Dublin Delivers Two Winners
By Bandit | | General Posts
TWO custom bike builders won expenses to take their bikes to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building when the Irish Motorcycle and Scooter Show hosted the Irish affiliate round of the Championship.
The event which was held in Dublin, Ireland, over the weekend of 1-3 March had prize packages for both domestic and international custom builders in the Custom Show.
In a repeat of the 2011 Show, Netherlands-based René van Tuil, of Revatu Customs once again took the top prize in the International class. This year his build was a one-off, vintage-styled, custom built around an Arona 600cc diesel engine.
A one-off frame with adjustable Springer forks and a Panhead / FX Shovel hybrid motor from Italian custom shop took second place for Italy's Inglourious Basterds Cycles, while Destiny Cycles from the UK mainland placed third with Vic Jefford's Carousel.
It was a similar story of a former winner coming back to take the top spot with the domestic builder prize package. In 2009 Don Cronin took the prize of travel expenses to the World Championship of Custom Bike Building and he did the same again this year with his Moto Guzzi engined Nouvo Falcone. Built in conjunction with Michael O'Shea, the bike with a V-Rod swingarm as the front end and V-Rod wheels, features numerous one-off parts and elaborate detailing that made it a clear winner in the Freestyle class.
In a first for any affiliate show in the World Championship's history second place was taken by a sidecar outfit in the form of Noel Connolly's Model A "whiskey Chaser", a ground-up build inspired by board track racers and powered by a Honda GC160 generator engine.
The top three was rounded out by a Sportster based build from Dinny Shannahan, which was 80 percent handmade.
DAYTONA KICK-OFF SUNDAY POST IN THE CANTINA ON BIKERNET
By Bandit | | General Posts
It's a good one, full of tech notions, high performance engines, Daytona updates, quirky facts, bad laws, new Indian news, bad jokes, crazed editorial concepts , and a couple of cute girls. Not bad for a Sunday.
Star Launches 'Bolt' Factory Bobbers Models
By Bandit | | General Posts
In an effort to attract a new cruiser buyer to the brand, Star Motorcycles just released a pair of bobbers powered by a fuel-injected, 58-cubic-inch (950cc), air-cooled, V-Twin engine, mounted in a double-cradle frame.
A modern interpretation of old-school “bobbers,” the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec are “step out of the norm” cruisers that deliver light weight and unmatched maneuverability, Star says. Performance components such as wave-type brake rotors and a smoked-lens digital meter are standard on both Bolt models, while the Bolt R-Spec ups the ante even more with the addition of remote-reservoir shocks, a suede-type seat with colored stitching, and special paint and graphics.
With their 60° V-Twin engines, belt drive, and steel fenders, the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec provide the perfect platform for personalization. Star plans to unveil a complete line of custom accessories for the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec in the coming weeks.
The Bolt will be available in two color options — Raven and Pearl White — and will retail for $7,990, with bikes available in dealerships starting in April. The Bolt R-Spec can be had in your choice of Matte Grey and Camo Green and will retail for $8,290, with bikes available in dealerships starting in July.
KILLER DEAL 2011 ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC IN FLORIDA
By Bandit | | General Posts
Ride this home from bike week With features like a spacious Tour-Pak® carrier, a Harmon/Kardon® Advanced Audio System and fine Harley-
Breaking News: Indian Motorcycle's Nod To Burt Munro's Fastest Indian
By Bandit | | General Posts
Since releasing the all-new 111-inch V-twin motor in Daytona yesterday, Indian Motorcycles keeps the treats coming. This time, Indian Motorcycle revealed a custom-built streamliner named the “Spirit of Munro.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle was unveiled in a special surprise announcement on Saturday, March 9 at Daytona Bike Week following the reveal of Indian Motorcycle’s new Thunder Stroke 111™ engine —the incredible new power plant for the upcoming 2014 Indian Motorcycle.
J&P Cycles Is Located in the Heart of the Action During Bike Week
By Bandit | | General Posts
J&P Cycles is ready for Bike Week! J&P’s mobile showroom semi is set up and opened for business at the famed Daytona International Speedway yesterday. Today, the manufacturers on our Destination Daytona Superstore lot opened for Bike Week business.
J&P Cycles is known for having some of the top names in the motorcycle industry on their lot, and this year is no exception. Get tips and see products by Battistinis by Rikki Battistini himself, check out gear from Klock Werks by Brian Klock and talk with custom bike builder Cory Ness with Arlen Ness. Plus, see representatives from Mustang Seats, Michelin, Air Hawk and many more.
This year, other Bike Week attractions at J&P Cycles includes Pin-up Model Cherry Dollface signing autographs at the Bell Helmets booth with Master Pinstriper Skratch doing custom helmet paintings. A custom painted helmet will be given away daily, Monday, March 11 through Thursday, March 14. Master Tattoo Artist Corey Miller will be featured at the Bell Helmets Booth signing autographs on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16. Here you can also sign up for a chance to win a tattoo from Corey to be done during Bike Week.
If you happen to be at Bike Week, make sure you check out the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Presented by J&P Cycles on Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15. The AMA Pro Singles Main Event is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET on March 14 with the AMA Pro Grand National Championship Singles Main Event following at approximately 10:10 p.m. ET.
We’ll see you there!
DAYTONA KICK-OFF SUNDAY POST
By Robin Technologies |
Here we go again,
Shit never stops. Innovation never gives up. Positive, progressive folks never stop breathing creative air. We were sketching streamliner forms on napkins this weekend.
We jammed over to Bennett’s Performance. Eric had an anxious customer who wanted his 2013 Dyna Street Bob back pronto. Eric installed Dave Mackey .575 lift cams in the stock 103-inch Twin Cam, with an Arlen Ness Big Sucker, basically plain K&N air cleaner, the all black carbon fiber, D&D Bob Cat two-into-one exhaust system, and a Power Commander EFI upgrade, which Eric tuned. Here are the results. It went from 68.16 horses and 87 pounds of torque to 93.42 Horses and 106.18 pounds of torque. Amazing. That puppy barks.
“That exhaust system is the easiest system I ever installed,” Eric said, “no shimming or egg-shaping holes to make it fit. All the pieces were there and ready to install. Heat shields in place.”
Eric will install the same exhaust on his Dyna project, with his 106-inch S&S Twin Cam formula with Branch heads. We will bring you more comparisons, and the entire build process in the near future.
Let’s see what’s in the news:
ROGUE HEADS TO DAYTONA–I will be heading to Daytona Tuesday Morning 3/19/2013. I will start off covering the Bike Show at the Broken Spoke then other happenings. I will get to Main Street and get a shot of Two Wheelers and the Bikernet Banner.
I would really like to make the Kyle Petty Ride one of these days, if I can get someone to sponsor me in return for me photographing and writing about it. If you know anyone interested please put them in contact with me.
–Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CULINARY WORD OF THE DAY–zakuska zuh-KOOS-kuh, noun:
“Do you have anything for zakuska, Tractvanna?” Oleg took stock of the table: boiled potatoes, bread, canned peas and sardines, a clove of garlic.
I drink a shot, take a bite of marinated mushrooms in sour cream. Humankind has yet to invent any better zakuska. Even Nanny’s half-sour pickles can’t hold a candle to this.
This Russian word for a snack, zakuska, entered the lexicon in the mid 1880s as a derivative of kusát meaning “to bite.”
UPGRADE THOSE EXTERNAL OIL LINES ON YOUR EARLY IRON WITH PAUGHCO HELP–Early OEM external oil lines are easily and quickly upgraded with these OLD-STF brass and stainless replacements from Paughco.
P/N STFB66 is custom shaped from solid brass tubing, replaces lines on 1966-1984 Shovelheads and retails for $65.95. The same line application in Stainless Steel, P/N STFS66, retails for $99.95. Ironhead Sportsters from 1957-1985 are covered with their own unique replacement Brass lines, P/N STFB57, retail $49.95.
Brass and stainless OLD STF line kits included sealing tape. Paughco also offers Steel Braided outside engine oil lines for the Knucklehead hard line and Shovelhead top oiler, oils both heads from the center P/N 743C. Both of the braided lines run $62.95. Order direct by calling 775-246-5738.
IRISH PRIEST IN TEXAS--An Irish priest was transferred to Texas. Father O’Malley rose from his bed one morning. It was a fine spring day in his new west Texas mission parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of the beautiful day outside.
He then noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn. He promptly called the local police station. The conversation went like this: “Good morning. This is Sergeant Jones. How might I help you?”
“And the best of the day te yerself. This is Father O’Malley at St. Ann ‘s Catholic Church. There’s a jackass lying dead in me front lawn and would ye be so kind as to send a couple o’yer lads to take care of the matter?”
Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit and recognizing the foreign accent, thought he would have a little fun with the good father, replied, “Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of the last rites!”
There was dead silence on the line for a long moment……. Father O’Malley then replied: “Aye,’tis certainly true; but we are also obliged to notify the next of kin first, which is the reason for me call.”
