June 15, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
PARADISE BIKEFEST&BIKE BUILD-OFF–Join Pasha Hawaii, Budweiser, Pacific Rim Cycle, BMC Choppers, South Seas Harley-Davidson, Cycle City, Domenico’s, Mikey’s Speed Shop, Carr’s Insurance Agency, Big Fat Tatts, Rosa’s Ice Tee, and Island Tattoo on Sunday, July 2nd at Kapaiolani Community College for Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle rally ever.
Beginning with a press conference at 3:00pm on Friday, June 30th, at Honolulu’s Hard Rock Cafe motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of Discovery Channel’s “Great Biker Build-Off” series will join “The Big Schwag” from Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage, and Internationally celebrated motorcycle builders such as, Big Mike of BMC Choppers, the legendary Sugar Bear, Shannon Aikau of Count’s Kustoms, Puerto Rico’s Jose De Miguel of Caribbean Custom Cycles, and Shannon Aikau of Las Vegas’ Count’s Kustoms.
The Paradise Bikefest & Bike Build-Off will be held on Sunday, July 2nd, at Kapiolani Community College (KCC).
Sunday’s rally will begin with a memorial ride paying tribute to Jimmy Aikau (father of custom builder Shannon Aikau and cousin of legendary surfer Eddie Aikau), and custom builder phenomenon Johnny Chop who passed away earlier this year.
Beginning at 9:00am at Cycle City Harley-Davidson (600 Puuloa Rd), motorcyclists will ride to Waimea Bay for a short ceremony paying respect to two of the motorcycle cultures greatest motorcycle builders.
There will be no charge for the ride, but those wishing to enter the festivities at KCC will be required to pay an entry fee of $15.00 ($10.00 advance) at the end of the ride.
Once inside KCC, spectators and participants will be treated to Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle event ever! Along with some of the World’s top motorcycle builders and their bikes made famous on television and numerous motorcycle magazines, visitors to this year’s event will actively engage in the festivities by voting on the build-off bikes from Oahu’s own Nui Kauhane of Grumpy’s Customs and Noah O’Geen of Maui’s Hot Rod Alley.
These two builders have had just eight weeks to build their versions of the “Hawaii’s coolest” bike. Nui’s reputation as one of the top builders of the “Local Boy” style will be on the line when he takes on Noah O’Geen. One of Hawaii’s best up and coming motorcycle craftsmen, O’Geen’s creations has been featured on the cover of Hawaiian Chopper Magazine.
In addition to the featured bike build-off, a “ride-in” motorcycle contest offers local builders, owners, and businesses the opportunity to enter their bikes into the various categories offered for a chance to take home specially made, one-of-a-kind trophies, as well as other prizes to be announced.
Categories for the ride in show are, vintage (1936 & below), classic (1937-1965), shovelhead era (1966-1983), EVO era (1984-present), Custom Class (modified), Radical Custom Class (heavily modified), Rat Bike Class, Custom Metric Class, Street Bike Class, and Trailer Queen Class (bikes trailored into the event).
A bikini contest featuring some of Hawaii’s most beautiful women will be held on the main stage, with cash prizes being given to the top three. A registration party will be held at Panama Hatties (above Dixie Grill in Aiea) on Thursday, 29 June (7-10pm). In addition to registration party, Sensually Yours will put on a lingerie show, which is open to the public, and Bo Irvine’s Sharky’s Comedy Club will have great stand up comedy being performed.
For more information on the schedule of event, or how to register for one of the events, visit, or call 808-780-2998.
NEW WIDE REAR TIRE KIT FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD–MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2006) – The new V-Rod Wide Rear Tire Kit ($3,495.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories gives many 2005-06 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod models the same menacing, full-fender look first offered on the 2006 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod model. The kit includes a Dunlop D419 240R/18 rear tire to replace the standard Dunlop 180/55ZR18 74W tire, plus an 18-inch Reactor five-spoke custom rear wheel and matching Reactor sprocket, a chrome wide-tire swingarm, a chrome sprocket compensator bowl, chrome upper and lower belt guards, 38mm-stroke shock absorbers, and a primed rear fender.
No frame or powertrain alterations are required for installation. Rear fender color-matched painting service may be arranged through the Harley-Davidson Spectrum Paint Program. Add a matching Reactor 19-inch front wheel (sold separately) for a complete custom conversion.
A V-Rod Wide Rear Tire Kit is available to fit 2006 VRSCA and VRSCD models (P/N 43687-06), and 2005 VRSCA and VRSCB models (P/N 43820-05). A new Fender Base Plate Kit (P/N 51098-06, $129.95) fits the wider fender and provides the attachment point for upright and luggage rack options. See dealer for ordering and fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
NEW ARRIVALS EXPAND STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM COLLECTION– June 2006 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is revving up for the summer season with the arrival of seven incredible new motorcycles on loan from Kenny Price, owner of Samson Motorcycle Products, as well as a new exhibit.
The Museum has just opened its newest exhibit entitled the British Invasion, showcasing giants such as Triumph, BSA and Norton. “Late last year Kenny Price loaned us two bikes rarely seen in this country, a 1928 Calthorpe and a 1926 Levis. That led me to think we should build an exhibit around the profound impact British bikes have had on motorcycling history,” states Executive Director Pepper Massey-Swan. “We’ve just received two more prime examples from Price, a 1949 HRD with an immaculate Garrard sidecar and a Matchless with an unusual two person, tandem sidecar.”
In addition to the new British bikes, Kenny Price has loaned a prewar BMW, a 1947 Indian with sidecar, a 1923 Indian Chief (introduction of the 1200cc Big Chief), a 1927 Indian Scout (introduction of the 750cc 45ci Scout), and an exceptional 1918 Indian model O.
“I’ve settled on so many Indian motorcycles because they are significant not only to motorcycling in general, but more specifically to the history of Sturgis,” said Massey-Swan. Pappy Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races, sold Indian motorcycles from 1936 until 1953, much of that time at his shop on Lazelle Street. He was very successful at making the brand a household name in Sturgis and the surrounding area, even earning top dealer in the nation in 1947.
GEORGE’S TC88 SPECIALTY TOOLS–This latest selection of H-D dedicated specialty tools from GEORGE’S GARAGE were developed specifically to make wrenching on TC88 engines smooth and hassle free. A must for both professional and amateur mechanics these finely crafted tools feature the materials friendly to the tools application and hands on testing for precise function. Pictured here clockwise starting from top left are: TC88 Camshaft Remover and Installer ($102.95), TC88 Cam-Crank Gear Locker ($30.95), and Cam Chain Tension Unloader ($28.95). The Cam Remover/Installer allows you to remove and install front and rear cams.
At the same time it aligns the cams for a smooth press in and out of the support plate. Made of Delron to eliminate any chance of damage to gears George’s TC88 Cam-Crank Gear Locker secures the gears in place while removing or installing the nut.
Made of hardened steel and anodized black the Cam Chain Tension Unloader allows you to quickly and simply relax tension on the chain and then hold the assembly in that position by inserting the supplied pins from the front and rear.
For complete details call 909-843-7043. On the Web at www.georges-garage.com.
BOB MUSSO APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF DEALER DEVELOPMENT AND MOTORCYCLE SALES AT PRO-ONE– Strategically timed to coincide with the introduction of their exclusive line of OEM custom motorcycles, PRO-ONE is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Musso as Director of Dealer Development and Motorcycle Sales.
Having spent the last two decades involved in virtually every aspect of the industry, from enthusiast and builder to manufacturer, shop owner, and most recently Director of Product Development and Marketing strategist, Musso possesses all the credentials PRO-ONE could ask for in an individual filling such a specialized and complex position.
Initially Musso will be cultivating a select number of highly qualified dealers throughout the U.S. Once established this network of PRO-ONE dealers will provide enthusiasts with easy access to all the latest models and customers with the high level of service and satisfaction PRO-ONE has built its reputation on.
Additionally, Musso will provide new dealers with flooring assistance, guidelines for service and sales integrity and insight into financing OEM customs.
Musso’s thorough understanding and involvement in both the OEM and aftermarket is certain to provide PRO-ONE with smooth sailing as they expand their OEM Custom Motorcycle manufacturing and sales efforts world wide.
Potential dealers should contact Bob Musso direct on the PRO ONE DEALER DEVELOPMENT LINE at 1-800-605-9935 or
ON LINE, ALL CLASS GAMBLING AND YOU COULD WIN A $7000 ENGINE–A HOT new RevTech engine for $50.00!!! That’s right, Bikernet and Hot Aces Casino are sponsoring a contest to win a new $7,000 HOT ROD, REVTECH engine. Just go to Click here www.hotacescasino.com register, make your $50.00 deposit and enter the code ENGINE. You will be automatically entered into the drawing. Drawing to be held July 14, 2006. *see promotion terms and conditions at www.hotacescasino.com DEAL OF THE WEEK, FAMOUS SHRUNKEN FXR FOR SALE–That’s right the famous Bikernet Shrunken FXR, designed for the smaller rider is FOR SALE. This bike was specifically designed for the smaller rider. It’s a rare, Bandit built, one-off custom motorcycle-all new. Only $28,000 obo, (310) 830-0630, BIKERNET JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–No. 995 – Use on all 2006 to present Dyna Engines. Use this tool to “break” the case sealant by pushing apart both case halves. Bolt (with supplied hardware) this tool to the primary mounting holes, hand thread-in pushing screw (do not use impact tools). Flywheels will be pushed from the left case. 2006 Dyna Case Splitter Tool BIKERNET READER REVIEW OF BASSANI DUALS–Just put Bassani true duals & slant cut mufflers on my 103″ Road Glide….WOW ! –Dusty ANOTHER DEADLINE DOWN–I hit the news way too early and I’m slammed, but it’s a fantastic day outside and I just timed and tuned my ’48 Pan. But first, above is a shot of an Indian Scout shooting for a record at El Mirage recently. He’s running in the same class (except open) that I’m running our Bonne Belle, 45 H-D Flathead at Bonneville in September. It’s going to be a happening event. Back to the Pan. It’s been running rough for a while, since the airing of the Steel Dreams Show. Just before taping we tore into the Mikuni carbs. They’d been sitting around too long and I needed a fuel filter. Since the Bonneville bikes are out to Foremost Powder Coating, in Gardena, I’ve had a few moments to tinker. I pulled the distributor and installed an auto-advance unit. I carefully static timed the beast, then tore into the carbs again. One accelerator pump was clogged. I adjusted the valves and she’s running better than ever. I even replaced my modified muffler with a complete retro Paughco job. I believe that’s all I know. Even more coffee won’t help. You’re not going to believe this shit. I’m going to launch an article on winter riding apparel. I know, it’s the goddamn summer, except in Australia. That’s where the article originated. Next, I’m trying like hell to launch new chapters of my second Chance Hogan book. Check ’em in the Cantina. By tonight I hope to have four chapters up and sizzling. Enjoy. More Bonneville Techs this weekend. Ride Forever, –Bandit
June 15, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
PRO RSD 2 INTO 1–All you lucky enough to be running a Right Side Drive setup really need to check out this latest header system from BASSANI. Dubbed the PRO RSD 2 INTO 1 this thing is as BAD as it looks. The layout features 1 3?4″ head pipes merging into a single 2 1?2″ True Reverse Cone Megaphone. The strictly business appearance is accented with a removable baffle element, brilliant show quality chrome, fully polished, billet aluminum end cap and an exhaust note that says it all.
The PRO RSD 2 INTO 1 is designed for use with a variety of RSD transmissions but you’ll want to call for details before ordering.
Retail for the new system is $680.00 and you can get all the fitment information by calling 866-439-4287 or visit them on the Web at www.bassanipipes.com
HINES RIDES INTO FIFTH CONSECUTIVE SEMIFINAL ON BOARD SCREAMIN’ EAGLE V-RODHines Cuts Points Deficit in NHRA POWERade Championship Chase– JOLIET, Ill. (June 12, 2006) – Not only did Andrew Hines ride his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod into the semifinal round for the fifth consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle race, but he made the rounds count. The two-time defending NHRA series champion didn’t win the race on Sunday at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway, but he sliced the points lead down from 36 to just 14 points behind class leader Angelle Sampey.
Hines beat teammate GT Tonglet for the third consecutive race, turning in a 7.125-second pass at 190.24 mph over Tonglet’s 7.163 at 185.54 in the first round of competition. He went on to beat Antron Brown in Round Two. Hines recorded a 7.081 pass at 188.73 while Brown fouled at the starting line on his U.S. Army Suzuki. Hines lost to Ryan Schnitz in the semifinal. Hines fouled at the starting line while Schnitz rode his Team Muzzy Buell to a 7.132 at 182.90. Schnitz went on to beat Matt Guidera in the final round for his fourth career NHRA National victory.
