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BIKERNET ARTISTIC MOMENT–Here is another example of Harley image. I did this a a promotional piece . It celebrates 100 years of Harley.
–Bob Cleere
bobcps@mac.com>
BIKERNET WHERE YOU CAN POST YOUR OWN BIKE FEATURE–Thanks for the site. I’ve attached a pic of mySporty…which I just finished building. Hope you likeit enough to post to your site.
–Michael
michaelramalho@yahoo.com>
On Bikernet you don’t have to wait for me to write the story or crop the photos. You don’t have to wait for Renegade to choose the girl. You can go directly to the Bikernet Reader’s Showcase Area and post your own feature. A world renowned custom bike painter Crazy Horse will work with you and feature your bike. Check it out.–Bandithttp://www.bikernet.com/cybercycles/
JOHN REED’S RETIREMENT ROCK RIDERS–I, like you I suspect, was saddened to learn of John Reed’s ‘retirement’recently. However we both know he’s an obstinate, bull-headed little fucker,and I just can’t see him rolling over and fading away.
I’ve known John foryears and he just won’t leave motorcycles alone, even if they’re not broken,so I’ve drawn the attached cartoon to better express my thoughts on thematter.
If you’re unsure who I am (and let’s face it, you’ve every right to be) I’veworked for the UK custom bike press since 1985 under titles such as BackStreet Heroes, AWoL, Heavy Duty and SuperTwins and am currently employed asFeatures Editor for American-V. I can also draw a bit and will be exhibitingalongside some real talent at Michael Lichter’s One World Choppersexhibition in Sturgis this August.Cheers for now, hope you can use the cartoon
Rich King
Features Editor
American-V Magazine
www.american-v.co.uk
BRASS BALLS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND DEALS. DON’T FORGET DAD–Order him some cool Brass Balls Bobbers gear!
We will do our best to get it there in time. But if it does not make it, point dad to the site and tell him it’s on the way.A cool shop shirt.
We also have another version in gray.
Only $30.00
This feature bike was a gift Dar gave to his Dad. Perhaps you’d like to get something more like this for dear old dad. If not, I’m sure a BBB shirt would do just fine. You know he’d like it more than a tie.
PUDGY GIMPS BARS FROM THE NASH–Get the Pudge! It’s sad to say but to many nights with cookies and milk and the Gimp has gained some weight. Nash Motorcycle Co. is now featuring their 1 _” Gimp Hangers.
With a 1″ necked down base and grips. These bars will fit any 1″ application. Created from the original Gimp Hanger design these bars will give your bike that different look you’re going for and still keep that fat image you want on your bars.
These work great with squaring up your front end and offer a comfortable ride. Available in sizes 16″, 18″, or 20″. 11″ base, 35″ grip to grip, and 5″ pullback. The bars come predrilled/dimpled in black, chrome, brass, or copper plating.
Shipped to your door for $375.00 total. www.nashmotorcycle.com (360)693-4225
RIVERA PRIMO SHOVELHEAD LIFESAVER TECH COMING TO BIKERNET NEXT WEEK–Swingarm Shovelhead owners can’t miss this one. This $2,900 system completely upgrades any swingarm Shovel driveline from ’71 to ’84. It includes a 6-speed transmission, U.S. made high powered late model starting system and a full on Primo/Rivera 3-inch belt drive system. It’s not only inexpensive, but makes any swingarm Shovel rideable with the big dogs.
We performed an installation at Settle Motorcycles in Harbor City yesterday and will bring you a complete tech next week. Hold on.
–Wrench
P&P GIRDER TECH QUESTION ANSWER DISCOVERED–Just wanted to let you know, stubborness sometimes pays off. I went over that girder with a fine tooth comb, couldn’t find ANY reason it shouldn’t ride right, so I remounted it with a 14 spoke H-D narrow mag with a 3.00 19 Pirelli Route 66 tire. I reset the rake to the 10 degree rake holes on the legs, and took it out for a ride. YEEHAWWWWW!!! WE HAVE ACHIEVED GIRDER!!!!. Figured out, after all this, the reason it was squirrelly and tracked all over. The 0-degree rake holes created negative trail.
Also, just wanted to let ya know how much I appreciate your time in trying to help me figure it out. I was telling someone about e-mailing you, and actually getting a reply, and they couldn’t believe one of the “big names” in Bikerdom would take time with “just a regular guy.”…I told him, “Bandit did.”
