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MRF POSTS COMMENTS TO NHTSA–(This is another reminder to take the time to write).The MRF recently submitted comments in response to each of the eleven amendments proposed by the safety experts at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The MRF identified aspects of amendments in need of serious change and classified others as being steps in the right direction. “It is imperative NHTSA hears from all riders on this issue” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation adding, “NHTSA updates these guidelines every six years or so. The opportunity to voice your opinion is now”.

To view the comments visit: http://dms.dot.gov. Use the “simple search” function, reference Docket Number 23090 and you will be able to view the comments. The MRF encourages all riders and rider organization to submit comments.

Furthermore, the MRF first reported the NHTSA guideline amendments and, at the time, believed the agency’s standard thirty day open comment period would not be lengthy enough to provide ample time for the motorcyclists of America to register their opinions and concerns. Working with NHTSA, the MRF successfully had the comment period extended resulting in a new deadline date of March 27, 2006. In addition, as stated in the Federal Register notice, “to the extent possible, NHTSA will consider comments received after the comment period ends”.

Therefore, while the “official” period ends on March 27th, the government will continue to accept all submissions until the arbitrary decision to close the “unofficial” period is made.

To mail a hard version of your comments send them to NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590.

HARLEY’S 2000 AND 2450CC NEW V-TWIN ENGINES– EPA documents show design basics and performance info a 2450cc V-twin, but they also raise a few questions.

Is Harley about to join the displacement race? That topic has been buzzing around the internet with the discovery of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents mentioning a 2450cc V-twin engine. With Harley now running at the bottom of the big-twin displacement class, it’s only a matter of time before Harley, which was once distinguished by having the largest motorcycle engines on the road, produces a bigger V-twin.

The EPA emissions document in question (scroll down to the last three pages, 8 through 10, of this PDF) shows testing results for liquid-cooled 2450cc and 2000cc Harley-Davidson V-twin engines. Power for the 2450cc version is listed as 98 kilowatts (131 horsepower) at 5000 rpm with 133 newton-meters (98 foot-pounds) of torque at 3500 rpm. The weight (presumably the GVWR) is listed at 1260 pounds. Since the fuel-tank material is listed as nylon, it would presumably be an under-seat style. The fuel-injected engine uses air injection and catalyst to reduce exhaust emissions.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF WHAT’S NEW IN THE WHITEHORSE GEAR SUMMER 2006 MOTORCYCLING CATALOG–Our new Summer 2006 catalog with almost 100 new products is at the printer and should be in your mailbox in just a few weeks. For a sneak preview visit What’s New and see all of the new products at a glance.

NEW WOMENS’ WEBSITE– WomenRidersNow.com is a new motorcycling news and information network designed to be the definitive resource for all things women and motorcycling. Founded by Genevieve Schmitt, former editor of Women Rider Magazine, the site is packed with information for and about women at any stage of motorcycling. Share stories, photos, and information on products, places, and people.

HOLD THAT DATE-WHITEHORSE OPEN HOUSE–If you live in the Northeast, or want to ride in New England this spring, put May 20th on your calendar for a visit to our first and hopefully annual “Club Day.” All riders are welcome to stop by our warehouse from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to enjoy some free BBQ, great shopping, and lively tire-kicking talk. A great chance to ride the notches of the White Mountains and enjoy spring in our beautiful Mount Washington Valley. If you need help locating places to stay and things to do, call the MWV Chamber of Commerce (800-367-3364) for advice or get yourself a copy of Marty Berke’s

http://www.whitehorsepress.com

KTM BECOMES POLARIS’ DISTRIBUTOR IN GERMANY–Minneapolis, March 7, 2006 – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE/PSE: PII) today announced that effective March 1, 2006 KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG has become Polaris’ exclusive distributor in Germany for Polaris All Terrain Vehicles, Quadricycles, Snowmobiles and Polaris RANGER vehicles.

“KTM has established a dedicated sales force to manage the Polaris brand and product sales. KTM will leverage our back office operations in Germany to increase sales, build the Polaris brand, and increase dealer service and satisfaction while minimizing distribution costs. We are excited to get this project started” said Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM’s Vice President of Marketing & Sales.

“Polaris is excited to leverage KTM’s strong presence and understanding of the German Powersports market to further develop the Polaris brand and sales in Germany” said Mark Blackwell, Polaris Vice President Victory Motorcycles and International Operations. “Polaris dealers in Germany will sign a separate Polaris dealer contract with KTM and be managed by a separate sales force dedicated to the Polaris product line. While there will be some common KTM and Polaris dealers in Germany going forward, market conditions in specific areas and individual dealer capabilities required for the KTM and Polaris product lines will dictate how many common dealers there will ultimately be.”

HAMSTER CONNECTION TO CELL PHONE INDUSTRY–“There’s an attack of sales call being unleashed on unsuspecting cell phone users in the next couple of days,” Said Harlan, a member of the Hamsters Motorcycle Club, in an undercover investigation. After several house of questions, Harlan, a suspect of interest admitted, “Yep, you will be charged for each sales call. Toprevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:888-382-1222.It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years.”

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDSOR GO TO: http://www.donotcall.gov/

Harlan was release by the Bikernet judge with time served.

DEAL OF THE WEEK, KOMATSU HIGH DEFINITION 120 AMP RASOR PLASMA CUTTER– Komatsu High Definition 120 amp Rasor Plasma Cutter for sale, 6’x12′ table, new in 1999.Cut up to 1″ thick.Can be seen under power. MAKE OFFER ! Need to move.

–SHAPELINE@aol.com

REGION RALLIES TO DRAW BIKERS–DeLAND — A few Central Florida cities are trumpeting a message to the more than half-a-million motorcycle riders expected at Daytona Beach’s Bike Week.Go west!

DeLand, with a quaint downtown better known for antiques shops and art galleries, hosted its second annual bike rally Saturday. Seminole Harley-Davidson has just opened a new store in Sanford, just off Interstate 4, and Orlando Harley-Davidson is offering its sixth annual round of free concerts and a bike show.Seeing the multimillion-dollar payoff that Daytona Beach businesses gain from bikers has made other cities eager for a piece of the action.

“The biker culture has changed and includes professionals, doctors, lawyers; and they spend a lot of money,” said Wayne Arnold, one of the organizers of the DeLand Bike Rally. “It’s a win-win situation for us.”And the strategy seems to be working. Pittsburgh biker Larry Collins had never heard of DeLand, but decided to cruise over from the Daytona area to see the town.

“I like it because it’s a big difference from Main Street, Daytona,” said Collins, 57. “It just seems more relaxed, while Main Street is nothing but bars.”

