Hey,
Whatta week. The holidays put extra pressure on folks and people go bananas. This last week contained a sprinkling of holiday upheaval. But even within this week the controversy simmered, folks spoke and solutions are being presented. I’m speaking of the Kids And Chrome Charity effort. I jumped on board three years ago because of the two distinct goals: Something for motorcycling the Sturgis Museum (Chrome) and something for kids, who will hopefully enjoy the Museum for years to come. I’ll deliver more reports on the effort and new opportunities over the next couple of weeks.
Then, just as folks snivel about a possible market downturn I sense the industry is exploding. Three manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson, Victory and Saxon are launching complete and distinctively new models in the middle of the model year. You’ll see the new Victory Touring model on Bikernet in a couple of weeks. In a couple of months Saxon will release their new Mad Jack bobber designed and built by Gard Hollinger of LA Choprods, and finally rumor has it that H-D is releasing a Custom Deuce replacement in June of next year. I know that John Buttera has been bleeding over his CNC machine designing something for H-D for a couple of years. Maybe this will be the fruit of his efforts.
Let’s hit the news and I will give you an update on our Bonneville effort. The first chapter is written and many of the players are in place. Waiting on our distinguished web master to launch the new Bonneville 2007 Effort Department in the Free section of Bikernet. You’ll see every step, every blunder and all the action.
BIKERNET SEAT OF THE WEEK–That seat is going on a bike being put together in someone’s home garage. The Board Track frame was designed by Rick Krost of U.S. Choppers. The seat top is all one piece of leather handtooled by me. The woodgrain was put in one line-at-a-time with a small sculpting tool. It took forever but it was worth it. The customer loves it. I’m also going to be covering his grips, pegs, etc. on the bike to match it. http://www.dbcustomleather.com
Duane Ballard Custom Leather
603-781-7505
36 Goen Rd.
New Ipswich, NH 03071
www.dbcustomleather.com
HINES EARNS THIRD CONSECUTIVE NHRA POWERADE CHAMPIONSHIP AT NHRA SEASON FINALE–POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2006) – When Matt Hines earned three consecutive NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle championships between 1997-’99, his little brother was 14 years old, just wandering around the Vance & Hines pit area.
Andrew Hines has grown up since then.
Now 23 years old, he spent Sunday celebrating his own threesome of NHRA championships. Hines successfully defended his 2004-’05 titles by earning the third consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle title at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.
Hines said watching his older brother race helped him prepare for the championship seasons.
“Watching Matt race was a great way to spend my childhood,” Hines said. “I was just some punk younger brother stressing everyone out in the pits at the race track. I never wrenched on his bike the way he does mine. But being able to follow in his footsteps means a lot to me. I have great people who have encouraged me throughout my young career and I’m really lucky that way.
“To be only the third rider in NHRA history to win three consecutive championships (along with Matt Hines and Angelle Sampey) is just incredible.”
Matt Hines started tuning the V-Rod entries when Andrew Hines joined GT Tonglet as a two-bike program in 2003.
“My team took a punk rider without any experience and they made me a three-time champion,” Hines said. “I have no doubt that I have the best team in the business. We had some challenges this season but we didn’t buckle under the pressure. We just worked harder and got better as the season progressed.”
Hines said the only thing that would make earning a third championship any better would be to win the season finale race.
Hines was a runner-up in 2005, but didn’t get past the first round this time. Hines fouled at the starting line, giving the first round win to Tom Bradford (Buell).
“Matt is always helping me become a better rider and he always tells me to be a robot on the starting line,” Hines said. “I wasn’t today. My hand said it was time to go and I went early. It’s the kind of thing you have to take with a grain of salt. Having to sit around and wait to find out if you’re the champion again, knowing you don’t have any control over the situation anymore, wasn’t fun.”
Second-place Suzuki rider Antron Brown was down 43 points going into Sunday’s final eliminations. He closed the gap to 23 by winning his first round match up against Ryan Schnitz (Buell) before he faced off with Craig Treble (Suzuki) in Round Two.
Hines was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch. A win by Brown would have put him just three points down. A loss by Brown would ensure the title went to the Screamin’ Eagle team.
Treble beat Brown and Hines celebrated instantly. Treble went on to win the race on his Harry Lartigue-tuned bike.
“That was the worst time of my life, just sitting there, waiting for the race to unfold,” Hines said. “My knees were weak. I couldn’t even stand up until I saw the win light come on in Treble’s lane. I wanted the race to be won at the finish line. I kept hoping they wouldn’t red light. I wanted it to play out by performance and Treble pulled it off.”
Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said the third championship is a tribute to the way the team continues to improve.