God bless,
–Preacher…a.k.a. Rev. Charlie Morgan
VAGABOND CHICKIE NOT AT ROT-LIFE HAPPENS FAST–Vagabond Chopper Company and Myself, “The Chickie” express our sincerest apologies to the promoters, judges, builders and attendees of the ROT Rally for not appearing in the Big Texas Chop Off.
With an extreme amount of support from all of the Vagabonds ( you know who you are! ) The ROT Rally Chopper was coming along nicely. Although the “Chopper” was a challenge with my extensive fabrication, crazy ideas, and no budget available, the build was only slightly behind schedule.
Near completion on Tuesday evening I closed the shop and called a time-out. Myself and Don had been at the shop going for the hard push for more than 72 hours straight, with a few naps in the front store. The plan was to get some real food, love on my honey and the kids a little, shower, pack and get more than an hour of sleep on something other than the tile floor. Wednesday morning we planned to wake up early, finish the chopper and get on the road for a 20-hour trip to Austin and make the ride for the competition.
Everything went according to the plan, up until Wednesday morning. The phone rings at the shop 9 a.m. The eight-year old “Gray” broke his arm, that’s when we ran out of the door-life’s priorities changed.
A day at the hospital with orthopedic doctors and the kid has a patch on his broken little wing. Everyone back to the plan…. Call the promoter and see if Vagabond can still compete… Luis Rodriguez the Chop Off coordinator was very kind and understanding. We worked through the night to complete the chopper, Eddie Trotta even opened up shop to get a Thunder Jet Kit and some cables needed amidst the chaos( Thank You Eddie ). Thursday morning, the brand new GMC dually is loaded up with a New/Used trailer outfitted for the trip, on the road and ready to show- 4 hours into the trip, there is this wretched smell and smoke coming from the wheel of the trailer, and then thud, crunch and a few other noises. Yeah, not only did the trailer smoke the bearing, but it got so hot that some of the parts actually welded themselves together. The trailer company recommended a local shop that was fantastic, but they did not have the parts in stock- the trailer would be fixed Friday at around 2 p.m..
I felt we had to be in Texas, even if I could not compete, to at least let everyone see the beast that was created for the competition. The Vagabond crew got hotel rooms and awaited the trailer repair. The trailer was finished at 4 p.m. on Friday and reloaded to continue on to Texas. The crew actually had me psyched to ride up to the cordoned off area for the competition on Saturday just to say the Vagabonds had arrived.
The Vagabonds were ready to hit the road again, when the my phone rang. I was panic pacing in circles, hung up and told everyone that we had to head home immediately, and I did not want to discuss it, period! It was a long quiet ride back to the shop with tears rolling down my face for most of the drive. No one knew what had happened but everyone felt for me as they watched us work so hard and went through so much madness to get to the Chop Off and I was headed the wrong way . . . We got back late Friday, and I had no patience or kindness to explain what had just happened.
The call on Friday was from my 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son who were in a panic because the sheriff had posted a 72-hour eviction notice on the door. Not because the rent was not paid, at least by me . . .
Most who are familiar with Vagabond history know that October 2005 hurricane Wilma hit Broward County hard and Vagabond Chopper Company had almost been lost due to a negligent roofer. I would not sacrifice my livelihood, did my best and reopened Vagabond Chopper Co. at a new and better location months later. Still in litigation and with no working capital due to the move, I felt it necessary to put my home on the market and invest the equity into the business.
The house sold in February 2007, and we went back to renting a home. We went through a real estate agent who owned a number of properties in South Florida to rent – paid first, last and security and moved in- unfortunately as it turns out, the property owner/agent was already in foreclosure on all of her properties and had rented them anyway and collected rent until the last possible moment. When I got the call on Friday, I knew that the situation could not be handled over the phone so we had to return home and forego the Big Texas Chop Off.
As it turns out, this resourceful team ( Myself, Don & Dad ) managed to handle the situations with great patience and set an example that our kids can be proud of. Everything happens for a reason, and I am glad I was only a few hours away instead of 20. Finding a house to live in and then moving a house in two days is extreme physically and financially draining. Mentally you have to stay focused so you do not bring unnecessary stress on the kids- this is something they should never experience. I cannot control life situations, just handle them the best I can.
The chopper turned out fantastic, and I know we would have given the boys a run for the money.
