PRE-CHAMPIONSHIPS THURSDAY NEWS

Hey,

This is going to be a helluva news column. We publish the news weekly, actually twice a week with the Sunday Post in the Cantina. It’s actually sort of amazing. Where the hell does all the news come from? but it keeps coming. We even started the Bikernet Blog to relieve some load off the Thursday news, and now the blog is jammed with material.

At least there’s never a dull moment around the industry. We need to keep it that way. Let’s hit the news:

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY LESSON–In George Washington’s days, there were no cameras. One’s image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms.

Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are ‘limbs,’ therefore
painting them would cost the buyer more.
Hence the expression, ‘Okay, but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg.’ (Artists know hands and arms are more difficult to paint)

–from Sam Burns

READER COMMENTS ON THE NEWS–

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10314

Great Thursday post! The MRF mission statement fires on all cylinders yet clearly defines the objectives. We need to get on board to protect and promote our lifestyle, suppliers and supporters. Great shot of the Cantina Headquarters back in the day. The cars in the shot are great. How about a shot from the same spot in today’s light? Sounds like Frank is just like his father…changing his mind about controls instead of women.

Ride hard.

–Mike
Windsor, CT

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ADDS MORE ENGINES TO ITS REMAN PROGRAM–
Twin Cam 96 and Twin Cam 103 Among Engines Now Included in the Program

MILWAUKEE (January 10, 2012) New services have been added to the Engine Remanufacturing Program offered by Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The Twin Cam 96, Twin Cam 103 and 2003-06 CVO Twin Cam 103 have recently been added to the “Reman” program that restores Harley-Davidson engines to factory specifications. All 1999-06 Twin Cam Engines will be upgraded with Screamin’ Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner and Oil Pump Kit (except ‘06 Dyna models). Remanufacturing also is now available for all 1999-later engines with a Screamin’ Eagle Street Legal Big Bore Stage I EFI Kit. The program will continue to accept 1984-later Evolution 1340 engines, Twin Cam 88, Twin Cam 88B and Twin Cam 95 engines.

The Harley-Davidson Reman program returns engines to original factory specifications. The program requires an authorized Harley-Davidson dealership to remove the engine, ship it to the Harley-Davidson Reman facility, and then reinstall the engine. During remanufacturing, the engine is disassembled, rigorously inspected and components are remanufactured or replaced if they are worn beyond their service limits.

The engine is repainted and hot-tested, and vehicle retains its original vehicle identification number (VIN). A Reman engine is usually returned to the dealer within two weeks, and carries a 12-month limited warranty. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for full details on the Remanufactured Engine Program and also check out www.h-d.com/reman.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

WIN “Shakey” TICKETS at the ACE!–
Ace Cafe London has teamed up with Shakespeare County Raceway, known as “Shakey”, with pairs of day passes up for grabs as prizes at the cafe, for the two major NSRA events being held at the raceway in 2012.

Raffles will be held at the cafe, on the occasions shown below. To win the passes spend £5 or more over the counter to receive your raffle ticket.

NSRA Nostalgia Nationals (23rd/24th June)
6 pairs of day passes to be won at the cafe on “Hot Rod Nights”, held on the first Wednesday of every month:

Wed 1st Feb
Wed 7th March
Wed 4th April
Wed 2nd May (Spring Riot)
Wed 6th June

NSRA Hot Rod Drags (14th-16th September)
8 pairs of day passes to be won at the cafe on “All American Cruise-Ins”, held on the last Saturday of every month:

Sat 28th Jan
Sat 25th Feb
Sat 31st March
Sat 28th April
Sat 26th May
Sat 30th June
Sat 28th July
Sat 25th August

A further 3 pairs of passes for the Hot Rod Drags on “Hot Rod Night” at the cafe:

Wed 6th July
Wed 3rd August
Wed 7th Sept

www.shakespearecountyraceway.co.uk
www.nsra.org.uk


MOTORCYCLE TRAINING FACILITY IN MILWAUKEE–We’re gearing up at the Compound for a good year with bike work, tune-ups, concealed carry classes and self-defense training, conflict avoidance, Accident Scene Management classes and building a tribute site to fallen and injured bikers, using Dave’s crashed Road Glide. Looking forward to seeing you and Chris at the Lazelle Street location during Sturgis this year too.
–Tony Pan
http://www.accidentscene.net/

BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING WHEELER REPORT–
It’s another fantastic, clear and sunny day in Southern California, home of the largest motorcycle web site on the planet. Highs today in the mid 60s, perfect riding weather.

Cincy V-twin Show

Registered for the show and airline tickets are waiting at the counter. Looking for the latest performance products.

Bennett’s Performance

Scheduled for a few hours Friday evening to begin the 96-inch twin cam build. Hyperformance rebuilt cases and Eric Bennett is building a five star engine. Darkhorse Crankworks prepared a 4″ crank kit for the build. A CCI, 9.5 compression 3.927 forged piston and cylinder kit will be bolted to the cases and topped off with a fresh set of Branch/O’Keefe massaged heads for maximum air flow.

A set of Fueling reaper series .574 lift cams, lifters and pushrods will open the valves in a timely manner. The Fueling Reaper cams will be supported with a SE H-D billet support plate and a H-D high performance oil pump will circulate the oil.
Images and a report will follow as well as extensive road testing.

Hyperformance

Monday the 16th our 124-inch Turbo Twin Cam was loaded into a freight truck and headed west for a date with a fresh frame that will be tested at the Mojave Mile May 5th & 6th, according to today’s action plan.

Cantina Members

Since its snowing and blowing, somewhere, it might be an opportune time to take advantage of the Cantina member discounts while your hangin’ out on the computer. Check out the sponsor list, give them a call and ask for your member discount. Any problems, give us a call.

Sturgis 72nd

The Sturgis plan is coming together for a stellar week in the Black Hills. Having ridden to the event on numerous occasions (remember the city park?). Sturgis has become one of my favorite destinations. Come on out we will have a cold drink waiting for you under the shade tree in the Bikernet/CycleSource Lot that’s located on Lazelle St. directly across the street from Hooters, Jay Allen’s world famous Broken Spoke Saloon and the new three-story Easyriders Eatery and t-shirt store.

Suggestions and comments are always welcome.

Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com

ABATE of WISCONSIN RECEIVES TRIPLE MATCH GRANT– ABATE of Wisconsin owns ABATE Acres, a large parcel of land where the annual state party, Summer Hummer, is held each year. In order to help pay down the mortgage, the Dan Frantz Fund was set up to accept unsolicited donations.

Hupy and Abraham, S.C. offered to match any donations in 2011, up to $2,500. That amount was reached early in the year and the law firm increased its pledge to match donations up to $3,500. That amount was also reached before the June, 2011 Summer Hummer. ABATE of Wisconsin founder, Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo presented a check in the amount of $3,500 to Executive Director, Ric Mellon, at ABATE Acres. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. then renewed a matching grant pledge to the end of the year, up to $5,000.