–from Rogue
A provision in an Ohio House bill that could have made it difficult to determine how motorcycle rider safety training funds were being spent was deleted after several motorcycling organizations complained, the American Motorcyclist Association reports–
The AMA, ABATE of Ohio, the Ohio Motorized Trails Association and others told state lawmakers that the provision was a bad idea because motorcyclists wanted to ensure that the funds are used for motorcyclist safety training. Lawmakers removed the provision from the bill, and then on Feb. 28 the full House approve the bill, sending it to the Senate for further consideration.
The provision was in House Bill 35 — the proposed state transportation budget. The language proposed abolishing the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund and transferring its cash to the State Highway Safety Fund. The Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund, coupled with student tuition fees, funds the Motorcycle Ohio rider education program.
Ohio’s on-highway motorcyclists support Motorcycle Ohio through $6 from each motorcycle registration fee paid to the registrar of motor vehicles. That money goes into the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund.
Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager, was among those who testified against the provision before the House Transportation Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee on Feb. 15.
“The proposed abolishment of the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund following transfer of its cash balance to the State Highway Safety Fund is troubling for several reasons,” Szauter testified.
He said those reasons included:
1. Placing motorcycle registration fee money in the State Highway Safety Fund would make it harder for the motorcycling community to track it.
Szauter also noted that in 2006 and in 2009, the state of Ohio attempted to raid the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund. In 2006, the Ohio Controlling Board received, and later rejected, a request to transfer $750,000 from the fund. In 2009, then-Gov. Ted Strickland reversed a decision to transfer $800,000 from the fund. In both cases, the motorcycling community spoke up to protect the money riders paid to support rider education.
Motorcycle Ohio is a nationally recognized respected rider education program that provides four training courses for motorcyclists of all skill levels. The Basic RiderCourse, the Basic RiderCourse for returning riders, the Basic RiderCourse 2, and the Advanced RiderCourse are taught by dedicated, experienced RiderCoaches.
–from Rogue
BUCK LOVELL EDITORIAL CONSIDERATION FOR BIKERNET BAGGERS–I am compiling a list of people, biker types, motorcycle industry
types, who I am going to sneak on and interview with my go pro. I am going to select a single question to ask every male biker type such as
“Which do you like better, small breasts or large breasts” or maybe, “Are you leg man or a breast man…and why?”
Or some such nonsense, to
see if I can arrive at some sort of a consensus. If you have a question you would like to ask anybody, somebody whatever….forward
I have yet to dream up a question to ask the ladies! I would like to ask them something that won’t get my face slapped…….but hell, that
might make good video.
–Buck
GREG FRIEND THE VIDEO PRODUCER–
We talked briefly at Vegas Bikefest about videos and I wanted to show you a few of my recent productions. I’d love to do some work for/with you and Bikernet! Let me know what you think.
LA Speed Shop’s Sidecar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZEgFvtui8U
Automatic Bagger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsCio8EG1i8
Gearhead Promo Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fGxuyiNJ-M
Rear Wheel/Tire change for Softails
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdSJBQsBcxQ
Thanks again!
-Greg
WANT AN AMAZING ADVENTURE?–Sail Bahamas November 3-10, 2013
Come sail the legendary paradise of The Bahamas. Clear beautiful water, powder white sand, idyllic islands and new sailing friends. Enjoy it all from a beautiful sailing catamaran. We’ve got some great skippers and Dream Yacht Charters has some nice boats for us. Share paradise with us …
–Captain Woody and the Crew
I’ve sailed with them and Bob Bitchin annually for over a decade. What a blast and a new adventure each year.–Bandit
BIKERNET MUSIC FEATURE COMING–Lindsey Stirling Dubstep Violinist Or The Future Mrs. Roesler.
I came across Lindsey Stirling purely by accident one night there happened to be a Behind the Scenes video for her latest music video, Elements on one of the photography sites I visit. In it she discusses how she does the editing. I was intrigued.
Lindsey Stirling’s music appeals to such a diverse group of fans from young girls with their violins, to the gamer geeks, thanks to her Skyrim, Zelda’s Melody and Assassins Creed III videos, to older guys and girls with grey hair, everyone seems to love Lindsey Stirling and her music! So hell, I wrote a feature on her. You will be able to see it on Bikernet next week.
Till Next Time,
–RFR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. and the Girls —
Bike Week kicks into high gear in Daytona Beach on Friday, bringing half a million bikers along for the ride.
With Spring Breakers also making Daytona their destination of choice, it’s going to be a busy time for beachside businesses.
“We just figured Daytona would be the place to be in Florida,” said Susie Snedaker, of Ohio.
She and 50 of her sorority sisters booked their room on Daytona Beach months ago.
Audrey Perreault rode down with two buses full of Canadian college students.
“I thought it was going to be warmer, this is actually cold. But we’re going to take as much sun as we can get,” she said.
Spring Breakers are not the only ones soaking up the sun on the 26 miles of sandy beaches; Bike Week starts Friday and, according to Daytona Welcome Center Director Scott Edwards, there will be more out-of-towners in the mix than ever before.
“A lot of your major universities east of the Mississippi have changed their Spring Break also to the second week of March, so what we’re going to see here, come Saturday, are more Spring Breakers during the Bike Week time than we’ve ever had,” he said.
Anthony Romberger is hoping to cash in on the big crowds with his mobile barbeque business.
“We started prepping about two days ago, so we’ll prep right up to the end, and just keep cooking throughout,” he said.
Romberger drove his 63-foot-long mobile barbeque from Pennsylvania just for this year’s Bike Week.
“Bikers tend to go towards barbeque so it helps out a lot,” he said.
–Rogue
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!--AT LAST, THE TRAILER QUEEN CODE OF THE WEST DISCOVERED THROUGH KENDON
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10959
Think this is a great idea! Would love to have a Dual ride on for mine and the Lady bike.
–Curtis Thomas
crzycurt@yahoo.com
Wilmer, AL
ANOTHER FXR FOR SALE IN THE SHOP FROM THE FROGMAN– Well we got a snow dump of 4″ last night and 31 degrees outside. Still waiting for them to clear the roads.
Will keep you posted if I come down today or early tomorrow.
Out of the snow….bike in tow. It was delivered to the shop Friday night. It’s cool, stretched and for sale. Drop me a line, if you’re interested to Bandit@bikernet.com $11,000 obo.
TRIKING VIKING TAKES OVER BIKERNET FACEBOOK PAGE–You may have noticed that I started this week taking on face book on as a marketing project for Bikernet. It needed attention. PLEASE keep on doing what you have been and try and kick it up a notch.
I am trying to double the likes and blow our traffic up within the next two weeks. So far we are up 20 % (579) likes, 75% in fans, up 600% people talking and upped our total reach 70%
I will pass along more tips next week
Ride Forever
–Triking Viking
BRAND NEW INDIAN 111-INCH ENGINE–last night Indian motorcycle introduced the all-new Thunder Stroke 111, the new engine that will power the upcoming 2014 line-up of Indian Motorcycles to be introduced later this year.
We also revealed an amazing custom motorcycle dubbed the “Spirit of Munro” that is powered by the Thunder Stroke 111. We have a press website with information on the new engine, the new custom bike and more. Thank you for your coverage of Indian Motorcycle as Polaris Industries pushes further into the new era for the brand.
You’ll see the Spirit of Munro in the Thursday News.
–Robert Pandya
Indian Motorcycle
Playboy Playmate-Autographed Victory Motorcycle Up for Auction to Benefit Operation Gratitude– Victory Motorcycles and Playboy have teamed up to support the great work of Operation Gratitude, and they’re offering riders the chance to bid on a Playmate-autographed Victory Cross Country – with all proceeds from the bike auction going to Operation Gratitude.
The Sunset Red 2013 Victory Cross Country available in the March 21-28 auction appeared on the cover of the 2013 Victory catalog along with Playboy Playmate Raquel Pomplun. The bike has been autographed by Raquel, Anna Sophia Berglund and Ciara Price, the three Playmates featured in the Victory catalog, which was shot at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles last summer.
Victory has announced that 100% of the proceeds from the auction of the cover bike will be donated to Operation Gratitude, a charitable organization dedicated to providing material and emotional support to America’s armed forces and their families.
“The auction’s winning bidder will be riding a 2013 Victory bagger loaded with attitude and performance, and all proceeds will go to Operation Gratitude to support its outstanding programs,” said Steve Menneto, Polaris Vice President of Motorcycles.
Victory has participated with Operation Gratitude for several years, and in 2010, the keys to a new Victory motorcycle were included in the organization’s 600,000th care package. “Victory is proud to support Operation Gratitude programs that benefit our military, their families and first responders,” Menneto said.
The Cross Country cover bike will be available at auction March 21-28, 2013, on eBay Motors. Starting March 21, interested bidders can visit victorycoverbike.com for complete details about the auction and to place bids. The auction will open at 7 p.m. PST on March 21, 2013, and it will end at the same time of day on March 28.
