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HOW TO BUILD A GIRDER FRONT END FROM SCRATCH– Back in the sixties the main bread and butter money for most shops that did big twin bike work was raking necks on factory frames and adding ?slugs? to stock hydraulic forks to make them longer. The more aggressive shops also got into extending old factory Springers by using pieces cut from Ford radius rods. Both radius rods and old Springers were cheap and plentiful. Other shops used to extend old Indian Girders and this eventually became my personal area of expertise.
By the time the mid sixties arrived many shops were already doing custom forks that included radically extended rigid setups, Springers and Girders. Several outfits actually set up businesses specifically dedicated to front ends.
For instance many people today instantly recognize the name of Buchanan?s because of their spoke and wheel services but few remember that they started out as a frame and fork business and in the sixties built custom extended Springers from modified stock forks. There was also A.E.E. Choppers, Ron Finch, Ed Roth, and Dick Allen just to name some of the better-known customizers and makers.
For every legitimate business however there were hundreds of small shops and literally thousands of owners who built their own front ends or modified factory units. It was just something that you did if you wanted to customize your bike. In fact building a set of forks back then was just about as common as bolting on a set of new pipes is today.
We’ve discovered a series of builder series DVDs including one on building Girders. Incredible. They are calledThe Chopper Builders handbook, Builders Seriesby G.W. Weishaupt, ISBN 0-9768243-0-3. You should be able to check these out through any bookstore. Or try www.Chopperhandbook.com .
Comfort-Max Gel PadMore cush for your tush–PITY THE POOR POSTERIOR, ESPECIALLY if it’s plonked down on a stylish but skinny motorcycle seat, as Mr. Rditor Edwards’ ass was asked to do in riding the magazine’s Project 100 Harley-Davidson 2600 miles from California to Milwaukee last summer.
Just before departure, Edwards was handed a pre-production version of the Comfort-Max Gel Pad, a triangular cushion of 3/4-inch-thick Viscoelastic medical-quality gel (think boob-job, only not liquid). “Here, you might want to try this,” the donor said, noting that the Project 100’s fender-hugging slab didn’t exactly look cross-country comfy.
Even before the Arizona border, Edwards was sold on the Comfort-Max. It didn’t turn the “Centennial Super Glide” into an Electra-Glide, granted, but made the 10-hour days in the saddle much more bearable. back home, he contacted parent company AMS to see about getting a production version. the pads come in three sizes-standard (12.5 inches at its widest), large (14 in.) and Jumbo (15.5 in.)-all with a grippy bottom; there’s also an 11-inch-wide rear-seat pad. He ordered the standard, but ponied up an extra $20 for the black sheepskin cover. This adds another 1/4-inch to seat height-for a 1-inch total increase-but is much more liveable in hot weather than the standard vinyl cover. An adjustable nylon strap velcroes to the bottom of the pad to keep it in place–it comes with metal clips that are supposed to fit under the seat pan, but on the Project 100 we did away with the clips and simply looped the strap around the top shock mounts.
Six months after his Milwaukee ride, Edwards, refuses to give up either Project 100 or his Gel Pad. We’d call that the best kind of butt-kissing.
FIRST CALAMITY CORRESPONDENT STURGIS REPORT REVIEW–Bandit…. just wanted to comment on what a good read that article by “Calamity Jane” ooops I mean “Nomad Betsy”…… naaaa God damn it she looks more like a “Calamity Jane”!
Hope to see more of her “from the heart” stories in the near future…..
–Indian Joe
Lane wants sentence cut -Victim’s family could reduce biker’s punishment if given opportunity– Imprisoned celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane wants a judge to give his fatal crash victim’s family another chance to say what kind of punishment he should receive, in hopes of getting his six-year sentence reduced.
In a defense motion to reduce a sentence filed in 18th Judicial Circuit Court, attorneys Greg Eisenmenger and Robert Berry said victim Gerald Morelock’s family have remained in touch with Lane in the aftermath of his August sentencing hearing.
During sentencing, the victim’s brother, Byron Morelock, and nephew, Sean Morelock, declined to recommend a punishment. But they told the judge the 56-year-old Sebastian Inlet park ranger loved children, and asked him to impose a sentence that would use Lane’s celebrity status to help save the lives of young people through a foundation they plan to create.
They also said they had built a relationship with Lane, who made a sincere face-to-face apology early in the case.However, Lane’s attorneys said the men have since expressed that “the glare of the media and the large group of people in the courtroom” caused them to be vague about their feelings on a prison sentence.