During ABATE of Wisconsin’s Officer Training Seminar in January, 2012, Tony Pan presented the second pledge check to ABATE of Wisconsin in the amount of $5,000, representing a total of $17,000 raised for 2011. He then announced that Hupy and Abraham, S.C. was offering a matching grant for 2012. This year, the pledge is a Triple Match, up to $10,000, from January 1, to December 31, 2012.

The first $10,000 raised by ABATE members and friends will be matched by Hupy and Abraham, S.C. In addition, Attorney Michael Hupy will personally match up to $10,000. Every dollar counts toward the triple match. If ABATE raises $8,000, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. and Attorney Hupy will each donate $8,000. In other words, there is a possibility to raise up to $30,000 this year to help pay down the mortgage at ABATE Acres if the $10,000 challenge is met.

What is most memorable about this pledge is the fact that instead of just donating an amount of money, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. is engaging the entire ABATE family of members and friends by challenging them to get involved, giving everyone a chance to share in achieving an important goal while increasing the overall donation to the Dan Frantz Fund.


BIG BIKE EUROPE is European Championship host event–Plans for the return of the European Championship of Custom Bike Building are unaffected by the cancellation of Custom Chrome Europe’s Dealer Show.

As announced in August 2011, the next European Championship is being staged at the first annual Big Bike Europe Expo, at Essen in Germany on May 10-12, 2013.

Big Bike Europe is the all new, independently owned and operated headquarters expo for the European performance, custom, tuning, workshop and service parts and accessory industry.

The three-day event features a first day (Friday May 10, 2013) that is a dealer, customizer, trade and VIP visitor only day, which features the first annual International Custom Conference.

The weekend is then open to the public/riders as well as trade visitors.

The European Championship will take place on all three days, with the awards ceremony closing the show on Sunday May 12, 2013.

Registration and set-up is Thursday May 9; AMD’s industry VIP party and first annual International Motorcycle Industry Awards will be held in Essen after the International Custom Conference on the evening of Friday May 10, 2013.

The entry form and class definitions (FreeStyle, Modified Harley, Production and Performance Custom) are already available online at: www.amdchampionship.com/eurochamps

BIKER BAND COMES TO THE FLOATING WILMINGTON RESTAURANT FOR A BIKE GATHERING–Come enjoy an afternoon on the water.

The Signal Hillbillys will rock your socks off from 2pm – 6pm.

Also, 5-Ball’s “Assalt Weapan” , Bonneville Record Setting Haryley Panhead will be on Display, and the book author will be on hand with a box of Bonneville books to sell and sign.

Chowder Barge on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chowder-Barge/216575681701948

www.chowderbarge.com
310-830-7937
Look for Chowder Barge on FaceBook and ‘Like’ Us!


ROCK KNIGHTS FESTIVAL–Our association, in partnership with the Dark Ruten’s MC, will contribute to make 2012 an excellent year by proposing the second edition of Rock Knights Festival at the end of August.

The line-up will be announced very shortly (get the information and more live through our facebook “Rock Knights Asso” page. Regular summary notes keep being posted with our newsletter) !

The Rock Knights Festival is a new event in South of France, , that brings together the “Knights” of Rock and of the Medieval World on the magnificent LARZAC plateau. During the day, you are in the camp of the Templars and of other military and monastic orders (Hospitalars, Teutonics…). They demonstrate their fighting abilities as well as their handcraft skills.

At night, Rock music takes over the place with excellent bands to rediscover! The festival’s first edition in 2010 brought together the ever remarkable HAWKWIND, WISHBONE ASH, BLUE COUPE (ex Blue Öyster Cult & Alice Cooper), TASTE, JOHN COGHLAN’s QUO, FURIOUS WATTS, MARLEEN and WASH MASH.See some pictures at You tube

The Domaine de Gaillac, is located close to the village of La Couvertoirade in the very southern part of the Aveyron department in France (1 hour drive north of Montpellier or Beziers). Bikers, camper vans and campers are welcome.The festival is organized by Rock Knights, a non-profit association under the 1901 law– licensed as a producer (2-1029373) and marketer (3-1029374) of live performances. Its management consists of Aveyron natives and rock fans.

Internet site : www.rockknights.com.
Rock Knights Asso : Facebook page
Contact : rockknights@orange.fr

THE TALIBAN TALE–A fleeing Taliban, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in the distance. Hoping to find water,
he hurried toward the oasis, only to find a little old Jewish man at a small stand, selling ties.

The Taliban asked, “Do you have water?”

The Jewish man replied, “I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5.”

The Taliban shouted, “Idiot! I do not need an over-priced tie. I need water!
I should kill you, but I must find water first!”

“OK,” said the old Jewish man, “It does not matter that you do not want to
buy a tie and that you hate me. I will show you that I am bigger than that.
If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will
find a lovely restaurant. It has all the ice cold water you need. Shalom.”

Cursing, the Taliban staggered away over the hill, Several hours later he
staggered back, almost dead & said,
“Your freakin’ Infidel brother won’t let me in without a tie!”

–from Bob Clark

MECUM TO AUCTION CUSTOM CHOPPERS FOR CHARITIES–
2011 Bourget Python Super Stretch Chopper, 2005 Big Bear Venom to Cross the Block at Kissimmee Event

WALWORTH, Wis. – Mecum Auctions announces it will offer two custom motorcycles during the 2012 Kissimmee Event to benefit military charities Welcome Back Veterans and the American Freedom Foundation.

The MLB Stars and Stripes – a 2011 Bourget Radius Python 330 Super Stretch Chopper (Lot W195) – will cross the auction block on Wed., Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Designed and built by Bourget’s Bike Works for New Era Caps, the motorcycle was unveiled during Daytona Bike Week 2011 and toured the country visiting MLB stadiums and bike rallies. It features a Pearl White-based all-American baseball/armed services theme, including a Wilson baseball-glove saddle, Major League club logos and strategically placed official baseballs. The bike runs a 124 CI S&S V-twin engine with diamond cut heads.

All proceeds from this chopper sale will benefit Welcome Back Veterans, an organization committed to providing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment to veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.welcomebackveterans.org.
 
 

Mecum will also offer a 2005 Big Bear Choppers Venom ProStreet bike (Lot T190.1) on Thurs., Jan. 26 at 5:20 p.m. Featuring distinct character and style, the bike has a large diameter single radius downtube, the famous arched Venom swingarm, a low 23.5 inch seat and standard neck height with a 40 degree rake. Additional components include the proprietary low vibration 100 SMOOTH polished engine in front for a Baker 6-speed overdrive transmission, exclusive primary drive, and chrome frontend and controls.

Proceeds from the Big Bear Venom will go to the American Freedom Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation co-founded by SMA (retired) Jack L. Tilley whose mission is to honor the men and women of America’s armed forces and raise awareness for their service and sacrifice, and raise money for organizations that serve and support our veterans, active duty military and their families. Visit www.americanfreedomfoundation.org for more information.

The auction will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on Discovery’s all new Velocity network during the “Mecum Auto Auctions: Muscle Cars & More” show. Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $15.

For additional consignment and bidder information, call 262.275.5050 or visit www.mecum.com.

