Hey,
The Sun broke over most of California and we’ve been riding, tuning, planning new shit and working on friends’ bikes. It’s official that S&S bought Flathead power, Custom Chrome has a deal pending and the team to move them ahead again and Easyriders will make an announcement this weekend. Shit is happening in the industry.
That’s one of the wonderful things I love about this country. I don’t care what the stock market does, how many negative headlines the general media throws at us, there’s positive moves exploding all around us. The biker creative spirit never stops. Wait until you see some of the new parts Roland Sands designed for the Cincy show. New biker books are being published from Whitehorse and Wolfgang, including our Bonneville 2007 adventure and Assalt Weapan how-to book. Hell, even Bikernet launched BikernetMetric.com this week. It’s all non-stop. Let’s hit the news. I’ll fill you in on more Bikernet exploits at the end:
CUSTOM CHROME FINDS A PARTNER IN DAE-LL WITH NACE PANZICA AT THE HELM–“The old school is back at the helm,” Ed Martin told Bikernet. Ed and Nace are finalizing a deal for the manufacturers of RevTech products to purchase Custom Chrome from Global Motorsports.
“Vendors will be paid,” Nace said of the 180 industry vendors who are currently on the past due list, including Bikernet.com. The company will face some bankruptcy proceedings and a bidding process, but the DIC process should move forward quickly and hopefully CCI will be cooking shortly. We’ll keep you posted.
THE 27th ANNUAL CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW PRESENTED BY TOYOTA– The only place you can see all the latest models under one roof!
Here’s a preview of what you’ll see THIS WEEKEND at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
New Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones Model Debuts at the International Motorcycle Shows! It’s been kept highly confidential and made its first public unveiling at our Cleveland show this past weekend. Now Minnesota show goers will be amongst the first in America to see this HUGE new model release from Harley-Davidson, well before it hits the dealerships! Will you be there? Don’t miss this opportunity to make history and see the bike that ventures to the dark side.
See Biker Build-Off Champion Matt Hotch: Matt Hotch Designs will be on tour showcasing his latest custom, “El Rey” valued at over $200,000. Witness in person what The King of Customs and back-to-back Biker Build-Off Champion bring to the show floor.
Big Twin Customs Presented by Newmar: Big Twin Customs presented by Newmar is one of the must-see features on the floor. These bikes may have started as name-brand cruisers or they may have been hand-built from the ground up.
The ATV/Outdoor Showcase Brought to you by ATV, ATV Sport and Camping Life: The ATV/Outdoor Showcase returns this year with even more 4-wheeled fun packed into the display
Thousands of dollars in giveaways!
Much much more! Did we mention all the new 2008 motorcycles!!!
Minneapolis Show
Friday, February 1. 2008 – Sunday, February 3, 2008
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit
Admission:
$13 Adult
$6 Children ages 6-11
Children 5 & under free
Upcoming Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Presented by Toyota:
Chicago: February 8-10
For more information, visit
http://www.motorcycleshows.com
–Janina M. Quintana
BOOZEFIGHTERS SUPPORT FUELED BY THE FALLEN–We are hosting a fundraiser for Fueled By The Fallen in conjunction with our Sgt. Travis Pfister Memorial Run on Saturday, February 9th 2008. Our event will be held at the VFW Post 6110 in Canyon Country and we need sponsor help. Fueled by the Fallen supports our Veteran’s Families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
We would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to our event.
Boozefighter Contacts: Watts 661-755-6622 or Slider 661-965-6623
BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO / 1-30-08,PRO-CLUTCH KITS–All the horsepower in the world is absolutely useless if you can’t get it to the rear wheel.Thousands upon thousands of performance-minded riders have chosen a Rivera Primo Pro-Clutch kit to handle their power transfer chores. They rely on a Pro-Clutch because it doesn’t slip, whine or bog under the influence of high horsepower !
The world-famous line of Pro-Clutches are easy to install, extremely serviceable and very user-friendly. They continue to be the industry standard for high performance clutches.
MSRP on these assemblies is $ 499.00 each, except for PC-1000-A which is $ 550.00.
