Bikernet Banner

AUSTRALIA– Where being a BIKER is ILLEGAL

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
                                                                                                                   
 
 AUSTRALIAN CLUB LAWS LEGAL CHALLENGES–Criminal lawyer Bill Potts, who is representing the Finks motorcycle club in a Queensland Supreme Court action, says the Government’s plan for a bikers-only jail could be open to legal challenge.
 
Mr Potts says the Commissioner for Jails has the power to impose such conditions in some circumstances, but the State Government is taking that provision too far.
 
“It seems the Government is effectively trying to force perpetual cruel and unusual behavior upon people for no good purpose,” he said.
 
“We are seeing yet another over-reach and another step by the Government to effectively [enforce] extreme punishment upon people in circumstances where it is quite unnecessary.”
The Queensland Opposition says the laws are being rushed through without proper scrutiny.
 
 
Yesterday Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said more details were needed.
 
“I’m in the dark – just as all Queenslanders are in the dark – in relation to the raft of amendments the Government is going to propose,” she said.
 
“These laws – we need to get them right.
 
“They need to stand up to scrutiny in the High Court.”
 
 
 
More on the new Australian laws              
Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said under the new Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill, motorcycle club members will be sentenced to an extra 15 years on top of the jail time awarded for the original offence.
 
If they are also an office bearer then they will be sentenced to another 10 years on top of that.
 
“A vicious lawless associate will be sentenced for the declared offence but will (be sentenced to) a further 15 years’ mandatory imprisonment cumulative to any imprisonment imposed for the declared offence and a further 10 years’ cumulative imprisonment if they are also an office bearer,” Bleijie said.
 
“The Bill makes clear that extra punishment is mandatory and cannot be reduced by the sentencing court.
 
“Further, parole does not apply to the extra punishment unless the associate co-operates with the law enforcement authorities.”
 
“The new punishment regime will apply to people who participate in the affairs of criminal organizations and commit offences of or for the purpose of participating in the affairs of the organization,” he said.
 
“Such offenders will be vicious lawless associates and subject to extra punishment beyond that which would apply to the commission of the declared offence.”
 
The Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Bill is one of three new colorfully titled pieces of legislation have been introduced to Queensland Parliament as part of the Newman Government’s campaign to ‘crush’ motorcycle clubs.
 
Believe has also introduced the Tattoo Parlors Bill and the Criminal Law Criminal Gangs Destruction Amendment Bill.
 
Mr. Bleijie said the laws would help the government “draw the line on criminal motorcycle gangs in Queensland”.
 
“The (Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment) Bill is intended to deter individuals from participating in these criminal organizations, encourage persons involved in such organizations to cooperate with law enforcement to avoid severe penalties and break the morale of members in criminal motorcycle gangs,” said Mr. Bleijie.
 
He said penalties would include 18 months’ jail for any member of a motorcycle club found to own or operate a tattoo parlor, and up to seven years jail for those members who gather in groups.
 
Premier Campbell Newman said law-abiding motorcyclists had nothing to fear from the “world’s toughest legislation” but asked for their patience if police asked to see their credentials.
 
 
Ex cop says new Australian laws unfair             
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
 
A criminologist and former cop says new Queensland laws will force bikers into a life on the run.
 
Former Gold Coast detective Terry Goldsworthy says the proposed laws are unfair and set a dangerous new precedent for double standards in Queensland.
 
He says there’s now one set of rules to deal with bikers who commit crimes, and another for non-club members who commit exactly the same offences.
 
Under proposed laws unveiled today, motorcycle club members who commit serious crimes face 15 years’ extra jail time.
 
For club office bearers, the penalties are harsher still: an extra 25 years on top of whatever they get for their original offences.
 
Other changes include a presumption against bail for motorcycle club members.
 
Dr. Goldsworthy says the changes, particularly around bail, will make it harder for police to nab bikers.
 
“If a biker thinks they won’t be getting bail, then they won’t be surrendering to police,” Dr. Goldsworthy said.
 
“They will be saying, ‘you can come and catch us, because once you catch us we won’t be able to get out’.”
 
Dr. Goldsworthy said that during his 20 years’ of policing on the Gold Coast, the majority of bikers confessed their crimes.
 
He doubts that will happen under the new laws because bikers know what stiff punishments they’re facing.
 
Dr. Goldsworthy says the new laws mean bikers will be serving time just for being bikers.
“It’s nothing to do with what they’ve done, rather it’s about who they are,” he said.
“Laws like this undermine uniformity and equity.”
 
He also believes bikers will simply find ways around the new laws.
 
Plans to crush club members’ motorcycles, for instance, would just force bikers to commit crimes in vehicles belonging to someone else.
 
“Then we have the dilemma of `do we crush grandma’s car because her grandson is a Bandido who committed an offence in it?'” Dr. Goldsworthy said.
 
 
 
Read More →

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Releases Its Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2013-2014

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
At the 2013 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) Meeting of the Minds Conference held in September in Columbus, Ohio, the MRF’s Legislative Committee hosted a Legislative Strategy Session. As has been done for the past several years, the MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. We welcomed several representatives from our Sustaining Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations as well. The goal was to set the MRF’s Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2013 Meeting of the Minds to the 2014 Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.

The MRF’s SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance and an increased participation over last year. The MRF Legislative Committee remains extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction we experienced again this year from our SSMRO partners. This level of agreement continues to allow for solid action plans to be effectively employed by our Government Relations Department and our SSMRO partners while in Washington D.C. and in working federal issues in their home states. Additionally, we continue to see productive gains in state legislative activities that support our federal efforts when it comes to protecting on-road motorcyclists, motorcycling, and its associated lifestyle.

