We’re working with a talented artist on a new Bikernet T-shirt. It will feature the above art, with the title change to: “Terrorist Poker Run 2001.” It will be on black. Let us know what you think. Part of the profits will go to the Red Cross.
Hey,
My ex sent me the perfect solution for the terrorist troubles: Capture Bin Laden, bring him to the States, give him a sex change operation and send him back to the Taliban as a woman. See how he likes living as a woman in Afghanistan. This morning the Taliban punks came on the news to tell the world that we launched a war against the innocent Afgan people. What punks. Did they forget that they declared a religious war against us? So now they’re hiding behind the innocent Afgan people rather than stepping forward and doing battle like men.
Enough of their shit, bikers haven’t slowed down one bit. As you will see by the news, the industry is rocking. We have taken on two new sponsors, both of which deliver services to each and every reader. Aid to Injured Motorcyclists, AIM, came on board with free road service and legal aid for downed bikers. Click on their logo and check out the services, and if you or a brother has an accident call (800) ON-A-BIKE immediately. They’ll take care of you. They are absolutely free and will never hit you for a dime, but they’ll be there the minute you need them. This group of attorneys has also pumped over $3 million back into motorcycle rights groups all over the country through NCOM, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists. We will attend their annual meetings in New Orleans next year.
In addition, Richard Lester, the founder, developed an organization specifically for clubs called the Confederation of Clubs. It was designed to bring the brothers together to ward off problems with the Man and enhance communication between clubs to prevent harmful disputes. It’s been working like a champ. Not many companies in this industry put their money where their mouth is like AIM. I’ve known Richard for 20 years. He’s done a helluva job for bikers.
We have also added another company that is dedicated to bringing you the best prices in aftermarket parts from all the major warehouses–Parts Direct. It’s a shop on line. You might give them a shot.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON RUNNING STRONG–Following is the majority of their third quarter financial report. I just recently purchased some H-D stock. Bikernet is growing and we’re damn proud of what we’re doing, but we’re not rolling in the profits. But, ever since the WTC attack I’ve been making every effort to buy some stock to show support for American business. What better company to buy?
Harley-Davidson today announced record sales and earnings for its third quarter ended Sept. 23. The company’s third quarter sales were $850.8 million, an increase of 19.1 percent over the third quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share were 36 cents, a 34.9 percent increase compared with last year.
“For the first few days following the tragedies of Sept. 11, many of our U.S. Harley-Davidson dealers reported a slowdown in retail activities,” said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “This was particularly noticeable in areas around New York City and Washington, D.C., As time progressed, however, it appears as if aggregate retail activity has returned to expected levels for this time of year.”
“We remain confident in the continued long-term growth of Harley-Davidson,” said Bleustein. “In fact, we are increasing our 2001 production target for Harley-Davidson? motorcycles from 231,000 to 232,500. At the same time, we continue to carefully watch our internal and external indicators as well as world events so that we can best manage our business through these challenging times.” As previously reported, the company has a 2002 goal of 256,000 Harley-Davidson units which represents a 10.1 percent increase over the new 2001 goal.
Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Third Quarter Results Third quarter sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were $638.2 million, an increase of 20.8 percent over the third quarter last year. Shipments totaled 56,611 units, up 8,534 units or 17.8 percent over the same period.
Sales of Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consist of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $150.2 million, a 12.6 percent increase from the year-ago quarter. Third quarter sales of General Merchandise, which consist of MotorClothes apparel and collectibles, totaled $44.1 million, a 7 percent increase over the same period last year. On a longer-term basis, the company expects the growth rate for P&A revenues to be slightly higher than Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle unit growth rate. The General Merchandise growth rate is expected to be lower than the motorcycle unit growth rate over the long term.
Third quarter gross margin was 35.5 percent of revenue, up from 33.6 percent of revenue for the same period last year. Gross margin improved primarily due to favorable product mix, worldwide price increases and a higher percentage of U.S. shipments.
Third quarter operating margin for the Motorcycles and Related Products Segment was 18.3 percent of revenue, an improvement on last year’s third quarter margin of 16.3 percent. The increase in gross margin drove the corresponding increase in operating margin.
-Bandit taking a road test on a new V-Rod
INDIAN MAKES NEIMAN MARCUS CATALOG– The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book features an exclusive 2001 Indian Chief Motorcycle among its extravagant indulgences this year.The Neiman Marcus Special Edition Indian Chief Motorcycle celebrates the 100th anniversary of the brand with the introduction of a classically designed motorcycle for Neiman Marcus customers. It features an 88-cubic-inch engine with a constant mesh 5-speed foot shift. This special edition, limited to just 75 units, comes in exclusive-to-Neiman Marcus silver and pearl white paint. The Chief sports black saddle bags with leather fringe, leather handgrips with long fringed tassels and a windshield. The inner and outer primary are chromed, as is the billeted aluminum arrow-shaped shift linkage rod, from the foot lever to the shift lever. Passengers will benefit from the added foot boards. Also included is a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty.
