Okay,
I believe life is beginning to come into focus for the year. Is that possible? Am I too late? It’s the middle of the year goddammit. Our Bonneville frame is coming into focus with Kent Weeks at Lucky Devil’s in Houston. Tube bending should take place this week.
I spoke to Dave Rash at D&D Exhaust about pipes and he recommended that I go with fuel Injection over Carl’s Speed Shop Typhon carb. Carl makes the only carb on the market with a 2-inch venturi. I spoke to Rusty, the D&D mastermind tuner. He recommended sticking with factory components and a Horse Power Inc. massive throttle body. They go as high as 68mm.
I’m working with the JIMS team on my 2006 135-inch twin cam configuration, so I can run one of JIMS heavy-duty race 5-speed transmissions. It’s getting exciting. I’m also working with the JIMS team on an article about the new 135, all the improvements and why they chose this configuration.
I’m going to disappear next week and edit my second Chance book, and get this puppy headed for publication. Let it be written, let it be done. And hopefully the first 5-Ball Racing Wheeler Work Station will head out to our local shelf maker on Monday.
Plans for Sturgis are underway, including something to do with the History Channel.
Let’s hit the news quick:
The Thursday News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine and Las Vegas Bikefest.
SADDLEMEN PUNCHES IT UP FOR HARLEY DAVIDSON RIDERS– Introducing a New Line of Seats to the Saddlemen Family – The Knuckle
After several months of extensive research in design, function and comfort; Saddlemen is proud to introduce the newest member to their custom seat family, the Knuckle seat. With a brash refinement the Knuckle seat will instantly transform any bike, and cause heads to turn.
The Knuckle seat features deep, aggressive ribs, which are carefully hand stitched into a brushed SaddleHyde cover. The robust stitch lines not only give the seat a unique style, but the foam-infused ribs give a new dimension of cushion. The Knuckle stands apart from other aftermarket low profile seats with its hand-crafted progressive density foam and a SaddleGEL foundation, enhancing the seats’ cushion.
As Harley-Davidson riders have seen before with classic saddles like the Renegade solo and the Profiler two-up, Saddlemen has a gift for designing realistic comfort into a low slung seat. Under all that style, the Knuckle comes equipped with a strong fiberglass pan and plated hardware to ensure a perfect fit for a trouble-free install for a variety of H-D models ranging from 2008 to 2014; Dyna, Softail, Sportster and Touring models are all included.
When it’s all summed up, it’s difficult to look past the great ribbed cover design of the Knuckle seat. Not only does it look great with the brushed SaddleHyde, but the cover is fully weather element resistant. Each Knuckle seat packs the knock-out combination of being designed and manufactured here in the USA and insured with Saddlemen’s Lifetime Warranty.
The Saddlemen Knuckle seat is available through any DRAG Specialties dealer. To learn more about Saddlemen’s lineup of seats, luggage and accessories visit www.saddlemen.com. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saddlemen for the latest product and racing updates.
WASHINGTON WEEKLY UPDATE– Pretty quiet week on our issues anyway. The Senate was in recess while the house held a heated, rare, late night hearing with the Veteran’s Administration, the veteran’s scandals have rocked the Obama administration. President Obamas administration saw the resignation of the department of veteran’s affairs and his press secretary Jay Carney. Carneys team recent mistakenly released the name of the top CIA operative/station chief in Afghanistan. Both on the heals of Memorial Day weekend. Needless to say President Obama has been hit with a bombshell.
A bill has been intruded to block the FCC from designating Internet providers as telecommunications services. Re-designating their status would allow the FCC to rule over these service providers. This move would give the agency more authority to impose rules on broadband providers, making it more costly to users.
This bill might make it onto the MRF legislative agenda.
–Jeff Hennie
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
FIRST AMENDMENT UNDER FIRE–This Guy May Get Sued Over an Amazon Review And he could lose his case, if legal history shows us anything–UPDATE: The company that threatened to sue the negative reviewer just lost its Amazon account.
The next time you write an online review, be careful. You might get sued.
That’s what could happen to a Florida man who left a negative review about an Internet router he purchased. According to his Tuesday post on Reddit, where he’s asking for legal advice, he received a letter from a law firm in Philadelphia threatening to sue him for an “illegal campaign to damage, discredit, defame, and libel” the company that makes the router.
“Your statements are false, defamatory, libelous, and slanderous, constitute trade libel and place Mediabridge and its products in a false light,” the verbose letter from the law firm reads in part.
In his review, which has since been edited, the man made several allegations, including that many of the positive reviews about the product on Amazon might be fake and that the router itself was “identical” to a router from a different company.
If the man doesn’t take down his review within three days, cease all Internet conversation about the product, and agrees to never buy the company’s products again, the law firm will sue him, according to the letter. But by going to Reddit and not keeping quiet, the man might have already sealed his fate.
Companies, it turns out, have every right to sue people who write reviews on websites that they may feel are libelous or defamatory.
While there is a level of legal protection that third-party websites (in this case, Amazon) have from being sued, which come from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—the same section that protects websites that show revenge porn—the authors of those reviews are not protected.
Neither the letter nor the user can be confirmed. Still, this isn’t the first time that someone has taken legal heat for online reviews.
In 2012, a Virginia court sided with a contractor who received a negative review from a woman on Yelp, claiming defamation. The woman who wrote the review said the service was poor and accused the contractor of stealing her jewelry. She was sued for $750,000.
In 2011, a book author sued a man, though unsuccessfully, who wrote negative reviews about his book on Amazon. And in 2006, a woman in Florida won $11.3 million in a lawsuit resulting from defamatory remarks on an Internet message board.
So while Amazon states in its terms of use that sellers “may not ask buyers to remove negative reviews,” these companies do have legal protections to go after comments they may deem libelous.
