June 23, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
RED FRIDAYS– You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here’s why….. The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not “organized” to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red -blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.
Word of mouth, press, TV — let’s see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee ! that it will not be long before theUSAwill be covered in RED – and make our troops know there are many
THE PERFECT TRICK– One of the latest exclusives to come from the innovative minds at Doug Keim Creative Cycles is the billet aluminum Voltage Regulator Relocator Ditty. It?s a tongue twister of a name but the perfect little trick when using a belt drive with an oil filter provision.
The Ditty allows you to relocate your voltage regulator to the spot where your oil filter adapter was when using a relocated oil filter. Machined from 6061 billet aluminum and available finished in polish or chrome, the Doug Keim Creative Cycles? Voltage Regulator Relocator Ditty also includes mounting hardware.
You?ll be more than happy to spit out the name once you get the part on your bike. For more information, contact: Doug Keim Creative Cycles, (732) 751-1403, www.dougkeim.com.
Please Note: The NHTSA has a long History of issuing figures pertaining to motorcycles that has been incorrect. Be assured they are The Enemy!Members of NHTSA have also had numerous derogatory statements about motorcyclist.–ROGUE–
The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a response to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation?s (MRF) April 24th news release, as well as several other issues the MRF has brought to NHTSA?s attention. In an undated letter, received at the MRF?s Washington D.C. Office on June 16th, Mr. Brian McLaughlin, NHTSA Senior Associate Administrator, not only addresses the MRF?s April 24th release regarding the FARS Data, he also addresses questions raised by the MRF in a letter to NHTSA dated May 5th.
Mr. McLaughlin also answers questions raised in an April 21st letter from Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. This letter, generated at the request of the MRF, questions the release dates for both phases of the Best Practices Study.The MRF does not find Mr. McLaughlin?s explanation of the discrepancies in the FARS Data between Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) figures to motorcycle sales figures to be satisfactory. The MRF will be pursuing this in the future.Chairman Young?s April 21st letter, the MRF?s May 5th letter, and the NHTSA response are posted on the MRF website at http://www.mrf.org/nhtsa.php
THUNDERMAX EFI ZIP KIT–New Bike Owners, have you been looking for an affordable and hassle free way to add sound and performance to your stock EFI Twin Cam? Look no further! Zipper?s has what you need, all in a one convenient kit.
It?s true, no new bike responds to simple intake and exhaust upgrades like a new Harley?! But today?s new EFI bikes are more complicated to modify. Gone are the days of changing a few jets, plugging in a new ignition module?EFI has changed that. Understanding the need for simplicity, combined with exceptional drivability, Zipper?s has developed the ThunderMax Zip Kit for stock 88-INCH EFI Big Twins that includes a Zipper?s high flow air cleaner, performance exhaust and our cutting-edge ThunderMax EFI Controller.
The ThunderMax ECM is pre-mapped for the intake and exhaust system supplied, so there are no worries about dyno tuning, we?ve done that for you! And the ThunderMax gives you the flexibility of future upgrades with just the download of a new map. Just bolt-on / plug-in the ThunderMax Zip Kit and enjoy the power, performance and drivability of the most highly refined EFI system on the market!
See your favorite dealer or contact:
6655-A Amberton Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone 410.579.2828Fax 410.579.2835
www.zippersperformance.com
RICHARD CONLEY JOINS HOLLEY– Richard Conley has been appointed Powersports Sales Manager for Holley Performance Products. After graduating from Evergreen Valley College, Conley began his career working at Custom Chrome, starting as a customer service agent before progressing to management as a product specialist in the company’s research and development department. A short spell at Indian Motorcycle in research and development ended with that company’s demise. The next move was to K&L Supply where he was manager of research and development, marketing and distributor sales before taking up his new position at Holley.
Jason Bruce, VP Sales for Holley Performance Products, welcomed the addition of Rick Conley to the sales team, saying he will ‘be a vital part of our future growth in the powersports market’.
HOLLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS WORLD SHORTEST FAIRYTALE– Once upon a time a guy asked a girl “Will you marry me?”She said “No” And they lived happily ever after…….THE END –from James Schnarr DRAGSTRIP CAMPOUT TEXAS STYLE–A $500 Guaranteed to Win Bracket Race highlights Hallsville Dragway?s June 25th DRAGSTRIP CAMPOUT “All Bike Drags” & Party. THIS SATURDAY NITE In conjunction with Red Roberts? “Texas Style Party Drags” 05 Tour the popular East Texas 1/8th mile will also feature Top Fuel Harley Match Races, Nostalgia Fuel Harleys, Trophy Harley & Trophy “All Bike” E.T. Bike Classes in what?s shaping up to be a BIG RACE!! The 100% Payback Money E.T. with “buybacks” for a $40 race entry fee is expected to bring out some of Texas BEST E.T. Bike Racers and the $200 posted for Low E.T. Of The Meet by J.W. Burgess Enterprises will “sweeten the pot” for some hard charging racer. Harley or Import ?? We?ll See!! Trophy E.T. Classes are only a $10 entry at this Harley Shop of Longview, Texas Thunder Harley Davidson of Nacogdoches, Mom?s Bar, Dwight?s Bikers Dream of East Texas sponsored race. Overnight camping at the picturesque wooded track is permitted AND ENCOURAGED as Mad Max & the Max Attack turns up their style of Rock & Roll & Blues after the drags and ON INTO THE WEE HOURS!!. Between sets, Max holds his ever popular “$100 to Win” WET T-SHIRT CONTEST, all “Saturday Nite Under The Lites”!! Gates Open 2 p.m. Saturday June 25th with Time Trials at 4 p.m. and Eleminations at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 a head with No Children’s Tickets being sold. Less than 18 years old will be admitted with Parent Only. Hallsville Dragway is located 4.5 miles north of I-20 on FM 450 (exit 604) between Longview & Marshall. Information on the race and the rest of the “Texas Style Party Drags” O5 Tour is at 254-687-9066 or www.texasscooter.com. Track Phone is 903-668-2858. WEIGHING TASERS–Officers should be trained to use utmost restraint with stun gunsDozens of deaths have been linked to stun guns nationwide, spurring law enforcement groups to limit their use.In Brevard County, guidelines issued in May restrict police use of stun guns on children, pregnant women, the disabled and the elderly.But now there’s a new category for the “do not Tase” list, at least in Palm Bay. Michael Hughes, a thin, unarmed 17-year-old, underwent surgery this month for a collapsed lung after Palm Bay police used a stun gun on him.A doctor who treated Hughes has said the Taser probe may have punctured the chest, causing his lung to collapse. That’s why Palm Bay officers now are forbidden to use Tasers on the chests of “extremely thin” people.Our question is, how do officers decide how thin is thin enough to qualify?And how can they be expected to make other distinctions in high-pressure situations, about whether someone has a hidden health problem or may be pregnant? That’s why law enforcement agencies should mandate stun guns be used not as a weapon of convenience, but only as a last resort before deadly force.Much more research is needed, but in the meantime, this policy will better protect citizens and officers who may be held responsible for errors of judgment that cause serious injury or death. –Rogue NEW TANK DESIGNER HITS THE BRICKS ON HIS OWN–Bandit, Hey you really caught me off guard by answering the phone thisMorning. I thought it would take me a few weeks of constant calling to evenget a chance to talk with you… That was cool, blew me away. OK this iswhat I do. I make gas tanks, pipes, handmade fenders and oil bags. Almosteverything but frames. My friend Ducati Dave and I are currently working onthe designs for frame table. Here?s some pics of recent bikes and tanks I’ve built over the lastfew months. The bike with the air dam was built in 15 days and I tookdetailed pics through the build. People say they like my stuff but I can?tfind people to step up to the plate. If anyone gives me a cardboard cut-out of the center line profileand dimensions of width’s locations I can be spot on. — Dennis Sanchez He?s built tanks for some of the great builders in the country.–Bandit TEXAS REPORT FROM LUCKY DEVIL–The beast is getting close. This girl in in the slammed position, the ride height is about 3 inches taller. I was going to leave hours ago and I just got to welding my life away. I’m out of here. — Kent THE STEALTH REPORT FROM NC–Here is a little something for the Thursday News(6-23-05)! I am sending it early, it is going to be a busy week around here, with the Smoke-Out coming to town! This past Sunday was Fathers day, I got a great gift from “THE MEANEST,” a 1947 model National cash register to be used at STEALTH BIKE WORKS. Chopper John started on our first in house fabbed part last week. A gas tank, it is about half done. It is going to be a killer tank when it is fininished. I will have pictures soon. Our first shop ride is this Saturday to the HORSE SMOKE-OUT, we leave at 12 noon. If you are in town and want to ride with us give us a call at 704-882-0889. We will be looking forward to seeing you! On a completely different subject , last Saturday night “The Meanest” and I headed out to visit a so called new “biker’ bar/restaurant here in the Charlotte area. There have been articles in the local paper about the place. So we thought we would check it out. When we arrived, there was only one bike in the parking lot, the rest of the lot was packed with cars. So right then something didn’t seem right. As we began to go in, I noticed on the front door, “No Colors–No Patches.” That was the second thing that didn’t seem right. When we walked in, the place had nothing to do with bikes or bikers, oh they had two new Harleys and one Triumph parked inside. Big deal! I won’t use the name of this place because I don’t want any crying over me picking on anyone. This place wants to ride the coat tails of bikers to attract customers but then discriminates against bikers. We turned around and left, like any real biker would do. The atmosphere at this establishment is plastic and artificial, in other words the whole place is a poser, not a biker bar at all. Well that is my rant for the week, I haven’t had one in awhile. Places such as this do not deserve our money. Don’t be fooled because they say it is a “biker” bar. Go see for yourself and then leave! Until next week, RIDE! –STEALTHMAN VOTE FOR S&S–While I was in Laconia last week, I had the chance to speak to the S&S guys at their booth and personally show them the problem with my bike. They were very helpful and indicated that when I let go of the gas, oil is being sucked through the intake valve which is why I am burning oil. The problem seems to be that I am over-feeding the boxes so they suggested two solutions: 1. Install a restrictor in the oil feed line to the rear rocker box. They told me to thread in a 60 main jet. 2. Retard the timing on the breather gear by one tooth to improve the suction on the return. My question is: Do I rotate the breather gear clockwise or counter-clockwise in order to retard it? Right now, the dots on the cam gear line up with the dot on the breather gear and the dot on the idler gear. –Costa Riding high at Doncaster–In the finest tradition of show bikes, Warhorse, the winner of the ‘Best in Britain’ award at the Pro Custom Bike Show at Doncaster, was finished on the Friday morning; a matter of hours before the show was declared open. The bike is the creation of Vic Jefford and Destiny Cycles and is owned by Vic’s partner Lin. There were more problems when the key could not be found. However, the weary team managed to raise a smile on arriving at Doncaster when they unloaded the bike and discovered the missing item still hooked up on the engine! The late night rush was the culmination of five months’ work to complete Warhorse, a name suggested by Lin. The engine is an unusual choice, an Indian Power Plus 100ci, rebuilt by Vic. The engine is sparked by Thunderheart ignition and breathes through a Mikuni 42mm carburetor. The frame is a Vic Jefford original, with much detailing work including an oil cooler in the downtube. Vic is also responsible for the gas and oil tanks and modifying the BK Stiletto rear fender. The unusual wheels are from French company Kabkris, with a 330 Avon at the back, and a 130 at the front. Other components are sourced from a wide variety of aftermarket suppliers, with many from Europe such as Technoplus pegs and foot controls, the disc and caliper from bigb in Germany. Once Vic was satisfied with the mechanics of the bike, all the relevant parts were sent off to Percy at Bad Brush Designs to have him apply the finish. Runner-Up in ‘Best of Britain’ was ‘Zero Style’ from Krazy Horse. Styling cues came from the Zero bikes that are big in Japan. After some time spent idle in a barn, a set of Springer forks became the catalyst that started the whole creative process. Over the next 8 months the job was a free time project at Krazy Horse with input from all the staff. Once again, in the fine tradition of an evolutionary (no pun intended) building process, none of the original parts were used! The style, according to Krazy Horse’s Paul Beamish, became Zero meets bobber out of flat tracker. The frame is a one-off rigid, built by Krazy Horse, with early Big Twin Springer forks. The chassis rolls on wheels with stainless spokes and powder-coated rims. The Iron Head Sportster engine, 4-speed transmission and final drive connect by chains. A selection of aftermarket parts from various suppliers were used, although there were many modifications, such as the cut-down engine cases and rocker covers. Individual touches included the grips and shifter handle – made from 200-year old iron-stained yew! Detail items of copper and brass (sourced from the local pub) are used, together with forged forward controls and other parts which are nickel plated. These contrast with the Krazy Horse produced ceramic-coated exhaust. The remaining bare metal was painted with Pageant French Grey, enhanced by pinstriping. Best in Britain: Warhorse (Vic Jefford, Destiny Cycles) Best Engineering: Warhorse (Vic Jefford, Destiny Cycles) PRO CUSTOM BIKE SHOW THAT?S A WRAP–I?m in a daze fighting with my new computer. It?s supposed to be faster, but I don?t think so. I?m running at lot?s of bumbling elements. I also discovered something about my bike that I?m pissed about. Kent, from Lucky Devil threw some option at me and I?ll study them. I may be mounting a Muller kicker system from Germany and eliminating the starter system until Compu-Fire is finished developing their new engine driven unit with BDL Belt drives. We lucked out again as Sin Wu ran to my side, “We have a kicker system,” She said pointing to the Muller box in the corner of the shop. That?s a helluva option. Remember I mentioned that Hot Rod Bikes is about to become BikeWorks for tech heads. Frank Kaisler, the master technician will steer the ship and I wish him luck. Watch for this book on newsstands near you next month. So last night I hooked up my Custom Chrome clutch cable to the Joker machine handlebar controls. Speaking of Custom Chrome. They have a tremendous sale going on all Jesse James apparel. I?m talking $300 jackets for $100. Jesse requested that they not use his name on their products in the future. He’s going in his own direction. I?ll scramble to post more stories on the Sturgis Chop progress. Hopefully, over the weekend I?ll make serious progress. I?ve got less than 6-weeks to make her Badlands worthy. Ride Forever, –Bandit
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Tel: 270 782 2900
Fax: 270 745 9544
E-mail: 
408.666.0099
Runner Up: Zero Style (KHC 1 Krazy Horse Customs)
Best Paint: Fullbore chop (Roger Stephenson, Fullbore Motorcycles)
Best Streetfighter: Suzuki (Back Street Heroes)
Best Chop: Ace of Spades (Steve Wheeler, SHD)
Best Low Rider: Zero Style (KHC 1 Krazy Horse Customs)
Best Trike: Green Mantis (Andrew Rushton)
Best Brightwork: Monster Bobber (AKO)
Participants choice: Big Red (Mark Bosher Hot Rod Bikes)
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK
Tel:+44 (0)1302 783 584
Fax:+44 (0)1302 783 584
E-mail: simon.brocklesby1@btopenworld.com
www.procustombikeuk.com
June 23, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
KIDS AND CHROME DIRECTOR STRUCK WITH CANCER–Bob Illingworth, one of the main directors in the Kids and Chrome effort to build funds for the Sturgis Museum and a Rapid City Childrens Hospital discovered that he has lung cancer:
?Bob (Illingworth) has asked me to pass on a little info to you,? said Pepper Massey, executive director, of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. ?He has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is going in for surgery tomorrow at noon. They caught it by accident, he had no symptoms, and is otherwise in remarkably good health, so the prognosis is good, at this point.?
?He is prepared to fight this, and we all know what happens when Bob sets his mind to something, he generally wins. Having said that, your prayers and your positive energy will go a long way to making him feel better and get him back on the streets causing trouble again.?