Bike Week, the 10-day biker rally that runs through March 12, has been a Daytona Beach tradition for 65 years. Motorcycle riders ran their first race on the beach in 1937 and raced each year except during World War II with a party afterward on Main Street.

As more bikers came each year, venues mushroomed throughout the Daytona Beach area to the point where there are now dozens of east Volusia businesses, from Ormond Beach to New Smyrna Beach, offering biker events.

Motorcycle riders pump $744 million into the economy when they roar in for Bike Week and the autumn rally, Biketoberfest, according to one economic study.

Other cities knew they could capture some of that business because bikers simply love to ride.Some businesses are offering free maps that read “Daytona Bike Week” on the front but that actually plug other Central Florida businesses and give directions for scenic routes throughout the region.

–from Rogue

WILLIS R. MILLER SENTENCED TO DEATH OF JOE AUGUST–Man gets 10 years in road rage deathMotorcyclist was run down after verbal confrontation.

03/02/2006DOVER — Willis R. Miller, 27, of Dover, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for causing the death of 40-year-old Joseph D. August, the victim of what prosecutors and a judge described as a road rage confrontation with two motorcyclists near Hartly.

Miller, originally charged with second-degree murder, pleaded guilty Jan. 11 to a reduced charge of manslaughter — acknowledging that he chased down the victim in his Chevrolet Suburban and hit his motorcycle from the rear on Aug. 14, 2005. He faced up to 25 years in prison, but Superior Court Resident Judge William L. Witham Jr., resisted a plea from a family member to impose the maximum term.

“We feel strongly that, with his past record, he should get the maximum of 25 years,” said the victim’s sister, Maxine August of Bear, who spoke for about 25 relatives and friends gathered in a small courtroom for Miller’s sentencing.

“When he died, part of us died. I’m not the same person I was before he died,” she said. Her brother’s two children still are struggling to come to terms with his death, August said.

In addition to imposing prison time, Witham ordered Miller to pay $6,000 into the state Victims Compensation Fund and imposed two years of probation. He also directed Miller, who has a wife and two children, to use the probation time for public speeches on the pitfalls of road rage and urged him to share his story with inmates who might be prone to drive with too much attitude.

–from Rogue

S&S CYCLE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HELICAL GEAR SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION–LA CROSSE , WI (March 03, 2006) S&S Cycle announces the release of its Helical Gear Six-Speed Transmission with shipping to authorized S&S Dealers starting on March 25th, 2006.

The power produced by big S&S Proven Performance engines can be brutal on driveline components. Knowing that, S&S spent the last few years working on a transmission capable of taking on the incredible power delivery of the mighty 145 Tribute engine while still offering quieter operation than a stock transmission and incredibly smooth shifting characteristics.

“We did our part to develop a tough, Proven Performance transmission. No mercy was showed as test bikes with S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed transmissions went down a 1/4-mile drag strip thousands of times,” said Justin Bramstedt, S&S Powersports Lead. “We managed several sore butts, a few broken final drive belts and chains, but not a single missed shift or mechanical failure with our new transmission!”

The S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed Transmission is the first all-helical gear transmission in the V-Twin market. Designed as a true six-speed, not an overdrive transmission, the S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed has a final drive of 1:1. An ordinary overdrive transmission requires a set of gears to drive the input and output shafts, a process that adds noise, heat and robs final drive power. The S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed locks the input and output shafts together in sixth, eliminating additional gears and assuring true power transfer. S&S includes a 34-tooth pulley weighing 30-percent less than a comparable stock unit, that when used with the Helical Gear Six-Speed transmission ratios, yields a final drive ratio equivalent to an overdrive transmission. Additionally, it offers the greatest aperture ratio of gear interface, assuring better engagement between gears and no missed shifts.

“We didn’t leave any stone unturned during the design of our new six-speed. From the full helical gear set to the light-weight final drive pulley, we took every opportunity to raise the status quo,” said S&S Vice President of Product Development, Scott Sjovall. “Heavy-duty bearings and retainers, high-aperture, low-backlash shift rings and heavy-duty forged shift forks, the list goes on and on. All of these features add up to a very strong, quiet and easy to shift transmission that I am proud to add to our line-up,” concluded Sjovall.

The S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed Transmission is available in a complete version and as a Cassette Unit. The complete version is available in three case finishes; natural, polished and wrinkle black and fits all 1991-’99 Softail models-as well as custom frames utilizing this style of transmission mount and can be retrofitted to 1986-’90 models. The cassette will fit 1991-2005 FLT and Softail models, and most aftermarket cases with very minor required. Gear ratios in the S&S Helical Gear Six-Speed Transmission are evenly spaced to optimize engine RPM between shifts which helps gets the maximum power to the road.

BIKERNET WOMAN RIDER OF THE MONTH–ORLANDO, Fla. – When Roe Hyer was diagnosed with breast cancer so advanced that doctors gave her only a month to live, the single mom decided to finally start living. The spunky hairdresser, then 39, was tired of “being a passenger” in life. She moved to Florida, took up body building and bought her own motorcycle – a metallic blue Suzuki Intruder 800.

Hyer is one of thousands of women across the country finding camaraderie in women’s motorcycle clubs. From the Chrome Divas in Columbia, S.C., and the Women on Wheels in Lincoln, Neb., to the Throttle Queens in Landover, Md. and the Motor Maids in Erie, Mich., women are increasingly taking to the open roads.

“I didn’t have control of the cancer, there’s nothing you can do, so riding is something you have control of,” said Hyer, now 54.Women bikers aren’t your stereotypical bar-brawling, tattooed, leather jacket biker chicks. The new wave of female riders are soccer moms, even grandmas, corporate attorneys and nurses with an average income of $55,850, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

The number of women who own their own bikes is on the rise – jumping 36 percent to 635,000 between 1998 to 2003, according to the most recent numbers from the Motorcycle Industry Council, a trade group based in Irvine, Calif.

Manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Ultra Motorcycles are capitalizing on the trend, designing bikes with lighter frames, custom fit gears and lower seats.”It’s pretty much been a men’s market, but a lot of ladies really like riding motorcycles and I think they feel left out so that’s why we created something just for women,” Ultra Motorcycles sales director Dan Houston said of his company’s Groundpounder and California Kid models.

At Harley-Davidson, motorcycles sales to women are at an all-time high, jumping from 600 in 1980 to 30,000 in 2005. Women make up about half of new-rider classes on the test track at Harley-Davidson Orlando, said Tony Cianciotto, marketing manager at Harley Orlando.

“I think for so long women have ridden on the back, but nowadays women are very independent,” Cianciotto said.The winding roads offer women an escape from crying babies, stressful jobs and high-maintenance relationships. When Army nurse Edna Valesquez returned from Iraq in 2003, riding helped to melt away horrific memories of wounded troops. Despite her petite 5-foot frame, Valesquez, nicknamed Lil’ Bit, rides a 640-pound Harley Low Rider.”It’s a little escape. You can get on those back roads and you just go,” said Valesquez, who started the Chrome Divas in August 2005.