5-BALL BONNE BELLE CLASSES–We are building a classic 1940 45 WLD with a K-model top end and a Sportster bottom end for the Bubs Bonneville event this summer. We need to check the rules to determine what classes we can run in, so we reached out to the master, Drew Gatewood, an official member of the AMA crew. Here’s what he said earlier this week, “The 2012 AMA/BUB rules committee meeting is being held today (1/17/12).
I am waiting until after said meeting to answer your and another 20+ inquiries; so as to be current and correct with my answers.
I should be back in touch within a week.”

Hang on for the next report. More boxes are on their way from the heavily fortified Departure Bike Works facility in Richmond, VA. 
 

p.s.My son was going through some old magazines that were in a box, and there was a B&W photo of a rather young looking you leaning back on a rigid Shovelhead. Ah yes, the simpler and fun days of youth.

When I shave each morning I look at the mirror and wonder who is this fat f*cking white haired guy with five grandchildren.
 
 

http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/napa-police-get-traffic-safety-grant/article_b038a00a-3d6f-11e1-b0c0-0019bb2963f4.html

Napa police get $125,000 traffic safety grant — Napa Police Department has been awarded a $125,000 grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries, the city said Thursday.

The grant targets motorcycle safety violators, DUI offenders, drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, red light violators, cell phone users and seatbelt violators, police said.

The grant will pay for DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, special enforcement operations, and court stings to catch DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court.

In 2011, California had the fewest traffic fatalities since 1944, OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy said in a written statement. “While this is good news, we know that only by keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness can we hope to sustain these declines and save lives.”

Traffic deaths declined statewide by 11.9 percent — from 3,081 people killed in 2009 to 2,715 in 2010. DUI-related deaths, while declining, account for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities, police said.

DUI/driver’s license checkpoints are meant to deter impaired driving, police said. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted frequently, police said.

For a second year in a row, four motorcycle safety enforcement operations are planned this year, police said. The officers will patrol areas and events where motorcycle crashes and incidents have occurred, police said.

Motorcycle fatalities have finally dropped in California following a decade-long rise in deaths, police said. In 2010, 353 motorcyclists were killed in California, a 37 percent drop from the all-time high in 2008.

–Rogue

Sturgis Freedom Fighters
 
 


Anti-Inflammatory Diet Makeover: Clean out Your Cabinets– Every Tuesday in January we present tips on the what, why and how of the Dr. Weil-recommended anti-inflammatory diet.

Most pantries hold a confusing mix of healthful and unhealthy food items, but cleaning out the questionable ones and replacing those with better choices isn’t really all that difficult. Start with the following guidelines, then sign up for a free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for more tips.

* Toss out any cereals and breads that are refined, presweetened or made with white flour, and replace them with organic, high-fiber cereals, steel-cut oats or organic, natural instant varieties of hot cereals, and whole-grain breads.
* Replace instant soups (which can be very high in sodium), rice or noodle mixes (often high in sodium and undesirable fats) and instant drink mixes (such as iced tea, instant coffee and sugary hot chocolate mixes), with whole grains such as brown rice or bulgur wheat, dried beans, peas and lentils, and high quality green, white or oolong tea.
* Add some spices – an important part of the anti-inflammatory diet.
* Herbs are best when used fresh, but dried herbs, such as basil, sage, thyme, and rosemary, can keep their healthful characteristics and aroma very well.

Want a Virtual Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook?

Simply join Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging. Our hundreds of recipes use anti-inflammatory ingredients – add in our cooking tips and eating and shopping guides, and it’s a cookbook unlike any other! Start your free trial today and see if it’s right for you – join now to save 30%!
 
–Dr. Weil


A CLASSIC STRIP CLUB CLOSES–Wild Goose to shut down on Christmas Eve.
Priscilla, a dancer at the Wild Goose nightclub in Del Aire, credits the topless bar with giving her a stable job and other benefits.

She has worked at the club for the past six years.
“I love the attention,” said Priscilla, who only gave her stage name. “I’ve lost so much weight because of my dancing. It keeps me in great shape.”

However, that job will soon come to an end.
Priscilla and the other performers at the Wild Goose will give their last lap dances at the club on Christmas Eve, when the 45-year-old business will close for good.

The club, a nearby motel and nine homes will be replaced by 264 condos, to be developed by the Wild Goose’s owner.

County supervisors on Nov. 8approved the project, which also includes 112 apartment units and some commercial space at an MTA Green Line site just north of the club.

Larry Kroeze, whose family has owned the Wild Goose since his father, Ralph, opened it in 1966, will develop the project on a total of six acres. He owns three of those acres, which contains the club, motel and homes to be replaced.

Kroeze said he has no timetable for the project, although the condos will be built before the apartments.

“We’re working on getting financing right now,” Kroeze said.

He decided to close the Wild Goose, at 11604 Aviation Blvd., about four years ago, after an MTA official called him to propose the residential project. The idea fits well with public efforts to situate homes near public transportation hubs to reduce traffic.

The supervisors approved the project after Kroeze agreed to reduce the total housing units from 390 to 376.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who represents the unincorporated area of Del Aire, introduced the motion to approve the project. His fellow supervisors supported it unanimously.

“It will be the first transit-oriented development within the unincorporated Second District. So he sees benefits for the surrounding community and workforce as well as to the entire transit system,” said Karly Katona, Ridley-Thomas’s deputy.

At a recent early afternoon at the Wild Goose, more than two dozen men lounged at the bar and tables in a large, dimly lit room.
A raised stage with two stripper poles graced one side near balloon arrangements of a Santa Claus and Christmas tree.

Women in bikini-style lingerie and pumps moved from man to man, chatting them up. Some women gave lap dances in an open area to one side.
Herman, a silver-haired regular at the Wild Goose since 1969, said he will miss the club and its welcoming atmosphere.

“It will be the end of an era,” said Herman, a man in his 60s who declined to give his full name. “Of all the clubs I go to, this is my favorite. This place is where you can relax and enjoy yourself.”

George Carpenter has served as the Wild Goose’s general manager for 23 years. During that time, he has seen the business suffer from economic strains, the aerospace industry downsizing and increasing competition.

“We used to get a really good lunch crowd from the aerospace people,” Carpenter said. “When I first came into the industry, there were only 100 clubs across California. Now there are more than 300 clubs in California.”

Montana, a slender 25-year-old dancer, said she will pursue a business degree after the Wild Goose closes.
Montana, who only gave her stage name, has worked there for about 2 1/2 years, and says it lacks the “creepy” feel of other clubs, especially those that are totally nude.

Nearly all the money dancers make comes from the intimate lap dances, which cost $20 each. That is why it’s so important for them to “break the ice” with clients by talking with them.