Indian Motorcycles of Dallas was instrumental in the design of this Chief and will handle 35 of the 75 motorcycles. The rest will be processed through the Indian factory in Gilroy, Calif. As of the first week of October, 20 of the 75 motorcycles had been spoken for.
In other transportation-themed gifts, the 75th anniversary edition of the Christmas Book includes a Neiman Marcus Edition 430 Helicopter from Bell ($6.7 million) and the “Silver Belle” Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Lexus SC 430 ($70,000), making the Indian motorcycle a bargain at $24,500.
The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, first published in 1926 as a 16-page catalog, originally was intended as a Christmas card to its best customers.
ROGUE’S DEALS OF THE WEEK–Black Powdercoated Kraft-Tech Pro-Street FXR Rubber Mount Frame with ChromeNeck Cups. Retails for $1395.00, Rogue $1000.00
American Suspension Inverted Fork Front End. Retails for $2500.00, Rogue$1500.00
Chrome Swingarm for Wide Tire FXR Frame with all hardware. Retails for$1021.00, Rogue $800.00
3 Spoke Rear Mag Wheel 16x 5.5 wide. Retails $1099.00 Rogue $900.00
3 Spoke Belt Pulley to fit above wheel. Retails $599.00 Rogue $400.00
3 Spoke Front Mag Wheel 16x 3.5 wide. Retails $899.00, Rogue $700.00
Set of American Suspension Shocks 11 inches long. Retail $499.00, Rogue $400.00
Russell 11-inch Stainless front rotor #47000. Retail $99.00, Rogue $70.00
Russell 11-inch Stainless rear rotor #47005. Retail $99.00, Rogue $70.00
Set CCI Stretch Gas tanks #15-216. Retail $389.99, Rogue $300.00
Billet Aluminum Dual Piston Brake Caliper. Can be used Front or Rear Retails$350.00, Rogue $200.00 ea.Photos available on most items. Contact Rogue at rogue@bikerrogue.com orvisit his web site at http://www.bikerrogue.com
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REV UP YOUR MODEM, THE 2002 VICTORY IS ON ITS WAY–If you’re curious about what Victory Motorcycles has up its leather jacket sleeve for 2002, log on to www.victory-usa.com on Oct. 19.That’s when the 2002 Victory models will be introduced online in conjunction with a public introduction of the new Victory lineup at Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, Fla.Looking for more power? Awesome new styling? All-new models?
It’ll all be there. Just rev up your modem and visit www.victory-usa.com.
For more information on Victory Motorcycles, including a dealer locator, visit the Victory Web site at: www.victory-usa.com. A dealer locator service is also offered toll-free at 1-800-POLARIS.
CELEBRITY-SIGNED H-D–Jay Leno’s 2001 Harley-Davidson, featuring permanent signatures from Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, will benefit The Twin Towers Fund. The listing will go live on Oct. 7 and end Oct. 17.
Host of the top-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Leno already attracted signatures from many of the biggest names in film, television and music including:
*Arnold Schwarzeneggar
*Sylvester Stallone
*Denzel Washington
*Nicole Kidman
*John Travolta
*Nicolas Cage
*Cuba Gooding Jr.
*Salma Hayek
*Pamela Anderson
*Earvin ?Magic? Johnson
*Mira Sorvino
*Leelee Sobieski
*Michael Richards
*Terry Bradshaw
*David Spade
*Martina McBride
*Ed Harris and many more.
Signatures will continue during telecasts of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” until bidding closes at noon Pacific Time on Oct. 17.
PARTS DIRECT SPONSORS THE NEW PRODUCTS AREA– Hey Bandit, go make your shameless plug for Parts Direct as the sponsor of the new products area and quit yer bitchin’! Make note of the fact that we have a new sponsor in that area and that it will be a killer place to pick up hot deals on new stuff from Custom Chrome and Chrome Specialties directly from the sponsor. – Digital
KING TAKES DEL MAR IN FORMULA USA NATIONAL DIRT TRACK FINALE Rich King not only claimed his first-evervictory at the Del Mar Mile in the 750cc Super Singles and Twins main eventSunday, but did so in convincing fashion, running away from the field bynearly a straightaway in the Formula USA National Dirt Track Series seasonfinale. A week earlier, King closed out the AMA’s 2001 U.S. Flat TrackChampionship Series with a victory at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds inIllinois.
“I felt really comfortable on the track and had some great lines, which keptgetting better and better,” said King. “The set up on the bike was spot onfor the main event.”
From the start, King was unstoppable; breaking away to a huge lead over themain pack. However, the race was halted with a red flag at the midway pointso the field could address visibility problems that were encountered due tothe Del Mar racing surface.
“Whenever you get a red flag and you’re in the lead, you worry a littleabout losing momentum, but I felt good at the restart,” he said.
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