Many female riders plan this week to roll up to Daytona Beach’s annual Bike Week, which started Friday, to gab with the thousands of fellow bikers from around the country who gather to scope out the merchandise and ride the test tracks.”We’re definitely seeing a trend in more female riders” showing up at Bike Week, said Kevin Kilian, official for Daytona’s chamber of commerce.

–Rogue

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BIKERNET RADIO INTERVIEWS THE EDITOR OF EASYRIDERS–Branscombe Richmond chats up Dave Nichols of Easyriders Magazine fame on Bikernet Radio. Easyriders is celebrating their 35th Anniversary and the boys talk about the new TV show on Speed call V-Twin TV, the legacy of Indian Larry. You won’t want to miss it! Tune In, Turn On and enjoy your show right here at Bikernet Radio.

-Jeffe

NAVY RETIREMENT BONUS–The Navy found they had too many people, and decided to offer an early retirement bonus. They promised any officer or senior nco who volunteered for retirement a bonus of $1,000 for every inch measured in a straight line between any two points in his body. They would get to choose what those two points would be.

The first officer who accepted asked that he be measured from the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He was measured at six feet and walked out with a bonus of $72,000.

The second officer who accepted was a little smarter and asked to be measured from the tip of his outstretched hands to his toes. He walked out with $96,000.

The third one was a noncommissioned officer, a grizzly old Chief who, when asked where he would like to be measured replied, “From the tip of my weenie to my testicles.” It was suggested by the pension man that he might want to reconsider, explaining about the nice big checks the previous two officers had received. But the old Chief insisted and they decided to go along with him providing the measurement was taken by a medical officer. The medical officer arrived and instructed the Chief to “drop ’em,” which he did. The medical officer placed the tape measure on the tip of the Chief’s weenie and began to work back.

Dear Lord!” he suddenly exclaimed, “Where are your testicles?”

The old Chief calmly replied, “Vietnam.”

BIKERNET BONNEVILLE 2006 EFFORT SPONSOR SPEAKS OUT–I’m sponsoring three of the bikes, all Harleys, that will be competing in these trials. I’m furnishing Amsoil lubricants for all three. I’m also planning to ride there for the event.

It’s not like me to take sides buy I know, with Valerie Thompson behind the bars, the Salt Shaker and Bonne Belle 45 Flathead from Bikernet will mow the Chop And Grind, sand snortin’ bastards into the salt.

Here’s a link for more info if you are interested. http://www.bikernet.com/bubs/

–Nick

For All Your High Performance Lubrication Supplies.
http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190/
Nick’s Performance Accessories
Independent Amsoil Dealer ZO# 1124190
9608 Tiverton Way
Louisville, Kentucky,40242
Phone: 502-548-3023 Fax: 509-691-4313
nicks_amsoil@mac.com

“Always do the right thing. It’ll gratify some and astonish the rest.”- Mark Twain

COLESLAW WRESTLING GIRLS MISSING–What ever happened to the cute dollies that originally did the wrestling? Obvious they do not want to go against the Tons of Fun.

Not many of the spectators are interested in seeing these big women. Maybe the promoters will get the message and get weight groups and the interest back up.

Other places are producing Pudding Wrestling and I’ll be there. No I did not go to the Cabbage Patch.

— ROGUE

BIKE WEEK CRUNCH TIME FOR SLAW AND THE LAW–SAMSULA — For most of the year, this crossroads hamlet is a quiet place, home to horse farms, rural subdivisions and Slovenians, descendants of immigrants fond of polka and klobasa.

But for a few days each fall and winter during bike events, the Slawvenians arrive, en masse on motorcycles, shaking the asphalt of Tomoka Farms Road on their way to Sopotnick’s Cabbage Patch Bar. They are held together not by heritage but by a desire to watch women wrestle in coleslaw and reveal their breasts.

Wednesday afternoon in the dust and smoke of center stage, the defending champ is mildly annoyed. Star Anderson, 24, a four-time title holder from Daytona Beach who has never been beaten here, is one of 14 contestants vying for a $500 first prize and the decided favorite.Wearing a sports bra and hip-hugging gym shorts, the champ sits on a bench awaiting the start of the competition.

Her preparation is all mental. “I don’t train,” she says. “I’m fat.”

Her secret is “make it quick,” storm your opponent like Mike Tyson in his prime. This strategy is well-known to the woman on her left, soft-spoken Mouse Crober, 23, a fellow competitor from Port Lavaca, Texas, who finished second to Anderson at Biketoberfest.

To Anderson’s right sits Ron Luznar, 60, Cabbage Patch owner and master of the coleslaw wrestling universe, which extends a few acres by land and across the globe by word of mouth and World Wide Web.

But here’s what’s disrupting Anderson’s pre-match concentration: On Luznar’s lap sits Jade DeLuxxxor (her “stage name”), a Hustler magazine cover girl whose bikini top flings open at the slightest suggestion.

She is a “special guest” at today’s proceedings, a working girl who sells 8-by-10 photos of her topless self with male customers willing to pay $20 for a print. A Mohawked, ponytailed bodyguard shadows Jade’s every move, as do a dozen male photographers.

The hubbub harasses Anderson, trying to keep her eyes focused on the prize. “I always get caught in the middle of this” stuff, she says, and moves under the shade of a nearby tent to get away.

Flashing breasts is a Cabbage Patch tradition, if not everywhere you look then whenever you ask for it from a woman so inclined. It is a treasured memory for some.Retired IBM engineer Roger Craver, a 70-year-old from Virginia who has biked all over the country and calls Sopotnick’s “the place to be on Wednesdays,” remembers his first Cabbage Patch flash a decade ago as if it was yesterday.

“Got my first (crude phrase for flashing) right over there,” Craver says, pointing across the room as he rests behind the pool table in the bar, covered ceiling to floor in scrawled messages, photos, stickers and signs. The bar was built in 1926 and now serves as a dark oasis in a sea of vendors and black leather outside on the grounds.

Clamping down on flashing is not the first priority of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, says spokesman Gary Davidson. Public safety, crowd control and traffic control top the list for the 15 on-duty deputies and eight off-duty officers working the event.

If someone is putting on a naked show and inciting the crowd, deputies might give them a verbal warning or make an arrest, according to Davidson, but they always have to weigh whether a topless arrest will cause more problems with crowd control than it solves.

The crowd lining the fence is controlled but impatient. A serious injury to a stunt motorcycle rider before the wrestling dampened the mood and delayed the competition, but by 2 p.m. the women enter the pit of shredded cabbage and vegetable oil, under the watchful eye of referee Two-Dollar Jim, aka James Earl Steen of Deltona.

