Hey,
This is the week before we take off for Sturgis. The crew from Heavy Duty Magazine from Australia is already on the road to the Badlands with just six in the party. Last year they had 60, and next year for the 75th it will explode. Some of the Hamsters start in Wisconsin, ride to California, and then back to Sturgis with the gang. I miss those rides.
We are scrambling, but with thoughts of Bonneville heavy on our minds.
Here’s something from a Robert Service Poem:
They have cradled you in custom, they have primed you with their preaching,
They have soaked you in convention through and through;
They have put you in a showcase; you’re a credit to their teaching—
But can’t you hear the Wild? –It’s calling you.
The Bikernet News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source magazine, Las Vegas Bikefest, and the HORSE magazine.
Let’s hit the news:
HANG ON FOR THE NEW HIGHWAY BILL– Senators Corker (R-TN) and Murphy (D-CT) have introduced legislation that would increase the federal gas tax twelve cents over the next two years and then levy the tax for inflation. This is a bold idea that is well overdue and unfortunately almost certainly an idea that will be dead on arrival.
With the economy still in repair mode raising taxes on just about anything is a deal breaker, let alone on something that just about every American uses. Not only uses but relies upon, we need gasoline to carry out basic everyday tasks and chances are most Americans think gasoline is already overpriced.
However, without new revenue to shore up the Highway Trust Fund, it is projected to go bankrupt before the end of this summer’s construction season. The current federal gas tax rate of 18.4 cents per gallon has not been increased since 1993 and is not indexed for inflation, which means it has lost nearly 40% of its purchasing power over the past twenty-one years. The Corker-Murphy proposal would fix the Highway Trust Fund and restore its lost buying power.
The average price of a gallon of gas the last time the fed gas tax was raised was $1.16. Senator Murphy has this to say, “I know raising the gas tax isn’t an easy choice, but we’re not elected to make easy decisions, we’re elected to make the hard ones, This modest increase will pay dividends in the long run and I encourage my colleagues to get behind this bipartisan proposal.”
More highway bill stuff…
The highway trust fund is set to run out of money before the end of summer. To address that issue both the house and senate taxing committees have put forth ideas to keep the trust fund alive. Both proposals are markedly different and therefore likely to stall tens of thousands of transportation projects currently underway or scheduled to begin soon. Both proposals fail to address the long term solvency of the trust fund and instead offer a band-aid type approach that kicks the can down the road until about May 2015. No mention in either proposal of a Corker/Murphy type of ideas, which is what really needs to happen.
Immigration
Immigration has been dominating congress this week, and for good reason. A bill that reportedly had wide support from house republicans and good portion of the house democrats despite democrat leadership calls for no support, was pulled late on Thursday. The bills sponsor Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL), a Cuban American, scalped his proposal without revealing the details after house Republican leadership made the decision to not have a vote on any immigration bills whatsoever before the end of this year.
EPA
Late last year the EPA put forth a proposal to lower the amount of ethanol to be produced. This was a departure for the EPA because of how heavily they seemed to want to force non-fossil fuels on America. It seems a little bit of lobbying on behalf of the oil refineries is what did the trick. An investigation into the EPA is being conducted to determine if, in fact, the EPA bowed to political pressure from the well-connected refineries after they lobbied Vice-President Biden. More on this as results come in.
–MRF
Join the MRF and contribute to the fight to keep motorcycling free.–Bandit
BIKERNET’S SENIOR TECH EDITOR PREPARES FOR HIS STURGIS RUN–
I am getting ready to ride to Sturgis and these two beautiful ladies helped by cleaning my motorcycle.
PS: The Blond is looking for a job in Sturgis as a Barmaid if anyone is interested.
–Rogue
HINES RACES HARLEY V-ROD TO FOURTH NHRA WIN OF SEASON AT DENVER — Hines and Krawiec Lock Up Spots in Countdown Playoffs
MORRISON, Colo. (July 20, 2014) – Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines raced a Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle to his fourth final-round win of the season in Pro Stock Motorcycle competition at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, part of the NHRA Mellow Yello Drag Racing Series. Hines defeated Gottspeed/Star Racing Buell rider Michael Ray in the final.
With points earned this weekend, Hines and Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines teammate Ed Krawiec have locked up spots in the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs, which begins Sept. 12-14 at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at Charlotte, N.C.
“My new V-Rod is undefeated,” said Hines. “This new bike we debuted at Norwalk is so easy to ride, I can really focus on my starts. We were killer in qualifying, which I think got in the heads of some other racers.”
Hines qualified second for the event with an Elapsed Time (ET) of 7.198 seconds. Krawiec posted a best ET of 7.208 seconds to qualify the team’s other Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® in the third position. Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. was the number-one qualifier at 7.178 seconds.
In Sunday eliminations, Krawiec defeated John Hall on the Matt Smith Racing Buell in round one, but lost on a holeshot to Power Sports Institute Suzuki rider Steve Johnson in round two.
“We had an electrical issue with my bike on Friday that set us back, but I think we’ve got that solved,” said Krawiec. “I just lost a good drag race today. I’ve got to win some more rounds at the next two events and hold on to second place for the Countdown.”
