Bikernet Interviews – Hells Angel Rusty Coones
By Bandit | | General Posts
First of all, I am a little nervous in taking on this task. I do not wantto ruffle any feathers. On the other hand, I’m honored to interview thepresident of the Orange County Chapter of the Hells Angels. I, myself, have been suspicious and skeptical of the government and itsrole in our lives since the early ’60s, when I got involved in news worthyevents. Since then I have repeatedly seen confirmations of what I hadpreviously suspected. Now I try not to be so judgmental and allow some timeto pass to get a better view before taking a stand. Bikernet: Being a member of the Hells Angels and president of oneof its chapters, what is life like where you are? Are you treated any differently than other inmates? How do inmates and employees of the systemtreat you? RC: I was arrested on June 6, 1999, in Orange County, Calif. I was taken toSanta Ana city jail, a new facility that contracts with the feds to house prisoners who have cases in Orange County. I was segregated to what is referred to as the hole while in Orange County. Basically you are locked down in aSingle-man cell 23 hours a day, with one hour out to shower and make a phonecall. About a week later, I was transferred to Metropolitan Detention Centerin L.A. At the time of this writing, November 22, I have been in LosAngeles almost 18 months. Metropolitan Detention Center is a 10-story building that houses about 1,000 federal inmates at a time. It’s owned and run by thefederal Department of Corrections. Here I’m on a floor with 100 to 140 people,with access to a small recreation deck that has a universal weight machineon it. Most of the time, our cells are unlocked from 6:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.Considering the fact that all of our food is microwaved, it’s not that bad,sometimes even good. The biggest thing for me is getting used to theslowness of life here. Outside I was always busy doing things I liked to do withpeople around me that I wanted to be with. As far as how I’m treatedcompared to other inmates, in most respects the same. Except when I am transported to court, I get a marshal’s SWAT team escort. At least I don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic; they hit the lights and sirens and everybody moves out of the way. I get along pretty good with most of the people here. My philosophy is to treat people the way I would like to be treated, until they give me reason not to. I am not suffering from any ego problems, where you have to prove how tough you are all the time, anyway. BN: Do you have access to computers and the Internet? If so, do you doany surfin’ on the World Wide Web? If so, how does the Internet help with what you want to accomplish? What do you want to accomplish with your time in the upcoming months?  No, we do not have access to computers or the Internet here. Wish we did. Athome I was on the computer and net every day. I do have a Web site,www.freerusty.com, which is run by volunteers. I can be e-mailed atfreerusty@yahoo.com . My e-mail is printed out and snail-mailed to me. TheInternet has been a great way to get my message out to people in ourculture. I have a lot of information regarding politics, discrimination, bikers’rights and the drug war on my Web site. If it is not on my site, we are linked to it on somebody else’s. The site has also generated a lot of support and donations that have helped defray some of the cost of defending myself in this case. BN: Do they have a library for your use, research and reading? RC: Yes, they have a law library here. There are also a lot of booksfloating around in the unit I’m in. I have studied and read a lot of books since I’ve been here, and will continue to learn as much as I can absorb while incarcerated. One thing that I have noticed is that our culture is far too apathetic when it comes tovoting, etc. We are the first ones to bitch about unfair laws, but if wedon’t vote or do anything to effect change, then we’ve got no right to bitch. Right now, maybe one out of three eligible voters actually votes. Our country isbasically sitting by while 25 to 30 percent of the population decides who’sdoing what. We have almost no representation. You think your vote doesn’tcount? Look at this presidential election. Only a few votes made thedifference. Any way I’m hoping I can influence some of us to get involved inpolitics and effect change before it’s too late. If you want change, voteindependent or third party. Most Americans aren’t left wing or right wing, butin the middle, that’s why we need to support third party candidates that wantto safeguard our civil rights and feel as we do on the issues. BN: How about a weight room to keep yourself in shape? RC: As I said earlier, there is a universal machine on the recreation deck here and while it is not my optimum choice for a workout, it’s better than noweights at all. I always liked free weights when given the choice. I usuallywork out about an hour a day. So far I’ve maintained my normal 280-285 pound body weight. BN: Reading the newspaper account of your guilty plea proceedings onSept. 19, it was revealed that you had a history of counseling drug and alcoholabusers. Could you elaborate on this? RC: In the ’80s, I lost a younger brother to heroin addiction, and helpedto get a few friends into programs for the treatment of cocaine and alcohol abuse. I got interested in opening a treatment center around 1987. In 1991, I opened First Step Treatment Centers Inc., with a facility in Laguna Beach, Calif., and one in Fontana, Calif. I was not a counselor; I ran the business end dealing with the paperwork, etc. I had to close the business in 1995. Insurance companies cut back on benefits for patients after Hillary Clinton’s national health care scare. It’s too bad; it was a good business to be in and helped a lot of people. We put some people through the program for free, when we had theopenings, but it was expensive to operate and we had to depend on contractswith the insurance companies to survive at that time. BN: What can be done to change public opinion concerning thegovernment’s “Waron Drugs”? It’s easy to sling bricks at the status quo, but a plan to changepublic opinion is really needed. RC: If people were told the truth about drug use and the drug war, theiropinions might change. There are mountains of information on my Web siteabout this, but I’ll try to explain a little about it here. First of all, the myth that drugs are the single most dangerous threat toour children and society in general is government propaganda. Fact: Over 400,000people a year die from tobacco use. Fact: Over 100,000 people a year die ofalcohol use. If you put all illegal drug deaths together, per year, in theU.S., you have 6,000 total. Of those 6,000 drug deaths per year, most are from heroin overdoses, because illegal heroin varies in quality, resulting inaccidental overdoses. As far as crime associated with drugs, of coursethere is crime. Any time you prohibit alcohol or drugs, you create a black market. The fact that drugs are illegal makes them expensive to obtain. Addicts have to steal to support their habits. Prohibition, also, breeds corruption. If drugs were to be somehow controlled but made available to users (legally), the violence, corruption, death, and the value of drugs would drop through the floor. With no money in it any more, the foreign cartels would collapse, the dealers would be out of business, and the robbers that prey on them would also be out of business. We learned the lesson with prohibition of alcohol already, but there are powerful lobbyists working everyday to expand the drug war in the name of big corporations. The truth is that the drug war is big business for the many government agencies and private corporations benefit by this war. If you count all the local, state and federal money spent on the drug war every year, including prison beds, it totals around $73 billion a year. The prison industrial complex is huge; the only employer in the U.S. that is larger than the Bureau of Prisons is General Motors. We have over 2 million people in prisons in the U.S. Crime has been declining for over 20 years, but we are giving non-violent drug offenders more time than people convicted of much more serious crimes. BN: What can be done to illustrate the fact that drug use is notnecessarily drug abuse? RC: Drug use and drug abuse are two different things, just like alcoholuse and alcohol abuse. Drug and alcohol abuse are social problems and should betreated that way. It has been proven that education and treatment are muchmore effective than jail, and a lot cheaper. I think that attacking thedemand side of the problem through education and treatment is far moreeffective than going after the supply side. Kids from the age of 12 to 18should be required to attend drug, alcohol and sex education classes everyyear until they graduate high school. Show them AIDS patients at hospitals.Tour hospital emergency wards with them to see the damage done by drunkdrivers. Tour prisons and jails with them to show them the end result. Todrink a beer socially is alcohol use. To drink till you puke is alcoholabuse. Anytime a person drinks or uses drugs so often to affect their health, orothers, they are abusing. Some people are more susceptible to addiction thanothers, but jail is not the answer. To get to the point, anytime drug use oralcohol use affects your social life, family, health or job in a negativeway, it has become abuse. An occasional beer or occasional joint isn’t abuse,it’s use. BN: What is there about you, Rusty Coones, that you want people to know,that possibly they do not already know? RC: It’s true that I am in jail on a drug charge, but the myth that theclub is in the drug business is just as I said, a myth. Whenever a member has been arrested on drug charges, it is always his personal business, not theclub’s. Our club is a motorcycle club, period. When a cop gets arrested for drugs, we don’t assume that the whole department is involved. BN: How are your kids taking all this, the charges, pleading andyour incarceration? What have they shared with you concerning the wholething? RC: It’s been hard on my kids. That has really bothered me, for them tosuffer because of my problems. We are lucky to have friends who have come forward to help with them. My son just graduated from high school and my daughter is still in school and living with a great family. We miss each other and I don’t ever want them to have to go through anything like this in their lives. They’re both good kids and I know they will do well in life. |
March 23, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
SASHA SLITHERS TO BIKE WEEK–Check out the fun hoochie coo bartending photos frombike week…working at my beloved Broken SpokeSaloon…Gosh it was an awesome time with the greatestbosses, B-spoke owner, Jay Allen; and B-spoke manager,Peter Cimasi. The good patrons, good motorin weather,oh it was good times, indeed all around.
See ya soon. love,
–Sash
BIKERNET’S MOST KNOCK-OUT DYNA–PICK A WINNER–WILL RECEIVE A SET OF D&D PIPES–That’s right, you get to pick the best looking DYNA from the Bikernet Community. Just vote for the one that you like the best. The motorcycle that gets the most votes receives a new set of Fat Cat pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust.
The 2 into 1 Fat Cat Pipes makes the best horsepower and torque. The stylish upswept design provides the performance rider with extra ground clearance. Each pipe is hand fitted and installed with heat shields. Experience up to 12 additional ponys.
We couldn’t run all the bikes here so watch for the articles containing all the Bikernet contestants. It will pop onto the home page this week.
Our first entry into our Harley-Davidson DYNA Pipe Promotion by D&D Performance Exhaust is Bill V. He sent us this picture of his sano sled and wrote:
?This is my new 2006 DYNA and myself. After 32 years on HDs this is my first factory fresh bike ever. I’m looking for an exhaust that’ll help with the HP, and give a mellow sound. Life is good, live it right.?- Bill V
BIKERNET READER NEEDS LEGAL ADVICE–The background to this is that I received a speeding ticket on a back road in Vermont. I was picked up by a “LOCAL” constable who said I was doing 60 in a 35.
The long term costs of paying terribly high insurance costs for the next three years has convinced me to fight this since I was not speeding (I know better, I drive this road daily) and he refused to show me verification, even though he said he had me on radar. The state laws allows for this! Go figure.
He really pissed me of when he said, “YOU bikers ought to know your speed by the wind in your face.” And then he started laughing.
I tried several times after he stopped me to get to 60 on that same road and have not been able to do it with the style at which I drive my bike. I have been waiting my entire life to get a new Harley and this bike has 2,000 miles on it so I do not drive like a maniac.
My old bike is a 1973 Electra Glide, all stock in the engine, so speed is not my thing!
I am going to court on April 6 and need something to hand to the judge showing the performance specs on my harley. Any other ideas?
IF I live in Clarendon which is right outside of Rutland.
–Richard Ley
cycle73@hotmail.com
EPA FIGHT CONTINUES TO HEAT UP– The time is now to make a major stand with the EPA and Iwant to be as involved as possible. It is critical we show force to makesure the agency knows the strength we can muster and that we will not simplyaccept whatever regulatory whim the come up with. The fact that the econanalysis hasn’t been done is still a major chink in their logical armor forcreating these rules. The more concessions we gain the better and 2006 isour only remaining opportunity.
The state to state approach is a slow play that I want to get started nowwhile the attention of our industry is focused on regulation and is a longterm solution for a host of motorcycle industry issues including emissions.
I’m glad to be part of the effort and proud of the folks who are taking astand. It’s going to be a good year.
Thanks again
–Senator John Brueggeman
senatorjohn@bresnan.net
Senator Bruegggeman builds chopper frames in Montana and is actively involved with SEMA to keep the Hot Rod industry alive through a state-to-state campaign. He’s working with us on EPA issue and is developing state legislation that would allow builders to register bikes based on the original year of the driveline. The EPA criteria would be based on that year, Evo-1984, Shovelhead-1966, Panhead-1948, etc.–Bandit
BIKE WEEK ENDS WITH 20 BIKE DEATHS– The record-high death toll from this year’s Bike Weekfestival climbed to 20 after another hospitalized motorcyclist involved in acrash died, officials said Friday.The reported total of 18 deaths also did not include RichardGermain, 21, of New Hampshire, who was run over by another motorcyclistafter crossing a double line to pass a truck. Authorities didn’t verifyGermain was a Bike Week participant until this week.
Sunny weather and scattered biker venues put more riders on faster highwaysand in more dangerous spots, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Kim Miller said.
“That’s what they get on a Harley for — to ride in nice weather,” shesaid.
The 20 fatalities may rank as one of the highest ever nationwide for acity’s bike week. In Sturgis, S.D., the worst year was 2004, when 13 ridersdied. In Myrtle Beach, S.C., a back-to-back Harley rally and Black Bike Weeksaw its highest total in 2003, when 13 people died.
–from Rogue
By Associated Press
THE NORTH CAROLINA STEALTH REPORT–This weekend the Concerned Bikers Association presents their 31st Annual Spring Swap meet and Bike Show. STEALTH BIKE WORKS will have a booth set up. I really get into the swap meet. You never know what you will find there. I really get into most of the people there too. It always proves to be a good time.
