Hey,
This has been a wild week. Las Vegas Bike Week is in full swing and I’m not going. The rest of the year is booked, and I need a couple of weekends to relax and finish projects around the shop. But the Amazing Shrunken FXR is headed to Vegas (it’s for sale) with the owners of Kustom Fab, from Hawaii. They are taking their Tiki Bike, which will be featured in Easyriders. They’re swinging by tomorrow to load both bikes.
Then the Sturgis chop, which has seen more miles around town, will slip onto the lift. I need to check the clutch lever action and I’m anxious to swap the stock ’66 heads for a new set of S&S jobs. I’m also going to eliminate the internal throttle and replace it with a push/pull unit. The throttle sticks from time to time, and I don’t have a readily available kill switch. Something needs to give.
There’s more to report, but let’s hit the news. Wait, I need to mention our Vintage La Carrera Panamericana Race effort. The new trans is in place the tuning adjusted. We’re going to have a race meeting at Shamrock’s Seafood Sunday afternoon, after the Sunday Post is completed. Come on down and check out this monster stinkin’ Lincoln. I’ll ride the Sturgis Shovel over and a couple of other cars are coming along. Find Anaheim, between the Long Beach and the Harbor freeways. Go south on Marine, in Wilmington, one block to G Street and Shamrocks is on the corner. Great Mexican food outdoors:
RISKY SCOOTERS–As gasoline prices rise, more people may choose the economically efficient but dangerous vehicles.With a tank of gas going for about the price of a used motor scooter, people in Southwest Florida and around the country are turning to cheaper transportation in the form of, well, motor scooters.According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, scooter sales nationwide were estimated at 86,000 last year, and have doubled since 2000.
These scooters have always been popular in Europe and in U.S. vacation spots – locally, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Boca Grande come to mind – but now more people everywhere are riding them to work, to run errands and just for the fun of it.In some communities, scooters are the “in” symbol of cool for teenagers, and they’re perfect for getting around college campuses.
The fact that they are dangerous is offset for many by some of their other qualities: They are easier to ride than a motorcycle, some models reach speeds of 90 mph, basic models can cost $2,000 or less and they get as much as 100 miles to the gallon of gasoline.These scooters do present perils on our roads. They are difficult to see and often are traveling slower than other traffic.
Florida statutes on the subject of motorized vehicles that are not cars or motorcycles are incomprehensible. Use the Florida Drivers Handbook and the Florida Motorcycle Handbook. Your scooter dealer can give a good overview of the rules.
From the Florida Drivers Handbook, car and truck drivers should observe these tips on sharing the road with motorcycles (that also can apply to scooters):o When you follow a motorcycle, remember that motorcycles and scooters can stop much more quickly than other vehicles in emergencies. Do not follow a motorcyclist closely.
o Watch for motorcycles before turning and yield right of way.
o Include motorcycles in your visual search pattern.
o Do not share the lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist needs room to maneuver safely and is entitled to the entire lane.
o If your automobile is being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and speed. Allow the motorcycle to complete the maneuver and assume proper lane position as quickly as possible.Now here’s what the handbook says about moped (we generally call mopeds motor scooters) safety:
Persons riding mopeds have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Moped riders will receive citations for traffic violations.Know and obey these moped laws:
o You must be 16 years of age or older to operate a moped on a public road.
o Operators of mopeds must have the minimum of a Class E license. No motorcycle endorsement is required.
o Mopeds must be registered annually and a tag purchased.
o Mopeds may not be operated on bicycle paths or foot paths.
o Moped operators do not have to carry PIP insurance.
o Operators 16 years of age or older are not required to wear helmets.
–from Rogue
BIG FAN LOOKIN’ FOR HELP WITH A BIKE–What’s up and thanks for reading this. I am a big fan of old school bikes I love the’50-’60s look and I am tryin to build a old style trike, and I am having trouble finding pictures of the look and style I’d like.
— Dbldeuel@aol.com
TEXAS SHOW COMING–Big Eric and the show crew here. We would like to invite you to this great event that will take place September 30th and October 1st, during the Lone Star Rally in Galveston TX. This 2 day indoor show will take place inside the brand new Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, right on the seawall. With an attendance of over 300 000, the Lone Star Rally has become the third largest motorcycle rally in the country, offering an amazing captive audience for the motorcycle industry. National coverage of the show is provided by CBS, as they will be filming a 1hr TV special on the rally and the show.