“It was good to make up a little ground in the championship chase,” Hines said. “We’ve been consistent on race day and have been to the semifinals every event, but we have a few things that we need to work out before we finish this three-race swing. We are making more horsepower, but we lost a little of our launch power and we need to figure that out again.”
The two-bike team is staying in Joliet an extra day just to do some testing before resuming the second of three consecutive races. The team heads to Englishtown, N.J., for the K&N Filters NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park this weekend before the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals kicks off at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill., just outside of St. Louis, on June 23-25.
Team owner Byron Hines said the team needs to figure out a few things before resuming the current set of races.
“Overall the weekend wasn’t too bad, we just came up with the short end of the stick at the end of the day,” Hines said. “We only had three rounds of qualifying and that fourth round could have changed the complexion of the race, at least for our team anyway.”
Because of poor weather conditions, the team had just three rounds of qualifying this weekend instead of the four they normally have to prepare for eliminations day. Hines qualified third with a 7.029 pass at 190.48 while Tonglet was 14th with a 7.115 at 187.68.
“We might have been able to shake up the qualifying order and avoid racing each other in the first round, but it’s hard to say what would have happened for sure if we would have had another qualifying pass,” Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said. “Our riders have faced each other in the past three events and unfortunately it’s been in the early rounds on race day. We want to see both bikes going rounds on eliminations day.”
Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.
BIKERNET MEDICAL OFFICE PRODICAL–An attractive young girl, chaperoned by an ugly old lady, entered the doctor’s office.
“We have come for an examination,” said the young girl.
“Alright,” said the doctor. “Go behind that curtain and take your clothes off.”
“No, not me,” said the girl, “It’s for my auntie here.”
“Very well,” said the doctor, turning to address the aunt. “Madam, stick out your tongue.”
–from Art Friedman
FOUR GREAT RELIGIOUS TRUTHS–It is important for those of all faiths to recognize four religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s chosen people
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the ChristianWorld.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters
–Terry M Leebove
BIKERNET PHILISOPHY CLASS– * Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them
* Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probablyworth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warningto others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’thave a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world to some people, but to one person,you may be the world.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty andsome are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but theyall have to live in the same box.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
–Ramon
THE STURGIS GUIDE– This year, American Big Twin will be distributing the mostsought-after guide to the Sturgis/Black Hills Rally.
The Guide is more than just great coverage of Sturgis, It also covers events all over region, and enthusiasts will refer to it again and again.
AD CLOSING: June 23
MATERIALS DUE: July 5
CALL BECKY DEMMERLE FOR DETAILS!
800-225-4569 ext. 3163
mailto:bdemmerle@advanstar.com
HALL OF FAME BIKE UNVEILED–Last Sunday OCC showed up at RALPH WILSON stadium in Orchard Park NY. The reason, to unveil the “HALL OF FAME “BIKE. The bike will be signed by players of the hall during NFL festivities and auctioned off later. The proceeds to benefit HUNTERS HOPE, a charity started by JIM KELLY .
JIM’S son HUNTER was afflicted by this rare disease and has since passed away..RIP HUNTER.
Now back to the event, The weather was foul early that morning but clear skies rolled in around noon. Attendance was fare. A lot of speechmaking and back slapping for Kelly and Paul Teutel, OCC’s only attendee.
Also attending were members of the USMC PURPLE HEART SOCIETY, while the bike was a disappointment the overall event was not.
GOD BLESS THE TROOPS THAT SERVE THIS COUNTRY …
–TOMBSTONE
BIKERNET STAFFER ON TRIAL-THE OUTCOME–A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidenceindicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense’s closingstatement the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably beconvicted, resorted to a trick.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” thelawyer said as he looked at his watch. “Within one minute, the personpresumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom.” He lookedtoward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked oneagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.
Finally the lawyer said, “Actually, I made up the previous statement.Butyou all looked on in anticipation. I, therefore, put it to you that youhave a “reasonable doubt” in this case as to whether anyone was actuallykilled, and I insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.”
The jury, obviously deep in thought, retired to deliberate. After ashort while, the jury returned, and pronounced their verdict of”guilty”.
“But how?” inquired the lawyer. “You were proven to have had some doubt.I watched all of you as you stared at the door in anticipation.”
The jury foreman replied: “Yes, you are absolutely correct, we did lookin the direction of the door… but your client didn’t.”
–from Ray Russell
CHROME SHOP GETS NEW OWNER, CLEANS UP WITH NEW NAME, DIRTY JOE’S–Dallas entrepreneur Joseph Mauro has purchased one of the industry’s longest-running chrome and powder coating shops at 11702 Plano Road in Dallas. Mauro has renamed the company to Dirty Joe’s Chrome Shop and has immediately expanded the business with more than $100,000 in technology and other improvements.
“In the 25 years this shop has been serving motorcycle and hot rod customizes, never has there been an owner on-site managing the company day-to-day,” said Mauro. “I decided to buy the shop because being a longtime chrome enthusiast myself I knew the company had a strong following. I also believed there was enormous potential for an owner with a hands-on leadership style to grow this business on a much larger scale.”
In the last few months, Mauro says Dirty Joe’s has tackled everything from chroming a stovetop and barbecue utensils to jet packs and high-end airplane components. The shop also chromes for a list of celebrity customers, including stuntman Dan Schlund, better known as the “Rocketman” of the Superbowl games, fitness guru Larry North, and TV motorcycle personalities around the world.
Kids & Chrome ’06: THE WOW FACTOR!–People who missed the boat for last year’s inaugural Kids & Chrome event, SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM, during Sturgis week are scrambling to get on board this year. “Wow!” says event Director of Fundraising Bob Illingworth.
“Everyone in the industry wants to be a part of Kids & Chrome. People were amazed by last year’s event. First time out of the chute, it was classy and fun, with the opportunity to truly make a difference for kids. With over 100 sponsors already signed on, 2006 will raise the bar even higher–Kids & Chrome II will blow people away.”
Kids & Chrome is a fundraiser being used to build a new Children’s Hospital in Rapid City that will serve special needs kids from across the nationKids & Chrome banquet is Wednesday, August 9 at the Black Hills Convention Center in Spearfish.
Doors open at 5:00 pm for “meet and mingle” time with open bar, plus the chance to bid on a huge variety of silent auction items. A five-star dinner will be served at 7:00.
Tickets to the event are $175.00 each and can be purchased at www.kidsandchrome.com or by calling (605) 782-2331. Here are just some of the highlights of the 2006 Kids & Chrome event:
Presentation of the Teresi Prize. $100,000 in advertising will be awarded to an individual or company that has developed an outstanding product, service, design or invention introduced at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati or Daytona Bike Week during the current year.
Amazing live auction items! and drawings for two incredible motorcycles: an $80,000 custom by Jerry Covington, and a $45,000 custom bagger from Thunder Mountain Customs.
Scott Jacobs, commissioned by Harley-Davidson to create a painting of acclaimed racer, and 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee Jay Springsteen, has chosen the Kids & Chrome Wednesday evening dinner to unveil his new piece and auction off the first signed Giclee.
Artist David Uhl created a sensation when he painted the beautiful and complicated vision he named Ruby. He will rework his famous sold-out masterpiece and offer a one-of-a-kind version of Ruby to be auctioned at Kids & Chrome.
Jeff Decker, renowned motorcycle sculptor, has just announced he will recreate “Ruby” in bronze, one more time, in honor of Kids & Chrome. Jeff’s sculpture will also be auctioned off Wednesday evening.
Two signed guitars are up for grabs, one signed by country crooner Alan Jackson and a second by rocker Ted Nugent
A custom bobber from Desperado Motorcycles signed by the nation’s top builders will be on the auction block,.
A new fundraising addition to Kids & Chrome in 2006 is Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast, set for Tuesday, August 8th at 9:00 a.m. at the Broken Spoke Saloon. Join today’s top builders for eggs and orange juice and have the unique opportunity to bid on some out-of-this-world silent auction items. Funds raised from the Breakfast will be presented at the event on Wednesday evening AND Billy plans to auction off his prized Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off trophy that night to raise more funds.
For more information on Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast and ticket availability call 321.757.7262 or visit www.choppersinc.com.
There is much, much more in the works. Stay posted through the Kids & Chrome website, contact Bob Illingworth 623.544.2923 For more information on raffle tickets and event tickets, visit www.kidsandchrome.com,. PAY ATTENTION–Senator Dave Zien will be at Hal’s Harley-Davidson in New Berlin on June 27, 2006. Plan on coming out to support this nationally acclaimed motorcyclist’s rights legislator. Dave has authored every major motorcycle bill in Wisconsin since he’s been in office, on behalf of ABATE of Wisconsin. Now’s your chance to come out and hear him speak, see his motorcycle with nearly 1 million miles on the odometer and donate some cash to make sure he can continue to represent our interests in Madison. I’ll be there. Where will you be? –Tony Pan Sanfelipo RUCKER PERFORMANCE LAUNCHES HOT ROD DIVISION– With the introduction of Tommy Eddleman, Automotive Shop Manager, Rucker Performance has become the leading headquarters for high performance street rods and professionally restored vehicles. Tommy manages the procurement of all automotive parts and the production of hot rod and muscle cars from start to finish. An experienced automotive technician and parts sales veteran, Eddleman brings more than 25 years experience to Rucker Performance. Rucker Performance has the in-house capability to complete full frame off vehicle restoration and build brand new cars from concept to sheet metal and body mold fabrication, custom paint, engine modification and restoration. The Rucker Performance team always ensures that each owner has the best machine design, most innovative technology and comfort level. Tommy believes that there is always a way to make a car look and run better. Indeed we are doing just that at Rucker Performance.
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN DISCOVERY CHANNEL BUILD-OFF COMPETITION–I am in Marion IL. on my way to Two Harbors.I did a few more miles yesterday than I originally planned and now have only 783 to go.I will be headed for Chicago after breakfast.
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
LATE NIGHT RIDE–
Turn Of The Key
Flick Of A Switch
Push Of A Button
She Roars To Life
Tighten My Gloves
Drop Down My
Orange Colored Shades
I Look Ahead As
The Headlight Shows Me
The Way
Burp The Throttle
Pull In The Clutch
Ease into First Gear
Rock The Throttle
As I Ease Out The Clutch
Taking Her Slow And Easy
I Head Down The Road
As I Try To Avoid
University’s Pot Holes
Turning On To 58
I Give Her A Little Goose,
Across A Patch Of Hidden Sand
But She Didn’t Come Loose
Out To Uncle Dales I Ride
We Talk About Choppers,
Rat Rods, And How
Wallcott’s Truck Show
Is Coming Up Soon
I Finish My Drink
Then I’m On My Way
Time To Head On Home
And Put The Bike Away
Until Tomorrow Brings
Another Day
— Joshua Griffith”
panheadjosh74@hotmail.com
Continued On Page 4
June 15, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
“THE THROTTLER”–Complete Throttle Management at Your Fingertips–The engineers at 50’s Boy have just announced the introduction of an updated version of their immensely popular motorcycle cruise control. Shown here, the “THROTTLER” offers the performance, comfort and convenience of a dedicated throttle management system and the safety benefits of Anti-Lock technology. That’s right, now you can experience the benefits of a true cruise control without the unreliability and hassles common to other aftermarket devices.
Easily and quickly installed over the grip of virtually any motorcycle, the “THROTTLER” allows you to throttle up or down instantly and safely. Designed and manufactured by 50’s Boy, the “THROTTLER” provides precise, at your finger tips, speed control with the associated benefit of enhanced fuel economy. The “THROTTLER’S” patented roller ball detent design, allows on the go engine speed adjustment. Eliminate dreaded hand fatigue once and for all and put the enjoyment back into those extended rides with the “THROTTLER.”
For complete details contact 50’s Boy at 866-542-1955 and visit them on the Web at www.50sboy.net
ROMINE TAKES THIRD NITRO HARLEY-DAVIDSON VICTORY OF THE SCREAMIN’ EAGLE AHDRA CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON–NORWALK, Ohio (June 12, 2006) – Mike Romine is making all the right moves to defend his Screamin’ Eagle AHDRA championship. The rider of the Harley-Davidson Top Fuel motorcycle earned his third Top Fuel victory of the season Sunday at the Roeder Harley-Davidson Buckeye Nationals at Norwalk Raceway Park.
