January 1, 2006 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
MC ADVANTAGES DISTRIBUTING STAINLESS CREATIONS EXHAUST–With the rollout of a new 2006 catalog, MC Advantages has announced that itwill distribute Stainless Creations handcrafted exhausts. “MC Advantageswill be carrying almost every style of Stainless Creations pipe,” notes KentReed, General Manager of MC Advantages. “These compliment the MC productlineup by offering many more striking designs. These are another premiumpipe to keep us positioned as a premier distributor of performanceaftermarket parts.”
Stainless Creations pipes are designed for almost every RSD and LSDapplication including many that fit Twin Cam and Evo applications innumerous different offsets. Each .065 thickness pipe is hand-polished to abrilliant shine and includes a sample of polish get them clean beforeburn-in and to keep them looking new. A separate spacer kit is alsoavailable for fitment of ’05-’06 Big Dog? models.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
http://www.MCAdvantages.com
HARLEY’S 10 COMMANDMENTS–
I. The one true American- made motorcycle is the Harley Davidson, and thou shalt not put no other motorcycles before it.
II. Thou shalt not bow down and worship nor serve the God of Chrome; for, lo, he is a false god and will not get thy butt home.
III. Honor thy authorized dealer and the motorcycles thy sell, and that thy days may be long and fruitful in the land of Harley.
IV. Remember the weekend, and keep it open. For it is written, five days shalt thou labor, and for two days shalt thou ride thy Harley, drink beer, and have some FUN.
V. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Harley, nor her manservant, nor her maidservant, nor her ox, nor her cute little butt.
VI. From the throne of thine Harley, thou shalt not stoop to wave at sinners who ride Jap-crap, for Jap-crap is known to be the handiwork of the devil.
VII. Thou shalt not pass by nor turn away from thy brother Harley rider who is in mechanical distress.
VIII. Thou shalt not pose. Verily, I say unto you, it is easier for a poser to pass his gold Visa card through the eye of a needle than to enter into the true fellowship of Harley-Davidson heaven.
IX. When riding thy Harley on the Road of Life, thou shalt not whine nor snivel, and thou shalt not suffer to ride alongside those who do.
X. Park not thy Harley in the darkness of thine garage, that it may collect dust for want of being oft ridden. Ride thy Harley with thy Harley brethren, and rejoice in the spirit of the road .
–from Tom K.
WEST TEXAS BIKER RUNS FOR OFFICE– I just received this Press Release from one of my fellow NCOM Board members who’s in the In-Country Vets M/C and the Alabama Confederation of Clubs. Jerry Kelly is also in the ICV M/C, and has thrown his hat in the ring for Public Office. I wish him and the Texas Bikers campaigning for him the best of luck as they seek to incorporate Sputnik’s Five Steps To Freedom in TX House District 79. Guys like Jerry are an inspiration!
In Liberty,
Tiger Mike,
ABATE of OK; OKCOC
Texas Motorcycle Rights Association II Coordinator and Vietnam War combat veteran filed for Texas House District 79 in El Paso El Paso, Texas – Jerry Kelly, Texas Motorcycle Rights Association II (TMRA-II) coordinator, Vice Chairman of the West Texas Confederation of Clubs and a Vietnam War combat veteran, filed for State Representative of Texas House District 79 in El Paso.”The Texas motorcycling community has consistently advocated the involvement of citizens in the political process; it has successfully supported many candidates for public office, testified at public hearings issues important to average working families, while also fighting to preserve the Rights of all Texans. We are now taking the initiative to run for various seats across the state.” Kelly said.
“District 79 is growing and deserves to have the representation to match that growth. I have filed for State Representative of House District 79, in order to ensure equal representation for all Texans,” Kelly said.
–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE BIKERNET ART EXHIBIT–This montage was originated from Sturgis 2004 photography.
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
mailto: soffordphotos@comcast.net
BIKERNET DEFINITIONS–We’ve all heard about people having guts or balls. But do you really know the difference between them? In an effort to keep you informed, the definition for each is listed below.
GUTS – is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being assaulted by your old lady with a broom, and having the guts to ask, “Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?”
BALLS – is coming home late after a night out with the guys, smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your old lady on the ass and having the balls to say, “You’re next.”
I hope this clears up any confusion on the subject.
-Biscuit
AMERICAN IRON & ROADBIKE MAGAZINES ARE NEW ASSOCIATE SPONSORS OF THE LA CALENDAR MOTORCYCLE SHOW SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM–The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show sponsored by Bikernet.com, welcomes two of America’s leading streetbike magazines, American Iron and RoadBike, as Associate Magazine Sponsors of the Show beginning this year 2006 under a newly signed 5-year agreement. Published by Tam Communications, American Iron Magazine is one of the biggest selling titles in the American V-Twin market, while RoadBike Magazine is the biggest print magazine in the fast growing Metric cruiser and streetbike market. The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show is the biggest custom and performance streetbike show in America, and this new partnership brings together these respective market leaders to continue to grow and expand, both for the benefit of the motorcycle industry involved with both, and for their fan base of readers and attendees.
Buzz Kanter, Publisher of Tam Communications said “We are excited to have American Iron & RoadBike become involved as multi-year Associate Sponsor and Partner in the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, one of America’s premier street motorcycle events. And certainly the most recognized and popular streetbike event on the West Coast. It will help to give our magazines a closer tie-in to our readers and advertisers located there, add more balanced coverage of West Coast bikes, builders and product companies. And it will help our continued growth as America’s favorite American V-twin and Metric Street Bike magazines. We will have special American Iron and Road Bike Readers Trophies to award in the Bike Contest, and Road Bike magazine will be title sponsor of the new RoadBike Metric Custom Class to help promote the biggest growing motorcycle segment in America.”
Jim Gianatsis of Gianatsis Design Associates, producers of the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, as well as the popular FastDates.com Calendars and Website, had this to say about the new partnership, “I am really excited to have both American Iron and RoadBike Magazines join us to share with us their readership, and to help us expand the audience and market base of our Calendar Motorcycle ShowThe 15th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend takes place July 15-16th 2006 at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach / Los Angeles, as it continues its extraordinary growth and success having become the biggest Custom and Performance Streetbike Show in America (and possibly the World) focused on the custom, cruiser and high performance sport / streetbike markets.
Spectator attendance reaches close to 20,000 hard core motorcycle enthusiasts at the exciting 2-day weekend. Exhibitors include 195 major motorcycle and parts manufacturers, with selected product and apparel venders added into the mix to keep it fun for the entire family. Spectators have a chance to meet top celebrity custom bike builders and attend free Iron & Lace Calendar Bike Builder Seminars, watch the the excitement of the Jardine World Record Horsepower Dyno Shoot Out, see the world’s top custom bikes in the Performance Machine Calendar Show Bike Building Championship featuring the new RoadBike Magazine Metric Class, enjoy the exciting new Metric Midway featuring Japanese Cruisers, European and Japanese Sportbikes.
SAMPLE EPA LETTER-DON’T FORGET TO WRITE– I am writing this letter with regard to the enforcement of new motorcycle emissions laws regarding custom built motorcycles.
I believe in the EPA and it’s purpose, however occasionally I do not understand the methodology employed by the agency.
By the EPA’s own studies motorcycle pollutants are accountable for less than one percent of all mobile source emissions. With this in mind, the EPA has put forth guidelines which are so stringent that it will (through enforcement) virtually eliminate an entire sub-sector of our economy if implemented. That is, the small sized motorcycle builder and hobbyist.
Considering the net pollutants produced by on-highway motorcycles, the net effect of enforcing such a law is negligible at best; perhaps not having any effect at all.
Harley Davidson maintains the largest market share in our category. If these laws go through, the EPA will have direct influence in forming a monopoly out of Harley- Davidson which is in direct conflict with the Sherman Antitrust Act. I cannot find a reason other than of a political nature to implement this law.
I feel that a feasibility study should ensue entailing cost figures to implement versus other category pollutants which have a much more severe impact on our environment. Do we have a comparative analysis to justify these new standards and the cost to implement them, compared to say, pollution credits for large factories, where we are talking in terms of TONS OF EMISSIONS per year for each factory in comparison to what a few custom motorcycles put out.
Also I would like to hear an explanation on the constitutional nature of an environmental agency determining what type and quantity of motorcycle an individual can own. I do not understand how an agency of our Government can enforce a law which has a provision where a husband dies shortly after buying his one “lifetime exempt” motorcycle that his spouse cannot sell it for five years to settle her estate! Considering a custom motorcycle sells for anywhere between $20,000 and $250,000, I would suspect that the proceeds from this might help the bereaved spouse. Furthermore is there a marketplace for this motorcycle anymore considering the strict guidelines associated with it? Thus it creates even more economic hardship.
Americans ride Harley-Davidsons and custom bikes for sport more than transportation. We can relate to the American heritage behind Harleys and the freedom that they represent. This is an icon of American culture not merely a mode of transportation. When a governmental agency steps in to take away a piece of our freedom and liberty for no known positive net effect other than to strip our freedom and cost us more tax payer dollars, we will all lose.
A more direct approach would be welcomed in the custom bike community. For example EPA approved motors. The consumers and industry would gladly floor the cost of a compliant motor standard. If the motors are compliant (and not needing periodic compliance tests (no different than current law)), then I see no need for any further interpretation of the law with regards to any other components on the motorcycle or different registration or ownership guidelines or infringements to ownership.
Very Respectfully
— Joseph Savino,
Engineer and custom motorcycle hobbyist
THE MISSING LINK–Thanks for the mention in the Sunday post but something is missing from my listing. I am grateful that you decided to include a hot link to me but the link is incomplete because it drops my dealer number.
Here’s the correct link http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/1124190 , notice the numbers /1124190/ after the name these are what identifies my site with Amsoil and credits me with if there is a purchase.
Bob T from, Chop and Grind, has also contacted me and it appears he will be using my Amsoil too so a big THANK YOU!!!!!! to Bandit and you for hooking us up. I have every intention of being in Bonneville with some other gear heads to see how you guys do.
–Nick
Me somewhere in Utah 2006.
Continued On Page 3
December 29, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
SCOTT JACOBS PRINT TO BE PART OF MUSEUM RAFFLE– December 2005 – Once again, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will benefit from the talent and generosity of famed motorcycle artist Scott Jacobs, who is donating one of his most popular pieces, “Pushing the Limit” for the 2006 raffle.
Andrew Hines, who has just won his second consecutive NHRA Powerade Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship, is the racer portrayed in the painting. “Because of all the recode breaking that Andrew continues to do, Scott thought that “Pushing the Limit” would be a great piece for the Museum,” said Sharon Jacobs.
“Last year Scott donated a print for the Museum raffle,” remarked Museum Director Pepper Massey-Swan. “It was so well received we knew we had to ask him for another print this year. Everyone wants to brag that they have a ‘Scott Jacobs’ print in their home. Our raffle can help make that a reality for a lucky winner.”
The framed print, number 35 of 50, will be signed and authenticated by Scott Jacobs, and signed by racer extraordinaire Andrew Hines.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, holds an annual raffle, one of its largest fund raisers. Three prizes are offered on each $10.00 ticket. The 2006 prizes are: a 2006 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide; Scott Jacob’s signed print “Pushing the Limit”; and a one of a kind commemorative Henry 44-40 rifle. Tickets will be available for purchase on Monday 9 January 2006 on the Museum web site http://www.sturgismuseum.com, by telephone 605.347.2001 or at the Museum.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is open year round.
A COP’S WORST NIGHTMARE–Anyone who has ever been in law enforcement praysthat they will never get a call like this on their watch.WARNING – The attached photo is very graphic.
–from Bob T.
NEW BIKER SERVICE–Hello, we would like to tell you about a new service that is available toresidents of Az, Ca, Nv, Ut NM Co. We are Steelhorse Hearse LLC. We arelocated in the Phoenix, AZ area.
We provide a dignified way to give yourloved ones a memorable last ride. Are web site is located at http://www.steelhorsehearse.com.
Thanks for taking a look at our site.
— LaVerneand Stewart McGee
RARE JAPANESE HARDCORE CHOPPER RAGS FOR SALE ON BIKERNET–This Japanese mag, not distributed in the U.S. is rare. They ship us one box of 40 copies each issue and were almost out. You can’t read it, but just the perfect bound package, the quality of the paper and the photography of old school rides built here and in Japan make each page worth while.This monthly publication just goes to show, the Japanese truly do love American Iron as much as the rest of us.
The mag might read from right to left, but the bikes inside are definetly headed in the right direction.
So come see what’s going on across the sea. You won’t be disappointed.Price includes shipping and handling. JUST CLICK ON THE BLACK MARKET BANNER BELOW.
YEAR’S BEST HEADLINES– CRACK FOUND ON GOVERNOR’S DAUGHTER
[Imagine that!]
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
[No, really?]
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
[ That’ll stop ’em. ]
Is There a Ring of Debris around Uranus?
[Not if I wipe thoroughly!]
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
[What a guy!]
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
[No-good-for-nothing lazy so-and-sos!]
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
[See if that works any better than a fair trial!]
War Dims Hope for Peace
[I can see where it might have that effect!]
If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
[You think?]
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures [Who would have thought!]
Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
[They may be on to something!]
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges !
[You mean there’s something stronger than duct tape?]
Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
[he probably IS the battery charge!]
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
[Weren’t they fat enough?!]
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
[That’s what he gets for eating those beans!]
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
[Taste like chicken?]
Local High School Dropouts Cut In Half
[Chainsaw Massacre all over again!]
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
[Boy, are they tall!]
And the winner is….
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
–from RFR
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER MAKES SEAT PAN–Here is a new steel seat pan design Iam selling..Available in the raw finish or the blasted
Respects
–TEACH
Kevin Baas
BAAS METAL CRAFT
Custom made steel signs, art, furniture and fabricated parts.
http://www.baasmetalcraft.com
952-215-1252
“When in doubt, burn out!”
BIKERNET BONNEVILLE OR BUST FOR 2006- – Chop N Grind Racing So. Cal. TeamWe are a small crew here in the High Desert in Southern California. So far we have no sponsors or big cash. Our Bonneville bike project is being done by “The seat of our pants”. We have a small budget, four man crew and big dreams.
