Hey,
What the hell? The Sturgis pressure is bubbling to the surface, immediately followed by Bonneville deadlines. Hamsters are riding choppers from all corners of the country to the Badlands, and so are the Hells Angels and loners. I hit Jeremiah up to ride with us to Mammoth tomorrow, and he wimped out.
It’s fascinating how everything takes on a vibe. Sturgis is mired in controversy this year, between the Easyriders Saloon, lawsuits, fights for more Sturgis power, the AMD show leaving, it’s taking on a strange vibe. We will receive Badlands reports daily.
I told Patty, the Hamster secretary, I’m going to hide out in the hills of California, and wait for the dust to settle.
Let’s get right to it, since I need to get back to my bike tuning, Bonneville building, and fighting with Sin Wu over money we don’t have.
TWIN POWER X STOP SINTERED BRAKE PADS FROM BIKER’S CHOICE–Born from years of research and brake Dyno testing, the Twin Power X Stop sintered brake pads benefit from the latest in design and manufacturing technologies. They’re crafted from a select blend of metallic and compound materials fused together resulting in greater heat resistance, longer pad life and increased performance over organic pads.
Engineered for heavy-duty use, sintered pads are standard on most O.E.M machines; the Twin Power X Stop pads offer powerful stopping force and an excellent feel for the most demanding of riders.
For more information, visit www.bikerschoice.com or visit your local dealer.
Happy Riding!
–Carmen
HELP A BROTHER OUT, QUICK–Hey, one of my brothers just opened Heavy Heads Cycles in Little Rock. He was making progress (you know how hard a business this is to survive) when some asshole broke in, stole his trailer, loaded his bike, two customer rides and his tools, then snatched it all.
Please post this photo of his 1991 FXR and ask your readers to look out for it. Thanks!
–Drew Gatewood
If you run across any info, drop a line to Bandit@bikernet.com
CHIP SUPPORTS THE MILITARY–The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, a longtime supporter of the military is pleased to welcome the Warrior Foundation to the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The Warrior Foundation was founded to assist, honor and support military men and women who have bravely served and sacrificed for our country. The Warrior Foundation display will include the “Warrior Chopper” bike build that is being built by 5 Marines that were wounded in action.
The public is invited to the Buffalo Chip Military Tribute Day on Thursday August 9, 2012 to visit the Warrior Foundation display, meet the brave Marines that are building the amazing custom bike and learn more about the Warrior foundation. See more details and information at www.BuffaloChip.com
–Chris McGee
The Warrior Foundation “Warrior Chopper” Build at The Buffalo Chip–
Sturgis Buffalo Chip, South Dakota (July 23, 2012) The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, a longtime supporter of the military is pleased to welcome the Warrior Foundation to the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Warrior Foundation was founded to assist, honor and support military men and women who have bravely served and sacrificed for our country. The Warrior Foundation display will include the “Warrior Chopper” bike build that is being built by 5 Marines that were wounded in action. The public is invited to the Buffalo Chip Military Tribute Day on Thursday August 9, 2012 to visit the Warrior Foundation display, meet the brave Marines that are building the amazing custom bike and learn more about the Warrior foundation. See more details and information at www.BuffaloChip.com
Make your reservations for campground admission passes and get the bonus of some of the biggest names in music including Eric Church, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Journey, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sublime with Rome, Sugarland, BOSTON, Candlebox, Buckcherry, Saving Abel, Loverboy, Shinedown, Aaron Lewis, Adelitas Way and many more now at BuffaloChip.com or call 605-347-9000.
CRAZY JOHN’S MUSEUM RUN– I think the most surreal experience a person can have far beyond the limitations of an LSD trip is to hop on a commercial jetliner and find themselves a long way from home in just a very short period of time.
Last Thursday at 4:00 a.m. I jumped into my trusty old black GMC and headed out to LAX. By 6:30 a.m. I was aboard a plane headed to JFK International airport in New York City and fast asleep. When I awoke as the plane landed at JFK the front of my shirt was soaked with drool, and judging by the sour faces on the passengers surrounding me I had probably snored real loud for the entire flight.
I was on assignment for Street Rodder, American Truck, and Classic Trucks to cover the Syracuse Nationals at the New York State fairgrounds in Syracuse. From JFK I jumped into a rented car and drove another 275 miles to Syracuse. I crossed the George Washington bridge and I was in New Jersey, before I knew it I was seeing signs for Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, PA. It was supposed to be a six-hour drive, but somehow it took me nine-hours.
