june 14, 2007 Part 5
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 4
THE ULTIMATE PETCOCK–Wondering what you’re looking at? Simply put it’s nothing short of the coolest thing in carb and petcock fittings since braided steel line were introduced. The engineers over at KT Components recently developed a collection of super high tech custom petcock and carburetor fittings that provide aircraft quality, strictly business appearance and unique, dependable, seamless operation.
Each petcock fitting is designed to open and close with a simple push-pull movement to control fuel flow. These highly specialized valves are joined with high-flow, -5AN stainless, clear coated, wire braided lines and fully polished stainless fittings.
Currently available for Mikuni and S&S applications and fit with a variety of custom hose lengths. If you’re looking for the sleekest, most sophisticated fuel delivery hardware for your custom of upgraded stocker, give KT Components a call at 714-630-7144 or visit them on the Web at
NEW SMALL IRONSIDE BRAKE PEDAL PAD FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–MILWAUKEE (May 30, 2007) – The new Ironside Collection Small Brake Pedal Pad (P/N 42287-07, $39.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories features rich black rubber tread offset with scalloped accents and faux rivets in brilliant chrome that resembles riveted metal plates.
It complements Ironside Footpegs and completes the industrial style of the Ironside Collection that also includes a Large Brake Pedal Pad, Shifter Peg, Hand Grips and Heated Hand Grips. The Small Brake Pedal Pad fits 1984-later FX Softail (except FXSTDSE) and 1993-later FXDWG models.
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.
EUROPEAN GIRLS OF BIKERNET COMING FROM THE VIKING– Now the Marlboro-Bike first. So if you want more material on the Krugger-thing, let me know.Also attached some samples from yesterday’s work in my parallel-universe. If you like them you may have features on them.
–Viking
DAKOTA CLASSIC CARS AND CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE AUCTION AT TOP 50 RALLY PARK DURING BLACK HILLS RALLY–Tuesday August 7, 2007 – During the Sturgis Rally,turn that extra Motorcycle or Hot Rod car back into Cash.All cars must be 20 years old or registered in South Dakota. Motorcycles can be Custom Built or Harley Customs. Motor cycles are age exempt for this Auction. All vehicles must have a clean title.
Entries should be in by July 15, 2007 to insure a spot in the auction.Off I-90 – Exit 46 – in Piedmont between Rapid City and SturgisCall 605-642-2484 or 605-642-5300 for info and Entry FormOr visit www.terrycomp.com
WEEKLY BIKERNET HISTORIC QUOTE–“Man who run in front of motorcycle get tired… Man who run behind motorcycle, get exhausted.” Ancient Wise-man Proverb
NOW AVAILABLE! HIGH STRENGTH BILLET INTAKE FLANGES FOR ’06-UP 50MM THROTTLE BODIES– These replacement flanges are made from high strength, durable 6061-T6 aluminum to increase strength and resist problematic cracking at the mounting holes. Direct replacement for the flanges included with Screamin’ Eagle 50mm throttles body made for 2006-up applications.
Upgrade to the Zipper’s Performance replacement flanges to eliminate fatigue cracks and the resultant air leaks in the intake tract. Kit includes manifold seals.
Part No: 117-059 MSRP $24.95
ZIPPER’S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
6655-A Amberton Drive Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828 Fax 410.579.2833
www.zippersperformance.com
HOW ABOUT A LITTLE SYMPATHY?–We need to show more sympathy for these people. They travel miles in the heat, they risk their lives crossing a border, they don’t get paid enough wages, they do jobs that others won’t do or are afraid to do. They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak adifferent language. They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day every day.
I’m not talking about illegal Mexicans, I’m talking about our troops. Doesn’t it seem strange that the government is willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on illegal’s, but don’t support our troops and are now threatening to defund them?
–from Rik Savenko
U.S. CHOPPERS BOARDTRACK FRAMES BUILT BY PAUGHCO–He?re the first one off the line from Paughco?s Carson City, Nevada facility. We tore the driveline out of the Assalt Weapan to check alignment, since it was the first test chassis. It was golden. Bikernet plans to build a U.S. Chopper Mudflap Girl Boardtracker next year. We are working with 2Wheelers, Choppers Inc., NYC Chopper and U.S. Choppers to bring you a classic custom with lots of mudflap girl style.
These wild sought-after frame will be available in the next couple of weeks for shipment.
NEW IS STOCK,NEW S textile riding jackets! Check out both styles, the FREON NITROUS– FREON: Abrasion-resistant shell, with removeable CE approved armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back for impact resistance> Main body of jacket is polyester mesh for maximum venting and includes a zip-out liner> secure cell phone pocket> high-quality YKK zippers> 3M reflective piping for improved night visibility> Retail price $119.95> Sizes: M-XXL NITROUS. Abrasion-resistant shell, with removeable CE approved armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back for impact resistance.
Use for warm and cold weather riding — has zip-out quilted liner and zipper vents for cooling> Secure cell phone pocket> 3M reflective piping for improved night visibility> Retail price $159.95> Sizes: M-XXL Nitrous back
Note: Due to last minute production improvements, the back images shown above are slightly different. We’ve added embroidery on the collar that says “since 1958” (on both jackets) and the location of the S logo on the back of the Nitrous has been enlarged and moved to the lower back area. See the photos at www.ssbodyparts.com.
IT?S MOJITO TIME–Have you ever had one of these Caribbean Rum drinks. On a smoldering day, they?re killer. There you have it, the news for all it?s worth. We have Isle of Man coverage coming, still stuff from SPS and 29 Palms, a Chica super vintage bike feature, tech, and two Girls of Bikernet are on their way.
We have articles coming from Australia, Europe and San Francisco. More is coming regarding Bonneville, racing everywhere and a special feature from Doherty Machine. Hang on, it’s all non-stop action.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
June 14, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
BUELL STATS–We are considering a long distance Buell test run. As part of the process we are looking at the stats, so we decided to share them:
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
Rake (at Steering Head) 21.0?
Fork Angle 21.0?
Lean Angle: Soft Contact, Right 42?
Soft Contact, Left 42?
Hard Contact, Right 50?
Hard Contact, Left 48?
Trail 3.3 in. 83 mm
Wheelbase 52.0 in. 1320 mm
Buell Blast
Rake (at Steering Head) 25.0?
Trail 3.4 in. 86 mm
Wheelbase 55.0 in. 1397 mm
I have not ridden the Lightning yet, but I have the Blast. It was almost too small for me, but really easy ’cause it was so small.
–Nyla
RUCKER PERFORMANCE DISTRIBUTES ICENGINE WORKS PRECISION HEADER MODELING SYSTEMS– FORT WORTH – June 12, 2007 – Rucker Performance, a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American muscle, chopper and pro-mod motorcycles, has teamed up with IcengineworksTM, a manufacturing and engineering firm, to distribute their patented new line of exhaust header modeling block systems that provide manufacturers and builders in the motorsports and automotive industries with the freedom to design and mock up exhausts.
Icengineworks has created a manually operated, 3-dimensional modeling system based on sets of interlocking plastic blocks that are molded in shapes and represent actual tubing, straight and bent after assembly. The blocks, always 1-inch in length at the centerline, show information on the metal sections, bend radii and length in inches. Fabricators can attach, disconnect and rearrange the blocks as many times as needed. Different sizes or series of the blocks can be combined to mock-up stepped systems.
Due to the versatility of the blocks, builders and manufacturers can quickly and inexpensively develop and test limitless designs without committing expensive materials and other resources until they are satisfied with a final product.
“The main objective is creating the simplicity and speed to manually assemble, break apart, modify and rearrange precise sections of blocks representing tubular designs,” said Victor Franco, founder and President of Icengineworks. “The designer becomes more efficient, reaches the optimum design in less time and can explore layout possibilities limited only by the imagination.”
Icengineworks has designed the model block system for performance driven individuals in the marketplace. “This system has the potential to save labor hours and cost while increasing the profitability of the company,” said Bill Rucker, founder and CEO of Rucker Performance. “We have incorporated this system at Rucker Performance and believe this product will make a strong impact in the motorsports industry.”
Rucker Performance now distributes the Icengineworks exhaust modeling system. To learn more about the precision exhaust header modeling systems from IcengineworksTM, contact Bill Rucker at 817.838.3200 or log onto
AMA CONCERNED OVER DENVER NOISE LAW–A new law passed by the Denver City Council essentially requires all riders in the city to use only stock exhaust systems on their motorcycles. It’s a law that addresses sound issues by unfairly targeting only motorcyclists, and the AMA is seeking a dialogue with Denver city officials to try to find a solution.
On June 4, Denver officials approved changes to the city’s vehicle noise ordinance that allow police to issue tickets to riders if their bikes don’t have a federal Environmental Protection Agency sound-certification label on the exhaust systems. The new ordinance, which takes effect July 1, would apply to all motorcycles made since 1982, which was the first year that federal law required motorcycles sold in the U.S. to comply with EPA sound regulations.
In practical terms, that means the bike would have to have the original exhaust system installed by the manufacturer. Violators would have two weeks to prove to a judge that they have fixed the problem or would be forced to pay a $500 fine.
Previously, the Denver ordinance required all motor vehicles to pass a sound test that set a limit of 80 decibels at 25 feet. That type of performance standard remains in effect for cars and trucks, except that the allowable limits have been raised. Under the new ordinance, vehicles with a gross weight rating under 10,000 pounds couldn’t exceed 82 db(A) at 25 feet, and trucks over 10,000 pounds couldn’t exceed 90 db(A) at 50 feet. Only motorcycles would be subject to the EPA sound certification labeling requirement.
“We understand the motivation for cities to pass laws controlling sound levels from traffic,” said Ed Moreland, AMA Vice President for Government Relations. “But the approach being taken in Denver creates a special class of enforcement that unfairly targets motorcyclists. Loud trucks and cars are every bit as annoying as loud motorcycles, but only motorcyclists would be subject to this new provision of the labeling law.”
To understand the restrictions being imposed on motorcyclists, Moreland asked car drivers to consider the impact if Denver city officials had instead required stock mufflers on cars, making it illegal for Denver drivers to buy replacement exhaust systems from companies like Midas or Meineke.
“That would force everyone who drives a Ford to return to the Ford dealer and get the exact replacement muffler every time their exhaust system wore out,” he noted.
The AMA’s position on the new Denver ordinance got support June 7 in an editorial in the Rocky Mountain News which stated: “As more than one critic of the ordinance?noted, it just doesn’t appear ready for prime time.”
Several years ago, the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed a similar certification ordinance affecting motorcyclists there. Motorcyclist groups, included the AMA, worked with city officials for two years before that provision was rescinded and the city went back to a performance-based sound standard.
–from RogueSturgis Freedom FightersMotorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
Bikernet.com established a Independent Noise Study to reach out and create a better understanding with communities. It’s always available to print out and use in your community. Copies were recently sent to community leaders in Denver and this weekend Bandit will be interviewed on Biker Nation Radio in Colorado.Click here for a direct link to the study: Bikernet Independent Noise Study-Sin Wu
FATHER’S DAY SALE– Come into LifeStyle Cycles all this week (June 11-16th) and get 10% off on your purchase of any Men’s apparel, leathers, boots, helmets and more in our apparel department! Don’t delay, as this sale is only lasting for the rest of this week, and will end on Saturday the 16th. So come in and buy your Dad (or yourself, for that matter) something really special from your friends at LifeStyle Cycles.