PC-1000-A . . . PRO-CLUTCH KIT for 1936-1984 BIG TWINS
Increases clutch area by more than 100%. Use with all belt drive or chain drive primaries, tin or aluminum, and any 4-speed transmission. Simple bolt-in installation converts your outdated coil spring clutch to a diaphragm spring function. A durable double-row ball bearing replaces the stock caged bearings, eliminating clutch grab & clutch hub side movement. Requires less hand effort at the handlebar, yet it delivers smooth hand control.
PC-1100-CA . . . PRO-CLUTCH KIT for LATE 1985-1989 EVO BIG TWINS
Upgrade the notoriously poor clutch on your late 1985-1989 Evo Big Twin with Rivera Primo’s Pro-Clutch. Quick & easy installation . . . press out the OEM hub, press in the Pro-Clutch? hub. You’ll get a 325% increase in clutch area along with smooth & easy hand control.
PC-1200-CA . . . PRO-CLUTCH KIT for 1990-1997 EVO BIG TWINS
Upgrade the clutch of your 1990-1997 Big Twin model with this Pro-Clutch model. As with the early Evo kit, installation is quick & easy. Simply press out the OEM hub, press in the Pro-Clutch hub. Now you’ve increased clutch area by nearly 100%. Along with smooth & easy hand control, an addition of a Pro-Clutch? is the best way to upgrade your Big Twin clutch.
PC-1298-CA . . . PRO-CLUTCH KIT for 1998-2006 EVO & TWIN CAM MODELS (except 2006 Dyna)
Increase the clutch area of your 1998-2006 Evo or Twin Cam Harley (except 2006 Dyna) with the addition of this PC-1298-CA Pro-Clutch?. As with the other model clutches, installation is simple & quick. Just press out the factory hub and press in the Pro-Clutch hub. What you’ll now get is nearly 100% increase in clutch area, plus smooth & easy hand control !
1056-0020 . . . PRO-CLUTCH KIT for 2006-UP DYNA MODELS & 2007 T/CAM BIG TWINS
As you know, Harley has made some major changes on the 2006 Dyna models as well as 2007 Twin Cam models as well. Besides having 6-speed transmissions, they have changed mainshaft & sprocket shaft configurations. Rivera Primo? has kept abreast & now introduces the latest addition to the world famous clutch line. As with all other models, this new one increases clutch area yet provides effortless hand control at the lever. Installation is easy !
PC-1300-XL . . . PRO-CLUTCH for 1991 & UP EVO SPORTSTER & BUELL MODELS
Now you can significantly upgrade the clutch on your 5-speed Evo XL or Buell by replacing it with a Pro-Clutch. By pressing out the OEM hub & pressing in the the new Pro-Clutch hub, you’ll gain nearly 100% in clutch area along with a smooth, easy hand control !
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.riveraengineering.com
MONTICELLO, MISSOURI TRIBUTE POKER RUN– Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on. I know it is short notice but under the circumstances this is how the chips fall. The weather is looking good for the weekend so get the old bike out and come join us for a ride.
Many of you have already heard of the sudden passing of Josh Letchworth. He was the 30 year old son of Elton and Margaret Letchworth of the Stumptown – Oakvale area in Lawrence County and also the nephew of one of our fellow bikers, Wayne Chance. Josh also leaves behind a 9 year old son. Josh had no insurance therefore we will be doing this to help raise money to help the family with funeral expenses and medical bills.
All proceeds from the day will go to the family. Please pass this information on to all your on line buddies….. weather you ride or not ya still gotta eat!
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 2 , 2008
PIONEER CREDIT PARKING LOTMONTICELLO, MS.
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
SIGN UP FOR POKER RUN
10:30 a.m. ALL BIKES OUT
10:30 a.m. UNTIL…. ALL THE CHILI AND SOUP IS GONE !!!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ME @601-587-4870 OR 601-748-0884Can?t wait to hit the twisties on your new bike? Not so fast!
New From Lil Joes Legendary Leathers–After five years of design and re-design were proud to anounce The “Joes Vest” with a Front zipper. As with all our Legendary Leathers it is Made in the USA and is “Guaranteed 4 Life”.