Hines advanced through the first two elimination rounds on starting line fouls by Kandy Racing Buell rider Angie Smith and Jim Underdahl on the Bad Boys Buggies Suzuki. Hines defeated Johnson in round three to advance to the final. In that race, Ray got a jump on the Harley-Davidson rider at the start before his motorcycle faltered mid-run and Hines scored a decisive win, 7.246 seconds to 9.033 seconds, the 36th of his career.
“I probably caught a break in the final because Ray got a great start and might have beaten me if he ran the way he did earlier today,” said Hines, “but that’s why we race them. You’ve got to make it to the finish line.”
After eight of 16 events on the 2014 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Hines leads the series with 775 points. Krawiec is second with 640 points. Arana Jr. is third with 582 points, followed by Hector Arana with 488 points and Hall with 438 points.
The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team and the Pro Stock Motorcycle series will be back on the track on July 25-27 at the 27th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
BIKERNET TRIKES EDITOR TO ROAD TEST A VICTORY TRIKE–Check out the trike I am on now? I’m making plans for my summer runs with my daughter and the Queen Darla. After almost two solid month of heated negotiations, I might get out of town.
–Gary Koz Mraz
Editor BikernetTrikes
BONNEVILLE APPROACHES FOR 2014: August 23rd-28th–Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, The AMA Land Speed Grand Championships, is the premier motorcycle land speed racing event. This AMA and FIM sanctioned event offers AMA national and FIM world record opportunities. Contenders in many classes, including streamliners biding for the absolute world record, will be there.
Everyone can have a shot at the course. You can ‘Run Watcha Brung’ or take a shot at records!
–Delvene Manning
MATHEMATICS ALWAYS TELLS THE TRUTH AND IT ALWAYS TELLS IT THE SAME WAY–The odds of winning the Florida lottery are 1 in 22,957,480.
The odds of winning the Powerball is 1 in 175,223,510.
The odds of winning Mega Millions is 1 in 258,890,850.
The odds of a disk drive failing in any given month are roughly one in 36. The odds of two different drives failing in the same month are roughly one in 36 squared, or 1 in about 1,300. The odds of three drives failing in the same month is 36 cubed or 1 in 46,656.
The odds of seven different drives failing in the same month (like what happened at the IRS when they received a letter asking about emails targeting conservative and pro Israeli groups) is 37 to the 7th power = 1 in 78,664,164,096. (that’s over 78 Billion)
In other words, the odds are greater that you will win the Florida Lottery 342 times than having those seven IRS hard drives crashing in the same month.
And, the odds of the administration telling the truth are even higher.
–from Bill Stratton
This is great!
I listened to a brilliant guy for the Cato institute talk about the economy last night. The odds of our government making the right decision about financial reforms is about like winning the lotto.–Bandit
CV PERFORMANCE TECH ON BIKERNET– I think you got it covered pretty good. How did the bike run? Are you using the Trock carb now?
The CV carb is very easy to work on after doing a few of them.
One area that needs to be talked about is setting the float level. Also checking the pivot
These can wear out but can be rebuilt by using a .098-.100 dia. size pin & reaming out the hole in the float. Delicate work but can be done with a steady hand.
–PSD
See the tech at: http://www.bikernet.com/pages/CV_CARB_MADNESS.aspx
BIKERNET ECONOMIC OUTLOOK—I listened to a brilliant gentlemen make a rapid-fire presentation to some press members on CSPAN. Here’s what my feeble mind allowed me to remember. If you give no-down payment loans to sub-prime members, they will fail every time. Car loans don’t have these problems. If you don’t pay your payment, some morning you will wake up and your car will be gone.
In some specific state it takes over 1000 days to evict a non-payment individual. That’s rent free for almost three years. Why the hell does anyone pay their mortgage? He feels homes should be a consumable and not take more than 5 percent of our income to own. They should not be investments.
I began to wonder just what the hell he would invest in? He also mentioned major problems with banks currently, as we know. One of the issues involves long distance home loans. Your banker should know your situation, the area, the home prices, the economy, jobs, etc. They shouldn’t be 1000 miles away. Home loans should be handled and maintained locally.
ORIGINAL BIKERNET STICKER DISCOVERED IN EGYPTIAN TOMB–
No, not the boobs! An unmolested original sticker, now I have three?
–RFR
Bikernet Southern Drag Racing Editor and Archeologist
BIKERNET PRE-STURGIS BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN–At the National Art Gallery in Dublin, a man & wife were staring at a portrait that had them completely confused.
The painting depicted three black men totally naked sitting on a bench. Two of them had black penises, but the one in the middle had a pink penis. The curator of the gallery realized that they were having trouble interpreting the painting and offered his personal assessment.
He went on for over half an hour explaining how it depicted the sexual emasculation of African Americans in a predominately white, patriarchal society. ‘In fact’, he pointed out, ‘some serious critics believe that the pink penis also reflects the cultural and sociological oppression experienced by gay men in contemporary society’.
After the curator left, an Irishman approached the couple and said, ‘Would you like to know what the painting is really about?”
‘Now why would you claim to be more of an expert than the curator of the gallery?’, asked the couple.
‘Because I am the artist who painted the picture,’ he replied. ‘In fact, there are no African Americans depicted at all. The men are three Irish coal miners. The man in the middle went home for lunch.’ !!!
