Yo,
Another interesting day in Paradise. I rode to Bennett’s Performance yesterday, testing the Mudflap FXR once more with some adjustments to the Rox shock position. Sugar Bear wanted me to align the shock with the neck and I did. Then I adjusted the ride height up ½ inch, so the bike is very close to level. I like this Spitfire girder. I can adjust the ride height anywhere I want it. According to Paul, he can send me various links and I can adjust the rake also.
I needed a ride, plus I needed to pick up the Centramatic Balancers from Bennett’s. Eric wasn’t impressed with them, but Buck Lovell has some experience with wheel balancing systems and would like to install and test them, so off they go to South Dakota. I think they would be perfect for Kendon trailers, with their small wheels.
So, I’m riding my Mudflap Girl FXR up Santa Fe Avenue, past my favorite Italian Deli, with the wildest assortment of women help I’ve ever seen, but that’s another topic. I’m rolling along feeling positive about adjustments to my Spitfire Girder suspension, when a compact car tries to pull in front of me. Less than three or four blocks later a toothless broad in a massive rusting white crew cab pick-up also pulls out, even farther, to the point that I’m looking for an escape route.
It’s never a dull moment around the Port of Los Angeles. I’ll tell you more after the news:
NEW FROM PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION–Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit for Softails!–High performance front suspension is finally available for the intrepid Softail models. Progressive Suspension’s state-of-the-art Monotube Fork Kit is designed for the performance oriented rider who demands both handling and ride quality out of their bike. The kit replaces all of the sloppy open bath internals of the stock fork with a set of gas charged Monotube dampers and custom tuned fork springs in both stock and lowered versions.
Monotube style damping improves ride comfort, resistance to front brake dive as well as improving front end stability, cornering and bottoming control. The kit fits most 2000 though 2011 HD Softail model forks, and replaces all of the internal parts. Converts dual Damper rod to true high performance Monotube damping! No mods are required and install is relatively simple. Check it out on their website, or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.
Progressive Suspension
877.690.7411
info@progressivesuspension.com
www.progressivesuspension.com
Complete fork internal replacement kit
Improved resistance to front brake dive
Improved front end stability & cornering
Improved bottoming control
Lifetime Limited warranty
2000-2013 Softail Models
1984-2013 Touring models
2008-2013 Tri Glide Models
Stock MSRP $339.95
Lowered MSRP $399.95 (Harley only)
–Dave Zemla
Director of Marketing
OUR COUNTRY CONTINUED–I DON’T GET IT?–Our country is run by idiots. We are in distress. Where do we go from here???OK, this is getting simply bizarre.??On Monday, June 25th 2012, the following occurred: The Supreme Court unanimously – yes, UNANIMOUSLY – upheld the portion of Arizona ‘s Immigration Law that directs law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of EVERYONE who is ARRESTED for a crime. It not just “ALLOWS” them to check, but “DIRECTS” them to check. That means it’s mandatory.??
Less than three hours later, the President of the United States issued an executive order BLOCKING THE ENTIRE STATE OF ARIZONA’S ACCESS to the the Federal Database that would allow such checks. The only State or Local entity EVER to be blocked.??One hour after that (which means they had it all ready in advance), the Department of Justice went live with a toll-free number, a web site, and ads, ASKING FOR PEOPLE TO REPORT BEING “RACIALLY PROFILED” because of this ruling, so they – THE U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT – can file “Civil Rights” lawsuits against the Police Departments, Sheriffs, Cities, Counties and State of Arizona .?
?In other words, the American Citizens of the State of Arizona are going to be sued for vast sums of money, BY THEIR OWN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, for enforcing a law that The Supreme Court UNANIMOUSLY held as constitutional.????Is it just me, or is this getting ridiculous?
–from Rogue and Miami Mike
I don’t get what the big deal is. I must show my I.D. or driver’s license if I want to vote, or if I’m pulled over. I don’t get it?–Bandit
SPITFIRE AND PAUL CAVALLO IN THE NEWS—Paul Cavallo the boss of Spitfire Motorcycles is about to see two of his bikes featured. He won the HORSE editor’s choice award at the Artistry in Iron event at Las Vegas Bikefest, and had his Gypsy Rose featured on the holiday cover of the HORSE. Photography was handled by Markus Cuff.
Just after the Horse hits the stands, the Bullet built for a friend who was suffering from the divorce blues, will be featured in Iron Works magazine.
MORE ABOUT THE RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT, FROM THE RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT COALITION– The Right to Repair Act is bipartisan legislation that would require automakers to provide the same service information and tools to independent auto and maintenance shops, as well as to consumers, that the automaker dealership service centers receive.
•It further instructs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide oversight and enforcement of the bill.
•As a means of protecting intellectual property, the legislation states that the manufacturers’ proprietary information will not have to be disclosed.
•Right to Repair legislation does not attempt to restrict motorists from choosing car dealerships, it simply ensures that vehicle owners have a choice when deciding where to take their vehicles for repairs and what parts are best to use in maintaining their vehicles.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality urge Congress to support the Right to Repair Act to give consumers a choice and keep repair costs down. It’s the right thing to do for consumers, for business and the economy.
Global Right to Repair
The European Union has passed Right to Repair and an aggressive effort is currently underway in Canada. Right to repair is clearly a global issue whose time has come.