While the Internet allows users a certain amount of anonymity behind reviews on Amazon or Yelp—where a negative or positive review can determine a company’s success—there is still a danger that companies will take legal action against these reviews. For this Florida man, his gripes with this company will only grow.
–by Matt Vasilogrambros
National Journal
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION– Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit for Dyna models!
True high performance front suspension is finally available for the HD Dyna line. Progressive Suspension has gone back to the drawing board and created a state of the art Fork Cartridge Kit designed to outperform everything on the market.
Their new asymmetrical layout places a preload adjuster over a progressive rate spring in one leg and an aluminum bodied, sealed cartridge damper on the other. The result is superior damping and ride control combined with tunable preload and a new benchmark for high performance suspension for the Dyna platform.
Monotube cartridge style damping improves ride comfort, resistance to front brake dive as well as improving front end stability, cornering and bottoming control. No mods are required and install is relatively simple.
Each kit includes components for stock as well as 1” lowered version for 2006 – 2014 FXDB, FXDC, FXDL & FXDWG Applications. Check it out on their website, or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.
MSRP $399.95
Progressive Suspension
6911 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
877.690.7411
info@progressivesuspension.com
www.progressivesuspension.com
by Kevin Thomas
Using interviews and personal experience, A Common Man introduces the reader to two unique men. A Common Man explores Lakota Sioux Spirituality and Religion in their own words and experiences. Sidney Keith was a Lakota Spiritual Leader and Holy Man for twenty-seven years. He brought the sacred Sun Dance back to the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota where it had been illegal to practice their own religion.
Read the entire report on Bikernet in the next couple of days.
THE DAVE ZIEN FLAG/WARRANTY CONTROVERSY CONTINUES–Here’s another issue for Harley to consider. I have both a 2004 FLHT Electra-Glide Standard and a 2006 Road glide. Both bikes have only one rear tire that is approved by Harley-Davidson, the Dunlop D402 Harley-Davidson Rear Tire.
Being the only touring tire approved by Harley-Davidson for over 3 decades, the D402 is the choice for riders who want to ride their Harley the distance. Developed and made in the USA, they are engineered to handle the unique demands of the American road.
Features:
Official H-D emblem on sidewall
Three-ply polyester casing with two fiberglass belts gives enhanced stability for touring riding
Computer-optimized tread profile with offset center groove improves rider confidence over rough roads including rain grooves and steel-grated bridges
Tread compound provides reduced cupping for enhanced wear and life
The D402 is available in front and rear black, single-white-bar and wide-white sidewall, all with an H speed rating.
Made in the USA
I know numerous riders who have gone with Metzler and other brand tires. Is Harley-Davidson going to start voiding warranties on bikes that show up with non Hartley-Davidson tires? This also is a valid reason for voiding warranty if Harley is going to go down the road of RESISTANCE. Tire manufactures are all aware of different rolling resistance depending on tread design, tire compound etc.
Food For Thought!
–David Mackie
American Patriot, Defender of Freedom, Motorcycle Adventurer and all around Good Guy!
NEW TECH, Bikernet Reader Comment!– S&S Twin Cam Gear Drive Set Installed
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1800
Great article.
I wondered about the pinion run-out issue with the MoCo’s generous tolerances (re: 2014 pinion run-out @ .010-inch).
I’ve heard that there were run-outs reported in excess of .020 found in warranty repairs in bikes with less than 5000 miles. I’m not sure what
mileage is specified by the MoCo for replacing the tensioner shoes (for me it doesn’t matter because I wish to do this mod), but I’m amazed that
they didn’t provide a tear down under the manufacturer’s warranty at the end of the 2-year period. I feel that would have been the responsible thing to do.
I’ve heard the chain driven design was used to simplify assembly. I think it was so they could use a cheaper press-fit crank to reduce manufacturing costs. Even though it is prone to misaligning itself if
The bike is ridden hard, the chain driven cam design is more tolerant of pinion run-out issues, where the gear drive design is not, and can still
time the engine well enough to get it through its primary 2 year
warranty
period.
This being said, it makes a lot of sense to consider using an an S&S crank for this modification, if not just for longevity, reliability
And the piece of mind- for the added stability of the bottom end for future performance upgrades.
— Ted Shredz
Delta, BC, Canada
From Bruce at S&S:
I think there’s a lot of truth in Ted’s comment, but we can only speculate about the reasons that these things happen. However, I can offer some factual information about S&S flywheels. I’ve had the issue where a guy wanted to use S&S gear drive cams, but ended up installing chain-drive cams because his stock flywheels had too much pinion shaft run-out. S&S flywheels will solve that problem, but there are a bunch of other reasons to invest in S&S flywheels besides the run-out issue.
Here’s a link to a YouTube playlist showing some strength comparisons between stock flywheels, S&S flywheels and stock flywheels with welded crankpins. The results were pretty amazing even to us!
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQmEl4PFFeWN4ZTcsMQdDAsADCVSmxYzc
–Bruce Tessmer
Marketing Projects Coordinator
S&S(r) Cycle Inc.
608-627-0283
INVERNESS MAN’S BOOK INSPIRES DOCUMMENTARY MOVIE–In 2000, Ohio resident Ed Youngblood wrote a book about John Penton, an American international motorcycle sportsman whose vision and determination helped revolutionize the off-road sector of the worldwide motorcycle industry. His ideas changed off-road motorcycles from expensive vehicles with limited availability to lighter, better, affordable, and sporty vehicles available in any dealership.
After 40 years in the motorcycle industry, Youngblood retired to Inverness in 2012. His book, “John Penton and the Off-Road Motorcycle Revolution,” is still in print and has inspired a documentary movie entitled “The John Penton Story,” being released this month. Todd Huffman, head of Pipeline Digital Media, located in Orange County, California, explains, “I read the book soon after it was published, and I vowed that one day John Penton would be the subject of a documentary film.”