–from Paul Aiken
Ultimate Builder NEXT UP – STURGIS– The next Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show presented by J&P Cycles is in Sturgis on Wednesday, August 6, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
We are closing down the street for the day on 4th and Lazelle Street in downtown Sturgis, SD.
1) Freestyle – open class for any build with a motorcycle based drive train
2) Modified Harley – open to any year Harley Davidson. Must have stock Harley Engine cases and frame maintaining original configuration. Rear end mods allowed (i.e., altered swing arms, fat tire kits and rigid sections)
3) Radical Bagger – Based on a modified or OEM frame. Requires fairing and saddlebags. Any drivetrain is acceptable.
5) Modified Street – Must have major OEM; Honda Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, Triumph, Ducati, etc., manufactured frame and engine cases. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not allowed in this class. This class is designed for mild custom sport bikes and cruisers without frame configuration modifications and stretched swing arms. Cruisers are allowed to use hard tail sections.
NEXT UP – Sturgis, SD. Quick, enter your bike…
Bob Kay – 317-312-0380
bkay@bikerpros.com
THE MICHELLE SMITH FANS RISE UP—Watch their pitch for a new show on kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/888865745/v-twin-thunder
–Paul Aiken
Aeromach
Sent from my iPad. Designed in California, built in Communist China.
BANDIT INTERVIEWED ON 4EVER2WHEELS BY KEN CONTE—It’s all lies I tell you. Don’t listen to it. He paid me to say those things. I was drunk. She made me say it. I was asleep, on drugs, under the influence of a redhead. Gimme a break…–Bandit
http://4ever2wheels.com/2014/06/4e2w-podcast-16-keith-bandit-ball-of-bikernet-com/
and this is a link to all of his podcasts
http://4ever2wheels.com/category/podcasts/
— Richard Kranzler
Bikernet Baggers
1-360-259-6461
www.bikernetbaggers.com
2014 FXR MOTORBIKE SHOW–Event Description 2nd Annual FXR Only Motorcycle Show. Held during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races. The show location is the one and only Sturgis City Park, Where it all began!!
2014 should be even better!!
Registration 11am-noon
Show noon to 3pm
Event Date: August 3, 2014
Location City Park, Sturgis, South Dakota
Event Type MIDWEST USA
–Joe
www.fxrshow.com
[page break]
Round ‘Em Up Cowgirl!
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
Some problems you might encounter.
Everyone that works on any make or any size motorcycle knows the answer to this already. It is REALLY bad! First, I will go over some of the problems with the blend of gasoline and 10% ethanol and then, can you tell if ethanol is present in your fuel and how much?
The problems I have encountered with gasohol are many so I will go over the ones most common.
Further Adventures of the Borderland Biker -Chapter 16
Pistols, Booze and Bell Peppers DON’T mix well.
Aside from the gray or was it gray blue Warrior parked next to a pile of empty fertilizer sacks, the shed except for a wood stove with more than a few bullet holes in it was bare. Larry then climbed the ladder leading up into the water tank.
NCOM Coast To Coast Biker News for July 2014
Are you a “biker,” a “motorcyclist,” or a “rider”?
Do you identify yourself as a “biker,” a “motorcyclist,” or a “rider”? To some motorcycle riders, the terms are fairly interchangeable. To others, the terms are more finely nuanced, as the people behind the Oxford English Dictionary recently discovered.
32-INCH VEE RUBBER TIRES AVAILABLE IN AUGUST
Bikernet is Called to the Front to Investigate
The e-mail came in Monday night, “Get over to MetalSport, crawl in the window and grab the boss when he walks in the door.” Seems the wheel industry is demanding tires for 32-inch wheels and MetalSport, the exclusive distributor, won’t let them out the door. Inquiring minds want to know why?
How to Test Your Motorcycle Charging System
Staying out of trouble by keeping tabs on your bike’s charging system will save you major hassles
As a general rule, modern charging systems are efficient, reliable and maintenance free; however, there are exceptions to every rule and few problems will leave you stranded as quickly as charging system that’s gone kaput. Fortunately keeping tabs on the system is relatively easy; all it takes is a simple DC voltmeter or battery tester.
There’s more to a CV carb than meets the eye
CV carbs have a strong reputation in the industry. Years ago I did an article with Trock on his mods. I finally ran his modified CV on my Mudflap Girl FXR and it was terrific. I experienced sharp throttle response and almost 50 miles to the gallon out of the box.
2014 Indian Meets the 15th SmokeOut
The Newest New Model Meets the Oldest Old School
Not sure where to start. I’m writing about the quirkiest event on the planet run by a staid group of retired lifetime military, the SmokeOut squad, like a commando raid on a race track. This year afforded me the opportunity to ride a new Indian Vintage. I haven’t had the occasion to throw a leg over one of these puppies since they hit the motorcycle market like a wind of hope.
From Trikes we have the following:
WORLDS WEIRDEST TRIKES PART III
They just keep comin!
ANOTHER INSTALLMENT OF “WORLDS WEIRDEST TRIKES”
Some folks got a lotta time on their hands…thank god!, keep em comin.!
