Editor’s note: The following was well written by John Siebenthaler, who previously designed Bikernet billboards, ads and brochures. He’s a master designer, like Dave Perewitz is a master bike builder. Rogue, on the otherhand was sent first class to shoot all the latest V-Twin industry products, the player and bikes. Unfortunately he never left the bar except once to attend the V-Twin party. Hang on.

(CINCINNATI) Ahhh, to be in balmy Cincy in February. Picnickers line the banks as the Ohio River flows lazily downstream. Flocks of flamingos shuffle along the shore, effortlessly searching for brine shrimp and krill. Flawlessly tanned young women in t-backs seek out a not-to-secluded spot to toss down a towel on the sand, unhook their tops, and get serious about sunning. It’s… oh wait, that’s not THIS Cincinnati.

No, my plane left Tampa at 7:30 a.m., fresh into the second half of a day-long monster thunderstorm, and the roller coaster ride into the Ohio valley meant anyone who’d embraced that hearty Denny’s pre-dawn corned-beef-hash- and-eggs-over-easy-breakfast was that much lighter on landing.

All this talk about the weather is framed by the experience of having just attended the Performance Racing Industry (sorry, no photos allowed, but boy, you shoulda been there) show in Orlando last November. Over a million square feet of exhibits, five miles of aisles, and chamber of commerce blue skies and fair temps left the tens of thousands attending wishing for a few more days in the Orange County Convention Center.

Nevertheless, the ride in from Covington, through intermittent rain tinged with sleet, was in many ways preferable to 04-degrees, way sub-zero temps-and-frozen- beer-and-bar-nuts-puke left in the drifts outside the hotels. It’s just what is, and the weather did little to dampen the larger-every-year herd of manufacturers elbowing their way onto and above the main floor of the Cinergy Center to exhibit the latest and greatest in V-twin merchandise and technology.

And yes, the fat lady’s sung her last note. This IS the show for American Other, a phrase first coined by IronWorks Dennis Stemp years ago that did then and still perfectly describes the offerings. That category has also been typified as anything billet, which in practical terms defaults to polished aluminum, from primaries to master cylinders.

Interestingly, though there’s never been a shortage of finishes, keeping the part in a chrome-like state of finish hasn’t been that easy. Enkay Polishing enters the fray with a consumer line of polishing kits for shop and garage that help make the chore of maintaining a factory fresh appearance a little easier.

Interesting also were the exhibitors who in the past shunned the lifestyle atmosphere of V-Twin, but who’ve since realized that if you want to sell American v-twin, you go where the buyers are. It was, in terms of variety and depth, a show that just keeps getting better. Every aisle was filled with acquaintances, and the rule of thumb was to walk ten feet, talk ten minutes, repeat, especially true for pals from my Easyriders days.

Others worth noting included Berry Wardlaw's Accurate Engineering over the top engine shop. Berry’s getting set up for in-house EPA certification, so anyone who’s ever imagined one of his trademark retro builds sitting in their frame in their driveway will have ample opportunity to indulge. And speaking of, there were several frame manufacturers noted whose quality construction was self-evident and in stark contrast to a lot of the just plain dangerous junk that’s floating around.

As to dealer attendance, that was hard to judge. Just about every booth, queried on the subject, said they’d run out or were running short on promo materials, so someone was picking up collateral. On the otherhand, marketing materials in general seemed to be less plentiful than in previous years. The floor, for the most part, was generally free of congestion, which meant a very easy time getting around.

The return ride to the airport was in the company of a couple of northeastern shop owners, both of whom gave a big thumbs up to the show, said they’d found a lot of merchandise they liked, but no, hadn’t bought. They were contemplating a few items of interest and might buy once they’d done the math.

Noted for a special shout out were the booth contents of Cadworks and SpieglerUSA. Their respective products feature sheet metal and hydraulics, but all things are not created equal. Cadworks is a Southern California engineering firm whose clients come mainly from the aerospace and aircraft industry, but whose technology is perfectly adaptable to the power sports industry.

Cadworks designs body parts (tanks and fenders) for production by deep drawn forming. They’re able to render in meticulous detail compound shapes (steel and aluminum) that are formed in a consistent, predictable manner, maintaining a uniform thickness and without introducing stress.

You can learn more on their web site, but I was impressed with how economical the process is and how repeatable the parts are once the initial engineering and molds are finalized. Cost to manufacture is very low, without sacrificing quality. Oh, and the fact that it’s all done in the USA gets major snaps as well.

Think all fittings are created equal? Guess again. Spiegler is one of those companies that revives your faith in mankind. Just when it seems as though the Chinese outsourcing stampede was complete, here sits a perfect example of European obsession with detail in a form following patented brake line function. And since the form is brake lines, the function part proves there’s always a better mousetrap.

If you’ve ever been ready to ditch the braided and bend your own steel lines because you couldn’t get the python-esque kinks out of the hose, here’s your answer:

A nifty little piece of plastic bar, and an even more cool two-piece clamp for a bench vise or vise-grip, and you can now set the angle of the banjo fitting quickly and easily, resulting in a straight line vinyl covered braided line that doesn’t look like a boa constrictor sucking down it’s last meal.

Danny Gray’s booth got a big thumbs-up from everyone for Best Booth In Show. Billy Lane was there, posse in hand, for meet and greets that left his corner of the spectacle looking like I-75 through rush hour Atlanta. A couple of aisles over was Roger Goldammer's booth, more restrained, smaller, less glitz and glam, yet arguably setting a fresh new standard for innovation and execution when it comes down to rubber on the road.

Yet another symptom of change that’s becoming more and more prevalent: TV coverage. Specifically, were jammed in every other booth, doing a standup for later edit and broadcast on the growing number of outlets that are trying to win a v-twin market.

Trade shows. Not always easy to attend, not always situated in the venues we might otherwise select as best for us, but still the best way to quickly come to terms with what’s new, who’s moved, how’s business, and in general what’s shakin'.

And that’s not counting all the great ways to get your hands on actual product, to pick up, turn over, sit on, kick, or otherwise get physical feedback about something you hadn’t realized had changed or something brand new on the scene.

Come to think of it, it sure beats wallowing in a stuck in traffic crowd on Main Street that just cant wait to drop five bucks on a warm beer in a plastic cup.

Continued From Page 4

BMC CHOPPERS AND DICKIES HAVE TEAMED UP TO GIVE AWAY THE FORD TRUCK AND THE BMC CHOPPER TO THE DICKIES WORKMAN OF THE YEAR…..GO TO BMC CHOPPERS.COM CHECK OUT THE NEWS FOR DETAILS—Big Mike keeps the Bikernet staff appraised of his developments from shop expansions, to new rigs, bike articles and additions to his home. If you’re a fan, this guy is on the move. He’s going to bring a bike to theBikernet headquarters in the near future for a road test. He tried to make the run to Wilmington a couple of weeks ago and sold all his bikes on the way out.

NEW BIKERNET FORUM TIPS–Even Bandit is going through a learning curve with the new Bikernet Your Shot Forum.I would explain to them that the red font is THE thing to click on to get into the subject areas. Then explain to Bikernet readers how you can click on anyone of the links in the thing to return to that level (I’m still struggling with how to explain that to a partially-tech-savvy person myself). I’d also tell them how to reply by hitting “Post Reply” at the top or bottom of the screen. It took me a few minutes to figure that out. I kept hitting the name of the contributor and going to their profile.

One thing I’d really drill into them is how to register, and to make it clear that registering for the forum doesn’t cost anything (that’s good for cheap bastards like me). I’m guessing that some people haven’t contributed because “registering” always feels like someone is going to take money from you.

Check out Stroker’s description of how to upload pictures in the “Replacing Your Shot” section. He did a good job. You could put a link just below the red “Bikernet Forum Forum Index” that says, “How to use this forum, goddamit!” Then get Stroker or someone to put together a roadmap (instructions).

Overall, this new format takes a little getting used to, but it’s really, really good.I especially like the notification in email that tells you someone has written something.

Ride!
–Hiway

NEW TANK BAG FOR BUELL XB MODELS–MILWAUKEE (February 6, 2006) – Buell owners can expand the touring capacity of any 2003-later XB model with the new Tank Bag (P/N 91213-04YA, $109.95) from Buell Accessories. This bag is designed for a custom fit over the air box cover and is compatible with the Air Box Cover Guard on the CityX XB9SX model. The rigid body and lid maintain shape empty or full, and the polyester construction is UV- and weather-resistant. The bag expands up to four inches for additional capacity, and has a see-through map holder, waterproof zippers, reflective trim, a rain cover and a removable storage pocket. The mounting system offers easy on-and-off action.