The Kids and Chrome effort is sponsored by Bikernet.com, and our support will always back Bob?s efforts with his health, charities or legislative efforts to keep motorcycles free. He?s one of the good guys.
KIDS AND CHROME: A GRAND AFFAIR– Sponsorship continues to growThe Who’s Who of the motorcycle industry is stepping up to the plate to Support this UNIQUE and GRAND Event!Since our last press release the Main Ballroom of the Spearfish Convention Center is almost sold out. Tickets for the Dinner are selling Quickly. Most of all thank you all for Participating in our two Motorcycle Raffles.
BUSY TIMES PLANNED FOR FOUR CORNERS RALLY IN THE ROCKIES– Promoters of the Four Corners Rally in the Rockies are already expecting upwards of 100,000 motorcycles to hit the Four Corners Region over Labor Day Weekend. Those kinds of numbers mean record crowds and lots of activitiesTo keep up with more bikers, this year the organizers have put together a full list of events for Four Corners Rally in the Rockies, plus the days leading up to it. Anyone sitting around doing nothing Labor Day Weekend will be doing it by choice, and can?t blame anyone for being bored.
GREAT RIDES
Often called the rally of the rides, Four Corners Rally in the Rockies is situated in the heart of some of the most varied and fantastic riding in the West. To the north, the imposing and breathtaking San Juan Mountains await; To the east, Wolf Creek Pass and the Continental Divide challenge riders; South lie the deserts and the Anasai Ruins, and to the west lie Colorado?s Mesa Verde, Moab and the Unaweep territory?beyond that–the Four Corners and the Grand Canyon of Northern Arizona.But you don?t have to plan an epic journey to enjoy what the area has to offer. There are several shorter, less demanding rides if that is more your style, including Chimney Rock Loop, Mesa Verde National Park, Unaweep National Monument, Silverton, The Loop, Chama Loop, and Lake Vallecito, among others.
If sightseeing and packing on the miles isn?t really your thing, Four Corners Rally in the Rockies has an alternative. You can always cruise for cash. This riding concept is a multi-day poker run of sorts?with $10,000 in prize money up for grabs. Hit the stops as quickly, or as slowly, as you wish during the weekend, just have your card turned in before 6pm Sunday if you think you want to win.
The Rally in the Rockies website is an excellent resource for information on all aspects of the rally, including accommodations. You can check on rooms by calling 866-TO-RALLY, or check out the official website http://www.rallyintherockies.com/ or call 888-901-7701 for information. Come and feel the Thunder in the Rockies as thousands of bikes roar through the mountains.
BUILD YOUR OWN BONES– When you?ve got an idea burning in you for a bike build, no substitute will ever satisfy. Be it professional custom builder or trying-this-at-home novice, no one build can begin a custom build without a frame and that means a custom jig.
Enter the expertise of 250 Engineering, a shop that is all about custom. 250 Engineering has designed a custom rigid frame jig that builds frames at virtually any rake, stretch, and tire size. The jig is also fully adjustable and comes complete with magnetic protractor and centering cones. Easy to use, producing high-quality frames, all that?s needed is your vision and you?ve got the means to make the chopper(s) you?ve always wanted. For more information, contact: 250 Engineering, (937) 726-3037, www.250engineering.com.
CIRCLE OF FLIES–A farmer got pulled over by a State Trooper for speeding at 5 MPHover the posted limit, and the officer started to lecture the farmer about his speed, and in general began to throw his weight around to try to make the farmer uncomfortable.
Finally, the officer got around to writing out the ticket, and as he was doing that he kept swatting at some flies that were buzzing around his head. The farmer said, “Having some problems with circle-flies there, are ya?”
The officer stopped writing the ticket and said, “Well, yeah, if that’s what they are — I never heard of circle- flies.”
So the farmer says, “Well, circle-flies are common on farms. See, they’re called circle-flies because they’re almost always found circling around the back end of a horse.”
The officer says, “Oh,” and goes back to writing the ticket. Then, after a minute, the Officer stops and says, “Hey…wait a second, are you trying to call me a horse’s ass?” The farmer says, “Oh no, officer. I have too much respect for law enforcement and police officers to even think about calling you a horse’s ass.”
The officer says, “Well, that’s a good thing,” and goes back to writing the ticket.
After a long pause, the farmer says: “Hard to fool them flies, though.”
–from Drew, Jack
RAD’S BURNOUT– Here’s a couple of photos showing how the Aussies fill in a quiet arvo!! Rad’s on his black custom, Mike (of Mikes Custom Cycles Noosa) on the yellow beast and Kev, well !! he’s just having fun.
Glenn
(The Aussie BIKERNET Connection)
LA CALENDAR SHOW?JR NOONAN TRIES TO BLOW UP THE JARDINE DYNO LAST YEAR– He will be back to try it again this July.
Jardine West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shutout returnsWith JR Noonan aiming to reclaim his World Horsepower Recordat expanded LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend July 16-17th
Los Angeles, CA May 25th – An exciting new feature of this year’s Los Angles Calendar Motorcycle Show sponsored by Bikernet.com, at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach on July 16-17th 2005 will be the MotoCreations.com sponsored Metric Midway where Ducati motorcycles will be the featured marquee. A wide range of special activities for all sportbike enthusiasts and fans will be taking place in the Midway including custom and performance bike displays, special 2Wheel Tuner magazine Sportbike Contest Class and a MotoCreations Ducati Contest Class, together with related Venders, Dealers and Product Manufacturers.
The world record setting Jardine West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shootout will be going full full throttle, open to all contestants, with its own trophy awards and prizes. Back for the 2nd year will be JE Pistons sponsored John Noonan with his Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa land speed bike which obliterated the existing North American record for horsepower registered at a Dyno Shoot-Out with a 545 horsepower record run last year. Noonan will be back again this year with more modifications to his bike to see how close he can get to 600hp from his 1300cc bike, and to try and reclaim his World Motorcycle Dyno Record which was reportedly beaten just a few months ago. Be sure to bring your ear plugs and flak vests. The Jardine Dyno shootout will be hosted both days by Kerry Bryant and Cycle News editor Scott Rouseau.
Complete details of all the Show’s activities and Exhibitor Registration are available online athttp://www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM
PILA PROFESSIONAL FLASHLIGHT SYSTEMS– ‘The Genie of Torches’.May 1, 2005. The Pila family of professional flashlights that include the GL2, GL3 and GL4 have continued adding more accessories and features accommodating the hard and demanding usage from riders, outdoorsmen, craftsmen, emergency medical services along with police and military.
The PILA line was designed with these industries in mind and built around their needs, requests and requirements for the daily hard usage they would have to endure. PILA has a wide selection of accessories, attachments such as the heavy-duty nylon holsters, optional Xenon lamp or LED Emitter, headlight filter rings with Red, IR or UV, rechargeable Li-ion batteries with a shelf life of ten years that can also be recharged up to 500 times with consistent performance or the disposable Lithium CR 123A batteries. Additional accessories are the LED Tail Cap for the GL2, GL3 and GL4 with an output of 3.5 lumens to 7 lumens with the flashlight body housed in black anodized aircraft grade aluminum that’s O-ring sealed and water proof to 3 meters.
The base price for the GL2 flashlight start at $69.00, the GL3 $79.00 and the GL4 $107.00. The list of accessories, attachments, options are too numerous to list. For more information or ordering contact ESA at tel: (937) 644-2170 fax: (937) 644-8382, 845 East 5th St., Marysville, OH 43040 or go to their websites at http://www.1esa.com/>www.1esa.com
EX-OFFICER CHARGED IN NUDE VIDEO– COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A former Holly Hill police officer has been charged with dropping traffic offenses against women if they let him videotape them stripping, according to State Law Enforcement Division warrants.
Mark Wright, 36, was arrested Thursday on four counts of misconduct in office, according to SLED.In July 1999 and December 2004, Wright initiated traffic stops on women who were driving under suspension and allowed them to drive to the police station, according to arrest warrants. Once inside, Wright offered to drop the charges if the women let him videotape them taking off their clothes, SLED said.
In 1998, Wright stopped a woman for speeding, but offered to drop the charges if she pulled up her shirt and let him photograph her, according to the warrants.
–FROM Rogue
“THE CALIFORNIA AUTO” CONVENIENCE, QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP–June 1, 2005. “The California Auto” is marketed by California Knives. It?s convenient, compact, and all parts and components are America made. It?s a quality product of superior design, and assembled by hand by experienced American craftsmen using top quality materials. Its easy automatic one-handed operation makes it a natural for the outdoors, sporting, mechanics and craftsmen as well as around the house.
Quality & Craftsmanship-The blade is 154CM Stainless Steel treated to a 58-60 Rockwell hardness and can be custom imprinted with a company logo or personal inscription. The opening mechanism employs a fully supported through-the-blade, nine-coil spring that isso reliable “The California Auto” comes with a lifetime warranty. The mechanically superior components are housed in a handsome, durable handle. It consists of a scale of Dymondwood? a high quality laminated hardwood and a bolster of Zytel? a tough vinyl plastic, which is available in either black or ivory-either is an attractive complement forthe rich Dymondwood? finishes. The dull chrome finish on the zinc trigger is anotheradded feature.
The California Auto retails for $89.00. For More Information ContactTerry Britt at California Knives (559) 733-8751 or visit their Web site at:www.californiaknives.com
NEW REACH TOURING SEATS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON–
Forward-Position Seats Move Riders Closer to Controls
MILWAUKEE (June 15, 2005) ? New Reach Touring Seats ($259.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories are designed to move Touring model riders with a shorter inseam closer to the controls and make it easier to place feet flat on the pavement. The scooped bucket-shaped saddle positions the rider approximately 1.5 inches lower and 1.5 inches forward compared to the original-equipment seat. Seat width is 16 inches, while the passenger pillion is 13 inches wide.
Reach Touring Seat P/N 52609-05 fits 1997-later Road King models. Reach Touring Seat P/N 52544-05 fits 1997-later Electra Glide and 1998-later Road Glide models (except FLHTCSE).
DARRELL GRESSLEY –
Suggestion: HAVE A READERS FICTION CONTEST/SECTION WHERE READERS WRITE THEIR OWN STORIES FOR SUBMISSION.
Wanted: A HARLEY OR CUSTOM CHOPPER WOULD BE FINE. THAT BEING TOO PRICEY FOR YA, T&A, OR BOOKS ARE GOOD AS WELL.
DRUM ROLL, PLEASE? BIKERNET CONTEST WINNERS- FINALLY. Yes, it?s been a while since I picked a winner but hey, I?ve been a busy gal.
CURT KIMBALL – MEMPHIS, TN 38117 – USA
Suggestion: HOW ABOUT DOING A RUNNING ARTICLE ON A BIKER BUILD FROM A TYPICAL BRO WITH A FAMILY AND A BUDGET?
Wanted: HOW ABOUT A T-SHIRT, PATCH, AND STICKER
Hey Curt, if you?re doing a home build, send us the story. We?d love to run it. Layla
JON TOWLE – HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. 92647 – DUH!
Suggestion: JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND WE CAN DIE HAPPY.
Wanted: MY T-SHIRT FROM SOME YEARS AGO IS NOT WELL. IT WAS WELL MADE AND LASTED A LONG TIME , I’LL MISS HER. I WOULD REALLY DIG A NEW BLACK BIKERNET T-SHIRT (BLACK, X-LRG). IT WILL HELP EASE THE PAIN OF MY FIRST ONE FALLING APART. BLESS YOU, HAVE MERCY ON ME.
We?ll have mercy, Jon. T-shirt is on the way.
MARTIN SKIPWORTH – OLEAN, NY 14760 – USA
Suggestion: THIS IS A SIMPLE SUGGESTION BUT IT WOULD MAKE YOUR EVENTS PAGE BETTER. PUT A HORIZONTAL DIVIDER BEWEEN EACH STATE’S EVENTS OR ALLOW THE USER TO SELECT THE STATE FOR WHICH HE WANTS TO SEE THE EVENTS LISTING. THAT SHOULD BE SOME EASY PROGRAMMING AND W
Wanted: I WISH MY OLE’ LADY WOULD GET LARYNGITIS.
Thanks guys. Now, all of you lucky winners need to send me an email so I can confirm your addresses. sinwu@bikernet.com
Continued On Page 4
June 23, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
RAFFLE BENEFITTING THE CRAZY HORSE MOUNUMENT FOUNDATION–Hosted by: American Motorcycle 1902, Branscombe Richmond, and Keith Ball of Bikernet.com.
A Raffle to benefit the ongoing endeavors to complete the building of the Crazy Horse Monument. When completed the Crazy Horse mountain carving will be 641 feet long by 563 feet high. Crazy Horse’s completed head is 87 feet 6 inches high. The horse’s head, currently the focus of work on the mountain, is 219 feet or 22 stories high.
Help us support Mr. Korczak vision. He believed that if the public accepted the goals of Crazy Horse Memorial, they would support it financially. He believed in individual initiative and private enterprise without governmental influence. So they need our support. Join us to make it a successful event.
Grand Prize: Custom Performance is making available a Turbo Your Harley package (total value of $6495) for your Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and Keyboard Carriage will transport your motorcycle to and from a local authorized Harley Davidson dealership near you.
Second Prize: Cowboy & Indian?s magazine has donated a custom pair of Ostrich and Leather, hand tailored to the winners specifications, cowboy boots (men?s or women?s), valued at $1000. Other sponsor prizes may also be made available.
All prizes will be raffled off to lucky winners at the Horsepower Shootout awards ceremony on Friday evening, August 12th at 7:30-8:30 PM at the Full Throttle Saloon w/ Branscombe Richmond, of American Motorcycle 1902 and movie and TV fame. Proceeds from this raffle will then be made available to benefit the Crazy Horse Monument and Foundation.
Raffle tickets are available online at (www.amc1902.com), at The Long Beach Calendar Show in the American Motorcycle/Bikernet.com booth, at local bar?s and restaurants throughout the greater Phoenix area, and from, Sat, Aug. 6 through Friday Aug.12 available at the following locations: the Custom Performance booth, the Hot Bike / Full Throttle Horsepower Shootout, as well as at Hot Bike / American Motorcycle 1902 Vendor Row, and at all Full Throttle souvenir stands and their Chop Lot office locations, which are all located at the Full Throttle Saloon . Raffle tickets are available at a cost of $10, or five tickets for $30, and are fully tax deductible contribution.
Support this events sponsors: American Motorcycle 1902, American Indian, Custom Performance, The Full Throttle Saloon, Hot Bike, Hot Rod Bike, Street Choppers, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping, BIKERNET.COM, Pacific Health, Hacienda Custom Motorcycles, VTRacegirl.com, and the Seminole Hard Rock Road House. Sponsors of the raffle to benefit The Crazy Horse Monument and Foundation.
Also, join us on the Crazy Horse Charity Ride leaving the American Motorcycle 1902 booth at The Full Throttle Saloon, on Thursday the 11th of August. Ride with Branscombe and his friends on this fabulous ride through the wonders of South Dakota. Registration is available online at (www.amc1902.com) or from 9 AM till 10:30 AM the day of the event, leaving the Full Throttle Saloon for Crazy Horse at 11AM that morning. Join these worthwhile causes. Help keep The Crazy Horse Monument project moving forward. We look forward to seeing you there.
If you cannot make it to Sturgis to participate but would like to contribute please send a tax deductible check payable to The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation to: 19528 Ventura Blvd, Suite 425, Tarzana, CA 91356
BIKERNET RUN TO STURGIS– I’ll give you a brief rundown: Thecharity efforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills.We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride along warmtwisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.
Each day will cover 250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hangout by the pool, hit the gym, shop in town then have a killer meal.