What Right to Repair Does:
•Reaffirms the owners’ right to repair their automobile and keep their families safe.
•Promotes consumer safety by allowing owners or their auto technicians’ access to the computers that control the systems and components that affect the safe operation of their automobiles.
•Permits owners to choose the repair shop and the replacement parts to service and maintain their vehicles.
•Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations to protect consumers and to promote competition in auto maintenance and repair.
What It Does Not Do
•It does not take a manufacturer’s intellectual property.
•It does not affect the dealer’s warranty agreement with the vehicle manufacturers.
•It does not require manufacturers to disclose manufacturing processes or trade secrets.
Coalition Partners
Consumer and Business Groups Supporting Right to Repair
National Federation of Independent Business
National Grange
Retail Industry Leaders Association
RetireSafe
Automotive Industry Support
Advance Auto Parts
All Pro Auto Value
Association of Automotive Service Providers
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers
•Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations
•American Military Society
•Automotive Parts & Service Alliance
Automotive Parts & Service Association of Illinois
Automotive Recyclers Association
AutoZone
Automotive Wholesalers of Texas
Blue Magic
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC
California Nevada Automotive Wholesalers Association
CARQUEST Auto Parts
Coalition for Auto Repair Equality
Electronics Assoc. Pennsylvania Gas and Oil
Erie Drive Train
Goodyear-Gemini
Jiffy Lube
Michigan Automotive Parts Association
Midas
Meineke
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
NAPA
Ohio Valley Automotive Aftermarket
Olympus Imported Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts
PepBoys
Penray
Petroleum Retailers & Auto Repair Association
Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trucks
SRS Marketing Company, Inc.
Standard
Strauss Discount Auto
Tuffy Auto Care Centers
Tire Dealers Association of Western Pennsylvania
Tire Industry Association
Uni-Select
Valvoline
Washington Automotive Wholesale Association
I don’t see SEMA on the list?–Bandit
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY NEW SEMESTER VOCABULARY LESSON–assoil uh-SOIL, verb:
To absolve; acquit; pardon, to atone for.
Come up, wives, offer of your yarn! See, I enter your name here in my roll; you shall enter into heaven’s bliss; I assoil you by mine high power, you that will make offerings, as clear and clean as when you were born — (lo sirs, thus I preach).
–Bennett Cerf, An Anthology of Famous British Stories
“Go, and assoil thy living patient: the dead are past thy cares.” — ” I go,” said the Monk of Montcalm, ” and Heaven grant that I may shed around his death-hour, that peace which, I fear me, bloody prelate, will be denied to thine!”
–Charles Robert Maturin, The Albigenses
MORE BIKETOBERFEST SHOW WINNERS–Following is a list of trophy winners from the 23rd Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show on Friday, Oct. 19:
Best of Show: Steve Galvin; St. Petersburg, FL; 2012 Wicked Steel “Pipe Bomb”
Judge’s Trophy: Steve Galvin; St, Petersburg, FL; 2011 Wicked Steel “Speedstar”
People’s Choice, First Place: Frank Martin; Neptune, NJ; ’04 Chopper “Dead Man Riding”
Second Place: Pam Miller; Clermont, FL; 2005 Ridley “Pink Bike”
Third Place: Derek Del Castillo; Miami, FL; ’58 H-D “Richard Petty 43 Bike”
Special Custom, First Place: Scott Foxx; Shelbyville, IN; 2012 Custom “Capone’s Bike”
Second Place: Miguel Galiano, no city listed; 2011 Boardtrack Bobber
Third Place: Michael Phillips; Palm Beach, FL; ’97 H-D Heritage Springer
Evo/V-Twin, First Place: Guy Matteson & Christine Vitale; Cairo, NY; ’71 Superglide “Boat Tail”
Second Place: Pam Miller; Clermont, FL; 2005 Ridley Auto Glide Classic
Third Place: Karl Reilly; Cranford, NJ; ’08 V-Rod
Radical Evo, First Place: Robin Pavano; no city listed; ’07 Chopper/Bobber
Second Place: Bruce Harp; New Port Richey, FL; 2004 Harley “Deuce”
Third Place: Carlos Salsa; Montreal, Canada; ’02 Softail
Radical Softail, First Place: Big Tony’s Chop Shop; Crete, IL; 2010 Pro Street
Second Place: Jason Turner, Romeoville, IL; 2011 Radical Pro Street “Envy”
Third Place: Dustin Ravin; no city listed; 2012 Custom Bagger
Shovelhead, First Place: William Dixon; Portland, TN; ’79 FLH
Second Place: Michael Caldwell; Westmoreland, TN; ’82 Lowrider
Third Place: Ron Gebo; Three Rivers, MA; ’77 “Pipeline”
Panhead, First Place: Kenneth Darango; Taylor, MI; H-D Pan
Second Place: Scott Foxx; Shelbyville, IN; 2012 B-t Racer