“Ridicule is the Burden of Genius.” – Daffy Duck”
-Mistress Chris
—
Chris “Mistress” Kranzler
Women’s Editor
www.bikernet.com
FORBES MAGAZINE ON Harley-Davidson Lowers Full-Year Guidance on Disappointing Q2 Retail Sales– announced robust growth in Q2 revenues and operating income, on the back of restructuring benefits and strong volume and price mix, on July 22.
However, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer’s stock fell by over 5% just after the announcement of quarterly results as the company lowered its full-year shipment guidance on less than expected retail sales. Worldwide retail sales remained flat in the second quarter as growth in the European and some emerging markets was largely offset by volume declines in Japan, Canada and Latin America.
Unit sales in the U.S. also remained flat during the period, impacted by absence of the Road Glide, and lower sales of the Sportster line-up as consumers waited for the launch of the Street motorcycles. Harley doesn’t expect retail figures to pick-up to the previously estimated levels in the U.S., its single largest market, which also prompted the company to lower its full-year guidance on motorcycle shipments.
Harley-Davidson now expects to ship 270,000-275,000 units in 2014, up 3.5-5.5% year-over-year, lower than the previously estimated shipment range of 279,000-284,000 units. In order to protect its premium brand image, Harley has lowered its third quarter motorcycle shipment estimate to 49,000-54,000 units, flat to 9% down from 2013 levels, as the company plans to keep supply in line with the demand. Looking ahead, new model year launches scheduled in August and improved availability of the Street motorcycles in the domestic market could strengthen retail sales in the next two quarters.
We have a $69.55 price estimate for Harley-Davidson, which is around 10% higher than the current market price. However, we are currently in the process of incorporating the latest quarterly data into our forecasts.
The U.S. is the most important market for Harley-Davidson, constituting almost two-thirds of the net shipments last year. After rising 3% year-over-year in Q1, retail sales for the company remained flat in the country in the second quarter. Lower sales of the Sportster motorcycle lineup, as consumers waited for launch of the Street 750 and 500, is one of the reasons why Harley couldn’t achieve positive retail sales growth in the domestic market this quarter.
Built on the new ”Revolution X” platform, the highly anticipated Street 500 and 750 went on sale in the U.S. in June, but start-up issues limited product availability, thereby affecting unit sales. In addition, the absence of the touring motorcycle Road Glide in the 2014 model year also hampered volume growth this quarter. Road Glide formed around 10% of Harley’s U.S. retail sales in Q2 2013. As a result, the company’s U.S. market share fell to 50.3% in the quarter, down 2.6% from 2013 levels. Continued rough weather conditions in parts of the country also hindered increase in heavyweight motorcycle sales this quarter.
Volume growth could be higher for Harley in the U.S. in the next quarter due to pent-up demand, and also due to incremental sales contributed by the recently launched Street motorcycles. The company plans to improve availability of the Street pair by shipping two units for retail to each dealer in the U.S. by August end.
Harley launched the Street 750 in India early this year, and also introduced the motorcycle in Italy, Spain and Portugal recently. The company has reported higher than expected retail sales of the Street 750 in India and Southern Europe so far, and continues to expect overall Street shipments to range between 7,000-10,000 this year. In addition, Harley will launch its 2015 model year in August, including return of the Road Glide bike. Incremental volumes contributed by Road Glide should also boost the company’s retail sales in the U.S. going forward.
Japan and Latin America Volumes Decline
Harley-Davidson’s sales in Asia-Pacific grew by only 1.5% in Q2, after rising by an impressive 25% in the previous quarter, mainly hurt by the 20.9% fall in Japan volumes. Japan is the second largest international market for the company behind Canada, accounting for just over 4% of the net retail sales in 2013. With the consumption tax in the country increasing from 5% to 8%, effective as of April 1st, consumers rushed to make motorcycle purchases in the first quarter. This pushed some of the potential second quarter sales into the first quarter, resulting in a 33% rise in Harley’s Japan volumes in Q1. In addition, devaluation of the Japanese Yen also lowered revenues from the country this quarter. Devaluation of the Yen against the U.S. dollar had also caused revenues from Japan to slide 11% last year, despite an increase in volumes.
Latin America volumes also slid 10.4% year-over-year for Harley-Davidson in the quarter, partly impacted by the economic instability in Brazil. Brazil’s economy is slowing owing to higher interest rates put in place to control inflation. These measures have impacted consumer spending, which slightly slowed down this year, as compared to the last quarter of 2013. Rising unemployment, higher inventory levels, and lower demand in Brazil has also affected the country’s automotive sector, where production levels dropped by over 10% in the first half of the year. The dip in Harley’s Latin America retail sales this quarter was also as the company cycled last year’s strong volume growth of 39.2% in Q2 in the region.
Revenues and Margins Expand on Higher Shipments and Price Mix
Harley-Davidson generated revenues of around $2 billion in the second quarter, an 11.5% increase from 2013 levels. This growth was bolstered by a 9% increase in shipments to 92,217 units during this period, in line with the company’s guidance of shipping 92,000-97,000 units. In addition, the average revenue per motorcycle was up almost $1000 year-over-year, due to favorable volume mix, higher net pricing and a 1% positive impact of currency translations in the quarter. Volume mix was favorable due to lower sales of the relatively cheaper Sportster models, and growth in Touring motorcycle volumes, owing to high demand for the Project Rushmore bikes launched in August last year. However, the average revenue per unit is expected to slightly fall going forward, as sales of the cheaper Street 750 and 500 gain traction and Sportster volumes pick up.
