Hey,
The news is kicking our butts. We need a staff of at least a half dozen mad motorcycle journalists to keep pace with the news flying at our building. It comes in the mail, via fax, e-mails, Fedex packages and the UPS. What the dogs don’t chew we use.
Before I begin the editing/cutting process this puppy is 100 pages long. That’s the equivalent of a sizeable magazine in a day. Okay, I’ll shut up and get started. Then I’ve got to tear the 5-Ball Factory Racer down for paint and powder. Plus I need to start the final publishing process for my first Chance Hogan book. We’ve set a goal of having copies delivered in July.
On a more serious note, you’ll stumble across freedom issues, control problems and hopefully an item or two that will motivate you to become involved in motorcycle rights. We need your help. Let’s hit the news:
ECONOMISTS SEE RECESSION ENDING IN ’09– By Lucia Mutikani.
WASHINGTON (May 27) – The U.S. recession is set to end “soon,” but continued job losses and plunging house prices point to an economic recovery that will be more moderate than those experienced in previous downturns, a survey showed.
The survey of 45 professional forecasters released by the National Association of Business Economists (NABE) on Wednesday found almost three-quarters expected the economic downturn to end by the third quarter of this year.
The remaining saw the turning point delayed until either the last quarter of this year or the first three months of 2010. None of the respondents believed the recession, now in its 17th month, would extend beyond the first quarter of 2010. “While the overall tone remains soft, there are emerging signs that the economy is stabilizing,” said NABE President Chris Varvares.
Business economists look for the recession to end soon, but that the economic recovery is likely to be considerably more moderate than those typically experienced following steep declines.” Recent economic data have suggested that the intensity of the housing-led downturn was starting to ease as some of the government’s record $787 billion package of spending and tax cuts started to filter through the economy. Over two-thirds of respondents in the NABE survey forecast home sales bottoming by mid-year, with 60 percent predicting a floor for housing starts within the same time frame.
— Editing by Andrea Ricci
Copyright 2009, Reuters
2009-05-27 01:25:38
DUANE BALLARD FINISHING NEW ASSALT WEAPAN SEATS–Duane is completing the Assault Weapon this week, sorry it has taken awhile, but he has been busy.
We, Cycle Source, are doing the Buyer’s Guide on Touring accessories for the next issue and I thought of you. I need a small detailed description and image of your bedroll.
Are you going to the 40th anniversary party for Street Chopper this Saturday?
— Lisa Ballard
Cycle Source Magazine
Blog Editor
West Coast Contact
603-377-0517
www.cyclesource.com
www.cyclesource.com/newsblog
Duane Ballard Custom Leather603-781-7505
www.dbcustomleather.com
I wish the Street Chopper gang all the best, but I’m working on the 5-Ball Factory Racer this weekend. I will write up something for the Cycle Source Guide. Thanks for thinking of Bikernet. The seats look terrific.–Bandit
BIKERNET READERS WANTS TO STEAL STAFF MEMBER FROM BIKERNET FARMS AND PRODUCE–I just had to tell you …the Melon Girl from Texas is gorgeous…send us more or send me her address…I’m in love!!!
Ride Hard and Die Free!!
–Mike
Leslie Porterfield, World Land Speed Record Holder, to host18th Annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend– July 18-19th 2009, Queen Mary Event Park, Long Beach.
Los Angeles, CA, May 26th 2009 – Gianatsis Design Associates is excited to announce the addition of Leslie Porterfield, FIM Motorcycle Land Speed Record Holder, as Hostess for the 18th Annual Los Angles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend July 18-19th 2009 at the Queen Mary Park, Long Beach, CA. Sponsored by Performance Machine, the Calendar Show is the premier custom and performance street motorcycle show in America.
Leslie has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in motorcycle land speed racing. She has set Bonneville SCTA, AMA and FIM World Records on both a Suzuki turbo charged Hayabusa unfaired at 209 mph and with fairing at 232 mph, and on a production street Honda CBR1000RR at 192 mph. Leslie became the first woman to earn inclusion into the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club on a conventional motorcycle. The AMA recognized her outstanding achievements and awarded her with their 2008 Female Ride of the Year award.
