August 23, 2007 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL CHOPPER CLASS WITH MR. BAAS–Hey Bandit, hope all is well had a great time inSturgis, anyone I talked to knew of the KennedyChopper Class so that was cool. Thanks again for thesupport getting the word out. Here is where we arefor the new 2008 build:
Got an Ethyl frame with an ironhead motor donated byScott Webster-Leroy Thompson Choppershttp://leroythompsonchoppers.com/parts.htmChad Pearson is donating another springerhttp://www.pearsoncustoms.com/George Counes gave us a copper oil baghttp://www.spartanframeworks.com/Front St Cycle donated a ribbed rear fenderhttp://www.frontstcycle.com/Baas Metal Craft donated stainless Steel seat pan andside mount tag bracket http://www.baasmetalcraft.comSPS is going to donate again as well and hopefully S&SAlso have a ton of cards from Sturgis I need to getthe kids on e-mailing for people that expressedinterest in helping this year.
Any other companies that may want to help pleasecontact me..there is a full story in this months IronWorks issue check it out to see the exposure we getfor our sponsors.http://www.ironworksmag.com/Content/….aspx?Uid=6757
Kevin Baas
BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
“When in doubt, burn out!”
REAL FUCKING BROTHERHOOD–Hey Bandit, D- Day is coming soon, like I have to tell you. I check everyday to see how everything is going with the bike. I’ve got to tell you I see a lot of red eyeballs in your shop and can smell the midnight oil burning all the way on the east coast. Can anyone say “REAL FUCKING BROTHERHOOD!” to those who always ask what a real biker is? Well just follow this bike being built and you might just learn something. These guys and everybody who helped out are the REAL FUCKING DEAL. Real brothers helping a real bro build a real bike. Maybe if I say “real” a lot it might sink in.
If anybody thinks all these ladies and gents are doing it for the big bucks they would be wrong again. Everybody is busting their ass for no other reason than it’s a dream that one of their brothers have, that?s it! You think these people don’t have anything else to do, MY ASS. This my friends is what they mean when they say A BIKER HAS HEART.
This bike is going to have a lot of soul in it because of all the people who have touched it and left a little bit of themselves behind. This my friends is how most bikes used to be built; built not for the money but by a few brothers helping another brother get his ride on the road. I wish a lot more people would have gotten on board, but hey maybe this is the way it was meant to be. Maybe this highway we are on is meant for only a few and I’ve got to tell you I’m damn fucking proud to be one of them.
I’ve always read interviews where people say they aren’t like the bikers of old, blah, blah, blah ( I admit us real guys have a rough spot or two, but hey that’s what makes us the sunshiny guys that we are) I’ll say it again, I’m proud to be one of them. Those that are opposed, WELL !!.
If anyone agrees with me, let Bandit know.
Later,
Jerry Rollin Sixes.
P.S. Hey Bandit, Sorry if I rambled on but it’s coming to the end of my 15 hr workday and you know how it gets when you are running on empty and what the hell, somebody had to say it. To all the Ladies and Gentlemen (sounds respectable doesn’t it LOL) involved with the Five Ball Racing Team. Godspeed people, Godspeed.
BIKES FOR WOMEN FROM 1 IN 8 AND BOURGET–The 1 in 8 Motorsports Series Against Beast Cancer is very proud to announce the exclusive partnership between the 1 in 8 and preeminent motorcycle builder Roger Bourget Motorcycle to build a limited edition 1 in 8 motorcycle, especially for women. This motorcycle will be a slightly downsized version of their conventional bike, for women who are uncomfortable trying to handle a bike that may weight more than my house and yet the power and styling will be retained. A portion of the sale price will come back to the 1 in 8 to aid women with early detection of breast cancer. Initially there will only be 25 of these bikes available and customers with be able to further modify their bikes to taste. If you know anyone who would like to purchase one of these amazing bikes we will be happy to pay you a commission for you time and energy. Meanwhile, I’d personally love your feedback on the bike. Thanks so much and have a great day!
Ken
BUSH IN A BAR–President Bush decides to leave the White House and goes out to sit in a local bar.A guy walks in and asks the barman, “Isn’t that Bush sitting at the end of the bar?”The bartender says, “Yep, that’s him.”So the guy walks over and says, “Wow, this is a real honor! What are you doing in here?”President Bush says, “I’m planning World War III.”The guy says, “Really? What’s going to happen?”Bush says, “Well, I’m going to kill 140 million Muslims and one blonde with big tits”.The guy exclaimed, “A blonde with big tits? Why kill a blonde with big tits?”Bush turns to the bartender and says, “See, I told you, no one gives ashit, about the 140 million Muslims…!”
God Bless America!
..Bogart
Time Until BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials 2008
10 Days, 13 Hours, 04 Minutes, 41 Seconds.
METRIC THUNDER?S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY–Metric Thunder’s first Customer Appreciation Day was held back in December of 2005 and was a great success. Over 150 bikes and 200+ bikers spent the day with us at our first location back on Batavia in Orange. Somehow we pulled this off with only 3 weeks notice!
Although many customers have been asking about our next CAD, we decided to hold off until we relocated our showroom and were in a position to accommodate an anticipated 300+ bikes and 400+ bikers. Now that we are settled in, we are ready to roll. We’ll provide all the food & beverages, live music, 6 bike category-contests & trophies and organizational requirements. We are looking to each of you for your product support again this time around. Last time around we gave away over $2,500 in products and have already received a like amount in commitments for this year.
The flier below will provide each of you with most of the specifics for the 2007 event and has not been distributed to retail customers and prospects yet. We are planning to begin promoting this CAD during the first week in September. In addition to distribution of fliers locally and during the upcoming Las Vegas Bike Fest, we will be sending 3 waves of communication to our entire customer base and throughout all Southern California Motorcycle clubs and organizations. Your contribution will be included in each communication and live during the day of the event.
Please contact us regarding your level of contribution or participation this year.
Thanks again for your support, AREA 51–By now, everyone has heard of the Air Force’s ultra-high-security, super-secret base in Nevada, known simply as “Area 51.” Late one afternoon, the Air Force folks out at Area 51 were very surprised to see a Cessna landing at their “secret” base. They immediately impounded the aircraft and hauled the pilot into an interrogation room. The pilot’s story was that he took off from Vegas, got lost, and spotted the Base just as he was about to run out of fuel. The Air Force started a full FBI background check on the pilot and held him overnight during the investigation. By the next day, they were finally convinced that the pilot really was lost and wasn’t a spy. They gassed up his airplane, gave him a terrifying “you-did-not-see-a-base” briefing, complete with threats of spending the rest of his life in prison, told him Vegas was that-a-way on such-and-such a heading, and sent him on his way. The next day, to the total disbelief of the Air Force, the same Cessna showed up again. Once again, the MP’s surrounded the plane . . . only this time there were two people in the plane. The same pilot jumped out and said, “Do anything you want to me, but my wife is in the plane and you have to tell her where I was last night!” –from Art Friedman UPDATE ON ENGRAVING–Teardrop piece I will change the letting to “Racing” not “Racing Team”???) Here?s the latest sketches Did you ever find a photo of the edging you wanted? Heather Oops, he wants nipples on the girl.Bandit 2008 IRON & LACE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE–The 2008 Iron & Lace Custom Bike and Centerfold Model Calendar sponsored by Mikuni Carburetors and Performance Machine features the world’s top custom bikes together with sexy centerfold models. Photographed by Jim Gianatsis, Iron & Lace offers a month by month look at the top winning bikes from the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show including Best of Show winner “Art Attack” from Russ Hess of Cowboy Customs in Texas, and Pro Builder Class winner Mark Daley of thunderstruck Customs in Medford, Oregon. Also featured are Biker Build Off TV show challengers Roland Sands’ “No Regrets” American V-twin powered sportbike, together with his contender, 3-time LA Calendar Motorcycle Show winner Jesse Rooke’s KTM V-twin retro board track racer. Plus there’s Sand’s incredible Kenny Roberts commissioned KR 990cc 5-cylinder 230hp MotoGP engined retro board tracker, along with other incredible bikes from top name builders Russell Mitchell, Shinya Kimoura, Joe Takai, Yasuyoshi Chikawaza and Randy Hocker. This year’s Iron & Lace models are even beautiful than the bikes with Playboy Playmates Tamara Witmer and Athena Lundburg, Miss Hooters National Swimsuit Pageant finalist Cora Skinner, Russian hottie Masha Lund and Big Daddy’s TV show star Natalie Green. Jim Gianatsis, Director “POST-STURGIS”OPEN HOUSE PARTY & SIDEWALK SALESATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH 9AM – 6PM–We’re Bringing the Heat of Sturgis to PalatineIt’s hot out and City Limits is turning up the heat even more! Join us for Our “Post-Sturgis” Open House Party & Sidewalk Sale. This one day only – once a year event is a great time to gear up at unbeatable prices. With storewide savings of 20% off, select merchandise up to 75% off, a variety of vendors, Free Food & Drinks, & Live Music, this is one party & sale you don’t want to miss. So get into City Limits on August 25th for this great event! Huge storewide savings of 20% off LITTLE CITY’S “RIDE FOR SMILES”–Looking for a great ride? Well you’re in luck; the annual Little City “Ride for Smiles” is on Sunday, August 26th. Registration & Breakfast begins at 8:00am at Little City on Algonquin Rd. in Palatine and all proceeds benefit the Little City and the disabled children and adults that call Little City “Home”. $25 per rider / $15 passenger DEFINITION OF A VETERAN–Just got this from a friend, thought I would share! A veteran – whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his/her life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of “up to and including my life.” –from Mothergoose NEW FORWARD CONTROL KIT FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHTSTER–Converts Nightster and Other Sportster Models to Forward Foot ControlsMILWAUKEE (July 30, 2007) – The new Gloss Black Forward Control Kit for Sportster Models (P/N 33397-07, $399.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories features a gloss-black finish that complements the Harley-Davidson Nightster model, but will fit all 2006-later XL models. The complete kit includes all hardware necessary to convert a Sportster model from mid controls to forward controls for added style and long-range riding comfort. The kit does not include footpegs and a shifter peg, which are sold separately. For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada. SEX IN THE OFFICE–Eddie wanted desperately to have sex with this really cute, really hotgirl in his office… But she was dating someone else. One day Eddie gotso frustrated that he went to her and said, “I’ll give you a $100 if youlet me have sex with you…” The girl looked at him, and then said, “NO!” Eddie said, I’ll be realfast. I’ll throw the money on the floor, you bend down, and I’ll finishby the time you’ve picked it up.” She thought for a moment and said thatshe would consult with her boyfriend… so she called him and explainedthe situation. Her boyfriend says, “Ask him for $200, and pick up themoney really fast. He won’t even be able to get his pants down.” Sheagreed and accepts the proposal. Over half an hour goes by and the boyfriend is still waiting for hisgirlfriend’s call. Finally, after 45 minutes the boyfriend calls andasks what happened…? Still breathing hard, she managed to reply, “Thebastard has all quarters!” –from RFR MSD POWERSPORTS V-SERIES IGNITIONPN 4226–The V-Series Ignition will get your Harley-Davidson fired up! It allows you to select your own timing curve for a smoother idle and snappy throttle response. You can also choose between single fire or dual fire mode, and it gives you the choice of kick or electric start. A programmable rev-limiter keeps things under control should you miss a shift or break the drive belt. For 1970-1999 Shovelhead and Big Twin (except fuel injected) and 1971-1997 Sportster(except 1998-2007 1200’s) For more information, contact MSD Powersports, 1490 Henry Brennan Dr, El Paso, Texas 79936, 1-888-258-3835 or www.msdpowersports.com THAT?S IT FOR THE NEWS–Bandit is in the warehouse working with Berry Wardlaw, trying to get the Assalt Weapan ready to fire. No time to waste, since Berry is on a tight schedule, flying back outta here on Sunday. We?re down to a week and a day before we load up and head to Wendover, UT/NV. There is so much excitement surrounding this years BUB event and I?m not sure if it?s because of Laura and Brian Klock pending nuptials, the anticipated speed of the Assalt Weapan, or the people we?re gonna see? I know, for me it?s the people. I?m so excited to see Hiway again plus some other Bikernet regulars that I?ve never met before. I?m excited for Valerie to challenge herself on the salt, for her goal of 200mph. I am especially excited and pray that we make every person who sponsored us proud to be a part of this team, with many successful runs. I?m hopeful that every person who attends BUB Speed Trials leaves with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Layla
Bob Osias
Metric Thunder
Motorcycle Parts & Accessories
307 W. Taft Ave Suite A
Orange, CA 92865
(714) 744-8900
“New-Line” 
GIANATSIS DESIGN ASSOCIATES .
JGDesign@FastDates.com
FastDates.com Calendars & Website
4801 Reforma Road . Woodland Hills, CA 91364 USA
PH: (01) 818.223.8550 . FX: (01) 818.223.8590
Additional savings up to 75% off
Tons of great deals
Free health club memberships (with every bike sold)
Free food and drinks
Patch Sewing & Leather Repair
Elmhurst Cigar House
Live music
Pin Striping from Brian Kite
Other great vendorsand more!
Registration Starts at 8:00am at Little City – 1760 W. Algonquin Rd., in Palatine, IL
Rain or Shine
Prizes
Vendors
Live Music
Food & Drinks
All Makes & Models are Welcome. So, Bring Your Friends
You’re guaranteed to have a great time at his awesome annual ride. Don’t miss out.
For more information regarding the ride call the Little City at 847.221.7892
August 23, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Nail biting hey,
We have a serious case of Bonnevillittis. We don’t know which way to turn, or what to do next. I spent two days wiring the beast and still have more crap to deal with. Our AIM Sports Data acquisition system is a challenge. Nothing plugs into a Harley. We had to make brackets to run their speedo sensor off the front wheel yesterday and order another pressure sensor, so we can find out if we have oil pressure. And the tach, who knows.
If I reflect the meanderings of a madman, that’s an accurate assessment of my current demeanor. For the last three nights we’ve worked until after 2:00 a.m. I was scrambling because Berry Wardlaw is flying in this afternoon to help and tune. Can’t wait to sit down with him and pow wow about our next move and some of this staged nitrous wiring. Let’s hit the news. I need to make an airport run:
S&S OFFERS BROKEN SPOKE COVERAGE ON LINE– We put some pictures and videos online at the following link for your review. Some are from S & S night at Broken Spoke and also the 2 videos are from that night also.
www.framelock.com/Events/Sturgis%202007/
–Randy
JIMS MAKES V-ROD TOOLS–JIMS complete line of performance parts and tools for Harley-Davidsons hasjust expanded to include V-Rod tools. JIMS introduction to V-Rod toolsembarks with the release of the all new V-Rod Clutch Alignment Tool. Thishigh quality billet aluminum tool will accurately align the clutch platesand discs to the clutch basket during assembly and clutch services.
CallJIMS at 805-482-6913, or visit JIMS? on the web at, www.jimsusa.com formore information.
Use on V-Rod 2002 to present.
No. 1130
Suggested retail price $27.45
–JT Lepien
www.jimsusa.com
MURDER BY RATTLESNAKE–That’s what police in Lakewood, Colo., say two men were plotting over a debt.Suspects Herbert Beck, 56, and Lee Steelman, 34, are being held on bonds of $500,000 each, charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators said they plotted to kill Matthew Sowash, owner of Amateur Poker Tour in Wheat Ridge, Colo., claiming he owed them $60,000 as part of an investment in the Texas Hold’em-style poker business.
Investigators said the plan was to build a wooden box to hold the snakes, with a lid to hold the victim by his legs.Sowash contacted the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after getting threatening e-mails.
Police said one of the suspects also wanted to kidnap Sowash’s children and use them as leverage to get the money back.
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
RIVERA PRIMO TRANSMISSION SHAFT OFFSET KITS FOR 5-SPEED BIG TWINS–Installation of these kits allows you to offset the transmission and primary so you can run a super wide rear tire. They are designed to work on either chain or belt drive primary systems.
This kit uses an extra length trans mainshaft & sprocket shaft extension to move the primary drive components to the left either 12mm (approx. _”) or 25mm (approx. 1″). This in turn moves the drive beltto the left allowing the use of a wider tire.
Retaining the stock width rear belt, the 12mm kit allows the use of a 200 rear tire. The 25mm kit allows theuse of a 230 tire on a 7-1/2″ rim.
Offset kits contain a primary spacer ring, crankshaft extender & nut, extra length transmission mainshaft,extra length main drive 5th gear w/needle bearings & seal, extra wide pulley spacer, extra length clutchpushrod, extended jackshaft (for 25mm kit only), starter jackshaft spacer (for 12mm kit only), primary-to-transmission spacers and all required mounting hardware & instructions.
These kits will work on Evo Big Twin models 1991-1999 as well as Twin Cam Softails 1999-2006 andDynas 1999-2005.
