MERRY, MERRY THURSDAY NEWS FOR DECEMBER 20, 2012

Merry Merry,

This is an amazing, heartfelt, holiday news. I can’t remember every witnessing this level of Christmas spirit, maybe because I was chasing redheads and drinking too much whiskey. So here’s our card for this year.

MERRY MERRY FROM THE BIKERNET GANG— We want to wish everyone a terrific holiday and all the best for the new year. Unfortunately, the entire Bikernet Crew could not make it to the Long Beach Ultimate Builder Show. But I want to recognize all the talented brothers and sisters who assist with Bikernet, Bikernet Trikes, Bikernet Baggers, and the Bikernet Blog, including Buck Lovell -Editor of Bikernet Baggers, Bruce Snyder – Bikernet Copy Editor, Mike Pullin – East Coast Editor, Wrench – Senior Tech Editor, Rogue – Tech Editor, Josh Placa – Desert Tarantula Editor, Krylon John – Paint Mixer, Joe Jorgenson – Web Master & the whole Robintek crew, Bob T. – Vintage Collector, Tail Gunner – Tech Contributor, Kevin Thomas – Book Reviewer, Jon Towle – Illustrator, Renegade – Sarcasm Editor, Dick Allen – Line drawing master, Chris Kallas – Fine Artist, Wilburn Roach – History Editor, George Fleming – Logo Art Master, Peter Linney – Feature Photographer, Rigid Frame Richard – Texas Photographer, Vickie Pullin – East Coast Feature Photographer, Paul Garson – Senior Editor, Jerry Southworth – Girl of Bikernet Photographer, Michael Farabaugh – Hot Chick Photographer, Markus Cuff – Vintage Bike Photographer, Doc Robinson – Australian Road Test Left Lane Editor and Tech Master, Katmandu – Florida Editorial Assistant, Bill Bish – Legislative Editor, Jim Waggaman – Humor Contributor, Don Whalen – Antique Motorcycle Curator, Darren Ho – Island Editor, Udey South Asian Editor, Steve Bauman – Editorial Hang around, Snake – Beer runner.

Sorry if we forgot anyone!

TWIN BUCKLE ENGINEER BOOTS FROM BIKER’S CHOICE–Get a great looking pair of boots that protect and are comfortable! Twin buckle engineer boots have a 1 5/8” threaded heel, 11” tall upper, Oil resistance, and a breathable rubber outsole.

Featuring a padded insole for comfort, and a tempered steel shank for outstanding support and wear.

Suggested Retail: $169.95
Includes a 1-year manufacturers warranty.

NEW BONNEVILLE BOOK FROM SCOOTER GRUBB–At long last the 2012 BUB Yearbook is finished. You can preview the entire book without buying one if you like. Just follow this link:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3915780

Check it out. You can also pick out any book back to 2007 and preview them just by clicking on one of the covers.

If you want a book with a personal cover just go to my website www.scootershoots.com and choose a photo, from the 2012 BUB images gallery, that you would like to have on the cover and send me an email and I will get it done.

This book is the only record of its kind in motor sports. I make this book, not for now, but for years from now when our grandchildren and great grandchildren ask us what we did on our summer vacations. THAT’S when this book will be important.

I know some of you have already had your covers made and ordered your personal book.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to drop me a note.

Be well my friends,
–Scooter

A BIKERNET QUIZ–It’s a legit answer so try and figure it out. Here is a riddle for the true intellectual. Try to come up with the answer on your own. However, the answer is at the bottom of the news, for those who are unable to think this one through.

Here’s the riddle:  At the exact same time, there are two 35-year-old men on opposite sides of  the earth.  One is walking a tight rope between two skyscrapers at the 85th floor. The other is getting oral sex from an 75-year-old toothless woman.

They are both thinking the exact same thing.

What are they both thinking?

MetalSport Wheels

SADDLEMEN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE–  For the Motorcyclist in Your Life
The holiday season is here, but it’s not too late to get the perfect gift from Saddlemen for the motorcyclist in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a last-minute gift that will light up your loved one’s face or just need some ideas for stocking stuffers, Saddlemen has a variety of products that will help make this the best holiday season yet.

Saddlemen liner bag sets feature zippered compartments and carry handles for convenient transport.

AWESOME BILLET PAN COVERS FROM PAUGHCO–Of all the custom Panhead rocker covers produced over the last few decades, Paughco’s are in a class of their own. The beautifully designed and meticulously crafted Panhead style covers you see here offer enthusiasts the very finest in quality, function and style.

Machined from superior quality billet aluminum each cover features extraordinarily thick wall and lip thickness, extended Paughco socket head cap screws and counter sunk retaining holes. These features provide exceptional appearance, rigid structure and flush mounting surface.

Every radius and flat surface is flawlessly cut and finished to perfection. Standard finish is Paughco’s flawless chrome with high luster polish available on special request. ULTIMATE PAN COVERS fit 1948-1965 Panhead engines and clones with OEM mounting surface and bolt dimensions.

The covers are supplied with Paughco’s dedicated socket head cap screws and retail for $372.95 per pair. Optional chrome 24 piece 10 -24 x 1 ¼ 24 screw kit is available for $14.95.

For complete details call 775-246-5738.

TRIBUTE SIGN IN FRONT OF STROKERS DALLAS–Hey Bandit, please see the attached picture of my sign in front of my business, Strokers Dallas. Keith, I don’t usually make public statements outside of the motorcycle industry, but by God I’m making this one:

I am totally sickened by the deaths of so many innocent, sweet children at the hands of a deranged, psychopathic killer. There is something wrong with this world & Lord please help us figure it out & fix it before it’s to late. This is America & by God we ought to be able to send our kids to school without fearing for their safety!