To view “The Making of the 2013 Brochure,” a video of the Victory photo shoot with the Playboy Playmates, visit: www.VictoryMotorcycles.com/BehindTheScenes
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.
BIKERNET CARB ART PHOTO CONTEST, MAYBE–Actually a photo contest……carburetor photo art as seen in the attached images. Photograph your carb and send the images to Buck Lovell. Entries may be used for advertising purposes, etc.
You can send your shots to Buck@Bikernet.com, or Bandit@bikernet.com
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT–
Adrenaline Junky File
*2nd Grand Child, It’s A Boy, Unknown Today Wheeler, arrival, early June
*Texas Mile* March 22-24 ….www.texasmile.net
*Ohio Mile 2013* *April 27-28 June 8-9 July 6-7 Sept. 28-29 ….www.ecta-lsr.com
*El Mirage 2013* *May 18-19, June 9, July 14, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 9-10.. www.scta.org
*Loring Maine* The Maine Event July 12-14 ….www.lta-lsr.com
*Bonneville, SCTA* *153 Days….August 10-16, 2013* ….www.scta-bni.org
*BUB Speed Trials* *161 Days…. *August 24-29, 2013* ….www.speedtrialsbybub.com
*Mojave Mile* October, 12-13 ….www.mojavemile.com
Even on the slow, not so gloomy days in the harbor the sun is shinning and life is good.
[photo 0918]
The sleek Air Tech body work is off of our 5-Ball Racing Teams Raycer and is in the hands of our local master fiberglass/repairman/pinstriper, George The Wild Brush. Seems we had a slight brush with the ramp while unloading the hot rod in the dark, bruising the lower right corner, not to worry.
The end result will be better than new with a cleaner look on the bottom edge. Seems over a ½ inch of bondo was used to fill in imperfections in the mold. George added a black stripe we can mask off and touch up due to up coming and welcomed road chips, salt spray, small critters, very small road alligators, bright orange track cones @150 mph plus? Not again..please, one never knows what might pop up on the horizon.
Had to dodge a trailer-hitch ball on the Yelm Highway at warp speed in Washington one sunshiny afternoon a million years ago. The chrome ball jumped out of a pick up truck bumper, bouncing really fukin high while spinning like a top. It hit the asphalt and bounced again while I attempted a survival swerve….the ball smacked my skid plate, right side, just under the cone driving the plate hard against the case. Once again proving the code of the west, running a skid plate is a great fukin’ idea when ya need it.
[photo 2435]
With 153 days until Speed Week, this just might be the week we get serious and attack the Turbo Charged Raycer as we head for the starting line. Having a plan and the material is very important. We have both a plan and an achievable goal, but we’re burnin daylight.
Stay Tuned…..
[photo 5099]
Thanks….With one helleva lot of help from my family and Industry friends….Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.
We’re on track for a stellar year on the street and on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
3 Ex-Wives, My 3 Sons, Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Kent Rich, Dutch and the Crew@Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Keith Ball and the Crew@Bikernet, Bikers Choice, Brad Beach@Beach Racing ,Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer@vtwinfuelinjection, Allen Alvarez@Daytona Twin Tech, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents (Thanks Ted Shrode, Ph.D—- R. I. P.), Fisher Harmonic Damper, Dan Stern@House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc., Ron Williams, Jeff, Kevin@Hardtailz, Randy Torgeson, Michelle and the Crew@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Paul Kittrell@Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman@Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Ray Whitehead@Pegasus, Pingel, Jim @Sharp Eye Transmission, Reggie and Crew@R&R Cycle, Ben Kudon@Rivera Primo, Matthew Wiley@Race Tech Suspension, Rick Tedder@ R/T Performance, Schnitz Racing, Mr. McCahill@Spyke, S&S Cycle, Matthew Negherbon@Thunder Motorcycles in San Jose, Guy Caputo@Tiger Racing, Steve The Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers, Dr. Willie, World Wide Bearings, Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineuity in San Jose, Ca..
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
[page break]
PAUL HIBBITS OBITUARY–
Paul “Animal” Hibbits passed away on March 2, 2013. Paul was born on May 15, 1948 in Camarillo, California. He attended Camarillo High School, playing on the football and wrestling teams. Too young to join the Marine Corps, Paul joined the Hells Angels. Coming of age in the 60’s was an adventure like no other and Paul worked hard to “keep the fun level up and the rubber down.”
While filming “Hells Angels 69”, he was introduced to the stunt business. As “Ed Lang,” Paul worked on such iconic films as “Scarface” and “Superman.” In the 70’s, he befriended Willie Nelson and joined his tour as a bodyguard. While on tour in 1983, he and then-wife Barbara Hibbits traveled to Alaska. Discovering they were expecting their first child, they decided to stay and build a home in Palmer.
Their daughter Amy was born a month after purchasing the perfect property facing Pioneer Peak. Paul worked in gold mines, on the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay, and the fishing grounds of Seldovia, and served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the Wasilla Fire Department.
In 2003, Paul fell in love with Maureen Emery, who moved to Alaska on the promise that Paul would build her a “dream kitchen” – which he promptly did.
Paul was a loyal friend, witty and honest, and always ready to help others. Even at the end, when he had little strength left, his desire was to help his friends in any way possible.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Amy Nashon of Tarzana, California; his grandchildren, Amari and Zion Paulino of Tarzana, California; brother, David Hibbits of Camarillo, California; his nephew, Charles Hibbits of Simi Valley; and, his niece Sarah Mora of Santa Cruz, California. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Leona Hibbits and his loving partner, Maureen Emery.
A memorial will be given by the Hells Angels at a date and time TBD. Paul’s ashes will be spread by his family and close friends in Malibu, California, where he enjoyed hang-gliding over the Pacific Ocean.
–Anchorage Daily News
–from Harvey Tow
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN–
I’ve accidentally swallowed some Scrabble tiles. My next cr*ap could spell disaster.
My sister-in-law sat on my glasses and broke them. It was my own fault. I should have taken them off.
–from Joseph Holder
EAGLERIDER DEAL OF THE WEEK–2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic in Orlando, Florida 32809–$15,428
With features like a spacious Tour-Pak carrier, a Harmon/Kardon Advanced Audio System and fine Harley-Davidson styling detail, the Electra Glide® Classic model brings a level of luxury to touring adventures.
The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s powerful engines. **Includes Cruise Control & ABS**
DAYTONA Bike Week 2013–
WHAT: Thousands of bikers head to Volusia and Flagler counties for a 10-day celebration.
WHEN: Friday through March 17.
WHERE: Main Street is the epicenter, with hot spots throughout the two counties and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway.
So Armstrong put on a buffalo hat he had gotten as a souvenir from Wyoming and gave a matching bear hat to Perito.
As the Port Orange couple watched bikes zip up and down Main Street from their perch Friday, they compared Daytona’s Bike Week to Mardi Gras for bikers.
“You see things here that you would never see at any other time of the year,” Armstrong, 75, said.
A motorcycle-riding Pomeranian, a motor home converted into a bike and a man wearing only an adult diaper stole the show on Main Street on Friday.
The day started slow with bikers trickling down the main thoroughfares in Daytona Beach and beyond, but by the afternoon Main Street resembled a circus full of characters and decadent rides. Other venues across Volusia and Flagler counties started attracting crowds, too.
Local officials predict several a hundred thousand bikers will rumble into the area during the next nine days.
On Main Street, motorcycle engines sputtered, bikini-clad bartenders posed for photos and amplifiers cranked into full gear on outdoor stages. If the first few hours of Bike Week are any indication of what’s to come, that should make bike enthusiasts such as Perito and Armstrong happy.
“We plan to do whatever we want to do for the next 10 days,” Perito said.
Daytona Beach resident Jack Beretto and his Pomeranian Lil’ Bear only made it a few feet down Main Street before they were surrounded by people snapping photos. Wearing tiny goggles with skulls and a black helmet, Lil’ Bear eagerly greeted his admirers. This year marks Lil’ Bear’s second appearance at Bike Week, but this time he is more comfortable riding shotgun in the vest attached to his owner, Beretto said.
“He is a rock star here and probably Daytona’s most famous dog,” Beretto said.
North Carolina resident Jesse Edwards might not have the newest Harley-Davidson model but he’s proud to say he built his entire motorcycle named “The Beast” himself, out of an old Volkswagen body, motor home and old fuel tanks. He also donned a Spartan-style helmet made out of dock screws and a Cuban sugar cutter.
“Daytona was traditionally about Harleys but now you see a mixture of stuff,” the 58-year-old said. “I just tried to be creative and used whatever I had around.”
The dawn of Bike Week also energized vendors and business owners who set up shop this week. West Palm Beach residents Jennifer Albury and Megan Scirpoli came to sell jewelry. But with stiff competition surrounding them, the women decided to sweeten the deal by offering a free kiss to whomever bought a necklace. The women had only been on Main Street a few minutes before they were drawing a large crowd.