OR IF YOU STILL CAN’T DECIDE You want to give Dad a new motorcycle? You can buy them a pre-paid Gift Card! Want to buy your pop a year’s worth of oil changes? Buy them a pre-paid Gift Card! All you need to do is come in, tell us how much you want on the card, pay for it, and then give it to your favorite dad.You can even re-charge the card with more value later on. Come in to LifeStyle Cycles today and get the gift card that keeps on giving!
CALL LIFESTYLE CYCLES
(714) 490-0155
IMMIGRATION LAWS–HARSH YOU SAY?? There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools.
No special ballots for elections.
All government business will be conducted in our language.
Foreigners will NOT have the right to vote no matter how long they are here.
Foreigners will NEVER be able to hold political office.
Foreigners will not be a burden to the taxpayers.
No welfare, no food stamps, no health care, or other government assistance programs.
Foreigners can invest in this country, but it must be an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage.
If foreigners do come and want to buy land that will be okay.
BUT options will be restricted.
You are not allowed waterfront property. That is reserved for citizens naturally born into this country.
Foreigners may not protest; no demonstrations, no waving a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies.
If you do you will be sent home.
If you do come to this country illegally, you will be hunted down and sent straight to jail.
Harsh, you say?……..
The above laws happen to be the immigration laws of ” MEXICO”
–from Dave Johnson
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM FEATURED AT THUNDER ROAD STURGIS BIKE WEEK,AUGUST 3RD – AUGUST 10TH–Matthew McConaughey, James Caan, Green Day’s Billy Joe, and Metallica’s James Hetfield Bikes on Display
STURGIS, SD (June 4, 2007) – The 2007 Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse sponsored by Bikernet.com will be featured at Thunder Road during Sturgis Bike Week, from August 3rd to August 10th.More celebrities are riding motorcycles than ever before. In a similar fashion with which the Hard Rock is known for showcasing Rock’N’Roll memorabilia worldwide, the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse is showcasing motorcycles owned or ridden by celebrities.
“Celebrities are attracted to motorcycles for the same reasons the rest of us are, but with the additional allure of privacy and freedom they may not have in their daily lives. So many celebrities ride and we’re excited to showcase their bikes and feature the builders who built them,” said Carrie Repp of R&R Promotions. “In the custom bike world, the builders are celebrities in their own right, so each bike is encased by a wonderful Hard Rock Photo Exhibit featuring top builders as photographed by world renowned motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter.”
The Sturgis Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse display will feature Russell Mitchell’s Exile Bull-Fighter built for rock’n’roller, Billy Joe, lead singer of Green Day; the Texas Longhorn Bobber built by Ralph Randolph from Ralph Randolph for actor Matthew McConaughey; Eddie Trotta from Eddie Trotta’s Custom Designs and his signature bike built for actor James Caan, and Kirk Taylor from Custom Design Studios bike for rock star, James Hetfield lead singer of Metallica.
Beginning Friday, August 3rd, the bikes will be displayed at Thunder Road’s 40,000 square foot Thunderdome, The Custom Capital of Sturgis, located three miles east of downtown Sturgis on Highway 34. With a variety of exciting events, Thunder Road will kick off Bike Week with the “Feel the Thunder? Race Bike Show,” featuring drag racers, short trackers, motocrossers and hillclimbers on Sunday, August 5th. Tuesday, August 7th the fun continues with the Fifth Annual Metzeler Sturgis V-Twin Custom Bike Contest.
The stage is also set for the legendary Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show on Thursday, August 9th and for Trike Wars, a trike only show, to conclude bike week on Friday August 10th. Thunder Road and the Thunderdome will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., August 3rd -10th.
For more information and an updated list of Thunder Road and Bike Week activities, visit
BIKERNET.COM ALABAMA NEWS DESK HUNTING INVESTIGATION–Last week, an eleven-year-old boy in Alabama, on a hunting trip with his father, killed a wild boar hog weighing 1151 pounds. The pig is reportedly larger than the famous Hogzilla of the state and is the largest reported boar kill ever. The family announced that they plan to mount the head and make sausage from the meat.
In a possibly unrelated story, Rosie O’Donnell has been reported missing in the state of Alabama one day after resigning from The View. The activist, comedian, lesbian, and talk show hostess quit because of conflicts with just about every member of the cast and crew on the show. At last report, she was going to an Alabama lesbian nudist colony to enjoy “communing with nature.”
Theories that the two stories could be related could not be confirmed because it is believed that Rosie weighed more than the pig and was not as attractive.
HELEN GEORGIA HOSTS U.S. RIDERS NEWS– The Alpine Village of Helen Georgia complete with cobblestones and old world style buildings is approximately 100 miles North-East of Atlanta nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a place that motorcycle riders visit on a regular basis through out the year. The beginning of June for the last 7 years US Rider News has hosted a party there complete with a Bike Show, Vendors and Games and invites everyone one no matter what they ride.
In the evenings there are Bands and VIP Parties as well as entertainment in the local businesses.Scott and Sylvia Cochran who put on the event even work out special lodging rates at some of the hotels.This year the Victory Motorcycle Rides held their event at the same time and increased the attendance even more.
My wife Doris got to ride to it with me this year and said it was one of the more relaxing and fun events that we get to attend.Do yourself a favor and check it out and plan to attend next year. Check
–ROGUE
US HOUSE INTRODUCES MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH RESOLUTION–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the US Houseintroduced a non-binding “sense of Congress” measure supporting the goalsof a “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” Motorcycle Champion MichaelBurgess (R-TX) introduced HRES 339, with a strong second from GabrielleGiffords (D-AZ).
You should recognize HRES 339’s main sponsor, Mr.Burgess, as the same member of Congress who is leading the charge onreforming the HIPAA law that allows for insurance discrimination ofmotorcycle-related injuries.
The bill’s second sponsor, Ms. Giffords,hails from Arizona where she has a terrific relationship with ABATE of AZand all of the other rider organizations in Arizona (and yes, she ridestoo).
The US House of Representatives now operates under a rule that prohibitsmarking periods on the calendar for any specific purpose or cause. Theyhad to preclude themselves from officially appointing special weeks,months and days because of the huge push from every advocacy group in thecountry during the mid 1990s trying to secure an official designation fortheir cause.
When it became apparent that the calendar is very limitedand the demand for recognition is very unlimited, the House changed therules and banned any legislation that officially recognizes a specificperiod of time.
So what does this mean for a nationwide motorcycle safety awarenessperiod? Well basically since the House cannot pass legislation for aspecial time period that will read identical to the Senate counterpart, asit must before the President can sign it into law, no law can ever againbe passed setting aside a special week or month for any cause. Therefore,HRES 339 merely “supports the goals of a motorcycle safety awarenessmonth” but does not and cannot officially designate such a month.
Instead, HRES 339 lists a multitude of positive aspects of motorcyclingsuch as fuel efficiency, decreasing congestion, and how being aware ofmotorcycles benefits all road users. And then there’s what I think is thebest line of legislation, “Whereas the motorcycling community is dedicatedto decreasing motorcycle crashes through training, education, licensing,enforcement, personal responsibility and increased public awareness.”
Similar pieces of legislation that many Motorcyclists’ RightsOrganizations have passed into state law officially set specific dates forincreased motorcycle awareness, but those pieces of legislation onlyaffect riding community in their particular state.
HRES 339 provides the perfect opportunity for you to make contact withyour federal representative regarding a non-controversial motorcyclingresolution. And co-sponsoring ceremonial resolutions like HRES 339 is agreat way for your federal representative to show his or her support formotorcycling, and it is an easy ask. The MRF encourages you to contactyour federal elected officials on this issue.
–Jeff Hennie
MRF
Continued On Page 5
June 14, 2007 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST TECH CARBURETOR IS NOW AN MC ADVANTAGES’ EXCLUSIVE–MC Advantages is proud to announce their agreement to be the exclusivedistributor of PSI Big Air Carburetors. “MC Advantages has chosen PSI carbsfor their ease of use and their demonstrated ability to generate up to 15more horsepower versus stock carbs,” said MC Advantages’ General ManagerKent Reed. “We’re really excited about this as our latest product lineaddition.
To have a hot new high-tech carb when there hasn’t been anysignificant carb advancements in years, a guy’s gotta be pumped,” he noted.
The Big Air Carburetor features a simplified tuning design with only threefuel adjustments that can easily be made with the bike running and withoutdismantling the entire carb and air cleaner setup.
The pilot, needle andmain adjustment knobs all have easy access and can be adjusted with thefingertips. In addition, the revolutionary ribbed venturi intake helpsatomize and homogenize the fuel and air mixture for tremendous throttleresponse and a more complete, cleaner burn.
Big Air Carburetors come in Polished, Chrome or Black and are available for74″-‘100″, 103″-117″ and 124″-155″ engines with an S&S® Super G intakemanifold. The MSRP is set at $1,099.99-$1,199.99.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
www.MCAdvantages.com
WEEKEND RIDE FOR KIDS EVENTSRAISE $138,000 TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS–Motorcyclists delivered saddlebags full of hope to childhood brain tumor survivors on June 10, raising $138,670 at three
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows is a proud supporter of the PBTF Ride For Kids program and offers show discounts to Ride For Kids participants. Be sure to pick up your discount coupon at the Ride nearest you!
BIKERNET’S SOUTH OF THE BORDER CULTURAL LESSON OF THE DAY–Alice and Frank are Bungee-jumping one day. Alice saysto Frank,”You know, we could make a lot of money running ourown Bungee-jumpingservice in Mexico.”
Frank thinks this is a great idea. So they pool theirmoney and buyeverything they’ll need: a tower, an elastic cord,insurance, etc.
They travel to Mexico and begin to set up on a squarein a small town.
As they are constructing the tower, a crowd begins toassemble. Slowly,more and more people gather to watch them at work.
When they had finished, there was such a crowd theythought it would bea good idea to give a demonstration.
So, Alice jumps. She bounces at the end of the cord,but when she comesback up, Frank notices that she has a few cuts andscratches.
Unfortunately, Frank isn’t able to catch her and shefalls again,bounces and comes back up again. This time, she isbruised and bleeding.
Again, Frank misses her. Alice falls again and bouncesback up. Thistime she comes back pretty messed up — she’s got acouple of brokenbones and is almost unconscious.
Luckily, Frank finally catches her this time and says,”What happened?Was the cord too long?”
Barely able to speak, Alice gasps, “No, the Bungeecord was fine…Itwas the crowd. What the hell is a pinata?
–from Chris T.
BIKERNET NEW ORLEANS PROGRESS REPORT–This happened on a flight getting ready to depart for New Orleans.
Jack was sitting on the plane when a guy took the seat beside him.The guy was an emotional wreck, pale, hands shaking, moaning in fear. ,”What’s the matter?” Jack asked.
“I’ve been transferred to New Orleans, there’s crazy people there.They’ve got lots of shootings, gangs, race riots, drugs, poor public schools, and the highest crime rate.”
Jack replied, “I’ve lived in New Orleans all my life. It’s not as bad as the media says. Find a nice home, go to work, mind your own business, enroll your kids in a nice private school.It’s as safe a place as anywhere in the world.”
The guy relaxed and stopped shaking and said, “Oh, thank you. I’ve been worried to death. But if you live there and say it’s OK, I’ll take your word for it. What do you do for a living?”
“Me?” said Jack. “I’m a tail gunner on a Budweiser truck.”
