chrome or raw stainless and prefer the look of a shiny black bolt.
Chrome bolts often have the markings taken off during polishing and plating process, this can be a problem if you don’t know who you are buying from. It is always best to use a reputable source for your chrome needs. Chrome can come in two grades 5 & 8 and some times F911. At DMP Enterprises we only sell grade 8 chrome but offer grade 5 if that is what the OEM part requires.
Can someone take their own bolts and have those chromed, gold or black finished? Yes, but there are a few things to look out for, one being if you are plating a fastener that is grade 8 or stronger it needs to be backed in an oven after plating. You are probably wondering “WHAT”. It’s very simple a term called “hydrogen imbrittlement” can occur in the fastener during plating. Hydrogen imbrittlement are gases trapped in the fastener, which if not taken care of can cause failure in the bolt. Most plating shops are aware of this process of baking but will not do it unless you ask them to. At DMP we have all grade 8 bolts baked for 6-8 hours and grade above that between 9-10 hours. This is still not a fool proof way of getting rid of hydrogen imbrittlement but it seems to generally work and has been the process for many years in the plating business.
As always we welcome feedback and questions to wegotum@sbcglobal.net.
DAVE ZIEN BANQUET THIS WEEKEND–We have a full house, sold out affair for the Dave Zien Banquet on January 20,2007. Thanks for your assistance in getting the word out to the motorcycle community. Even if people could not attend, it was important that they know who Dave is, what he’s done and that people are coming together to honor him. Some who could not attend have sent in donations, including ABATE of Michigan. There will be representatives from AMA, MRF, ABATE, NCOM, National Motorists Association, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, National Parks Service, NRA, Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement and several state legislators from Wisconsin and South Dakota.
Former Governor, Tommy G. Thompson will attend and join the 18 registered speakers for this event. Thanks to all those who have registered and have sent in donations. Dave Zien will be thrilled to see you and personally thank you for your generosity.
–Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Event Coordinator
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR THE VANCOUVER MOTORCYCLE SHOW–We still need some help staffing our booth at the Vancouver Motorcycle Showon January 25-28, 2007 at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford. Volunteers willreceive free admission to the show. If you’re able to help out please letus know. Here are the shifts we still need to cover:
Thursday, Jan. 25th
2:30-5:30pm
5:00-9:00pm
Friday, Jan. 26th
10:00-1:00pm
12:30-3:30pm
3:00-6:00pm
5:30-9:00pm
Saturday, Jan. 27th
3:00-6:00pm
5:30-9:00pm
Sunday, Jan. 28th
3:00-6:00pm
Please let us know if you’re able to help. 1-877-580-0111, (604) 580-0111or office@bccom-bc.com. Thank you for your support!
GET YOUR VANCOUVER BIKE SHOW TICKETS EARLY AT DEELEY’S AND SUPPORT BCCOM–Advance tickets for the Vancouver Motorcycle Show are on sale at the BRANDNEW location of Trev Deeley Motorcycles at 1875 Boundary Road in Vancouver.
You will get a special deal if you purchase advance tickets from Deeley’s:Adult tickets $10Junior/Youth (7-15) tickets $5
Trev Deeley Motorcycles will be donating $1 for every adult bike show ticketsold to BCCOM (British Columbia Coalition for Motorcyclists).Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Trev Deeley Motorcycles
www.trevdeeley.com
(604) 291-2453
BIKERNET HALL OF SHAME LIST–Bandit, saw your line in the Sunday Post about your advertisers that haven’t paid up. They are thieves, plain and simple, and should be treated as such. It’s great to work with someone but it takes two. If they don’t want to cooperate then boil them in oil.
–Pete (from Florida)
PS got a kick out of last years Salt Shaker saga,,good luck with the Assalt Weapan……..hey, I could help you out w/ Valerie’s measurements….heh, heh, heh
Thanks brother. It’s tough when a big company like Von Dutch doesn’t pay a little company like Bikernet. How can I pay writers and photographers, if they don’t pay? It effects Bikernet content and that pisses me off. There?s just a couple of companies that don’t honor their words, and believe me, I give them every opportunity.
