Hey,
I found the Shangri-la of 1937, the Tibetan Utopia in Wilmington, California, on the edge of the Port of Los Angeles. You wouldn’t know it if you attempted to rumble down our street into a massive construction, street widening zone. Cement trucks dump tons of rough gravel-like- mixture over underground electrical conduit. All the old antiquated poles are coming down as part of the widening procedure. Massive truck installed chipping hammers rattle our building in an attempt to dig the next stretch of trench.
The exterior of our nirvana is rough and foreboding, but inside we have heaven on two wheels. I can’t give up any more secrets to the Bikernet Kingdom. I can only report that it’s Super Bowl weekend, and while the industry fights the snow in Cincy, I’ll read through and perform final edits on my 1%er book for Motorbooks, and ponder Mudflap girl FXR modifications, for the ride to Mexico during the El Diablo run. Let’s hit the news:
SPECTRO OILS NEW Z-CLEAN CHAIN LUBE, engineered with a unique zinc formulation for superior chain lubrication– Brookfield, CT (01/31/2011) Spectro Oils proudly presents Z-Clean Chain Lube, a dramatically effective new chain lube that does more of what you want done, and less of what you don’t.
Spectro Z-Clean Chain Lube’s special zinc formulation provides unsurpassed anti-wear protection, resulting in longer chain and sprocket life.
Yet, the zinc formulation of Z-Clean does not attract dirt, sand or grit, and so will not fling off when used as directed. Suitable for O-ring and roller type chains, both for on-road and off-road use, Z-Clean is the next generation in chain lubrication.
For more information on Spectro Oils, please visit: www.spectro-oils.com
WORLD ECONOMY GOOD NEWS–In the near future there will be 500 million new middleclass citizens around the world. They will all become our customers, if we develop friendly economic relations, and easy shipping choices.
CIAACE, one of the oldest platforms in China’s auto aftermarket industry, as well as the largest expo for auto electronics, accessories, tuning care products in Asia, drew 2,089 exhibitors and 126,842 visitors in 2010.
As an expo that has been regarded as the can’t-miss event for domestic business in the auto aftermarket, CIAACE is climbing the global trade show ranking today.
CIAACE 2011 will take place on February 25-27, 2011 at the China International Exhibition Center (New Venue), the newly finished exhibition center with state-of-the-art equipments.
What shall we expect from CIAACE 2011? Over 3,000 exhibitors, more than 100,000 buyers, world-class venue, and most importantly, it will be more internationalized.
Free hotel accommodation for overseas buyers:Overseas buyers who pre-register are eligible for two nights free hotel accommodation, register now at www.ciaacEXPO.com
Admission:
Free-of-charge
Open to trade visitors only, persons under 18 will not be admitted to pre-register for an admission
China International Exhibition Center (New Venue)
88 Yuxiang Rd., Tianzhu Zone, Shunyi
Dist., Beijing 101318, China Enquiry:
YASN International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Ruby Yang
Tel: +86-10-5797-0838
Fax: +86-10-5797-0999
Email:Ruby.yang@yasn.com.cn
Website: www.ciaacEXPO.com
LADIES YEARLY EXAM–I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. The nurse started with certain basics.
“How much do you weigh?” she asked.
“135,” I said.
The nurse put me on the scale.
It turns out my weight is 180.
The nurse asked, “Your height?”
“5 foot 4,” I said.
The nurse checked and saw that I only measure 5′ 2″
She then took my blood pressure and told me that it is very high.
“Of course it’s high!” I screamed, ‘When I came in here I was tall and slender! Now I’m short and fat!”
She put me on Prozac.
What a bitch.
THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REPORT–Aloha Bandit, just wanted to drop you a “What’s Up” from Shop. Also let you know we got the latest project to the paint shop, and will be updating you with some final assembly photos.
Mahalo nui loa,
TO CINCY OR CHICAGO, ANOTHER SHOW ON THE SAME WEEKEND–This Saturday, Feb. 5th, 2011, is the date for the World’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet. The Chicago motorcycle show and parts expo celebrates it’s 27th year at McCormick Place, Chicago, with over 150,000 square feet of custom motorcycles, new parts, used parts, vintage parts, hard to find parts, accessories, chrome, steel, leather, and everything in between.