Part No. Description
3222-0001 12mm (1/2″) Offset Primary Kit
3222-0002 25mm (1″) Offset Primary Kit
For these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com
JOHNNY HUMBLE DEFENDS BIG DOG K-9–Mr. Humble, I read your test ride of the 2007 K-9 and I understand that there may be some things that can’t be put into an article. With that said I’d like to ask a few questions about the bike. Did you happen to check Miles Per Gallon on the bike? As far as the passenger, did she feel beat after the test ride? There’s a heck of a difference between 20 mile ride and a 300 mile ride on the back for a passenger. Was it something she’d consider doing again? My wife is small, but if she ain?t happy, nobody’s Happy! Is the spacing between the gears about right or is the 6th a little too tall? As I think that you can legally go 75mph in most states. Have they choked the 2008’s down to meet emissions? I’m kind of kicking around a ?08 K-9, that’s why I’m asking about the test ride.
Thanks! Roger from Nebraska
Roger, The article I wrote was as comprehensive and honest you will find. If the passenger wasn’t comfortable, I promise I would have said so. My wife is used to riding her own Sportster as well as being a passenger on my Heritage Springer and she said she felt just as comfortable on the K-9 as she had on the back of my Springer. We did over 300 miles on that bike and she didn’t have any complaints. Trust me, if she would have been uncomfortable, she would have been bitchin’ and moanin’ louder than the exhaust.
I was averaging around 35 mpg, but I did ride it a little hard. While triple digits aren’t legal, they are easily reached on this bike even with a passenger. To tell you the truth, when I came back home she watched the bank account like a hawk anticipating a draft to Big Dog Motorcycles.
Thanks for taking the time to write and thanks for visiting Bikernet! We truly appreciate it.
Johnny Humble
CITY OF PORTLAND TO PAY $50,000 IN LAWSUITOVER BIKER CLUBHOUSE RAID– The City of Portland, Oregon, will pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit brought in Federal District Court over a 2004 pre-dawn police tank raid on a local motorcycle clubhouse.
In a multi-agency operation using armored vehicles and tear gas rockets, the 5:30 a.m. raid on July 28, 2004, broke down the front door at the Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club on NE Martin Luther King Boulevard. The police were there to execute two search and arrest warrants. Only three people were there, none of whom were the subjects of the warrants. After an extensive search resulting in damage to the walls and other structures, nothing illegal was found.
The lawsuit was brought last year by Patrick Murphy, a member of the club, Suzanne Miller, who was injured in the raid, and “Tomorrow RUS Today,” the corporation owning the clubhouse. The police pulled framed photographs off the walls and deliberately smashed them, in addition to damaging other clubhouse property. Mr. Murphy was handcuffed for five hours and released without charges, and Ms. Miller’s foot was injured in the raid. The suit alleged the police used excessive force with tanks and tear gas rockets, and that they damaged clubhouse property without a legitimate purpose.
The suit also alleged the police intended to create “a chilling effect” to discourage people from associating with club members, in violation of the plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights to freedom of association. Attorneys for the city of Portland agreed to allow a judgment against the city to settle the case. The judgment was signed last week by Judge Janice M. Stewart.
“The way the police handled this, it’s as if they were trying to scare people away from the club,” says Sam Hochberg (HOCK-berg), the Portland attorney for the plaintiffs. “Our law enforcement was acting lawlessly,” says Hochberg. “Bikers still get a bad rap from some very dated stereotypes.”
“The club had to take a stand,” says Mark Dencklau (DENK-lau), president of the Portland Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club. “We needed to tell the police that we won’t be treated as second-class citizens. We won’t sit by and be their target anymore.”
“All we ask is for is common decency, ordinary respect for bikers and their property, and the freedom to be left alone,” says Hochberg.
–from Rogue
MARTIN BROS SPORTSTER PIPES– Martin Bros Bikes introduces a new line of sportster pipes , with 4 new distinct styles to choose from. The Trendkills ( Pictured ), SO-Dals, Blunts and Two-Downs. The sportster series will fit 04 and up sportster applications. They will come with baffles, heat shields and O2 Bungs for 07 and up applications. They are available now from Martin Bros Bikes @ 972-709-2552 or visit the Martin Bros web site @ www.martinbrosbikes.com
FROM THE WTF? FILE–Bandit, Altering a motorcycle exhaust is illegal: creating a noise blight on our neighborhoods. Motorcycle owners, and their support groups, have no regard for others rights or the law – a lawless band self centered bad boys, that seem to need attention by being obnoxious… this is totally out of control. Your “study” only supports the freedom of the lawlessness, to take the law into their own hand and disrupt the public. Noise as safety, is a joke!
I have talked to my state representative about impound laws or other punitive measures to shut down this epidemic of noise. This problem is spreading – young drivers hear that motorcycles can make all the noise they want with no penalty, now they are adding loud pipes to their Hondas and Toyotas. Your group should be lobbing for tougher laws, (this will help the few good motorcyclist left). Join in and stop this madness. You know and I know, these people will only comply if they loose their noise makers! Street racing is a thing of the past, now that if cited, their car is crushed. See how fast the mufflers fly back into those Hogs when a few are crushed. Start acting like smart… MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Terry C. Newport Beach, CA.
Terry, When car drivers quit talking on cell phones and murdering people I’ll see about a bigger muffler. Show concern for your fellow man’s safety. You don’t know what an epidemic is.
Bandit
5 BALL RACING TEAM SPONSOR AND BANDIT FIGHT FOR LOUD PIPES —Jester recently contributed to the 5-Ball Racing effort, but his story paints a vivid picture of why loud pipes are essential to our survival, and why we need to fight selfish bastards, such as Terry. We need to be responsible regarding our pipes, but we still need ’em. Read what Jester had to say:
You don’t have to thank me regarding the sponsorship . It’s because of the lady makin a left in front of me that makes this more possible than if it were just up to me. Hell, I’m still alive and on two feet. My injuries are healing better than most have thought they would. Still got issues with the fractures in my head, but my left leg has a new rod in it and my right foot has lots of new pieces in it too. Can’t forget the chipped C5 in my neck which they fused with C6. Hell, in the police report the cop put down that he was going to a dead body, although for the first 3 days after the accident they didn’t know which way I was going, to ICU or the morgue. I’m not who I used to be, but I’m better of than I should be. Good luck to you and the rest of the team on the Salt Flats.
Respectfully,
Jester
Thanks again, Jester. Your contribution, along with everyone else?s is making this effort possible. Your letter also points out why we need loud pipes.
–Bandit
VALERIE THOMPSON PROPS–It is great thing that you are doing with the Assalt Weapan. Bigger than you know and Valerie is the best choice for a Front person, she is a great woman. She can handle a motorcycle too, I have alot of respect for her. Keep it up Brother I will be watching.
Nitro Scott
CANTINA LOCKOUT–Hi Bandit ,Sin, I’ve got it sussed. If you look at the spelling of my first name Malcolm, You guys have only put one l in it. I can get in now, if I spell my name Malcom so no prob’s now.
Thanks for getting back to me.
Yours, Malcolm Tunnah
PS…I was named after Malcolm Canmore, once the King of Scotland
PPS, Thanks for a great E-mag in Bikernet. I enjoy all the travel articles as well as the pictures of the bikes and girls. Below is a picture of me and a buddy waiting for a ferry from Amsterdam to go back home to Scotland. You should recognize the bed roll on the front of my Wide Glide.
H-D MEMORABILIA FOR SALE–We have a HUGE lot of AMA Motorcycle pins- dating from the 1920 up to 1980’sThese pins are SUPER rare and extremely hard to find. Only serious collectors need to reply. Also we have Harley Davidson Literature dating back to the early 1900’s including HD leather bound enthusiasts- Almost the entire collection- ALL MINT condition. – Also available for sale Harley Davidson limited edition Pewter belt buckles- We have over 100 ! Antique HARLEY Tools.
If you are a Harley Collector YOU MUST SEE THIS !!!!!!!!
This is a lifetime of collecting – that was left to us by our grandfather-You must see this collection to believe it.Please reply to us by phone at 525-5911 to set up an appointment to see this unbelievable collection. it is truly amazing the amount of RARE HD Items!
Thank you
Dan and Laura Cobb
6-SPEED SPY PHONE CAM PHOTO–Support 6 LSD sneak peek.
–Nitro Bill
BREATH-TEST EVIDENCE THROWN OUT IN DUI CASES–By Jeff BurlewDemocrat staff writer A Leon County judge’s ruling to throw out blood-alcohol breath-test results in four DUI cases could have a big impact on others currently facing drinking-and-driving charges.On Tuesday, Judge Augustus D. Aikens Jr. ordered that breath tests be thrown out in DUI cases involving four men arrested in 2006. Their breath samples showed blood-alcohol readings above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
“At this point, it will potentially stop the prosecution of every DUI case in Leon County that has a breath-test result,” said Tallahassee defense attorney Lee Meadows, who is representing the men.
Meanwhile, State Attorney Willie Meggs said the ruling likely will be appealed.
In his ruling, Aikens found that breath-test results can vary depending on how long someone breathes into the device, called an Intoxilyzer 8000.
Aikens agreed with an earlier Bay County circuit-court ruling, which said, “Rules that permit a test operator to have the subject blow into the machine as long as he, in his undirected discretion wishes … is insufficient to create a scientifically reliable test.”
Meadows plans to file motions today seeking to adopt the ruling for 30-35 other clients he’s representing. He said he expects other local lawyers to do the same thing.
Meggs said he hadn’t seen the ruling, but he said it sounded “odd.” He said the State Attorney’s Office is appealing a number of other rulings by Aikens. Meggs defended the use of the Intoxilyzer.
“We’ve got the newest and best technology out there to determine a person’s blood-alcohol content,” Meggs said. “It’s been approved by FDLE and used all over the country.”
FORGE-TEC INTRODUCES THE SCALPEL FORGED WHEEL–Oxnard, CA- Advanced Metalforming Technologies, Inc. (AMT), an industry-leading manufacturer of high-end forged aluminum wheels and blanks supplier to many of the industry’s leading wheel manufacturers has recently introduced the scalpel, a universal bad ass design which looks good on a radical chopper as well as a stock Harley.
All processes are completed in-house, utilizing only state-of-the-art equipment and highly sophisticated process technologies. All Forge-Tec wheels are rotary forged utilizing one of their proprietary forge presses using only “virgin” aircraft grade 6061 aluminum?.there’s no recycled aluminum in their products.
Forge-Tec has 13 new styles, including the new Legacy (pictured) available in a wide variety of popular sizes and applications (including the new 23″ x 3.5″ front wheel and 20″ x 10.5″ rear wheel), with matching rotors, pulleys and sprockets. All wheels go out shipped with the rotors and pulley attached and torqued to OEM specs which eliminates a lot of guess work at the dealer level and ensures that wheels arrive to their customers in perfect condition. Watch for their exciting new For Harleys Only program which will be launched in 90 days.
For further information on complete wheels, please contact Forge-Tec Motorcycle directly at 888-367-4385. Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories, 950 Richmond Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030. Dealer inquiries invited!
“Pictured here are the Scalpel and the Legacy”
Continued On Page 2
Billy Lane Case Closing In
By Bandit | | General Posts
In June 2002, motorcycle builder Billy Lane of Melbourne Beach was on top of the world.
He and his team of “gearheads” sold custom-built motorcycles at $30,000 to $40,000 a pop out of his well-established shop, Choppers Inc., on U.S. 1 in Melbourne. The Discovery Channel's motorcycle-themed reality competition series “Monster Garage” had just featured Lane on the show's first installment. He was invited as a featured guest to motorcycle shows and festivals all over Florida and beyond.
Now, the 39-year-old Lane is facing up to nine years in prison on a single felony charge of vehicular homicide in connection with a Labor Day 2006 car crash that left a Melbourne Beach man — also a motorcyclist — dead.
After several delays, Lane is expected in court Tuesday morning to change his not guilty plea. He would then be sentenced at 9 a.m. Aug. 14.
“We did get the written plea agreement in,” defense attorney Greg Eisenmenger told FLORIDA TODAY. “Based on my review of it, I don't anticipate any problems. I anticipate we are good to go Tuesday.”
Lane was charged two years ago with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with the 2006 traffic accident in which Sebastian Inlet park ranger Gerald Morelock, 56, died.
Police said Lane's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double yellow line to pass slow traffic on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach. He crashed his Dodge pickup head on into Morelock's small Yamaha motorcycle on Sept. 4, 2006, police said.
In light of ongoing legal discussions over the permissibility of blood evidence at trial, prosecutors in late December added an alternative charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the state to prove that Lane was driving recklessly but does not include the drug or alcohol element needed to prove DUI manslaughter.
Both charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
But under the terms of the plea deal, Eisenmenger said prosecutors will drop the DUI manslaughter charge. Instead, they will seek a nine-year prison term for the vehicular homicide charge, a term Lane is eligible for under state sentencing guidelines when his prior criminal record is considered.
Eisenmenger will seek a sentence that calls for no time in prison.
“We believe there are mitigating factors in this case. . . . And we're going to be presenting those to the court at sentencing,” he said.Since the crash, Lane's public persona has suffered.
A message on his motorcycle shop's Web site says the shop is closed to the public, though merchandise is available for purchase online. Court records indicate that Lane's Melbourne Beach home is going through foreclosure.
Lane reached a confidential out-of-court settlement on a wrongful death suit filed by Morelock's family. Also, records show that Erin Derrick, a 22-year-old woman who was in the car with Lane at the time of the crash, is suing him for injuries she says have rendered her unable to work.
Most people contacted by FLORIDA TODAY declined to comment, but several observers from the motorcycle community said the case has hardly tarnished Lane's celebrity.
Mike Odom, a Melbourne motorcycle photographer who blogs about the case and has attended all but one hearing, said Lane's booth at Biketoberfest 2007 in Daytona Beach attracted a long line, so he decided to informally poll 10 people in line.
“Out of those 10, 50 percent were not aware of what happened, and the other 50 percent were aware but didn't care,” Odom said.
On his blog, Odom said, a lot of reader comments have called for prison time. But there also is a sizeable number of people who want to see a “positive outcome,” such as having Lane build and donate a motorcycle in Morelock's name or do public service announcements about the dangers of drunken driving, Odom said.
“He has enough of a following that people would listen to him,” he said.Like workers at most local businesses that sell motorcycles, Mike Marconi, general manager at Champions Honda in Cocoa, said Lane's custom motorcycle market and the “average Joe” market Marconi caters to are “entirely different.””So most of our customers, they don't talk about it, and I'd guarantee a lot of our customers don't know who Billy Lane is,” Marconi said.Asked to offer his own opinion of the case, he said: “I don't really have a comment. I think the media likes to play it up because he's a known figure. If my parts manager got arrested for the same thing, I don't think we'd be talking about it.”
August 16, 2007 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
WARRIOR BLADES–If you are looking for an aggressive yet stylish set of levers for your custom or stock machine, WARRIOR BLADES sport major attitude with function to match. CAD designed and CNC machined to OEM specs from Aerospace grade 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, WARRIOR BLADES by Pro-One are extremely light and exceptionally strong.
Available for Bolt-on fitment to 1996-2006 H-D models except 2004-2006 Sportsters and many customs, they can be ordered in mirror finish chrome or black anodized with machined edges. WARRIOR BLADES retail for just $149.95.
For complete details and availability call Pro-One direct at 800-884-4173 or visit them on the Web at
ANOTHER GREAT STEALTH DEAL OF THE WEEK–These two bikes are up for sale at STEALTH BIKE WORKS. Both are my personal bikes and have been well maintained.
The blue rigid is Delkron 80″ Evo with 4 speed kick only trans. with jockey shift. The paint is marbelized and is awesome! The frame is a straight leg rigid Santee. The bike features an S&s E carb and Andrfews cam.The bike is titled as a 2000 custom. Asking price $15000.00.
The next bike I have for sale is my 1991 Springer Softail. I have owned the bike since it was purchased new in March 1991. The bike features a custom one-off rear fender, S&S E carb, Andrews cam and much more. Asking price $15000.00
If interested give me a call at STEALTH BIKE WORKS 704-882-0889 Stealthman
HELMET LAW EDITORIAL EXCERPT AND HEATED RESPONSE– Editorial: Iowa needs helmet law now.It’s hard to understand how the Great State of Iowa can argue that car and truck drivers must wear seat belts while not also insisting that motorcyclists wear helmets.
The July 31 crash in West Branch that killed Joshua Lunsford reminds us of how fragile life can be when we?re moving faster than we can run. Lunsford was not wearing a helmet, but the West Branch Police Department believes it was the driver of the tractor-trailer who was at fault in the tragic occurrence that happened at South Downey and Fawcett Drive–but only for failure to yield. Lunsford, according to information provided in his obituary and comments from a former friend, was an avid–and experienced–motorcyclist.
