Hey,
British researchers opened an Icelandic clam to check its age and killed the oldest living animal, at 507 years of age—bummer. So about the time you think you might be headed down the wrong path, look around, listen, and learn.
I had a meeting with a friend who is a local architect. During lunch he told me a couple of stories. Just regular stuff, but I learned two very helpful lessons from each story. We were about to hang a cool neon sign on the front of the building. He mentioned a problem he’s having with the city over the sign on the front of his building, the fees, the fines, and the annual cost. I think I’ll hang it in the shop and leave the building incognito. That’s just one of the notions. I’ll keep the other one to myself and try to learn from it.
Let’s hit the news:
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR REPORTS IN–Notice the Thai flags in the background.
They are currently having protest marches.
I got a similar one last week of a T Shirt.
I think it was a USA targeted comment.
Similar sentiments around the World.
— Art Hall
Esteemed Bikernet International Editor
Quick Throttle Back Alley Photographer
BIG DAY FOR THE MOST SENIOR BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT, ROGUE—Roque’s wife, Doris, passed away unexpectedly last week, just before his 76th birthday, so unfortunately the birthday and the memorial took place on the same day at the Grant Florida Community Center on the 30th.
Doris was a delight and much younger than the old wildman, heavy drinker, and life long freedom fighter. Yet, he is still running on all 16 cylinders, when the beautiful Doris is gone. We will miss her, and I’m sure the old bastard Rogue will be lost without her, but somehow he’ll pull himself up by his old biker bootstraps and keep the freedom-road faith alive.
Happy Birthday, if that’s possible, from the entire staff of Bikernet!
–Bandit
MOTORCYCLE THEFT ALERT–
The National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported that the most stolen motorcycles in 2012 were Hondas, Yamahas and Suzukis. 20% of all motorcycles stolen were Hondas, 16% – Yamaha , 15% – Suzuki , 11% – Kawasaki, and Harley Davidson trailing at 8%. One explanation for why the theft rate for Harleys, which sells more than 50% of the motorcycles in America every year, is that their owners tend to use more theft prevention measures. This theory also applies to owners of BMW and Ducati motorcycles.
The NICB also reported that motorcycle thefts dropped slightly in 2012 compared to 2011. But they also said that the recovery rate for motorcycles was only 39% while the overall average recovery rate for motor vehicles is 54%.
BTW, the state with the most motorcycle thefts was California, the city with the most thefts was Los Angeles, and the most stolen bike was a 2007 Suzuki.
Source: LA Times
Posted by Sam Kanish
From IronWorks Magazine
BRAND NEW Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Doug Coffey’s RetroMod Panhead Part 1
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11269
When will we see more of this build? First two installments were great left me wanting more.
— Tom K.
spunupairhead@msn.com
Ogden, UT
Next installment is now up: Here is the Link for the Oil Tank tech:
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Doug_Coffeys_RetroMod_Panhead_Part_3.aspx
LOOK OUT FOR THE FEDERAL POLICE–The Federal Police????—getting Closer–OK Guys, They really are here, it just isn’t rumor any more. This recently received from a friend, right here in western Colorado:
So, as I was about to park, I saw this vehicle, so I quickly got out of my car and took a picture as it drove by. As the driver saw me do this, he slammed on the brakes, and asked, “Do you have a problem?”
To which I replied, “Just taking a picture. Is that illegal now?” He then eked forward a few feet and stayed there in the middle of the road for about a minute and a half until a car approached him from behind, forcing him to move…
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the FEDERAL POLICE FORCE (or Federal Protective Service, or United States Secret Service Uniformed Division as they are also known) we have been hearing about and the actual recipients of all that billions (yes, billions) of rounds of ammunition that is being produced for and procured by the Social Security Admin, The IRS, and other various government agencies for what purpose.
They are here, right in Downtown Grand Junction. What is the real purpose of a Federal Protective Service and why do we need them? Feel safe yet?
Google, United States Secret Service Uniformed Division and see what you find.
–anonymous Bikernet Correspondent
THANKSGIVING GREETINGS FROM HAWAII–Aloha Bandit, From all of us from the Shop want to Wish You a Happy Thanksgiving….Take Care!
–Darren Ho
VIETNAM MEMORIAL DATA–
This is really sobering. Click on the link and find the city you went to high school and look at the names.
Click on the name and it will give details of the death.
First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear.
Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.
This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.
I hope that everyone who receives this appreciates what those who served in Vietnam sacrificed for our country.
The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio’s and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site.