For additional information on Buell Accessories, see your local Buell dealer or visit the Buell website at http://www.buell.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

BUELL FRONT END TECH–So I’m in the middle of rebuilding my Sportster, (’87, 883 that’s now a Buell 1203), and I’m going with this whole tricked out race drag bike scheme. I really want to use a Buell front end, if you could tell me a little about how you went about getting one that would rock. I don’t need the crazy cool triple trees, stock ones would be fine. I was just wondering if you can use a stock Buell front end on a Sportster.

— Marc.
“marc mihelich”
superpin87@hotmail.com>

The neck stem uses a different bearing, but that’s all I’m aware of. The diameter of the stem is the difference. I just used the Buell bearings and races if he’s using the Buell neck stem. That should bolt up. The only other thing I can think of, and don’t know about, is the height of the neck. Is the Buell neck stem going to work length wise? If it does I don’t see any problems. I’ve seen several rigids built using the Buell trees so it should work. He could contact the guys at nasty bikes. They do this a lot.

Hope that helps.

–Rebel

NEW MEXICO BIKE SHOW–I know this would be pushing it, but there a very large Bike show in New Mexico March 17- 19th.Last year I took people choice best of show with a 2005 Screamin’ Eagle Harley. I was thinking if my bike would be ready by then I could get it into the 2006 show and it would give lots of visibility for Sucker Punch Sallys. http://route66drags.org/bikeshow_06.shtml

–Rob

Sucker Punch Sally is building a bike for Rob and he’s anxious to get his hands on it. Probably won’t make a March show. They’ve got a few builds in front of his.–Bandit

STURGIS RALLY RENTALS AVAILABLE–Anyone looking for some cool places to rent for the Sturgis rally, check out Black Hills Real Estate, 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
DaCat4surf@aol.com

BIKERNET BONNE BELLE T-SHIRT ART–I came up with a drawing you might like.My take on your Bonneville WLDR effort.It’s was inspired by the classic image of the Vincent rider with a bikernet twist.

–chris kallas
ckallas@verizon.net>

REDHILL MOTORCYCLE WERX RIDES INTO 2006 WITH NEW WEB SITE AND HOT BABES–You have probably heard of Redhill by now and if youwant to know more about them you can hit their new Website. www.redhillmotorcyclewerx.com The new Web sitewas launched to enhance the in store experience andlet the public see another side of Redhill. It?s chockfull of content including an online store with all ofthe Redhill schwag, pictures of hot girls on Redhillbikes, bios on the shop, pictures of hot girls onRedhill bikes, builds in progress, hot girls onRedhill bikes, photo albums chock full of bikerevents, bikes for sale and oh did I mention hot girlson Redhill bikes?

In addition http://www.redhillmotorcyclewerx.com features aregional information center that will provide riderswith all they need to know about Colorado includingride maps and information on places to stay.”We wanted our Web site to be a reflection of us. It?sfun, is all about the bikes and babes and you can buyall of your favorite Redhill gear at the click of amouse.” Said Mercedes Ross owner of Redhill MotorcycleWerx.

Mercedes will regularly be posting an up to datenewsletter that highlights the antic and builds goingon at the shop as well as her “build in progress” pagethat will show her building her own bike. Scot willalso be doing net duty by posting a regular techsection that will help the regular biker out withcommon problems with their American V-Twinmotorcycles. Be sure to check out their web sitefrequently as it will be constantly changing and willhave new content virtually every week.

Redhill Motorcycle Werx, located off Highway 66 inLyons, caters to all motorcycle enthusiasts, stockingeverything from t-shirts to transmissions. Theirexceptional service department has incorporated apower commander dynomometer and has an in house paintshop, Black Canyon Custom Paint. They haveparticipated in the Cherry Creek Arts Festival the”Art On Two Wheels Exhibit” for two consecutive years,bringing the art of motorcycles to the masses. Theywere recognized nationally in 2004 as a Dealernews Top100 motorcycle shop. Redhill has also been seen on allof the local Colorado television stations, featured inthe December 2005 issue of Hotbike, Southwest ScooterNews, Barnett?s, Sturgis Rally News, Quick ThrottleMagazine, Rocky Mountain Rider and Thunder Press alongwith being photographed by world renowned motorcyclephotographer Michael Lichter and featured in theOctober 2004 issue of the international motorcyclemagazine V-Twin. Most recently Redhill took 5th placeat the Ratshole Bike show in Daytona Fl.

–J. Ken Conte

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

LIQUOR LICENSES WON’T BE DENIED NEAR BEAR BUTTE– Aberdeen American News, SD – PIERRE, S.D. – Legislators have refused to ban biker bars from locating near Bear Butte State Park.The House Local Government Committee killed a bill 9-3 on Tuesday that would have restricted on-sale liquor licenses from being issued to businesses within four miles of the mountain, which is sacred to American Indians.

Up to 60 tribes use Bear Butte for prayer and fasting.Indians became upset last year when a Sturgis bar owner announced that he planned to build a bar and concert area near Bear Butte, catering to crowds that come for the annual motorcycle rally.

A buffer zone should be established between Bear Butte and bars, said Rep. Paul Valandra, D-Mission, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

A rowdy bar near the National Historic Landmark could produce a “carnival-like atmosphere” that would disrupt religious practices, Valandra said.However, the committee decided HB1233 would overstep constitutional bounds by violating private property rights.”(The bill) runs against the grain of everything that we believe in this country with regards to property rights,” said Rep. Gordon Howie, R-Rapid City.Rep. Alan Hanks, R-Rapid City said lawmakers are not insensitive to the religious beliefs of Indians.

“We want to make sure that Bear Butte is retained and revered for those that want to practice their religion,” he said. “The bill is just way overreaching.”Rep. Bill Thompson, D-Sioux Falls, urged his colleagues to pass the bill.

“Don’t disregard the important issue of sacredness,” he said.Rep. David Sigdestad, D-Pierpont, said he did not believe that a ban on liquor licenses in the area would infringe on property rights.

Rod Woodruff, owner of the Buffalo Chip Campground near Sturgis, opposed the bill. Establishing a buffer zone around Bear Butte would show a state preference to a religion, and that is not allowed by the state constitution, he said.Jane Murphy, a landowner near Bear Butte, said she hiked up the mountain three times last summer. HB1233 would help maintain the aesthetic beauty in that area of the Black Hills, she said.

“Bear Butte is a treasure to the Lakota people. It’s a treasure to all of us South Dakotans who live nearby,” she said.

FOUR CORNERS RUN PLANS–Got Cabin Fever? Got the Winter Blues? Well, winter is getting close to being over, and with spring around the corner a lot of bikers are making arrangements for trips to rallies across the US. The Four Corners Rally in the Rockies started pre-rally ticket sales the first of the year and we are running two times above what we sold last year. Besides that, bikers from 16 different states have already bought tickets and camp spots.

What causes so many to order early and from so far away? Why come to the Four Corners, Durango and Ignacio Colorado area for a motorcycle rally? Several reasons come to mind:

1: Best riding anywhere in the US. Just make one trip from Durango to Silverton and you will be hooked.
2: Best rally party in the US. Take some time to look at our pictures on our website, see all those happy people? There is a reason they are all smiling!
3: Excellent concerts. This year we have Ron Keel and his Iron Horse Band, Great White, Bad Company plus one more big headliner that we are in negotiations with. We have afternoon concerts in the beer garden as well as concerts from our main stage at night.
4: Bike Give-a-way. This rally is known for its bike give-a-way on Sunday night and this year will be even bigger. Our main headliner for Sunday night is going to have a special bike made for him that he will autograph, pull out the winning name and will personally hand over the keys to that winner. Don’t miss your once in a lifetime chance at this bike.
5: Events, Events, Events and more Events. Some say we have so much going on that they don’t have time to ride the mountains. Can’t list them all here, check out our “events to do” page on our website.
6: All Bikes, All Bikers Welcomed. No rules on what you can wear, no rules on what you can ride. Just have fun!
7: By Bikers for Bikers! Yep, just a bunch of fun loving bikers from all walks of life trying to put on one of the last big rallies by bikers for all bikers to enjoy.
8: Attended by bikers from all over the US, Canada, and Mexico. Last year only Hawaii was not represented. (Hey guys, you can fly out and rent a bike!)
9: Other things to do besides our rally. The list is endless. Rides in every direction, Mesa Verde, lakes, wild animals, water falls, 125 year old town, famous bars, plenty of night life, parade, vendors and just lots of fun.

We know gas is high and we know you have a lot of rally choices, so why not come to the one that gives you the most bang for your buck?! Check out our website at www.rallyintherockies.com.

–The Rally

COOLBETH JOINS KING ON SCREAMIN’ EAGLE FLAT TRACK TEAM–Team Looking Forward to Exciting and Challenging 2006 Season.