On behalf of everyone at Vagabond Chopper Company we hope that you will forgive our not being at the ROT Rally- Big Texas Chop Off. Everything happens for a reason that is for sure and my life is what reality television is made of!! The cameras missed out on some real life drama not being with us… SMILE!!!!!
–Athena ” Chickie” Ransom
Vagabond Chopper Company
STEALTH CHECKS IN ONE WEEK BEFORE SMOKE OUT–Hey, It has been a couple of weeks since I checked in. We have been busy getting ready for the Smoke-Out. No matter how much you plan ahead on a project with a deadline, something happens to throw a wrench in the plan.
Sometimes I have been known to get too fine with things. Like not being able to leave good enough alone. We got all of our sheet metal back last week and it was beautiful. There was one little spot that I thought needed touching up so I touched it up. While putting the touch up brush back in the bottle, I accidentally dripped paint on the freshly painted tank. If I would have seen this I could have wiped it off but I didn’t see it and by the time I did it was too late. It ate the clear coat off and the pinstripe. I was sick to say the least. I took the tank back to Rusty, our painter and he said he would take care of it. We should have the tank back today or tomorrow. I get the “BONEHEAD” award on the project!
Out side of that everything is cool. Chopper John is setting up a new website for us. It should be up in a couple of weeks. So far it looks real good.
That is about it for this week. Oh by the way the guys at the shop locked all the touch- up paint away?
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST OFFERS SCORCHING REWARDS IN THE BLAZE TO BIKEFESTT SWEEPSTAKES–LAS VEGAS (June 14, 2007) – Las Vegas BikeFest, an annual motorcycle rally and expo in Las Vegas, announced it will provide a portion of the grand prize for the Blaze to BikeFest Sweepstakes sponsored by Hilltop New Media, Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE). This sweepstakes is a promotional tie-in designed in conjunction with the DVD release of the box-office hit Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, on June 12. The DVD will be released in two versions: a one-disc theatrical version and two-disc extended cut with never-before-seen footage and over two hours of special features. It became available on Blu-Ray Disc, DVD and PSP June 12, 2007.
As part of the sweepstakes, one lucky individual will win a motorcycle provided by WWE. The winner will also receive airfare and accommodations to Las Vegas BikeFest and two free Ultimate Passes for the four-day event taking place in Las Vegas September 27-30. The grand prize winner also will be the personal guest of Gard Hollinger, custom builder and star of Speed TV’s “Build or Bust,” at the exclusive invitation-only Artistry In Iron Master Builder’s Championship VIP Reception at Las Vegas BikeFest, and will receive a Ghost Rider prize pack.
“Ghost Rider is an action-packed hit featuring gorgeous custom motorcycles, making it a perfect tie-in with the unique custom bikes and renowned builders at Las Vegas BikeFest,” said Harry Schwartz, president of Full Throttle Events, one of Las Vegas BikeFest’s partners. “We are especially excited to invite the winner behind the scenes of this year’s Artistry In Iron Master Builder’s Championship, an exclusive event previously only attended by participating builders.”
Las Vegas BikeFest 2007 will host some of the world’s most skilled custom motorcycle builders as well as almost 300 leading manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, parts, accessories and apparel. In its fourth year, Artistry In Iron Master Builder’s Championship will feature 25 of the world’s most artfully built custom bikes in a peer judged competition bringing together famed master builders including Gard Hollinger, Brian Klock, Jesse Rooke and Jim Nasi. Attendees also will enjoy entertainment in true biker style, including live music, the crowning of Miss Las Vegas BikeFest, the world’s strongest biker competition, and much more.
In addition to the grand prize, five first prize winners in the Blaze to BikeFest Sweepstakes will receive Ghost Rider prize packs containing a branded wallet, hat and temporary tattoo. Motorcycle fans can enter for a chance to win by visiting ghostrider.wwe.com and filling out the entry form. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Full sweepstakes details and rules can be found on ghostrider.wwe.com. The sweepstakes runs from May 30, 2007 to July 10, 2007 and is open to residents of the 50 United States and D.C., excluding RI, who are at least 18 years old and hold a motorcycle operator’s license as the time of entry. The sweepstakes is void where prohibited.
For more information about Gard Hollinger, visit www.lachoprods.com.
For more information about Las Vegas BikeFest visit www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, call toll-free 866-BIKEFEST (245-3337), or email info@lasvegasbikefest.com.
