The sun is shinning along the coast while New Yorkers can’t find their streets for all the snow, and roofs are collapsing in New Jersey. I’m listening to Marvin Gay slur his words while pondering the ride to Sturgis.

I packed off every bracket I could pry loose from the King and sent the box to our Powder Coating connection and Sponsor, Custom Powder Coating, in Dallas, for the heavy gloss black finish.

My next question for Frank Kaisler and the tech bros is what to do with all the cadium plated fasteners. Should I dip them in black enamel? I can’t see paying for Powder coating to have half of them chip, black is the order of the day. I don’t want to roll with chrome. Let me know what you think.

I’ve got some other shit to share with you, but we better get to the news. But first I want to wish Michael Hupy and Johnny Suede much success as our two newest sponsors. Make sure to check them out:

JOHNNY SUEDE ON BIKERNET–Talk about some cool looking clothes. Here are just a couple items Johnny has on his site. Not to mention the pants, wallets and Flames Socks! He also has a line of women’s articles, not yet available on the site. Order his catalog for his full line. Tell em’ Bikernet sent you.

BIKERNET ON-GOING READER’S SURVEY AND FREE CONTEST–If you want to include your two-cents worth, hit the Free Contest area of the site and fill out the survey and your suggestions for Bikernet: http://www.bikernet.com/contest/. We’ve discovered that the average age of our readers is 16 and each reader has been riding at least 39 years apiece. Here’s your favorite sections:

1.) News
2.) Garage
3.) Knucklebusters
4.) Readers Showcase
5.) Sunday Post
6.) Babes
7.) Your Shot
8.) Biker Soap
9.) Bike Features
10.) Laughroom

Craig McDowell of Alamogordo, N.M. (center), stands among his new treasures. McDowell was the grand prizewinner of the Polaris “Ride Of Your Life” sweepstakes, held in conjunction with the Polaris National Open House last October, through a random drawing he entered at Rocky Mountain Supplies in Alamogordo. McDowell was presented his prize by Polaris dealers Doug Brown, owner of Rocky Mountain Supply in Alamogordo, and Dean Rose of Rose-Dale Enterprises in Albuquerque.

POLARIS’ FIRST NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE PAYS OFF BIG TIMEFOR NEW MEXICO ENTHUSIAST–ALAMOGORDO, N.M., February 18, 2003 – The holidays have come and gone, but for Craig McDowell of Alamogordo, N.M., the season brought a lot of good fortune. McDowell was named grand-prize winner of the “Ride Of Your Life” Sweepstakes, which was held in conjunction with Polaris’ first-ever National Open House celebration in October, and his prize pulled up to his front door last week – on several trailers. The prize package included:

A 2002 Polaris 700 XC SP snowmobile
A 2003 Classic Cruiser Victory motorcycle
A 2002 Polaris Virage i watercraft
A 2003 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 all-terrain vehicle
A Floe two-place trailer
$1000 in Polaris apparel and accessories (excluding service and parts)

Through the “Ride Of Your Life” nationwide sweepstakes, participants who registered at a local Polaris dealership were eligible to win the prize package worth nearly $50,000. McDowell is excited about his prize package, and is especially excited about the Classic Cruiser Victory motorcycle because although he is an avid motorcyclist, he has never had his own motorcycle.

“I was completely shocked when I discovered that I had won the grand prize,” said McDowell. “I currently own a Polaris ATV, and when I heard about the ‘Ride Of Your Life Sweepstakes,’ I went to my local dealer to enter right away. I’m excited to try out all of my new toys.”

Herbert Eastman of Harpswell, Maine, also snagged a cool prize from the “Ride Of Your Life” Sweepstakes. As first-prize winner, he’ll get to learn to drive like “The King” of NASCAR with a free enrollment in the Richard Petty Driving Experience this summer.

The first-ever Polaris National Open House took place Oct. 12-19, 2002. It was an opportunity for customers across the U.S. and Canada to visit their local Polaris dealer to demo product, learn about Polaris’ new product lineup for 2003, take advantage of a special financing offer, and register for the “Ride Of Your Life” Sweepstakes.

“The Polaris National Open House was a phenomenal success,” said Ken Sobaski, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Business Development. “We had a great time re-introducing customers old and new to our dealerships across the country, and we’re already planning the next open house on April 10-12, 2003. We’re also especially excited for Alan and Herbert and congratulate them on their winnings.”

Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at polarisindustries.com.

THE ENTHUSIATS ROCKS AGAIN–The painting on the cover of Enthusiast Magazine is a David Uhl work entitled “The Enthusiast” in case you are unfamiliar. We are inundated with calls from riders and will refer them to their respective dealerships to order. Please call if you have any questions.

–Ron Copple
800-999-1297
http://www.segalfineart.com>www.segalfineart.com

THE SHERIFF AND THE BLONDE–The sheriff in a small town walks out in the street and sees a blond cowboycoming down the walk with nothing on but his cowboy hat, gun and his boots.

So the sheriff arrests him for indecent exposure.As he is locking him up he asks “Why in the world are you dressed likethis?”

Cowboy says ” Well it’s like this Sheriff… I was in the bar down the roadand this pretty little redheadasks me to go out to her motor home with her….and I did.

We go inside and she pulls off her top and asks me to pull off my shirt…soI did.Then she pulls off her skirt and asks me to pull off my pants…so I did.Then she pulls off her panties and asks me to pull off my shorts…So I did.

Then she gets on the bed and looks at me kind of funny and says, “Now go totown cowboy….”

So here I am.

–from Rev CarlR

DAYTONA BEACH LEADERS WANT SPECIAL EVENTS SCALED BACK–By JOHN BOZZO (john.bozzo@news-jrnl.com)Staff Writer.DAYTONA BEACH — A majority of city commissioners said Tuesday they would support actions to scale back special events such as Bike Week, Spring Break and Black College Reunion.

In separate interviews Tuesday, six of seven commissioners contacted suggested reining in events. Those included asking a county board not to spend tax money to advertise Spring Break, beefing up law enforcement and imposing a tax on businesses that promote events to pay for extra police costs.

“Our economy is based on the business of selling beer cans,” said Commissioner Mike Shallow. “It’s discouraging when you’ve got kids tearing our town apart and the business community saying we need this business.”

One study reported that special events bring in $1.3 billion to the community, while another showed the city lost $2 million providing services during events last year.

Continued On Page 2

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

The legislature here in Oregon meets every two years, so we have what are known as “Biker Days” down at the Capitol. They are scheduled on session work days, so we are seen and heard there, at our capitol in Salem. Bikers all over Oregon take a day off work, and some do every “Biker Day,” and either ride or drive to our Capitol and wear black leather in the Capitol building. We talk with our Representatives and Senators about issues that concern us as riders and other issues that are of concern as citizens, too.

This year we have several bills that are Biker-related. Two already have numbers and are assigned to the transportation committee. Namely, our ongoing helmet law modification bill, HB3432 and our new optional headlight use bill, HB2419.

The Helmet bill is for optional use for adults over 21. We might just get it done this year because we have a new, and hopefully more progressive, Governor. Our last Gov was an emergency room doctor, so we had TWO helmet bills passed and then vetoed by that guy! Good riddance to him. The headlight use bill also has good support.

Other bills being processed are the Lane Splitting Bill (authorizes lane splitting under very strict circumstances); another is to end healthcare insurance discrimination against Bikers. If you have an accident on a bike, some companies deny coverage, and THIS NEEDS TO STOP. We also want vehicular assault laws toughened up so when a biker is injured or killed in a wreck, the perpetrator doesn’t just get his wrist slapped.