No hitting, no punching, no scratching, no pulling hair, says Two-Dollar Jim to the competitors. A pin for a three-count is a winner.

The early matches separate pretenders from contenders. Linda Hall, 44, of Orange City is attempting a comeback after a wrestling career in various semiliquids that includes a concussion suffered in a creamed corn competition. Alas, Hall, wrestling under the name Luscious, falls to “Sauerkraut” in the first round.

Anderson, meanwhile, lives up to her billing with a 90-second pin in the first round, but this will not be her day for sustaining the dynasty. In a seven-minute championship match, she loses to “Gunpowder” and settles for second place.

She always knew this day would come.”Anybody can beat me,” Anderson said before the tournament. “They just gotta catch me at the right moment.”

–By CAL MASSEYStaff Writer, Daytona New Journal

–from Rogue

TRIBUTE TO LICO–We have all had heroes in our lives. Lico was one, but in his simplicity would never allow to be considered one…… Val “Moon” Zarate

Florentino “Lico” Subia, 75, passed away on March 5, 2006. He was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Lico was a veteran of the Korean War, serving his country in the United States Army. He received a U.N. Svc. Medal, Korean Svc. Medal with Svc. Star and the National Defense Svc. Medal.

He was employed by Western Union for 29 years as a motorcycle messenger. In 1978 he founded and was President of the Iron Horses Motorcycle Club. He was a board member of the Legal Services Corporation and a member of the Citizens Advisory Board of Central Regional Command Center.

Lico also belonged to the Huacheros Del Chicken Coop and was an avid boxer and trainer with Chihuahuita Community Center. He also raced in motocross.

Preceded in death by his son, Florentino Subia Jr., his survivors include his wife; Mickie Subia, sons; Alex and Ricardo Subia and Alberto Kondo, daughters; Cheryl Leah Subia and Maria Teresa Subia and Raquel Hernandez, brothers; Francisco Subia and Chris Lerma, sisters; Francisca Alvarado, Dolores Gomez and Bessie Gomez, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

NHTSA MOTORCYCLE SAFETY ISSUES–The National Highway Traffic Safety Association opened their door recently to public comment. It’s a chance of a lifetime to express your views regarding motorcycle safety. Here’s the address: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/email.cfm

. Below are the comments I made to them:

I appreciate the chance to contact you regarding Motorcycle Safety issues. I will try to be brief. Since between 70-85 percent of all motorcycle accidents are the fault of motorists I believe that respect and recognition are key issues. I believe there are a few helpful basic elements:

Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle Recognition
Respect for Riders

Training is a key issue and should be continued in every state.Efforts made to help citizens improve their awareness of motorcycles are vital.Some states afford HOV use, but I believe there’s another step we can take–create a motorcycle lane between the HOV lane and lane one–3 feet wide.

Public education about motorcycling will heighten awareness and understanding.

I’m also in the process of working closely with the MRF, the MIC and SEMA to develop a noise understanding. Motorcycles have only two means of protection, visual and auditory. Motorcycles need to make enough noise to enhance awareness and prevent accidents.

I believe that a key issue is psychological. If motorist come to respect and revere the freedom to ride we will have safer roads. If we treat cyclists as second class citizens, they will be constant targets.

I have been in this industry for over 35 years. As you know strength in any form develops respect. Thank you for your time.

KRB
5-Ball Inc.
Bikernet.com

BIKERNET DAYTONA PHOTO ART EXHIBIT– Shot this at the Harley Expo next to Destination Daytona last weekend.

Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto:soffordphotos@comcast.net>

STEALTH NORTH CAROLINA BIKE WORKS SPECIAL REPORT–We got our first Panhead to work on this week at STEALTH BIKE WORKS! The Pan is a ’51 model and it is a very nice bike. I have always loved those old Panheads. In my opinion they had the sweetest look of all the engines.

As far as bikes go around the Charlotte area, things are starting to rev up. Bike nights are popping up everywhere. Man it’s funny how things change. A lot of us who visit Bikernet regularly will remember the day when bikers were not welcomed at these establishments. I wonder what changed all of this? I wonder if money had anything to do with it?

Speaking of the way things used to be, the Discovery show, The History Of The Chopper with Jesse James was really cool. I really got into those old pictures and it was good to see Jesse pay tribute to those who came before him. To me Jesse James is a cool guy. Yeah, I know a lot you are saying he has gone “Hollywood” and he is a sell out. I don’t think so. Which one of us would not have taken advantage of the opportunity? He is a very talented bike builder and a very smart guy.

You know when you are running a bike shop everyday you meet some interesting people from all walks of life. We have the “Real Deal” bikers, we have the “Do it youself ” riders, we have the ” New Kids” and the “I can build a bike for $2500 group,” and last but not least the infamous “Posers.” These are the worst. They try to impress you with what they know and the more you let them talk the less they impress you.

They all believe they have to go to their local dealer at least once a week to worship the “Almighty Factory Gods. I guess our “FTF” stickers don’t go over with this group very well? The “$2500 dollar bike group is close behind the fore mentioned group. No matter what you say or try to explain to them, they know someone who built a bike for $2500! The “Do it yourselfers” are cool. They take pride in what they do and always come by the shop to show off what they did. I dig this! The “New Kids,” the ones with the real spirit are cool, if they listen. Theywant to learn and we give our advice free. In a way we are passing the torch along to these guysand that is a good thing. All of this makes running a shop an adventure everyday and it makes meappreciate the “Real Deal” guys everyday.

the guys come in who don’t ride for one reason or another. The longer we are here the longer the list grows. Some reasons we hear are ” I used to ride but my friend had a wreck and lost all of his limbs so I quit. We have all heard that one! ” I used to ride and really be into bikes but now I am so not into it anymore.” Well guess what, you never were into it! For us who read and write for Bikernet and Mr. Bandit bikes and riding is in our soul and in our hearts, so how could we just one day “be so not into it anymore?” PLEASE! Now for the best or the worst of all of them, depending on which way you look at it, “I used to ride but my girlfriend or wife made me sell my bike!” Grow some balls! Have some backbone! If you let someone make you sell your bike, well you probably did not belong anyway.

Well, with all of that being said I fell much better. I haven’t had one of those in awhile so I guess I was due.

Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN

TOP FOUR ADULT JOKES OF 2005– Number 2Bill worked in a pickle factory. He had been employed there for a number ofyears when he came home one day to confess to his wife that he had aterrible compulsion. He had an urge to stick his penis into the pickleslicer.

His wife suggested that he should see a sex therapist to talk aboutit, but Bill said he would be too embarrassed. He vowed to overcome thecompulsion on his own. One day a few weeks later, Bill came home and hiswife could see at once that something was seriously wrong.