Pass the link on to others, as many knew wonderful people whose names are listed.
http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
–from Joe Teresi
Publisher
Easyriders Magazine
THE DEAD CROW FILE–Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.
A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts.
However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car.
MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills.
The Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly concluded the cause: when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah!!”, not a single one could shout “Truck.”
–from Gerry Celia
How does BADD biker charity spend its money? WESH 2 Investigates
–from WESh Orlando.com
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. —For the past three months, WESH 2 News Investigates has been digging into an Ormond Beach charity that claims it provides assistance to those who are hurt by drunken drivers.
WESH 2 News investigative reporter Matt Grant followed the money all the way to Miami to find out how Daytona-based “Bikers Against Drunk Drivers” is spending your donations.
As a former cop, Joe Parrish is used to being quick on his feet, but these days just getting around is a struggle.
“It’s been pure hell,” Parrish said.
In April, Parrish was riding his Harley when he was run off the road by a drunken driver. After seven surgeries to repair two broken bones, his doctor says he could lose his leg.
BADD’s mission is to raise awareness and offer victims financial assistance.
Parrish, who’s on two medications to save his leg, says BADD agreed to pay for the less expensive one.
Parrish said BADD helped him tremendously.
Records show BADD gave Parrish more than $1,300 dollars for his medicine, but WESH 2 News Investigates found most of the charity’s donations are not going to help victims.
According to state records, in 2012 BADD took in about $879,000, but gave less than one percent — about $8,700 — to victims.
Instead, the organization spent about $200,000 on rent, nearly $32,000 on bank charges, about $28,000 on a prize display, nearly $7,000 on supplies, about $6,600 on postage and shipping and approximately $13,000 on advertising, state records show.
The year before, BADD reported revenue of nearly a million dollars but gave only about $9,200 to victims, while spending nearly half a million on professional fund raisers.
“I think that’s completely pathetic,” said president of Charity Navigator, Ken Berger.
Officials from two of the largest non-profit charity watch dogs in the United States reviewed BADD’s returns and said they don’t add up.
Berger says he would give BADD a zero rating.
“A miniscule amount of the money is going to meet the mission. Any time we see that happening we get very concerned,” Berger said.
In 2010, BADD reported about $912,000 in total revenue while giving only 0.2 percent — just $2,400 — to victims.
“I think it really causes people to question whether they can trust an organization like this and quite frankly, we don’t think that they should,” Berger said.
BADD has been around for 28 years and is known for its motorcycle giveaways.
At Destination Daytona, under a tattered American flag, we found what BADD lists as their “global headquarters,” but a woman running the counter did not want to talk to us.
WESH 2 News Investigates wanted to hear directly from the charity’s founder, Danny Perkins, but after more than a month of trying it didn’t happen.
Despite showing his face on a $1,600-a-month billboard, Perkins would not meet with WESH 2 News Investigates in person, citing health and legal reasons.
When asked how donations are spent, Perkins told WESH in an email “the charity speaks for itself,” claiming BADD has sent out 5 million flyers and used Facebook posts to encourage people not to drink and drive.
“That’s our mandate,” Perkins said. “Exposure and awareness — period.”
While state filings do indicate that outreach is part of their mission, so is helping victims, which is where experts say BADD is falling short.
Perkins would not reveal how much money he’s making from BADD. On state returns, he lists his address as a UPS mailbox in Ormond Beach, but it turns out he actually lives a little farther south.
Towering above the Miami Beach skyline, in the shadow of South Beach is the Portofino Tower. Records show Perkins lives in this “ultra luxury” high rise with a woman named Wahida Benferhat, who coincidentally is listed as the charity’s director.
Records show Benferhat bought the condo worth about $950,000 in March.
According to the property appraiser, there is no mortgage, which suggests the nearly $1 million condo was paid for in cash.
Records show Perkins also owns a 27-foot pleasure boat similar to one that, according to the state, is registered under the charity’s name.
Despite traveling to Miami to speak with Perkins, he declined WESH 2’s interview requests.
As for Parrish, he’s focused on getting better and said he is grateful for the $1,330 BADD provided toward his medication.
http://baddcentral.com/ Main Page
http://baddcentral.com/sponsors/ Sponsors
–from Rogue
BLACK FRIDAY THURSDAY NEWS FOR THANKSGIVING 2013
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11397
Todd blubaugh”s link that you included above to view his blog was very cool, the photos he has posted are wonderful shots of real people living the life on the road, makes me wanna load up the bike, grab the cameras and just split.
Thanks for including this link , it was real feel good shots, this site (Bikernet) just keeps getting better, with articles like this, keep up the great work guys and gals..