Making his fourth final round appearance in the sixth event of the Screamin’ Eagle championship season, Romine rode his Nitro burning Harley-Davidson to a 6.460-second pass at 214.69 mph to top Tak Shigematsu’s 7.179 at 160.92. Shigematsu left the line first, using a .059-second reaction time to get a quick start against Romine’s .114 reaction time. Romine made up the difference by the finish line, padding his points lead.
Shigematsu qualified in the No. 1 spot for eliminations with a 6.419 pass. Romine rode his Salt Lake City-sponsored Harley into the No. 3 spot in qualifying with a 6.500 run, with Jay Turner qualifying second with a 6.443.
Don Stratton Jr. took the win in the Destroyer category, his second of the season. Stratton – the winner of the first Destroyer event of the season – beat Brian Fox with a 9.327 run at 141.46 to Fox’s 9.383 at 139.72. Michael Ray was the top qualifier, using a 9.250 run to take the No. 1 position going into eliminations. Stratton Jr. was second with a 9.278.
Eleanor Walker earned the victory in the SEP category Sunday. Walker rode her Harley-Davidson to an 11.514 to beat Josh Perry’s 11.591.
Bon Drapp earned the ET category win. He took off first, using a .023 reaction time to aide his winning 9.893 pass to top Robbie McCaa’s 12.649.
The next AHDRA event is the Kresto Pacific Nationals presented by Destination Harley-Davidson, Downtown Harley-Davidson and Eastside Harley-Davidson. The action kicks off June 24-25 at Pacific Raceways just outside of Seattle.
BIG DOG ROLLS OUT 20,000th MOTORCYCLE–WICHITA, Kansas (June 9, 2006) – Big Dog Motorcycles??, the leader in the high-style cruiser niche, the number two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, and the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world, today unveiled its 20,000th motorcycle and named its 100th dealer.
The 20,000th production milestone kick started the company’s second annual Tornado Rally, Kansas’ only national motorcycle rally and was reached just twelve years after the company’s inception.
“The production of our 20,000th motorcycle is symbolic of the company’s success in the marketplace and the rider’s continuing demand for high style cruisers,” stated Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO. “Reaching such a major milestone, the first for any custom cruiser manufacturer, especially so early in our history, demonstrates the strength of the company, an unmatched level of manufacturing experience, and our commitment to the motorcycling lifestyle.”
Big Dog Motorcycles began in 1994 in Sheldon Coleman’s garage in Wichita, Kansas. Since then, the company has grown to 175,000 square feet employing over 300 building over 5,000 motorcycles per year. The manufacturer’s motorcycles, as well as its growing line of accessories, parts, and apparel, are sold nationwide now through 100 dealers.
“It’s with a great amount of pride that I look at our 20,000th,” Coleman continued.
The celebrated motorcycle is a 2006 K-9 with a midnight sapphire frame and custom patriotic graphics. A patriotic theme has donned all commemorative motorcycles. The bike also sports a 20,000th icon on each side of the tank.
“We chose the K-9 for such an honor because it was introduced this year, is our top seller for this time in our history, and won the V-Twin Bike of the Year award,” Messer explained. “In addition, the K-9, with its nine-foot long stance, aggressive styling, rear 300 tire, and a-frame swing arm suspension tremendously demonstrates our design capabilities and our commitment to market demands.”
Big Dog Motorcycle Number One was a 1994 Vintage Classic, a nostalgic custom cruiser built by Sheldon Coleman. The company’s 100th motorcycle was a 1996 ProGlide, a smooth-riding rubber-mount. A 1999 Bulldog represented the Big Dog Motorcycles’ 1,000th. Four years later, the company rolled out number 5,000: a 2003 red, white, and blue Chopper. The 10,000th motorcycle landmark was reached in 2004, represented by a Ridgeback, an aggressive rigid chopper-style cruiser.
“It took five years to hit a thousand bikes and just seven years to build 19,000 more,” Messer said. “This stunning growth proves customer acceptance of our motorcycles and elevates Big Dog Motorcycles to the leader in this highly competitive niche. Demand for custom motorcycles continues to rise and Big Dog Motorcycles, with its dedicated network of dealers, suppliers, and employees, is extremely well-positioned to get thousands more on the road,” Messer continued.
Employees began assembling the 20,000th motorcycle on May 18 and completed it on May 19. ESPN2 was on site to capture the entire manufacturing process, from the frame building and powder coating, to the graphics and motor assembly, to the final production and test ride. The segment will air nationwide in August 2006.
“The 20,000th motorcycle pays homage to the hard work that our employees put in every day. Their dedication and passion make it possible to reach all of our goals,” Coleman added. “A few have been here since the company started, many for years, and some just a few months. To each of them, this milestone assures them they work for a solid company and in an amazing industry.”
STURGIS RENTAL AVAILABLE–If your looking for a great rally rental 2 miles out of town in the Black Hills with a killer view and lots of property to park your bikes, check out this. $2800 for the rally! 3br 2 bth on 1 acre.
For more info call Mike Stevenson @ 818 8919055
BIKERNET PATCHES COMING, PLAN ESTABLISHED–Hey mate, lets get some patches happening for guys to sew on their riding vests and jackets.
I suggest (of course) my famous red patch, bright yellow letters, FTSL.
And for you and the folks fighting the EPA… LOUD…Let owners (who) Understand Decide.
I kinda like the LOUD one myself.
You can obviously fit the Bikernet name on the patches somewhere.
My old FTSL patch is about five inches long by two high.
A few guys on the forum liked FTG fuck the Government also.
I was also thinking of something more unique, better than a baseball cap, how about a military style beret with a bikernet logo on it?
Must be a military supplier who can sell them cheap in bulk?Then you just need an artist to design a badge?I’ll leave the color of the beret up to you.I like the bright red military police ones myself, would kinda takes the piss out of the Milcops also..LOL.
Hey it’s 5am here, I got to do something to keep busy.
–Laterz: Jaq.
BIKERNET.COM QUOTE OF THE DAY–“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.” – Dr. David Hawkins
RIDE TO WORK CAMPAIGN GAINING MOMENTUM–This week, the attached letter and proclamation template were sent to the mayors of America’s 260 largest cities. Ride to Work is asking for a mayoral proclamation of support for Ride to Work Day, and for free parking at all meters and municipal ramps on this day. Please encourage your city’s leaders to support Ride to Work Day by contacting them directly – by calling or forwarding to your mayor the attached RTW documents – and by sending your own message encouraging local support.
Your direct effort will make a real difference in the number of cities that recognize Ride to Work Day this year.
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/mayor_letter.pdf RTW Day Letter to Mayors (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/proclamationtemplate.pdf Proclamation template (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/files/master/mayors/proc_qa.pdf Q&A information (PDF)
http://www.ridetowork.org/docs/2005_trans_faq.pdf Motorcycling Fact Sheet (PDF)
Ride to Work Day, a 501 c4 nonprofit organization, can be reached at: POB 1072, Proctor, Minnesota, 55810 USA
http://www.ridetowork.org
218 722 9806
BIKERNET DEAL OF THE WEEK–Caleb here… hope the mail finds you well. If you get the chance let me know what your schedule is, I would love to scoot by your shop and bug ya some time soon. I’m pluggn away at a couple of builds, a ’56 Pan, an Evo and a rat ’72 Shovel. Just about done with some rollers that I will be throwing out there for folks to scoop up. I’ll pass that along as soon as I have some pics. The Blue bitch will be up for sale soon so I can finish these other projects, so keep an eye out.
–Caleb “cro” Owens
cro customs inc.
Venice California
310-923-2613
www.crocustoms.com
STEALTH REPORT FROM NC–We are burning the midnight oil here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS in preparation for The Horse Smoke-Out June 23rd and 24th at the Rowan County Fairgrounds in Salsibury NC., about 35 miles north of Charlotte.
We have been busting knuckles on Chopper John’s rigid, 93″ Sporster. It is going to be a cool bike, bobber style, 16″ Apes, handmade gas tank, handmade oil tank, handmade battery box, handmade sissy bar. I got 3 cuts on my hands last night but I really enjoy getting in the back and getting my hands dirty. “THE MEANEST” kinda frowns at me when I tell her that? We have until next Thursday to finish the bike and no matter how late we have to stay, we are going to do it. The frame and sheetmetal goes to Rusty for paint today. Last year at The Smoke-Out we were brand new and just getting our feet wet, this year we will have a STEALTH BIKE WORKS booth set up, stop and see us or give us a call at SBW 704-882-0889 or stop by at 14113 E.Independence Blvd. Matthews NC. 28104, you are always welcome!
Last night as we worked on Choppers John’s bike we got to talking about the last year since we opened and what we had learned. For me I have learned a lot from working in the back with Max. The guy is like an encyclopedia when it comes to working on bikes. He is a natural when it comes to wrenching. We are grateful to have him. I have learned more about people and human nature in the past year than I have my lifetime. Sometimes I laugh to myself about it other times I shake my head about it and other times I am just confused about it. I have learned a lot about myself too. I try to have more patience, something I have always been a little short on. I have learned that if you hang in there and keep on plugging away, good things will happen. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and not dwell on what I don’t. I have realized too that I am having the time of my life, sure it gets a little tight sometimes and sometmes there is stress involved but everything in life has some stress. I really can honestly say that I really would not trade places with anyone right now, not because of money but because I am doing what I love to do.
When I opened SBW I wanted it to be a shop that took you back to a simplier place and time. A shop to come hang out and have a good time, like our Friday night Biker NIght that we have every 3rd Friday of the month, just a time to kick back and talk bikes like I used to bo with my buddies a long time ago. The Biker Night thing is starting to catch on. I wanted SBW to be a shop that was about more than” how much money can we make.” I know we have bills to pay and so far we are doing it. I wanted SBW to be the shop that if you needed help to get your bike back on the road, that you would fell comfortable bringing and if you were tight on money, maybe we could work with you on that and so far we have and the people can not believe we do it. All you have to do is asked and if i feel I can trust you then we have a deal. I can usually spot the pretenders very easily. SBW is your basic “BIKER” bike shop, we have 3 or 4 different t-shirts, no clothes boutique just parts and bikes, that to me is what a bike shop is about.
One last thing if you have not attended The Smoke Out, don’t miss this one, there is nothing like it if you are into old school bikes!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
GIRL NEEDS HELP– I’m writing to pick your brain, if you have a minute. One of my girlfriends, Sunny Hobbs, is an avid NASCAR (and other types of cars) amateur/semi-pro driver. She’s been doing it for about 10 years now. She loves it, but hasn’t been able to get much sponsorship, so it’s been a side thing.
She was recently approached about being on (yet another) reality TV racing show. The producers got an initial slate of 50 participants, which they intend to whittle down to 15 via internet voting. We’ve all been voting our brains out, but Sunny keeps bouncing from between 14 and 17, and not closing the gap.
The email below just came out from the producers — if she gets some media airtime, she gets extra votes. Do you have any ideas? She’s done a couple of radio shows and some print articles, but because they were done before June 15, they don’t count for votes, and she’s out of references.
Given your background, I thought you might have some pointers. Here’s the voting link, FYI: http://www.racinforalivin.net/poll77/ Thanks in advance for any help.
–Chris
“CYCLE SNITCH” High Tech GPS M/C Theft Recovery System–“At last, a motorcycle theft recovery system that actually allows you to follow your bike’s every move, in real time. “CYCLE SNITCH” has combined GPS satellite tracking capabilities with Internet technology and cellular phone antenna coverage to provide owners with the ability to keep close tabs on their motorcycle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Developed specifically for motorcycle applications, “CYCLE SNITCH” is a revolutionary theft recovery system that instantly notifies you, via cell phone, of unauthorized vehicle movement. Once notified the owner can go to a private web site, by phone or PC, and instantly and continuously track the bike’s exact location at that precise moment without dealing with a 3rd party call center! Compact and easily installed on virtually any motorcycle “CYCLE SNITCH” offers benefits far surpassing anything previously available for motorcycle applications. Here are just a few.
Exclusive software platform accessible from any Internet connected device provides constant real-time tracking and alerts.
Alarm Monitoring application provides feedback on an on-going basis and immediately alerts the motorcycle owner when something is wrong!
Geo fence sends an alert when someone breaches the security perimeter of the bike”.
Wireless notification!
No Police report required to find the motorcycle!
Locate the motorcycle anytime!
Service And Product are transferable!
Continuous location reports!
98% of US, Mexico and Canada covered!
Various configurations for custom installations!
Redundant cell phone coverage!
“DO NOT” have to deal with a 3rd party call center!
For complete details call 800-346-9266 or visit www.cyclesnitch.com on the Web.
WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN MOVIE, STARRING ANTHONY HOPKINS, NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD THROUGH WHITEHORSE PRESS–Noted movie critic, Roger Ebert, called the World’s Fastest Indian “one of the year’s most lovable movies, Anthony Hopkins finds all the right notes to create one of the year’s most endearing oddball heroes.” If you missed it at your local cinema, here’s a chance for you, your friends, and your family to see it forever and at home! Order today and watch it this weekend.
Learn the full story behind the hit movie.Read Burt Munro: Indian Legend of Speed
The books author, George Begg, grew up on New Zealand’s South Island and raced against Burt Munro. As only an insider can, he recounts the fascinating true story of Munro and his obsession to race his 1920 Indian Scout on the salt at Bonneville at 200 mph. Includes many rare early photographs.
BILLY LANE’S BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM GROWING–Melbourne, FL- Imagine sitting down to a plate of eggs and pancakes one morning in Sturgis this August when you look up from your plate you realize this isn’t a dream, you are actually sitting with the very best builders EVER having breakfast. How could they all be at one place at the same time? Billy Lane.
Tuesday, 8-8-06 at 9AM is when it all happens. We all know the builders are at the event, but never are they all at one place and for one reason. This event is quickly becoming history in the making. Billy has rounded up the best in the industry for the 1st Annual Billy Lane’s Builder’s Breakfast in Sturgis at the world famous Broken Spoke on Lazelle St.
Bandit from Bikernet.com will be waiting tables.
This event is open to everyone. Please come! Tickets are on sale now, only online ticket holders will be eligible to win the portrait with their favorite builder photographed on site by Sara Liberte.
ALL ticket proceeds will benefit Kids & Chrome. To get your tickets online, please visit www.choppersinc.com
Continued On Page 3
June 15, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
I learn something everyday whether I like it out not. I’ve just about fired up my new/old Delta belt sander and band saw. Here’s what John Reed advised about my poor blade selection:
You can get a blade welder, you buy a bulk length of blade cut it to length, put it in the welder and it joins each end, then you have to heat the weld red, and let it cool, to anneal it.
Rutland tools sell lengths of starett band saw blades in specific lengths,and come to a crunch you can get your saw blade the right length, grind each end so it chamfers to a razor edge about 1/4″ in on each end of blade,put some silver solder flux and warm it with a gentle negative acetyline/oxy flame until it melts, ( just under red) and touch it with just enough silver solder to let itcapillary across the surface, hold each end together with some flux, heat it, and it will join, and grind the side so its the same thickness all over.
I’m still trying to reverse the reversible motor for the belt sander. Check out the cart we built. First we had to wrestle it away from a local homeless cat. I better get to the news before I get into trouble. Then I’ll tell you about my ’48 Panhead tune-up:
SOCAL MOTORCYCLE LANDMARK BECOMES 100TH BIG DOG DEALER–Anaheim, California – LifeStyle Cycles is pleased to announce that as of May 18th, they have become Big Dog Motorcycles’ 100th Dealer! This major announcement comes right on the heels of LifeStyle Cycles becoming a certified S&S Pro Tuning Center. “Becoming the 100th Big Dog dealer is a really big deal for us,” said LifeStyle Cycles’ owner Mark “Junior” Skolnick. “Our customers have been asking for Big Dog bikes, and we’ve known they are one the premier brands of custom production motorcycles around. The timing for this strategic alliance couldn’t have been more perfect, and being the 100th Big Dog Dealer is icing on the cake! Once word got out, we had customers calling to pre-order Big Dog bikes from us ? it’s amazing!”
Big Dog Motorcycles feels the same way. “LifeStyle Cycles has an incredible reputation with both manufacturers and consumers in the industry, and we’re excited an honored to have them on board as a Big Dog’s 100th Dealer.” says John Nasi, head of Big Dog’s National Dealer Development.
LifeStyle Cycles is carrying the complete line of Big Dog Production Custom Motorcycles including the K-9, Chopper, Ridgeback, Mastiff and Pit Bull as well as parts, accessories and the Big Dog Motorcycles line of apparel.
LifeStyle Cycles 21,000 square-foot facility is located at 1534 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806. (714) 490-0155. They carry 5 major brands of custom production motorcycles, including Big Dog. You can visit them online at www.lifestylecycles.com.
FOUR CORNERS RALLY IN THE ROCKIES CHANGES LOCATION–The Four Corners Rally in the Rockies Motorcycle Rally, the annual Labor Day Weekend event drawing hundreds of thousands of bikers to the Four Corners Region the past thirteen years, has announced the 2006 event will be held at Echo Basin Ranch – West of Durango, Colorado. Each year the Rally has grown in size and the facility in Ignacio will no longer hold the record crowds that attend and the campers that want to stay on the grounds where the events are held.
Echo Basin Ranch is the same distance from Durango as Ignacio, but in the opposite direction. Echo Basin boasts better facilities, and more room with shaded camping on privately owned land, which will make for a better rally. Echo Basin sits to the North of Highway 160 between Durango and Cortez.
“I think it?s going to be awesome,” said Echo Basin owner Dan Bjorkman. “We have the perfect venue for this. We have a huge amphitheater that accommodates over 10,000 people on pastured ground, so even when there’s bad weather everyone’s not stomping around in the mud. We also have a lot of excellent camping. People can camp in the trees at the base of 13,000-foot peaks, over looking Mesa Verde National Park. We think it’s a great location, and we?re welcoming everybody who comes here for the rally.”
“Echo Basin is a fantastic venue,” Bradshaw said. “It will provide us with a far superior location and facilities, and allow us to continue all the activities that are a part of our rally. It is the same distance from Durango as Ignacio, so I don’t expect Durango to be affected by the move. Plus there is almost five times more dry camping area for RV’s and for motorcycle tent campers.”
For additional information, Contact Dan Bradshaw:888-901-7701, or info@rallyrockies.com
–The Rally
WINTER RIDING TIPS–We’re about to launch a story on winter riding tips. I know it’s summer, but not in Australia. Here’s a teaser:
Jack decided to go skiing with his buddy, Bob. So they loaded up Jack’s van and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard.
So they pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night.
“I realize it’s terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I’m recently widowed,” she explained. “I’m afraid the neighbors will talk if I let you stay in my house.”
“Don’t worry,” Jack said. “We’ll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we’ll be gone at first light.” The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night.
Next morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way. They enjoyed a great weekend of skiing.
But about nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a fewminutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend.
Later that day, Jack dropped in on Bob and asked, “Bob, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up North about 9 months ago?”
“Yes, I do.” said Bob
“Did you, e r uh, happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?”
“Well, um, yes,” Bob said, a little embarrassed about being found out. “I have to admit that I did.”
“And did you happen to use my name instead of actually telling her yours?”
Bob’s face turned beet red and he said, “Yeah, look, I’m sorry, buddy. I’m afraid I did.” “Why do you ask?”
“She just died and left me everything.”
(And you thought the ending would be different, didn’t you?)
–from Art Friedman
WEST COAST CHOPPERS OFFERS POLISHING SERVICES–West Coast Choppers offers the same quality motor polishing found on Jesse’s bikes. Contact mailto:simo@westcoastchoppers.com and while you are at it visit our shop on line at www.westcoastchoppers.com.
BUILD-YOUR-OWN CUSTOM TANK–If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at custom fabrication, here’s a perfect starting point. Pro-One has just released a collection of WELD YOUR OWN FUEL TANK KITS that provide the perfect baseline for designing and fabricating your own custom gas tank. The kits are sold with components shown including side panels, bottom plates, tunnel, brackets and even a pop-up custom cap. Available in 3 styles, Frankentank, Tear Drop and Dagger Style, the kits can be modified and altered to your personal taste and requirements.
Retail on for the WELD YOUR OWN TANK KITS is $549.95. For complete details call 800-884-4173 visit www.pro-one.com.
BIKERPICS.ORG CHECKS IN–Thanks for posting all of those images & my banner. Last night alone I received 507 unique visits, which have to be a result of my banner in Bandit’s Cantina alone. They stayed on a while too, because the hits from those visits totaled 47,542. As soon as I receive your banner it will be hung, I’m not sure where at the moment, but in a great place. I have a meeting tonight with my I.T. guy so the page will look a bit different soon.
–Jack
J.McIntyre@Barthco.com>
TOPPERS FROM MR. BOLT–Did you know that those H-D fastener caps are available to the public. They make a line of fastener caps that are guaranteed. If you lose one, it chips or discolors, they’ll replace it. They are currently available through our fastener connection, DMP enterprises. Here’s more info:
My name is Derek and I own a fastener/metal finishing shop in Chatsworth, CA. We are a dealer for Gardner Westcott, Chrome Hardware Supply, Colony Machine and Midwest Acorn Nut. We also supply a complete line of stainless and polished stainless. We offer custom package kits for small to large companies.
–Derek
818 775-9804 or 1888 mrbolts
“DMP Enterprises, Inc.” info@dmpolish.com
NEW EXHAUST PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES–About 750,000 people die from urban air pollution every year around the world, and an estimated 75% of global air pollution is attributable to internal combustion engines. More countries are pushing forward on stricter emission control programs. However, to many auto manufacturers and drivers, advanced exhaust processing technologies are still hard to afford.
CAT-MATE and ZEFS, Save the World Air’s (OTCBB: ZERO) proprietary technologies are highly affordable and effective solution to reduce emissions from a wide range of applications that are powered by internal combustion engines. A series of certified tests have proven that STWA technology is effective in reducing emissions from combustion engines by as much as 98%, improve overall power by 19% and enhance fuel efficiency up to 33%.
ZEFS products contain permanent rare-earth magnets, whose strong magnetic fields induce a molecular change in the fuel, and hence enable the engine to achieve a more efficient burn, better performance and a significantly lower production of toxic compounds. CAT-MATE structures with specifically shaped steel rings that aligned with the flow of exhaust before and/or after the catalytic substrate, facilitates an accelerated heat rise in the converter. The engine then experiences quicker ignition and improved heat retention in the converter.
Both products are highly cost effective to the end user, inexpensive to produce and easy to install on a wide range of applications including: motorcycles, marine vehicles, lawn equipment, generators, etc. Earlier this year, a ZEFS device was applied to a Chinese-manufactured carbureted motorcycle and results surpassed EURO3, the world’s toughest emission standards.
Save the World Air has entered into several distribution agreements in the U.S. and Asia and will continue to explore opportunities in the U.S., Canada, Southeast Asia, Australasia, Latin America and Europe.
Web: http://www.ccgir.com
E-mail:Mabel.Zhang@ccgir.com
HOW TO INSTALL a wireless security system–Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men’s used work boots, a reallybig pair. Put them outside your front door on top of a copy of Guns andAmmo magazine.
Put a dog dish beside it, a really big dish. Leave a note onyour front door that says something like “Bubba, Big Mike and I have goneto get more ammunition – back in 1/2 an hr. Don’t disturb the pit bulls.They’ve just been wormed and are a little edgy.”
–from Art Friedman
VON DUTCH KUSTOM CYCLES SELECTED TO BUILD STURGIS 2006 BIKE–Von Dutch Kustom Cycleswww.vondutchkustomcycles.com has been unanimously selected by the SturgisChamber of Commerce to build the official custom bike for the 2006 SturgisMotorcycle Rally.
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles, with it’s winning bike design, theCruelworld Softail Chopper, was awarded this prestigious honor, beating outnumerous motorcycle companies, manufacturers, OEM’s and custom builders. Thebike, which has been built for the 66th Annual Sturgis Rally, will be raffledoff for charity through the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundationand Sturgis Rally Charities. Raffle tickets will be available online at http://www.sturgisrallyraffle.com.
“We are excited and humbled to receive this distinguished honor,” saysVDKC COO and Chief Designer, Alex Mardikian. “Von Dutch Kustom Cycles wasbuilt on the principle of ‘Kustom Kulture.’ We plan to use this opportunitythat the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce has graciously bestowed upon us, to helpeducate the motorcycle community about Kustom Kulture, and why it is relevantto us and our fellow bike builders and enthusiasts.”
Kustom Kulture is a movement that started in 1950-60’s car and motorcycleculture and continues today. The concept at the basis of this principle isthat everyone is an individual with their own sense of style that reflectstheir personality. Kustom Kulture is an ideology that allows people toexpress themselves through the artistry of their vehicles. Von Dutch KustomCycles has infused elements of Kustom Kulture into the bike that they havebuilt for the 66th Annual Black Hills Rally.
Visit Von Dutch Kustom Cycles online at www.vondutchkustomcycles.com.
ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC MOTORWORKS SUMMER PICNIC–Come join us on June 23 – 25 for ourFirst Royal Enfield Family Reunion andOpen House held at our new headquartersin Faribault, Minnesota. It’s just 45 minutessouth of Minneapolis on I-35W.