In serving as official hostess of the Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend, Leslie will be handling all the Show’s weekend stage announcements and presentations including introducing the FastDates.com Calendar Bike Building Seminars with top name Calendar bike builders Roland Sands, Russell Mitchell, Shinya Kimura and Todd Silicato, along with the Show’s 2-Day Calendar Girl Music Festival performers. Leslie will have her Land Speed Record turbo Hyabusa on display and will meet with spectators and fans throughout the weekend. She will also host the Calendar Bike Building Championship awards presentation ceremonies at the close of the Show on Sunday afternoon.
“I am very honored to have Leslie representing the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show this year and shooting for our Calendar,” said producer Jim Gianatsis. Leslie exemplifies everything we want to promote in the sport with the Show and the Calendars. She is a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast, an incredibly determined professional racer, successful motorcycle dealership owner, and a beautiful role model.”
For additional information go to: http://www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM
MISSOURI HELMET LAW EXEMPTION GOES TO GOVERNOR
The Missouri legislature has passed a bill modifying Missouri?s mandatory helmet law to exempts persons 21 years of age or older from wearing protective headgear except when operating or riding motorcycles or motortricycles upon interstate highways.
Over the past twenty years proposals to repeal the mandatory helmet law have been controversial, but this year’s measure to simply modify the law received little debate in either chamber. The House gave the bill final approval Wednesday, Apr 29 on a vote of 93-65. The bill easily passed the Senate earlier, with a 23-6 vote.
The measure now goes to Governor Jay Nixon for his final signature or veto. The helmet provision was amended onto SCS/SB 202, an act that provides that operating a motorcycle, in and of itself, shall not be considered evidence of comparative negligence in accident claims. The act also provides that when investigating an accident or settling an automobile insurance policy claim, no insurer, agent, producer, or claims adjuster of an insurer shall assign a percentage of fault to a party based upon the sole fact that the party was operating a motorcycle in an otherwise legal manner. The effective date would be August 28, 2009, and the helmet provision would expire in five years under a sunset clause.
Steve Carroll of Hannibal, MO, a spokesman for FORR-MO (Freedom of the Road Riders of Missouri) said passage of the bill is the result of a growing movement. “It’s been a long time coming — in the educational process — and I think it’s long overdue,” he said.
Senator Luann Ridgeway, R-Smithville, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the helmet law was tantamount to a ?nanny state making safety choices for other people.? Pointing to other injury-prone activities, such as skiing, horseback riding and even riding in a car, she asked why the state doesn’t require helmets for those. “Where do we draw the line in terms of a caretaker state?” she said.
House sponsor Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue Springs, also said it was a freedom issue. The people the bill affects can “go off to war and carry guns under the flag of our country,” said Dusenberg, a former highway patrol officer.
In 1999, then-Gov. Mel Carnahan vetoed a similar bill. Governor Nixon has refused to comment on the bill, but if signed into law Missouri would join 30 other states that allow most adult riders to choose regarding helmet use. Only two of the eight states surrounding Missouri mandate helmet use at all times. Neither Iowa nor Illinois has a helmet law.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND VINTAGE RACING REPORT– Yo Bandit, Hope your weekend went better than mine, as a fellow USN Veteran, I salute you sir!…and all Veterans. I walked away from this weekend?.some didn?t.
Two deaths this Friday, a female racer and a safety worker. RIP and condolences to their families. I have friends who knew the worker, and were also working the next corner. He was instructed to cross the track to remove a dead bird. He did so. Coming back across there was a mix up. I was told, if when he saw the oncoming bike, he would have stopped moving and stood still, possibilities of no incident were there?..but that aint what happened?.collision killed them both?..I knew about it before I arrived Friday afternoon. The news vulture rigs were lined up at the front gate when I arrived?.vultures I say?..sad.
I blew my bike up in the pits Friday?.yeah, don?t make me say it again, please. Broke a ring or something in a cylinder?.not top end (I wish). By the end of first practice Saturday, my bike was cannabalized?.carbs, throttle on one bike, shocks on another?.feeding the monsters.