“What’s wrong,Bill?” she asked. “Do you remember that I told you how I had this tremendousurge to put my penis into the pickle slicer?” “Oh, Bill, you didn’t!” sheexclaimed.

“Yes, I did.” he replied. “My God, Bill, what happened?”

“I gotfired.”

“No, Bill. I mean, what happened with the pickle slicer?”

“Oh…shegot fired too.”

Number 1,A couple had been married for 50 years. They were sitting at the breakfasttable one morning when the wife says, “Just think, fifty years ago we weresitting here at this breakfast table together.”

“I know,” the old man said.”We were probably sitting here naked as a jaybird fifty years ago.”

“Well,”Granny snickered. “Let’s relive some old times.” Where upon, the twostripped to the buff and sat down at the table.

“You know, honey,” thelittle old lady breathlessly replied, “My nipples are as hot for you todayas they were fifty years ago.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” replied Gramps.”One’s in your coffee and the other is in your oatmeal.”

We thought the other two Best Jokes of The Year sucked.–Bandit

DAYTONA ACCEPTS WOODEN INDIAN– DAYTONA BEACH — A life-sized wooden Indian overlooks a parade of rumbling motorcycles on Main Street during this week’s Bike Week festivities.But not long ago, the statue was branded a rogue.A code enforcement citation for hanging out in front of John Sanchez’s Rock & Ride shop during last October’s Biketoberfest had banished the life-size carving inside — out of sight from passing foot traffic.

There’s been a sort of treaty. City Building Official Greg France said the fur-and-skull festooned figure is now permitted to enjoy the exhaust fumes and hoopla from the sidewalk.

“The cigar Indian can be on his property with stipulations,” France said. The statue must be anchored, off the right-of-way and can’t impede entry.”It apparently was a problem — put in the way and used to hang merchandise in violation,” France said.But he said people called the city when a fine was slapped on the figurine.

“There was a (public) outrage,” he said.Among those who criticized the city is the Rev. Al Gannon of Tampa, a long-time Bike Week visitor.

“It’s just harassment,” Gannon said Monday.

Travelin’ John Britz, a minister from Export, Pa. , has handed out bibles a few feet from the Indian statue during Bike Weeks for years. He said the city “made a mountain out of a molehill.”

And first-time Bike Week visitor, Bill “Schultz” Leadbitter from Pittsburgh said “they probably just had to pay somebody to do what they wanted to do.”

The 12-year-old statue, decked out with motorcycle-encrusted glass beads, is considered an attention-getting sign, France said. The permit to allow it: $22.

“A bunch of years ago we started selling cigars, and this guy who came from the Philippines was dealing in carvings from monkeywood. I bought this one right from his backyard,” Sanchez said.

Monkeywood is slang for the monkey apple tree, often used for carving and native to Florida, said Gulab Gidwani, owner of Exotic Wood Company in New Jersey.

“Puerto Ricans are very spiritual, and my mother had saints and candles and a similar Indian in the corner. When my mother saw my Indian, she blessed it, so it’s sacred to me — like my mother is looking over us,” Sanchez said. “I am glad to have it back out.”

By AUDREY PARENTE

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

BAMA BIKE FEST– I will be in Daytona for Bike week when you read this and for those of you that did not make it or are still up for some more partying I will be attending the Bama Bike Fest in Forkland Alabama on March 17-18-19th Now this is going to be a Party. Adult Type – No Kids – If Nudity Offends You Stay Home – 24 Hour Getting Down Southern Style

Check out their web site at http://www.bamabikefest.com/

Come On Out and Party With Me and look for reports here on Bikernet after the event.

–from ROGUE

Friday March 17th, 2006

THE PARTY STARTS AT 5:00 PM, BUT YOUR WELCOME TO SHOW UP A LITTLE EARLY, PITCH YOUR TENT AND GET SETUP BEFORE THE PARTY. The HOG WILD SALOON will be open.

– RALLY BEGINS, OFFICIAL WELCOME
– DRINKING GAMES for ALL
– LIVE BAND
– WOMEN’S PICKLE SUCKING CONTEST
– BEST ASS SHAKIN’ CONTEST (FEMALE & MALE)
– WOMEN’S NIPPLE SIZING CONTEST.
– MEN’S SEXIEST UNDERWEAR, WOMEN’S SEXIEST UNDERWEAR CONTEST!

Saturday March 18th, 2006

– POKER RUN
– BIKE GAMES. SLOW RACE, WEENIE BITE, KEG TOSS. CLOTHING OPTIONAL
– LIVE BAND
– DRINKING GAMES for ALL
– FREE TITTY PAINTING FOR LADIES
– BIKE SHOW
– TATTOO CONTEST, BIKE SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCED
– DINNER TIME, SHOP, EAT & REST UP FOR THE NITE TIME EVENTS.
– WOMEN’S PUDDING WRESTLING CONTEST
– LARGEST & SMALLEST BREAST’S CONTEST
– COUPLES AMATEUR BODY PAINTING CONTEST
– WET T – SHIRT CONTEST AND GRAND FINALE!

–Rogue

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AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM LAW– Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.

Treasurer Peter Costello hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament.

“If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you,” he said on national television.

“I’d be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that this is false.

If you can’t agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law, and have the opportunity to go to another country which practices it, perhaps, then, that’s a better option,” Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should “clear off”.

“Basically, people who don’t want to be Australians, and they don’t want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically clear off,” he said.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spies monitoring the nation’s mosques.

TEXAS SCOOTER TIMES– SWAP MEET WEEKEND – THIS WEEKEND !!!! Accuweather Predicts PRETTY RIDING WEATHER FOR BOTH –

SWAP MEET Fort Worth – Saturday March 11th at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex

SWAP MEET Dallas – Sunday March 12th at the Gigantic Historic Longhorn Ballroom

Its RIDING SEASON !! Get What You NEED

*Traveling Parts Discounters*Garage Clean Outs
*Cheap Used Parts*New Parts*Lifestyle Neccessities*
End of Winter LEATHER DEALS*Jewelry Riding Apparel*

At Both Shows !!! – Mad Max & The Max Attack Blues & Rock – Just like we like it…….

For More INFORMATION – CHECK OUT http://WWW.TEXASSCOOTER.COM

OKAY, SO IT’S THE FIRST BIKERNET BIKE BLING AWARD–Attached is a press release for the world’s first diamond encrusted, $9,000 onboard motorcycle clock! Formotion created the clock as a result of teaming up with Matt Hotch and his V Lux bike and it’s like nothing on the planet. It will, however, have a brother! We’ve already taken an order for another with an customn inlaid jewel dial.