The MRF Legislative Committee continued the practice instituted three years ago of recording one vote per SSMRO in attendance. A full breakdown of each vote can be seen in the upcoming issue of the MRF Reports. The session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, with support from MRF Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Jeff Hennie, and MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. 

  • MAP 21 upcoming reauthorization (the Highway Bill) – To include Motorcycle 2010 Grant Funding (the MRF to pursue the current levels of funding along with a request to tighten up language for qualification and use), continuation of the NHTSA Lobbying Ban, pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to advise the FHWA, oppose any motorcycling related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the highway bill; closely monitor for any action that would negatively impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; seek to include HR1861 language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock grant funding 
  • SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Test – The MRF to NOT promote the use of the SAE Sound Test as a National enforcement standard, majority considered this a state issue 
  • Continue to closely monitor the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other developing health care law for motorcyclist specific discrimination 
  • NHTSA motorcycle-specific checkpoint grant program – MRF to carry out a full effort to cut off specified use of funding for this motorcycle-based discriminatory practice, HR1861 has been introduced to accomplish this, encourage states to pass their own anti-checkpoint laws 
  • Continue monitoring the Federal Crash Causation study and the MSF Naturalistic study 
  • Strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems 
  • Continue to oppose federal agency activity regarding EPA Sound Emission User studies and the encouragement of state activity with federal resources-again deemed to be a state issue 
  • Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving, and oppose all forms of funding blackmails or withholding of funds as related to motorcyclists, watch this issue closely for motorcycle specific discriminatory language 
  • Right to Repair Act – MRF to remove this as an agenda item citing significant progress, the MRF’s D.C. Office will continue to monitor and participate in the Right to Repair Coalition as warranted 
  • Continue participation at the federal level where the definition of a motorcycle is under review taking advantage of any opportunity available to enhance and further clarify
  • MRF will oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by a federal agency 
  • MRF to seek a legislative vehicle to include motorcyclist anti-profiling language this session 
  • Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada 
  • MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel standards
  • MRF to encourage additional federal research of E15 fuel related to use in a motorcycle prior to any recommendations; continue to seek recommendations on its use from motorcycle original equipment manufacturers, MRF and SSMRO’s agreed to pursue passage of HR875 
  • MRF to actively pursue inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing Intelligent Transportations System (ITS) emerging technologies 
  • Pursue safer roadway design strategies at the federal level, include safer cable barrier research similar to European improvements in the discussion 
  • Continue to promote our theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the principles of House Resolution 1498 urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education 
  • MRF to pursue limiting of funding of Center for Disease Control (CDC) on their involvement in motorcycling safety issues through a relevant appropriations bill, pursue CDC lobby ban, seek to remove language where CDC suggests motorcycle crashes are preventable injury events, MRF to continue to support efforts to refocus the CDC on their mission as stated in the letter from Congressman Petri to the CDC on September 27th, 2013 
  • MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF and investigate their funding sources to make certain they are not receiving federal tax dollars
  • MRF to monitor public organizations for funding sources when in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission, respond appropriately if they receive federal tax dollars 
  • MRF to continue to closely monitor the federally mandated Affordable Health Care Act for potential motorcyclist and motorcycling discrimination 
  • MRF to monitor the EPA for upcoming activity on motorcycle emission regulations and motorcycle drive train mandates 
  • MRF to support the Black Box Protection Act, HR2414, to regulate black boxes in motorcycles, seek to clarify the rights of the vehicle owner to ownership of the recorded data 
  • While the MRF believes strongly in crash prevention and avoidance, if a crash does occur we support the development of a motorcycle specific training module for Emergency Medical Services, Technicians, and 911 Dispatch personnel, we believe the increased training should be required of all new EMT’s as well as those seeking re-certification 
  • MRF to research fair tolling concepts on federally funded roads and roads supported by federal bonds
  • Federal Agency Motorcycle Design Standards – MRF to oppose non motorcycle manufacturer mandated specific design standards 
 

With the current U.S. Congress, combined with our comprehensive and aggressive legislative agenda, the MRF Legislative Committee strongly encourages our SSMRO partners and our MRF members to actively engage in a lively motorcycling dialogue with their U.S. House of Representative and U.S. Senate Members as an immediate priority. If your SSMRO needs any assistance in planning a trip to Washington D.C. to begin or strengthen the dialogue with your members of Congress, contact Jeff Hennie in the MRF office at 202-546-0983 or Jeff@mrf.org. We would also like to encourage you to finalize your plans to attend our national biker lobby day event in Washington D.C., Bikers Inside the Beltway, on Thursday May 15th, 2014. See our website at www.mrf.org for more details.

MRF Legislative Committee Members:

Keith Ball, Garry Canaday, Dave Dwyer, Jeff Hennie, George Gorman, Cindy Hodges, Jay Jackson, Jim “Legs” Korte, Boyd McFail, Bob Myers, John Pierce, Todd Riba, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair) 
 
 
 
Read More →

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWSBYTES for October, 2013

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
 
 
NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWSBYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
 
SPORTBIKERS ATTACK SUV IN NYC
Headlines across America shrieked in condemnation over a road rage incident involving a swarm of sportbike riders in New York who were caught on tape viciously attacking a family in an SUV, but according to high-profile civil rights attorney Gloria Allred we haven’t heard the whole story.
 
Everything started when a driver bumped a biker on the Henry Hudson Parkway in NYC and took off, sparking the chase and vicious assault that followed.  After the initial contact, the now-famous helmet cam footage that captivated the country shows a rider cutting in front of a Range Rover, slowing down and gesturing at the driver just before the SUV driver clipped his back tire.  Following a brief exchange on the side of the road, the SUV driver is seen hitting the gas and speeding off recklessly through the crowd of bikers, running over one of them.  A group of riders pursued the vehicle and miles later when it was forced to a halt in heavy traffic, several of the bikers bashed in the windows and dragged the driver out and beat him in front of his wife and infant child.
 