Here in Charlotte we have had some cold weather hit us but we can’t complain because we really did not have much winter. Here at SBW we have been steady. We are waiting for the weather to warm up and hopefully the pace at SBW will heat up with it.
Not a lot to report on this week. A few things come to mind concerning exhaust systems. I have customers come in everyday telling us that they have been told that if they put any other exhaust system besides what H-D sells that their bike will not run right? Right, wonder where they got that info from? Yeah I know you already know without me telling you! Here at SBW we do exhaust systems everyday and the bikes run great. You know what we install Vance+Hines, Bassani, Samson etc. with no problems. Do you think just maybe it has something to do with these guys kicking ass when it comes to exhaust systems? It is your bike run what you want to!
We have some events planned at SBW coming up. Starting in April SBW present “BIKER NIGHT.” Biker Night we be held the 3rd Friday of every month. We will have some food, Biker-Build Off Videos, door prizes and just a good time to hang out in general. June 23rd and 24th SBW will be at the The Horse Smoke-Out. WE will have our booth set up. July 23rd SBW presents our 1st Annual “No Class Bike Show,” that is right no classes. The top 3 bikes win! There is no charge to enter your bike. It is going to be a great time. We have a lot to look forward to!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
Click Post For More Info
PHOTO ENFORCEMENT NOW TARGETING NOISE VIOLATORS– Pop quiz – when someone says the term “exhaust system”, what are the first words that pop into your head? If they happen to be anything like “Flowmaster 40 Series” or “Dynomax Bullet” (the straight-through muffler that makes Cherry Bombs sound civilized in comparison), you may not like the new ticketing system developed by Acoustic Research Laboratories. Using an onboard sound meter, the device detects noise events that exceed a predetermined sound pressure level. A 10-second audio/video recording is made of the incident, and an onboard hard drive stores the data for future retrieval and prosecution.
As the system records other noise events as well, don’t go boomin’ your twin fifteens past one of their systems and expect to get away with it.Since certain individuals here at Autoblog have received several “amplified sound” tickets in their younger days and have occasionally taken to the street with open pipes (hey, no one really knows how easy it is to remove the baffles from a Yoshi system until they try), we’ll defer commentary on this device to those who can be a bit more objective. With the number of import cars, diesel pickups, and motorcycles on the road sporting sewer-sized exhausts seemingly increasing every day, it would come as no surprise to find a lot of support for such a system — at least outside of enthusiasts’ circles.
by Eric Bryant
–from Rogue
INSIDE THE BANDIDOS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, THE LARGEST BIKER GANG IN THE WORLD–Rapidly rising through the ranks of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club in the late 90’s, Edward “Connecticut Ed” Winterhalder was one of the most powerful Bandidos in the world at the end of the twentieth century.
Since founding the Oklahoma chapter of the Bandidos in early 1997, “Connecticut Ed” had been regularly assigned important projects by the worldwide leader of the Bandidos, George Wegers. It was not unusual for Winterhalder to organize and establish new Bandido chapters, as well as Bandidos support club chapters, all over the world.
But when assigned the unwanted responsibility of overseeing the Bandidos’ assimilation of a Canadian motorcycle gang known as the Rock Machine in early 2001, “Connecticut Ed” found himself caught between a rock and a hard place.
Teaching ex-Rock Machine members how to be Bandidos was one thing, but doing so while dodging bullets and bombs was another. The new Canadian Bandidos, as members of the Rock Machine, had been embroiled in a deadly war with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in which 168 people had died since 1994.
Commonly known as hard core biker gangs, the inner workings of motorcycle clubs such as the Bandidos, the Hells Angels, the Outlaws, the Pagans, the Sons of Silence, and the Mongols have until now been a closely guarded secret.
Determined to set the record straight after leaving the club in late 2003 and as a form of therapy, Winterhalder spent almost two years transcribing the memories of his life. Ultimately, his memoirs evolved into a dynamic book called “OUT IN BAD STANDINGS: Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club – The Making Of A Worldwide Dynasty”.
Detailing the establishment and growth of the Bandidos organization in Canada, Europe and Oklahoma, this historical expose of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club gives the reader a rare look into the world of today’s 1%er motorcycle gangs, allowing the reader a unique opportunity to ride along as the Bandidos become the dominant international force they are today.
Published by Blockhead City Press ($29.95 – ISBN 0977174700), this 448 page hardcover book contains more than 150 color photographs and sports a dynamic dust cover jacket. “Out In Bad Standings” is available through Barnes & Noble bookstores in the United States, Amazon.com worldwide, Ebay.com worldwide and Chapters bookstores in Canada, and is a must read for every Harley rider on the planet.
For more information:
http://www.blockheadcity.com/outinbadstandings.htm
–from Rogue
WEST COAST CHOPPERS ALIVE AND WELL–Still plugging away at things here. Getting closer to filling “sale” orders and hope to finish out by early summer. Not going to any shows this year to help finish our back log and re group a bit.
Jesse has finished his run on monster garage and is on to doing our own shows produced by our “in house” production company “Pay up sucker”. You might have seen the “history of the chopper”. That is one of the first efforts and we are very happy with the way it turned out. More to come on that arena.
We do have some new products on the cusp of being ready for production. We are promoting our new improved website and will have new parts added as we get time.
We are also will be promoting our ten-day turn around, show-polished motor pricing on line soon as well. I must say things are looking better .
We still have a long way to go to finish all the orders we took during the anniversary sale. We sure do have a lot of loyal customers. The majority say they are willing to wait for the parts. I don’t think anyone on the outside really knows how much work goes into this stuff and what a tremendous value they are getting.. some do …
–SIMO
West Coast Choppers
Long Beach
HOLD ON THERE’S MORE–As you may know I’m working on a noise reg strategy to save lives. To an extent the adage, “Loud Pipes Saves Lives,” is true. We’re performing some initial tests in our Bikernet home town of Wilmington, California. Our building is poised on the edge of an 18-wheeler thoroughfare. We’re going to grab a decibel meter and capture some basic noise readings. We’ll bring you reports as the study continues.
In addition, highly educated Bikernet readers send in their advice and comments. Watch for some of these detailed reports in Special reports in the next couple of days. Thought-provoking material.
On the upbeat side, we’re looking forward to an upcoming meeting with the MRF and Tony Sanfelipo from Michael Hupy’s office in Wisconsin. Hupy has been a Bikernet sponsor for years. He’s an attorney who has defended motorcyclists, the lifestyle, and our right to ride for over 20 years. He’s based in Wisconsin, if you need a good man.
Here’s what’s boiling to the top of the Bikernet Whiskey distillery -kicking out Bikernet Content: Several techs are headed onto the pages, a feature from Von Dutch, the story of Revolution Carbon Fiber Chassis, the secrets behind Dr. Neon, Fiction from UD in India, and half dressed Daytona features. We will also display all the D&D Dyna Exhaust System contestants and take your votes for the bike that deserves that shiny new pipe system.
I know I’m forgetting something, probably a whole list of projects, but I’m fried. It’s whiskey time. Can’t wait to show you the next Bonne Belle tech. It’s coming along. I’m rolling out to Performance Machine next week for brake calipers, rotors and controls. She’s almost a roller. We will also bring you a report on the engine rebuild.
Speaking of She?s, it’s time for some new talent around here, another Girl of Bikernet Feature. Hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
March 23, 2006 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
VON DUTCH BRINGS ON THE CLASS–Carmella DeCesare, PlayBoy playmate of the year 2004, is the new face for Von Dutch Kustom Cycles! Watch for a feature of here with a Von Dutch Classic on Bikernet in the near future.
–Ron Starrantino
Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Development
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
Office (909)481-0600
http://www.vondutch.com
GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don’t hurt.
3) Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
–from Chris T.
MARCH 25-26th – WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW UPDATE–Mechanical Works of Art on Display at the Westcoast Custom Motorcycle ShowMarch 25-26th at Tradex
On March 25-26th the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford will host hundreds of thehottest custom motorcycles in North America with most of them producedlocally. British Columbia is the undisputed home to some of the world’s topcustom builders including professional bike builder Roger Goldammer ofKelowna, who will have several bikes on display. Goldammer’s amazing workwon him 1st Place at the AMD/Custom Chrome World Championship in 2004 and2005.
This show will feature hundreds of custom bikes in more than 30 classesincluding Foreign, Street, British, Vintage, Radical, “Specialty” and a new”Pro Builders” class, with a $1000.00 prize for Best Bike. Spectators willget a chance to vote for who they think deserves the awards for “Best Bike”and “Pro Builder”.
There will be something for everyone at this show, from mild to wild! We’vegot everything from a fully customized Kawasaki ZX 7 to a restored 1948Indian Chief, Top Fuel Harley’s capable of speeds over 200 mph and, ofcourse, choppers galore.
Proceeds of this event will go to support the B.C. Coalition ofMotorcyclists (BCCOM). BCCOM is a professional lobbying organization thatworks on behalf of all motorcyclists rights in the province of B.C. andpromotes motorcycle safety and awareness.
For more information, visit http://www.westcoastcustom.ca.
WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW
DATE: MARCH 25-26, 2006
LOCATION: Tradex Centre at Abbotsford Airport
SHOW HOURS:
Saturday, March 25th from 10am-10pm
Sunday, March 26th from 10am-6pm
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show Inc.
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111
Fax: (604) 580-0114
Website: http://www.westcoastcustom.ca
Email: office@westcoastcustom.ca
FLORIDA CRASH COUNSEL–Need to stop calling these things Accidents. They are collisions or crashes.The term Accident was coined by defense attorneys to trying and get lenient sentences for those that kill and injured others.
Group criticizes fines for vehicle drivers
Motorcyclists are looking at these issues to improve biker safety:
Lobby for stiffer fines and mandatory minimum penalties for people who cause motorcycle accidents.
Break out statistics of motorcycle accidents so they are not grouped with pedestrians, bicyclists and other recreational vehicles.
Limit the height of landscaping in medians and along roadways.
Toughen educational programs and testing requirements for getting a license to drive a motorcycle.
Toughen qualification standards for someone buying a motorcycle.
Enforce restrictions on the difference between lane-surface heights in construction zones.
Motorcyclists met in Fort Myers on Saturday to launch an education campaign and a protest against vehicle drivers who get what they say are insignificant fines for causing accidents that kill motorcycle riders.
“We’re concerned with why a motorcyclist is allowed to be killed by a driver who made a mistake and only get a ticket,” said David “Surfer” Bowlby of Cape Coral.
“There should be more than a $52 ticket for failure to yield the right of way,” he said. “Is that what a life is worth?”About 40 people attended the regular meeting of local chapters of ABATE of Florida and other motorcycling groups at the American Legion Hall in downtown Fort Myers.
Much of the meeting dealt with the growing danger for motorcyclists on Southwest Florida’s roads.Six motorcyclists have been killed in Lee County this year, and 18 were killed in 2005.
A record 20 motorcyclists associated with Bike Week in Daytona Beach were killed this month.
Some of those deaths were caused by cyclist error, said Susan Huttman, a member of the Southwest Chapter of ABATE, but too many are caused by inattentive vehicle drivers.She said motorcycle groups should push for stiffer punishment for vehicle drivers who cause motorcycle accidents while also working to keep reckless cyclists off the roads.
The problem will continue to grow along with Florida’s population and traffic congestion, Huttman said.According to Florida ABATE, she said, the number of registered motorcyclists in Florida more than doubled from 195,000 in 2000 to 473,000 in 2005.
“That is a lot of political power, friends,” she told the gathering.
–from Rogue
STEEL DREAMS EPISODE 10-THIS WEEKEND–In episode ten, famed stunt rider, Monte Perlin, “The Wheelie King” tells how he turned his love for riding into today’s amazing “Globe-O-Cross” show that tours the world. Scenes from Pre-Love Ride in Santa Clarita, CA shows Perlin (who was the motorcycle riding stunt-double for Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Terminator) and his son thrilling crowds with high-speed gravity-defying spins inside the amazing one-of-a-kind 16-foot globe sphere.Then the Victor McLaglen World Champion Motorcycle Stunt & Drill Team performs many of the incredible multi-bike precision maneuvers and jaw-dropping formations that have thrilled audiences worldwide and won numerous competition awards.
Steel Dreams then shows viewers how Freestyle MX evolved from humble beginnings in backyards, parking lots and places like a Skateboard shop in Norway, Maine into today’s big-time thrill-packed arena shows and spectacular high-flying outdoor events. Riders of the Giant Bicycle Stunt Show tour are featured along with superstar rider Jim Mcneil on Boost Mobile Freestyle MX tour at Long Beach, CA and DUB Car Show, Los Angeles, CA.
It’s not motor sports on TV it’s “Steel Dreams” TV.
STURGIS LODGING CONNECTION–Anyone looking for some cool places to rent for the Sturgis rally, check out Black Hills Real Estate, http://www.blackhillsre.com . We have 3 house’s in Deadwood, all beautifully restored to their 1890’s condition, and a 3 bdr. modular on 1 acre 2 miles out of Sturgis with a great view of the valley. See you there!