The bike show this year is sponsored by Cycle Source Magazine. JP Persitza, Colleen Swartz, Dave Cook , Warren (JR) Heir and Timothy Remus comprise the judging staff and we have made custom Cycle Source trophies for the winners.
There will be a leather and laced fashion show, model contest, tattoo contest, celebrity appearances, food, beer, live music, and more.
Come down and see us if you are in the Chicago area! You can find more information at: www.chicagomotorcycleswap.com
–Lisa M. Ballard
603-377-0517
INSIDER PUBLISHING NEWS–Barnes and Noble has eliminated the Transportation section, Borders is headed for chapter 7 or 11, it’s getting harder and harder to get a MC book on the shelf.
–TR
PABLO’S NEW RIDE– I went back to driving a truck again. Waiting for a load in Atlanta. Good thing, as the weather in the Midwest is really bad. Here are 3 flicks of the Pro Star & 2 of the Lone Star. The Lone Star flick’s are the Harley Edition style. Right now I’m driving the Lone Star.
Oops, I mispoke before, I drive a Pro Star. They are International/Navistar trucks. Kenworths and the Pete’s are still there and are very good trucks. I really like the Kenworth’s.
VERONA SHOW PULLS RECORD CROWDS– Enthusiasm for motorcycling in general, the custom market in particular, is in robust shape going into the new year in Europe, if attendance at this year’s Motor Bike Expo is anything to go by.
Attendance this year is said to have been some 20 percent up on 2010, at over 120,000 visitors, reflecting the upward trend at motorcycle shows seen in Italy a couple of months earlier when the ‘Milan’ Show in November also saw its best crowds in a decade.
In particular, the custom market in Italy has grown very quickly through the past five or seven years. Italian custom bike builders such as Luciano Andreoli, Marco Cinquini, Gigi Esposito, Aldo Querio Gianetto, Gerardo Chillico, Sam Reali, Marco Scaccabarozzi and others displayed bikes in recent years.
The Italian market is also proving to be home to a number of exciting volume production projects, such as Headbanger Motorcycles and Roberto Crepaldi’s CR&S programs in Milan, and the parts, accessory and performance engineering sector is also booming. Whereas once the stylish output of OMP was the single best known such manufacturer in Italy, the market now also boasts businesses such as Kustom Tech, Rebuffini, Gray Indian’s, MCJ, Free Spirits, Double Fire and Asso Special Bike.
In the AMD Official World Championship affiliate event awards, which were centered on the LowRide Magazine custom show this year, the ‘Sturgis’ prize for the best International Custom went to Kenji Nagai of Ken’s Factory/Cycle Craft for his Harley-engined 1978 Shovelhead rigid called ‘Unchangeable’.
The ‘Sturgis’ prize for the best Italian built custom bike went to Marco Cinquini’s Garage65 for the second year running with their ‘Kcosmodrive’ follow-up, the remarkable ‘Stargate’ – a high-tech, hand-crafted lowrider that everyone will be seeing much more of in the months ahead.
Both winners receive a 5.000,00 euro expenses contribution towards going forward to compete at this year’s 8th annual Official World Championship courtesy of Motor Bike Expo organizers Francesco Agnoletto and Paola Somma.
BIKERNET’S SECURITY FORCE MEMO–Special Agent Zebra traces his family tree.
BAKER DRIVETRAIN HAS BEEN BUSY MAKING OLD BRAND NEW! — BAKER Drivetrain has had their hands full since the last V-Twin Dealer Show. BAKER is débuting several new projects this year starting with the TTP otherwise known as the “Tin Type Primary” available in starter or kick only applications.
Starter version is setup for factory 1.4kw 1990-2006 starters. Compatible with traditional tin derby and inspection covers or BAKER TTP Covers (sold separately). The TTP utilizes the 1955-64 non-compensator style motor sprockets in order to keep that tight/sleek appearance. Primary drive configurations are -24 tooth motor sprocket, 37 tooth clutch sprocket, and stock 82 pitch primary chain, for a 1.54 primary reduction. 24 tooth motor sprocket is maximum size that fits within the TTP envelope. -22 tooth motor sprocket, 35 tooth clutch sprocket, and 80 pitch primary chain (available through BAKER) for a 1.59 primary reduction. -23 tooth motor sprocket, 38 tooth clutch sprocket, and stock 82 pitch primary chain for a 1.65 reduction. Available bead blasted raw or fully show polished.
