Hey,
Well, we’re flying into the new year. I ran through five chapters of my Motorbooks project yesterday, and felt good about it. That was a relief. I may try to hit another bunch of chapters today. This project turned into a haunting homework assignment. I always want to learn from each writing project, and make it the best I’ve written to date. The problem is too many projects.
Over the next couple of weeks we are going to study our list and see what we can do to lighten the load. I like everything I do, but when you stack too many projects on, they lose their appeal. We all need to evaluate these issues.
Thinks about it. We have a website, a blog, a classifieds section, the Cantina, Twitter, Face Book, editorial projects, bike projects, comment manager, the building, the animals, motorcycle maintenance, and we gotta eat once in a while. Good god. Over the next couple of weeks we will take this system apart, like stripping a Moseberg 12 gauge shotgun for cleaning. We will figure out a plan, or shoot the dog trying. Let’s hit the news:
I’M BEGINNING TO READ SOME BOOKS ABOUT MARK TWAIN–Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash with his best friend, Wylie Post, was probably the greatest political sage this country ever has known.
Enjoy the following:
1. Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3.. There are two theories to arguing with a woman .. . Neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
–Pablo
CALIFORNIA DMV ANNOUNCES NEW 2011 LAWS–Motorcycle Safety Course Required for Under-21 instruction permit applicants
Sacramento – A required motorcycle safety course for under-21 motorcycle permit applicants, new oversight of online traffic violator schools, and extensions of HOV lane stickers are among several new laws of interest to California motorists that will take effect Jan. 2, 2011, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced today.
Following are capsule summaries of the new laws:
Motorcycle Instruction Permit (AB 1952/Niello) This new law requires a person under 21 years of age to complete an approved motorcycle safety course before being issued an instruction permit with which to practice operating a motorcycle, and requires the permit to be held for six months before being issued a class M motorcycle driver license. There are currently more than 6,000 drivers 19 years and younger who are licensed to ride a motorcycle in California.
Traffic Violator School Program (AB 2499/Portantino) Prior to this new law which starts January 1, the DMV only licensed and regulated “brick and mortar” classroom traffic violator schools. This new law will bring court-approved courses, such as online and home study traffic schools into the DMV Traffic Violator School licensing program and implements a number of recommendations included in a DMV study of traffic violator school issues. This law will have a 3-year implementation process.
High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (SB 535/Yee) Prior law that permitted certain fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles to display stickers allowing them to be operated in HOV lanes with a single occupant was to expire on January 1, 2011. The new law extends the “sunset” date for the yellow stickers for hybrid vehicles until July 1, 2011; the white stickers issued to fully-electric and compressed natural gas vehicles until January 1, 2015; and creates a third sticker, for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to be issued and valid from January 1, 2012 until January 1, 2015.
New Firefighter Endorsement (AB 1648/Jeffries) In an effort to simplify the proper licensing of firefighters while continuing to ensure public safety, this law exempts operators of firefighting vehicles from the Commercial Driver License program and creates a new license endorsement process.
New Laws Starting on July 1 and Beyond
Organ Donation (SB 1395/Alquist) Starting July 1, the language on the DMV’s application for a driver license will include a “no” option relative to an applicant’s willingness to register as a prospective organ donor to increase the number of enrollees in the organ donor program. This change will now require the organ donor registration field of the application to be answered with either a yes or no response.
Local Traffic Ordinances (SB 949/Oropeza) On July 1, in an effort of ensuring that traffic convictions are recorded by the Department of Motor Vehicles, local authorities may not enact or enforce a local ordinance on any matter covered by the California Vehicle Code.