–from Rogue
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Two of man’s passions
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
whiplash@photo.net
FUNKENSTEIN LIVES!!!!– Master seat maker, Duane Ballard, has created a cool vintage-look 1970’s Chopper for his personal rider. Duane is also building the seat for the Bikernet Bonneville Assalt Weapan.
“FUNKENSTEIN”, painted by Robert Pradke, is a 750cc Honda monster guaranteed to bring life back to the dead. We’ll have a full creature-feature on this thriller soon.
–TBear
GUILTY CUSTOMS’ NEW “SPHERE OIL BAG” A NEW SPIN ON AN OLD PART–Every motorcycle needs an oil bag, so why not make it worth looking at as well as extremely functional? Guilty Customs announces their newest product for builders (professionals and otherwise) that will get your build the attention it deserves and is American-made, unique and functional.
Guilty announces the availability of the “Sphere Oil Bag” which is an 8 inch spun aluminum sphere made from Aerospace Quality Aluminum (.125_ T-6/6061 to be specific) with oil capacity of 3.5 quarts.
The “Sphere Oil Bag” is within tolerances of +/-.015 and is ultrasonically tested. The sphere can be polished, powder-coated, engraved, anodized or left raw and will ultimately be available in Copper, Brass or Stainless Steel (304L, 316L & 321). Retail cost for Aluminum Sphere Oil Bag (with filler neck installed) is $475.00.
Recently Guilty Customs announced their single and dual powder coated shocks, which retail from $75.00 to 140.00 respectively. Show quality dual shock systems in Stainless Steel, Chrome and Brushed Copper are available for $190.00. Additional products such as “Leather Do-it-yourself builders kits”, seat pans and bolt-on seat brackets are available. The newest addition to the family is the “Air Shox” which retails for $130.00.
Available at www.guiltycustoms.com or call 407.453.0844.
Dealer inquiries welcome.
Guilty Customs, LLC
Orlando, FL 32835
BCCOM ON THE MOVE–THANK YOU’S!Special thanks to the wonderful volunteers who came and helped us move mostof our office to higher ground to avoid this flood they have been warningabout. Ernie Dau, Mike Baynes, Mark Zambrycki, Reila Hamnes & Jarred werean enormous help to us and we appreciate it so much!
We would also like to thank Trev Deeley Motorcycles and their wonderfulstaff for staying open late on June 6th to accommodate our BCCOM Meeting andMovie Night. A great time was had by all!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO THIS WEEKEND?–Trev Deeley Motorcycles is having a show n’ shine on Saturday, June 16th attheir new location at 1875 Boundary Road in Vancouver.Sign up is from 9:30am-12:00pm.There will be a live band from Noon- 4pmTrophy presentation at 3:30pmThe special guest at this event will be Jean Davidson, Granddaugher offounder Walter Davidson and author of “Growing up Harley-Davidson.” You canmeet Jean during and after her free audio-visual presentation at 1:00pm intheir conference centre.For more information please check them out on-line athttp://trevdeeley.com/custom/Showandshine07.html or contact Sherri Werstiukat (604) 909-6227 or swerstiuk@trevdeeley.com
MCC-WOMEN RIDERS COUNCIL LAUNCHES SECOND SURVEY — More than 800 responded tofirst surveyToronto, Ontario, Canada June 6, 2007 – The Women Riders Council of MCC haslaunched its second online survey, inviting female riders to express theirthoughts and opinions regarding training resources and website resources.
In the first survey (the results of which can be seen on the MCC website),women identified certain training and education needs, beyond basic ridertraining, such as maintenance.
The survey will look at what kind of training would be the most desired, andwhat website resources would be helpful.The survey can be accessed at www.motorc ycling.ca/women and will remainopen indefinitely. Results will be analyzed on an ongoing basis withprograms and actions developed by the WRC. All responses will remainconfidential and no contact information will be shared.
About the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
MCC is Canada’s largest association representing motorcyclist’s interests.It is a not-for-profit national advocacy organization that championsmotorcycling interests throughout Canada. Its membership comprises more than200 clubs and represents over 70,000 riders from across Canada.
Website: http://www.motorcycling.ca
About the Women Riders CouncilThe Women Riders Council (WRC) of MCC is led by a steering committee ofactive female riders. The WRC’s purpose is to Promote and Celebrate WomenMotorcycle Riders (of Canada).
Website: http://www.motorcycling.ca/women/index.html
PAUGHCO’S REVOLUTIONARYTAPERED LEG SPRINGERS– The world’s oldest, largest and most popular line of custom and OEM style Springer front ends just doubled in size! Paughco has completely reengineered their original designs in developing a new line fit with OVAL TAPERED REAR LEGS! Stronger and more closely resembling original OEM springers, the new Paughco front ends are available in a mind boggling collection of styles and sizes.
Tapered leg models can be ordered in traditional “Wide” springer styles fit with or without the factory style shock. Or, you can order Paughco’s popular Narrow Springer, once again with the new tapered rear legs.
All models are offered in lengths ranging from stock up to 21″ over in increments of 3″. Finished in Paughco’s legendary in-house chrome, the new TAPERED LEG SPRINGERS can be found at
DID BUTTS PLAY A ROLL IN TOILET PAPER THEFT? WOMAN CHARGED IN IOWA COURTHOUSE TISSUE HEIST–MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa – Police blame a woman named Butts for stealing toilet paper from a central Iowa courthouse, and while they’re chuckling, the theft charge could put her in prison.
“She’s facing potentially three years of incarceration for three rolls of toilet paper,” Chief Lon Walker said, stifling a laugh as he talked to KCCI-TV about Suzanne Marie Butts.
“See, I can’t say it with a straight face.”Workers had noticed the rolls disappearing from the Marshall County Courthouse much faster than usual, Walker said.
Butts, 38, was caught last week after an employee saw her taking three rolls of two-ply tissue from a storage closet, Walker said.
Butts insisted it was the first time she’d pilfered toilet paper, but she declined to answer further questions on her attorney’s advice.
The fifth-degree theft charge, a misdemeanor, normally carries a sentence of less than a year in jail. But Butts could face more time if convicted under the state’s habitual offender law because she has prior theft convictions.Walker did not know why Butts was at the courthouse, but said that she did not work there.
–from Rogue
Maybe she deserves amnesty?
CINDY AND PEACEFUL ART JEWELRY FEATURED IN EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE– Jeweler/Design/Artist Cindy Thorrington Haggerty and her Peaceful Art Jewelry/Design is being featured in a very interesting editorial in the Men’s Famous Motorcycle Magazine “EASYRDERS”. This is a 50-year-old magazine and publication that is the Grand Daddy of Publications to Motorcycle People all over the world. Cindy is in this magazine in an editorial by a staff writer for Easyriders Magazine.
This story features Cindy’s Jewelry, Art, Design and Life. The magazine is already creating a stir for Cindy with calls, emails, web site contacts and orders. The JULY issue #409 is on sale NOW at participating news stand stores in Logansport, South Bend and other cities, states and countries…
So get your copy and preserve a part of Logansport/South Bend History in the making. Cindy is a Native born in Logansport and studied in St. Petersburg Florida, Martinsville, IN, Gem City College Quincy, IL and thru Vocational Rehabilitation Services in South Bend, IN.
EGO TRIP CUSTOM BIKE SHOW IN HOLLISTER JULY 8TH–Hollister 60th Anniversary – Sunday July 8th
Bike Show Move in 8am to 10 am
Bike Show Displays on the Lawn at Corbin’s Corner (San Benito & 4th St)
Awards @ 3:00 Sunday at the Main Stage.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Radical Custom, Rubber Mount Geometrically altered frame, Dyna Glide, FXR
Radical Custom,Solid Mount: Geometrically altered frame Softail style
Radical Custom, Chopper Geometrically altered frame with an extendedFront-end .All Hardtails
Street Custom After Market Frame – All Bolt-On Accessories
Sport Touring Road Kings, Ultra’s, All Baggers
Sportster: XL’s, 883 & 1200’s
Antiques,Trikes & Sidecars: 1903 – 1974 & All 3-Wheel BikesAmerican Mfg(non-Harley) BMC, Titan, Big Dog, American Eagle, etc.
Radical Custom
Old School Bobbers and Choppers
Metric Stock –
Metric Mild Custom
Metric Full Custom –
Buell –
V-Rod Mild Custom –
V-Rod Full Custom –
– Special Interest To be judged in the above categories, there must be twoor more bikes in the class or you will be judged in special interest.
For those with bike trailers, a parking lot on 4th street between Monterey &San Benito will be available. This is accross the street from the bike show.Spaces are on a first come basis.
–Spike
Continued On Page 4
Australian Shop Profile
By Bandit | | General Posts
Gold Coast Choppers latest creation “Alien” has landed an array of trophies at Gold Coast Bike Week. Alien’s first public viewing was on Saturday. However lucky riders on the S&S Chopper Shop Ride got a sneak preview on Friday as Twin Tech Motorcycles was the first Bike Shop on the list for the ride to visit. Last year Geoff did a great job of unveiling “Flame”. Continuing in this tradition this year he had the job of unveiling Alien an astonishing piece of machinery that Rick and the guys had built over the last 10 months. The old saying a picture tells a thousand words does not cut it with this chopper. There is a host of details a picture can not tell with this bike until you start looking very carefully at the actual bike.
With no sub-frame that is visible, it has an amazing visual effect of the engine and transmission sitting by themselves midway in the beautifully hand made frame of the Chopper. The whole package from the flowing front end, the long sweeping fuel tanks, the mid mounted down draft carby, the in shop made swing arm, gives the bike an overall aggressive stance. Plus the most detailed paint work that you could imagine moulds into the best Chopper arguably ever seen. This was proven by Alien winning the People’s Choice trophy on Saturday. Along with Best Engineered, Best Pro-Built and Coolest Pipes. Sunday saw 3 more trophies for Alien with Bike of Show, Radical Custom and Best Paint.
Over all it was a good result for Twin Tech Motorcycles and Gold Coast Choppers.
The latest Ozbike Magazine (issue 301) has Rick with the ALIEN chopper as its main feature. There are some great pics of the bike along with the rundown of the build of Alien written by Rick (Rick has the article in the Gold Coast Choppers website as well). There is also a centre page lift out of ALIEN, which is a bonus.
Rick and Twin Tech Motorcycles aren’t strangers to articles in bike mags. The numerous custom Harleys the boys have built have shown up in different custom bike mags over many years. Since Rick has developed Gold Coast Choppers and has showcased Alien, Flame and Chopr at different shows over the last couple of years he is getting the exposure he deserves. The local industry is standing up and taking notice of these world class choppers that Rick continues to build.
Personally, I can’t wait to see the next machine Rick creates. “How do you build something better than Alien?” I asked myself. But then I asked the same question about Flame??
Alien and Flame took out the 2 major trophies at the Australian Motorcycle Expo at Brisbane. Alien won Best Chopper of the Show and Flame won Best Engineered.
I was speaking to a number of people in the industry after the event and they say and I must agree that Alien is rightly placed as Australia’s Number 1 chopper after winning first prize at the show.
While Rick is happy with the recent results he was very disappointed in the decision of the major sponsor and promoter of the Chopper Show (Live to Ride Magazine) to pull out when they did. You would have thought it would have been good advertising and promotion for their magazine and the industry in general. “They handled the whole thing very badly right from the start,” said Rick. “With minimal promotion for the event advertised and deadlines for entries that didn't apply or were abandoned, perhaps due to a lack of entries. Incorrect dates on their entry and conditions forms gave a general impression that no one knew what was going on. I believe they did attend the Melbourne or Sydney show but obviously Brisbane isn't considered as important as the southern capitals.”