Allred is representing rider Edwin “Jay” Mieses, the 33-year old father of two from Massachusetts who was ran over and left permanently paralyzed by the SUV driver during his “escape”,  and she told FOX News during an October 8th interview on “Hannity” that; “First of all, what’s not being talked about is what happened several miles before Edwin was run over, and we have evidence of this and police are aware, that the SUV was in the right lane several miles before and decided to move over into the center lane, HIT a bike and kept going and then several miles later hit a second rider and then ran over Edwin, crushing him under the SUV without any warning as he was standing there trying to get everyone to move on.”
 
“Ticked off” by the media’s unfair portrayal of the events, Allred said there’s no evidence of intimidation on the part of the bikers prior to the accident and the subsequent attack, and riders insist that the SUV driver was the aggressor. “He drove erratically and bumped the bike on the side,” one rider told WABC TV, corroborating that the driver had already hit one motorcycle prior to the confrontation. “When he bumped that bike on the side, that biker became aggressive because his life was in danger.”
 
Three bikers have thus far been arrested for gang assault and other crimes, but the SUV driver has not been charged as the case continues under investigation, so stay tuned.
 
 
POSITIONING PLATES TO PERMIT LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to change the angle of motorcycle license plates and has requested comments on a proposed amendment to a safety standard on “lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment to allow the license plate mounting surface on motorcycles to be at an angle of up to 30 degrees beyond vertical” (on horizontal installed plates).
 
According to the agency, the change would bring the U.S. rule more in line with European regulations, increase design flexibility without compromising safety or increasing costs, and allow license plate recognition technology used by law enforcement organizations to continue reading license plate characters.
 
 
 
CDC ASKED TO BACK OFF MOTORCYCLE ISSUES
Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) has authored a letter to the Centers for Disease Control requesting that the CDC stop investigating motorcycling issues such as helmet laws.
 
“Given the demands on your budget and the unique ability of the CDC to address such pressing issues as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and a host of other conditions, and issues which afflict millions of Americans and others around the globe, we encourage you to direct your attention and resources to areas that are not currently already being addressed elsewhere in the government,” wrote Petri in the letter he is requesting fellow members of Congress to co-sign.
 
With the government shutdown ending, now is the time to contact your Congressional Representatives and ask them to sign onto Rep. Petri’s letter to the CDC.
 
 
NEW NEVADA LAW ALLOWS MOTORCYCLISTS TO GO ON RED
Under a new law, motorcyclists will be allowed to go through red lights. Starting October 1st, if a motorcyclist comes to a red light at a signal that doesn’t seem to be working or has failed to detect the motorcycle, the rider will be allowed to go through. Assembly Bill 117 enables motorcyclists, moped, trimobile and bike riders to go through red lights after waiting for two rounds of the signal without getting a green light.
 
The Nevada Highway Patrol said signals use sensors to detect metal, which may make it more difficult to detect motorcycles than vehicles.
 
The new law still requires motorcycles to stop at a light, and only proceed through a red if it’s safe.  The state has launched a website to educate people on the new law.
 
Nevada joins a dozen other states that allow riders to proceed through malfunctioning red lights.  Similar “dead red” laws have previously been enacted in Minnesota (2002), Tennessee (2003), Arkansas (2005), Idaho (2006), Wisconsin (2006), North Carolina (2007), South Carolina (2008), Missouri (2008), Oklahoma (2010), Kansas (2011), Virginia (2011) and Illinois (except Chicago – 2012).  In Texas and California, state law requires stoplights to be fitted with sensors that detect motorcycles.
 
 
TEXAS BIKERS AND TRIKERS CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Previously in Texas, three-wheeled motorcycle training courses were costly and not widely available, due to mandated motorcycle training curricula from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that limited the flexibility of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in approving otherwise appropriate curricula.
 
This was limiting for motorcyclists who do not wish to or cannot drive a two-wheeled motorcycle (perhaps due to a physical disability) but want to drive a three-wheeled cycle.
 
S.B. 763, “AN ACT relating to motorcycle training, the enforcement of certification
standards for motorcycles, and the license requirements for a three-wheeled motorcycle,” changes from mandatory to optional whether curricula includes the curricula developed by a particular foundation, giving DPS the flexibility to authorize other curricula that meet the statutory and regulatory requirements of Texas.
 
The new law also adds a three-wheeled restriction to the Class M license of those Texans who take only a three-wheeled training course. Currently, a motorcyclist who has only taken a three-wheeled training course can obtain a Class M license which permits them to legally operate a two-wheeled motorcycle.
 
“Another successful Legislative session for Texas Bikers, and Texas Trikes too!,” announced Paul Landers, TMRAII Legislative Liaison and National Lt. Commander of the US Defenders/C.O.I.R.  “For the first time, a new classification for this group of three wheeled BIKERS.  Personally, I feel this builds unity and gives more support to our political initiatives, trike owners can now be a part of what we do and feel good about it!”
 
 
MOTORCYCLISTS HOPE TO CHANGE NEW ILLINOIS POKER RUN LAW
A new law meant to protect poker runs is creating frustration.  House Bill 2520, the “Poker Run Act”, was drawn up earlier this year because of concerns that poker runs were a type of illegal gambling.  The bill to legalize poker runs for charities and Not For Profit organizations was passed with overwhelming support and was signed into law in August, moving the fundraisers under the Illinois Charitable Games Act.
 
