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AUSTRALIAN CLUBS DRAW MORE HEAT DURING AIRPORT FIGHT– New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees says it is too late for peace talks to stop an escalating and fatal feud between five rival bike clubs, but a self proclaimed ‘gang expert’ says the suggestion may be the only solution.
The national president of the Comancheros’ motorcycle club, Mick Hawi, yesterday called for the talks after months of unrest, shootings and fatal assaults came to a head in Sunday’s fatal brawl at Sydney Airport’s domestic terminal.
Four Comancheros members have been charged with affray over the fight and refused bail. They were arrested while trying to leave the terminal in taxis after 29-year-old Anthony Zervas was pummeled to death with a metal pole. In response, Mr Hawi has temporarily banned the club’s members from wearing gang colours or riding motorbikes.
The police Gang Squad has made it clear it is not negotiating with the bikers and has put them on notice, saying officers are concentrating on every step they take.
But Monash University researcher Arthur Veno, who has spent a large part of his career studying motorcycle clubs, says peace talks are the only way forward. He hopes bikers will create a “confederation of clubs” where they thrash problems out at weekly or monthly meetings.
Veno knowingly or unknowingly, is being seen to be echoing an initiative that had already been put into place (by the clubs) and was in the process of being discussed and, potentially ratified and acted upon. Veno says a model that has worked in north-east America allows just two members from each club to attend the meeting. “The model that is on offer, as I would see it, is that the bikies clean their act up through a form of what’s called the confederation of clubs or they face the fact that they’re going to be under incredible police scrutiny, which is in nobody’s interest, particularly the majority of non-criminal members,” he said. But the researcher believes the Comancheros’ push for peace is not sincere.
“They are directly under the hammer and quite frankly, I have very little trust in the Comancheros, based on my experiences with them in terms of their intentions…” he said. “I would be cynical but nevertheless, I would take the opportunity to do what they say in the good faith that it would allow for the establishment of a confederation-of-clubs model.”
Rees unconvinced NSW Premier Nathan Rees is not convinced peace talks will solve anything. He is planning to fast-track a crackdown on motorcycle clubs, based on South Australian laws that treat bikies as terrorists. “The key departure from history here has been the spilling over into the public domain of violence,” he said. “We will not tolerate that and that’s why… we’ll be reviewing existing laws with a view to bringing [new legislation] in as quickly as possible.”
Under the planned laws, motorcycle clubs would be outlawed, the type of employment bikers can seek would be restricted and police intelligence networks would be expanded. Mr Rees says it is extraordinary that suggestions have been made that police officers should provide protection during any planned talks, but Dr Veno says peace talks are more likely to succeed than the planned legislation.
“Our only hope really is to grab the bull by the horns and try these lateral kinds of moves,” he said. “If we do this, we’ve got a chance at actually bringing alongside a peace and a sense of public safety, which is the real problem when you look at the amount of crime that the clubs are involved in. “For example, in NSW, all ‘gang’ crime accounts for 0.6 per cent of total crime. Now, how much resources do we want to pour down that tube? “I think if we can get the bikies up and into a peace negotiation situation, which results in a functional confederation of clubs where wars are diverted, that’s a hell of a lot cheaper and a hell of a lot more effective than legislation.”
BIKERNET STEPS BACK TO 1975– I also forgot this, one of my customers gave it to me, from 1975. I had already quit school and was working full time and actually went to this concert! Need to get a frame for it.
–RFR
BIKERNET COUNSELORS RELEASE STRESS TEST–Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is that it really does work and will make you smile.
1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.
2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.
3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.
4. No one knows your secret place.
5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.
6. The soothing sound of a gentle water fall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater.
There!! See? It really does work. You’re smiling already.
–from Dave Clancy
Duane Ballard Custom Leather New Improved Caf? Racer Style Seat–Lake Elsinore, Ca- March 25- Earlier this month Duane was asked to form a seat for Bill Dodge?s of Bling?s Cycles new Caf? Racer project. Most caf? style seats are just made out of a piece of foam, covered with vinyl and attached with snaps. Duane has created a full seat, starting off with a custom pan, then shapes and forms the foam for your comfort.
The top is made out of 7 oz #1 grade cowhide that can be tooled with anything you desire. The sides are #1 grade cowhide and he installs the snaps needed to attach your seat to your tail section.
For more information, Please contact Duane at 603-377-0517 or visit www.dbcustomleather.com
–Lisa Ballard
lisa@dbcustomleather.com
603-377-0517
LIFESTYLE DEALS OF THE WEEK–Owned Harley Davidson’s that are ready for you to take home! All of these bikes are in awesome condition and have been completely gone through before they hit our showroom floor! Come in today and see how we can get you on one of these gently pre-owned motorcycles NOW!
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster 883C
NOW ONLY $5,495.00!