MILWAUKEE (February 3, 2006) – Harley-Davidson has announced that Kenny Coolbeth Jr. will join its Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts racing team as it competes for the 2006 AMA Flat Track Championship. Coolbeth, of New Milford, Conn., will join veteran Rich King on the two-rider Screamin’ Eagle team.

Coolbeth, age 28, has been racing professionally on the AMA Grand National flat track series since 1993. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1994, and has finished in the top-ten in season points for six consecutive seasons. Racing for the Mid-America Harley-Davidson team, he finished second in the AMA Flat Track Championship in 2005. He earned six podium results and won races at Lake Odessa, Mich., and Farley, Iowa. During one stretch of the season Coolbeth placed on the podium in five consecutive events.

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Coolbeth. “I’ve wanted to race for the Harley-Davidson factory team since I was a kid.”

Returning for his seventh season with the Screamin’ Eagle squad, Rich King, age 42, brings 26 years of professional experience to the track. King placed sixth in season points in 2005, with a win on the Springfield Mile and five other podium finishes.

CUSTOM PAINTING IN ORLANDO MUSEUM–Witness Custom Motorcycle Painting by Mongo Tom to Complement the Orlando Museum of Art’s ExhibitionThe Art of the Motorcycle Saturday, February 11, 2006

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP III HEADS TO THE BADLANDS– AMD is taking its third annual Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building to Sturgis for 2006.

Often regarded as the spiritual home of the custom bike lifestyle, we have always seen the Official World Championship as an important way to add value to existing industry events.

As was seen at Las Vegas in November the HUGE investment in time, effort and hard cash that the custom v-twin builder community is making in competing at the world’s most prestigious bike show represents a staggering sum of money and a major logistical exercise by often quite small businesses.

Therefore the decision to hold the show during Sturgis allows us to repay the enthusiasm of the competitor community by staging the World Championship at an event that many competitors will be attending anyway.

Initially this is a one-year 2006-only announcement. However subject to the outcome of current discussions with a number of other organizations (we still believe in collaboration rather than self aggrandizement!). We hope to be in a position to confirm long-term venue and date plans for the Official World Championship within the next few months.

Meanwhile confirmed details of dates and location (classes, prizes and all other details) for 2006 will be e-mailed to you, posted on the event website http://www.amdproshow.com … check out the forums) and published in AMD soon.

We are presently working on the next European Championship (being held at the end of March in Germany) so plan to have all final details for the 2006 Official World Championship at Sturgis in early August finalized shortly thereafter.

All enquiries to Neil ‘ShowMaster’ Blaber at neil@amdproshow.com

I DON’T BELIEVE IT–The news is wrapped. I usually don’t drink whiskey until it’s finished, but today it was dragging me down. News kept pouring in from all parts of the globe. We were struggling to keep up. The girls were screaming, dogs barking and cats screeching. We made it, though. Tomorrow we’re headed out to U.S. Choppers to check the Bonne Belle, 45 frame and see how our Sportster 39 mm front end will fit.

The other day we tinkered with one of our Kendon Lifts. It’s light and agile, but lacked proper tool holders and I discovered that I had two Handy extentions I never used. They were tucked under a bench collecting dust. I decided to weld them in place, but there was another element of these lifts that needed help. Don’t get me wrong, they make side panels out of stainless and I have a set for our other Kendon lift. I’m going to flip them to prevent tools from slipping off.

The other element involves the anchors for the tie-down straps. They move as the bike is lifted (loosen) and tighten as the bike is lowered. It’s easy to have a bike drop quickly preventing time to loosen the straps. We had one strap snap and the other try to yank my grandson’s bike off the lift. So we welded a short chunk of tubing to the front of the lift frame for a permanent and improved strapping angle (to the front). Then I ran a wider bar through that tube, anchored it in place with washers and cotter keys and used the original strap loops off the lift, with set screws brazed to the shields, to hold it firmly in place. We’re road testing it right now. Whatta ya tink?

Coming up on Bikernet we have an Exile feature, a bobbed Triumph that the HORSE staff lost, a Rocky seat tech, Paul Garson’s article on Custom Controls, the hottest handlebars in the industry, a Hawaiian bike shop opening, Tom Foster’s hot rod FXR with Nikki shot by Peter Linney, and finally Larry Curik’s (Lone Star Choppers) exhaust heat wrap tech. Plus I have several fiction pieces from UD that I’ve failed to read. Maybe I’ll look at one now. Oh shit, we may launch an Aeromach tech on touring highway pegs today. I need to test them this week.

All that and more will splash onto Bikernet, plus the first Girls of Bikernet feature next week in the Cantina. Hang on. In the meantime have a helluva weekend. What the hell, you worked hard all week, take Friday off.

But don’t forget to come back to Bikernet.

Ride forever,

–Bandit

Continued From Page 3

S&S CYCLE NAMES MOBIL 1 THE OFFICIAL MOTOR OIL OF ITS PROVEN PERFORMANCE ENGINES AND THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER–S&S Cycle announced it has named Mobil 1 motorcycle oil as the official oil for S&S Proven Performance engines and the Customer Support Center, which houses the S&S Dealer Training & Certification Facility, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

“We are very excited to team up with ExxonMobil to endorse the Mobil 1 brand,” said S&S president Brett Smith .”Like the other strategic relationships we have, it’s very important for us to endorse only the best and we know that this relationship with Mobil 1 is definitely going to be positive for our industry. We’ve used Mobil 1 for many years and now an official endorsement is very fitting for both companies. Using Mobil 1 at our Customer Support Center, which houses the Dealer Training & Certification Center, is another important step as we continue to grow and expand our operations and commitment to the industry.”

S&S and ExxonMobil are collaborating to bring Mobil 1 to the V-Twin market through a variety of distribution channels. OEMs doing business with S&S will be able to purchase Mobil 1 drum product directly from Mobil 1. Secondly, authorized S&S Dealers will have the opportunity to participate in a the S&S/Mobil 1 National Account Program, allowing them to purchase and have Mobil 1 cased goods and drum product delivered directly to their shop if minimum orders are met. And third, S&S will be stocking Mobil 1 cased goods for distribution to dealers who are unable to meet minimum requirements to participate in the National Account Program.

Delivery of cased goods is scheduled to begin in March 2006. Delivery of Mobil 1 in drums will depend on the market areas that show the greatest need. Both S&S and ExxonMobil will be working directly with OEMs to establish distribution as quickly as possible.

THE ULTIMATE SUPERBOWL FAN–A man receives a free ticket to the Super Bowl from his company.Unfortunately, when he arrives at the stadium he realizes theseat is in the last row in the corner of the stadium.He is closer to the Goodyear Blimp than the field.

About halfway through the first quarter he notices an empty seat10 rows off the field right on the 50-yard line. He decides totake a chance and makes his way through the stadium and aroundthe security guards to the empty seat. As he sits down, he asksthe gentleman sitting next to him, “Excuse me, is anyone sittinghere?” The man replies no.

Now, very excited to be in such a great seat for the game,he again inquires of the man next to him, “This is incredible!”Who in their right mind would have a seat like this at theSuper Bowl and not use it?”

The man replies, “Well, actually, the seat belongs to me.I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away.This is the first Super Bowl we haven’t been together at since wegot married in 1967.”

“Well, that’s terribly sad. But still, couldn’t you findsomeone to take the seat? A relative or close friend?”

“No,” the man replied, “they’re all at the funeral.”

–from Rev CarlR

BIKERNET EMPLOYEE COMPLAINT–For a couple years I’ve been blaming it on lack of sleep, not enough sunshine, too much pressure from my job, earwax buildup, poor blood or anything else I could think of.

But now I found out the real reason: I’m tired because I’m overworked.

Here’s why:
The population of this country is 273 million.
140 million are retired.
That leaves 133 million to do the work.
There are 85 million in school.
Which leaves 48 million to do the work.
Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government.
Leaving 19 million to do the work.
2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin-Laden.
Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.
Take from that total the 14.8 million people who work for state and city governments.
And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.
At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals.
Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.
Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.
That leaves just two people to do the work.
You and me.
And there you are sitting on your ass, at your computer, reading jokes.
Nice. Real nice.

–from Joe Lankau

GROUNDHOG DAY AT STEALTH SHOP–Well it was “Groundhog’s Day”! The way the weather has been around here I don’t think it makes a difference one way or another if he sees his shadow! It continues to be spring like in the Charlotte area.

I am sure by now most of you have seen the new “Your Shot” section. Personally I like the old “Your Shot” better, just my opinion. The new “Your Shot” gives me a headache. I guess I will catch on sooner or later?