However, the regulations means charities and poker run stops all need to pay for a license.  All locations involved are now required to pay a fee of $50 a year. The non-profit behind the event must have a permit that costs $200. Any funds raised will be taxed at 3%.
 
Motorcycle groups are now looking for a new solution.  Poker runs bring out bikers and bring in big dollars for charity causes, but many fear the new law will put an end to many of the events.
 
The push for change came when the motorcycle advocacy group, ABATE of Illinois, wanted to protect poker runs, which some states are cracking down on as illegal gaming.  According to WSIL TV (ABC), the Illinois Department of Revenue says lawmakers didn’t ask for their help in drafting the legislation so now the agency is enforcing those taxes and fees, but they’re also talking with bill sponsors about finding a new category for poker runs.
 
Representative Rich Brauer has already drawn up a bill that would put poker runs under the jurisdiction of the county where they’re being held.
 
 
 
BIKER DISCRIMINATION AT OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR
On the 15th of September 2013, two members of The Horsemen MC out of Moore, OK went to the State Fair of Oklahoma, walking past four Oklahoma City police officers at the gates who watched the two of them buy tickets and enter the fair. They entered with club colors on and the Police made eye contact but let them in.
 
About an hour into being there, a Sergeant of the OKC P.D. pulled them aside and told them to remove their cuts or colors, whereupon the two Horsemen refused. The Police then told the two riders they had one chance to leave and if they didn’t, they would be arrested. The riders then agreed and started heading toward the gate.
 
They told them they would like their ticket money back since there are no signs posted informing motorcyclists they were not allowed to wear Colors in the fair. They did get their ticket money back but had to give their personal information to the police so they could run their identity through to see if they had any warrants. They took pictures of their vests and insignia, wanted to list their tattoos and informed them that they were a “gang”.
 
“The Horsemen walked away without being arrested but hopefully our Riding Community can understand there is a serious problem with this,” said Tiger Mike Revere in his report in the ABATE of Oklahoma newsletter.  “In the meantime, club members who have been mistreated at this point will be interacting with attorneys for possible litigation.”
 
Tiger Mike, who is the ABATE Liaison for the OK Confederation of Clubs and also serves on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, encourages any biker who experiences discriminatory treatment to go to the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs website at: www.okcoc.net to download, print and submit a Discrimination Complaint to NCOM, and advises that this issue will be discussed further during the NCOM Region 2 Conference scheduled for November 22-23 at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City.
 
 
GITMO FOR BIKIES
Bikers going to jail in Queensland will now be sent to a “bikie-only prison” at the ultra-secure Woodford Correctional Centre as part of the Australian government’s push against “bikies”.  The biker gang-only facility, which critics have compared with Guantánamo Bay, will form a core part of the Newman Govt’s attempt to drive outlaw bikie gangs from Queensland.
 
Convicted outlaw motorcycle gang members will be kept in their cells for 23 hours a day at the centre, denied access to gym equipment, televisions and be subject to a more stringent regime of drug testing and searches.  All calls unrelated to their legal representation will be monitored and their mail opened and censored while visitor contact will be restricted to one hour a week. Bikie members already in Queensland prisons will also be transferred to the new facility, which is aimed at denying them the ability to use prison time to recruit new members and widen their drug distribution networks says government sources.
 
Premier Campbell Newman told The Courier-Mail that the facility will be an integral part of sweeping legislation to be introduced and passed through State Parliament, adding that the new laws will also automatically ban bikies from accessing bail and hand greater investigative powers to the Crime and Misconduct Commission.  In addition to mandatory enhanced prison sentences of up to 25 additional years for gang members, the government is also considering tougher penalties for crimes committed in prison, including weapon offenses, assaults and drug use, as well as stiffer penalties for prison staff caught colluding with gang members.
 
Civil libertarians and members of the legal fraternity have condemned the proposed bikie crackdown as unnecessary, ill-conceived and arrogant.
 
Thanks to Mike Davis of the NCOM Brothers Behind Bars (BBB) outreach for sharing this information.
 
Advertisement
 
QUOTABLE QUOTE:  “Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-68) American clergyman and civil rights leader
 
Read More →

METALSPORT MEETS LYNDALL BRAKES

By Bandit | May 31, 2024

There is a buzz in the industry once more. It started with the invention of a composite material capable of revolutionizing brake systems. I’m not kidding. This shit brakes like nothing else on the planet. It will last forever. It won’t squeal or wear, and brake pads will last and last. Also, this shit doesn’t produce heat and is light as a feather. So, what was the issue?

Several years ago, the material surfaced, but the masters couldn’t get it produced in any quantities. They produced just enough to make test pieces and display samples. It was just a tease. Our own tech editor, Ray C. Wheeler, bet his life savings on this product line and the partners couldn’t deliver.

Then, of course, another glitch surfaced. The product was capable of all the attributes mentioned above, but due to poor manufacturing capabilities, a side impact would shatter the composite material. The whole notion faded into Edison’s book of dreams that didn’t come true.

One guy held fast to the notion that a true composite material could be manufactured. That individual is Paul Kittrell, the mastermind behind Lyndall Brakes. He manufactures brake pads for a growing number of motorcycle brands, but he has always chased the notion that composite rotors were the shit, and they are.

Lyndall Brake Pads are of the carbon-Kevlar variety. They contain a premium blend of DuPont carbon-Kevlar, nonferrous metal with a high transfer rate.

Paul has now perfected the manufacturing of composite rotors containing the highest service life of any braking system with no measurable rotor wear, incredible stopping power, no dust, no noise, and no drag. Plus, these rotors weigh next to nothing, like 1.6 pounds. A lifetime warranty applies to all Lyndall friction rings, if used with Lyndall brake pads. Each friction ring is individually serial numbered for quality control.