–Rick Fairless
Strokers Dallas
Dallas, Texas

 

NEW BIKERNET HOLIDAY READER COMMENT–

Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man Bike at Loess H-D

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10614

I am currently building a replica of this bike and found this article and the previous article fucking awesome.

Keep up the good work. Bikes like this are getting harder and harder to get information or parts for.

–Brad Rayner
Mandurah, Western Australia, 

BIKER’S CHOICE CARRIES MEDALLION PREMIUM BAGGER GAUGES–Biker’s Choice now has Medallion Premium Bagger Gauges! These are world-class graphic designs and are LED backlit to be truly awesome at night; easy to see and read.

The gauges feature gear positions 1-6, programmable shift indicator and odometer, 2 trip odometers, fuel/voltage/cruise/faux security/check engine and ABS telltales. They are also made in the USA.

For much more information and application guides, visit www.bikerschoice.com, or your local dealer.

BIKERNET WEATHER FORECAST–  Nothing Saturday, huh oh?

–Keith Wahl

FEMA NEWSLETTER – LOOKING TOWARDS 2013 CHALLENGES–In 2012 many important decisions have been taken in Brussels which will impact motorcycling and the motorcycle industry, for which FEMA has played an active role.

The new European regulation on the approval of two-wheelers, which has recently been approved by the European Parliament and by the Council, is bringing safer and greener bikes to European customers as from 2016. FEMA has reached acceptable compromises regarding issues like vehicle tampering, the accessibility of repair and maintenance information and durability requirements for pollution control devices, while supporting the introduction of stricter emission limits.

New on the Brussels agenda is the proposal of the European Commission to introduce periodic roadworthiness tests for all powered two-wheelers in Europe along with short testing intervals. FEMA rejects this proposal as it is expensive and ineffective in terms of motorcycle safety.

Talking about the safety of motorcyclists, FEMA has organized and participated in a series of events this year in order to keep the issue of “friendly” road restraint systems (also referred as crash barriers) high on the political agenda. Next to the publication of an elaborated manual for road authorities, FEMA has launched a website to promote and inform about motorcycle friendly road restraint systems already available on the market: http://www.mc-roadsidebarriers.eu/

RIDERSCAN, FEMA’s EU co-funded project, has gone public at the European Motorcyclists Forum held this year at INTERMOT. A pan-European survey on motorcyclists and motorcycling safety will enable FEMA to draw the right picture of motorcycling in Europe: http://www.fema-online.eu/riderscan/-Answer-the-survey,28-?lang=en

Available languages currently include English, French, German and Norwegian. Besides, interested riders are able to contribute to the project by providing relevant motorcycle safety resources for the project to consider: http://www.fema-online.eu/index.php?page=support#panel

We are looking forward to the challenges of 2013 as FEMA and its member organizations are committed to continue the successful promotion of motorcycling in the European Union.

Let me personally take this opportunity to warmly thank you for your support and wish you all the very best for the end of the year’s celebrations and this coming New Year.

Ride Safe
–Aline Delhaye
General Secretary of FEMA

We will post the entire FEMA European report in the next couple of days. We keep an eye on Europe for a couple of reasons. New regs pop up anywhere, then our legislative folks feel compelled to install them here, and I have high regards for Aline and FEMA. They are a very progressive and sharp bunch of freedom fighters.—Bandit

THE LASTEST FROM THE MASTER OF COLORS AND LIGHT, DAVID UHL–Seasons Greetings! Latest work, featuring Eli, Bella and Chloe circa 1929.

–David Uhl
Join us on facebook!
www.facebook.com/uhlstudios

INDIA BIKE WEEK COMING–  INDIA’S largest festival planner, the SEVENTY Event Media Group, together with travel and lifestyle channel FOX Traveller, will be presenting India Bike Week (IBW) 2-3 February 2013 in Goa, India. IBW is being described by the organizers as the first annual festival of bikers, bikes, music and entertainment.

Modelled on the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota, USA, which attracts over 500,000 bikers every year, India Bike Week is aiming to be the largest gathering of bikers in India’s history. This annual event, celebrating biking in India, will bring together about 8,000 fans, including some of India’s biggest biking celebrities, in Goa.

Martin da Costa, CEO of SEVENTY Event Media Group, says: “We’re loving the idea of creating one of India’s biggest ever festivals – this time for the amazing brotherhood that is the bikers of India. India Bike Week is the place to be for hard core bikers, fans of the two-wheeler way of living, travelers and India’s many music and festival fans. It’s going to be a great party, and we’re already working with the hundreds of bike clubs in India, as well as international bikers, brands, customizers, bike and accessory manufacturers, and musicians to make this an amazing weekend.”

ASSAULT WEAPON PURCHASES ESCALATE–
By William La Jeunesse FOX news
Published December 18, 2012

The prospect of a renewed assault weapons ban in the wake of the Connecticut school massacre has set of a round of buying, as thousands of Americans head to their local gun store to secure the popular AR-15 — the model used by the school gunman — before potential government prohibitions on their purchase.

They are also buying the .223 ammunition used by the AR-15 and the type of high-capacity magazines covered under the last federal assault weapons ban, which Congress let expire without renewing.

•The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says it set a new record for single-day background check submittals this past weekend.

•In San Diego, Northwest Armory gun store owner Karl Durkheimer said Saturday “was the biggest day we’ve seen in 20 years. Sunday will probably eclipse that.”