Saturday rain was the theme of the day. My pit partner, Dean Middleton arrived early sat morning. He heard of my dilemma, and instantly offered me a ride in a bump up race?.what a guy!
Heres a pic of me on Deans bike, # 418?.what a sweet machine it is?check out the front brake!!! I know now what it feels like to have brakes! I rode his bike in a downpour?.all I could think about was ?OK, you?ve already destroyed one bike this weekend, lets not make your buddies bike the second!!!?
Here is another pic from this weekend. It adds some good perspective to things?.check out the elevation change and think about 80mph or so, cresting that blind ridge. The 109 is a beautiful Seely framed 750 Norton?.the guy is good?.BUT?my boy Dean got by him on the 418 Honda 350!!! Passed him and was stretching it out when the red flag flew. This causes the results to go back a lap, and cost Dean 3rd place?..bummer.
Jennings GP this Saturday, 5/30.. I?m also purchasing a new bike. During bikeweek races, a friend and fellow competitor, Steve Staser (Steve-O), asked me to come by his pit?..Steve is an old hand at this, and very fast in his mid 60s, he is also a WERA official?.I went ?Utttoooo, what have I done now? Someone protest?…..? ?So I go over, and he says? Let me be clear, my bike (A Honda 350, unlimited modified like mine and 418) is not for sale to the public?.only to you Charlie. I?ve watched you ride and get better, but you are not equipped, and you should be. I?m retiring and want to sell YOU my bike. I think if you would have been on MY bike at Daytona?..we woulda won??..I was stunned?.Steve-O?s bike is a former Daytona winner, National Title and numerous race winner?..I could never catch him. He is bringing it to Jennings and is going to crew for me with set-up, etc?.what he wants for the bike is near HALF of its worth?..I hit the 401K J ?..wifeee doesn’t know yet.
I will keep you posted. Your article on the state of the Vintage Bike Market was well received by numerous Vintage racers, thanx.
–Charles Young
Thanks Charles, but the Vintage article came from the Los Angeles Times.–Bandit
MODEL 1 IS KICKING ASPHALT & TAKING NAMES– The Right Bobber @ the Right Time Balls’ Model 1 is the runaway best seller for the firm in 2009. Since the introduction in February of this year the backlog of orders has steadily grown.
The press has taken notice of the old-school design, which is wrapped in a flat black tuxedo that is available at just $15,995. Not only is the motorbike exclusive? the owner gets the best components? Baker Drivetrain, D&D reverse megaphone exhaust, custom hand-built frame, bullet-proof EVO engine, Wilwood brakes, Metzeler donuts and Tauer machine primary.
Check out the firm?s latest Digger or go the Flickr gallery to see the Model 1 photographs.
–Jeff Najar
BIKERNET FLORIST STUMBLES INTO BIKERNET STAFF BARBER SHOP–After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, ‘I cannot accept money from you , I’m doing community service this week.’ The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, ‘I cannot accept money from you , I’m doing community service this week.’ The cop was happy and left the shop.
The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, ‘I can not accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The Congressman was very happy and left the shop.
The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.
–Donna ONeal
HARDCORE WATCH Chopper FOR SALE–Award winning designer Steve Soffa introduces his 2009 Hardcore Watch and Artistry in Time collections on his national tour. Celebrating his 5th year as the official watch of the biker industry, Steve offers over 100 hand crafted and limited edition styles.
To top it all off, he has designed his largest piece of artwork to date, The Suicide King Chopper built by Vince Costa with painting and assembly by Alley Rat Custom Cycles. This chopper boasts three dimensional etching through the amazing candy black and wine paint. Custom pipes crafted by Costa compliment a massive 360 rear tire.
As a limited edition chopper, this is a must see for the chopper aficionado and can be seen at any of the stops on Soffa’s 2009 summer tour.
Here is our official ad for the HCW Suicide King Chopper. Steve also indicated that this Chopper is currently for sale for $75,000 and is one of three as part of a limited edition series. The purchase of this bike also includes a Limited Edition Suicide King watch which is pictured in the ad.
NEWS RELEASE: ROADRUNNER DRINK HOLDER IS STILL MADE IN AMERICA–Good news for thirsty motorcycle riders who want a quality drink holder that also supports job here in America!