Here?s the latest: Master Builder Harold Ponteralli, Barry Wardlow ofAccurate Engineering, Bandit, Rogue the writer, are riding alone. Guys areflying in from Hawaii and moto-journalists from Australia. On the final daywe?ll meet up with the Hamster Ride in Wyoming for lunch before the finalblast into the Badlands. Just today we found that a national non-motorcyclemag will be covering the ride and the celebrity ride to the Crazy HorseMonument during the rally with Branscomb Richmond. We may even have a filmcrew along for the Sturgis Run. We?ve already collected a check for $250 from Biker Attorney and Bikernet Sponsor Mike Hupy?Thanks Mike. Let?s ride.
That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we make all thearrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.
To get hooked up you need to contact Joerlene, our travel agent and line uphotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and if you’renot hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her contact info is:
–Joerline
(808) 638-8550
fax 808- 638-0171
email – carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com
Blak Flag Will Hold Up What they Stand For–Blak Flag, the name stands for straight up fearless independence and liberation. If that?s how you?re looking to start a new bike project or style your current ride, than Blak Flag will serve you well.
The 14-gauge, cold-rolled seat pan with reinforced bottom plate includes three mounting tabs, allowing for custom applications. Measuring 12-1/2 inches long by 10-3/4 inches wide, the Blak Flag Seat Pan is ready for your bike.
For more information, contact: Blak Flag, (818) 707-1246, www.blakflag.com.
HOT BIKE TEASER, MAYBE?We assigned this Hot, HOT BIKE shoot regarding an incredibly clean, Matt Kraft bike with Japanese tattoo art work that would make a grown man cry. We had a incredible opportunity to feature the original artist, applying his craft to the lovely Erica Rose. The art took 3.5 hours. You?ll see it all in an upcoming issue of HOT BIKE.
? Yes I did complete the airbrush shoot,? said Florida photog, Don Rogers. ?The shots are awesome! You be the judge. The layout went in, haven’t got ant feedback as to whether it’s to ?hot? or not.?
Don Rogers
DRPI
(954)927-6328
PRUNO AND KENDALL JOHNSON JOIN FORCES– We at Pruno Mfg. are proud to announce that we are now anauthorized distributor for Kendall Johnson Customs enginesand accessories. We will be distributing to both dealersand end users across the United States. Check out ourengine section for more.
You can visit us on the web atwww.prunomfg.com or you can reach us at 805-577-8787.Fo more info on Pruno check out page 45 of this month’s Julyissue of Street Chopper Magazine.
KC?S CALENDAR OF EVENTS–June 25 – KC Creations 10th Anniversary Party at KC Creations 7524 Frontage Road Overland Park KS – Ride for Special Children takes off at 2:00 pm
June 29 – Wheels of Thunder at Church of the Harvest 14841 Blackbob Rd Olathe KS 5-9pm (call Dan @ 913-393-9500 for more information)
July 4 – Happy 4th of July!!!
July 15-17 – North Texas Rock Rally in Northlake Texas (Dallas TX)
July 22-23 – 1st Annual Westport Biker Festival on Westport Road in KCMO
FIRST ANNUAL WESTPORT BIKERS FESTIVALJULY 22 ? 23–Keep these dates open on your calendar. The Dog Days of Summer will be in full swing and we’ll be looking for something ?cool? to do. Wayne Thompson, a promoter for the event tells us that the festival kicks off with live music in the parking lot across from the New American Chrome on Westport Road on Friday evening. Featured will be 6 hot regional rock bands.
On Saturday, a portion of Westport at Mill St. will be blocked off for a ride in bike show and Weld Wheels will sponsor a burn out contest. Enter the tattoo contest and watch the Miss American Chrome Bikini Contest.
Kids are welcome. Keep them busy with free video games, face painting, contests and give-aways. Miller Light will sign up 50 people to win the new bike built for them by Kim and the crew at KC Creations to be given away later in the year at KCIR. Saturday night, listen to national recording artist, Jeff Scheetz. See you there.
August 6-14 – Sturgis Bike Rally – Watch our website for Kim’s location
August 27 – Weld Wheels present the All Wheels Event at Weld Wheels 6600 Stadium Drive in KCMO (see newsletter for more information)
Sept. 15-18 Las Vegas Bike Fest 2005 & Artistry in Iron Master Builders Bike Show www.LasVegasBikeFest.com
PROVE YOUR INTELLIGENCE– Every piece you put on your ride makes a statement, just make sure you don?t say anything stupid. Solution, Johnny Chop Ind. Pegs. J.C.I. Pegs are designed with clevis ends and outer end caps, which also happen to be interchangeable allowing you to mix and match. How about brass centers with aluminum clevis or end cap or aluminum with brass and end cap, pretty nifty eh?
Yeah, there?s nothing like well-crafted parts with options that allow you to show off your personal style. For more information, contact: Johnny Chop Ind., www.johnnychop.com.
LA CARRERA PAN AMERICAN RACE WITH A STINKIN? ?54 LINCOLN–Yeah I signed on to run in the junior class of this famous race, as co-pilot, with Dr. Hamster. We?re running 2,500 miles from the bottom of Mexico in Oaxaco, to Texas in a mad dash to get out of the country.
Here?s a couple of shots of the car. This particular car ran the race in 1999. This model won the race two years running in the mid ?50s. We?re looking for a sponsor or two to have their emblems emblazoned on the big sheet metal panels. Kellog cereal, Mercedes and major corporate sponsors are all over these cars like Nascar players. Some race efforts eat over a million bucks on this annual competition.
We?re looking for $8,900 in sponsorship funds to keep up with the big dogs. Let us know if you want your company logo running with the big dogs all over Mexico. Sure, it?s crazy for a couple of bikers to enter this race, but what the hell. Ya only live once.
–Bandit
PUERTO BIKE WEEK–The dates are 2nd, 3rd and 4th of December , we will do the event once more in Rincon, as you might know I have nothing to do with Alexis anymore and he will be putting his own event up. I’m working on a web page right now with all the info…..
–jose
NEW SCREAMIN? EAGLE 103 STAGE I KIT FOR EFI TOURING MODELS–
CVO Displacement and Performance is Street Legal
MILWAUKEE (June 15, 2005) ? The Screamin’ Eagle 103 Cubic Inch Stage I Kit for EFI Models (P/N 29842-04, $2,999.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories brings a Twin Cam Touring motorcycle up to the same 1690cc displacement and power output as the CVO Screamin’ Eagle Touring models. This kit is 50-state street-legal and combines all the proven components of the Screamin’ Eagle Touring models: the 4 3/8-inch stroker flywheel assembly, 3 7/8-inch big-bore cast pistons, big-bore cylinders, SE-253 camshafts, cylinder heads, air cleaner assembly and cover insert, and replacement catalyst mufflers. The black highlighted Screamin’ Eagle 103 cylinder heads and cast piston combination offer a 9:1 compression ratio for easy starting. The cylinder heads also prominently feature the ?Screamin’ Eagle 103? script.
This kit fits 2004-2005 EFI Touring models and includes all required gaskets (except primary cover) and hardware to complete the installation. Separate purchase of muffler end caps to achieve the desired custom style and recalibration of the ECM is required
Continued On Page 3
JUNE 23, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
Another crazed Bikernet week. Each day we set specific goals then the day shattered all to hell and we didn?t accomplish shit. Yesterday the plan was to catch up on Sturgis Shovel articles, then publish the a full-length feature on the Amazing Shrunken FXR?it?s for sale. Then a guest arrived, Mistress Marylin on her 1993 Sportster. She just flew over the country 3,500 miles and her brakes were dragging. First clue to a mechanical problem?what did you work on last. As it turned out she had the worn rear tire replaced in Texas, or was it Alabama?
The caliper bracket wasn?t spaced properly and rubbing on the rotor. We pulled it apart on my spare Kendon lift and discovered that her rear brake pads were toast. A run to California Harley-Davidson was required. Late into the evening we tinkered, thinking that the pads were the problem. I spoke to members of the Bikernet Editorial Board, Lee Clemens of Departure Bike Works and Kent Weeks, president of Lucky Devil Metal Works in Houston. They confirmed my thinking. ?Drink Jack Daniels and don?t work on stock Sportsters.?
Apparently the last mechanic lost the correct spacer and went with something that worked but jammed the caliper bracket against the rotor. We fixed it, but I didn?t touch the Shovelhead until 11:00 pm. I?ll report on that later. Let?s hit the news:
DIVE BAR STYLE–Roll up sporting Top Shelf Customs Dive Bars on your ride and you?ll bring some pretty righteous attitude and character wherever you go. Curved 16-inch uprights, Dive Bars are designed to fit motorcycles with Springer or conventional fork riser widths. Anyone can bend a bar but Top Shelf Customs decided to take 1-inch DOM steel tubing and machine a billet webbing gusset, then weld the bar that connects the grip and control areas as well as capped bar ends for a super clean finish.
Available in chrome or black powdercoat. For more information, contact: Top Shelf Customs, (714) 903-8052, www.topshelfcustoms.com.
IRON HORSE GRAND OPENING IN DAGO– It was a beautiful day in sunny SoCal. Warm, without a cloud in the sky. Beautiful babes, impressive bikes, Casino games, food and a live band cranking out the tunes. What could be better? That was the scene when Mike Shannon and Ted Jenzen held their official Grand Opening of San Diego Iron Horse. Texas Choppers for people who know that bigger is better. I?ll take a Tejas and make mine black please.
The bikes lined the street as I walked up to the new dealership. The crowd filled the parking lot. There were radio station personalities, give away?s and one radio station, Rock 105 is even giving away an American Iron Horse motorcycle. Damn! When these boy?s open house they really lay out a great spread. No matter where you looked there was eye candy. Whether it was two wheeled or two legged, it was there.
The store is nicely laid out with lots of AIM bikes (40!) as well as offerings from Hell Bound Steel and American Performance Choppers. They have all the AIM apparel you could ask for from T-shirts to leather and hats. For the Grand Opening San Diego Iron Horse is giving 20% off on all parts and $1000 off any bikes. But that only lasts until June 30 so get your ass down here!
The service department is large and ready to step in, if the need ever arises. I mean they do install upgrades. That is if you can find something to upgrade! The American Iron Horse bikes have it all. The standard engine is an S&S 111c.i. that comes with a 2 year factory warranty, and it has the Super Stock heads. Not enough big guy? How about a 117c.i. or 124c.i. motor? Ya, now you?re smiling. All come with various length factory warranty?s. The transmissions are 6 speed right side drive units and the bikes all have the fat rear tires. They use a jackshaft to align the belt. The rest of the bike? If it?s aluminum the name starts with Billet. Nuff said.
The bottom line, friendly knowledgeable people who want to help you get the bike you really want. This place is sure to be around for some time. But why wait? They?re open tomorrow.
The bikes range in price from the $20?s to the $30?s and can be financed for up to 9 years.
Don?t tell them I sent you. They don?t know who the fuck I am.
–Rebel
S&S PRESIDENT, BRETT SMITH, RECEIVES THE WISCONSIN ERNST & YOUNG ENTRPRENUER OF THE YEAR AWARD–MILWAUKEE, WI (June 16, 2005) S&S President, Brett Smith, was honored tonight being named winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the Consumer Manufacturing category for Wisconsin.
Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP announced today the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Wisconsin. All of the winners were selected by a panel of independent judges.
The recipients of Wisconsin’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year are:
Business & Consumer Services – Craig B. Adelman, Adelman Travel Group (Milwaukee)
Commercial Manufacturing & Distribution – Dr. Gary L. Kramer, Badger State Ethanol (Monroe)
Communication & Marketing Services – John Charleston & Lyle Orwig, Charleston/Orwig, Inc. (Hartland)
Consumer Manufacturing – Brett Smith, S & S Cycle, Inc. (Viola)
Consumer Products & Retail – Craig Culver & Lea Culver, Culver Franchising System, Inc. (Prairie du Sac)
Transportation – Randy Marten, Marten Transport, Ltd. (Mondovi)
Turnaround – Robert Arzbaecher, Acutant Corporation (Milwaukee)
“Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and determination necessary to achieve success,” said Jim Andreucci, Jr., Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director. “Ernst & Young is proud of its history recognizing and supporting these outstanding leaders and their companies.”
TWO NEW FRAMES AND ROLLERS FROM KC CREATIONS–Overland Park, Kansas- The Top Gun Chopper, by KC Creations, is a 6 up and 6 INCHES out frame with a 42? rake that will fit a 280-300 tire with a belt or 330 tire with a chain.
This chopper frame was recently unveiled along with their new 2-Lo Magnum frame. ?These frames will fit the biggest and most badass tires that you can find in the market today!? states Kim Suter, President of KC Creations/Big Inch Bikes. ?I believe that each one of these frames will be extremely successful because of their unique versatility and styling?, Suter concluded.
The 2-Lo Magnum frame is 0 up and 5 inches out with a 40? rake and will fit the same tires as the Top Gun Chopper frame. Both of these frames can also be fitted with the new 260/18 Metzler tire. The 2-Lo Magnum Softail frame and the Top Gun Chopper Softail frame retail for $2995 and the hardtail versions retail for $1995. You can also buy either of these frames as a complete roller which include the following parts and accessories: frame, swingarm, gas tank, fenders, wheels, front end, handlebars, seat and oil tank. Both of the softail versions retail for $10,500 and the hardtail versions retail for $9,500.
http://kc-creations.com/pages/bib_01.htmlKim Suter has become one of the nation?s premier custom bike builders and has been featured in every major motorcycle magazine. Big Inch Bikes Mfg, is the custom/production bike series from Kim Suter and KC Creations and produces a variety of models that cover the gamut of motorcycles. From a super long chopper to an old school springer, Kim Suter’s Big Inch Bikes can provide you with the look you crave.
For further information, please contact KC Creations at (913) 642-3279, (800) 821-9560, or via fax at (913) 652-6712. To see the complete product line from KC Creations/Big Inch Bikes, please go to www.kc-creations.com.
NEW BLACK AND CHROME HYDRAULIC CLUTCH KIT–
Reduce Clutch-Lever Effort on Touring and Softail Models
MILWAUKEE (June 15, 2005) ? Ease through traffic with the new Black and Chrome Hydraulic Clutch Kit (P/N 46448-05, $419.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, designed to reduce clutch-lever effort by up to 30 percent as it delivers a smooth clutch engagement. The kit complements the original-equipment hand controls and includes a black clutch master cylinder, polished clutch lever, chrome slave cylinder, and all necessary installation hardware. It fits 1999-2004 Touring models and 2000-later Softail models. Installation requires the separate purchase of the appropriate hydraulic clutch line.
WEST HOLLYWOOD ATTACKED BY SAFETY NAZIS–Now, not that many of youse guys ride thru West Hollywood (largely gay/lesbian demographic, not that there’s anything wrong with that)…..but I remember naggin’ ya’ll in one of my articles about that phrase they coined in New York, “Quality of Life” (as if there’s such a thing in big cities such as NYC, OR West Hollywood) and now you see the same crowd has brought the politically correct phrase out west to mess with California in the neighborhood where they maintain a second home. You’ll notice the actual “Quality of Life” phrase used in this article…
And I REALLY like this line; “Replacement of a legal stock muffler can cost as much as $1000” as if that’ll scare people. Good one!
Keep the Pipes, Rev Responsibly, Keep the Pipes.
~Splatt
I’ll post this in the news Thursday. I had a strange experience. I tore up Long Beach one night on a very my touring chopper. It was loud. The next week Long Beach announced a zero tolerance on Loud pipes. Then I was pulled over by a cop on Palos Verdes Point, north of Pedro, who said that I couldn’t ride through his town with a beanie helmet, although he rode a Softail in his off hours. I was trapped in Pedro. I can’t ride in Huntington Beach, and now I can’t ride in West Hollywood. The world is closing in on us bikers.