There are a couple of others that are not offered by BikePAC, but still are of interest to us. One is the allowance of multiple headlight use and the other would allow riders to put “Blue Dot” taillights on their bikes, which is HB2398. Blue dot taillights light up a violet color when the brake light in engaged, and is not only kinda purty, but also enhances the rider’s conspicuity or ability to be seen in traffic. There is also a bill, HB2392, that creates Vets plates for motorcycles. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for. Cars already have’m. Both of these bills have been assigned to the transportation committee for discussion.

Our “Biker Days” began on a Monday and the next one will be on a Tuesday, the next on a Wednesday and so on, each in a different work week, so nobody has the whole burden of losing work to lobby during the work week. It’s a good idea and it works! This first one this year was a real success with about 30 folks showing that FREEDOM was worth at least one day’s pay. Now that’s what being a legislative warrior is all about. I was there and I applaud all those that were there with me. We had a great day. Come JOIN us! Get politically active.

NEWS BITS’N PIECES:

BEIJING, CHINA: There is change in China’s outlook on Capitalism it seems. They have even gone so far as to “appoint” a wealthy admirer of Margaret Thatcher to a senior state position, who also happens to manufacture motorcycles. According to the London Daily Telegraph, Yin Mingshan, who just happens to be on their list of 100 Chinese millionaires, was “elected” deputy chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in China’s third-largest city, Chongqing. He founded Lifan, an engine and motorcycle manufacturing company that sells 2 million engines a year and a million motorcycles. Maybe this capitalism thing really works, Ya think? Hey, they DO BUILD around ten million bikes a year in China, so they must be doing SOMETHING right!

JAPAN: This season’s fad for extra-long scarves claimed another fashion victim whena Japanese woman fell from her motorcycle after her two yard-long scarf got caught in her bike’s rear wheel. This woman was in a coma after the accident but regained consciousness but remained in serious condition. The kicker is, she?s not the only one. Other similar accidents have been reported in this country that has lots and lots of motorcycles, since a celebrity got the extra-long scarves fashion going there. Ya know, I’m not the brightest light in town but I’m just not that dumb.

NOTE: We don’t think any of you need to be reminded about the dangers of unsafe clothing, but maybe you know someone who does. The rider in this article is lucky to be alive. Do they have a “Darwin Award” for motorcyclists?

ATLANTA, GA: RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT featured a fool riding his motorcycle BACKWARDS when completing a 60 foot jump over a line of cars. And I thought Evel Kneival was a screwball.

HOW ABOUT THIS FOR A HOBBY:Landmine Obsession: Aki Ra travels around the world collecting landmines. He travels through Cambodia, searching for and de-fusing landmines by hand. He might be doing a job that needs done, but what’s wrong with just blowin’ the things up from a safe distance?

NEW DELHI, INDIA: A booming motorcycle market accelerated two-wheeler sales by 21 per cent in the domestic market during the first nine months this fiscal year even as scooters and mopeds continued to ride in negative territory. Motorcycles and step-thru sales grew by 36.9 percent this past year. Hero Honda of India, the world’s largest motorcycle maker, posted a 24.3 percent jump.

SUZUKI UNVEILS 40TH ANNIVERSARY MODELS: American Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrates 40 years of business in the US with three special edition anniversary model motorcycles to be sold in limited numbers. Hurry and get your order in.

GUNNY AGAIN: This year the National Coalition of Motorcyclists. NCOM Convention is being held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 8-10, 2003, at the Four Points Sheraton. This is Harley-Davidson’s 100th birthday, so Milwaukee should be a humdinger of a place to be. Make your reservations now, cuz this will be one of the best ever. Get with the people at AIM headquarters for good info on how to get it done. Call 1-800-531-2424, or 1-800-ON-A-BIKE (or go to www.ON-A-BIKE.com) and they’ll get you set up. This is just part of what our AIM attorneys across the country do for us, by hosting this gala get together so we can learn and share with the best our rights movement has to offer. See ya there! Till then.

Continued From Page 3

FALCO’S EAST COAST WINTER PROJECT–Hope you are getting to ride out on the west coast, cause the east coastsucks right now.

Wanted to drop you some pics and a note on my winter project (project isdone but it’s still winter – gotta work on that next time).

Besides my rigid Evo chop, I was riding a stock 1977 FL around. I bought itfor rainy days and to cart the wife and son around, cause the Evo has noback seat and an Avon tire that is like a drag slick.

To be honest, I neverreally liked the Shovel anyway. It was way too comfortable! It was one ofthe few swingarm bikes I have ever ridden, and it felt all wrong. I couldride it over railroad tracks and road hazards without even slowing down. Itwas just too weird. Some guys like women to abuse them. I guess I like mybikes to abuse me, ’cause the wife is a sweet-heart.

Told her I needed another rigid with a solo seat. Sheknows what she got when she signed up to marry me, so she took it prettywell. I always wanted an old bike (pre 50’s &60’s). I was looking for aKnuckle or Big Twin Flathead, but I just couldn’t find something in myprice range. I had the money from selling the ’77 Shovel to play with butthat was it. I started looking at 45 flatheads. I talked to a few peopleand decided I could make a decent bar hopper out of an old 45.

I found a 1949 flathead 45 in New Jersey. It was pretty much a stocker andin good shape. The motor was fresh and so was the tranny. I got her for$6,700 bucks. I already knew what I wanted the bike to look like. I wanteda 40’s-50’s style bobber, like some of the bikes in the movie the WildOne. When I got the bike home, I watched that movie a couple of times torefresh my memory. So with air grinder in hand I chopped, bobbed, paintedand modified that baby until she was all mine. It came out like I had hopedit would.

The bike has a 33-tooth motor sprocket, larger throat Linkert carb withadjustable high and low speed jets, less restrictive exhaust and lessweight (thanks to the bob job). She’s good for cruising at 65-70mph all daylong and can reach 75. It has very little chrome so she’s easy to clean up.I’m having a blast riding her even with the snow on the ground.

It’s Valentines day tomorrow and I’m talking the wife out for a niceromantic dinner. Even though I’m a selfish ass sometimes, I’m notheartless.

–Frank Falco

Thanks for the reminder.

AD AUTHORITY SLASHES SPRING BREAK PROMOTION SPENDING– The Halifax Area Advertising Authority, stung by criticism of its continuing promotion of Spring Break, voted Wednesday to slash funding for the event.

Marketer wants Spring Break promotion continuedCutting the funding for marketing Spring Break to college students wouldn’t slow down or even kill the event, according to the firm hired to promote it for the past several years.

Beachside residents, on the whole,want Spring Break to stayThis year Spring Breakers partied like it was 1989. But despite the outrage local politicians and residents expressed over the destructive behavior, public drunkenness and bared breasts of the Breakers just passed, the 2002 version came nowhere close to that rupturing pustule of wall-to-wall puking, peeing and pugilism 13 years ago that propelled beleaguered residents to cry “Enough!”

–from News Journal and Rogue

VANSON LEATHERS AT INDY DEALER SHOW–This is the new Big Savings Voucher, the most important part of our continuing VanBucks program. In addition to the three discount levels of the previous program we?ve added a new fourth tier to further increase the savings on some of our most popular styles. As with the previous program you provide the retail discount to the customer and return to us a copy of the sales receipt and filled out warranty card for the garment sold. We then credit you your portion of the discount as a credit going forward on future orders.

New to this pricelist is the Medium Weight Firenze Leather section. The styles in this section will be stocked in our new full-finished cowhide that provides an alternative for the customer who feels that the standard weight Vanson leather is too stiff for their tastes.The leather for the garments in the Firenze section is already broken in for the feel of instant gratification that a favorite old coat can bring.

Come see us at the Motorcycle Dealer Powersports Expo in Indianapolis on February 15th-17th. We are in booth #3100 with exciting new styles and new leather. We look forward to your visit there and to a profitable 2003. Check http://www.vansonleathers.com/

BIKERNET WORDS OF WISDOM–It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, of course, there’s shipping and handling, too.