Here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS we are concentrating on our two Shovel head projects. This past week we had an exhaust system designed by the guys at Alternative Machine. They did a great job! I think they are wicked looking.

Usually this time of year we start planning the Annual Run For Breath. After much thought and debate between “The Meanest” and myself, have decided to put the RFB on the shelf for this year. This was not an easy decision to reach. A lot of thought went into this decision. Last year it became apparent that the interest in the RFB had slowed. There were meetings where only one or two people would show up. The number of sponsors dropped and it became harder to obtain sponsors. The day of the RFB we had volunteers not show up and we were forced to scramble to find replacements at the last minute.

When you commit to doing something you don’t call in sick because your nose is running! The number of riders who signed up was down as was the number of bike show entrants.

As for the bike show, as with any bike show, there were complaints each year concerning judging. Each year we added new judges, but each year we heard the complaints. Personally I grew tired of hearing them.

Each year when the RFB was over we would hear “You know next year you should do this,” and my response would be “You know we start the RFB meetings in January, see you there.” How many of those people do you think ever showed up? You got it, NONE!

As with riding bikes, you find real quick who the posers are. Also The American Lung’s Association involvement with the RFB declined each year. The number of hours planning an event like this really add up quick and with trying to run SBW and trying to get it to really take off, I feel I need to focus my time there. We would like to thank everyone at Bikernet for all their support in the past along with all who supported the RFB in one form or another.

This summer we will have a private ride with friends to remember Justin. One of the best things to come from the RFB besides helping the kids was the friends we met and made through the run. The RFB over the years raised over $60,000.00, a great accomplishment. The RFB helped me personally deal with the worst tragedy any parent can experience, losing a child. “The Meanest” and I put our hearts and souls into the RFB and for me the RFB will always live on in my heart. We end the RFB not being sad but proud of what we did and how many we helped. I know we made Justin proud! It is time to turn the page and move on.

In closing I would just like to leave you with this; “IN Memory of Justin”It is not the begining or the end,but all the in-betweens!

Don’t forget to live all “The In-Betweens!”

Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN

ELLIS DIPS INTO THE SIXES ON G2 BUELL– G2 Motorsports debuted its new S&S Cycle powered Buell, nicknamed Thunder, on Tuesday and Wednesday at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Ga., with spectacular results. Chip Ellis took the machine to a 7.00 on the motorcycle’s maiden voyage and followed that with a stunning 6.98-second pass in just it’s second run down the dragstrip. Ellis made one more run at 7.00 seconds as the team declared the test session a success and loaded up to head down to Gainesville to teach the Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.

Matt Smith, aboard the S&S powered Buell that G2 debuted at last year’s U.S. Nationals, ran a best of 7.05 seconds. Smith running the motorcycle the team named Super Tramp, said he will be making an announcement of a major sponsor very soon that will allow him to run the entire NHRA POWERade Series.

INNER CIRCLE BIKER RADIO–It’s biker radio, and it will soon be available for bikers around the globe – via the World Wide Web.

“Bikers: The Inner Circle,” a one-hour radio show that will feature interviews with real bikers from all walks of life throughout the nation, as well as a little bit of road music, will premiere on Saturday, Feb. 11. Produced by Charlie Brechtel, of the famed Charlie Brechtel Band that is most well known around this area for their Rally performances at the Buffalo Chip Campground, the show promises to be a wealth of information about motorcycle issues, and biker features.

From interviews with old-time custom bike builder Ron (Grott) Grottinelli, the owner of the Hog Farm in New York who fought Harley-Davidson Corporation in court when the company tried to strong-arm him into losing his HOG name that he had since 1969, to talking with Sturgis Mayor Mark Zeigler about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, east coast correspondent Cliff (Beeb) Bouquin said there will be a wide variety of topics covered on the show.

“It’s not polished in any way,” said East Coast correspondent Cliff (Beeb) Bouquin. “We want to interview people like Grott. Real biker builders – people who aren’t on TV. People who have been doing it long before the people on TV, and bring their story to the real bikers. We also want to do some interviews with different motorcycle clubs because a lot of bikers are interested in that stuff.”

Music, Beeb said, will also be a big part of the show, though not in the conventional way. Rather than bringing big name groups to the bikers the show will seek to play material from such bands as Carolyn Wonderland and Ross and Rotten, whom bikers may know from their experiences at the Buffalo Chip Campground. In fact, Beeb said though the Internet radio show will be based out of California where it is produced by Brechtel’s Big 7 Productions, the whole thing came together from various bikers getting to know each other through affiliations with the Buffalo Chip Campground.

Though a specific time has not yet been planned for the show, Beeb said it will air every Saturday, and will be online at www.big7productions.com throughout the week.

BIKERNET MEDICAL ARCHIVES–A man comes into the ER and yells, “My wife’s going to have her baby in the cab!” I grabbed my stuff, rushed out to the cab, lifted the lady’s dress, and began to take off her underwear. Suddenly I noticed that there were several cabs — and I was in the wrong one. —Dr. Mark MacDonald, San Antonio, TX

–from Katmandu

MRF ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE STORE–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to announce the opening of their On-line Products Store. The store will offer MRF members and site visitors an opportunity to conveniently view and purchase MRF-related items throughout the year. These products will also be available at any MRF regional conference and the annual Meeting of the Minds.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation continues to undertake the issues impacting our nation’s riders and has recently experienced accelerated growth which makes this an exciting and opportune time to launch the new store venue. The purchase of products supports the mission and goals of the MRF and illustrates both pride in the organization and a high level of professionalism and commitment within our ranks.

You are welcome to visit the MRF on-line store at https://www.mrf.org/shop

Ride With The Leaders by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983.

LA CHOPRODS IN LAUGHLIN– Hey were doing this thing in Laughlin with the Golden Nugget,Build or Bust and Exile. We’ll be giving away a build or bust bike kit and a chance to appear on the show.

Jay Brown
P- 310-353-2467
F-310-768-4100
E- info@lachoprods.com

INDIAN NAME MAY BE UP FOR GRABS–Rumor has it that the company that bought the name from the bankruptcy courts may be looking for a buyer. Branscombe Richmond owns an Indian scooter name and is developing a line of scooters with Johnny Pag. We’ll have more reports on this effort as it proceeds.

BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–Found this beauty parked on Main Street ~ Daytona Bikeweek 2005 … Minip’d this pic to trigger flashbacks of that really bad acid trip you had back when you were young and dumb. Let me know if it succeeded.

Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net

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MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL VERMONT DRIVERS– Vermont House Bill 805 in would require ALL residents of Vermont to obtain health insurance coverage in order to get or renew a driver’s license.

Part of the bills Statement of Purpose includes a mandate for individual health insurance, proof of which must be shown to obtain a driver’s license, state tax refund, or hunting or fishing license.

OHIO HELMET BILL SQUASHED– The AMA, working with other state motorcyclists-rights organizations, and with the grassroots support of Ohio motorcyclists, has derailed proposed state legislation that would have required all motorcyclists under 25 in Ohio to wear helmets.

The helmet provision arose almost as an afterthought on legislation that was originally intended to raise funds for agencies that provide services to person who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. The bill, originally introduced late last year by Ohio state Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville), would have raised penalties for offenses such as driving with a suspended license. Some of the money raised by the higher fines would have gone to the agencies that treat traumatic brain injuries, including one in Patton’s district.

However, tacked on to the end of the bill was a provision to change motorcycle helmet laws in Ohio. Currently, riders with less than one year of experience or under 18 years of age must wear helmets. Patton’s original bill would have raised the age to 25.

Further, it would have increased penalties for not wearing a helmet, mandating a $500 fine and either a weekend jail sentence or mandatory safety training.

When the AMA and other organizations spread word about the proposal, grassroots motorcyclists responded. The ensuing flood of e-mails and phone calls to Patton’s office convinced him to reconsider. Patton filed substitute legislation removing the change in the age requirement, and the AMA Government Relations Department is continuing to monitor the pending legislation to ensure that the provision raising penalties for failure to wear a helmet is also removed. That change, if allowed to stand, would essentially make failure to wear a helmet a criminal offense instead of a minor misdemeanor, like most traffic infractions.

An even better outcome of Patton’s discussions with motorcyclists was that he agreed to co-sponsor another pending bill in the Ohio legislature that would increase penalties for drivers who violate right-of-way laws and injure or kill another person.

That measure, House Bill 388, was introduced by Representative Jon Peterson (R-Delaware) and resulted from the Ohio Right-of-Way Working Group’s efforts. The bill fits in with the AMA’s Justice for All campaign.

–from Custer and the AMA

WESTCOAST CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE SHOW – MARCH 25-26, 2006–LOCATION: Tradex Centre, Abbotsford, BC.