Our goal is for the 1350 Class “Altered,Pushrod,Gas”, (APG Class). The record is held by Vance Breeze for the national record at 163.854 mph, set in 1997. We aim to beat it.
We are going “Come Hell or High Water”. Which is common here in the High Desert.
I have not been back to Bonneville Salt Flats since 1976. As part of the Jammer Crew sponsored by Easyriders. Our crew put Dave Campos in the 200 mph club on a water cooled dual engine Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, designed by Bob George. I was proud to be part of that crew.
Larry is a 10 year plus veteran Harley Davidson mechanic. He ran at Bonneville Speed Week 2003 on a Ironhead in the APBG (Altered,Pushrod,Blown,Gas) class.
We both got the bug again, once you get the taste, smell and speed of Bonneville it`s something you never forget.
Jim Leinweber will be supplying our cams and technical support. Jim is a local here in our town. He has been grinding cams and racing since the 1950`s.
Race date is September 3rd – 7th 2006 at the BUB 3rd International Motorcycle Speed Trails at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Our plan is to meet up with Bandit’s Bikernet 5-Ball team and all ride to Bonneville. This will be better than the ride to Sturgis. Everyone is welcome to meet up with us on the road and ride out together. This is going to be a great year in Bonneville especially with the movie “The Worlds Fastest Indian” coming out. We have 8 months to do all this. The clock is ticking.
Any support you can throw our way will be great. All sponsors will be advertised on the “Chop N Grind” Bonneville bike. Plus monthly up-dates will be posted on Bikernet and Emails sent out.
Thanks for Your Support
–Bob Tronolone & Larry Petirie
Chop N Grind Racing Team
BIKERNET SHOP PHILOSOPHY, WATCH OUT–When his printer’s type began to grow faint, a man called a local repair shop.
The friendly person who answered the phone said the printer probably only needed to be cleaned. Because the store charged $50 for such cleanings, he advised the caller that he might be better off reading the printer’s manual and trying the job himself.
Pleasantly surprised by his candor, the caller asked, “Does your boss know that you discourage business?”
“Actually it’s my boss’s idea,” the employee replied sheepishly. “He says we usually make more money on repairs if we let people try to fix things themselves first.”
–from CarlR
TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL RULES POKER RUNS VIOLATE THE TEXAS PENAL CODE–We will have to get together and plan a way around this Bull Shit. This isjust another justification for Rick Perry’s agenda of no gambling (unlessthe State is running it.)
It is a simple thrust against our lifestyle and a challenge we can notafford to let stand without a fight. Watch for more from your state chairin a few days after some discussion with attorneys and legislators.Sputnik
–Rogue
NEW YEAR’S EVE@SKOOTERZINMONTICELLO, MISSISSIPPI– DOORS OPEN @ 10:00 A.M. FOR OUR 1st DAY OF BUSINESS.
POKER RUN WILL BEGIN @ 1:00 WEATHER PERMITTING(BEST HAND AND WORSE HAND WINS MERCHANDISE FROM STORE)AMOUNTS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER THIS POKER RUN WILL BE DONE IN HOUSE ALL THRU THE DAY
LIVE BAND WILL KICK OFF AROUND DARK:30 AND BRING US INTO THE NEW YEAR!
SKOOTERZ……… IS THE NEWEST ATTRACTION TO MONTICELLO. WE WILL BE CARRYING MOTORCYCLE APPAREL, ACCESSORIES AND MORE. SOME ITEMS ARE NOT YET IN STOCK BUT DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS IT MADE GETTING SOME OF MY STOCK A LITTLE HECTIC. BUT WE ARE LOOKING FOR A LARGE SHIPMENT IN BEFORE SATURDAY. WE ALSO HAVE NASCAR ITEMS AND SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE COLLEGE SPORTS MERCHANDISE. ALSO WE WILL BE DOING CONSIGNMENT OF MOTORCYCLE RELATED ITEMS, ANYTHING FROM YOUR OLD LEATHER JACKET THAT NO LONGER FITS TO HELMETS YOU’VE DONE SCUFFED OR OLD PARTS TO YOUR BIKE…OR YOUR BIKE, IF IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF THE OLD AND GET SOMETHING NEW COME IN AND WE WILL HELP GET IT GONE! WE WILL SET ANY OF THESE ITEMS UP FOR YOU ON CONSIGNMENT. THERE WILL BE MORE DETAILS ON THIS LATER.
THIS IS SOMETHING NEW FOR CRAIG AND MYSELF SO BEAR WITH US AS WE GET SKOOTERZ OFF THE GROUND. FOR THOSE INTERESTED WE HAVE A POOL TABLE IN THE BACK AND A FEW MORE GAMES ON THE WAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY AND IF NOT SATURDAY STOP IN NEXT WEEK AND CHECK US OUT!
NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA WE ARE LOCATED ON HWY 84 WEST JUST EAST OF WARD’S, WE ARE IN THE STRIP OF BUILDINGS IN FRONT OF SUPER VALU GROCERY STORE. ANYONE NEEDING MORE INFO CAN CALL SKOOTERZ @ 601-587-0055 OR CALL ME @ HOME 601-587-4870. .
HAPPY NEW YEAR’S
–CRAIG & LEIGH ANN NEAL
IN THE WIND MAGAZINE–In The Wind March 2006 issue Number 124 is on the newsstands now. Charlie Brechtel is on page 36. Hall Of Fame induction on page 37 and Wind and Fire on 38&39 with Wild Bill Plus a bunch of other good articles.
–Rogue
BIKERNET PHOTO ART EXHIBIT–I shot this at Bikeweek in Datona ’05…the man (Indian Larry) knew his metal didn’t he?
Ride Hard,
Whiplash Biker Photog
soffordphotos@comcast.net
STEALTH YEAR END REPORT–I hope all of you made it through Christmas, and I hope you all had a very good Christmas! We closed STEALTH BIKE WORKS for a couple of days and we are back at it today.
As we get ready to close out 2005, I would like to take a little time to reflect on the past year. For me the big thing was opening STEALTH BIKE WORKS. We have come a long way since May when we opened. It has been up and down like a roller coaster and it has been a great adventure so far.
We have had a lot of help along the way and a lot of support. I would like to thank everyone at Bikernet and all the readers for their encouragement. A special thanks to Mr. Bandit for his advice and for always listening, when I have had to ask him for his advice.
Thanks to the crew at SBW, Max and Chopper John, without you guys a lot of what we do would not be possible. Last but not least, Thanks to “THE MEANEST,” for all you do and all of your encouragement. You always pick us up when we need it the most and when things have been slow and when doubt has started to creep in, you always keep us going in the right direction. Thanks to all of our customers who have supported SBW.
So we look forward to 2006 with anticipation and excitement. We hope to see SBW grow as we approach our one year anniversary. We look forward to new customers as well as continuing to serve our current customers. We have a few things planned for the upcoming year so stay tuned!
We would like to wish everyone at Bikernet headquarters and all the readers a ‘Happy New Year!”
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
NEEDS CUSTOM PIPES BUILT–I sent you a pic of the style I’m lookin for, pretty much the same style except with a black finish. I want to run it on my ’06 Softail deluxe, taking off the floor boards and running forward controls. I haven’t done anything to the motor yet, but I plan on an S&S air cleaner with a hi flo filter and that type of exhaust to start. That’s has to last for 5yrs cause when I bought the bike new with a 5yr. xtended warr. the clown that sold it to me didn’t tell me that I would void the warr. if I do any major motor work after 60 days of the purchase…new Harley rule!
Anyway do you see any problem with the set up I have in mind?
–Steve
StFer
NEW YEARS NEWS ENDING– The rant continues. I want to thank my old team and the new growing team of Bikernet staff, contributors and sponsors. I can’t thank anyone enough for his or her contributions and support. Nyla Olsen, is the best partner a man can have at his side. Jason Douglass is the best Biker Webmaster on the Planet. Contributors include: Roque, Johnny White, Paul Garson, Don Rogers, Curt Lout, Markus Cuff, Michael Lichter, Pepper, Art Parry, Hiway, Tom Kellerstrauss, Wrench, Snake, Renegade, Wilburn Roach, Jaqhama, Glen Priddle, Tim Conder, Kent Weeks, Spanky, RFR, TBear, Stroker, Layla, Sin Wu, Coral, Rick Raus, Ken Conti, Bob Clark, Jeff Najar, Frank Kaisler, John Van Trump and the list goes on.
I want to thank the companies that believe in us, some for five years or more. We’re pumped about our future and what we can deliver to our readers and sponsors. We plan to give back to our industry by sponsoring the LA Calendar Show, Billy Lane’s Blood Sweat And Gears tours, the Seminole Hard Rock Road House Tours, the Sturgis Museum, The Texas National Bike show, The Wheels Through Time Museum and Steel Dreams Television.
We will update Bikernet on a daily basis and bring you event coverage before the event is over. We have no limitations to deliver the finest content on the planet, only financial borders and time constraints. We’ll work around them as best we can, as the year progress, and deliver tech, events, bike builds and fun constantly.
Finally my goals for 2006, as long as the chrome gods support our efforts. We are building four bikes, 1929 Peashooter (maybe Bonneville 2007), 1940 WLD, 45 cu. In. (Bonneville effort 2006), The First Panhead Sportbike (Bonneville 2006), and a Texas bobber for Nyla, by Kent Weeks. I will publish the first book in a series, based on the biker bastard Chance Hogan. I will continue to write for American Big Twin dealer, American Iron and we’re negotiating with the HORSE. Oh, and finally we’re scrambling to rebuild our 1925 headquarters. We’ll bring you regular reports on our progress on all fronts.
May your 2006 be filled with dreams, hopes, goals, beautiful women, fast motorcycles and fun. Let’s hit it.
Happy goddamn New Year,
–Bandit
December 29, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Happy Goddamn New Years,
I mean it. I want the entire world to experience the year of a lifetime. Okay, so it’s ambitious, but what the hell. I think we’ll see Iraq stand on its own. Terrorism gangs will loose their momentum and be treated like the punk thugs they are. I believe we’ll witness new insight into the survival of the planet. New fuel options will avail themselves. People will finally discover that money ain’t everything and we can adjust our lives for freedom and happiness, for our families and children and away from the all-mighty dollar chase.
Closer to home, I believe that our industry will come to a meeting of the minds with the EPA and we’ll be free, once more, to build as many bikes as we like and ride forever. I think it will be a helluva year for our industry, with more TV presence, Biker movies and recognition than ever before.
Okay, okay. I’ll drop the rantings and hit the news. I’ll wrap it up at the end. Let’s Party:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES SAFETY RECALL AND RELATED CUSTOMER CARE PLAN– Harley-Davidson Motor Company has issued a voluntary safety recall on 2006 model year Dyna series motorcycles built between June 9 and October 19, 2005. Approximately 13,400 motorcycles are included in the recall. The transmissions in the affected motorcycles have a defect which under certain circumstances may allow them to go into a false neutral position even though the neutral indicator light is illuminated.
As part of its Initial Care Program for 2006 Dyna motorcycles, the Company will provide owners with free pick-up and delivery, if desired. This service will commence and recall kits will be available at dealerships beginning the week of December 12, 2005.
The Company estimates that the costs associated with this voluntary recall will be less than$5.0 million and it will reserve these costs in the fourth quarter of this year. The Company also expects to meet its previously-announced wholesale shipment target for 2005.
BIKERNET USED BIKE LOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS–
’97 custom fatboy,loaded w/ chrome,extended fork andraked,about 6k miles custom paint.
’03 fatboy anniversary,luggage rack, tank bib,and VanceHines pipes.
’02 883 Sportster
E-mail me for other info:jw3112000@yahoo.com
–JW
DEMON’S CYCLE ORIGINAL AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY– Demon’s Cycle Inc. is proud to present a complete air cleaner assembly of our own design!
This air cleaner is CNC-machined from aluminum and then chrome-plated for great looks. The outer cover features a 3-D flames design and can be easily removed for easy access to the filter element or be replaced with another face plate design that we offer.This air cleaner assembly, Includes filter element comes equipped with carburetor adopter.
Custom slick curves of this chrome air cleaner cover pick up the lines of stretched tanks,creating flowing custom and well thought out look for any bike.
15-7/8″ long
4.5″ tall
2-3/8″ wide
Can be used to customize any bike, including Harley-Davidson?,Custom Chopper, etc.
Available EXCLUSIVELY fromDemon’s Cycle South, Inc.
R-MAX BY ROADMAX TRANSMISSIONS WIN PRO-ONE MOTORCYCLE CONTRACT–December 26, 2005: Ontario, CA – R-Max USA by Roadmax Transmissions isawarded the contract to supply right side transmissions for the new line ofmotorcycles manufactured by PRO-ONE.
PRO-ONE is gearing up production and delivering ten custom motorcycles a month,which includes two choppers and two pro-street bikes. These custom bikes sport250 and 300 rear meats and range from $32,000 to $37,000 retail.
PRO-ONE is filling the niche for high quality custom motorcycles at lower pricepoints. They can fulfill this promise because they build 90% of the bike inhouse – including frame, sheet metal, accessories, front end, brakes, forwardcontrols, and headlights.
Each bike comes equipped with an R-Max USA by Roadmax right side drive six speedtransmission and utilizes a 2.94:1 1st gear ratio,
2.21:1 2nd gear,
1.60:1 3rdgear,
1.23:1 4th gear,
1.00:1 5th gear,
and .86:1 overdrive gear ratio for 6thgear.
Internals consist of SAE8620H precision cut full width gears withincreased dog area. They are back cut and diamond media blasted for a verysmooth and quiet operation.
The shift forks are made from heat treated ALBC3alloy because this gives the forks superior strength. Used in combination withthe R-Max USA by Roadmax proprietary shift drum it offers enthusiasts smoothpositive shifting and longer reliability.
The R-Max USA transmissions are dependable, the fit and finish are superb andthey come with a good warranty,” said Josh Siedner, Operations Manager,PRO-ONE. Not only do they look good, the shifting is smooth and theperformance is outstanding.”