IMPROVED SEAL FOR 5-SPEEDS– (Dealer Expo, Big Twin Expo, Booth 3564).Johnson Engineering will introduce new technology to alleviate the age oldproblem of leaking transmission oil seals at the Dealer Expo IndianapolisTrade Show, Big Twin Expo, Booth 3564.

Improved products include a significant upgrade to the company’s exclusivetriple lip design for 5-speeds. The new design features a hybridrubber/metallic compostition that prevents the seal from popping out of thebore after installation. Other improvements include a major upgrade in thespring that reduces tension pressure without affecting sealing capablity,for even longer lip life.

New products include the introduction of a combination spacer and O-ringfor older Big Twin 4-speeds. Long a problem, Johnson Engineering has solvedthe problem of sealing the mainshaft by integrating an O-ring with thespacer. Installation is accomplished with a unique, disposable tool thatprotects the O-ring during installation.

Also featured will be a new installation tool for the use on 5-speeds.Research has shown that the vast majority of leaks actually begin duringinstallation, even though no apparant damage can be detected.

Johnson Engineering is the new leader in V-Twin drivetrain performance,including their signature products TwistGear, SportGear, and WideGear closeratio helical gear designs.

GASOLINE SOLUTION!–We CAN buy gasoline that’s not from Middle East. Why didn’t George W.thinkof this? Gas rationing in the 80’s worked even though we grumbled aboutit.It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods.Weshould return the favor. An interesting thought is to boycott theirGAS.Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money intothecoffers of Saudi Arabia. Just buy from gas companies that don’t importtheiroil from the Saudis. Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling thatevery time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who aretrying to kill me, my family, and my friends. I thought it might beinteresting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gasfromand which major companies import Middle Eastern oil (for the period9/1/00-8/31/01):

Shell……………………….205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco………144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil…………….130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway…117,740,000 barrels
Amoco…………………….62,231,000 barrels

If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18BILLION!Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Citgo………………..0 barrels
Sunoco…………. .0 barrels
Conoco…………. ..0 barrels
Sinclair…………… 0 barrels
BP/Phillips………. 0 barrels
Hess……………….0 barrels

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy andeachis required to state where they get their oil and how much they areimporting. They report on a monthly basis. Keep this list in your car;share it with friends. Stop paying for terrorism………….

GIGGIE’S HANGOVER CURE AND ACID RECOMMENDATIONS–Hangover Cure–don’t stop drinking. Giggie knew he had a problem when he brushed his teeth with a Pabst Blue Ribbon in his hand.

Preparations for Acid Trips. Pump the Vitamin C all week, then take some Valium before the Acid. Curbs the anxiety, let’s the colors flow.

Sprinkle the Magic Mushroom in Spaghitti sauce. Buy Mushrooms in their own juice. Do shots of the juice with Kesslers for a killer high.

–Giggie

SUE HAPPY–A Philadelphia restaurant was ordered to pay Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, $113,500 after she slipped on a soft drink and broke her coccyx (tailbone). The beverage was on the floor because Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.

THE END OF THE LINE–I confess. There’s two women in the house, a new bottle of Jack and my American Rider deadline is somewhat under control. I think you’ll like how the King will turn out. I tried to black out 90 percent of the bike. I need to see Henry Figueroa around the corner about filling the holes in the tip of the rear fender and painting it. I’m using a Street stalker fender on the front (no rivets and bobbed). I will need to paint the taillight which is plastic.

I will kneel to the gods tonight in prayers that the parts arrive safely in Texas. Now, the girls and jack are waiting. Tomorrow, it’s Friday and the sun is threatening to show up. I’ve got some plans which I hope will include a ride on the Pan. Have a helluva weekend.

–Bandit

Continued From Page 2

STROKER EXPOSES NHTSA PROPAGANDA–“I don’t much like the news this week….. accident rates going throughthe roof.”

NHTSA is up to the same old lies. Their recent ALERT stating “The rateof fatal U.S. motorcycle crashes per 100 million miles ridden increasedby 59 percent from 1997 to 2001” is another of their hand plucked datawet dreams. First, the actual number they came up with isstatistically insignificant considering the margin of error for thedata. Next, they do their famous trick of using a percentage of apercentage to make it sound like a statistically valid number.

There is no rising trend in motorcycle death rates. I compiled themost recent data from NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts Report datedDecember 2002 into the charts below.

In Chart A, you can see that each of the recent years injuries haveactually been less compared to 1997.

Chart B, shows the percentage of injured that die has been flat ,within the margin of error for the data, the last 14 years, andcompletely flat in the last 4 years, the period they claim to have a 59percent increase.

In Chart C the number of fatalities tracked with the number ofregistered motorcycles. With a consistently widening gap since 1986.

Chart C also shows the only data the does not correlate. Notice thatas the number of motorcycles increases from 1997, NHTSA claims thenumber of miles ridden decreases. How can we have over a million moremotorcycles on the road in 2001 than we did in 1998 and travel abillion less miles? NHTSA says the average rider traveled 1,943 milesin 2001. I know people that clock more miles than that running theirbike on and off the trailer. How do they come up with that number?When was the last time an official knocked on your door requesting toread your motorcycle odometer? The estimated number of miles ridden(VMT) is a complete SWAG (scientific wild ass guess). I don’t evenbelieve any science was involved, it must just be a WAG. The margin oferror for it is huge.

You can chart the statistics a dozen different ways with the data thatis recorded (not estimated) and it shows no alarming trends in fatalityrates. NHTSA completely ignores all of this information, uses the mostunreliable estimated data they have available and runs with it to themedia, law makers, and the public waving red flags.

In May of 2000, the former head of NHTSA admitted having used contrivedstatistical conclusions, and false or inaccurate claims, regarding airbags that caused injuries including the death of many babies. How longare we going to allow NHTSA’s lies to force us into wearing helmetsthat we know cause injury before we contact our law makers and demandthat this rouge bureaucracy be held accountable for what it does.Someone should be prosecuted.

The charts I have shown you are a small part of the information I’mputting together revealing that NHTSA is so obsessed with forcing us towear helmets that they will stop at nothing to do so. They are gettingcloser than you may think. My hope is, when I release this informationeveryone will take it to their law makers.

FTW,
–Stroker

ROGUE REPORT FROM DAYTONA–DAYTONA — Charging $3 per day for off-beach parking could pour as much as $1 million into Volusia County coffers each year, a possible boon to the cash-strapped beach operation.

An analysis from the Central Parking System Inc., which operates the garage and surrounding lots in Daytona Beach, concluded 17 lots the county operates at parks and other locations would generate a profit of at least $700,000.

Members of the Beach Policy Advisory Board said Tuesday they were taken aback that charging, through meters or centralized lots, would result in such a windfall.

“I’m surprised it’s this much,” board Chairman Glenn Storch said. “To me it sounds very interesting.”

The board decided to continue investigating the matter before making a recommendation to the County Council.

The Central Parking analysis studied two sets of numbers, one assuming a fine for not paying parking fees would be $10 and the other, $20.

The cheaper fine would result in a gross of $975,000 and the more expensive would total $1.13 million.

Also Tuesday the board said it would have to address the issue of whether the county should remove traffic from the beach in the future, an idea that caused a stir when the County Council added it to its list of goals earlier this year.

Storch said it would require months of gathering information before the advisory board would make a recommendation.

–from Rogue

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–This was 40 min ago…Tomorrow we finish details and I hope to try it out.

–Jose

NO CHADS ON THIS ONE !!!–A couple, both over 65, went to a sex therapist’s office in Palm Harbor, Florida.

The doctor asked, “What can I do for you?”

The man said, Will you watch us have sexual intercourse?”