•In southwest Ohio, from dawn to dusk a Cincinnati gun show had a line of 400 waiting to get in, said Joe Eaton of the Buckeye Firearms Association.

“Sales were through the roof on Saturday,” said Eaton. “People were buying everything they could out of fear the president would try to ban certain guns and high-capacity magazines.”

The deluge of buyers had officials working overtime. Background checks that normally took 15 minutes in California took more than four hours, Durkheimer said. In Colorado, background checks that normally take minutes turned into wait times of more than 12 hours, said CBI spokeswoman Susan Medina.

“We had to call in extra staff,” Medina said. “The wait times were high.”

The CBI says it processed more than 4,200 background checks on Saturday, the day after the Newtown, Conn., shooting. That surpassed the previous high of 4,028. Nationwide, FBI data shows 16.4 million background checks were run in 2011. An agency spokesman said Monday it did not keep daily numbers and would not have figures for December until early January.
Even investors apparently believe this time Congress may act, fearing the long-term outlook is worse than a short-term sales bounce. Share prices for gun makers like Strum Ruger, Smith and Wesson and were down 4 to 8 percent the last two business days.

–from Sarge

PRISONS CHIEF IS A FORMER OFFICER–
Crews faces budget deficit, legal dispute 
By Bill Kaczor  Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s new prisons chief on Monday inherited a deficit of about $60 million and a legal dispute over privatizing inmate health care that he says could put his agency much deeper in debt. Michael D. Crews spoke about the challenges he’s facing as secretary of corrections a couple hours after Gov. Rick Scott announced his appointment to succeed Ken Tucker, who retired.

Crews had been deputy secretary since last year. “I have total confidence in the people that I have the opportunity to work with here that we are ultimately going to get to where we want to be as an agency,” Crews told reporters. He began his 26-year career in corrections and law enforcement as a probation and parole officer. Later, he worked as a correctional officer and then had various jobs in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, including director of the agency’s professionalism program and chief of its bureau of standards.

Scott, a former hospital chain CEO who was new to politics when elected in 2010, again has turned to an insider after initially appointing people without Florida government experience to many key posts when he took office nearly two years ago. His initial appointee as corrections secretary, former Indiana prisons chief Edwin Buss, lasted just six months.

Scott forced him out in August 2011 after initial health care privatization bids would have benefited a consultant whom Buss had hired. Scott’s office also overrode a decision by Buss to give MSNBC access to Florida’s prisons for its “Lockup” program. Scott then appointed Tucker, who had been FDLE’s deputy commissioner.

In a statement, Scott cited Crews’ experience and expressed confidence that he would lead the department with integrity and “an understanding of our ultimate goal to keep Floridians safe.” Tucker, meanwhile, has landed a new job. U.S. Attorney Pamela C. Marsh on Monday announced Tucker would manage her office’s law enforcement coordination program in the Northern District of Florida.

Crews said Corrections already has begun to reduce red ink through such steps as a freeze on hiring except for positions needed to meet requirements set by law, elimination of nonessential travel and renegotiation of contracts. He said the best example of the latter has been a savings of up to $850,000 through a new deal for toilet paper and paper towels. Closing more prisons, though, is not being considered, he said.

Crews also said he hoped to avoid repeating an accounting trick the department used to balance its budget. The agency took $36.1 million from its current budget to cover its last 2011-12 payroll. The department is appealing a judge’s decision earlier this month that rejected the agency’s plans to privatize inmate health care except for prisons in South Florida. Losing that appeal could balloon the deficit by an estimated $90 million over an 18-month span.The case puts the department’s health care workers “in limbo somewhat,” Crews said. “However, in the interim while the judicial process is going on they and we will continue to provide medical care required.”

–from Rogue

BIKERNET TRIKES DEAL OF THE WEEK—from Westminster H-D. Call Tracy, 714-893-6274 at Westminster Harley and take this 2009 Champion Conversion Dyna for a spin. 7804 Miles, $19,500

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THE FREAKSHOW INVADES SEATTLE AND TAKES AN ULTIMATE BUILDER WIN—After Long Beach Jeff Najar and Bob Kay hauled their Ultimate Builder Competition to Seattle and went to work last weekend, displaying almost 30 of the top customs from the region, and organizing the judging. This was the last show before the holidays and here are the winners.

FreeStyle
The competition in the FreeStyle class was just outstanding with a high-level of detail, fit and finish displayed by all builders. But in the end, it was Freakshow Choppers that took the trophy and the big check. Freakshow Choppers –brought their “Santa de Muerte” ( Saint of the Dead) 2012 Freakshow Pro-Street Bagger to the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show to Seattle. It features a S&S 124 Twin Cam with T-Man Stage 4 heads. The Chassis is hand built, raked and sports front and rear air ride, single-sded swingarm and custom wheels.

1. Jay, Freakshow Choppers – Saint of the Dead, Freakshow Choppers

2. Mike Fobes – Twisted Evil, ’11 Fobes Twisted

3. Bear – Hellboy, ’09 Anarchy MoCo

MOD Harley
Dorian Kelly rolled Jon Doe into the Seattle Convention Center into the most competitive class of the weekend. Any of the competitors could have taken 1st place, it was that close. Many of the judges commented on the flawless paint and the classic black and chrome color scheme. Russ Foy of Custom Classic took charge of the paint. The bike features an air ride, Carlini bars, custom exhaust, extended bags, fenders and diamond cut motor. Ridewright provides the wheels, PM takes care of braking and Danny Gray built the gator seat.