Huffman launched his project in 2006, collecting archival film and still images and traveling from California to Europe to create hundreds of hours of original testimonial footage from associates of John Penton. The movie is narrated by actor and singer Lyle Lovett, whose early youthful motorcycling experiences centered upon his own Penton motorcycle.
Youngblood was flown to Ohio last summer to be interviewed for the project. He says, “I am thrilled that I’ve had any involvement in inspiring Todd Huffman. He is a man in the model of John Penton; dynamic and determined and willing to nurture a dream for years in order to make it come true. I’m very excited about attending the premier of ‘The John Penton Story’ next week.”
The new documentary will premier in Cleveland, Ohio on June 9 and in Los Angeles on June 17. Cleveland was chosen for the first premier because it is near the Penton home in Amherst, Ohio. John Penton, now 89, will be guest of honor at the premier.
Youngblood has authored seven books about motorcycle history. Today he serves as a volunteer at the Florida Artists Galley and writes a monthly column for The Pioneer about Floral City.
SAMSON DEAL OF THE WEEK — 15% Off Legend Series Baloney Cut.
Samson’s Legend Series exhaust systems offer a show-quality finish with Samson’s exclusive chrome plating that provides long life corrosion protection and the ultimate in shine.
Beauty is only skin deep, but Samson performance runs all the way to the bone! The FL4-930 high-performance exhaust system has been designed and tuned to produce maximum torque and horsepower. When you’re packing a passenger and a load of road gear you want as much torque as the motor is capable of providing.
The sound says American motorcycle like nothing else can. Removable heat shields are pre-installed and the exhaust system is ready to bolt-on right out of the box.
Fits 2010 to 2014 Harley-Davidson Dressers or Road Kings. Hit on the banner below to take advantage of this offer that expires June 6th.
New Bikernet Reader Comment!–May 27, 2010 Part 1
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=7369
I have been in love with motorcycles, Fords, and airplanes for the last 24 years. I have been carving and making baleen baskets. This article was very informative and funny and with the content that runs right up my oil lines.
I am currently researching Harley’s ‘29 peashooter as I am making a scale model in baleen ivory both walrus and mastodon with some walrus bone “because of its strength” and porcupine quills for the spokes.
–Julian Paul Rentenaar
BIKERNET NUMBERS FOR MAY—Google has us at the following numbers compared to Stat Counter.
Total Google Numbers for May
unique 105,066
Page Views 180,149
TOTALS from Stat Counter
Impressions: 170,070
Uniques: 115,403
These numbers include Bikernet, Bikernet Blog, Bikernet Trikes, and Bikernet Baggers. Baggers won the growth award for May with a 30 percent increase in page views.
Of course the editorial board kicked off an investigation into Bagger numbers corruption. I’m sure indictments will be forthcoming. We will bring you the results momentarily.
–Snake
BIKERNET SOAP BOX– Regarding the Santa Barbara attack: Two wrongs don’t make a right. One man attacks some folks, so the cry goes out immediately to attack our entire society with more stringent regulations. This time the calls went out not just to attack the gun industry, but others. So why isn’t the media added to the list. Isn’t it time to attack the media for the constant violence and sexy women in films, or how about attacking pornography?
It’s all wrong and freedom is right. We need to educate and train, not restrict and condemn. More and more gun owners feel ostracized. We should feel proud and empowered by our rights, not fearful. What if society started to blame death and disfigurement on the media or our “outdated” first amendment. I’m not in favor of any additional restrictions, on the contrary, I think freedom and education does the job. But I wish the media would respect freedom. Two wrongs don’t make a right and generally don’t work.
–Bandit
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!– Humans might be the one problem Google can’t solve
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11721
We already have self-driving vehicles… Take a bus or the subway if too detatched to enjoy a nice ride on/in a bitchin’ machine!
–Speeddaddy
saskatoon, SK, Canada
UNCLE MONKEY KEEPS OFF THE GRASS– Growing up it seemed like there was a rule for everything. One of the many rules I remember from school was no walking on the front grass. Our small town school had been built barely a generation before and was the pride a joy of the community.
The principal wanted to keep it that way so the grass that made up the front lawn was strictly off limits. That’s not to say we wee ones were delegated to spend our recesses playing on hot asphalt or hard concrete. We were fortune enough to have lots of green space to run and frolic in, but when it came to the front lawn, it was a no-fly zone with punishment comparable to swearing or hitting a teacher.
One day in my youthful enthusiasm I had stepped onto the corner of the grass as I hurried for the bus home. The next morning the principal was waiting for me. The first one or two times it was a firm warning but if I continued pushing it farther than that it would bring more serious consequences. I and my backside knew what that meant having met the strap before when I decided to see what all the fuss was about swearing.
I didn’t understand what it meant at the time. Didn’t understand what was so important about following that simple rule about preserving that one small area. But it stuck with me. It was about pride, about integrity, about respect, not only about me but for others around me. It means opening the door for others or offering an arm to help someone cross the road even if it means we’ll have to wait at the center medium to make it all the way across on the next light. Those small boundaries ripple across our lives. A Code of the West that fewer and fewer of us live by.
I recently took my granddaughter to Disneyland and was disappointed to see a father lift is daughter over a barrier to knock over plants and kick away at a speaker that was playing the delightful childhood melody. It wasn’t the first time I had seen him. He and his family had barged through the security gate insisting that it was only for the “other” people. I watched as he reached over and broke a branch away from a plant, proclaim “oh, its real” and threw it on the ground instead of into the garbage container he was literally leaning against.
He and his family were rude and ignorant to the employees and the whimsical world Walt Disney had created for us. He was not the only one. Another “father” got bored and pulled his daughter out of line to meet and get an autograph from one of her favorite characters telling her that her hero was a loser and only a supporting character. Tears welled in her eyes as they headed towards the beer stand.