–Peter Harvey
Formotion Products
415-331-0400

ALL EXTREME SOFTAIL AND RIGID FRAMES ON SALE–These frames are the same as we sell every day. We just have too much in our inventory. These frames come with an MSO from Extreme Frames and the same great warranty as all of the other parts we sell.

When their gone the sale is over.

Check out our stock athttp://www.extremeframes.us/inventory.asp

BANDIT ON HISTORY OF CHOPPER SHOW?–BTW – the Discovery Channel had Mr. James on a ‘History of Choppers’ showlast night. I could swear I saw some old ER footage of you blasting downthe highway with one helluva lot more hair on your head and face than isthere today.

-J

SEND US PHOTOS OF YOUR CUSTOM BIKE THAT USED DEMON’S CYCLE PARS AND WIN–YOU CAN WIN ONLY IF YOU BOUGHT A BIKE KIT OR A SHIFTROD OR IF THE BIKE HAS 1 OR MORE PARTS http://www.demonscycle.com/ from DEMONS CYCLE .

We want to see pictures of your Custom Ride and Demons Cycle Parts and Accessories in action!The bike that will get the most hits on our website will get a $250 store credit. So send us some cool pics!It doesn’t have to be on some exotic location. However we would like to see how you used our parts on yourBike. Whether you’re in the state of Indiana or the state of confusion, email or snail mail us a snapshot.We’ll feature you and/or your girl on our new website’s Gallery Web Page!

Please send us your clear, in focus pictures. We especially like to see pictures of your Demons Cycle bike and your lady on it.

1. You can e-mail them to us. Save them in .jpg (jpeg) format and send them to us at: 2. You can snail mail them to us.Although we will NOT send them back, we will process them and, if approved by management, we will include them in our Gallery.

Send photos to:
Demons Cycle South
378 SW 14 Ave
Pompano Beach, Fl
33069

PATRIOT ADOPTS OFFROAD BRAND–Patriot Motorcycle Corporation, distributors of offroad motorcycles, ATVs and the Steed line of V-Twin cruisers, recently announced that they will adopt the Patriot Offroad brand name, for all their offroad products. In a press release, officials were quoted as saying, “Introduction of the new Patriot Offroad identity represents a major element of the original initiative and marketing plan, to offer all recreational vehicles and private-label products under a unified Patriot logo and brand.”

METRIC REVOLUTION MOTORCYCLE BUILD-OFF TO HOLD FINALS IN LAS VEGAS–Multi-Media Marketing & Production, Inc. producer’s of the up and coming hit television series “Metric Revolution” have chosen the 6th annual Las Vegas BikeFest as the location for the taping of the series finale.

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.

The “Metric Revolution” television series is the first ever all metric biker build-off for television. The series is scheduled to premier in the fall 2006 season, and will take viewers on an exciting behind the scenes trip into the world of the “custom” metric motorcycle industry. “Metric Revolution” will follow 19 professional builders and 4 rookies to their hometowns to provide a revealing insight into each builder / contestant’s life and personality. The audience will watch the trials and tribulations of each builder as they convert a stock metric motorcycle into a “one-off” custom while competing for thousands of dollars in grand prizes.

The participants will include well-known, traditionally American V-Twin builders such as Mike Stafford of MGS Custom Bikes in Lancaster, California and Doug Keim of Doug Keim Custom Cycles in Wall, New Jersey. Stafford was one of the featured builders at the 2005 Las Vegas BikeFest?? Artistry In Iron, Master Builders’ Championship. A complete list of builders is available at the “Metric Revolution” website – www.MetricTV.com.

All 23 “Metric Revolution” builder / contestants will have their masterpieces on display during Las Vegas BikeFest?? and attendees will have an opportunity to see the bikes, meet the builders and participate in the voting to pick the winners.

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 at www.lasvegasbikefest.com, or call toll-free 866-BIKEFEST (866-245-3337) or e-mail info@lasvegasbikefest.com.

CHOP AND GRIND BONNEVILLE RACING TEAM UPDATE– We removed all the unnecessary tabs off the frame. We’re welding new tabs for fuel tank, battery box and oil tank. The oil tank came from Don “Snuffy” Smith. He ran it on one of his old flat trackers, it should bring us some good luck. Also here is our new Chop N Grind logo. We don’t want any faggy logos like those Bonne Belle chumps in LA. They even have a girl riding their bikes. What the fuck?

Two and half months to go to have our bike ready for test runs at El Mirage, need to work out the bugs and get her certified. It’s a long way to go in a short period. After the test runs we have three months to finish.

Talked to Nick Roberts of AMSOIL the other day, one of our sponsors, he’s ready to ship our oil and lubes out. He is just as excited as all of us about going. He is also riding out to meet us and the Bikernet 5-Ball Racing bastards. They don’t have a chance.

Our sponsor list is growing, AMSOIL, S&S, JIMS USA, Avon Tyres, Leinweber Cams & LMC Concrete Pumping.

Bub`s Speed Trails will be here sooner than you think. We are still in the need for a front 19-inch light weight rim. Anyone out there who has one, the help will be great.

–Bob T
r.tron@verizon.net

TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW POSTER CONTEST–We need a bitchin bike for the Texas National Bike Show Poster. Here’s the rules:

1. All photos must be submitted to us by March 31st
2. 30 days to vote, voting will begin on April 1st and will end on April 30th, all submissions must be in by April fools day!
3. Bike must be available to participate in the Texas National Bike Show (all show guidelines)
4. Bike must be available for photo shoot no later than the end of May.
5. Texas National will comp a display space for the winner at the show.
6. Bike can participate in the judged class at the show, with a complimentary entry

And yes it might be shot with a hot babe for the poster. Be a star and send us a photo of your bike. The Show fires up the same time as the Lone Star Rally, November 3rd, I think. Send entries to Holly@Texasnationalbikeshow.com

Thanks, Holly

GEORGIA DEALERS FORM STATE ASSOCIATION–With the assistance of the National Council of Motorcycle Dealer Associations, with Ed Lemco moderating, twelve Georgia dealers met in mid-December, to form a state dealer association. Priorities for the new association are reported to include franchise protection and the enactment of legislation or administrative regulations that require the Georgia Department Of Motor Vehicles to register offroad vehicles and ATVs this in answer to out-of-state dealers selling in Georgia without collecting sales tax.

Yamaha Sued By California–The Attorney General’s office of California has reportedly filed a $19.6 million lawsuit against Yamaha and two Yamaha dealers, claiming they circumvented air pollution control laws, by importing more than 400 motorcycles not certified for sale in that state. The complaint was reportedly filed by the AG, on behalf of the Air Resources Board, department of the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Continued On Page 3

Hey,

Another crazed week and not enough whiskey or sex. The other side of the coin is all good. I spoke to Senators, SEMA representatives (hot rod guys), MIC members and members of the MRF. The MRF has struggled for years to keep the EPA off our backs with some success. They were able to get the one unregulated custom bike in a lifetime and the 24 shop show bikes rule on the books. That was a major accomplishment, but the EPA told them they needed more support to open the books again. That support is now emerging with a strong group of individuals who represent the rider, the shop owner, the parts manufacturer and the motorcycle manufacturer.