At the New York State fairgrounds I ran into the Street Rodder Road Tour tent, and got to spend a little time listening to Dave Perewitz, and Jerry Dixie tell some really interesting road trip stories. From there I wandered out into the crowd, and was greeted by Marc Michaels inviting me to visit the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York, he’s the museum’s Executive Director. It was sort of on the way back to JFK, so on Monday morning I jumped off I-81, and headed down Highway 23. What an incredible motorcycle ride that would have been. If anyone reading this ever finds themselves even remotely close to Norwich, I highly recommend stopping by the Northeast Classic Car Museum.
There’s around 175 vehicles displayed with a major collection of Franklin cars. Franklin cars were built in Syracuse, New York from 1902 until 1934. Right from the very start Franklins featured an air-cooled engine. One of my photos shown here is of a giant air-cooled V-12 in a 1932 Franklin. The green Franklin belonged to Charles Lindberg, a big fan of Franklin automobiles… uh, sorry for the bad pun.
After the demise of Franklin cars brought on by the Great Depression former Franklin employees banded together to produce Franklin aircraft engines in Liverpool NY. The Northeast Classic Car Museum also has a great collection of Franklin aircraft engines. If you do make it to the Northeast Classic Car Museum be sure to sure eat afterwards at Mary’s on the Corner. Marc can give you directions how to get there, the food was great!
Great place to stop, just off the 15 freeway, and the food is fantastic. A Biker friendly bar for over two decades.
Randy and his pals will feed us lunch on the Salt this year at Bub’s Bonneville Speed Trials August 25-30th.
4242 South State Street Murray, UT 84107
(801) 265-9889
The HORSE Backstreet Choppers with Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon, announce The Horse Backstreet Choppers 2012 FREE Sturgis Bike Show– Today The Horse Backstreet Choppers announced its partnership with Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon to deliver The Horse Backstreet Choppers, 6th Annual FREE Sturgis Bike Show.
Open FREE registration will be on Monday, August 6th, 2012 between 9 AM and 12:00 PM. To pre-register contact Kari at (313) 737-8888 or thehorseads@aol.com. All registrants will receive a FREE bike event Horse t-shirt and a bottle of Hog Snot Lubricant’s cleaner AND are eligible to win their share of over $15,000 in prizes (drawn by raffle ticket).
Judging will begin at 1:00 PM on Monday, August 6th, 2012. The 2012 panel of guest judges will include:
· Roadside Marty of Flat Broke Customs,
· Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries,
· Patrick Patterson of LED Sled,
· Jesse Dupree of Jackyl,
· Matt Olsen- Carl Olsen’s son,
· Kevin “Teach” Baas- Baas Metal Craft
· Brewdude of Brew Racing Frames
· Ron Harris of Chop Docs Choppers
· Chuck Palumbo of CP Kustoms
Special guest judges include:
· Michael Ballard of The Full Throttle Saloon,
· Jesse James Dupree of Jakyl and
· Angie of the World Famous Angieland.
“We are excited to be back at The Full Throttle,” said Steve Broyles, who heads up each year’s show. “Last year’s show was a great success so we expect even more great bikes to show up this year and to have an even better show than last year. We have made some changes this year, awards will be done earlier and we have even more prizes and swag to give away.”
MORE ABOUT THE 2012 FREE STURGIS BIKE SHOW – PRESENTED BY MICHAEL BALLARD’S FULL THROTTLE SALOON AND THE HORSE BACKSTREET CHOPPERS:
Registration is FREE and is from 9am until noon. Competing bikes will be on display at The Full Throttle Saloon from noon until 4 p.m.
Those who enter bikes in the show will have a chance to win over $15,000 in door prizes from various companies including Custom Chrome/Jammer, Factory Metal Works, Stevenson’s Cycle, Fabricator Kevin, Anvil Customs, Boomer’s Bike Shop, Biltwell, Cycle X, Affliction, Papa Clutch Customs, Chop Docs Choppers, Low Brow Customs, Baker Drivetrain, Spectro Oil, Brew Racing Frames, Chewy’s Powder Coating, The Detroit Brothers, Deville Cycles, Evil Engineering, Hog Snot Lubricants, Led Sled, Liquid Icon, Bare Bones Leather, Roland Sands Design, Slingin Ink, Sully’s Customs, The Dirty Old Biker and many more. A bike must be entered to win door prizes. Door prizes are distributed by raffle ticket drawing.
FEATURED SPONSORS
· Full Throttle Saloon with,
· CCI/Jammer Cycle Products
· Evil Engineering, LLC,
· Stevenson’s Cycles,
· The Factory Metal Works
· Cycle X,
· Fabricator Kevin and many other great companies.