If only perhaps someone had told them to stay off the lawn when they were young.
–bad Uncle Monkey
5-BALL RACING 5/8-Sleeve Leather Jack Shirt–Big League Leather for Boot Tough Riders
Design by old school Bob Kay and Keith Ball from 5-Ball Racing, and styled after the old school baseball shirts, this 5/8-sleeve Jack Shirt is made with durable Buffalo leather and features quick snap front closure, two chest pockets, two waist pockets and one inside gun pocket.
“They’re made boot tough and rattlesnake mean,” said Ball, “and slick for speed.”
Cut in a full shirt length at 30 inches from center back neck, fully lined with 100 percent cotton poplin and features collarless neckline. Made by riders for street racers who don’t mess around.
MSRP: $200
www.crankandstroker.com
1 800 441 3331
Also available at J&P Cycles and select H-D dealers.
[page break]
BANDIT INTERVIEWED ON 4-EVER TWO WHEELS–
http://4ever2wheels.com/2014/06/4e2w-podcast-16-keith-bandit-ball-of-bikernet-com/
Don’t listen to it. It’s all bullshit blithering by a very old guy who ran out of whiskey a year ago and can’t get a loan to buy another bottle. –Prince Najar
–Ken Conte
Producer
JIMS 135-INCH Twin Cam Race Engine– JIMS is proud to announce the release of the brand-new 135-inch Twin Cam Race Engine!
Based on the proven track record of JIMS race engines, we are proud to introduce this 2.2-liter monster which bolts right into a stock frame and incorporates some of the best high performance features in the industry. Specially designed ‘thick wall’ Engine Cases & Timken bearings, Larger Cylinders with increased fin pack for better cooling, Increased Press & Race Welded Flywheels, Billet Cam Plate with High Flow Oil Pump, Forged Rocker Support Plate with Roller Rocker Arms, ARP Cylinder Studs and Case Bolts and much more.
Built around a 4-5/16-inch Bore x 4-5/8-inch Stroke, these engines can conservatively produce 136 HP and 135 TQ with proper intake, exhaust and tuning. Many of JIMS race engines are actually producing much more power with customer modifications.
The JIMS 135-inch Twin Cam Race Engine is available in Black or Silver and fits all Touring and Dyna models ‘99-Present and Evo models ‘91-’99. JIMS Race Engines are not street legal and are available exclusively through Authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships. For more information please visit us at www.jimsusa.com, find us on Facebook or call 805-482-6913.
Valerie Thompson returns to Ohio Mile with hopes of setting new 200 mph ECTA land speed record and joining 200 MPH Club–– Five-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW motorcycle racers, Valerie Thompson, will return to the Buckeye state for the East Coast Timing Association’s Ohio Mile land speed racing competition June 7-8 with hopes of setting new speed records with her BMW S 1000 RR.
The ECTA hosts four different speed trial events at the Airborne Park facility in Wilmington Ohio each year. The upcoming Ohio Mile competition offers car and motorcycle racers more than 4,400 classes in which to compete. Prior to moving to the Airborne Park location in 2012, the ECTA held the competition in Maxton North Carolina from 1995 through 2011 and was named the Maxton Mile.
“I really look forward to racing at the Ohio Mile. The ECTA knows how to put on a first class speed competition and it’s the home state of one of our sponsors, CTEK Battery Chargers. It’s a wonderful track surface and we have run well here in the past. We have set 3 speed records here over the last 2 years and one is still standing in the Production Class,” said Thompson. “This year we hope to surpass the 200 mph mark and become one of the newest members of the prestigious Ohio Mile 200 MPH Club,” added Thompson.
Airborne Park is located southeast of Wilmington, Ohio midway between Cincinnati and Columbus. For details, visit http://www.ecta-lsr.com.
Valerie Thompson Racing Sponsors: CTEK Battery Charger – The World’s Smartest Battery Charger, BMW Motorrad – HP Race Parts, TROON Enterprises, Magic Bullet Advanced Fuel Treatment, Metro Auto Auction, Akrapovic Exhaust, Speed-Way Shelters, alpha Racing, Schuberth Helmet, Automotive Racing Products, Worldwide Bearings, Stand-Up Photos, Vision Wheel, Go AZ Motorcycles of Scottsdale.
East Coast Timing Association Background
Two Bonneville racers, Tom Sarda and John Beckett, formed the East Coast Timing Association (ECTA) with the goal of providing members a safe racing venue to run speed trials in the Eastern half of the United States. The ECTA is now the principal sanctioning organization for Land Speed Racing in the Eastern US. Four times a year, scores of car and motorcycle racers from around the world gather at Airborne Airpark in Wilmington, Ohio, to speed down the Ohio Mile racecourse. Vehicles range from production cars and motorcycles – basically off the showroom floor – to exotic, purpose-built racers. The ECTA is a membership organization; you must be a member to participate in ECTA events as a rider or driver. Spectators are welcome at all ECTA events.
AVERY MOLEK, 7-YEAR-OLD DRUMMER SENSATIONS PLAYS AT GETTYSBURG BIKE WEEK!! SEE AVERY ON STAGE WITH AC/DC TRIBUTE BAND BIG JACK ON FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014 AT 9:45 P.M.!!—Don’t miss the action!
A Little About Avery
Avery lives in a small town outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was born on September 11th 2006. Being born on a significant date such as that should have been a tip-off that he was going to be one special kid. Other than dad playing a little guitar, Avery’s parents have no musical background. What they do have is a lifelong love of Rock ‘n’ Roll. So from the minute he came into the world, Avery was always surrounded by great music, and he would be found singing along from his car seat.
At two-years-old, Santa brought Avery one toy guitar and one tiny drum set. From that point on a rock star emerged. He wanted to watch music videos instead of cartoons, and begged to have mom dress him up and paint his face like the band members of Kiss.