–Bandit
DAN GURNEY’s 40th ANNIVERSARY YEAR–
2007 marks the anniversary year of Dan Gurney’s historic F 1 victory withthe All American Racers Eagle in the Grand Prix of Belgium atSpa-Francorchamps on June 18, 1967. In the 100 year history of Grand PrixRacing he remains the only American who managed to put an American Formula 1car of his own construction in the winner’s circle of a World ChampionshipGrand Prix. It is also the 40th anniversary of Ford’s all-American win atthe 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Dan co-drive the winning car with AJ Foyt.
While these two outstanding victories remain the highlights of Gurney’s 1967racing season, his whole year was one for the record books and quite typicalof his schedule during the preceding 8 years.
In 1967 he crossed the Atlantic several times starting the season at the F 1Grand Prix of South Africa in Kyalami on New Years Day and ending it at theRex Mays 300 for Indy cars in Riverside, California in November. When allwas said and done he had participated in 27 major events driving Stock cars,Sports cars, Indy cars, Formula 1 cars, Cam Am and TransAm machines. He hadput his car among the first three on the grid no less than 18 times, leadingmany races but suffering a multitude of mechanical breakdowns.
In February he set the fastest qualifying time for the 24 Hours of Daytonain a Ford MK II.
In March he won the pole and all three heats of the Formula 1 Race ofChampions at Brands Hatch, England, giving his Eagle and the new purposebuilt Gurney-Weslake V 12 engine its first victory.
In April he won by inches (over Parnelli Jones) the 4.5-Hour TransAm 113?(in the shade) heat marathon at Green Valley, Texas in a Ford MercuryCougar.
In May he put his new Indy Eagle – Ford on the front row of the Indy 500,between Mario Andretti and Gordon Johncock. A week later he debuted hisbrand-new Titanium F 1 Eagle at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort putting iton the front row between Graham Hill and Jack Brabham,
In June he won the 24-Hours of Le Mans (with A.J.Foyt) driving a Ford GT 40Mark IV, establishing a new race record and starting the champagne sprayingtradition in the winner’s circle. One week later he scored his historicvictory at the Grand Prix of Belgium at Spa with the fastest race speed everrecorded for a Grand Prix at that time,
In August he was leading the Grand Prix of Germany at the Nuerburgring by42 seconds when a broken U-joint took him and the Eagle out of the race twolaps before the finish.
In September he got a podium at the F 1 Grand Prix of Canada at Mosport.
In October he put his Lola Cam Am machine on the pole at the Cam Am Race atRiverside leading this race until mechanical trouble took him out.
In November he won the Rex Mays 300 for Indy cars at Riverside in alegendary come-from-behind battle considered by many “Dan Gurney’s finestDrive.”Not resting on his laurels for long: In January, driving a Wood BrothersFord stock car, he won the NASCAR Motor Trend 500 at Riverside for the fifthtime!
To celebrate this 40th anniversary year ArteHouse of Santa Barbara isissuing a Series of fine Prints, Posters/Photographs featuringthis spectacular driver in a variety of spectacular racing cars. They arenot only a documentary of Gurney’s versatility behind the wheel over morethan a decade, but try to evoke the mood of a by-gone era.
While the artwork will showcase Dan Gurney’s Driving Career, a book byMotorsports Journalist and Former RACER magazine editor-in-chief JohnZimmermann will focus on Dan’s second career as a race car constructor andteam owner. “DAN GURNEY’S EAGLES; the official technical history of themachines AAR built between 1965 – 2000” will be published by DAVID BULLPUBLISHING with a release date in early summer. The book was done with thefull cooperation of Dan Gurney, AAR designers, engineers, draftsmen, crewchiefs and team members.
Dan Gurney’s 1967 racing season is a year worthy of celebration, especiallynow, after 4 decades these accomplishments are cast in a truly monumentallight.