A super clean, customized Sportster 883C for under $6,000.00???? It’s true! If you’re looking for your first Harley or an awesome back up bike, this is the one you’ve been waiting for! This 2004 Sportster 883C features a powerful 883cc motor coupled to a 5-speed transmission and a Screamin’ Eagle exhaust system. Take someone with you, as this bike comes with factory two-up seating and a chrome sissy bar. The goodies don’t stop there, as this black and blue beauty also comes with forward controls, a chrome swing arm, beach-style handlebars with chrome controls, a 21-inch front wheel and to keep it all safe, factory HD security system! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician.
2006 Road King Classic
WOW! ALL THIS FOR ONLY $13,995.00!
With tons of upgrades and extras, this 2006 Road King Classic is the bike you’ve been waiting for! Check out the clean factory blue paint … looks like brand new! The bike features an 88ci motor with a chrome Kuryakyn hypercharger air system and 5-speed transmission. The bike also features a quick release windshield, chrome fender tips, wide white wall tires, highway bars, chrome regulator cover, chrome caliper cover, two up seating and leather saddlebags! Seriously, this bike is decked out, ready to ride and comes with a VERY affordable price tag! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been inspected, tested and approved by a certified LifeStyle Cycles technician.
COBRA COMES TO BIKERNET–Log on to www.cobrausa.com/contact.php and give us your info and we’ll mail a new catalog out to you right away in it’s own protective poly bag.
Its larger format showcases all the great Cobra products in a larger more exciting way. It’s stuffed with the latest information about Cobra products and our company. A new feature is a complete parts-by-bike list in the back of the catalog, so you can look up your bike and see everything we make for it. Of course you will always find the most up-to-date information at www.cobrausa.com
Former Wisconsin State Senator set to complete one million mile ride on Same motorcycle–Hupy & Abraham, S.C. Announces Landing Party on April 4, at noon, to Commemorate First Time Anyone Has Ridden One Million Miles on the Same Harley-Davidson
Milwaukee, Wis. ? The law firm of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. announced today a landing party set for Saturday, April 4 to welcome former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien back to Wisconsin as he becomes the first person to ride one million miles on the same Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The feat will earn him a world record from the Iron Butt Association, an international group that oversees and governs safe, long-distance motorcycle riding challenges.
Hupy & Abraham, S.C. is the sole sponsor of the ride, providing more than $5,000 to offset the travel and maintenance costs. Zien is a longtime friend of attorney Michael Hupy, president of Hupy & Abraham, S.C., and a former client of the firm. Attorney Hupy also testified before the Wisconsin Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee in 2006 in favor of Act 466, the right of way violation bill requested by ABATE. Zien was chairman of the Judiciary Committee at that time.?We are excited to see the culmination of Dave?s journey next month,? said attorney Hupy. ?It will be a monumental occasion when he caps the million mile mark in Wisconsin.?
Zien?s odometer is expected to hit one million miles as he rides into Hal?s Harley-Davidson in New Berlin, Wis. at noon on April 4. Zien will be joined by John “Rogue” Herlihy, a Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member, Bruce Arnold, an Iron Butt Bun Burner 4500 Trifecta title holder, and Tony Sanfelipo, Sturgis Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member, founder of ABATE of Wisconsin and 16-year employee of Hupy & Abraham, S.C., as he travels the more than 1,400 miles from Melbourne, Fla. to Milwaukee, Wis. Dozens of Wisconsin Patriot Guard riders will also escort Zien on a route lined with over 100 American flags as he completes the final leg of his journey. The celebratory event will include remarks from the president of the Iron Butt Association and local elected officials, as well as a check presentation from Hupy & Abraham, S.C. for a $5,000 donation to a veteran?s organization of Zien?s choice in honor of his work as a champion of veteran?s rights and Marine combat veteran.
There will also be a surprise announcement made at this celebration that you won?t want to miss.
The landing party is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.hupy.com and click Dave Zien?s photo on the homepage.
ALAN LEE and the Chopper Challenge MONSTER ENERGY DRINK BIKE–We are in the “Pre-Production” phase of season II of, The Chopper Challenge. Most of the builder spots are filled with 2 or 3 that could swing a couple of ways.
At the moment, we are targeting May-June for filming to begin with a (tentative) release date of Aug-Sep 2009. We are in the trenches negotiating with the new 9 proposed brands that will represent each episode/build.
The audience will be treated to a few new twists to the show such as a “Chopper Girl Model Search” where we’ve picked 9 girls to drive the Chopper Challenge delivery truck (this years truck is a radical fab and is aptly named “Lucky 13” “Bubba the Truck” from season one, will also have appearances as well as The Chopper Challenge Semi, as we travel from shop to shop, etc.) allowing the audience to vote for their favorite “Pin-Up Girl”…
We are expecting big things for this season with the addition of our trucking sponsor (Keyboard Carriage) who have provided us with an awesome custom semi-truck fully dedicated to carrying our bikes from the show to all of the major motorcycle events in the country (appearances this year: Sturgis, Vegas Bike Week, Daytona Biketober Fest, Daytona Bike Week, and Lacoinia to date, etc.) Working very hard to make the show the best it can be and in a timely fashion!