Otherwise the show was a huge event, massive crowds and displays by most of the major manufactures of bikes and products. Except for Harley Davidson!? What's going on there?
A big well done to the boys again at Gold Coast Choppers / Twin Tech Motorcycles for another outstanding result.
We’re a small, hands-on kind of custom bike shop. There’s me doing any and everything, Geoff handling the day-to-day running of the place as well as parts and accessories. There’s Ross on the spanners and the key force behind our drag race team, apart from being a top mechanic and experienced racer, he holds the NZ Top Fuel Nitro Harley record of 180 mph at 7.6 seconds. That’s damn quick! And then there’s Jim, my can’t-do-without kind of guy who does everything around the place as well as being our No 1 fabricator and a good mate.
I got my first Harley in 1981, a FXFB, and being a farm boy who was used to pulling things apart and fixing them, I just couldn’t help myself from tearing it down and changing it around. I’ve got a very questioning mind, the type that says, “Yeah, it’s broken, but how did it happen, how can I fix it and how can I prevent it from happening again?”
I started TwinTech in 1989 basically part-time doing stuff for my mates but it soon got out-of-control and I went full-time in early 1991. In 1995 we bought the two units next door and we’ve been growing ever since.
Weve always taken pride in our workmanship and experience is something you can’t beat. We place a great degree of importance on the day-to-day stuff through the workshop. I’m not happy unless it’s done right; fix it right the first time so there’s no come-backs.
We do quite a bit of performance work which we try to match to the customer’s requirements. We know what works and what doesn’t. Putting it together is one thing; getting it to stay together takes knowledge and experience. And importantly, performance doesn’t stop with the engine. The whole package has to include the brakes and suspension.
TwinTech Motorcycles is also involved in drag racing. We’ve got a XB12R Buell that Ross has started to run. It’s doing 11.8’s at the moment in fairly standard form. We’ve got plans to turn it into a full-on drag bike including a special frame we’re building ourselves.
Billy also rides for us on his 1991 FXST. It runs an S&S 124 ci engine that we’ve worked over and is pushing our 150 hp at the rear wheel. Not bad for a registered street bike. Billy’s running around 10.5 and gaining more consistently so this year is going to be fun.
We’ve always done a lot of custom work. We were sticking 180 tyres (as large as you could get at the time) into stock bikes back in early 1990. We used to make it all ourselves because it was before you could get the wide rear end kits. Generally, what we find with our customers is a guy who’ll come in with some ideas or maybe just a picture. We’ll work it through their wants, needs, applications, and deliver something far in excess of what they imagined–give them something that blows them away. Obviously we’ve got to work within a budget which can be difficult as the customer’s views often change as the project develops.
We don’t aim to be a volume builder–low quantity, high quality. That’s us.
TwinTech Motorcycles is in Southport, on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The Flame Chopper is for sale; if you’d like to know more, give me a call on 07-5532-3033.
–Rick
Smoke Out Run 2007
By Bikernet Contributor TBear | | General Posts
Amidst threats of the event being shut down by Bible Thumping members of the local town board, plus beer being outlawed, not to mention the ominous heavy presence of John Law and his minions, The Smoke Out 8, Sponsored by Bikernet.com, went off without a hitch. For months before, legal battles raged with the “Good Christian” politicos regarding the event being closed down because, “Jesus doesn't like nipples and wild biker trash.”
Well, for what it's worth, I was always thought that Jesus loves sinners and the love was evident as thousands of the faithful on their “Devilish Machines” flocked to the Holy Land at the Rowan County Fairgrounds to bid a fond farewell to the Smoke Out, at least as far as Salisbury is concerned. No mention of next year's venue, but rest assured that it WILL happen.
Riders from as far away as California and Western Canada to Nueva York and the rock bound coast of Maine handled the pilgrimage to see what their compadres were building and riding. The mood seemed lighter as the weekend rolled on and the flock realized that the good shepherd, John Law, was indeed there to look out for their safety and not lead them to slaughter.
Beer was indeed served like Holy Water and ladies rode nekkid on the mechanical golden calf, voraciously offering up their virtue to the assembled multitudes. Burning tires served as ceremonial incense and High Mass was celebrated with the purification rite of burning a trailer in effigy.
The choir consisted of Devil Doll and the Super-Soakers who led the faithful in song during evening vespers. St. Columbanus, patron saint of Bikers, surely would have bestowed his blessings on the services.
High Priests of Chopper Building, Hank Young, Jay Hart, Paul Cox and Keino of Indian Larry Legacy were on hand to display their icons to the novitiates.
Over 250 bikes were entered into the bike show with awards given out to the top ten winners. Steve “Deuce” Broyles II, of Stevenson’s Cycles, in Michigan, walked away with the trophy for his entry in the Horse Builders Chop Off.
The evening partying at local Holiday Inns parking lot looked like anything but a service at the Crystal Cathedral, America's foremost drive-in place of worship. Despite heavy police presence, tires burned, music blared and nubile young hard-bellies gyrated until dawn, on both Friday and Saturday nights. In the spirit of Christian Charity, the local hotels raised their usual $69 per night to $200 with a 3-night minimum and attempted to charge a tide of $5.00 per head to enter the golden gates of their parking lots. That’s just one aspect of Salisbury that we won't be missing at the new venue.
We don't yet know where or when, but we assure you that next years Gathering of the Faithful will be the most righteous jamboree yet to be seen.
Can I get you to testify???
Amen!
–TBear
That’s not all. A ride to the Smoke Out Report is due to hit the site next week from Art Parry. Check back.–Wrench
2007 Saxon Run To Sedona
By Bandit | | General Posts
This is a stimulating year for many reasons. Some profess the industry’s down; others are rolling out new models as fast as they can dream ‘em up. What’s it mean? Where will life lead us on our wild journey to utopia? I’ll tell you what. Put all the bullshit aside. We live in motorcycle heaven. We have access to the most outrageous, bitchin’ bikes on the planet and they lead us to the most beautiful women in the world. What could be better?
Unfortunately there are decisions to be pondered, such as blonde, brunette or your motorcycle choice. Choosing a motorcycle is just as delicate as picking the girl to ride on it. Regrettably, the motorcycle decision takes fewer tools to coordinate, and perhaps a smaller wallet. Okay, let’s get to it. Pickin’ a motorcycle demands an understanding of your budget and needs. You obviously can stumble into a H-D dealer and roll out with a number of bikes, then go to work on them. There’s Victory, and I rode them this year—great bikes. Then there’s the production custom market and several choices from Big Dog, to Saxon and Hardbikes.
Saxon seems to fit in the pocket book around $25,000 and they’re making every effort to deliver a reliable, well balance and strong handling custom bike for that number. The new 2007 Saxon Motorcycle base models start at just $23,995 and go to $28,595 MSRP. “We have tried to keep the base price of all our 2007 models reasonable and give the customer the ability to customize their bike with the numerous options packages we have available, ranging from a full custom paint job to wheel and chrome packages,” said David Schwam, their marketing V.P. It would be tough for any garage mechanic to build a decent custom for that number, if you work in minimum wage for time and effort. So you sit back and ponder which way to turn.
Here’s the Saxon code:
Mission Statement
“To design and assemble a line of distinctive heavyweight cruisers that will appeal to a broad demographic profile of consumers looking for a highly reliable, unique and affordable product supported by effective processes and systems and an appealing brand image.”
I like Saxon for several reasons. First, they’re wholly owned by a handful of businessmen who believe in the Saxon name and don’t need to take loans on everything they do. They own the building, the tooling, equipment and parts. They won’t stumble and fall out of business soon. They’re based south of Phoenix, in Casa Grande, Arizona behind the Francisco Grande Hotel, which was summer camp to the San Francisco Giants for years. Plus the entire management team is involved in every aspect right down to the slightest warranty claims.
I went out last year for their second year model launch and this year for the third. I witnessed strong, reliable improvements across all their models, production and components. Their bikes handle well, are more balanced than before and the fit and finish has improved.
Like Victory has the father-son, Ness team, helping with design and accessory line, Gard Hollinger of LA Chop Rods designed the Black Crown last year, improvements to the Crown this year, and he’s developing on a new bobber model. Plus gard is working on an accessory package for the future. They’re right on track.
So I flew out to Phoenix recently to witness their improvements first hand and ride every 2007 model on a run, with several other journalists, to Sedona, Arizona. It’s one of the most beautiful, mentally inspiring places in the world, a virtual vortex of creative spirits and hot chicks. I couldn’t wait to roll through the precipice of Jerome, Arizona, through the canyons, past Cottonwood the home of the HORSE Smoke-Out West and Dead Horse Ranch, into Sedona.
But first we took a tour of the Casa Grande facility, which is clean, well organized and cranking out bikes. They’ve developed an Extranet system to give their entire dealer network immediate access to ordered bikes, special construction bikes and all other dealer inventories. If a customer orders a bike on line it usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for the bike to be built and delivered to the nearest Saxon dealer. If bikes are shipped to New York they wait to ship at least three bikes together to avoid costly tolls. Saxon currently has 34 dealers and more are coming on line.
The two-bike-a-day assembly line is organized, well kept, yet comfortable. There are several highly organized stations, yet there’s a true of teamwork throughout the facility. There are five stages and five detail check lists, to afford a self inspection, prior to the bike moving onto the next stage. When the bike is completed there is a thorough pre-test inspection, then a 30-mile road test and a torquing test to insure that all fasteners were tightened to 80 percent of their specified ratings.
All Saxon frames and chassis components are powder coated. They are currently building their own powder coating facility and custom paint shop. Saxon doesn’t build any rigid framed customs only the Softail configuration in several styles. In the near future I’ll bring you an in-depth report on their build procedures and check lists. We’ll take one bike from frame to road test. It will blow your mind.
Just as a tease, regarding the various stages, there’s a pre-assembly area where engines, drivelines and handlebars are assembled. Stage one, handles the driveline front end and swingarm. Stage two installs wiring, oil bag, and battery. Stage three involves installing the wheels, brakes, horn, hydraulic lines, oil lines, rear belt and primary chain and clutch. The technician adds fluids to the appropriate components. Stage 4 involves sheet metal installation and making this puppy run. Brandon takes each finished Saxon model through stage 4 inspection, starts each model and runs through a series of cosmetic checks, then he adjusts anything necessary. Then Rob takes it for a test ride. That means Rob rode 450 Saxon Choppers in 2006 and will ride 600 in 2007. He breaks in the new Brembo brakes with floating rotors. Rob rides initially at 35 mph, then 45, 75 and 80 for a half hour to 45 minutes. Then he returns the bike to Brandon for final adjustments.
Here’s the price points for the various Saxon models in the U.S. They hope to build distribution centers in Europe, S. Africa and Australia in 2007. They believe their demographic is 35-55 years of age, due to their abilities to deliver hot reliable customs with these price points.
Warlord $25,195
Firestorm $24,695
Griffin $26,595
Sceptre $23,995
Villian $25,995
Crown $28,595
Hotrod Sceptre $26,995
One of their major improvements this year involves Thunderheart diagnostic electronics and wiring looms. They’ve dialed the harness down from 15 connectors to seven and raised the location of the home base circuit to the oil bag from the splashguard to remove water damage possibilities.