The BAKER Shovelhead Splined Clutch 1970-E84 is based off of their 9-plate clutch used on 1990-up applications and fits in the stock primary housing and TTP. BAKER offers 8620 gear steel 35, 36, 37, and 38 tooth clutch sprockets with their clutches, to dial in your overall gear ratio. The new splined clutch comes with or without 66T starter ring gear. ‘
strong holding power when you put the throttle down.
Now if your thinking my shovelhead has a tapered shaft, BAKER offers the splined Shovel clutch kit. You know the sad story. The torque on the clutch nut backs off a hair and the key on the transmission mainshaft shears off. This usually happens at the most inconvenient time and place. And the probability of this sad story playing out is greater with performance applications. The kit Retrofits and upgrades the stock tapered mainshaft and clutch to a modern 18 tooth spline configuration. Kit includes a fully assembled clutch and splined 4-speed mainshaft to retrofit stock 1970-E84 Big Twins has an 18 tooth mainshaft to install into your stock 4 Speed.
The Jockey Top Cover is a new product to complete the puzzle BAKER started last year with the release of their 4 Speed for 1936-E84 models. The BAKER Jockey Top like the Ratchet Top comes with a snot-slick linear ball bearing detent for that smooth positive shift quality you would expect.
And last on the list is BAKER?s new Stash Tube made out of aircraft grade 6061-T6 billet aluminum with a screw on top and a .200” thick O-Ring make for a water-tight seal. Internal diameter is 2.5” by 4” deep giving you plenty of room to conceal your items. Stash tubes come in raw or cat black finish with highlighted fins and fit all Knuckle, Pan and Shovelhead generator right side / alternator left side style motors.
Call BAKER Drivetrain for any questions on fitment or pricing. 1-877-640-2004
LUNCH NOTES TAKEN–I had lunch with Bandit yesterday and he happened to have the editor of the number one biker magazine in Australia, Heavy Duty, staying with him for a few days. It was an impromptu lunch…I had never met this man. Come to find out, he published a very positive review of ABTB, coming in their next issue and he loves the book.
He is also doing a sidebar for me in the new MBI book about the motorcycle culture climate in Austraila. Spike, the president of the Hessians, is in Hawaii right now at the NCOM meeting. He has nominated ABTB for the COC/NCOM media award. It’s all good.
–Bill “Press” Hayes
National Press & Publicity Officer
Boozefighters MC
The new book, American Biker, AVAILABLE NOW at www.americanbikerthebook.com
www.BIKERTRUTH.com
MICHIGAN MAY REPEAL THEIR HELMET LAW–Below is the proposed New Michigan Helmet Bill (allowing freedom of choice in the State of Michigan).
Michigan Riders – please contact your State Representative (& Senators) at the following link encouraging their support of Bill HB 4808 …… http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(hlazjbvsfo05xp55lya50b55))/mileg.aspx?page=home
Non-Michigan Riders – please send your letters to the Governor at the following link encouraging his support of Bill HB 4808……http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,1607,7-277-57827-249747–,00.html
Please forward to your own Biker Distribution Lists – it’s not too early to be heard on this issue.
Chris Loeher
Product Program Analyst – Ford/Harley-Davidson Alliance
cloeher@ford.com
(313) 805-3777
Look twice – save a life – motorcycles are everywhere!!!
Note: The $20,000 is the minimum liability coverage that is already required to operate a motorcycle to be eligible for 1st party no-fault benefits in the case of an accident.
HOUSE BILL No. 4008
January 13, 2011, Introduced by Rep. LeBlanc and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 658 (MCL 257.658), as amended by 2002 PA 494.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 658. (1) A person propelling a bicycle or operating a
motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.
(2) A bicycle or motorcycle shall not be used to carry more persons at 1 time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
(3) A moped or an electric personal assistive mobility device shall not be used to carry more than 1 person at a time.
(4) A person operating or riding on a motorcycle, and any person less than 19 years of age operating a moped on a public thoroughfare shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head.