City of West Hollywood to Crack Down on Excessive Motorcycle Noise within City Limits; Legal and Illegal Motorcycle Muffler Noise Demonstrations at News Conference Today, 5 p.m.– The City of West Hollywood will hold a news conference to announce the implementation of its new zero tolerance policy on excessive motorcycle noise within the city limits Today, June 20, 2005 at 5 p.m. in front of West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The zero tolerance policy will be put in place to improve the quality of life for West Hollywood residents and visitors, many of whom have complained over the years about the bothersome motorcycle noise generated from motorcycle mufflers.
Although new motorcycles are equipped with legal mufflers whose noise limits are in compliance with the California Vehicle Code, some motorcycle owners replace the stock mufflers with illegal mufflers that are lighter, create more horse power and generate excessive noise. Demonstrations of legal versus illegal motorcycle noise will take place immediately following the press conference with motorcycles that are equipped with stock and non-stock mufflers. West Hollywood Sheriff’s deputies will aggressively cite any motorcycle riders who are not in compliance with the California Vehicle Code.
The first infraction will be a fix it ticket and any subsequent violations will be infractions. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station will maintain an updated data base of all motorcycle noise violators. Replacement of a legal stock muffler can cost as much as $1000.
NEW PR0-SERIES SUSPENSION KIT FOR BUELL XB MODELS–
Improve Balance and Feedback to Rider for Racing or Track Days
MILWAUKEE (June 15, 2005) ? The new Pro-Series Suspension Kit (P/N 48083-04Y, $76.95) from Buell Accessories is designed to enhance the handling performance of 2005 Buell XB models and provide better rider feedback than the stock suspension. Intended for use in racing applications or for riders fine-tuning a Buell XB for track-day riding, the kit includes a 12 percent stiffer rear spring and 6 percent stiffer fork springs.
The Pro-Series rear spring is a single-rate spring that compresses at a constant rate throughout its travel, unlike the progressive-rate stock spring that is rather soft on initial compression to provide a smoother ride on public roads. The Pro-Series spring will deliver a stiffer ride and is not recommend for carrying a passenger. The stiffer rate of the Pro-Series spring also provides a broader range of pre-load adjustment for heavier (over 200 pounds) riders.
The rates of the front and rear springs are more closely tuned than the stock springs to provide more consistent front-to-rear balance. The springs are designed by Showa, supplier of the stock suspension systems, and will work well with the existing adjustable dampers, which make this a more affordable performance upgrade.
For additional information on Buell Accessories, see your local Buell dealer or visit the Buell website at www.buell.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
Continued On Page 2
June 19, 2005
By Bandit | | General Posts
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to InjuredMotorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), andis sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, callus at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at <
NCOM NEWS BYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
POLICE URGED TO CRACK DOWN ON SPEEDERS A group of state traffic safetyofficials is calling upon police departments to cease and desist in allowing a”cushion” for speeders.
Authorities patrolling U.S. highways tend to give motorists a cushion of up to10 miles per hour above the speed limit before pulling them over, according to areport released June 13th by the Governors Highway Safety Association, and thispractice creates an unsafe comfort level at high speeds and is a potentialsafety hazard, they say.
The group found that 42 states allow drivers to regularly exceed the speed limitbefore they are stopped.
“This cushion truly exists across this country and in some cases is more than 10mph above posted limits,” said Jim Champagne, the association’s chairman.
“Law enforcement needs to be given the political will to enforce speed limitsand the public must get the message that speeding will not be tolerated,” saidChampagne, who also is executive director of the Louisiana Highway SafetyCommission.
The survey’s release coincided with the association’s forum on ways to addressspeeding, with the goal of making recommendations for states to consider.
“As a country, if we are going to reduce the carnage on our roadways, speedingmust be given the same level of attention that has been given to occupantprotection and impaired driving,” Champagne said.
Since 1994, 38 states have increased their speed limit, the report said.Congress in 1995 allowed states to raise limits above 55 mph in urban areas and65 mph on rural roads.
A study released in 1999 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimatedan increase in deaths on interstates and freeways of about 15 percent in the 24states that had raised their speed limit in late 1995 and 1996.
HOUSE APPROVES TOUGH NEW ANTI-GANG MEASURE The U.S. House of Representativesvoted May 11th to approve a bill that changes the definition of criminal streetgangs and imposes mandatory minimum sentences for gang-related crimes, andmaking them a federal offense with a schedule of penalties ranging from 10 to 30years, with a sentence of life in prison or capital punishment for a gang crimethat results in a death.
The Republican-backed bill, approved overwhelmingly 279-144, is one of severalaimed at establishing minimum penalties to replace mandatory sentencingguidelines struck down by the Supreme Court. H.R. 1279, the Gang Deterrence andCommunity Protection Act, was introduced by Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA) after aSupreme Court ruling in January allowed judges to deviate from the harshpenalties specified in federal sentencing guidelines.
Supporters say the “Gangbusters” bill was designed to give prosecutors and lawenforcement officials tools for dealing with gangs similar to those that theRacketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act gives them to combatorganized crime.
The legislation revises the legal definition of a “criminal street gang” from atleast five to at least three people who have committed at least two crimestogether, at least one of them a violent crime.
Minimum mandatory sentencing guidelines would impose death or life imprisonmentfor any crime resulting in death; at least 30 years in prison for kidnapping,aggravated sexual abuse or maiming; and at least 20 years for an assaultresulting in serious bodily injury. Convictions for other gang crime — definedas violent crimes and other felonies committed to further the activities of astreet gang — would result in a minimum prison term of at least 10 years. Gangmembers would be able to avoid the toughest sentences if they cooperate fullywith prosecutors.
President Bush endorsed the bill shortly before the vote, with a White Housestatement declaring that increasing the penalties for illegal gang activity will”deter violence and encourage cooperation from gang members.”
The bill’s prospects in the Senate are uncertain. Senators Dianne Feinstein(D-CA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced an anti-gang bill that, unlikeForbes’ bill, contains funding for crime prevention programs and does notinclude mandatory minimum sentence provisions.
In an urgent message to the Confederations of Clubs from the National Coalitionof Motorcyclists, NCOM Founder Richard Lester states in part: “HR. 1279 wasintroduced on March 14, 2005 by Representative Randy J. Forbes: We all have toget our letters in to the Senate to get this bill stopped quickly, as it is onthe fast track and has passed further through Congress than any other Gang Bill.As American Citizens we must all stand together and let the government hear ourvoices, as we are the voices for this country and we have that right to beheard. We are NOT ‘Gangs’; we are men and women from all walks of life who enjoythe freedom of riding our bikes and the company of other fellow riders — andthey are trying to take that away from us! What is this country coming to, thatthey can tell us we can’t ride in a group of three or more or if we do we are aGang, or they will decide who you can associate with? What happened to FREEDOMof CHOICE?”
HOUSE CONSIDERS BILL TO END HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION H.R. 2793, “The HIPAARecreational Injury Technical Correction Act”, which would prohibit health-careproviders from denying insurance coverage to those who are injured whileparticipating in legal transportation and recreational activities such asmotorcycling, ATV riding, snowmobiling, or horseback riding, was introduced inthe U.S. House of Representatives on June 8th by U.S. Representatives MichaelBurgess (R-TX) and Ted Strickland (D-OH).
The bipartisan bill is similar to a Senate measure, S. 577, “The HIPAARecreational Injury Technical Correction Act”, introduced earlier this year byU.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) to close a loopholethat has allowed insurance companies to discriminate against motorcyclists andothers involved in so-called “risky activities” when it comes to paying forhealth care benefits. A nearly identical bill was approved by the Senate lastsession, but failed to clear the House.
CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY RECOGNIZES BIKERS POLITICAL CLOUT According to a recentCongressional Quarterly report, the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) is spearheading a campaign to encourage states to enactstronger seat belt laws, but its efforts are hampered for the state helmet lawdebate by a 1998 law that bars the federal agency from lobbying on the issue,the CQ report stated.
Congress has been pretty clear in directing the agency not to get involved, saidNHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson, and the CQ report said few in Congress appearinclined to loosen the leash on the NHTSA – “a tribute to the political musclethat motorcyclists enjoy.”
National motorcycle political action committees are not big contributors tofederal candidates and lobbying in comparison to other groups. Their success isattributed to work at the grass-roots level, where they have framed the helmetissue as a question of free choice rather than safety.
The battle continues with heated debate in many states, and it has becomeapparent Congress no longer wants to be involved even though it was instrumentalin starting the controversy.
The federal role in helmet use started in 1967 when the government beganrequiring states to enact helmet laws to qualify for some safety and highwaybuilding funds. By 1975, all but three states mandated motorcycle helmets.
A backlash began almost immediately and the federal helmet law was repealed,followed by numerous states repealing or amending their helmet laws. A secondfederal helmet law was enacted by Congress in 1991, only to be repealed fourshort years later.
Arguments that wearing helmets should be a matter of individual choice prevailedin those decisions and also in a number of state fights over mandatory helmetlaws where requirements were dropped, or modified. Today, 30 states allow adultfreedom of choice regarding helmet wearing.
The United States Senate on May 11 defeated an amendment that would have givenstates incentives to mandate helmet use.
FLORIDA BIKERS ENJOY POLITICAL SUCCESS ABATE of Florida, Inc. reports that fourof the bills that they supported have been passed and signed by Governor JebBush. Included in those bills are a Right-of-Way violations measure thatenhances penalties against those who are convicted of a right-of-way violationthat results in the severe injury or death of another person.
Another ABATE-backed bill will result in stiffer penalties for those convictedof running a red light that causes an accident resulting in the injury or deathof another road user.
In addition, a law was passed to modify the state’s current handlebar heightlimit to allow them to be shoulder height when the rider is seated on the bike.Previously, handlebars could be no more than 15 inches from the seat, causingmany stock motorcycles to be illegal.
But the coup de gras for Florida riders was a state budgetary item that earmarks$500,000 for motorcycle safety to be administered by ABATE of Florida, Inc.
“This money will allow us to protect our people,” said James “Doc” Reichenbach,State President of ABATE of Florida, Inc., and Chairman of the Board of theNational Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). ABATE has already begun putting upmotorcycle safety billboards.
This is the first time that a state motorcyclists’ rights organization hassucceeded in getting safety funding approved through the state budget.
“We want other states to know what we did, so that they can do it in theirstates,” said Doc.
MASSACHUSETTS BILL WOULD ALLOW MOTORCYCLISTS TO RIDE ON SHOULDER House No.2017, a bill which would allow motorcyclist the use of the breakdown and accesslanes on highways during backed up traffic, has been introduced in Massachusettsto allow traffic relief for motorcyclists and to avoid overheating in heavy traffic.
The “Motorcyclists Seasonal Traffic Congestion Relief Act”, sponsored by theMassachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA), would allow motorcyclists onMassachusetts roads with two or more travel lanes in the same direction, whentraffic is traveling at 10 mph or less, to use the breakdown and access lanes,at speeds NO GREATER THAN 20 mph, yielding to emergency and disabled vehicles,to help relieve traffic congestion and prevent motorcycles from over-heating andbecoming disabled themselves.
In other action, House Bill 1983, submitted at the request of the MMA, wouldprohibit any municipality or the state from banning motorcycles on any public road.
MOTORCYCLES REV UP TO TOP 1 MILLION IN SALES According to a USA Today report,new motorcycle sales last year jumped to their highest level since 1979. Pushed by an increase in female riders and the broadening appeal of motorscooters and other small, less-expensive two-wheelers, sales rose 4.7 percent totop 1 million for the second-consecutive year, according to the MotorcycleIndustry Council.
Top brands in 2003, according to the MIC’s latest available market-share data:
*Honda, with 27.4 percent of sales;
*Harley-Davidson, 23.7 percent;
*Yamaha, 17.4 percent;
*Suzuki, 10.8 percent;
*Kawasaki, 8.7 percent.
The average age of motorcyclists rose to 41 in 2003, the latest available data,from 32 in 1990. Most were married. A third are college graduates, nearly doublethe 1990 number. Baby boomers still “drive the motorcycle market,” whilescooters such as Vespa and Aprilia are popular on campuses and in some urbanareas — accounting for 5 percent of motorcycle sales last year, climbing from3.8 percent in 2003.
WEIRD NEWS: GAS INSURANCE Or maybe it’s a great idea! Car drivers in Germanycan now insure themselves against rising gas prices. For ? 13.80 ($25.50) peryear, an insurance company now offers a policy against gas prices rising by morethan 15 percent. If the price for the chosen type of gas does go up more thanthat, the company will cover the difference in cost. It will pay the pricedifference for up to 2000 litres (520 gal.), writes Bild newspaper. Or maybethey should just buy motorcycles?
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must beachieved.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, (1882-1945) the thirty-second President of the United States
June 16, 2005 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey, It’s news day and I’m fried. I don’t know what’s come over me. I’m sortastressed and I need to knock it off and just relax. If all goes well thisweekend the Sturgis Chop will be 90 percent complete. By next weekend thebike will be 98 percent complete. This weekend the carb will be mounted, allthe exhaust in place, the oil lines run, gas line run. Next week I’ll orderthe Rev Tech hydraulic brake lines, clutch and throttle cables.
I’ll even wire the sucker although I’ve changed my thoughts severaltimes. I’m just waiting for Compu-Fire and BDL to get together on theirengine starter driveline configuration. It’s the hottest thing on the marketand needs to go with me to Sturgis. No more starter above the trans. That’swhere I?m running my coils.
Sturgis Plans are coming together. We’re staying with Eric Herrmann inDeadwood. We just found out that a non-bike national mag is covering ourride and we may have a film crew along.
Just getting all this action off my chest is helping me relax some. Let’sget to the news. By the end I’ll have more to report:
DISCOVERY KILLS BUILD-OFF AND PROCEEDS WITH OCC UNTIL OCTOBER OFDiscovery Kills Build-Off And Proceeds With OCC–Hopefully you canread this newspaper clipping.
Damn and they are keeping the Bozo?s from Orange County.That just goes to prove that the people running these TV shows do Not KnowAnything About Motorcycles and The Lifestyle.The Dysfunctional Comedy is still being aired and making people think thatis what Bikers Are Like.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com>
BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Well, some of you might have missed my news every week, some might not, anyway, here we go…….I just finished shipping and building the Horse Chop Off bike. We had a 3 day event here some weeks ago, Roland Sands and Hank Young came over to share the fun. So that’s over a week I spent tourist-ing around. The old saying, you want to play you got to pay, could not be truer. That week, made me work triple to get the chop Off bike done, plus the ones that we took to the event, plus the ones that are coming to the States with us. Every single day, 7 days a week, getting home at 5:30 am and returning to the shop before 11:00 am (and that’s doing all the normal shit you do at home), plus shipping everything, and now we got a 3 day event starting tomorrow, fly out to the Smoke Out, get in Monday and fly out to Hawaii Tuesday (NOT to the Choppers Only Show). In no way I’m bitchin’ about it, I’m just stating that I have been a bit busy, and why? I guess if Discovery calls right now I would have to say I refuse, If I want to stay alive…..
I am not posting any photos of the Chop Off bike ’till it gets showed in NC. It?s a cool compact, simple bike, and I like it. We are also taking a couple bikes that some have seen before, some that are freshly made, can’t complaint though, there’s a half dozen frames on the way, and 4 on paint, plus some CFL’s on the jig, if it keeps like this we’ve done like 25 bikes for the year. I also sold my black chopper, plus I am putting something together to leave in the States.
More so, we are working on the Rincon event. I have a new set of partners and I am taking over the event, so it’s a go for now. Speaking of such, there was a cool article at ER on Rincon and the Purple Bobber that I built for the Journey Museum, it will be featured in the next issue.