BLONDE LOGIC–Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench talking, and one blonde says to the other, “Which do you think is farther away… Florida or the moon?”
The other blonde turns and says “Helloooooooooo, can you see Florida.”
–from Katmandu
FREE RALLY POWER TO THE PEOPLE MOTORCYCLE RALLY– Cultural District – AMES, IA 6:00-10:00 PM AUGUST 10, 2007Join us for a Street Dance in the cultural district of Downtown Ames!Main Street will be blocked off for Motorcycle Only traffic.
With an anticipated 60,000 people in town, we will rock the downtown and celebrate Tommy’s popularity among motorcyclists. Watch for future updates at www.TeamTommy.org. Recognized motorcyclists will be joining us and activities are being planned which include a parade from Des Moines to Ames on August 11th for the Straw Poll Vote.
For more information contact teamtommy@aol.comOr call: 262-364-7440
–from Rogue
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2007-2008 SCHEDULE RELEASED!–The schedule for the 2007-2008 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Presented by Toyota has been announced!
The world’s largest powersports event is coming to a city near you! Mark your calendars now for the show you just can’t miss!
The 2007-2008 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Presented by Toyota:
*Oct. 26-28, 2007 – Phoenix
Nov. 2-4, 2007 – Houston
Nov. 9-11, 2007 – Ft. Worth
Nov. 16-18, 2007 – San Mateo
Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2007 – Seattle
Dec. 7-9, 2007 – Long Beach
Dec. 28-30, 2007 – New York
Jan. 4-6, 2008 – Novi
Jan. 11-13, 2008 – Washington DC
Jan. 18-20, 2008 – Atlanta
Jan. 25-27, 2008 – Cleveland
Feb. 1-3, 2008 – Minneapolis
Feb. 8-10, 2008 – Chicago
*held in conjunction with Big Twin West
Now headlining at the Phoenix stop of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota, Big Twin West 2007 is a trade event that will be held on Thursday and Friday leading into the consumer event.
For more information on Big Twin West KTM RETURNS FOR 2007-2008! KTM will once again have a presence on the show series floor as they return this year as a tourwide manufacturer. “The International Motorcycle Shows provide us a great opportunity to debut our new lineup of off-road motorcycles, sport ATVs and our exciting street machines like the 990 Super Duke,” said Jeff Salamon, Director of Marketing for KTM North America. Riding on the heels of KTM’s deep off-road successes and following their expansion of into the sport-street market, guests will be able to see the entire lineup from the Austrian maker beginning in Phoenix and continuing throughout all 13 stops on the tour. You may even have a chance to see something of a four-wheeled variety as well, so stay tuned! BIG TWIN CUSTOMS/SPORTBIKE CUSTOMS BEST OF SHOW VOTING CONCLUDES: The online voting for the 2006-2007 International Motorcycle Shows ‘Best of Show’ competition has closed with two builders left standing. At each of the 13 International Motorcycle Shows guests voted for their favorite custom cruiser and sportbike in two distinct and seperate showcases. Those 27 winners were listed online with images and you got to decide who deserved the overall online People’s Choice Award. For the Big Twin Customs Presented by Newmar, Joe Cree gathered the most votes in a very heavily contested battle amongst some of the best builders in the country. In the Sportbike Customs competition, Lawrence Somma takes home top honors with his street fighter. Scott Kolb helped build the bike that not only led the voting in New York City but also held on to the top spot for the Best of Show. THE SEARCH IS NOW ON! Metric Revolution Looking for Season 2 Sportbike and Cruiser Builders at the International Motorcycle Shows! Think you have what it takes? The producers of Metric Revolution, the hottest new custom build show airing on ESPN2, are looking for sportbike and cruiser builders across the country and they are looking at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows to find the next top custom builders. “We are looking for all types of motorcycle builders, American, Metric, V-Twin, and Sportbike builders,” states Douglas Spandau, Executive Producer of the ESPN 2 Metric Revolution Motorcycle Build-Off. “All are welcome to enter the IMS Customs Casting Call for Metric Revolution.” If your bike qualifies, it will be showcased in front of tens-of-thousands of people at the IMS Shows and potentially millions of people on the “Metric Revolution?? television series. Ten sportbike builders will be chosen and 10 custom builders will be chosen over the length of the tour. The ‘Casting Call’ will begin in Phoenix and conclude in Chicago. If you would like to register or if you would like to receive additional information http://www.motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows. Continued On Page 3