(5) A person operating or riding in an autocycle shall wear seat belts when on a public highway in this state.
ARIZONA GRASSROOTS BUSINESS BOOSTER WITH VALERIE THOMPSON 5-BALL RACING RIDER, AND SUCKER PUNCH SALLY’S, GETS OFF TO A ROARING START — Small businesses unite on a fun statewide treasure hunt in response to ailing economy. Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 27, 2011 — With budgets tighter than ever small business operators must find creative and low-cost ways to promote their name in the community and attract potential customers. A unique collaborative effort launches next week that will have independently-owned merchants across Arizona reaping the benefits of a modern twist on good, old-fashioned grassroots marketing.
“The Bad Economy Buster Bling Bike Hunt” is the brainchild of four Arizona business owners to help increase customer foot traffic into fellow merchants across the state. For nine weeks the public will gather clues from participating businesses leading them to a custom chopper worth $35,000 + by world-renowned motorcycle manufacturer Sucker Punch Sally’s of Scottsdale, AZ.
Service-oriented businesses, retailers and ‘mom and pop’ shops from Tucson, Phoenix, Cottonwood, and northern Arizona have signed on to participate appreciating the benefit of an “out of the box” and fun marketing concept in today’s challenging economic climate.
Compelled to put a spark into the state economy and help fellow business owners, Biker Babes and Beyond (https://www.bikerbabesandbeyond.com), a retail clothing store in Cottonwood, Bikers Defense (www.bikersdefense.com), an Anthem-based supplement line for motorcyclists, Sucker Punch Sally’s (www.suckerpunchsallys.com), and 2X World Land Speed Record Holder Valerie Thompson of Valerie Thompson Racing (www.valeriethompsonracing.com) teamed up and devised the multi-faceted initiative that will cause consumers to visit merchants multiple times to have the chance of finding the bike. The last few years have left many stores feeling the pinch of more conservative consumer spending. Any small business owner knows that foot traffic into a shop or office can only increase consumer awareness of its offerings, and, the possibility of new customers.
After a person obtains their clue from a participating merchant, in the form of a web access ID, they must visit bikerhunt.com to view a video leading them to the whereabouts of the chopper’s keys. It is only after retrieving all nine clues, which will be available weekly, that contestants will have a chance of figuring out the secret location of the keys in Arizona.
ASPHALT GODS WERE PUBLISHED– I recently put out a book of vintage photos
showing the Heathens of Venice from ’73-’87. It’s the kind of thing your readers would be into. It’s 78 pages, full color, signed and numbered, limited to 1000 copies.
My site is www.asphaltgods.net. That’s where I sell most of my books from.
–Gabe Griffin
714-514-9809
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS DEAL OF THE WEEK–Here is the deal of the week! Something a little different this week, a 1996 1200 Sportster Cafe Racer, looks very nice and looks like it would be fun! A great price and a lot of extras.
Check out BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, over 500 bikes listed and 2.7 million viewers daily! OLD BIKES, NEW BIKES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, THE PLACE TO BUY AND SELL!
–MIKE the STEALTH
mikethestealth@hotmail.com
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/category/1718/XL_883_Sportster/post/2113419/1996-Evo-Sportster-Cafe-Racer.html
1996 Evo Sportster Cafe Racer
Ad #2113419 Posted:2011-01-28 18:41:13
This ad expires in 49 days.
$4,000.00
Selling my 1996 Evo Sportster cafe racer, 1200 screaming eagle kit, custom 2 into 1 exhaust, one off aluminum rear sets, clip on handlebars, fork gators, quarter fairing, 7 inch headlight, 18 inch rear powdercoated rim, 19 inch front, new tires, braided brake lines, tach/speedo, custom cafe race tail with glove box, 3.2 gallon tank, twin LED tail lights, and mini turn signals. Around 8000 miles on bike. Really, really nice custom for a giveaway price.
Only needs seat upholstered, paint, and a couple wiring items. Can finish for the right price. $4000 firm.
HANG ON FOR THIS GUN NUT REPORT–Vermont State Rep.Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as Vermont ‘s own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere.
Maslack recently proposed a bill to register “non-gun-owners” and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state.Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun..