–Rob Poggenklass
Editor
rob@westbranchtimes.com
Mr. Poggenklass,
In your op-ed piece below you say “… it was the driver of the tractor-trailer who was at fault in the tragic occurrence that [killed a biker] at South Downey and Fawcett Drive–but only for failure to yield.”
But only for failure to yield? But ONLY for failure to yield??? BUT “ONLY” FOR FAILURE TO YIELD?!?
That is the same as saying that “…the criminal who pulled the trigger on the gun was at fault for the death of the victim–but only for murder.” Are you truly that naive, Rob, or do you just think your readership is?
Neither helmets nor helmet laws do anything to prevent right-of-way violations, and that is the real story and issue here. The motorcyclist did NOT die because he was not wearing a helmet. He died because his right-of-way was violated!
WHY did the trucker violate the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, Rob? Was he gabbing on his cellphone when he should’ve been watching the road, perhaps? WHAT actions will be taken to punish this offender, and to prevent or at least discourage other motorists from committing the same offense?
Neither professional journalism nor responsible reporting appear to be your forte, Rob. Perhaps it would be in everyone’s best interests for you to seek employment in some field other than news media.
Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,
–Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Premier Member, Iron Butt Association
Bikernet would also like to point out that 44,000 motorists die annually and the majority of the injuries are head injuries. My comment to Rob would include: Why don’t all motorists wear helmets? –Bandit
POLICE AND FBI RAID OUTLAWS’ CLUBHOUSE AND MEMBER’S HOME–“We don’t have any of that here,” said one man at the Daytona Beach clubhouse Wednesday.FBI officials did not say what they sought.Raids were also carried out at Trail’s Ormond Beach residence and two other Outlaws clubhouses in Jacksonville and Citrus County.
Police used concussion bombs to get inside the clubhouse and in their wake, a window with the club’s insignia was shattered and the front door broken.The Outlaws have a notorious past and later in the day, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced a Detroit grand jury indictment of 16 of the national club’s members.No one was arrested at the local club, housed in a commercial building flanked by other businesses. Merchants nearby said Wednesday the Outlaws keep the neighborhood safe from crime and prostitution.
Federal agents lugged boxes from the headquarters at 615 N. Beach St. They mostly contained personal photographs of members, computers, CDs, cameras, camera cards, notes and clubhouse T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Snitches are a lying breed,” according to a list left behind by FBI officials.
“They took my wedding pictures and the wedding pictures of other guys that got married here,” Trail said Wednesday, motioning to the clubhouse. “They knocked down my door at home and my wife and I were asleep. They scared her and the dogs.”
Trail, who has no criminal history in Florida, said he and his wife were handcuffed briefly while FBI and U.S. agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms combed through his house.
FBI spokesman Jeff Westcott said the raids were part of an investigation of the Outlaws in Florida by his agency in conjunction with other law enforcement officials.Special Agent Chris Bonner in the FBI’s office in Daytona Beach said, “There are investigations of the activities of the Outlaws in various parts of the country.”
The grand jury indictment in Detroit is on various charges, including assault and drug distribution. Eleven leaders and high-ranking members of the gang were arrested after a five-year investigation. Federal officials said several gang members were charged with conspiracy to commit assault on members of the rival Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Indiana.
By LYDA LONGAStaff Writer
–from Rogue
NEW U.S. CHOPPER PROTOTYPE TO BE UNVEILED AT BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS IN BONNEVILLE–Rick Krost states, ” this project is something I have dreamed of doing for many years, but was never a reality because of production cost. However, with our new friends and strategic alliances, we have found a way to provide what I feel is some of the highest quality, and exacting detail product that the industry has seen in some time… all at an affordable cost to our dealers and clients.”
Pre-orders will be taken after the introduction in Bonneville Sep 2007.
U.S. Choppers
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–How do we stop the madness become glass makers?
–Live it up,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:whiplash@photo.net
WILL AMERICAN IRON HORSE SURVIVE?–Rumors are flying around the country that most of management has quit and they may close their doors shortly. We spoke to a dealer who told us that the company is in foreclosure and, “They sold bikes at Sturgis for under dealer price, less than $19,000. Some Texas dealers are selling $35,000 models for $25,000. I ordered 12 bikes in February and in June I still didn’t have product to sell. It doesn’t look good.”
Wait, this just in from Lifestyle Cycles In Anahiem, California: “Nope, they’re not out of business, yet,” said Dan Leadbetter, “I just called over there, got a receptionist and they were going to transfer me to the PR dept.” We’ll keep you posted.
MOM PROPELS BIKER SAFETY CAMPAIGN–A fleet of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol motorcycles surrounded Tina McElhenny Monday morning as she prepared to lift the veil on the last billboard in a yearlong awareness campaign devoted to motorcycle safety.
Her son, Kris, was killed May 8, 2002, when his motorcycle struck a vehicle that failed to yield to his right of way. She and her family started K-Mc Sports Foundation Inc. about three years ago as a way to bring attention to motorcycle safety and keep Kris’ spirit alive. The foundation has since raised $126,000.
“Kris is still a huge part of our lives,” McElhenny said. “If we can help save a life by talking about what happened with Kris, then this campaign has been a success.”
Nineteen billboards emblazoned with the foundation’s “Be Nice. Look Twice. Save a Life” slogan and a picture of Kris have been placed by the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association in cities across the state. The first billboard was dedicated May 30 in Tallahassee – the city where Kris McElhenny was killed. The Jacksonville billboard near the BB&T bank on Beach Boulevard was the last of the 19 to be unveiled. McElhenny said this was especially poignant because Jacksonville is her family’s hometown.
“There are more motorcycles on the road every year, and we hope this program can reduce traffic fatalities,” said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there has been an increase of about 11,000 registered motorcycles since last year. State Traffic Safety Specialist Trenda McPherson said that’s why it’s so important for drivers to always be vigilant on the roads.
“Don’t just use your mirrors, turn your head and make sure their isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot,” McPherson said. “Most crashes occur when drivers making right turns don’t notice motorcycles approaching on the right side.”
Tina McElhenny said the 19 billboards were donated for one year, and the campaign will branch out into other markets with more advertising in following years. Once the campaign fully encompasses Florida, she said the plan is to reach into Georgia and surrounding states.
– By MATT COLEMAN, The Times-Union
–from Rogue
TOP 50 RALLY PARK Sturgis Rally 2007– The Top 50 Rally Park is a new event at the Sturgis Rally and is off to a good start. Located off I-90 at exit 46 in Piedmont it is easy to get to from anywhere.
They had a full agenda of things like a Charity Ride on Monday, On Tuesday Dave Perewitz, The Suicide Girls and Stunt Riding. The events went on and on.
Because of previous commitments I did miss some of the events and people I wanted to see But I was impressed and expect to see this event grow as more people find out about it.
–Rogue
Sturgis Freedom FightersMotorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
NEW BIKE COVERS DESIGNED DOWN UNDER–I have included some more styles and an advertisement we did in an Australian MagazinePricing depends on QTY ordered and what will suit you.We are negotiable on pricing if you support our products.
We are doing two types of Bike Covers one is waterproof and the other is a dust cover for internal use onlyBoth are available in all styles
–Nathan
claxtondesign@gmail.com
HOW DO WE GET CAGERS TO HANG UP AND DRIVE? (One Hundred Dollars for the Best Idea!)–In last month’s “Hang Up and Drive!” installment, I pointed out that there are currently 236 million cell phone subscribers on our roadways … that 73% of them are talking while they are driving … that cell phone conversations impair their driving skills as much if they were intoxicated with alcohol… and that consequently they are four times more likely to cause or be involved in an accident than motorists who responsibly shut up and steer. And for those of you who discount these statistics–or for whatever reason refuse to accept the fact that cell phone conversation-impaired cagers are one of the greatest and growing threats to the safety of American motorcyclists–I relate the following: Saturday, 11 August 2007, marked the end of eleven days and 5,921 miles in the saddle for me. I rode 2,365 miles from Miami Beach, Florida to Gillette, Wyoming, which was my base for this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. From there, I rode another 1,135 miles touring through the scenic Black Hills, Badlands and Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. I then logged another 2,421 miles of saddletime returning home. I was very fortunate to be able to complete this annual pilgrimage, as I NEARLY LOST MY LIFE 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST 36 HOURS OF THE RIDE.
These are not the first “close calls due to cellphone calls” I have reported to you. But my concern is not with the incidents I (and others, perhaps you) have survived. My concern is the incident that I (or others, perhaps YOU) may not survive. So I ask you:
HOW DO WE GET CAGERS TO HANG UP AND DRIVE?
We can lobby for laws banning the use of cell phones while driving, but how long will it take to get those laws on the books, how many motorcyclists will be maimed or killed in the interim, and how effective will they be in the end? Most of the laws passed to date ban only the use of hand-held devices and exempt hands-free technologies, but studies show that it is the conversation and not the device that distracts and impairs the driver. These laws also tend to have minimal penalties and be difficult to enforce, so many drivers simply ignore them:
THE CONTRIBUTOR OF THE BEST QUALIFYING IDEA POSTED NO LATER THAN 15 SEPTEMBER 2007 WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00). ALL ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY BRUCE ARNOLD, WHO WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER AND MAKE THE AWARD BY 15 OCTOBER 2007.
I’d offer more if I could afford it, but hey, I just got back from Sturgis.
Until Next Time … Ride Long, Ride Free!
Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
FBI RAIDS LARGEST OUTDOOR BIKER BAR IN STURGIS–The Federal Bureau of Investigations has raided the largest outdoor biker bar at the Sturgis Rally.
It happened Tuesday at the Full Throttle Saloon, three miles east of Sturgis.A source tells KOTA Territory News the raid involves the Internal Revenue Service.
Neither the FBI nor the staff at the Full Throttle will say what happened.
The Full Throttle is billed as the biggest biker bar in the country. It has been in operation since the 60th rally in 2000.
Mike Ballard, who owns the Full Throttle, has not returned our phone calls.
NEW MATTE BLACK MINI APE HANDLEBAR FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2007) – The new Matte Black Mini Ape Handlebar (P/N 56075-07, $59.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories has a conservative rise and bend for rider comfort. This one-inch diameter bar is 12 inches high and features a durable matte black finish that complements the aggressive look of the Harley-Davidson Nightster and Street Bob models. These bars will also fit a number of other Sportster and Dyna models. See dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2005 H-D Electra Glide. Features a 95 cubic inch fuel injected motor, lowering kit, PM brakes, 18″ custom Renegade wheels, Custom paint by Rock n Roll, Alpine stereo, Sirius radio ready, billet lights, hard bags, pizza box and much much more! You have to see it it believe it! Inspected, tested and approved by a certified technician. Only $19,995. They also have a new Dyna and a 2005 1200 Sportster for $3,400.
CALL LIFESTYLE CYCLES
(714) 490-0155
IT’S A WRAP–And I’m wrapped as tight as a .45 magnum shell. Bonneville is looming like a 10 pound ball-peen hammer over my thumbnail. We’re scrambling, making calls, counting our pennies, praying for surf, and yet it’s all going reasonably well in our over heated shop. It’s smoking today as temperatures on the coast glide toward the 90s.
Enough sniveling, I’ve got pipes to build, wiring to figure out and hydraulic lines to make. Rick Krost from U.S. Choppers may fly over and assist with exhaust manufacturing. We need the pipes on and the bike plumbed and primed by next Thursday when Berry Wardlaw, from Accurate Engineering flies in for tuning and dyno work. Man-oh-man, we’re cooking with hot grease and lots of garlic.
But that’s never the end of the transparent line here at Bikernet. We’ve got a hot bike feature lined up for tomorrow and a Girl of Bikernet is being mauled in Texas by RFR and Johnny Humble.
I need to jump back into the shop. My nerves are shot, my head over-loaded with info and not enough time to pressure me to the deck. Watch for another update next week.Ride Forever,Bandit
August 16, 2007 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
2nd ANNUAL BUILDERS BREAKFAST STURGIS SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK FOR MAKE A WISH SOUTH DAKOTA–Sold out crowds and outstanding auction items raise over $14,500 for Make A Wish, south Dakota Minneapolis, MN – (August 14, 2007) -The 2nd Annual Builders Breakfast was deemed a terrific success for Make A Wish, South Dakota. Raising over $14,500 in just under 3 hours! Participating Builders donated their time and merchandise to raise money for Make A Wish.
“The Builders Breakfast has become a must do event for me and all of the Builders. I can only see it growing from here on out” said Paul Yaffe. “Each time it gets better and bigger. In Sturgis we were able to meet some children and families that benefited from Make A Wish, that is when it really hits home and means something. We do this for them” finished Yaffe.
The 2nd Annual Builders Breakfast Sturgis was held at the legendary Broken Spoke on Lazelle Street with over 20 invited Builders present. Make A Wish, South Dakota brought over a dozen volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal to ticket holders. “The event was sold out and the auction items were one of a kind pieces donated for the cause. Once again all of the hard work and effort paid off for children. I never promise the best meal in town, but always the best company” explained Darcy Betlach event founder and planner.
The 2nd Annual Builders Breakfast Daytona will take place during bike week Tuesday, March 4th 2008 at Destination Daytona. Tickets for the Daytona event will be made available later this year, watch for more details on where to get yours, all new outlets for ticket sales are in development now. The 3rd Annual Builders Breakfast Sturgis date is already set: Tuesday, August 5, 2008.
A very special thanks goes to those that went above and beyond to help the Builders Breakfast make history in Sturgis; Paul Yaffe Originals, Baker Drivetrain, Marilyn Stemp, Paisano Publications, Iron Works, Heel Guard, McDonald’s Sturgis, Michael Lichter, Sara Liberte, Bikers InCite, Broken Spoke Saloon, Bikernet, Ron Segal, ChopperBuild, Beachcruiser.com, Suzy, Cheryl and Kathy (you know who you are) and numerous other generous people and companies that helped raise over $14,000 for Make A Wish, SD and also a big special thanks goes to attending Builders; Paul Yaffe, Eddie Trotta, Aaron Greene, Paul Cox, Keino, Russell Mitchell, Russell Marlow, Kim Suter, Jerry Covington, Donnie Smith, Dave Perewitz, Billy Lane, Arlin Fatland, Rick Fairless, Brian Klock*, Chica, AMD World Champion Builder Chicara, Scott Webster, Fred Kodlin, Roland Sands, Michael Prugh, Brian Klock, Randy Simpson, Roger Goldammer, Matt Hotch and Jim Nasi.
For sponsorship information please call: Darcy Betlach, Chrome Marketing, 952-470-4297
HARLEY LOSES GRIP ON REALITY–What is going on at Harley? Have they totally lost grip with reality? I just opened a powersports mag with a product focus section that shows off Harley’s line of “105th anniversary” models. First off, what the heck is a 105th anniversary? Is there going to be 106th anniversary models as well to spur sales? How bout a 106 1/2 year anniversary, or maybe even a month-by-month anniversary? Are they that desperate for sales?
Secondly, I couldn’t recognize any of the bikes as “Harleys.” They tried to emulate the custom sector by mounting the rear fender on the swingarm just over the tire…. swell- big deal….. but now they have a seat that sits all alone in outer-space, totally separated from the lines of the bike. Then to add insult to injury Harley adds a two-up option that looks like a maxi-pad on a serving tray…. was this some left over seat kit they found last minute or did some idiot design this and present it to the board and receive a bunch of “ooh’s and ahh’s”???
Isn’t anyone realizing that Harley has stayed successful by NOT changing much in 100 years? Why try to get stupid now? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but the styling clues are getting lost…. they should consult their historian and digs some old pics out of the archives and regroup themselves. If I still owned the stock, I would short the heck out of it right here. They are missing the mark on market timing and style- hope they are hiring great sales people to baffle the customers with bullshit.
Then I turned the page and saw a release for Rucker and Rossmeyer. Now I don’t know either of these gents, but I have heard they are good guys and have lots of money. So apparently once you have money people believe you. Well Elvis had a 56KH that Harley gave him for branding purposes- it was on the cover of the Harley Enthusiast magazine in 56. Then Elvis, from my knowledge bought a rigid Pan that he apparently rode only a couple times and had a few Pan Shovels that he never rode- this is what I heard from a friend who dated Elvis.
The Rucker/Rossmeyer is supposedly a 57 Pan reproduction of Elvis’, however it is a swing arm frame (didn’t happen till ’58) and has a ’58 paint scheme, with ’55 speedballs on the seat and a collection of parts that don’t even come close to anything Elvis actually owned or rode??? Maybe I have my facts wrong, or maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I heard these were being sold for $50k each plus or minus depending on your “serial number”. Cost to build around $12,000….hmmmm
I guess I should start selling factory EVO motors ($2500) as factory Elvis knucklehead motors with authentic signatures for $1,000,000 a piece?? Oh yeah, in celebration and commemoration of Elvis (my good friend for years). Oh, yeah I also have wreckage from princess Di’s car wreck in my shop that I’m selling for $5,000,000,000…..