There is no charge for the event or for food,but you do need to RSVP to save a spot foryour self and/or your party.
Here’s the schedule:Friday June 23 Afternoon: Arrive at our fair city and attend the open house. (Dinner will be supplied.)
Saturday June 24 Morning: Technical sessions, tours, open house, garage sale, discounts on all parts and accessories, and free shipping on all items purchased here.
Saturday Afternoon: We have an organized ride on wonderful roads ending up at an Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show in a neighboring town (about 30 miles away) for an afternoon of fun.
Saturday Evening: Dinner will be supplied, door prizes awarded and fellowship had by all.
Sunday, June 25: Goodbyes and your last chance to shop.
Give us a call at 800-201-7472, or e-mail us atmailto:customerservice@enfieldmotorcycles to reserve.
All bikes and brands are welcome.
DESIGN-YOUR-OWN DERBY & INSPECTION COVERS– These latest DERBY and INSPECTUION COVERS from PRO-ONE allow you to design your own personalized covers based on a variety of interchangeable base caps and custom inserts. Machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum and, show chrome plated or black anodized, the unique covers can be ordered engraved with the PRO-ONE design of your choice or with a smooth finish. Pick up a chrome and black base along with several different inserts and the possible combinations are staggering.
Super looks and superior quality make these unique covers the hot ticked for a quick change of face.
Applications cover 1970 through present models. For complete details call 800-884-4173 or visit www.pro-one.com
PRO-ONE PERFORMANCE BRAKING–No matter if you’re building a ground up chopper or just want to personalize and your factory ride, PRO-ONE has a unique brake set up to meet your needs. From custom engineered assemblies designed specifically for right side drive machines to an awesome collection of billet front and rear calipers and hangers these components offer the latest in high performance brake technology and sanitary clean appearance.
PRO-ONE also manufactures one of the largest selections of custom rotors. No matter what look you’re after they have a rotor that is sure to be “just right”. Check out these examples and give them a call at 800-84-4173 for complete details.
Be sure to catch their current line of accessories and turn key custom motorcycles at www.pro-one.com
BIKERNET WEEKLY PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Copper Real Radio Bike from Orlando Florida.
Ride Hard,
–Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net
AMERICAN IRONHORSE AND DALLAS MAVERICKS RAISE $23,000 FOR MAVS FOUNDATION– FORT WORTH, Texas (June 14, 2006) American IronHorse® Motorcycle Co. has teamed with the NBA Championship Finalist team the Dallas Mavericks to raise more than $23,000 for the Mavericks Foundation. The funds were raised through a four-month raffle of a Mavs-themed motorcycle built by American IronHorse. The lucky winners of the charity bike raffle are Jaime and Frieda Chacon of Rhome, Texas.
“The American IronHorse motorcycle raffle has helped make this milestone year even more special for the Dallas Mavericks,” said Donnie Nelson, President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Mavericks. “We are very pleased to have the community support of American IronHorse.”
American IronHorse also has a new marketing deal with the Mavericks, making it an official team sponsor with select advertising and ringside rights. The deal has already helped put the American IronHorse logo front and center in national media coverage. Outlets such as the ESPN TV network and Sports Illustrated Magazine have captured the American IronHorse logo during their regular season coverage of Mavericks games.
The Dallas Mavericks raffle bike will be appearing at various Dallas Mavericks activities in the coming months. It made a special appearance at the American Airlines Center on Sunday June 11 before the launch of the NBA Championship Game 2 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Miami Heat.
“We bought four tickets at a game during the regular season. I just can’t tell you how absolutely stunned we are to win this bike,” said Jaime Chacon. “We are huge Mavs fans and we’re so proud of all that the team has accomplished this year. I wasn’t a motorcycle rider before this, but I am now.”
The Mavericks bike is an American IronHorse® Legend chopper model with a custom paint scheme featuring the team colors of midnight blue, white, blue and silver, along with the Mavericks logo. This special edition bike also has a custom seat made from Spalding leather, a six-speed transmission, and a 111 cubic inch engine that produces 110 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Proceeds from the American IronHorse charity bike raffle benefited the Dallas Mavericks Foundation’s education and health programs for youth.
Continued On Page 2
2006 Paradise Bikefest
By Bandit | | General Posts
After six months of planning, Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s Paradise Bikefest & Bike Build-Off finished with an explosion of bikers, babes, and bikes. Billed as Hawaii’s biggest motorcycle rally ever… the event lived up to all the hype with nearly 4,000 people gathering at the Kapiolani Community College campus in Honolulu over the Independence Day weekend.
Along with featured builders Nui Kauhane of Grumpy’s Customs on Oahu, and Noah O’Geen of Maui’s Hot Rod Alley and celebrities like Sugar Bear, Big Schwag, Big Mike, Jose De Miguel, Harold Pontarelli, Shannon Aikau, Roger Kuwahara and harmonica great Kevin McKay, Hawaii was treated to a motorcycle spectacle of sight & sound that will be hard to match…
Congratulations go out to Nui who was voted build-off winner for his specially built, trademark “Local Boy” creation. Nui’s hard work, and dedication to the style he helped popularize was obvious to the throngs of voters who selected his bike over O’Geen’s ’41 knucklehead, which was definitely one of the highlights of the show.
With 10 weeks to build their bikes, the two iron artisans busted their asses to unveil some of the coolest chops ever displayed at a Hawaii bike event, and both can be proud for their effort.
With 67 bikes entered into the drive-in bike show, and nearly 1000 bikes, and hundreds of cars in the parking lot of the school at the base of Diamond Head, Hawaii’s biker community and general public merged to create a synergy not experienced since the 2004 Choppers Only show when Billy Lane, Indian Larry, Peter Fonda, Mondo Porras, Paul Cox, Jose De Miguel, Bandit, and a host of other greats joined Hawaii’s Ohana for a party unmatched before this year’s rally.
Over 30 vendors, and 15 sponsors showcased their wares, and celebrated Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s 2nd anniversary with a backdrop of heavy music courtesy of local rockers Big Dawg, and Warner Bros. Recording artist Kevin McKay of the Warren Commission.
Events like the Island Tattoo Contest, Sensually Yours Bikini Contest, and the ride in bike show kept the crowd entertained until the Big Schwag announced the winner of the BMC Rolling Chassis that was given away by BMC’s Big Mike & Hawaiian Chopper Editor-in-Chief Steve Kalnasy. Congratulations go out to Robert Williams of Ewa Beach who had the winning ticket and pushed away what will one day be one of Hawaiian Choppers featured chops. Thanks for the contribution Mike. I expect that that chassis will be something that BMC will be proud of…
I am just now beginning to get my sanity back after one fucking crazy weekend, and I want to take a moment and recognize some of those behind the scenes people who helped me create a one cool party.
My partner Wanda Shipp, Mike Caswell & Pasha Hawaii, Big Mike of BMC Choppers & his brother Jason Rouse, Todd, James & the boys at Budweiser, Mario Medri, Bill Van & the crew at Pacific Rim Cycle, Mark Eli, Dan Franco & everyone at South Seas Harley, Domenico’s Harley-Davidson, Cycle City, Mikey’s Speed Shop, Mobi Pacific, Ryan Lau & the Tattoo Krew, Bandit & Bikernet, Steve Hoppis & Nancy Carr, Big Fatt Tatts, my brother Kevin McKay, Sugar Bear, Shannon Aikau, Harold Pontarelli, Roger Kuwahara & the brothers at Kustom Fab, Nui Kauhane, Noah O’Geen, Bo Irvine, Ed Canoy, Big Schwag, Kapiolani Community College and a host of others I am sure I am forgetting (sorry bout that folks)…
Finally, I want to give some props to Deacon & Chris Tronolone for setting the stage for me. Without their hard work in the past, the Paradise Bikefest wouldn’t have been possible…
Now with that event under my belt, I hope you will all join us for the Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off 2 being held Sunday, December 3rd following the annual Toys-for-Tots run. December in Hawaii! What could be better???
Ahui ho,
–Steven Kalnasy
Editor-in-Chief
Hawaiian Chopper
Bonneville 2006–Salt Shaker/Bonne Bell 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
We’re building two bikes to take to Bonneville for the Bubs International Speed Trials, September 3-7th, 2006. So each segment we publish may contain elements of both, the 1940, 45-cubic inch flathead and the first ever Sportbike Panhead designed by John Reed of Custom Chrome. It’s his V-Bike and we’re dropping a 120-inch Accurate built Panhead engine in it with a Baker 6-speed trans and tie the two together with a Compu-fire/BDL primary drive.
Since this is a learning experience for all of us, from several standpoinds, I’m going ask numerous questions. Hell, I asked anyone who will listen to me. I’ll watch the World’s Fastest Indian over and over. I may stop folks in the street. I asked John Reed about the fasteners supplied with the V-Bike from Custom Chrome. I had a couple of concerns. This wouldn’t be the ordinary street bike, but a rubbermounted scooter that we’re going to push as close to 200 mph as possible. We want it to hang together and especially of Valerie Thompson is aboard the beast. Here’s what John had to say:
I think because they are a lot bigger than they have to be, so I think they are quite adequate if you have washers both side, I usually change hardware on my own stuff, because I try to make them as small and neat as I can, like on race cars or airplanes. I like good quality stainless, so I can machine the heads and wire lock them without rust. I take things off/on a lot of times in the busy areas. I tend to use better quality air plane qty stuff if I can get it, I hate chrome hardware.
Tim Remus phoned me years ago and asked if he could come down and photograph my hardware stash because he was going to write a book on it.
”Why,” I ask?
He said, “Because you are anal.” I had never heard the word before, and I racked my brains to see if anything I had done before has come out of its closet and was going to kick me up my anal passage. I was worried. I am all mouth, but perhaps he didn’t think so.
He worked diligently for a couple of days pulling parts out of the screw racks, documenting and photographing, and I asked him what the fuck was anal, and who has been talking, etc. etc. etc.
He pulled out a little box filled with washers. He said, “What about these?”
I said they are machined, high quality stainless washers that are chamfered on the inner face, so they fit perfectly in the high quality stainless screw, hollowed in the head for lightness, with small holes in 6 places for lock wires.
“Where did you get them,” he said?
“I got them in an airplane scrap yard when I lived in England.”
“When did you get them,” He continued to question?
“About 30 years ago,” said I.
“Why haven’t you used them for 30 years,” Tim kept grilling me?
“I’m waiting for a special project,” I replied. “It’s a shame to waste them on something mundane.” I found out…… that’s fucking anal.
Axle adjuster on the Sportbike Pan
We installed the rear swingarm axle adjusters and were curious about two things. First I like a solid slider on the inside of the retangular swingarm to support and add strength. Plus the CCI chromed caps for the back of the swingarm didn’t seem to fit. John Reed filled me in:
They sell the kit with the OEM adjuster with the steel plate, you use the axle spacer with the thread part of the adjuster, but there is (or there should be) a billet cap which replaces the oem steel one with your hardware.
V Steering Neck
I also asked John if I should add a gusset to the neck. The frame appears very strong, but I considered a neck gusset. John set me straight:
I have never had any problems with the head, The frame tube is way thicker wall than needed. The lower tubes have a gusset below and the double top tube takes the weld round a lot of the neck. The FXR style big diameter necks spread the load round a larger area and are a lot stronger than the smaller dia ones used on Softails, etc. I don’t think they need additional gusseting,
I have had problems when I used the lower bearing straight on the lower tree, and I always put a spacer (about 0 .150-inch thick) under the bearing.
45 Flathead Frame Straightening by U.S. Choppers
First we put the frame on the table and leveled the table with a Starrett master precision level. This gives the table .001 accuracy. Then we began to level the frame to the table. Starting by the motor mounts we leveled the frame in both X and Y axis. When this was achieved we checked that the motor will sit level in both X and Y planes. Once it is determined that this was the case, we can assumed that the front down tube and the center post were in alignment for both X and Y axis as well as the top motor mount was parallel.
From there we worked back to the tranny mount. The trans must sit parallel with the motor mounts in X plane so as not to cause excessive chain binding. Working back to the rear axle we needed to determine if the rear chain stayed (the rear triangle) in alignment with the rest of the frame, especially in relation to the steering stem alignment rod. The rear axle must be directly perpendicular to the steering alignment rod.
Following this, measurements will be taken from the center point of the rear axle in relation to the steering alignment rod to make sure the rear axle stays are not swayed to one side or the other. This process will begin next week.
So far we have proved that the neck post, motor mounts and tranny are in sync with each other. Next the most important part will be examined… determining the rear axle position to the steering neck for frame bowing and alignment.