It s Manufactured in your choice of collars ( Full, one inch and No Collar) Our Top notch Flight Suit Lining comes in several colors. Each vest comes standard with an Two inside Pockets……….one a Gun Pocket. And until Febuary 28 ,2008 the NewJoes Zipper vest is on sale for $229.95
Contact us 888-663-7063 or at website
PROGRESSIVE DATA SHOWS EVEN VETERAN BIKERS COULD USE BASIC TRAINING WHEN THEY SWITCH BIKES– MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio ? January 28, 2008 ? Whoever coined the phrase, ?it?s just like riding a bike,? probably never switched motorcycles. That?s because even experienced riders can be pretty wobbly when they hop on an unfamiliar bike, according to data from the country?s largest motorcycle insurer, Progressive.
The study of almost 2 million motorcycle policies over a five-year period finds that riders who switch bikes are nearly 70 percent more likely to crash than riders who keep the same bike.
?Most people already know that riding can be especially dangerous for new bikers,? said Rick Stern, a Progressive motorcycle product manager who is also a rider. ?But our data shows that the less familiar you are with your bike, the more likely you are to be involved in a collision, regardless of your experience.?
The study also found cruiser riders who switch to sport bikes are three-and-a-half times more likely to crash. That?s more than double the risk they?d have than if they just switched to another cruiser.
Sport bikers, on the other hand, can reduce their risk by more than a third just by switching to a cruiser.
?We want experienced riders to know their risks so they can take extra precautions when they replace their bikes,? said Stern. ?It?s a good idea for riders to take their new bike out for a couple of shake down cruises in a parking lot before hitting the open road.?
Even people who have been riding for years can benefit from practicing the basics on their new bike, Stern said, including low-speed riding, turning, shifting and swerving, and higher-speed panic stopping.
After all, if the goal is to keep the dirty side down and the shiny side up, there?s no substitute for experience?and not just experience on the road, but also on the bike.
About Progressive
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is the country?s third largest auto insurance group and largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies based on premiums written, and is a market leader in commercial auto insurance.
Progressive is committed to becoming consumers? #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and products that meet drivers? needs throughout their lifetimes, superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, including its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy and manage their auto insurance policies. Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone directly from the Company. Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies. To find an agent or to get a quote, go to www.progressive.com .
The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at NYSE:PGR.
NEW S&S 50th ANNIVERSARY WEBSITE GOES LIVE– The new website is packed full of information about the historic event. Designed with an interactive approach, the site allows users to navigate easily from screen to screen and get a solid start on planning their weekend in La Crosse. Local businesses and community information is instantly available with just a few clicks of your mouse.
“We worked with the entire community to set the standard for a motorcycle rally in the United States,” said S&S president, Brett Smith. “We felt having a full feature website dedicated to supporting a rally such as our 50th Anniversary Celebration was a necessary part of that.” Smith went on to say, “When you have everyone involved and supporting an effort like this, the website is a seamless integration of everyone’s effort and the services they will provide the visiting enthusiasts, making their experience here one to remember.”
Visitors to the new site will be able to check out who is in the build, look at maps of the area, visit a live web cam of La Crosse, find campgrounds and hotels, book their seats on celebrity river cruises with the builders and shop for S&S 50th Anniversary apparel.
“Building this new site was both challenging and exciting, as it gave me an opportunity to use Web 2.0 technology and AJAX programming components,” said S&S Webmaster Kevin Sather. “Additionally, this new site is the groundwork for the new version of the S&S main website that will be introduced later this year.”
The S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place June 27-29, 2008 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The event will feature 50 of the world’s best builders creating 50 bikes, a celebration of S&S history and a community wide party to celebrate the event. .
REQUEST TO ALL STATE MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND NATIONAL RIGHTS GROUPS– As many of you now know, ABATE of California is closely monitoring an Appellate Court challenge to the validity of the enforcement of the mandatory helmet law here.
Our Board of Directors has voted in the majority to support this case fully. Furthermore, ABATE of California established the ABATE Judicial Fund in order to accept donations to assist in the legal costs of such litigation. ABATE made an initial contribution of $25,000.00 in establishing this fund. Our attorney is Wendy Lascher of Lascher & Lascher, Ventura, California. The administration of the funds is simple. Attorney submits an invoice for work done on the case, and we send payment.
This court case has four plaintiffs, Steve Barron, Steve Bianco, Pat Holmes and myself, Don Blanscet. No ownership of this case is claimed by any one organization or group, but instead belongs to the plaintiffs. Our opinion is that this case belongs to every motorcyclist in California. Steve Barron and Pat Holmes are past presidents of their ABATE Locals, and I’m the Executive Director of ABATE of California.