1. Dorian, Cycle Path / Megal Kelly – Jon Doe, ’05 Road King Classic

2. Lorenzo Marr, Urban Custom Bikes – Usian Bolt, ’10 H-D FLHR

3. Freddie Manning, Urban Custom Bikes – 2003 H-D FLSTS

Performance Custom
Geoffrey Rossi competed with Build 43, his 2012 Full Custom Ducati sport bike. It’s based on a DS1000. And it contains all the HI-PO goodies cradled on a full custom Ducati-red frame. Additional custom features include BST Carbon rear wheel, GSXR Frame, wire loom, Watson LED blinkers and MotoGadget instruments.

1. Geoffrey Rossi – Build 43, 2012 Full Custom

2. Premium Custom Cycles – 503 Iericho, 2004 Yamaha R1

3. David Clark, Premium Custom Cycles – Untamed Busa, 2009 Hayabusa

Retro MOD
The Deuce takes Retro MOD in Seattle. The last Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show of 2012 ends with a bang as the most hotly contested class, say Mike Boehlke with his 1953 Harley-Davidson FL taking the win from Hell Mutts 1971 Triumph by 1 point. The 74 CI Panhead features custom pan covers with S&S heads. It sports a bobber chassis with hand built exhaust, taillight assembly, shaved gas tank and custom sheet metal.

1.Mike Boehlke – Duece, ’53 H-D FL

2. Billy Davis, Hell Mutts – Jaded, ’71 Triumph

3. Andrew Robinson – The Stingray, ’65 triumph

MOD Street
Greg Whiteside of Premium Custom Cycles brought 4 bikes to the Ultimate Builder and came away with a win with Ms Carolina, a 2007 Kawasaki ZX 10R that features Paint by Punk.

1.Danielle Veney, Premium Custom Cycles – Ms. Carolina, 2007 Kawasaki ZX10R

2.Eddie Castro, Premium Custom Cycles – Reddy, 2007 GSXR 600

3.Steve Hegel – Hurri-Kane, 2008 Triumph Rocket III

Jessica of Urban Custom Bike won the Show Dog Award sponsored by Rocking K Custom Leather for her tireless promotion on the show floor and for her ability to engage the audience and to promote her business.

The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is produced by www.bikerpros.com. At each round of the competition Biker Pros photographs each bike and makes them available in their Flickr gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/bikerpros. Photography provided by Jack McIntyre & Jeff Najar

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SNIVELING VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE DAY– whinge hwinj, verb:
To complain; whine.

— David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest

— Susan Howatch, The High Flyer

MASSACHUSETTS MORE CHARGES IN DRUG LAB SCANDAL–  BOSTON — A Massachusetts chemist accused of deliberately faking test results on drug samples in criminal cases has been indicted on 27 charges.  Annie Dookhan was arrested in September on two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of pretending to hold a degree.

State Attorney General Martha Coakley said the 35-year-old Dookhan was indicted Monday by a grand jury on 17 counts of obstruction of justice, eight counts of tampering with evidence, perjury and pretending to hold a college degree.

Dookhan’s alleged misconduct led police to shut down a lab. — Associated Press

–from Rogue

JOHN COVINGTON’S AMAZING BOOK, BOUNDLESS—If you like amazing photography of tattood women sans clothes, but adorned in confining chains, then this is a book you can’t miss.

John Covington, was the founder of the muscle bike, and built Surgical Steeds for over a decade. He sold the company and took up fine art photography.

The presentation of this book is as impressive as the images. Check out

MERRY CHRISTMAS
www.jcstudiosllc.com/

MOTORCYCLE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN DENVER—Don’t miss 2Wheelers for the spirit. Fleece Hoodie at 2Wheelers . Going Fast!

–Donna

UNCLE MONKEY HOLIDAY MESSAGE–
I can’t do everything. I try to. Maybe it is my disposition, maybe it was from growing up poor where hiring someone to do work for you simply wasn’t in the budget.

I became a sponge absorbing any and all information around me. I’m not afraid to tackle new project or to learn something new. By trying to do everything I’ve learned that there are things I’m not good at, that there are things I don’t like doing. My wife and I recently listed our house for sale so there is a mad scramble to finally finish the house so that it sells.

Yes I’m a typical biker – after tens years of late nights and living without a kitchen for two years, now that the house is finally finished I want to sell it.

I’ve tried changing fork seals and have done my share, but I’ve never replaced a set that didn’t leak, sometimes worse then before I started. I’m resigned to the fact it is better for me to pay someone to install them. I could continue practicing until I get it right but there is someone who can, and I don’t mind sharing the wealth. I can mud drywall and I’m fairly good at it but it is the one thing I despise the most about doing home renovations. So, while I’m more then capable of doing it, I open the chequebook and put some money in my son-in-laws pocket to do it for me.

Life takes us down many paths. Some are rewarding, and make us a better person. They are the things we enjoy doing. It is not work but passing the time doing something we love. We may not be good at it but we don’t care and keep working at it until we get it right. Other paths are just plain work. They are challenges that we must overcome. In that work we find out more about who we are, and what we are made of. Through repetition we come to find that it comes easier to us or that it is something best left to someone else.

In high school we divide ourselves into clichés. Jocks, nerds, gearheads and so on. We laugh, mock and sneer at those who are not us, who don’t share our skill set. But it is in that diversity that society has come to function. We coexist to further everyone along.

A customer who is an investor recently complained about an expensive bill. He complained that my tech hardly did anything. I asked him if it was so easy why didn’t he do it himself. He told me about his education, everything he had learned, how he was better then my tech. But he still didn’t know enough to do his own repairs.