Unlike other drink holders on the market, the RoadRunner’s chrome parts are still made in the United States.That means superior quality — every time.
The Roadrunner drink holder is available for round bars from 7/8″ up to 1-1/4″ as well as Harley-Davidson and Gold Wing brake/clutch mounts.
Retail starts at $79.99.
Bracket and ring are all CHROME Ring and cup will never bounce outYou can mount horizontally OR vertically!Cup will keep your drink hot/cold and WON’T SPILL
–Tracey Cramer, Top Dawg
ride@leadermotorcycle.com763.535.1440Free brochure available. Dealer inquiries welcome.
LETTER FROM BIKERNET FORUM ADMINISTRATOR–I’m the forum admin for Bikernet. Bandit sent me your email thread about fucking up your account. I actually WOULD like to see a permission slip from your mother, but just this once, because we’ve seen ya around and we think you’re OK, we’ll let ya slide. Your account has been activated. Now, you must go out in front of the house and slip a crisp 50 dollar bill under that big rock out there. Let us know it’s there. We’ll be by to pick it up soon.
Don’t worry about the foul language. We’re fucking bikers, rider! Jump on the forum and enjoy yourself. There is only one rule. We show respect (well, at least a little) for each other. Everything is fair game, and you’ll see some pretty heated arguments about politics, dealerships, and other stuff rage on, but the reality is, it’s all good.
We’ve got new things coming to Bikernet, so stay tuned!
Ride Safe, Brother,
–Hiwayman
THE CHANGING WORLD OF CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES–I think we?re all painfully aware of our country?s current economic condition. The recession certainly has not been kind to iconic motorcycle companies such as Harley-Davidson.
It has become increasingly difficult for riders to purchase brand spanking new Harleys to keep up with the Jones?. Although new bike sales aren?t what they used to be, I have noticed a new trend on the horizon; customizing existing Harleys.
A year or two ago the market was flooded with used motorcycles. Not so much lately. There?s a new crowd interested in those vintage and vintage looking bikes. These are the twenty-something, grunged out, former punks and skaters. They are buying, building and re-customizing anything and everything vintage or vintage appearing.
Young or old, the current trend is to use and improve upon what you?ve got. I think I might even be inclined to dub the builders and fixer uppers ?almost green? since many are hitting swap meets and internet auction sites looking for original and unusual recyclable parts for their projects. Fortunately, there are also lots of aftermarket parts available to help with those hard to find items.
I find it ironic that in the early 2000?s builders would laugh at me for thinking whitewalls were cool, twin 21s were the shit and a Knucklehead was more than an insult. The trend at that time was to build bikes with single sided swingarms, 300 plus tires, high priced futuristic looking billet parts, hubless wheels, and outrageous rakes among other things.
Spending habits of Americans have changed. Most of us are content reverting back to the old school motorcycles. We feel the need to have that simplicity in our lives again. Some of us will kick and scream our way through this trend in defiance until the next one comes along.
Gone is the need to build the most outrageous custom with the most expensive price tag. These old school customs (or bobbers as some call them) are a fraction of the price the new school choppers and customs were, resulting in recession friendly motorcycles. History repeats itself yet again. It just goes to show what goes around eventually does come back around.
About Katie–the author.
I’m a custom bike builder who knows how to wrench and ride. Reader interaction is very important to me. I value all thoughts and opinions, good, bad or indifferent. Feel free to email me any ideas or comments you may have. Builders or Parts Manufacturers may contact me via email in reference to product demos, installs and reviews. KatieUSRN@gmail.com
–US Rider news
Polaris Creates On-Road Vehicle Division–Polaris Industries Inc. has created an On-Road Vehicle Division to help establish what the OEM describes as “a significant on-road presence.”
Polaris leadership says the new division takes existing skills and assets within the company and aligns them in a way that maximizes the strategy for Victory Motorcycles and other on-road products and brands that may be introduced in the future.
Several management changes were made to set the foundation of the On-Road Vehicle Division.