It’s all good and we’ll report as everything comes together. Plus the Bikernet crew is working on a noise model and will begin testing in the next two weeks. We will set a standard for the amount of noise a motorcycle needs to produce to say out of harms way. We’ve run our proposal past several representatives of the industry to positive and supportive responses. More reports on that shortly.

Let’s hit the news, then I’ll bring you up to date on our Bonneville projects:

JOKER MACHINE STYLE KING HAND CONTROLS– At last. We’ve needed these so long. Now, 1996-up Harley bagger owners can finally install custom hand controls on their bike and still retain use of their radio and cruise control functions. Style King controls also fit most other Harley models, allowing easy retrofit without the hassle of re-wiring, and retain use of the MoCo’s tried and true stock switches and housings.

The new Joker Machine Style King controls are made to fit Sportsters (’96-present), Softails (’96-present), Road Kings, Electra Glides and Road Glides (’96-present) and V-Rod models up to 2005. Style King controls are available in hydraulic or cable clutch versions and are offered in either chrome, or hard black anodized finish. Both brake and clutch master cylinders are available in 9/16 and 11/16-inch sizes to fit single or dual brakes and most trans-mounted hydraulic clutch actuation units.

Joker Machine’s new Style King hand controls are available at your local Drag Specialties dealer, or directly from Joker Machine. Log on at www.jokermachine.com for more information and pricing.

THE BIKERNET BLONDE FILES–A man is dining in a fancy restaurant and there is a gorgeous blonde sitting at the next table. He has been checking her out since he sat down, but lacks the nerve to start a conversation.

Suddenly she sneezes, and her glass eye comes flying out of its socket towards the man.

He reflexively reaches out, grabs it out of the air, and hands it back.

“Oh my, I am so sorry,” the woman says as she pops her eye back in place.

“Let me buy your dinner to make it up to you,” she says.

They enjoy a wonderful dinner together, and afterwards they go to the theater followed by drinks. They talk, they laugh, she shares her deepest dreams and he shares his. She listens.

After paying for everything, she asks him if he would like to come to her place for a nightcap …… and stay for breakfast.

They have a wonderful, wonderful time.

The next morning, she cooks a gourmet meal with all the trimmings.

The guy is amazed!! Everything has been SO incredible!!!!

“You know,” he said, “you are the perfect woman. Are you this nice to every guy you meet?”

“No,” she replies……… “but you just happened to catch my eye.! ”

–from Geno

Patriot Motor Corporation V-Twin Street Bikes Receive CARB Emissions Certification–NASCAR Engineering and Design Veteran Ashley Tilling Joins Patriot Team–Patriot Motor Corporation (Pink Sheets:PMCY), exclusive worldwide distributor of the Patriot OffRoad(TM) line of Dirt Bike motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and the Steed(R) by Patriot(TM) domestic line of V-Twin custom street bikes, today announced it has received California Air Resources Board emissions certification for both the Steed(R) by Patriot(TM) and Patriot(TM) V-Twin Musclebikes lines of custom and production V-Twin street bikes fitted with 111, 117 and 124 cubic inch displacement engines.

Following the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificate issued to Patriot — which documents that the company’s custom and production V-Twin street bikes are exhaust-emission legal in 49 states — CARB Executive Order M-094-0001, issued January 25, 2006, now makes Patriot V-Twin street bikes fully exhaust and evaporative emission compliant in all 50 states.

“California has the strictest emission standards in the United States… and is among the most stringent globally,” notes Steve Moonitz, Director of Product Development and Compliance for Patriot Motorcycle Corporation.

Annual motorcycle sales in California are approximately 40% greater than the next highest state, which is the Florida market. “CARB certification officially opens up the biggest motorcycle market in the United States,” notes Jim White, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Full 50-state compliance gives our dealer organization the official ‘green light’ to now add Patriot V-Twin products to their existing lines.”

The newly formed Patriot Street Bike Division includes both the original Steed(R) by Patriot(TM) custom 300 series and the groundbreaking, affordable Patriot(TM) V-Twin Musclebikes(TM) 200 series models that will be unveiled at the upcoming V-Twin Dealer Expo (February 4-6, Cincinnati, OH) and “DealerNews” Dealer Expo 2006 (February 18-20, Indianapolis, IN).

Patriot Motor Corporation also announced the addition of Ashley Tilling to the company’s Engineering Group. Mr. Tilling comes from a diversified, broad-spectrum background in engineering and design. He has worked at the top levels of NASCAR racing — including the NASCAR R&D facility — where he did testing on safety systems, aerodynamic wind tunnel testing and vehicle crash testing. He played an integral role in the development of the HANS safety device now used in many racing series throughout the world. He also innovated several of the features of the NASCAR “Car of the Future,” which will be cycled into the 2007 racing season.

“We are extremely pleased and proud that the various divisions of Patriot Motor Corporation continue to attract outstanding individuals, such as Ashley Tilling,” states CEO Michel Attias. “From top-flight leaders in management to those with high-caliber engineering and design expertise… each and every talented addition is another win that furthers the strength and synergy of the Patriot Team.”

BIKERNET BONNEVILLE RIDER VALERIE THOMPSON ROAD REPORT–Morning! I just got home late last night from my first race in Gainesville, Fl. I had quite the experience. Truck broke down, flat tires etc…I’ll be writing my Bikernet report today!!! I don’t know where to start…! But all said AND done…I flew home and kissed the ground!!! No lie!

There were about 60+ Destroyer bikes there. With a 32 bike field and I qualified # 14 in the super gas class and 20th in the destroyer class.

I am getting ready for Bonneville!!! I wonder if I’ll look like that girl on the bike..hee hee! Good job on the picture! That’s my favorite!!! But I have a great looking one on the destroyer bike I’ll send over later today.

–VT

We’re waiting, baby –Bandit

SEMA’S STATE BY STATE CUSTOM BIKE LEGISLATIVE EFFORT–All – Had a great meeting with the Motor Vehicle Division Director today and he’s excited to begin work on the custom motorcycle titling/registration model bill. We’re meeting again on the 23rd of March with his staff to begin outlining the legislation so I’m going to need as much of everyone’s input by then if possible. We’ll still have a lot of time to refine the bill after this, but I want to keep momentum going and the sooner we have a final product, the sooner I can distribute this to my colleagues in other states.