Third Place: Larry Prosperi; Palmer, MA; ’57 FLH
Radical Sportster, First Place: Adam Karns, Delmar, MD; ’01 Sportster
Second Place: Matt Gibby; Cumming, GA; ’01 Sportster
Third Place: Kevin Brasch; Columbus, OH; ’96 Sportster
Sportster, First Place: Tim Firstenberger; Sarasota, FL; ’95 Bobber
Second Place: Karen Robey; Daytona Beach, FL; ’97 Sportster
Third Place: Larry Mason; Yulee, FL; ’94 Sportster
Dresser, First Place: Gary Miller; Deland, FL; ’09 Streetglide
Second Place: Sean Brooks; Leesburg, FL; ’08 Roadglide
Third Place: Jason Bradwell; Altamonte Springs, FL; 2012 Streetglide
Trike, First Place: Roy Maxwell; Daytona Beach, FL; 2010 Gateway
Second Place: Jim Harvey; Summerfield, FL; ’07 Honda Trike w/Hearse
Third Place: Keith Jones; Mechanicsville, PA; ’04 Boss Hoss
Chopper, First Place: Carlos Velazco; Miami, FL; 2011 Custom
Second Place: Tiago Morelli; Jupiter, FL; 2012 Custom Built
Third Place: Bill Gostovich; Ormond Beach, FL; 2006 Rucker
Vintage, First Place: Steven Pearce; Ocala, FL; 1955 Zundapp
Second Place: Larry Smith; Palm City, FL; 1929 Harley-D “JD”
Third Place: Rex Fox; Williamsburg, OH; ’59 Cushman
Paint, First Place: Wicked Steel; Pinellas Park, FL; 2012 Yamaha
Second Place: Jay Church; Melbourne, FL; ’02 Road King
Third Place: Russell Zich; Harrisonburg, NC; ’99 Goldwing
Metric, First Place: Brad Cervi; Cocoa, FL; ’08 Honda VTX1800F
Second Place: Dennis Wall; Clearwater, FL; ’06 Kawasaki Nomad
Third Place: Nick Cucu; Hollywood, FL; 1974 Honda “Cafe Racer:
Radical Metric, First Place: Wicked Steel; Pinellas Park, FL; 2012 Yamaha
Second Place: Wicked Steel; Pinellas Park, FL; yet another 2012 Yamaha
Third Place: Chris Pirolo; Lakeland, FL; 2010 Honda Fury
Sponsors
Sponsored by the Daytona Beach Boardwalk Merchants, Pepsi-Cola, and Full Throttle Magazine.
Trophy sponsorship: The Fran Haasch Law Group.
Promoters: Dino Paspalakis and Bill Chaffin
Emcee: Bill
Trophy Girl: “Sashi”, from Utah
Special Mention: PFC Justin Raleigh, U.S. Army (soon to be deployed to Afghanistan).
More information: Bill Chaffin (386) 871-0398
NICK’S PARTY A SUCCESS–Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for your support and let you know our 1ST year anniversary / halloween party was a smashing success! We had over 300 people at the shop, and our raffle was off the hook!
http://perriink.com/halloween-2012/
Again, thank you very much. We are humbled and grateful at the love we’ve been shown all year.
Here’s to many more, onward and upward!
–Nick
photos by Austin Bauman
Nick Perri
http://perriink.com/
http://perriinkguitars.com/
http://nickperri.blogspot.com/
http://limpnickie.wordpress.com/
THE BIG BEAR CONTROVERSY–From what I have read Kevin took money for bikes he knew he couldn’t deliver didn’t pay vendors, dealers, etc. I hate to see business go bad or under but it looks like he cheated people knowingly.
Seems like you are cutting them a lot of slack. I build houses, and if I took someone’s money and didn’t deliver the house I would be in deep shit. And I would never do that. Do you know something we don’t. Thanks you have a great site and read it every day.
–Mark
Thanks for this and we won’t let this issue slide. We will be in touch with them and report on how they hope to rectify these issues. We are working on a report right now.
Of course you know, Kevin and Mona lost their company and their home. They are now employees of BBC which is under new ownership. That was explained in the first article.
TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK—How do you remove a Heli-coil?
Using an awl or scribe, get underneath the top thread and grab it with some type of pliers and pull it out by twisting it counter-clockwise to twist it out, a small needle-nose type vise grip works well.
If you have too much trouble, call me and I’ll bring down some of my tools or bring it here if possible. By the way, there is always a trick……… call me if you like…….
–Dr Willie
BIKERNET/CYCLE SOURCE SWEEPS WINNERS AWARDED AT LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST– #10 Biker’s Choice Rock N Ride Premium Audio System With Speakers
Max Holzman
#9 Biker’s Choice Leather Jacket
Scott Stewert
#8 K&N Filter Sets
Aaron Hansen
Paula Angresano
Tom Guckert
Al Helton
#7 Case Of Spectro Oil
Paul Speaker
Delayne Frohnapfel
Brittany Johns
Mark Hurley
Luke Ketchum
Pamela Peterson
Nicole Tungland
Jeffery Taylor
David Baker
#6 D&D Exhaust
Robbie Clarke
#5 Metzler Tires
Claire Kubecka
#4 Custom Bell Helmet
Joshua Smith
#3 Pair of Ride Wright Wheels
Hank Ham
#2 Handy Lift
Richard Nolan
#1 The BikerNet.com / Cycle Source 15th Anniversary Chopper
Jordan Cambell
And the grand prize Winner IS a Cycle Source subscriber.