By Muhammed El-Hasan Business Writer
Daily Breeze
–from Tim Graves



NEW BIKER TV SERIES TO FEATURE BIKERNET TEAM AND ILLUSIONS’ RUSTY COONES CREW–
Here’s a link to the trailer for the Illusion episode on iKuztom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gvoyGyIsYg&feature=plcp&context=C3a097d6UDOEgsToPDskLWY8wq-pEP0RGOqlrz5w3I

And we also have a facebook page you can like if you want. We post behind the scenes stuff, trailers and news about the show there.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/IKuztom/150458681727280

We’re going to the international TV market NATPE on Saturday, keep your fingers crossed…

–Erik Lundmark – CEO
818-645-8922

 
 

LAST CALL…. Get into the February Issue of Fast Lane Biker Magazine Delmarva.
We will distributing @ 18,000 Magazines through our normal distribution network and we are distributing @ 8,000 extra copies that will at the Timonium Md. Motorcycle Show
February 10 – `12, 2012.

I need your positive response and ad copy No later Than NOON Friday January 20,2012

–Walt Kuch
Fast Lane Biker DELMARVA
Phone: (610) 517-8808
Email: Walt@FLBDELMARVA.com
www.FLBDELMARVA.com

 

A LETTER TO RICK FAIRLESS AT STROKES DALLAS– I live in Seattle and I don’t ride motorcycles, so it’s ok if you don’t like me already (lol). I was searching for bicycle shops in Dallas on Google, and your site came up and out of curiosity, I clicked on it, then saw “Read My Story” or whatever it was called, and I ready your story.

WOW, what a great story of doing what you love and making a living, a life, doing it. Truly the American dream, though I doubt it felt so dreamy all the time. You sound like a great guy, with a good heart. Knowing how retail business works, what you have contributed to your community is an asset of goodwill that is difficult to measure and is certainly much greater than you may ever think.
 
So whenever you have a moment of self doubt or wonder if you are doing enough with your life, that is a good time for faith in yourself, in what you’ve built, and the value you created for others that would not exist without you.
 
So that’s very cool. Anyway, that’s my cheerleading for the day. Just a random act of “good job.”
 

— Mike

Rick Fairless
Strokers Dallas
http://www.strokersdallas.com
Email: rick@strokersdallas.com

Watch the Dum Ass Club
http://www.strokersdallas.com/dumass-club/




BIKERNET WEATHER REPORT FROM UNCLE MONKEY–We have been very fortune here in Saskatchewan being blessed with an unusually mild winter. With the temperatures hovering at or above freezing many of us who hibernate the winter away have been busy working getting caught up on things, building bikes, clean garages.

But this is the Great White North so it was only a matter of time before the other boot falls. As the mercury creeps down to -40 for the next few days everything grinds to a frozen halt. It is an unbelievable cold that chills through the bone.

My wife asks me why we are still living here? What can I say? At least it is not as cold as north of Grand Prairie, up into Alaska and the Canadian Territories. This cold snap has many grumbling, as we haven’t had the luxury of three months of winter to acclimatize us for this cold.

For me it means all work on my bike has stopped. My trusty propane heater can’t even warm the air enough to allow my florescent lamps to come on, designed to work to minus 20, let alone warm my tools enough so they don’t freeze to my hands. It means passing my evenings in the house tinkering away at left-over projects like finishing repairs to my electric guitars and making heated riding jackets and pants for when winter finally gives way to spring.

I had hoped to have the mock-up on my bike finished by now and the bike disassembled for paint, but Mother Nature put a stop to it. The good news is that my Custom Chrome account has been unlocked, but the down turn of the American economy is very prevalent in the number of parts that are out of stock and discontinued. This cold weather does afford me time to contact fellow builders and suppliers to track down in stock parts – JP Cycle has my bars in stock and a fellow builder has my extended rear axle.

At the end of the night all that is left is to pour a strong Jack and Coke and read here what others have to say.

-bad Uncle Monkey


STRONG RESULTS AND ATTENDANCE HIGHLIGHT AUCTIONS AMERICA BY RM’S LAS VEGAS PREMIER MOTORCYCLE AUCTION– Auctions America by RM enjoyed a successful debut in Las Vegas this past weekend, selling more than $4.1 million* worth of vintage motorcycles, with an impressive 82 percent sell-through of all lots offered.

Held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, the Jan. 12-14 event enjoyed strong attendance, as thousands of enthusiasts flocked to see a broad selection of 490 motorcycles and a range of bike-related memorabilia. Bidders represented 35 states and 10 countries from as far away as Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, with on-site buyers joined by a number of internet and phone bidders.

The top seller of the weekend was a beautifully restored 1910 Flying Merkel, resplendent in the company’s bright orange coloring that garnered $86,800. A high-quality 1926 Cleveland Fowler fetched $76,160. In addition, the sale also featured Criss Angel’s BeLIEve/MINDFREAK custom chopper selling for $19,040 as the magician watched from the podium. All proceeds from Angel’s “Charity Chopper” sale – including auction commissions – went to his BeLIEVE Anything Is Possible foundation to help children in need.

“We are extremely pleased by the response and outcome of the sale,” said Auctions America President Donnie Gould. “It exceeded our expectations for a first-time event, and we received nothing but positive feedback from the buyers, sellers and attendees on the quality and diversity of the offering, event presentation and our dedicated client service.”

Participants enjoyed an interactive educational element during the debut Las Vegas sale. The exclusive motorcycle seminar was moderated by SPEED Channel’s Dave Despain. Experts Mark Hoyer (editor, Cycle World), Buzz Walneck (founder, Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader), Doug Mitchel (motorcycle author) and Joe Bortz (motorcycle collector) discussed several aspects of the collector motorcycle industry and took questions from the audience.

Full results from Auction America’s Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction are posted online at www.auctionsamerica.com. Auctions America continues its 2012 auction calendar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 16-18.

* All sales figures are listed in U.S. dollars and include the 12% buyer’s premium.
To learn more about Auctions America, visit www.auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.


FOUR LEGENDARY CUSTOM BIKE BUILDERS TO BUILD TRIBUTE BIKES FOR ROLLING THUNDER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY– Memorial Day Weekend marks the 25th Anniversary of Rolling Thunder in Washington, D.C., an annual motorcycle Demonstration Run that attracts over 450,000 motorcycles and one milion attendees. To commemorate this honorary event, four custom motorcycles will be built by four legendary bike builders.

“The commemorative bike build is such a great idea and it’s one of the better things we’ve ever done. It’s the builders giving back to veterans and troops and all branches of the service with this project. We’re very grateful to the sponsors and everyone involved for their generous support and recognition of Rolling Thunder’s efforts,” said Ted Shpak, President of Rolling Thunder, Washington D.C, Inc.

Jay Allen, creator of the legendary Broken Spoke Saloon, is facilitating the tribute build project. Allen’s custom built U.S. Army bike, featuring an S&S Cycle engine and Baker Drivetrain transmission, inspired the bike build concept.

Since hitting the asphalt nationwide with his tribute U.S. Army bike, it has received more attention than a $100,000 custom motorcycle. This, in turn, compelled Rolling Thunder to complete the ultimate show of respect by reaching out to some of the world’s top bike builders to complete the military recognition to include all branches of the service.

“This history-making tribute bike build is coming together so beautifully. S&S Cycle and Baker Drivetrain are the definition of American made pride and they’ve stepped up to the plate bringing their high quality products to this entire project,” said Allen.