“We are getting a lot of attention,” Albury said. “This is a competitive market and we decided to use our strengths.”
Bike Week might be a time when visitors can let loose and roam free, but law enforcement and city officials work behind the scenes to control the chaos.
Daytona Beach police officers will be out in full force guiding traffic and giving citations to bikers who rev their engines. The city’s Community Standards Compliance Manager Hector Garcia said he has already made several trips to Main Street to make sure vendors have permits, patrons are not drinking in the streets or on sidewalks and that outdoor entertainment does not violate the city’s noise ordinance.
“We want everyone to have fun while they are here but we also want to keep things safe,” Garcia said.
–Daytona News Journal
–from Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT KEY WORD OF THE DAY–linchpin LINCH-pin, noun:
PAUGHCO SWEDISH STYLE CHOPPER CHASSIS– Paughco’s Straight Leg Swedish Style chopper frames are available in four configurations: 4” over down tubes with 2” extended backbone, 6” tubes with 3” backbone, 8” tubes with 4” backbone and 10” over down tubes with 5” in the backbone.
The unique frames are also available in stock and ultra wide versions to accept up to 180 rubber with belt drive. While Paughco recommends no more than a 40-degree neck rake be ordered for use with stock trees, builders can go to 45-degrees when used in conjunction with Paughco’s latest 6-degree billet triple trees. The later combination provides an awesome, almost power steering like feel in the front end.
Retail on the Super Stretch chassis starts at just $1447.95. For further information call 775-246-5738
GREG HANCOCK HITS 25 YEARS ON THE SPEEDWAY–25 years of speedway, and just getting started Greg Hancock, 42, is in his 25th year as a professional speedway rider, but it feels like just yesterday when he first stepped on the motorcycle.
The only thing Greg Hancock isn’t foreign to is winning.
Hancock is a three-decade- long resident of Costa Mesa, but he’s made his career on foreign soil as a speedway motorcycle rider. Fifteen years removed from his first world title, and only two years removed from his second, Hancock, 42, is looking to once again taste the satisfaction of being labeled World Speedway Grand Prix champion.
“I’m still in the game, still on the mark and hungry for success,” he said.
Speedway racing, similar to soccer, is a sport that attracts the masses on a global scale, but has not yet been embraced by American racing fans. Racers ride along an oval-shaped dirt racetrack. Bikes weigh up to 160 pounds and use only one gear, employing no brakes.
Hancock got his start in the sport as a child, when his father would take him to see races in Orange County.
“My dad was taking me to the OC fairgrounds since I was 6,” Hancock said. “He was a fan of it himself and he was involved with a lot of guys in the area that raced.”
Within two years, Hancock began racing across Southern California, and recalls his first race quite fondly.
“I remember it like yesterday,” Hancock said. “It was great, very intense. I spent so much time around the sport as a kid that I couldn’t wait for that big day. I was so nervous, yet so excited. It was one of the most memorable moments of me growing up.”
At 15, Hancock won the junior national championship and at 17 began his career on the professional circuit.
But in order to race against top competition, Hancock had to go where the sport is most popular: Europe.
In May 1989, at 18, Hancock accepted an offer from a professional speedway team in England.
“I had a dreadful first year learning the ropes but from that point on, I made my career in Europe,” Hancock said.
Over the next few years, Hancock began to branch out across Europe, racing in Sweden and Poland.
He went from four to five races per year in America to more than 100 per year in Europe.
“It’s the top sport in Poland, maybe third in Sweden, where I’m based now, and No. 2 in Denmark,” Hancock said. “So it’s on par with soccer and ice hockey in some of these European countries.”
At 27, Hancock captured his first World Grand Prix championship. But from 1998 to 2010, he was unable to capture his second world title, finishing in the top-five spot eight times.
In 2011, it took a psychological rebirth for Hancock’s fortunes to finally be reversed.
“I rediscovered my youth and my love for the sport,” Hancock said. “I wanted to win badly and I was 41, feeling like I was 18 still. In 2011, I won and won convincingly. And in 2012, I led the series until the last three events and ended up third, two points behind second.”
Youth might not be the category in which Hancock is placed. He is the oldest world championship competitor on the circuit.
The 2013 season begins March 23 in New Zealand, where Hancock will begin his quest to grab his third world title before considering calling it a career.
“For the last 15 years, I’ve been saying five more years until I’m done,” Hancock said. “But I know this: the day I wake up and feel like I can’t win, I’ll hang it up that day.”
–By Brantley Watson, OC register
–from Vern
HERE IS THE LATEST ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVER PERMITS IN FLORIDA–The Law Is Technically Still In Affect and Law Enforcement May Still Use It To Stop Motorcyclist In Daytona.
Repeal of international-driver law in high gear
TALLAHASSEE — Oh, Canada, come on down. And feel free to drive. State lawmakers are speeding toward repealing a new law that says international visitors need special permits to drive in Florida. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, has caused a brouhaha, particularly for Canadian snowbirds who pile into the Sunshine State each winter to take a break from the cold.
“We want to make sure we send a clear message that our state is open for business,” said Rep. Daniel Davis, a Jacksonville Republican who is shepherding a repeal bill through the House.??
Committees in the House and Senate unanimously approved repeal measures Thursday and pointed to an old Tallahassee bugaboo for the problem — legislation that creates “unintended consequences.”
The law called for foreign visitors to get what are known as international driving permits before leaving their home countries. Those permits would be in addition to regular driver’s licenses and, so the thinking went, would help Florida law enforcement officers sort out traffic incidents involving international visitors, especially those who don’t speak English.
But the change created confusion and bad public relations for the tourism-dependent state. Rep. Ed Hooper, a Clearwater Republican, said his Pinellas County district gets a huge influx of Canadian visitors in the winter.“I think everyone has contacted my office to express their displeasure,” Hooper said before the House Economic Affairs Committee voted Thursday for its version of the repeal measure .
Beyond the effect on tourists driving into the state or lining up at airport rental-car counters, the law also might violate an international treaty called the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
Concerned about the potential violation, the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles last month said the Florida Highway Patrol would not enforce the international driving permit requirement.
–from Rogue
CATCHING UP WITH NEW D&D DEALERS AROUND THE COUNTRY—If you don’t find a dealer near you, check the D&D web site.
76) Performance Cycle & Dyno Inc 15517 RT 173 Harvard, IL 60033 815-648-4440
77) AIM Corp 16631 Gemini Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-848-3030
78) Mid City Motorsports 400 Falconbridge Rd Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3A4S4 705-560-3300
79) The Helmet Center 18635 N 35th Ave # 106 Phoenix, AZ 85027 623-444-4789
80) Buy Your Motorcycle.com 185 S. Watson Rd # 107 Arlington, TX 76010 817-649-1905
81) Indigenous Powersports 64760 Hwy 60 Ponca City, OK 74601 580-762-2100
82) Moto Mech LLC 614 Richlands Hwy Jacksonville, NC 28540 910-333-9542
83) Tokyomods 33155 Camino Capistrano # A San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 888-457-9403
84) Mid Ohio Harley Davidson 2100 Quality Lane Springfield, OH 45505 937-322-3590
85) Harley Davidson of Scottsdale 15600 N. Hayden Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-905-1903
86) Mid Coast Concepts LLC N34 W 23159 Circle Ridge RD # 104 Pewaukee, WI 53072 414-399-0140
87) Gateway Cycles 620 N. Maysville St Mt Sterling, KY 40353 859-497-2100
88) Volusia MotorSports 1701 SR 44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-428-2212
89) National Powersports Distributors 701 Riverwood Dr Pembroke, NH 03275 603-410-4120
90) Riders Accessory Warehouse LLC 13809 South Casper St # H Glenpool, OK 74033 918-518-5582
91) Capital Honda Powersports 10920 Star Rd Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-719-0700
BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING SEMINAR–I had lunch with two of my unmarried friends. One is engaged, one is a mistress, and of course I have been married for 40 years. We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by wearing a black leather bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.
Here’s how it all went. My engaged friend: The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, ‘You are the woman of my dreams. I love you.’ Then we made love all night long.
The mistress: Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing the leather bodice, heels and mask over my eyes and a raincoat. When I opened the raincoat he didn’t say a word, but we had wild sex all night.??
Then I had to share my story: When my husband came home I was wearing the leather bodice, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. As soon as he came in the door and saw me he said, ‘What’s for dinner, Batman?’
–from Rogue
SHOTS FROM THE BAKERSFIELD DRAGS LAST WEEKEND—Great times and classic iron.
–Bob Clark
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IN FORCE AT LAST—Thank God. It’s about time. I need to jump back into the shop and finish wiring the Mudflap Girl FXR. Chris Morrison promised my tank next week, and George, the Wild Brush will add the stripping. I should be up and running that day.
Toward the end of the week I received a highly inaccurate notion. I was caught up with impending Bikernet content. Not so fast Kimosabe. I need to write the Peter Linney feature, from the Long Beach Ultimate Builder Show. I need to send another book chapter to Bruce Snyder, our official copy editor. We have another Gunner ’64 Panhead restoration tech. I’m working with Eric Bennett on a major engine build tech. It will include S&S, Branch, D&D, and a Rivera Clutch.