It was time to smell the desert and hit it into the hills. When I looked at the new line-up my eyes went immediately to the 2007 Scepter Hot Rod with wide, blacked out highbars. It's a tough looking old school chopper. All the Saxon models come with 96-inch S&S, black and chrome engines unless you order a model with the 111-inch S&S upgrade. I felt immediately comfortable aboard the Hot Rod. It ran smooth; there was noticeably less vibration. The new easy-clutch pulled light as a feather. With a 4.5 gallon gas tank, I could roll nearly 200 miles. The bikes was stable and handled slow speeds in a balanced agile manner, with 36 degrees in the neck, 3 degrees in the trees and 25-inch seat height. All Saxons are now equipped with Progressive suspension rear shocks. The rear tire was a 260/18 coupled with a 21, 90/90 on the front.
Although the 2006 models weren’t bad, this bike smacked of careful design improvements upgrades and refinements. All 2007 Saxons are built with 6-speed, right hand drive, R-Max transmissions; so all models were balanced for freeway stability. There’s nothing worse than a big beautiful chopper that won’t pass a semi at 130 mph at 1:00 in the morning on a desert freeway without freaking the rider. It should feel as solid as a night train, and limber enough to toss it in the emergency lane, kicking up old beer cans and hubcaps, to pass anything, if the left lane is blocked by a lumbering RV or a girl in a Mustang who thinks she can get away.
Speaking of emergency lanes, Ernie Lopez pulled along side me on highway 17 running due north out of Phoenix at over 80 mph on a gorgeous stretched and flamed Griffin that match his old school metal flake helmet. He was styling when the machine popped, wheezed and died. I dropped back and made a safe path through barreling afternoon traffic to the emergency lane. David Schwam, the Saxon Marketing VP, hurriedly dismounted his 111-inch Sceptre to check on the downed moto-journalist. I stole the 111-Sceptre and hit the highway. I knew Ernie, from Hot Bike, was just outta gas.
The silver Scepter with only a 2-inch stretch in the backbone for a 72-inch wheelbase peeled out, into the fast moving traffic as if I was darting through a parking lot. As soon as I had an open lane, with the new 2-into-1 pipes, I hit 120 mph and climbing. It was a quick 140 mph motorcycle if there ever was one, but I was going to straddle ‘em all. I was whipping along the freeway when I was signaled to headed off on 260 toward Cottonwood and food.
After barbecue I jumped aboard a Warlord sparkling in the sun like an escape route to heaven or some girl waiting for me in the hills. It had a flat spot, fixable with carburetor adjustment, but it was the best fit for me with 6-inches in the down tubes and two in the backbone. The Warlord, to me was the epitome of the big guy chopper with it’s chromed, 11 inch over, 41mm wide glide front end and 40 degrees of rake coupled to 5 degrees in the trees for an 83-inch wheelbase. Goddamn that bike sat at a light rumbling in perfect balance as if it didn’t need a kickstand. It handled parking lots as easily as it handled 110 on the freeway. Even the seats on all the models were much improved and molded me into place as if I was meant to be there until I reached the French Quarter in New Orleans. The paint job would keep me rolling for another 2000 miles just to see the lights of Vegas reflected in the flames.
I discovered I wasn’t suited for every Saxon as we rolled into Sedona. I was aboard the new Villain with the 300 tire holding up the rear end. It felt awkward as a Beach Ball (as Johnny Humble describes big tire bikes), spinning at the rear. It seemed to make low speed handling awkward. The Saxon crew launched the Pro-Street Softail, 300 mm tire Villain for 2007.
The Base price is $25,995 with a single down tube frame, a 6-speed right side drive transmission, 45 degrees of overall rake (5-degrees in the trees) and pro-street geometry. Pro-street represents an aggressive riding position with drag styled handlebars, narrow frame, stretched custom tanks, sculpted custom seat and a black and chrome S&S 96-inch proven engine, nine color choices and four levels of graphics including an entirely custom option. I wasn’t comfortable, but I’ll bet they’ll have it dialed in by 2008. Or maybe it just doesn’t fit me.
The next day I stole a Griffin, single-loop stretched Saxon with inverted glide and we slipped into the adjacent canyons for photography by Mike Farabaugh. The Griffin also sported the awkward 300 tire, a 4-gallon gas tank, the 96-inch S&S with Super E carburetor and six inches in the down tubes with 2 inches in the backbone and for some odd reason it hauled 20-50 more pounds than the usual 655 or 625-pound models. I started looking hard at the inverted 56mm, 11-inch over front-end. Would it actually weight 25 more pounds than a standard wide glide?
The Griffin was black and tough looking from every angle, but it rode differently than the other models. I felt like I was on a rigid, slamming potholes and ridges in the pavement. All the 2007 Saxon models sport the same Progressive Suspension rear shocks. I had to believe that between the additional weight and the inverted front end the suspension didn’t like the combination. It needed some stage 4 adjustments. Shock manufactures can adjust their shock characteristics for weight and travel. Even with the harsh Griffin ride I slapped the shit outta this motorcycle, barreling toward Phoenix as if I owned the freeway. I pushed her through the rambling mountain curves like a man hell bent for whiskey and action it town. We peeled all those new Saxons down the mountain like we were all racing to the same redhead’s bed.
Upon further investigation I discovered that the harsh ride was due to my weight, 240 pounds and the additional 50 pounds, due to the inverted front end and the massive rear wheel. Progressive suspension is altering their rear shocks for that model.
We stopped for sandwiches in a truck stop fulla cops, and I jumped aboard my last model ride, besides the new Crown, which I will road test in a separate article. None were available for this run into the Arizona Badlands. The Crown, designed by Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods, has 2 new paint and graphics options that mix flat and metallic finishes, a new more comfortable hand tooled leather seat, better suspension, and a redesigned fender that accents the “old school-modernistic” styling.
The Firestorm was the initial Saxon Pro Street offering, prior to the Villain. It sports the narrow 260 tire but a long 4-inch backbone stretch for that long and low look.
I discovered last year the difference between styling and fit. Always considering long stretched bikes to be the fit for my 6’5” frame. I discovered that with the proper seat, peg position and handlebars a much lower stretched motorcycle could fit me a well as the tall, long front-end sister. Saxon addressed the issue with components allowing the rider to fit his motorcycle to his physical frame. The components were built to make any rider fit any bike.
So there you have it for Saxon 2007. A growing company, on the move, locally owned, not by some corporate giant, with a staff concerned about every component, every characteristic of their product from the handling to the pin-stripping. Watch Saxon grow over the next five years to become a major player in the industry.
14th Hardcore Day 2007
By Marcus Walz | | General Posts
Marcus, who was btw the first European Biker-Build-Off Champion in history of Discovery-Channels Cult-TV Show, presented his brand new Bikes and a lot of new stuff. Kimi Räikkönens “Iceman”-Bike was also on display like the BBO winner bike “Mille Miglia”.
Marcus shipped the BBO bike especially for the Hardcore Day from his shop in Miami/Florida to the headquarter in Hockenheim/Germany.
Next year, when Marcus and WHC celebrates its 15th anniverssary the Hardcore Day 2008 will become a more bigger event.
Marcus plan a big bike show for everybody, a stunt show, a Moto Cross Freestyle Show and a lot more. Probably, especially for the 15th anniverssary the event will take place the first time in history in one of the summer months, July or August.
To keep yourself updated check out
Bonneville Effort 2007: Chapter 16
By Bandit | | General Posts
Unbelievable! We were forced to drive our motor home, loaded with the Assalt Weapan, dirt bikes, electric-powered scooter ice chests, 5-ball racing uniforms, stickers, tools, lifts, and granola bars, to downtown Long Beach to make a sponsor deposit before we could cut a dusty trail. We didn't want to eat casino toothpicks all week long. I need to thank Dave “The Jester” Florence, a Bikernet Reader and platinum sponsor, Bob Parsons of GoDaddy.com, all our Bikernet Reader Sponsors and Custom Chrome for helping us build this bike. We couldn't have accomplished the build or supplied grub on the salt for the hardworking team without that support, but we weren't out of town yet.
We sat in this rental fun mover in downtown Long Beach and counted the minutes. We were burnin' daylight, watching the Friday afternoon workers scramble for a myriad of freeways heading to Vegas on a Labor Day weekend.
We were fucked. Nyla and her daughter, Karley, were inside the bank, built in the late 1800s, negotiating, while Jeremiah and I parked illegally outside the plate glass windows and pulled ski masks over our sweaty faces. Nyla attempted to have funds released into our account, but the bank staff wasn't budging. I tapped the steering wheel and Jeremiah told nervous jokes and whistled. Banks.
We finally cut a dusty trail for the outskirts of LA. I call it no-man's land for Bikers. The city grows on a daily basis and progressively gets tougher to escape. We hit the 710 freeway north to the 105 east, to the 605 north, and then caught the 60 east to the 15.
It was almost 6:00 p.m. and the traffic wasn't awful by Los Angeles standards. The 15 is the notorious bastard that rolls from sprawling town to town heading toward Vegas. We hit Pomona, then San Bernardino, up the hill to Apple Valley, Victorville, Barstow, Baker and then cross the border into Primm Nevada where we were scheduled to stay, about 50 miles from Vegas.
One guy owned Primm, Nevada, who least land to casino brokers in Vegas and recently sold it to the Terrible Herbst family. They bought three casinos, Whiskey Pete's, Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bills, plus an outlet mall but not the land. Can you imagine the price tag? The Terrible Herbst oil company is seriously involved in racing, and recently someone fucked with their Nevada racing game, so they bought Primm to control their own race courses, unobstructed.
I've put the word out to a Primm executive. We could use a Bandit's Cantina Casino and a five-mile World Land Speed Record track. Whatta ya tink? Will they go for it? I like Primm. It's real small and easy to reach and escape from.
We snatched a much needed good night's rest and hit the Bonneville road in the morning. Highway I-15 rolls through Vegas to Mesquite Nevada at the border, slices off a corner of Arizona and into Salt Lake City, Utah, but there was a comfortable 100-mile short cut. We figured it's 750 miles from LA to Salt Lake, half-way to Sturgis from LA. From Salt Lake to Bonneville Salt Flats it's another 65 miles.
Our trip from LA to Bonneville, off the 15 and up the 93, taking the 316 direct route around Cathedral Gorge and the Snake Range, into Ely and then catching 93A into Wendover, covered about 650-675 total miles. Great roads, and we rolled into the grimy town of Wendover on the edge of Bonneville, the Great Salt Lake and the home of the Anola Gay airfield in the late afternoon. We arrived Saturday afternoon, to the hoots of the Chop N Grind Racing team from 16 Palms, California. They arrived a day early and set up. By the time we arrived, afternoon winds kicked up and we couldn't risk a trip to the salt.
Sunday morning, we rolled to the salt, checked in, then rumbled for five miles out to the pit area on uncomfortable salty surfaces, including a stretch of nasty potholes the size and depth of sauce pans. Was it a brackish sign?
Berry Wardlaw made a point, on bad Delta flights, to haul back a saline chunk the size of a shoebox. He snatched the salty souvenir in 1989 when he came to watch the Easyriders Team run Bob George's Streamliner for a record. The next year we broke the Motorcycle Streamliner World Land Speed Record. I was on the Easyriders' Team supported by our readers, and Bob George taught me engine building in the early '70s before I worked for Easyriders. Keith Ruxton was the engine builder and the crew chief during '89 and '90 attempts. Our final speed was 321 mph for a world record that endured for 16-years.