SHOW HOURS: Saturday, March 25th from 10am-10pm and Sunday, March 26th from10am-6pm

MOVE IN (for vendors & bike entries): Friday, March 24th from noon -midnight.

DETAILS: Over 200 custom bikes on display; more than 30 classes includingForeign, Street, British, Vintage, Radical and ?Specialty? Vendor displaysand more.

ADMISSION: Adults: $10.00, Junior/Youth (6-15): $5.00, Children (Under 6):Free

PARKING: Motorcycles FREE, Cars $3.00

VENDOR INFO & BIKE ENTRY INFO: www.westcoastcustom.ca

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show Inc.
Address: #37 ? 13320 116th Ave, Surrey, BC, V3R 0R8
Phone: (604) 580-0111 or 1-877-580-0111

Email: office@westcoastcustom.ca
Website: www.westcoastcustom.ca

A production of Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show Inc. and BCCOM Events Inc.

BIKERNET MEDICARE SOLUTION STUDY– The phone rings and the lady of the house answers, “Hello”.

“Mrs. Ward, please.”

“Speaking.”

“Mrs. Ward, this is Doctor Jones at the Medical TestingLaboratory. When your doctor sent your husband’s biopsy to the labyesterday, a biopsy from another Mr. Ward arrived as well, and we are nowuncertain which one is your husband’s. Frankly the results are either bad orterrible.”

“What do you mean?” Mrs. Ward asks nervously.

“Well, one of the specimens tested positive for Alzheimer’s andthe other one tested positive for AIDS. We can’t tell which is yourhusband’s.”

“That’s dreadful! Can’t you do the test again?” questioned Mrs.Ward.

“Normally we can, but Medicare will only pay for these expensivetests one time.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do now?”

“The people at Medicare recommend that you drop your husband offsomewhere in the middle of town. If he finds his way home, don’t sleep withhim.”

–from Jack Drew

‘BIKER BUILD-OFF’ ROARS BACK FOR FIFTH SEASON;ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONS’ SERIES TO AIR IN FALL ’06Production Begins February 6–Los Angeles, Calif. – February 6, 2006 – “Biker Build-Off,” the consistentlypopular series from Original Productions that made custom bike-building amass culture phenomenon, is back for its fifth season on Discovery,launching in the Fall of 2006.

Production begins today on the latest series of contests in which 26fabricators will square off in 13 head-to-head competitions. By the time thefinal detail is applied to the last bikes, these trend-setting builders willhave once again set the standard for what makes choppers cool.

“In the six years since we started spotlighting chopper culture, we’ve seenhow these bike legends as well as hot-shot newcomers connect with a huge,diverse audience,” says “Biker Build-Off” creator Thom Beers, CEO andExecutive of Original Productions, and the man who first saw the televisionappeal of biker competitions. “With each series, we boost the excitement andcelebrate the phenomenon even more. Season five will continue thattradition.”

Hugh King – known throughout the gearhead community as “The Chopper King,”thanks to his hands-on involvement as co-executive producer of the “BikerBuild-Off” series and director-producer of its predecessor, “MotorcycleMania” – has again assembled the cream of custom bike builders to compete in”Biker Build-Off.”

given twoweeks to create a custom motorcycle, from the ground up. Although aestheticsare crucial to all the builds, the contest also requires the bikes to work;the builders must ride them as far as 1,000 miles to major bike events,where attendees vote for their favorite.

The stakes, and tension, are raised with the fifth season, however. Eachbuilder/designer will be allowed only one packet of tools to use on the roadto the competition, and there will be no back-up truck packed with extraequipment. If a bike breaks down and the rider can’t fix it with what he’scarrying, he’s out of the competition.

In three of the Build-Offs the trophy will go to the fastest bike ratherthan to, as in the past, the most popular. The contestants in thosematch-ups will build track and motocross bikes, then go head to head for thetop prize.

Also “Biker Build-Off” season 5 will feature a woman builder for the firsttime and the most multi-cultural, multi-national lineup of artisans ever.But, then, the motorcycle subculture is growing at a ferocious pace.

“Biker Build-Off” has made many custom builders, who once worked inobscurity and were only known to just a handful of dedicated riders, intonational celebrities. Their shops are destinations for the millions of bikerfaithful, and their work is in great demand. A-list Hollywood celebrities,white-collar executives and professionals are among the growing audience forhigh end, one-of-a-kind bikes.

That mass appeal doesn’t surprise The Chopper King. In his years producingmotorcycle competitions – first for Original Prods.’ “Motorcycle Mania”series” and then for “Biker Build-Off” – King has seen how these craftsmanconnect powerfully with viewers.

The match-ups this season include:

* Mike Metzger vs. Larry Linkogle: Both men build Motocrossbikes, and will subject their creations to awesome long-distance flips andjumps for the gold

* Ivy Tosclair vs. Kevin Alsop: A small shop owner and prizewinner from New Orleans goes up against a major manufacturer and legend fromBig Bear, Calif.

* Scott Long vs. Trevelene: Two of the toughest guys in thebusiness face off in a contest to build the ultimate old-school chopper.

* Roland Sands vs. Jesse Rooke: Both builders are young, bothare based in Southern California, and both are convinced they can build thefastest bike.

* Paul Yaffee vs. Dave Perewitz: A pair of world famous,veteran builders – one from the Southwest, one from the Northeast – goesbike-to-bike.

* Ell Pitts vs. Harold Pontarelli: Both are big names in thechopper world and neither is comfortable with finishing in second place.

* Matt Hotch vs. Roger Goldammer: The reigning “BikerBuild-Off” champion squares off with the reigning world champion.

* Billy Lane vs. Russell Mitchell: One’s all-American, theother’s British (although he’s gone native in North Hollywood), both arelooking to be crowned the undisputed stud muffin of bikerdom.

* Craig Whitford vs. Mike Long: You think trikes are kids’stuff? Don’t tell these guys, two of the baddest three wheel buildersaround.

* Kim Suter vs. Gypsy Charros: An up-and-coming female bikebuilder from Texas goes against an established and famous male builder fromKansas.

* Jason Hart vs. Brian Klock: They’re young, extremelyinventive, heavily rewarded builders, both from the heart of the Midwest,and now they’re going mano-a-mano.

* Detroit Brothers vs. Jason Kangas: Two rough neck youngbrothers go up against one of the newest kids on the chopper block. Butneither does anything that can be mistaken for child’s play.

* Marcus Walz vs. Michael Prugh: A pair of the leadingdesigners in the world — One’s from Germany (though he works out ofFlorida), the other is from Rapid City, SD – seek global domination.

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Milwaukee Revolution 330mm Released Today– The Fat Man’s Speed Shop, the world’s largest Milwaukee Motorcycle dealer,announces release for sale, 2006 Milwaukee Revolution 330mm motorcycle.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (9 February, 2006) The Fat Man’s Speed Shop announcedtoday the release to the retail public, 2006 Milwaukee Revolution 330mm.Senior builder, Will Day, tells us the Revolution 330mm can be bought by theretail public in Rolling Chassis form for only $5,699.99. The customer canalso purchase the Revolution 330mm in Bike Kit form for only $17,999.99.

The Fat Man’s Speed Shop will also take orders on a completed Revolution330mm in any House of Kolors paint scheme for $21,999.99. Will also tellsus to keep in mind when purchasing any Milwaukee product, that you arepurchasing it from a long time, licensed manufacturer. In today’s sellingenvironment, this means the retail customer can insure it, finance itthrough GE Retail, and have a product that meets all E.P.A. and D.O.T.standards, as well as be listed in N.A.D.A. and Kelly Blue Book. Willexpects the new Revolution 330mm to blow out the door.www.fatmanspeedshop.com or call 715-832-4400.

HARDBIKES APPOINTS SHAUNA AUGUSTINE SALES COORDINATOR–Hardbikes, a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American motorcyclesand Choppers, welcomes Shauna Augustine as Sales Coordinator. Her new positioninvolves organizing tradeshows and events, taking orders and coordinatingmotorcycle production with the Dealers and monitoring the website designcenter.

Shauna joins Hardbikes with three years of experience in enterprise softwareconsulting and two years in customer service management.

“I am excited about coming on board with Hardbikes,” said Shauna Augustine. “Ilook forward to assisting in building a new motorcycle company from the groundup.”

Shauna Augustine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thiel College inPennsylvania.

The Hardbikes team is fortunate and pleased with the new partnership of thishigh-caliber individual and looks forward to a prosperous future together.

“I am proud to announce Shauna as a new member of our team,” said Bob Kay, VPSales and Marketing. “She came onboard running flat out and is alreadycontributing to our success”

ABOUT MARINE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS–I would like to share my thoughts and comments on the recent articles published on Marines dying on Motorcycles after returning home from Combat. Being a former Marine and experiencing the death of several friends in the past, I am compelled to speak up.