Driving Under the Influence (AB 1601/Hill) Effective in January 1, 2012, this bill authorizes a court to order a 10-year revocation of the driver license of a person convicted of a third or subsequent DUI violation, with possible reinstatement after five years if specified conditions are met
Don’t Stand In Line, Go Online! Doing business with the DMV has never been easier. The DMV offers an array of services to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through its Web site (www.dmv.ca.gov), including online appointments for written and drive tests; vehicle registration and driver license renewals, selection of personalized license plates, changes of address and payment of fees via secure debit transactions. Customers can also effect transactions by calling DMV customer service at (800) 777-0133.
–Timothy Remus
Wolfgang Publications
RIVER RAT ON THE ROAD REPORT– Just a note to wish you all a Happy New Year. Made it out of Arizona alive, touched down in Portland yesterday and hanging out with family for the next week. We’re going on a CMA Polar Bear Run tomorrow. Letting the grandkids check out what a run is all about. There’s snow predicted, but the weather guy is mostly confused here..never gets it right. So far it’s cold and dry.
Headed to Las Vegas for the big vintage auction next week, will I be seeing you and the crew there?
Included a shot here of one of those famous AZ sunsets from my Christmas visit. Thought it a befitting close to a wonderful year..with hopes for an even better 2011.
–Felicia
PARKER BROTHERS CHOPPERS set to open at former Billy Lane shop– Brothers Marc and Shanon Parker are preparing to open a new custom bike shop at an old address: the former site of Billy Lane’s Choppers Inc. in Melbourne, Fla.
Parker Brothers Choppers is set to open in less than two weeks under a logo sporting theatrical comedy and tragedy masks.
They plan to design, build and sell motorcycles ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, fabricating and making their own frames and parts.
“All my life I’ve been building motorcycles and cars,” Parker told Florida Today. “Where I grew up you start learning to swing a wrench at a pretty early age. You start tinkering with stuff when you’re young and then you start customizing things when you’re a little bit older because you want to make it cool.”
The pair built a replica of the “bat pod” motorcycle from “The Dark Knight” Batman movie, but got into hot water with the studio for using a movie image without permission when trying to sell it on eBay. So now they are selling $20 raffle tickets and plan to draw for the bike July 31.
Marc Parker knew Lane socially before he was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading no contest to one count of vehicular homicide for a truck-vs.-bike crash that left the motorcyclist dead.
Lane is reportedly maintaining Florida Department of Corrections vehicles while in prison.
Posted by Holly Wagner
http://www.parkerbrotherschoppers.com/
BIKERNET WORLD NEWS REPORT– thsnews.com The Thailand breast slap was first introduced by Khemmikka Na Sonkhla, a beautician who claims this to be a method successfully used by her grandmother to increase her breast size.
She is currently looking for a patent for the procedure since a lot of other companies are also claiming to provide the Thailand breast slap technique as well. The Thailand government, with this initiative, hopes that more young women will opt Thailand breast slap to increase their breast size rather than go under the knife.
–Quick Throttle Art
HUMBLE JOHNNY REPORTS FROM TEXAS– Got an article heading your way on this weekend’s activities at Republic H-D in Houston. Gotta cool bike feature if your interested, too. He said Toph, from Hot Bike Bagger, was draggin his feet on the feature? Bikernet could beat him to the Bagger punch…
–Johnny
VDOG 10th Annual Drift-In Reunion–The Vulcan Drifter Owners Group held their 10th annual Drift-In Reunion in Durango, Colorado this summer. Special guest and motorcycle customizer Denny Berg attended with “Super Chief” the bike that led way to the Kawasaki Drifter model. (Photo: Laura McNeely)
The Vulcan Drifter Owners Group (VDOG) met up in Durango, Colorado for their annual reunion this past July, hosted by Deb and Danny Taylor of Arkansas. The rally included breathtaking scenic group rides, sightseeing, lots of good natured prodding among the group and a very special guest.
This was the 10th anniversary of our Drift-In Reunion, so to honor the machine we all love so dearly, Denny Berg, the creator of the original prototype of the Drifter motorcycle, brought the “Super Chief” right off the museum floor.