Artwork will be available after February 15th. To order, contact:
–ArteHouse
1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez
Suite 110
Santa Barbara, Ca, 93103
1-866-965-1767 ex 101 (toll free)To order the book:
www.bullpublishing.com
David Bull Publishing
4250 E. Camelback Road
Suite K.150
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-852-9500
1-800-831-1758 (toll free)
ENTER D&D – BIKERNET’S SHARPEST SOFTAIL CONTEST–
WIN a new set of high-performance Fat Cat or Boarzilla performance exhaust pipes for your Harley-Davidson Softail. It’s easy, send us a picture of your Softail with:
Name
Email
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Details on your bike
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Send entries to
To see how your bike will look and perform log on to the D&D Web site.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS REVENUE AND EARNINGS GROWTH FOR 2006–Milwaukee, Wis., January 18, 2007 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $1.50 billion compared to $1.34 billion in the year-ago quarter, an 11.9 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $252.4 million compared to $230.0 million, an increase of 9.7 percent over the fourth quarter of 2005. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.97, a 15.5 percent increase compared to last year’s $0.84.
Revenue for the full year was $5.80 billion, compared with $5.34 billion in 2005, an 8.6 percent increase. Wholesale shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 349,196 units for the year, a 6.1 percent increase compared to 2005. Net income for the year was $1.04 billion, an 8.7 percent increase versus last year’s $959.6 million. Diluted EPS for the full year were $3.93, a 15.2 percent increase compared with $3.41 in 2005.
“After more than two decades of uninterrupted growth at Harley-Davidson, our dedicated employees and passionate dealers have once again delivered excellent results,” said Jim Ziemer, Chief Executive Officer. “I couldn’t ask for a more committed workforce and dealer network.”
“In 2006, the Company’s revenue and earnings surpassed 2005 results demonstrating continued growth. At the same time, our dealers achieved impressive Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales volumes. The enthusiastic worldwide response to the changes in our 2007 models contributed to an 8.5 percent increase in retail sales during the year,” said Ziemer.
“Furthermore, the Company continued to return significant value to shareholders in 2006. We increased dividend payments by 22.5 percent over the prior year and repurchased 19.3 million shares of our common stock during 2006 at a cost of $1.06 billion.”
“As we look to the future, we believe Harley-Davidson will deliver EPS growth in the range of 11 – 17 percent each year through 2009. On an annual basis we expect solid revenue growth, margin improvement, and the benefits of strong free cash flow to drive this earnings growth,” said Ziemer.
The Company also expects to ship between 82,000 and 84,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the first quarter of 2007.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Fourth Quarter Results
Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.22 billion, an increase of $135.6 million or 12.5 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 92,848 units, an increase of 5,260 units or 6.0 percent over last year’s fourth quarter.
Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $179.2 million, an increase of $9.3 million or 5.5 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes apparel and collectibles, totaled $70.6 million, an increase of $10.1 million or 16.7 percent over the year-ago quarter.
Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 38.0 percent of revenue compared to 38.3 percent for the fourth quarter last year. Fourth quarter operating margin decreased to 22.8 percent from 23.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Motorcycle Retail Sales Data
During the fourth quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 6.4 percent over the prior year quarter. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 0.3 percent for the quarter while the heavyweight motorcycle industry in the U.S. decreased 1.7 percent. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 29.4 percent in international markets during the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. Fourth quarter retail sales increased 31.2 percent in Europe; Japan was up 19.6 percent; Canada was up 37.4 percent and all other international markets combined were up 34.0 percent.
Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 8.5 percent in 2006 compared to 2005. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 5.9 percent while the U.S. heavyweight motorcycle market was up 4.9 percent for the same period. In our international markets, Harley-Davidson retail sales for the full year grew 18.6 percent. Retail sales in Europe increased 14.6 percent; Japan was up 16.3 percent; Canada was up 15.9 percent and all other international markets combined were up 34.3 percent.
Financial Services Segment
Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported fourth quarter operating income of $47.6 million, an increase of $8.1 million or 20.7 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase is primarily due to higher wholesale and retail net interest income.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Twelve Month Results
For the fiscal year ended 2006, revenue totaled $5.80 billion, an 8.6 percent increase over 2005. EPS were $3.93, an increase of 15.2 percent compared to 2005.
Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 349,196 units in 2006, a 6.1 percent increase compared to last year’s 329,017 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $4.55 billion, up 8.8 percent compared to last year’s $4.18 billion. P&A revenue totaled $862.3 million, a 5.7 percent increase over last year’s $815.7 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $277.5 million, a 12.0 percent increase compared to $247.9 million during 2005.
Motorcycle segment gross margin for the full year was 38.5 percent of revenue compared to 38.2 percent for 2005. Full year 2006 operating margin increased to 24.4 percent from 24.3 percent compared to the prior year.
HDFS operating income was $210.7 million, a 10.0 percent increase over last year’s $191.6 million.
Cash Flow
Cash and marketable securities totaled $896.5 million as of December 31, 2006. Cash flow from operations was $761.8 million and capital expenditures were $219.6 million during 2006. In 2007, capital expenditures are expected to be between $300 million and $325 million.
BIKERNET RADIO INTERVIEWS ST. FRANCIS HIGH – DUALING HIGH SCHOOL BUILD-OFF COMPETITORS FOR DONNIE SMITH SHOW–Brent Stavig, Metal Instructor of St. Francis High School, St. Francis, MN, heads up Chopper High where his students at are building a Chopper of their own design. They are competing in the 2007 Donnie Smith Chopper Class Challenge against Kevin Baas and Kennedy High School at the 2007 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show on March 25 and 26th in the Saint Paul’s RiverCentre.
This is the second year for the students to build a bike. Last year’s Chopper was called the Iron Saint, which won the People’s Choice award at the 2006 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show.Before a wrench was turned or a bolt tightened on the competition motorcycle, the 30 students at Chopper High worked on a 50cc mini chopper. They took a trimester practicing different techniques and making the parts for the bike like the a gas tank, handle bars and seat pan.
The program has become a biker community project with individuals and corporations jumping in to help the youths in there journey of developing rolling art.
Choppers Inc. donated a frame, Kokesh Motorcycle is helping the class determine the parts that will work with it. Kevin Lasso, service manager at Zylstra Harley-Davidson, personally donated a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead motor and a four speed transmission. They may use the Shovelhead, however, a large new style V-Twin would be ideal for the project. Matt Hotch Designs has thrown in some parts not to mention several large commitments such as a drive train from R-Max USA by Roadmax, a Thunder Saddle from Metric Thunder and parts from Dennis Kirk.
To see the latest St. Francis Chopper you will need to attend the 2007 Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show on March 25th- 26th, 2007. Click here for details.Brent Stavig is on Bikernet Radio. You can hear the show by clicking here.
STEALTH ACTION IN CHARLOTTE–Winter finally hit the Charlotte area with cold temps and some ice and there isn’t any bread or milk within 50 miles! With the mention of ice and cold around here people go into a panic? You know it is funny the past few weeks the temps have been spring like and people were complaining that winter was never going to come, now that it is here they are complaining about the ice! Go figure that one! Me, I am just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round!
Here at Stealth Bike Works things have been quite the last week. We still have work in the shop though and that is a good thing. We still have all the wanna be bike builders come and talk about building a bike and that is as far as it ever goes , talk! This week one wanted a rigid frame with a swingarm???? Maybe he was talking about a softail frame? You know I just turned 50 last week and I find my patience is running a little thin these days and I get annoyed real easy with a lot of the “I’m gonna talk.”
This time of year is my least favorite time of the year. Things seem to stand still and the month drags by. I am already looking forward to spring. Do I sound grumpy? Probably! One of the things that really gripes my ass is when someone tells you they are going to do something and they don’t show up. If you are not going to do what you say, don’t say you are, keep your word!
All is not dismal though. The Easyriders bike show come to Charlotte next weekend (Jan. 27th&28th), that should make for a good time. SBW is entering a bike, so I am looking forward to the show. The bike from the Pomona show looked great. The show here in Charlotte usually draws big crowds.
Well that is about it. I gotta go do something I promised a friend I would do!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
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