On top of an amazing rotor brake surface, Paul developed a new system of center mounting called the Lyndall lug drive, a full floating rotor system with 6061 T6 billet aluminum carriers of various sizes, which can be easily interchanged.

Paul, through Bikernet, hooked up with MetalSport wheels boss, Ron Loynds, and his own connections with Colorado Wheels to manufacture precision centers and wheel combinations. An absolute stellar team of experts was formed to bring the customers the latest in rotor materials, mounted to knock-out centers using the latest mounting technology.

Between Ron at MetalSport and Marc Susman at Colorado Wheels, they manufactured a stellar line of rotors and centers, including blanks, so you can machine them to match any wheel on the planet.

Here’s an interesting sidebar to this story. There is a famous wheelie guy from Harley-Davidson of San Diego. He ran Lyndall brake pads and rotors for several years while performing his stunts. Recently, he took them off in preparation for installing upgraded units, so he installed stock brakes while waiting for the shipment to arrive.

The next weekend during a demonstration, he crashed, because he didn’t have his standard smooth, consistent braking from Lyndall.

Official description: The APEX Performance Rotor is an ultra-light friction ring CNC machined from functionally gradient metal composite material. We use our Lug Drive System to fit the ring flush with a 6061 T6 billet Aluminum carrier. The assembly locks together with a 302 stainless spiral retaining clip in the back, giving the clean uninterrupted look of a solid rotor with the performance you can expect from a high performance fully-floating rotor by Lyndall Brakes.

When used with our Red Plus Brake Pads, it provides the longest service life, and runs cleaner and quieter than any other braking system available for your motorcycle. The entire rotor weighs 1.6 pounds. Please see our application guide for fitments. Replacement parts are available for individual sale. A lifetime warranty applies to the friction ring only if Lyndall Brakes are used on the rotor at all times. Each friction ring is individually serial numbered for quality control.

Right now, you can order this brake rotor to match any MetalSport or Colorado wheel design. MetalSport has an exclusive on all 16-inch rotors for big wheel baggers, and will be manufacturing 18-inch rotors in the near future, including blanks.

“The newest happening as we speak is a partnership with Metalsport, Lyndall, and Brembo Brakes. They have teamed up to offer the ultimate braking package,” said Ron Loynds, the president of MetalSport. “We currently have an exclusive on the 16-inch rotors and there are 18-inch and 20-inch rotors in the works.”

Exciting times in the braking industry.
 
 
 
 
We are working with Doc Robinson, the Tech Editor of Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia on a road test of the new Lyndall composite brakes. We will bring you his findings in the near future. 
Read More →

TROPICAL TATTOO Ride in Bike Show–Biketoberfest 2013

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 
 
Biketoberfest 2013 started with a ride on Thursday morning with friends to the Tropical Tattoo Ride In Bike Show on US1 in Ormond Beach.
 
 
 The Garage and Old Skool Bikes are a Big Hit and one of the major ride in shows during events in the Daytona Beach area.
 
 
 
 
 
I really like this show as it shows me what ideas people are coming up with and also reminds me of my younger days when myself and friends were working on and building bikes in our garages.
 
 
 
Well actually most of us still are and I suspect many of these builders will continue to do so as well.
 
 
 
The show is also a gathering of old friends and making some new ones. It has a friendly party attitude. Music this year was by Jimmie Van Zant and his band, along with $2.00 beers and $4.00 mixed drinks and the money from that going to the Veterans Support Fund.
 
 
 
 
 
Roadside Marty was the MC and a show by himself wise cracking with those in the show and audience.
 
 
 
For information on future shows go to www.tropicaltattoo.com
 
Read More →

BROKEN SPOKE SALOON BIKETOBERFEST 2013

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
 The Broken Spoke Saloon, the nation’s largest and longest running Biker Bar is definitely a place to go if you are looking for a good time during Biketoberfest. 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Broken Spoke Daytona is known for its historic willow tree with motorcycles hanging from it. With the open air bars, hot barmaids, bands, bike shows and a place to have fun!
 
 
 
 
 
 The master of ceremony is Jack Shit who is a show all by himself, and there are always plenty of top name performers and bands.
 
 
 
 The Broken Spoke barmaids are beautiful and sexy as well and known for making good drinks. This year the girls from Hogs and Heifers joined them. You may know some of them from the movie “Coyote Ugly.” Dancing on the bar, foot stomping, these trash talking beauties put on their own show when not serving great drinks.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Cycle Source Chopper Bike Show was on Friday with prizes and trophies in 15 classes which included Big Twin, Bagger, Chopper, Bobber, Sportster, Asian Import, Antique, Best Panhead, Knucklehead, Shovelhead, Evo, Twin Cam, Trike and Paint.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 There was also a separate Trike Show on Saturday sponsored by Bikernet Trikes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Added this year was a “Burnout Cage” that allowed a rider to use it any time the event was open. It could be a solo run or a competition against another rider. It was non-stop action.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 For more information and schedules go to.
 
 
Read More →

The Sunshine and Blue Sky Update: 2013 Biketoberfest

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
Reports are pouring in from Daytona Beach Biketoberfest. The attendance numbers from the event are still depressed. Traffic has been down since 2004.

The majority of the rolling traffic hits the hub of the action, including the traditional biker areas on Main Street, Beach Street, Daytona 500 racetrack, Mid-Town in Daytona Beach and Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach.
 