The Horse Backstreet Choppers is a publication of Charlie Horse LTD, contact information is located at www.thehorsebc.com
THE BIKERNET AAMCO TRANSMISSION INVESTIGATION—We are having a rough experience with AAMCO. They refuse to give bids or estimates, but want your vehicle and a deposit. Once they have it, they tear it down immediately and you’re stuck with whatever price they throw at you. Is that legal?
Let us know if you have had a run-in with AAMCO. We recommend you steer clear of AAMCO, if you have a transmission problem.
BIKERNET MUSEUM HISTORIC FIND OF THE WEEK—Actually this is a contribution from Charles Plueddeman, who handles PR for Harley and other clients. He scored a vast library of Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated and other classics.
Here’s your first taste from 1957. This issue contains a road test of the first Edsel. Incredible. Thanks Charles! And hang on for next week.
–Wilburn Roach
OPEN INVITATION FOR WMDRA RACERS– Good afternoon… I would like to extend an open invitation for WMDRA racers to stop by Oahe Speedway on their way to Sturgis, for test and tune, competition, or just a place to hang out before continuing on to your AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals.
We are racing the weekend before your event:
Friday, August 3, 6:30pm until dusk — Test and Tune / Street Legal Saturday, August 4 — $700.00 to win Box or No Box Shootouts Sunday, August 5 — Coca Cola Points program Bike Class
We are South Dakota’s only NHRA sanctioned quarter mile drag strip, and normally run only quarter mile competition, but we certainly can run eighth mile test and tune, or a full class with enough interest.
We are located 14 miles north of Pierre, SD, just off SD Hwy 1804, and just a short drive off SD Hwy 34, the mother road to Sturgis.
Check out the web site…www.oahespeedway.com. Any question, please let me know.
–Marlin Roseland Director of Operations Oahe Speedway
605-223-9885-O 605-223-2798-C
BLACK IS STILL BEAUTIFUL CHECK IT OUT ON BIKERNET BAGGERS–Nick Cramer’s Double Blackout Bagger didn’t stay on the show room floor long. Nick built the bagger with the intention of riding it at this years annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally…….but a cash carrying customer wanted to own it bad….so out the door it went.
And yes……that is a 26-inch wheel up front, and a boat load of John Shope’s Sinister Industries composite body work components. Nick is starting a new project immediately, but I doubt he will get it finished in time for the party. Oh well…he can borrow his dad’s Bagger!
LA CALENDAR SHOW BIKES—from Peter Linney. We hope to feature a couple of these fine rides. I’m sure we will bring you more reports from Jim’s show last weekend, in the near future.
SSVs help Polaris to 24 percent Q2 sales growth–MEDINA, Minn. – SSVs have been the star this year as Polaris Industries Inc. tallied a record $755.4 million in second quarter sales, an increase of 24 percent over last year’s second quarter sales of $607.9 million, the company reported today.
“While the weak U.S. economy and likely recession in Europe are concerning, we continue to see strength in our core North American Powersports business,” said Polaris CEO Scott Wine. “Our investments in adjacent markets and international expansion are paying dividends, and we are excited to have Eicher Motors Limited as a joint venture partner to aggressively pursue growth in India. The strong second quarter results were driven by solid strategic execution combined with end-market demand that is healthier than a year ago.”
North American retail sales to consumers were up 17 percent during the quarter.
North American ORV dealer inventories were up a low double-digit percentage from the second quarter of 2011 to keep up with demand for SSVs.
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) sales increased 20 percent from the second quarter 2011 to $581.1 million on market share gains in ATVs and SSVs. Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales were up more than 15 percent from the second quarter last year, with consumer purchases of SSVs climbing more than 20 percent and ATV retail sales up nearly 10 percent. The company estimates the North American industry ORV retail sales increased by a low double digit percentage from the second quarter of 2011.
The weak international economy drove down sales of ORVs outside of North America by 8 percent compared to the second quarter 2011.
Sales in the On-Road Vehicles division, comprising mainly Victory motorcycles but also including Indian motorcycles and GEM and Goupil electric vehicles, increased 110 percent over the same period last year to $64.7 million.
North American industry heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle retail sales increased by low single digits compared to the prior year’s second quarter. Over the same period, Victory North American consumer unit retail sales increased more than 10 percent. North American Victory dealer inventory increased over 2011 levels to support the retail sales increases, market share gains and new product launches of the Victory Judge and Victory Hard-Ball.