Denny is a Master Motorcycle Customizer and somewhat of a celebrity to us. He created the Drifter model (produced for just five years) utilizing Kawasaki’s Vulcan motorcycle platform, as a custom bike for Cobra. He posed for a million photos, talked shop and autographed everything from posters to helmets, seats, even a drive shaft and a pair of jeans!
I am always amazed how virtual strangers can come together for such an event and become a cohesive group of friends. A lot of it has to do with their access to each other on forums before they actually meet in person, which Scott Steen started in 2001. It generated so much interest that a rally was organized and held in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The reunions have been so successful that they have been hosted around the country now for ten years. Virgil Blanchard moderates the Drifter Rider Forum which keeps friendships close, offers helpful advice and fuels the desire for the Drifter motorcycle.
Our events provide the most spectacular rides of the area in which it’s held. This year, riders enjoyed the Million Dollar Highway, with its sheer rock faces on the left and straight drop offs to the right and unbelievably beautiful mountain scenes both ahead and in the rearview mirror. Even in mid July, the mountain peaks wore a thin coat of summer snow.
We held our banquet at Christina’s, where more than 60 attendees from 20 states and two Canadian provinces gathered for a bike show, camaraderie, food, and door prizes.
By Laura McNeely
http://accelerate.presspublisher.us/issue/
RAY WHEELER VP OF CANTINA SERVICE CLUB REPORTS IN– In addition to the Cantina full time, a couple of up coming plans for 2011 and beyond.
Average 100 miles a day in 2011.
***Rode an hour this afternoon in the hills just outside of san jose. The cool crisp air had the hot rod singin a happy song. Logged 35 hours since installing the Turbo and finally getting used to the
unbelievable amount of power on tap.
Race Dates
Mojave Mile
Sunday April 10
Sat. Sun. Oct. 8-9
Rides
Indian vs. H-D event May 13-14-15
riding a 39 Chief that belongs to Arbeeny
Possible road trip to Sturgis to meet two FXR’s that are being built in Wilmington. There has to be an event we could meet at and promote Bikernet, etc. Jay Allen has some sweet cabins that would make great headquarters for a few days and we could invite Cantina members for a
club rate? With a booth at Jay’s to promote Bikernet, Hamster ride in Day?, move hot sauce, books, etc.
Hell we might sell out in a day or two and go for a ride, imagine that.
Lots of irons in the fire, 2011 will be the year of many successes.
–Ray
2011 ………………………..Think
Success! ……………………….Were Haulin Ass!
SCOTCH?– On the first day of school, the children brought gifts for their teacher.
The florist’s son brought the teacher a bouquet of flowers.
The candy-store owner’s daughter gave the teacher a pretty box of candy.
Then the liquor-store owner’s son brought up a big, heavy box. The teacher lifted it up and noticed that it was leaking a little bit.. She touched a drop of the liquid with her finger and tasted it. “Is it wine?” she guessed.
“No,” the boy replied.
She tasted another drop and asked, ” Champagne ?. “No,” said the little boy…………..”It’s a puppy!”
–Jim Waggaman
DR.WEIL ON Doing Good: Donating Blood– According to the Red Cross, blood is traditionally in short supply during winter months. Holidays, poor weather conditions, vacation travel and illness often prevent people from donating blood during this season.
A shortage of blood can mean – literally – lives lost, as thousands of units of blood are needed every day of the year in hospitals nationwide.
If you are interested in donating blood, visit www.redcross.org for more information on donor requirements. Or, learn how set up a blood drive in your neighborhood or workplace. Help celebrate life, and consider giving blood.
IS HARLEY-DAVIDSON A VICTIM OF ITS SUCCESS– It’s no secret that business has been down across the industry, but especially among new heavyweights. But Harley-Davidson’s woes run deeper than just the recent recession, according to Richard D’Aveni, professor of strategic management at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and author of Beating the Commodity Trap. In an article for Forbes magazine, D’Aveni says the company could have seen at least part of its troubles coming.