Anything goes nowadays….
–Anonymous
BIKERNET PARENTAL GUIDANCE–Harley asked, “I know you’re crazy about that little daughter of yours, Stroker. What are you going to do when she starts to date?”
“I’ve given it some thought,” said Stroker. “I figure I’ll take the first young man aside, put my arm around his shoulder, and pull him close to me so that only he can hear.
“Then I’ll say, ‘Do you see that sweet, little young lady? She’s my only daughter, and I love her very much. If you were thinking about touching, kissing, or being physically affectionate to her in any way, just remember this: I don’t mind going back to prison!’ ”
–from Rogue
SCOTT JACOBS HITS STURGIS–Once again the Sturgis Rally was a record success for Scott Jacobs’ Studio, which is somewhat surprising given that the size of the crowd was way down this year. Scott’s images of winescapes held the majority in percentage of sales which is quite unique at a motorcycle event. The Marilyn Monroe series as well as the upcoming Elvis Presley wine paintings were very strong sellers.
One fact worth noting is the pending SOLD OUT status of Harley Wine Series painting entitled TOASTING A LEGEND (see below). We have only seven (7) left so if you are interested please let us know.
Thanks again for all your support and have a look at this short clip broadcast on the local Fox News in Sturgis. TOASTING A LEGEND (ALMOST SOLD-OUT) Cheers, THE ASSALT WEAPAN FAIRING CONTROVERSY AND ONGOING RESEARCH STRADEGY–There is a web-site called –MM HARLEY-DAVIDSON 105th ANNNIVERSARY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE–Ticket Package Purchasers before November 30th Entered into Drawing for Limited Parade and Museum Passes MILWAUKEE (August 16, 2007) – Tickets are now on sale for the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary, a celebration that will take place August 28-31, 2008, in Milwaukee, with several exclusive ticketed events, as well as many activities that are free and open to the public. The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package sells for $60 and includes a Signature 105th folio, laminated event ticket good for a two-day entry to the Summerfest grounds and a one-time entry to Discovery World’s special Harley-Davidson exhibit, an event guide, a Signature 105th Anniversary copper wristband, a 105th Anniversary flag and an American flag. Those who purchase tickets before November 30, 2007, will be entered into separate drawings for entrance to two limited-access ticketed events. Each early ticket purchaser will be entered into a drawing to receive two Harley-Davidson Museum tickets for entry during the 105th Anniversary weekend and a second drawing for one 105th Anniversary Parade Pass. These drawings are being held due to the limited capacity for entrance into the Parade and Museum and are virtually the only way 105th Anniversary attendees can get access to the Parade and the Harley-Davidson Museum during the event dates. For more information and to order tickets, go to www.harley-davidson.com/105th. THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 18TH, IT’S STURGIS IN VILLA PARK PARTY AND SALE–It’s hot out and Wild Fire is turning up the heat even more! Join us for Wild Fire’s “Sturgis-in-Villa Park” Party & Sale. This one day only – once a year event is a great time to gear up at unbeatable prices. With storewide savings of 20% off, select merchandise up to 75% off, a variety of vendors, Free Food & Drinks, & Live Music, this is one party & sale you don’t want to miss. So get into Wild Fire on August 18th for this great event! Huge storewide savings of 20% off Wishin’ you were still in Sturgis? Well Wild Fire is bringing a little bit of the West to Chicagoland for this awesome one-day-only party & sale on Saturday, August 18th The LifeSource Blood Drive will be on site as well.& on Sunday, August 19thWild Fire HOG “Hot Times Poker Run” Looking for a great ride? Well you’re in luck; the annual Wild Fire HOG “Hot-Times Poker Run” is on Sunday, August 19th. Registration begins at 9:30am at Wild Fire Harley and all proceeds benefit the DuPage County Children’s Burn Camp. $20 per rider/passenger For more information regarding the ride call John at 630.289.8834 PATCH BAN AT ONE-EYED JACK’S SPURS BOYCOTT, POSSIBLY LEGISLATION–A beef with Hells Angels could inspire legislation to protect wearing motorcycle-club “colors,” a state legislator told me Friday.”If this persists, I’ll consider it,” said Rep. Jim Putnam, R-Armour, who sometimes wears a Sturgis motorcycle rally necktie during the legislative session. Putnam was barred from entering the giant One-Eyed Jack’s saloon on Main Street in Sturgis last week while wearing the colors of his own dangerous motorcycle club, the Lawmakers. Now, Putnam supports a boycott of the saloon. “I’m not going in there,” he said. (Putnam is taking it easy this week, anyway, after breaking his arm in a slow-speed spill during the Governor’s Ride.) One-Eyed Jack’s owner Ray Gold is just as adamant about keeping his new ban on “back patches.” Hells Angels, who have a Sturgis headquarters near the bar, often drink there. Gold said other customers and staff sometimes felt intimidated. “People don’t like it when Hells Angels muscle in and tell you you’re sitting in their seat,” he said. Besides, he said, “A lot of feuding goes on, and that’s when they start shooting and killing each other.” But the ban on patches also angered Louis Nobs of Hibbing, Minn., who was barred entry wearing his Soldiers for Jesus colors. “You can’t ban patches for just one group,” he said. “If you ban them for motorcyclists you have to ban them for bowling teams, the Knights of Columbus — everyone.” Nobs is on the board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, and he’s helping distribute 60,000 fliers calling for a boycott. Gold countered that he has a right to have a dress code. “Why should I allow them run my business?” He asked. “That’s just not going to happen.” One-Eyed Jack’s is the only bar in Sturgis banning colors, but Gold points out other establishments do ban colors. By Bill Harlan, Journal staff –from Rogue TURN OUT TIPS FROM BASSANI PIPES–Bassanipipes has just released these very cool TURN-OUT extensions that allow for a change in appearance and sound in a matter of minutes. Designed specifically to slip into the straight cut tip of Bassanipipes Pro Street systems for Dyna and Softail models the new extensions are 16 gauge steel and fully chrome plated. TURN-OUT TIPS are secured using the same hole used to secure the baffle so there is no drilling required. The new tips retail for $129.95 and can be ordered direct from Bassanipipes at 866-439-4287 or visit INTRODUCTION TO BIKERORNOT–Please take a look at Also,If you have a website and are using google ad sense. We will, for free create a cobranded version of Bikerornot just for you. Please take a look at this sample page If you have an interest in getting started. Reply to this email with a good time to contact you or feel free to call me directly. It takes about 10minutes to get started. Doug Perry WELD-ON SWITCH ASSEMBLY– Check this out. Pro-One is now offering a very slick “weld-on” key switch assembly that is perfect for any custom application. The assembly includes a steel bung which is machined for welding to any 1 1?2″ tubing. A chrome billet switch housing is secured to the bung with a cap screw and houses the switch assembly. The switch unit is a sealed against the elements and incorporates a built-in starter relay. The WELD-ON SWITCH assembly retails for $139.95 and can be ordered by calling 800-884-4173. Catch the entire Pro-One line up at STEALTH BIKE WORKS DEAL OF THE WEEK–It is titled as a 2007 Custom. The bike sits in a Santee wishbone rigid frame. New 80″ Evo from the factory. Dished 5 gallon tanks. One -off fire extinguisher oil tank , one-off spider web battery box, one-off handmade exhaust, 5 speed electric and kick start. 3″ open belt drive. Everything NEW! Professionally built at SBW!!! Asking price $18,500.00! If interested, please call STEALTH BIKE Works at 704-882-0889. MR. BLACK SPEAKS OUT–We believe in Freedom; We believe in the Open road; We believe in making inferior products in China, while paying pennies on the dollar and grossly overcharging our customers; We believe in waging a PR campaign in order to pose as the antithesis to THE MAN, to big corporations, but in truth, WE ARE quite the same; We believe in wrapping ourselves in the American flag, exploiting the emotions and sacrifices of our living and wounded soldiers in time of war, creating products aimed at American servicemen, feigning love for the American patriot, and charging them an arm and a leg for the privilege of sporting a service medallion on their bikes. We call that Patriotism! I call that BullShit! –Black Continued On Page 3
Ron Copple
Scott Jacobs Studio
303-431-4453
www.scottjacobsstudio.com 
Here is a fairing being made by Jim Waggaman. It is part Hamster fairing, part beanie helmet and part windshield. Stop laughing, it?s gonna work! 
Additional savings up to 75% off
Tons of great deals
Free health club memberships (with every bike sold)
Free food and drinks
Patch Sewing & Leather Repair
Elmhurst Cigar House
Live music
Pin Striping from Brian Kite
Other great vendors
and more!
Registration Starts at 9:30am at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson
Rain or Shine
Cash Prizes for Best Hands
Door Prizes
Food & Drinks
All Makes & Models are Welcome. So, Bring Your Friends
(A.K.A Trader)
National Marketing Director
800-523-7274
695 Central Ave Suite 200 A
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
August 16, 2007 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Troll bikes are coming to Bikernet. Watch for one tomorrow, and this one in the near future.
Hey,
Life has calmed after Sturgis, except at the Bikernet Headquarters. Bonneville is two weeks away and we don’t know which way to turn, but I’ll handle to that.
I get the vibe that Sturgis was cool, numbers were down between 12 and 20 percent, but that meant more turkey drumsticks for my pals, colder beer and more babes for me. Shit, I didn’t go. Everyone had a blast, the sun shone most of the time and riding was stellar. There’s nothing like Sturgis. It’s truly biker heaven containing the spirit of the west and a sense of freedom the whole world should experience.
Speaking for freedom and the American Spirit, Bonneville looms ahead. I need to make my custom set of D&D pipes tonight, or die trying. The buzz is high for the Bub’s Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Dave Rash called me today with the exhaust formula. He’s a speed and performance nut. D&D dyno tune every exhaust system they make. “Don’t run 1 3/4-inch exhaust at all,” Dave said. “Start with 1 7/8-inch pipe for 14 inches and step up to 2-inch until each pipe is exactly 35 inches long.” Then I’m supposed to slip on and weld a collector and a megaphone with nothing in it. This system has been tested to give me maximum hp at 6,500 to 6,800 rpms. “We’ve discovered that the two into one systems generate 20 more horses than single exhausts.”
We’re scrambling, so I’ll shift to the news here and touch on the other 400 projects at the end:
THE TEXAS MAN BEHIND THE WOMEN–But this was my past weekend, a different sexy lady for each day.Here is one of the cuties from the Dare Ware Hotter Than Hell Party I was aton Sat. She seems to be Kent & Holly’s favorite.
Unfortunately the two ladies with the fan (headliners) got bumped so no picsyet, but I know them, so keep looking
Y’all ran into the devil?
–RFR
BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO,ALUMINUM DRIVE PULLEYS–These high-tech, lightweight aluminum belt pulleys are three pounds lighterthan OEM pulleys. Less weight means less rotating mass, hence morehorsepower to the rear wheel.
Manufactured from 7075 aircraft quality aluminum having 85,000 lb.tensile strength, each pulley is hard anodized for durability. In addition,the wide spline area provides the needed supportive contact area forbig power motors.
* These pulleys will fit 1993-up Big Twins with 5-speed transmissions. To retro-fit them to early(1985-93) 5-speeds, a late model race/spacer(# 3217-0008) must be used as well as a new seal(#12067A). We also recommend installation of a quad seal on the high gear.
PP-1029T 29-Tooth
PP-1030T 30-Tooth
PP-1032T 32-Tooth
2223-0002 33-Tooth
For these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com
BULLDOG BASH, OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON M40 MOTORWAY INCIDENT–Bulldog Bash organizer, 56-year-old Hells Angel “Bilbo”, told reporters: “I knew the Man and you couldn’t have wished to meet a more genuine or better person.
“We are used to deaths as bikers, because people die in accidents. But we don’t expect someone to get shot. This is murder plain and simple and we have no idea why this happened. We’re just devastated!”
“It’s dangerous to guess why (this happened). This year’s event was massive and it went off virtually trouble-free. We had an amazing weekend and then this happened! It has totally shaken everybody. It’s a massive loss to the biker community as a whole.
“The Bulldog Bash as an event has one of the best safety records and is fully supported and endorsed by the local council. Over 500,000 people, including families, have taken part on a regular basis since the event began 21 years ago, and it’s considered an annual pilgrimage of fun and entertainment for many of them. We do not want this unfortunate incident in anyway to overshadow what was one of our best events ever”.
Due to the sensitive nature of this incident; The Bulldog Bash committee has been requested by Police to make no further statement on this matter, as it may hamper Police enquiries.
PROJECT SEAT REPORT FROM BADASS SEATS–As you can see, your seat pan has been painted, beaded and foamed. Thetooling is done, as you requested, but not stained yet. It’s not toolate to add lettering or a banner to it. I’m getting ready to start thefinal assembly, so if you want to add anything speak now.
Also here are a couple of pics of the latest seats.
–Shirley Z.
702-325-3532
5-BALL RACING TO FILM BUBS BONNEVILLE AND WORLD’S FASTEST PANHEAD, WE HOPE–Team 5 Ball Racing is sending a shout out to David Florence. The race team just received a Platinum Level sponsorship from our super race fan and Bikernet reader, DAVE FLORENCE. We’re banging knuckles and spinning wrenches to get the race bike ready for Bonneville and funds are being emptied like water in a spaghetti strainer. If you are thinking of becoming a personal or corporate sponsor, now is the time. Funds will go towards pain, powder coating and engine tuning. Click here for details.
CONFEDERATE MOTORCYCLES ARE STILL ALIVE–Thank you so much for your email. I will certainly be in touch with you a lot over the coming months. Our Wraith has just began production, and we are so excited about that! Plus, the Wraith and Hellcat won 1st and 2nd place respectively in the World Championship of Bike Building / Production category. I’ll send a release out ASAP on that win.
Kelly Marshall, public relations
Confederate Motor Company
2222 5th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
p: 205.324.9888 c: 205.540.7385
f: 205.324.8047 t: 877.324.9888
JIMS COMPLETE MODULAR ENGINE & TRANSMISSION STAND KIT–This kit provides a solid and versatile work center for a variety of enginetypes. With this kit an engine builder can freely position complete enginesand transmissions into the most optimum working position. The base standallows 360? of rotation while the modular cradles swivel and lock in 180?,90?, and 45? angles.
The base easily bolts to a work bench, and comes readyto use with all hardware included. Each piece is constructed from highquality steel.
No.1145 – Complete Engine & Transmission Stand Kit. Use on all TwinCam 88 A & B, Big Twin, and Sportster engine cases, and 5-Speed Transmissions.
This kit includes:
No.1138 – Base Stand
No.1139 – ?Taller? Single Cam Big Twin Cradle
No.1140 – Twin Cam 88 ?A? Cradle
No.1141 – Sportster and Buell Cradle
No.1142 – Twin Cam 88 ?B? Cradle
No.1144 – 5 & 6 Speed Transmission Cradle
www.jimsusa.com
FORWARD CONTROLS FROM BATTISTINIS–Style comes full circle. New from Battistinis Custom Cycles, forward controls for Softail, Dyna, FXR and custom models. Machined from 6061 aluminum billet and offered in black anodize/machined finish or beautiful chrome plating, all forward control sets are available in standard length, +2″ and +3″ extended and are equipped with Battistinis footpegs and shifter/brake lever pegs.
But there’s more than just looks going on here, the unique design incorporates the pivot shaft with the footpeg mount for a higher foot position, better ground clearance, and yes, cleaner looks. Master cylinder bore is _”, rebuild kits are readily available. Battistinis forward controls are Made in the USA and are DOT compliant. Stay ahead of the pack and get your Battstinis on today?
For more information please contact
Rikki Battistini
Battistinis Custom Cycles LLC
San Ramon CA 94582
925.270.4211
Rikki@battistinisUSA.com
WWW.battistinisUSA.com
STURGIS FUNDRAISERS FOR THE KIDS– Hamster Larry Page donates an additional $100,000.00 to the kids. Total raised this year with ALL proceeds going directly to the kids is in excess of $200,000.00. Congratulations Hamsters USA.
We are all proud of how bikers stepped up for good efforts this year in Sturgis. Kids and Chrome banquet benefited the Children’s’ Home Society and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. The Hamsters supported the Children’s Hospital in Rapid City and the Billy Lane’s Builders’ Breakfast supported Make A Wish Foundation. Congratulations to all bikers who made an effort.
THE GIRLS OF BIKERNET LOVED TOUCHING BRASS BALLS IN STURGIS–The Girls of Bikernet just loved working for the team at Brass Balls Bobbers in Sturgis. They looked good and worked up a sweat posing for the boys on some of the sickest Bobbers West of the Mississippi. Click here to see all the action photography snapped for your enjoyment by Horsepower Marketing’s George Emmons Najar.