For more info call Mike Stevenson at 818 8919055
REDHILL BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–All Aluminum Redhill BIthccraft for sale. Softtail aluminum chassis, TP 107-inch motor, TP Tranny, Ness Primary cover, Ness Foot controls and hand controls and a bitchin brushed aluminum paint job that isn’t just for bitches…$25K.
call 303-823-6363
–J. Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting LLC
(970)227-3588
BUBS INTERNATIONAL SPEED TRIALS IN BONNEVILLE SEPTEMBER 3-7 NEEDS SPONSORS QUICK–Chance of a lifetime to be involved in the most historic motorcycle event ever. Just once a year the tried and true test their machines in the blistering sun on 65 square miles of dead flat salt in Wendover, Utah. This is a chance to become a sponsor of this event. Click on the above banner or call the lovely Delvene for information:
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE KICKS OFF 2006AT DAYTONA BIKE WEEK– Ft. Lauderdale, FL — The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse kicked off the 2006 Tour at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona during a weather-perfect Daytona Bike Week.
On Friday, March 3rd, the Hard Rock Bikes were unveiled to an awestruck audience. The four bikes, through metal, paint, and attitude, truly represented and displayed the unparalleled level of artistry and engineering of each uniquely talented bike builder. Anyone can enter to win one of these Hard Rock bikes for FREE along with 5 Trips to the Hard Rock at www.HRroadhouse.com!
You’ll see all the bikes and action in the next couple of days on Bikernet in our extended Daytona Coverage. Hell, the Bikernet team even had the pleasure of working on one of the bikes before it left the West Coast.
HARLEY DAVIDSON RIGID CHOPPER MOTORCYCLE FRAMECLOSE-OUT!–http://www.DEMONSCYCLE.COM
DEMONS CYCLE SOUTH
378 SW 14 TH AVE
POMPANO BEACH
3 3 0 6 9 FLORIDA
BIKERNET SALT SHAKER REPORT–There’s some good news. Or is it any news is better than no news?
Engine DID NOT SHIP! They forgot to spot face all of my cylinders so that is what we are doing today and tomorrow and it should ship Friday. Engine building is so romantic. I mean frantic.
–Berry Wardlaw
I’ve been slacking on you’re tranny order; I apologize. I can machine the pivot shaft to _-inch, no problem. Do you have an exact-year case that you want to use? From previous e-mails, I assume you need an Evo FLT case Raw finish.
–Adam “Stretch” Sanderlin
Sales Manager
BAKER Drivetrain
877-640-2004
Actually, waiting on Salt Shaker parts gives me some time to work on the Bonne Belle and try to read the FIM Salt Flats regs. They put me to sleep every time. Watch for a report on the 45 coming soon.–Bandit
NEW ARTIST ON BIKERNET–This guy is a guy that I hooked up with through the radio show. His work is unbelievable his name is ad cook. Here is the website http://www.adcookfineart.com/ Maybe you might be interested in doing a write-up through Bikernet. -Charlie Brechtel
I was born in 1961 in Phoenix, Arizona, and realized my passion for art very early on. As a kid I would draw everything I could on anything I could find. I knew that I wanted to be an artist as far back as I can remember. The creation of art has always been my ambition, and as far as I can remember, there never really was a choice about it. And that’s just fine by me.-AD Cook
$5,000 CASH PRIZE ANNOUNCED FOR CUSTOM BIKE SHOW RADICAL CLASS–The Las Vegas BikeFest Partnership announced today that a $5,000 prize will be awarded to the winner of the Radical Class in the Las Vegas BikeFestCustom Bike Show, sponsored by Tribal Motorworks and supported by Meguiar’s.
“To go along with the glitz and glamour of Sin City, we want a collection of the most radical rides in the country entered in our Custom Bike Show”, stated Harry Schwartz, president of Full Throttle Events, one of Las Vegas BikeFest’s partners. Schwartz continued, “We give away the most radical trophies in the world, custom built by Tribal Motorworks, and now we are going to give away a radical prize of $5,000 cash. The prize was increased from $400 and now we offer one of the largest prizes for a single entry class of any bike show. That’s Las Vegas style!”
Custom Bike Show entry forms are available on-line at www.LasVegasBikeFest.com.
Tribal Motorworks is one of the industries premiere aftermarket accessory manufacturer’s; specializing in CNC machined billet aluminum accessories for V-twin bikes. Since establishing a solid relationship with Tribal Motorworks in 2003, Las Vegas BikeFest was one of the first events to have the opportunity to give out custom, one-of-a-kind billet trophies.
Participants of the Custom Bike Show will also be entitled to a detailing kit offered by the Custom Bike Show’s supporting sponsor, Meguiar’s. Meguiar’s, Inc. is one of the world’s leading surface care products companies, providing highly specialized products for almost every conceivable type of surface.
The 6th annual Las Vegas BikeFest will be held September 14-17 in the most famous 24-hour city, Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will consist of the Vendor Village at Cashman Center with over 275 manufacturers and vendors, and activities such as Poker Runs and competitions, and non-stop entertainment including concerts with well-known celebrity bands. Artistry in Iron, Master Builders’ Championship will also take place at Cashman Center. 40,000 bikers and enthusiasts are expected to be in attendance.
Las Vegas BikeFest is produced by the Las Vegas BikeFest Partnership made up of ConvExx and Full Throttle Events. Las Vegas BikeFest information is available www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, or call toll-free 866-BIKEFEST (866-245-3337) or e-mail info@lasvegasbikefest.com.
RICHARD CAPKA NOMINATED AS ADMINISTRATOR OF FHWA–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports President George W. Bush has announced his nomination of Richard Capka as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Mr. Capka was appointed Deputy Administrator of the FHWA in August 2002. He helped prepare the Bush administration’s transportation reauthorization proposal, shape the management of highway mega-projects across the country, and develop other programs and initiatives for the FHWA. Capka must be confirmed by the US Senate before officially taking the top spot at FHWA.
Mr. Capka retired after a 29-year military career as a US Army Brigadier General who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. Following retirement and prior to this nomination he had served as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) overseeing the completion of the infamous Boston tunneling project known as the “Big Dig”.
In 1997, he led the federal flood system recovery response to the unprecedented California floods which had severely damaged the Sacramento and San Joaquin flood control systems. The effort earned specific praise from both the President of the United States and Governor of California.
A West Point graduate he also holds a Master’s Degree in engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in business administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu. He is a professional engineer, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Since former Administrator Mary Peters left her position at the end of July 2005 Mr. Capka has been serving as acting Administrator for the FHWA. “Of course we will miss Administrator Peters but look forward to a productive working relationship with Mr. Capka” said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations for the MRF.
The Federal Advisory Council created by the MRF and the US Congress in the most recent Highway Bill (PL 109-59) will advise Mr. Capka and the FHWA on road, bridge and barrier design and how the motorcycles must be considered when engineering our nations highway system.
Continued On Page 4
March 23, 2006 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
Daytona rumors, reports, studies, and stories are flooding in. We’ll do our damnest to launch ’em all. Shortly you’ll see and hear Branscombe’s American 1902 Motorcycle report, then the Seminole Roadhouse Rundown from Carrie Repp and Rogue’s Daytona coverage. That’s just the tip of the sand castle. Hang on.
Let’s jump right into the middle of it:
UNDERCOVER BIKERNET REPORTER INVESTIGATES DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS– I made it to Virginia back in February, just in time for a 12 inch snow storm. I finally made it down to Richmond this past weekend and wanted to let you know the guys at Departure Bike Works took good care of me. I contacted Greg, “Z”, in service and he told me to come on in.
They did a 5k service and replaced a rear tire for me on a Saturday on short notice. I got to meet Lee and Greg and the other guys, and gal, in the shop. They even served up lunch and a cold beer while I was waiting. I had the opportunity to stand around and tell lies with Lee. All-in-all a comfortable way to kill a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.
I also got the nickel tour around the shop including a peek at the Bikernet Bonne Belle ’45 engine parts ready for DBW to work their magic.
I just wanted to give DBW their props for taking good care of a fellow Bikernet bro.
–Chuck
BIKERNET RACING WOMAN GETS FIRST AHDRA WIN–After winning her first trophy at the NOPI Nationals this weekend at Firebird International Raceway, Valerie Thompson (Scottsdale, AZ) is ready to go against ALL Harley’s in April. Thompson was named the Street ET Bike Champion with a 9.59 second pass at 138.33 mph. Valerie is sponsored by Monster Energy Drinks and Bikernet.com.
The All Harley Drag Racing Association members and fans will see racers on only Harleys, but of either gender during the Nationals event at Firebird April 8th and 9th.
Valerie Thompson is a motorcycle drag racer. Not just any motorcycle; a Harley Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer, powered by a 1300cc engine, bragging 165 horsepower. Hacienda Harley in Scottsdale supplied the hog as part of her sponsor agreement for the ’06 season. “The opportunity to run my bike in Arizona, at Firebird Raceway, makes the April event more important to me than any other stop on the schedule” Thompson stated about racing in her home state.
This lady hot rod was a collections agent in her “former life” and now has the bug for drags and for Harley. “Nothing compares to the roar of the engine, the rush off the line and the realization of the finish line” said Thompson. She left behind collections to compete in the AHDRA series with more than $1 million in prize money for Harley racers to collect. More information about Thompson at her website www.vtracegirl.com.
Racers with a valid AHDRA Competition License capable of safely operating a motorcycle can compete in 16 different classes. All motorcycles must meet the requirements outlined in the AHDRA Rulebook. For tickets and information go to www.firebirdraceway.com or www.ADHRA.com.
SPLATT SEZ– Turn your turkey baster on stun and get ready to stick it to yet another idiot and his publisher. Just remember, when you write, you represent ALL of us, so be polite, make your point in a few short sentences and always use spell-check.
Contact info for The Lake Cities Sun
The Lake Cities Sun
PO Box 879
Lake Dallas, Texas 75065
(940) 497-4141
Fax (940) 497-2273
Mark Henry –
Publisher.editor@sunnewspapers.com
Tina Moore – Business Manager.
tina@sunnewspapers.com
“I want so badly to open my car door just before they reach me.” (As motorcyclists pass by)
Airing of grievances
Douglas Simpson
Managing Editor
To quote Seinfeld’s Frank Costanza at Festivus dinner, now is the time for the airing of grievances.
Usually there’s one hot topic to prompt me to write a column, as my fingers angrily dance across the keyboard. But there are a few things that are, well, bugging me that I need to address.
Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Motorcycles. Why are these things street legal? I challenge anyone out there to remember a time they saw a motorcycle that was driving the speed limit and adhering to all traffic laws.
When I see them, they are usually going about 120 mph down I-35E, weaving in and out of lanes like those white lines are just there for show.
Nothing irks me more than sitting in dense 5 p.m. or Friday traffic, only to see a motorcycle driving between the rows of cars, going about 40 mph. I want so badly to open my car door just before they reach me.
I’ll never forget the time I was driving down the George Bush around 10 p.m., when all of a sudden scorching down the road were not only about five motorcycles driving erratically, but they were all riding on their back tires. Popping a wheelie while doing 80 mph down a public roadway: stupid.
I remember a few years back, I think after Gary Busey had his bad motorcycle wreck, there was a public service announcement asking motorists to keep an eye open for motorcyclists, like they are being abused by us car and truck drivers.
I remember telling the TV, “I’ll look out for them as soon as they start obeying traffic laws.” I’m still waiting, so in my eyes, they are fair game.
Our police officers do a good job, I just hope they pay a little extra attention to the wheelie-popping idiots that are making the roadways dangerous for all of us.
Mr. Editor,
I have a tough time with anyone who wishes to maim or kill because someone annoys them. I’m a motorcyclist and yearly I’m forced to review statistics pointing out that between 70 and 85 percent of all motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists.
Doesn’t Douglas enjoy any aspect of this country involving freedom besides free speech? How about loud rock and roll, skateboarding, driving fast cars, snow skiing? In most cases they’re citizens vehemently opposed to some aspect of each endeavor. We need to congratulate, honor and support the freedoms we have, not kill people because they’re doing something we don’t care for.
I live in Los Angeles where lane splitting is legal. I have noticed more and more motorists pulling slightly over in their lanes to let us pass. I always try to acknowledge the effort with a wave or salute. We are riding air cooled vehicles. If they aren’t moving the engines are over-heating. There’s also a positive aspect for motorists. By lane splitting, we are moving out of traffic, eliminating another vehicle in line in front of you or behind. Motorcycles generally share parking spots, leaving another open for you.
Imagine how traffic would be reduced, if more people rode motorcycles. Imagine the fuel consumption reduction if more motorcycles were used. There’s a number of positive aspects to motorcycling, but if Mr. Douglas chooses to publicly recommend that you kill bikers or maim them, I don’t blame bikers for leaving their bikes at home and crowding thoroughfares with more gas guzzling SUVs.