“The long straight highway has had a few hidden potholes, and in those potholes commoditization has lurked in the guise of both cheaper Japanese competitors like Honda and sexy upstarts at the top end like Big Dog,” he writes.
D’Aveni says H-D ran into two of three forces that have led to commoditization in more than 30 industries he’s studied. They are: Deterioration – cheap competition eating your market share
Proliferation – “when companies develop new combinations of price and unique benefits to attack part of an existing market”
Escalation – when competitors like Victory offer similar or better benefits at a better price.
D’Aveni posits that H-D opened the door for Japanese competitors in the ‘70s by resting on its laurels. After a management buyout in 1981, the company turned around by markeing its rebel image.
“This made the Japanese rivals’ advantage in reliability less important as an inducement to purchase and value motorcycles. Rebels care more for role models than reliability,” he writes.
He found that “in 2002 Harley customers were willing to pay on average 38% more for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle than for a similarly equipped bike from one of the big four Japanese companies.”
But about that time, it crashed into proliferation, with competition from Victory, and smaller (albeit now struggling or even defunct) brands like Big Dog and American Ironhorse. At the same time, women were more likely to choose smaller, less intimidating and less expensive Japanese bikes.
“Harley was leaving money on the table compared with its American rivals because its service, level of customization and image weren’t as good as theirs,” he writes, and by 2003, “Harley still had the largest share of the market (just under 50%), but the fact that Harley dealers were discounting to maintain their sales disguised the bigger problem. They were, in essence, buying market share with lower prices.”
Posted by Holly Wagner
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
VOTED BEST JOKE IN IRELAND–John O’Reilly hoisted his beer and said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me life, between the legs of me wife!”
That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night!
He went home and told his wife, Mary, “I won the prize for the Best
toast of the night.”
She said, “Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?” John said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside me wife.”
” Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!” Mary said.
The next day, Mary ran into one of John’s drinking buddies on the street corner.
The man chuckled leeringly and said, “John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary.”
She said, “Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he’s only been in there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep, and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come.”
–from Irving Marsh
RIDE WITH BIKERNET INSURANCE IN 2011 AND SAVE!
Happy New Year folks. What a joy it is to serve the motorcycle-related industry? The Bikernet Insurance crew is really excited about serving our clients in 2011 and is looking forward to partnering with hundreds of new customers throughout this new year.
Our insurance agency is unique in that we focus entirely on the insurance needs of America’s motorcycle riding population. If you are a biker, we know you and your lifestyle better than any other insurance agency out there. Why? We are you! We ride, we build, we run businesses. From the Bonneville Salt Flats to Biker Events everywhere, we touch every facet of the motorcycle business. Combine our specialized knowledge of the industry and the fact that our insurance agents have decades of experience bringing the best combinations of prices and coverages to the insurance marketplace and you truly have someone you can trust to serve you right.
Here’s why you owe it to yourself to check in with the Bikernet Insurance Team every time you need insurance.
1. Price Differentiation
Because we work for “you”, not the insurance company, we prepare your insurance coverages according to your budgets and actual insurance requirements. We don’t oversell, undersell or unnecessarily cross-sell. We go all out to deliver exactly what you need to protect you, your bike and whatever else we are asked to insure on your behalf. This approach ensures that you always get the best coverage at the best possible price. For example, where else can you, as an exhibitor at one of the country’s many biker events, get Event Liability Insurance for your booth for as low as $109 for $1,000,000 liability policy?
2. Product Differentiation
Our competitive advantage is that we have insiders knowledge of bikers and the motorcycle-related business. Combine this with our agency’s access to all the insurance companies that matter to motorcyclists and motorcycle-related businesses, and you get products and services that are specifically tailored to meet your needs at the most competitive prices possible. For example, where else can you fully insure your priceless antique motorcycle collection for less than $200 per bike? Then, there’s insurance for real custom motorcycles. We have a whole department that focuses on insuring special construction bikes and hot customs. We know how to save hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on high-end customs.