The doctor looked puzzled, but agreed. When the couple had finished, the doctor said, “There’s nothing wrong with the way you have intercourse,” and charged them $50.

This happened several weeks in a row. The couple would make an appointment, have intercourse with no problems, pay the doctor, then leave.

Finally the doctor asked, “Just exactly what are you trying to find out?”

The old man said, “We’re not trying to find out anything. She’s married and we can’t go to her house. I’m married and we can’t go to my house. The Holiday Inn charges $90. The Hilton charges $140. We do it here for $50 and I get $43 back from Medicare.

Is Florida great or what!

–from CarlR

1930 Peashooter–

PEASHOOTER ON DISPLAY–Hey if you out towards Yucca Valley stop in at Hutchins H-D. they have a 30.5 and a peashooter in there line-up there. They might have a parts bike, maybe sell you one of those????? They are very sweet looking. Stay away from the EL Knuck. Someday when in SoCal I’m gonna steal it and Sin too. Well, at least, I can dream. Sad about the peashooter and the 30/50 bikes, like the amf aermacchi’s they just faded away. Imagine when our grand kids get our age? People paying high dollars for an AMF 250 sprint. May you have luck in your venture and find a cherry peapopper.

–from Thomas Brown

REDNECK PRECISION MEASURMENTS–Here is a picture. I wonder how many bikernetters have done this before?

–from Thomas Brown

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

BIKERNET REPORTER IN MIDDLE EAST–Reporter goes to Israel to cover the fighting. She is looking for somethingemotional and positive and of human interest. Something like the guy inSarajevo who risked his life to play the cello everyday in the town square.

In Jerusalem, she heard about an old Jew who had been going to the WailingWall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time. So she went tocheck it out. She goes to the Wailing Wall and there he is!She watches him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turns to leave,sheapproaches him for an interview.

“Rebecca Smith, CNN News. Sir, how long have you been coming to the WailingWall and praying?”

“For about 50 years” he said.

“What do you pray for?”

“For peace between the Jews and the Arabs. For all the hatred to stop.For our children to grow up in safety and friendship.”

“How do you feel after doing this for 50 years?”

“Like I’m talking to a fucking wall.”

–from RevCarlr

BILLY LANE CREATES A CAMEL–Here are some shots of the Camel Bike that Billy Lane of Choppers Inc isputting togother.Berry Wardlaw of Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama showed up with theKnucklehead engine Saturday. Note The Clear Pushrod Covers and the otherengine details.

Sunday was spent at Choppers Inc working on the motorcycle.The crew is there now hard at it and I will be there shortly to continueshooting the build

–ROGUE

BIKERNET SIGNS YOUR LAWYER ISN’T WORKING OUT–
10. Opening argument in which he called the prosecutor a “Doo-Doo Head.”
9. Tries to cheer you up by saying how great you look in orange.
8. Giggles hysterically at the mere mention of the Penal Code.
7. Keeps trying to call a witness named “Johnny, the Trouser Troll.”
6. The only question she can come up with during cross-examination is, “Isn’t it true that you’re a lying bastard?”
5. Constantly raising objections to the “vibes” he’s getting from the jury.
4. Every time the judge sustains one of his objections, he screams, “Yahtzee!”
3. Instead of saying “Your honor, I object,” he now just rolls his eyes and says, “Whatever.”
2. Claims staring at your cleavage is a necessary part of the “discovery” processes.
1. Offers to waive his usual fees in exchange for your panties.

–from Al Friedman

BANDIT ARRESTED FOR SKIPPING OUT ON SUPERBOWL DEBT–Bandit,As you will undoubtledy remember, we had us a little Super Bowl bet……and you lost! While the whole world waited anxiously for you to post a pic of your bare ass in the Sunday News the week after, you conveniently took off to Cinci and no ass.

I gave you the benefit of the doubt and waited till last Sunday for you to pay off. BUT NO DICE!!! Hence, I’ll give you one more chance to pay up or I’ll be forced ask the female staff at Bikernet to hog tie you and obtain said photo–pay up sucka,

–TBear

You talkin’ to me?

Iron Works magazine and Performance Machine present the 12th annualLos Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show–The Biggest Custom & Performance Streetbike Show in AmericaAdds Vintage Bikes, 2 major Charity Rides, and a National Super MotoRace for 2003

July 19-20th 2003 at the Queen Mary Event Park in Long BeachThe Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show weekend at the Queen Mary EventPark, Long Beach, CA, returns again this year for its 12th annualextravaganza on the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean overlookingLong Beach Harbor. Sponsored by Iron Works magazine, PerformanceMachine, Corona Beer, BikerNet.com, The Recycler.com/Cycle Buys,AutoTrader.com Publications, and the FastDates.com Motorcycle PinupCalendars, featured on the Speed Channel’s American Thunder, andbenefiting Olive Crest Children’s Homes and the Exceptional ChildrensFoundation. The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show has continued to grow everyyear to become the biggest and most popular streetbike show in Americacatering to the custom, cruiser and sportbike markets. Always the 3rdweekend of July, the 12th Annual Show takes place Saturday July 19th andSunday July 20th, 2003.

FAST WEB SITE LAUNCHED–Welcome to BuiltForSpeed.biz your source for Local & National Motorsports Racing News, new technologies, Sport Riding, Motocross, Hot Rod & Drag Racing, classified want ads, aftermarket parts & accessories, interactive message boards, chat rooms, and much much more. In 2003′ we will be drastically expanding so look for lots of new stuff in the future.

We will also very soon be introducing our new Builtforspeed Motorsports Apparel line! Built For Speed Your #1 MotorSports & Motorcycle News, Free Classifieds & Accessories Shopping Cart! is also looking for sponsors, manufacturers, and local & international racing columnists. If you or someone you know is interested, please e-mail us at cory@builtforspeed.biz

BEACH RIDE UPDATE–The Beach Ride, a charity ride for the Exceptional Childrens Foundation, was shut down in Ventura last year after a successful ten-year run. The committee is still looking for a new venue, but there’s stuff in the works. They have discussed throwing in with Jim Gianitsis with the LA Calendar show. Jim has announced it in his release, but the deal is not signed.

This is a charity event that has stood on it’s own for a decade and may continue to do so with another date at the Queen Mary.

Here’s a report from Carmela from the ECF. We hope to have a date locked in within a couple of weeks:”I am waiting for the separate contract from the Queen Mary for August, 31. Then ASAP have a core group meeting to sift all the information about July 20 and August 31, then finally decide. Frazier Park is out, Malibu is out, San Buenaventura state park and beach (our old site) is under construction this year, and they told art to try again in 2004. Micah McCloskey, of M.M. Custom Motorcycles is still hanging on to the fairgrounds. Right now, it still looks like Long Beach.

CHROME SERVICES PARTNERS WITH MACHINE SHOP–Chris Hill of Chrome Services is now partner with a full service machine shop in Long Beach. They are currently manufacturing a line of billet products for BadGirls and about to launch their own line of products. If you need something manufactured, they may be worth a shot:CHROMESERVICES@aol.com

ALMOST DONE.YAFFE X PIPES. WHAT DO YOU THINK? COLOR IS HOUSE OF COLOR ICE BLUE OVER BLACK–This is a project bike currently underway at Ken Miller garage. We’ll have a report on one of these bikes next week.

Continued On Page 3

Whatta week? I discovered that my recent report that motorcycle accidents and deaths had skyrocketed over the last five year was bullshit. You’ll see the facts below. The King is torn to shreds in the Bikernet garage and we shipped brackets, covers, trim, fork legs and the nacelle covers to Custom Powder Coating for the heavy black finish.