I then asked him about how to invest in a company’s stock. He quickly rattled of stats and percentages. I asked him how he could charge so much for investment advice if it was so easy. He mentioned his four years of education again. I explained that my tech spent four years getting his journeyman ticket, then spent countless years working with his hands spinning wrenches. In total both men had spent the same amount on learning their jobs, on their educations, their tools whether it is a laptop or a tap and die set so that they could make their jobs look easy.

So maybe you and I can’t do everything but then no one else can either.

-bad Uncle Monkey

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE STORE--on Bridgeline Digital’s eCommerce Fulfilled Platform

Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq:BLIN), The Digital Engagement Company(TM), today announced the launch of a new B2C website for the United States subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Britain’s most iconic and largest motorcycle manufacturer. Triumph’s online storefront is the first to launch on the new eCommerce Fulfilled platform offered by Bridgeline Digital. eCommerce Fulfilled deeply integrates Bridgeline’s iAPPS Commerce platform with the power of warehouse and supply chain logistics to provide customers with a seamless end-to-end solution.

With a long and celebrated history as one of the world’s leading high performance motorcycle brands, and as the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the U.S., Triumph sought to further expand their sales by offering a B2C channel as a service to their dealers in order to augment an already thriving dealer brick and mortar business model. The new website complements and strengthens Triumph’s network of 200+ dealerships across North America and drives a true multichannel experience for their customers.

To learn more, please visit www.bridgelinedigital.com or call (800) 603-9936.

QUICK, LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS DEALS FROM THE BIKERNET SHOP–Crank & Stroker Supply Co. Christmas Specials
Receive Free Shipping and a Free Bikernet Bandana with your order.
Until Dec. 31.

Autographed copies in stock now!
Salt Flats Motorcycles
Harbor Town Seduction
Motorcycle Drag Racing: A History
Limited copies available.

Merry Christmas,
–AC

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO LAUNCH A MADE-FOR-INDIA MODEL IN 2014–The American motorcycle giant will set up a unit in India to manufacture entry level bikes to take on Japanese and European rivals.

Last month we brought you the details on the upcoming KTM 390 Duke that was unveiled at this year’s EICMA show and the specifications were spot-on. This time we drift away from the naked street bike to focus on the cruiser arena. Harley-Davidson, the best known and oldest motorcycle company in the world, has special plans for India. Its Indian arm kick started assembly (CKD) operations in 2011 at Bawal in Haryana. This is the second Harley-Davidson assembly plant outside of the USA for, the first being in Brazil.

Harley-Davidson’s aim behind setting up a CKD plant in India is to achieve competitive pricing for its premium products in this highly cost sensitive market. The company is yet to find a sure footing in India as it faces stiff competition in the premium segment from several global motorcycle industry bigwigs who sell their products at rather alluring prices. So next on Harley-Davidson India’s agenda is an entry level motorcycle for India, which will be localised.

A little birdie tells us that Harley-Davidson officials from US and India have been visiting Indian vendors with the aim to set up a manufacturing unit and a vendor base for a new line-up of Harley motorcycles that will be unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi. Developing a new cost-effective motorcycle for the Indian market is bound to take that much time. The new Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be a V-twin in the 400cc to 500cc bracket.

Built exclusively for the Indian market, it will be fully localised and will carry a price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh to take on entry level premium machines like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Hyosung GT250R and the soon-to-be launched KTM 390 Duke. And with Honda also planning to bring its newly launched CBR500 family to India next year, it is necessary for the US giant to have affordable machines in its Indian product portfolio to get a foothold in the burgeoning entry level premium motorcycle segment.

–from Zigwheels.com and auto site in India

THIS JUST IN FROM KUALA LUMPOR —

LTA18 spotted me on PIE few minutes ago.

He had an app on his iPh:He typed in my bike model, and a list of all the approved specs came out..

He went on all fours to check on the pipes…

wished him ‘Ride Safe’ before I went off..

–Art Hall
Bikernet International Emperor Editor

MERRY XMAS FROM LARRY GROSSMAN–  Check out all of his magnificent hot rod and motorcycle majestic art at www.retrovisions.com.

–Wilburn Roach

DIAMOND GUSSET JEANS FOR CHRISTMAS–A Better Jean Makes a Better Gift.

Original gusset design. Handmade in America.
Storewide markdowns. FREE shipping.
No coupon code needed.

* Last Call for Christmas Delivery *

MORE FROM EUROPE–Member States exclude motorcycles from proposed legislation on periodic roadworthiness tests

During today’s Council morning session, EU transport ministers reached a general approach regarding the legislative proposal on periodic roadworthiness tests (RWT) for motor vehicles and their trailers. EU Member States have drafted significant changes to the Commission’s proposal, among which the exclusion of L-category vehicles (powered two and three-wheelers), and leave Member States free to impose custom rules by turning the regulation into a directive. This is a new success for motorcyclists’ associations, which now needs confirmation during the debate in the European Parliament.

While the proposal of the European Commission to further to increase the minimum testing intervals for vehicles and include all powered two-wheelers into periodic RWT regimes is currently being revised by the Transport Committee of the European Parliament, Transport Ministers of the European Union (Council) have expressed their discontent with the proposal, adopting this morning significant changes to the proposed text:

Official Council press release just announced: “The Council agreed a general approach on a draft directive updating the common rules on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles. (…) (it) does not retain the Commission’s proposal to extend periodic tests to motorcycles and light trailers and to increase the minimum frequency of checks for older cars and light commercial vehicles from every two years to every year throughout the Union. Member states, though, are free to impose stricter rules.”