In a constant effort to push our industry, the Primedia group (Hot Bike, Street Chopper, Hot Rod Bike) is on board as well and will offer three magazine features to the best bikes and builders. Bikernet. Com will cover the event and winners. Manufacturers, builders, vendors will be set-up as well to promote their company and products. We have filled-up the intended 25 000 sqf for the show, but because of the devastating circumstances in New Orleans, we have been asked if more space was available to accommodate those of you who will not be able to attend the rally scheduled for the end of October.
We have decided to open-up the only extra 20 000 sqf of space available to accommodate the demand. We have room for the largest rigs and any type of display your company may need.
We are striving to keep our industry alive and strong. The city of Galveston was kind enough to support our effort and our industry by providing this premium space at a rate that is allowing us to offer it to you at a low price unheard of for a rally. We only have a few weeks left before the show and we hope that you will join us and pull together in the promotion of our great industry! For more info, you can contact us through this e-mail. You can also contact us by phone : Holly Weeks @ 281-477-3738 or Eric Joly @ 832-573-1645
Do not miss-out on this opportunity!
–The crew at the Texas National Bike Show
WEST COAST CHOPPERS IS ALIVE–Hey Bandit, I am back at West Coast Choppers. I welcome you to visit since you are only down the street. I can show you some of the stuff going on that the “public” doesn’t get to see.
— Simo
SPORTSTER WIDE TIRE KIT STAMPEDE–Now in at MC Advantages are new Stampede Sportster WideTire Kits for ’04-’06Sportsters. These long-anticipated kits will upgrade stock swingarms toaccept a 240mm tire in an approximate 4 hours of installation time, withoutpainting and finishing the frame.
All necessary parts for completeconversion are already included. The kit uses existing shocks, beltand rear pulley all while accepting most custom 11-INCH fenders with littlemodification, for additional savings.
The real kicker of this kit is that itallows the builder to trial fit the swingarm and fender before making finalwelds which saves time, money and mistakes.
Contact MC Advantages for allthe details and for free shipping on all orders above $299.
MC Advantages
1-800-726-9620
www.MCAdvantages.com http://www.MCAdvantages.com
WOODEN BIKE ART NOW AVAILABLE–The artist is a fellow by the name of Kenny Chapmanfrom Washington state. There are no screws, nuts orbolts, all construction is peg and glue. Yes the brakelines are wood also. The detail is to the point thatthe chains are even in detail on both sides…..Thisguy has really got some time on his hands but his endresult should impress anybody.
There are seven different bikes and each one is impressive.
I was contracted to sell these wooden harley’s.Being a rider myself, I really appreciated the art andthought your readers might enjoy the pics too.This collection is getting ready to be broken up so Ifigured I would send them to you.
–Bill Corley
304-663-2904
listsellship@yahoo.com
BIKE BUILDER BOOT CAMP JUST AROUND THE CORNER–Just a quick reminder that the BIKE BUILDER BOOT CAMP is just around the corner. That’s right this unique event is taking place at the massive PRO-ONE facility in Pomona, California on SEPTEMBER 30 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, and you and your staffs are invited.
–SkooterBet you haven’t seen a calvin like this one
NEW PRO SERIES–Pro-One has just unleashed their finest collection of ONE-PIECE FORGED ALUMINUM WHEELS to date. Take a close look at the cutting edge lines of ZEPHER, ZEPPLIN and FOKKER III. You’re sure to find a design that would make a perfect finishing touch to your custom or factory scoot. Precision machined to aircraft tolerances the wheels are offered with a mirror perfect polish, show quality chrome or anodized black.
Wheels are shipped complete with Pro-One premium hubs for installation on stock or custom bikes. Offered in a wide variety of sizes from 16 x 3.5 to 21 x 3.5, PRO-ONE ONE PIECE BILLET WHEELS are manufactured to the industry setting standards the company has built its reputation on.
For complete details call 800-884-4173 or catch them on the web at http://www.pro-one.com
BEING THANKFUL FROM BIKERNET–FOR THE WIFEWHO SAYS IT’S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBANDWHO IS ON THE SOFABEING A COUCH POTATO,BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH MEAND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGERWHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHESBECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,NOT ON THE STREETS.
–from Joe Lankau
Damn, this shit is making me cry.–Bandit
BIKERNET CLASS IS DISMISSED– One day at kindergarten a teacher said to the class of 5-year-olds,”I’ll give $2 to the child who can tell me who was the most famous man who ever lived.”