It was good to be in Cincy and see the guys and a few girls I use to hang with. I’ll be reporting on the scene in American Rider. Watch as we change this mag to be something all the bros can be proud of. Let’s get to the news. Sin is starting a fire in the fireplace and her cute little ass is pointed in my direction…

NEW FROM JOKER MACHINE—At last, the dash that everyone’s beenwaiting for! Fully CNC machined to perfection from a 1 1/2″ thick x 20″ longplank of solid billet aluminum, this piece gives your 2000-up model softaila unique “Road King” type look due to it’s one piece construction.Eliminates the plastic or leather lower dash that comes stock on your bike.Mounts easily and securely to the top of your standard console in minutes.These babies really clean up the look of your tank. They feature our topquality chrome plating throughout. (Shown above with our new JOKER-FLAMEengraving). Dashes are available in smooth and ball-mill also.

Introducing the “Low Brow” mirror. Features shapely CNC machiningfrom a solid block and truly represents itself as a sleek design statementfor those who want optimal mirror size (without sacrificing looks!) Thismirror gives you the image you’re looking for! They are Fully chrome platedand feature our famous 1 piece design.

MONDAY EVENING–Tired.
Antsy. Just enuf side effects to put me on edge.
Pace the kitchen. Stare out the windows.
The stars are out…….no moon.
Dark.
Cold………..but not too cold.
One of those mind-numbing weekly Hollywood shows is on the tube. “Extra”……….I think.
The other inhabitant of the residence stares at the tube…………..transfixed. There is the low sound of gray matter slowly being sucked away.
Into the tube.
I back away………….
What to do…………what to do.
8 pm and the program changes………
Oh, snit! Dr. Phil!

A husband and wife are screaming at each other while their small children watch. (And just who the hell is running the camera?) Dr. Phil is determined to help. These people had been on the show before. A small girl is yelling at the parents to stop………I think. All hell is breaking loose.
In the background, barely audible, ……………the low sucking sound continues.
Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Something breaks. Pushed over the edge, I have to leave.
(Time to put the electric clothing to the test.)
I announce………. “I am going for a ride”.
The other resident slowly turns and stares.
I get …………..”the look”. Disbelief………..I think. There is a distant look to the eyes. But not a word is uttered.
Downstairs. Boots, chaps, jacket liner, jacket.
Garage. The beast is waiting there……….silently.
I roll it out……….of the garage. It lights! And settles into a steady idle.
Hah! I think I will go blow by Scott’s place and show him what real men (fools) are made of!
Helmet. Gloves.
I mount the beast and plug in.
The electrical plug……….you fools!
I hit the switch and shortly feel the warmth radiating into my body.
Oooohhhhh! The beast and I are……….becoming one.
I’m off! Some fog……….Man, it is black out here!
I make my way down the hill. (Now where does the road turn?)
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
But at least I am warm.
North on Hart. To the stop sign on 93rd. Across the road, there is Scott’s place……..he must have heard me coming.
I sit there for a moment.
What’s that?
Even over the sound of the beast…………There! That low sucking sound!
My God! Scott is in there with Dr. Phil!
“Scott! Make a break for it man!”
No response.
Just the low sucking sound. I am too late; there is no sign of life.
Right on 93rd. I wind out in first and second. Maybe it will shake him loose of the trance.
The windshield fogs up…..I can only see the road maybe 25 feet ahead of me.
Right on Old 99, past the barn. Left on Waldrick and on into the forest. Man……it is really black out here!
But the beast has a good headlight and we penetrate the black.
Together……………but alone.
Right on Offut Lake Road. Careful here, kinda twisty windy and the houses are well off the road.
Just think of all those people in their nice toasty houses…………
Past the lake, past Wolf Haven. That will give them something to howl about!
Back to Old 99…………Which way? Which way?
I feel the need!…………….the need for speed! (Not very original……….and I don’t even remotely look like Tom.)
So, north on 99 to McCorkle. Man………ink is brighter than this stretch of road! With the twisty windies too!
Halfway……….the turn onto the straight stretch is bathed in fog. Great!
Good thing I got forward controls on this thing! I can stretch out my toes and feel my way!
Up and over the hill to Tilley Road. For speed I gotta get to I-5. So left down Tilley toward Millersylvania State Park.
Right before the park the front tire wants to slide to the left. With the fogged windshield, I had seen nothing………
Just as my heart falls back into place………it does it again!
Holy snit! Something in the road back there.
Just trust the bike, Chuck!
I hang a right and head toward Maytown. I slow to 25 as I approach the Maytown Tavern.
Hey! Why not? After that little incident a minute ago……….
Nah! I pass the tavern. Two pickup trucks and a car and………………..is that a low sucking sound I hear?
Undoubtedly some kind of sucking going on!
I hit the circular on-ramp to I-5. A quik look confirms I don’t have to merge close to another vehicle.
Up thru the gears!………..50……….60…………70…………80………..the beast wants to run!
I hold a steady 80 …………until common sense kicks in and I slow to ……………70. Only a few miles to the 93rd exit.
Right on 93rd. Think I will blow by Scott’s again.
I pass Tilley and decelerate to the turn onto Hart……..shaking the few remaining leaves off the trees in the process.
I don’t even need to look. There it is again…………..that low sucking sound ………….coming from Scott’s place.
Sadly, I go on.
South on Hart and back up the hill to home.
The beast obediently shuts down for the night.
Upstairs. The tube is still blaring away. And there………. lying on the couch ………..is the other inhabitant of the household…………unmoving………sucked dry!
“I hate you, Dr. Phil!”

She’s in the center.

TARA WANTS TO POSE WITH HER MAN’S SCOOTER–Hi, Sorry I don’t mean to be a pest, whenever you have time! I don’t haveany pictures of his bike on the computer. He also does custom flamepainting, I’ll attach a picture of a truck he flamed.

–Tara

MEANINGS FROM THE BIKERNET DICTIONARY–Once upon a time, in a nice little forest, there lived an orphaned bunny and an orphaned snake. As a surprising coincidence, both were blind from birth.

One day, the bunny was hopping through the forest, and the snake was slithering through the forest, when the bunny tripped over the snake and fell down, also knocking the snake about quite a bit.

“Oh, my,” said the bunny. “I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You see, I’ve been blind since birth, so I can’t see where I’m going, and, in fact, since I’m also an orphan, I don’t even know what I am.”

“Quite okay,” replied the snake. “Actually, my story is much the same as yours, as I am also blind since birth, and also never knew my mother. Tell you what, maybe I could kinda slither over you, and figure out what you are, so at least you’ll have that going for you.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful,” said the bunny.So the snake slithered allover the bunny, and said, “Well, you’re covered with soft fur, and you have really long ears, and your nose twitches, and you have a soft cottony tail. I’d say that you must be a bunny.”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you!” cried the bunny in obvious excitement. “Maybe I could feel you with my paw, and help you the same way you’ve helped me.”

So the bunny felt the snake all over, and said, “Well, you’re scaly and slimy, and you have a forked tongue and no balls. I’d say you must be a lawyer.”

–from Al Friedman

RARE BANDIT BELT BUCKLE–Revealed in the Digital Discovery area of Bandit’s Cantina. Join the Cantina and find out more about how he made these buckles by hand. Each one is different and only a few exist.

By supporting the Cantina, you support all the content of Bikernet. Keeps us on the run.

Continued On Page 2

Title: THE SOUL OF A BUILDER

Photos by Al Conte

Gilroy, California, home of the Garlic festival and now Indian motorcycles rests on the edge of Silicon Valley. Up until 15 years ago, it was a dry agricultural community between San Francisco and nowhere. That’s where Al Conte lives, the owner/builder of this putt. It’s his first custom.