— Daviv Macdonald
dvdmcdnld382@gmail.com
Victoria, B.C., Canada
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN ON THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND–Newfoundland Charm
Two informally dressed ladies happened to start-up a conversation during an endless
wait in Toronto’s Terminal 3 airport.
The first lady was an arrogant Upper Canadian married to a wealthy business man.
The second was a well-mannered elderly woman from Bell Island,Newfoundland.
When the conversation centered on whether they had any children, the Upper Canadian woman started by saying, “When my first child was born, my husband built a beautiful mansion for me.”
The lady from Bell Island commented, “Well, isn’t that precious?”
The first woman continued, “When my second child was born, my husband bought
me a beautiful Mercedes-Benz.
Again, the lady from Bell Island commented, “Well, isn’t that precious?”
The first woman continued boasting, “Then, when my third child was born, my husband
bought me this exquisite diamond bracelet.
Yet again, the Bell Island lady commented, “Well, isn’t that precious?”
The first woman then asked her companion, “What did your husband buy for you when you had your first child?”
“My husband sent me to charm school,” declared the Bell Island lady.
“Charm school?” the first woman cried, “Oh, my Lord! What on earth for?”
The elderly Bell Island lady responded, “Well as an example, instead of saying, “Who gives a Fuck?” I learned to say, “Well, isn’t that precious . . . . “
–from Mil Blair
THE ANTI-FREEDOM HELMET ATTACKS KEEP COMING–PICKERINGTON, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is asking the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whether it is trying to reduce motorcycle ridership by pursuing a federal mandatory motorcycle helmet law, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.
The congressman is also questioning the economic impacts the CDC cited to support mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.
In a letter to CDC Director Thomas Frieden dated Nov. 21, Walberg, who is a lifelong motorcyclist, an AMA life member and a member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, asked “…is it the goal or strategy of the CDC to reduce the use of motorcycles — a legal mode of transportation — by recommending and pursuing a federal helmet law?
“If so, how would this strategy be implemented and by what authority would it be instituted?” Walberg asked. He also questioned whether Frieden believes the CDC is the federal agency best suited to research and make recommendations related to transportation safety.
The CDC, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is headquartered in Atlanta.
CHOPPERFEST COMING–The 10th Annual David Mann Chopperfest will be held Sunday December 8th 2013 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura CA from 8am – 4pm.
The event features: The “If You Build It They Will Come” All Brand Antique and Custom Motorcycle Show; Custom Bike Builder Displays featuring World Class Bike Builders; A very special David Mann & Friends Art Exhibit with special guest Jacquie Mann and over 35 participating artists, Hundreds of Motorcycle/Culture Vendors; a New and Used Motorcycle parts Swap Meet; The Bob Carrillo Band; Food and Beer.
General admission is $15, Military with ID $10, kids 12 & under $5
Take the trouble to look it up and in most cases the humble pilcrow warrants only a few lines, dismissed briskly as a “paragraph mark” that is “only important when brevity is important.”
I’m more like a specialized piece of punctuation, a cedilla, umlaut or pilcrow, hard to track down on the keyboard of a computer or typewriter.
Pilcrow arose in the 1400s, possibly from the Old French paragrafe meaning “paragraph.”
ARE HELLS ANGELS SUE HAPPY?– PHOENIX — Fritz Clapp, a 67-year-old lawyer with a bright red mohawk, practices intellectual property law. Years ago, his clients were “small-time businesses that nobody had ever heard of.” Then he found something bigger. Today, Mr. Clapp, an eloquent and irreverent man known to wear a purple fez during negotiations with other lawyers, represents the interests of a group not commonly associated with intellectual property: the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. His main role is not as a bulldog criminal defense counsel for the notorious group but as a civilized advocate in its relentless battle to protect its many registered trademarks.
Just in the past seven years, the Hells Angels have brought more than a dozen cases in federal court, alleging infringement on apparel, jewelry, posters and yo-yos. The group has also challenged Internet domain names and a Hollywood movie — all for borrowing the motorcycle club’s name and insignias. The defendants have been large, well-known corporations like Toys “R” Us, Alexander McQueen, Amazon, Saks, Zappos, Walt Disney and Marvel Comics. And they have included a rapper’s clothing company, Dillard’s and a teenage girl who was selling embroidered patches on eBay with a design resembling the group’s “Death Head” logo.