Hope all is well…. been thinking about this EPA deal. I'm with the MRF on this one and am planning on putting the questionnaire on my site for people to forward on- keep up the good fight. You’re one of the few who are persistently posting EPA stuff….. We need to stay on these assholes!!!
-Rick
U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/
Lone Star 2006 Rally
By Bandit | | General Posts
The Lone Star Rally came at a very beautiful time this year. My wife and I had a sitter for the kids, we were both scheduled off from our jobs, and the weather called for three days of clear skies and beautiful weather. With our hotel reservations set, we departed from beautiful humble, Texas about mid-morning on Friday, November 3. My wife was riding her sleek little 883 custom while I was aboard my trusty Springer. We were joined on the trip by my partner-in-crime, Mike, and his lovely wife, Tonia.
We expected the rally attendance to be down again this year due to the fact the rally was held on opening weekend for deer season. I am not to sure about the rest of the country, but most men in southeast Texas, watch the calendar and count the weeks to opening weekend of hunting season. What made this year even more unique was, we had a cold front late Thursday evening that put the temperatures in the high 40’s, low 50’s. We only have a week of winter in my neck of the woods, and to have a cold front move in the day before deer season are nearly as remote as finding a true running Panhead with matching numbers for under 5 grand. Well, we were wrong in assuming the numbers. I guess all the Harley riding hunters figured they still have two months to hunt, but this is the last damn rally of the year, might as well enjoy the party.
We had an uneventful ride into Galveston, just smooth sailing. We arrived in Galveston and headed to our hotel room, The Best Western, on the Seawall. Now if you have never stayed in Galveston, it is a pretty straightforward set-up, street-wise. The turn-off from the highway takes you to a road that runs parallel to the coast; the Seawall. You can go for miles to the right or to the left, either way; it’s just beaches, hotels, restaurants, and fishing piers. Our hotel was on the seawall, which gave us quick access to the beach, food, bikes, and a view to die for.
After a quick meal at one of our famous Mexican food restaurants, we were ready to hit the Strand. This year, its fifth year , the Lone Star Rally not only ran from 21st street to 25th street on the Strand, but also had a section of vendors on the Seawall. This was an unprecedented event, considering the Seawall had never been closed for an event before. We decided to bypass the Seawall vendors and go straight to the Strand. We were not disappointed.
The Strand was once the upper-class shopping district in Galveston in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. A series of fires, hurricanes, and exiled heavyweight champion started the eventual slide away from Galveston.
We like to look for these signs as we travel. They seem to give us a sense of perspective and make us appreciate today. Look for them if you ever travel through Texas.
Today, The Strand is nothing more than a quaint little shopping district geared towards tourists looking for a taste of the old times. From a small old-time soda shop and candy store, to the brick roads with tram tracks running through it; The Strand is a piece of history placed into this century.
It didn’t take very long at all for the streets to get overwhelmed with activity.
Now I have read plenty of articles lately with the author complaining about yuppies, newbies, old-school, new-school, bobber, chopper, not a real biker, blah, blah, blah. I will not do that here. For the most part, the rally is filled by a bunch of people who all have one basic love, motorcycles. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and I do not recall seeing anyone getting too out of control. While the cops were on hand to apprehend if anyone acted completely out of line, I did not see anything out of the ordinary. From the time I arrived on the strand Friday night, to the time I left Sunday evening, the place was packed from front to back with bikes, beer, and people. It was a blast!
Bikes like this were commonplace. The only difference seemed to be the paintjobs. They are impressive, but seem to be “blending in” which is sort of anti-chop.
Another carbon-copy style chopper with an upgrade in graphics.
This green monster caught my eye and definitely displayed some intricate details. I was starting to get a little “crowded” at this point, so my options of taking pictures gets limited sometimes to partial, detailed, close-ups of parts of the bikes.
Friday night was filled with us traveling up and down the streets looking at bikes, drinking beer, and generally just having fun. I met quite a few people on Friday who were regular stiffs just like me who just happened to ride a Harley. It was kind of nice visiting somewhere that everyone didn’t associate themselves as a master builder just because they turn wrenches.
The Strand stayed busy throughout, and it was a constant parade ground for everyone to show off their bikes. While it is not Sturgis, it is definitely the closest thing to it in these parts.
The girl on the left is my wife, Salena. After buying her an 883 Custom in March, she has been slowly riding more and more. I am very proud to say she made it through the rally and all it’s “brewhaha” without a single scratch on her bike. She has become my favorite riding partner on the road as well as life. The girl on the right is her best friend Tonia. She is a rider herself, but after having a near-fatal, bike cartwheeling, whipping-through-the-air after hitting a car at 120 mph on a GSXR last year, she was a passenger this year. We all thank the Big Man upstairs for allowing her to be with us again this year.
this was a cool little chop that caught my eye.
The night life is approaching.
I was glad it didn’t rain. When it rains, the bricks and railcar paths get slick. I was nervous enough for my wife without the thought of her slipping down and getting hurt due to unusual conditions.
It was not uncommon to see the older crowd cruising along on their pensions.
Friday was pretty much a great, Sturgis-like, night until I realized I lost my Panoptx glasses. I was pissed all the way back to the hotel room when my wife realized she had lost her cell phone. I just got back on my bike, rode back to the Strand, and looked for her phone for another two hours. Talk about a buzz kill.
This was The Strand later after I went back. Pictures do not do it justice as you have to envision the sound of rev-limiters, popping engines, and an all-night party atmosphere. Believe me when I say the freaks come out at night. I laughed my ass off.
I went back to the room to find my wife and my best friend in bed together. Nah, just kidding. I was just giving ya a check to make sure you were actually reading this. Actually, they were all fast asleep and I came back to a very noisy (snoring) room. I only slept a few hours before I woke up and rode back to the party grounds to see if maybe the glasses or phone had been kicked to the side during the night. I was surprised to find the streets had already been cleaned and all the trash cans were emptied. It was only 4 in the morning! I decided to ride Galveston for a while and just relax.
Saturday Morning, November 4th
I took these sunrise shots from our balcony on Saturday morning. I am still learning about these digital cameras, but I think these shots look pretty great!
There is something special about certain rides. Each one has it’s own characteristics that makes it special to each individual, but every one reminds us about how special it is to ride. There’s all the riding at Sturgis, night riding on an empty freeway, riding through twisties, and then there’s coastal riding. There is nothing like riding along the coast on your Genuine H-D experiencing the exhilarating explosion of sensory overload. It’s times like that where I realize why people would move to the West coast and need to ride the PCH. It must be incredible.
The parking lot of the IHOP was as busy as any bike show I have ever attended. It was awesome!
This guy pulls up on this chopper like he had been riding it for thirty years. I tried to get a shot of him but he was obviously in a hurry because he just ran into the restaurant covering his face.
Although Saturday really melted over from Friday for me, I was pumped to get the day started. Upon my wife waking up and checking her jacket for God-only-knows-what, she found her phone tucked safely in the breast pocket. At least we were now only out 200 bucks for my glasses and not 450 for the glasses AND the phone.
My buddy Mike sitting on my bike at the parking lot. He rides a Geezer Glide, so I guess he wanted a chance to look cool. He failed.
Once everyone from my camp had woken and taken their showers, we ate breakfast at the local IHOP before heading over to The Convention Center for The Texas National Bike Show. While waiting outside IHOP for a table, I took several great shots of bikes zooming along with the ocean and sun creating only black silhouettes of cool.
Coastal riding, In the Wind, cruising, and whatever else caption you think fits.
Looks like a postcard or something, doesn’t it?
Heading over to the Convention Center.
The Texas National Bike Show
We entered the bike show and were amazed that the price was only ten dollars to get in. Besides having events scheduled for the better part of two days, Holly, the show’s promoter, had lined the hall with some of the sharpest bikes I have ever seen. Besides the bikes, there was beer, food, magazines, vendors, and last but not least, Darryl Briggs was doing actual photo shoots in the corner of the show. It was awesome watching a world-class photographer do his thing with the lovely ladies. I spoke with him and we will be putting together several more Girls of Bikernet features for the loyal readers of Bikernet very, very soon.
This bike was getting wheeled in while the model got ready to drape herself on it. Darryl Briggs was getting ready for the photo shoot, so out of professional courtesy, I contained my desire to also shoot pictures. Trust me; you will be seeing some of those shots very soon.
My personal pick or the show. Then again, I liked them all.
Kent Weeks, The Devil, was slithering around the center whispering sweet nothings laced with evil to a few of the models. I tried to keep my head down and shelter my wonderful wife as much as possible. While I did see some beautiful bikes, my friends wanted to get moving. I told Kent and Holly bye as I planned to be back later in the evening. Unfortunately, I never made it back.
The parade continues. Hey, I think that’s my uncle?
Picture of yours truly on The Strand. Notice what shirt I am wearing? Hmm…maybe a kickback for advertising.
Chicks on choppers…..nice.
An original chopper. Notice the old-Le pera seat? Too cool.
Discovery’s Biker Build Off
Chica’s build-off bike. He would later win.
There is so much going on during the weekend, it’s really hard to stay in one place. We ended up going to Willie g’s Icehouse and heading to the Harbor for some seafood. Mike and Tonia wanted to do a little shopping, so Salena and I just walked the line watching bikes and meeting people. On the way to Joe’s Crab Shack, we noticed Chica was standing by a beautiful new bike I hadn’t seen yet. We would soon find out it was an actual competition between Chica and Evil spirit Choppers for an upcoming episode of Discovery’s Biker build Off series. I met both builders and they both said they looked forward to seeing their mugs on Bikernet. I think they were pulling my leg.
Johnny and Chica!
Evil Spirit Choppers Build Off Bike.
I met Jay, a friend of Bandit’s, who had built a bike featured right here on Bikernet. He was very friendly and seemed as happy to meet me as I was him. We were told to be back at the main stage at 5 pm for the big winner announcement, which would later be Chica.
The Chopper King Hugh King. I think he was about to shoot me the finger.
I also met Hugh King and was surprised to find he isn’t near as kooky in person as what he seemed on TV.
Everywhere bikes could be parked was utilized during the weekend.
We ate dinner and decided to once again walked the Strand. That was the common theme of the weekend. Eat, drink, and walk the Strand. While there is some nice riding in Galveston, you feel compelled to stay close to the action because you never know what will happen.
Chica with his trophy
Saturday night!!! Party, Parade, and Pass Out!
The night time is when the freaks come out. You will see every type of bike and biker that is known to mankind. There are lots of women of all shapes, ages, and size walking around in some of the wackiest outfits you will ever see. I saw plenty of painted on outfits while we were partying this weekend.
She’s not wearing a bikini.
By far the cooling damn helmet I saw all weekend!
This was cool. The guy had a Paul Cox seat to go along with this Larry styled chop.
This is how the world began to appear to me. I am not sure if it was the deafening noise, the smell of rubber, the liquor, or if I was just drunk with joy, but it was time to call it a night. We left The Strand by Midnight, and were sleeping before 12:20. By the time I woke up on Sunday morning, we had one hour to check out!
Saturday eventually became a blur and the next thing I can recall is waking up in the hotel on Sunday morning. While I did stay in Galveston most of the day, my mind was too fogged to be of any use to anyone especially in the art of recollection. My wife and I rode home Sunday evening without incident (Yeah Salena!) and we went to bed exhausted from a wild weekend of drinking, riding, and partying. I do not know what rallies were like in the seventies, but my experience of them in the 2000’s is ok with me. I think I will definitely make this a yearly event.
Sunday morning on The Strand.
Hey, I’m trying to be like Bandit and gather my harum.
Saxon Models For 2006
By Bandit | | General Posts
I ran into a Saxon rep at LifeStyle Cycles in Orange County, David Schwam (he's now the VP of sales and marketing). He was showing the boss, Junior, his new line-up. It smacked of another Big Dog, and then I spied the Black Crown designed by Gard of LA County Chop Rods. My interest was piqued and we offered to run a road test in HOT BIKE. A relationship was sparked. I love to watch these companies and work with them, if I feel they’re on the right track, have the heart, desire, and resources and are prepared to build a quality product. I’ve been watching Saxon for a year now.
I look for signs, sometimes-small elements, like the way they treat their people that show class, integrity and creativity. This company displayed several positive aspects, in a time of extensive competition, new EPA regs, and manufacturing challenges. It’s going to be interesting to watch what happens over the next few years.