Al recently turned 50. Some 22 years ago Al married Debbie and proceeded to raise a family. His priorities changed. He set aside his wild days and went straight, like so many brothers do. He became an engineer in the semi-conductor industry and kept his clean snooze to the grindstone, as they raised three sons. Twenty years past, and their anniversary drifted onto the calendar. His wife nestled up to him one day and whispered, “The date’s just around the corner. Do we get diamond earrings or a Harley?”

His sons, Matt, Jeff and Doug, had no notion of what really flowed through their dad’s veins. To them he was another computer nerd, buried in an air-conditioned, cubicle industry.

Startled, Al turned and gazed deep in those knowing eyes and a smile crossed his lips, “A Harley,” he said without hesitation. That was 1998 and he is still riding that Fatboy. In touch with his feelings for riding, Debbie had no notion of his desire to build a custom. “I just wanted to build one,” Al said.

This project took him a year and a half. He spent two months just laying out the design, making plans and checking mags. “I built the bike 30 times mentally before I purchased a single part,” Al said. He kicked off the street sweeper with a ProOne chassis with leading link swingarm. “I encountered no problems fitting the unit together, but they hadn’t allowed chrome clearance in machining the threads, so the chrome chipped off as we attempted to assemble the unit.”

Al figured the project carefully and decided to spend the big candy on two areas of the bike to maintain a billet theme. “I spent $2,000 on the inner and outer primary from Pro One and $750 for the Yaffe taillight,” Al recanted, “I could have bought any number of taillights for half that amount.”

I asked him if he had any other problems with the wild swingarm. “I ordered a Jesse James rear fender and cut it in half, extended it and altered the radius to contour the 200 Avon and fit the swingarm.” He also used a Jesse James front fender, but only lowered it to hug the front tire.

Part of his engineering eye called for the bike to be balanced. No massive rear wheel and slim front. His design called for similarities not contrasts. He ordered 54 mm inverted forks from CCI figuring a length to set the bike level. The front end was fine except the pinch bolts wouldn’t hold the tubes. Every time he installed the unit, the tubes slipped through the trees and the bike dropped 4 inches. Four times he shipped the trees back until he received a set machined properly. “They were embarrassed, but very helpful,” Al commented.

The engineering legacy continued to resurface. “I like a bike to be geometrically even with tight symmetry,” Al said. So he made sure that levers and linkage were matched. Including the V-twin obsession bars.

“I’m 6’3″ and needed the machine to fit,” Al said, “These bars made all the difference.” He ran all the hydraulics and wiring through the bars. “I wanted to run an internal throttle also,” Al commented, “but there wasn’t enough room left.”

Al reviewed every component with an eye toward improvement or optimum construction. He chose twin Mikuni carburetors with a Rivera Engineering dual manifold. “If they would just reverse their linkage the throttle cables would virtually disappear.” He suggested it to the Rivera team, with little response.

He continued to add detailing touches including hard plumbing, hydraulic lines guided through the frame. The Gas tank chosen was a Fat Kat’s series 35 with a 3.5 inch stretch and a flush mount aircraft cap. With the tank and fender in place he ran to his nearby seat connection, Corbin. Mike Corbin’s team molded fiberglass to his frame so that the seat needs no fasteners. “It hugs the frame tubes and won’t slide,” Al said.

Every bike build has a team, and Al’s favorite team member was Rick Collier of Pro-Street Custom Cycles in Gilroy, (408) 842-2060. Rick reworked Al’s 120-inch Merch power plant. “We call him MacGiver,” Al said. “He can do anything and probably builds the strongest 80-inch motors in the state. I get 101 horsepower out of my Fatboy with Rick’s touch.” Rick was also the delicate touch behind the modified rear fender.

Al used a polished Baker 6-speed in this equation. “Nothing shifts like this baby,” Al said. “I’m going to install a 6-speed Baker gear set in my Fatboy.” Wheels, brakes and his hand controls came from Performance Machine, but he didn’t leave them alone. “We machined the clamps and the bars so each set would fit flush and evenly.”

He started out with a handmade set of pipes that didn’t fit well and the chrome peeled. “They were undersized and would effect the performance,” Al said. He bought a factory set of Wicked Brothers pipes from Arizona. He called them a week before the Pomona, ER show, and the pipes were in his hands in three days. “They bolted right up, fit great and worked well with the line of the bike,” Al said confidently.

Al has his own chrome saving tip for pipes. “I don’t go for that ceramic coating,” Al instructed. “We cleaned the pipes a couple of times with alcohol, then we sprayed them with VHT flatblack heat paint. We gave them a couple of coats and let them dry for 24 hours. The carbon attaches to the paint and the pipes don’t blue.”

For more detail he attached his Daytech oil bag with rubbermounted tabs under the seat. “It seemingly hangs there,” Al told me. “We took all the other tabs off the frame.” He installed a slightly smaller battery for fitment ease, but it required that he used compression releases on the cylinders to eliminate starting problems. As any engineer worth his salt, he installed the Merch oil filter and cooler for added oil capacity and longer engine life.

“Paint was a problem,” Al mentioned. “I didn’t want skulls or flames. Nothing traditional. Tribal had come and gone. I spoke to CrazyHorse, but she was far away, then I met Josh Stokes. I told him that I liked the Ripped Torn effect and he rolled his eyes, but decided to work with me.” Al was very pleased with the Santa Cruz, California painter. “He’s a master of real fire effects,” Al said.

When the bike was finally completed Al considered the show circuit. “It was a learning experience. I went to Pomona and didn’t place at all. So we hauled the bike to Sac for the Easyriders show there and took a first. We were getting the hang of it and having a good time.” He followed Sacramento with a show in Riverside, California and took best of show. “The highlight was when I took two classes in the Bikernet Show,” Al said and commented about the rare 5-Ball trophies. That year he took six first place trophies and a third place.

All of Al’s sons have relished in watching their dad come to life behind chromed handlebars. In particular Jeff assisted the ol’ man at shows, helping with the preparation and set-up. Jeff (19-years old) was killed in a car accident after Al’s second show win. “I almost gave up the competition,” Al said somberly. His two other sons, (Matt, 22 and Doug 15) encouraged Al to stick with it, and he’s glad they did.

Life is constantly changing and the once young retired rider was hit hard by the stock market and is now considering going back to work. This bike is still a virgin and is currently for sale, (thecontes@montereybay.com). After it’s gone he’ll begin another project, and we may witness another builder emerge from the garlic fields of Gilroy.

Continued From Page 3

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Another week has gone by, so what’s new..I’m still checking my messages at 5:00 am every morning, yeap when I get home! The new chopper is a little on the scheduled side, but we’ll make it. No sleep for 3 or 4 days… By the way, while checking those late night/ early morning, I want to thank all those who always take the time to write and like or dislike what I do here every week and even about the stuff going on in the Bikernet letter to the editor department: It’s your shot!

Again I’m going to get a bit distracted from what I was saying to get something off my chest (don’t I always!!). I enjoy making harmless fun of stuff and people in general. I try not to downgrade or humiliate another person. I don’t think this is the proper forum for that, and I’m sure Bandit and the ladies don’t think so either, There’s always a bunch of outlets on the internet for this kind of things…just use the search engines and type the word HATE.

Anyway, enough of that…. Let’s get back to what I was trying to say.I was reading last weeks News (yeap I do read them and Your Shot as well) and was sort of interested in the sudden increase of motorcycle accidents and deaths….Guess why ??.. No not the Twinkies..well……. Let’s see….Rallies and events have multiplied their attendance in the past years, which means there’s a lot more riders on the roads, many of this riders are inexperienced, or they buy a bike because it’s cool and their friend has one, follow the Rubbie-bashing-road fellow readers.. And motorcyclists are getting older (perhaps I should use the word bikers….Naaahhh) It’s a very simple matter of quantity and quality.