The Hells Angels remain etched in the popular imagination as sullen, heavily muscled men in leather vests who glare from behind raised handlebars, ready to take on anyone who crosses them — rebels with no particular cause but their own form of ritualized brotherhood. But over the years, the group collectively made a leap from image to brand, becoming a recognizable marque and promoting itself on items as varied as T-shirts, coffee mugs and women’s yoga pants. Sonny Barger, 75, the longtime Hells Angels leader, at times has offered his own online bazaar of goods that bear his name: sunglasses, bottles of cabernet sauvignon and books he has written.
With more to sell and more to protect, the Hells Angels’ turn toward the litigious comes with a twist: The bikers are increasingly calling on the same legal system they deride as part of the machinery that has unfairly defined them as criminals.
In fact, they have become more conscious of protecting their image from misuse even as law enforcement officials have cracked down on the Hells Angels, saying they represent a criminal gang on six continents, trafficking drugs and guns and engaging in money laundering, extortion and mortgage fraud.
These conflicting portraits — biker club versus biker mafia — took shape in numerous interviews with Hells Angels members, defense lawyers, prosecutors and federal agents and in a wide review of legal filings and internal Hells Angels documents. The group’s less confrontational side has emerged as its aging membership has been refreshed by new members from a historically familiar source — recent military veterans — and as motorcycling in general has risen in popularity across the country.
“We stabbed and slabbed people left and right in the day, but that way is less common now,” said Richard Mora, known as Chico, a Hells Angels member in the Phoenix chapter.
Even so, 65 years after the Hells Angels was founded in Fontana, Calif., it still exists as a uniquely American subculture of hardened individualism, fierce fraternity and contempt for society’s mores.
In its rule-bound world, only full members are permitted to wear the provocative death’s-head patch or the two words of the club’s name, which, like the logo, is trademarked by the organization. Separately, the group sells so-called support merchandise to the public on club websites and at Hells Angels parties and charity events. Recently the club opened a retail store in Toronto.
Designations such as 81 (H and A are the eighth and first letters of the alphabet) and Big Red Machine (Hells Angels’ colors are red and white) are on an array of goods, including T-shirts (children’s sizes available), beanies, tank tops, bikinis, underwear, pins, cigars, key chains, window decals and calendars.
By SERGE F. KOVALESKI
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Bennett?s Performance 2004 Dyna Build 106-Incher
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11186
My Mother is already dead. Who else can I kill for you to have you do to my bike what you’ve done to yours? All I can think of to say is “Lord, this is Eric. It is upon him that I shall build my church.”
–Trash
Trash@Tra.sh
Kagel Canyon, CA
C 2/16 “Rangers” 65 – 66
NEW FROM THE BIKERNET TRIKE WORLD–The Arrow: A motorcycle with a dash of fighter jet.
This is the first Globe Drive contribution from Charles Bombardier, a member of the family that owns Quebec-based Bombardier Inc. and Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which are in the business of designing and manufacturing vehicles. Mr. Bombardier was “raised on machines,” and he got his first job on the assembly line when he was 16.
He developed three engineering projects for BRP: the Bombardier Traxter XL, the Ski-Doo Elite, and the Can-Am Spyder. Mr. Bombardier left BRP in 2006 to work on his own ventures, and in March, 2013 he began to create his own concept vehicles and publish them on his website.
His columns will introduce new vehicle concepts and present visuals from designers who illustrate his ideas. Some of them will be extensions of existing concepts, others will be new, some will be production ready, and others really far fetched.
The concept
The Arrow is a design I’ve been thinking about for a long time. It’s a small electric vehicle with a narrow body, and a cockpit that opens up like a fighter jet to reveal tandem seats.
The Arrow is powered by a 30-kilowatt, liquid-cooled, double-sided synchronous motor located in the rear. The motor drives a limited slip differential that powers each rear wheel. It could become a four-wheel-drive vehicle or three-wheel-drive, but for now, I’m keeping things light and simple. Fenders have been added to the torpedo-shaped body, but we haven’t tested the airflow in a fluid dynamic software. The goal is to lower the drag coefficient as much as possible because energy will come from lithium-air batteries and the range target is to exceed 600 kilometres. I like the power-to-weight ratio ‘promised’ by this type of battery, which also releases oxygen when it’s charging.
What it’s used for
The Arrow was conceived as a cool alternative for commuting to work, for running errands or for weekend trips to the cottage. I love to ride motorcycles, but I also hate it when it starts to rain on a ride, which is why I opted for a closed cockpit that can also be heated or cooled.