Higher revenues and net pricing resulted in a 260 basis points year-over-year rise in gross margins to 39.5% in the quarter. Operating margins also expanded 390 basis points to 25.8%, due to benefits from the restructuring activities, which completed in 2013. While motorcycle fixed costs were 20%-25% of variable costs at the beginning of restructuring operations in 2009, the figure is expected to decline to 15%-20% this year.
This will lower the degree of operating leverage for the company, and mean higher margins on incremental sales. Harley expects gross margins of 47% on additional volumes going forward. However, the company expects third quarter gross margins to be down 2.5% from previous year levels, cycling the strong mix gains delivered by Project Rushmore motorcycles last year.
–forbes
LANE SPLITTING–One Complaint To The CHP Gets Lane Splitting Guidelines Removed From Website
By Audrey Nesbitt on July 23, 2014 in California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The American Motorcyclist Association endorses and supports the motorcycling practice of lane splitting and works diligently to encourage states to allow lane splitting in slow moving or stopped traffic. Why? According to the AMA, lane splitting reduces the motorcyclist’s risk of being involved in a deadly or horrific rear-end accident. In stopped traffic or slowly moving traffic, the risk of a rear-end accident occurring is magnified. Lane splitting gives motorcyclists the chance to avoid those accidents and ride safely through the traffic unharmed.
At the present moment in time, California is the only state in the United States that allows the practice of lane splitting. While there are no laws in California that legalize the practice—there are also no laws that prohibit it. Lane splitting or lane filtering is simply a practice of driving that is allowed or permitted.
California state websites, such as the CHP, even offered safe guidelines for lane splitting so that motorcyclists and motorists alike could be better informed of the safe ways to ride in-between the lanes. Now, however, this important safety information has been removed—all because of one single complaint.
In 2013, California state employee Kenneth Mandler petitioned the California Office of Administrative Law to have California government websites, brochures, and pamphlets remove motorcycle lane splitting safety guidelines. According to the California Highway Patrol statement, ” The guidelines were prepared simply as common sense traffic safety tips and to raise public awareness.”
Yet that is not how Mandler saw it. He protested that the California Highway Patrol created an “underground” regulation by preparing and distributing those lane-splitting or lane-filtering guidelines. In other words, he believed that by posting guidelines on their site, the CHP was effectively legalizing lane splitting.
He interpreted these suggested safety guidelines as rules or laws to be followed and enforced by the department. Yet that was never the intention—nor did police departments ever enforce those guidelines, which have been in effect for years.
What is disturbing to many motorcycle safety experts is that one single complaint could undo three years of hard work and planning by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program Advisory Committee. Many hoped that by teaching motorcyclists the safe way to engage in lane splitting, dangerous lane splitting techniques could be eradicated and avoided.
The fear is that while older, more seasoned motorcyclists in California already know how to perform the lane splitting maneuver safely, newer motorcyclists will not. Without the safety guidelines to review, many are concerned that newer motorcyclists will use unsafe lane splitting practices, putting themselves and others at risk.
“You should use common sense and not put yourself in obvious danger. By far the most frequent cause of lane-splitting accidents in which the motorcyclist is found at fault is the motorcyclist’s excessive speed, which dramatically cuts down on reaction time. While other motorists have an absolute responsibility to watch out for us, we all know that not everyone does. Even though the other motorist may be found at fault, that’s not going to help you recover from a serious injury. We need to adjust our riding habits according to the traffic and road conditions.”
Says Chuck Koro, of Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, who for many years have been educating the motorcycling community in California on using caution while lane splitting.
— Richard Kranzler
Bikernet Baggers
1-360-259-6461
www.bikernetbaggers.com
This is amazing. We need much more education and info sharing, not regulation. Freedom works every time.–Bandit
Rekluse Releases New EXP Auto-Clutch for Harley Davidson Motorcycles–Boise, Idaho USA – Rekluse has released their EXP auto-clutch product for big twin Harley Davidson motorcycle applications. These specific clutches will incorporate components that are lighter than stock and an innovative clutch pack that provides top of the line performance and durability. The Rekluse EXP is Rekluse’s performance automatic clutch available for $799 MSRP.
Free your clutch hand with the Rekluse automatic-clutch. Come to a complete stop in gear and accelerate without touching the clutch lever. The manual action of the clutch lever is still fully functional at any time, if desired, for shifting and taking off.
Improves Low Speed Maneuverability
There’s no need to constantly use the clutch lever in stop-and-go traffic to prevent stalls. Especially beneficial for heavy traffic situations and crowded bike rallies.
Smoother Engagement
Take off on loose surfaces with more confidence and excellent traction control.
Extends Clutch Pack Life
An auto-clutch will dramatically increase the life of your clutch pack, making for less frequent replacements.
Available for most big twin Harley Davidson motorcycles (1998 and newer).
NEW FROM STRICTLY HAWGS–
These tank tops are designed to fit with comfort. 100% cotton material. We carry them in white and black. They are available in a medium thru 1X.