Since there’s not enough on my plate, we are also working on a Video that will be sold later on. It?s babes, bobbers/choppers and chaos in the Caribbean. The scenery in PR is very cool and we are taking advantage of it, plus the thing we can get away with, it’s freaky….Smoke, fingers, chicks and a lot of very fast foolery….
Anyway guys, this is the first night I’m getting a few good hours of sleep, so I will post later on, next week we will be in NC, but I will try to get my life back to normal, like it has ever been…..
Jose ? Caribbean Custom Cycles
NEW FROM AEROMACH–Ballnose Style Cruisin’ Pegs for Harley Davidson
Finally, a highway peg system that does not have to mount to the engine guards. If you are a rider whose legs are too short or too long to use a crash bar mounted highway peg, then we have your answer.
The Cruisin Pegs are CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, chrome plated and designed to mount to the underside of the OEM floorboards. Works with or without the factory crash bar! Stainless steel hardware, a reinforcing plate and pictorial instructions are included.
Models they fit: Softail FatBoy FLSTF, FLSTFI, Deluxe Softail, Springer Softail, Heritage Softail Classic, Road King FLHRS/FLHRI, Road King Classic FLHRCI, Road Glide FLTRI, Electra Glide Standard FLHT/FLHTI and the Electra Glide Classic FLHTC/FLHTCI. They will also fit Indians with factory floorboards.
Aeromach Mfg Inc. 800 990-9392 http://www.aeromachmfg.com
NIAGARA MOTORCYCLE RALLY–July 7-10, 2005,Summit Park Mall in Wheatfield/Niagara Falls, NYhttp://www.niagaramotorcyclerally.com
This exciting four-day event features national bike builders includingtheIndian Larry Legacy, Dave Perewitz, SIC Choppers and more. Don’t miss theworld-famous Broken Spoke Saloon with great entertainment including JimmyVan Zant and Joe Santana. Add over 100 vendors and this is a rally youshouldn’t miss!
–Caroline Duehmig
OFFICERS CONDUCT MOTORCYCLE GANG SWEEP– SEATTLE (AP) ? Police and federal agents began rounding up members of theBandidos biker gang across the Northwest today, after a grand jury returneda 19-count indictment accusing them of crimes ranging from racketeering andwitness tampering to dealing drugs and stolen Harley- Davidson motorcycles.
At least a dozen had been arrested by this afternoon, including theorganization?s international president. About 300 investigators working thecase in Washington, Montana and South Dakota had arrest warrants for 20 moremembers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said in a news release.They also served 21 search warrants, including one at a Harley-Davidsondealership in Bellingham.
The investigation centered on that city in Whatcom County, which is inthe northwestern corner of Washington along the Canadian border. TheBandidos have operated there for two decades, officials said.
?The international leadership of the Bandido organization has beenoperating in Whatcom County with perceived impunity for many years,? SheriffBill Elfo said. ?Hopefully this case will serve to dismantle the Bandidomotorcycle organization in our area and will have a significant impact uponmethamphetamine distribution, thefts, burglaries, crimes of violence andother nefarious activities that plague our community.?
LEE CHAPIN MOVES UP AT MIKUNI–LEE CHAPIN has been appointed Vice President of the Aftermarket BusinessDivision for Mikuni American Corporation.His former position within the company was Assistant Vice President ofMarketing and Sales for the Aftermarket Carburetor Division. Chapin’s newsituation involves overseeing all aspects of the aftermarket carburetor andcomponent business.
MIKUNI AMERICAN CORP
Northridge, California, USA
Tel: 818 885 1242
Fax: 818 993 7388
E-mail: lchapin@mikuni.com
www.mikuni.com
Accurate ENGINEERING INTRODUCES THEIR IMPROVED PANHEAD ROCKER ARMBEARING BLOCKS– The best just got better! Improved oiling and 50% moreload carrying surface. The new bearing blocks are still made with Mil-Spec7075 Aluminum, exacting tolerances and feature the same tried and true 360?oiling.
These are the only bearing blocks you should be running in yourbeloved Panhead. Combine these bearing blocks with Accurate Engineeringroller rockers and you have the winning combination.
(334)702-1993
www.accurate-engineering.com
BIKERNET.COM AND LUCKY DEVIL METAL WORKS ARE PLEASED TO INVITE YOU TOTHE TEXAS NATIONAL BIKE SHOW– This year the show will be held at TheGalveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis on Seawall Blvd duringThe Lone Star Rally
We are so excited about the show this year, those of you thatparticipated in 2004 and also those of you that stood out in the rain to seethe awesome bikes will remember the fabulous rainstorm that Mother Natureput on. Even though there was ankle deep water everywhere we still hadalmost 50 bikes! So this year we are going to make sure we have a ?high anddry? show. We have secured the Galveston Island Convention Center, and areextending the show to a two-day-affair. We are expecting anywhere from 150to 200 bikes and numerous vendors. We will also be providing quite a bit ofmedia coverage both local and national.
O.K. let?s talk about our judges, we have a who?s who of judges,Keith ?Bandit? Ball (Bikernet Magazine) Rick Fairless (Strokers Dallas) andTim ?Joe T? Moore of Joe T?s Customs, will be officiating, and that?s awhole lot of knowledge and experience right there. Speaking of RickFairless, Mister Strokers Dallas himself will be our feature builder at theshow. He will be bringing along his big trailer, his merchandise, and hisautograph hand for any and all fans! The Devil himself Kent Weeks of LuckyDevil Metal Works will be bringing his own brand of mischief to the show.Along with his band of evil minions you can see some of Lucky devil?s coolcustoms, you may have seen them in recent issues of Hot Bike and Easyriders.You can procure you very own ?Devil Tee? while you are at the show, and seesome stellar LDMW products. Bandit will bring along a box of books to signfor lucky spectators. And he haul out some Bikernet give-away items. Alsowatch for Branscomb Richmond?s new line of bikes.
See You at the Show,
Holly Weeks
Show Coordinator
281-477-3738
MAYBE YOU KNOW OR DON’T KNOW!–
1. Money isn’t made out of paper, it’s made out of cotton.
2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
3. The dot over the letter is called a “tittle.” 4. A raisin dropped ina glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously fromthe bottom of the glass to the top.
5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller.
6. 40% of McDonald’s profits come from the sales ofHappy Meals.
7. 315 entries in Webster’s 1996 Dictionary weremisspelled
8. The ‘spot’ on 7UP comes from its inventor, who hadred eyes. He was albino.
9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents,daily.
10. Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
11. Chocolate affects a dog’s heart and nervous system; a fewounces will kill a small sized dog.
12. Orcas (killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into theshark’s stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.
13. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).
14. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn’twear pants.
15. Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.
16. Upper and lower case letters are named ‘upper’ and ‘lower’because in the time when all original print had to be set in individualletters, the ‘upper case’ letters were stored in the case on top ofthe case that stored the smaller, ‘lower case’ letters.
17. Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with theother at the same time … hence, multitasking was invented.
18. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.
19. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.
20. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan; there wasnever a recorded Wendy before!
21. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange,purple, and silver!
22. Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa’s lips.
23. A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it instantly gomad and sting itself to death.
24. The mask used by Michael Myers in the original “Halloween” was a Captain Kirk mask painted white.
25. If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, youhave $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins withoutbeing able to make change for a dollar.
26. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can’tsink in quicksand.
27. The phrase “rule of thumb” is derived from an old English law,which stated that you couldn’t beat your wife with anything widerthan your thumb.
28. The first product Motorola started to develop was a recordplayer for automobiles. At that time, the most known player on themarket was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
29. Celery has negative calories! It takes more calories to eat apiece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. It’s thesame with apples!
30. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!
31. The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.
32. Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the bookmost often stolen from Public Libraries.
33. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go intospace because passing wind in a space suit damages it.
–from Bob T.
WANT TO BECOME A BETTER RIDER?– Learn from the Motocross Master. Gary Semics has been racing motocross for over 30 years and has beentraining riders through his motocross schools and Technique Videos foralmost 20 years. A pioneer of the sport, Semics won many pro races and aSupercross Championship while racing for factory teams through the 70s andearly 80s but it’s what he’s done since retiring from the pro circuit that’sbecome his legacy.
In 1985 Gary developed the Gary Semics Motocross School. Since then he’sused his experience and unique training style to make good riders great. Theschool’s client list reads like a Who’s Who of professional motocross, withstars like Jeremy McGrath, Kevin Windham, John Dowd and Ezra Lusk, to name afew. Working with Gary has helped them make improvements that have led totop finishes, all out victories and national championships.
In the last 20 years motocross racing has built a massive following thatcontinues to swell and this entire time Gary has been operating his schools.Amateur riders flood hundreds of events each year and professional riders,especially those trained by Gary, are reaching international “rock star”status. In 2003 alone, the American Motorcyclist Association boasted morethan 500,000 entries in motocross races that it sanctioned. That number wasnearly five times more than the entries in 1990.
People are starting to realize that you can have a real future in thissport. Parents that see some talent in their kids can help steer them towardprofitable futures with the right training. It’s a competitive world in promotocross racing and motocross experts know that to have a real future inthis sport only those that put in the time developing their skills make thebig money.
Gary Semics’ schools offer the motocross racer the chance to make a realliving by building on raw skill and preparing young riders for the physicaland mental demands of the race track. Concentrating on the fundamentals,physical conditioning and mental toughness, Semics’ instructional techniquescan make a difference in the high pressure situations racers find themselvesin on the track.
So what exactly is pro material, and what should parents be looking forto tell if their kid has the makings of a professional racer? “The first wayto judge whether a child has pro potential is if he or she can’t get enoughof it — they just absolutely love to be on the bike,” says Gary.
The Gary Semics Motocross School has separate classes available for ages11 and younger and 12 years and older. The earlier a rider starts learningthe correct fundamentals and techniques the better because bad habits aredifficult to break. If you or your young racer want to become a betterrider contact the Gary Semics Motocross School at 330-424-9295, or visittheir website at www.garysemics.com.
Continued On Page 2
June 16, 2005 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
Please look at the bike we built for our friend NBA Houston Rocket Bob Sura. He wanted it in a ?Vegas? theme. Let me know if you are interested in the bike for a possible feature. Boby also has some exotic cars that might fit in well with the theme.
Thanks a bunch, John
http://www.hmfengineering.com
HANDY CAP PLUG SEAL KITS FOR SHOP AND HOME–Talk about a handy ?must have? item for shops and home builders alike, check this out.
What you are looking at is a unique CAP PLUG SEAL KIT now being offered by James Gaskets. This kit puts a complete selection of air vent/feed line cap-plugs and MAP sensor intake seals at your finger tips. Each kit contains a total of 40 pieces. You?ll find 30 cap-plugs made up of 10 each in 3 sizes and 10 MAP sensor intake manifold seals. All of the caps are made of a durable black polyacrylic material and the seals are a reddish orange silicone. Both the caps and plugs conform perfectly to the appropriate size spigot, vent or threaded fixture producing an air tight seal that is impervious to fuel and the elements. Each kit comes as shown and retails for just $19.19.
CAP PLUG SEAL KITS are available from James Gaskets and their dealers worldwide. For a dealer near you call James direct at 775-246-2220 or visit them on the Web at
MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONSPIRACY–I was surprised to read in the 6-12-05 Sunday post, Marijuana! Supreme Court Just Says No Now how can you relieve pain?, that it was a liberal conspiracy to end medical marijuana! Here all these years I had been under the illusion that it was the bible thumping, moral majority, flag waving, freedom fries eating, god fearing religious fanatics who were opposed to ANY use of weed even when it offered relief from the pain and sickness of cancer and cancer treatments.
Good thing we have a conservative Congress ready to step in and right the situation! …Whoops! … looks like I’m wrong again since that same conservative Congress, given the opportunity to right this wrong, decided to reinforce the ban on medical weed by voting against blocking the Justice Department from prosecuting people in the 10 states where the practice is legal.
Just thought your readers should know the facts when it comes to their personal freedoms and then decide for themselves who’s really on the little guy’s side. An article showing who’s doing what on this issue is attached below.
Livin’ Life Full Throttle,
–2Dawgz
BIKERNET POLICE TIPS– George Phillips of Meridian Mississippi was going up tobed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on inthe garden shed, which she could see from the bedroomwindow. George opened the back door to go turn offthe light but saw that there were people in the shedstealing things. He phoned the police, who asked “Areany of those people in your house” and he said no.
Thenthey said that all patrols were busy, and that he shouldsimply stay in his house, lock his doors and an officerwould be along when available.
George said, “Okay,”hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.
“Hello I just called you few seconds ago Because therewere people in my shed. Well, you don’t have to worryabout them now cause I’ve just shot them all”. Then hehung up.
Within five minutes three police cars, an ArmedResponse unit, and an ambulance showed up at thePhillips residence. Of course,! the police caught theburglars red-handed.
One of the Policemen said toGeorge: “I thought you said that you’d shot them!”
George said, “I thought you said there was nobodyavailable!”
–from Chris T.
THIS WEEKENDAT WILD FIRE’S SUMMERKICK-OFF PARTY & BBQDADS GET A FREE CHANCETO WIN A HARLEY!–
Dads…when you’re here this Father’s Day Weekend for our SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY & BBQ don’t forget about your FREE chance to WIN A HARLEY! We will be giving away 2 Heritage Softails this weekend. Don’t miss your chance to WIN!
– SAVINGS 20% – 50%
– LIVE MUSIC
– FREE FOOD & DRINKS
– FREE GIFT TO THE FIRST 50 DADS
– MIKEY TRIKEY SEWING
– TATTOOS & OTHER VENDORS
LA CARRERA PAN AMERICAN RACE WITH A STINKIN? ?54 LINCOLN–Yeah I signed on to run in the junior class of this famous race, as co-pilot, with Dr. Hamster. We?re running 2,500 miles from the bottom of Mexico in Oaxaco, to Texas in a mad dash to get out of the country.
Here?s a couple of shots of the car. This particular car ran the race in 1999. This model won the race two years running in the mid ?50s. We?re looking for a sponsor or two to have their emblems emblazoned on the big sheet metal panels. Kellog cereal, Mercedes and major corporate sponsors are all over these cars like Nascar players. Some race efforts eat over a million bucks on this annual competition.
We?re looking for $8,900 in sponsorship funds to keep up with the big dogs. Let us know if you want your company logo running with the big dogs all over Mexico. Sure, it?s crazy for a couple of bikers to enter this race, but what the hell. Ya only live once.
–Bandit
TIPS FOR WOODBE WRITERS– Well, I took your advice and bought Stephen King’s book, On Writing. This book is hilarious and I am learning with every page the truth in your statement to me, “you have the mind of a writer”. I am afraid you have now created a monster as I am motivated to begin a career in writing that will surpass anything I had ever dreamed of before.
All my life I have walked around envisioning myself as a more heroic and distinguished figure. Through writing I can finally become all the things I was never quite able to achieve in life. Starting as a young boy failing miserably at football and baseball, to getting my nose broken during an amateur boxing match I had invited my whole family to during one of my bragging concerts about being the next middleweight champ.
Like in King’s book, I had doubters who told me after reading one of my articles,”You sound like an idiot.”
I am deeply thankful to you, of all people, for opening up a new world full of endless possibilities to a young man who was condemned to work 40 hours a week and struggle to pay bills just like the rest of the dreary public. Although I will hopefully always write for the magazines, I now am absorbing every piece of information I can about books. I have many stories like the My First Harley series that are waiting to be released to paper.