Polaris sales of On-Road Vehicles to customers outside of North America, now including Goupil, increased more than 130 percent during the 2012 second quarter compared to same period last year. The 2011 acquisitions of Indian, GEM and Goupil contributed more than a third of On-Road Vehicles’ second quarter sales growth.
PG&A sales increased 15 percent compared to the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher ORV and Victory motorcycle-related PG&A sales.
The company credited a mix of higher-priced products shipped during the 2012 second quarter for snowmobile sales totaling $8.9 million, up from $6.8 million for the second quarter of 2011.
Foreign sales totaled $111.5 million for the 2012 second quarter, a 7 percent increase over the same period in 2011. Unfavorable currency fluctuations negatively impacted sales outside North America by 5 percent during the 2012 second quarter. The increase in the second quarter sales was driven by the additional sales from the Goupil acquisition as well as higher sales of Victory motorcycles and a 38 percent increase in Asia/Pacific region sales, offset by lower ORV sales, primarily in Europe, due to sluggish economic conditions and the weak currencies.
Income from financial services was up 49 percent to $8.2 million during second quarter 2012 compared to $5.5 million in the second quarter of 2011, attributed to increased profitability generated from retail credit portfolios with GE, Capital One and Sheffield and higher income from the dealer inventory financing through Polaris Acceptance.
“We are extremely pleased with our success during the second quarter, but we remain mindful of the uncertainty surrounding the overall economic environment in Europe and North America. As we continue investing in our future growth, such as the recently announced joint venture with Eicher, we are prepared to react quickly to sales velocity changes in our businesses,” Wine said. “Given the ongoing strength in our overall business as well as the anticipated success of several new model year 2013 vehicles to be unveiled next week at our dealer meeting, we are raising our expectations for sales and earnings for the full year 2012.”
Based on performance in the first half of 2012 and projections for the remainder of the year, the company increased its 2012 full year guidance to sales growth of 14 percent to 17 percent over 2011, with earnings in the range of $4.05 to $4.15 per share, up from $3.20 per share for 2011.
–Posted by Holly Wagner
published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
GRAB A HEALTHY SAMSON DISCOUNT WITH BIKERNET– Samson Exhaust recently introduced a new 15% off “discounted internet program” for all Bikernet.com members in order to help stimulate sales and to help during these hard economic times. Anyone ordering a set of Samson pipes direct from Samson and mentions Bikernet.com receives a 15% discount off the MSRP PLUS FREE SHIPPING!
Check out Samson Exhaust’s entire ‘12 product line at www.samsonusa.com or contact them directly at (888) 572-6766; Samson USA, 655 Tamarack Ave., Brea, CA 92821…email them at info@samsonusa.com.
• Don’t forget about Bikernet.com viewers special 15% DISCOUNT…order direct from Samson and mention Bikernet.com to qualify
HERE IS THE THURSDAY USED HARLEY BIKE DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS! A 2000 Wide Glide! Vance & Hines exhaust, Stage one kit, Cam up grade, Ape Hangers, 11k on the clock. A clean, tight bike for $8999!
QUICK, GO CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET USED MOTORCYCLES CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND!
–MIKE the STEALTH
JOHN SHOPE’S SINISTER INDUSTRIES FU103 CHIN SPOILER–Manufactured from the same bullet-proof, easy to paint composite materials that all Sinister body products are made of. This high style chin spoiler will add a touch of Class to any high-end Custom Bagger or Harley-Davidson FLH model Touring motorcycle that has had the neck raked.
This chin spoiler WILL NOT work with stock rake Baggers. The low restriction, coarse mesh screen allows high volume air flow through the upper opening to cool the front cylinder, while blocking harmful road debris and other junk.
The lower openings are designed to allow cool air to flow over the oil cooler and voltage regulator. Dealer inquiries are welcomed! See your local Sinister Industries dealer or contact John Shope’s Sinister Industries direct at:
www.sinisterindustries.com
shop: (623) 465-5263 fax (623) 742-7313
EAGLERIDER MAKES WISHES COME TRUE–EagleRiders 20th year anniversary party at their corporate headquarters was off the hook. People from all over the world were in attendance.
CEO Chris McIntyre was a gracious host. “Were not really the rental business he stated, we’re really into tourism”. For twenty years EagleRider has been making dreams of riding motorcycles around the world a reality. McIntyre now wants to help make wishes for children come true and donated a 10,000 dollar check to Make A Wish Foundation.