I also have RFR’s Lindsey feature, another Girl of Bikernet for the Cantina, and one of the coolest Vincents you have ever seen. And I’m waiting on the images from Reading Design so we can post their adjustable footboards tech on Bikernet. So, it’s non-stop. Since I work all day on Sundays, I try to make Monday my Sunday for kickin’ back, but it never happens. The Triking Viking is immediately pushing for something, and now he’s handling our Face book account. Shit, I forgot my next Mudflap Girl tech. It’s close.
I’ve mentioned a book I recently read: Go Like Hell by A. J. Baime. It’s amazing, but I hope to share a few quotes from it, since we live and breathe in a portion of the vehicle industry and this book is all about Ford and Ferrari. And since we are watch a new Indian transformation in this country, many of these things apply. This quote came from 1964 era:
In Italy there was only Ferrari, and the old man had his old way of doings things. Surtees (famous race car driver) could see a time in the future when the competition would overwhelm Ferrari like a gigantic wave of fast-moving metal… They had to innovate, think young and fast. They had to become something new, or else.
Hang on for more inspirational material in the near future. A neighbor brought me a street sign: No Stopping At Any Time. It’s our mantra around here.
Have a ball…
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
DAYTONA KICK-OFF SUNDAY POST
By Robin Technologies |
Here we go again,
Shit never stops. Innovation never gives up. Positive, progressive folks never stop breathing creative air. We were sketching streamliner forms on napkins this weekend.
We jammed over to Bennett’s Performance. Eric had an anxious customer who wanted his 2013 Dyna Street Bob back pronto. Eric installed Dave Mackey .575 lift cams in the stock 103-inch Twin Cam, with an Arlen Ness Big Sucker, basically plain K&N air cleaner, the all black carbon fiber, D&D Bob Cat two-into-one exhaust system, and a Power Commander EFI upgrade, which Eric tuned. Here are the results. It went from 68.16 horses and 87 pounds of torque to 93.42 Horses and 106.18 pounds of torque. Amazing. That puppy barks.
“That exhaust system is the easiest system I ever installed,” Eric said, “no shimming or egg-shaping holes to make it fit. All the pieces were there and ready to install. Heat shields in place.”
Eric will install the same exhaust on his Dyna project, with his 106-inch S&S Twin Cam formula with Branch heads. We will bring you more comparisons, and the entire build process in the near future.
Let’s see what’s in the news:
ROGUE HEADS TO DAYTONA–I will be heading to Daytona Tuesday Morning 3/19/2013. I will start off covering the Bike Show at the Broken Spoke then other happenings. I will get to Main Street and get a shot of Two Wheelers and the Bikernet Banner.
I would really like to make the Kyle Petty Ride one of these days, if I can get someone to sponsor me in return for me photographing and writing about it. If you know anyone interested please put them in contact with me.
–Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CULINARY WORD OF THE DAY–zakuska zuh-KOOS-kuh, noun:
“Do you have anything for zakuska, Tractvanna?” Oleg took stock of the table: boiled potatoes, bread, canned peas and sardines, a clove of garlic.
I drink a shot, take a bite of marinated mushrooms in sour cream. Humankind has yet to invent any better zakuska. Even Nanny’s half-sour pickles can’t hold a candle to this.
This Russian word for a snack, zakuska, entered the lexicon in the mid 1880s as a derivative of kusát meaning “to bite.”
UPGRADE THOSE EXTERNAL OIL LINES ON YOUR EARLY IRON WITH PAUGHCO HELP–Early OEM external oil lines are easily and quickly upgraded with these OLD-STF brass and stainless replacements from Paughco.
P/N STFB66 is custom shaped from solid brass tubing, replaces lines on 1966-1984 Shovelheads and retails for $65.95. The same line application in Stainless Steel, P/N STFS66, retails for $99.95. Ironhead Sportsters from 1957-1985 are covered with their own unique replacement Brass lines, P/N STFB57, retail $49.95.
Brass and stainless OLD STF line kits included sealing tape. Paughco also offers Steel Braided outside engine oil lines for the Knucklehead hard line and Shovelhead top oiler, oils both heads from the center P/N 743C. Both of the braided lines run $62.95. Order direct by calling 775-246-5738.
IRISH PRIEST IN TEXAS--An Irish priest was transferred to Texas. Father O’Malley rose from his bed one morning. It was a fine spring day in his new west Texas mission parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep breath of the beautiful day outside.
He then noticed there was a jackass lying dead in the middle of his front lawn. He promptly called the local police station. The conversation went like this: “Good morning. This is Sergeant Jones. How might I help you?”
“And the best of the day te yerself. This is Father O’Malley at St. Ann ‘s Catholic Church. There’s a jackass lying dead in me front lawn and would ye be so kind as to send a couple o’yer lads to take care of the matter?”
Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit and recognizing the foreign accent, thought he would have a little fun with the good father, replied, “Well now Father, it was always my impression that you people took care of the last rites!”
There was dead silence on the line for a long moment……. Father O’Malley then replied: “Aye,’tis certainly true; but we are also obliged to notify the next of kin first, which is the reason for me call.”
–from Rogue
A provision in an Ohio House bill that could have made it difficult to determine how motorcycle rider safety training funds were being spent was deleted after several motorcycling organizations complained, the American Motorcyclist Association reports–
The AMA, ABATE of Ohio, the Ohio Motorized Trails Association and others told state lawmakers that the provision was a bad idea because motorcyclists wanted to ensure that the funds are used for motorcyclist safety training. Lawmakers removed the provision from the bill, and then on Feb. 28 the full House approve the bill, sending it to the Senate for further consideration.
The provision was in House Bill 35 — the proposed state transportation budget. The language proposed abolishing the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund and transferring its cash to the State Highway Safety Fund. The Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund, coupled with student tuition fees, funds the Motorcycle Ohio rider education program.
Ohio’s on-highway motorcyclists support Motorcycle Ohio through $6 from each motorcycle registration fee paid to the registrar of motor vehicles. That money goes into the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund.
Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager, was among those who testified against the provision before the House Transportation Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee on Feb. 15.
“The proposed abolishment of the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund following transfer of its cash balance to the State Highway Safety Fund is troubling for several reasons,” Szauter testified.
He said those reasons included:
1. Placing motorcycle registration fee money in the State Highway Safety Fund would make it harder for the motorcycling community to track it.
Szauter also noted that in 2006 and in 2009, the state of Ohio attempted to raid the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund. In 2006, the Ohio Controlling Board received, and later rejected, a request to transfer $750,000 from the fund. In 2009, then-Gov. Ted Strickland reversed a decision to transfer $800,000 from the fund. In both cases, the motorcycling community spoke up to protect the money riders paid to support rider education.
Motorcycle Ohio is a nationally recognized respected rider education program that provides four training courses for motorcyclists of all skill levels. The Basic RiderCourse, the Basic RiderCourse for returning riders, the Basic RiderCourse 2, and the Advanced RiderCourse are taught by dedicated, experienced RiderCoaches.
–from Rogue
BUCK LOVELL EDITORIAL CONSIDERATION FOR BIKERNET BAGGERS–I am compiling a list of people, biker types, motorcycle industry
types, who I am going to sneak on and interview with my go pro. I am going to select a single question to ask every male biker type such as
“Which do you like better, small breasts or large breasts” or maybe, “Are you leg man or a breast man…and why?”
Or some such nonsense, to
see if I can arrive at some sort of a consensus. If you have a question you would like to ask anybody, somebody whatever….forward
I have yet to dream up a question to ask the ladies! I would like to ask them something that won’t get my face slapped…….but hell, that
might make good video.
–Buck
GREG FRIEND THE VIDEO PRODUCER–
We talked briefly at Vegas Bikefest about videos and I wanted to show you a few of my recent productions. I’d love to do some work for/with you and Bikernet! Let me know what you think.
LA Speed Shop’s Sidecar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZEgFvtui8U
Automatic Bagger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsCio8EG1i8
Gearhead Promo Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fGxuyiNJ-M
Rear Wheel/Tire change for Softails
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdSJBQsBcxQ
Thanks again!
-Greg
WANT AN AMAZING ADVENTURE?–Sail Bahamas November 3-10, 2013
Come sail the legendary paradise of The Bahamas. Clear beautiful water, powder white sand, idyllic islands and new sailing friends. Enjoy it all from a beautiful sailing catamaran. We’ve got some great skippers and Dream Yacht Charters has some nice boats for us. Share paradise with us …
–Captain Woody and the Crew
I’ve sailed with them and Bob Bitchin annually for over a decade. What a blast and a new adventure each year.–Bandit
BIKERNET MUSIC FEATURE COMING–Lindsey Stirling Dubstep Violinist Or The Future Mrs. Roesler.