“They were sufficiently overwhelmed by the experience that they did not fully express their feeling that Mr. Lane would better be able to benefit society if he were not incarcerated,” the defense motion says.
The attorneys want Circuit Judge Robert Burger to give the Morelocks another opportunity to be heard and to cut Lane’s sentence if he sees fit.Reached Monday by phone, Assistant State Attorney Tom Brown said he had not yet seen the motion, but noted that Lane’s sentence is less than the nine years called for by prosecutors and sentencing guidelines.
“The judge took everything into consideration,” Brown said. “I think it’s unlikely that he will change his mind and find that the killing of another does not deserve a prison sentence.”
No hearing on the motion has been set.
BY KEYONNA SUMMERS ? FLORIDA TODAY ? October 20, 2009
–from Rogue
BARE KNUCKLE, CYCLE SOURCE FORWARD CONTROL ARTICLE MISSING INFO DISCOVERED–SHIT!!!! I thought I did this before I left. Here is their logo and as for the article.
The Company is Bare Knuckle Choppers from Wright City, MO www.bareknucklechoppers.com www.bareknucklechoppers.com and they won the Horse Chop off last year. Here is their logo also. Hope I didn?t screw you up on that. I have another tech on for them when you are ready.
–Chris Callen
Publisher and CEO of Cycle Source
Bikernet cub reporter
MILWAUKEE IRON IS DOWN, BUT NOT OUT–Randy Simpson sold his equipment and line of products to a local businessman. They are in the process of setting up a new building across town, which will open in 90 days or less. If you need product, give Randy a call at: (434)385-1044.
NEW ARTIST CROSSES PATH WITH BIKERNET–When that happens some artist become incredibly successful, such as David Uhl or Eric Herrmann, some become drug addicts and drunks, we won’t mention names, and some go directly to jail.
Jeremy Melton, from Valencia, California, offered to help Ball with his Chance Book cover improvements.
“I am a concept artist who was born and raised in Michigan. Went to school in Detroit. Moved out to California in 2005 with my family,” said Jeremy.
Fortunately he was grabbed for a long range project and couldn’t get involved with a 5-Ball publishing project. That seemingly innocuous timing mix-up might save his life. We’ll never know but the book is going to press next week.
If you’d like to contact Jeremy, go for it. We may work with him in the future:Jeremy’s email address: jeremymelton004@yahoo.comHis MySpace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=62744062
BIKERNET ZIPPERS PERFORMANCE NEWS, ThunderMax for TBW H-D BikesTesting at Delmarva Bike Week and Daytona Biketoberfest–
Delmarva Bike Week and Daytona Biketoberfest were both huge successes for ThunderMax, Thunder Heart and the Zipper?s Performance tech teams. These shows were the first opportunity for many riders and enthusiasts to see the pre-production ThunderMax for Throttle-by-Wire installed on Touring H-D models? and not just for show!
ThunderMax for Throttle-by-Wire Touring bikes has been under development since 2008. The anticipation for this product has been intense. Every day the phone rings with excited riders asking ?When can I get a ThunderMax for my new Touring motorcycle??
The Thunder Heart and Zipper?s Teams have been hard at work developing and testing. Throttle-By-Wire ThunderMax test units are currently installed on motorcycles traveling throughout the U.S. – climbing the Rockies, driving to the Salt Flats and down the Eastern Seaboard. The engineers haven?t been getting much sleep, but seeing the pre-production units installed on bikes and riding down the road makes it all worthwhile.
Zipper?s Performance is pleased to say ?The wait is almost over!? ThunderMax for Throttle-by-Wire is in the final stages of development. Zipper?s Performance is taking no-obligation pre-orders. The list of pre-orders is growing, so call today to reserve your ThunderMax Throttle-by-Wire unit soon!
Zipper?s Performance Products
Phone: 410.579.2828
Email: zippers@zippersperformance.com
Part No #309-362
EVIL EPA Policy on Alternative Half Useful Life Determination of Deterioration Factors for Recreational Vehicles– Highlight: This letter sets forth EPA policy regarding use of half-life service accumulation and testing for deterioration factors for recreational vehicles certified under 40 CFR Part 1051. Although Part 1051 requires full-useful life testing, EPA will allow half life testing on a case-by-case basis limited to the following conditions: that the vehicle is an engine-tested ATV or OFMC without after treatment (non-catalyst), and that the application uses carry-over data for an existing engine family using current technology.