First of all Marines are a bunch of arrogant bastards, you know you are, but for good reason. They are the BEST in the WORLD at what they do! This statement is not intended to belittle or offend any other military person, however young men join the United States Marine Corps to be the BEST and to be the first to go into a hot situation. And the training reflects this desire and skills to be just that. For a young man of 18 to want to be the “First to Fight” in a foreign country tells you his thinking is a little outside the norm. Add to this the invincible attitude of youth and you have several cocky young men with a tremendous amount of pride, again for good reason!

This being the basic facts of these young warriors, now add to it they survived combat. In several cases 2 tours of combat. Now you have a whole new attitude of arrogance and being cocky. You also have those from this group who believe they can not be seriously injured or killed. Hell they survived combat so anything else is just peanuts – Right! Plus why shouldn’t they enjoy some American Freedoms? The same Freedoms you and I and the rest of the United States is allowed to enjoy! And so they do. Do they take unnecessary risks? Of course they do – they are Marines and that is what they do! But they do not see it in this light as their skills are typically superior than those of the common person, plus they are usually thrill seekers and their perspective is different.

Americans do not want to see a combat veteran come home safely and then die in an accident that could have been prevented. But at the same time do we want to restrict these young warriors their Freedoms? The same Freedoms we enjoy! I should hope not!!

Of course we had more motorcycle deaths on the highways – because we had 4 times the number of people on the highways and the cage traffic wasn’t trained or prepared to handle it. These were simple Laws of Averages!

Perhaps the base could implement additional training courses for these young men. Perhaps they could establish an area that sanctioned organized racing on the base with medical personnel on-sight. When I was stationed in California my buddy used to drag race his motorcycle on the Highway 5 Drag Strip on the weekends. I served as his pit crew and we had a blast! Specific protective clothing and safety gear was required and once you achieved these things you could pay your entry fee and race. Perhaps something such as this could be put together as an organized and safer outlet for these young Marines.

I say don’t come down to hard on these Young Warriors. Educate them in the style they will respect and respond to and provide a better outlet to them.

Semper Fi my Warrior Brothers!
–Silver Eagle

HARLEYS MAY BE RETURNED– The Niles City Police Department’s motorcycle program may be in jeopardy.Officer Jim Kidwell of the Niles City Police Department may have to give up riding the department’s leased Harley-Davidson, one of the two motorcycles the department is leasing. Due to sharply increased rates, it is in question whether or not the department will be able to retain the motorcycles. Since 2002, the department has leased two Harley-Davidson motorcycles from Motown Harley-Davidson in Taylor, near Detroit.The Harley-Davidson Company initially developed a program where they lease brand-new motorcycles to police departments at a $1 per year rate.

“You can’t pass up a deal like that,” said Chief of Police Richard Huff.Not only are they invaluable in certain situations, but they are also a favorite among citizens. “They’ve been the best P.R. (public relations) tool we’ve ever had. Just with the feedback we get from the community,” Huff said.

From 2002 until 2004, that $1 per year rate was intact. Harley-Davidson ended up “flooding the market” with this deal, and several police departments across the country took advantage of it.

The agreement was that a department leased a motorcycle for a year, then the next year traded up and leased the newest models. As a result of its popularity, the supply and demand of the motorcycles drove the price of the traded-in models way down.

The program began to lose its luster and Harley-Davidson wasn’t making nearly as much money on the used models as it originally had.This caused the company to significantly increase the lease rate. In 2005, the rate had jumped from $1 a year to $1,200 a year per motorcycle. The Niles Police Department was able to come up with the extra $2,400 to lease the two motorcycles for that year. But as of the end of this month, the 2006 lease year, the price per motorcycle has again sharply increased, now to $2,250 per year.

“This money just isn’t available.” Huff said.”One of the biggest assets is being able to access areas in the city that we can’t with patrol cars,” Huff said.Those areas include sidewalks, parks and easier access to car accidents on busy streets.

The motorcycles are only used when it’s above 50 degrees. The motorcycles also get much better fuel efficiency than the patrol cars and they take advantage of that.

The Harley-Davidson dealer that the police department leases their motorcycles from has offered to sell the current models to the Niles department for $13,750 a piece.Based on the average amount of miles they’ve put on each motorcycle each year, Huff estimates they would likely get about 10 years out of each motorcycle. That comes out to $1,375 a year.

By RYAN STEWART / Niles Daily Star

–from Rogue

BREAKDOWN LANE AVAILABLE TO MOTORCYCLES IN WASHINGTON STATE– Senate Bill 6663 would allow motorcycles to use the breakdown or access lanes when traffic is slowed to less than 10 MPH. Riders would not be able to proceed faster than 20 MPH and must give way to emergency vehicles and disabled vehicles.

The status of this bill, as well as most motorcycle-related legislation throughout the country can be viewed by accessing StateWatch on the American Motorcyclist Association?s (AMA) Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectLink.com. This service is available to all riders thanks to those who join the AMA.

FLORIDA DROPS HIGHER INSURANCE– Florida highway safety officials have dropped a proposal that would have dramatically increased the medical insurance required of those who ride while not wearing a helmet from $10,000 to $50,000.

Discovering that the insurance policies could be difficult, if not impossible, to find and exorbitantly expensive — and after getting a cool reception from Gov. Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet — the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles scrapped the idea.

But officials are proposing another change that they say could help increase motorcycle safety. That change would require all new motorcyclists to complete a rider training course. Currently, Florida requires only riders under the age of 21 to complete the course.

While the concept may sound good, Florida would be hard-pressed to meet the logistical challenges of such a mandate. The dramatic increase in training demand combined with an insufficient number of instructors, equipment, and training sites could result in lengthy delays and actually push new riders to avoid training and licensing altogether.

While the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) strongly supports and encourages riders to take advantage of rider education opportunities, the Association maintains a position against making such programs mandatory. Our full position statement on compulsory rider education can be found at http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/positions/ridered.asp.

WISCONSIN LEGISLATION WOULD PROTECT MOTORCYCLISTS– The Roadway Users Responsibility Act, SB 528 introduced in the Wisconsin state Senate and based on model legislation that’s part of the Justice for All campaign, takes a multi-pronged approach to protecting motorcyclists.

With assistance from AMA and ABATE of Wisconsin, the measure was introduced by state Sen. David Zien (R-Chippewa Falls), an 18-year AMA member, and seeks to increase penalties for drivers who kill or injure motorcyclists or other vulnerable road users.

The bill would increase the penalties for right-of-way violations that result in injuries or death to others. In many cases across the country, inattentive drivers have killed or maimed motorcyclists and been punished with fines as small as $70, because state laws treat these serious crashes as minor traffic infractions.

Zien’s bill would also include motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian awareness information in driver education programs. And it includes a provision that would allow motorcyclists to proceed through a red light when the traffic sensor doesn’t detect the motorcycle and conditions make it safe to proceed.

You can learn more about the Justice for All Campaign, keep track of legislation that affects your right to ride, and contact your elected representatives quickly and easily, through the AMA’s Rapid Response Center found at http://www.amadirectlink.com.

OKLAHOMA LAW HITS IRRESPONSIBLE MOTORISTS–Oklahoma’s Jaggers? Law represents ABATE of Oklahoma’s renewed effort to enhance penalties for irresponsible motorists who injure or kill other roadway users. Senate Bill 1989 is named in honor of David Jaggers, former Sgt-at-Arms of the Downed Bikers Association of Oklahoma, who was killed by an irresponsible driver in October, 2003.

This marks the third year that ABATE of Oklahoma, AMA and others are attempting to enact Jaggers’ Law as part of the Justice for All campaign. You can get more information on this bill and Justice for All by checking out http://www.amadirectlink.com

NEW PENNSYLVANIA LEARNER’S PERMIT RULES– Pennsylvania recently revised the motorcycle learner’s permit procedure. Prospective riders who are seeking a learner’s permit must now pass the knowledge test before the permit will be issued. Previously, learner’s permits were issued without the requirement of the test.

Future riders can visit www.dmv.state.pa. to learn more about Pennsylvania’s motorcycle licensing and safety program.

MINNESOTA CAPITOL BIKERDAY– Minnesota riders are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Bikerday at the Capitol from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

This event is cosponsored by ABATE of Minnesota, St. Croix Valley Riders, Minnesota Motorcycle Club Coalition, Motorcycle PAC of Minnesota, and Minnesota Motorcycle Riders Association.

Attendees will receive an information packet and copies of relevant House and Senate bills. For more information contact Mack Backlund at MandMback@aol.com.