FULL STORY COMING SOON TO BIKERNET
Everyone involved in the Trike industry is glad to see the great Lehman products and name live on.
[page break]
ERIC HERRMANN PAINTS AT CHEYENNE CROSSING OUTSIDE STURGIS DURING THE RALLY—Look him up and tell him Bandit sent ya, for that very special discount.
http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/pages/july-victory-month.aspx?autoPlay=boardwalk&bustcache=yes&WT.mc_id=4AB02A63-60CF-E111-AAFE-0050569A00BC&WT.mc_ev=email&WT.mc_id=
TEASER VIDEO FROM VICTORY MOTORCYCLES—as they drive us nuts with their embargos, delays, teasers, and motorcycle torture. I’d like to tell you more but our entire staff is sworn to secrecy. Yet, they keep showing a select number of journalists, photos, info, and specs on the new Victory model, but we can’t share a whisper. What the hell.
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT– THE ADRENALINE CLOCK IS TICKING
Speed Week Bonneville, 15 days
BUB Speed Trials Bonneville, 31 days
Loring, Maine, 35 days
Today finds me in Morgan Hill, Ca. at the Beach Racing facility where we will bring the 124-inch Turbo-charged Raycer to life. Expected start up first week of August.
BIKERNET EXCLUSIVE
Yes, rode my 97-inch Dyna when I hit town Friday. The men at Hardtailz are final tuning the Dyna with a possible tour around the U S for show and tell. Remember the throttle body without a butterfly, the Munro Special runs like a street rocket with the top secret unit installed. The secrets will be revealed soon.
JULY WAS A BLUUUUUUUUR!
The month of July in a nutshell. Hauled ass Tuesday the 3rd, destination Salem, Oregon to assist R/T Performance Rick Tedder in building the 5-Ball Racing Team, Raycer. Wednesday the 18th, loaded and headed North to visit my family in Tacoma and register my new hot rod. Has luck would have it, in Washington you need a 30-day appointment to visit the local inspectors. Very politely ask the inspection officer, “Might wait under a shade tree in the parking lot, in the event of a cancelation?”
“Move out of the inspection station or we tow you and your motorcycle,” said the officer. Great group of men serving the public.
No sweat, haul ass back to Salem, Oregon for the afternoon. We tagged and titled the hot rod on my way back to San Jose/Morgan Hill, Ca. to Beach Racing to complete the build for street duty and Bonneville.
[photo 1239]
We have appointments with the top tuners in the area for start-up and a final tune for Bonneville. Race Tech will tune and align the suspension in Corona, Ca.. Yesterday afternoon the owner of Pegasus, Ray Whitehead offered his expertise and assistance in completing the build. Tonight we’ll draw templates for brackets and misc. mounting fixtures. Our air plenum is being reworked for a premium, total seal. It’s all about air in and air out. We’re planning minor aerodynamic changes along the way as we near the starting line.
[photo 1237]
A special thanks to Guy Caputo, Tiger Racing,
www.1st-to-the-finish-line.com
Back to the salt mine lookin’ for the elusive gold nuggets of life, more later. Yes, life is amazing.
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
BIKER’S CHOICE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF THE WESTERN MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACING ASSOCIATION’S AMSOIL STURGIS NATIONALS–FT. WORTH, TX – July 19, 2012 – Biker’s Choice is proud to support the 2012 Western Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (WMDRA) AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals on August 7-8 at Sturgis Dragway. As a WMDRA Performance Partner, Biker’s Choice is donating an inverted front end, 6″ over 38″ rake, for the Sturgis Nationals.
“We are happy to support the WMDRA and the drag racing tradition at Sturgis,” stated Charlie Hadayia, Director of Business Development. “Don’t miss this exciting event during the Rally.”
The WMDRA was founded in 2012 by a group of professional drag racers to promote the sport of all-make motorcycle drag racing, American and metric, in the western United States. For more information, please visit http://www.westernmotodrags.com.
For more information, visit http://www.bikerschoice.com.
‘LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE’ in Theaters Sept. 14–New film by Veritas Entertainment inspires Americans to stand up for freedom as we honor those who gave their lives for it on Patriot Day
A dramatic new motion picture will open in 1,200 theaters across the nation this Fall, to coincide with the Sept. 11 commemoration of Patriot Day and to serve as a reminder that our freedom isn’t free – even here in the U.S. where all too often apathy leads to an erosion of our personal liberties.