“When we started this program our goal was to first qualify for a race, then win a race and then start aiming for a championship,” Paluso said. “The plan was really to keep moving in that direction. The second championship was icing on the cake for the team but the third title is a real tribute to how they can continually improve and find ways to be competitive in a very tough Pro Stock Motorcycle field.”
And what does the father of the two championship winning sons think? Team owner and tuner Byron Hines never thought he would see six NHRA championship rings sitting in his trophy case.
“Never in a thousand years did I think this would happen,” Byron Hines said. “But Matt is a big reason why Andrew is the champion again. He brings so much knowledge and experience to the team and that has helped in some key situations that come up every once in a while. He has helped Andrew become a better rider and he was a big motivation to me this year too. He was probably one of the biggest reasons why we spent so much time testing and working on the dyno.
“We’re surrounded by people who help out in key situations. Terry Vance, Harley-Davidson and all the people back at the shop give us all the tools to get the job done and put together a third championship.”
Teammate GT Tonglet won his first round match up against Chip Ellis. Tonglet rode his V-Rod to a 7.104-second pass at 186.92 mph to top Ellis’ 7.144 at 185.31. Tonglet lost to Matt Smith in the second round. Smith recorded a 7.111 at 184.98, slipping past Tonglet’s 7.137 at 188.10. In qualifying, Tonglet turned in a 7.107 pass at 186.54, which was good enough for the No. 11 position. Tonglet earned one runner-up appearance this season en route to a 12th-place finish for the season.
Hines started the elimination round from the top this weekend. Hines was the No. 1 qualifier for the 19th time of his career and second time this season. Hines rode his Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rod to a 7.020 pass at 191.00 for the top position. He finished the season with three wins in five final round appearances.
At the end of the day and the season, Hines walked away with his third trophy – something he wasn’t sure would happen at the beginning of the season. “We came from behind to win this championship,” Hines said. “We tested in the offseason and we thought we were in good shape. Then we came out to the first race and we were behind the ball. We came back from that and other challenges throughout the season to earn this. We fought back all year and it paid off. It’s amazing to believe what this group accomplished this season. I’m so proud to be part of the team.”
2006 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings following 15 of 15 events(Victories in parenthesis)
1. Andrew Hines, Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson V-Rod (3) 1,099
2. Antron Brown, Suzuki (2) 1,076
3. Angelle Sampey, Suzuki (3) 999
4. Chip Ellis, Buell (2) 892
5. Matt Smith, Buell (2) 857
6. Karen Stoffer, Suzuki (1) 814
7. Ryan Schnitz, Buell (1) 771
8. Tom Bradford, Buell 721
9. Geno Scali, Suzuki 705
10. Craig Treble, Team Tigue Suzuki (1) 675
BIKERNET TO MAKE NOISE PRESENTATION AT NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS CONVENTION IN MAY– We held our Convention planning during the NCOM Board Meeting this past weekend, and would like for you to come and give your Noise Study presentation. You’ll have approx 1-hour time slot on Friday. It was also decided to have you as our Silver Spoke Awards Banquet dinner speaker on Saturday night, to talk about the early history of the motorcycle rights movement and the founding of ABATE.
Hope this is all okay by you.
–BILL
Send a big bottle of Jack–Bandit
TODD’S CYCLE PROJECTS REPORT– We at Todd’s Cycle have been working hard on new projects that werereally excited to give your readers a sneak peak at what’s coming out. Wehave just completed a Sportster kit that transforms your bike from go toshow. This kit is our second such kit. Our first kit was designed for softtails.
All parts in this kit can be purchased individually. The kit includes ourStrip Bars, custom seat pan and gas tank. Strip bars are available in 13 or17-inch. They come black powder-coat, chrome, or raw. The seat pan comes withmounting hardware, raw or we can custom wrap it in leather.
The tank ishandcrafted and bolts right onto your stock’ 04 and up frame. The tank comesvented so its EPA legal. It holds approximately three gallons. We’re workingon the fuel injection versions and hope to have it out in a month orso. So check out our website for new and exciting updates and projects at WWW.Toddscycle.com
TODD’S CYCLE
15665 Commerce Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-901-4516 shop
714-901-4526 fax
WWW.Toddscycle.com
WORLD’S FASTEST BAGGER BONNEVILLE COMPETITION HEATS UP–Brian Klock of KlockWerks came to Bonneville last year to grab the World’s Fastest Bagger record. Another company has stepped up to enter the competition, California Customs.
“I wanted to give you an update on our Bonneville effort to build the world’s fastest bagger,” Joe Cree, the boss of California Customs. “We’re currently talking to several sponsors and looking for anyone interested in helping this effort. So far Daytec has been the first to step up and will be our frame supplier. We use their frames exclusively on all of our builds, so we’re very happy to have them on board for this venture. We also plan to team up with Duncan Keller at Yankee Engenuity, a world record holder in his own right. Duncan will be lending his talents to our power plant.”