 

The Custom Bike Show Kickoff in Daytona
 
 
 
Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Old School Chopper Show kicks off the week of custom bike shows and serves as a showcase for good ol’ American ingenuity. Bikes with open belt primaries, rattle can paint jobs, jockey shifters, foot clutches, chopped fenders, and pinstriping are the standard instead of the exception.
 
 
Sleds that show up at Willie’s Chopper Show are known for innovation with builders often reworking old hot rod parts, auto parts, or junkyard finds into functional motorcycle components. The type of guys at Willie’s show don’t often buy billet parts from catalogs, they make their own.
 
Why Willie’s Tropical Tattoo for the largest anti-establishment bike show during Biketoberfest? It has to do with The HORSE Backstreet Chopper Magazine, as it has become the home base for the rag. Willie’s been slingin’ ink for over two decades in Florida and the HORSE is a consistent show sponsor.
 
Hunting for Gear

For the thousands of blue-jeaned and leather-clad bikers who had a few shekels in their pocket and needed to bolster their gear inventory, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona had it all. Vendors showcased motorcycle parts ranging from tires to tachometers, saddlebags to straight pipes, and wheels to windscreens.
 

Bikers enjoyed strolling the grassy grounds with adult beverages at Destination instead of having to sit at the bar. Plus free entertainment… southern rock band Molly Hatchett took the stage for a free concert on Saturday night.
 
 


AIMExpo Report
 
 
AIMExpo (American International Motorcycle Expo) kicked off a new dealer/consumer show in Orlando during Biketoberfest. Motorcycle dealers could roll 60 miles south for Daytona to check out the latest releases from manufacturers and aftermarket vendors, who were not set up at the fest. AIMExpo includes OEMs, distributors, and parts & accessories manufacturers.  

 The expo positioned itself like European shows, as it opened to consumers Friday afternoon through Sunday. The remaining schedule was directed at the press and dealers.

Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager, Motorcycle Group, commented: 

“The American International Motorcycle Expo’s purpose is to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers, and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B (business to business) and B2C in the motorcycle industry. AIMExpo is the single most important show of its type in the North American market and will have international impact within the motorcycling community.”

For the guys and gals who are not industry workers, you may not know about the enormous battle for the hearts and minds of manufacturers and dealers through B2B shows. AIMExpo is a new upstart. For the first year is contained a small number of vendors and was lightly attended. It may have a chance for success, if they retain and build the manufacturer base for next year, and the crew is able to encourage dealers to commit to 2014. It’s a very tough formula with most of the action committed to Biketoberfest 60 miles away. Where would you buy a booth, in Orlando, or in Daytona where 100,000 or more enthusiasts party, where all the action, dealers, and most of the industry is enjoying the sun? 

More on Biketoberfest Attendance

Tourism officials who put on the yearly motorcycle rally say that an unstable economy, new competition, and changing demographics have chiseled away at the event’s attendance.
 
 

“We’ve seen the drop-off for years,” said Jeffrey Hentz, executive director of the Halifax Area Advertising Authority, which owns the Biketoberfest trademark.

Though event organizers say several factors are putting pressure on attendance, the most frequently mentioned is competition from new, smaller motorcycle rallies siphoning attendees from the larger legacy events.

Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, said that when he got into the motorcycle event business in 1992, there were only about 50 such rallies in the country. Today, there are close to 550. 

Bottomline… more fun and more places to go on two wheels than ever before.
 
 
 
Read More →

King of Daytona Memorial Service – Biketoberfest

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
I met Doug King in the ’70s at his shop King’s Cycle Haven in Daytona Beach. It was a place where bikers went to get their parts and sometimes work on their own bikes. Many people from out of town also found it a place to set up and stay.
 
 
Somewhere around 1980 or 1981 I was riding with Doug when he was in a wreck and lost a leg. After he got out of the hospital he went back to work and riding again.

He eventually closed the shop, I believe around 1988 and moved to South Pittsburg Tennessee in 1991
 
 

He lived there until he passed away in a hospital in Chattanooga Tennessee on August 25th 2013
 
 
Some of his friends got together during Biketoberfest to hold a memorial party for him at the Town Line Lounge on Beach Street on Sunday October 20th 2013.
 

He was a good man, and if he liked you there was not much he would not do for you. Now, if he didn’t like you that was a whole different story. A Biker through and through, and I am proud to called him my Brother. 

 Rest In Peace My Friend

–ROGUE                                                    
 
Read More →

Meet Andie Gaskins from Fast Andie Racing

By Bandit | May 31, 2024
 
I am Fast Andie with Fast Andie Racing. The articles I plan to write will be for you ladies! I’m not writing with the intention that you think you need to work on your own motorcycle. If you choose to do that, awesome! If not, join the many men that choose not to work on their own either. The truth of the matter is Harley dealers have a service department for a reason.  I want to share with you the basics of repairs so you can decide if you want to tackle it yourself, or just simply know what happens when you take it to someone else to get repaired. As women, we are entitled to educate ourselves the same way we educate ourselves on the car we drive every day. If you haven’t done that yet, now is a great time to make changes!
 
I grew up in an auto repair shop with my parents. I was given the opportunity to get my hands dirty, not as often as I wanted, but Dad had responsibilities that kept him from spending all his time with me, and I had to go to school. I had to learn how to change the oil and a tire on my truck before he would allow me to drive. His employee, Bob, took the time to show me on my first vehicle, a maroon F150 with a lime green tailgate. When we finished, I thought what is the big deal? Why doesn’t everyone just change their own oil? A few years later, my Dad sold his shop and went to work in the oil industry again. I soon realized why most people don’t change their own oil. It may not be that you don’t know how, but what a mess! It’s convenient when you have a warm shop, with a car lift, and a used oil barrel to store the messy remains. So that is when I learned the importance of knowing how to do it, but letting someone else do it anyway!
 