R-Max USA by Roadmax High-Tech 3 three inch open primary is used on the PRO-ONEcustom motorcycles. Each High-Tech 3 comes with a polished solid billet motorplate, outside splinted clutch plates for more surface area and a truly quietclutch along with the diaphragm clutch spring for easier clutch leveroperation, polished pulley covers, and a polished belt guard.
STURGIS MUSEUM TO RAFFLE NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHX– December 2005 – Sturgis Harley-Davidson and Black Hills Harley-Davidson will show their support for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame again this year by donating Harley’s exciting new model, the FLHX Street Glide, for the 2006 Museum raffle.
“When I contacted Jim Burgess at Black Hills Harley-Davidson to ask if we could count on their support again in 2006, I already knew the answer.” said Museum Director Pepper Massey-Swan. “The people at our local Harley shops believe strongly our mission, ‘to preserve the great history of motorcycling’, and understand the importance of having a motorcycle museum in Sturgis. Their continued support helps us to succeed in ways we never imagined possible.”
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, holds an annual raffle and offers three prizes on each $10.00 ticket. This year’s prizes are: a 2006 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide; a Scott Jacobs signed print entitled “Pushing the Limit”; and a one of a kind commemorative Henry 44-40 rifle. Tickets will be available for purchase on Monday 9 January 2006 on the Museum web site
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is open year round.
LAWSUIT FILED OVER CYCLIST’S DEATH–SIOUX FALLS (AP) – A Texas family has filed a lawsuit over a fatal traffic accident that happened when a portable toilet fell off a truck at Custer.
Michael Johnson, 34, of Grand Saline, Texas, was riding his motorcycle along Highway 16 when a portable toilet fell from a Sander Sanitation Service truck. The toilet struck Johnson as he tried to pass the truck, sending him sliding into the path of three cars, according to the accident report.
Johnson died in the Aug. 9 accident.It happened during the Sturgis motorcycle rally.The plaintiffs contend that the toilet was improperly secured, and that Sander and the truck driver are responsible for Johnson’s death.
The defendants have yet to file a response to the complaint.
–from Rogue
BIKERNET BONNEVILLE RUN FOR 2006–It’s in the planning stages with three teams heading out so far. There’s the wild 5-Ball Racing Team with shapely women at the helm, against the Chop ‘n’ Grind Racing Team out of 29 Palms, CA, Then the Custom Performance Renegades out of Phoenix. So far the 5-ball team is headed out to the salt flats with a 120-inch Panhead Sportbike, built by Bikernet, with a Custom Chrome V-Frame rolling chassis designed by John Reed, an Accurate Engineering 120-inch Panhead Engine and a Baker performance 6-speed transmission. What’s our goal? Join the 200 mph club, and if we install a Custom Performance Turbo, who knows?
We are also working with Departure Bike Works on a 1940 WLD, 45 Cubic Inch flathead. Rumor has it that the record is 126 mph.
So far our esteemed Sponsors include: Custom Chrome, Accurate Engineering, Baker Transmission and Custom Performance. Valerie Thompson is our hot shoe rider. I told you the girls are running the show, against those sand-snorting bastards in the desert.
We’re all riding out together in September with anyone who wants to tag along and maybe dodge Sturgis. We’ll bring you periodic reports as we move ahead.
Bulletpr?f Puts “The Fix” On Grinding Starter Engagement–Grinding starter engagement now gets the kiss of death thanks to the innovative Bulletpr?f Belt Drive Fix available only from MC Advantages. This replacement for one-piece or solid jackshafts has ramped teeth and an engineered spring to help integrate the jackshaft easily and quietly before starting. It fits all belt drives with one-piece or rigid jackshaft belt drive setups. Best of all, the price won’t break the bank at only $99.99 MSRP.
Remember, MC Advantages is the only distributor on the market to offer this part. Contact your local MC Advantages dealer for more details and to order yours today!
MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based in Grimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantages distributes many brands including: S&S Cycle, Martin Bros., Spyke, Stampede, Prowler, Bulletpr?f, D&M Custom Cycle, TFI, Primo Belt Drives, Platinum Air Suspension, Tauer Machine and many more.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
www.MCAdvantages.com
BIKERNET CAPTURES LETTERS TO SANTA–Dear Santa, You must be surprised that I’m writing you today, the 26th of December.
Well, I would very much like to clear up certain things that have occurred since the beginning of the month! While filled with illusion I wrote you a letter and I asked for a bicycle, an electric train set, a pair of rollerblades, and a football uniform.
I destroyed my brain studying the whole year! Not only was I the first in my class, but I had the best grades in the whole school. I’m not going to lie to you, Santa, there was no one in my entire neighborhood that behaved better than me. With my parents, my brothers, my friends and with my neighbors, I would go on errands and even help the elderly cross the street.
There was virtually nothing I wouldn’t do for humanity!
YO SANTA,
WHAT BALLS YOU HAVE LEAVING ME A FUCKING YO-YO, A STUPID ASS WHISTLE, AND A PAIR OF SOCKS! WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING, YOU FAT SON OF A BITCH? YOU’VE TAKEN ME FOR A SUCKER THE WHOLE FUCKING YEAR, TO COME OUT WITH SOME SHIT LIKE THIS UNDER THE DAMN TREE.
AS IF YOU HADN’T FUCKED ME ENOUGH, YOU GAVE THAT LITTLE FAGGOT ACROSS THE STREET SO MANY FUCKING TOYS, THAT HE CAN’T EVEN FUCKING WALK INTO HIS DAMN HOUSE!
PLEASE DON’T LET ME SEE YOU TRYING TO FIT YOUR BIG FAT ASS DOWN MY CHIMNEY NEXT YEAR! I’LL FUCK YOU UP! I’LL THROW ROCKS AT THOSE STUPID ASS REINDEERS OF YOURS, AND SCARE THEM THE FUCK AWAY, SO YOU’LL HAVE TO WALK YOUR BIG FAT ASS BACK TO THE NORTHPOLE, JUST LIKE I HAVE TO DO, SINCE YOU DIDN’T GET ME THAT FUCKING BIKE, YOU PUNK BITCH!!
YOU KNOW WHAT SANTA, FUCK YOU!! NEXT YEAR YOU’LL FIND OUT HOW BAD I CAN REALLY FUCKING BE…YOU’VE BEEN SLIPPING LIKE A MOTHERFUCKER FAR TOO LONG! SO WATCH YOUR BACK NEXT YEAR, YOU FAT BITCH! I’LL KILL YOU!
Sincerely, Johnny
–from Bob T.
MAN WOUND TOO TIGHT– Dr. Art Ting has to be the coolest surgeon in the world. Seven days ago I had a load of operations on both arms. I was worried about a couple on my left one because he had to go through my tattoo, check it out. He went round the outline, so it wouldn’t be screwed up, and he did really small stitches so you won?t be able to see the scar when it heals.
–John Reed
Master Designer
Custom Chrome
HAWAIIAN EDITION OF WINDOWS 98–Windows “Puka” 2005.It has come to our attention that a few copies of the Hawaiian Edition of Windows 98 may have accidentally been shipped outside of Hawaii. If you have one of the Hawaiian Editions you may need some help understanding the commands. The Hawaiian Edition may be recognized by looking at the opening screen. It reads Puka 2005 with a background picture of Iolani Palace superimposed on the Hawaiian Flag. It is shipped with a free Gabby Pahinui screen saver. Also note: The recyle bin is labeled “opala.” My computer is called “dis gun fun ting.” The keyboard is known as “da kine.” CDs are “da ting fo inside da kine.” The mouse is called “da clicka.”
Inside of Error Message you get one small kini opala covered with a poi bag and duct tape.
Terminology:
ok…………………..ah dats awright
Cancel……………oops
Reset…………….gunfunit
Yes……………….no matta
No………………..naaaah
Find……………..wea da heck
Go to……………ovah deah
Back…………….ovah heah
Help…………….oh oh
Stop……………oh no
Pause…………..wait wait wait
Start………….shoots
Programs…….da kine fo dat
documents…..stuffs
Thesuarus…..how you say….
Indent,,,,,,,,,,,move em in
Flush right….stat da oddah side
Center………..stat in da middo
Exit……………neva mine
Graphics…….pichahs
Save…………..good good good
Reveal codes..wat da hell
Also note that Puka 2005 does not recognize capital letters or punctuation marks. We regret any inconvenience it may have caused if you received a copy of the Hawaiian Edition. You may return it to Microsoft for a replacement version.
–from Chris T.
SAMSON EXHAUST ADVICE–Sounds like some cool project bikes for the salt. I talked to Ray Price thedrag racing legend we sponsor and asked him why he doesn’t use a 2 into 1system on the drag bike, and he says they don’t have any benefit for top end.By the way we set a world record in October for the 1/4 mile on our bike.6.256 seconds and 222.54 mph. He just uses step headers.
–Kenny Price
Founder/CEO
Samson Motorcycle Products, Inc.
Continued On Page 2
The Life And Times Of Von Dutch
By Bandit | | General Posts
Pinstriping on cars andmotorcycles was a dead art when 15-yr. old Kenny Howard went to work inGeorge Beerup’s motorcycle shop in the mid-forties. The last automobilestriping on an american car was done by General Motors in 1938. Then, inthe mid-fifties, customizers brought it back in style in mostly radicalform believing they were doing something entirely new! Kenny, the motorcyclemechanic was the man who started this “new” vogue under the name “Von Dutch.”
Dutch’sDad was a well known designer, sign painter and goldleaf man in the SouthLA area known as Maywood. The well known Western Exterminator Logo is anexample of his work that lives on today.
Dutch would occasionally bring a bike home from Beerup’sshop borrow his Dad’s brushes to put pinstripes all over it. When Beerupsaw what dutch had accomplished, he couldn’t believe it, and moved himfrom mechanical work to painting and striping. For the next decade, hebuilt a reputation that he really never wanted.
” I’m a mechanic first.” he used to say, “If I hadmy way I’d be a gunsmith! I like to make things out of metal, because metalis forever. When you paint something, how long does it last? A few years,and then it’s gone!”
For the next several years Dutch painted and pinstripednothing but motorcycles, moving from shop to shop, saturating each area.By the mid-fifties he had done thousands of bikes, but very few cars. Stripingcars started as a joke when he was working at Al Titus’ motorcycle shopin Linwood, California. The whole car striping idea started to ‘snowball’and he was there.
He was approached by a guy known as the Crazy Arab, who thought it could be worked into a full-time occupation. Dutch didn’tbelieve it, but he tried it, and for the next three years he worked atit until it just drove him nuts!
When Dutch quit striping in 1958, he was still ingreat demand. Customizers from all over the country had heard of him, andcars came from as far away from the L.A. area as New York to be “Dutched.”When a car owner came to him, he didn’t tell Dutch what he wanted, he justtold him how much ‘time’ he wanted to purchase. The designs were up toDutch, and many of them were created way down deep in the recesses of hiseccentric imagination. He had hundreds of imitators and followers; ShakeyJake, The Barris Brothers, Tweetie, Slimbo, Big Daddy Ed Roth and manyothers.
Dutch On Money
Despitehis genius and popularity, Dutch never made any money from striping. Moneywas something he detested. In this quote from a 1965 article Dutch explainshis thoughts on money.
“I make a point of staying right at the edge of poverty.I don’t have a pair of pants without a hole in them, and the only pairof boots I have are on my feet. I don’t mess around with unnecessary stuff,so I don’t need much money. I believe it’s meant to be that way. There’sa ‘struggle’ you have to go through, and if you make a lot of money itdoesn’t make the ‘struggle’ go away. It just makes it more complicated.If you keep poor, the struggle is simple. “
Every so often he would double his rate just to weedout the undesirables. So many were demanding his services that he justcouldn’t stand it anymore. It didn’t work! No matter what hecharged, they just kept on coming! He hated the commercial aspects of whathe did. He believed that you couldn’t focus on doing good work if you worriedabout the money, and ‘good work’ was everything to Dutch!
So, after about 10 years of hiding out, Dutch surfacedin Arizona, where he made guns and knives, did some custom paint, bodywork,and pinstriping. He and his wife and kids tried. somewhat, to live likea ‘normal’ family…..in a house…with a bar-b-que….and a station wagon.
The Brucker Years
The domestic life lasted until the mid-seventieswhen Dutch dropped everything, and moved back to California to take overthe job vacated by Big Daddy Roth at “Cars of the Stars.” He wouldbe the general fabricator and custodian of the Bruckers Family’s Collectibles.The Bruckers gave Dutch a house to live in and appointed him work hoursof9 to 5. Much to everyone’s amusement, Dutch started calling himself J.L.Bachs, short for Joe Lunch Box.
When ‘Cars of the Stars’ closed up. Dutch moved to Santa Paula, Californiaalong with the Brucker Collection and lived his remaining years right thereat the warehouse, behind a locked enclosure, mostly running everyone off,especially those wearing any kind of uniform or carrying a clipboard. Healso shot at a guy who said he was from Cleveland! Dutch got to be reallyeccentric-amundo!
It was during these years that he turned out somebeautiful knives, all hand-done and brass-etched. He sold about 100 ofthem for $300 each. Today they would easily fetch $3,000! He also builtsome extraordinary motorcycles and lots of other stuff, like (no kidding)a steam-powered TV set. He also built the “Kenford”….1956 pickup witha ’47 Kenworth cab combo!
Forpinstripers, Von Dutch is the one person most responsible for the existenceof the craft. He’s also responsible for other custom touches we’re allfamiliar with as he was also the creator of the motorized rollerskate andputting VW engines in anything but VW’s. He was an expert gunsmith, knife-maker,and fabricator. To those who knew and understood him (not to many) he wasa Great Philosopher.
The FlyingEyeball
Nodiscussion of Von Dutch would be complete without touching on the subjectof his famous Flying Eyeball logo. What’s the story behind it?