The crew behind this operation consists of four partners, all from the construction industry. They grew with the 14-billion-a-year Pulti-home industry, so they began as working stiffs and made their way. The Saxon company is entirely privately funded by the partners. But it’s their desire for quality and perfection that impressed me the most. They look hard at each bike and study it for defects. The partners are actively involved in all elements of the construction of each model. The team consists of Mike Gaber, in charge of finance (CFO Pulte Homes), Jerry Petty, who owned a window business in Phoenix. His main customer was Pulte Homes when he sold the business in ’96. He oversees the construction. Steve Seymoure organized the group. He came from a history at Pulte Homes (President of the Western Region) assisting its rise from $250-million a year company to multi-billions and 300 homes a year. That’s a lot of crash pads. There’s another Mike, I call him Detroit, since he still lives there. He was the Chief Administrative Officer of Pulte.
Another key element was the desire to reach out of the box with the Black Crown, which are selling faster than cold beers at a hot ball game. Personally, I believe that thinking unique is going to make or break several of these companies. They need to deliver excitement as much as anything else.
Speaking of fireworks, I received a call from Schwam recently, “Let’s ride,” he said and sent me an invitation to ride their new model line-up for 2006 from Phoenix to the nearest beach in Rocky Point , Mexico, 3.5 hours due south. Sounded like fun, so I caught a flight to Phoenix, in the heat, while hurricane Rita pounded the coast of Texas. As I stepped off the plane Dain Gingerilli, of Iron Works magazine said opening the door to the Southwest lobby, “They call it dry heat.”
It’s sorta like someone poured gasoline on your Levis and set you on fire as you walked out the door. The difference between Phoenix and Chicago in the summer is the humidity factor. I can’t take it back east. It’s reminiscent to being dipped in boiling water. I’m not sure which choice is more life threatening, but we were in Phoenix so we snorted “Dry Heat,” and smiled.
Three other Saxon team members gave presentations at the Golf Club Resort banquet room, Gary handled Q &A, Jessica, with a delightful smile, works warranty claims and John redesigned their manufacturing facility to be an assembly line configuration. Of course David Schwam rocked the room as the marketing guru.
I’ll run through some of the elements of their presentation, but you’ll find that the bottom line is your ultimate interpretation of the motorcycle and the company behind it. Saxon’s goals for 2006 include building reliable motorcycles with a low price point to compete with Big Dog and American Iron Horse.
Their first year challenges included Brand recognition, developing a reliable supply chain, dialing in their manufacturing process, refining quality issues, supplying financing, new product launches including the Royal Crown and the wide tire (300) Griffin, developing a retail distribution network through dealers and federal and EPA compliance.
Saxon Motorcycle Company introduced four models for the 2005 line, with price points starting at $21,995. Each of the four models included an S&S engine, 6-speed transmission, a fat 250 rear tire, a Softail suspension and a choice of 8 colors.
The kick-off Saxon line included the Warlord, Saxon’s radical flagship chopper, the Firestorm, a long and low pro-street, the Broad Sword, a great looking and easy to ride beach cruiser, and the Sceptre, a classic sport cruiser.
In addition to the four models, Saxon planned to launch two additional highly anticipated models for 2006, the Black Crown, a retro-modern chopper and the Griffin, an aggressive signature series pro-street. Mike O’Brien, co-founder added “Our 2005 line is designed to appeal to a broad group of American motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an affordable bike that is sure to turn heads”.
Saxon’s commitment goes far beyond building and selling motorcycles. “We believe that our dealers and consumers deserve a level of customer service that should go along with any premium product purchase” said O’Brien. Saxon has developed a proprietary Dealer Extranet system and numerous internal processes and procedures to ensure that issues can be resolved quickly and customers can be made to feel like the central focus of a growing company.
In addition to the motorcycle line, Saxon launched the Saxon American Armor line of motorcycle lifestyle apparel. O’Brien commented, “The American Armor line was designed to appeal not only to Saxon Motorcycle owners, but to the huge group of custom motorcycle enthusiasts. We believe that through a well designed apparel program we can broaden Saxon’s appeal and increase our customer base”.
Highlights of the 2005 Saxon line included:
• S&S 96 CI engines and 6-speed transmissions standard on all models
• Powdercoated color-matched Softail frames and 250 rear tires standard on all models
• Eight color choices: Black, Pearl White, Silver, Orange, Chrome Yellow, Candy Red, Black Cherry Candy and Pearl Blue
• Digital speedometers on the Warlord and Firestorm models
• Custom seats embroidered with the Saxon logo
• Three levels of graphics packages, including a fully custom option
• Upgrade options including an S&S 111 engine, billet wheels and a chrome package
The Saxon production goals included 400 bikes in 2005, 770 in 2006, 1190 in 2007, 1670 in 2008, 2100 in 2009. Here’s the rundown on the 2006 line from the factory:
With the overwhelming success of the 2005 models, Saxon Motorcycle Company stepped up for the 2006 model year with one new model and several sweeping changes over their entire model line while keeping their commitment to reliability, affordability and comfort. Saxon Motorcycle Company will maintain the overall production standards that have made them a prevalent force in the motorcycle industry after only a year of production by offering reliability, quality and competitive pricing. “We will make improvements on our model line every year because we feel it’s important for the public to know that we are investing in the future of our company and want to put out the best product possible,” said David Schwam, Saxon’s Vice President of sales and marketing.
Saxon has also set themselves apart from the industry by employing master builder and motorcycle designer Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods to design signature Saxon Motorcycles each year. The 2006 model year begins with production of Hollinger’s premier design The Saxon Black Crown, which has received critical acclaim from the motorcycling press as an “Old-School Modernistic” styled production motorcycle with several custom design elements that set it apart from all other manufactured motorcycles. Hollinger is currently designing another motorcycle for Saxon’s signature line which will be released mid year and will yet again offer consumers a unique custom designed bike at a great value.
The new 2006 Saxon Motorcycle base models start at just $22,595 and go to $26,995 MSRP. “We have tried to keep the base price of all of our 2006 models reasonable and give the customer the ability to customize their bike with the numerous options packages we have available, which range from a full custom paint job to wheel and chrome packages,” said Schwam.
The launch of the new 300 mm rear tire Griffin model marks the launch of the new model year and allows customers the option to have a right side drive with a monstrous 300 mm tire bike at a reasonable price (Covered below).
Changes to the Saxon Motorcycle Company 2006 Models included:
A right side drive 6 speed transmission standard on the Griffin, Warlord, Firestorm, and Sceptre
Numerous ergonomic changes to improve rider comfort
Increased rear suspension travel
Improved wiring to make the electrical system more serviceable
New Saxon branded proprietary components including pegs, grips, coil cover, shift linkage and key
A fatter 260mm Metzler rear tire standard on the Warlord, Sceptre and Firestorm
Saxon proprietary digital speedometer standard on all models
Optional Accessories
Sissy bar available
2-up seats universal for Griffin, Warlord and Sceptre
Several handlebar options
Exhaust swap option available
New chrome and billet wheel options
New paint colors
New graphic options
Black out package available includes wheels, triple trees, lower legs, and pipes
Like the 2005 models, all 2006 Saxon Motorcycles feature S&S 96 or 111-inch engines, are EPA and CARB certified and carry a two-year unlimited miles limited warranty. Here’s the follow-up on the Griffin.
Saxon Motorcycle Company today introduced its all new Griffin model, one of the first manufactured motorcycles with the 300 mm rear tire. The model features ultra modern design elements and components.
“The Griffin represents a motorcycle design that is truly on the cutting edge as far as technology and styling,” said David Schwam, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By manufacturing a motorcycle with a 300 mm rear tire we are able to offer a radical semi-custom bike to the general public at an affordable price.”
The Griffin has several features you would expect to see on a full custom motorcycle and with a base price of just $25,995, it can’t be beat. The frame is a single down tube right side drive frame and is coupled with a 6 speed transmission. The 45 degrees of overall rake, 6-inch stretch in the down tube and 2-inch stretch in the backbone make this a bike that will handle superbly. “We want to keep on the cutting edge of the industry and offer new models to keep up with the demand for something different. With the advent of the 300 mm tire, we wanted to find an appropriate platform that could show Saxon as an industry leader in innovation, performance and affordability,” said Schwam.
With the launch of the Griffin, Saxon is rounding out its existing model line with a third chopper, which has a unique design and appeal. “The Griffin is a great complement to the Warlord, Firestorm, Sceptre and Black Crown. It allows us to go after the customer who wants the styling of a semi-custom super wide tire motorcycle while offering them the reliability, performance and value that Saxon is known for.” said Schwam.
The Griffin will be available in Saxon Dealerships nationwide starting in late October, with its MSRP anticipated to start at $25,995.
Highlights of the Griffin include:
300 mm Avon rear tire
11-inch over inverted front-end
Radical right side drive frame with 40 degree rake in the neck as well as 5 degrees in the triple trees
Frame has 6-inch stretch in the down tube and 2-inch in the backbone
Proprietary Saxon digital speedometer
Softail suspension frame
Black S&S 96 CI engine and 6-speed transmission right side drive standard with an available S&S 111 engine upgrade
Nine color choices
Three levels of graphics including an entirely custom option.
David Schwam explained the 2006 Objectives which included: Establishing Saxon as an industry leading brand. They will readily refine the manufacturing processes since the company has no debt and their facility, equipment and inventory is owned. They can also double capacity to 1500 a year without the need for capital investment. “We will continually improve our supply chain,” David said, “through constant investigation.” Plans are in place to achieve retail sales Targets, build their dealer network and introduce new innovative models. Gard’s already working on a new one. Speaking of Gard, here’s the rundown on the Black Crown
Saxon Motorcycle Company today introduced it’s signature model, the Black Crown, designed by Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods. The model features old school design elements, modern features and fully custom components unlike any other production motorcycle.
“The Black Crown represents a motorcycle design that has traditionally been reserved for true custom bikes” said Mike O’Brien, co-founder. “By partnering with Gard, we have been able to develop a motorcycle that looks like a one-off custom with truly unique design elements and make it rideable and affordable”.
The Black Crown features numerous hand crafted design elements including a crown motif sissy bar and gas cap, custom designed gas tank, rear fender and oil bag and a hand tooled leather seat.
“I’ve always been inspired by the raw, minimalist approach of motorcycle customization in the 1950s and 60s. The Black Crown has strong clean lines complemented by subtle themed components” said Hollinger. The paint on the Black Crown is also distinct – “We wanted to use the popular black primer look from the ‘50s but give it a modern twist, so we added metal flake to create a unique finish” added Hollinger. The end product is a great looking chopper with a refined edge and untamed attitude.
With the launch of the Black Crown, Saxon is rounding out its existing four model line with a second chopper which has unique design appeal. “The Black Crown is a great complement to the Warlord, Firestorm, Sceptre and BroadSword. It allows us to go after the customer who wants the styling of a fully custom motorcycle while offering them the reliability, performance and value that Saxon offers.” said O’Brien.
The Black Crown will be available in Saxon Dealerships nationwide starting in late May, with its MSRP anticipated to start at $26,995.
Highlights of the Black Crown include:
Retro style springer front end
Custom “LACC Frisco King” gas tank and “647F Tank” oil bag
LACC Crown gas cap and sissy bar
Heat wrapped “LACC Mad Fish” Exhaust
Natural leather “LACC 288 Pad” seat with hand tooled Saxon signature icon logo
240 rear tire
Color-matched 60 spoke wheels
Softail suspension frame
Black S&S 96 CI engine and 6-speed transmission standard with an available S&S 111 engine upgrade
Two unique paint options: Satin black with red metal flake and satin black with a silver metal flake both with Black Crown pinstripe graphics.
”When the Saxon factory opened in Casa Grande Arizona the bikes were built with two-man teams,” John Bishop, the manufacturing head, explained. “At that point we built eight bikes a week.” He’s created an assembly line with the same teams handling specific functions and building 12-15 bikes a week. Their goal is to instill a Quality Culture. “Do it right the first time,” John said.
But they follow it up with auto quality: “Detect defects where they occur.” Containment Methodology for quality issues Quality problem solving methodology: QRQC Prevention Quality Systems: Adapt TS16949 cost effectively Respect of Product Guidelines Engineering Validation Plans and Change Control.
They currently use two to four custom painters for sheet metal and one local powder coater for frames and bracket coatings. After the initial presentation the various journalists were afforded a ride on all the models around Phoenix and out to the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler. I rode the Black Crown for the first time, then the Firestorm with a light hydraulic clutch action and zoomy styling which wasn’t for me, but I discovered something critical over the next couple of days. I also rode the hot rod Griffin. Although it was hot as hell, we shifted from bike to bike testing the agility, seating position and getting generally acquainted with the various Saxon models.