–Christopher Callen
Editor In Chief
The Cycle Source Magazine
NEW READER’S COMMENT FROM BIKERNET BAGGERS–2012 Victory Cross Country Tour Bikernet Baggers Road Test
http://www.bikernetbaggers.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10370
After riding the XCT myself, I tend to agree with the suggestions that Phil has directed to Victory. What are the chances that Victory will put those suggestions into action? Do they listen to their customers? I am seriously considering the purchase of an XCT, but refinements would be most welcome.
I have a 1996 Fatboy, and am wondering if you could make a set of triple trees with a 3-degree rake, that would take a 65mm set of forks.
— Michael
KNOXVILLE, TN
2012 STUNT WARS PICTURES AND VIDEO BY BLINGMASTER.COM–
We have just created a WebPage that has Pictures and Video of the 2012 Stunt Wars held in Orlando, Florida.
Pictures and Video Include : Warm Ups, Stunt Riders Competition, Drifting and much more….
Event Notification Email List, just let me know by emailing me at : George@BlingMaster.com and you will receive a notification email to all events we publish to the web. Best Regards To All, George
http://www.blingmastertvevents.com/2012stuntwars/
YOUR SHOT FORUM CANCELED– Where did “your shot” go? I need a forum to jaber on about my new shop and bounce ideas of my fellow Bikernet loyal. I know the forum was dead but I was trying to give it CPR to return it back to its glory.
I’m going to send you updates and rambling commentary on the progress of my new building and my half wit attempt to actually survive a shitty motorcycle economy.
— John
P.S. I’ll send my first installment next week…..
Yep, we had a brother who monitored the forum daily, but he was elevated to a much higher position, which left a major void. We can always plug it back in, if we find a new sheriff.–Bandit
THE BIKERNET TRIKE MANTRA–If it has three wheels and a motor we’ll cover it. Join us and experience all things Trike, everything from conversions and accessories to events. Bikernet Trikes experienced staff will review, road test and tour on all the major manufacturers to custom one-offs.
–Gary Mraz
Triking Viking
Extreme Bikernet Baggers Editorial Division Commander and Dictator in Charge
NEW FROM MOTORBOOKS–I wanted to check in with you. Have you seen our newest motorcycle books?
The Harley in the Barn: More Great Tales of Motorcycle Archaeology by Tom Cotter, Foreword by Pat Simmons
Both of these books are essential additions to any motorcyclists’ bookshelf or workbench. We like to say Resto is our 1 book is for the “doer” and Barn is the 1 book is for the “dreamer.”
–Nichole Schiele
Quayside Publishing Group
Cool Springs Press, CPI, Motorbooks, Zenith Press
www.qbookshop.com
WESTMINSTER HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES– Demo Days, October 27th and 28th 2012 9:00:00 AM
Come test ride the new 2013s Harley-Davidsons at our Annual Demo Days. Trike test rides too. Live music by The Anonymous Band, food and refreshments, vendor booths, raffle drawings and 50/50 drawings. 9AM to 4PM
Check with a dealer near you for additional demo opportunities—Wrench
JUST INFO: From the Wall Street Journal…. A lot of people just can’t understand why California gas is so high.. Just Bend over and sigh, it’s going to get a lot worse…
–VERN
BIKERNET BAGPIPER HUNG OVER AGAIN– As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper’s cemetery in the Kentucky back country.
I had a few too many shots of Jack with Bandit, so I was hung-over, and not familiar with the backwoods. I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn’t stop for directions.
I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.
I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn’t know what else to do, so I started to play.
The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. Played like I’ve never played before for this homeless man.
And as I played ‘Amazing Grace,’ the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.
As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, “I never seen nothin’ like that before and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.”
Apparently I’m still lost…. it’s a man thing.
–from Sam Burns
[page break]
BIKERNET ARCHIVES WEEKLY DISCOVERY—Amazing, check out these pages from the August 1947 edition of Popular Science, sent to us from a Bikernet reader, Jake Walrover.
You’ll get a kick out of some of these European makes, and especially the shot of the gentleman, in a suit hoisting the 135-pound Royal Enfield, like Randy Smith did his 45 (much heavier). But check the image next to it. That’s a line drawing of a Triumph suspended hub. Randy Smith worked on an aftermarket suspended hub for decades. In fact, I believe Rick Whitehead and the Custom Cycle Engineering crew build them once in a while.
–Wilburn Roach
THE EXTREME BIKERNET BAGGERS MANTRA–If Baggers are your bag, you’ll love Bikernet Baggers, the on-line magazine for custom and high performance touring motorcycles. They ain’t your father’s motorcycle anymore. Baggers are now the cat’s meow.
More Baggers are on the road than ever before, from hot street machines, to record setting Bonneville machines, Baggers have become the symbol of the American motorcycle rider. New products, high performance gear, tech installs, tips, parts, and all related Bagger paraphernalia, you see it here. Feature bikes, from the latest and greatest custom bike builders, both American and Metric machines, Bikernet Baggers will entertain, educate, and inspire.
–Buck Lovell
Supreme Bikernet Baggers Editor and Global Commander in Chief
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY CULTURAL DIVERSITY SEMINAR–How to explain the difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED in a way that is easy to understand. Some people say there is no difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED.
Here is an astute answer …. when you marry the right woman, you are COMPLETE, And when you marry the wrong woman, you are FINISHED. And when the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are COMPLETELY FINISHED!