I came across Lindsey Stirling purely by accident one night there happened to be a Behind the Scenes video for her latest music video, Elements on one of the photography sites I visit. In it she discusses how she does the editing. I was intrigued.
Lindsey Stirling’s music appeals to such a diverse group of fans from young girls with their violins, to the gamer geeks, thanks to her Skyrim, Zelda’s Melody and Assassins Creed III videos, to older guys and girls with grey hair, everyone seems to love Lindsey Stirling and her music! So hell, I wrote a feature on her. You will be able to see it on Bikernet next week.
Till Next Time,
–RFR
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. and the Girls —
Bike Week kicks into high gear in Daytona Beach on Friday, bringing half a million bikers along for the ride.
With Spring Breakers also making Daytona their destination of choice, it’s going to be a busy time for beachside businesses.
“We just figured Daytona would be the place to be in Florida,” said Susie Snedaker, of Ohio.
She and 50 of her sorority sisters booked their room on Daytona Beach months ago.
Audrey Perreault rode down with two buses full of Canadian college students.
“I thought it was going to be warmer, this is actually cold. But we’re going to take as much sun as we can get,” she said.
Spring Breakers are not the only ones soaking up the sun on the 26 miles of sandy beaches; Bike Week starts Friday and, according to Daytona Welcome Center Director Scott Edwards, there will be more out-of-towners in the mix than ever before.
“A lot of your major universities east of the Mississippi have changed their Spring Break also to the second week of March, so what we’re going to see here, come Saturday, are more Spring Breakers during the Bike Week time than we’ve ever had,” he said.
Anthony Romberger is hoping to cash in on the big crowds with his mobile barbeque business.
“We started prepping about two days ago, so we’ll prep right up to the end, and just keep cooking throughout,” he said.
Romberger drove his 63-foot-long mobile barbeque from Pennsylvania just for this year’s Bike Week.
“Bikers tend to go towards barbeque so it helps out a lot,” he said.
–Rogue
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!--AT LAST, THE TRAILER QUEEN CODE OF THE WEST DISCOVERED THROUGH KENDON
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10959
Think this is a great idea! Would love to have a Dual ride on for mine and the Lady bike.
–Curtis Thomas
crzycurt@yahoo.com
Wilmer, AL
ANOTHER FXR FOR SALE IN THE SHOP FROM THE FROGMAN– Well we got a snow dump of 4″ last night and 31 degrees outside. Still waiting for them to clear the roads.
Will keep you posted if I come down today or early tomorrow.
Out of the snow….bike in tow. It was delivered to the shop Friday night. It’s cool, stretched and for sale. Drop me a line, if you’re interested to Bandit@bikernet.com $11,000 obo.
TRIKING VIKING TAKES OVER BIKERNET FACEBOOK PAGE–You may have noticed that I started this week taking on face book on as a marketing project for Bikernet. It needed attention. PLEASE keep on doing what you have been and try and kick it up a notch.
I am trying to double the likes and blow our traffic up within the next two weeks. So far we are up 20 % (579) likes, 75% in fans, up 600% people talking and upped our total reach 70%
I will pass along more tips next week
Ride Forever
–Triking Viking
BRAND NEW INDIAN 111-INCH ENGINE–last night Indian motorcycle introduced the all-new Thunder Stroke 111, the new engine that will power the upcoming 2014 line-up of Indian Motorcycles to be introduced later this year.
We also revealed an amazing custom motorcycle dubbed the “Spirit of Munro” that is powered by the Thunder Stroke 111. We have a press website with information on the new engine, the new custom bike and more. Thank you for your coverage of Indian Motorcycle as Polaris Industries pushes further into the new era for the brand.
You’ll see the Spirit of Munro in the Thursday News.
–Robert Pandya
Indian Motorcycle
Playboy Playmate-Autographed Victory Motorcycle Up for Auction to Benefit Operation Gratitude– Victory Motorcycles and Playboy have teamed up to support the great work of Operation Gratitude, and they’re offering riders the chance to bid on a Playmate-autographed Victory Cross Country – with all proceeds from the bike auction going to Operation Gratitude.
The Sunset Red 2013 Victory Cross Country available in the March 21-28 auction appeared on the cover of the 2013 Victory catalog along with Playboy Playmate Raquel Pomplun. The bike has been autographed by Raquel, Anna Sophia Berglund and Ciara Price, the three Playmates featured in the Victory catalog, which was shot at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles last summer.
Victory has announced that 100% of the proceeds from the auction of the cover bike will be donated to Operation Gratitude, a charitable organization dedicated to providing material and emotional support to America’s armed forces and their families.
“The auction’s winning bidder will be riding a 2013 Victory bagger loaded with attitude and performance, and all proceeds will go to Operation Gratitude to support its outstanding programs,” said Steve Menneto, Polaris Vice President of Motorcycles.
Victory has participated with Operation Gratitude for several years, and in 2010, the keys to a new Victory motorcycle were included in the organization’s 600,000th care package. “Victory is proud to support Operation Gratitude programs that benefit our military, their families and first responders,” Menneto said.
The Cross Country cover bike will be available at auction March 21-28, 2013, on eBay Motors. Starting March 21, interested bidders can visit victorycoverbike.com for complete details about the auction and to place bids. The auction will open at 7 p.m. PST on March 21, 2013, and it will end at the same time of day on March 28.
To view “The Making of the 2013 Brochure,” a video of the Victory photo shoot with the Playboy Playmates, visit: www.VictoryMotorcycles.com/BehindTheScenes
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.
BIKERNET CARB ART PHOTO CONTEST, MAYBE–Actually a photo contest……carburetor photo art as seen in the attached images. Photograph your carb and send the images to Buck Lovell. Entries may be used for advertising purposes, etc.
You can send your shots to Buck@Bikernet.com, or Bandit@bikernet.com
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT–
Adrenaline Junky File
*2nd Grand Child, It’s A Boy, Unknown Today Wheeler, arrival, early June
*Texas Mile* March 22-24 ….www.texasmile.net
*Ohio Mile 2013* *April 27-28 June 8-9 July 6-7 Sept. 28-29 ….www.ecta-lsr.com
*El Mirage 2013* *May 18-19, June 9, July 14, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 9-10.. www.scta.org
*Loring Maine* The Maine Event July 12-14 ….www.lta-lsr.com
*Bonneville, SCTA* *153 Days….August 10-16, 2013* ….www.scta-bni.org
*BUB Speed Trials* *161 Days…. *August 24-29, 2013* ….www.speedtrialsbybub.com
*Mojave Mile* October, 12-13 ….www.mojavemile.com
Even on the slow, not so gloomy days in the harbor the sun is shinning and life is good.
[photo 0918]
The sleek Air Tech body work is off of our 5-Ball Racing Teams Raycer and is in the hands of our local master fiberglass/repairman/pinstriper, George The Wild Brush. Seems we had a slight brush with the ramp while unloading the hot rod in the dark, bruising the lower right corner, not to worry.
The end result will be better than new with a cleaner look on the bottom edge. Seems over a ½ inch of bondo was used to fill in imperfections in the mold. George added a black stripe we can mask off and touch up due to up coming and welcomed road chips, salt spray, small critters, very small road alligators, bright orange track cones @150 mph plus? Not again..please, one never knows what might pop up on the horizon.
Had to dodge a trailer-hitch ball on the Yelm Highway at warp speed in Washington one sunshiny afternoon a million years ago. The chrome ball jumped out of a pick up truck bumper, bouncing really fukin high while spinning like a top. It hit the asphalt and bounced again while I attempted a survival swerve….the ball smacked my skid plate, right side, just under the cone driving the plate hard against the case. Once again proving the code of the west, running a skid plate is a great fukin’ idea when ya need it.
[photo 2435]
With 153 days until Speed Week, this just might be the week we get serious and attack the Turbo Charged Raycer as we head for the starting line. Having a plan and the material is very important. We have both a plan and an achievable goal, but we’re burnin daylight.
Stay Tuned…..
[photo 5099]
Thanks….With one helleva lot of help from my family and Industry friends….Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.
We’re on track for a stellar year on the street and on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
3 Ex-Wives, My 3 Sons, Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Kent Rich, Dutch and the Crew@Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Keith Ball and the Crew@Bikernet, Bikers Choice, Brad Beach@Beach Racing ,Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer@vtwinfuelinjection, Allen Alvarez@Daytona Twin Tech, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents (Thanks Ted Shrode, Ph.D—- R. I. P.), Fisher Harmonic Damper, Dan Stern@House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc., Ron Williams, Jeff, Kevin@Hardtailz, Randy Torgeson, Michelle and the Crew@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Paul Kittrell@Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman@Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Ray Whitehead@Pegasus, Pingel, Jim @Sharp Eye Transmission, Reggie and Crew@R&R Cycle, Ben Kudon@Rivera Primo, Matthew Wiley@Race Tech Suspension, Rick Tedder@ R/T Performance, Schnitz Racing, Mr. McCahill@Spyke, S&S Cycle, Matthew Negherbon@Thunder Motorcycles in San Jose, Guy Caputo@Tiger Racing, Steve The Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers, Dr. Willie, World Wide Bearings, Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineuity in San Jose, Ca..