The bikes will be unveiled at the 25th Anniversary event on May 26th and the entire build process will be featured in leading motorcycle publications. U. S. Marine Corps: Brigitte Bourget of Bourget’s Bike Works feature with Iron Works magazine; U.S. Navy: Dar Holdsworth of Darwin Motorcycles feature with Cycle Source; U.S. Coast Guard: Kiwi Mike of Kiwi Motorcycles feature with American Iron; U.S. Air Force: Billy Lane of Chopper’s Inc. feature with The Horse Backstreet Choppers.

“We’re excited that with the help of Avon Correctional Facility this tribute build will happen with Billy Lane who has always supported Rolling Thunder and the Veterans,” said Steve Broyles, the Vice President of The Horse Backstreet Choppers Magazine and the owner of Stevenson’s Cycle.

The build project is destined to be epic as these road-worthy bikes will then be toured around the country with the traveling “Wall that Heals,” at various military installations and events, Veteran Affairs locations, major motorcycle rallies, and potentially taken overseas to the troops. An impressive publicity campaign and production surrounding the Rolling Thunder 25th Anniversary observance is currently underway.

Further production details to be announced.
“We’re so excited and honored to be a part of this monumental, historic event and to be selected because our bikes are no-compromise, American made motorcycles,” said Dar Holdsworth, who hails from a military family having served in Desert Storm, his father in Vietnam and his grandfather in WWII. “We truly understand that we could not do what we do without the sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces. Each and every soldier has my deepest gratitude and respect.”

Rolling Thunder’s Demonstration Run has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the Prisoner of War, Missing in Action (POW/MIA) issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for Service Members and Veterans from all wars. www.rollingthunderrun.com

–Sasha Mullins Lassiter


ULTIMATE BUILDER RESULTS FROM DC–
Retro Mod – Gio of Blacksmith Motoring Company brought El Vaquero to the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show in DC and took first place in Retro Mod. El Vaquero is a 1977 Honda GL1000 Goldwing that sports a super charged stroker motor, 4 Degree Rake, Remote Air Ride and Performance Suspension shocks. Additional features include engraved accessories, custom trucker-flap exhaust and hidden cables.

FreeStyle – GIO of Blacksmith Motoring Co. rolled into DC with El Patron, a 2003 Suzuki Volusia and took first place in FreeStyle. GIO is our first two class winner in the 2011 – 2012 Ultimate Builder series with a win with El Vaquero, a 1977 blown Honda GL1000 Goldwing. The power cruiser features Nitrous, Stroker Kit, Big Bore Pistons, Custom Cams, 4 Degree Rake, Remote Air Ride and Performance Suspension shocks. GIO’s background is in jewelry and it shows from the jewel encrusted key to the chrome etching on the heads, bars and lights. Blacksmith Motoring Co. hails from Chicago and is making the mid-west tour with the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.

Performance Custom – James Antonio of Meticulous Concepts Sportbike Customizing takes first place in the Performance Custom class with his 2003 Kawasaki ZX9R. The reaper-styled bike is bored to 998cc and sports 240mm Rear Tire, Lowered chassis with air ride. Special features include 24k gold plated bolts and custom bodywork. Wheels are modified Harley units from Performance Machine.
 
 


Mod Harley – Roy Chamberlain of C&C Cycles built a striking flame and skull bike called Black Shadow that took 1st in the Modified Harley Class. The 2002 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI features a S&S 106ci with ported heads, bigger valves, cam and throttle body. Additional upgrades include a 200mm rear tire with stretched bags and fender.

The Bagger is ultra-smooth with front turn signals under lexan, which are fitted in the fairing and come to life and are only seen once they are actuated. The side mirrors are replaced with a flat panel screen and an automotive rear camera fitted into the eye of a skull. The license plate is tucked under the rear fender and swings out when the big twin rumbles to life.

Mod Harley – Roy Chamberlain of C&C Cycles is no stranger to custom motorcycles. He brought in 3 bikes for the Modified Harley Class and took 1st place with Black Shadow, a 2002 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI. Another favorite bike in Roy’s stable was a 2007 Softail Harley-Davidson Nightrain. It features black powder coat covers, black inverted forks, Zipper’s Thundermax, black D&D Fat Cat performance pipe, black chrome bolts, and black Jay Brake rotors, calipers and controls.

FreeStyle Class

1. GIO, Blacksmith Motoring Co. – El Patron, 2003 Suzuki Volusia

2. Jeanette Coles – Tribute to Michael Jackson, 2009 GSXR 750

3. Bruce Banks – Big Wheel, 2010 Harley-Davidson FLTRX

Mod Harley Class

1. Roy Chamberlin, C&C Cycles – Black Shadow, 2002 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI

2. Dan Rodriguez, KarTunes Inc. – 2007 H-D Road King

3. Dell Battle, OneOff, Inc. – Obama Bike, H-D Fatboy

Performance Custom Class

1. James Antonio, Meticulous Concepts – Reaper, 2003 Kawasaki ZX9R

2. Casey Marshall, Classic Auto Body & Powder Coating – 2007 Honda CBR600RR

3. Davona Marshall, Garwood Custom Cycles – Egyptian Queen, 2006 Suzuki Hayabusa

Retro Mod Class

1. GIO, Blacksmith Motoring Co. – El Vaquero, 1977 GL 1000 Goldwing

2. Frank Rutigliano, Two Wheel Mafia Custom Cycles – Da Boss, 1984 Yamaha XS650

3. Patrick Giblin, Cycles of Silver Spring – COSS Tracker, 1970 Honda 350

The Tribute of Michael Jackson bike is owned by Janette Coles and built by Eye Candy Designs and built on a 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 platform. Features 240 single-sided swingarm and air ride suspension.

Jeffrey Najar

HERE IS THE THURSDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS!– A 2004 Springer Softail! Vance & Hines Pro Pipe, Ape Hangers, Spot lamps, Badlander seat, Sissy bar with pad, solid rear wheel. A very clean bike for $9000!

CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND!

–MIKE the STEALTH


AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL GOLD PLATED–
A crying mother speaks to her dead son. ”Stand up and say hello to your guests,” she urges him, apparently unwilling to accept he is dead. But he is the man in the coffin – the $42,000 gold-plated coffin, paid for in cash by his mates.

This was the funeral at the St Nikola Macedonian Orthodox Church in Cabramatta for the Lone Wolf MC member Neal Todorovski, who was shot in the head on January 4 during a altercation in Sans Souci, southern Sydney. Mr Todorovski, 37, had been armed with a gun that day.

A senior Lone Wolf member told The Sun-Herald newspaper the Todorovski shooting was not a turf war but over ”something petty and silly”. He said: ”I’m not sure what’s wrong with the world. To die like this over nothing is just stupid.” Many bikers at the Todorovski service were visibly distraught, weeping, hugging each other. They included Finks and Comanchero members.

A Lone Wolf member said an arrest in Perth over the shooting followed the police interception of a telephone conversation.

Detective Wayne Hayes, acting commander of the gang squad, said the Lone Wolf club had eight chapters in NSW with about 96 members.
The Todorovski killing ”had nothing indicating expansion” into new territory, he said.