–Eric L. Harryman
Producer/Partner
V Entertainment Group LLC
The Chopper Challenge LLC
275 South Beverly Drive 202
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Telephone 310.278.9700
Facsimile 310.278.9845
www.ventertainmentgroup.com
www.thechopperchallenge.com
Black Sunshine Customs New Oil Filter–Macon, Illinois, March 24- Black Sunshine Customs is introducing their new oil filter. This is the second-generation oil filter that has been CNC machined for accuracy and is now available in machined Aluminum or Brass.
It uses a standard Harley spin-on filter. You have the choice of black or chrome filter and it includes all of the mounting hardware.
Please specify weld on clamp or bolt on clamp. Bolt on clamps are available in 1?, 1 1/8? 1 1/4? or 1 3/8? tubing size. Available at www.blacksunshinecustom.com
–Brian Elliott
217-433-8745
Blacksunshinecustoms@hotmail.com
Fairchild Corporation Files Chapter 11–The parent company of the business that private labels some of Harley-Davidson’s apparel (among other OEs), Fairchild Corporation of McLean, Virginia, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganization.
The company said that it planned to seek court approval that would “allow it to continue to conduct its business without interruption” and that the company “expects that it will continue to manage its properties and operate its business” on a “debtor-in-possession” basis.
Fairchild entered the motorcycle apparel industry in 2003 when it bought private label contracts (such as that with Harley) and significant US (Intersport Fashions West) and German/international motorcycle apparel distribution, design, manufacturing and retail operations from the troubled Eurobike conglomerate in Germany, after that business had itself gone bankrupt following a decade of rapid expansion.
Industry observers are saying that the present recession and impacts from elsewhere in its portfolio have combined with the always highly competitive nature of the motorcycle apparel market, with its notoriously low margins relative to capital and debt requirements, to make it difficult for the Aerospace parts distributor and property owner to maintain investment levels and profitable trading in its motorcycle apparel industry businesses.
In January Fairchild sold 51 percent of its ownership of the 95-store German Polo motorcycle apparel chain in a deal headed up by long-time Polo Managing Director Klaus Esser. A week before its filing, it fully sold its other European retail chain, Hein Gericke, in a deal led by a four-strong British/German management buy-out team.www.fairchild.com
ZIPPERS WILL–Let That Puppy Breathe!–Have you put big bore pistons, heads and cams in your Harley? Realize their full potential with a ThunderMax throttle body! ThunderMax throttle bodies are available 50, 54 and 60mm in multiple widths to suit most any engine size and performance application.
Designed for no-hassle, stock-like installation and accepts factory components. Combined with the MaxFlow air cleaner, this combination substantially raises intake airflow capabilities.
Two-piece design replaces stock 44mm units found on 2001-2005 model Big Twins; one-piece style replaces stock 46mm found on 2006-up cable operated engines. Made with pride in USA!
See your favorite dealer or contact:
–ZIPPER?S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WEB PAGE–We have just created a WebPage that has Pictures and Video of 2009 Daytona Bike Week held in Daytona, Florida.
Pictures and Video Include : The Full Throttle Bike Contest, The Rats Hole Bike Contest, Destination Daytona Bikini Contest, Daytona Main Street Roaming Video, WyoTech Brute HorsePower Shoot-Out and much more..
Click on the Link Below and We Hope You Enjoy :
http://www.BlingMasterTv.com/2009daytonabikeweek
Second European Ural Meeting– First participant on the Second European Ural Meeting already arrived!
Incredible: Fabrizio from Roma is the first who pitched his tent on the camp ground of the castle Piberstein. Very good! But Fabrizio, the Second European Ural Meeting will take place only in about 180 days – from 11th to 13th of September. So in case you get bored, you are invited to remove the snow from the camping area.
Second European Ural Meeting: 11. – 13. September 2009Castle Piberstein between Ahorn and Helfenberg in Austria
–Team of Ural Motorcycles Linz GmbH
Ural Motorcycles GmbH
Poschacherstra?e 32
4020 Linz, Austria
Tel.: +43/732/245501, +43/732/944431
Fax: +43/732/250507
Email: office@ural.at, www.ural.cc
BIKERNET CODE CORRECTION DISPUTE–Last week Renegade wrote: I’ve always been bothered by the negative slogan, “Ride it like you stole it.” Stealing bikes is against the Code of the West on the highest order. But we like the notion of riding like hell and we’re looking for a substitute.
Hey! Is he serious or what?! I’m so over the Government’s(and everyone else’s) euphemizing, politically-correctifying,and sugar-coating everything under the sun to the pointwhere our lives aren’t worth squat anymore.
Renegade,sorry, man, but just get over it!!! Bike theft is animportant part of our cultural history — not one we liketo think about or dwell on — but a part. As soon as westart sweeping away little bits of our heritage becausethey displease us somehow, we begin to lose the very fabricthat binds us together.
So, while you’re searching for a more politically correctsubstitute, I’m gonna continue to RIDE IT LIKE I STOLE IT!
–C.J.
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