I truly just thought it was just my simple need to feel grander than I was that kept fueling my foolish dreams till I eventually “grew up”, or my till my dreams eventually died. I promise to always keep you informed of what I am doing and hope to be able to send you stuff along the way so I can get an honest opinion about it’s quality, and also it’s believability.
You have no idea how blue the sky looks, or how green the grass appears to be right in front of me. I don’t even want to ride right now, as I truly want to create. Ah, that last part is bullshit. I’m going for a ride right after I send this. Who’d ever thought that Stephen King would inspire a thug like me to do anything?
–Johnny
TBEAR REPORTS FROM FINLAND–Hot off the camera from Finland.You guys get it first. A home built 1959 Russian 750cc Ural radical Chopper. I’m attaching the feature I just completed and the tech sheet as a windows word doc. as well as 2 contact sheets. If the windows word doc is a problem, let me know.
Please let me know the photos you’d like from the dsc-numbers below the photo on the contact sheet and I’ll re-size them and email them to you.
–tbear
We?ll hook up the feature next week. The word file should be find and I?ll send you a list of chosen images. Lookin? wild.
MADE IN STURGIS-CUSTOM CHROME SWEEPS–THE CUSTOM CHROME sweepstake – Made in Sturgis – is open during the month of June for on-line entry only.Participation is simple, not even requiring a purchase for eligibility.
The entrant is required to make a choice from one of three Custom Chrome bike kits – Venom Pro Street, Pimp Daddy and Hardcore II.The competition then involves writing of their plans for completing the build of the bike.
This should include any custom features to be incorporated as well as the all-important choice of paint.
Custom Chrome will select three winners (one for each model) to fly to Sturgis and actually build the bike they have envisaged.
The lucky winners will spend ten days (August 4-14) as guests of Custom Chrome who will provide airline travel and accommodation.
During this period they will be provided with everything needed to complete the build, working out of Custom Chrome’s truck, which will be located at J&P’s lot on Lazelle Street.
They will have ten days to complete the bike, with help, if necessary, from Custom Chrome’s expert mechanics.
The finished bike becomes the property of the winner, who can ride it home if he or she so wishes.
Full details are to be found only on the web site
CUSTOM CHROME
Morgan Hill, California, USA
http://www.madeinsturgis.com
THUNDER MOUNTAIN MEETS AGENT ZEBRA–Agent Zebra wrote severalfeatures on this Thunder Mountain Custom for HOT BIKE magazine. He?s alreadyclocked several thousands of miles and plans to ride it to Sturgis with theBikernet Sturgis Crazy Horse Charity Ride.
Currently the bike is in Loveland, Colorado having the big inch Screamin?Eagle performance driveline tweaked some more. Thunder Mountain is the onlycustom bike manufacturer that uses exclusively H-D drivelines. They are alsoa dealer. Watch for the upgrade in the new Bike Works Magazine due to hitthe stands in August.
The new editor of Bike Works is a veteran at the game of magazineediting, Frank Kaisler. He was once the editor of Easyriders, then Hot RodBikes. Now he?s back to make that American Tech mag sing. Watch for it.
TEXAS CONFEDERATION OF CLUBSSample Letter On The Patriot Act Courtesy OfC/O National Coalition of MotorcyclistsAid to Injured Motorcyclists–Please Copy The Below Sample Letter And Send It To Your U.S. Senator
U.S. Senator:_____________District#________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Date:
The Patriot Act was signed into law on October 26, 2001, by the BushAdministration, which would make fundamental changes to Americans legalrights.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION (Attorney & Client)
FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCH (Search & Seize without probablecause)
RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL (Indefinitely)
RIGHT TOLIBERTY (Without being charged and unable to confront witnesses)
We are concerned not only that the government is using its new powers butalso it is refusing to provide unclassified information on how it is usingthem under the Freedom of Information Act, such as who is being detained,and whether the powers have been or are being abused. I,________________________ as an American Citizen, I am in opposition of thePatriot Act, a reply with your opposition on this matter would be greatlyappreciated. Sincerely, I _______________________________, am an AmericanCitizen,
I am in opposition of the Patriot Act.A reply with your opposition on this matter would be greatly appreciated.Sincerely, _______________________________.
(Place Your Return Mail and E-Mail Address Here)
LUCKY DEVIL METAL WORKS REPORT–Check out the front pulley cover we made for Lucky Devil 001. Hey, also check out the new web services page when you can, we are stillfine tuning it and adding pop up pages but let me know what you think.
Take care, Kent
http://dev.luckydevilcustomcycles.com
KIDS & CHROME BENEFIT SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM BUILDS MOMENTUM–May 2005– Momentum continues to build for the inaugural Kids & Chromebenefit, scheduled for Wednesday, 10 August, 2005 at the Black HillsConvention Center in Spearfish, South Dakota. Supported by the motorcycleworld?s ?who?s who,? industry leaders continue to sign on to ensure thesuccess of this incredibly exciting event through cash contributions andauction item donations.
This will be an elegant evening, starting with cocktails and horsd?oeuvres served by roving waiters from 5:30 to 7:30, followed by afour-star dinner. Then the real fun begins!
Emcee Ted Sands of Performance Machine will announce the winners of twomotorcycle raffles and preside over a short, live auction of exceptionaldonated items. You will have the opportunity to bid on everything fromexciting vacation packages and high-end state-of-the-art motorcyclecomponents to two authenticated guitars, one signed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.,Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn, and a second signed by the timeless andhighly acclaimed Doobie Brothers.
In addition, Dave Nichols of V-Twin Magazine will announce the winner ofthe new Teresi V-Twin Prize. This prize recognizes an individual or companythat has developed an outstanding product, service, design or inventionintroduced at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati or Daytona Bike Week during thecurrent year. The honoree will receive a plaque and $100,000.00 worth ofadvertising in Paisano Publications magazines over the next one-year periodto promote their product.
People hoping to participate but unable to attend the gala dinner canlend their support by purchasing raffle tickets for two incrediblemotorcycles. The first is a custom from Jesse Jurrens of Independent Cycle inRapid City, SD, valued at $70,000.00.A maximum of 1,000 tickets will be soldfor $100.00 each, or six for $500.00.The second is a custom from Todd andShelly Erdman of Thunder Mountain Customs in Fort Collins, CO, valued at$40,000.00.Ticket donations for this bike are $10.00 each or $50.00 for six.Look for raffle tickets now being advertised in several major motorcyclepublications and available on the Kids & Chrome web sitehttp://www.kidsandchrome.org.
Event banquet tickets are being sold by invitation only. The number ofguests is limited to 400, so make your interest known right away by calling605.782.2331 or visiting the web site.
If you haven?t signed on yet and would like to make a donation to theauctions, there is still time. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase yourproduct and in doing so, you?ll also benefit two worthy non-profit 501 (c) 3organizations: Children?s Care Rehab & Development Center in Rapid City andthe Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Contact Bob Illingworth, ?Kids& Chrome? Director of Fund Raising, to get involved 605-490-2628,lobbymc@yahoo.com.
CHARITY RIDE TO STURIS PULLS NATIONAL COVERAGE–We got some good news today…we have been asked by Cowboy?s and Indian?smagazine to supply them with an editorial photo and editorial spread fortheir celebrity corner covering all the activities of the Charity Ride tothe Crazy Horse Monument. This will be featured in their December issue ofthe magazine and I will have to produce the editorial piece for them by midAugust. They want pictures of the ride, at the monument and relatedmaterials with Branscombe.
This should extend the reach of the charity ride program one morechannel. They were excited to hear about the activities that we areinvolved in at Sturgis, and felt that the inclusion of the charity ride intheir publication will have a resonance with their readership.
As you may or may not know this is a six time per year publication thathas extensive reach into both the lifestyle and horse crowds. They havevery high demographics, and a strong and loyal readership.
So, we got some extended marketing beyond the event itself.
–Bob and BR
STEALTH REPORT FROM CHAROLETTE–The weather around here has been HOT! The riding season is heating up andit seems there is an event every weekend. It seems that things at STEALTHBIKE WORKS are starting to heat up a little too. This past week has been ourmost productive week so far.
The awards for the 7th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory Of Justin Pullin”are starting to come in. The awards get better every year. We still needhelp with the awards, give us a call at Stealth Bike Works if you can helpus out. Thanks in advance!
I have been around motorcycles for a long time and since I have openedStealth Bike Works, you see things in a different light. You appreciatebeing able to do what you love in a whole new way.You go at it all day and it seems the time really flies by and the days seemto be too short. I guess when you enjoy what you do, you don’t pay attentionto the clock. When things are a little slow, when I start to think aboutbills adding up, I try to stop and realize how lucky I am to be doing what Ido and I try to think about the up side to everything like being your ownboss, like having fun with what you do. You have to make some money but thatis not the whole picture.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that I amvery thankful for this opportunity and the chance I have to do what I loveto do. It is a wild ride, kind of like a roller coaster, but hey it is andadventure!
Like I said the weather is HOT and it is time to get out and ride. Thebike nights are packed at the local hang outs. It is the best time of year, soget out there! If you are in town next week for the Smoke-Out, look us up,we love to see you at Stealth Bike Works, 704-882-0889!
Until next week, RIDE!
–STEALTHMAN
LOOK OUT THE NEWS IS COMPLETE–Holy shit. Did you know that I collectnews from all over the world on a daily basis, then two of us attack itThursday morning like unfed mad dogs. Layla codes images that I throw at herand I read code and edit each piece. By the end of the day we are at eachothers? throats. Then it ends and the sun comes out, we chase each otheraround the bedroom, make drinks or we ride to Acapulcos for Margaritas.
We actually made reasonable time today, so I?m going to hit the shop, popopen a Corona and begin the process of slipping this Sturgis Chop backtogether.
Saturday, John Gilbert, feature editor Bike Works magazine is going toroll to the Bikernet Headquarters to assist, if I haven?t completed thecopper hard line treatment.
That?s it for now. My mind is fried. Wait, we?re working on the Girls ofBikernet web site. We now own The Girls of Bikernet, Girls of Bikernet andBikernet Girls. Com. Org. biz. What else is there? The Digital Gangster ishammering on the infrastructure, Sam Dixon is taking the shots and Livia isout there finding girls. Other photogs are after us already, but we?resticking with Sam?s images for the first couple of months. We need todetermine a budget for photo shoots and models. Until we can we?ll stickwith family shots.
I need to hit the iron pile or drink and relax. Whatta ya tink? Have ahelluva weekend.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
June 16, 2005 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
LA CALENDAR BIKE SHOW SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM–The complete Mapand current Exhibitors List is on our website athttp://www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM.We are very close to sold out now with some 160 Exhibitors and all the bignames are in place.Signups are still coming in at a rate of about 2-3 a day, so we willcertainly sell out next week and continue to match our previous growth rateof approximately 20% growth per year in Exhibitors and Spectators..
The Queen Mary has worked with us to extend the Exhibitors further intothe Catalina Ferry parking lot to accommodate the growth. Plus I have ourbeautiful spokes model Rockin’ Robin recording a radio ad campaign for us onKLOS that will run the 2 weeks leading into the Show to really knock thesocks off things.
The buzz, and the list of celebrities scheduled and unannounced to appearis amazing. From Branscome Richmond launching his new bike line, to moviestars Vince Vaugn and Leonardo DiCaprio being “in the house” to the worldpremier of the new Dreamcraft Cycles “Saga.”Great builders, good food, rocking music and the world’s most beautifulmodels……
Does it get better than this?
JG
P.S. FastDates.com Calendar Angel Joanna Krupais featured in July Playboy
BIKERNET RUN TO STURGIS– I’ll give you a brief rundown: Thecharity efforts are to support the Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills.We leave from Phoenix on Wednesday the 3rd of August and ride along warmtwisting highways, ducking interstates wherever possible to Durango,Colorado for the night. Then it’s up Thursday morn and down the terrificmountain roads into Aspen, Colorado for the night. Both these towns areknock-outs for terrific restaurants and nightlife. Friday morning we cut adusty trail north again into Cheyenne and we’re almost home. Saturday wemeander up killer roads into the Badlands and Deadwood, but we won’t stopuntil we reach the Full Throttle Saloon for our first party of the Rally.
Each day will cover 250-300 miles so we’ll roll into town in time to hangout by the pool, hit the gym, shop in town then have a killer meal.
Here?s the latest: Master Builder Harold Ponteralli, Barry Wardlow ofAccurate Engineering, Bandit, Rogue the writer, are riding alone. Guys areflying in from Hawaii and moto-journalists from Australia. On the final daywe?ll meet up with the Hamster Ride in Wyoming for lunch before the finalblast into the Badlands. Just today we found that a national non-motorcyclemag will be covering the ride and the celebrity ride to the Crazy HorseMonument during the rally with Branscomb Richmond. We may even have a filmcrew along for the Sturgis Run.
That’s it, you cover the hotels and your expenses, we make all thearrangements and you make a donation to Crazyhorse.
To get hooked up you need to contact Joerlene, our travel agent and line uphotels. She will have rooms booked from Phoenix to Cheyenne and if you’renot hooked up in Sturgis, she’ll try to help. Her contact info is:
–joerline
(808) 638-8550
fax 808- 638-0171
email – carefreetours@hawaii.rr.com
INVESTORS SUE HARLEY-DAVIDSON–In a bit of bad news for execs at The Motor Company, several class action lawsuits have been filed against Harley-Davidson. Two of its officers are also alleging securities violations along with false and misleading accounting practices that caused inflation of Harley stocks.
The lawsuits claim that former Harley CEO Jeff Bleustein, his successor James Ziemer and the company used false accounting practices both to hide slowing motorcycle sales and to pump up the price of Harley’s red-hot stock. The lawsuits further claim that both Bleustein and Ziemer sold 740,000 shares of Harley common stock for approximately $45.9 million prior to announcing softening motorcycle sales in April. A sudden sell-off followed the announcement, leading to a 20% devaluation of Harley stock in two days on a volume of more than $50 million shares. At least five class action lawsuits have been filed since May 18 on behalf of investors who purchased stock between January 21, 2004 and April 14, 2005.
Harley denied the accusations in a prepared statement, “The company believes the allegations in the lawsuits are without merit, and it intends to vigorously defend against these actions.” As of press time, the U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, where the suits were filed, had not ruled on whether a class action was proper in this situation – stay tuned.
–from Rogue
NEW CHROMED, BORED AND BOOSTED CARBS FROM MC ADVANTAGES– MC Advantages is proud to announce the availability of a modified,Power-Boosted Chrome S&S Super G Carburetor. This chromed carb has threeavailable formations. The first is an unmodified, premium-quality,chrome-finished Super G. The second option is chromed and boosted for mildlymodified engines less than 100 cu. in. The final option is chromed, boredand boosted for 100 cu. in. and larger engines. Boosted S&S Super ECarburetors for smaller applications will be available soon.
The boosted carburetors feature a custom booster for improved throttleresponse and fuel economy. This Power Booster is available as a separate kitfrom MC Advantages. It can add new life and razor-sharp throttle response toany carb by more effectively atomizing the fuel mixture.
To dress up a carb even more, MC Advantages offers a Chrome Bowl Bolt Kitand Chrome Dress-Up Kit for stock S&S Super E & G Carbs. Bowl Bolt Kits haveall the necessary bolts with a premium chrome finish. Chrome Dress-Up Kitscontain the bolts, a chrome enrichment knob and a chrome linkage cover.
MC Advantages is a distributor of high-performance V-Twin parts based inGrimes, Iowa, serving dealers in the U.S. and abroad. MC Advantagesdistributes many brands including: S&S Cycle, Martin Bros., Spyke, Stampede,Prowler, D&M Custom Cycle, Progressive Suspension, K&N, TFI, RiveraEngineering/Primo, Edelbrock, Russell and Tauer Machine.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
http://www.MCAdvantages.com
S&S ANNOUNCES WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF RACE ENGINES & COMPONENTS– LA CROSSE , WI (June 14, 2005) S&S announces that G-Squared Motorsports is the exclusive distributor of Proven Performance S&S Racing engines, components, and assemblies for North America . Additionally, they are the exclusive distributor of the S&S NHRA Prostock engine and special application twin-cam style crankcases and engines worldwide.