“Last Ounce of Courage,” is an intergenerational story of a grieving father inspired by his grandson to take a stand for faith and freedom against a tide of apathy and vanishing liberty. Against a backdrop of military conflict abroad and domestic wars against freedom, a highly-decorated combat veteran is reminded that we best honor our fallen heroes by not holding too loosely what they gave their all to defend. Alongside fellow citizens of courage, faith and integrity, he champions the cherished principles we the people hold dear.
Starring Marshall Teague (“Roadhouse,” “The Rock” and “Armageddon”) as small-town mayor Bob Revere, “Last Ounce of Courage” uses the vehicle of a public religious display to ignite a spark and lights a fire under a community that honors its American values, but has tired of fighting the “American Civil Liberties Organization” (ACLO) over the very rights guaranteed them by the Constitution. Former NFL great Fred Williamson (“Black Caesar”) ably plays the villain in the film as the head of the ACLO.
Encouraged by his grandson, played by Hunter Gomez (“National Treasure”), and his wife Dottie, played by Academy Award nominee Jennifer O’Neill (“Summer of ’42”), Bob finally takes a stand for his beliefs and revives his townspeople’s latent patriotism. Leading the younger generation to join in and make a difference is Bob’s young neighbor, Maddie Rogers, played by Jenna Boyd (“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”), who comically hijacks the town’s annual generic school pageant.
The film is being produced by Veritas Entertainment, under the leadership of Kevin McAfee (“Beyond the Gates of Splendor,” “The End of the Spear”) and Steve Griffin (former CEO at Nest Entertainment and EMI/Chordant), both of whom have a passion for creating and reaching audiences with entertainment products centered around the character values that undergird family, faith and freedom.
“Seldom do filmmakers come across such a heartwarming story, a powerful cast and a script that stirs the passion and imagination of faith-based audiences, but plays to the general market as ‘Last Ounce of Courage’,” McAfee and Griffin said. “This is more than a movie with heart, it cries out for freedom – birthed in the heartland and now coming to theaters across the nation.”
In conjunction with the release of the film, the producers are launching a new social media platform, StandUSA, designed to engage Americans in the everyday fight for freedom. Serving to unite disparate voices around the common value of preserving liberty, it will amplify the message to reach and motivate the largest audience possible.
“StandUSA really becomes a social broadcast network for our American values,” Griffin said. “A social network on Facebook will unite citizens, thought leaders, and national and grassroots organizations, giving voice to those with the courage, character and conviction to represent this country and its cherished freedoms.”
To join StandUSA, visit http://www.StandUSA.com .
–from Michael Hupy
WIN A PAUL YAFFE BIKE FROM EASYRIDERS–
http://paisanopub.com/mcsweepspromo/eflyer/promo19.html 
RESPONSE TO CDC– Kathleen Thomsen-Grover commented on her link.
Kathleen wrote: “My response to author of the article (also a letter almost like this one was sent to the insurancequote.com company.)
To Lori Johnston,
I am sending this to you as the writer responsible for the article, “CDC study: Motorcycle helmet laws save billions in health care costs” which was on www.insurancequote.com.
As an avid motorcyclist, and a very involved advocate for truth, freedom, and accuracy, I just wanted to voice my opinion and thoughts regarding the continued push used to sensationalize, perpetuate and validate the inaccurate/skewed information from the CDC and NHTSA studies without actually making sure the content of their reports were valid, truthful or accurate. In my opinion, the slanted, single sided approach of believing whatever is written or stated by a government agency, official, representative or contracted company is argumentative, unprofessional and absolutely poor journalism. Whatever happened to “checking the facts” and “searching for the truth” in journalism. And throughout your piece you went from quoting “Pete terHorst of American Motorcyclist Association” to “Pete terHorst of American Medical Association”. His name is Peter Horst, spokesman for the American Motorcyclist Association. Should I assume that along with not checking your facts, you also do not proof read your articles?
Both reports, NHTSA and CDC, were done for ONE PURPOSE, ONE REASON, and ONE AGENDA! And that is “to get a NATIONAL HELMET LAW passed” in the next session. And NO OTHER REASON! But, we know what is a true FACT…. HELMETS are NOT the CURE, the SOLUTION, or the ANSWER. More lives are saved (overall) by avoiding a crash to begin with. It is through training, education, and AWARENESS that most motorcycle crashes could save a person’s life and/or prevent fatal crashes by not happening in the first place. But THIS is not what supporters of a National Helmet Law want to hear or they would have moved to funding MORE training, education, and awareness NATIONALLY instead of wasting our time and money on bogus statements and misinformation for their own personal agenda. I was impressed by Mr Horst’s statements, but they are overshadowed by continuous misleading statements by CDC and NHTSA reports.