Part Numbers
SH-392012 WHITE MEDIUM
SH-422012 BLACK MEDIUM
Price $7.00
–Joanna
The Jack Daniel’s Experience, a mobile museum, is bringing a little of the much-loved distillery from Lynchburg to Las Vegas BikeFest all weekend long–
Open to the public, 21 years old and up, complimentary tours are included with your Rally Central admission and Las Vegas BikeFest registrations. Register Now
There will be licensed Jack Daniels merchandise, vendors on site with Jack Daniel’s apparel, bike items and other unique pieces.
UNCLE MONKEY ON THE SIDE ROADS OF LIFE--One of the things about us bikers is that we like to take the long way around. Rolling on the miles, wind in our hair we avoid the direct route. We’ve travelled the back roads, traveled the side roads soaking in this great big country. But even we fall into habits.
We follow familiar roads; many are well worn by us. They should be. They cover some of the most beautiful country in our neck of the woods. We can time our trip by passing familiar markers, noting what has changed what has stayed the same. But there are other roads, other ways to get to the same place.
When was the last time you rolled down one street over from your usual route? When was the last time you turn left from that scenic by pass to follow a road less travelled. We are all guilty of it. We get set in our ways and it can be difficult to change. We get ingrained, our thoughts saturated in a stagnant slough of ideals.
I try to make it a point to drive down every street in the city I live. Granted my friends in larger cities and Los Angeles may have a harder time but even greater LA is made up Long Beach, San Pedro, Huntington Beach, Wilmington, small manageable bites. It is by heading down the new paths that we find the wonders of our lives.
We’ve heard tales of forgotten waterfalls, crazy houses made of pop bottles, hidden valleys as breath taking as the Grand Canyon. For some of us they are old hat, just another marker in our minds. For some they have been just a mile farther than we’ve traveled.
Break away from them, break to them. Travel those miles not taken. Meet new people, meet new friends, meet the new day. Today take a different route home. You’ll be surprised to maybe find your new favorite long way around.
-bad Uncle Monkey
MY FIRST DRINK WITH MY SON –-I was reading an article last night about fathers and sons, and memories came flooding back of the time I took my son out for his first pint.
Off we went to our local pub which is only two blocks from the house.
I got him a Guinness. He didn’t like it – so I drank it.
Then I got him a Keith’s, he didn’t like it, so I drank it.
It was the same with the Harp and the Beck’s.
By the time we got to the whiskey,
I could hardly push the stroller back home.
–from Jim St.Waggaman
[page break]
Every day there was a Free Bikini Bike Wash, Slow Ride, Corn Hole and Ring Toss Competition as well as FREE BEER. For those interested in something a little stronger there was a Full Liquor Bar set up in the store.
Burgers, Hotdogs and Wings were also available from “Beef “O”Bradys”.
The Bikini Contest seemed to be the Most Popular, followed by the Free Beer and the Bikini Bike Wash.
There was a lot of activity in the store, which had a very large assortment of motorcycles for sale and the sign as you entered said “If You Buy Your Harley-Davidson Some Where Else You Will Pay Too Much.
During the day I did hear the bike sales gong goes off many times.I took the time to stop by and see friends in the parts and service departments who always take good care of me whenever I need something, and Yes I did have the Bikini Girls Wash My Bike. I’m ready to hit the road for Sturgis…
I had a good time and it appeared everyone else did as well.
–Rogue
Cardo joins WMDRA to Honor Sturgis Crew Chief with “Good Call” Award– The Western Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (WMDRA) is excited to welcome Cardo scala rider as an Associate Sponsor of the 2014 AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals, taking place August 5 and 6 at Sturgis Dragway, during the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Winning drag racing teams know that communication is the vital link to success. Rocketing down the dragstrip, the race bike communicates its track response to the rider, who communicates what the bike is doing to the crew chief. A winning tune up comes together from these communications. And no one links vital communications together better than Cardo Systems.
The WMDRA is proud to announce that Cardo scala rider will sponsor the “Good Call” award with a Q3 MultiSet communication system to the crew chief with the best tune up as evidenced by most improved performance during competition. As judged by legendary crew chief Jackie Hill, wife of 1990 Sturgis Hall of Famer Pete Hill, the crew chief that makes the crucial “Good Call” yielding peak performance on the track when it counts the most, will be selected for this award.
According to WMDRA President Sandra Alberti, “Crew Chiefs are the unsung heroes in our sport and we’re thrilled to recognize them at Sturgis this year with the generous support of Cardo scala rider.”
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Cardo scala rider is the market leader in Bluetooth communication systems for motorcycle and other head protection helmets. With the introduction in 2004 of the scala rider Bluetooth line of headsets, Cardo scala rider literally pioneered a new product category that was non-existent until then and as their product line gradually expanded, they added many “firsts” in terms of features and functions.
Today, the scala rider line not only includes the most advanced devices in the category but also the widest spectrum of products, from solid entry level products to the most feature rich communication and entertainment system available.
Communication in motion, reflects best what Cardo scala rider provides: Empowerment of people who are on the move with the finest communication and entertainment devices available.
WMDRA racing is scheduled for August 5 and 6 at Sturgis Dragway, located at 20523 Hwy 79, just off Hwy 34 between the Full Throttle Saloon and Buffalo Chip Campground. Competition qualifying begins at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with Eliminations at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets are just $15/day or $25 for a two-day pass.