Like in any other events I see a lot of brand new riders in Sturgis, fine, go have fun in Main Street, but once you mix the sweeping turns and inexperience that’s were trouble starts. Let’s add a few beers to the equation, and Voila ! Guess who is going to hit the pavement ? Or add a 1,500 pound bike with the wife atop, all the latest communication and gazoo helmetry, the bags loaded up with all the gee gaws and the latest wares and souvenirs, plus the mechanical ability of a Totem post….” Honey those tires look flat” Yeah wait for the check up at the ” Official” dealership to solve that…Kapow ! There goes Humpty…

Again getting a bit out of the line of thought. Why is it that people go to a motorcycle event and they become insta assholes ? What seems like normal people (to me which is really simple) have to outdo themselves in “trying” to be the badest of the bad asses…The more drinking, shouting, leather stuff, whacking the fucking pipes, the happier. I guess these people just try to bring attention unto themselves. I swear that the drag pipes scream ” look at meee.” Every time someone whacks the throttle on Main St anywhere. People don’t seem to try to be themselves, they play an acting role in a charade.

Now my junction to the previous blurb. Some people have limited abilities. Stuff has to be learned, no one gets on a bike and wins a Grand Prix in the first try. like I said, add a few too many alcoholic beverages, overconfidence and inexperience and just wait for the accident to happen, as simple as that. I also have to be fair, a lot of stuff happens on the road, but more experienced riders are aware of these hazards and ride on the offensive and have been lucky enough to learn from previous mistakes.

What is really sad about this is that these people are loosing their lives by acting foolishly or not. I bet all the families don’t give a rat’s ass if dad want’s to go play bad ass Captain America, as long as he comes back home. What if he ain’t coming back? Yep, just like in the movie, is it fair to them, or even to all the other motorcyclists who will live with the statistics and insurance hikes. Anyway, rather read the ” statistics” than being one. That’s for fuckin’ sure. Not only that, and to top it off. Many of these newbie riders cause accidents to other riders. I’ve seen people miss a turn and plow into the oncoming bike. It’s imperative that you think of other people. I tell you, if someone hits anyone I’m riding with because he was doing stupid shit, I can assure you he will get a beating, no matter his condition.

I might be wrong, but then again, it’s my opinion and it counts even if only to me.Okay, enough rant…Let’s get to then news:

As you might know Choppers Inc, The Horse and Caribbean Custom Cycles (yours truly) will have a booth in Daytona Bike Week, we will be at the Galaxy Buick dealership two blocks North of Daytona Harley in Beach Street. If you see the big ass Performance Machine trailer, we are close by. It promises to be a lot of fun, since all our chopper riding friends have promised to visit and help out.

I have received photos of Billy Lane’s, Choppers Inc., Camel chopper. The bike is insane and bad ass. I am saving the photos for a later date, although you can see a sneak peek at my web site Http://www.ChopperFreak.com I’m sure all the other builders will be wondering what the hell to do to top Billy’s bike. I’m not saying this because he’s my friend. It’s because it’s a really innovative bike. And is cool as fuck !

The report on my Daytona Chopper (which looks like a Twinkie after seeing Billy’s bike) I’m putting it together as you read this, but I’m going to share the photo with you, (right before I took it apart and moved it to the spray booth). I have moved into the Next Day and Red Ups zone. All my friends are working their asses off for the completion. And I’m going to mention each and everyone here, in a mega plug,(if the Bikernet Vixens permit) in a following report. No matter what people say, few builders can do the whole thing by themselves, I’m lucky to be able to call all this people and small shop friends who always assist me:Shamrock Fabrication, PDQ upholstery, Boar Batteries, Twisted Choppers, West Coast Choppers, Choppers Inc, Accutronix, Avon, Exile Cycles, Forking by Franks, Clayton Machine works, Custom Chrome, Rivera Primo,Spyke….and whomever I forget…Sorry. Thanks to all.

I heard that Cincy show was a blast, and heard about a lot of new stuff going on, but I will let Bandit get into that, since he was there. I took care of Bikernet headquarters and the Vixens.Next is the Indy show. Maybe I can make it there, doubt it very much, but I might…

Chica has an open house February 9th, be sure to go visit Chica San and the crew, it will be a fun time and they always have cool stuff under the sleeves to show. Even if it’s Chica’s magic hammer.

I have the latest in gas tanks, made by my friends at Twisted Choppers, (I’m pretty lucky to get all this exclusive stuff) if you like those or the gas tank on my bike give this guys a shout or try www.TwistedChoppers.com tell the guys Jose sent you.

–Jose Bikernet Caribbean report and super secret updates extraordinaire. — mailto:chopperfreak@earthlink.net, chopperfreak@earthlink.net

Visit our Web Site http://www.chopperfreak.com

NEW MEXICO SENATOR BOWS TO PRESSURE FROM MOTORCYCLISTS, WITHDRAWS OUTRAGEOUS LEGISLATION– PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that New Mexico state Sen. Allen Hurt (R-Waterflow) has informed the AMA that he will withdraw Senate Bill 239, which could have forced some motorcyclists to become organ donors.

AMA leadership learned of Sen. Hurt?s intentions this afternoon in a message which read, in part: ?You win … I?m pulling New Mexico SB 239.? Late last Thursday, the AMA had expressed its outrage at SB 239, which, if it had passed, would have allowed the harvesting of organs from any motorcyclist who didn’t wear a helmet and was declared brain dead as a result of an accident.

?This victory demonstrates how powerful our voice can be when American motorcyclists speak together,? said Sean Maher, AMA Director of State Affairs. “When New Mexico state officials received more than 1,100 e-mails opposing SB 239, they got the message, and Sen. Hurt acted quickly to withdraw his proposal.”

The AMA organized opposition to the bill, urging motorcyclists to use the AMA Rapid Response Center — part of the Association?s website, AMADirectlink.com — to send a message to Hurt and the New Mexico Legislature?s leadership.

–from Helen Wolfe

HORSE TRADING–A guy calls his buddy, a horse rancher, and says he’s sending a friend over to look at a horse.

The buddy says, “How will I recognize him?”

His friend answers, “That’s easy, he’s a midget with a speech impediment.”

So, the midget shows up and the guy asks him if he’s looking for a male or a female horse.

“A female horth.”

So he shows him a prized filly. “Nith lookin horth. Can I thee her eyeth?”

So the guy picks up the midget and he gives the horse’s eyes the once over. “Nith eyeth, can I thee her earzth?” the midget asks.

So he picks the little fella up again and shows him the horse’s ears. “Nith earzth, can I see her mouf?”

The rancher is getting pretty pissed off at this point but he picks him up again and shows him the horse’s mouth. “Nice mouf, can I see her twat?”

Totally pissed at this point, the rancher grabs him under his arm and jams the midget’s head as far as he can up the horse’s you-know-what, pulls him out and slams him on the ground.

The midget gets up, sputtering and coughing,”Perhaps I should rephrathe that. Can I thee her wun awound a widdle bit?”

–from Al friedman

FIRST VICTORY CHOPPER–Was built in the back woods of Iowa where Don Hotop lives in a cave. He didn’t actually build this clean ride, he harrassed the owner/builder during the process and loaned him tools. The bike was constructed from a 2000 Sport model and the frame was modified for a Harley tank. You’ll see more in the near future when we get it out of the owner’s garage and feature it.

RUN FOR BREATH 2003 FIRST MEETING–We had the first meeting last night and we set the date for July 27th. By unamious vote we decided that the bikers of Charlotte would prefer to have Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron attend our charity run for the American Lung Association, than have you come and drink all our Jack again. Besides Randy will bring a display of his cool bikes for the crowd to see and you just come out and try to steal my girl.

–Mike Pullin
Founder and Run For Breath President

For more information contact Harley-Davidson of Charlotte.