From Sidehack Jerry
–Rogue
Bikernet East Coast Bureau Chief
YANIV EVAN WINS ARTISTRY IN IRON COMPETITION AT LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST– Master Builders Award Top Prize in Peer-Judged Custom Bike Contest
Las Vegas BikeFest staff announced that Yaniv Evan of Powerplant Choppers in Los Angeles, Calif., has won the ninth annual Artistry in Iron Master Builders’ Championship that was held during the national motorcycle rally at the Cashman Center in downtown Las Vegas.
Yaniv was awarded the $10,000 grand prize, during the Las Vegas BikeFest opening evening. The Artistry in Iron Master Builders’ Championship is an invitation-only, peer-judged custom bike competition comprised of the world’s premier builders who unveil their newest designs during the event.
“Since this is a peer-judged competition, Evan’s bike was viewed as the highest quality in construction as well as creativity” said Mindi Cherry, Event Manager of Las Vegas BikeFest. “When the best judge the best, you can be sure the winner is something special.”
Cycle Source Magazine sponsored the competition and presented Evan with his cash prize and a custom-designed trophy during the VIP award ceremony held for the Artistry in Iron participants.
“I am honored to be recognized by my peers”, said Evan. “This is one of the pinnacles of my bike building career and it is very special to be included in this group of Master Builders. Everyone’s bikes were incredible pieces of art.”
Motorcycle enthusiasts had the opportunity to admire the Artistry in Iron custom bikes while on display for the public during the 12th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest. Fans, all of whom were provided an official Autograph Program, were able to meet and take photographs with the master builders during twice-daily autograph sessions during Las Vegas BikeFest.
In addition, there was a People’s Choice Award presented to Shaun Ruddy of Chop deVille in Las Vegas. For the first time ever, 15 national and international magazine editors chose their favorite bike during the Editor’s Choice Awards. Each winning bike will receive a featured story in the publication during the upcoming year.
Evan will receive an automatic invitation to participate in the Artistry in Iron competition during the 13th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest October 3 – 6, 2013. More information regarding registration and hotel reservations will be available soon.
Over $30,000 in cash and prizes was given to Las Vegas BikeFest participants as part of the event’s signature Poker Runs, Poker Walks, and many competitions.
For more information on Las Vegas BikeFest, visit www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, call toll-free 866 BIKEFEST (245-3337), or email Info@LasVegasBikeFest.com.
CUSTOM BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK, METAL SPORT WHEEL SETS—Right now you can order complete wheel sets from Metalsport. They come with Vee Rubber tires mounted, with tubes if you like and matching polished stainless rotors, ready to mount and ride. Amazing.
Here’s the wheel set of the week for just $3695. They are Chip Foose designed Metalsport Wheels. They come chromed with rotor mounted on the rear and dual polished stainless rotors in the front. Black wall tires are mounted on the 21 by 3.25-inch front with a 120-70 tire. The rear is a 17 by 6.25 rim with a 200-55 tire. These are available with 1-inch bearings for 2007 models, or 25mm bearings for 2008 or newer.
Not bad.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip and Epiphone Guitars– Present Rock the Holidays Guitar Sweepstakes– Sturgis Buffalo Chip, SD (October 25, 2012) – The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is giving people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a custom Epiphone Coronet collectible guitar signed by members of the 2012 Sturgis Buffalo Chip concert series lineup. Music-lovers and motorcyclists have a special opportunity to make the holiday season truly rock by registering to win the Rock the Holidays Guitar Sweepstakes and receive the ultimate one-of-a-kind custom Buffalo Chip guitar. Register now at www.BuffaloChip.Com or www.Facebook/SturgisBuffaloChip.
What really sets this Limited Edition custom Epiphone guitar sweepstakes apart and makes it a collectors dream are the signatures on the body of the guitar from famous rock stars that performed in 2012 at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™. Sturgis Buffalo Chip featured some of the biggest names in music during their annual 9 days and nights music festival each August.
“I can’t think of a better gift for anyone to find underneath their Christmas tree than this amazing piece of Buffalo Chip history.” Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff says. “The guitar is one of the most sought after collectibles of the entire Sturgis Rally Music Festival.”
The Coronet-style commemorative guitar giveaway is custom designed with the Sturgis Buffalo Chip logo that also includes the signature of Chip owner Rod Woodruff. The Limited Edition Epiphone guitar features a double cutaway design, single volume control, bolt on neck, high output Epiphone 700T Humbucking pickup, Metallic Black finish, Mahogany body & neck, and Rosewood fingerboard.
For anyone who has ever been to, or wanted to go to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip or loves music, there can be no better gift than this one-of-a-kind custom signed guitar. Enter the Rock the Holidays Sweepstakes now at www.BuffaloChip.com for your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime Buffalo Chip music festival collectible for the holidays.
SPEAKING OF GIFTS, THIS IS A CLASSIC, THE HISTORY OF MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACING BY JOHN STEIN– The inside cover of Motorcycle Drag Racing: A History reads as follows: “There is a line in a Lovin’ Spoonful song that says, “It’s like trying to tell a stranger about rock ‘n roll.” Motorcycle drag racing is a bit like that. To those who follow it, the sport makes perfect sense. To those who don’t, it makes none at all. This book is for both.