BLOWN AWAY BY SHOTGUN SHOCKS (AIR SHOCKS) EXCLUSIVELY FROM MC ADVANTAGES–Following five years of development, Shotgun Shock Air Suspension forSoftail has blasted its way onto the scene with its roll-out in the MCAdvantages 2007 Mid-Year Catalog Supplement.
“Based purely on aesthetics and durability, we were blown away by the factthat the 1/8” thick case could have such a smooth, compact size and stillprovide completely independent ride height and ride firmness capabilities,”said MC Advantages General Manager, Kent Reed.
Shotgun Shocks also boast numerous other improvements over the competitions’dual-cylinder units. For starters, the sealed unit allows it to becompletely leak-free with the containment of all hoses except for one inletconnection. This means that the casing also eliminates air hose flex, so theunit can ascend and descend its 4″ of travel almost instantaneously withoutworry of dropping due to failed lines or fittings.
Pricing for the Shotgun Shock is set at $1,550 MSRP. These units areavailable with polished or black anodized T6061 aluminum cases.
Call MC Advantages at 1.800.726.9620 or go online to the MC AdvantagesDealer-Driven Web Shop at MCAdvantages.com to request your catalogsupplement today.
WIRING SOLUTIONS FROM PRO ONE– Wiring is always a hassle and keeping it clean and accessible is even more of a challenge. Today’s bike builders can look to Pro-One for a total wiring solution with any of their custom harness kits. Available in Millennium Chrome Billet and Chrome Steel Rectangular styles, these packaged kits were designed for use with one-piece tanks and are available for use with or without stock handlebar switches.
Depending on your needs, a variety of styles incorporate features including key switch, neutral light, high-low beam switch and start button. Prices start at just $399.95. Call 800-884-4173 or visit
DOUGZ CUSTOM PAINT & FABRICATION PAINTS BIKE FOR JAY LENO– DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication located in La Crosse Wisconsin was recently asked to take part in a custom motorcycle project involving S&S Cycle Inc., Mobil/Exxon Oil Company and television talk show host Jay Leno.
Doug Wozney – proprietor of DOUGZ said “In February I received a call from S&S President Brett Smith, asking if I’d be interested in doing a custom paint job for a prominent television personality”. Brett said “This will be, in my opinion the most note worthy individual you will have painted for to date”. “I was intrigued by that statement from Brett and couldn’t turn down the offer”.
DOUGZ has been in the business of custom painting motorcycles, street rods and exotic automobiles since 1988 and has had 4 custom built motorcycles featured in American Iron Magazine and Ironworks Magazine in the past 5 years with yet another to be featured in the December 2007 issue of V-Twin Magazine.
To learn more about DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication LLC log on to their website at www.dougz.com.
RACING ART FLIES INTO BIKERNET HEADQUARTERS FROM 69 PALMS, CALIFORNIA–It was done a a young girl at Palm Springs Harley, Ashley.We were hoping Rivera would help us with our Bonneville bike. We need two sets of EVO Pushrods #1167-0001, Three sets of.030″ Head gaskets #C-9721 and One set of Support Rockers #1070-0001. Any help you can provide us will be much appreciated.
–BT
Continued On Page 2
August 14, 2007
By Bandit | | General Posts
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. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
ELECT A BIKER FOR PRESIDENT Iowa will once again be in the national spotlight this August as the first presidential straw poll will help define the upcoming race to the White House, and Tommy Thompson is hoping his biker friends will kickstart his campaign into full gear.
The Republican is the former four-term governor of Wisconsin and past federal Secretary of Health & Human Services, but to many his most endearing qualification is that he rides a motorcycle. In fact, he began riding under the tutelage of former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien, one of the country?s most well-known and beloved motorcycling advocates who is also a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF).
Thompson has toured his home state in the saddle of a Harley-Davidson to promote business and tourism, and even hosts his own annual motorcycle ride. He has signed many pro-motorcycling pieces of legislation into law in Wisconsin, and is on record as opposing helmet laws. In August 2002, Thompson was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Syndicated columnist George Will recently wrote of Thompson?s candidacy in the Washington Post, and referred to the ?Sturgis Factor? in gauging his chances for success in a field of more well known and better funded GOP presidential hopefuls.
Will was referring to the fact that the Iowa straw poll lands on August 11, during the annual Sturgis Bike Rally that draws over half a million riders to the neighboring state (Aug 6-12). Thompson hopes that some of those Iowa bikers will take the time during their travels to participate in the presidential straw poll. A group of nationally known bikers? rights activists have formed ?Team Tommy? and are inviting all motorcyclists to show their support for a fellow rider.
You can find out more, or make a donation, at www.teamtommy.org.
BIKERS TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN As detailed during the Confederation of Clubs of Tennessee?s report at the NCOM Convention earlier this year, a clinic recently opened in Springfield, TN that offers free medical treatment to its patients every Saturday, regardless of whether they have medical insurance. There’s just one catch — it’s a biker clinic.
It was opened as part of Covenant Confirmers, a motorcycle ministry founded seven years ago by pastor Ron Baptiste. Since March, volunteer doctors and nurses have been treating patients, mostly bikers, with minor medical problems such as the flu, colds, high blood pressure and scrapes. Anyone with serious medical problems is referred to a hospital.
The clinic is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Because it is still fairly new, the patient turnout has varied from two to 25 patients in a day.
“It’s just something that I knew was needed in the biker world,” Baptiste told the Tennessean newspaper. His motorcycle ministry was featured recently on The 700 Club.
Baptiste said the ministry still supports the clinic financially but, with donations coming from medical manufacturers, bike clubs and associations, the clinic is well on its way to supporting itself. Eventually, he wants to offer dental and chiropractic care for patients and is even looking at alternative medicine.
HOLY COMMUTE The Vatican recently handed down another 10 Commandments; this time for drivers and motorcyclists.
The document, ?Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road? extols the benefits of driving ? family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing people to see other cultures; but it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: drivers use their cars to show off; driving “provides an easy opportunity to dominate others” by speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if they don’t get their cars regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or fall asleep at the wheel.
It also points the finger at traffic problems particular to Rome: ?Danger also derives from city cars, which are driven by youngsters and adults who do not have (full) driving licenses, and the reckless use of motorbikes and motorcycles.?
It calls for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of Christian virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads, hope of arriving safely and justice in the event of crashes. And it suggests that prayer might come in handy.
Cardinal Renato Martino told a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving has become such a big part of contemporary life. “We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads,” Martino said. “That’s a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church.”
The ?Driver?s Ten Commandments,? as listed in the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
CALIFORNIA DUCKS SMOG CHECKS FOR MOTORCYCLES As reported in the August 2007 issue of ?Motorcycle Consumer News,? there are no immediate plans to require motorcycles to submit to regular Smog Checks in California, similar to emission tests that cars and other vehicles must undergo.
Under the news item, “No Smog Checks for California Motorcycles? it was announced that ?The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided against adding motorcycles to the list of vehicles that must undergo periodic emissions testing. Reportedly, pressure from the California Motorcycle Dealers Association, ABATE of California, and others caused the CARB to drop the proposal.”
Arizona is currently the only state that requires emissions testing for motorcycles, and testing is limited to only Maricopa County, in which the city of Phoenix is located. A motorcyclists coalition led by ABATE of Arizona, the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC) were recently successful in lobbying to end emission tests for motorcycles in Pima County. The Kentucky Motorcycle Association (KMA/KBA) successfully removed motorcycles from their state?s emissions testing several years ago.
NORTH CAROLINA PASSES RED LIGHT LEGISLATION The North Carolina legislature has voted to give frustrated bikers a break at red lights. Recognizing that some traffic signal sensors do not recognize and trip for motorcycles, the Senate voted unanimously for the measure and the House then voted 61-55 to send the bill to Governor Mike Easley?s desk. If he signs it, the law will take effect December 1st, allowing motorcycle riders to proceed through a red light if they?ve waited three minutes for the light to change, and if no other vehicles and pedestrians are in sight.
VIRGINIANS FACE THREAT OF $3,000 TICKET Virginia is for lovers, or so the state slogan has declared since 1969. Starting July 1st, Virginia also will be the home of the $3,000 traffic ticket. In an effort to raise money for road projects, the state will start hitting residents who commit serious traffic offenses with huge civil penalties.
Exorbitant fees range from $750 to $3,000 and will be added to existing fines and court costs. For example, the civil penalty for going 20 mph over the speed limit will be $1,050, plus $61 in court costs and a fine that is typically about $200.
Virginia’s new traffic penalties are expected to raise $65 million a year and are part of an effort to improve the state’s roads without raising taxes. Some other states impose extra civil penalties for traffic offenses, but the cost is usually $100 or $200.
The civil penalties apply only to Virginia residents, not out-of-state drivers, as the state Legislature didn’t think it could enforce the extra penalties in other states.
AAA Mid-Atlantic supports the new penalties, claiming the law will help reduce traffic fatalities.
CHARLESTON PARKING GARAGES BAN BIKES A new ordinance prohibits motorcycle parking in all eleven city parking garages operated by Republic Parking System in Charleston, South Carolina, severely limiting downtown parking available for motorcyclists.
“The new policy is in response to the increased liability that the City faces with motorcycles not always being detected on the loops and the potential of the gate coming down and injuring the rider,” states a notice which forbids motorcycles from entering the facility, a violation now punishable with a fine.
Motorcyclists are allowed to park in regular metered spaces, but the two-hour time limit on city streets makes that unfeasible for many riders, and other covered parking structures are several blocks away.
Citing motorcyclists’ contribution to alleviating traffic and parking congestion and their low fuel consumption, “Fast Fred” Ruddock, State Coordinator of ABATE of S.C., compares the discrimination against the riding minority to the Jim Crow laws of the segregation era. “The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public facilities,” Ruddock told the Charleston City Paper. “All new traffic sensors installed by SCDOT now detect motorcycles, so the weak excuse given in the notice holds no water.”
He’s contacted Beaufort-based attorney John Daugs, a lawyer for Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM). “Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as an auto car or pickup truck under S.C. law,” said Daugs, who is currently formulating a letter to the city in hopes that they’ll resolve the issue out of court.
If letters and discussion aren’t enough, Ruddock hasn’t ruled out a lawsuit or civil disobedience. Charleston’s public garages were built to accommodate motorcycles, and Ruddock says he’ll gladly collect a few parking tickets to challenge the rule forcing them out.
“The parking garages’ fears seem somewhat unfounded,” says California attorney Richard Lester, founder of the nationwide AIM program and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) a biker advocacy group. He says that whiplash is the worst injury that’s been reported to AIM from a falling gate. “Not allowing them in there seems a lot worse than any injury that could possibly come from it.”
WEIRD NEWS: AUSTRALIAN POLICE ACCUSE CHARITIES OF MAKING BIKERS LOOK GOOD The Queensland Police Minister Judy Spence has accused hospitals and charities of giving “bikie gangs” a “veneer of respectability” by accepting their donations from charity runs. ?She brands all motorcycle Clubs as outlaw groups,? read the article.
The Australian Motorcycle Rider Association responded by commenting that not all club riders were in criminal gangs, and should not be painted with that brush.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is a daring adventure, or nothing.”
Helen Keller (1880-1968), blind and deaf activist
August 09, 2007
By Bandit | | General Posts
Sturgis Winding Down, Reports are in from all over the Badlands as we scramble for Bonneville. I want to personally thank all or our Sponsors who have stepped up to make 5-Ball Racing a success on the salt. Everyday is an adventure. David Florence called and signed up as a Platinum Sponsor today. That made the entire effort come together for us. The next e-mail sported bad news. A part we needed wouldn’t arrive until 9/4. We’ll be on the salt September 2 makin’ passes. Holy shit, Murphy’s Law strikes. I can’t thank all our supporters enough. We couldn’t do a goddamn thing without you.
Every builder will tell you the code, Murphy’s Law, or the metal mantra. It’s just the way life goes, if you’re out there, pushing the envelope, creating something unique or reaching for the stars, shit happens. With severe endurance, resilience and determination, obstacles are overcome and goals reached. Let’s rock:
BIKERNET GIRLS ON-SITE AT STURGIS– Get your picture taken with a Bikernet Chickie at the Brass Balls Bobbers’ booth in Sturgis. You can see all the pictures of the Bikernet Babes and righteous bobbers right here at the Brass Balls Bobbers transporter located in Sturgis at 955 Lazelle street, down from the Broken Spoke. All Sturgis pictures are posted at the Brass Balls Bobbers website here.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Win a D&D Performance Exhaust for your HOG by just stopping by.
BILLY LANE BUILDERS’ BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM SCORES AGAIN–It was great! We were sold out and sold all auction items. Bikernet banners flew, and I used all remainingstickers in 100 raffle bags. You were covered and mentioned by Nicholsduring introduction. THANK YOU!
–Darcy Betlach
Chrome Marketing Inc
Polishing and Building Bran
BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO,STAINLESS STEEL MECHANICAL ADVANCE MECHANISM–Older Harleys require a mechanical advance timing unit for their points-style ignition systems.Some electronic triggering devices also use a mechanical advance set-up.
Rivera Primo’s competition mechanical advance assembly is the finest one available today. It’ssmoother, more accurate & more reliable than any OEM unit & offers features not available onother advance mechanisms such as:
Stainless steel shaft & plate
Advance weights are heat treated, then coated with high tech, low friction polymers
Hardened steel pins hold the weights in place
The weights are spring-loaded, using the highest quality phosphate-coated spring wire
Stainless washers under the spring attachment points allow the weights to move freely & prevent premature wear
The springs are wound to exacting specs & then cad-plated to resist corrosion
Part Number:1104-0001, Complete High Performance Advance Unit Kit
For these & other fine products contact:
Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com
A REPORT FROM BIKERNET’S 5-BALL RACING VTRACE GIRL–Well, it’s on to Bristol, TN for Valerie Thompson and the VTR Team. Just in time to leave with the monsoon weather full in swing. Will take aim at the Bristol Motor Speedway. With additional time off racing I had a chance to get caught up and get organized at home. After the rain out in Seattle the team is looking forward to continue the upward trend in Bristol and move up a few spots in the standings. We are currently fourth, but just 37 points from second.
Cheer loudly for the VTR team this week, whether you are at the track or at home watching on vtracegirl.com, click on AHDRA.com live results.