Maslack read the “militia” phrase of the Second Amendment as not only the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so. He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a “monopoly of force” by the government as well as criminals. Vermont’s constitution states explicitly that “the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State” and those persons who are “conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms” shall be required to “pay such equivalent..”
Clearly, says Maslack,Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves, so that they are capable of responding to “any situation that may arise.” Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number, and driver’s license number with the state. “There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is not prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so,” Maslack says.
Vermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state… it’s currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This combination of plenty of guns and few laws regulating them has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation.
–Dave
QUICK THROTTLE ART REPORT ON BANGKOK BIKE SHOW–After e-m yesterday went back to the room to get stuff for the big press conference. First time the bike show got official city televised preview coverage.
That was about 630 and was over by about 8pm. Free beer !–QuickThrottle Art
BIG BEAR CHOPPERS OPENS NEW COMPANY STORE ON ORTEGA HIGHWAY– Official Factory store off Ortega Hwy 74 just opened up this week. It is an excellent location between Idyllwild and Hell’s Kitchen.
We are still in Big Bear, all of our dealers in the Temecula area have closed and this was an excellent opportunity to make us more accessible to customers all over Southern
California. The response has been incredible.
The new store is 4 miles east of the 15 fwy off Hwy 74 in Perris.
–Mona
Mona Alsop
Vice President,Big Bear Choppers
41922 Fox Farm Road
Big Bear Lake, Calif.
92315
Phone (909)878-4340 ext 103
Fax (909)878-4341
Email Mona@Bigbearchoppers.com
www.Bigbearchoppers.com
UNCLE MONKEY REMINDS US ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY–It’s that time of year again. Time to take our annual bath, put on those nice clothes she keeps buying us that we never wear and take the old lady out for supper. Yes, love is in the air as Valentine’s Day rolls around once again. The Ol’ Lady, the Ball ‘n’ Chain, the Little Misses.
It is that time of year when we clean up and put on a show to woo her off her feet. Chocolates, flowers and maybe some sexy lingerie for you to tear off of her later. Most of us guys realise that without her we would be nowhere. (Probably having fun there but still nowhere). They put up with us year in and year out. Watching our backs, cooling us off when we need it, revving us up when we should be quietly drinking a beer somewhere.
I admit it; I’m a romantic bastard. I love my wife. I don’t need a special day on the calendar to remind me how lucky I am to have her. She is my soul mate. Not just February 14 but everyday 24/7/365. I buy her flowers all the time. Yes, you know those $49 dozen roses. You can buy those any time, sometimes for less then $10 for two dozen. I’m a hit at the grocery store. I walk up chest out, arm full of flowers. The cashier gives me a little wink, and asks what the special occasion is. I tell her it’s a Thursday and her knees buckle, the women in line swoon and hit their men for not doing that for them.
It is my little secret that I’m willing to share with all you guys out there. Don’t take your better half for granted. Not just on the 14th but whenever you are out running errands – picking up a quart of milk, buying yourself a couple of coffee or even when you are at the pharmacy picking up a prescription. Pick up a bouquet of flowers, maybe a box of chocolates, maybe just a cup of coffee. It will go a long way. She just might forgive you for leaving your underwear in the middle of the living room floor or the thousands of dollars of bike parts the UPS guy brings. In the end a little lovin’ last all year long.
-bad Uncle Monkey
BIKERNET BLACK MARKET SHOP BOOK DEAL OF THE WEEK–Special Price for Orwell. You think the world has gone nuts with over-regulation, then you need to read Sam “Chopper” Orwell. This book was written by K. Randall Ball in 1999 and it’s all coming true.
There are still a few copies left from the first print run and we will make the old man sign each copy ordered.
Don’t miss this opportunity to read a story about our future, if we don’t continue to fight for motorcycle freedoms. This book is guaranteed to make you want to join your local motorcycle rights organization. It’s all about the freedom to ride.
By K. Randall Ball
Buy Orwell this week for only $12.95 – and get a Bikernet bandana free with your order.
–Timothy Remus
Wolfgang Publications
BIKERNET WEB MASTER REPORTS ON BIKERNET NUMBERS–my reports show you’re gaining ground on Cyril. Take a look at these:
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/cyrilhuzeblog.com
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/bikernet.com
You’re about 90,000 behind him on the international count and 16,000 behind on the US traffic ranking. That’s very close considering the number of sites counted here, over 20 million.