After college, I left with a degree in Accounting. A few jobs in the accounting industry, and then in banking, I decided to put a variety of knowledge to good use. I went to a banker and proposed a business plan for me and my partner to open an Auto Repair Shop. It was an adventure that lasted 7 years. I took care of responsibilities in the office: scheduling, book work, answer phones, but then the day came when I was needed in the shop. I spent time in the shop learning how to work on ford diesels. I enjoyed my job like no other! Being able to understand my place in the business as a true partner made my job not be a “job” anymore! My business partner introduced me to my first motorcycle. It didn’t take me long to find a drag strip and find my passion for drag racing. As business partners sometimes find different futures for the same business, I eventually left my business and partner behind to further pursue my racing career.
 
I took a position as an Assistant Service Manager at a Harley-Davidson dealer, while I waited for race season to kick off. I used this opportunity to get really involved in myself as a racer and educated myself to gain some additional knowledge on my race bikes. I started this season off by spending time with George Bryce of Star Racing at his shop in Georgia. The last thing my former business partner and I had done was purchase a Pro Stock Motorcycle. With next to no experience with this caliber of race bike, my partner and I had discovered the bike was not operating correctly. When I decided to venture out on my own, I took the bike to George and let him see where the bike and I were at and where to begin. It had been 9 months since I last fired the bike up. The amazing staff at Star Racing took a look at the motor, and found the problems right away. With further tear down, the oil pump had been out the entire time I owned the bike and repairs were needed before heading to the track. So I rented a motorcycle from George and made 10 passes with him before heading home to race this season on my sportsman motorcycles for one more season. 
 
My accomplishments this year have been off the charts! Even though I was not able to complete my pro license yet (5 hundreths of a second away from completion), I was able to get some incredible seat time! I won the Pro E/T class during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. The only female to take a class win this year. And then follow that win with a Wally win at the local Sturgis races the following weekend. I was also able to attend the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Legends ride as a “Legend”, and made an appearance at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Biker Belle reception as a featured “Biker Belle”. I have been a Biker Belle for the past three years and this year was invited to be a Legend by the Legend himself Rod “Woody” Woodruff (owner of Buffalo Chip Campground). Fellow Biker Belle, Cat “The One Legged Blonde”, invited me to attend several events at the Harley-Davidson 110th celebration. Together we attended a ride to honor veterans, the Salute to Women’s Ride and the 110th Parade. So far, I have appeared in American Bagger magazine, Urban Bagger magazine, Easy Rider magazine Sturgis edition extras, Thunder Press, Northern Rockies Rider magazine, local newspaper and radio, on the Travel Channel Sturgis: Metal Mania episode, and on CMT Biker Battle episode.  I am currently working with an agent in Florida and will get my pro license this winter. To stay current on my upcoming events, visit www.andiegaskins.com.
 
 
I will start throwing out articles and see how you like them! Let me know if you want more intense articles or if you enjoy the basics. Your ideas are important to me. Send your feedback to me anytime at info@fastandieracing.com.
 
Editors Note: Look for her first tech article on “How to Change a Rear Tire”. 
 
Until next time….
 ~ Ride Hard or Go Home
 

 
 
Editors Note: Andie’s Achievements so far:
Level 1 Harley-Davidson Service Technician
Lifetime National HOG Member
Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting, emphasis in Communication
Associate of Arts – Graduated with High Honors
Third year straight appearing in American Bagger’s Sturgis Edition Magazine-Available in stores starting September 13th, 2013
First Place – Wally Race in Sturgis, SD August 25th, 2013
Aired on CMT August 21st 6:00pm for Buffalo Chip Burnouts – Biker Battles
First Place – 2013 AMS Oil Sturgis Rally Races Pro E/T Class
Attended Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School – Pro Stock Motorcycle Class
Fastest 1/8 Mile pass – 123mph 5.77 seconds Sturgis Dragway, Sturgis, SD
Fastest 1/4 Mile pass – 163 mph 7.84 seconds, Gainesville, FL
(2010) Won Super Sport Class – National AHDRA Event Sturgis, SD
(2010) Qualified #1 Super Sport Class – National AHDRA Event Sturgis, SD
(2009) Qualified #1 Super Eliminator Class – National AHDRA Event Sturgis, SD
2nd Year racing (2009) Points Champion Bike/Sled Class Sturgis, SD
1st Year racing (2008) Runner-up Points Champion Bike/Sled Class Sturgis, SD

 
Read More →

The Mudflap Girl FXR Saga

By Bandit | May 31, 2024

It all started when a brother was desperate for cash and I bought a basket case Dyna, and with the help of JIMS machine turned it into an FXR. I started to build it for my son, Frank, the tattoo artist, around an old Kenny Boyce-styled pro street frame. Making progress on this build, with a massive upside down Custom Chrome front end, a brother stumbled into my shop and told me about Paul Cavallo and Spitfire Motorcycles.

Paul’s been around the industry for a couple of decades. When the economy tanked, he hung on with his dad and started Spitfire motorcycles. He was struggling and a brother thought I could help by using a couple of his Spitfire components on a Bikernet.com build. I went to visit Paul and was inspired by his non-stop drive to create new components daily, build world-class old school chops for customers, and kick ass at shows all over the country.

Then I was hit with the bike builder blues. My girlfriend left and I was forced to sell my 2003 Road King, leaving me with a ratty rigid Shovelhead and a Bonneville racer to ride. I needed a new girl and a long distance rider. Too often, around the campfire we debated twin cams versus Evos and most of the bros confirmed the solid stature of the FXR configuration. A plan formulated to build myself another FXR. I returned to Paul’s shop to cut a deal on a chassis for myself. Both were stretched, almost single-loop, long-distance riders with Spitfire Girder front ends.