A must see video on the Bonneville Salt Flats…So cheer VTR into the 200mph club in September 2-6-, 2007 –Valerie Thompson 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF CUSTOM BIKE BUILDING RESULTS–The international flavor of this event was further reinforced by the number of countries represented in the top 20 places; 10 different nationalities were included. Top honors in the 2007 World Championship was taken by Stellan Egeland, of SE Service, out of Skog?s, Sweden. Stellan, who last year placed third with only the second bike he’d ever built, this year wowed the crowds with a speedway inspired board tracker, featuring hand made cylinders and heads on a Knucklehead bottom end. His bike – Hulster 8-valve – takes engineering excellence to a new level. The one-off, three-valve cylinder heads had the cooling fins filed by hand and the ports manually cut, drilled and then filed to shape.With the intricate engine work completed Stellan then reworked a Norton gearbox to handle transmission duties, before adding a generator to the frame which is driven by a second chain, driven off the rear wheel. In one of the closest results in the event’s history, returning World Champion Chicara Nagata of Japan’s Chicara Motorcycles, polled enough votes to take second place with Chicara Art Two.Building on the design cues of his winning bike of last year, Chicara rose to the challenge of the World Championship once again by building a bike around a Flathead motor.The brazing showing through a fine layer of chrome, and the unique front suspension remaining from last year, but this time the frame was suspended with a single shock on the rear. As with Stellan, Chicara looked to British motorcycles for his choice of transmission; his solution was a four-speed box from a Triumph. Continuing the Old School feel of the bike is a set of 28in spoked wheels. Chicara’s countryman Keiji Kawakita, of Hot-Dock Custom Cycles, Tokyo, lifted the third place trophy thanks to his Red Gladiator bike. It takes elements of traditional Bobber and mixes in European Streetfighter styling for a truly unique machine.At the heart of the bike is a Hot-Dock engineered HR4V engine, which takes a H-D motor and adds four-valve heads and custom fuel injection. Dave Cook of Cook Customs, out of Milwaukee, flies the flag for the USA in fourth place with his softail bike with hidden suspension and perimeter brakes. With the exception of the motor and trans, the entire bike was fabricated by Dave in his workshop. Sapka Muvek, the Hungarian shop who took first place in the 2007 European Championship of Custom Bike Building, claimed fifth place with Time Machine, a build based on HG Wells’ story of the same name. The bike redefines the term Old School with features such as handmade wooden wheels. Furthering the international flavor of the event, in sixth place is Paul Stewart of Dynamic Choppers, an Englishman based in Las Vegas. The stainless steel framed Epic gathered a crowd as soon as it rolled into the show hall on its 34.5in wheels. Taking inspiration from racing bikes, Frenchman Cyril Gautier uses a Sportster engine as a stressed member in the frame of his seventh placed bike – Rock ‘n’ Bike.The ultra low, completely rigid bike mixes in hot rod styling, even using a complete set of Panhard PL17 hubcaps as wheel covers. Bucking the trend for traditional styling is Jolly Roger Customs with the Jolly Roger. Built by Mario Audia and Darrion Tefft, the futuristically and organically styled machine runs a 196in Hawaya billet motor. The top ten is rounded out by former two times World Champion of Custom Bike Building Roger Goldammer. His build Nortorious takes the idea of British caf? racers and in particular bikes like Norton’s Manx and gives it his unique touch. Known for ignoring conventions, Roger once again took a v-twin motor and removed the rear cylinder, putting a super charger in its place. He then reworked the redundant rear head to fit the front cylinder before adding fuel injection. Visit –Robbie Patterson THE BIKERNET BLONDE FILES–A blonde’s car gets a flat tire on the Interstate one day, so she eases it over onto the shoulder of the road. She carefully steps out of the car and opens the trunk. Takes out two cardboard men, unfolds them and stands them at the rear of the vehicle facing oncoming traffic. The lifelike cardboard men are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies to approaching drivers… Not surprisingly, the traffic became snarled and backed up. It wasn’t very long before a police car arrives. The Officer, clearly enraged, approaches the blond of thedisabled vehicle yelling,”What is going on here?” “My car broke down Officer” says the woman, calmly. “Well, what the hell are these obscene cardboard pictures doing here by the road?!” asks the Officer… “Helllllooooo, those are my emergency flashers!” she replied. –from Bob Clark JIMS BIKERNET TOOL OF THE WEEK–Big Twin Engine Rotator from the Flywheel Sprocket ShaftUse this tool to rotate the flywheel / piston assembly, with the enginestill in frame or on a bench. This tool is used to rotate the flywheelassembly when doing pushrod adjustments, or when building big inch engines,checking operating clearances such as piston to piston, or valve to valve. Also can be used to hold the flywheel assembly from rotating when torquingthe cam drive sprockets retention bolts on Twin Cams or pinion shaft nut onsingle cam models. This tool has been designed with a long socket designmaking it easer to use without the use of a 1/2″ drive extension, on your1/2″ driver. For engine bench work we recommend that the engine be bolted ina JIMS engine stand. Use No. 1006T for Panhead, Shovelhead and Evo’s. UseJIMS No.1022 for 1999 to 2006 Twin Cams FL’s and 1999 to 2005 FXD’s. UseJIMS No. 1668 for 2000 to 2006 FXST’s. Caution: Not for use with an air or electric impact, this tool is onlyguaranteed for use with hand drivers, “not impacts”.Use on Big Twins 1955 to 2006 except 2006 FXD’s. Use on 1999 to 2005 FXD’s. No. 976 & No. 975 –JT Lepien MARK-HAS RICHER JOINS HARLEY-DAVIDSON AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER (CMO)–I am pleased to announce that Mark-Hans Richer has accepted the position of Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In this newly created role, Mark-Hans will be a member of the Sales and Marketing Circle and Functional Leadership Group (FLG) and also a member of the Leadership and Strategy Council (LSC). He will report directly to me and will be responsible for overseeing all marketing activities in North America. Hopefully we can get some ads on Bikernet.com. Mark-Hans most recently served as Director of Marketing for Pontiac at General Motors, where he led development of the marketing strategy and execution of plans for all Pontiac brands, representing sales of $9 billion and the highest revenue-generating GM brands. In this role he was recognized as one of Advertising Age?s ?Marketing 50 for 2004? for his high-impact, non-traditional marketing approach which led the Pontiac brand through a period of renewed growth. A few examples of his award-winning tactics include the Pontiac G6 promotion on the Oprah show in 2004, and Pontiac?s successful alliance with the NCAA. Prior to working at Pontiac, Mark-Hans held various positions in the auto industry, including Director of Advertising and Sales Promotions for GMC Trucks and Advertising Manager for Chevy Trucks. He was also Director, Latin America for the McDonald’s account at DDB Needham Advertising and served in different roles with such consumer goods companies as SC Johnson Wax and General Mills. Mark-Hans was born in Milwaukee and has lived much of his life in the Midwest. He holds a bachelor?s degree in history from Northwestern University and a master?s of business administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. Mark-Hans?s official start date will be July 30, and he will be relocating to the Milwaukee area in the near future with his wife, Amy, and his two daughters, Jacqueline and Alexa. Mark-Hans is a huge Green Bay Packer football fan, as well as motorcycle enthusiast and proud owner of a Night Rod Special. I am eager for Mark-Hans to apply his skills and experience to our marketing efforts. Please join me in welcoming him to Harley-Davidson. –Jim Ziemer BACK TO SUCKY GIRL PICS IN THE CANTINA I see (sigh).I would think, by now, that your natural animal magnetism would have attracted enough photo’s of nubile nymphomaniacal nymphets to fill volumes…….so you wouldn’t have to fall back on such weak substitutes for real girls………..maybe your lifestyle is crowding your livlihood ? P.S. good luck on the flats. –Dan Never any slack,I’m three weeks from heading toBonneville and the bike isn’t running and I’ve got to look for girls? There ain?t a damn thing wrong with our Girls Of Bikernet.–Bandit VICIOUS CYCLES U.S. CHOPPERS BOARDTRACKER TAKES METZLER BEST OF SHOW IN STURGIS– Hot news from the Badlands. Greg from Vicious Cycles took top honors at the Metzler Show in Rapid City. His U.S. Choppers roller based classic will be featured on the cover of American Iron and the Metzler Calendar. The Boardtrack styled U.S. Chopper frame is built by Paughco and currently available. PETER FONDA HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO BE AUCTIONED–LotFinder is Christie’s online search engine that allows you to browse sale catalogues with images from Christie’s auctions around the world and submit absentee bids online.To view the recommended lot, click on the link below.http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lfsearch_coa/LotDescription.aspx?intObjectID=4950168 Rumor has it, this particular lot contains a motorcycle owned by Peter Fonda. SIX CHARGED IN BEATING OF BANDIDOS–EUREKA SPRINGS — Three Texas men remained hospitalized Monday, one in critical condition, after a fight Sunday between rival motorcycle clubs in Eureka Springs, where the Hells Angels met last week, police said. One man injured in the fight was released from the hospital Monday, but three others are still being treated, said Eureka Springs Police Chief Earl Hyatt. Police arrested six men, including five who are Hells Angels, Hyatt said. All were being held Monday in the Carroll County Jail awaiting bond hearings, each on a charge of first-degree battery. Police said an off-duty Eureka Springs police officer, Shelley Summers, reported seeing several Hells Angels beating people with baseball bats as she drove past the Gingerbread Antique building on U.S. 62 about 2:25 p.m. Sunday. The Hells Angels fled east on U.S. 62, at least three riding motorcycles, a news release said. Summers found four injured men, some with stab wounds, wearing Bandidos motorcycle club insignia in the parking lot near their motorcycles, the release said. The injured men were Isidro Savala Zerrata Jr., 49, of Lubbock, Texas; David Thomas Wood, 38, of Amarillo, Texas; Keith Allen Miller, 60, of Lubbock and Thomas Goodnight, age unknown, of Lubbock. Six people were arrested on charges of felony first-degree battery: Jason David Gallo, 36, of Peabody, Mass.; Eric Claudio Franco, 32, of Lynn, Mass.; Christopher Michael Sweeney, 37, of Lynn, Mass.; Robert Thomas Reynolds, 37, of Sandown, N.H.; Manny R. Monteiro, 33, of Danvers, Mass.; and Derek Jeffery Roy, 21, of Lisbon Falls, Maine. About 300 to 400 Hells Angels were in Eureka Springs last week for their 2007 USA run, said Bill Sadler, a spokesman for the Arkansas State Police, which stationed 60 officers in Eureka Springs last week. Agents from several federal agencies, including the FBI, were also monitoring the Hells Angels, Hyatt said. — By James BowieTHE MORNING NEWS –from Grumpy TOMMY THOMPSON THE BIKER CANTIDATE FOR PRESIDENT–8/9/2007 – Tommy Thompson’s Reunion Ride goes to Iowa to support Tommy’s bid for President. Former Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson will host his 13th annual charitable motorcycle ride August 9-11, 2007. The ride benefits Accident Scene Management, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that focuses on reducing injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists. The ride will start in Madison from Capital City Harley-Davidson, departing at 9:30 am. In the tradition of past years the group will stop to enjoy some of the sites along the way to Ames, IA for the Straw Poll vote. Stops will include Galena, IL, the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA where Governor Thompson has been inducted and J&P Cycles. The group will settle in Ames, IA on Friday, August 10th where they will join Governor Thompson downtown Ames at the “Power to the People” rally held at Olde Main Brewery in his honor. Saturday morning the groups will reconvene just north of Des Moines for a parade to Ames to open the straw poll. The motorcycle parade will be led by Governor Thompson and several motorcycling celebrities such as the President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and former Senator and 4 time motorcycle hall of fame recipient, Dave Zien. For more information visit: –Vicki Sanfelipo HARLEY-DAVIDSON WEBSITE COVERS STURGIS LIVE– RAPID CITY, SD (Aug. 8, 2007) – Harley-davidson.com/sturgis is the place to check out the action from the Rally, with daily updates from all over the area thanks to a staff of more than a dozen biker-writers, professional photographers, videographers and editors. WHITTMANHART Interactive, a leading provider of digital communications and online marketing, has created the unique online platform for Harley-Davidson’s Sturgis coverage. “Harley-Davidson gave us the opportunity to produce a site that captures the full emotion and excitement of the Sturgis experience,” said Rebecca Coleman, general manager of WHITTMANHART’s Los Angeles office. “There’s something here for everyone. It’s a chance for the Harley-Davidson community, even those who haven’t made the trek to Sturgis, to be part of the action.” The event coverage includes daily updates of blogs, photos and videos including: ? The Journey There – Experience the journey to the Mecca of motorcycling through the eyes of rider Peter Reitzfeld, a New York-based photographer who’s been riding motorcycles since he was nine years old. His journey to Sturgis comes to life via his blog on H-D.com and through photos while he’s on the ground at the Rally. ? Inside Sturgis – Harley-Davidson’s own Jessica Craker, a rider and writer, will report from Sturgis on all the action. She’ll cover activities at the Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City, employees’ perspective on the Rally and more! ? Endless Roads – A daily blog with Steve Natt. Steve combines more than 25 years of experience as a car and motorcycle mechanic, 17 years as a motor journalist, 15 years as a TV writer-producer, and experience as host of the series, Life in the Fast Lane with Steve Natt. Get his take on the Rally. ? Kickin’ It – Punk rock band The Bouncing Souls released their sixth album in 2006 prior to hitting the road with the Warped Tour touring music festival. Band members Bryan Kienlen and Pete Steinkopf will showcase the “must see” venues and experience the “you haven’t done Sturgis, unless” events. ? Rumblings – Includes community features such as an interactive map, as well as enthusiast-submitted photos and comments detailing their experiences at the Rally. ? Photo Gallery – Professional photographers, including award-winning photographer Peter Turnley, covers the Rally. Peter’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as Newsweek. He has covered the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary and past Daytona and Sturgis rallies. Photos are uploaded daily to provide an online glimpse of Sturgis. ? Downloads – Reminders of the 2007 edition of the Sturgis Rally will be available for download. Screensavers and wallpapers will keep the memory alive on enthusiasts’ computers throughout the year. BRASS BALLS MODEL NAME NOTIONS CONTINUE TO POUR IN–Hey,Bandit, I was thinking about the names for brass balls bike. Since you bring a lot of successto their advertising campaign, here’s a few I thought were cool. 1)The Bandit You get the picture. Thanks again for the kickass site!! –Eric Fertig 10 DOWNING STREET RUNS BAD PETITION– The offical web-site for the Prime Minister, allows for citizens to start petitions on the government web-site. This is an honest to goodness petition started by some guy…and the people of GB have found ways to sign their names so they can leave a message rather than a name. Quirky people those Brits…this is an honest website, not a prank…and it WAS an honest petition…with names that indicate how the signer feels regarding the petition. Crafty? We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ban the sale and use of motorcycles.Submitted by Peter A Jordan – Deadline to sign up by: 01 October 2007 – Signatures: 271 Sir. You are a twat. OPEN LETTER TO BIKERNET PUBLISHER– You underdog-loving sumbiscuit, Diesel finally got his drunken ass sober and look what happened. Actually, I don’t think he drinks, but he does smoke the dried and ground hymen of Cuban hookers. He was thinking of premiering this motherfucker in Hot Bike (why does that sound so much like a gay men’s chopper mag now?), but I figured he might want to go where the real bikers go and try Bikernet instead. –Zebra SCOOTER HAVEN FOR THE SPIRITUAL BIKER–Here are the pics.Had a great time and can’t wait to meet up again! –Kimber A TOUCH OF LOW LIFE FOR THURSDAY–Here are the latest pics of project “low Life.” I knew one day she would pick up a name, and that day was today during a shock swap. Let me know what you all think! It’s always good to have feedback –Pan CARLOS ORTA HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED TO CREATE HIS NEXT BUILD TO BE TITLED “GABRIEL”, A WORK OF MOTORCYCLE ART INSPIRED BY THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL.–That’s it. That’s all we received in an e-mail. We’re forced to hang on for further developments. www.ortamotorcycle.com BIKERNET STUDY OF FAMILY RELATIONS–A married couple was in a terrible accident where the man’s face wasseverely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graftany skin from his body because he was too skinny. So the wife offered to donate some of her own skin. However, the only skin on her body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from her buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and they requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the man’sNew face. He looked more handsome than he ever had before! All his friends and relatives just went on and on about his youthful beauty! One day he was alone with his wife, and he was overcome with emotion at her sacrifice. He said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me.How can possibly repay you?” “My darling,” she replied, “I get all the thanks I need every time Isee your mother kiss you on the cheek. –from Chris T. BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Sturgis Blues.Here’s to all of us who can’t be where we really want to be. Live it up anyway, BIKERNET ASTROLOGY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT–Two moons.Two moons on 27 August.Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on Aug. 27 when Marscomes within 34.65M miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will looklike the earthhas 2 moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again. –from Mothergoose LONE STAR TAKES BEST OF SHOW–Hey Man, Iwent to the Harley Ride-In show in Rapid City during the Black Hills Rally. The guys from Harley liked it; Best of Show Pro Class –Larry
Team Owner
Valerie Thompson Racing
Phone: (253) 225-2626
e-mail: Valerie@vtracegirl.com
www.ValerieThompsonRacing.com
AMD ‘e-Club’ Supervisor
mailto:robbie@dealer-world.com>robbie@dealer-world.com
Suggested Retail $ 99.85
www.jimsusa.com
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Dan B.
(262) 364-7440
2)the Time Bandit since it’s old and new style.
3)the brass balls bandit bobber sounds cool to me!! or the brass balls bobber time bandit
ericscfl@sbcglobal.net
Sir, you are completely mad
You, my dear, are utterly bonkers
you are a total loon – this petition is abysmal
You are a clueless idiot
You gormless mong, please kill yourself now
This is a wind-up, right?
You are anencephalic
Desmond Coughlan
Hahahahahahahahaha
Osama bin Muhammad bin ‘Awad bin Laden
Ban banning things I say
your a flippin muppet, grow some plums
We know where you live !!! hahahaha
Facist!!
your Mum bummed you with a cactus
Tim Salisbury 
panheadjosh74@hotmail.com>
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=18 1873294
Whiplash Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SEEKING NEW FACES FOR CATALOGUE– RAPID CITY — A Harley-Davidson catalogue is calling all skulls.A casting crew for MotorClothes Collection, featuring Harley-Davidson attire, is seeking new faces at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center this week, said marketing director Donna Parker,
“When we shoot MotorClothes catalogues, we need real riders,” she said.
The casting crew has been all over the United States and plans on holding their next photo shoot in October. If selected, the company pays for expenses, including travel, and Parker said they work with people’s schedules.
“We use real folks for our advertising. We came to Sturgis to reach more people, to reach more riders,” Parker said. “We’re looking for everybody — short, tall, big, thin, old, young and everything in between.”
They even signed their first dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named Haley, on Sunday.
“We want the whole family,” Parker said.
Contact information, clothing size, a little information about oneself and getting a photograph taken are all that is needed to apply.
The casting crew will be at the Harley-Davidson parking lot from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week until Friday.
— By Neda Spotted Wolf, Journal staff
–from Rogue
MASSEY GRABS THE HARLEY BY THE HORNS–STURGIS — Pepper Massey didn’t flinch when she was thrust into the Sturgis rally director’s job six weeks before the start of the huge event.
“It feels like I’ve been training for this my whole life,” Massey said during a brief break from her duties overseeing the rally.