–KRB
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WORLD CLASS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE COMING–This is the first world-class concours d’elegance exclusively for motorcycles. On display will be 200 of the world’s finest motorcycles judged by an international panel of experts including legends Bud Ekins and Oriol Bulto. In addition, and exclusive to this premiere event, is the Steve McQueen?? Award selected by a panel of celebrities, the People’s Choice Award that Governor Schwarzenegger has been invited to confer, and the Field of Fame?? consisting of bikes owned by Steve McQueen, James Dean and Elvis.
Being called a judged outdoor museum exhibit, this luxury charitable event will encompass over a century of design, style and ingenuity in the form of rolling sculpture.
“Legend of the Motorcycle is a celebration of the art of motorcycling. It pays homage to the rich heritage and enormous influence the motorcycle has had on popular culture,” says co-founder Jared Zaugg. “The collaboration and the interest this has received have been incredible. Involved are extraordinary people including the curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s record-breaking exhibit ‘Art of the Motorcycle,’ the Chief Judge of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Chief Judge of the Louis Vuitton Classic.”
The featured marques will be the Brough Superior and the Crocker. The Brough is referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of motorcycles,” whereas the American Crocker is called the “Duesenberg of motorcycles.” These legendary bikes will be the center of attention at the concours. George Brough’s own serial number “001” and Al Crocker’s “1X” will be on display from private collections.
The lawns atop the rugged Pacific Coast at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, will showcase the event on May 6. Half Moon Bay is a scenic 30-mile drive south of San Francisco in a spectacular setting of ocean and mountains. Sponsors include Bentley Motors, Cartier, FedEx, Forbes, Kiehl’s and Robb Report MotorCycling. For information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.LegendoftheMotorcycle.com.
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE/VANCE & HINES TEAM OPENS THE 2006 NHRA SEASON WITH A SEMIFINAL FINISH FOR HINES– Two-time defending NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Andrew Hines rode his Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod to a semifinal round finish Sunday at the 37th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
It was what the team considered to be the lone highlight at a track, that has normally been the site of so many momentum-building performances in the past. Fans at Gainesville Raceway have seen the first Harley-Davidson victory (2004) and the first six-second run (2005), just to name a couple of historic moments.
“This was the first race with a drastically different rules package for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class,” tuner and team owner Byron Hines said. “We knew we were in trouble after the first couple of qualifying rounds. But the team handled the situation very well. The guys rode really well, and the rest of the team rallied and worked great together. Everyone had a common goal and that was to get things handled and make sure both bikes were qualified and that we were ready to race on Sunday.”
Hines qualified third with a 7.056-second pass at 189.43 mph while teammate GT Tonglet took the 12th spot with a 7.122 at 188.16. Tonglet lost in the first round of eliminations on Sunday, turning in a 7.130 pass at 185.87 in a losing effort to eventual race winner Angelle Sampey’s 7.099 at 187.14.
Hines won his first round matchup against Steve Johnson. He rode to a 7.092 at 185.37 to top Johnson’s 8.212 at 115.85. In Round Two, Hines (7.239 at 179.17) took the victory over Karen Stoffer after she fouled at the starting line. He lost to Antron Brown in the semifinals, going 7.221 at 181.56 to Brown’s 7.202 at 185.52.
Beyond being the season-opening weekend for the 15-event racing season, the team also helped debut the Harley-Davidson Acceleration Nation display. The new interactive pit display features real V-Rod motorcycles that fans can ride and is just one component in the new multi-year, multi-tiered sponsorship deal with the NHRA and Harley-Davidson, who is now the official motorcycle of the sanctioning body.
The team now has less than two weeks to prepare for the next event, the O’Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park in Houston, March 31- April 2.
NEW SHOCKS FOR CUSTOM APPLICATIONS–The company “Wilbers Products GmbH” is manufacturer of high-qualitysuspension system products which are distinguished by the predicate”Made in Germany”.
For 21 years Wilbers is supplier of suspension technology and since1998 we produce our own suspension systems. For us, the most importantvehicles on the market are motorcycles and sidecars howeverspecial-vehicles as Quads and ATVs are revised and mounted with oursuspension products from Nordhorn/Germany.
“Wilbers Racing Suspension” products belong to the world’s peakconcerning their quality, flexibility or durability. That was provenmore than once in motor sports and touring.
For example the world-championship in the Superbike-class was, in theyear 2000, won by a motorcycle, equipped with “Wilbers” shockabsorbers. Another time we sent ourproducts to Siberia for long-term testing during a boggy summer and afreezing winter. As you see, our products are intensively tested toreach highest demands.
That is why, in Germany, we are market-leader concerningsuspension-systems for many years now!Starting the first of May this year we would like to conquer theAmerican market as well. We plan to launch ourinternet appearance under http://www.wilbers.de/usa in English/Americanlanguage.At the same time we are beginning to open 100service-points throughout the USA.
Furthermore we guarantee to produce and deliver any given individualshock-absorber to every possible spot in the USA through DHL-Expressnot exceeding 14 days of delivery time.
–Benny Wilbers
Wilbers Products GmbH
Alfred-Mozer-Str. 84
48527 Nordhorn
Germany
Phone: 0049-5921-72717-30
Fax: 0049-5921-74099
LOUD PIPES ATTACK–Now the secret is out about loud pipes. And somebody went and made a commercial about it. Sheeesh. http://www.noiseoff.org/motorcycles.shtml with their fancy, printable, http://www.noiseoff.org/media/flyer.motorcycle.pdf “Bikers Beware, Citizens are Taking the Community Back” flyers, but these folks are brutal.
And if you’re FINALLY worried about losing your riding privilege, JOIN a Motorcycle Rights Organization in your state, TODAY. Here’s a http://www.geocities.com/splatt_the_harley_ratt/smro.htm LIST.
~splatt
http://www.bikernation.us
NEW BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR–Also I have a good buddy,his name is William Mas.He has been around the old school community for some time and is friends with James (Gaskets) etc. He has some big endeavors going on right now on the manufacturing side and is suffering from the same illness the rest of our industry has- too much work, not enough money!
Anyway, thought because of the breadth of content he can provide you, it would be a good crossover to the old stuff for your site!
NEW BIKERNET SPONSORS—We are proud to announce two new Bikernet Sponsors. Big Dog and Von Dutch Motorcycle logos will be spotted on the home page shortly. We look forward to bringing you road tests, new model descriptions and company reports.
There’s never a dull moment in this industry and we can deliver the action as fast as it happens, and it’s archived on Bikernet forever, so readers have constant access.
Okay, I’m blithering. Let’s get back to the news.
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE BIKERNET MOTORCYCLE NOISE PLAN–Here’s Chris Maida’s, Editor American Rider, testimonial letter: I like this a lot! Bringing out that this is a safety issue, which is the truth, is a great idea. Being in CT, the land of SUVs and soccer moms, I’ve almost been whacked a number of times on a stock H-D since they’re so quiet. That’s not an issue when I ride a custom, which has quite a bit more bark to its exhaust note.
As we discussed, I believe allowing a bike to be as loud as a truck, so the noise levels are not more than what is already out there, is reasonable. As anyone who has ridden for any length of time knows, car drivers don’t see you, flashing lights and all, with the radio on, the cell phone, etc. going on inside the car. However, whenever a louder noise comes near them, they pay attention and look to see what’s making the noise.
As you know, I definitely agree that keeping a low profile is not going to work anymore. I’m surprised we got away with it as long as we did, but now’s the time to make a major push with this before we’re down for the count. As I told you, that legislator told me the greenies are watching all this very closely and they’re desire is not just cleaner air, it’s to get rid of bikes altogether.
Please keep me in the loop.
–Chris
Continued On Page 2
A HISTORY OF BIKERS RIGHTS IN AMERICA
By C.S. Berg | | General Posts
About 30 years ago, bikers across America got sick and tired of beingtold by a bunch of Washington bureaucrats and local politicians who’d neverthrown a leg over a motorcycle what they HAD TO WEAR, how they HAD TO RIDE,and what our BIKES HAD TO BE BUILT LIKE!!
And over the years, motorcyclists have organized themselves into a viablepolitical force. We are one of the few TRUE grass roots movements in thecountry. Others may share an avocation, profession or recreation, but theydon’t share the passion.
Bikers have succeeded in taking their passion and turning it into amovement…a “Freedom Movement,” because we have the passion for freedom.Freedom is something we believe in, and that motorcycling is just one veryenjoyable way to experience it. Well folks, that passion will always beinside you, each of you, the Harley, Honda, Yamaha, BMW or Triumph rider,from the doctor to the construction worker. And that motorcycle will remainan outlet for that passion…as long as we continue to bypass the barriers ofappearance or ego and work together to preserve our right to ride.
And that’s what our movement is all about…a diverse bunch of people,most of us staunch individualists, but with one common denominator and acommon goal…Freedom Of The Road.
The kind of camaraderie that brought the first two motorcycle riderstogether to share a ride down a country lane is the same kind of camaraderiethat formed our early motorcycle clubs and associations and, eventually, ourmotorcycle rights organizations.
Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MRO’s) as we now know themstarted developing in the early 70’s, after the first national helmet effort causedalmost every state to pass mandatory lid laws. Since then motorcyclists have never beenstrangers to political activism.
In fact, early motorcycle riders were among the first special interestgroups to lobby for better roads. At the turn of the 20th Century as Indianfootpaths and trails became rough and rutted dirt roads, motorcycles servedas a primary form of transportation, and motorcyclists became vocal aboutimproving the road conditions. Later, riders were among the first groups topush for an interstate highway system.
YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN TO KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING!
My name is Bill Bish, and I’m the former Executive Coordinator of theNational Coalition of Motorcyclists and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM &NCOM), and have been active in bikers rights for over fifteen years. I haveserved in various state positions with ABATE of California, including twoterms as Chairman of the Board and two terms as State Director.
Sooo, for you history buffs, I’ll try to piece together some of our earlybeginnings, with apologies to those who were there from the start. I wasn’t,so this is only from my early conversations with people like Deacon DavePhillips, Ron Roloff, Keith Ball, Sherm Packard and others who WERE there, aswell as my own research and admittedly spotty memory. But, to help validatethis version of Biker History, I ran the article by most of the peoplementioned herein.
Through NCOM and ABATE of California, I have traveled across the UnitedStates to preach unity and spread information, and I will always treasure mymemories of the places that bikers’ rights has taken me and the friendlyfaces that have greeted me. Because our issue is so emotional and deeplypersonal, I have developed close relationships with many Freedom Fightersthroughout the country who I am proud to call Brothers and Sisters.
It was this deep sense of “family” within the motorcycle rights communitythat inspired me to trace our Family Tree. Much has been said of the comingnew millennium, and of the opportunities and pitfalls our future holds instore, but one thing is certain…YOU CAN’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING UNLESSYOU KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN!
With that thought in mind, I’d like to take you on a brief trip downmemory lane, as we open up our Family Album and retrace our History as abikers’ rights movement here in the United States. Don’t worry, there won’tbe a test, and hopefully this brief history lesson will be at least asinteresting as your High School History classes!
Easyriders magazine editor Lou Kimzey issued a plea in issue #3, October1971, for bikers to come together to fight impending restrictions from theNational Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) by joining anew national bikers’ rights organization called the National Custom CycleAssociation, but because of a conflict with the acronym the name was changedin February 1972 to A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE).
Irecall Joe Teresi, publisher of Easyriders, telling me that they had acontest around the office to come up with a new name, and one of thesecretaries came up with “ABATE”. He told me they were on deadline and hadto come up with a logo real fast, so they took a stylized German eagle andtransformed it into the logo used by many ABATE’s to this day.
Keith Ball was just 22 when he became the original ABATE managerin 1971, and he later became editor of Easyriders and the National Director of ABATE. He recently retired from Easyriders as the Editorial Director and Executive Vice President of Paisano Publications and went intoretirement, though he now operates an internet site called Bikernet.com whichstill focuses on bikers’ rights. Easyriders began granting state charters in1974, and ABATE’s which came into existence around this time were charteredin Kansas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New York; andalso MMA of California, MMA of Massachusetts, New Hampshire Motorcycle RightsOrganization, Rhode Island Motorcycle Association, Connecticut MotorcycleRights Association, and the Wisconsin Better Bikers Association. Easyriderspublished phone numbers, contacts and legislative news, and the bikers rights network began to grow. The Modified Motorcycle Association of California was founded at the same time as many ABATEs.
The original federal helmet mandates, which were instituted in 1966 byCongress and later repealed in 1976, were designed by the U.S. DOT (Department ofTransportation) as a means to restrict modified or customized”choppers” which they deemed unsafe. Especially extended forks andapehangers which were popular.
Deacon, founder of ABATE of California, once related to me thatthe 60’s fad of ridiculously high sissy bars came about because thegovernment started requiring “grab bars” for passenger safety, so the ridersof the day flaunted the law by building them as long and garish as they couldget by with.
Almost every state during this time began passing handlebar heightrestrictions, eyewear requirements, motorcycle licensing requirements,lights-on laws and other equipment regulations and many other restrictions. The government claimed that the restriction against our “Freedom Machines” were coming down the pike to make motorcycle riding”safer”. Funny, but back in the sixties they just wanted to force bikers offthe streets. Publicly they tooted that they wanted to SAVE US from ourselves!