ABATE of California is officially asking that the various State Motorcycle Organizations help us win this important court case by donating to the ABATE Judicial Fund. Make checks payable and mail to: ABATE Of California; 10240 7th Ave; Hesperia, CA 92345-2631.
Furthermore, ABATE of California requests that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association support and encourage the SMRO’s around the country to financially assist this court case by donating to the ABATE Judicial Fund.
Additional documentation and history of the litigation in California is available upon request.
Respectfully,
–Don Blanscet
Executive Director
ABATE of California, Inc.
BIKERNET.COM LAUNCHES METRIC ARM–BIKERNETMETRIC.COM– Largest Custom Motorcycle Web Site Steps In To The Metric Cruiser Market With BikernetMetric.com.
Los Angeles, California, January 29, 2008: Bikernet.com, the online destination magazine for bikers who enjoy the V-Twin lifestyle, pulled the trigger on BikernetMetric.com to provide the metric cruiser market with the same high-quality tech tips, bike features and news that can be found on Bikernet.com.
The plan is to duplicate the success at Bikernet.com, which boasts a 70% annual increase in viewer ship and over 300,000 enthusiasts monthly perusing the vast Bikernet content over 600,000 times. Keith R. Ball met with Thunder Bob of Metric Thunder, Orange, California and Jeff Najar from Bikerpros.com, Southlake, TX to kick off BikernetMetric.com.
“Don’t look at me,” Ball said, “I can’t do it alone. We publish information about the American side, bikes, racing, events, and Bonneville bike-building action daily. I couldn’t handle BiernetMetric.com without Thunder Bob, Jeff Najar, Jason Douglas, George Najar, Matt Osias, George Fleming, Nyla Olsen, Josh Placa, Paul Garson, and contributors from all over the world. We will start this process slow and work up to a clamoring speed, trying to keep up with everything that moves in the Metric Cruiser Motorcycle Market.”
BikernetMetric.com is live with weekly news columns, bike features, event coverage, tech articles, new model introductions, and reviews. It’s designed to deliver the fun, achievements, ingenuity and freedom of riding metric cruisers here and overseas.
BikernetMetric.com will celebrate the first issue off ‘digital Metric press’ on Friday, February 1, 2008 at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, OH.
Contact:
Jeff Najar, 919-383-0500 for publicity and press information
Bob Osias, 714-206-8333 for advertising rates.
IVIE RACING, LLC INTRODUCES AN INDUSTRY FIRST AUTOMATIC LOCKING MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORT DEVICE–Memphis, TN – January 24, 2008 – Ivie Racing, LLC, a Memphis, TN based developer and manufacturer of aftermarket parts for the motorcycle industry, introduces the industry’s first automatic locking, strapless motorcycle transport device. The Freestand is a patent pending device for safely and securely transporting a motorcycle without the use of straps to hold the bike in place on a trailer, truck bed, or transporter.
“The Freestand is unique in that it does not require the rider to do anything other than push the bike into the stand to secure it for transport or storage,” said Mark Ivie, inventor of The Freestand. “While there are other strapless transport devices on the market, this is the first that does not require the bike to be manually locked to the stand.”
No Pressure on the Suspension
Because the stand attaches to the motorcycle’s front forks, there is no pressure put on the suspension system that can cause the fork seals to leak. “Since there is no threat of destroying your fork seals, you can leave the bike in the stand indefinitely without the worry of too much pressure being put on the front suspension system,”said Ivie. “That is a benefit to many of us who use trailers to store our bikes.”
Other Uses for the Stand
For the off road bike owners, the stand can also be removed from the hauler and used as bike stand. Using the stand also saves space allowing for more bikes in the same amount of space or more room for gear and other items.
TWIN CAM S&S GEAR DRIVE TECH REVIEW– That was a really good article about the gear drive work. Pictures and descriptions were great! I s’pose the guy has been told this, but he looks like that B-list actor, Andy Dick…
Enjoy those gears. I can hear mine, but it’s actually kind of a cool noise….
–Hiway
We also need to mention the pushrod adjuster locking system. This particular set of pushrods have a stationary threaded shafts pressed into the aluminum pushrod. The tip is adjustable and the lock nut must jam against it and not the pushrod above.–Wrench
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