At 244 pages, this book is quite large. With so much to explore, it had to be. Organized motorcycle drag racing began nearly 60 years ago, and an incredible amount has happened since then.
While much of the change has involved the machinery—and the book discusses it in great detail—it is the people that make the sport so fascinating. And in the book, more than 500 of them are discussed.
In the words of former Cycle editor, Cook Neilson, “Stein gives dimension and warmth to the people who built and rode these bikes, some of whom are still banging their heads against the quarter-mile reality. Geniuses all, innovators all. John Stein has done them — bikes and men — proud.”
Thomas Lentz, Director, Harvard Art Museums, observed, “By resurrecting the heady early days of this unique strain of American mechanical ingenuity and visual creativity, Stein identifies himself as a true devotee, lovingly and with deep insight taking a critical step in restoring this chapter in innovation to it’s rightful place in the history of motor sports.”
John wrote, and published this book by himself. He put his heart and soul into this endeavor. Copies are available for $40.
Contact info:
John Stein
jstein4171@aol.com
gearheadpublishing.com.
SPEAKING OF DRAG RACING–Capone Racing, Bammer Racing & Team HeadBlade–It’s hard to believe but this weekend is the last race of the AHDRA season. But last is not least and there should be a great crowd at No Problem Dragway in Belle Rose, LA for the Cajun Nitro Nationals as teams continue to battle it out for their place on the AHDRA National Championship lists.
According to the latest AHDRA official points compilation, Screamin’ Eagle Nitro Harley racer, Larry “Drums” Brancaccio’s Bammer Racing, Nutley, NJ, has moved up to the 7th position overall, a stellar performance for the whole team as they battled computers and a limited race schedule this season.
In the AHDRA Pro Mod class, these “slightly” modified gasoline powered VTwins will fly and leading the pack at season’s end is Frank Capone of Capone Racing, Wakefield, Mass. Teammate Shaun Reno, who’s smooth performance aided by HeadBlade, Inc. is in 3rd place overall.
Plans for next season?? After Belle Rose, exciting announcements are on the drawing board.
Capone’s team consists of Mark Godin, Richard Murray, Craig Fisher, Lorne Buchanan and Katy Miller.
Capone Racing sponsors and friends supporting Capone’s record breaking season include: G&G Engineering, DAS Performance, L. Buchanan Co., Gannos Machine, Energy One Clutches, Vanson Leathers and all the staff at Capone Landscape.
Capone can be reached at: 781-224-0700 www.caponeracing.com
Special thanks to: HeadBlade, Inc., Hampton Roads Harley Davidson, Energy One Clutches, SA (Steve Allstaedt) Racing
Reno can be reached at: phone (804)642-0554
photo credits: Kelcie Edwards
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK, 2004 BOURGET PYTHON OPT 280– WE CAN FINANCE YOU! ONLY $17,995.00.– This is a once in a lifetime deal! This Bourget only has 3,386 miles on it! It features a custom red with skull paint job by Deano’s, custom flamed stitched seat, full chrome package, chrome springer front end, custom flamed billet wheels, 6″ up/ 6″ out frame, shorty chrome exhaust, in-frame oil cooler, 5″ rise handle bars, show polished motor, 3″ extended forward controls, massive 280 rear tire, 21″ front tire, and tons of attitude!
There are so many cool things about this bike, you HAVE to see it in person! Way too many upgrades to list here! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.
TRASK CHIN SPOILER FOR BAGGERS– There’s no gettin’ around it, these new CHIN SPOILERS from Trask are all about attitude and providing a clean sanitary look for the front frame section of your scooter.
Designed to be a direct bolt-on fit to 2009 and later Baggers, each Trask CHIN SPOILER is clearanced for the oil cooler, finished in paint-ready primer and delivered with all required mounting hardware. Trask part number TM-2021 retails for $279.95 and is just one of a vast collection of new and unique accessories being introduced by the company.
Contact Trask direct at 866-998-7275. Check out the complete line of Trask accessories and Turbo Kits at: www.TurboYourHarley.com
ANOTHER MAGAZINE DOWN–Escape Magazine will not be renewed for 2013. This was the moto travel sister mag to Motorcycle Cruiser.
When will you run the coverage of the Thunder Valley Rally?
–Josh Placa
Bikernet Desert Embedded Travel Contributor
In the next couple of days, goddammit.–Bandit
NEW YORK LAP DANCING ISN’T ART– ALBANY — New York’s top court ruled Tuesday that lap dances legally are not considered art so they can be taxed, deciding a case dealing with an strip club near here.
In a 4-3 decision, the state Court of Appeals decided against Nite Moves “juice bar” in Latham, N.Y., which had argued that exotic dancing was an art form and therefore isn’t taxable under state law. The court ruled that lap dances fall under entertainment.
Tax officials had said sales taxes were paid on the club’s nonalcoholic drinks but also are owed on admission and socalled “couch sales,” where patrons pay for private or lap dances.
— Associated Press
–from Rogue
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT–
THE ADRENALINE CLOCK IS TICKING
El Mirage Nov.10-11
Last meet in 2012 on the lakebed…
Another month has blown by at a merciless pace in Morgan Hill at the Beach Racing and Hobby Shop. Seems we’re on a mission and closing the gap in leaps and bounds the past few days, with three possible IMS shows on the west coasts horizon in the near future. San Mateo in about 25 days followed by Long Beach and Seattle in December.