He would dance around with his guitar a little, but the drums were like a magnet to him. It seemed like it only took weeks before he was banging along to the rhythm and beat of his favorite songs. And not long after he surprised his parents with his first self-taught song, Mississippi Queen. As Avery is an only child, his parents had no idea that what he was displaying was outside the norm for children his age. However, the stunned faces in the audience after his day-care talent show at age 3 really clued them in and got them into gear. They continued to encourage his playing and let him do his thing at home, but over the next year, they did their research, upgraded the drum kit, and found a local drum instructor willing to take on a rambunctious 4-year-old. He started taking one 30-minute lesson per week and was introduced to new skills and techniques which he then applied to the songs he was learning by ear at home.
Avery’s parents began videoing Avery drumming because they found he would become more focused on his playing and actually finish a song when he knew the camera was rolling. They started sharing these videos with family and friends on YouTube.
In the summer of 2012, when Avery was five, a local company asked Avery to perform a set at “Rock the Rock”, a benefit concert they were hosting. At this event Avery played a one-hour set to recorded music and caught the attention of two of the other bands scheduled to perform later that evening, Ruff Creek and AD/HD. As a result, Avery was asked to come up on stage and play with a live band for the very first time ever.
Mom and dad were nervous, but Avery nailed both performances and brought down the house. That was it. Avery was now hooked on playing to a crowd. This led to the “Out of the Basement Tour” – a series of approximately 40 performances over the next year, spanning four states, with numerous talented bands. Most notable were the Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh, The Illinois State Fair, Sturgis Fest “Bike Week” in Michigan, and Roar on the Shore. Ruff Creek continued to show their support for their young friend and graciously invited him to play a 4-song set at many of their scheduled shows. Another exciting opportunity presented itself when Avery was contacted by Karl Golden, an extremely talented guitarist from the United Kingdom who invited Avery to rock with him on a series of music videos.
Avery LOVES drumming at home, but prefers being on stage with the “Grown-ups”. Luckily he has mom and dad around to make sure he eats, sleeps, and lives the life of a regular child – otherwise he would want to be glued to his drum kit 24/7. When he can be coaxed away from his drum kit, Avery enjoys school, reading, basketball, climbing on his jungle gym, playing video games and loving his dog, Rocky!
Avery gets many fan requests to play specific songs or artists, but all mom and dad can do is introduce the songs to him and see what happens. Avery makes his own song selections, and from what mom and dad can tell, he chooses his songs based on what he likes, not on what has the coolest or most difficult drum parts. His tastes continue to evolve, so who knows what songs, genres, or artists are next – so stay tuned.
SPEEDWAY MOTORS OWNER/FOUNDER, “Speedy” Bill Smith Passes, Age 84– In the world of performance automotive parts, there use to be a lot of places to walk in and buy a set of performance heads.
With most of those brick and mortar speed shops going to the wayside, a few have emerged as mail-order speed shop leaders. The two most people know about is Summit Racing and Jegs.
However, there has always been another name in the group, Speedway Motors. Their iconic purple coloring with yellow accents throughout the catalog and website made them stand out from the crowd. On the website and the catalog there was always a picture of the founder, “Speedy” Bill Smith, wearing his wide brimmed hat, and a big, warm smile.
On Friday, May 30th, 2014 Speedy passed away at age 84, according to Journal Star. Going onto the Speedway Motors website, we see this was unfortunately confirmed. “This weekend Speedway lost our favorite racer, rodder and entrepreneur. Bill’s spirit, work ethic and passion for the industry lives on through his family, employees, and those that had the joy and honor of working with him,” states the Speedway Motors website.
Bill started Speedway Motors back in 1952 at the young age of 23 years old. From its humble beginnings as a one man operation, it grew into parts warehouse over 500,000 sq. ft. in size. Speedway Motors is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
If you have thoughts or experiences about Speedway Motors, we’d love to hear them below! Speedway Motors would also like to hear them by e-mailing FourXBill@Speedwaymotors.com
–By Tim King
This is amazing. I’ve never had any dealing with Speedway until last week, when I ordered parts for our Belly tank front end. What can I say? We wish his family all the best.--Bandit
Round Up of Articles from the Bikernet Family of websites.
AUSTERE QUAIL MOTORSPORTS GATHERING
The show consisted of my estimate of 300 unique and historical bikes.
Inspired by the “Quail Motorsports Gathering” sparkling on the grass in Half Moon Bay since 2003, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering takes the same high end approach to antique and unique motorcycles that the Quail Motorsports Gathering has to high end performance and antique cars.
Humans might be the one problem Google can’t solve
For the past four years, Google has been working on self-driving cars.
What Is An Electric Car? An electric car is powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. The electric motor gets energy from a controller, which regulates the amount of power—based on the driver’s use of an accelerator pedal. The electric car (sometimes called an electric vehicle) uses energy stored in its rechargeable batteries, which are recharged by common household electricity.
The cinematography is gorgeous and ‘Why We Ride’ is insightful, humorous, touching and inspiring.
This movie made itself. Born from the inspiration of documenting the legacy of Ed Kretz it took on a life of its own. Why We Ride wasn’t funded by a conglomeration of sponsors all vying for product placement screen time. It was funded by a group of private investors. The Director and camera crew literally started day one shooting at the Sturgis motorcycle rally with no prior contacts or scripts. Soon, the project had its own momentum, its own direction. The cast of interviewees is a who’s who of two wheels and the scope of this film spans decades of motorcycle history from Americas first motorcycles, minibikes to motocross. In the end, the movie is self distributed; it’s not controlled by a big studio and can’t be shelved for the next zombie or vampire fad.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum – BSA 441 Victor Special
One of England’s oldest motorcycle companies, BSA grew out of a consortium of firearms manufacturers.