Sunday we unloaded the Assalt Weapan from the fun mover, checked her over and rolled her to tech. It was terrific to see other builders, but the controversy began when Jay Allen was asked to cut his Wink Eller fairing to pass tech. There's a set of obscure rules that vary from one sanctioning body to another. Racing rules are governed by three entities, AMA, SCTA and FIM. The Bub's meet recognizes the AMA rules, Speed Week and El Mirage are controlled by the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) and FIM is the European Sanctioning body.
They're all reasonable groups with rules that don't always fit, so the tech teams got together and decided we had to cut our rear panels some, to adhere. We were scrutinized harder this time and nerves frayed as we wondered what the judges were whispering about.
As we stood around biting our nails Valerie Thompson, our Pilot, and #3 in her division of Destroyer Drag racing arrived and was introduced to the Assalt Weapan for the first time. We built the bike to her specifications, but could never get her to come to LA for a fit, due to her harried schedule. We had the tech guys breathing down our necks and Valerie didn't fit. She couldn't reach the rear pegs comfortably, the grips were too large and the bars out of reach.
Team members yanked on the bars to pull them back to suit Valerie, and we broke off the only hydraulic brake line on the bike from the handlebars to the rear PM caliper. The team, consisting up of Nyla, Jeremiah, Berry Wardlaw, his girlfriend Gypsy (a biker build-off winner), Berry's partner Duffy and his wife Kim, Dr. Hamster – Christian Reichardt, Gene Koch, Hiwayman from Bikernet, and his riding partner Marc, along with yours truly, started clamoring for ideas.
Anxiety was high and we sensed a looming pressure to please Val, the judges and get out and make a pass. I had the bike tech'd twice before completion by a much respected SCTA official, who rode to Wilmington and inspected the Assalt Weapan. Tom Evans felt it met the SCTA rules, because 180 degrees of rear wheel showed. But the name, Tom Evans, didn't mean anything to this tech crew. I shut my mouth and waited.
Hiwayman and Marc rode 540 miles the previous day to arrive on time, and we were going to race, hell or high water. Eric Bennett, from Bennett's performance offered a replacement brake line, but it was too short, by an inch. We scrambled to the timing tower and a call went out. In short order, we had a line and Duffy's tool-carrying motor home packed a brake-bleeding syringe. Dennis Manning, of Bubs, the man who currently owns the Motorcycle World Land speed record, at 342 mph, supplied us with fittings.
“You better walk away,” Berry told me as they hack sawed corners our of our carefully designed rear panels. It was a heart breaker, but we came to run, no matter what. Larry Petrie, from the notorious Chop N Grind crew told me wise words regarding Valerie and the bike. “I haven't ridden my race bike in a year and it feels awkward,” he said. “She needs to get use to it.”
I passed the supportive words onto Valerie, and she kept trying the position. Berry, Jeremiah and Duffy buffeted the stock pegs with padding for a 1.5-inch closer reach. That didn't work. Val would work with what she had. Then the FIM official approached and complained about the peg placement. If I had to hear another word about the pegs, I was going to explode, but I remained calm on the exterior.
He was kind, but went off to confer with other officials and the rulebook. I checked that aspect several times; especially after the Chop N Grind team came to the Bikernet Headquarters and threatened to snitch me off, if I didn't move the pegs. I checked the rulebook once more. For Special Construction bikes the rule calls for pegs to be within 6 inches of the rear axle. I was cool–I thought.
Nick Roberts, of Nick's Performance and Amsoil, a 5-Ball racing sponsor, cut the AW panels with a hacksaw, and sliced peg notions continued to fly around our pit area. I maintained my cool, but after a solid year of building and research, I hurt inside. I pressed for making a pass in her current state.
We readied to make an practice run, the scrutinizing team came into our tent checked the panels, blessed the Assalt Weapan and looked for Val. This year her drag racing boots didn't cut it. She scoured the pits for another set of boots and Laura klock had an extra pair.
We heard Chris Carr, the fastest man on a motorcycle, just won the Illinois Spring Mile and was pumped to break his record on the salt. A buzz of salt fever filled the sun-baked air as we scrambled to disassemble our pit in the early evening wind and ready ourselves for the World's Fastest Wedding on the salt.
The reverend was our own official 5-Ball Racing Photographer, Scooter. Brian and Laura Klock were married on the salt in front of a Hamster gang gathering and Salt racers. The day was complete and we were ready for a pass with a very tentative pilot, but we didn't move the goddamn pegs.
Monday:
Monday morning ushered in a beautiful stellar day on the salt. Bonneville is like traveling to the moon, 65 square miles of flat brine. At dusk you could lose your way and never be found. During the day it's a vast photo studio with a crystalline white base and pure blue skies. In the afternoon threatening clouds approach like tropical thunderstorms over a small Pacific island. They color the sky in the distance and become gray and ominous as they approach, then wind kicks up, until all racing shuts down, tents flap and we clamor into an emergency teardown mode.
This bright blue morning kicked off with the Ack Attack, dual Hyabusa streamliner, making a sunrise run on the 11-mile course, for a 350 mph pass. At the two-mile marker their braking chutes deployed inadvertently and yanked the streamliner off course.
Shortly thereafter a run- whatcha-brung contestant crashed on the short course and an ambulance was called. Reports from the field indicated treachery on the salt, “It's like running on ice,” a racer testified.
We unwrapped the Assalt Weapan at 8:00 a.m. and prepared for a trial run on the run-whatcha-brung 3-mile track. Jeremiah was late again. The crap tables and roulette wheels got the best of him. Rex Harrison, Valerie's boyfriend and professional drag racing crewmember began to calibrate our AIM sports “Spanish Inquisition” system. It was European made and set to run on metric programs. Everything I purchased, I purchased twice. We needed it to read speed, rpms, exhaust temps and oil pressure.
Berry hauled along a barometer and air density meter, plus a calculator that told us the actual altitude based on these factors. He figured the air density equated to 6568 feet when the actual altitude was 4660. Not good for high-speed runs, but he jetted the bike accordingly. According to Rex's GPS we were dancing at 4224 feet and breathing hard.
Duffy brought his motor home containing more tools than I stuffed into a borrowed tool chest, and began checking the pushrods. Berry double-checked the ignition timing. Jeremiah chased an oil supply. We were sponsored by Nick's Performance who supplied us with three cases of Amsoil, which I left in the shop. We were told there was an Amsoil dealer on site, but we never found one. We borrowed one quart from the Chop N Grind maniacs next door.
For the first pass we installed 4164 Autolite plugs, called the 200 mph duct tape crew to order and put them to work. The padded pegs didn't work for Val. The generator exhaust from the motor home was killing crewmembers under the tent and we moved Duffy's motor home to create wind protection. It had its benefits and drawbacks, but at 12:45 we fired the Assalt Weapan to life, switched Big Boar batteries, put the other one on the charger and checked the oil pressure, which started at 24 and dropped to 18 pounds, when the engine warmed. We checked the oil tank cap and it was loose. Jeremiah fixed it.
Berry timed the bike at 35 degrees before TDC at 2000 rpms. Jeremiah found the original timing mark on the belt pulley. Rex set one idiot light on the dash to come on if the oil pressure dropped below 10 pounds and set a shift light to come on at 6,200 rpms, to warn Val to shift. We checked the tire pressure. The Nate shaved tires were full of nitrogen and read 36 in the front and 38 in the rear.
Val straddled the Assalt Weapan for her first run at 1:45. We fixed the uncomfortable throttle angle, but the pegs were still a problem. She wanted a test ride, but at the riders' meetings in the morning, officials warned against riding anywhere except on the tracks. It was as if it snowed the night before and there was 6 inches of soft treacherous salt anywhere off the tracks.
Jeremiah became a master of peg pushing the Assalt Weapan. He peg-pushed Valerie a couple of times in the pits, then up to the run-whatcha-brung staging area for the first trial pass at 2:50 p.m. We noticed an oil leak, but made our pass at 4:15 at 143.5 mph. Val seemed to blend with the bike and begin to understand the design characteristics, but the salt conditions robbed her confidence with the track.
The data acquisition system began to work as Rex pulled much needed info off the dash with a cable lead to Berry's computer. Val never exceeded 5400 rpms. We figured at 4800 rpms she hit her top mark of 143 mph and Berry figured we were at 7275 altitude based on air density. “The best air is at sunrise,” Berry explained. “The air density robs oxygen.”
“It's all 8th grade biology,” said the Whizzer man from the pit crew across from us. “Air is created by greenery and there's nothing green here in this pocket of nothingness.”
Tuesday
The next morning we hit the salt at 8:00 again and the line for the short International Course was long and foreboding, but our crew was anxious to unwrap the Weapan and get in line.
SIDEBAR: BONNEVILLE TEAM MEMBER ESCAPES THE FLATS AFTER MISHAP– We were on the salt and ready to rock. We had lots of new faces, all anxious to help us make the next pass. The bike, positioned on the lowered Kendon Lift, was covered with towels and tarps lashed down with bungie cords, but there were also a couple of straps holding the bike to the lift. A new member snapped a secure strap and over the bike went. It happens to all of us who work on bikes, sooner or later and more than once. Generally, any bike can take it, and so did the Assalt Weapan.
Here's Ian's story:
Well, I'm back home again, as are you by now, I would imagine. I wanted to drop you a line, and tell you, Nyla, how much I appreciated your phone calls to me after I left the flats. They really did help me when I was down. It is hard to describe what happened out there, but suffice to say, I was sick to my stomach when the Assalt weapon hit the ground. I mean, it's not like layin' your buddy's Fat boy down, this was a bike I had watched come together all year on the Internet with great interest, and even sent a few measly bucks in to help out with the project.
I watched eagerly every week waiting to see what Bandit had done since the last report, and was never disappointed. I had planned all year on trying to make it down there, and when it looked as though it was actually going to happen, I was like a kid in a candy store.
I packed up the E glide, and hit the road. Had a few episodes on the 1000-mile trip down there, but had a hoot the whole way, then got to meet a bunch of celebrities that I have seen on the tube many times, and actually going out to dinner with the team was too much. Then I was invited to the pits, and to help out? No way. Too much, so after I was there for about 3 minutes, and proceeded to dump the reason for the whole deal on the deck, whilst hearing the screaming voices of all within earshot, my stomach was inside out. No matter how many times Berry W. told me it was no big deal, it was a big fuckin' deal to me….
I have no idea what the hell was going through my head as I was undoing that tie-down strap, as I have done it a thousand times, but it is done, and that's that.
I went for a walk on the salt, and tried to collect myself, but to no avail. I decided then and there, there was no way I was going to be able to hang out at the 5-Ball pit area and have a good time, so there was no reason for me to hang around at all. I thumbed a ride back to the nugget, from a friend of Chris Carr, Bub's pilot. Good guy.
I packed up my glide, and hit the road. As you know, nothing clears the head like a long ride in no particular direction. A couple of hundred miles later, I checked my messages, and there you were, Nyla, and Hiway, telling me everything was cool and to come back. I called my wife and told her what happened, and she said, “Get your ass back there.” She and you were both right, but by then the weather had really taken a shitty turn, and riding back in to the eye of the storm, to face you guys, just didn't sound appealing.
I do wish I could have worked up the nerve to just come back to say sorry man, but I was long gone, both mentally, and physically. Anyway, I am sorry for any grief over the whole thing.
I hope your trip home went well and congrats on the award at the salt. Hopefully, your friend.