ENGLAND URGES CAGERS TO SEE BIKERS– The United Kingdoms Department for Transport’s ‘THINK! Take longer to look for bikes’ campaign started on January 30th. The campaign urges motorists to continually look for motorcyclists throughout the Kingdom. A parallel campaign, urging motorcyclists to make themselves more visible, will run via six-sheet posters.

The 30 second television advertisement encourages urban car drivers to look longer for bikes. A radio advertisement backs up the TV message and “acts as an in-car reminder,” said a statement from the Department.

In 2003, 73 per cent of all crashes involving a two-wheeled motor vehicle also involved a car. The Department’s report, ‘In-Depth Study of Motorcycle Accidents’, concluded that the most common cause of motorcycle crashes – as with bicycle crashes – is a right of way violation.

The majority of these incidents occur at intersections and “it is usually the motorist – rather than the rider – who is at fault.” In 65 percent of these ‘right of way’ incidents, drivers fail to see motorcyclists who other witnesses report were easily visible.

To learn more about the campaign and view the advertisements, visit the campaign website at http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk.

SAN FRANCISCO ATTACKS BIKERS–San Francisco, CA area motorcyclists have turned an anti-motorcycle rant into positive press for riders.

Recently, morning disc jockeys on a Bay Area radio station, Live 105, complained about lane-sharing motorcyclists and joked about drivers opening car doors in front of riders, causing them to crash. Lane-sharing is not illegal in California and helps reduce traffic congestion.

Outraged motorcyclists, concerned that the comments could incite car drivers to injure riders, flooded the station with complaints. The Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF), an online message board, played a central role in allowing riders to coordinate their actions.

As a result of the complaints, the on-air personalities apologized and at least one of them has promised to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Course to learn more about motorcycling. The station also agreed to air public service announcements about motorcycle safety.

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Whatta Week,

Just returned from Cincy where the entire industry displayed its wares at the Easyriders V-twin show. I actually helped kick off this effort with Jim Betlach before I left ER and Jim has done a helluva job. We may have a report on it later next week.

This industry is expanding and rockin’ although it’s small by comparison. The biggest item at the forefront is the EPA restrictions. Take 15 minutes and read the article mentioned on the home page and write to the MRF. We all need your support.

I thought I’d mention something quick that we don’t often think about. The V-twin custom motorcycle industry is fun, alive and vibrant, but small by comparison to the auto industry, toaster folks, fishing industry, you name it. I spoke to a wheel manufacturer last year and asked him how many of their most popular wheels did they make. He said 1,000. Think about that. This ain’t no Walmart order of 500,000 hub caps. Kinda puts the whole tamale in prospective.

Let’s hit the news, then I’ll tell you what to expect on Bikernet for the rest of the week:

WAR VETS BURNIN’ OFF ADRENALINE–Since 9/11, more American troops have died in off-duty motorcycle accidents than fighting in Afghanistan.Nearly 350 GIs have died on bikes since the 2001 terrorist attacks compared with 259 killed while serving in Afghanistan, according to safety records kept by each service. The number who die in crashes each year – nearly all in the United States – has more than doubled since 2001, hitting new levels in 2005. Nearly 1,000 more have been injured, draining power when the Pentagon needs every soldier.

A big part of the problem, say commanders at bases, comes when soldiers return from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan with months of tax-free salaries and extra pay for combat and overseas service. They buy high-powered motorcycles and hit the streets to burn off adrenaline, testosterone and boredom.

Dying on American roads after months or years of combat abroad seems to survivors like cruel irony.”When the doctor told me that he was dead, I told him that wasn’t acceptable, it just wasn’t acceptable,” said Andrea Strickland, 22, the widow of Marine Lance Cpl. Mark Strickland. “I said, ‘He just got back from a war zone, and you’re going to tell me that he died doing something he loved?’ “

“Our goal is not to see the same thing happen,” said Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, which has its headquarters at Lejeune.

After the October crashes, which Amos described as “a cold shot to the heart,” he ordered a crackdown. The base ceased normal operations for a day in November to focus on safety, particularly for motorcyclists. It added safety programs and re-emphasized existing ones, such as mandatory safety classes and a mentor program Amos created that is being considered as a model for use corpswide.

Most riders who get into trouble, he said, are inexperienced and doing something they shouldn’t, such as popping wheelies.He said he rarely taps his machine’s full power.”It’s just there if I need it,” he said.

Cyclists such as Toldness are a growing military subculture. Younger troops favor shrieking, race-bred sport bikes while officers and senior noncommissioned officers often cruise on the more laid-back Harleys. Parking lots for special operations units sometimes look like someone issued an order allowing only motorcycles and pickups. In Kuwait and Iraq, off-duty talk often covers the opposite sex, beer and motorcycles, and not always in that order.”Guys come back from Iraq after a year, and right away they need that big bike because their buddy’s got one or their girlfriend wants them to,” Toldness said.

I want everyone to think about ONE thing in regards to more service people dying in motorcycle deaths than have died in Afghanistan since 9/11:EVERY GI MUST WEAR A HELMET AT ALL TIMES?

JAY PRICERaleigh News & Observer

So what should we all gain from this?That helmets do NOT save lives. Period. Take this information and spread it around your statehouse among those that think the “motorcycle helmet” is the answer and ask them to explain why our servicemen and women are dying WHILE wearing helmets.

Then while they fumble and stumble for an answer, explain to them that ONLY through BETTER education of both motorcyclist and the public can we ever hope to reduce the number of deaths.

Helmets are nothing more than a Band-Aid trying to cover a gaping wound.

–Spotman
Sons of Liberty Riders

TEXAS BIKERNET PHOTOG TRIES TO REACH HORSE–If you talk to Hammer can you ask him to check his e-mail. I have sent the brown bike three times now, the last time to his home as he requested. If he has changed his mind about using it fine, but a response of some type would be cool.

The other was suppose to have been in SC, but they moved that blue bike I sent to you for HB there instead so I wanted to see if the Horse might be interested, even though I believe they had a bike with similar paint.

Trying to line up a girl, for the Girls of Bikernet, for this weekend.

–RFR

Hell, shoot ’em both for Bikernet or the Girls of Bikernet. We’re ready to launch. See below for new HORSE contact info.–Bandit

HORSE SNEAKS INTO ER EXPO– We just returned from the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo. Several of you were there, so you know it was a great venue with all the major builders, dealers, manufacturers and people in the motorcycle industry. THE HORSE BC attended for 2nd year with a booth and gave away over 1,000 copies of past issues. Ralph was able to arrange for Kara, our cover girl from issue #55, to come. Although we had over 500 copies of her issue, they were all gone by Saturday night; Kara signed each issue for a potential new customer!

In order to keep us moving into 2006 with a little more control, we’re going to change the location we have you send your submissions. After you have sent all your articles, photos, art, etc. for issue #59 to Ralph, begin immediately to send all future submissions to:

Alan Mayes, Managing Editor
PO Box 1824
Tullahoma, TN 37388
615-498-4924

Alan will be working on a daily basis with Ralph to assign articles. When articles, photos and art are received, Alan will be logging in and keeping track on a spreadsheet. I know many times freelance writers send packages to Geno, Ralph, myself and even our subscription company. They find an address in the magazine and send to the wrong address.

I know many of you have mentioned that you have sent in packages and they get lost. This new method will allow everything to be logged in and if you need to track an article you sent, you’ll know to call Alan and he will let you know where it is and perhaps what issue it may be published in. Previous submissions will soon be cataloged by Ralph into the spreadsheet, too, so we’ll know exactly what we have on hand.

As a note, many, many of the people attending, in most cases employees of the manufacturers or shops stopped by the booth to congratulate us on the great magazine THE HORSE BC is. Some say it’s the only mag they read!

–Hank

BIKERNET BILLION DEFINED– The next time you hear a politician use the word “billion,”casually, think about whether you want the politician spending your tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertisingagency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective in one of its releases:

1.. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
2.. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
3.. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
4.. A billion days ago no-one walked on two feet on earth.
5.. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government spends it.

–from Joe Lankau

BIKENET STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR–Just in case you’ve had a rough day, here’s a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological texts.

The funny thing is that it really works.

1. Picture yourself near a stream.
2. Birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air.
3. No one but you knows your secret place.
4. You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called “the world,”
5. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
6. The water is crystal clear.
7. You can easily make out the face of the person you’re holding underwater.
8. See, you’re smiling already.

–from Skooter

BONNEVILLE BIKERNET SALT SHAKER UPDATES–The V uses a touring tranny, but any FXR fit one will be OK. It uses one of the CCI extended chain sprockets, with the same teeth as stock. But Baker sells a sharp one, if there is any problem with the offset /teeth, etc., let me know and I will go down and measure one.