As one of England’s oldest motorcycle companies, BSA grew out of a consortium of firearms manufacturers who first expanded into bicycles, then into the fledgling “motor bicycle” market by fitting a stronger frame with a Belgian-made Minerva engine.
The Latest in a Fine-Handling FXR Configuration.
“Here is our latest Brawler GT. We finished it this week,” said Dar Holdsworth the boss of Brass Balls Cycles. FXRs are coming back under the signage of the only two custom bike manufacturers left standing in the United States, Brass Balls Cycles and Big Bear Choppers.
The one taboo phrase that plagues the biker world is “Biker Down!”.
In nursing school, they don’t really teach you what to do at an accident, and then I discovered the ‘Accident Scene Management/Road Guardians’ courses.
This is where it starts, we’ve lost so many through the years, brothers and sisters in the wind, and it seems as we get older, there are so many more that quickly take the route to the silent highway.
“Desperate times call for desperate desperateness.” – Daggett
-Mistress Chris
CHOPPERTOWN SENDS OPERATIVES TO EUROPE–We posted another clip from the One World Tour Europe movie! Dick Baron has built some amazing bikes in his South London shop and this one is insane. Enjoy and please grab a DVD or download the full movie here. We rely on your support to keep making the movies you love. Thanks as always!
Don’t forget! We got the Best Bar in America on DVD and Download too! Watch the trailer and download it today right HERE.
BIKERNET’S 5-BALL RACING LEATHER TEAM IS ALREADY THINKING ABOUT ANOTHER PHOTO SHOOT—This girl was shot 6 months ago for Tattoo Magazine. We started looking for someone special for our next apparel shoot and acclaimed photographer Markus Cuff suggested Sabina.
Sabina Kelley has established herself as a true, modern day, pinup and icon. With a wide international presence, she has graced dozens of magazine covers as well as major ad campaigns, television, music videos, calendars, and so much more. She is highly respected in her field and has been sought out by some of the top photographers in the business including David LaChapelle and the legendary, Bunny Yeager.
Sabina has been modeling professionally for over 11 years and dancing since the age of two. She is professionally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and pointe. She went from a small town ballerina to a big time Las Vegas showgirl performing in Jubilee for 2 1/2 years at Ballys Hotel. She is currently training to headline her first ever burlesque dance show.
While modeling with a lot of tattoos goes against the industry norms, Sabina has been very successful in the mainstream-modeling world. Standing at a statuesque 5’10? with platinum blonde hair, gorgeous features, and tattoos, she has gained the respect of many in the industry. Her success is due in part to her incredible versatility. She is the best when it comes to pinup modeling, but also specializes in fashion, glamour, fetish, swimsuit, and lingerie shoots. Sabina shows the world that you can be heavily tattooed and still be beautiful, classy, and sexy. She loves to push the boundaries and take tattoos to whole new level in the mainstream fashion world.
Sabina owns her own laser tattoo removal business called Bombshell Tattoo Removal. She is also a permanent judge on the new TV show “Best Ink”. The 3rd season is currently airing Wednesday nights on Oxygen at 10pm/9c.
Sabina is a model, tv star, business woman, and mother, and she manages to do it all with grace and style.
So, what do you think?
–Bandit
RARE MOTORCYCLE SHOOT OF THE WEEK—Speaking of Markus, he was recently contacted by Don Whalen, the official, certified Bikernet antique motorcycle collector to shoot this magnificent Indian. “Btw, there’s a 1901 Camelback in the Guggenheim Art of the Motorcycle book, looks exactly the same as this ’07, except it’s a Single,” said Markus.
That’s the point. You might never see another twin like this.
–Wilburn Roach
FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL AT THE PETERSON MUSEUM–Offer only available on Sunday, June 15th @ 9:30 a.m. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to check in at the admissions desk.
Space is limited. First come, first serve. CLICK HERE TO RSVP and reserve your spot today.
Complimentary Vault Tour offer is only valid for fathers that are museum members. All other members are welcome to RSVP and will be charged the standard Vault Tour fees prior to the tour?s departure. Additional guests of members are also welcome to RSVP but will be charged the standard Vault Tour and Museum admission fees prior to the tour?s departure. The Vault Tour is limited to guests ages 13 and up.
Standard parking rates apply. Admission prices and parking rates can be found here. Don?t FORGET! As a member, regular Museum admission is included in your benefits so we hope you stay after the Vault Tour and check out some of our newest exhibits at the Museum.
Not a member? Signing up is easy. Click here to join today!
KENTUCKY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION WEEKEND PARTY–Don’t miss the big event this weekend. KMA members get in FREE on Friday night. Plenty of camping. The poker run will leave at Noon at be back in time for the live music and dirt drags at about 5pm.
Please be sure to spread the word to everyone and bring them with you. Adults only on Friday but fun for the whole family on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing you there.
P.S. Still have plenty of room for vendors. Just pay the regular admission and door prize gets you in.
— Jay Huber
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT HITS THE HIGHLIFE–These are photos from the night party at Snk = Sihanooukville, Cambodia.
Good event – well planned – professionally done.
Good hotels – very good food and entertainment – program.
Been in Bangkok for two nights – early curfew, due to political unrest, not much of a problem.
Early to bed early to rise they say.
Went to the new mall yesterday – will go again to day for some pics.
I don’t think we have anything like it in the US.
Six floors -ALL Rodeo Drive style – Brands in the stratosphere.
Pretty fair departure from conventional mall design visually.The top floors will be a hotel – rooms start at $200. Walking distance from the Nana – 10 minutes.
Next to the mall is a new condo project underway.
I counted more than 100 workers visible.
The money is in Asia !!!
Big Mike is still here. He retired from lawyering – sold business and moved here. Plans on a long term stay.
I have not seen any military in my two days here.
I think they only gather at flash spots of protest sites.