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
[page break]
PAUL HIBBITS OBITUARY–
Paul “Animal” Hibbits passed away on March 2, 2013. Paul was born on May 15, 1948 in Camarillo, California. He attended Camarillo High School, playing on the football and wrestling teams. Too young to join the Marine Corps, Paul joined the Hells Angels. Coming of age in the 60’s was an adventure like no other and Paul worked hard to “keep the fun level up and the rubber down.”
While filming “Hells Angels 69”, he was introduced to the stunt business. As “Ed Lang,” Paul worked on such iconic films as “Scarface” and “Superman.” In the 70’s, he befriended Willie Nelson and joined his tour as a bodyguard. While on tour in 1983, he and then-wife Barbara Hibbits traveled to Alaska. Discovering they were expecting their first child, they decided to stay and build a home in Palmer.
Their daughter Amy was born a month after purchasing the perfect property facing Pioneer Peak. Paul worked in gold mines, on the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay, and the fishing grounds of Seldovia, and served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the Wasilla Fire Department.
In 2003, Paul fell in love with Maureen Emery, who moved to Alaska on the promise that Paul would build her a “dream kitchen” – which he promptly did.
Paul was a loyal friend, witty and honest, and always ready to help others. Even at the end, when he had little strength left, his desire was to help his friends in any way possible.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Amy Nashon of Tarzana, California; his grandchildren, Amari and Zion Paulino of Tarzana, California; brother, David Hibbits of Camarillo, California; his nephew, Charles Hibbits of Simi Valley; and, his niece Sarah Mora of Santa Cruz, California. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Leona Hibbits and his loving partner, Maureen Emery.
A memorial will be given by the Hells Angels at a date and time TBD. Paul’s ashes will be spread by his family and close friends in Malibu, California, where he enjoyed hang-gliding over the Pacific Ocean.
–Anchorage Daily News
–from Harvey Tow
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN–
I’ve accidentally swallowed some Scrabble tiles. My next cr*ap could spell disaster.
My sister-in-law sat on my glasses and broke them. It was my own fault. I should have taken them off.
–from Joseph Holder
EAGLERIDER DEAL OF THE WEEK–2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic in Orlando, Florida 32809–$15,428
With features like a spacious Tour-Pak carrier, a Harmon/Kardon Advanced Audio System and fine Harley-Davidson styling detail, the Electra Glide® Classic model brings a level of luxury to touring adventures.
The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s powerful engines. **Includes Cruise Control & ABS**
DAYTONA Bike Week 2013–
WHAT: Thousands of bikers head to Volusia and Flagler counties for a 10-day celebration.
WHEN: Friday through March 17.
WHERE: Main Street is the epicenter, with hot spots throughout the two counties and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway.
So Armstrong put on a buffalo hat he had gotten as a souvenir from Wyoming and gave a matching bear hat to Perito.
As the Port Orange couple watched bikes zip up and down Main Street from their perch Friday, they compared Daytona’s Bike Week to Mardi Gras for bikers.
“You see things here that you would never see at any other time of the year,” Armstrong, 75, said.
A motorcycle-riding Pomeranian, a motor home converted into a bike and a man wearing only an adult diaper stole the show on Main Street on Friday.
The day started slow with bikers trickling down the main thoroughfares in Daytona Beach and beyond, but by the afternoon Main Street resembled a circus full of characters and decadent rides. Other venues across Volusia and Flagler counties started attracting crowds, too.
Local officials predict several a hundred thousand bikers will rumble into the area during the next nine days.
On Main Street, motorcycle engines sputtered, bikini-clad bartenders posed for photos and amplifiers cranked into full gear on outdoor stages. If the first few hours of Bike Week are any indication of what’s to come, that should make bike enthusiasts such as Perito and Armstrong happy.
“We plan to do whatever we want to do for the next 10 days,” Perito said.
Daytona Beach resident Jack Beretto and his Pomeranian Lil’ Bear only made it a few feet down Main Street before they were surrounded by people snapping photos. Wearing tiny goggles with skulls and a black helmet, Lil’ Bear eagerly greeted his admirers. This year marks Lil’ Bear’s second appearance at Bike Week, but this time he is more comfortable riding shotgun in the vest attached to his owner, Beretto said.
“He is a rock star here and probably Daytona’s most famous dog,” Beretto said.
North Carolina resident Jesse Edwards might not have the newest Harley-Davidson model but he’s proud to say he built his entire motorcycle named “The Beast” himself, out of an old Volkswagen body, motor home and old fuel tanks. He also donned a Spartan-style helmet made out of dock screws and a Cuban sugar cutter.
“Daytona was traditionally about Harleys but now you see a mixture of stuff,” the 58-year-old said. “I just tried to be creative and used whatever I had around.”
The dawn of Bike Week also energized vendors and business owners who set up shop this week. West Palm Beach residents Jennifer Albury and Megan Scirpoli came to sell jewelry. But with stiff competition surrounding them, the women decided to sweeten the deal by offering a free kiss to whomever bought a necklace. The women had only been on Main Street a few minutes before they were drawing a large crowd.
“We are getting a lot of attention,” Albury said. “This is a competitive market and we decided to use our strengths.”
Bike Week might be a time when visitors can let loose and roam free, but law enforcement and city officials work behind the scenes to control the chaos.
Daytona Beach police officers will be out in full force guiding traffic and giving citations to bikers who rev their engines. The city’s Community Standards Compliance Manager Hector Garcia said he has already made several trips to Main Street to make sure vendors have permits, patrons are not drinking in the streets or on sidewalks and that outdoor entertainment does not violate the city’s noise ordinance.
“We want everyone to have fun while they are here but we also want to keep things safe,” Garcia said.
–Daytona News Journal
–from Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT KEY WORD OF THE DAY–linchpin LINCH-pin, noun:
PAUGHCO SWEDISH STYLE CHOPPER CHASSIS– Paughco’s Straight Leg Swedish Style chopper frames are available in four configurations: 4” over down tubes with 2” extended backbone, 6” tubes with 3” backbone, 8” tubes with 4” backbone and 10” over down tubes with 5” in the backbone.
The unique frames are also available in stock and ultra wide versions to accept up to 180 rubber with belt drive. While Paughco recommends no more than a 40-degree neck rake be ordered for use with stock trees, builders can go to 45-degrees when used in conjunction with Paughco’s latest 6-degree billet triple trees. The later combination provides an awesome, almost power steering like feel in the front end.
Retail on the Super Stretch chassis starts at just $1447.95. For further information call 775-246-5738
GREG HANCOCK HITS 25 YEARS ON THE SPEEDWAY–25 years of speedway, and just getting started Greg Hancock, 42, is in his 25th year as a professional speedway rider, but it feels like just yesterday when he first stepped on the motorcycle.
The only thing Greg Hancock isn’t foreign to is winning.
Hancock is a three-decade- long resident of Costa Mesa, but he’s made his career on foreign soil as a speedway motorcycle rider. Fifteen years removed from his first world title, and only two years removed from his second, Hancock, 42, is looking to once again taste the satisfaction of being labeled World Speedway Grand Prix champion.
“I’m still in the game, still on the mark and hungry for success,” he said.
Speedway racing, similar to soccer, is a sport that attracts the masses on a global scale, but has not yet been embraced by American racing fans. Racers ride along an oval-shaped dirt racetrack. Bikes weigh up to 160 pounds and use only one gear, employing no brakes.
Hancock got his start in the sport as a child, when his father would take him to see races in Orange County.
“My dad was taking me to the OC fairgrounds since I was 6,” Hancock said. “He was a fan of it himself and he was involved with a lot of guys in the area that raced.”
Within two years, Hancock began racing across Southern California, and recalls his first race quite fondly.
“I remember it like yesterday,” Hancock said. “It was great, very intense. I spent so much time around the sport as a kid that I couldn’t wait for that big day. I was so nervous, yet so excited. It was one of the most memorable moments of me growing up.”
At 15, Hancock won the junior national championship and at 17 began his career on the professional circuit.
But in order to race against top competition, Hancock had to go where the sport is most popular: Europe.
In May 1989, at 18, Hancock accepted an offer from a professional speedway team in England.
“I had a dreadful first year learning the ropes but from that point on, I made my career in Europe,” Hancock said.
Over the next few years, Hancock began to branch out across Europe, racing in Sweden and Poland.
He went from four to five races per year in America to more than 100 per year in Europe.
“It’s the top sport in Poland, maybe third in Sweden, where I’m based now, and No. 2 in Denmark,” Hancock said. “So it’s on par with soccer and ice hockey in some of these European countries.”
At 27, Hancock captured his first World Grand Prix championship. But from 1998 to 2010, he was unable to capture his second world title, finishing in the top-five spot eight times.
In 2011, it took a psychological rebirth for Hancock’s fortunes to finally be reversed.