Strike Force Lobbe – one of four strike forces investigating the Sydney shootings – identified a Maroubra man, 25-year-old Tarek Abdallah, as the suspect in the Todorovski shooting. Mr Abdallah faced a Perth court on Friday and is expected to be extradited to NSW this week.

Mr Todorovski had been armed with a pistol when he left his flat with two friends, Matthew Edward Lewis, 23, and John Haper Leger, 32, to meet Mr Abdallah in front of his four-wheel-drive. In court police alleged a scuffle broke out and Mr Abdallah managed to pull a handgun from his car and shoot Mr Todorovski in the head. They allege Mr Lewis and Mr Leger refused to co-operate and arrested the pair for concealing an indictable offence and possessing a prohibited weapon.

A source who wished to remain anonymous told The Sun-Herald Lone Wolf club members paid for Mr Todorovski’s golden coffin with $42,000 in cash. ”It’s an incredibly impressive piece,” he said.


EASYRIDER V-TWIN EXPO, This is sure to be the best year ever….. 32 exhibitors registered in the last 3 weeks!

Akrapovic America LLC, Alloy Art, Anest Iwata / Auto Air Colors / Iwata Medea, Austin Steiner Covers, Bad Dad, Inc., Centramatic, Cobra Engineering, Compufire, CTEK Power, Danny Gray, Dealer Profit Solutions, Fashion Paint USA, First Manufacturing, GetRaked.com, Goodyear Dunlop Tire, Hawk Performance, Hell’s Foundry, I.C.E., Inc., Jim Nasi Customs, John Shope’s Sinister Industries, Kreater Custom Motorcycles, Land & Sea, Inc., Max Opp Marketing, National Motorcycle Museum, Ohlins USA, Precision Billet Products, PowerSport Institute, Radiantz LED Lighting, Sidecar Cycles, Spyke Inc., S.T.D. Development and Steadymate by Kinedyne

REGISTER NOW!
You must be registered to attend the V-Twin Expo. ONLY bona fide dealers, motorcycle retailers, manufacturers, or members of the press are invited to attend this trade only event.

V-Twin Expo by Easyriders
Duke Energy Convention Center
Cincinnati, OH

February 4* 9am – 5pm
February 5 10am – 5pm
February 6 9am – 1pm
*New Time

BOB’S NEW WORK TRUCK–In anticipation of starting construction work on our vacation home in Baja California, we’ve decided to buy a work truck.

We will leave it at La Bufadora, and only use it for hauling materials to our work site (even though gasoline is about US$2.45 per gallon in Mexico right now).

It should be fairly useful, and able to haul large loads as needed.
 

–Bob Clark

SWEDISH SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP TOURING STATES–
I will arrive LAX 2nd of April then leave to Viva Las Vegas the 5th. After that Lonestar roundup Austin, travel with Max Grundy google him very good art-guy, Mormone like Jeff Decker some artistic gene?

Flying out late the 23rd, I hook up with Bikernet in some way.

Tomorrow Italy and the bus ride, if u could use bus photo on Bikernet it is much appreciated. W&W were first with the retro/vintage thing real guys with a biker heart!

http://www.wwag.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WebSite.woa/wa/DirectAction?action=forceEnglish&page=Main

–Chris aka the Sheriff

http://www.facebook.com/SHERIFFMEDIAGROUP
http://youtube.com/user/sheriffmediagroup
http://www.myspace.com/sheriffmediagroup
http://picasaweb.google.com/SHERIFFMEDIAGROUP

SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP

S-36030 LAMMHULT

SWEDEN


CANADIAN NOISE TESTING ORDINANCE–I am checking to see if the EPA has already adopted J2825 and if they haven’t it can be stopped.
I have people in CA looking at the noise bill trying to be introduced there along these guidelines.

I am working on them to see how those who are pushing for it have worded things.

I will keep you informed.
I would note AMA Favors J2825
I am not sure what MRF position is.
Below is what I have found out about J2825

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) owns the J2825 recommended practice; see http://standards.sae.org/j2825_200905.

To the best of my knowledge, the SAE J2825 recommended practice has never been referenced in the Federal Register.

The J2825 recommended practice was created by a technical working group of engineers and officially released by the SAE in June 2009. The purpose of the J2825 was to provide a fair, accurate and reproducible roadside procedure that would ensure all OEM motorcycles and many motorcycles equipped with aftermarket exhaust systems (with baffling) would be within the sound pressure levels recommended by the working group.

Chris Real, one of the engineers who developed the J2825, has a video on how to conduct the procedure; see http://www.amasupercross.com/viewamanews.aspx?id=1826.

Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with a copy of the J2825, as it is copyrighted by the SAE and I’m prohibited from reproducing it.

–Rogue

MARTIN MOTORSPORTS NYC Bike Show Bus Trip– The IMS in New York City is one of the best in the world, and it’s only a two hour drive from here. Let us take care of the ride to the Javits Convention Center with coffee, donuts, a warm bus with video entertainment, comfortable seats and dozens of fellow riders with you.

We’ll take care of the bus ride and ticket for one low price. Doesn’t get much easier.

The Show is Saturday Jan 21 and Sunday Jan 22.

SATURDAY’S TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

There are still seats left for Sunday but don’t wait long.

Both days the bus leaves at 9am and returns at approximately 6pm from Martin Motorsports.

Just a few of the featured models at this years’ show are the Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 and Speed Triple R; the all-new Kawasaki ZX-14R and the much anticipated Suzuki V-Strom 650 Adventure. If you’ve been to the show before you know there are hundreds of motorcycles from manufacturers, custom shops and accessorized bikes and ATVs from the aftermarket companies. You won’t get bored… let’s put it that way!
 

Where:
Martin Motorsports
567 N Rt.100
at the Walmart Supercenter
Boyertown, PA 19512


RESPONSE FROM ON HIGH--See attached…This is as close to a “position” letter as I have ever received from a legislator!

–Larry
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Board

S&S CYCLE STEALTH AIR CLEANER–  The new Stealth air cleaner from S&S Cycle is described by the company as being one of the cornerstones of its four-step tuning program for 2012.

Talking about the design and development of the Stealth, Scott Sjovall of S&S Cycle explained: “We called it the Stealth air cleaner because customers can choose to run their stock air cleaner covers over the filter/backplate assembly for a ‘sleeper’ look, or they can choose to run one of our new covers, which includes the first update of our famous teardrop shape since the release of the E & G carbs over 20 years ago.

“The Stealth air cleaner is priced very competitively compared to its competitors, and offers as much or more performance with the S&S quality and ease of assembly. In fact, the whole kit was designed around simplicity, ease of installation, ease of maintenance and, of course, performance. It is the only air cleaner of its kind to incorporate the ‘stinger’ to direct and smooth airflow into the engine that has been an integral part of our teardrop air cleaner covers since we started selling them with the legendary L carbs in the ’60s.”