The Assalt Weapan was fine, built to withstand anything we shot at it. We waited for hours to make a pass. Jay Allen, of the Broken Spoke Fame ran 184 mph on his rigid FXR with a Wink Eller Fairing. He was shooting for over 200 mph with his stock 124-inch S&S engine. Laura Klock made her first pass with engine problems unsuccessfully, but her daughter made a Buell pass shooting for 100 mph, and she came close to setting a record.
Roger Goldammer fought EFI problems with tuning and slippery salt. He wasn't pleased. A weather front raced at us, and Dennis Manning broke his streamliner at the second mile marker, while 35 racers waited in line for the short course. He regrouped and headed back to the liner starting gate for another pass, but the inclement weather loomed large.
We finally made our first pass at 1:05 after tightening everything in the morning. Val never kicked that bastard out of 4th gear, but we still ran 152 mph. “I never felt 5th gear,” Val said but she shot a rooster tail of salt throughout the timed mile.
The rear tire was slipping badly, maybe 20 percent.
We were second to the last bike to run. Behind us the stealth silver flathead itched for a chance, but the weather denied it. We dashed back to the impound yard, checked in and had the engine sealed before returning to our pit area. We discovered a possible intake leak, light detonation on the rear plugs and one cracked weld on the chain guard.
Barry discovered a broken plastic feed line to a nitrous connection. These plastic lines are bullshit and we will run more substantial lines in the future. Berry reset the timing and Nyla made us sandwiches, then the rain and wind came. We lowered the pop-up tent and huddled under it. The wind whistled and the rain drove at us, but we kept working under the tent, hoping it would dry up and we could make another pass.
The rain and wind flurries tore the Chop N Grind tents down. We sheltered the Troll family, who rode out to Bonneville to get caught in this goddamn downpour. Teams tore down and escaped, but we stayed on, hoping for a weather break that never came. During a precipitation lull we loaded the Assalt Weapan in the back of the Fun Mover and hid from the driving rain and wind inside, until we could make a dash for the hotel. Another day down and only two remaining.
June 7, 2007 Part 5
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 4
JAMMER RETRO DRILLED BRASS TAILLIGHT–Here’s a brand new version of the retro “Drilled” taillight that features a brass housing instead of the original billet housing. Goes great with the other brass items that Jammer offers, and really sets off a retro ride.
The taillight is 12-volt, dual filament with license plate illumination and an integral mounting/license plate bracket. It measures 2-3/4″ wide x 1-1/4″ deep. Created by the Easyriders crew in Tokyo, Japan! Arigato Mina-san? Edo!
Jammer #632590 Retro “Drilled” Brass 12-Volt Taillight _ $195.95 Retail
ROT REPORT FROM TEXAS–What a difference a year makes that is a Shovel welded to the back, too bad.It was a really clean bike.
–RFR
BUELL MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHED IN URUGUAY–In 1993, Erik Buell, a former engineer at Harley-Davidson, designed the Buell motorcycle with sport bike enthusiasts in mind. Today, Buell Motorcycle Company, owned by Harley-Davidson, continues to grow and expand into new markets. On May 3, 2007, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Harley-Davidson and future Buell dealership, Oversil S.A., held a launch event where Buell motorcycles were unveiled to potential customers and press.
Buell decided to enter Uruguay because the dealership’s General Manager, Andres Soler, saw a great potential for the motorcycle brand in his market.
DEAL OF THE WEEK–I got a buddy who has a 4 speed kick tranny that iskinda worked, wants $300 for it… Someone on Bikernethas to have a used 5-speed or something for JohnnyWhite right? Can you put the word out in the news sowe can can get him set up?
–Ken
(970)227-3588
DEAL OF THE WEEK 2–Here’s the EBAY link, lost my job and need to sell what I can to stay afloat. Reserve is set low: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150130492607
–Pan
TOP HATTERS THREATEN TO KICK THE PROMOTERS ASS IN HOLLISTER THIS YEAR–Seth Doulton convinces two of the original Top Hatters to break out their original colors for this years 60th anniversary Hollister Motorcycle Rally. Harry Lee Prater on the left and Johnny Lomanto on the right visited with Seth this week and shared stories of riding and racing in the ’30s and ’40s .
Harry 84 and Johnny 80 still remember that 4th of July in 1947 like it was yesterday. Both agreed that the original Top Hatters were a classy bunch of racers and by the look of their sweaters they were. Johnny got a ticket on that first day for a hand full of BS, like taillight mounting and plate wrong, etc. Things have not changed much. Bail on the ticket was 35 dollars. The hourly wage was 15 cents then. If you spot these two young guys make it a point to get their stories! You won’t be sorry.
See you in Hollister ! Long live the legends !
Horse Power Promotions
ph 805.686.2007
fax 805.686.0890
H-D DEMO EVENT OF THE YEAR AT ALL NEW SUBURBAN HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Want a chance to test ride every Harley-Davidson in the fleet, this weekend? We’ll you’re in luck. The Official Harley-Davidson Demo-Truck will be at The All New Suburban Harley-Davidson on Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th. This is a once in a lifetime chance to ride any Harley you want. See for yourself what everyone’s talking about.
Feel the power of the new 96″ engineExperience the 6-speed transmissionTry out every model
The entire weekend will be something to talk about. We’ll also have:
Awesome sales
Free food & drinks
Free raffles
Unbeatable bike deals
Like $0 Money Down & 2.9% Interest
Instant, on-site financing available
& tons of other great stuff going on at Suburban Harley-Davidson
Everyone’s Invited, So Grab Your Friends & Come Out this Weekend!
& This Friday Night, June 8th at 6pm…Ride with your friends & support a great cause.The 1st Annual VietNow Sandwich RunJune 8th at 6pmat The All New Suburban H-D.
$20 per person
Awesome 1-of-a-kind night ride!
Some great stops along the route!
Huge party party at Lamplighter’s in downtown Palatine to wrap up the evening!
Proceeds benefit the VietNow Homeless Sandwich
Run – An organization dedicated to feeding
Chicagoland’s homeless veterans.
We’ll Beat Any Bike Deal in Chicagoland!
MO’ WILD EXHAUST FROM STREETWALKER–That’s the Ruleteras on top and the W-Bends under. Terry and the Envy Cycle Crew really know how to build a killer set of pipes. Plus they keep ’em stock, so you don’t have to wait around. See the story about Terry’s latest bike on the home page.
RICK FROM U.S. CHOPPERS CHECKS, BOARDTRACK FRAMES ON LINE–Just hung up the phone with Ron Paugh, the big chief at Paughco. Word has it the shop at Paughco is pumped up on taking our boardtrack frame into full production. I was sent a secret photo with our first production frame, in jig, ready to be welded. Wow! It looks sweet- they did a knockout job. I can send some photos later, but I simply can’t put Ron Paugh’s production secrets at jeopardy. This guy has the business wired.
I remember not long ago, I took a trip…… a 23 hour turn around run, I recall…….. with a 6’5″ guy who was making dents with his knee caps into my glove box on the way to Paughco’s headquarters in Carson City, Nevada. I think his name was Bandit. Anyway, this guy carried such a presence that I think he influenced Ron’s decision to run production on our frames. Our frames are definitely not your typical frame and most manufacturers shrink away from the task. The cost involved to go into tooling, jigs, etc weighs heavy on a large manufacturers decision scale.
As we endeavored to look for a new manufacturer who could meet our demands and also our price constraints, we found most American manufacturers to be very shy about attempting a new design. Paughco embraced the idea with enthusiasm. You see, behind the helm of Paughco lies a man who is a true enthusiast. His enthusiasm for producing great American made products comes across during our business discussions.
We knew we had a fit. I had more than enough confidence in Paughco and crew. Heck, just walking through their production facility was enough to wind a marathon man. It was impressive to see the size and scale of the facilities- no small potatoes to be found here. No wonder Ron said ” Anything you want, I can do. ……no problem…..”
Now just weeks later we are about to receive our first frame. Much respect goes out to Ron Paugh; it’s seldom that a man says what he will do, and then delivers on the money – no extra words.
With a name like “U.S. Choppers” you can’t exactly produce your items overseas- it would be a slap in the face to everyone who fought so hard to build this country. However, manufacturing has become difficult to compete with lesser developed countries giving away labor and the American consumer giving in to cheap items and lower cost. We have to strive to find a balance between quality and cost. I believe joining with Paughco can help us to achieve this delicate balance, but as always our main premise is “quality first.”
For you folks who have been patiently awaiting our new frames, rest assured, they will start coming into the door next week. Give us a call and get your deposits in early as our first batch is almost all pre-sold. We have tanks, fenders, seats and performance wheels in stock to meet any of your needs.
–Rick Krost
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
SUCKER PUNCH-BIKERNET.COM AND HOT BIKE BUILDING A BIKE FOR A VET–Bike building?.Jeez what a task it is turning out to be. In a perfect world, everything would fit together easily and without any modification. The bikes however, seem to have a mind of their own. As many know, I am building a Sucker Punch Sally bad-as-hell scooter for my Iraq Veteran brother, Joey.
With the patience of many, the build is coming together well, but I am still under the gun. Sturgis is less than two months away, and I am feeling the days crashing down on me. I am confident the build will be a success and I will be able to unveil it at the rally as planned?but we will have to wait and see. Everytime I get into trouble, I call the big guy and cry like a bitch. He usually listens for a few minutes before slapping me around and whipping my sorry ass into shape.
?Remember the Code?the build will prevail. No sniveling!? he reminded me before downing a fifth of Jack.
So here she is?coming together slowly but steadily. I think it?s looking bitchin! Be sure to check out Hot Bike in the coming months for the detailed build. Once published in Hot Bike, hang onto your ass, because you will get the most in-depth build this site has ever seen?I guarantee it. Until next time?
–Humble Johnny
Houston, Texas
THERE IT IS, DA THURSDAY NEWS–Let’s see what we have in store for Bikernet readers, listeners and viewers. We’re working with Paul Platts at JIMS Machine on a series of Tool Techs and we may sell some JIMS tools on Bikernet in the near future. Next week we’re upgrading an electric-start 4-speed Shovel with a Rivera/Primo 6-speed and belt primary, new clutch and late model starter system-killer upgrade for all Shovels. The following week we’re installing a gear driven cam set into my 2003 King, with a new S&S cam.
This Chica bike will be featured shortly from Peter Linney. We have a serious line-up features and Johnny White is flying to Kansas to road test Big Dogs and bring you the skinny inside the shop. Rogue is going to road test on of the new Rucker/Rossmeyer Enforcer Road Kings featured on the home page. And tomorrow I will get started on another Bonneville bike Assalt Weapan Update. Hang on.
Two Girls of Bikernet are headed to the Cantina, more book chapters and Chris Kallas just sent me a strange Digital Discovery. You’ll have to tell us what the hell it is. Plus, if you’re lucky I’ll have a report on the 29 Palms Veteran Event with the Sucker Punch Sally crew tonight. Hang on, I’ve still got a Margarita coming.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
June 7, 2007 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD TOUR AT THE LACONIA MOTORCYCLE RALLY–Free. It’s the best word to describe all the activities available to enthusiasts during the Harley-Davidson Road Tour at the Laconia Motorcycle Rally, June 13-17 in Laconia, N.H. Free events include:
New Product Display featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, MotorClothes and Genuine Parts and Accessories.
The Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum.
Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles demo rides.
Live music and entertainment.
H-D Beef Jerky samples.
Commemorate pin pick-up at the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) pin stop. For H.O.G. members only.