For more information on Cardo scala rider, please visit them online at http://www.cardosystems.com/.
ANTIQUE DEALS OF THE WEEK–
–Lee:
619 992 8136
lee@simpsonsnursery.com
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY STILL OPEN–Turpentine Vs. Holy Water
A little Cajun boy was sitting on the footpath with a bottle of Turpentine.
He was shaking it up and watching all the bubbles.
A Priest came along and asked the little boy what he had.
The little boy said, ‘This is the most powerful liquid in the world; it’s called Turpentine.’
The Priest said, ‘No, the most powerful liquid in the world is Holy Water.
If you rub it on a pregnant woman’s belly, she’ll pass a healthy baby”.
The little boy replied, ‘If you rub this on a cat’s ass, he’ll pass a Harley-Davidson!’
–from Jim Waggaman
New for Summer Fun: C&S Custom Introduces Extended Swingarms for Honda Groms– Lexington, NC – C&S Custom announced today that they now have available a full line of extended swingarms, from 6″ to 16″, for factory-sized rear wheels on the fast-selling Honda Grom. The C&S Custom swingarm is a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory unit and is available in raw, chrome and an infinite number of powder-coated colors.
The C&S Custom swingarm is a complete replacement for the factory unit and is available individually or in kit. It’s ideal for owners who are uncomfortable with bolt-in blocks and require the highest component integrity.
The Grom is simple, reliable and inexpensive to own. “The Honda Grom is a miniature motorcycle, and when you add our extended swingarm kit, you just can’t stop smiling, it’s just that fun,” explained Charlie Michael, C&S Custom General Manager. “Once people found out what we were doing, it’s taken off like a viral video. Our phone has not stopped ringing with interest; it has become one of our fastest selling products.”
Enthusiasts can purchase the swingarms separately or in kit form. The unit comes in sizes 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″ and 16″. Also provided is an adjustable shock tower that allows riders to raise and lower their bikes to their specifications. The kit includes chain, swingarm and brake line; sliders, axles and spacers. Options include under-bracing, nitrous-bottle bracket, nitrous bottle and an adjustable strut that can produce the lowest ride available. Kits can also be specified for stock wheels.
Even though the Grom delivers only 9 HP and a top speed of 65 mph, it is enjoyed by riders of all ages and makes an ideal commuter bike with that combination of high fuel mileage and great style. With the C&S Custom extended swingarm, riders can make their bikes pop and stand out from the crowd.
“Anytime we ride our Honda Grom, it becomes an attention magnet,” said Michael. “And we have everything riders need to create a unique bike that is an extension of their personality.”
1. Music. Chiefly British . a sixty-fourth note.
Their gaiety consisted of ruling staves and copying a borrowed duet filled with hemidemisemiquavers .
Anything could follow, a hemidemisemiquaver or a whole note; and the translator was charged with interpreting the score.
Origin:
Hemidemisemiquaver entered English in the mid-1800s, as an extension of demisemiquave , a thirty-second note. A quaver is chiefly British word for an eighth note.
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT—But first the adrenaline junky list:
****Mojave Mile****In The Books****April 12-13****12,000 foot runway, one mile shutdown….
****N H R A**** Leaders, T/F, Doug Kalitta, F/C, Robert Hight, M/C, Andrew Hines****
****E C T A Ohio Mile****5/3-4 (In The Books)****6/7-8 ****6/10 Valerie Thompson kicks ass, 208.71, BMW S 1000 RR) ****7/12-13****9/27-28****
****El Mirage****6-22****John Noonan, ****250.7**** (NEW RECORD) on a 250.69 record****, Next Up 7-13, 9-14, 10-19, 11/8-9****
**16 DAYS**S C T A Speed Week****August 9-15, 2014****
****27 Days, 22 hours, 44.4444 Seconds Bonneville Speed Trials****August 23-28****
****World Finals****Sept. 30—-October 3, 2014****
Late Wednesday night, slipping into Thursday on a muggy night in the Port of Los Angeles.
We’ve made arrangements to have the 5-Ball Racing Team 124 inch, Aerocharger, Twin Cam Raycer delivered to Sturgis from Dan Thayer’s V-Twin Fuel Injection located in Corfu, New York.
This afternoons update from Dan and his Crew…all of the wiring issues are behind us. Our Daytona Twin Tech closed loop computer is recording data and saving it. At ½ throttle with 5# of boost we’re recording 205 horsepower, with the same or close torque readings at 4,200 RPM. We are running out of air, it’s time to up the boost and have fun. Temperatures are near perfect at the intake valve.
Although, our Turbo mounting system seems to have taken a disliking to the engine growth, vibrations and who knows what- when we’re up to running temperature. The solution may be an expansion joint in the front pipe. Dan and his Crew are problem solvers looking for a solution.
Destination is the 74nd Annual Sturgis event.
Stay Tuned for an updated tune up report before I load and Haul Ass next Wednesday….
Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!– 1952 Vincent Black Shadow from Sturgis Museum
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8962
Met both Leo and Phillis at Sturgis museum by chance today. Great couple, awesome stories from them. The article was good too..lol
— Bill
East Sandwich, MA
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM LAUNCHES UPDATED WEBSITE – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has just launched a newly re-designed website to better serve its constituents. The new website launched on July 18th, just in time for the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The site is online at www.sturgismuseum.com.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum has been working with Robert Sharp and Associates in Rapid City to develop content and design elements for the new website. “We’re excited to have the new website online,” said Executive Director Christine Paige Diers. “Visitors to www.sturgismuseum.com will find updated photos of many of the motorcycles we have in the museum. You’ll also find information about upcoming events, and about our expansion project,” said Paige Diers. “We know how important it is to have interactive elements and up-to-date information in this virtual age. Our goal is to be more appealing and valuable to users, and I think this new website will realize that goal.”
In addition to information about the museum, the site features an online shopping cart where visitors can purchase museum and Sturgis related gift items, raffle tickets, and tickets to the annual Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast Sponsored by Bikernet.com.
For more information, contact Christine Paige Diers, (605) 347-2001.
THE HOME OF MOTORCYCLING FREEDOM, THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MINDS– While temperatures seem to be hot just about everywhere, we know September is coming. And September 2014 means the 30th Annual Meeting of the Minds (MOTM).
September 25th to 28th in Kansas City, Missouri Freedom of Road Riders (FORR) will be hosting the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for this event at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport.
Hotel reservations must be made prior to August 25th to receive our rate of $111.00 per night. This rate does include the breakfast buffet. Be sure to mention the MRF Meeting of the Minds to obtain the group rate.
Embassy Suites Kansas City – Airport
7640 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway
Kansas City, Missouri 64153
(816) 891-7788
The deadline for pre-registration for the Conference is also August 25th. Save $10.00 per person by registering early. You can order your event t-shirt during the registration process, this year. This will assure you get a shirt in the color you choose (from those offered) in your size. If you do not order your shirt at the time of registration you may still pick one up in the Product Store during the Conference.
As usual there will be plenty of informational workshops including Interacting with the Media, Motorist Awareness, Peer-to-Peer Communication, Leadership Development, Event Planning and more. MRF Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) will be introducing a new program aimed toward children. We will have a panel discussion on the ups and downs of a State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO). Not to mention the joy of seeing old friends.
The hotel is less than two miles from the Harley- Davidson plant in Kansas City. Harley Davidson has set up an opportunity for us to tour the factory free of charge. This will be for the early arrivals, so come early. Our tours will start at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 25th, with the last tour at 3:00 pm. Pre-registration is required and transportation will be provided by Worth Harley Davidson. Coincidently they are also located only a couple miles from the hotel. You can find the registration on our website. Click on 2014 Conference Information then register for the tour time you desire.
NEW RIDER WANTS TO RIDE FOR 5-BALL RACING--Hot, fast and tough! This energetic little beauty will take a motorcycle down a drag strip or salt WFO!
Fast Andie driver for Fast Andie Racing and soon to be driver for one lucky team on the salt.
The 5-Ball Racing Team board of directors is waiting on her NSA Security Clearance, her three page resume, 5000 references, and note from her mom, certificate for $1 million in extended healthcare, a check for
5-BALL RACING APPAREL REPORT–Are the 5 Ball Racing Leather Jack Shirts Field Tested?
Each 5 Ball Racing Leather design gets tested on the street and at major events. I’m here at the Smoke Out 15 doing a review on the new Indian Motorcycle as well as the 5/8 Sleeve Black Leather (5 Pocket) Jack Shirt.
It’s rattlesnake tough and lakester slick and made with one massive conceal and carry pocket and two in the future. Features snap front , five pockets, comfortable iconic Buffalo Leather and 100% cotton black/white plaid lining.
J&P’s got them in stock, slide over and check out the entire line. Click here – http://www.jpcycles.com/5-ball
New/Old Bikernet Reader Comment!– Accurate Engineering To Build New Crocker Engines
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=6735
MAN, I REALLY DIG CROCKERS, AND I HOPE I OWN ONE SOME DAY. I REALLY HATE TO SEE THE BIKE BUILDING COMMUNITY UP AGAINST ALL THIS BAD PUBLICITY.
MAN YOU GUYS GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER OR GO HOME. LET’S ALL GET ALONG. I WISH SOMEBODY WOULD GET AHOLD OF ME AND LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN PUCHASE A CROCKER REPRODUTION. MY PH.@936-520-6751. CHOW!
–Donald Luciano Redig Jr.
Conroe, TX
THAT’S IT—We need to start packing, testing the trailer, checking the shit, servicing the van, generally getting ready.
There’s more coming from McQuiston in Long Beach. I took over three of the new Cycle Source issues for September. Ralph and Ryan were over the moon to see his first feature in a national magazine.
You can see this Cobra based trike in Bikernet Trikes right now, with Smoke, my firefighter babe as the model.
I’m going to have a meeting tomorrow evening with Rich Worley, who owns Indian of Charleston, SC. I’m trying like hell to buy a Classic Indian. Rich is going to paint it and ride it from Coast to Coast to deliver it to Los Angles and the Bikernet Headquarters.
And tomorrow I will launch a new piece about Aeromach manufacturing, featured predominately in our Indian to the SmokeOut feature. Never a dull moment. The weekend is packed with action.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