According to Von Dutch, the flying eyeball originatedwith the Macedonian and Egyptian cultures about 5000 years ago. It wasa symbol meaning “the eye in the sky knows all and sees all”, or somethinglike that. Dutch got a hold of this symbol and modified it into the flyin’eyeballwe know of today. He always believed in reincarnation, and the eyeball,somehow, was tied to that.There have been numerous “incarnations” of thisdesign over the years. It still remains an icon of the ’50s and ’60s streetrod crowd. Now ya know!
Dutchlived life hard. His bad habits eventually caught up with him, and he developeda stomach abscess. He didn’t like doctors, but towards the end, the paingot so bad, he finally saw a doctor. By then it was too late. Dutch diedon the 19th. of September, 1992, leaving behind his two daughters, Lisaand Lorna.
On a personal note…. The reason I’m in this businessis solely due to Von Dutch. He ‘spider-webbed’ my ’49 Ford Dashboard in1954 and I haven’t been right since.
I striped my first car ….a 1951 Packard…soonafter, then over the course of the next 15 years, I practiced on the sidewhile working at a “Real’ job. In 1969, I started hanging out withDutch to get my mind ‘Right.” He worked on me pretty good, and here weare today.
I guess the ole’ man is turning over in his grave(actually, his ashes were thrown in the Pacific) now that the computeris here! “Progress”….something he hated.
Thisis a picture of Dutch standing next to a sign we made for him about 10years ago. It says “Thanks, Dutch……If it weren’t for you, we’d allbe punchin’ clocks!” In the center is an engine turned panel signed byall the stripers who showed up at the RatFink meet that year. When we gaveit to him, it was the only time I ever saw him teary-eyed and speechless!
Dutchused to like to write me every now and then. Pictured to the right arescans of 2 of the actual envelopes. Click on the photo to see a more detailedview.
My mailman was just about to quit what he thoughtof as a boring job until these letters started showing up. He’s still onthe job today!
I’mnot sure if VonDutch was trying to save a few pennies or if he just didn’tlike our official US stamps. For whatever reason only he knew, Dutch preferredto draw and color his own stamps. Click on the examples at left and seeif you don’t agree that his homemade stamps arn’t much better.
Picturedhere is a fibreglass CORD replica that I had in 1970. It burned up so Ire-designed it, and DUTCH did his thing to it. One of the crowning touchesto this car was a huge engine turned dash panel he made out of an old stopsign. He left the STOP part on the back and engine turned the opposit side.He thought it would be really funny if some guy restoring the car in thefuture, got up behind the dash and saw “STOP!”
Hereare scans of two original Von Dutch business cards. To the far left ishis pinstriping card and next to it is his machinist card. Click on eachimage for a more detailed image.
The bus was a Long Beach, California city bus that was given to Dutch by awoman in the early ’60s. for payment of some work he had done for her.He set up living quarters at the rear, the remainder of the vehicle wasa machine shop, including a bluing tank and an old metal lathe coveredwith Dutch’s pinstriping. The floor was covered with cigarette buts, beercans, and metal shavings. VonDutch was at best, a terrible housekeeper.
Back in the slleping quarters was a TV and about150 manuals on all sorts of machinery, motorcycles, and guns. He had aphotographic mind, so all the words in these books, were in his head. Hecould dictate verbatim, paragraph by paragraph, any part on any subjectin these manuals…..and give you the page number, too. I asked him onvewhy he bothered to keep the books, since he had them all memorized wordfor word. He said “I like to look at the pictures!”
Meet The Author
Bob Burns shared a 38 year friendship with Von Dutch that began in 1954 andended with his death in 1992. Today Bob lives with his wife Dawn in Prescott,Arizona where they own and operate Bob Burns Signs & Pinstriping. Stayedtuned for a future LetterheadProfile on Bob, his family and his work.
In the meantime, drop by hiswebsite. You may also want todrop Bob some e-mail to let himknow how much we all enjoyed sharing his memories and photos of the lifeand times of Von Dutch.
December 22, 2005 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
S&S CYCLE ANNOUNCES NHRA AND AHDRA SEASON RECAPS–LA CROSSE , WI (December 19 2005) S&S Cycle recounts highlights of the 2005 NHRA and AHDRA season.
Having built an almost 50 year reputation on racing success, S&S Proven Performance engines and components played a huge part in the 2005 drag racing season. In the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle series, six teams contested the class with S&S 160ci billet, Pro Stock engines. Week after week, at least five of the S&S powered teams would make it into the Sunday elimination rounds. In eight of the 15 races this season, an S&S powered Pro Stock bike was in the final round, leading to five wins total for the season! One third of the entire season was won by S&S powered bikes, two races for went to Chip Ellis and the G-Squared Team and three races to Ryan Schnitz and the Muzzy Racing Team. Additionally, Matt Smith, on the G-Squared/MAC Tools S&S powered bike went 7.00 at 189.82 mph, recording the third quickest NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle run ever. G-Squared is the exclusive US Distributor of Race Parts for S&S Cycle.
Moving over to the AHDRA, S&S sponsors the Pro Gas, Pro Stock, Super Sport and 124 Challenge classes. This diverse group of events and riders saw excitement at every level. Julia Holiday won the Super Stock championship while Michael Ray impressed everyone with his S&S 124 Challenge Class run of 9.336 seconds at 143.22 mph. Dale Raudenbush set a Pro Stock record pass with a 7.399 pass while Dave Feazel set the same class mph record with his 180.72 run. Another highlight came from Ryan Schnitz on his S&S powered 160ci billet Pro Stock bike running a 7.065 at 188.40 mph.
BIKERNET ERRORS BIG TIME–Just checked your site to see if the bar I submitted, “The Brick” in Jonesville, Indiana had made it up yet, and I gotta ask, what the fuck are you guys doing? For description you guys are calling it a gay bar. So, again…what the fuck? Not only is that NOT the description I sent, but you’re insulting one of the coolest little hole-in-the-wall joints in Southern Indiana.
This little greasy spoon is a blue collar hang out on the weekend, gravel parking lot, bikes all over the grass kinda spot. Most people who discover it consider themselves lucky to sit down to a few cold ones and one of the best cheeseburgers you’re gonna find anywhere. It then becomes their favorite destination when they’re looking to rack up a few miles on the weekend.
So, I obviously don’t appreciate the description one of the assholes working for you saw fit to include. If it’s a joke, I sure don’t get it.
The Brick’s phone number is 812-522-8636, why don’t you give ’em a call and see if you can do a little better, or take that blasphemy down altogether. Do the right thing, Bandit.
— Harley Guy
If two groups are posting hangouts at the same time they can overlap. We’ll correct it and kick the Digital guys ass.
HARLEY DRAG RACING & SHOWBIKE EVENT Maryland International Raceway (MIR) is the latest addition to the growing list of 2006 events to run the AMDRAGS Harley drag race and AIMSA showbike series.
Scheduled for September 9 and 10, 2006, this two-day event at MIR offers something for every Harley rider and enthusiast. The AMDRAGS racing for seasoned drag racers, the all-brands the all-brands Thunder Alley Race School for anyone wanting to learn the basics of drag racing, and grudge racing for street riders.
In addition, there is the AIMSA custom and classic bike show, a huge Crossbow Productions swapmeet and dozens of vendors in the midway. Plus there is plenty of parking and only one admission ticket per day.
Here is your chance to meet the famous racers and showbike builders, or to try your hand at drag racing on a world class drag strip.
Maryland International Raceway is located in Mechanicsville, less than 2 hours from Washington DC and Baltimore.
PAGAN CASE OVERTURNED–Stafford County residents Joseph Wayne Eastridge and Joseph Nick Sousa are breathing easier these days.The two men, former members of the Pagans motorcycle gang who spent more than 20 years in jail for a crime they didn’t commit, found out Monday that their legal troubles are behind them. The government has dismissed an appeal that would have reversed their exonerations.
“The truth has finally prevailed,” Eastridge told The Free Lance-Star yesterday afternoon. “Tuesday morning, I just broke down and started crying. It was like my soul was weeping.”
Tomorrow, they will meet with their lawyers to discuss how the government can give them back the years they lost.Channing Phillips, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, did not return phone calls seeking comment yesterday.
In a highly publicized 1976 trial that became known as the Pagans murder case, Eastridge and Sousa were convicted of the first-degree murder of a 26-year-old man, Johnnie Battle in Washington.
The men were sentenced to 20 years to life in the death of Battle, who died after being stabbed numerous times on Nov. 1, 1974. His killing followed an argument at the Godfather Restaurant in Washington.
Eastridge, who is now 59, served 29 years in prison before being released on parole in March. Sousa, 57, served 20 years.
Both men found out on May 26 that U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer had cleared them by granting a petition for habeas corpus, meaning the constitutional legality of their convictions had been overturned.
Fellow Pagans member Michael Diamen was also convicted, but died in prison of a massive heart attack in December 2002.
Although testimony varied during the 1976 trial, most witnesses agreed that events started with an exchange of words between Battle and his friends and members of the motorcycle group. They said Battle returned to his car and fired a handgun that wounded a Pagan’s member. Battle was then chased down and stabbed 17 times.
Sousa and Eastridge admit they were both with the group when the altercation began, but said they returned to their car before Battle was killed.
Another Pagans member, Stephen C. Jones was sentenced under the District of Columbia’s youthful-offender act and served just a few years in jail. He later admitted to being present during the murder and testified that neither Eastridge, Sousa or Diamen were involved.
Eastridge said he has no hard feelings toward Jones, who could have saved them from jail had he told the truth at the 1976 trial.”It took a long time, but he came forward and told the truth,” he said. “I thank him.”
According to court documents, Collyer found that the evidence in the 1976 trial was flawed.
The Free Lance-Star, VA
–from Rogue
MICHIGAN: Branch County motorcycle riders will get a ticket if riding without a helmet–Motorcycle riders without helmets will be ticketed and can be convicted in Branch County again after the City of Coldwater won an appeal of a District Court decision.Branch County Circuit Court Judge Michael Cherry ruled on Thursday the state legislature is clear and unambiguous in its statute that requires those riding cycles to wear helmets.”We will leave to another day the issue of what helmets might comply with the law,” Cherry said from the bench.
Coldwater Daily Reporter, MI – COLDWATER
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
BIKE CLIENTS VENT FRUSTRATIONS–A dozen angry customers got the chance Friday to personally ask former Mid-West Choppers owner Chip Miyler the two questions that have been on their minds for months: Where are our bikes and where’s our money?
Customers of the now bankrupt motorcycle shop filled a courtroom in the Knox County Courthouse during two bankruptcy hearings for Miyler and his wife, Chrissy.
Nearly 40 people from across the United States and some from Germany and New Zealand have filed complaints against the shop, claiming they were asked to pay large amounts of money shortly before it went bankrupt in October.
Galesburg police said Friday the total amount of the complaints is about $1.2 million.”Where’s the money?” asked Michigan resident Rick Klepek, who said he paid Miyler $33,000 for a custom chopper he never received.
“It’s expensive doing business,” Miyler said after a moment of searching for an answer.
Miyler cited buying parts, salaries for his employees and $80,000 per year for insurance. “That eats it up pretty quick.”Miyler filed for bankruptcy on the business on Oct. 14, while he and his wife filed for personal bankruptcy the next day.The business had $2,315,325 in liabilities and $635,382 in assets, while the couple had $1,633,221 in liabilities and $354,287 in assets, according to bankruptcy filings.
Since the hearings were being taped by a single audio recorder on the table in front of Miyler, complainants were forced to sit directly next to Miyler as they asked their questions, making for several awkward moments with no eye contact.
“I guess if I was a very good business man, I wouldn’t be in bankruptcy court,” Miyler said in response to Klepek’s questions regarding financial record keeping.
Miyler previously said the bankruptcies were caused by hard economic times and a downturn in business, but Klepek disagreed, saying the money for the bikes and parts was paid upfront.
An FBI agent interviewed each customer as they exited the courtroom, trying to determine if Miyler ever intended to finish the motorcycles when he accepted the money.If police find Miyler took the money without plans to finish the motorcycles, he could face federal fraud charges.FBI agents and police have focused heavily on one such case they believe proves fraud more than any other.Virginia resident Tye Himmler said he met with Miyler at the shop on Oct. 5 and gave him a $14,000 check to begin work on a custom chopper.
Himmler said the check was deposited on Oct. 7 and cleared his bank account on Oct. 11, just three days before Miyler filed bankruptcy.
Miyler said he used $10,000 of that money to pay off an existing debt and not to buy parts for Himmler’s bike.Miyler also said he first contacted an attorney about filing bankruptcy on Oct. 8, three days after Himmler said he wrote the check.
While the couple had several different bank accounts, the main focus was on an account at First Bank in Galesburg. Miyler said he was required to submit a monthly statement of financial standing to the bank, but many questioned how a bank would continue to loan him money if he was so far in debt.
FBI agents are likely to investigate the transactions at the bank for any wrongdoing, police said. That investigation also would be handled at the federal level because banks are federally insured.
Miyler said he was making about $2,000 a week during the year before filing bankruptcy, but now he and his wife are living on $756 a week unemployment.”We live about as meek as you can get it,” Miyler said, because the two now drive two used cars and have no cable television.
But Mark Adamczak of Centralia didn’t shed any tears for the Miylers.Adamczak said he gave Miyler a 2001 Dodge truck, a 1998 Harley-Davidson and $21,900 in cash for a chopper that was never built.
“All I have is a bike payment of $700 (per month) for nothing,” he said.While the personal bankruptcy hearing was concluded Friday, the hearing for the business was stopped and will be scheduled for another date because so many people wanted to make a statement.
Peoria attorney Sumner Bourne represents 11 people, including those out of the country, and didn’t have enough time during the hour-long hearing to present his information.
Peoria Journal Star, IL – GALESBURG
–from Rogue
WILD CUSTOM FOR SALE–Here’s the bike from Demon’s South. If interested give them a call and be sure to tell them that Bikernet sent ya.