RED NECK LOVE POEM
SUSIE LEE DONE FELL IN LOVE;
SHE PLANNED TO MARRY JOE
SHE WAS SO HAPPY ‘BOUT IT ALL
SHE TOLD HER PAPPY SO.
PAPPY TOLD HER, SUSIE GAL,
YOU’LL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER.
I’D JUST AS SOON YO’ MA DON’T KNOW,
BUT JOE IS YO’ HALF BROTHER.
SO SUSIE PUT ASIDE HER JOE
AND PLANNED TO MARRY WILL,
BUT AFTER TELLING PAPPY THIS,
HE SAID, “THERE’S TROUBLE STILL.
YOU CAN’T MARRY WILL, MY GAL,
AND PLEASE DON’T TELL YOU’ MOTHER,
BUT WILL AND JOE, AND SEVERAL MO’
I KNOW IS YO’ HALF BROTHER.
BUT MAMA KNEW AND SAID, MY CHILD,
JUST DO WHAT MAKES YO’ HAPPY.
MARRY WILL OR MARRY JOE.
YOU AIN’T NO KIN TO PAPPY
–from Rik Savenko
BIKENET CORRESPONDENT TRAVELS TO SWEDEN TO COVER SHOW–Just got home from another killer show in Sweden.Got loads of pix from the show as well as feature shoots on five bikes.
I got a custom Weslake racer built by Mats Olofsson, the swedish Mike Lichter. A traditional Swedish long bike from Finland, the first place winner is a reproduction of a vintage board thrac racer with some really inovative modern touches, the Second place bike was the only Harley to place in the top three and has great attention to detail including a remote control opening right side gas tank that housed the blower and battery box it was made by a shop just outside of Amsterdam.
I also got a cool restoration of a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird
I’m gonna take a few days to recover from the party then I’ll start banging out features.Here are some shots of the top two winners and a few of the other bikes I shot for features.
One of the Twin Club guys is planning a trip to Cali in either November or December and asked me to find out for him what, if any, events are going on at that time so he can plan his vacation around them. Would you please let me know what’s cooking out there around that time so I can pass along the info to him?
I’ll get some features to you as soon as I sort through the photos and get to writing them up.
–TBear
EAST SIDE MOTO MALL GRAND OPENING”Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June 8th, 9th and 10th.Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Grand Opening, and Super Sunday.Motorcycle Complex Open House and Outdoor Motorcycle Flea Market.Food, Drink, and Music at East Side Bar & Grill (across the street).
In Concert at the East Side Bar and Grill ?Friday, June 8th – 5pm till close – T.C.- (Acoustic Classic Rock).Saturday, June 9th ? 12 noon till 5pm – T.C. – (Acoustic Classic Rock).6pm till 9pm ? X-Caliber Band ? (Classic Rock).10pm till close – Sundown Band (Classic Southern Rock)Super Sunday, June 10th – 12noon till 4pm ? The Red Eye Band- (Blues Band).1pm till 3pm ? WPDH 101.5 Live Broadcast.5pm till 9pm – Sundown Band (Classic Southern Rock).
The East Side Moto Mall Facility was built with One Vision in Mind Customer Service. Besides Service and Repairs, anyone can come in and sit down with one of our Trained Custom Designers and create a one of a kind Custom Motorcycle.
The possibilities are endless with the Mall having a full service Machine Shop, Welding, Metal Polishing, Powder Coating, Sandblasting, Custom Graphics, Custom Paint, and Upholstery.
The East Side Moto Mall and The East Side Bar and Grill are Family Owned and Operated; located on State Route 52 across from each other between Rock Cut Road in Newburgh, N.Y. and St. Andrews Road in Walden, N.Y.
When you come in, besides being taken by it?s Modern Artistic Architecture, you will feel a Comfortable – (NO PRESSURE) Relaxed Friendly Atmosphere ready to answer any of your technical questions.
2WHEELERS DEAL OF THE WEEK–Spoiled Rotten little girls shirt , made in USA. $ 14.95 Sizes 2/4 =6/8. Don’t miss it.
BIKERNET ITALIAN CULTURAL SEMINAR–Maria had just gotten married, and being a traditional Italian she was still a virgin. On her wedding night, staying at her mother’s house, she was very nervous.
Her mother reassured her. “Don’t worry, Maria, Tony’s a good man. Go upstairs and he’ll take care of you. Meanwhile, I’ll be making pasta.”
So, up Maria went. When she got upstairs, Tony took off his shirt and exposed his hairy chest.
Maria ran downstairs to her mother and says, “Mama, Mama, Tony’s got a big hairy chest.”
“Don’t worry, Maria,” said her mother, “All good men have hairy chests. Go upstairs. He’ll take good care of you.”
So, up she went again. When she got up in the bedroom, Tony took off his pants exposing his hairy legs.
Again, Maria ran downstairs to her mother. “Mama, Mama, Tony took off his pants and he’s got hairy legs!”
“Don’t worry! All good men have hairy legs. Tony’s a good man. Go upstairs and he’ll take good care of you.”
So, up she went again. When she got there, Tony took off his socks and on his left foot he was missing three toes.
When Maria saw this, she ran downstairs. “Mama, Mama, Tony’s got a foot and a half!”
“Here,” Mama said, “Stay here and stir the pasta.”
–from Art F.
SHOTGUN AIR RIDE SYSTEMSOFTAIL INSTALL SPECIAL!You’ve wanted an air ride on your Softail bike for a long time, but you’ve been putting it off. Well, your wait is over! Come into LifeStyle Cycles today and get the ride of a lifetime! The Shotgun Air Ride system is in stock and ready to be installed on your motorcycle.
Through the month of June, you can get this system installed on your 1989 through 1999 Harley Davidson Softail motorcycle for only $1,799.95 (not including tax).
Don’t delay, this offer is only good through the month of June, 2007.
CALL LIFESTYLE CYCLES SERVICE DEPT.
(714) 490-0155
JAMMER UNIVERSAL EXHAUST BUILDER’S KIT–A selection of pre-fabbed 1-3/4″ tubing, header flanges and exhaust tips that puts the art of custom exhaust building in your hands! Each kit includes: two 16-inch-long (350mm) straight sections, two 3.5-inch radius (90mm) U-bends with Panhead flanges (flanges not shown in picture), two 5-inch radius (134mm) U-bends with STD 3-hole flanges (flanges not shown in picture), two Evolution cylinder flanges, two Shovelhead cylinder flanges, two Ironhead cylinder flanges and two pinched tips.
Everything needed to build a set of pipes for one bike, with enough scraps left over to start on another! Simply cut/weld as required, using the flanges that fit your engine. Finish them off with the exhaust wrap also featured in the Exhaust section for a bad-ass look!
Kit does not include mounting brackets, clamps, snap rings and exhaust flange collars for Evo’s, which are offered separately. Raw steel. From our buddies Magoo & Chris at Biltwell, Inc.
Jammer #632735 Universal Exhaust Builders Kit _ $169.95 Retail
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE RACERS SET TO HELP LAUNCH SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM FOR MILWAUKEE AREA KIDS–MILWAUKEE (June 4, 2007) – As soon as the NHRA event at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill., is finished, the Screamin’ Eagle racing team will be quick to pack up and make the quick drive to Milwaukee.
Their AMA Flat Track teammates will be waiting and they all have work to do when Monday rolls around.
There will be plenty of lunch to be served on Monday (June 11) and the Screamin’ Eagle racers will be the ones serving it.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company and its factory-supported riders are going to be at Milwaukee’s Bethune Academy (1535 N 35th St, Milwaukee) to help kick off the Fueling Young Minds Summer Meal program. Fueling Young Minds provides free meals for Milwaukee area children throughout the summer.
Spurred by a $125,000 grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, the award-winning Fueling Young Minds summer meals program will feed meals to low-income children at more than 200 Milwaukee locations this summer, as well as provide dinner at 25 area schools. Harley-Davidson partners with the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools and other non-profits in the public-private collaborative.
“Providing access to nutritious summer meals remains a high priority, and Harley-Davidson is committed to helping ensure that Milwaukee’s children receive healthy meals in safe, supervised locations,” said Harley-Davidson Foundation Manager Mary Anne Martiny. “We all have a responsibility to these children and to the community. The Harley-Davidson Foundation takes this responsibility very seriously.”
Andrew Hines, three-time NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, is anxious to help launch another great year of Fueling Young Minds. He and teammate Eddie Krawiec will race at Route 66 Raceway this weekend (June 7-10) before heading off to Milwaukee.
Defending AMA GNC Twins champion, Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth, will be joined by his Wrecking Crew teammates Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Joe Kopp.
“I think it’s great that I can do anything to help the next generation of children,” Hines said. “It’s so important that we give back to the community and it’s even more important that kids have good, healthy food to eat. I’m proud that my sponsor in racing is so involved with helping kids.”
Fueling Young Minds started in 2004 but Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said that while this is the first time the race teams have been involved, it won’t be the last time the riders get involved with such a valuable cause.
More than 2 million meals have been served to Milwaukee children since the program’s inception in 2004. Parents, caregivers and neighbors can find out more about the nearest free meal site by calling the Milwaukee area IMPACT community service line by dialing 211.
The Screamin’ Eagle NHRA and AMA race teams will be at Bethune Academy on June 11 starting at 11 a.m.
NEW SPORTSTER COMING TO THE REPORTS PAGE–Can I submit directly to The Sportster Reports page?If “yes,” I can follow up with copy and additional pics about my build.Check out the 40 mm shell casings that I used for “megaphones.” Lots of other hand-fab, one-off stuff on this bike.
–John
Monterey, CA
You need to send it to me for editing and coding before it’s launched into the vast Bikernet Sportster Archives. I’ve got a question. I see the shell casings for the mufflers, but what about the pink chain? That’s against the code of the west.–Bandit
That chain is red, red, red! I guess I better shoot some better images.
–John
METRIC THUNDER FINDS NEW LOCATION–After 4 years in our current location, Metric Thunder is relocating its showroom, warehouse and office facilities as of June 18, 2007. The new space is a bit larger and will offer street traffic exposure along with signage. We will become more local customer friendly with a larger showroom, more parking spaces and easier to find.
Our new warehouse is also designed to accommodate significant growth and process streamlining improvements. Please note the following change of address, effective June 18, 2007:
Metric Thunder
307 Taft Ave #A
Orange CA, 92865
Our phone/fax numbers, email addresses and online store URL will remain unchanged.
–Bob Osias
Metric Thunder
Motorcycle Parts & Accessories
1411 N. Batavia #107
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 744-8900
BIKERS AND BOATERS COME TOGETHER–Bikers and boaters share a common attraction to horsepower and the feeling of the wind in their faces, as they enjoy the freedom of the road and water.
On June 9, bikers and boaters at Lake Winnipesaukee will share another bond-the interest in raising money for the Laconia Fire Dept. Life Saving Fund, in the memory of two fondly remembered locals, Peter Makris and Mark Miller. Makris was well-known as the amicable and loved Patriarch of the NASWA Resort, while Miller was known as a dedicated fire fighter, father and husband. While mourning their loss, we hope this fund raising event will keep their spirits alive and help others in the community.
Spread the word about this exciting Bike and Boat, Ride and Run Around the Lake on Saturday, June 9, starting and ending at the NASWA Resort.
Best always, Marilyn DeMartini for Extreme Boats Magazine and The Peter Makris Memorial Fund
–Marilyn DeMartini, Inc.
954-564-7234, 954-564-7928 fax
954–649-4904 cell
dmartiniup@comcast.net
www.marilyndemartini.com
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