And then there are the attempts by Government entities to use federally funded money for “motorcycle ONLY checkpoints” in a disguise to arbitrarily violate motorcyclist’s rights of illegal search and seizure and/or anti-discrimination laws. The Motorcycle Community makes up only 0.03% of all the Transportation in the country. In the bigger picture, a very small population. If we are to give those who really want to save lives and money the ability and power to violate even ONE PERSON’S right, liberty and freedom….who is next?? Could it be a smoker, an addict, an athlete, the elderly, our children, or maybe YOU!!!
What is my reason for writing to you?? It is simple. And it is NOT politically, socially,or economically driven. It is because I am one of many who believe and feel passionate about keeping and preserving true FREEDOM as I “honor and respect the freedom of all others” by standing up to challenge the motives, reasons, and accuracy of their studies and statistics. Motorcycling, and its Community, are already standing together vigilantly as we promote, educate, advocate and support each other in Unity and Respect for OUR RIGHTS, LIBERTIES, and FREEDOM in any lawful way possible. And this kind of article only makes it more difficult to educate and enlighten the general population to the smoke and mirror “facts” that CDC and NHTSA are trying to use to gain momentum on their agenda for a National Helmet Law.
I hope I have given you a few reasons to be more diligent and selective in any other articles you write. And I also hope that anyone who reads your article does not use it as factual and accurate regarding the CDC and NHTSA reports. Next time, I would ask that you do more fact finding from varying areas like the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, local Motorcycle Rights Organizations in your state and then ask the hard questions to get the accurate information. But I do appreciate the comments from Peter Horst of AMA and feel some effort was made on your part.”
VICTORY RIDES AT THE CHIP–The Sturgis Buffalo Chip invites all Victory Motorcycle owners to Join the official group ride and party exclusively for Victory owners.
The 2012 Victory Sturgis Ride & Party reception will take place on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012 beginning with registration from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lodge at Deadwood. Then an escorted ride through the canyons of the Black Hills will take place from 4 to 5 p.m.
Victory riders will then be treated to a reception and party at the Russ Brown Event Center at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® from 5 to 8 p.m.
–Chris McGee
ERIK BEULL RACING GETS $20 MILLION BOOST IN INVESTMENT FUNDING–EAST TROY, Wis. – Erik Buell Racing has received $20 million in foreign investments, reports BizTimes Milwaukee. The funding will allow the upstart OEM to expand its motorcycle production and create about 200 jobs.
The $20 million in EB-5 investment funding comes from investment fund manager FirstPathway Partners LLC, the site reports. With the influx of funding, EBR will be able to design and produce additional models of sportbikes and expand its international exports.
“EBR motorcycles are made in America and in great demand worldwide,” said Bob Kraft, chairman, CEO and founding partner of FirstPathway Partners. “This investment will create good manufacturing and engineering jobs in Wisconsin for skilled American workers and greatly strengthen a local company’s position in the global marketplace.”
–Posted by Dennis Johnson
published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
THIS JUST IN FROM ILLINOIS– Public Act 097-0746?HB0930 Enrolled LRB097 03750 RLC 43787 b – AN ACT concerning criminal law.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The State Finance Act is amended by adding Section 8.56 as follows:
(30 ILCS 105/8.56 new)
Sec. 8.56. Motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. A law enforcement agency of this State or a political subdivision of this State may not accept federal funding the purpose of which is to establish motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.
–from Rogue
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION 970 Series High Performance Piggyback Shocks–Although certainly not a stranger to high performance suspension, the folks at Progressive have taken their craft to the next level with the new 970 Series Piggyback shocks.
Inspired by racers, riders and those that demand more of their bikes than weekend coffee runs, the built in the USA 970 Series shocks combine a high pressure gas monotube design with deflective disc damping routed through two unique circuits and adjustable for compression damping via an easily accessible knob.
Techy features include a shock body and piggyback that are both coated internally to reduce friction and then capped with a forged aluminum upper. The shock is wrapped with a progressive rate coil spring that can be fine tuned via threaded preload adjusters to suit a riders weight and riding style (we like them firm in the corners!).
Current fitment includes the Harley XR1200 and Dyna models with more apps rumored to be in the works. Check it out on their site or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/hd/970/index.html
Progressive Suspension
6911 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
877.690.7411
info@progressivesuspension.com
www.progressivesuspension.com
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK– NIGHT TRAIN WITH APES!! ONLY $16,995.00– This is a tough looking Night Train that’s the got the horsepower to back up its attitude!