For almost 25 years, Massey has ridden motorcycles, attended the Sturgis rally and worked for several motorcycle organizations. She even has a nickname, although the “Pepper” moniker has no motorcycle connection.
But she admitted some of her friends questioned her sanity in taking on the job of pleasing several hundred thousand bikers and the city of Sturgis.
“It has been challenging,” Massey said. “But one of the reasons I was happy to participate was because I was looking forward to the challenge.”
Massey became interim director on June 25 after former director Lisa Weyer resigned to take a job in private business.
Massey said she has had a lot of help from her three-person staff, Mayor Maury LaRue and other city departments.
And she has a long background in motorcycling and motorcycle organizations.
Massey became director of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, a motorcycle-rights advocacy group, in the mid 1980s, about the same time she began riding motorcycles.
As director of the coalition for 11 years, she traveled extensively, attended motorcycle events and met a lot of people in the motorcycle industry.
She worked briefly as an office manager for a Harley-Davidson dealership in California before moving to Sturgis in 1997 to head the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. That museum later moved out of state.
Massey later worked briefly for the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and as publisher of the Meade County Times.
In 2001, she joined the board of directors of the new Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and became its director in 2003.
She became known there for bringing in exhibits showcasing motorcycling pioneers, including women.
Born in Rhode Island, Massey grew up in Ontario, Canada, before moving back to the states to attend high school.
She first started riding in California in 1985, back when some people looked askance at women riding their own bikes.
She started on a 450 Honda. She admits she didn’t know how to take care of that bike, but it kept running, anyway.
“The only thing that killed it was a Cadillac on Ventura Boulevard,” she said, laughing. The Cadillac made a left turn in front of her, and she crashed into it. “After I healed and had knee surgery, I took the motorcycle-safety course,” Massey said.
Now, she owns a 2000 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide. “I ride when I can,” Massey said. “I’d do it a lot more if I had the time.”
Massey was named interim rally director to get the city through this year’s rally as it goes through the formal selection process for the permanent position appointed by the mayor. But she plans to apply for the permanent job.
“It feels pretty good to me,” she said. Massey credited her staff, and the rest of the city government, for making the transition work. “I get a lot of face time on this, but all of the departments, the whole city, really steps up to the plate. It’s a pretty well-oiled machine. Everybody works real hard. We have a good team during the rally.”
Massey has attended every Sturgis rally since 1985. At that first rally, she said, “It was all I could do to keep my jaw from dropping open.”
— By Steve Miller, Journal staff
–from Rogue
BRITISH COLUMBIA COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS–We are still in need of some volunteers to help out with various duties atthe Gastown Motorcycle Show n’ Shine on Sunday, August 19th. Positionsinclude security, parking and much more. Please contact the office if youare able to donate some of your time at (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111 orby replying to this email.
Thank you! More details can be found here:www.bccom-bc.com just click on the Gastown section on the home page.
Shannon McNeney, Executive Assistant
B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists
1-877-580-0111
#37 – 13320 116th Ave.
Surrey, B.C. V3R 0R8
“Working for your Freedom to Ride”
TUCK-A-BUCK RUN RESCHEDULEDFor AUGUST 11th
TUCK A BUCK RUN – AUG 11- Sponsored by Full Throttle Magazine and Nightmoves Magazine. Run Starts at Foxy’s Show bar 13415 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa. Sign up at 4pm with the last bike out by 8pm. There will be food, vendors, a bikini bike wash, 50/50 and great give-a-ways. Stops also include 2001 Odyssey, Deja Vu and Scarlett’s. There is a guaranteed prize fund of $1,600.00. 1st place $750.00, 2nd place $500.00, third place wins $250.00 and last place wins $100.00. Entry fee is $20 per hand and includes 1 poker hand, event t-shirt and arm band for free entry to the clubs. Extra poker hands can be purchased for $5 each. % of the money collected will be donated to Peewee of Full Throttle for his “New Leg” Fund. Vendors wanted call 813-814-1424 for more information.
AUGUST 11 – TO BROKE FOR STURGIS – August 11th (Saturday) -“TOO BROKE FOR STURGIS” Motorcycle Rally at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. $10 at the gate, $8 advance. Live music with great regional bands, food, beer, full liquor bar, vendors, and contests. Gates open at noon. Your price of admission includes a chance to win a new 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle with the drawing at 8PM. No charge for parking, no coolers please. Visit –Tony Cianci NEW REAPER CUSTOM WHEEL FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2007) – Designed to fit the 2008 FLSTF Fat Boy and other Harley-Davidson Softail and Dyna models, the new Reaper Custom Wheel from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories features a forward-slashing scythe design that radiates from the compact center hub. Cast of premium quality aluminum, the hub, spokes and rim are polished to a mirror finish and then plated with brilliant chrome. The Reaper Custom Wheel is available in a 17-inch rear (P/N 40802-08, $830.00), a 17-inch front (P/N 40779-08, $830.00) and a 21-inch front (P/N 40778-08, $830.00). See dealer for fitment details. The new Reaper Billet Sprocket (P/N 40445-08, $ 359.00) complements the styling of the Reaper rear wheel. Manufactured from 6061-T6 forged billet aircraft aluminum, Harley-Davidson custom sprockets are finished with a proprietary process that combines decorative chrome with a wear-resistant surface applied to the teeth. The sprockets feature a five year tooth wear warranty. For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada. FINALLY, THE BLONDE JOKE TO END ALL BLONDE JOKES!– A girl was visiting her blonde friend, who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was namedRolex and one was named Timex. Her friend said, “Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?””HELLLOOOOOO……,” answered the blond. “They’re watch dogs!” –from Katmandu SAVE SOLDIERS’ JOB GODDAMNIT– By For tens of thousands of members of the National Guard and reserves who are called up to serve in Iraq, returning home safely may be the beginning – not the end – of their worst nightmare. Reservists lucky enough to make it home often find their civilian jobs gone and face unsympathetic employers and a government that has restricted access to civilian job-loss reports rather than prosecuting offending employers. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects members of the guard and reserves from job loss, demotion, loss of seniority and loss of benefits when they are called to active duty. The act is supposed to protect reservists’ civilian jobs for up to five years of military service. But the government has made it difficult for veterans to enforce their legal rights. Service members who return to find their civilian jobs gone also find that the burden is on them to prove that their jobs were taken away as a result of their military service and that there is no other reason that they could have been fired. This onerous burden of proof discourages many from filing formal complaints. Despite such bureaucratic hurdles, more than 16,000 reservist complaints were filed between 2004 and 2006, the Government Accountability Office said this year. But fewer than 30 percent of the reservists who experience USERRA violations file complaints, the GAO estimated. Those who do file complaints with the Veterans Employment and Training Service Department (VETS) find that resolving their complaints, by the military’s own admission, can take “months, if not years.” A declassified Defense Department memo compiled for military lawyers stated: “Many VETS field investigators simply accept whatever the employer tells them in a response and close their files” rather than continue an investigation, meaning the reservists never receive assistance. A 2005 GAO report found that the average time service members have to wait for USERRA complaints to be resolved is 619 days – nearly two years. Complaints that cannot be closed are referred to the Justice Department for prosecution, but few cases make it that far. In 2005, of the 5,302 complaints filed by reservists, 111 cases were referred to the Justice Department. Only 16 resulted in benefits going to reservists. The Justice Department special counsel in charge of prosecuting veterans’ job cases, Scott Bloch, declared before Congress in May 2005 that he had “zero tolerance for violations of USERRA” and would “enforce the law vigorously.” He promised lawmakers that the Justice Department would do better. It did – barely. In 2006, the Justice Department received 168 cases and found in favor of the service members 48 times. Resolving 48 cases is better than 16, but tens of thousands of veterans are still without jobs and without recourse. If the Justice Department has failed to prosecute employers who act illegally, the Defense Department has taken unprecedented steps to keep reservists’ reemployment problems secret. According to the GAO, the Pentagon’s annual Status of Forces Surveys provide the only accurate account of the number of reservists experiencing reemployment difficulties. These surveys ask reservists about their service, job loss and whether they are receiving the legal protections – occupational and otherwise – guaranteed to them under federal law. Status of Forces Surveys used to be available to the public. But the 2005 and 2006 surveys of returning reservists and guardsmen were designated “for official use only,” putting them off-limits to civilians, journalists or anyone else outside government curious about enforcement of USERRA. The Defense Department has effectively made oversight of this issue impossible. America deserves a full accounting of the sacrifices our soldiers have made on and off the battlefield. Most reservists are not wealthy; when the government fails to redress their grievances, the majority cannot afford to hire lawyers to prosecute their cases, particularly if they have lost their civilian jobs. Thousands of the brave men and women lucky enough to return safely from Iraq are being left without jobs, without hope and without recourse. The government has failed to protect these reservists and has covered up the evidence. It is time for Americans to protect those who protect us by demanding thorough oversight of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. –Amy R. Gershkoff STEVE SEEMAN NEW RIVERA PRIMO QUELITY CONTROLL MANAGER–Rivera Primo?, high performance specialists for American V-Twin motorcycles, locatedin Whittier, California is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Seeman asits new Quality Control Manager. With thirty years of riding & wrenching, including eighteen years as a machinist and research &development specialist, the last three with Compu-Fire working in their R&D & Tech Supportdepartments, Steven brings with him a wealth of valuable knowledge and hands-on experience. Rivera Primo? can be reached at 562-907-2600 (phone) or 562-907-2606 (fax) andwww.riveraengineering.com (web). BONNEVILLE REPORTS– was reading your new Bonneville reports, and saw you were undecided on the namespelling. Got me thinking. Love the salt shaker name so staying true to that, maybe just thisway ” A -SALT- WEAPON,” which it definitely is a weapon for the salt right? So thought I would try and help. Sounds pretty cool to me. With the salt weapon girl holding a gun like yourpictures and shooting the competitors or something of that nature. Well I have enjoyed reading your articles on Bonneville. I wish you and your 5-Ball racing team best of luck.Be safe, have a ball and kick the shit out of the salt for me, –Eric Fertig THE SWEETNESS OF MARRIED LIFE– A couple had only been married for two weeks and the husband, although very much in love, couldn’t wait to go out on the town and party with his old buddies. So, he said to his new wife, ‘Honey, I’ll be right back.’ ‘Where are you going, Coochy Coo?’ asked the wife. ‘I’m going to the bar, Pretty Face,’ he answered. I’m going to have a beer.’ The wife said, ‘You want a beer, my love?’ She opened the door to the refrigerator and showed him 25 different kinds of beer, brands from 12 different countries: Germany, Holland, Japan, India, etc. The husband didn’t know what to do, and the only thing that he could think of saying was, ‘Yes, Lollipop… but at the bar… You know… they have frozen glasses.. ‘ He didn’t get to finish the sentence, because the wife interrupted him by saying, ‘You want a frozen glass, Puppy Face?’ She took a huge beer mug out of the freezer, so frozen that she was getting chills just holding it. The husband, looking a bit pale, said, ‘Yes, Tootsie Roll, but at the bar they have those ho rs d’oeuvres that are really delicious… I won’t be long. I’ll be right back. I promise. OK?’ ‘You want hors d’oeuvres, Poochie Pooh?’ She opened the oven and took out 5 dishes of different hors d’oeuvres: chicken wings, pigs in blankets, mushroom caps, and little quiches. ‘But my sweet honey… at the bar…. you know there’s swearing, dirty words and all that…’You want dirty words, Cutie Pie? LISTEN THE FUCK UP CHICKEN SHIT! SIT YOUR FAT ASS DOWN, SHUT THE FUCK UP, DRINK YOUR BEER IN YOUR FROZEN MUG AND EAT YOUR FUCKING HORS D’OEUVRES BECAUSE YOUR MARRIED ASS ISN’T GOING TO ANY DAMNED BAR! THAT SHIT IS OVER, GOT IT, FUCK FACE ?’ And…they lived happily ever after. Isn’t that a sweet story? — –from Joe Lankau FAMOUS FOOTPEGS FROM BATTISTINIS–Style comes full circle yet again. Designed to compliment the innovative styling of Battistinis grips, these footpegs and matching shifter peg are available in chrome finish, or the unique black anodizing which is applied before final machining to offer a bold, two-tone look. Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum for strength and drilled for lightness and style. Will fit all H-D models accepting male mount fitment. For more information please contact –Rikki Battistini THE 5 STAGES OF BEING DRUNK– Stage 1 – SMART This is when you suddenly become an expert on every subject in the known Universe. You know you know everything and want to pass on your knowledge to anyone who will listen. At this stage you are always RIGHT. And of course the person you are talking to is very WRONG. This makes for an interesting argument when both parties are SMART. Stage 2 – GOOD LOOKING This is when you realize that you are the BEST-LOOKING person in the entire bar and that people fancy you. You can go up to a perfect stranger knowing they fancy you and really want to talk to you. Bear in mind that you are still SMART, so you can talk to this person about any subject under the sun. Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan would fight over you! Stage 3 – RICH This is when you suddenly become the richest person in the world. You can buy drinks for the entire bar because you have an armored truck full of money parked behind the bar. You can also make bets at this stage, because of course, you are still SMART, so naturally you will win all your bets. It doesn’t matter how much you bet ‘cos you are RICH. You will also buy drinks for everyone that you fancy, because now you are the BEST LOOKING person in the world. The bartender is pleased with how well you tip him. Of course you tip him well — you are RICH! Stage 4 – BULLET PROOF You are now ready to pick fights with anyone and everyone especially those with whom you have been betting or arguing. This is because nothing can hurt you. At this point you can also go up to the partners of the people who you fancy and challenge them to a battle of wits or money. You have no fear of losing this battle because you are SMART, you are RICH and hell, you’re BETTER LOOKING than they are, anyway! Stage 5 – INVISIBLE This is the final stage of Drunkenness. At this point you can do anything because NO ONE CAN SEE YOU. You dance on a table to impress the people who you fancy because the rest of the people in the room cannot see you. You are also invisible to the person who wants to fight you. You can walk through the street singing at the top of your lungs because no one can see or hear you and because you’re still SMART you know all the words. –from Joe Lankau BUBS MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS AT BONNEVILLE COMING QUICK–It is time again for the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials at Bonneville. Last year we saw an exciting battle for the absolute Motorcycle land speed record, and this year, with all three streamliners signed up again- we are set to see if Manning will hold the record, or it will fall to one of his competitors. We have over 160 motorcycle ready to go, ranging from 50cc to 3000cc so this year is set to be another exciting year for the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials. If you have any question regarding the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials please do not hesitate to contact me. –Delvene Manning A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS-Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, BUB Enterprises, Bikernet.com, Pingel Enterprises, Potter Lumber, HDT USA, NRHS V-Twin Performance, Buell Bros Racing, Bennett’s Performance, Bakker Motorsports, Dealer-World.com DOUG’S CUSTOM PAINT CHECKS IN–Back in February Brett Smith – President of S&S Cycle – called me asking if I was interested in painting a bike for a well known TV celebrity. I yawned and said “I suppose” Yea right! I jumped at the opportunity!! We couldn’t discuss who it was at the time, but it didn’t matter to me, after all – DOUGZ paints for people from all walks of life. Whether they are someone famous, the local guy who hauls our trash, a restaurant owner, a CEO, it doesn’t matter. EVERYONE is important to us and we treat every one of our clients the same regardless of their income or social standing. But I have to admit, it felt pretty special being asked to paint a bike for Jay Leno! Here is a link to learn more about the bike we painted for Jay. Thanks Brett for asking DOUGZ to take part in this, Thanks Mobil 1 for coordinating this project by linking S&S Cycle with Jay and finally Thanks Jay for taking part in this. Hope you enjoy the new scoot! Also we’re painting a second helmet for Valerie Thompson who races in the AHDRA Destroyer class and is sponsored by Hacienda Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, AZ. and Legend Air Suspension. We’re feverishly trying to get this one done for Valerie in time for her next race for Bikernet.com in Bonneville. Check out Valerie’s website at www.vtracegirl.com Doug Wozney BIGGER PIECE OF RALLY PIE SOUGHT–STURGIS – For years, South Dakota’s motorcycle mecca has tried to find a way to fully benefit from the thousands of dollars spent by the bikers. Now, Sturgis residents hope a new city manager can help them use profits from the rally to lower property taxes for those who live in the community year-round. Other Black Hills towns also are trying to benefit by closing down their main streets to motorcycle-only traffic and parking during a 10-day period each August.As Sturgis Mayor Maury LaRue sees it, towns such as Hill City and Custer are embarking on a journey that his town of 6,500 has been on for almost six decades. The street closures and temporary vendors follow the bikers, and the headaches seem to stick around all year. “I’ve been through this event when it was only 3,000 bikers and we fed them in the city park,” LaRue said.With the Sturgis motorcycle rally crowds easily 100 – and maybe 200 – times that size for the past decade, the dynamics have changed. For the city of Sturgis, the growing throngs translate directly into more garbage to haul away and the need for more law enforcement officers. In June, Sturgis voters approved the hiring of a city manager, a move many see as the latest effort by Sturgis officialdom to find a comfortable coexistence with what has become the state’s largest tourism event.More specifically, locals are frustrated that the huge influx of bikers hasn’t translated into lower property taxes, and they hope a city manager will change that. “That’s why it won. That’s why people voted for it, that right there – lower property taxes,” said Ryan Meyer, owner of Grocery Mart and a member of the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.”Why are we not making more money off the rally as a city? That’s the question nobody has the answer to,” Meyer said. “We’re hoping a city manager can help us with those issues.” LaRue tried to articulate why the property tax dragon will be difficult to slay, but he doesn’t want to dash hopes. “Two words: expectations, reality,” he wrote in an e-mail, indicating that the latter probably won’t match the former.Sturgis’ situation is more complicated than a single event, no matter how large. Like most towns in South Dakota, it has watched its retail businesses close as larger cities nearby added big box stores and better roads made for faster trips.RogueSturgis Freedom FightersMotorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005 EASY RIDER Italian Style Festival & Bike Meetfeaturing Racing Aces to be held Sept. 9at Stamford Museum & Nature CenterAll motorcycle brands welcome!