Member States also turned the proposed Regulation into a Directive, which will leave more leeway for the later implementation of the legal act into national law. Therefore, in line with motorcyclists’ associations‘ views, the Council does not see the necessity to force all Member States to include the powered two-wheelers into periodic RWT regimes. In opposition to the Commission, Member States propose to lower testing requirements for vehicles which are hardly used on public roads, such as historic or competition vehicles. The Commission originally proposed annual checks as a minimum requirement for all motor vehicles older than six years.

Now that Member States have clearly indicated that they will only approve the proposal if it is amended considerably, and motorcycles are excluded from the text, Parliament now needs to take an official position. Discussions in Transport Committee have started yesterday.

FEMA is happy to see that the campaigns of its national organizations asking for a “reality check approach”, especially in those countries where there is no RWT for motorcycles, are being successful. The Commission had argued that the inclusion of motorcycles into RWT along with the tightening of testing intervals would have significant positive safety impact, but has never been able to provide any supportive (and unbiased) evidence for such claims. The only obvious benefit from such text would be the financial gain of the leading companies in the vehicle testing business.

Notes:
The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) is the representative federation of motorcycle (comprising all powered two-wheeled vehicles) users throughout Europe. FEMA represents the interests of citizens’ national organisations at the European Union and agencies of the United Nations. FEMA’s primary objective is to pursue, promote and protect the interests of motorcyclists. FEMA recognises that motorcycles have different characteristics from other vehicles and emphasises the need for motorcyclists’ specific requirements to be addressed.

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NEXT STOP ON ULTIMATE BUILDER TRAIN: DC–The Ultimate Builder is rolling into Washington DC on Jan 4-6, 2013 and we are making a call out for custom sleds. It’s a custom show inside the International Motorcycle Show and we are providing:

* $7,000 in Prize Money
* $750 in Prizes
* Trophies
* Complementary Photo Shoot
* Social Media Promotion

Sign up today at http://www.motorcycleshows.com/

BIG BIKE EUROPE COMING IN MAY 2013– Parts Europe, the Germany based European headquarters for the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties distribution businesses (that are a part of the American LeMans Corporation) will be a ‘Founder’ exhibitor at BIG BIKE EUROPE in May 2013.

The market leading distributor in the United States had been working on European expansion plans for several years, and their 16,500 sq m (150,000 sq ft) state-of-the-art Parts Europe warehouse was opened at Konz/Trier in Germany in 2010.

BIG BIKE EUROPE is an all-new ‘Pro-Grade’ expo concept for the motorcycle industry in Europe, with the primary focus being on parts, accessories, custom, performance, service, workshop and tuning.

A ‘non-retail’ expo, BIG BIKE EUROPE is the new, permanent host event for the acclaimed AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building (2013 will see the World Championship mark its 10th anniversary and first ever appearance in Europe), and will stage the first annual International Motorcycle/Custom Industry Conference.

BIG BIKE EUROPE will be a three day expo offering exhibitors an all-new Invitational/Open-admittance attendance strategy.
The first day (Friday May 10th, 2013) is an “Invitation Only” day set aside for motorcycle dealers, custom shops, custom motorcycle builders and customizers and their invited ‘VIP Riders’.

The weekend (Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th) is open to general public, rider and enthusiast attendance. It is estimated that some two thirds of the value of the European motorcycle market resides with the owners of Europe’s ‘Big Bikes’ – the one third of motorcycles of over 250cc (source: ACEM).

www.BigBikeEurope.com
www.partseurope.eu

BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING SESSION–  Bandit saw his old friend Harley, an 75-year-old biker, in town. Harley had lost his wife a year or so before and rumor had it that he was marrying a ‘mail order’ bride.  Being a good friend, Bandit asked Harley if the rumor was true. Harley assured him that it was. Bandit then asked Harley the age of his new bride-to-be.

Harley proudly said, “She turned twenty-one in November.”

Bandit, being the wise man that he was, could see that the sexual appetite of a young woman could not be satisfied by an 75-year-old man. Wanting his old friend’s remaining years to be happy, Bandit tactfully suggested that Harley should consider getting a hired hand to help him out on the bike shop, knowing nature would take its own course.

Harley thought this was a good idea and said he would look for one that afternoon. ??About four months later, Bandit ran into Harley again.

“How’s the new wife?” asked Bandit. Harley proudly said, “Great! She’s pregnant.” Bandit, happy that his sage advice had worked out, continued, “And how’s the hired hand?”

Without hesitating, Harley said, “She’s pregnant too.”Don’t ever underestimate old guys.

(Girls, if you ever run into Harley, remember to use protection!)

–Buckshot

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM &
Hall of Fame–Greetings!

First and foremost, we wish you and your family the Christmas season’s greatest joys and wonders.

We would like to thank you all for a wonderful year, the past, present, and future support as we approach 2013. We sincerely appreciate it.

In addition to the holiday wishes, we would like to present the year’s final edition of “The Exhibit” – Sturgis Museum Monthly Newsletter for December 2012.

Please follow the link below to view the latest news in the life of the museum…….ALL GOOD!

http://www.sturgismuseum.com/news/list-news

XMAS AT THE CASBAH–Dublin Mob & Workn Class Records brings you a very heart warming special Xmas at The Casbah on Dec. 20th…..Dublin Mob’s XXXmas…..a touching story of lust, romance, heartbreak….loud music, beautiful woman & blackout…just in time for the holidays.