Paul’s team built my chassis in pure traditional FXR style and Frank’s in the pro street configuration. We re-manned Frank’s FXR engine in black and chrome, and I ordered a bone-stock crate H-D 80-inch Evo. Both transmissions were rebuilt by the JIMS crew to be 6-speed overdrive units. I went with chain final drive and Frank used a stock belt.

The overwhelming concept revolved around building a bike that’s a chopper to the bone, but could be easily ridden across the country. My stretched gas tank holds well over three gallons, the oil tank contains nearly four quarts of oil, and I installed an oil cooler for heat waves. The Spitfire bars are held in place with Custom Cycle Engineering dog bone rubber-mounted classics.

I used Contrast Cut Performance Machine grips and pegs for style, yet road comfort. The bike is rubber-mounted for vibration-free riding. I worked closely with David Zemla of Progressive suspension until we configured a shock system capable of affording me some suspension with somewhat limited travel.

The girder is an uplifting quandary. With the Spitfire structure I could feasibly install almost any shock system, with whatever spring rate I decided on. I’m still messing with the gas-operated Rockshox.

I’m missing the best part, the Saddlemen seat. This seat was carefully configured at the Saddlemen manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, from the heavy-duty fiberglass seat pan to the spine-relieving slot, to the better than foam gel, and the ultimate breathing resilient fabric. That puppy is amazing.

The engine is virtually stock with the exception of a Bennett’s Performance-installed Andrews Cam, S&S oil breather gear, and Branch flowed heads, all their state-of-the-art valves and springs, and intake manifold. I ran an Andrews EV-27 cam and Andrews chrome-moly adjustable pushrods for less flex, a new cam bearing and the Branch flowed stock heads, for 8.9:1 compression, 78 cc Branch-flowed chambers, and 75-80 horses at 2,600 rpms.

The bike was built specifically for the road, but with chopper styling. I can’t leave anything alone, or ride a stock bike. It’s against my nature, but I can ride a scooter that will get me there comfortably in style.

For the first time in my bike-building life, I built this bike in bare form, wired it, and rode it for almost eight months. The benefits are immense, since I could make changes and adjustments throughout this road or rode research period. It gave me an extended period to investigate color schemes, build the front fender, break stuff, repair, and outright replace components, including my goofy chain guard.

It’s odd, but even with 2,000 miles under her belt, I still came up with last-minute changes during the paint and powder process. I added a keyless ignition system from Digital Dawg, which proved to be a safety and security feature. The drawback to riding a bare vehicle for an extended period included rust and oil management.

Still, when I assembled the bike for the final time, I ran into rear powder-coated fender expansion, and adjustments to the position of my one-off Spitfire oil bag to prevent chain damage. Maybe a rear belt would have been a wiser decision, maybe not.

Finally, the Mudflap Girl represents the open road. She represents the drawbacks of industry when it takes our girls away from us. And lastly she represents the desire to find our Mudflap Girl at home or down the road.

 

 

IRONWORKS EXTREME TECH CHART

Specifications
 

Name: Keith “Bandit” Ball
Owner: Lt. Ball
Builder: Ballintsky

GENERAL
 

Year, Make & Model: 2012 Mudflap Girl FXR
Assembly/Builder: Ballorama
Timeline: 8 months

FORKS
 

Year/Model: 2012 Girder
Builder: Paul Cavallo, Spitfire Motorcycles
Type: Girder
Triple trees: Spitfire
Extension: 9 inches over stock

ENGINE
 

Year/Model: 2011 H-D
Rebuilder: New
Displacement: 80 cubic inches
Lower End: assembled by S&S
Balancing: S&S
Pistons: H-D
Cases: factory
Heads: Branch O’Keefe
Cams: Andrews
Lifters: S&S
EFI/ Carb: Trock modified CV
Air Cleaner: Roger Goldammer
Pipes: D&D
Ignition: Crane Hi-4

TRANSMISSION
 

Year/Modifications: 2012 JIMS overdrive 6-speed
Engine sprocket: BDL
Trans sprocket: JIMS 23-tooth
Wheel sprocket: 51-tooth
Secondary drive: Biker’s Choice chain

FRAME
 

Year: 2012
Designer/Builder: Paul Cavallo/Spitfire Motorcycles
Rake/Stretch: 5 inches up, 2 out

ACCESSORIES
 

Bars: Spitfire
Risers: Custom Cycle Engineering dog bones
Fenders: Bar Knuckle/Toby/Bandit front, Biker’s Choice rear
Gas Tank: Biker’s Choice
Oil Tank: Spitfire
Headlight: Old spot
Taillight: Donkey from Biker’s Choice
Speedo: Wire Plus
Pegs: Performance Machine Contrast Cut
Electrics: Wire Plus, Digital Dawg (keyless), Biker’s Choice
Seat: Custom by Saddlemen

WHEELS/TIRES
 

Front Wheel: Metalsport
Front Tire: Avon
Size: 19

Rear Wheel: Metalsport
Rear Tire: Avon
Size:
Hubs: Metalsport
Rotors: Metalsport
Brakes: GMA

PAINT
Bodywork/Molding: none
Painter: Chris Morrison and George the Wild Brush
Color: Super silver
Powdercoating: Worco silver and asphalt satin black

Sources:
 

Biker’s Choice

BDL

Custom Cycle Engineering

D&D Exhaust

JIMS

MetalSport

S&S

Saddlemen

Spitfire

Wire Plus

Read More →

Start typing and press enter to search

Scroll to Top