The design
The images of the Arrow prototype were conceived by Sebastian Campos, one of the many designers I work with. He’s based in Mexico, and he also designed the Surfout concept, a motorized surfboard. A prototype of the Arrow could be built rapidly – there’s a company in California with a full cockpit sub-assembly, I have a few 30-kilowatt motors in Valcourt, Que., and the remainder of the necessary work is achievable by anyone who’s interested in financing, building, and testing a prototype.
Is this the car of the future?
There are tons of cars of the future out there and I think the Arrow could be one of them. It looks cool, and it doesn’t take up too much space on the road. You could probably park four of them in one parking spot! The Arrow could serve as a second car or even as a recreational vehicle, and it could theoretically be built for less than $20,000 a unit.
If you have questions about driving or car maintenance, please contact our experts at globedrive@globeandmail.com.
CHARLES BOMBARDIER
Special to The Globe and Mail
NEW TO THE CANTINA, JACKS WILD GALLERIES—Jack McIntyre travels all over the country taking shots like a mad scientist who studies machine guns. His camera is smoking constantly, and we will bring you the finest array of his photography weekly in the Cantina.
Hang on,
–Bandit
NOT TO BE MISSED, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
An Old School Classic, An Original Shovelhead
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=213
“It takes a big man to know his limitations, your life story is so very inspiring.” I relate to the meaningful part.
I own a 1974 Shovel Head Electra Glide that is in need of a restoration to bring it back to its glory days. The problem in this country is ” Our 1- Rand is = 10-cents US, that does not give me a lot of buying power. The look I want is stock standard, to re-chrome all the rusted parts will be a mission as “the bike stood in a shed near the Sea for 20+ years” and the shiny bits are rusted away including the spokes. I have gone with Silver Re-spray using a epoxy-2k paint” The Transmission has the following problem, maybe you can help.
When you pull away go and change to 2-nd gear it jumps out. If you go to 3-rd gear and gear back to 2-nd its ok.
I would like to hear your view.
–Jan Cilliers
jan@visiononline.co.za
Tzaneen South Arica, Limpopo, South Africa
NEW CANTINA CONTEST—With the help of Jack McIntyre we will have a bevy of new Cantina Girls. Jack is a shooter to the bone, but he doesn’t take notes. So we are going to show you a couple of teaser shots, and if you would like to scribble down a story to go with this photo shoot go for it. If we pick it to be the one published with Jack’s shots, we will send you a Bikernet T, stickers and assorted bling.
You can either research the shoot or write a romantic story, make something up, or dig up a tale from your past. Go for it. Have some fun.
–Bandit
BAKER DRIVE TRAIN OFFERS 4 days 4 America–Here’s your chance to do some Christmas shopping and support America. 4 Days 4 America unites manufacturers and consumers to participate in this year’s holiday event from December 1st -4th.
By pledging to purchase American made products you help create jobs and boost patriotism. You can register for the event and even win some great prizes.
You’ll find deals for American made products in all sorts of categories including: Motorcycles (like Baker Drivetrain and IronWorks), Clothing, Crafts, Food, Industrial Manufacturers, Home Improvement, Housewares, Jewelry, Personal Care, Pets, Sporting, Toys and more.
For more info: www.4days4america.com
Source and image: Baker Drivetrain
Posted by Sam Kanish
From IronWorks Magazine
New Bikernet Reader Comment!
BLACK FRIDAY THURSDAY NEWS FOR THANKSGIVING 2013
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11397
Happy Thanksgiving Bandit! Thanks for another year of great information, entertainment and motorvation…pun intended. Keep it coming, Brother, and keep it going.
–Mike
slamon@sbcglobal.net
Windsor, CT
ROLL-OUT THE NEW YEAR—Many things happening in the coming year. We will be scrambling all year long trying to prepare for Bonneville. I need to wrap up the second Chance book, and we, as a team will launch a new product line on Bikernet.
We are making changes to the Cantina. We are launching Jack’s Galleries this week, and he will afford us a regular assortment of Girls of Bikernet. Hang on.
The Ultimate Builder Show is rolling into Long Beach Next week, and we will be there with the 5-Ball apparel line. We are switching up the Bikernet Baggers site right now with Jack McIntyre as a contributor and Richard Kranzler as the Editor. Watch for a bunch of changes and updates. Bikernet Baggers will become the true resource guide for everything Bagger next year.
The Triking Viking will climb the tallest mountain to keep the growing trike industry alive and successful. We will see the saga unfold in 2014.
And Bikernet will rock like never before for our 18th year. Just this week we will post new features, new techs from Rivera and Saddlemen, and a classic feature from Paul Garson, and more. Hell, check the Royal Enfield ride from India.
Hang on. We’re on a roll.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