In most states, before motorcyclists became politically organized, theclubs were the first to fight helmet laws and other restrictions. In manyinstances clubs founded the states’ motorcycle rights organizations.
Before MMA or ABATE of California came intoexistence, the Hells Angels M/C and Ralph “Sonny” Barger in particular hadsucceeded in keeping the state of California helmet-free even though Congresshad passed legislation in 1966 requiring every state to pass a helmet law orlose 10% of their federal highway funds, (this should sound familiar, since wejust recently faced the same type of national helmet law in the nineties).Rumors still circulate around Sacramento about 1,000 Hells Angels on theCapitol lawn, and HA’s camped outon the door steps of legislative opponents. Soon the old intimidation tacticswore thin and club leaders realized that they needed tolegitimize their efforts by creating a more sophisticated political lobbyingarm. In the case of California, the Hells Angels founded the MMA of California. Various states have similar history with local clubs which were the roots of their MRO.
About this same time, the American Motorcyclist Association began torecognize the motorcyclists rights movement and they established the AMAGovernment Relations Department, but not until 1976.
As the rights movement grew, Don Pittsley, a member of the Huns M/C inConnecticut convinced his congressman, Rep Stewart Mckinney, to introduceH.R.3869 to end the Federal authority to withhold highway funds from stateswithout helmet laws. In July of 1975, Rob Rasor of the AMA, Ron Roloff ofMMA and Ed Armstrong of ABATE of Chicago presented the House Sub-Committee onSurface Transportation with convincing testimony to repeal the mandates. California was being sued by the DOT, because GovernorRonald Reagan refused to comply with the federal mandate. Roloff helpedconvince California Senator Alan Cranston to offer the language of the billas an amendment to the 1975 Federal Highway Act, which passed withoverwhelming support from the California delegation because of the impendinglawsuit. It was signed by President Gerald Ford on May 5, 1976. Not bad fora rag tag bunch of bikers with little or no previous political ambitions.
Spurred on by many successful protest rallies around the countryfollowing the national helmet law repeal, 30 state laws were repealed. ABATE, MMA and other motorcycle rightsorganizations sprang up in every state across the country and are now afixture in state houses.
There were several failed attempts to start a national motorcycle rightsorganization, including Easyriders’. In 1985 the Motorcycle Rights Fund (MRF – later changing their name toMotorcycle Riders Foundation) hosted their first Meeting of the Mindsconference, and a few months later, in 1986, the National Coalition ofMotorcyclists (NCOM) held their first National Convention. Motorcyclingleaders realized the need for a united voice and the necessity of networkingand communications, and both the MRF and NCOM grew and have become effectivepartners with state MRO’s in protecting riders’ rights on the federal, stateand local fronts.
The concept of unity was put to the test in the early 1990’s, whenCongress again attempted to force states into passing helmet laws, andAmerican motorcyclists came together en masse, and in a coordinated effortbetween the MRF and NCOM virtually every state sent representatives fromtheir State MRO to walk the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C., in search oftheir U.S. Senators and Representatives. The grand lobbying experimentWORKED, and in just FOUR YEARS bikers were able to convince Congress to onceagain repeal their misdirected and misguided “nanny” law and return thedecision to the individual states. That same legislation also repealed the55 mph minimum speed limit! Soon afterwards, Arkansas modified theirmandatory helmet law to allow Freedom of Choice for adult riders 21 andolder. Texas soon followed, as well as Kentucky, Louisiana and, mostrecently, Florida.
Today, the scoreboard reads 20 Helmet Law States vs. 30 Free ChoiceStates!
As a result of our newfound political clout, motorcyclists havesuccessfully approached Congress twice over the past few years, first in 1996to grant federal protections against insurance discrimination based on modeof transportation because many companies (most notably Ruger Firearms and theTeamsters Union) were denying medical benefits to employees injured inmotorcycle accidents). Although this legislation was recently nullified bynew federal regulations written in the waning days of the ClintonAdministration, this nationwide effort was textbook politics at its best. The fight continues but the movement WILL succeed in reinstating the intent of Congress to protect us againstinsurance discrimination.
Then, in 1998, motorcyclists united once again to put together apro-active agenda for bikers, and succeeded in lobbying it through Congress.Included in this “wish list” for bikers was a guarantee that motorcyclistswould be included during the development of the Intelligent TransportationSystem (ITS) technology, which ensures that motorcycles are guaranteed access toany and all roads built with the use of federal highway funds (no road bans).This effort will restrict anti-motorcycle lobbying efforts by NHTSA and provides $131 millionfor recreational trails development and maintenance!
During this active span of time, many state rights groups have become proactivewithin their states instead of RE-acting to legislative threats. Minnesotapassed our nation’s first law to make it illegal to discriminate againstsomeone because they ride a motorcycle. Arizona, Iowa, Oregon and Washingtonhave successfully repealed or modified their state’s handlebar height laws.Virginia and Illinois have lobbied their states to reinforce the federallyguaranteed access to roads by passing laws to protect our rights to ride onany roads within their state boundaries. Virginia and Maryland amended theirstate’s parking laws to allow more than one bike per metered space. Andseveral states have fought and defeated “No Fault” insurance proposals thatare unfair to motorcyclists.
Also, now, through the work of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists,patch holders in nearly 40 states and two Canadian Provinces have cometogether to form Confederations of Clubs to fight discrimination and policeharassment through the courts, bringing the motorcycle rights network fullcircle with the rejuvenated interest of the motorcycle club community.
While our early bikers’ rights leaders paved our way, other dynamic andconcerned riders have come forward to take the reigns and lead us into thenew millennium.
We should never forget the efforts and sacrifices of our predecessorswho faced intimidation from law enforcement, indifference from legislatorsand animosity from a public that saw “The Wild One” one too many times.They got the job done. Were it not for their perseverance and dedication,we would not have become the respected and effective grass roots lobbyinggroup that we are today.
So, there you have it. The roots of ABATE and the Americanmotorcyclists’ rights movement run deep in the hearts of those of us who haveaccepted and, in turn, passed on the torch of Freedom of the Road. To allthose who came before, we salute you.
Where will the future take us? That’s entirely up to you. New restrictions onour freedom and our motorcycles are coming at us now from across the big pondIf we don’t increase our political strength, we may be looking at thelast days of motorcycling as we know it.
W need to protect the future of motorcycling against theupcoming European invasion! The biggest threat facingmotorcyclists today is not necessarily from our own Government. It may verywell be the EUROPEAN THREAT, as the strictest motor vehicle standards in theworld are adopted as global standards.
On June 25, 1998, the global motorcycle came closer to reality, as theUnited States, Japan and the 15 member countries of the European Union (EU)signed an agreement in Geneva, under the auspices of the United Nations, todevelop global regulations concerning the safety performance of motorvehicles and equipment. So, the UNIVERSAL motorcycle is on it’s way.
The automotive and motorcycle industries have long advocated globaluniformity of standards, because conflicting standards mean expensive designchanges for each market. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, this means thatEuropean threats such as leg protectors, air bags, noise limits, horsepowerrestrictions and anti-tampering measures, will now become global issues. There are 300,000 new bikes sold in the USA eachyear, and 1,000,000 new bikes sold in Europe. Which standards do you thinkwill apply?
Construction standards could ban:Air-cooled engines, open chain drives, 2-stroke motors, self-tuning andcustomizing. Regulations will include Catalytic Converters to reduce emissions, along with reducingpower and increasing fuel consumption, while driving up the cost ofmotorcycles.
Medium/Long Term Threats in Europe include the following:
Vintage/classics banished to museums, due to End-of-Life issues
Construction standards mandated
Using “Anti-Tampering” Sheer Bolts to prevent home maintenance andperformance work.
Armored, high visibility clothing.
Bike bans on certain roads, in certain tourist areas and when pollutionlevels rise.
Massive road tax increases and heavy-handed taxes on motorcycles.
Multi-stage (tiered) licensing to ride a motorcycle, and very expensive.
Yes, and research continues, even today, on leg protectors and air bags!
Vision Zero:There’s no such thing as an “accident” with today’s technologically advancedvehicles. BUT motorcycles will always be subject to human error?thereforethey would be BANNED under this proposed Swedish plan which almost becameofficial policy!
Intelligent Transportation System:Basically, the purpose of ITS is to use technology to achieve a moreefficient flow of traffic. But while the goal is safer, quicker travel,ultimately ITS technology will eliminate human error by taking control of thevehicle away from the driver.
NHTSA promises active public participation in the development of the newglobal motor vehicle safety standards, with public meetings and commentperiods as the plan is implemented, and Congress has promised thatmotorcycles will be included in any future ITS developments. Motorcyclistswill have to ensure that our collective voice is heard during the planningstages.
So, if we want to continue to ride free, we must spread the word toother concerned riders, to our youth, and to our legislators. Join a motorcycle rights group and support their efforts. Freedom will never die.
–Bill Bish
March 21, 2006
By Bandit | | General Posts
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
NOT SO PATRIOTIC PATRIOT ACT: a few grand moments in the Senate, the final version of the Patriot Act signed by President Bush on March 9th imposes no meaningful restraints on the vast power Congress granted the government to spy on its own citizens in the fear-ridden wake of the 9/11 attacks, reported the Baltimore Sun on March 13, 2006.
Senators demanding greater privacy protections gained traction late last year when it was revealed that the Bush administration has been secretly wiretapping Americans for years without any sort of court approval. In the end, though, nearly all settled for minor concessions that leave the worst features of the Patriot Act intact.
Lawmakers are betting that if forced to make a choice, Americans will favor security over liberty, haunted as they are by a post-9/11 fearfulness recently on display in the frenzy over the prospect of an Arab-owned company running some U.S. port operations.
Among the most important changes:
Recipients of court-approved subpoenas for information in terrorist investigations will have the right to challenge the requirement that they not tell anyone about the subpoena. In addition, recipients of such subpoenas will no longer be forced to provide the FBI with the name of their lawyer. Also, the civil liberties package clarifies that most general-purpose libraries are not subject to demands made in so-called National Security Letters for information about suspected terrorists.
But not even the secret seizure of library, medical and business records without probable cause was adequately addressed. So the job isn’t done. And it won’t be unless outraged citizens demand it.
offered new legislation that would demand evidence of a link to a foreign power before library, business and medical records could be obtained; eliminate a one-year period before gag orders on requests for such records could be challenged in court; and require that the target of a “sneak and peek” search warrant be notified within seven days of its execution.
Now that the expiring provisions of the Patriot Act have been restored, though, pressure for further action is off. Senator Specter’s bill is likely to languish unless umbrage at the needless intrusion into the lives of innocent Americans makes itself heard.
Some of the Patriot Acts most important provisions will face another reauthorization in four years. Among them are Sections 206 and 215, which allow roving wiretaps and permit secret warrants for books, records, and other items from businesses, hospitals, and some libraries.
BIKERS ROLL TO SOLDIERS? FUNERALS Wearing vests covered in military patches, a band of motorcyclists rolls around the country from one soldier’s funeral to another, cheering respectfully to overshadow jeers from church protesters. They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders, (www.patriotguard.org) and they are more than 5,000 strong, forming to counter anti-gay protests held by the Rev. Fred Phelps at military funerals.
“The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares,” said Don Woodrick, the group’s Kentucky captain. “When a total stranger gets on a motorcycle in the middle of winter and drives 300 miles to hold a flag, that makes a powerful statement.”
At least 14 states are considering laws aimed at the funeral protesters, who at a recent memorial service at Fort Campbell wrapped themselves in upside-down American flags. They danced and sang impromptu songs peppered with vulgarities that condemned homosexuals and soldiers.
Westboro Baptist Church is made up mostly of Fred Phelps’ extended family members who, during the 1990s, were known mostly for picketing the funerals of AIDS victims, and they have long been tracked as a hate group by the Montgomery, Ala.-based Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project.
The project’s deputy director, Heidi Beirich, said other groups have tried to counter Phelps’ message, but none has been as organized as the Patriot Guard. “I’m not sure anybody has gone to this length to stand in solidarity,” she said. “It’s nice that these veterans and their supporters are trying to do something. I can’t imagine anything worse, your loved one is killed in Iraq and you’ve got to deal with Fred Phelps.”
MASSACHUSETTS PRO-MOTORCYCLE BILL CLEARS SENATE The Massachusetts State Senate has passed Senate Bill 2368, which contains numerous provisions beneficial to motorcyclists:
Increasing civil and criminal penalties to motorists who cause accidents when they violate the ‘right of way’ of all other road users (including motorcyclists), and shifting the financial burden (excess medical costs and lost wages) from injured victims to the at-fault operators;
Allows owners of motorcycles to ‘opt-out’ of the existing motorcycle insurance system and go to a competitive market, opening the doors for more insurers to write coverages in Massachusetts;
Allows experienced motorcyclists (6 years or more) or those to take the Rider Education Course, and have private health insurance or $50,000 in optional medical payments coverage, ‘choice’ of helmet wear;
A $125 assessment to those who violate the law, with the assessment going to the State’s Head Injury Trust Fund Program;
Changes in the existing motorcycle exhaust laws to limit the noise of motorcycle pipes.