We’re working with Joe and his crew, and you might see their entire effort unfold on Bikernet.
Joe Cree- California Customs
California Customs
bikes@calcustom.com>
DAVE ZIEN SUPPORT GROUP–“I’m still working on Zien to get a story out of him for Bikernet,” Said Tony Sanfelipo of Michael Hupy’s office. “Right now, he’s broke, will need a job after Jan.3rd, and has a campaign debt of about 7-$8,000. He’s hurting. I’m asking ABATE to hold an appreciation reception for his service and dedication to bikers, and to invite some of our legislative friends. Maybe help him with his debt. Have not heard back from them yet, but I will be with the State Director tonight at a road hazard meeting I organized with some DOT supervisors.”
Dave was a motorcycle rights supporter and a Wisconsin Senator for 20 years. We need to step up.
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE 1902 AND ROXX TECH TRAILERS ANNOUNCE A LINE OF AMC2 CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS–American Motorcycle Co. 1902 is proud to announce its latest partnership and licensing/distribution agreement with Roxx Tec of Cresco, Iowa . Roxx Tec and AMC1902 are in the final stages of development of a first of its kind custom motorcycle trailer program designed from the ground up to meet the demands and needs of today’s motorcycle rider.
Branded the AMC2 line of Custom Motorcycle Trailers the two designs, & partnership, will be introduced at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo. The “AMC2 Traveler” has more of a classic design and feel that will reflect any brand, or motorcycle enthusiast look and feel, while the “AMC2 Alpha Star” reflects the AMC1902 Motorcycle Mafia Creed and is designed with that edgier look and feel of today’s “custom” motorcycle rider.
Key design elements focused on today’s motorcycle designs, ride heights, lengths and size. The AMC2 Trailer program is a revolutionary aluminum custom motorcycle trailer design constructed for lightness, security, strength & durability. The trailer from the very beginning was developed for ease of loading today’s customs. Focus was given to trailer and motorcycle security, safety and protection to protect your big dollar motorcycle investments. Then we looked for that custom look and feel that we see in the motorcycles and the trucks that haul them to create styling that set’s us apart in the market.
These trailers will protect that big motorcycle investment, handle the longest choppers, lowest customs, and biggest baggers. The wider body design & its unique loading ramp design that will allow for safe loading for the lowest fat tire customs. Designs reflect that custom look and feel seen in today’s motorcycles and the trucks that haul them. Unique access door design allows easy access to adjustable newly designed tie downs and wheel chocks as well as two anodized cabinets, electric control panel, Roxx Tec is a newly formed custom trailer company formed by a team of the finest trailer engineers, designers, builders, and fabricators in the market today.
HAWAIIAN CHOPPER MAGAZINE LAUNCHES WEB SITE–After nearly three years in print, Hawaiian Chopper Magazine is finally on the web with our new website (www.hawaiianchops.com). That’s right! Now everyone can experience Hawaii’s motorcycle culture first hand. Designed and managed by Albert Ochosa of Rising Sun Media (web designer for Count’s Kustoms and Vince Neil Ink), Hawaiianchops.com is set up to bring you some aloha, and hopefully make you feel as if you are in the islands yourself. Sign up for the Hawaiian Chopper Blog, send a picture of your bike, or tell me about your latest riding experience… I hope you enjoy it as much as we did planning it.
On other news, the Hawaiian Chopper Winterfest & Bike Build-Off is just two weeks away (give or take a day or two), and as I expected, it’s growing bigger and better… Joining Chica, Cole Foster, Mondo, Todd Silicato, Big Mike and Count’s Kustoms, Vegas City Choppers own El Pitts has signed on for the December 3rd event. Yesterday we shipped over 20 custom choppers from San Diego, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more people get in on the party.
Watch Bikernet.com for more updates in the next two weeks, and if you’re in town, don’t miss the show.
–Aloha.
Steve Kalnasy
Editor-in-Chief
Hawaiian Chopper
RECOVERY RIDE IN VENTURA, CALIFORNIA–That website is www.recoverymonth.gov/2006. The new ride is Nov. 18th. in Ventura. Contact Candy@ (310) 679-9126, candy@bhs-inc.org
OUR CONDOLENCES–FYI, my friend Panhead Phil of Music City Motorcycles told me thatMike and Angela Brown of Amen Motorcycles unexpectedly lost their19-year old daughter, Ciera, due to health related issues on November11th.
On behalf of Phil, I’m sending this because he wanted to letthe motorcycle industry know about this sad passing so thatcondolences could be extended to the Brown family.
–Sasha
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