Applications for certification satisfying these criteria will be considered, effective Model Year 2011, through Model Year 2013. Priority will be given to applications carrying over engine-based test data. Alternative test procedures continue to be available independently of this Guidance under the general provisions of 40 CFR 1065.10 and 40 CFR 1051.501.
MORE EPA News: Coordination of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment Canada Compliance-Related Activities for Vehicles and Engines.
Highlight: EPA and Environment Canada have entered into an agreement to coordinate certain compliance activities related to the implementation of respective regulations.
News: Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations
Highlight: The proposed Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations would introduce new regulated standards to reduce smog-forming emissions from outboard motors, personal watercraft, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles, in alignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
The proposed Regulations, to be established under section 160 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), would apply to engines and vehicles of the 2008 and later model years that are manufactured after the planned coming into force date of January 1, 2008.
The proposed Regulations would apply to persons in the business of manufacturing, distributing or importing these engines and vehicles for the purpose of sale in Canada, and to persons who import these engines and vehicles for their own use.
Request An Estimate: Contact Bill Rucker at 817.838.3200 or info@tetemissions.com to find out the latest about emissions testing for your motorcycle.
–William Rucker
Rucker Performance
POWERSPORTS BUSINESS REPORT ON H-D DEALERSHIP CLOSURES–A key Harley-Davidson issue.A very important V-twin industry topic was raised late last week but really never saw the light of day due to the somber news about Buell. That tremendously important topic: The health of the Harley-Davidson dealer network. Harley-Davidson disclosed publicly for the first time what dealer closures they have had recently and what they expect to see in the next six months.
Truly, it wasn?t as bad as expected with rumors flying around about the number of dealers facing credit challenges.
Harley-Davidson has had four dealerships close in 2009 as well as an additional 10 secondary retail locations. These retail locations are often smaller stores that only carry Harley-Davidson?s parts and accessories, apparel and general merchandise.
The OEM says it expects further dealer losses in the next six months, although not in any large numbers. Harley said approximately 15-30 dealership and secondary retail locations could close in the next six months.
By NEIL PASCALE, EDITOR – POWERSPORTS BUSINESS
Speaking of drama, smoke and mirrors, notice how this was swept under the carpet? I know a lot more stores have shut down in the past 12 months… Long-time dealerships like Roeder’s H-D and Ventura H-D being the tip of the iceberg.
Can’t believe they have the nerve to claim it is only four dealerships so far… the rumors I was hearing was that upwards of 30% of the dealer network might go away. But if Harley says all is well, it must be true!–A.F.
HARLEY DEALERSHIPS ARE CLOSING BUT THE D&D DEALER DIRECT SYSTEM GROWS WEEKLY–Here are the new dealers from last week
1) R N R Cycles 45700 Woodland Rd # 160 Sterling, VA 20166 703-433-9195
2) A & J Cycle Performance 7830 Penn Western Ct # A1 Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-516-4144
3) Renegade Classics Houston 11030 Kingspoint # 4C Houston, TX 77075 713-378-4441
4) Mobile Bay H-D 3260 Pleasant Valley Rd Mobile, Al 36606 251-471-2174
5) MD Racing 310 10th Ave Orion, IL 61273 309-526-3246
6) Reflections Polishing LLC 273 S Ford Blvd Ypsilanti, MI 48198 734-480-3148
7) Steel Horses of Ft Worth 5716 Airport Frwy # B & E Haltom City, TX 76117 682-647-1468
8) Powersports Canada 1 Laser ST Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E7V1 613-224-7899
Thank you,
Jennifer Millican
D & D Performance Ent
Office Manager
And as always RIDE SAFE & LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES
817-834-8961
Fx: 817-831-4260
Saddlemen Seasonal Specials: Seats Ready-To-Ship Fall Inventory Reduction Offers Immediate Shipping And Selected Discounts–As the busiest seasons for riding wind down each year, we sometimes end up with some extra seats on our shelves. This can be a great opportunity for buyers to get a top-of-the-line Saddlemen seat shipped out to them immediately. We?ve opened a new section on our web page listing these seats on our shelves, ready to head home to you, and your motorcycle.
For a limited time, some of the seats for Harley-Davidson motorcycles from this offer will be available at 10% to 20% discounts. Discounts are available for telephone orders only at Saddlemen?s toll-free number at (800) 397-7709.
These items are likely to clear out fast, so we strongly advise calling our sales staff here, toll-free, at (800) 397-7709 when ordering from this ?on the shelf? list, to make sure that the saddle in question has not been sold. Some of the types listed have only a single seat left.