The bill goes next to the House of Representatives for action.
“A lot of effort from a lot of motorcyclists the past several years lead to today’s success,” said Kevin Griffin of Plymouth, Chairman of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA). “We also challenge riders who want to lower their motorcycle insurance premiums, not be victimized twice in motorcycle crashes with excessive medical bills and lost wages, and the opportunity to choose wearing a helmet or not with some restrictions, to enlist their riding friends to join the MMA or buy raffle tickets, and plan to STORM the STATE HOUSE with us Thursday, May 18th. Membership, tickets and STORM products can be purchased on-line or downloadable forms are available at www.MassMotorcycle.com.”
TENNESSEE BILL WOULD BAN KIDS ON MOTORCYCLES Senate Bill 3032 has been filed for introduction in the Tennessee legislature on February 16, 2006, to prohibit children under nine years of age from riding as a passenger on a motorcycle:
Filed for intro on 02/16/2006
SENATE BILL 3032
By Harper
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 1, relative to riding on motorcycles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-164, is amended by adding the following new subsections thereto:
(e) No operator shall carry as a passenger on a motorcycle any person who is less than the age of nine (9) years.
(f) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2006, the public welfare requiring it.
BIKERS VS. DISNEY The Hells Angels Motorcycle Corp is suing Walt Disney for trademark infringement.
A suit filed in the US District Court in California claims Buena Vista Motion Pictures, a division of Disney, and a film production company are illegally using the Angels’ trademark — a helmeted, horned and feathered skull — in the film Wild Hogs.
The movie, in which John Travolta and Tim Allen are scheduled to star, is described as a comedy about “middle-aged wannabe bikers looking for adventure out on the open road, where they soon encounter a chapter of the Hells Angels”.
The group says that characters in Wild Hogs are identified as members of the club and wear its skull logo. They assert that Disney did not give them a copy of the film’s screenplay which has yet to start production.
“The words Hells Angels and the Deaths Head Logo are property of Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation, Inc. (HAMC) and protected by one or more Trademarks, Service marks, and Collective Membership Marks owned by HAMC. All unauthorized use is strictly forbidden, including reproduction in any manner,” asserts the club.
WEIRD NEWS: Safety Test Burns Club To The Ground A strip club owner burned his club to the ground while trying to prove it was fire-proof to health and safety inspectors. The owner of the Cabaret Club in Kienberg, Switzerland, started the blaze to show how fire-proof it was when he was visited by safety inspectors. They had questioned whether his decorations were in accordance with fire safety rules, and he used his lighter to set fire to the paper ornaments in a bid to prove there was nothing to worry about. But the fire quickly took off and spread throughout the club and the neighboring restaurant – burning both establishments to the ground. According to local police no one was hurt in the fire, but the damage amounts to more than $500,000.
NCOM CONVENTION The 21st annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother?s Day weekend, May 11-13, 2006, at the Executive Inn, located at 978 Phillips Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. Reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate by calling (502) 367-6161.
Hosted by the Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBA and the Kentucky Confederation of Clubs, this annual gathering draws over a thousand motorcyclists rights leaders from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders. Meetings, seminars and group discussions focus on safety issues, legal rights, legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride.
Registration fees for the Convention are $75 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $40 for the Convention only. All motorcyclists welcome. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MRO’s, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2005, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional ?Ringing of the Bell? tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be e-mailed to NCOMBish@aol.com.
March 16, 2006 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
STEALTH NORTH CAROLINA REPORT–Around here it seems that the old Triumphs are making a comeback. In the past couple of weeks we have had two real cool Triumphs show up at STEALTH BIKE WORKS. I have never paid a lot of attention to Triumphs but these bikes have a lot of heart and soul. One thing about these bikes is that you don’t have to mortgage the house to have a nice bike. Here at SBW we are set up with British Cycle Supply to get Triumph parts. We also have Bob Engels who has agreed to help SBW out when we have a Triumph to work on. Bob built the cool Triumph you see in the pictures.
One thing I really dig here at SBW is when we get the older bikes to work on. One reason being is that these bikes bring back a lot of memories and they all have heart and soul and they all have their own story to tell. I think that is one thing about STEALTH BIKE WORKS too, is that the shop has heart. When things seem to be taking a down turn we somehow seem to bounce back. We are probably the underdog around here but we have a lot fight and we never quit.
Here at SBW we have a plasma cutter on site now. We are going to be doing our own sissy bars. We have some cool designs layed out. We have quie a network going on here at SBW. Within a mile we have a Chrome Plating shop, we also have our Painter within a mile and our Powder Coater is within 15 miles . We can get things turned around real quick if we need to. As small as SBW seems sometimes we have BIG capabilities!
I feel I am really blessed to have this opportunity in life. There is nothing I would rather do than be at SBW. I hope it never ends. No matter how busy you are, business could always be better. As long as I make a living at SBW, I am satisfied doing it on my own terms.
Hey, if you miss the way shops used to be give us a call at STEALTH BIKE WORKS, 704 -882-0889. You will be glad you did! SBW, “BIKERS SERVING BIKERS!”
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
BIKERNET WIFE CHOOSING ADVICE–A man wanted to get married. He was having trouble choosing among three likely candidates. He gives each woman a present of $5,000 and watches to see what they do with the money.
The first does a total make over. She goes to a fancy beauty salon gets her hair done, new make up and buys several new outfits and dresses up very nicely for the man. She tells him that she has done this to be more attractive for him because she loves him so much.
The man was impressed.
The second goes shopping to buy the man gifts. She gets him a new set of golf clubs, some new gizmos for his computer, and some expensive clothes. As she presents these gifts, she tells him that she has spent all the money on him because she loves him so much.
Again, the man is impressed.
The third invests the money in the stock market. She earns several times the $5,000. She gives him back his $5000 and reinvests the remainder in a joint account. She tells him that she wants to save for their future because she loves him so much.
Obviously, the man was impressed.
The man thought for a long time about what each woman had done with the money he’d given her.
Then, he married the one with the biggest boobs.
Men are like that, you know.
–from Rev CarlR
THE BROTHEL—Two Irishmen were sitting in a pub having beer and watching the brothel across the street.
They see a Baptist minister walk into the brothel, and one of them says, “Aye, ’tis a shame to see a man of the cloth goin’ bad.”
Then they see a rabbi enter the brothel, and the other Irishman says, “Aye, ’tis a shame to see that the Jews are fallin’ victim to temptation as well.”
Then they see a catholic priest enter the brothel, and one of the Irishmen says, “What a terrible pity…one of the girls must be dying.
–from Nick Roberts
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DOESN’T SUPPORT TROOPS–WESTCHASE, Fla., (March 10) – When Stacey Kelley’s husband, Army Pvt. David Kelley who is serving in Iraq, sent her a cardboard sign expressing support for U.S. troops overseas, she put it up in the yard of her suburban Tampa, Fla., home.
Kelley, 24, never imagined that it would raise controversy, or that she would be threatened with a $100-a-day fine if she refused to take it down.
“I’ve been in tears. I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to take it down,” she said. The Westchase Homeowners Association threatened her with the $100 a day for up to 10 days because the sign is in violation of association rules, but Kelley said she was ready to pay.
“If I have to pay, I’ll pay the fines. My husband says the same thing,” she said. “If we have to pay them, we’ll pay them. If they’re gonna try to give us more than a thousand-dollar fine, there’s enough people out there that are willing to help me out.”
It was an issue that caused a conflict for the association’s president, who is also an Army reservist. Daryl Manning, an Iraq War veteran, said he hoped that some compromise could be worked out.
–ABC News affiliate WFTS-TV in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
GRAVESITE FLAGS STOLEN AGAIN–Well, it’s happened again. My bro’s been at Historyland Memorial Park on Rte. 301 in King George, Va since we lost him to cancer in October 2003 at the age of 45. We have always flown Harley flags for him at his gravesite. His flags are visible from the highway because he is right under one of the three large crosses that line the road. We never had a problem until the first of this year.
This time not only was the flag removed but the flagpole as well. Just yanked right out of the ground and off it went somewhere. I can’t ride by a house between there and Colonial Beach where I live without checking everyone’s front yard. I have visions of seeing it somewhere and ripping it out of someone’s front yard and hoping no one calls the cops.
Just let me find the person doing this – I’m a redhead with a temper – maybe I’ll rig up a camera of some sort…Probably some wannabe on a Yamahaha.
Thx for your help last time, Bandit. I kind of hoped when I went to visit Woody, which I do every week, that some thoughtful biker might leave him a memorial of some sort.
This is so wrong man..
–Gayle Maxine
MANCUSO HARLEY BURNS RUBBER WITH D&D PERFORMANCE EXHAUST– When enthusiasts come into the MancusoHarley-Davidson Dealership in Houston, Texas looking for more power for theirHarley, Walter Birmingham, Assistant Parts Manager, recommends a performancepackage that includes exhaust pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust.
A common way to add ponies to a V-twin engine is to add a high flow aircleaner, jet kit or fuel injection module and a high-performance exhaustpipe. These three upgrades working together will show the biggest bang forthe buck.
“We have four criteria in selecting a pipe that include performance, fit,finish and heat shields,” said Birmingham. “If D&D didn’t meet theperformance standards we wouldn’t recommend them. They are that good. Theyconsistently out perform Samson, Reinhart and Hooker.”
Birmingham has indicated that Service Technician, Jeff Skipski, is on thedealership’s dynamometer daily and acknowledges the difference betweenmanufacturers. “As an example, we started with a stock Sportster that produced60 HP at the crank,” said Skipski. “We added a pipe, high flow air cleaner anda jet kit to the package. When finished running it through its paces we weremaking 78HP. That’s a great bump in performance.”
“Horsepower at the drive-ability range from idle to 4,500 rpm is the sweetspot for Harley riders,” said Dave Rash, Mr. D&D. “You can see, feel andhear the difference immediately. Our pipes not only look good, they make theHarleys sound just the way they are supposed to.”
D&D Performance Exhaust pipes are torture-tested on D&D’s state-of-the-artin-house Super Flow Eddy Current Ram Air dynamometer. This is done incombination with the Super Flow Bench and the first in the industry, multicylinder Lambda Fuel Air Ratio Sensors. They are interfaced with the Dynofor real time meter and graph analysis. Each pipe is dyno tuned for maximumperformance and sound.
AMERICA’S MOST EXCITING AND UNIQUE MOTORCYCLE EVENT —The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Sponsored by Bikernet.com – July 15 &16th 2006.
The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend takes place every 3rd weekend in July at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach / Los Angeles.The July 15-16th 2006 weekend was the the Show’s 15th annual event. Its extraordinary growth and success is credited to its unique and exciting motorcycle pinup calendar theme based on the popular FastDates.com Calendars produced by Show producer Jim Gianatsis, and featuring America’s top custom builders, bikes, and manufacturers together with beautiful calendar models. The Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend has grown to become the biggest Custom and Performance Streetbike Show in America (and possibly the World) focused on the custom, cruiser and high performance sport / streetbike markets.
Spectator attendance reaches close to 20,000 hard core motorcycle enthusiasts at the exciting 2-day weekend. Exhibitors include 195 major motorcycle and parts manufacturers, with selected product and apparel venders added into the mix to keep it fun for the entire family. Spectators have a chance to meet top celebrity custom bike builders and attend free Iron & Lace Calendar Bike Builder Seminars with America’s top celebrity builders including Russell Mitchell, Jesse Rooke and Roland Sands and Chica. All weekend long you can watch or enter your own bike in the exciting Jardine World Record Horsepower Dyno Shoot Out.
Then on Sunday see the world’s top custom bikes in the Performance Machine Calendar Show Bike Building Championship with a record breaking purse of our $70,000 in cash and awards featuring the new RoadBike Magazine Metric Class, while enjoying the exciting new Metric Midway featuring Japanese Cruisers, European and Japanese Sportbikes.
BCCOM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS–We are currently looking for volunteers to help out at the BCCOM booth atthe Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show on March 25-26th at the Tradex Centrein Abbotsford.
The shifts are as follows:
Saturday, March 25th:
10-1pm
1-4pm
4-7pm
7-10pm
Sunday, March 26th:
10-1pm
1-4pm
4-7pm
Volunteers will receive free admission to the show the day of their shift.
If you are able to help out please contact us at office@bccom-bc.com , (604)580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111.
Thank you for your support!!
WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW
DATE: MARCH 25-26, 2006
LOCATION: Tradex Centre, Abbotsford, BC
Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show Inc.
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111
Fax: (604) 580-0114
Website: www.westcoastcustom.ca
Email: office@westcoastcustom.ca
AMA BONNEVILLE RACING RULES AVAILABLE–The AMA supplemental regulations are now available for free download on our website! These rules are also available on the AMA website and printed copies will be available from the AMA soon.
Now both AMA and FIM rules are available and please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions regarding any of the rules. we can help point you in the right direction.
We have also got another great hotel dicount deal at the Wendover Nugget for the duration of our meet. Only $19.95 a night during the week (Mon-thurs) is hard to beat. Over the long weekend their rates are almost half their regular rate so get in early as rooms are limited at this great deal! Check out our website for the prices and discount codes to make your reservation.