An Irish boy put his hand up and said, “It was St. Patrick.”
The Teacher said, “Sorry Sean, that’s not correct.”
Then a Scottish boy put his hand up and said, “It was St. Andrew.”
The teacher replied, “I’m sorry, Harry, that’s not right either.”
Finally, a Jewish boy raised his hand and said, “It was Jesus Christ.”
The teacher said, “That’s absolutely right, Marvin, come up here and I’ll give you the $2.”
As the teacher was giving Marvin his money, she said, “You know Marvin, since you’re Jewish, I was very surprised you said ” Jesus Christ.”
Marvin replied: “Yeah. In my heart I knew it was Moses, but business is business
–from Joe Lankau
MIDWEST OPEN HOUSE– MIDWEST Motorcycle Supply is to hold its 9th annual Open House at its Arnold, Missouri headquarters on Saturday October 8th from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
This is an opportunity for dealers to meet with Midwest vendors and secure show specials. The firm is located close to St Louis, Missouri, just off the I55.
The company will also be presenting the latest additions and news on its ‘Ultima’ own brand parts programs, which includes frames, wheels, rolling chassis kits and its increasingly popular American-made custom V-twin ‘Ultima’ engines line-up.
MIDWEST M/C SUPPLY
Arnold, Missouri, USA
Tel: 636 296 2200
Fax: 636 296 4430
E-mail: mailto:midwest@midwest-mc.com
http://www.midwest-mc.com
FEDS SEIZE STASH FROM GANG– DETROIT– Federal officials, who say a heavily armed Metro Detroit motorcycle gang has illegally sold drugs since 2001 and even hidden methamphetamine in a stuffed duck, have asked a judge to make the gang forfeit the proceeds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration say the Forbidden Wheels Motorcycle Club has distributed methamphetamine and cocaine across Metro Detroit since 2001.
U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy has made the destruction of the illegal methamphetamine trade a top priority. He assigned a coordinator to oversee investigations of the drug in eastern Michigan.Nationally, the DEA has mounted a campaign, dubbed “Operation Wildfire,” to stop meth distribution.
Forbidden Wheels members repeatedly flew to California in 2004 to get shipments of methamphetamine and met with the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club in Banning, Calif., according to a federal complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Agents searched the group’s main clubhouse on the 21600 block of Fenkell in Detroit on April 1, and say they found a hidden room behind a false wall.
“Agents had to force entry through over 10 metal doors,” the complaint said.
It also said they found cocaine, methamphetamine, more than $6,000 in cash, a bulletproof vest, two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, nine weapons and a T-shirt that read “Snitches are a dying breed.”
They said they also found drug ledgers, financial records and cocaine.
–from Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
MUSIC, MOVIE AND DVD REVIEWS COMING TO BIKERNET–Here’s a taste of thing to come form the Bikernet staff, including Glenn Priddle from Australia.
” Mike Morgan and The Crawl”.
Raw & Ready.
Black Top Records.
“Mike Morgan” was born near Dallas Texas in 1959, started playing the guitar in early years, but wasn’t until 1985 when he got turned on to Steve Ray Vaughan’s album ” Texas Flood” that he started taking his guitar playing seriously.
Shortly after meeting a couple of experienced musicians, namely, top vocalist Darrel Nulisch.The band ” Mike Morgan and The Crawl” were formed and they quickly made a name for themselves as one of the best contempory blues bands in Texas. Nulisch left the band and was replaced by “Lee Mc Bee”, a blues veteran known for his gravely voice and excellent harmonica playing.
The band overwhelmed audiences while playing all the major Blues and Jazz Festivals. It was at one of these concerts that Hammond Scott owner of Black Top Records saw the band and immediately signed them to his label.The band toured national and internationally promoting their new album, “Raw and Ready”. The band to this day are still heavily in demand and have several top albums to their credit.
I guarantee you this CD will get you rockin and at the different times on certain tracks, will bring you back down to a very relaxed state while you enjoy a beer or bourbon. Band leader “Mike Morgan” delivers great guitar solos, and together with “Lee Mc Bee”, his unique voice plus his dynamic harmonica playing, soon has you realizing what a great team they are, and not forgetting the rest of the band to bring this whole package together delivering a cross section of “Blues and R&B” that leave you wanting more.
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