–(Stamford, Connecticut-August 9, 2007) ? EASY RIDER Italian Style Festival and Bike Meet featuring Racing Aces will be held at Stamford Museum & Nature Center Sunday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome! The festival also celebrates the opening of the museum’s new exhibition, The Motorcycle, Italian Style: Riding the Curves with MV Agusta, featuring the Gary & Connie Kohs Collection. The exhibition is being sponsored by Cliff’s Cycle Revolution, and made possible with support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. The museum’s first open air bike show, open to all makes, models and years of motorcycles, is sponsored by Stamford-based American Iron Magazine and RoadBike, and has been organized by the magazines’ publisher and AMA Hall of Famer Buzz Kanter along with staff from Stamford Museum & Nature Center and Cliff’s Cycle Revolution. Trophies will be awarded at this open air show at 3:30 p.m. by the staff of American Iron Magazine and RoadBike. The festival will include Italian food provided by Enzo’s Italian Fine Food of Stamford, music by Odissea, and authentic Italian dancing. A live auction including ca. 1954 MV Agusta 125 TR (Turismo Rapido) will be held at 2 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m. visitors can get t-shirts and postcards autographed by 2006 Bonneville 1000cc land speed record holder Roosevelt “Rosey” Lackey, 11-year-old motocross champ Wilson Fleming of New Canaan, winner of the 88 cc junior division at the 2006 New England Regional Championships, and other Racing Aces. Bring your cameras as there will be photo opps with bikes and leather jackets. Kids of all ages can stop by the EASY RIDER tattoo parlor for “lick and stick” tattoos and join in free family-friendly activities and crafts. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will give safety demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors won’t want to miss a visit to the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries to see the vintage motorcycle exhibition featuring more than 30 vintage MV Agusta motorcycles. The museum is also seeking volunteers to help out during this festival. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Kathy Ritch at 203.322.1646 ext. 6530 or e-mail kritch@stamfordmuseum.org. Admission fees: Bike riders: $5 per person (includes entry in the trophied motorcycle shows), park in designated display area; Members: Family Plus & above, FREE; Adults $5; Children $2; Italian Center Members: Adults $5; Children $2; Non-Members: Adults $10; Children $5; All children 3 & Under, FREE. For more information, e-mail info@stamfordmuseum.org, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org or call 203.322.1646 ext.6521. Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT (3/4 mile North of Merritt Parkway Exit 35.) CHOP N GRIND RACE TEAM PLAN TO STORM BIKERNET HEADQUARTERS–They’re riding in from 3 Palms, California with a camera crew in tow. We’re on full alert. General-quarters was sounded. Hide all the good shit, the secret shit, the new shit and the women. I told them directly, eyeball to eyeball, no cameras and we’d search ’em for tape recorders and note taking devices. Snake is a nervous wreck. He immediately went to the liquor store for a six-pack. Renegade broke into the weapons stash and loaded the Outlaw .45. The girls are running around the offices naked, squealing at the top of their lungs, “We’re not ready.” Jeremiah ran to the House of Stainless to pick up our custom-bent bars and investigate our fork-wing fairing, but that’s secret shit. Can’t tell you much now. This weekend we’ll develop a front fender and fairing, install the Outlaw 120-Panhead engine, and this puppy will begin to come alive. Palm Springs Harley-Davidson is scrambling to help us with the missing component. Larry, their service manager, studied the SoCal dealer network and began to piece together our missing left leg assembly. I’m peeling my ass away from the computer and back into the shop. Let’s hit it. Ride Forever, –Bandit
Editor – Florida Full Throttle Magazine
The Washington Post
Battistinis Custom Cycles LLC
San Ramon CA 94582
925.270.4211
Rikki@battistinisUSA.com
WWW.battistinisUSA.com
Event Manager
www.bubspeedtrials.com
PH: 530 272 4310
FAX: 530 477 7489
Email: salt-info@bubspeedtrials.com
DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication LLC
2323 Palace St. La Crosse, Wi. 54603
(608) 783-3684
On His Own Dime: The Phil Schmidt Story
By Bandit | | General Posts
Thursday, November 8th: Cal Bike Week Pre Race “Nitro” Party: Earlier in the week, I had enjoyed an informative and cordial phone conversation with Pattie Hurt, the Marketing Director for Laidlaw Harley-Davidson on Puente Ave. near the intersection of the 10 and the 605 freeways in Baldwin Park, LA County CA. Consequently, it came as no surprise that she had the Cal Bike Week Pre-Race Nitro Party running in high gear right through the proverbial run out. Whether she was rocking the mike in her capacity as Mistress-of-Ceremonies or rounding up the principal personalities at the event for photo ops, her charm and enthusiastic demeanor had everyone in attendance in a festive mood.
Pattie introduced me to the owners, Brent, Bob and Jerry Laidlaw, who could quite possibly be the tallest dealership owners in the galaxy. Bob and Jerry both top out at around 6”6” and Brent is closer to 6’9.” The thing is, the hospitality at Laidlaw’s is as gracious as the owners are towering.
A bit later I got to meet Top Fuel competitor Phil Schmidt. He had obligingly agreed to set up and display his bike, at the event, so that attendees could get a close look at a prime example of a Top Fuel Dragster. When he fired it up in order to demonstrate the awesome sound generated by the 186” mechanically fuel injected V-Twin engine, the sonic shock wave must have rattled windows for several blocks in all directions.
Yeah Phil!
Friday, November 9th: The following day I cruised on over to he Fairgrounds in Pomona and caught up with Phil and his crew. Their mission was simple; post a respectable time during one of their three qualifying runs so they could focus on the elimination rounds on Saturday. I got a chance to meet Phil’s wife, Jeanie, who sings the National Anthem at many of the events, his lovely daughter Brooke Lynn who was “Miss AHDRA, Las Vegas, 2006” and his son Brian, who attends Cal State U Northridge, and also serves as a member of the pit crew. This story just keeps getting better and better.
When I asked him, “What in the name of all that’s normally aspirated possessed you to put a successful medical sales business on a back burner to go racing; on your own dime?” Phil admitted that he’d had some success at ET Motorcycle Racing, a handicap format, as a youth and that he’d always dreamt of owning and riding a real drag bike. At the tender age of 49 he determined that his financially situation was secure enough to support the pursuit of his passion. Rather than starting out in a somewhat less demanding sportsman class, he jumped right in, both feet first, with a Pro Dragster, one of three nitro burning classes in the AHDRA. That was in ’04. In ‘05 he won the National Championship, dominating the Pro Dragster class by winning 6 of 10 races.
Hmm, could it be that our boy is something of an over-achiever?
Saturday, November 10th, 11:40 A.M: Great news! In eliminating his opponent in the first round Phil ran 6.41 seconds at 225 mph setting a new National speed record for Top Fuel Harley-Davidsons. Elation! …Then disaster! Back in the pits the crew discovered a leak in the engine. The symptom was diagnosed as a scorched cylinder. When a Nitro motor is pushed to it’s limit the cylinder wall and piston can scorch, causing the engine to lose compression. Phil and the crew immediately began the process of tearing the motor down, when Race officials informed them that they had thirty minutes until they would be expected to stage for the next round.
The feeling of despair was almost palpable as the news worked its devastation on the spirits of the little group. They knew there was no way they’d be able to change out the rod/piston/cylinder assembly in such a short time. After the briefest of discussions there was really no argument. The men nodded to each other in unanimous accord. The engine would get bolted back together and if it started up they would wheel the record setting two-wheeled projectile up to the staging area. They had qualified, damn it! They had already vanquished one foe that day. They were gonna’ run and to hell with the consequences.
No sooner had crew chief, Ken Wilson, pulled the torque wrench off the last head bolt and lowered the lift than crewmember, Dan Rusk, engaged the starter motor. Low and behold the engine turned over and maintained an idle. Phil and the crew stepped back in disbelief. How could this be? Was it possible that the compression loss had been the result of a rare phenomenon? Apparently, the gaps in the piston rings had, randomly, lined up so accurately that the condition exactly duplicated the symptoms manifested by a scorched cylinder. The engine was Okay. In fact it was running great! High fives, hugs and s#$% -eatin’ grins all around. It was like getting a death row reprieve from the governor. As I hearken back to the scene, I can feel the chill blands creep over every square centimeter of my epidermis even as I put digits to keyboard.
Unbridled joy quickly turned into apprehension, however, when it was discovered that, in the next round, Phil would be going up against the current leader in the points chase, Doug Vancil, who enjoys the generous sponsorship of Vance & Hines as well as Parts Unlimited. What can you say? That’s the luck of the draw. Or more appropriate, in this case, “That’s racing.” As long as I’m parroting clichés let me throw in, “If you want to be the best…..” Anyway, while Vancil presented a formidable challenge he was no stranger to the Schmidt Racing Team, and as well as his bike was running Phil had every reason to be optimistic.
Both riders executed effective burnouts and staged without incident. The Christmas tree lit down and they roared off in apparent unison. Phil logged a quicker reaction time, of 0.055 seconds beating out Doug by 0.005 seconds. Phil went on to run, a very respectable 6.46 seconds, at 218 mph. Of course the Hollywood ending to this story would have him defeating the points leader and continuing on to win Top Fuel Eliminator. Yeah, that would have been the icing on the cake. However, Pomona, though it may be less than two score miles away from Sunset Boulevard, would possess no Hollywood magic on this day. No, it took a dominating 6.38 second performance by the king of the hill to do it, but when the smoke cleared, literally, Phil had been eliminated in the second round by 0.08 seconds. Eight one hundreds of a second, an inconceivably miniscule amount of time turned out to be the difference between advancing and calling it a day.
Back in the pits there was no weeping or gnashing of teeth. Experienced racers, their crew and their families are accustomed to the agony of defeat. Besides, Phil and the gang had set a new world speed record earlier that day. Then, they had gone on to back up the performance by giving the eventual winning Top Fuel Eliminator all he could handle. Such lofty accomplishments, punctuated by the emotional rollercoaster ride, that had accompanied them, would provide more than sufficient justification for a celebration. Then, once they’d managed to, mentally, put the events of the day in their rear-views, the Schmidt crew would sleep well that night.
Tomorrow they packed up and headed on out to Las Vegas, for the season finale, before finally wending their way back to the homestead in Sacramento. It’s been a long season and though the team may be a bit battered they’re not broken, not by a long shot. The experience they’ve gained during this year’s campaign will only serve to make them more competitive next year.
Mean while Phil Schmidt, his crew and their families are racing, “living the dream.”
One more thing; if you want to give odds against the inevitability that Phil will crack the top five in Top Fuel and one day, go on to be champion, you’re talkin’ to the right guy. I’ll take some of that action in a heartbeat!
Update: Sunday November 18th AHDRA Finals in Las Vegas NV: I thought you’d like to know that although he was ultimately eliminated in a later round, Phil blasted through the quarter mile in 6.323 seconds in the third round, a new personal best. That made him the #1 qualifier for the first time. No mean feat considering that the 25 contestants at this event made it the strongest field of the year in the highly competitive Top Fuel division.
Yeah Phil!
August 02, 2007 Part 5
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 4
BIKERNET CLICK-THROUGHS FOR BRASS BALLS–This is sorta a business bit, but it may interest everyone. This shows the number of folks who clicked over to Brass Balls from various locations. As you will see, almost half of the folks who visited Brass Balls last month came from Bikernet. That’s incredible.
When you’re a Bikernet reader and you find something on the site that interests you, we always try to post a banner for the company involved, so you have instant access to their web site. If the company does a good web job, you’ll find the info you’re after quick, goddamnit. We’re not messing around, right?
WELCOME TO ARIZONA NACHO– Saturday, September 8, at 6:00 pm at the Roadrunner Saloon on New River Road at the I-17 exit. The American Freedom Riders are holding a benefit for the family of maliciously imprisoned Border Patrol Agent Nacho Ramos. Band, food, raffle, and fun. J.D. Hayworth will emcee the event and speakers will be announced soon. Admission is $20 per person and proceeds will go to help Monica Ramos keep their house and make the trip from El Paso to Phoenix to visit her husband.
Agent Ramos was transferred to Phoenix on July 20th after spending six months at Yazoo City, Mississippi where he was severely beaten by illegal aliens. Nacho has lost 40 pounds and is in poor emotional condition as he remains in solitary confinement. We are working hard for his release but in the meantime this struggling family needs our help and they will be at the event to thank you.
For more information email:
FRESH WHEELS DAILY FROM PICKARD’S MARKET–Our goal at Pickard USA is to bring a fresh new approach to the custom motorcycle wheel industry. An extensive design and thought process has been applied to each wheel design, allowing the custom motorcycle builder a number of styling options, which range from sleek pro street, to that mean chopper look. And yes, the “Old School” look as well. Making that special build look like no other.
Call Bryan for Sales and Support 817-205-1776
Don’t take your eyes off of us because the competition will not be able too. One glance at the Black Jack wheel and you will become a fan for life of our cutting edge creations. Separate yourself, get some attitude, and use products from Pickard USA on you next serious build.
NEW GLOSS BLACK SISSY BAR AND RACK FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (June 29, 2007) – New gloss-black sissy bar and luggage rack components from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories complement the black-out looks of the new Harley-Davidson Nightster and other Sportster models, and make adding a sissy bar and rack a simple “slide-and-click” proposition. The Detachable Sissy Bar Sideplates (P/N 52710-07, $139.95) and Short Rail Sissy Bar Upright (P/N 52706-07, $68.95) combination is lower than traditional low uprights, and the hidden backrest pad mounting system provides a sleek look when the pad is removed. The Tapered Luggage Rack (P/N 53510-07, $105.95) provides a solution for toting lunch across town or luggage across country. All fit most 2004-later XL models. See dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
FLT/FXR SWING ARM RETROFIT KIT–Custom Cycle Engineering has developed a swingarm conversion kit that replaces the stock Cleve Bloc style swing arm bushings with spherical bearings. The conversion covers all the FLT and FXR models from 1980 to 2001. The swingarm conversion kit coincides with Harley-Davidson?s change from the Cleve Bloc bushing to a spherical bearing in all the 2002 and up FLT models.
The conversion over to spherical bearings in the early models dramatically changes the handling and tracking of all the FLT?s and FXR?s. The sticksion at the swing arm pivot is greatly reduced with the new spherical bearings. This allows for the swingarm to react quicker to any harsh road conditions keeping the wheel in contact with the road. The use of spherical bearings also helps negate any lateral and torsional movement in the swingarm by the shear dynamics of a spherical bearing.
The swingarm bearing conversion kit is a positive answer to the inherent ill handling problems of the popular Dresser models.
Note:Along with the installation of the Swing Arm Conversion Kit, Custom Cycle Engineering recommends the replacement of the old Rubber Mount Isolators with new replacements (P/N 47564-86 B).
Custom Cycle Engineering
1970 Peacock Boulevard
? Oceanside, CA 92056
Phone: 800-472-9253
? Fax: 760-941-6489
Damn–Almost spaced on the final chapter. I?m sitting here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the girls to wrap up the news. Then it dawned on me, the ending wasn?t polished to a luxurious finish.
I believe I?ll post another Bonneville Report tomorrow or Saturday, along with a report about Accurate Engineering, the only engine builder on the planet who currently builds state of the art Panheads. He?s the only builder who builds handbuilt performance engines to your specifications and they come so complete, you basically plug it in, hook up the gas line and go for a very fast ride. We hope to put one of his engines in the 200 mph club this year in Bonneville.
Hang on for more features, techs, girls and well, you know. I?ve got to scramble back into the shop and you?ll see it all start to come together this weekend. Unless you?re in Sturgis. Bastards.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