The twin cam tranny won’t bolt to a non twin cam bottom end engine.

On my Vs, with a 110 revtech, I have never had a problem with the engine moving on the tranny using a stock OEM inner /outer primary, which is a really good stabilizer.If you are using a belt drive with a good billet piece that takes the place of the stock inner, you should not have a problem.

How much hp/ torque do you have on the engine you are using?The V is a lot different than a the Softail setup, that most choppers use, the primary is shorter, and seems to be a lot more rigid.

CCI, have a V going to Daytona, Why don’t you ask Your butt hole buddy Sean if you can ride it around so you can get used to it. I mentioned this to John Lott already. If you want to, let me know and I will pressure him on my end.

–John Reed
Custom Chrome

John’s in constant trouble with the brass. We will run a BDL primary drive. –Bandit

FIVE RULES FOR MEN TO FOLLOW TO HAVE A HAPPY LIFE– 1. It’s important to have a woman who helps at home, who cooks from time to time, cleans up and has a job.

2. It’s important to have a woman who can make you laugh.

3. It’s important to have a woman who you can trust and who doesn’t lie to you.

4. It’s important to have a woman who is good in bed and who likes to be with you.

5. It’s very, very important that these four women don’t know each other.

FLORIDA BIKE SHOP INVESTIGATED– A Biker owned a small motorcycle shop in Florida. The Florida Hourly Wage Department claimed he was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to interview him.

“I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them,” demanded the agent.

“Well” replied the Biker, “There’s my lead mechanic who’s been with me for 3 years. I pay him $600 a week plus parts for his bike at cost. The helper has been here for 18 months, and I pay him $500 per week plus parts for his bike at cost

Then there’s the half-wit who works here about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes $10 per week, and I buy him a bottle of Jack Daniels every Saturday night.”

“That’s the guy I want to talk to – the half-wit,” says the agent.

“That would be me,” replied the biker.

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

SARA LIBERTE ANNOUNCES HER AFFAIR WITH DAVE PEREWITZ–Liberte, a well-known and respected custom bike designer and photographer, will be launching her newest photo series in 2006. “Builder and Machine” is a photographic series that explores the motorcycle builders most in demand today and the machines they create. A stunning black and white Image

Fusion portrait will be the end result of a visit to each builder’s shop where Sara will explore the latest creations that have sprung from the mind of each builder. Images of the builders will be portrayed in a way you’ve never seen before; builder and machine fused together to make their unique work a true part of them. Some builders in the lineup include Dave Perewitz, Mondo of Denvers Choppers, Kendall Johnson, Johnny Chop, and Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron.

Sara Liberte also offers limited edition Fine Art Photographs from her Image Fusion; Woman and machine series. The Pittsburgh artist has developed a limited edition run of only 150 prints of each image available in sizes 20″ x 30″ and 16″ x 20″ to offer to the public. Since displaying her work at Myrtle Beach, Laconia, Sturgis, and Las Vegas Bike Fest in 2005, demand to purchase the images has increased.

Motorbooks International has just released Liberte’s newest book “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles.” A seasoned mechanic, Sara Liberte brings her knowledge, skills, and advice into your garage with this informative book. With 21 do-it-yourself projects, Liberte will help you to know and understand how to do everything from fluid changes to technical upgrades to your ride. The book is available at bookstores everywhere, and signed copies are available through Sara’s website.

Sara’s Fine Art prints and signed copies of her book are available on her website. Dealer inquiries are welcome.

Contact info for Sara Liberte
www.saraliberte.com
sara@saraliberte.com
328 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
412/931-6205
412/400-3978

BIKERNET BONNEVILLE SALT SHAKER BAKER TRANSMISSION ORDER–I’ve been back and forth with John Reed, Berry Wardlaw and John Reed to make sure I order the right tranny for the V-bike. One of these days were going to post an article about transmission, what fit’s what, shaft lengths for wide tires, etc.

John was trying to help me through the maze: If the back of the engine is the same as a (rubber mount) FXR/dresser, and the front part of the tranny is for a (rubber mount) FXR/dresser, it should be OK.

As far as I know, the back end of the engine mount is the same on Shovel and Evos, and I’m sure Panheads, and late model FXR rubber mount trannies bolt straight to the engines. It’s only really early r/m trannies that need a seperate bracket.

–John Reed

Continued On Page 2

There was a time, during the civil unrest in this country due to race riots and anti-war demonstrations, that personal appearance or vehicle type was enough for an officer to form an opinion about you and stop your vehicle. Numerous court cases challenged those arbitrary stops and the tide seemed to be turning for the Constitutional rights of the citizen. In our February Newsbrief, we listed three of the cases that helped define what a legal and Constitutional police stop was:

1. Beck v. Ohio, 85 S.Ct. 223,225 (1964)
2. Florida v. Royer, 103 S.Ct. 1319, 1324 (1983)
3. Lankford v. Gelston, 364 F 2d. 197 (4th. Cir. 1966)

These cases affirmed the belief that probable cause consisted of facts indicating that a person had committed or was about to commit an offense. In our newsbrief, we discussed a case in Minnesota in which a biker was stopped on his way to Sturgis. The basis for the stop was a suspected illegal headlamp configuration (on a stock Harley). Although some contraband was found, the search was deemed illegal in an appeals court decision due to the fact that the officer had no real probable cause to stop the biker, and that he used tactics to intice or fool the biker into thinking he had no choice but to submit to a search.

Our U.S. Supreme Court, led by the conservative thinking Justice William H. Rehnquist, has in recent years moved back toward allowing broad and arbitrary discretionary powers to police. Once again, the color of your skin, the length of your hair, or even your choice of transportation could be enough for an officer to suspect you of being guilty of something. This broadening of police power is supported in three recent cases heard by the high court.

Whren v. United States, 116 S. Ct. 1769 (1996)

Pretext stops, stopping for vehicle or traffic offenses when the real reason is to search for contraband, are not unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment guarantees prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure, according to the U.S. Supreme Court. The officers intent in making the stop is irrelevant. If he believes a violation has taken place, the stop is valid. Whren assures that police will be able to stop, based on race, appearance, transportation or their whim.

Ohio v. Robinette, 117 S. Ct. 417 (1996)

This case addresses one of the issues brought out in the case of the biker on his way to Sturgis. He never stated out loud that he objected to a search of his vehicle, nor did he ask to leave. In Ohio v. Robinette,the court ruled that the Fourth Amendment does not require that the officer inform the detained person that they have a right to leave before consent to a search is recognized as voluntary.

Maryland v. Wilson, No. 95-1268 (Feb. 19, 1997)

This case affirms that officers can legally order you out of, or off of your vehicle during a traffic stop. It also goes beyond the authority of a 1977 case, allowing officers to ask the driver of a vehicle to step out of a car. Wilson allows the officers to also ask passengers to step out of a vehicle, and to detain them, as well as the driver.

Officers may ask for permission to search your vehicle, but you do not have to consent. In fact, if you do not want to allow a search of your vehicle, you must vocalize that objection. Simply saying nothing is not the same as refusing to consent. The same holds true for asking if you are free to leave. You must ask if your are free to leave, because the officer is not under any obligation to inform you that you are free to leave.

According to an article in The Lawyer’s Magazine, July 1997, figures on police searches in South Carolina in 1991 showed that less than 15% of the 4,000-plus vehicles they searched turned up any drugs. It must be remembered that the officer has discretion to decide whether to pursue the search or not. He has the option to further detain you, and call for drug sniffing dogs, for instance. Asserting your right to be free from unreasonable search (knowing you are innocent and have nothing to hide) could turn out to be a situation in which you are detained for a long period of time. The soft spoken, friendly officer, trying to obtain your permission for a search, could turn into an angry and determined individual not worried about keeping you on the roadside for an hour or more.

Random stops are still not permissable, but the recent court decisions, especially in Whren, move closer to random stops becoming a reality. In describing his concerns over this type of stop and search in the case of the biker in Minnesota, one of the justices hearing that case, Justice Tomljanovich, stated, “Our decisions in this case and in Dezo represent what I believe will be an ongoing attempt to come to grips with the increasing use by state troopers and police officers of subtle tactics to get motorists and others to consent to searches. It appears state troopers and police officers are receiving training on getting consent to search, similar to the training sales people receive in getting people to agree to buy things they do not want. We are not dealing with vacuum cleaners in this case but with the liberty and privacy interests of all the people of the State of Minnesota, and we have an obligation to ourselves and to the Constitution of this state to do what we can, in our limited role as a court of last resort, to provide reasonable protection to those interests.”

Michael F. Hupy & Associates, S.C. Rights Cards.You can receive your personal statement of Constitutional Rights, on a plastic, wallet sized card at Michael’s web site.–