The air cleaner cover Scott mentions was designed as an update of the classic S&S teardrop with the advantage of offering increased air flow. However, it is not the only cover option for the Stealth, as S&S is also offering several minimalistic billet covers in a choice of black or chrome that leave the air filter element and back plate exposed for a more industrial look. One of the covers, the ‘Muscle’ uses miniature hood pins similar to those that held the hoods down on the muscle cars of the late Sixties and early Seventies, hence the design’s name.

Sjovall had this to say on the benefits of the new air cleaner’s design: “We designed the backplate to be a bolt-on part with minimal fasteners and assembly required. No shims to worry about, no breather lines to hassle with and internal hardware that is locked in place so that it can’t come loose and be ingested into the motor. Because we designed the stinger section of the air filter to be a separate piece from the element, it makes the filter replacement much more affordable when the need comes to change it. The element is washable, though, and should never need to be replaced unless it is damaged, or the owner just chooses to change it.”

The kits are available for almost every Big Twin and Sportster application from ’91 XL and ’93 Big Twins to the 2012 models. The air cleaner kits and the covers are sold separately or as a kit, allowing dealers to decide how they want to stock them and to make the product line more flexible.

S&S CYCLE
www.sscycle.com


BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SOCIAL STUDY FINISHED– This is a deceptively simple philosophy that I have been working on, and refining, for most of my life.

I am delighted to say that, finally, I have refined it down to its essence sufficiently to share it with a select band of friends who may appreciate its elegance and simplicity.

FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST FROM BIKER’S CHOICE, RIGHT SIDE TUCK & UNDER HEADERS–New from Freedom Performance Exhaust, headers that take the heat from under the left side of the rider, and push it away, keeping the rider cooler on those hot summer days. The headers measure 1-3/4” with 2-1/2” 220° heat
shields and are compatible with any major manufacturer’s slip-ons.

They also include O2 sensor ports with plugs, and come complete with stainless steel hardware and brackets. As with all Freedom products, they are distributed EXCLUSIVELY with Biker’s Choice®, include a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and are 100% American made. For unbeatable performance, check out Freedom’s full line of exhaust products at www.bikerschoice.com, or visit your local Biker’s Choice Dealer.

Happy Riding!
–Carmen

BIKERNET EDITOR FEATURED IN CONTINENTAL TIRE AD–Rogue, Bikernet Legislative Editor, is the star the new Continental Tire ad.
It has been sent to Iron Works magazine and will appear in their April Issue.

If you want more information on Continental Tires contact:
 

–Greg Reich
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC
Sales & Marketing Manager/Motorcycle Tires
7800 Liberty Church Rd.
Johnstown, Ohio 43031
Tel: 740-966-3106
Fax: 740-966-3107
Website: www.conti-moto.com

MILITARY CONTROVERSY–
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), a retired Army lieutenant colonel, sends THE WEEKLY STANDARD an email commenting on the Marines’ video, and has given us permission to publish it.

“I have sat back and assessed the incident with the video of our Marines urinating on Taliban corpses. I do not recall any self-righteous indignation when our Delta snipers Shugart and Gordon had their bodies dragged through Mogadishu. Neither do I recall media outrage and condemnation of our Blackwater security contractors being killed, their bodies burned, and hung from a bridge in Fallujah.

“All these over-emotional pundits and armchair quarterbacks need to chill. Does anyone remember the two Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who were beheaded and gutted in Iraq?

“The Marines were wrong. Give them a maximum punishment under field grade level Article 15 (non-judicial punishment), place a General Officer level letter of reprimand in their personnel file, and have them in full dress uniform stand before their Battalion, each personally apologize to God, Country, and Corps videotaped and conclude by singing the full US Marine Corps Hymn without a teleprompter.

“As for everyone else, unless you have been shot at by the Taliban, shut your mouth, war is hell.”


BIKERNET LOUISIANA ANIMAL RIGHTS INVESTIGATORS–The Louisiana State Police had received numerous reports of illegal cockfights being held in the area around Abbeville and had sent their famous Detective Boudreaux from Thibodeaux to investigate.

Boudreaux promptly began his investigation and reported back to his Commander.

“Dey is tree main groups involve in dis rooster Fightin,” he began.

“Good work! Who are they?” the Commander asked.

Boudreaux replied confidently, “De Texas Aggies, de local Cajuns, and de Mafia from N’awlins.”

Puzzled, the Commander asked, “Boudreaux, how’d you find all that out in one night?”

“Well,” he replied, “I went down and done seen dat rooster fight in person. And I knowed immedjiately dat dem Aggies was involved when a duck was entered in the fight.”

The Commander nodded. “I’ll buy that. But what about the others?”

Boudreaux nodded knowingly, “Well, I knowed de Cajuns was involved when sumbody bet on de duck!”

“Ah, I see, I see,” sighed the sergeant, “And how did you figure the Mafia was involved?”

“De duck won.”

–from Robin Hartfiel

REPORT FROM ER SHOW IN SACRAMENTO–I had to tie an anchor to Reggie’s ankle to keep her from floating away! She won People’s Choice, Best of Show at the Easyriders’ Sac. Show! Most of you know that the Easyriders’ Show is the Super Bowl of motorcycle customization.

She was disappointed when she didn’t win the 1st or 2nd place in the trike class, but not surprised, since we were playing in the “big dogs’ ” yard, but when they announced the Best of Show, I thought she’d pass out! She also got invited to the Columbus Ohio invitational finals! We won’t be able to go, but what an honor!! All the super-expensive customs there, and both of my builds placed at the top!

By the way, I got second place in the Judged Competition, “Old School Chopper” class against some mighty tough competition!

I think we done okay for a couple’a hillbillies!

–Buckshot


TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!–
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were
pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, Tuna from a can and didn’t get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, Locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.
We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar.
And, we weren’t overweight.
WHY?

Because we were always outside playing…that’s why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were Okay.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

What’s with all this restrictive bullshit.

–from Ron Loynds


EL DIABLO RUN VIDEO–The new year is upon us and we’re all getting back into the saddle. We’ve got some cool announcements coming up in the next few weeks, but first we wanted to say that we hope everyone has an excellent 2012! Check below for info on our two-day MLK sale!
 
1. The El Diablo Run Video is in the Choppertown Store! This has been one of the coolest long-distance runs for a few years now and it’s so great that a film was finally made about it.
 
Ever wonder what happens when a few hundred bike riders with an insatiable taste for fire, beer and mayhem ride hand-built choppers across twisty, pitted tarmac from SoCal to Baja and back? The El Diablo Run gives freedom-lovers a chance to go places and do things that are simply not possible at home in the USA. Follow this eclectic band of Diablo runners as they comb the beaches, brothels and back alleys of San Felipe and Ensenada on a quest for cheap tacos, loose women and good times.
 

Complete with free soundtrack CD and 24-page photo book!

Get your copy now at www.choppertown.com.
 
We’re offering a special two-day sale to celebrate MLK Day so just type in “MLK” and stock up on all the DVDs you didn’t get for X-mas. It’s only for 48 hours though! (Ends midnight Wednesday)
 

Discount Codes

Use the code “MLK” when you checkout and save 10% on all your orders until Midnight on Wednesday.
Military families ALWAYS save 15% by using the code “military”.
HINT: Get three items or more and save an ADDITIONAL 5%-15%

WE SENT A BIKERNET CORRESPONDENT TO RUSSIA–There is no big bike culture here in Georgia; it is all rice rockets. I started a web site www.tbsbig.com and tried to start a club but there was only one other HOG in the city and only one or two more big bikes.