DEMONS SOUTH
378 SW 14 TH AVE
POMPANO BEACH
3 3 0 6 9 FLORIDA
954 629 1039
http://www.DEMONSCYCLE.COM
CHRISTMAS LUGGAGE RACKS– I sell Nelson-Rigg cruiser luggage and the Road King has an enormous back pad. the CTB 950 is made to accommodate the big backrest of the Road King and several other models, including the Yamaha Road Stars..
–Joe
The Harley-Davidson Road King? model is known for its distinctive styling and great looks. It also comes equipped with a huge passenger backrest. Now there is a sissy bar mounted luggage system specifically designed for the large backrests seen on some of big today’s cruisers.
This is the RiggPaks CTB-950 King Tourer
The CTB-950 has a larger mounting system to accommodate wider backrests as found on the H-D Road King)
Included roll bag can be mounted separately
Integrated pocket conceals straps turning your bag into a backpack
Four large easily accessible side pockets (2-expandable)
Detailed office organizer and envelope-sized pocket
Security loops under bag allow a cable lock to be installed (cable not included)
Dimensions: 14″L x 18 _”H x 8″W Unexpanded, 14″L x 18 _”H x 10″W Expanded.
MSRP $179.95
Available online at: http://www.amspecialtiesusa.com
BIKER INTERNET RADIO–It’s called the The Bikers Inner Circle and stars Bikernet’s correspondent, Rogue, Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering and Charlie Brechtel, the music man.
Coming soon on the internet.
–Rogue
HIGH DESERT TOY RUN FOR CHILDREN OF PRISONERS– Well our first toy run came off with out a hitch. We met at Hi Desert Performance, where the secret Bonneville bike is being built. Did our blast thru town. Then went to an old church and drop off our gifts to the kids. They did a short play and sang Christmas songs. They were all very grateful. It was a great turn out, more than Larry and I thought.
Then off to “The HandleBars” a local drinking hole down it the lower desert where it was a bit warmer.
Merry Christmas To All
–Bob T
HARDBIKES ANNOUNCES MOVE TO LONG TERM PRODUCTION FACILITY–MASURY, OHIO – December 17, 2005 — Hardbikes is pleased to announce their plans to move into a 35,000 square foot, long term facility in Hermitage, PA as of December 16, 2005. Hardbikes currently occupies an Innovation Center in Masury, Ohio where prototypes and assembly procedures have been developed. The move to Pennsylvania keeps Hardbikes growing and provides a long term home that can be expanded as needed.
Orders are inline with controlled growth plans. Hardbikes’ seasoned management team and recent successful milestones were the icing that sold the state of Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania’s business friendly policy and Penn Ventures’ investment into Hardbikes was a big confidence builder for the entire team and Hardbikes’ supply chain. By adding venture capital to the existing investors in Hardbikes we now have the mechanics to fuel our growth. The new investors and new plant is ahead of plan and has created some short term operational pains but we now have a good “HARD” foundation,” says Gene Kirila, president of Hardbikes.
The new facility is located at 2600 Kirila Drive, Hermitage PA and has 30,000 square feet of production space and 5,000 square feet of office space. The property has expansion capability to satisfy the needs of Hardbikes way into the future. It will house their innovation center and production facility under one roof. The increased space will also accommodate a dyno room testing lab, fully equipped prototyping facility as well as an increased inventory storage area to ensure the right parts are there at the right time. Hardbikes will be ready to start taking orders for their new custom bikes built to customer specifications after the first of the year. Hardbikes is looking to expand its dealers because of the new capacities.
Hardbikes’ customers design the custom bike of their dreams by using the online web-based Configurator that resides at www.hardbikes.com. Hardbikes’ design wizard helps the customer customize by leveraging the Hardbikes network of dealer and factory support expertise by being connected to the intelligent web-centric system. Customers are encouraged to experiment with their designs, budgets and unique look all from the privacy and comfort of their desktop. Then their designs are finalized by the Hardbikes network of dealers, designers, suppliers and quality engineers that provide years and years of proven knowledge.
Once customers design the bike of their dreams, Hardbikes builds motorcycles that fit each customer perfectly. Its patent-pending Hardrider system ensures each customer gets a bike built to their exact specifications. All Hardbikes dealers will have a Hardbikes Design Center on their showroom floor featuring a computer-aided design station, a Chopper fitment fixture, and a Pro-Street fitment fixture.
Hardbikes is committed to building a manufacturing process and selling system that will support the unique culture of the American V-Twin rider. The firm’s tagline is “Work hard, play harder.”
NEW MUSTACHE ENGINE GUARD FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Curved Guard Incorporates Highway Pegs for Long-Haul Comfort.
MILWAUKEE (Nov. 30, 2005) – The new Mustache Engine Guard (P/N 49155-05, $239.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories offers a new twist on engine protection. The bend of this one-piece, chrome-plated engine guard complements the traditional style of Harley-Davidson Touring models. Its curved upper section incorporates a set of highway pegs with integrated rubber pads that offer a slip-resistant cushion while traveling the open road. The kit includes all required mounting hardware.
Fits 1997-later Touring models except FLTR and models equipped with Fairing Lowers.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
THAT’S A CHRISTMAS WRAPPING–Yesterday Steel Dreams sent a crew out to interview me and discuss our Bikernet Dreams for 2006. Shows are strange. Everything must be kept short and to the point. No long-winded stories allowed. I wanted to discuss our Bonneville efforts more, but supposedly they’ll be back for more updates as the bikes are built. Bikernet will be working hand in hand with Steel Dreams this year.
We are working with Custom Chrome, Accurate Engineering and Baker Transmission on the first Panhead Sport Bike designed by John Reed and myself for the Sturgis Run then speed runs at Bonneville during Bubs Salt Flats week. We’re also working on a 45 WLD bobber Bonneville racer with Lee Clemens and the Departure Bike Works crew. There’s also a V-Rod with Custom Performance in Phoenix and our own 1929 Peashooter, 500 cc single hanging fire for the next move. We’ll bring you progress reports.
I sincerely hope that every Bikernet reader has a helluva Christmas. Christmas means so many things to each of us. But from my heart and the hearts of our staff, Nyla, Karley, The Tronolone Brothers, Jason, John Gilbert, John Van (the kid downstairs), Rogue and the rest of the crew we hope your Christmas is fulla love, bling, giving, sharing and good times.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
December 22, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
CRAZYHORSE IS BACK ON BIKERNET– Just in case anyone thought I was gone for good, guess again. I’m still here, and so far I’m kicking. The above guitar was a tribute to legendary bike racer Jay Springsteen that I painted this fall. It’s been a long, crazy year. The traveling was brutal. As always the best traveling I did was on my bikes. Took a wild ride up to the Georgia Mts aboard my old sporty. Hooked up with a wild rider named Barb and proceeded to tear up a little road they call the Dragon’s Tail. Of course it took us all day to get there as we took the twistiest roads and finally got there just as the sun was setting.
After riding the Dragan twice, we poured on the throttle and hunched over the bars trying to get back to our motel, a 2 1/2 hour ride that we did in less than 2. It was so cold, at one point, going down the side of a mountain, I couldn’t even open my hand to grab the brake and had to shout at Barb to get out of the way as we pulled over.
Two weeks later we did it again, only we got lost going back to my house. Again hunched over the bars, trying to keep warm, in the pouring rain, in the dark, no tailight, large dead creature in the road comes out of the darkness. I had no choice but to pull up on the bars and ride over it.
Then came Sturgis and I hooked up with several friends, one of whom used to race, and I had way too much fun seeing just how far I could lean that gooseneck chopper over in the turns. Those were the bests parts of the year. Riding with friends. The rest was work and drama. The drama I can do without. The work, well, work is work.
All I know is that today I went into my paint booth for the first time in over a month and painted. Sure it was car parts, but soon I’ll be back to painting bikes and my world will be normal again. Well, as normal as a bike painter’s life can get. But it sure felt good today. being at my paint bench, mixing paint, cleaning guns.
My newest book is out. And people actually like it. I really tried to put 26 years experience in painting-hell into this book. Actually much of the bodywork hints came from a long dead friend who passed on his skills to me. Now I’m passing them on complete with photos. The basics from bare-metal to bodywork to trick basecoats. It’s has a heavy focus on bodywork and proper preparation for stress-free paint jobs.
One chapter covers molding a frame from start to finish. It even shows the process one bike takes from being a pile of fabricated bare metal through all the bodywork, base-paint, and artwork to become an award winning custom bike– soon to be featured in American Iron.
This book is an encyclopedia of how to prep and paint any kind of motorcycle part. Beginners can learn the right and easy way to get great results the first time.
Experienced painters can pick up a few new tricks to maybe make bodywork and painting a tad easier. There’s even a chapter that runs down, in great detail, the different kinds of paint, their pros and cons, and how to apply them from polyester to candy apple urethane. This is the only book out there that completely details how to mold a frame. Check it out at http://www.crazyhorsepainting.com/book.htm .
Meanwhile, Sara Liberte and I have started a blog. Look behind the scenes at the real world of bike painting and custom bikes. And it’s not just girly stuff although we have a female slant on it. Hey we are girls after all. Honest, funny, and real. http://femmefatales06.blogspot.com
And be sure to wander on over to Reader’s Showcase. Oh we got some killer Shovels this month. This very sweet chop belongs to CJ Brooks and it is a work of art. This little chop hails from Texas. And we got more. Must be Shovelhead month.
Ok, right now I’m finishing off my third book, “How to Custom Paint Cars.” Doing this book was brutal. I didn’t want it to be a copy of the custom bike painting book. And it is not. All three books feature different step by steps, different techniques. More about Book 3 in the coming weeks. Hope all you Horse readers liked my Sturgis story. I love riding out there. For me it’s about the riding, seeing my friends. Bike shows yeah, it’s cool to see killer bikes, but nothing beats laying that bike into the wind, feeling the rush as the pegs scrape the pavement. Coming up over the mountain and seeing the hills all lit up golden from the setting sun. Makes life worth living. Then getting silly with friends at night and riding by starlight.
Ya’ll have a great Christmas out there. Hope Santa brings you what ever you want.
300mm SOFTAIL KIT fromBIG BOAR PRODUCTS–Top quality components, economically priced, and available in a standard left side drive or right side drive, makes our kits stand out above the rest. This comprehensive kit includes a strut-less steel fender, super-wide swingarm , new left rear frame member, 300mm tire, and all the offset parts needed (some welding required). Price: $3395, less wheel of your choice. The right side drive kit includes a new polished 6-speed right side drive transmission, strutless steel fender, super-wide swingarm and 300mm tire. Price:$4995, complete kit less wheel of your choice.
Big Boar Products
http://www.bigboarproducts.com
6289 Corporate Park Drive
Loudon, TN 37774
Phone 865-458-8640
SANTA GIVES NOTICE–I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer serve Georgia, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Ohio, Louisiana or Alabama on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. As part of the new and better contract, I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind. However, I’m certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement, who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us.
Differences such as:
1. There is no danger of the Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: “These toys insured by Smith and Wesson.”
2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave RC cola and pork rinds (or a moon pie) on the fireplace. And Bubba doesn’t smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff, so please have an empty spit can handy.
3. Bubba Claus’ sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin’ coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen’s head now overlooks Bubba’s fireplace.
4. You won’t hear “On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, and Blitzen…” when Bubba Claus arrives. Instead, you’ll hear, “On Earnhardt, on Andretti, on Elliott and Petty.”
5. “Ho, Ho, Ho” has been replaced by “Yee Haw” And you also are likely to hear Bubba’s elves respond, “I her’d dat”.
6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus’ sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words “Back Off.”
7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you’ll see “Boss Hogg Saves Christmas” and “Smokey and the Bandit IV” featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other.
And finally,
8. Bubba Claus doesn’t wear a belt. If I were you, I’d make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree.
Sincerely Yours,
–Santa Claus
–From Phat98
BIKERNET READER REVIEW–Just had to say that Bikernet kicks ass. I can’t tell ya the amount of time I spend there. I’ve been w/bikernet for some time, but just wanted to say thanks for the good work. Don’t leave the girls alone too long. I always look forward to Thursday News and Sunday’s Post.
Oh merry x-mas,
–DjM
GREAT HAWAIINA BIKER BUILD-OFF-KUSTOM FAB TOOK THE HONORS–Hawaii’s first biker build off ended on Saturday December 17th at Honolulu’s Kapiolani Community College with Roger Kuwahara of Kustom Fab being crowned “The Big Kahuna”.
Beginning their builds in early September, Kuwahara and Las Vegas builder Shannon Aikau of Count’s Kustoms worked countless hours creating their contest submissions.
Along with their teams of competent, creative mechanics, the two motorcycle artisans employed every skill in their arsenals to produce bikes that would not only highlight the styles they are known for, but also to disrupt the very foundations of two-wheeled creation.
Shannon, armed with Count’s Kustoms trademark Sugar Bear Springer front end, and an uncharacteristic “big” 280 rear tire, complemented the 124″ S&S engine, and traditional flame paint job, which made the nearly 11′ long chopper awe inspiring, and undoubtedly the dream of thousands of Hawaii’s motorcycle enthusiasts.
Assembled in merely three days at Pacific Rim Cycle in Waipahu, Shannon’s build-off bike exemplifies raw power and classic lines. It wasn’t until Aikau broke the bike in on Oahu’s roads that everyone knew a beast had been unleashed in paradise.
In contrast to Shannon’s monster, Roger’s bike took the science of motorcycle building in a radical new direction. Known for his attention to detail, and theme building, Kuwahara went to the far reaches of his mind to create the “Fusion” bike.
Taking on the role of mad scientist, he employed a 92″ S&S Shovelhead to accompany 280 fat tire for stability, and one of the most radical paint jobs (by Cosmic Airbrushes Dennis Mathewson) to ever adorn a custom motorcycle. The motorcycle actually evokes thought and wonder. Why would someone go through all this trouble? Only Roger Kuwahara knows the answer to that question.
When the day of reckoning finally came last Saturday, over 1000 people voted on the two radical customs, and in the end, Kuwahara was presented the victor’s trophy.
Although only one builder can be crowned champion, there were actually three winners. Roger, Shannon, and Hawaii’s motorcycle enthusiasts.