Entry details are being finalized and details will be updated soon. An email will be sent out as soon as they are available.
There have been a number of changes to our website. We hope this helps you navigate better to find your way around (if you discover any broken links please let me know!!).
Once again if you have any questions regarding rules, or about the event in general please don’t hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call.
International Motorcycle Speed Trials by BUB Information http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com
PH: 530 272 4310
FAX: 530 477 7489
Email: eventinfo@speedtrialsbybub.com
OUR THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Pingel Ent, American Dealer News/Dealer-world.com, Wendover Nugget, NHRS V-Twin Performance, Buell Bros Racing, Bikernet.com
TURN UP THE VOLUME BIKERNET RADIO RUMBLES WITH MR. D&D–Bikernet Radio interviews Dave Rash, Mr. D&D Performance Exhaust, at the V-TwinExpo in Cincinnati. Branscombe Richmond provides the on-air talent.
Tune In and Turn On – To hear the show logon to Bikernet Radio PodcastShow.
Industry Leaders Know D&D – Industry insiders know what a set of D&D pipes cando for a Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine. Dave’s years at Bonneville androad racing has allowed him to extend the performance aspects of the pipe intothe product line. “D&D provides the best combination of power and sound and theyoffer the best finish in the business,” said Bob Kay, Vice President Sales and Marketing,Hardbikes.
SMOKE OUT WEST IN DATE LIMBO–Please don’t plug the Smoke Out west yet.Well, you can say we are having itbut the weekend we had planned seems to also bea jazz weekend that we weren’t told aboutand all the rooms are booked for that date.So we are probably are going to move it back a weekendSept to the 14 and 15.
–Geno
BUILD A BIKE TO FIT THIS PIPE– Doug Keim Creative Cycles’ (DKCC) 3-Oh-Nine Bare exhaust pipe is offered in raw steel, ready for your finishing touches. Features include: stepped head pipes, a 2-into-1 merge-style collector, a huge 3-inch outlet and ultra-heavy gauge steel tubing throughout the pipe. The 3-Oh-Nine Bare pipe will fit all H-D Evo and Twin Cam big twin models (except ’06 models with ’02 sensors) as well as most custom applications with forward controls.
Note: Rear head pipe may interfere with some large diameter OEM air cleaner covers. This pipe is pure potential.
For more information, contact: Doug Keim Creative Cycles, (732) 751-1403, http://www.creativecycles.com.
DEAL OF THE WEEK–Wanted to drop a line your way, as you may know someone (or a visitor toyour site) interested. I’m selling the Pyrotec feature bike that was shownon Bikernet.
I’m jonesing to build another. BAD. Anyway I’m asking $22K, ora close offer.
–John Beck j3mbeck@sbcglobal.net
DROP THE HAMMER–We finished the news. I need to find a Happy Hour and grab a couple of shots. It’s my goddamn birthday. I’m 58 and it’s all bullshit. Why do we celebrate getting old? I’ll tell you guys something. Grab all the adventures you can while you’re young. Don’t be proud of missing vacations and working your ass off. There’s really not any amount a man can pay you for a slice of your life. You could be gone tomorrow, disabled or old. Then what the fuck are you going to do. Can’t chase girls if you can’t get out of bed in the morning. Get it. So take good care of yourselves and make sure you treat each minute like gold.
Enough of that bullshit. I’m still on the move, but slower. I’m riding to Sturgis this year, then back to LA. Then we’re riding to Bonneville to the Bubs International Speed Trials. We’re working on our bikes like crazy, tearing up this building and busting our asses on Bikernet to make it the hottest, most informative, most fun, Biker media on the planet.
We got wheels on the Bonne Belle this week and I’m pumped. We may add Performance Machine brake calipers and rotors next week. Oh, and I discovered the perfect rear fender this week from Kraft Tech. We will mount it this weekend and all the sheet metal will go to paint. I need to find a source for aircraft fasteners with safety wires. I need to hit up my connection.
Time to hit the little dive joint down the street for a stiff drink. Oh, get this from Time magazine. Some 48 million dollars was an AIDS prevention grant that the U.S. refused to renew because Brazil will not state formally that prostitution is dehumanizing. Unbelievable. I’ll bet that prostitution will be legalized here in the next five years.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
March 16, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
EYE CANDY CUSTOM CYCLES PANHEAD SPORT BIKE–This was my Panhead sportbike project. I have since bought a house and had tosell the Panhead engine. Looks like it may end up being a Shovelhead.
They make some killer taillights. I ran the ’59 Cadillac on my Sturgis chop and I’m running the horizontal Model A design on the new Panhead Sportbike.–Bandit
vince@eyecandycustomcycles.com
THROWBACK PARTS TAKE MC ADVANTAGES TO THE CRIME–The boys at Crime Scene Choppers have been putting out some of the moststylish throwback and radical retro parts for years. MC Advantages is proudto carry their vintage-inspired air cleaners, oil filter mounts, oil tanks,belt drive cover, gas caps and Hard-Ass solo seat.
The unique features of these parts include their finned designs. Withquality materials used in and out, the parts may look old, but will last alifetime. Contact your MC Advantages dealer for complete fitment and pricinginformation.
MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based inGrimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantagesdistributes many brands including: S&S? Cycle, Martin Bros.?, Spyke?,Stampede, Prowler?, Bulletpr?f, D&M Custom Cycle, Rivera Engineering?,Platinum Air Suspension, Tauer Machine? and many more.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
http://www.MCAdvantages.com
BIKERNET WATER STUDY…… It has been scientifically proven that if we drink 1 litre of Water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of escherichia coli bacteria found in feces, in other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of Doo Doo.
However, we do not run that risk when drinking rum, whiskey, beer or Other liquors because alcohol has to go through a distillation process of Boiling, filtering and fermenting.
It is my duty to communicate to all of you people who are drinking water, to STOP doing so, it has been scientifically proven that it is UNHEALTHY and BAD for you.
WATER = Doo Doo
ALCOHOL = HEALTH
Free yourself of Doo Doo, drink ALCOHOL!!!
It is better to drink alcohol and talk Doo Doo than to drink water and be full of shit.
HERE ENDITH THE LESSON
–from Joe Franks
WOMAN GETS BEER FROM HER KITCHEN FAUCET–OSLO, Norway – It almost seemed like a miracle to Haldis Gundersen when she turned on her kitchen faucet this weekend and found the water had turned into beer.
Two flights down, employees and customers at the Big Tower Bar were horrified when water poured out of the beer taps.
By an improbable feat of clumsy plumbing, someone at the bar in Kristiandsund, western Norway, had accidentally hooked the beer hoses to the water pipes for Gundersen’s apartment.
“We had settled down for a cozy Saturday evening, had a nice dinner, and I was just going to clean up a little,” Gundersen, 50, told The Associated Press by telephone Monday. “I turned on the kitchen faucet and beer came out.”
However, Gundersen said the beer was flat and not tempting, even in a country where a half-liter (pint) can cost about 25 kroner ($3.75) in grocery stores.
–from Tande
MIKE HUPY WINS ABATE LEADER’S BRUTALITY CASE–Attorney Michael F. Hupy recently negotiated a six figure settlement for Paula White, former Northern Illinois A.B.A.T.E. president. Other lawyers would not take her case.
Paula sued the Village of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, as a result of being assaulted by police on July 18, 2002. She was injured as a result of the use of excessive force and charged with a crime she did not commit.
She was acquitted of theft charges and the complainant was charged with filing a fraudulent insurance claim.
For more information, see http://www.hupy.com and refer to current news for bikers section.
HELLBOUND STEEL CONSOLIDATES OWNERSHIP–Hellbound Steel Motorcycles, a leading producer of custom production motorcycles, has consolidated its ownership to principals that are directly involved with the production of their motorcycles. As outlined by Mike Molloy, President and Co-Founder, Paul Cavallo, who was a co-founder of HBS, has sold his, interest in HBS to concentrate on his other company, American Made MFG., which is also a supplier to HBS. Mike Salyer, currently VP of Production, has now purchased a stake in the corporation.
Mr. Salyer will assume the duties of Executive Vice President. He came to HBS from American Made Mfg. in 2002 and has guided HBS from its infancy to a production volume of 500 units in 2005. His target for HBS in fiscal 2006 is 650-750 units. Mike Molloy has been the driving force in obtaining Canadian and Australian certification for HBS motorcycles and is now working with the importers to establish dealer networks in both of those countries. Mike Molloy said that he could not have accomplished the expansion into the international market without the support he gets in the day to day operations from his partner Mike Salyer.
Hellbound Steel is the first U.S. production custom motorcycle manufacture to obtain Australian certification.
Hellbound Motorcycles are available through select motorcycle dealers. For further information and to find the closest Hellbound Steel Motorcycle dealer call, FAX or write: Hellbound Steel Motorcycles, 8613 Helms Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91730
Phone (909) 484-8800;
FAX (909) 484-8809
or visit www.hellboundsteel.com
RUMBLE DOLLS INVADE LAKE ELSINORE BIKE SHOP–WE JUST MOVED IN TO OUR NEW SHOP THIS LAST WEEK AND LOVE IT HERE. THE DOLLS ARE LEARNING THE ROPES HERE, TO HELP CUSTOMERS GET THE LOWEST PRICE ON BIKE PARTS. THEY RUN SHIPPING, PHONES AND CLEAN-UP, AND LOVE TO MODEL OUT NEW KILLING MACHINE SHIRTS FOR MEN AND GIRLS.
DAMMED IF THEY DONT CUT UP EVERY MENS SHIRTS THEY GET THERE HANDS ON. BUT EVEN DAMNDER,THEY LOOK SO FINE IN ‘EM. WHAT CAN I SAY. YA JUST GOT TO LOVE EM.
THE BIKE IS A NEW CHOPPER WE BUILT HERE CALLED THE RANDLE SCANDLE, 100 CI POLISHED REV TECH, POLISHED 6-SPEED, 3 INCH B.D.L. BELT DRIVE, 10 OVER SPRINGER, SPOKED WHEELS, CUSTOM DIAMOND TANK. IT’S DONE IN TRUE CHOPPER STYLE, A ONE OFF. FRED’S FRAME HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. BLACK WITH FLAMES.
–ALGIE
KILLING MACHINE CHOPPERS
18630 COLLIER AVE UNIT H
LAKE ELSINORE CA 92530
1 888 900 KILL
ROCKY’S NEW SOLO SEAT SPRINGS–The Devil girl II Bikernet Tech came out killer. I am still doing the David Mann Seat still. I have just been really really busy, I am going to document the DM seat also. So I can do another article.
It will be mounted on my new stainless steel pans. I also have a new product, They are called Kleen Springs. What do you think? They are totally adjustable as far as mounting goes (they can be mounted on top of the frame rail or on the side for a lower stance.
–Rocky
:rocky1@purekustom.com
They’re killer. I want to test a set out, maybe on our 120-inch Pan that I’ll ride to Sturgis. We’ll report on the installation and how well they work.–Bandit
BIKERNET MOTORCYCLE NOISE TESTING SCHEME–The concept is that, like emergency vehicles, motorcycles need to make noise–they’re vulnerable.Motorcycles have but two means of protection, sight (and you know how that goes) and sound.So we need to develop a sound level that can be heard from 3-5 car lengths behind a car with the windows rolled up and radio playing. That sound level must be heard across an intersection so a motorist can hopefully see and hear a motorcycle coming across an intersection. They also need to be heard a block away, so a motorist knows that a motorcycle is coming up on an intersection from a side street.
We can easily prove that between 70-85 percent of all accidents are cause by car drivers and if we curb motorcycle noise we will kill motorcyclists.
We can also prove that (and I would like to do testing to support it), as you experience noise daily, like trucks constantly (see noise levels above), that motorcycles only make up a small, brief percentage of that noise, so let ’em be.
Our exception to the above will be excessive use of noise in residential areas after 10:00 p.m., and through the MRF I’ve found that Daytona cops created a anti-revving ordinance. They only ticket abusers who overtly make excessive noise.
Brett Smith from S&S suggested that universal testing and equipment be established and I agreed. Unfortunately the cost to have every cop carry the same meter and use it under the same circumstances every time may not be cost effective or practical.
I’ve run this concept and notions by NCOM, the MRF, ABATE, SEMA representatives, a senator and Bikernet Readers. They all applaud the notion. One reader, Paul, suggested that to admit that we are vulnerable could mean the end of motorcycling. We need to handle that aspect carefully. On the other hand, I spoke to freedom fighters across the country and they believe strongly, that we must stay right in the face of legislators, which if we acquiesce, try to hide, we’ll be toast, quick. One guy said, “We’re the Indians, now. We need to keep up the fight.”
If we can create the first platform for this and create a ground-swell of activity, we can hopefully accomplish the following:
Additional testing and implementation by higher ups
Continued motorcycle freedom
Heightened motorcycle awareness
Maybe save a life or two
Keep the bastards off our backs
I’ll report back as we begin testing.
Don’t hesitate to drop me a line or discuss this in our Bikernet Forum department.