From a reader in cyberspace….Hey Ray, finishing the Raycer build should be easy, builders on the tube build bikes in a week or so.
My answer is a simple: Bullshit, after a lifetime of dreaming and visualizing with the last 4 months, or more on the road non stop, we’re close to firing a one-off, axel to axel Street Legal/ Land Speed capable motorcycle with a simple tire and sprocket change. Close might be at least 2 to 3 more weeks of paying attention to the life-saving details involved in a custom build.
Back to reality, in the quest for more heart throbbing, spine tingling, hair raising massive doses of pure clean adrenaline. We started the week by removing the burnt orange Mike Corbin and Magic Crew prepared, slippery-ass Air Tech Streamlining bodywork, so we could attack the suspension system starting in the front of the 5-Ball Racing Team Raycer.
Monday morning Brad rebuilt the hot rods Tomiko 6-piston calipers from the inside out– there now, perfect. Wheels bearings are now removed in the front. TLhe rear wheel needs a custom bearing puller, a washer welded to the bearing and a big beater will do the job. We have an all thread bearing installed for the precision bearing install. For the upcoming 2013 racing season we expect ceramic bearings in the track-day wheels.
Fitting and fabricated easy pieces for the dash assembly landed on my list, fun and precise with all bolts new, cleaned, thread locker prepared and safety wired in most cases. We mounted an Auto Meter Tach, a boost gauge, a Pingel kill switch and shift light, while keeping parts to a minimum, clean and simple. We’ll add a simple LED oil indicator light on the dash during the wiring process.
The oil lines are now fit and secured to the Pegasus Performance billet oil filter running through a blacked out oil cooler with two fans mounted on the primary cases, the fans are aimed at the base of the road ready S&S Cycle cylinders to help in the cooling department during slow races.
Home for a few days, starting tonight, Thursday, in LA after 2 months on the road. Life’s wonderful adventure continues with the starter’s flag and the starting line in sight. Stay Tuned.
Haul Ass!
Ride for your fukin Life!
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR CHECKS IN FROM JOGJA BIKE SHOW, JAVA INDONESIA–The photos are from the Jogja Bike show Oct 6. I tried to cover mostly the small bikes – 250 cc and under. They do some pretty creative work on these little bikes.
Missed a day as yesterday I went to lunch with Liegh of Iron Horse. Used up my internet time – so back to Tues nite after visiting Nara Brotherhood & Iron Horse.
Had dinner at a French Rest. near TukCom as the traffic was in gridlock. I jumped off the bht bus being hungry and near a good meal. Sole almondine/baked potoato – avocado salad – ice cream – water – all for 350bht = $12
Back to the room and rested too long. Got a late start.
Meeting with some Burapa guys later today.
Seems like the Fryed Brothers are coming again in February.
Oh – I almost forgot – I am extending my stay.
I will return Nov 5th Monday at 715 pm LAX.
I still have some money left and want to spend it.
I would hate to crash with it left in my pocket.
–Art Hall
Extreme Traveling International Bikernet Empirical Editor
AMERICAN CHOPPER BUILD-OFF REMATCH–December 11, Discovery Channel will be airing the rematch of the century when some guy will once again face off against Paul Sr. & Jr. in another Biker Build Off. Rematch of the century maybe is a stretch.
While the original series was a fan favorite, the luster is gone, so maybe the rematch of the year would be more appropriate. This time around they will be joined by Texas’s Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from Gas Monkey Garage also known for their own Discovery Channel show “Fast N’ Loud”.
Paul Jr. won the first face off with a beautifully designed and executed bike. It wasn’t practical, but it really was a piece of moving art. The win was controversial because most bikers felt another guy should have won. I agree this other guy would have won if he had built a better bike. He didn’t.
My good friend Bandit from bikernet.com was the guest judge who gave his stamp of approval to Paul Jr., and I believe in his good judgement. The second part of the win can be accredited to the OCC fan base that is not well known as being “bikers”.
With the show only weeks away the builders are already ordering parts with their general designs of the bikes already set. But as I peer into the water cooler of destiny, I ask what I would like to see from each of them. Sr. needs to go old school building a basic chopper, something that “any man” can build in his garage. It was the secret to Indian Larry’s success and should be a guiding light for Sr. The devil is in the details and they shine through even from a distance.
The other guy is to long drawn out choppers what Paul Jr. is to theme bikes. He is a master sheet metal worker. He should build a bagger with sheet metal instead of fibreglass/abs. Something wild, something crazy, something only he could do.
Paul Jr. needs to step away from themes and build a nice, clean, straight forward …traditional styled bike. No Cousinart blender, coffee/bread marker bullshit. Just a chopper. That’s it. I’ve seen him do it before there were television cameras, fortune and fame. Beat the other guy at his own game with his bat and ball.
I admit I’m not overly familiar with the GMG boys but I’m thinking a vintage Indian or maybe BMW would be nice but their TV show is about reusing and scratch building so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a custom built off of a stock Evo Harley.
So, what will the outcome be this time.
The addition of Richard and Aaron is an interesting twist making me expect great things from them. In the end I think it is going to come down to Jr and GMG with the other guy a close third. Only television can decide.