The day was filled with great music, good food, cold beer, beautiful women, and some awesome motorcycles, and the thrill of being a part of Hawaii’s first biker build-off will be on the minds the throngs of spectators who came out for the days event. Like me, they are no doubt waiting on the next big show, but they (like me) will never forget the experience.
In early January, Hawaiian Chopper magazine will feature; in detail the builds of Roger Kuwahara and Shannon Aikau, and spectacle of The Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off will live on in its pages. There will also be a DVD of the event released in February 2006, showcasing, in detail the builds and motorcycle event.
When all is said and done, The Great Hawaiian Biker Build-Off successfully highlighted two of the best up and coming names in the business of motorcycle building. The experience of friendly competition proved once and for all that motorcycles are art, and the builders behind the creations are genius.
To obtain a copy of Hawaiian Chopper magazine, or to purchase a DVD of the event, email Hawaiian Chopper at alohasports@hawaii.rr.com, or call 808-780-2998. You can also watch http://www.hawaiibuildoff.com for updates.
Aloha,
–Steve Kalnasy
Editor/Publisher
Hawaiian Chopper
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PAT SAVAGE BAND–From Pat Savage, Baukje Westerlaken and Petar Bashir collectively known as The Pat Savage Band, from our families to you & yours, we wish you a very happy and safe holiday season. The holidays are a time away from our daily grind, to hang out with family and good friends. A great time for reflection, and for giving thanks for all our personal blessings. We’ve had a very good year and we hope you had one too with all its ups and downs. Here comes 2006 and a whole new ball game!
Please come by for a scoot to the website and see and hear our music, read the latest news and say hey in our guestbook! You are our family, friends, fans and associates. Lets all have a great New Year! And to you who ride H-Ds… Keep On Rollin!
Happy Holidays and the best New Year!
–Pat Savage, Baukje Westerlaken, Peter Bashir
Savageworks International
Ura 9 4056
Tananger Norway
Ph: +47 97 53 91 34
Fax: +47 51 82 95 45
NORTON MOTORSPORTS NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR PRODUCTION COMMANDO 961–Norton Motorsports Now Taking Orders for Production Commando 961Happy Holidays from all of us here at Norton Motorsports! What could say Merry Christmas better than a new Commando 961?
A letter from Norton President & CEO Bruce MurdockNorton Motorsports is taking deposits for the 2007 production Commando.
For over two years, Norton Motorcycles has been focused on the design and development of a great new Commando. We have struggled as we continue to fight the battle between financial pressures and building new Nortons that stay true to the brand.
Our current focus is execution of our test plan and the initiation of production processes.
In parallel, we are building a great business that can manufacture, sell and support at a level equal to the motorcycles themselves. One crucial component to our business planning is an accurate forecast of demand. To facilitate this, we are taking reservations for all 2007 production models including the Commando Signature Series, the Commando 961S and 961.
This is a great opportunity to become a partner in the rebirth of the Commando, as your reservation will help us take the next steps into the future of Norton Motorcycles.
Bruce Murdock
President and CEO
Norton Motorsports Inc.
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com
Order Process and Details
We know you’ll have lots of questions so we put up a short list of FAQ’s to help you out. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly with any questions.
How do I get one?
Place your deposit with Norton either online (click the link below) or by sending a request for a deposit agreement to rob@nortonmotorcycles.com. Print, sign and send it in to Norton at 17835 SE 82nd Dr. Gladstone, OR 97027 with your check for $500.
I sent in my check and signed agreement. Now what? Keep your eye on the mail. Norton will be sending you a commemorative hat, sweatshirt and plaque to keep you looking good until your bike arrives.
Norton will then contact you prior to the delivery of your bike and finalize your commitment with a sales agreement and down-payment. From there the bike will be delivered as production is allocated.
When will the bikes be available?
Production is scheduled to begin in mid 2007. Norton will build the 100 Signature Series bikes first followed by the Commando 961 and 961 S models.
How can I see one?
All current bikes are committed to testing and design validation. Check out our website for photos of the bike as well as the press section to read up on what the motorcycle media thinks.
How much will they cost?
The Commando 961 will sell for $10,995
The Commando 961 S will sell for $13,195
Complete spec’s are available on our website.
What happens to my money?
All deposits will be held in an escrow account. Should
you choose to cancel your deposit will be refunded in full.
Continued On Page 3
December 22, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Next year will be akin to the second half of an All American league football championship, the Super Bowl of life. We’ll rebuild the busted country, finish Iraq, Osama and the terrorist gang bullshit. Our brothers in Washington will cut a deal with the EPA and our business will fly once more. New Biker reality programming will jam onto the cable wire-ways and the Chopper Industry will rock.
In the meantime have an eggnog, ponder your next ride, event, charity run or project bike. Hell, maybe there’s something for your scooter under the Christmas tree. Merry, Merry. Let’s hit the news:
CHRISTMAS DEAL OF THE WEEK– Just in time for Christmas, it’s another Dynamite Departure Bike Works Deal of the week!!! This time, we have a 2000 FXR4 with very little damage. It runs like an illegal being chased by the INS and has some chrome goodies, Thunder Star wheels, ect… It can be YOURS for the low, low price of $7595.00. Just shoot me an e at mailto:service@departure.com.
Greg “Z” Hall
Service Manager/Public Relations
Departure Bike Works
Richmond, Virginia
Happy Ramahanukwanzmas!!!
“Greg@DBW” service@departure.com
ARTIFICIAL HAND FOR MOTORBIKE RIDING–Jaqhama is researching trikes and components for Handicapped riders. We’ll have a report shortly, but he came up with this:Thought you might want to read this and see the pic yourself.Awesome stuff.Now they seem to be making these arms and hands for other people.
pic of mech hand
Kiss my Xm-ass.
–Jaq.
TOY RUN ATTENDANCE DOWN–I could only wish the news had improved over the issue of kids, toy runs, and bad press. In conversations with local affiliated and non-affiliated local riders it has been noted that the last two weekends worth of runs were very poorly attended, even for functions that were considered “Non Club Related” events.
The article in today’s Press Enterprise, Inland Empire Section has a nice little write up about the 200 or so motorcycles that attended an event for the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, a far cry from the attendances of the past. And, of course, the paper had to mention the altercation of Dec. 4th, naming clubs supposedly involved in the fight. Very few, if any of the local riders from my area were going toattend this ride.
These and other kids here in the Southern California area paid the price for an act of stupidity that should not have happened when and where it did, but then again, being an old dog I guess the rules changed and I did not get the memo. Sucks because some of us work really hard, with riders from all over, Patched or not, to try and get a positive message out to the non-riding public for functions like this one and others that we are, contrary to popular belief and Hollywood b.s., real live humans who care about people needing help, little kids getting something for Christmas when they otherwise might not.
I and others will continue our attempts but it will not help the kids that got screwed this year, thanks to a couple of fools.
Excuse me for getting on this soap box, but I have a real soft spot for little kids and I Love Christmas. But this year it just did not work out.
CALIFORNIA NEEDS HELP ELIMINATING HELMET LAW–We’d sure appreciate SIGNATURES on our “Online Petition” from fellow riders in other states, to let California lawmakers know just how much you’d like to ride your motorcycle to the Golden State to experience everything California has to offer!
Please utilize the following banner ads on your websites if you can, we’d very much appreciate any help you can offer, and please let us know if/when you need help from us with any of your Biker friendly legislation.
There are two (2) petitions….
The “California Tourists” petition is specifically geared for folks who live in other states.Banner ads for use outside California are/should be hyperlinked to the “California Tourists” petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/SB969US/petition.html
The “California Residents” petition is specifically geared for folks who live in California.Banner ads for use in California are/should be hyperlinked to the “California Residents” petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/SB969CA/petition.html
Thanks,
~splatt
Assistant State Director, ABATE of California
STEALTH SANTA CLAUS NEWS–Here at STEALTH BIKE WORKS we are ready for Christmas. Tonight we are having our first SBW Christmas party.
Last Saturday we had a customer bring us a 1978 FL Shovel to be restored from the ground up. When I say restored I don’t mean back to stock. It is going to be an Ape Hanging outlaw stye bike. We have three ground-ups in the works. I can’t believe it! I am and all of us here at SBW are very thankful and grateful for these opportunities. Things change fast within a shop. We thought it would be real slow through the winter and now we have three projects to work on.
We are excited and looking forward to build some hot rides. That is one of the best things about running a shop, you never know what to expect. It is an adventure everyday! As the end of the year draws near, it is good to reflect back and see how far SBW has come and we look forward to next year and what it holds for us.
Last week Hiwayman dropped in on us. It was good to meet you! It is a real pleasure to meet the regulars who contribute to Bikernet.
All of us here at SBW would like to wish all the staff at Bikernet a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! We would also like to wish all the readers the best Christmas ever and a great New Year!
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
PAUL COX LEATHER AND INDIAN LARRY LEGACY ATTEND V-TWIN EXPO TO INTRODUCE NEW DEALER PROGRAM– Created to better serve dealers, Paul Cox Leather and Indian Larry Legacy improve dealer program and launch at V-Twin Expo this February in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Paul Cox Leather and Indian Larry Legacy will introduce more than new product at the 6th annual V-Twin Expo this coming February in Cincinnati, Ohio. A new improved, streamlined dealer program will be launched as well.
“It is important we serve the dealers as our first line customers in the aftermarket” confessed Paul Cox. “Dealers are our livelihood and in most case our first impression with the end user. For this reason, we have streamlined our dealer application and approval process” continued Cox. Paul Cox, founder of Paul Cox Leather, creator of top-of-the-line hand tooled leather seats and products and the inventor of the patented Rigidaire? Seat System for hard tails along with the tireless efforts of the entire crew at Indian Larry Legacy have been hard at it preparing for the V-Twin Expo. An entire new product line is now available through Indian Larry Legacy shop in Brooklyn, New York and scheduled to be displayed at the Expo. The list of unique, hardcore chopper parts has recently and will continue to grow regularly through the ongoing efforts of Cox and crew. To see the Rigidaire system, check out http://www.paulcoxleather.com and to see a sneak preview of the new parts slated to debut in February at the Expo check out http://www.indianlarry.com
The new and improved dealer application process will also debut at the V-Twin Expo. “After spending so much time on the road, listening to dealers I learned that streamlining the process allowing dealers more time to spend with their customers, was the right thing to do. Back at the shop we outlined a solid plan to making it easier for dealers and are now ready to implement it. As a team we gathered lots of information from dealers on how to reduce headaches on their end. I can’t wait to hear their reaction to the new program” said Cox. To learn more about becoming an official Indian Larry or Paul Cox Leather dealer, visit Paul and the Indian Larry crew at the V-Twin Expo in February or call the shop.
BILLY LANE OF CHOPPERS INC SCHEDULED TO UNVEIL ALL NEW HUBLESS WHEEL BIKE AT CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOWS–Meet Billy Lane in Washington DC, New York, Chicago or Atlanta at the 2005-2006 IMS tour stops
Melbourne, FL – (December 12, 2005) – Fall 2005 marks the 25th anniversary of the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows?. From New York to Seattle, this 13-city nationwide tour offers attendees a chance to check out hundreds of 2006-model motorcycles and ATVs.
In addition to the latest motorcycles from 15 manufacturers, the show in four cities will provide the public their very first look at Billy Lane’s all new hubless wheel bike. Billy Lane, founder of Choppers Inc and the master mind behind the first ever hubless wheel custom motorcycle will be on hand to meet show attendees, sign autographs and to talk customs. “Attending the IMS series is new for me and Choppers Inc. I am looking forward to meeting attendees at each of the four shows. On top of that, I am really excited to unveil my latest hubless wheel project in Chicago. The windy city will really be howling when Choppers Inc and this new bike roll into town” announced Lane.
Billy Lane has been featured on Discovery Channel recently in a hour special called the Billy Lane Project, numerous Biker Build-Off’s, Jesse James’ Monster Garage and other television programs including BIG!, and Corbin’s Ride On.
Billy Lane will appear at four cities of Advanstar’s International Motorcycle Shows including, his all new hubless wheel bike will be unveiled at the Chicago tour stop and taken to Atlanta. Lane’s appearance times will be announced prior to each city stop:
Washington D.C
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place
Washington D.C. 20001
IMS Show Dates and Times
Friday, Jan. 13, 4-9PM
Saturday, Jan 14, 10AM-9PM
Sunday, Jan 15, 10AM – 5PM
New York, NY
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
655 W. 34th StNew York, NY 10001
IMS Show Dates and Times
Friday, Jan. 20, 12PM-9PM
Saturday, Jan 21, 9AM-9PM
Sunday, Jan 22, 9:30AM – 5PM
Chicago, IL
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Rd
Chicago, IL 60018
IMS Show Dates and Times
Friday, Feb. 10, 4PM-9PM
Saturday, Feb 11, 9AM-9PM
Sunday, Feb 12, 9:30AM – 5PM
Atlanta, GA
Cobb Galleria Centre
Two Galleria Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30339
IMS Show Dates and Times
Friday, Mar. 17, 4PM-9PM
Saturday, Mar 18, 10AM-9PM
Sunday, Mar 19, 11AM – 6PM
Billy Lane specific appearance times to be announced
AMERICAN IRONHORSE? HONORS NAVY PILOT SQUADRON FOR IRAQI MISSION– FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 19, 2005) In a recent ceremony at the NAS Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, American IronHorse Motorcycle Co. gave a 6-ft., 50 pound commemorative plaque to the F/A-18 Hornet squadron, VFA 201 Hunters, to honor their successful air combat operations in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The event marked a longstanding Naval Aviation tradition known as the Cruise Plaque, which is designed to commemorate and celebrate the success of an operational deployment aboard a Navy aircraft carrier. The plaque was made from a speed brake salvaged from an old F/A-18 fighter jet that was designed and custom painted by the American IronHorse design team.
Jeff Long, Vice President of Design for American IronHorse, presented the award to the fighter squadron at the ceremony. Other members of the design team that worked on the project and who were represented at the ceremony included Ric Duppstadt, Kevin Howard, and Chad Beck.