–Joe Jorgenson, Vice President, Operations – Robin Technologies, Inc.
joe@robintek.com | www.robintek.com
BIKER’S CHOICE HEADED TO EASYRIDERS SHOW–The 11th Annual Easyrider’s V-Twin Show is happening this weekend and Biker’s Choice will be there!
We will be set up at Booth 601, so come on by and say hello. Talk to our knowledgeable Representatives and check out our new products. Also pick up our 2011 Catalog on CD. We are looking forward to meeting new friends, and visiting with old friends!!
–The Biker’s Choice Crew
Don’t forget to mention Bikernet.–Bandit
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER TRIES TO SEE THE FORREST FOR THE TREES–Healthy Vision a Priority? The leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 60 – affecting more than 13 million Americans – is macular degeneration (MD). The health of the macula (an oval spot in the center of the retina that’s essential for central vision) depends on a very rich blood supply, and anything that interferes with circulation can cause damage to the macula and decrease its ability to function. Unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices can reduce the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to the eye, eventually leading to the death of cells in the retina and macula. To help prevent macular degeneration and other vision problems, consider the following:
1. Stop smoking. The nicotine in tobacco smoke can decrease blood supply by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels and a thickening of the blood. You should also avoid secondhand smoke.
SMOKEOUT 2011 SPECIAL BURT MUNRO ART RAFFLE– “This allows anyone to make a $5 (five dollar) donation to the cause of casting a life size bronze statue of Burt Munro in Invercargill, NZ. Each donation will also enter you into the drawing to win a desk top size casting of the statue.
The drawing will take place at Smoke Out 12 and you need not be present to win.”
–Edge
www.SmokeOutRally.com
HOW A TRUE BUDDHIST LIVES– Advice from the Venerable Monk Phra Brahmagunabhorn(P.A.Payutto
1. To Develope toward human excellence: with self-training through education, one can achieve even the Buddhahood.
2. To look up to Buddha and try to follow his examples of how to cultivate wisdom, purity, and loving kindness.
3. To abide by Dharma or truth, integrity and virtue in one’s actions.
4. To build a society starting from one’s own family as a sangha with a sense of unity that nurtures collective creativity.
5 To strive for success by doing good deeds with diligence and heedfulness.
On the road to ISOTUT
Th – Th – Th – Thats aallll folks…………………..
SUCKER PUNCH STILL ALIVE AND HANGING IN THERE–We’re doing our best and would guess in the next three months we’ll be back to good. I thought I’d seen it all, but now I can really say I’ve seen it all. An auction? That one is new to me. We still go to work everyday and the phone never stops ringing. God Bless It, so the interest is still greatly there, but instead of “I’ll take it!”, it’s “Ok, I’ll save up, and then take it” so the money comes in much slower, but we’re hopeful for this season. We’ve had 11 dealers this month apply and two of our dealers are having three-day Suckerpunch Events in May, so that’s encouraging.
–Christian Slaytor
EXCLUSIVE REPORT FROM WHEELER RACING–top secret 200 mph project….summer 2011…hard tail on isolators….. 72″ wheel base w/busa suspension, rake and trail… (tuck the front end in and extend the tail section), solo seat w/4″ back on bates short springs. Motor and trans are mounted on a common bed that rests on isolators. 2″ drop seat w/mid controls, carbon fiber fenders, dyna fuel injection fuel tank….Rivera pro clutch w/lock up unit………ride it in bare metal pre-bonneville then disassemble and detail for the street..
Ya gotta keep dreamin …….
–Ray
President Wheeler Racing
VP Bandit’s Cantina Club
EXCLUSIVE SON OF ANARCHY REPORT– Doc Robinson, Technical Editor from Heavy Duty magazine in Australia flew in a few days ago on his way to the V-Twin Expo in Cinci. The television series Sons Of Anarchy is just beginning its third season down there and Doc’s been busy running all over LA chasing down cast members for photos and interviews. I swear to God, if he’d been born female he’d have been a groupie!