The people freak over HOGs and love them. When I ride, people stop in their tracks and stare. Of course I have loud shotgun pipes and that helps. Few have the money to afford one and the ones who do have the money keep them in their living rooms.

If I need stuff, I have to go all the way to the dealer in Istanbul, Turkey which is a 19 hour ride. Georgia used to have a Ferry from Batumi to Istanbul but no longer.

Anyway, I had planned to open a HOG bar like Hogs and Heifers in NYC. That is one of my all time favorite biker bars. Every Friday evening, I used to ride from Washington D.C. to NYC just to party at Hogs and Heifers http://www.hogsandheifers.com/home.html

I usually just leave the city and head up into the surrounding mountains to ride. This way, I avoid the crazy city traffic. There are a few bars I pull into and it always provides the patrons with a serious shock!

–JB


PLAYBOY PET OF THE WEEK–Kamila Sulewska is the Playboy Cybergirl of the week February 8, 2010. A woman should always satisfy her guy, says the Playmate. “She can’t rely on the same sex moves – it gets boring. I love it when a man takes control of the situation,… no matter where we are”

To learn more about loely Kamila join Playboy Cyber Club and check out her unreleased photos and videos in the members area.

–from Ray Russell
 
 

BIKERNET SPONSORS THE KYLE MAC FARLAND FOUNDATION–
Thank you for helping my mom. I am 23 years old and this started when I was 15. I have been bed ridden and house bound over the years. I lost high school with my friends and sports which I loved and was good at. I was misdiagnosed for five years. Doctors told me I was stressed. I was never stressed, and if I was it was because I was so sick that I wanted them to find out what was wrong with me.

Before all of this started I weighed 187 now I weigh around 115 and I am six feet tall. When the Celebrity Apprentice with John Rich was on this last year he and Mr. Trump inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and do something about all of this.

My mom worked at Hot Bike and Street Rodder magazine for 20 years. I asked her why can’t I go out and raise awareness and money to help find cures for the digestive system. I went to Stanford and they accepted me with my mission and my dream. And here I am. My goal is to get everyone involved with my mission to help kids that suffer from these chronic illnesses and life threatening diseases. I fight for my life everyday and I’m NOT giving up.

Thank you for taking the time to help my mom and I. I can’t wait to meet you someday.
The web page: www.thekylemacfarlanefoundation.org

My Mission Statement:

Nearly 100 million Americans are affected by digestive problems. If you suffer from a little indigestion or heartburn now and then, consider yourself lucky. For me, an upset stomach turned into an upset life.

The Kyle MacFarlane Foundation has been formed for charitable purposes to fund scientific research in the field of neurogastroenterology and motility. The foundation intends to fund research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment, to provide patient support services through qualifying charitable methods, and to increase the awareness of the medical community and the public through education, of gastrointestinal dysmotility diseases and disorders.

Our main goal is to find cures and educate the public on their digestive system and problems. We can stop cancers that are caused by the digestive system.

Dr. Nguyen’s first priority for the use of funds through the Kyle MacFarlane Foundation is to perform the clinical and scientific studies that will help the research team characterize and better understand the kind of disease that affects MacFarlane. “This disease is so mysterious that there is as yet not even a diagnostic code for it. Experts who take care of this syndrome use various unofficial terms for it such as “intestinal dysmotility” but the closest diagnostic category is intestinal pseudoobstruction, which does not do justice to this condition,” says Nguyen.

GI dysmotilities affect up to 25% of the US population, impacting health care burden and patient quality of life. Compare this to high blood pressure, which affects 28% of the population and asthma, which affects 8% of the population. And it is growing very quickly.

I want to help others so no one has to go thru what I have. I fight for my life every day. They don’t even know what I have. They are mystery diseases that they don’t even have codes for. This is no way for someone to have to live.

JIM WHITENER PASSES–With regrets, I send on news that our dear friend and race buddy, Jim Whitener passed away.
He was a grand ol’ guy and will be missed.
always.

–ML


WIDE, WEASELS, WIDE– The new Easyriders is wider, but thankfully the Weasels have very little influence out at the magazine anymore, or the rag’s name very well could have been changed to Easywiders.

Easyriders new format includes a larger trim size which means the magazine is now a little taller, and a lot wider. Checkout the size of the David Mann center spread poster, it’s bloody humungous, and notice the joint is there once again. More examples of David’s work from his earliest days to more recent times will appear in every new issue of Easyriders from here on out.

Remember Rip’s Ride? The inclusion of Biker into Easyriders means “Clean” Dean Shawler is now listed on the masthead as Easy Rider’s Roving Editor, and ‘ol Dean will be traveling from coast-to-coast gathering coverage. There’s only been one roving editor on Easyriders’ masthead before, and that was George “Rip” Rose.

Needless to say these are exciting times for the staff of Easyriders, and there’s a lot more neat stuff to blab about it, but I’ve got to hit the highway.

Okay, one more thing that I’d like to include before I fire up my trusty old GMC, and it’s from my recent trip to Buchanan’s Wheel & Spoke in Azusa, CA. The ad page of the Dayton Swaging machine represents an earlier model of the two Dayton swaging machines housed at Buchanan’s.

The Buchanan’s bought their two machines from Coventry Swaging in England which was their supplier of spokes until 1970 when the English company a major supplier of spokes since the ’20s decided to pack it in… Sorry to do this, but I really gotta get going. You folks can read the entire Buchanan’s story in the upcoming edition of Road Iron 6.

— Krylon John



SO WHAT’S NEXT?–I need to put Ray C. Wheeler on report for mentioning the temperate Los Angeles weather every week, when Uncle Monkey and half the country is freezing their butts off and can’t even consider hanging out in the garage.

I will start wiring my Son’s mudflap Girl FXR this weekend, and tune the Crane ignition. I spoke to Eric Bennett and he will install the Crane cam, lifters and pushrods. Hell, his bike might be running this weekend.

Frank’s son stepped up and even paid for the used XS I bought for Danny. He returned the Pink Slip, so maybe tomorrow morning we will slip the Yamaha back onto a lift and my Son and grandson will roll over for some progress. We need to build an electrical box. Install the driveline back in the frame, make a set of pipes, then stand back. I need to order a set of Mr. Lucky shorty mufflers, a vintage headlight, risers. He has the cool bobber product line.

Regarding Bikernet content. I’ve worked on a piece of fiction around one of those old postcards Paul Garson submitted. In the middle of the night I think of some additional character, action, or plot twist. I crawl out of bed and hammer at the keyboard for awhile. We have another terrific bike feature from the Stealth, in North Carolina. And the Bill Bish, NCOM legislative report just flew in the window. Hang on for next week, more changes coming as we roll toward the Cinci V-Twin ER show.

Ride forever,

–Bandit

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