The performance and reliability of the S&S 160″ Prostock Motorcycle engine has been instrumental to a very successful racing program this season for S&S in the United States , in part due to the expertise of G-Squared Motorsports. This success is carrying over to the international market and S&S, along with G-Squared, are taking the lead to support racing abroad.
With the advance of racing internationally, S&S Cycle has brought two of their major overseas distributors to the table with G-Squared Motorsports. These two distributors are East Coast Custom in Australia and Zodiac in the Netherlands. Customers in these market areas (Australia and Europe) are now able to purchase Proven Performance S&S racing components through these distributors with the help and support of G-Squared Motorsports and S&S Cycle.
G-Squared Motorsports, Inc. is owned by George Bryce and George Smith. They have been very successful working with new teams and expect to bring more teams on board with various S&S power plants before the season concludes. They provide turn-key solutions and valuable training opportunities for new riders, along with continued support at the track with the backing of S&S Cycle.
“G-Squared paved the way by demonstrating the potential of the S&S engine last year. We have worked with S&S to offer the package to racers and are giving our customers the necessary support at the track to win,” said George Smith of G-Squared Motorsports.
In the United States , S&S is actively involved with the sponsoring the AHDRA and the NHRA sanctions this season. S&S is the official sponsor of the AHDRA Pro Stock, Pro Gas, Super Sport, and S&S 124 Challenge classes and is also the largest contingency sponsor for the Prostock Motorcycle class in the NHRA. This contingency sponsorship is a very important because it allows S&S to stay connected with the individual racers/teams using the S&S power plant at the highest level of competition available. Riders who are signed up for this contingency sponsorship will be awarded if they pilot their S&S powered bikes to the finals or semi-finals.
“Our sponsorship program with the AHDRA is huge,” says S&S Race Relations Manager, Charlie Hadayia. “It’s very important for us to stay connected with a growing organization like the AHDRA and we’re excited to see the number of fans growing for these events. Additionally, providing the contingency sponsorship for the riders in the Prostock Motorcycle Class of the NHRA is integral to our relationships with competitors at all levels,” continued Hadayia. “We’re looking forward to new opportunities to get involved with racing in Europe and Australia very soon,” concluded Hadayia.
S&S has recently received TUV approval in Europe for their 96-inch and 124-inch S&S engines. This is part of a strategic plan to continue growing distribution in this market and plans to support racing are in the works. Having agreements with distributors in Australia (East Coast Custom) and Europe (Zodiac) is very important to the success of S&S racing products globally.
“It has been a great pleasure working with all of our global race parts distributors, particularly because they work so well together,” said S&S president, Brett Smith. “G-Squared, my dad’s company with George Bryce, has really promoted our NHRA Pro Stock engine with great success in a short period of time. Ton Pels from Zodiac-the ‘godfather’ of racing-is the European ‘go-to guy’ for racing support. And our business in Australia is exploding with EC Custom under the direction of Greg Shepherd and Neal Bolam. Those two are helping S&S put together some exciting things for racers ‘down-under’.”
“We are proud to announce we have been appointed exclusive distributors of Proven Performance S&S Racing and G-Squared Motorsports products for Australia ,” said Neal Bolam, Marketing & Racing Manager for East Coast Custom. “We have had a strong involvement with USA V-Twin motorcycle drag racing in Australia since 1984, with staff having raced everything from street to double engine top gas to nitro Harleys. Managing Director of EC Custom, Greg Shepherd, was the first Australian to run a seven second quarter mile in 1991 on his top fuel USA V-Twin,” continued Bolam. “EC Custom also conduct the S&S Pro Gas Series across Australia at Nostalgia Meetings, Drag Bike Riders Of Australia, and All-Bike Meets with great trophies and S&S product vouchers awarded to sportsman racers at every round and the final,” concluded Bolam.
‘Godfather’ Ton Pels of Zodiac had this to say, “The appointment as Europe’ s only S&S Racing and G-Squared Motorsports products distributor is a significant milestone for Zodiac International. Zodiac has always been very involved in the V-Twin High Performance and Drag-Racing scene in Europe . The Zodiac Drag Race team has been at the forefront of V-Twin Top Fuel every year since 1992. We hold 3 European titles (including the 2004 title) and in 1996 we were the first in Europe (and third in the world) to run over 200 MPH on a Harley. The back-up of S&S and G-Squared to our performance parts division will allow the racing and performance market to grow immeasurably in the future. My sales offices throughout Europe are excited to be part of the new product distribution,” concluded Pels.
For more information about G-Squared Motorsports visit www.g2motorsports.net . Visit S&S Cycle at http://www.sscycle.com .
For more information, please contact Charlie Hadayia at 608-627-0292 or at chadayia@sscycle.com .
BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY– In an effort to determine the top crime fighting agency in the country, the President narrowed the field to three finalists,the CIA, the FBI, and the NYC Police Dept. The three remaining contenders were given the task of catching a rabbit which was released into the forest.
The CIA went into the forest. They placed animal informants throughout.They questioned all plant and mineral witnesses.After three months of extensive investigation they concluded that rabbits do not exist.
The FBI went into the forest. After two weeks without a capture, they burned the forest killing everything in it, including the rabbit. They made no apologies.The rabbit deserved it.
The NYC PD went into the forest. They came out two hours later with a badly beaten bear. The bear was yelling ” Okay, Okay, I’m a rabbit, I’m a rabbit”.
–from Rogue
MOTORCYCLE IMPORTING INFO–I’ve just checked and no I can’t import it into the US as it’s a UK bike and doesn’t conform to the US legislation. The only way I can do it is to strip it and send it as spares without an engine and then send the engine at a later date. This means purchasing a wrecked Busa in the US and rebuilding it as a US bike!
Pain in the ass but I don’t really want to give up this bike. Any bikes over 25 years old are ok. In case you are ever asked this question again.
Ric
CHELSEA?S BIKE FROM GLIBY’S IS UP FOR A FEATURE– This is Chelsea from Gilby’s. Chase Deacon told me you might be able to help me out. I got a 98 wide glide we customized this past winter. We have been to a few shows this spring and have had great response. Arlen and Cory Ness saw it in Green Bay at the 1st Annual Midwest Cyclemania Show. Arlen said “I love the lines, I love the color.”
The bike is built by Todd Gilbertson, a.k.a. Gilby. Everything is done in shop. The tank and side panels are all hammer formed. Fenders, handlebars, floorboards, pretty much everything has been fabricated by Gilby. All paint and pinstriping is also done by Gilby. Just so you know this isn’t our first bike, and won?t be the last.
Please let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.
— Chelsea
HAWAII?S BIKER WEEKEND IS GROWING–The 3rd AnnualChoppers Only show SPONSORED BY BIKERNET.COM is moving ahead at warp speed!–
As the list of Guest Builders and Celebs grows, anticipation runs high in preparation for Hawaii’s Biggest, Baddest Biker event of the year.
Heading this years list is master builder Chica, Discovery Channel Biker Build off http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/bike/bike.html star andowner of Chica Custom Cycles http://www.chicacustomcycles.com/
Don’t be surprised if you run into this years overallBiker Build Off Champion Matt Hotch.Watch for him on the Discovery Channel http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/bike/bike.html or on the web at http://www.hotmatchcustomcycles.com
Florida’s custom wizard Eddie Trotta willbe on hand. Check his style at www.thundercycle.com
Returning this year, The legendary Keith ?Bandit? Ball of Bikernet.com
The folks at Reaper Choppers will be there to give away one of their popular Mini Choppers. Check em out atwww.reaperchoppers.com
Local custom paint master and owner of Cosmic Custom AirbrushDennis Mathewson will be on hand to provide custom pinstriping
BUT THERE?S MORE–Come join builders Johnny Chop, Hank Young, and Jose De Miguel for Hawaiian Chopper Magazine’s first anniversary celebration on 01 July 05 (7-10PM) at the Hard Rock Cafe.
$5.00 entry – First 100 people receive a complementary Budweiser Select beer from Hawaiian Chopper.
Plenty of motorcycle parking (cars parked by valet). Parking lot opens at 6PM.
Two bands (Paradise XS, and Starsky & Hutch), giveaways courtesy of South Seas H-D, Pacific Rim Cycle, West Coast Choppers, Hawaiian Chopper, Griffen Embroidery, Hawaiian Islands Choppers, Chopper Freak, Young Choppers, and more…
Help us celebrate the birthday for Hawaii’s chopper mag!For more info call 808-780-2998
FOURTH AMENDMENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE OVERVIEW– The right of the people to be secure in their persons, house, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Definition of Search: A search occurs when an expectation of privacy that society is prepared to consider reasonable is infringed upon by governmental action. United States v. Jacobsen, 466 U.S. 109, 112 (1984). A search implies an invasion into private or hidden areas, including the body. Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443 (1971).
Definition of Seizure: A person has been “seized” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment if, in view of all of the circumstances surrounding the incident, a reasonable person would have believed that he was not free to leave. United States v. Mendenhall, 446 U.S. 544, 554 (1980); Michigan v. Chesternut, 486 U.S. 567 (1988)(no seizure where police in marked patrol car drive along-side and follow pedestrian). The Fourth Amendment also protects property interests, even in situations where neither privacy nor liberty is at stake. Thus in Soldal v. Cook Co., 113 S. Ct. 538 (1992), the Court held that the police action of physically tearing a mobile home from its lot and towing it to another location constituted a “seizure” of the property within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment.
Definition of Probable Cause: Probable cause is the reasonable belief that a specific crime has been committed and that the defendant committed the crime. It does not require evidence of each element of the crime or evidence to the degree necessary to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Probable cause to issue a search warrant may be described as bits and pieces of information cobbled together until a picture is formed that leads a reasonable prudent person to believe a crime has been committed and to believe evidence of the crime may be found on a particular person or in a place or means of conveyance. State v. Grissom, 251 Kan. 851, 910, 840 P.2d 1142 (1992).
police who have made a valid custodial arrest to search incident to arrest. The principal requirements for a search incident to arrest are a valid custodial arrest based upon either an arrest warrant or valid probable cause, and a reasonably contemporaneous search.
–by Julie Weems
Continued On Page 4
June 16, 2005 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
S&S TO SPONSOR GOLD COAST BIKE WEEK AUSTRALIA–LA CROSSE, WI (June 9th , 2005) S&S Cycle is pleased to be an officialsponsor this year for the Gold Coast Bike Week in Australia.Representatives from S&S Cycle are planning to appear with East Coast Customat the rally, scheduled for August 30th – September 5th , 2005.
East Coast Custom, a major distributor for Proven Performance S&Sproducts, will have the biggest marquee at the event HQ and will beshowcasing the latest S&S products for race, street, and custom bikes fromWednesday till Sunday. Technical seminars will be presented at the ECC/S&Sdisplay between 11:00AM and 4:00PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
S&S president, Brett Smith, will lead two rides this year. The firstride will be on Wednesday, leaving at 1:00PM from Bike Week HQ at Carraraand traveling north to Willowbank Raceway for the “S&S Bike Week Drags”.Riders will receive VIP pit parking at the track and be able to meet theracers and watch the S&S 124 Challenge, S&S Pro Gas, and other streetclasses. The second ride will be on Friday, departing at noon from Carrara. This “S&S Chopper Shop Cruise” is bound for various S&S Dealers on theGold Coast and in Brisbane . Free food and refreshments will be offered ateach stop and free prizes of S&S apparel will be won at each stop with anS&S mechanics jacket being the grand prize at the final stop.
On Friday evening, after the “S&S Chopper Shop Cruise”, ECC and S&S willbe attending the Biker Ball at Carrara .
On Saturday, S&S will be sponsoring the Dyno Challenge held from noon to4:00PM. S&S is also the sponsor of the 1985 Heritage Motorcycle Display andtop Australian chopper builders, along with S&S representatives, will beavailable for an autograph session at 1:30PM. Saturday evening, ECC and S&Srepresentatives will be attending the “USA V-Twin Aftermarket IndustryDinner”.
Bike Week organizers have announced the biggest ever prize for anAustralian Bike Show. At The Australian National Chopper Show, at Bike Weekon Saturday September 3rd , 2005, all category winners will receive NationalChopper Show trophies. Five finalists will be selected and each will receive$1000 cash. The overall winner will also be presented with a brand new,fully polished 124ci S&S motor valued at over $15,000. The motor will beautographed and presented by S&S President, Brett Smith.
“The Australian market is extremely important to S&S and is one of ourmost loyal and rapidly growing V-Twin markets in the world,” said S&Spresident, Brett Smith. “When I traveled to Australia last October, I gotto meet many of our valued customers and felt very welcome. I’m lookingforward to repaying that hospitality by sponsoring this event.”
“We are very pleased that S&S Cycle is a major sponsor the Gold CoastBike Week,” said Neal Bolam, National Marketing & Racing Manager for EastCoast Custom. “Now in its seventh year, this rally just gets better everyyear and knowing that S&S is so involved with our business and our market isa boost to the V-Twin business here. Having Brett Smith , president of S&SCycle, present an autographed S&S polished 124 motor as the top prize forthe Australian National Chopper Show will be very exciting, especially tothe winner,” continued Bolam. “We’re looking forward to having S&Srepresentatives here as they travel the beautiful Gold Coast and take partin rides, races, and shows.”
For more information about this rally visit
http://www.goldcoastbikeweek.com .
MIKE LEARN SIGNATURE AIRBRUSH–Mike Learn has been airbrushing for 28 years. In that time he has usednearly every airbrush on the market from Paasche to Iwata. As long as hecan remember, Mike has been performing a series of modifications to ?tuneup? his brushes and get the most out of them. For some time he has beenlooking for a company to work with on a MLearn Signature Series Airbrush.RichPen is that company. Since the day he tested the stock RichPen Phoenix213C, Mike has been impressed. ?The performance of the RichPen blew meaway,? said Mike, ?I knew right away that this was the company I wanted towork with for my signature airbrush.?
The RichPen / MLearn Phoenix MOJO takes an already amazing airbrush tothe next level. The MOJO is configured to Mike?s specifications withmechanical modifications to allow finer output and a series of tune ups toincrease performance. These exclusive guns are also engraved with Mike?ssignature and are currently only available through Mike Learn Airbrush &Design. Visit www.mikelearn.com or call the shop at 480.557.0747 for moreinformation or to order yours today!
PRODUCT REVIEW RichPen Phoenix 213C– Mike Learn has been airbrushing for 28 years. In that time, he has usednearly every airbrush on the market, starting at the age of 12 with aPaasche and a Badger, and moving later to Thayer & Chandler. For the past10 years, Mike has been painting almost exclusively with Iwata guns, notingtheir quality and durability.
In the Spring of 2005, at Dave Perewitz?s Grand Opening party, SteveAngers of Bear Air introduced Mike to the RichPen Phoenix 213C. ImmediatelyMike noticed that the gun felt natural in his hand. The extra machining onthe sides of the body allowed a thinner and more comfortable grip. Heinstantly noticed the consistent spray. ?Honestly, I was shocked by theperformance of the stock gun,? says Learn. ?I have always ?tuned? myairbrushes. I have a certain regimen that I do the get the most out of anygun. The stock RichPen however, is every bit as good, if not better, thanthe stock Iwata Micron C+.?