He’s been visiting some shops tied in with the show, shot a cool bike built for cast member Theo Rossi (Juice), and built by Jose of Villain Custom Cycles in Pasadena. And he also interviewed fellow Aussie, and cast member Andy McPhee, who plays Keith McGee (or McGee as he is called), the President of the SOA MC Chapter known as the Sons of Anarchy Belfast, Northern Ireland chapter (SAMBEL). He is one of the First 9, which, if you follow the series, you’ll know what that means.
Doc peeled north to Ventura the other day and was given a shop tour by Mike Taylor, head honcho at Barnett Clutch & Cable and came away pretty damn impressed. Doc’s been a fan of Barnett’s Scorpion clutches for a long time and runs them on his bikes, both his street bikes (currently a custom Softail-style bike running a ProCharger supercharger) and on the drag bikes he runs from time to time.
But visiting shops, interviewing industry leaders and playing groupie to television stars is not enough for him by a long shot. No. After offering him hospitality here at Bikernet HQ, the bastard stays up late, doesn’t make his damn bed in the mornings, and constantly pesters the girls in the Cantina. Worst of all, he has found my private whiskey stash and is demolishing it at a rate of knots, Goddammit! The sooner he flies out to Cinci, the sooner I can stop playing bodyguard to the girls and get back to work on my projects.
–Bandit
BIKERNET INSURANCE DEPARTMENT’S WEEKLY ECONOMIC RESEARCH–The best and worst states for entrepreneurs.
As any entrepreneur will tell ya, location matters when you are trying to kick-start a new business. Starting a business is hard enough by itself so knowing where to locate is a key part of your start-up plan. 
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE) released its annual Small Business Survival Index in December 2010. This index ranks states by their public policy climates, measuring the COSTS and BURDENS of state government on small business. The report also looked at policy areas that enable competitiveness and growth. 
Here are the basic summary findings from this new SBE data. You can get additional details by going to www.sbecouncil.org
The best states have instituted “Welcome To Our State” programs if you want to relocate your business there. Offers include start-up grants, significant tax credits and even temporary tax reductions. Some states, like South Dakota (Home of Sturgis Mecca), boast no taxes on personal income, individual capital gains, corporate income, capital gains or estate transfers. The state also has the lowest crime rate, a low level of government spending and low number of health insurance mandates. Plus, it hosts the biggest and best biker party in the world every August. 
The worst states tend to be TAXATION hogs. District of Columbia (DC!) for example, has the second highest corporate tax rates, behind Pennsylvania, high personal income and capital gains tax rates for both personal and corporate income. Property taxes in the worst states tend to be through the roof. California has high personal and corporate income taxes as well as high taxes on individual and corporate capital gains. And, the list goes on with California. Bottom-line, the worst states are just simply unfriendly to small business. 
Here are the top 5 best and worst states for small business according to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.
The Best States: Generally have low labor costs and favorable tax treatments.
1. South Dakota
2. Nevada
3. Texas
4. Wyoming
5. Washington
The Worst States: Generally have high labor costs and unfavorable tax policies.
1. District of Columbia
2. New Jersey
3. New York
4. California
5. Vermont
All the best to you entrepreneurs out there trying to make this a better world. Bikernet Insurance agents know your state. We know your business climate and always take this into consideration when working on your behalf with insurance quotes.
Ride Safe Out There. We Care About You.
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BIKERNET TECH ARTICLE UPDATE– The Baker Reverse Tech Article is done and I will send it my snail mail Thursday before I leave for Cincy. There is just too many photos to e-mail.
The reverse works great and did get the D&D exhaust to work with some minor modifications. I have been in touch with Aaron Whitney at D&D and James Simonelli at BAKER with details
–Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
HOLY SHIT–I mistakenly thought this week would be sorta mellow. One of the women is goofing off in Australia, but then Doc flew in from the island in the Pacific with the strange light switches. It’s been a scramble ever since, with the Grand National Roadster Show, we are looking at bikes to feature.
My son and I are still working on a paint scheme for the Mudflap girl FXRs. We’re working on techs. My special JIMS 6-speed, Screamin’ Eagle Transmission arrived yesterday, and I’m still looking for an Evo engine.
We’ve got features flying at us and even another girl of Bikernet, so hang on, goddamnit. We’re not messing around.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