A few more of the activities of travel –
A sim card for every country – buy loads – manage – change. Currency for every country except Cambodia which uses dollars. Exchange the right amount so as to not have many leftovers
Sort – store – retrieve – which ?money and ?when –
Wake up in the morning – where am I – which country even??
Taxi – know in advance of the correct fare to destination.
Easy to pay double the rate if not informed.
Enough for now?
–Art Hall
Bikernet Extreme Overseas Correspondent
THREE LESSONS ON FINANCIAL PLANNING– from 2 Classic Old Cars Financial Advisor Shares Tips for Pre-Retirees
Classic car aficionado David Rosell, CEO of Rosell Wealth Management and author of “Failure is NOT an Option,” (www.DavidRosell.com), says pre-retirees can learn a lot from their beloved old cars about financial planning for a secure retirement.
This story alone holds valuable lessons:
“I love adventure travel and, years ago, I went to New Zealand, where I bought a charming old Morris Minor from a German traveler who was heading home,” Rosell says.
“I paid $200 for the car, thinking if it got me to the Bay of Islands 150 miles to the north and back again, it would have been worth the money.”
As it turned out “Kiwi” carried Rosell all over the North Island. He took a chance and made a second investment of $200 to have the car ferried to the South Island to roam the mountains and rainforests.
The car not only hung in, he sold it for $600 to another newly arrived traveler when it came time to leave.
Years later, fondly remembering the Morrie, he found a convertible version for sale in the United States. “Peaches” had been lovingly maintained, so the asking price was much higher, but she was a far more reliable bet than old Kiwi. Rosell bought it and continues to carefully maintain it. At 57 years old, it’s humming along smoothly.
So, what can a pre-retiree learn about financial planning from Rosell’s Morris Minors?
Plenty, he says.
Rosell was a young man on that trip to New Zealand, and he planned to stay a few weeks. He could afford the risk of driving around in a charming old clunker because, if it broke down, he had time and other resources available.
“When you’re young and building your wealth, you can and should take more risks. Small- , mid- and large-cap stock funds, and international stock funds are the most volatile – riskier – so they generally have the greatest potential for growth,” Rosell says.
Once you retire, your focus should be on a lack of risk and volatility, although you still want some growth to overcome the damaging effects of inflation.
Many people contribute to company plans such as 401(k)s or pump their money into other savings and investment plans and then ignore them. That’s like investing in a car like Peaches and never checking the oil, Rosell says.
“Whether you’re managing the funds yourself or you hire a financial advisor, you need to be monitoring your progress toward your goals and making adjustments during your accumulation years,” he says.
“As you get closer to retirement, you need to begin planning for how much you’ll be able to withdraw each year without stressing your portfolio; how that affects the date when you can retire; and when you should start collecting Social Security benefits.”
When Rosell bought Peaches, its owner had a stack of paperwork documenting everything he’d done to maintain and restore the car. That has helped Rosell be proactive and focused in his maintenance efforts.
“If something should happen to you, you can make it much easier on your family by compiling the information they need,” he says.
Make sure all important financial information and other important documents are organized and stored in a fireproof box, and provide a list with information such as:
Location of wills and other important papers; bank accounts; investments; retirement assets such as 401(k)s; insurance policies; business interests; real estate; personal property; debts and money owed
Rosell says Peaches taught him many life lessons as well, including this one: “Like Peaches, one does not need to be flamboyant or showy to get positive attention!”
About David Rosell
David Rosell, author of “Failure is NOT an Option,” (www.DavidRosell.com), is a sought-after speaker who has addressed international audiences including the Million Dollar Round Table. He is a recipient of the Retirement Distribution Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, and has been featured on NPR and FOX Business News. His company, Rosell Wealth Management, was a select finalist in 2008 for the management of the $500,000,000 Oregon 529 College Fund. He is the past chairman of the Bend, Ore., Chamber of Commerce, the City Club of Central Oregon and his Toastmasters chapter. With a current tally of more than 65 countries on four different continents, Rosell has a love of extreme travel and adventure.
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Dynacycle Oil is a High Temperature / High Shear ViscosityPremium Semi-Synthetic 20W-50 Dynacycle Oil guaranteed to reduce engine temperature up to 30°F over conventional oils and up to 15°F over full synthetic oils, thus extending piston and bearing life. This oil was specifically designed and patented for “air cooled” or oxygenated “Harley type” engines to extend engine life, but also increases oil pressure and horsepower.
Viscosity is an important property of fluid lubricants. The viscosity of all fluids varies with temperature. The usefulness of the viscosity of lubricants is greatest when the viscosity is measured at or near the conditions of shear rate and temperature that the lubricants will experience in service.
The High Temperature / High Shear Test measures a lubricants viscosity under severe high temperature and shear conditions that resemble highly-loaded journal bearings in fired internal combustion engines. In order to prevent bearing wear, it is important for a lubricant to maintain its protective viscosity under severe operating conditions.
Dynacycle Oil has one of the best High Temperature / High Shear Viscosity numbers in the industry with a 6.12, which beats many of the top selling motorcycle oil’s on the market today. Watch for the latest results from the independent testing currently being conducted comparing horsepower and torque results from the top oil producers.
High Temperature/High Viscosity (HT/HS ASTM D-5481) Test Results
The Info and Specs we are reporting was gathered from independent Dynacycle Oil testing
and from the data reported on our competitor’s websites. Dynacycle Oil and it’s owners are NOT responsible for incorrect data or misprints reported by our competitors and/or from other manufacturer websites.
Dynacycle Oil is proud to offer this incredible oil at an introductory price of only $85.00 a case including free shipping. Try it out and experience the difference for yourself…and for your customers. You’ll never use another oil once you experience the Dynacycle difference.
reach for the phone and call Dynacycle Oil at 732-605-9003, email them at info@dynacycleoil.com or check them out online at www.dynacycleoil.com.