Since his initial trial was so positive, Mike decided to take the RichPento the next level. He made some changes to the mechanicals to allow fineroutput, and then performed his standard set of tune-ups. The result, whatis now known as the RichPen/MLearn Phoenix MOJO, instantly performed beyondMike?s expectations. ?The level of detail I was able to get was consistentand extremely well defined,? states Mike. ?The ability of the RichPen tohold a line tighter allows detail that I have not achieved with any otherbrush. The modified RichPen clearly outperforms the modified Iwata MicronC+. It is like increasing the resolution on my creativity monitor.?
Mike is not the only airbrush artist to realize the power of the RichPen.Vince Goodeve, custom painter for Rick Fairless and Kenny Samson, has beenusing his RichPen for some time now.
Having been a micron user for years, Mike cannot stress the performanceof this brush enough. It is easy to adapt to and the significantly lowerprice point is just an added bonus. ?I?m sending a RichPen MOJO to Fitto inQuebec? Mike chuckles. ?We met recently at a show and he mentioned that hewas unhappy with his micron. I can?t wait to hear what he says about theRichPen.?
The RichPen/MLearn Phoenix MOJO Series airbrushes are speciallydesigned guns and are currently available only through Mike Learn Airbrush &Design (www.mikelearn.com
ALL ABOUT TP ENGINEERING– CT- TP Engineering is the leadingpremier engine builder in the US. One of the best kept secrets in theindustry is that TP Engineering manufacturers all of their own parts, casesand internal components of each and every engine that they build. They aretotally ?self contained?! This is one of the main reasons that they havereceived numerous awards for their innovative designs including: ?PowerTrain Builder of the Year? (VQ and Hot Bike Magazines) ?Best PerformanceProduct of the Year? (V-Twin Magazine) ?Engine of the Year? (EasyriderMagazine) ?Industry Leader of the Year? (Easyrider Magazine) and ?Productof the Year-Patented Pro-Vent Rocker Boxes? (Easyrider Magazine). Custombike builders come to TP Engineering again and again because their productsare second to none.
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MOTORSPORT ARTIST ERIC HERRMANN SIGNS MULTIPLE LICENSING DEALS WITHJACK DANIEL?S & RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING- The fine folks at Jack Daniel?s approached me with the idea of creating amotorcycle work of art with a Jack Daniel?s flair. Well I know Jack, and Iknow motorcycles, so the idea intrigued me. What I didn?t know, sent me downa three year road that educated me about the famous Jack Daniel?s.
Several trips to Lynchburg Tennessee, where the distillery is located,sent me back in time, as I photographed Mr. Jack Daniel?s office and othersignificant landmarks. It was a cold early morning, ice on the trees, thefirst time I was there. There?s a cave spring that Jack Daniel?s used waterfrom in his distilling process. Steam was rising from the historic watersand I envisioned Mr. Jack as he first discovered this magical place. Thesmall town of Lynchburg is equally unique. Spring brings a wealth of colorsto this beautiful area and the riding is magnificent. So without making thisstory too long I returned to my studio armed with photos and visual memoriesto begin my painting journey.
Trying to combine the history and tell the story of Jack Daniel?s, in onepainting, is too large of a task. I thought I?d do what I do best, hidestuff. So, hidden within this work of art you?ll find over fifty JackDaniel?s, whiskey, references. I?ll overlook the obvious like Mr. Jack?sfirst office, the cave springs, and the burning bricks, which are used in themellowing process, but I will itemize some more of the subtle elements. Heregoes, starting from left to right, top to bottom: Total
1. Jack Daniel?s bottle in the trees1
2. Jack Daniel?s barrels2
3. Jack Daniel?s on the back of the trike1
4. #7 on the hubcap1
5. JD on the rear slick1
6. #7 on the floorboard1
7. #7 on the brake pedal1
8. Old No. 7 logo on the gas tank1
9. Jack Daniel?s painted on a rock pile above my signature1 ( Jack on the rocks)
10. #7 hidden in the cave (large)1
11. #7 in the grass (background)1
12. #7 in the sidewalk (shadow)1
13. #7 in the grass (foreground)1
14. Old No. 7 on the chopper gas tank1
15. Jack Daniel?s logo on the side of the tank1
16. Jack Daniel?s on the seat of the chopper1
17. #7 in the sissybar of the chopper1
18. #7 in the shadow of the sissybar1
19. #7 on the floorboard of the chopper1
20. 1866 on the license plate (founding year)1
21. Jack Daniel?s cast in the choppers shadow1
22. Repeated #7 pattern in the rear tire tread11
23. Jack Daniel?s sign on the office1
24. Jack Daniel?s in the smoke from the chimney1
25. The bushes are landscaped to look like shot glasses6
26. Jack Daniel?s on the gas tank of the foreground bike1
27. Old No. 7 in the taillight lens1
28. Jack Daniel?s cast in the shadow of the bike1
29. #7 on the rear brake caliper2
30. Hip flask used for a muffler1
32. Whiskey barrel used as an oil tank1
33. #7 on the floorboard1
34. Old #7 logo on the brake pedal1
35. #7 number plate on the front wheel1
36. #7 pool ball shifter (color correct)1
37. Jack Daniel?s logo on the seat1
38. #7 on a rock in the foreground (just for fun)1 _________
approximately 55
That?s the scoop on the first Jack Daniel?s painting from Eric HerrmannStudios. As I was painting this piece, I kept thinking of more that I coulddo, but I just couldn?t fit all that heritage in to one work of art. As luckwould have it, my friends at Jack Daniel?s enjoy the painting as much as Ienjoyed creating it. They just commissioned me to work on another paintingfeaturing their #07 Nascar. Wait until you see what I?ve got in mind forthis one!
The research took me several years but when I got down to painting, ittook me three months to complete this one. Measuring three feet by fourfeet, the original canvas is available for $37,000.00.Limited Edition prints, (1866, the founding year) are available for $150.00.They measure 26.5? x 32?. I also have a select few canvas and Gicleeeditions left from $650.00 to $2500.00. For information on prints, ordering,and availability, check out my website at www.EricHerrmannStudios.comor call me at(480) 575-7559 .
Remember to pace yourself and drinkresponsibly.
Continued On Page 3
New 2005 Victory Hammer
By Bandit | | General Posts
I recently enjoyed the latest Victory press Party ( complements of Bikernet ), where Victory motorcycles showed off their new line for '05.
I flew out from Houston on an extreeeeemly short fight to Austin. So, why not just run out for the Victory trip? The response is just as strange as taking such a short flight. I had the bike builders blues, tons of time in the shop building cool customs but no time to relax with my thoughts of chrome and welding beads, or basically, I don't have a personal bike currently. Don't tell anyone.
Once I arrived in Austin, the Victory guy's were kind enough to have a shuttle waiting to cart me and another writer out to the function. It was comforting to have someone to talk bikes with along the way and help pass the time. The press function was held at a country club with a full size golf course, (no bike riding on the course is the only complaint I had ). The facility was second to none, with tennis courts, pool tables , pool and spa area including a fully equipped gym ( where I got a much needed work out in the morning before the day's events ). Also on hand were plenty of Victory staff (such as engineers and development techs ), to discuss the models in detail. They had a incredible spread prepared for dinner and further discussions of my favorite topic–Motorcycles.
When I arrived, Monday evening, they had the full '05 line on hand for review. The Austin Country Club housed a manicured round patio at the rear of the facility overlooking the golf course, where they had the bikes arranged around the area with tables and chairs set up in the middle. The table were decorated with Victory information and souvenirs to help familiarize the moto-journalistic crowd with the new Hammer as well as the other 05 model: Vegas, 8 Ball, Ness Vegas, Kingpin , Ness Kingpin , Kingpin Deluxe , Touring Cruiser, and last but not least the all new 100-inch sporty Victory Hammer. there were several variations of the different models from bone stock to models dressed up with their custom order options and new accessories.
The first time I gazed at the Victory Performance model, Hammer, I was impressed with the cosmetic appearance. It snagged an semblance combination between a sport bike and an FXR. I was also impressed with the seat pocket in the tank and the bottom curve of the tank. I have chopped- up stretched and molded many factory tanks in the past to get this shape. To witness that you can grab a bike right off the shelf with the same cool lines is an eye-opener.
After reviewing the new models along with technical discussions, they let me in on the best part: We'd get to ride these bastards! They laid out a hot route that took us through the hill country surrounding Austin (if you haven't been for a ride there you need to). I'm new to this, my first assignment. I stood in the lavish lobby looking at all this sparkling chrome, with camera, pin, and pad, but I wasn't ready to ride.
I looked around quickly and figured out that there were not enough Hammers for everyone. Bandit's dispatch info clearly stated that I was to look at the Hammer specifically since it was a new model and there was no way I was coming back empty handed! Everyone else had obviously been tipped off on the departure time (or they were regulars to these press gigs).
I knew there was no time to get to my room and back before the Hammers were all gone. Some of the guys (and Gals) were heading out already.
Then I quietly walked up to my room to put my crap away and get my lid on (my buddy Bradley, Da Polisher, just went down the day before and helped me remember why I choose to wear a helmet ). When I returned to the launch site, almost everyone hit the road, but as I expected someone had their eye on my ride and was in search of the key. I didn't want them to waste any more time looking for the key, so I slid the key from my pocket and kindly pointed out that this one was reserved for Bikernet.
I don't think there were any hard feelings but with the Title of the “Devil” I might not have noticed anyway. Needless to say I rode the 50 degree v twin with electronic fuel injection, by myself after that, which was fine with me, since I wanted to see if it was worthy of the Lucky Devil 100 mph stamp of approval. The Hammer, not only did well on the top end, where I played around for a while, but took turns just as well. I started speeding up and slowing down taking quick turns and just getting to know the beast. Then I took some time to check out the bottom end. I had fun with the strong torque off the line and handling at lower speeds was light and agile.
We all met up at the lunch stop, they had planned for us, and scarfed good ol' Texas BBQ. Then we pulled out to research hot photographic locations of us testing out the bikes. At this time we traded bikes around, blasted the new models back and forth on some backroads, conducted interviews and visited for a while. Then they cut us loose with the request to return the bikes after we were done.
They did give us a map with some suggested return routes, (naturally I got my hands back on my selected bike of the day). At first I thought I might go along with the crowd, but it wasn't long before I slipped out in front and wandered off on my own. Never been a follower, but I gave it my best shot, (okay, so I kinda got lost).
On my trip back to the Hotel I tested every aspect of the Hammer, my first experience on a Victory. I felt the brakes, tested my grip on the controls, sensed the motion of the throttle and clutch. I leaned harsh into corners, grabbed big handfuls of throttle, nailed the brakes and slid to a stop more than once. I checked the idiot lights for position and readability, and inspected the gauges and speedometer. Since I build bikes at Lucky Devil Customs, in Houston, I kept a keen ear and all senses alive for temperamental aspects, wild vibrations, controls that snagged or rattled, pegs that were awkward to reach or navigate. For someone who doesn't like anything over a 200 tire ( for my personal riding taste, when I have a ride ), I had a very good time.
When you build wild unruly choppers for a living, it's strange to test a stock bike. I immediately looked for aspects that could be chopped, lightened, trimmed or discarded. The Victory is a tight OEM bike with Arlen and Cory touches that take this stock bike from an awkward factory construction to a more detailed, artistic, Ferrari finish. The Stretched tanks contoured to fit the seats, the inlaid taillight, the extra-step finishes on the controls, custom ignition switch housing, styled wheels and headlight take this model beyond the average factory built bike.
The notion of a OEM factory bike pushing a custom builder, challenging his artistic and detail senses was stimulating, to say the least. It's usually other customizers or other custom bike builders who have pushed me in the past.
Victory's new beast, The Hammer, flies off the floor with the new freedom 100/6 power plant. A 99.7-ci ( 1634cc ) air & oil cooled 50 degree v twin with electronic fuel injection, overhead cams, 4-valves-per-cylinder and hydraulic lifters. Bore and stroke is 101x102mm with a 9.8:1 compression ratio.
The new motor was designed and built by Victory engineers and packs 10 % more horsepower and 22% more torque than the Victory 92/5 unit. They even managed to shave the cast aluminum cases down (10mm) to increase cornering clearance.
They also developed a new dual exhaust system specifically for the Hammer.
The primary is a gear drive unit with torque compensator that packs wet multi-plate clutch system. The other plus is that in the freedom 100/6 the 6 is for, you guessed it, a six-speed tranny. The overdrive offers a 13.6% reduction in rpm from a standard 1:1 ratio. The overdrive gear also reduces engine noise and vibration, but in my opinion, with the well balanced motor, it didn't need vibration reduction. Don't get me wrong that extra gear just can't be beat.
Moving back to the rear tire this beast sports the newly designed Dunlop 250/40/R18. This tire has been developed specifically for the Hammer with a little teamwork between Victory and Dunlop to make the most out of the handling and traction.
Now for one of my favorite part, the chassis! The wheelbase is 65.7 inches, 5.8-inch ground clearance, rake is 32.9 degrees and trail 5.57 inches. The rear swingarm has a single gas shock and up front they have 43mm inverted-cartridge telescopic forks. For stopping power the Hammer boosts 300mm floating rotors with a 2-piston caliper in the rear and dual 4-piston calipers up front. The seat height is 26.3 inches with the fat tire and 6-speed tranny. Victory is knocking down a lot of OEM first time goodies right out of the box.
From a styling perspective the Hammer goal was to come up with something that was in-between a sport bike and a cruiser, and I think that being the goal they did a killer job. They are also stepping up to the plate with factory accessories to develop custom bolt on components such as custom wheels, seats, bars and custom goodies and apparel. All custom goodies have the Ness blessing. These Items and more can be purchased from your local dealer or on line at http://www.purepolaris.com>www.purepolaris.com.
They have also been working on Victory performance components such as performance exhaust systems and 100-inch big boar kits for Vegas, Kingpin, and TC.
Hammer accessories are inspirational. With this accessory, if you pick up a passenger, you can attach the seat cover to this wind screen. I know this seems insignificant but just try stuffing one of these down your shirt, yea it's cool when you think of it like that.
Here is an example of one of the custom seats they are working on for the Hammer.
There's another goodie, this is a bolt on replacement for the passengers seat. not to good for riding on but if you are going solo you can stash your crap in there.
Victory also has a custom order program that runs 3 months of the year where you can pre order your bike with custom components and paint options. then when your bike hits the assembly line they build it with all the right stuff the first time and deliver it to your local Victory Dealer ready to ride. Currently the program runs August 1 – October 22, 2004 for more info you may check: http://www.victorymotorcycles.com>www.victorymotorcycles.com.
With increased production of accessories, apparel and model line improvements, Victory Motorcycles made serious steps to provide their customers with a solid product with as much factory custom styling as possible. For their 7th production year, they're only picking up speed.
From a customizer and custom builder stand point, I think Victory offers a sharp platform to work with. The peg mounts offer a good foundation for some good lucky devil style foot controls. As usual the front ends are just not long enough for me, but we can fix that with a saws-all and a welding machine. Maybe a new Hammer?
Okay, it's back to the grind, we have tons of custom metal work to put out and I am in the middle of doing the final assembly of Lucky Devil 001 ( I'll send some more info on that later ).
–Take care, The Devil
I also have some good info for our buddy, Jeff, in sunny Baghdad, regarding custom Victorys. The bad news is the tolerances are too tight to install a bigger tire with the early stock models. BUT there's good news: I did grab a good custom contact from the guys at Victory. It seems there's a custom shop in their area that produces fat tire kits and other custom production components for Victory Motorcycles.
They have an exchange program for most Victory models to reduce the wait time. I checked out their web site http://www.northstarcustomcycle.com, and they have some good looking stuff on their web site. I also gave them a call and spoke with Mr. Peterson over the phone. They seem to be on the ball.
–The Devil