As always, Saddlemen produces new, made-to-order seats throughout the year. Any of the motorcycle saddles highlighted in this section will still be available as standard items. These featured items are normal production-run seats, and are not ?seconds,? and are under full warranty. We offer this listing of inventory to help clear our shelves, and so that the riding public can immediately get Saddlemen saddles installed on their bikes before prime riding weather fades across much of the nation?
Contact Saddlemen ? 310-638-1222 ?
sales@saddlemen.com
www.saddlemen.com
BASSANI BIKERNET POSTER TUBE ARRIVED–I’m so happy that your tube with the poster(s) arrived today. We’re trying to figure out where to hang it. We’ll send a photo or two when it is on our wall.
Regarding your books being translated for the European market, we’re somewhat stuck. The translation is almost finished (Prize Possession), but it seems the publication’s moving into a new building and their preparation of the “Costumbike”-fair in December takes a lot of power and effort when it comes to new projects. But be sure I’m still working on it. I believe in your books and the German biker-literature-market, so we’ll carry on. Finally we’ll make it, I’m sure. If there wasn’t a chance I would’ve told you, believe me. I know that it took about a year now and nobody would like to close this case positively more than me (maybe you, smile).So keep on your great work, I will come along soon with a blast of a custom-bike, shot as soon as we have sunny days. Until then a quick glimpse on a screenshot from one of our videos showing an event.And as we start into the Bodybuilding-Sason now two more pix shownig the bike “Madonna” and the girl “Jule”, a fitness-competitor of Kiel, far northern Germany.
–Andreas
BOOKS OF THE WEEK FROM WOLFGANG–Panhead Restoration Bible: Among all the older Harley-Davidson models, none holds the allure of the Panhead. The bike some would call the first modern Harley. Well-known author Rick Schunk starts the discussion of Panheads with a brief history lesson, followed by a list of things to look for, and avoid, when shopping for a Panhead.
The next section is dedicated to the bike?s chassis, including the wheels brakes and sheet metal. Like the rest of the book, this part is made up of photo sequences that explain, as only photos can, exactly how to disassemble the chassis, repair the fork, and lace the wire wheels. Paint is a major part of any restoration, Rick shows how to apply a nice paint job, and how to achieve the color and finish that will win approval from the judges.
The engine and transmission are two major components sure to require attention during the restoration or repair of your Panhead. Rick documents the overhaul of both an engine and a transmission with two extensive photo sequences.
Electrical components and wiring are one area that many owners and mechanics may find intimidating. Rick removes the fear factor with abundant photos and diagrams.
While there are other restoration guides, there are no how-to restoration books that provide extensive, start-to-finish photo sequences explaining each major operation necessary to the restoration of a Harley-Davidson Panhead.
Order by phone at 651-275-0194, or on the web at www.wolfpub.com.
Harley-Davidson Panhead Restoration
Author: Rick Schunk
ISBN: 1-929133-81-2
ISBN -13: 978-1-929133-81-9
SERIES: Motorcycle Restoration
$34.95
Or how about an Eye Candy book: How to Airbrush Pinups is a collection of 9 sequences done by well-known and experienced airbrush artists. The individuals included here include Edward Reed, Steve Nunez, Susan Heidi, Liz Austin, and Tom Nguyen. Each photo sequence starts with the artist?s sketch, before moving, step-by-step, to the finished panel.
The human form, the human face and skin tones, are three topics that beginning artists struggle to get right. And it is these three topics that make up much of the discussion in this new book. Each chapter includes a Q&A with the artist. These interviews allow the reader to experience the artist, one-on-one. This is a chance to learn not only which airbrush they artist prefer, but also how they learned their skills, who inspires them and how to avoid the typical mistakes.
The styles seen in How to Airbrush Pinups run the gamut from retro pinup and Vargas-style work of Edward Reed to modern stylized pinups of Tom Nguyen. Each artist adds his or her own spin to the classic female shape, and each explains in both words and photos how to create the allure that makes pin-up art one of the most popular art forms in the world.
Order by phone at 651-275-0194, or on the web at www.wolfpub.com.
How to Airbrush Pin-Ups
Author: Frank Season
ISBN: 1-929133-80-4
ISBN -13: 978-1-929133-80-2
SERIES: Air Skool
$27.95
You can order on line by clicking on the Wolfgang banner, or take the info above to any bookstore on the Planet, and they’ll order it for you.
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