As usual great music…. BANDS ROYAL CROWN REVUE, Stephen Rey & The Sextrash, Hands Down South & Miss Erica Davies…Gourmet Catering by Chef Scotty Ricks (come hungry!!) Santas 12 sexy starlets will be serving Kabobs and jello shots (ohhh my !) DMC raffles …..get yer tickets @ The Casbah early…we WILL sell out!! $15 includes bands, food & jello shots!! see u there!!!!!!!!

www.dublinmobchoppers.com & Hate us on Facebook The Casbah 2501 Kettner blvd SD

PRESALE TIX: http://casbah.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?=1&lid=75735&eid=85431

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT MOST USED POLITICAL WORD OF THE DAY–counterblast koun-ter-blast, noun:

In my view it’s really a matter of style. For getting me most effective counterblast, I mean. You don’t want to counterblast them in their own style. They’re to meeting such counterblasts, anyhow.
— William Cooper, You’re Not Alone

— Virginia Woolf, introduction by David Bradshaw, “The Proper Stuff for Fiction,” The Mark on the Wall

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ZIPPER’S TEAM–Experience the Difference Quality Makes!  For over 3 decades, Zipper’s Performance has specialized in developing the highest quality components and services.

Experience the difference quality makes with the best engine management electronics, engine parts, and driveline products and services available. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you reach your performance goals.

Zipper’s Performance Products
Phone: (410) 579-2828
Zippers@ZippersPerformance.com

BIKERNET READER COMMENT TECH HELP FROM THE TAIL GUNNER–Tail Gunner 34-Tooth Final Drive Pulley Install Tech

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10468

Awesome article. Thinking about doing this for some time now, have a 2005 FLSTNI Deluxe w/ 5 speed. Need more top end. I now feel 100% confident in doing this. Let me ask you something. What do you think about a smaller rear pulley also, say a 68-tooth instead of the stock 70 along with the 34 front. Would my stock drive belt work? is this too much? Is there a 68-tooth rear sprock available. Would love to hear your thoughts on this

Eugene Loach
geneloachsr@yahoo.com
Oak forest, IL

Gene, yes the smaller rear would do the same thing but with less impact of overall gearing, however, finding one seemed to be more difficult than I thought. Plus, you will need to change the belt to a smaller length. The front pulleys are more readily available, and you don’t need to change the belt. Just loosen up the rear axle and slide it forward, then you have plenty of room for adjustment.

–GOOD LUCK, Tail gunner out!

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER HOLIDAY ALERTS–What’s the Healthiest Fish to Eat? I have long recommended fish as part of a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. However, not all fish provide the same benefits, and some species should be limited or avoided altogether, including large predatory fish and omega-6 rich fish (such as farm-raised tilapia). My advice for the healthiest fish is to choose species rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s are necessary for optimal physical and mental health. Research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish may help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders, and can lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol, help minimize inflammation and inappropriate blood clotting, and keep blood vessels healthy.

The best sources are wild-caught Alaskan salmon, canned sockeye salmon, sardines, herring and black cod. I recommend two to six servings per week of fish that are high in omega-3s as part of my anti-inflammatory diet. If you do not eat fish, a high quality fish oil supplement like the one in the Vitamin Advisor is a reasonable substitute.

–Dr. Weil
www.drweil.com

MUGGING REPORT FROM WASHINGTON–Late one night, a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. “Give me your money”, he demanded.

Indignant, the affluent man replied, “Hey, watch it – I’m a United States Congressman!”

“In that case,” replied the mugger, “give me MY money.”

–from Jim Waggaman

BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT–

THE ADRENALINE CLOCK IS TICKING

2nd Grandchild, June

*Dry Lakes Racers Australia* D R L A Speed Week Feb. 18-22
*Texas Mile* March 22-24
*Ohio Mile 2013* April 27-28 June 8-9 July 6-7 Sept. 28-29
*Loring Maine* The Maine Event July 12-14
*Bonneville, SCTA* ….231 Days….August 10-16, 2013*
*BUB Speed Trials* August 24-29, 2013*
*Mojave Mile* T B A

Seems we’re on the annual end of the year holding pattern, what a welcomed break. Time to take a deep breath and prepare for 2013.

It’s been a great year, three healthy sons, three beautiful families and a second grand child on the way in June. Life is as fine as a bottle of aged Ripple on ice.

The hallways are polished to a mirror finish inside the Bikernet headquarters for the Holidays, the trusty guard dogs are warm and on the job while the Christmas lights are aglow. Ya never know, this might be the year the fat guy makes an appearance, although it seems that everyday is like a holiday here. All day everyday is motorcycles and more motorcycles. This is not a job but a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks for checkin’ us out all year long and the last 17 years, we’re on the job 24 hours a day for the motorcycle community.

Last Friday at Bennett’s Performance in Signal Hill, Ca. we fired the 5-Ball Racing Teams 124 inch Twin Cam, Turbo Charged Raycer. In early July we had two pieces of bent pipe (frame material) with a destination and a goal in mind.

The goal has changed somewhat during the short six month building process. The destination has remained the same. Rather than build a Bonneville or race track dedicated motorcycle, extra steps have been taken from axel to axel and all points in between to insure a safe, rideable, stoppable, dependable, street legal, Salt Flats contender in the 3000 cc- APS-PBG and PBF classes (pushrod blown gas and fuel).

Dependability is based on my 2004 Dyna rollin over 75,000 trouble free miles on the 124-inch engine combination in our latest build, the last 5,000 with the Turbo on board. Our new engine sounds like a sewing machine at idle with a Dyno session on the horizon.

Just a few trustworthy Sponsors to thank once again for your help and inspiration.

Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Bikers Choice, Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer, Daytona Twin Tech, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents, Fisher Harmonic Damper, House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc.,Randy Torgeson@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman, Pingel, R&R Cycle, Rivera Primo, Race Tech Suspension, Schnitz Racing, Spyke, S&S Cycle, Thunder Motorcycles, Tiger Racing, Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers and World Wide Bearings.

Have a Great Holidays and a Brighter 2013!

The road is calling my name,
Haul Ass!
Ride for your fukin Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK, 2000 ULTRA CLASSIC JUST $10,995– This sweet Ultra Classic has chrome highway pegs, chrome and rubber floorboards, bag rails, tour pack, luggage rack, lighted saddlebag guards, and much, much, more.

Come see this bike today!

Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection. Located in Anaheim, California, LifeStyle Cycles has the West Coast’s largest selection of pre-owned and bank-owned motorcycles. With bikes coming in almost everyday, LifeStyle Cycles is sure to have the bike you are looking for at the price you want.

And don’t forget that LifeStyle Cycles has the best selection of parts and accessories, the largest apparel department in Southern California and a full Service Department with 12 bays and fully trained mechanics. We can also offer you an extended warrantys, easy financing, insurance repair work and much, much more. Come see us today!

BIKERNET READER PERFORMING ON NBC’S TODAY SHOW TOMORROW–Hope this holiday season is treating you and your families well!

Just a quick note to let you know if you’re around a tele on Friday morning, I’ll be performing with my sister Christina Perri on NBC’s the “today show”. I believe we play between 8:30-8:45am. Tune in if you can!

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and most excellent new years!

–Nick Perri
http://perriink.com/
http://perriinkguitars.com/

LEARN AIRBRUSH IN 2013 WITH MIKE LEARN–We’ve noticed that you’ve not been active on Airbrush Artists Resources by Mike Learn for quite some time now, and we miss you!

Why not drop in and check out the LIVE Web Cam, Current Projects, Promotions and Community Events or just to see what other like-minded individuals are up to.

Have A Great Day!
Airbrush Artists Resources by Mike Learn
http://learnairbrush.com

GRINCH’S CITATIONS GIVE DRIVERS A REASON TO CRY–Ticket or an onion: It’s a speeder’s choice 

MARATHON — A chief in the Florida Keys is giving drivers something to cry happily about during the holiday season. Monroe County Chief Lou Caputo doles out onions instead of traffic citations to motorists who violate the speed limit outside an elementary school in Marathon by no more than 5 mph.

Dressed as the Christmas “Grinch,” Caputo doled out about 10 of the tear-provoking vegetables to motorists on Monday afternoon. He has donned the Grinch costume nearly every Christmas season since seeing actor Jim Carrey in the 2000 movie of the same name.

The radar-gun-wielding “Grinch” is on hand to provide a light-hearted reminder to drivers to slow down. Drivers have the option of an onion or a ticket. Nine times out of 10 they accept the vegetable.

–Associated Press

–Rogue

SUPPORT THE RED CROSS–When Kerry Barnes’s home was devastated by a house fire, the Red Cross was able to provide immediate assistance to get her and her family back on their feet. People like you know that every disaster, big or small, is life changing for the family who lives through it.

Responding to everyday disasters like house fires and flooding is a huge part of what we do at the American Red Cross. Our volunteers and staff are on the scene right away, with water and snacks for hungry families, gift cards to purchase clean clothes and food, mops and brooms to clean up damaged homes even toothbrushes. They also sit with families who have lost everything, providing the emotional support that can be overlooked when disaster strikes.

These aren’t just niceties – they’re the first steps towards helping families rebuild their lives. And they’re only possible thanks to supporters like you.

Make a life-changing year end gift today to help people who need it most.

Thank you again for your support. Together we can help transform peoples’ stories of pain, confusion and fear … into stories of hope.

–Gail McGovern

MY NEW RIDE–A new kind of casino Limo. Watch out Biloxi!

–Paul Shipley

 

BRAND NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT–

MetalSports Billet Tour-Pak Rack

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1682

Very nice lookin’ rack! I see there is a ‘kick’ at the back….I’m concerned that there is not one at the front.

How much to ship to Canada? And do you ship with USPS?

— Dan Dayne
Nanaimo, BC, Canada

We immediately hooked Dan up with MetalSport Wheels.–Wrench

U.S. MILITARY VETS MOTORCYCLE CLUB WREATH LAYING CEREMONY–  A Must Watch Video!!
Video of the 7th Annual Wreaths Across America Holiday Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Hosted By :
U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club, North Florida State Chapter

MEDALLION BAGGER STEREO SYSTEM at BIKER’S CHOICE–Everything you need is included for this “do-it-yourself installation!” Plug-and-play with factory connectors and hand controls, 200-Watt AM/FM tuner is ready for MP3, iPod, USB and Satellite radio.

Kit includes both chrome and black faceplates and is made of marine grade product with a superior sunlight readable LCD that is also beautiful at night. Incorporates convenient USB/AUX extension port that can reach all the way to the saddlebags. Fits 98-13 FLH, FLT models
Part #47-5552

HAPPY HOLIDAYS—I realize tomorrow the earth is scheduled to end, but if it doesn’t have a helluva Christmas and share it with the folks you love and respect.

In the meantime 2012 was a tough year. We all worked harder than ever, and hopefully 2013 will pay off to be a more relaxed year. Is that possible? I think it is. Our mantra will revolve around fewer projects and more fun, more rides, and hanging out with more pals.

Don’t even go there. Keep thinking about the Holidays and relaxing with friends. The mantra will be a tough task, but by all the whiskey flowing through my veins, we will make it happen

Merry Merry,

–Bandit

Quiz answer: Don’t look down!

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