It’s got a flat black paint job, Rinehart 2-into1 exhaust, high flow air cleaner, billet brake, 21″ diamond spoke front wheel, black floating rotors, black 14″ mini apes, LED turn signals, and much more!
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.
IOWA TROOPERS LAUNCH CRACKDOWN ON DRUNK BIKERS–
by William Petroski
The Iowa State Patrol announced Monday it’s cracking down drunken motorcyclists by launching an enforcement campaign that will focus on major motorcycle rallies and popular bars where motorcyclists are consuming alcohol this summer. This effort will include special patrols on highways and roads around the Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally, which will be held from Wednesday through Saturday at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, officials said.
“Motorcycle riders who drink and ride are a big problem,” said State Patrol Sgt. Scott Bright. Of the 55 motorcycle riders killed in Iowa traffic crashes in 2010, 25 percent were considered legally drunk with blood-alcohol levels of .08 or higher. he said. Thirty-three percent had consumed some alcohol.
Bright said riding a motorcycle requires coordination, balance and good judgment. Drinking alcohol, more than any other single factor, can rob motorcyclists of the ability to think clearly and ride safety, he added.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic deaths two years ago. But motorcyclists made up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States and accounted for less than 1 percent of all vehicle miles traveled.
–from Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL VOCABULARLY LESSON–jubilate JOO-buh-leyt, verb:
1. To show or feel great joy; rejoice; exult.?2. To celebrate a jubilee or joyful occasion.
Though this sudden setback of the plague was as welcome as it was unlooked-for, our townsfolk were in no hurry to jubilate.
— Albert Camus, The Plague
This would enable me to jubilate like a normal person, knowing why.
— Samuel Beckett, The Unnameable
Jubilate derives from the Latin word jubil- meaning “to shout.”
UNCLE MONKEY HITS THE ROAD–It is that time of year to head out on the highway and do some travelling. Many of you are in the midst of packing for Sturgis; others are well on their way taken the long way to get to the Blackhills. Summer is the time to travel, to rack up miles to visit distant family and friends or just new corners of this great big world. We congregate at gas stations and out of the way bars. We wait out storms under overpasses and see what truly makes our nation great – great scenery, great roads. We share miles with people that we never speak too, talk for hours to people we may never meet again if not for the road.
After too many years of promising – my old lady and I are heading to Sturgis this year. No ifs, ands, or maybes. Sturgis is always on the books and I have Sturgis week automatically booked off at work but life has a way of getting in the way. Bills, family and sadly work often creep up grounding me when I should be winding my way there. Some years my bike has its own plans of rest and relaxation as scattered parts on my garage floor.
This year is no different but I’m commented, more then ever. I locked myself in this year by volunteering to be the chase vehicle for our club run to Sturgis this year. Yes, I know I’ll be behind the wheel of my truck instead of in the wind but it is a win-win situation. I can’t back out, I have a trailer for Snow White, I have an excuse to drive plus I’ll be able to ride once I’m there.
I’m a firm believer that you should ride to events but there are people like me whose spirit is willing but the body can no longer handle the long ride there. Snow White will have to ride down in the trailer and hopefully she won’t have company back with a broken down bike. Once there I can ride out to Rapid City, Mount Rushmore or any of the dozens of concerts going on. This year I will be in Sturgis.
So no matter where you are heading or how you are getting there ride safe.
-bad Uncle Monkey
BONNE BELLE REPORT– “We will run the engine tomorrow,” said Lee Clemens from Departure Bike Works in Richmond, VA. “We had to cut the valve pockets in the heads to carve us the .060 clearance above the valve. What an ordeal– we have a good handle on it now and will put it on the stand in the morning.
“Yes, we lost a small amount of compression, about 1/4 of a point, but we will still have 6.5:1.”
PACKED AND READY—I need one more road test, before I hit the open road north through the blustering city, then onto the 395 into the hills to Lone Pine, California. Saturday we roll into Mammoth Lake and head off the Hamsters.
But my mind will be centered on Bonneville, and trying to make the deadline. What a year. My son is currently being shot for a TV series, while tattooing a half-naked redhead at Port City Tattoos in Long Beach. We may have some stills soon.
It’s going to be a non-stop weekend, then back to the headquarters, and back to the grindstone as we launch features, bring you Sturgis reports, and work like dogs toward Bonneville. I’m still looking for a enclosed 5-Ball Racing bike trailer, so what did I do? I bought a 13-foot Boston Whaler yesterday. What the hell?
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