–Wilburn Roach
NEW PHOTOGS ATTACK DAYTONA–So here’s the deal: we’re not exactly fresh out of college, we’ve been around, beenhere, been there, done this, done that. But we are new in this particular business.This is our first attempt at shooting a serious bike rally. We are quite new in our otherbusiness as well: music photography. We started that one a year ago. But sincethen we’ve worked for quite a few artists, both famous and not so famous. And frankly,we finally both decided that this is what we wanna do the rest of our lives.
So, hopefully you like these collages of some of our Bike Week 2006 photos.
–The Duck & The Chief
http://www.CCBIKEART.biz
Continued On Page 3
Bikernet Brings You The Rarest Motorcycles of All
By Bandit | | General Posts
I have known Don Nowell for ten years. I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed one of his completed custom creations. It was one of those mundane days when I ran across every franchise excuse for life from McDonalds to Winchell’s Donuts, only to have Don walk into my office with something so different, so creative, so well made that I was slack-jawed for an hour. I wondered how and why a man would painstakingly build a quarter scale custom using every ability and skill he had mustered in 50 years of hot rods and riding.
“After thirteen years of designing and working for other companies, Don said, “I needed to make my own statement, create something new with my own stamp on it. So in 1994 I arrived at the idea of making a model bike. It took thirteen months from a blank sheet of paper to the first finished example. It was debuted at the Peterson Automotive Museum.”
His designs and manufacturing skills are on a level with the famed house of Faberge. Each motorcycle is hand made to the customer’s requirements and certified to be one of a kind. Don began his long successful career with models, “There is a saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun!” Don said, “Fifty years have gone by for me working with my hands and building neat stuff! I started at ten years old with model airplanes, coasters, etc. Then in high school I won the Rotary Club contest in electric shop with my electric motor. Winning that award was my first taste of the satisfaction you receive when you build something exemplary.”
In this case greatness is in the details. These ultra-unique, hand-fabricated, hand-assembled, hand-painted marvels require a trained eye to appreciate the depth and dedication involved in their creation. They are not plastic models or stamped-out “collector specials” made in the thousands. They are as rare as Bugatti’s.
“Unfortunately, people are used to seeing plastic models that are glued together in a few hours and sometimes give my work a passing glance,” said Don, who has spent several years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in the tooling for his two-wheeled wonders.
His story of artistic achievement stretches back some decades during which Don built and raced his own hot rods, wrenched together hypo car and boat engines, restored Pebble Beach winning antiques, and built custom motorcycles as well as prototype metal and die-cast toy vehicles.
“After school I started to hang out at Bob’s Big Boy in Van Nuys during cruise nights,” Don said, “sure there was little street racing with my ’57 Bel Air. I wanted to go faster, so I started building a B/Gas ’37 Chevrolet Coupe. In ’64 I raced the gasser. I won at the drags and at the car shows as well. In December ’66 “Hot Rod” magazine featured my car. I also set a record at the time of 121.80 mph at Irwindale drag strip.”
I took a little time away from racing to work for J.B. Nethercutt at SanSylmar, restoring cars for his classic car collection. I am proud of being ableto say that the 1924 McFarlan I put together won its class at the PebbleBeach Concourse Show in 1975.”
Don incessantly sought ways of building new products and even improved tooling to make products faster and more efficiently. He used a full-sized bike to determine his dimensions, opting for a quarter-scale adaptation. After calculating the correct ratios, his next step was figuring out how to make a laced wheel. He designed and built fixtures to hold rims and hubs in place. By hand he drilled holes and laced the wheels with stainless spokes and nipples.
“Once I had accomplished building the wheels,” Don said, ” I knew I could build the rest. But I needed the correct tires to match the wheels. I chose a tread design later provided and approved by the Avon Tire Company, down to the Avon logo and arrows indicating tire direction.” He designed and fabricated his own mold for the tires, a 21-inch scaled down front and a 16-inch rear.
In ’76 I went back to engines full-time, also working on motorcycles. I started to build disc brake rotors for flat track racing bikes. In 1980 I started to build prototype and production toy trucks for Smith-Miller.”
Work on the frame came next, a long, painstaking and expensive period of R&D. It required bending the raw tubing, fabricating fixtures to hold the sections in place, milling and metering all the joints. Try welding with a magnifying glass. The body parts also required equal effort. After making a die set for the front fender, it was stamped out of sheet metal. “I finally decided to cast the gas tanks out of thin wall investment cast aluminum,” Don explained, “and then fabricated the rear fender out of one-piece aluminum using a CNC milling machine. This guaranteed a straight, parallel finish.”
The next hurdle, a big one, was the engine and transmission. Don made all the prototype components from 6061 aluminum billet utilizing his milling machine and lathe.
In ’67 I started building engines at “Bartz Engines” for “Can-Am” cars and became shop foreman,” Don said, “I decided to start my own engine shop which opened in ’69, building engines for stock cars and circle racing boats. In 1970 I received a U.S. Patent for a valve job tool called the “Qwik-Seat.”
His model engine prototypes were taken to a foundry that was able to take molds for the engine lower ends, cylinders, transmissions, and carburetors. “Then I had them cast out of aluminum, and it was a great joy to see them come out perfect,” Don added.
As with any custom bike, the customer has the choice of engine, in this case an Evo big twin or a classic Knucklehead power plant.
Take a look at the seat. It’s fashioned from soft foam rubber covered with glove leather. The tiny speedometer features the correct red tip on the indicator arm and last odometer number. The shifting levers all function and feature a ball detent on the transmission so that it clicks seemingly into gear when the shift lever is moved up or down. Don’s scale model seems more true than real. The hand levers are fitted with springs, with a piece of rubber inserted on both the clutch and brake side to simulate the real feel of their operation. The bike features a working suspension, both front and rear with 3/8-inch travel, again mimicking full-sized machines. The front end sports down tubes cut from ground stainless tubing. Don’s gone so far as to make molds for the headlight and taillight lenses, again made from plastic like the real article. Even the derby and inspection covers are separate pieces and literally bolted on. The fasteners are created from special stainless hardware. You can see them on the swingarm pivots, triple clamps, axles, and elsewhere. Some 152 individual, very tiny bolts.
Paint is of utmost importance, and Don offers a list of pearl tones including candy orange, blue, red, and black with hand rubbed custom paint available to match corporate colors or even a real bike. As for the metal finish, all are polished aluminum other than the castings, which are also polished to a spectacular shine.
“As I was doing design work full-time,” Don explained, “I would see a story or photos of high-end car models from around the world, and that planted the seed in me to do that same kind of work. With my passion for motorcycles that has lasted until this day, I decided to build 1/4-scale custom motorcycles.
As of now Don has six bike styles available:Softails, Fatboys and Choppers plus a Springer front end and three-spoke Billet wheels. He can build custom bikes to match full-sized ride or whatever a client would dream of. Each hand built custom is 24 inches long, 8 inches wide and 13 to 15 inches tall depending on the bars. The bikes weigh 12 pounds and you can check his operation at http://www.motorcyclefineart.com or call (818) 363-8564.
March 09, 2006 Part 5
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 4
LUCKY DEVIL METAL WORKS BUILDING CONCEPT VICTORY IN HOUSTON–Here is some of what I took for the Cruising Rider story, they used the one with the grinding and a few others. Would have been better if we did not have the speaker shadow on the sign. Which has now been moved. The article series on the build will run in Cruising Rider then on Bikernet.com where the articles will be archived in the same department for easy access.
Lucky Devil is also building a motorcycle for the Queen of Bikernet, an exclusive one-off Frisco style chopper that’s small, tight and right for this demur woman. It’s based on a Harley black and chrome 80-inch engine and 5-speed transmission and Harley-Davidson smooth spoked wheels, a Krafttech narrow rigid frame with very little stretch and rake. The front end will be a Paughco and the Devil modified VL. Reports are due in soon.
–RFR
BIKERNET NUMBERS REPORT–Thanks to you, our numbers jumped again last month: 270,000 unique users, 540,000 visits, 913,000 impressions and 8.7 million hits. Thanks for coming back, and let us know if Bikernet can ever do anything for you, your bike or travels.
NEWEST PERFORMANCE MACHINE CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE–The 2006 Performance Machine catalog is 20% larger then last years and full of cool new stuff! New wheels, new brakes, a completely new line of engine covers and for the first time in PM history, complete body kits for both the Softail and V-Rod.
As if that wasn’t enough, check out the 35 year timeline of photos dating back to the company’s inception across the bottom of every page. It’s what’s old and what’s new all in one catalog!
Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle,
La Palma, CA 90623
714-523-3000
http://www.performancemachine.com
Call or drop them a note for a new catalog and tell ’em Bikernet sent ya.
NOTES FROM PAUL THE NOISE DOCTOR ABOUT OUR BIKERNET NOISE TESTING NOTIONS–I’m thinking that we need to stress the transitory nature of our machines, and Isuppose I would tentatively support the ‘national standard’ for decibel meters andtheir use, but I still would find such a standard must, by necessity, be linked tosome sort of national standard for noise and that scares the hell out of me. I feelthat along the way we’ve abrogated too many of our rights and would not want toimpose such a standard on the more relaxed municipalities, although I would alsolike the more restrictive places to lighten up.
What I meant on the cost prohibitive side is the need for a national bureaucracy todetermine ‘acceptable noise limits.’ The specification process alone is a nightmareto accomplish, and is so fraught with the opportunity for misuse (witness CAFE andEPA) that I just cringe at the thought of national noise standards.
Paul E. (Tin Man) Vasquez
Actually Paul always brings up excellent points. We are going forward with noise testing to demonstrate the need for motorcycle noise in a safety environment, but not as a nation wide enforcement rule. Kirk from the MRF agrees with the premise that all cops can’t carry decibel meters and handle the testing in an equitable fashion; hence it’s hardly anything that would hold up in court. Daytona handles noise enforcement with a revving ordinance. They won’t generally mess with anyone unless they are overtly over-revving their engines to create more noise. In addition a curfew on overt noise after 10:00 is residential areas is another way to appease the public.
According to Kirk, motorcycles are not a major problem, but the most obvious one and the one most complained about by citizen groups.–Bandit
DO YOU HAVE A DYNA GLIDE? YOU COULD WIN A SET OF PERFORMANCE PIPES FREE–Each set of high-performance Fat Cat DYNA Pipes from D&D Performance Exhaust are tuned for Horsepower and that satisfying Harley sound. And a new set of pipes can increase your performance by as much as 12 additional horses.
These 2 into 1 Fat Cat Pipes can be yours FREE. Just send us a picture of your DYNA with your name and telephone number to dandd@horsepowermarketing.com and we will post them on bikernet.com and have the community at bikernet.com vote for the ‘Most Desirable DYNA’ of Bikernet.
To get a performance pipe for your Harley or custom V-Twin logon to www.danddexhaust.com..
Bandit Defender
With over 6 million Remington standard 12-gauge shotguns sold since it’s inception in 1949. They’re a natural security device. Many different products will enhance the users experience, in particular, accuracy. We’re working closely with Larry Crow of Competitive Edge Gunworks. He has developed felt recoils, grip an trigger pulls, magazine capacity enhancers and even combat light options. So master gunsmith Larry Crow has put all these developement together in one amazing product.
The Bandit Defender is a first for the Master craftsman. Because this will first time that some one elses name will grace one of Larry Crow’s fire arms.
I hope that Bandit can live up to honor.
One can be yours for $1,195.00 PLUS $35.00 SHIPPING Or Larry Can do the conversion on Your firearm for $795.00 shipping includedmore
THE NEWS WAS DEEP–So I’m going to take a break and work on my old bench. Brother Brad gave me a massive Snap-On vice and I need to give it a few coats of battleship gray to make it work with the Bikernet shop (not the vice, the bench).
Then I’m going clear off one of the shop lifts and prepare to run the 2003 King up for a couple of upgrades. We will install Will Phillip’s new touring True Track device designed to take the wobble out of rubber mounted chassis. It’s a proven fact that rubber drivelines should run four links to stabilize them, in particular Dyna Glides. True Track heim joint systems save the day, tighten rubbermounted drivelines and improve handling. Talk to anyone who has one. You’ll see an entire tech in the next week or two.
We will also install Keith Terry’s newest closed loop Terminal Velocity Fuel Management System from Terry Components. It’s a bolt on system with an exhaust sensor that I will weld to the rear exhaust pipe. This device will tune my King over the next 100 miles for optimum performance. We will also deliver a tech and a follow-up report.
We received a small classic Triumph fairing from Jim Murrillo (our Bonneville project bikes painter) that I will consider for the Salt Shaker. Check it out and while the wheels are being laced, trued, balanced, bearings plugged in and tires mounted at Settle’s Cycles in Harbor City we need to grind out the axle landings so I can run larger 3/4-inch axles.
Hang on for this coming week and an article about the new products built by TJ Carlini, a Girl of Bikernet posed with Johnny Chop’s Seminole Hard Rock Road House custom, Techs on new products from Compu-Fire, a hot rod street/drag Sportster from Gene Jr. Thomasen, fiction from India, fortune cookies from Dr. Neon and an article on the totally carbon fiber chassis. Hang on.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