At dinner I found that David was a stickler for customer service and he’s backed by all the partners. “We contact all our new riders and ask them to take a service satisfaction survey,” David said. “We offer dealers finance and insurance support and we make sure to show our customers appreciation.” Over the three wild days I witnessed a warranty claim in action. David made sure the partners knew of the problem, that he was informed of the servicing dealer and how fast the problem was remedied. Then he reported all the efforts and outcome to the partners. They were all involved.
The next morning we met up with our gear and were hauled to the Casa Grande assembly plant, on nine acres, for a tour, coffee and donuts. Who the hell eats donuts anymore, other than cops? Never mind. The 40,000 square-foot factory was built in ’62 and completey refurbished by the partners for $360,000, which brought up to current code. It’s next to a railway spur, 1 mile north of interstate 8, 6 miles from the 10 freeway and right off the Florence Prison exit. In another up-coming Bikernet article I’ll pick apart the Saxon manufacturing/Assembly process and give you a tour of the plant.
Then the adventure began as I straddled a Saxon 2006 Sceptre with a 96-inch S&S engine and a 260 rear tire. It wasn’t my style. I like ‘em long and stretched like my women. Not exactly, but it sounds good. I actually like lean, light and mean choppers that fit me and round and voluptuous women with giant tits, who fit me, but we’ll leave that alone for now. The bike was comfortable as we peeled through a low desert Indian reservation strewn with Mesquite bushes and Organ, Soyoro and jumping cactus. There was concern from other riders about the vibration in the Sceptre bars, but it wasn’t severe and only occurred at a particular rpm range, around 60 mph. Later we discovered that the torque rating on the rubbermounted bars was too high, pinching the vibration dampening element out of the bars. Jerry took care of that with a call to the factory.
Although the styling of this bike didn’t appeal to me, because I look too goddamn big on this low slung style we discovered the appearance can be deceiving and how to rectify, looks vs. seating comfort. I was anxious to ride the Warlord with a taller stretch for my lanky self, but the Spector was comfortable. All the models for 2006 run Roadmax (or R-max) right-side drive transmissions, so they tracked as straight as a quality cue stick. At 100 mph it buzzed along without a problem and the rake in the trees allowed me to corner with the best of them. I wasn’t hanging on the bars. My feet didn’t vibrate off the pegs, even at high speeds.
At a Casino gas stop in the middle of nowhere, in 104 degree heat, I switched to the stretched Warlord and felt at home, until we rolled out. Suddenly my feet weren’t comfortable on the pegs and I was hanging onto the bars. Something wasn’t right. At the next stop we conferred. Saxon offers models with a variety of bars, push seats and brackets to change the position of the forward controls. I was astonished by the difference a seat and controls makes. But it demonstrated that the correct seating position can be established quickly with the right component mix.
As soon as we crossed the border in Sonoyta, we recognized the adventure we were on, like a handful of outlaws escaping the city for a 200 mile ride to the coast of the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. We rumbled through villages, blasted across a 40 mile expanse of desert into Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) for a cruise boat ride, beers and smiling, sultry entertainment.
I rode the agile, stretched Black Crown, felt the zap of both Sceptres, straddled a Firestorm and anxiously jumped the long Warlord. If you thought Phoenix was hot, ride to Mexico. I could have sworn we hit 120 degrees, but reports indicated 105. As we reached the coast the rough texture of Mexico turned highend with a soft beaches lined with luxury condos.
Even submerged in beers someone explained the Saxon six year extended warranty, their extensive primary warrenty, 2000 trained service outlets and online claims handling. I’ll cover more of the service side when I write my road test article on the Warlord. I’ll dig deeper into the specific components, but for now I’ll nurse my hangover and hope that I’ve given you a fair compendium of Saxon’s brief heritage and line-up for 2006.
contact:
Saxon Motorcycle Company
Tel (520) 426-3000
www.saxonmotorcycles.com
2006 H-D Duece Road Test
By Johnny White | | General Posts
I got the call on a cloudy Monday morning as I was drinking my morning coffee and trying to figure out which hand to jerk off with that morning. Just as I had made up my mind, I think it was the left hand; the phone began ringing with the resonance off my morning alarm clock.
“Hey you lazy bastard, get off the couch and head to the shop to pick up the Deuce I told you about.”
I don’t know how that old bastard found me, but he always seemed to get the number. You’d figure a three state change would wipe you off the map. Nah, this guy remembers everybody.
“Hey Bandit, I didn’t forget. I was…”
“Shut up!” he interrupted.” Just go get the Goddamn bike. I needed the story last week for the December issue.” Click. Such was the normal conversation with the man who goes by Ball.
I jumped in the shower and washed my nizats, when I began thinking why I had never wanted to do this bike feature. The Deuce was a sleek looking bike, but it just seemed a little… well, metro sexual. I rode a Fatboy, the badass of the bad. I mean, hell, Arnold even picked one for his now famous role as TERMINATOR. You just could not help but feel like a complete badass when riding it. The Deuce was sleeker and prettier, not really the bike fitted for the dumpy bouncer physique I had molded into these last few years. The deuce would fit someone who belongs in an underwear ad on Madison Avenue.
I made it to the dealer to pick up the bike a little earlier than expected. This cocky dude named Jay was talking to the salesman about the Deuce out front. I think that’s the deuce I’m supposed to try out. That fuckin guy. Typical New Yorker. Acts like he has no patience for anyone else, and treats people like they are all below him. Damn cocksmoker, guy’s wearing tennis shoes and a white t-shirt for Christ sakes.
So I hear the salesman yakking with this kid, when the owner shows up and asks me if I’m the guy he was waiting for.
“Yeah, I’m Johnny, you fat fuck. What the hell is going on, I thought I was taking the king sized Sportster for a test ride. Who’s that fuckin yahoo?”
“Hey, calm down. Ball said you’d be a little later. I was having the bike detailed before you showed up and that guy happened to see her from the street. He showed up with his whole Goddamn family, all taking pictures and shit.”
“No shit? What a fuckin RUB.”
“Yeah, hell you got to sell it to them though. They have the cash…err, should I say credit.”
“Hey go fuck yourself! You’re probably going to sell him that bike for 5 grand less than what I bought my bike for. The only reason the yuppies are even involved is because you greedy motherfuckers charged yuppie prices and drove the normal guy out of the market.”
“Hey guy, how about you calm..”
“No, motherfucker you calm down. Now get me the god damn key so I can take the damn bike on a across the border into Mexico and trade it for weed.”
He tossed me a key and looked like someone just pulled the dildo from his bleeding ass.
As soon as I sat on the bike, I noticed the unique riding position. You actually feel as if you are sitting in the bike rather than on it. The seat also comes up high on your lower spine to give you the support you would need on the long trips. I started her up and noticed the deep rumble of the Vance and Hines Big Shots with the slash tips thundering across the parking lot. A little tame for my taste, but that would change with the quick removal of her restrictive baffles. I like to set car alarms off from a mile away!
I quickly clicked her down into first and felt a little shimmering as I pulled out of the driveway. It felt as if passed through a patch of pebbles, but quickly discovered I was lighting her up on the way out. Holy shit, this thing’s got some pop!
As I started up the road I began to feel my body become one with the bike. If you have never ridden a Deuce, the ride is unbelievable and incomparable to other Softails.
For starters, the tank is extremely long yet sleek. It reminded me of the differences in our bike designs. Where my bike is a big battle axe ready to pulverize the city, this bike is a samurai sword poised to chop straight through it!
The handlebars are a little low for my taste, but quickly seem to mold to my hands. I found myself feeling more and more in tune with the bike the further I traveled. I almost forgot that I was on the bike and suddenly discovered I was traveling along in the triple digit range almost oblivious to the world.
I really wanted to keep riding her, as she was easily the smoothest cruiser I had ever been on, but I had to get back to work so I could hack away at this article.
As I squealed into the parking lot and power slid to a sideways halt, I felt invigorated. Truth be told, I never felt that way when I got off of my bike. Maybe it was always battling the wind and resistance, where as this bike cut through the wind and made the thought of a windshield absolutely pointless.
I stood back in awe and noticed the flame grips and pegs accentuating the lines of the bike. The chrome front end and forward controls only made the white paintjob seem whiter. Truth of it was, this bike looked fast sitting still. Many guys spend way too much money to make their bikes into something they will never truly be happy with. God this bike was fine!
“Hey Motherfucker, what the hell do you think you’re doing on my bike?” the incredibly annoying Yankee asked me.
“What do you mean, you’re bike? I am taking this bike for a test ride for a Bikernet.com.”
“Whoa there, partner,” a new salesman was approaching and saying.” The bike you were here to test ride is the blue one parked over there.”
He pointed to a stock blue Deuce sitting fifty feet away near the showroom.
“Wait a minute; I got these keys from your Sales manager. You know the salesman with the long hair and a beard I was talking to earlier.”
“He’s talking about the fucking hoodlum you have working in service who I tried to tell about my bike hissing like a fuckin snake.”
“Oh, you mean Sonny? He is a crazy Motherfucker, I can’t believe either one of you would believe a word he said,” the little sales twerp said as he was beginning to giggle.
Ok. I guess it mattered not about us not knowing the guy, but that kid Jay and I beat the snot out of this little sales prick. Not just that, but he got the bike for 2 grand under MSRP, and I got a free leather jacket out of the deal.
If you have never ridden this bike, you need to try to find one. This was by far the best riding Harley I had ever ridden. I still smile thinking about when I rode away that day. Even though that little snobby shit was still having his pictures taken while I was on the road, he is still in the brotherhood. Best of luck to him and that beautiful white bike that makes you wear sunglasses.
Till next time.
–Johnny
American Performance Cycles 2006 Models
By Bandit | | General Posts
American Performance Cycles started in 1996 and soon became a well-known manufacturer of high class, affordable custom production bikes that are approved for sale and use in all 50 states. As APC’s reputation for value and quality spread throughout the motorcycle industry, so did the demand for parts to build them. Early on, APC became concerned with all of their venders and their ability to deliver products in a timely manner so they began buying all of their own equipment and got into the manufacturing of all of their own products. This successful business decision has allowed them to control their own destiny and today, they build bikes as fast as needed. Dealers and customers alike never wait for product. “Mike Sample Jr. stated, “We got tired of waiting for products from outside sources and now manufacture most of our own parts so that we don’t have to rely on anyone.”
In 1998, APC grew out of their original building located in Bullhead City, AZ and moved to their new ultra modern 50,000 square foot facility in Las Vegas, NV. CEO/President Mike Sample stated, “Our business philosophy is to make the very best custom production bikes that are affordable, rideable and reliable. That’s we have five distinct models that are all reasonably priced, but can be built with a variety of options to suit the most discriminating buyer.” Mike sample Jr., Vice President of APC added, “Three out of our five models are available in four different packages, ranging from a 96-inch S&S motor all the way to a show quality polished 124-inch S&S engine.” All APC bikes are easily registered, insured and are financeable through all major banks and lending institutions.
APC’s MSRP per model:
High Roller 300 (Chopper) $41,995.00
High Roller 280 (Chopper) $40,595.00
High Roller 240 (Chopper) $31,800.00
High Roller S $25,995.00
Wild Card 300 $41,995.00
Wild Card 280 $40,595.00
Wild Card 240 $29,995.00
Hustler 300 $36,495.00
Hustler 280 $35,495.00
Hustler 240 $29,995.00
Hustler S $24,995.00
Evil Spirit 300 $25,995.00
Spirit S $23,995.00
Bike Descriptions and Specs
There are a total of five distinctive models…And four different packages offered from APC. The standard equipment packages are as follows:
300 Package-High Roller 300 (Chopper), Wild Card 300 and Hustler 300Includes polished 124-inch S&S engine, 6-speed right side drive transmission, 300 rear tire, climax controls (except Hustler 300), custom paint, custom chrome package including wheels, phantom inverted front end, tons of billet and much more.
280 Package- High Roller 280 (Chopper), Wild Card 280 and Hustler 280Includes polished 117-inch S&S engine, 6-speed right side drive transmission, 280 rear tire, climax controls, custom paint, custom chrome package including wheels, phantom inverted front end, tons of billet and much more.
240 Package- High Roller 240 (Chopper), Wild Card 240 and Hustler 240Includes polished 111” S&S engine, 6-speed right side drive transmission, 240 rear tire, custom paint, inverted front end and much more.
S Package-Hustler, Evil Spirit and SpiritIncludes 96-inch S&S engine, 6-speed transmission, 80 spoke wheels, semi custom paint (single flame, no pinstripe) and much more.
*Chrome package includes billet wheels, rear pulley, brake calipers, oil filter mount and forward controls
To see the latest from American Performance Cycles, visit www.apccycles.com or call 702-314-5272.