-bad Uncle Monkey
DIGITAL DISCOVERY–THE Lou “Spider” Kimzey Crate–Sometime before his death… Spider (as I knew him) gathered up his original proofs of the Easyriders Magazines that he handled as editor…. and crated them… the proofs have his hand written corrections in the margins and other markings designating corrections…..
The crate also contains some artwork and final copies of issues…..
I came into possession of the crate after the twin hurricanes in Palm Beach of 2004… his heir parted with it needing repair money to restore her home…
It was opened in 2004…. I carefully had a look and sealed the crate right back up… and it has lived in my master walk-in closet since….it does have a heavy plastic liner also protecting the contents…. they are not mint condition… rather working copies in used condition…
These are a collectors’ items and I will only sell the crate in its entirety to someone who will appreciate the history it contains…. I would not be selling it at all if a legal issue with my son did not require some fast funds being raised. I never displayed or even told anyone about this, but a couple of old friends. I have been proud to own such a big part of real biker lifestyle history in print.
The crate is 20″x28″x21″ and weights 100-150 lbs. it is stacked full.
Serious enquiries only please…. Crate will only be opened for those with cash in hand to buy.
–Banshee
banshee@thelostsoul.com
ESCORT REDLINE RADAR DETECTOR– Like many riders, I have been known to occasionally go over the posted speed limit especially when I am headed out to cover an event. You all know about a long way to go and a short time to get there.
On 7/18/2012 – I purchased an Escort RedLine and external amplified speaker which I installed on my 2009 FLHTC Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
I replaced another brand I have been using.
The unit was installed two days before I rode from Florida to West Virginia and then to Sturgis, South Dakota to cover motorcycle events in those areas as well as North Carolina on the return trip.
I had only been on Interstate 95 for a short period of time when I was alerted to radar. I started looking for where it was and it did take some time before I saw the approaching police car, indicating to me how far the detector was reaching out.
Impressed is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt. The unit continued to do everything I expected of it and more during my 7318.9 mile trip.
The fact that the motorcycle is not quiet and I did have music blaring through external speakers, yet it really did its job well.
Another feature I liked was the photocell behind the front lens, which kept it well lit even with the bright sun to my back.
I have been telling people how pleased I am with the Escort RedLine and now you. So. if you are one of the speedy folks, who may benefit from having a radar detector, check out http://www.escortradar.com/.
Bikernet Master of Tech and Event Features
NEW HOLIDAY CATALOG FROM THE RED CROSS JUST RELEASED–We know it’s not even Halloween yet, but your 2012 Holiday Giving Catalog is hot off the presses, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
–Red Cross
NEW FROM MR. LUCKYS RETRO KOOL COLORED RUBBER GRIPS WITH ACCENT BANDS-Updated to fit all HD models 1973 to present (except air reservoirs handlebars) and any custom 1” handlebars, they are offered in Black, White and stunning Red.
The rubber surface provides a comfortable, slip resistant grip, while the chrome and antique brass finished accent bands set them off just right and apart from the rest…….totally retro kool!
Mr Lucky Sez……Here’s our take on the vintage “coke bottle” rubber handgrips!
–“Mr Lucky”
ML151008 thru ML151017 Mr Luckys Retro Kool Colored Rubber Grips Ret. 25.99
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT–Big Bear Choppers Bites Back
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10730
Big Bear, like OCC, West Coast, Big Dog and the rest of the over racked, over priced, POS bikes built buy so-called bikers needed to go, and none too soon. $20,000 for a bike in a box? Get real…..
La.
I immediately reached out to Kevin regarding the price for a bike in the box. He confirmed that the $20,000 includes virtually everything except paint, oil, and gas. Hang on for more report on Bikernet in the very near future.—Renegade
BACK AT THE DELI—So I rode to Bennett’s and witnessed hard work in the making from touring Twin Cam upgrades to Shovelhead repairs. On the way back I pulled up in front of the Sante Fe Italian Deli. It’s been around since the mid ‘40s. I like to support hometown businesses, and stay out of fast food franchises.
You would get a kick out of the girls, mostly Italian with long dense black hair, but the similarity stops there. One skinny 4-eyed broad is heavily tattooed and dour, with those massive quarter-sized hole piercings in her ears, but she’s cool. Then there’s the big woman with her hair dyed blond. Why do big-titted, big-hipped broads act like sergeants? The actual boss is a petite middle-aged woman who buzzes around the deli on a constant mission. Then there’s the semi-tall beauty in her mid-20s with soft eyes and long jet-black wavy hair. She reminds me of Cher in that movie Moonstruck, where she won the Academy award for Best Actress.
Okay, enough of the girls of Sante Fe. We have a ton of content headed your way, from Milwaukee and Oregon features, to JIMS and Baker techs. We will also cover wheel-balancing systems. Plus, I’m working on a Midnight Rider story from the ‘70s. We need you to send us your midnight riding tale. I know, most of our late night riding adventures are currently fiction, but we can run anything we like. If you have a story from long dark road don’t hesitate to send it.
Have a helluva weekend. I know I will. Randy Simpson from Milwaukee Iron is stopping by. He’s about to move from Virginia to northern California. A buddy is popping by tomorrow to discuss writing a proposal for a grant. We are trying to write a book about freedom next year. Never a dull moment.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