First among these changes is Mark Blackwell’s new role as VP of Motorcycles. Blackwell has spent the past eight years leading day-to-day operations for Victory Motorcycles and played a key role in building the Victory brand.
Mike Jonikas, currently VP, Sales & Corporate Marketing, has been appointed to the newly created role of VP of the On-Road Vehicle Division. In this position, Jonikas will be responsible for the strategic direction for Victory Motorcycles and any on-road adjacencies the company may add in the future. He also will continue to lead the OEM’s Sales & Corporate Marketing teams. Jonikas has held several key roles with Polaris during the past nine years, including director of Product & Marketing Management for ATV and general manager of the Polaris side-by-side business.
Steve Menneto has been promoted to the position of GM of Victory Motorcycles. Menneto joined Polaris in 1997, serving in positions such as region sales manager, director of Dealer Development and director of North American Sales.
Lastly, Judy Kulsrud has been appointed to the position of director of North American Sales replacing Steve Menneto. Kulsrud has been with Polaris since 1995, serving in management positions in Retail Development, Sales Operations, Regional Sales Management, and most recently as director of Dealer Development.
“By combining the diverse strengths of Mark, Mike and Steve to further develop our long-term strategies in the On-Road Vehicle Division, we are positioning ourselves for continued growth both in the motorcycle industry and, in the bigger picture, across all segments of the on-road marketplace,” says Bennett Morgan, COO, Polaris Industries.
Polaris’ net sales for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, totaled $1.95 billion, up nine percent from $1.78 billion in 2007. Sales for the company’s Victory Motorcycles division last year totaled $94 million, down from $113 million in the prior year.
?Submitted by Guido Ebert
–Dealernews
![bandit 070[1]](http://www.bikernet.com/news/images/PhotoID45875.jpg)
DOWNED BROTHER TRIBUTE–Here is my friend John aka Silent John, that died on his Indian Easter Sunday. His car in the pic is a 1909 Hup mobile.
He will be missed by all who knew him. I didn?t know him to have any enemies.
–FB
D&D DEALER DIRECT PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXPAND–Here are the new dealers from last week.
1) Locomotion Powersports 138 Orange Ave Suffern, NY 10901 845-357-1190
2) Discount Motorcycle Tires 2212 Spencer Hwy # A Pasadena, TX 77504 713-477-7137
3) Chris Rivas V-Twin Specialties 201 Vanness Ave Fresno, CA 93721 559-288-5655
4) Twin Performance Tuners 132 Rand Park Dr Garner, NC 27529 919-779-5890
5) Kalamazoo Choppers 6740 Lovers Ln Portage, MI 49002 269-321-0257
6) Visalia Harley Davidson 30681 Hwy 99 Visalia, CA 93291 559-733-4647
7) Court House Custom 225 S Hinde St Washington Court House, OH 43160 740-335-2466
–Jennifer
THIS WEEKS FREE CONTEST WINNER IS CAMELA WHITE FROM HARTFORD, ALABAMA. —
Suggestion: LIKE THE NEWS-GOOD JOB–NO SUGGESTION JUST A ?. HUSBAND WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE THE ONE FROM THE 70′ S WHO WENT ON “THE HUNT FOR THE WILD ABEL SKIVVER” ON A PANHEAD?
Wanted: TEE SHIRT OR BANDANNA.I LOVE ANYTHING MADE OF LEATHER (;TUNA IS GOOD TOO);.
Hey Camela, No, Bandit didn?t go on that hunt for Wild Avel Skivver. It didn?t ring a bell with him at all. Maybe one of our readers will know. If so, email Bandit
E-Mail Banditand tell him the story.
We still have the Scorpion leather jacket in XXL and helmet. I?m gonna keep track of all the entries for the last month or so, run the contest for another month the randomly draw a name out of a hat. So, keep entering the contest by clicking on the banner above.
STROKERS DALLAS PARTY UPDATE–Next Tuesday we will be celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s Birthdaywith a special Lingerie Birthday Partyat Strokers Ice House!
Come by anytime between 5-9pm next Tuesday, June 2 to celebrate the beautiful Norma Jeane with cake, drink specials, lingerie, and our own beautiful ladies!
–C-Ya there!
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