“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project to honor our military,” said Long. “We took the plaque customization to a much greater level so it would represent just a fraction of the high level of commitment that our armed forces have to protect our country. It’s because of their work year-round that American IronHorse has the freedom and privilege to be in the business of customizing motorcycles.”
The hand-painted plaque, which was unveiled to a crowd of military personnel inside the VFA-201 hangar at the base, honors the names of pilots and other special dates and remembrances of the mission. It features the VFA-201 squadron logo with the American flag proudly displayed around an image of the F/A-18 aircraft flying at night. The words Shock-N-Awe and Operation Iraqi Freedom also are hand lettered at the top. Other features include an urban camo design in shades of grey behind lettering that consists of bombs, F/A-18 silhouettes, the state of Texas, and stars.
“American IronHorse really went above the call of duty to give us a memento that will occupy a special place in our Ready Room. It belongs among our most treasured keepsakes of this squadron’s history,” said Rob McGregor, Lieutenant Commander and Operations Officer for the VFA-201 squadron.
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN VEGAS–A guy is walking the strip in Las Vegas and a knockout looking Vegashooker catches his eye. He strikes up a conversation and eventuallyasks the hooker, “How much do you charge?”
Hooker replies, “It starts at $500 for a hand-job.”
Guy says, “500 dollars! For a hand-job! Holy crap! No hand-job Isworth that kind of money!”
The hooker says, “Do you see that Denny’s on the corner?”
“Yes.”
“Do you see the Denny’s about a block further down?”
“Yes.”
“And beyond that, do you see that third Denny’s?”
“Yes.”
“Well,” says the hooker, smiling invitingly, “I own those. And, I ownthem because I give a hand-job that’s worth $500.”
Guy says, “Whatthe hell? You only live once. I’ll give it a try.”
They retire to a nearby motel. A short time later, the guy is sittingon the bed realizing that he just experienced the hand-job of alifetime, worth every bit of $500. He is so amazed, he says,
“Isuppose a blow-job is $1,000?”
The hooker replies, “$1,500.”
“I wouldn’t pay that for a blow-job!”
The hooker replies, “Step over here to the window, big boy. Do youSee that casino just across the street? I own that casino outright.And I own it because I give a blow-job that’s worth every cent of$1,500.”
The guy, basking in the afterglow of that terrific hand-job, decidesto put off the new car for another year or so, and says, “Sign meup.”
Ten minutes later, he is sitting on the bed more amazed thanbefore. He can scarcely believe it but, he feels he truly got hismoney’s worth. He decides to dip into the retirement savings for oneglorious and unforgettable experience. He asks the hooker, “How muchfor some pussy?”
The hooker says, “Come over here to the window, I want to show yousomething. Do you see how the whole city of Las Vegas is laid outbefore us, all those beautiful lights, gambling palaces, and shows?
“Damn!” the guy says, in awe, “You own the whole city?”
No,” the hooker replies, “but I would if I had a pussy.”
–from Chris T.
Continued On Page 2
So You Wanna Get A Tatoo?
By Bandit | | General Posts
I had the pleasure of meeting Andy Deaton about five years ago in a bar in Kailua, Hawaii. He sat down next to me, ordered a beer and began to ask me about my tattoos. I?ve been tattooed since age nineteen and have my collection extended across my back, my left arm (almost fully sleeved), a set of old English bold lettering on my chest. After telling him about my tattoos, who, when, where and why, he let me know that, when I was ready, he would like to sleeve my right arm for me. We chatted about ideas and styles over a few beers and agreed that I should roll by the shop and check out his work, which I did. I was impressed with the quality and range of styles Andy was producing.
Unfortunately, money is always tight and timing not always right. I wound up waiting many moons. I finally decided that a cover up was in order, for the lettering on my chest. I gave Andy artistic freedom and wound up with an awesome oriental dragon that I am stoked with. I have continued to visit Andy (money permitting) and now have an almost finished right sleeve as well.
Andy works out of Gun Point Tattoo and produces killer ink. I was fortunate to sit with Andy and discuss his history and insights into his art:
Ozzy: How did you get started in tattooing?
Andy: My father, Don Deaton, is a tattoo artist and I hung around his shop as a child. Then at eighteen, I went to Oregon to visit my father, wound up tattooing one of my school mates and moved there permanently in 1981, to apprentice with my father, at the old Bert Grimm tattoo shop.
Ozzy: Is tattooing what you?ve always wanted to do?
Andy: No. Actually I wanted to be an architect, but I didn?t want to go to school.So, I wound up following my father?s ways, and what started as a fascination, turned into a great career.
Ozzy: What else have you done, other that tattooing, to pay the bills?
Andy: I built A-frames in California from about 15 until I was 18. And I worked in restaurants off and on.
Ozzy: Have you ever had your own shop?
Andy: Yeah, 1982 I opened Portland Tattoo. It was only open for about a year,when I got an offer to come to Hawaii in 1983.
Ozzy: Wow, 20 years in paradise?
Andy: Yeah, it?ll be 20 years in November.
Ozzy: Must have been a good offer to close your business after a year?
Andy: Well, the girls who owned Skin Deep came to Oregon in ?82 and bought a bunchof art work from me. A good friend of mine moved to Maui, got married, andI did a bunch of work on him, and they saw it and invited me over for a six monthguest spot in their shop. So I did, and never left.
Ozzy: Have you ever given any thought to moving anywhere else?
Andy: No, Oahu is home. It?s a great place to be, with a diverse clientele from all over the world.
Ozzy: What is your favorite style of tattoo?
Andy: I like art that flows, gothic or renaissance, real soft washes, lots of black and gray, and real fluid as opposed to the old school.
Ozzy: Is that your favorite style to tattoo?
Andy: Oh yeah, that and portraits.
Ozzy: Who do you look up to in this industry?
Andy: There?s a guy called the Dutchman out of Westminster in Canada, who I met about 20 years ago. He?s just a phenomenal artist, who never claimed any fame.He just worked hard and put down a lot of ink. He?s probably been my hero in the business for a long time. Horioshi III is another amazing artist whonever stops working. People like that don?t recognize themselves as othershonor them.
Ozzy: Tattooing has seen a boom in the last few years with everyone from athletes and skaters to professional people. Do you think it will last?
Andy: Yeah, I think that once you break the ice it?s hard to go back. You make your statement and then you follow through, and it becomes a story, andthe story never ends. I think people get more excited as they go along. 10 yearsago, half the art you see today, people said it couldn?t be done. Either they didn?twant to take the time to do it, or they didn?t have the skill or confidence. Nowadays, anything?s possible. There?s a lot more input and feedback from the internet, MTV, and probably 20 different magazines. That?s huge exposure, and the more people that are exposed to it the bigger it?s going to get.
Ozzy: Do you think that the general population is more tolerant of tattoos today?
Andy: Absolutely, 20 years ago people getting tattooed only included military, bikers, punksand skinheads. Today it?s scholars, musicians, and athletes. People that the generalpopulation look up to or admire. A larger percent of the mainstream for sure.
Ozzy: What do you like to do other than tattoo people?
Andy: I like to write. I like to draw. I like to build and sculpt, create basically.
Ozzy: Who do you think is really innovative in today?s tattoo world?
Andy: There?s so much talent out there right now. It?s hard to single out any one style. There are a lot of people who claim to be the best and a lot of silentparties out there who are doing the real work. It?s just fun to watch everybodygrow and learn from each other. People who inspire others to do well, and exceed expectations, are the ones to be commended. They are the force behind innovators.
Stop by to see Andy at:
Gun Point Tattoo
438A Uluniu St.
Kailua, Hawaii, 96734
Or call for an appointment at (808)263-8485
21 December, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE– is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at
COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
MOTORCYCLE CLUBS OPPOSE PATRIOT ACT RENEWAL The Texas Confederation of Clubs is calling on all motorcyclists to contact their Congressional leaders in opposition to the Patriot Act, which is under review by Congress as many provisions are due to expire.
“The Patriot Act is the cornerstone to what we have been fighting against for the past few years, and the gang definitions as the Alphabet Club wants to enforce,” said Big Kid, State Liaison for the Texas Confederation of Clubs, in an open letter to the biker community. “As the Helmet Laws around the Country are the Hot Button Issue with bikers, the Patriot Act is the Hot Button Issue with those who want to take away our way of life.”
Patriot Act Key provisions:
1) law enforcement officials can gain access to a wealth of personal data, including library and medical records, as part of investigations.
The Patriot Act provides a four-year extension of
1) The government’s ability to conduct roving wiretaps ? which may involve multiple phones ? and
2) To seek access to many of the personal records covered by the bill.
An earlier, pre-Thanksgiving stab at compromise had called for seven-year extensions of these provisions.
Yet another provision, which applies to all criminal cases, gives the government 30 days to provide notice that it has carried out a search warrant. This allows Law Enforcement to carry out sneak and peak searches without letting anyone know for 30 days (the House wants 180 days) after the fact if law enforcement so chooses to use evidence it collected.
Lawmakers in both parties have attacked the measure but yet these provisions still exist, reports the TX COC. We already have more than enough laws on the books to handle crime in America. What we don’t need is any more laws taking rights away from American Citizens and lumping us in a group with people who don’t fall under our United States Constitution.
Make your US Senators understand that the Patriot Act for the sake of our Constitution and Freedom as God Fearing Americans must be “Killed in the Senate” and to never return to threaten other American’s way of life again.
To find your Senator’s info and sample letters go to:http://www.coctexas.org/Freedom.htm
NEW EPA MANDATES KILLING SMALL SHOPS “Some time ago we talked about the new EPA restrictions and the effects that they will have on small motorcycle shops,” states an article in Biker magazine. “The big players will benefit as their smaller competition is regulated out of business.”
The article in the February 2006 news section goes on to say that; Already we are hearing here in California that builders like Arlen Ness, Ron Simms and West Coast Choppers have been fined and their motorcycles impounded right off their showrooms.
Kit Maira, who authored the Newsragazine article, says; “My contacts here are telling me that the certification costs multi-thousands of dollars and has to be done on each model/engine size.”
Under the current regulations, shops will be allowed to produce only 24 exempt custom bikes per year. Those bikes will be restricted to only be ridden to shows and other events for display. The regulation limits individuals to owning only one exempt bike in their lifetime, which cannot be sold for five years.
“The bottom line, as I see it,” Maira continues, “is bigger firms support the regulations, because they impose higher costs on their smaller competitors. The regulations favor mass-produced bikes over boutique builders who construct one bike at a time, imposing the same rules on both.”
Unless the rules are amended to allow builders to build around engines that are EPA certified by the manufacturer, he predicts that we will likely see the demise of many custom builders soon.
You can read the regulations yourself on the EPA website: www.epa.gov/otaq/roadbike.htm.
AIM ATTORNEY FIGHTS PATCHOLDER DISCRIMINATION The Durham County Fair in the largest agricultural fair in the State of Connecticut, and motorcycling enthusiasts, as well as other members of the general public, have long enjoyed the opportunity to visit this annual fair. Unfortunately, last September a patchholder from the Connecticut Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (CCMC) was stopped by a Connecticut State Police Officer and was informed that he would not be able to attend the fair wearing the patch of his motorcycle club.
Not wanting to make a scene in front of his family members, the club member peacefully left the vicinity of the fairgrounds, but brought up the issue at the next CCMC meeting. The Connecticut Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs is a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney Mitch Proner was in attendance at the meeting as legal counsel and promised to contact the responsible parties.
Proner wrote to the Durham Fair promoters, the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Attorney General’s office, following up with numerous phone calls. Initially the responsible parties said they had no knowledge of the incident. When presented with the facts and details, the parties said the Durham Fair was on private property and ran by a private organization and would deny admittance to whomever they pleased.
Proner then pointed out that the Durham Fair may have been privately promoted but in fact the fairgrounds included the town square, an area traditionally provided greater protection under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. If the Fair did not respect the CCMC club member’s Constitutional rights, he would be forced to move in the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut, for a Federal injunction.
The State Attorney recognized the First Amendment rights and said they would not have State Troopers enforcing any dress codes. The Fair’s attorney stated they had no dress code, and sent Mr. Proner free tickets for this year’s event for his patchholder client.
The Connecticut Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs remains eternally vigilant about protecting their rights.
CANADIAN PROVINCE WANTS TO BAN COLORS As part of its efforts to crack down on criminal organizations, the Saskatchewan government wants to ban the wearing of “gang colors” in bars, but local bikers are calling the act unconstitutional.
An amendment to the Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act that’s before the legislature would mean people wearing signs, symbols or logos connected to criminal organizations in licensed establishments could be fined up to $25,000 and sentenced to up to a year behind bars.
Dean Bell, who has a motorcycle shop in Regina and is a member of the Regina chapter of the Hells Angels, says the proposed legislation is a violation of rights. “We’re all disappointed that the government would take such a backward stance and try and legislate something that goes against our charters and our freedoms,” he said.
It’s part of the province’s attempts to create a hostile environment for criminals, say officials. The government has also passed laws expanding the ability to seize property from criminal organizations and canceling liquor licenses in bars that are used as fronts by criminals.
Manitoba passed a similar law against “gang colors” in 2002. It’s now illegal in that province to wear symbols or colors associated with organizations such as the Hells Angels. Fines range from $1,000 to $3,000 and convictions can result in jail time of up to six months.
The Manitoba Chapter of the Hells Angels is fighting several charges related to the legislation.
It the Saskatchewan law is passed, Bell said, he and other members will consult with a lawyer.
“TONIGHT SHOW” MOTORCYCLE TO BE AUCTIONED FOR KATRINA RELIEF The Harley-Davidson motorcycle covered in celebrity autographs that helped raise thousands of dollars for tsunami victims may attract more than a million for hurricane survivors.
The motorcycle was signed by some of the nation’s most famous people as they appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”. It was auctioned on eBay in February to raise money for victims of the Southeast Asia tsunami and was sold to Houston-based Waste Management, Incorporated, for more than 800 thousand dollars.
The company says it has since used the bike to raise money for such causes as breast cancer awareness and Crimestoppers. It was also used to boost morale for workers in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29th.