“I rediscovered my youth and my love for the sport,” Hancock said. “I wanted to win badly and I was 41, feeling like I was 18 still. In 2011, I won and won convincingly. And in 2012, I led the series until the last three events and ended up third, two points behind second.”
Youth might not be the category in which Hancock is placed. He is the oldest world championship competitor on the circuit.
The 2013 season begins March 23 in New Zealand, where Hancock will begin his quest to grab his third world title before considering calling it a career.
“For the last 15 years, I’ve been saying five more years until I’m done,” Hancock said. “But I know this: the day I wake up and feel like I can’t win, I’ll hang it up that day.”
–By Brantley Watson, OC register
–from Vern
HERE IS THE LATEST ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVER PERMITS IN FLORIDA–The Law Is Technically Still In Affect and Law Enforcement May Still Use It To Stop Motorcyclist In Daytona.
Repeal of international-driver law in high gear
TALLAHASSEE — Oh, Canada, come on down. And feel free to drive. State lawmakers are speeding toward repealing a new law that says international visitors need special permits to drive in Florida. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, has caused a brouhaha, particularly for Canadian snowbirds who pile into the Sunshine State each winter to take a break from the cold.
“We want to make sure we send a clear message that our state is open for business,” said Rep. Daniel Davis, a Jacksonville Republican who is shepherding a repeal bill through the House.??
Committees in the House and Senate unanimously approved repeal measures Thursday and pointed to an old Tallahassee bugaboo for the problem — legislation that creates “unintended consequences.”
The law called for foreign visitors to get what are known as international driving permits before leaving their home countries. Those permits would be in addition to regular driver’s licenses and, so the thinking went, would help Florida law enforcement officers sort out traffic incidents involving international visitors, especially those who don’t speak English.
But the change created confusion and bad public relations for the tourism-dependent state. Rep. Ed Hooper, a Clearwater Republican, said his Pinellas County district gets a huge influx of Canadian visitors in the winter.“I think everyone has contacted my office to express their displeasure,” Hooper said before the House Economic Affairs Committee voted Thursday for its version of the repeal measure .
Beyond the effect on tourists driving into the state or lining up at airport rental-car counters, the law also might violate an international treaty called the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
Concerned about the potential violation, the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles last month said the Florida Highway Patrol would not enforce the international driving permit requirement.
–from Rogue
CATCHING UP WITH NEW D&D DEALERS AROUND THE COUNTRY—If you don’t find a dealer near you, check the D&D web site.
76) Performance Cycle & Dyno Inc 15517 RT 173 Harvard, IL 60033 815-648-4440
77) AIM Corp 16631 Gemini Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 714-848-3030
78) Mid City Motorsports 400 Falconbridge Rd Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3A4S4 705-560-3300
79) The Helmet Center 18635 N 35th Ave # 106 Phoenix, AZ 85027 623-444-4789
80) Buy Your Motorcycle.com 185 S. Watson Rd # 107 Arlington, TX 76010 817-649-1905
81) Indigenous Powersports 64760 Hwy 60 Ponca City, OK 74601 580-762-2100
82) Moto Mech LLC 614 Richlands Hwy Jacksonville, NC 28540 910-333-9542
83) Tokyomods 33155 Camino Capistrano # A San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 888-457-9403
84) Mid Ohio Harley Davidson 2100 Quality Lane Springfield, OH 45505 937-322-3590
85) Harley Davidson of Scottsdale 15600 N. Hayden Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-905-1903
86) Mid Coast Concepts LLC N34 W 23159 Circle Ridge RD # 104 Pewaukee, WI 53072 414-399-0140
87) Gateway Cycles 620 N. Maysville St Mt Sterling, KY 40353 859-497-2100
88) Volusia MotorSports 1701 SR 44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-428-2212
89) National Powersports Distributors 701 Riverwood Dr Pembroke, NH 03275 603-410-4120
90) Riders Accessory Warehouse LLC 13809 South Casper St # H Glenpool, OK 74033 918-518-5582
91) Capital Honda Powersports 10920 Star Rd Wake Forest, NC 27587 919-719-0700
BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING SEMINAR–I had lunch with two of my unmarried friends. One is engaged, one is a mistress, and of course I have been married for 40 years. We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by wearing a black leather bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.
Here’s how it all went. My engaged friend: The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, ‘You are the woman of my dreams. I love you.’ Then we made love all night long.
The mistress: Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing the leather bodice, heels and mask over my eyes and a raincoat. When I opened the raincoat he didn’t say a word, but we had wild sex all night.??
Then I had to share my story: When my husband came home I was wearing the leather bodice, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. As soon as he came in the door and saw me he said, ‘What’s for dinner, Batman?’
–from Rogue
SHOTS FROM THE BAKERSFIELD DRAGS LAST WEEKEND—Great times and classic iron.
–Bob Clark
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IN FORCE AT LAST—Thank God. It’s about time. I need to jump back into the shop and finish wiring the Mudflap Girl FXR. Chris Morrison promised my tank next week, and George, the Wild Brush will add the stripping. I should be up and running that day.
Toward the end of the week I received a highly inaccurate notion. I was caught up with impending Bikernet content. Not so fast Kimosabe. I need to write the Peter Linney feature, from the Long Beach Ultimate Builder Show. I need to send another book chapter to Bruce Snyder, our official copy editor. We have another Gunner ’64 Panhead restoration tech. I’m working with Eric Bennett on a major engine build tech. It will include S&S, Branch, D&D, and a Rivera Clutch.
I also have RFR’s Lindsey feature, another Girl of Bikernet for the Cantina, and one of the coolest Vincents you have ever seen. And I’m waiting on the images from Reading Design so we can post their adjustable footboards tech on Bikernet. So, it’s non-stop. Since I work all day on Sundays, I try to make Monday my Sunday for kickin’ back, but it never happens. The Triking Viking is immediately pushing for something, and now he’s handling our Face book account. Shit, I forgot my next Mudflap Girl tech. It’s close.
I’ve mentioned a book I recently read: Go Like Hell by A. J. Baime. It’s amazing, but I hope to share a few quotes from it, since we live and breathe in a portion of the vehicle industry and this book is all about Ford and Ferrari. And since we are watch a new Indian transformation in this country, many of these things apply. This quote came from 1964 era:
In Italy there was only Ferrari, and the old man had his old way of doings things. Surtees (famous race car driver) could see a time in the future when the competition would overwhelm Ferrari like a gigantic wave of fast-moving metal… They had to innovate, think young and fast. They had to become something new, or else.
Hang on for more inspirational material in the near future. A neighbor brought me a street sign: No Stopping At Any Time. It’s our mantra around here.
Have a ball…
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
Playboy Playmate-Autographed Victory Motorcycle Up for Auction
By Bandit | | General Posts
Victory Motorcycles and Playboy have teamed up to support the great work of Operation Gratitude, and they’re offering riders the chance to bid on a Playmate-autographed Victory Cross Country – with all proceeds from the bike auction going to Operation Gratitude.
The Sunset Red 2013 Victory Cross Country available in the March 21-28 auction appeared on the cover of the 2013 Victory catalog along with Playboy Playmate Raquel Pomplun. The bike has been autographed by Raquel, Anna Sophia Berglund and Ciara Price, the three Playmates featured in the Victory catalog, which was shot at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles last summer.
Victory has announced that 100% of the proceeds from the auction of the cover bike will be donated to Operation Gratitude, a charitable organization dedicated to providing material and emotional support to America’s armed forces and their families.
“The auction’s winning bidder will be riding a 2013 Victory bagger loaded with attitude and performance, and all proceeds will go to Operation Gratitude to support its outstanding programs,” said Steve Menneto, Polaris Vice President of Motorcycles.
Victory has participated with Operation Gratitude for several years, and in 2010, the keys to a new Victory motorcycle were included in the organization’s 600,000th care package. “Victory is proud to support Operation Gratitude programs that benefit our military, their families and first responders,” Menneto said.
The Cross Country cover bike will be available at auction March 21-28, 2013, on eBay Motors. Starting March 21, interested bidders can visit victorycoverbike.com for complete details about the auction and to place bids. The auction will open at 7 p.m. PST on March 21, 2013, and it will end at the same time of day on March 28.
To view “The Making of the 2013 Brochure,” a video of the Victory photo shoot with the Playboy Playmates, visit: www.VictoryMotorcycles.com/BehindTheScenes
Suzuki Fined $3 Million For Selling Uncertified Motorcycles
By Bandit | | General Posts
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan have agreed to a settlement of $3,020,000 to resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code related to off-highway motorcycles equipped with dual calibrated emissions systems.
Dual calibrations within the emission control system allow motorcycle owners to purchase low-cost aftermarket devices that provide access to alternative engine control programming. This allows greater vehicle performance but also significantly increases smog-forming emissions. Such systems are prohibited by California law if they are undisclosed to ARB prior to the vehicles' approval for sale and if they are easily accessible by the vehicle owner.