SCOTT JACOBS GOES TO THE RACES–This work of art by Scott Jacobs is the grand finale of the racing series. Jacobs captured the exhileration of the most thrilling finish in all of racing; the 1998 Springfield Mile. Only 99 plus 25 APs are produced on canvas @$750 per and 250 plus 25 APs on paper @ $375 per. All of the pieces are hand-signed by Parker, Springer and Carr. Call before these run out! (canvas 30×30, paper 21×26)Ron Copple 800-999-1297www.segalfineart.com

CYRIL HUZE BUILDS NEW TEES– The tribal pattern used on these tees is the one designed by Cyril Huze for his Chopper called Tattoo Chop. Back of tee shirt is screen-printed with the slogan “Absolute Customs”. Front is printed with horizontal tribal logo. Men long sleeves or women baby doll. Black, white or red..

Cyril Huze Custom
Motorcycles & Parts
Tel: 561-392-5557
Fax: 561-392-9923
Website: http://www.cyrilhuze.com
Webstore: http://store.cyrilhuze.com

BIKERNET MEDICAL ADVICE–I’m so depressed… My Doctor refused to write me a prescription for Viagra. He said it would be like putting a new flagpole on a condemned building.

–from Kris J.

THAT’S ALL I CAN MUSTER–The week has been exciting, non-stop action, but I’m still pulled back to the slim redhead at the show and the way she whispered to me about my phone number. A blush crossed my face as I gawked at her glistening lips and wondered.

I was surrounded by my bros and had to maintain my business-like composure, when I would have rather followed her out the door to her room. It was damn good to see the bros, drink too much and trying to remember every new innovation and concept hungry to reach the market.

Buck Lovell sent me shots of the old school clean Pan above. I’ll try to have a feature prepared for next week. While at the show I was invited by the two competitors, Dave Perewitz and Billy Lane to ride with them to Dallas for the next Discovery Build-And-Ride adventure. What if I ride the Easyriders of Dallas 1926 Shovelhead rigid from Florida to the Easyriders show in Dallas? The sheet metal is currently at Harold Ponteralli’s H-D Performance for paint. I may make it. Ya just never know. Have a helluva week.

–Bandit

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Two New Books from Wolfgang Publications–January 2003, Stillwater, MNNew from Wolfgang Publications are two titles sure to please any serious motorhead. The Sportster/Buell Engine Hop Up Guide, available in April, covers everything from the early Ironhead to the latest Buell. Whether yours is campaigned legally at the track or not so legally on the street, the information and techniques needed to get those extra horses is right here.

Advanced Sheet Metal Fabrication Techniques, available in May, is a photo-intensive how-to book. See Rob Roehl create a motorcycle gas tank and Ron Covell form a Deuce grille shell. Methods and tools include English wheel, power hammer, shrinkers and stretchers, and of course the hammer and dolly.

Both titles are over 50% color, 144 pages in length and sell for $24.95 each plus $5.50 S&H (per order). Order one or both by mail, phone or from the web: wolfgangpublications.com

Wolfgang Publications
1310 Sunny Slope Ln
Stillwater, MN 55082
651 275 9411

MORE DARWIN AWARDS– A young Canadian man, searching for a way of getting drunk cheaply,because he had no money with which to buy alcohol, mixed gasoline with milk.Not surprisingly, this concoction made him ill, and he vomited into thefireplace in his house. This resulting explosion and fire burned his housedown, killing both him and his sister.from Redhorse

MILITARY RULES forNON-MILITARY PERSONNEL–The current state of affairs in our great nation have many civilians upinarms and excited to join the military. For those of you who can’t join,youcan still lend a hand. The Military suggests these few areas in whichyourassistance will be helpful:

1. The next time you see an adult talking during the playing of theNationalAnthem … kick their ass.

2. When you witness firsthand someone burning the American Flag inprotest… kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highestamount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise,quietly pull them aside and explain how these Veterans fought for theveryfreedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrificesthese Veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down whileaDisabled Veteran kicks their ass.

Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day.Without them, our country would get ITS ass kicked.

TMRA LEGISLATIVE DAY– This year there were many new state representatives due to the elections as well as redistricting. Sputnik, a Texas Motorcycle Riders Association (TMRA) leader, jumped right in getting people headed in the proper direction.

After making my rounds I began trying to get shots of all the clubs that had sent their own representatives to speak on the behalf of the TMRA 2 and Texas bikers. I believe I have images of (23) different clubs and I estimate there were probably (30+) easy.

It is such a rush to be wandering through the halls of our State Capital and see all of the black-leather clad folks going in & out of the offices of their elected officials. With all the club representation as well as the individual riders in attendance, the bikers once again seemed to outnumber the rest of the groups that had come to state capital that day.

Each chapter sets aside funds so that two members can spend a week at the capital and interact with Sputnik as he makes his rounds and works the Bills through committees and onto the Floor. This year the TMRA top issues are: Equal Access, Failure to Yield and an Insurance Coverage Bill (HIPAA).

I do not make every monthly meeting, but I have made sure I was able to attend the last two Legislative Days and am trying to learn more.

–RFR

Oh yeah, there are a bunch of cute girls working at the Capital!

BIKERNET ON SHEEP FARMING–There was once a sheep farmer who needed help with the difficult task of castrating some of his inferior male sheep to keep them from breeding with the females.He hired a French guy who didn’t speak much English, but was a very good worker. After the first day, they had successfully castrated 14 sheep and his French worker was just about to throw away the “parts”.

But the sheep farmer yelled,”No! Don’t throw those away! My wife fries them up and we eat them.They’re delicious and we call them’sheep fries’.”

Later that day, the French hired hand came in for supper, and indeed the ‘sheep fries’ were tasty.The next day,they castrated 16 sheep, and the following evening they all settled down to another supper of ‘sheep fries’.The third day, however, when the sheep farmer came home,he asked his wife where the French hired hand was, and she said,”You know, it’s the weirdest thing! I told him since there weren’t very many ‘sheep fries’ this evening, we were also going to have French fries,and he ran like hell!!”

–Jim W Williams, from Buckshot

HAMSTER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME–The following are being inducted: Max Bubeck, Jay Springsteen, Douglas Bingham, Dave Perewitz, Allen LaFortune, Branscombe Richmond, Cristine Sommer-Simmons.

Also the dates for the Redwood Run have changed to July. Please click this link for further information Redwood Run 2003 or www.redwoodrun.com.

–Patty

STURGIS PLANS ARE AFOOT–The 2003 West Coast Hamster ride to Sturgis has a tentative route as follows, contingent upon rooms being available.

Sat. July 26th meet in Barstow
Sun. to Williams, AZ
Mon. to Kayenta, AZ
Tues. to durango, CO
Wed. to Aspen, CO
Thurs. layover day Aspen
Fri. to Denver for Arlins Party
Sat. Aug. 2nd to Spearfish

LOW, WIDE AND FAT–New Beach Bars From Harley-Davidson Offer the Latest In Custom StyleGet that laid-back surfer style with new Beach Bar Handlebars from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, now available for Road King and Heritage Softail Calssic models. Chrome-plated steel Beach Bar Handlebars are 35.5 inches wide with a 4.5-inch rise, is more than 3 inches wider and up to 4 inches lower than the bars they replace. The fat 1-1/4? diameter means switch wires can be tucked inside the bars for a super-clean look.

Beach Bars are offered as a kit that also includes a chrome handlebar clamp, risers, a braided steel brakeline and all mounting hardware. For the 2002 and later FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic (P/N 56364-02) the kit has a U.S. MSRP of $429.00. For 2003 and later FLHR/C/I Road King models (P/N 56529-02) has a suggested U.S. retail price of $539.00

For additional information on Beach Bar Handlebars and other Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the USA or Canada.

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