Company spokesperson Lynn Brown says Waste Management is now putting it up for auction with proceeds going to the Bush Clinton Katrina Fund for hurricane survivor relief.
Brown says a Houston attorney has opened the bidding at one million dollars.
The Harley-Davidson has been signed by Donald Trump, Nicole Kidman, Bill Cosby, Jamie Foxx, Demi Moore, Tim Robbins, Ashlee Simpson, Jimmy Buffet and Denzel Washington among others.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: WOMAN PASSES DRIVING EXAM ON 4OTH TRY The 40th time’s the charm, it seems. A British woman took 33 years, 40 attempts and spent tens of thousands of pounds (@ $31,000) to pass her driving test, according to the BBC.
Now finally at the age of 50, Venida Crabtree, of Cowley, Oxford, passed the exam in July and recently bought her first car after starting driving lessons in 1972 at age 17.
“It’s fantastic. I’m very pleased,” Crabtree told the BBC.
TOY RUN TO CLAIM WORLD RECORD The 2005 Motorcycle Toy Run has been hailed a success and organizers are planning to submit the event’s attendance figures to the Guinness Book of World Records. The 23rd running of the Toy Run, which has become known as South Africa’s largest and most heart-warming charity event, was held at various centers around the country, with motorcyclists donating one or more toys to be distributed over Christmas to disadvantaged children up to the age of 18 at hospitals, homes and orphanages.
Organizers were hoping to break world records for the largest motorcycle procession, the largest motorcycle charity event and the largest single event of toy donations to charity.
Speaking to CARtoday.com, Toy Run spokesman Graham Perry said that over 40,000 motorcyclists were estimated to have joined in the Toy Run, with about 13,000 bikers from Cape Town participating in the event, and others riding in from major centers and small towns throughout South Africa (Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Kimberly, Klerksdorp, Mossel Bay, Nelspruit, Port Elizabeth, Pietermaritzburg, Pietersburg, Plettenberg Bay, Queenstown, Swartcopmunt, Vanderbijlpark, Vryheid, & Windhoek), hosted by local motorcycle clubs and service organizations, with the invaluable assistance of the commercial sector.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 – 1945) 32nd President of the United States
December 15, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
DYNAMITE CHOPPERS BUILD OF THE WEEK– TNT cycles would like to show off our ground up build. Check it out.
www.dynamitechoppers.com
–From: dork yo
fuzznutz28@yahoo.com
MISSISSIPPI’S MOTORCYCLE OWNERS TAXED UNFAIRLY– The Mississippi State Tax Commission recently decided to double and in some cases triple the ad valorem tax on motorcycles. The Tax Commission now directs the collection of more tax on new motorcycles than it does on cars and trucks that cost twice as much.
For as long as I can remember, the state taxed motorcycles from value schedules based on the displacement of the engine. On Sept. 1, the Tax Commission began using a computer program purchased from R.L. Polk & Co. to calculate the assessed value of each motorcycle. The Tax Commission has denied my Public Records Act request for access to the program.
There are four problems with what is now going on:
The sales tax on new motorcycles is 7 percent. Purchasers of new cars and trucks are charged only 5 percent.
Under the current system for collecting ad valorem taxes on cars and trucks, the tax is based on a figure which is 90 percent of Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price. The calculation of the tax on motorcycles uses MSRP as “true value.”
Owners of cars and trucks receive a “legislative tax credit” which significantly reduces the ad valorem tax they pay when they purchase and renew their tags. This tag credit does not apply to motorcycles.
The taxation of motorcycles is done in secret, out of public view.
The bottom line is that the state decided this past September to make motorcyclists shoulder an even more unfair share of the tax burden.The owner of a motorcycle is going to get a very unpleasant surprise when the time for tag renewal comes. I know I did – $732.94 for one year.
–Thomas C. Gerity
Ridgeland
Jackson Clarion Ledger – Jackson,MS
–from Rogue
FALLEN TROOPS SUPPORT RIDE IN PALM STRINGS,Sunday December 18, 2005– Members and friends of ABATE of California Local 36 of Palm Springs are asked to support our fallen heroes by showing up in full force…
On December 1, 2005, 10 marines assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division of Twentynine Palms, California lost their lives in Fallujah, Iraq.
A ride to honor these 10 men is planned for Sunday, December 18, 2005.We will depart from the 76 gas station next to Palm Springs Harley Davidson on Indian Avenue & I-10 at 8:30 am.
The group will ride up to Lucky Park, next to the entrance of the 29 Palms Marine Corp. base.We will read off the names of the fallen marines, followed by a moment of silence between each.Everyone will then have the opportunity to make a donation to the families of our fallen heros.
The Department of Defense announced the death of 10 Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
BIKERNET SOUTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS POEM–When it’s Christmas in South Dakota,
And the gentle breezes blow,
About seventy miles an hour
And it’s fifty-two below,
You can tell you’re in South Dakota
‘Cause the snow’s up to your butt.
You take a breath of Christmas air
And your nostrils both freeze shut.
The weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I’ll hang around,
I could never leave South Dakota,
My feet are frozen to the ground!
–from Skooter
NO SEX SINCE 1955–A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event, hostedby a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young,idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major forconversation.
She said, “Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very seriousman. Is something bothering you?”
“Negative, ma’am,” the Sergeant Major said, “Just serious by nature.”
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, “It looks likeyou have seen a lot of action.”
The Sergeant Major’s short reply was, “Yes, ma’am, a lot of action.”
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, “Youknow, you should lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner.
Finally the young lady said, “You know, I hope you don’t take this the wrongway, but when is the last time you had sex?”
The Sergeant Major looked at her and replied, “1955.”
She said, “Well, there you are. You really need to chill out and quittaking everything so seriously! I mean, no sex since 1955! Isn’t that alittle extreme?”
The Sergeant Major, glancing at his watch, said in his matter-of-fact voice,”You think so? It’s only 2130 now.”
–from Joe Lankau
LESBIAN BIKERS get ‘Dykes on Bikes’ trademarkSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Lesbian motorcycle enthusiasts in San Francisco have won their fight to trademark the name “Dykes on Bikes,” a lawyer for their group said on Thursday.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had denied applications by the San Francisco Women’s Motorcycle Contingent to trademark “Dykes on Bikes,” arguing the phrase would be perceived as disparaging to lesbians.But the National Centre for Lesbian Rights and the Brooke Oliver Law Group said the word “dyke” is no longer viewed as derogatory.
“Within the lesbian community that term has been reclaimed as a very positive term that denotes strength and pride and empowerment,” said Shannon Minter, a lawyer for the National Centre for Lesbian Rights.
The San Francisco Women’s Motorcycle Contingent sought the trademark after a woman in Wisconsin not affiliated with group attempted to use the phrase for a clothing line.
–from Rogue
Charity Bike Build 2006–My name is Jason McCudden, I am the owner of South Side Kustoms. I am a new custom motorcycle shop in the Buffalo, NY area. As being a part of this community, as a business owner I would like to do my part to put something back into it. So together with Jesse, the owner of Club Diablo, we are working with the Food Bank of Western New York to make Charity Bike Build 2006 a reality.
Starting May 25th 2006 South Side Kustoms and Club Diablo will be hosting a weekly bike night. The main feature of our weekly event will be a custom motorcycle built by South Side Kustoms that will be raffled off at the end of the summer season. All proceeds are to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York and The Make A Wish Foundation.
In recent years, motorcycle events have been huge and continue to grow every year. So we feel this is a prime opportunity to reach this sector of our community with this spectacular event. Many biker events are known to sponsor charities so we know this a group of people that care about people in our community.
Tickets are going to be sold for this bike at $20.00 each. They will be available thru South Side Kustoms, Club Diablo and the Food Bank of WNY. Every measure will be taken to make sure this charity event will be a huge success. Between all parties involved we plan on taking full advantage of every media available to promote this, by means of television, radio, magazines, handing out flyers at public events. But in order to make this charitable event a reality we need help from you, our suppliers, local businesses and community supporters.
South Side Kustoms
146 Barnard St.
Buffalo, NY 14206
716-480-7944 phone
716-823-6279 fax
email – southsidekustoms@adelphia.net
website – http://southsidekustoms.tripod.com/
Snuffy Built for his son Brian–AlthoughBrian looks like`s a factory rider, we’re running this bike as a tribute to Snuffy who is covered in the History Department of the Cantina. He was a well known racer and mechanic for most of his life.
1997 FXRP
96 inch
Lower end balanced
Axtell cylinders
Sportster valve covers
Zippers oil pump
Fatboy front end
Progressive rear shocks
REDHILL MOTORCYCLE WERX WEB SITE LAUNCHED–We finally launched our new web site, check it out: http://www.REDHILLMOTORCYCLEWERX. We’re still working out the details and thawing out. Colorado has been Cold!.
–MERCEDES
My e-mail is: MERCEDES@REDHILLMOTORCYCLEWERX.COM
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECTS UPDATE–We snuck into the class the other day just prior to the holiday break. We caught the teacher teaching his students burnout techniques.
“damn I love my job!!,” he shouted while peeling through a tire. We’d report him to the PTA, but we can’t. Being a snitch is against the Code Of The West. Just have to sneak back in after school starts again and see what he’s up to.
NEW BILLET ALUMINUM HANDLEBAR FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON-Give Softail and Wide Glide Models Fresh Style and Attitude.MILWAUKEE (Nov. 30, 2005) – The new Billet Aluminum Handlebar (P/N 56793-05, $334.95) from Harley-Davidson Genunine Motor Accessories combines rakish drag-bar attitude and high-polished style. Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, this polished and chrome-plated bar tapers to standard-size bar ends to allow installation of original-equipment style controls. The Billet Handlebar is designed to accept internal hidden wiring, and the kit includes curved risers and required installation hardware.
The Billet Aluminum Handlebar fits 1999-later FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide and 2000-later Softail models (except Springer). All models require separate purchase of additional installation components, and these bars may not accommodate some other accessories. See dealer for details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.
To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
CALIFORNIA’S CHANCE FOR FREEDOM– Our lid law modification bill, SB 969* (Ducheny, Morrow) is slated to be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday January 10, 2006. 1:30 pm, room 4203 on the 4th floor of the capitol.
We MUST get the bill passed out of this committee to go any further. This is the 2nd year for the bill, it’ll be done if we can’t “git ‘er done” this time around. If it passes committee, it’ll go to the senate floor. If it passes there, it starts all over again in the Assembly. All before it ever gets to the Governator.
We’re remaining optimistic, but the odds are stacked against us, we NEED people to call, write and fax their senators, as well as members of that committee, and particularly NEW Committee Chair Alan Lowenthal.
We’ve scheduled a Lobby Day at the State Capitol for January 10th. Motorcycle ONLY parking right in front of the capitol, provided by ABATE Local 25 of Sacramento (President Deacon Phillips). There are over 975,000 M1 endorsements in California, we’ll see if we can get at least 303 people to fill the gallery for the vote.
We are circulating “Support SB 969 Petitions” and I’m spearheading that effort with a statewide “Signature Contest” in hopes of garnering over 10,000 signatures of support. I can email the petition to anyone with Microsoft Word and a printer. Sigs gotta be at our “NEW” ABATE State Office in Hesperia by Jan. 2, 2006, or delivered personally in Sac on Jan. 10th. I’m sorry to say, apathy is rampant in California and even a stoopid little contest can’t get people excited about fighting for their own right to ride. Sucks.
Today, another fella and I will finish up the online petition for folks from other states. You’ll definitely hear about it when it’s ready.
Any time you need up to date info…feel free to email me or just check the “Rider’s Writes” section of my humble little website at * SB 969: This bill would modifiy the current helmet law to allow riders the right to choose whether to wear a helmet or not IF they are over 18 and have either: 1.) completed a motorcycle rider training program (that complies with Section 2932), or 2.) have been issued a class M1 license or endorsement, or a comparable license from another jurisdiction, for two years or more. T-SHIRT DEAL OF THE MONTH–These shirts are 4-color printed and read to rock for five bucks a pop. If you buy a bunch they’ll print your shop, family, group, club or bullshit slogan on the other side for just a buck. You won’t run across a deal like this again. –Seth BIKERNET CHRISTMAS SPECIAL– Here’s the Departure Bike Works Deal Of The Month. It’s a 1985 FXWG, stock condition with LOW MILEAGE!. Factory Evo/4 speed with kicker combo. This thing is immaculate, and can be under your Christmas tree for only $8995.00 Give us a call at (804)231-0244 or shoot us an e at service@departure.com Until next time, Ho’s Ho’s Ho’s, LIFE IS A WONDERFUL PLACE IF YOU CAN KEEP UP–The news is short as we run into the Holidays. That’s cool, you need to go shopping. I need to finish up the Peanut Tank lamps. Jim Murillo is going to custom paint each one. Tom from Utah sent me a fender for our 45 flathead Bonneville effort. We’re looking for a 45 Magneto to make her fly. I received a Peashooter frame this week from Past And Present Bike Works in Moundsville, WV. If you need antique parts they seem to have connections. So we’re rocking into 2006 with the possibility of four bikes for Bonneville: A Sportbike 120-inch Panhead based on an Accurate Engineering Panhead, Baker Transmission and Custom Chrome, John Reed designed chassis, A V-rod with a turbo by Custom Performance in Phoenix, the flathead 45 (720 cc) and the 500cc Peashooter with Mike Smith’s performance heads. I can’t guarantee, right now, that all these bikes will make it this year. The Peashooter is the most iffy. And we need some sponsorship help on the V-Rod, but we’ll see. The Panhead sportbike must take me to Sturgis, so she’ll be there. Lee Clemens at Departure Bike Works is handling the rebuild/hop-up on the 45 engine and trans. We’re already moving on that one. That’s the adventure for 2006 and we’re already hyped up about it. You’ll see it all come together of Bikernet.com. Right here, goddamnit. Now go Christmas shopping before you get your ass kicked. Ride Forever, –Bandit
Horsepower Promotions
(805) 686-2007
Greg “Z” Hall
Service Manager/Public Relations
Departure Bike Works