3. Relationship Differentiation
You are not just a policy number with us. We care about you. You can trust us to keep your information strictly confidential and secure. All members of our team are bonded and insured and are trained to serve you, not simply sell to you. We go all out to build trust with a solid, high-integrity approach to business by exceeding your expectations and being a valued resource in every conceivable way. We have an open communication process and offer access to insurance professionals when you need them. Hence, our “Call us anytime” tag line.
4. Process Differentiation
Our business model is one of the most targeted and efficient of any insurance agency out there. We respond to you in whatever way you want to buy your insurance. Note our online community access via www.bikernet.com. Our exclusive marketing relationship with Bikernet brings you insurance services like no one else in the business. It’s why we selected Bikernet.com as our number one marketing vehicle. Its the world’s largest and best customs motorcycle media outlet as far as we can see.
Many of our insurance services are offered online via www.bikernet-insurance.com. Simply select the banner offering the insurance you need and click on that banner to get started towards a quality, cost-effective experience. Want to Tweet us? you can follow us at www.twitter.com/bikernetinsure. Our customers and friends can also follow us on Facebook. Check us out at www.facebook.com/bossman.bikernetinsurance. For you big fans out there who just can’t get enough about our exciting insurance products, you can sign up for BikerMarc’s insurance blog at http://blog.bikernet-insurance.com .
The bottom-line is this folks, Bikernet Insurance exists for you. We are building the company to make your insurance experience easy to understand and easy for you to buy the insurance that is right for you. We go balls-to-the-wall to provide customers with knock-your-socks-off service that is so memorable that you’ll tell all your friends, colleagues and family members about us.
Looking forward to riding together in 2011. Thank you for your business. We appreciate it.
The Team at Bikernet Insurance
Call us anytime toll-free at 888-467-8703.
Email us for fastest response. One of our agents will contact you asap.
email: clientservice@bikernet-insurance.com
CA 0G67810 – Serving 20 states. States added as needed to serve clients. Not all products are available in all states.
AMERICAN IRON BAGGER MAGAZINE LOOKING FOR VINTAGE IRON–From an inside source, we heard about a new touring magazine being developed by the American Iron staff. Plus we found out that they were searching for vintage dressers, so we called a red alert to find the most vintage touring bike on the planet. Turned out to be a bike built specifically for the cross-country Cannonball tour. And it made the grade with over 3000 successful miles from the east coast to Santa Monica.
Let’s see if they decide to use it in the new mag. It is currently part of the Don Whalen collection.
–Wilburn Roach
NEW YEARS PARTY REPORT, AMATEUR NIGHT ON THE STREETS– I had one stiff Jack on the rocks and watched a Marx bros film, after I blasted to Bev Hills for a party at Urban’s antique motorcycle mansion, then down to the grubby Wilmington ghetto Chowder Barge to check in. I peeled back to the Bikernet Intergalatic Headquarters and poured that Jack before the shit started to fly around the city.
Here’s the plan for next week. I need to hit as many 1%er chapters as possible, print them out and head out to the desert to start our final revisions at the end of next week. Then the chapters will roll to Bruce, the Bikernet official copy editor for tuning.
We are also heading out to Spitfire on Wednesday to take a look at our FXR frames for our Sturgis run, then shoot one of their bobbed Sportsters for a feature in the Horse. Plus next week I will attempt to wrap up my Crazy Horse tech with S&S and Compu-Fire. And I have Gypsy’s review of the new Bill Hayes book, and a Knucklehead bike feature that will rock your world.
I’ve reached out to Chris Kallas. He’s going to draw the concept illustration for our FXR build bikes, and we are supposed to meet with a TV producer next week about shooting the build process and riding to the Diablo run then to the Badlands. Hang on for the next update.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