In my discussion with the director I presented the theory for the bill by identifying custom motorcycles by the type of engine they use and assigning a year based on the years of production for the style of engine. For example if someone’s building a bike around a flathead motor it could be titled and registered as any of the years the flathead was in production, in short it would be classified a flathead replica. The same would be true for Knuckleheads, Panheads, Shovelheads, and finally Evolutions. When it comes to Evo’s we’ll probably need to come up with a different name as by using Evolution we may run into the Harley political buzzsaw. Something like late model single-cam may suffice, but because this may be a term we use for some time to come I want it to be a user friendly term. so I’d be happy to hear more suggestions.

As with SEMA I’m taking the approach of crafting something that improves the process for titling and registering at all levels. If we get this implemented in a good number of states, gone will be the days of magazine articles about how to title and register your bike. That’s a lofty goal, but it starts here in Montana. Take a look at this month’s issue of Driving Force, the SEMA Action Network’s monthly newsletter, and see the progress SEMA is making with their custom vehicle titling and registration model bill:

http://www.semasan.com/images/df0306.pdf

Senator John Brueggeman
321 Lakeview Dr
Polson, MT 59860
PH: 406.883.2395
FAX: 406.883.2390
CELL: 406.270.6699

Here’s John’s Test Legislation

Model Custom American Motorcycle Bill

Vehicle Laws – Custom Motorcycle

(a) A custom motorcycle means any motorcycle that:
(1) Contains an engine manufactured 20 years prior to the current calendar year or contains an engine manufactured to resemble an engine 20 or more years old; and
(2) Has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design; or is constructed in whole or in part from non-original materials.
title of a custom motorcycle shall be the model year that the engine of such vehicle resembles.
(c) For each custom vehicle, there shall be a one-time registration fee of $_____.
(d) (1) in applying for registration of a custom motorcycle under this section, the owner of the custom motorcycle shall submit with the application a certification that the vehicle for which the application is made:
(I) Will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses; and;
(II) Will not be used for general daily transportation.

(2) In addition to the certification required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, when applying for registration of a custom motorcycle, the new owner of the custom motorcycle shall provide proof acceptable to the administration that the custom motorcycle passed a safety inspection that has been approved by the Administration in consultation with the custom motorcycle community in this state.
(d) Unless the presence of the equipment was specifically required by a statute of this State as a condition of sale in the year listed as the year of manufacture on the certificate of title, the presence of any specific equipment is not required for the operation of a vehicle registered under this section.
(f) A vehicle registered under this section is exempt from any statute that requires periodic vehicle inspections and from any statute that requires the use and inspection of emission controls.

I decided to scrap the flat/knuckle/pan/shovel/evo specific language in the bill for now and opt for this cleaner version that more closely adheres to SEMA’s model bill. This is a rough draft, but let me know what you think and what changes you may want to make.

IMMORTALS M.C. CHARITY RIDE/SILENT AUCTION– My name is Mandi Weina and I have already emailed you in reference to donations and/or sponsorship for our event. But we got to thinking, it would be such an honor to have you come and sign autographs for our cause to bring a huge crowd. If only for an hour we would love to have you help us. You see, we are having a hard time getting our local media to cover our event and a big name like yours would help get us in the public’s eye. All the proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Aurora Pediatric Cancer Services, the Immortals don’t keep a penny, it all goes to the kids.

An even bigger thrill would be if you would join us on our 100 mile ride and party afterwords.

Please consider our request for helping these unfortunate kids. Our ride leaves from the Walmart parking lot in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and ends at the Immortals clubhouse on June 3, 2006

Mandi Weina
blazingdolphin@peoplepc.com

Mandi, will always support your event. We’ll contact you regarding scheduling. If we can make it, we’ll be there. In the meantime we will do whatever we can to make your event a success.– Bandit

SPORTSTER RESURRECTION–I’m resurrecting a ’73 XLCH that’s been a total basket for over a decade.Talk about lo-buck, this is a lunch money expedition.I?m off to a good start with Paughco frame and springer. Most $$ will go into motor and paint.

Yep,a good, ol skool ’70s paint job, with ghost flames and such.Anyhoo, I’m jammin the web to get my head together on where and what I can get to put this putt back together. I need cases and bottom end. Maybe I can get by with my slugs and jugs. The tranny’s OK with “new” andrews cogs before teardown.Also I’m checkin out who’s who in the Los Angeles area for Paint. As regards the “sporty” project you mentionhttp://www.bikernet.com/sportsters/here’s an idea… this could be the bike?

This blue kick only really hits home for me (hi skool ’72).

look forward to your reply

–Nick sharpe
nick@bop35.com

GRIP YOUR BUTT!– No backsliding from Triboseat, the ultra-grippy seat cover from Advanced Seating Technology. And now it’s available for riders as well as passengers and for more bikes than ever before in 2006.

We all know the problem. Under hard acceleration or braking, passenger slides into rider, or vice versa. There’s ‘helmet clash’ and even ‘body slam’ – and it spoils the ride.

Triboseat dramatically reduces all that. It’s a grippy, rubberised mesh that fits snugly around the rider or pillion seat. Simple to fit too – no glue, no staples, just a secure drawstring. Custom designed, the Triboseat looks neat and taut, like part of the bike – it’s an anti-slip second skin for the seat.

Triboseat – the name derives from the word ‘Tribology’, the science of friction – has been used by Crescent Rizla-Suzuki on their promotional pillion rides in front of BSB crowds since 2003.

There are Triboseats to fit every common model of sports bike, plus tourers, adventure tourers and naked bikes. Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, Suzuki + others.

Triboseat products are available from only £13.99 SRP

Contact AST Triboseat 01825 722020
http://www.triboseat.com/

HELLS ANGELS FEELING DEPRESSED– The Stockholm chapter of the biker gang Hell’s Angels is being investigated for fraud after police found 70 per cent of members were certified as depressed by the same doctor and were getting state sickness benefits.

“It seems to be depressing being a member of this club,” Christer Nilsson, deputy head of Stockholm police’s criminal investigation department, told newspaper Dagens Nyheter. Biker gangs like the Hell’s Angels and their deadly rivals the Bandidos have a history of violent crime in Scandinavia including shootouts and bomb attacks, but have also branched out into benefit and tax frauds in recent years, police say.

Sweden has estimated that as much as a fifth of the workforce is on long-term sick leave or early retirement due to sickness, often put down to “burn-out”

From: Reuters

NEW METRIC REVOLUTION WEBSITE–The new Metric Revolution website is up and running!!!!!Go to http://www.metrictv.net to sign up for the monthly newsletter, Metric Times, and a chance to win a new helmet. Be sure to check out Don Gray’s forum and our new website www.dongraycustoms.com

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