****Mojave Mile****In The Books****April 12-13****12,000 foot runway, one mile shutdown….
****E C T A Ohio Mile****5/3-4 (In The Books)****6/7-8****7/12-13****9/27-28****
****El Mirage**** 6-22, 7-13, 9-14, 10-19, 11/8-9****
****Race To The Clouds****6/29****92nd Running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb****Colorado Springs, CO.****Gates Open 3:00 AM, Racing Starts 8:00 AM**
****93 DAYS….S C T A Speed Week****August 9-15, 2014****
****BUB Speed Trials****August 23-28****
****World Finals****Sept. 30—-October 3, 2014****
After spending a remarkable week with my youngest son’s family in the great Northwest arrived home in one piece, one more time. It’s quite magical watching a brand new little person blossom in front of your eyes. Kick start only?
We celebrated my grandsons first birthday Monday morning, followed by a second milestone seventh Saturday. Time is accelerating at a phenomenal rate these days, so we’re building a time machine hoping this one works.
Packed and departed Sea-Tac Monday afternoon, arriving in Long Beach, Ca. as the sun was setting after a perfect week. The pilot was kind enough to cruise past Mt. Rainier on our way home for a close up look.
Back to reality today in the life of the 5-Ball Racing Teams never ending quest for speed on the great, blindingly white, sometimes crunchy, sometimes not so crunchy in spots, slippery as ice, salt dyno during the 2014 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials.
The good Dr. Willie and Sharpeye Jim retrieved the Raycer early last week from the twins Turbo shop located in Long Beach, CA.
A short list of minor modifications at Willie’s seemed logical while we’re waiting for machine time to open at Marc Susman’s, Classic & Custom Rides in Anaheim to machine the latest Air Plenum. Machine paths have been programmed, material is in hand, scheduled for this coming Saturday’s run.
Secured safely on the airlift in Willie’s operating room the Raycer was scrutinized once again from rifle-drilled axel to rifle-drilled axel.
Determining a slight oil filter relocation was needed, the oil lines were then detailed and the oil cooler moved outboard of the Twins Turbo 2 ¼-inch aluminum piping connecting the Series 66 Aerocharger to the one off Corky Bell intercooler located safely under the tail section.
The Dr. then tackled the rear set shifting mechanism for a beefy one up and five down shifting pattern. The mounting plates and linkage will be detailed pre-Bonneville.
Next on the list Willie found the fuel system pieces located in the tail section needed securing for the long run on the streets and the salt.
For shipping and Dyno tuning purposes Willie installed a Pingel strut in place of the Race Tech Mono Shock.
With a few key modifications we now have Turbo piping clearance on the primary side. Next week we test fit and clock the new Plenum for final welding.
Once the Plenum is finish welded we will return to Twins Turbo in Long Beach so the Twins can finalize the intercoolers dry ice tray, sealing for maximum air intake. Then connect the intercooler to the New Marc Susman Air Plenum.
The next phase will be researching Yellow Freight and Keyboard Shipping, destination Dan Thayers www.Vtwinfuelinjection.com located in New York. We plan on shipping the Raycer the week of the 16th-20th.
Stay tuned, we’re making progress with less than 80 days and counting.
Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
wheeler@bikernet.com
[photo 581411]
1. a list or collection of proper names.
2. a list or collection of specialized terms, as those used in a particular field or subject area.
A quick look at any onomasticon shows how many more Greek names begin with alpha than with any other letter.
We bring this up because today happens to be the 162nd birthday of Mr. Roget’s compendium of synonyms. Yes, on this date in 1852, the first edition of Peter Roget’s onomasticon was published.
Origin: Onomasticon entered English in the early 1700s from the Greek onomastikòn meaning “vocabulary arranged by subjects.”
BUILD-OFF WINNER SPEAKS OUT– I’m sure you’ve heard we won our Episode of Bikerlive Monday evening. I wanted to thank all of you who supported and voted for us. If it wasn’t for you guys, my team, and our hard work combined this project couldn’t have made this happen.
I want to thank Ron and Gary for busting ass all day on Monday to make sure our voting flyer was out to the public eye. This win was to promote hard work and hopefully stimulate the industry; and get people involved with just getting out there to bust ass and work hard.
Attached are some pics of the bike. I hope to see you at our unveil Bash at Zeppes Tavern in Newbury, Ohio on June 14th.
–Jesse Srpan
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND MOTORCYCLE CLUB JOINT FIGHT FOR RIGHTS– The Australian Human Rights Commission and the Nomads motorcycle club have joined forces to challenge NSW consorting laws aimed at preventing club members associating with each other.
National president of the Nomads Simon Tajjour broke the clubs strict rule of not discussing “club business” to attack the laws as his legal team, led by top Sydney solicitor Simon Joyner, prepared to take their challenge to the High Court next Tuesday.
Attorneys-General from four other states have put in submissions supporting the NSW laws, introduced in 2012 after a spate of drive-by shootings linked to an alleged ‘biker war’.
Leading barrister Bret Walker, SC, put forward a written submission on behalf of the Human Rights Commission seeking leave to appear with the bikers, claiming the legislation could contravene the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Mr Tajjour, cousin of Kings Cross promoter John Ibrahim and his brother Sam (a former Nomad leader), was one of the first people arrested under the laws, along with Nomad associate Justin Hawthorne.
“I was born and raised in Australia and was taught free speech was a right we all have,’’ the 34-year-old told media yesterday.
Mr Tajjour was convicted of the manslaughter of Robin Nassour in 2006, along with Michael Ibrahim, and served four years. He said he should not be arrested for talking to someone who also had a record.
“A lot of people may not like us but this fight is not about me or motorcycle clubs. It’s about everyone’s rights,” Mr Tajjour said.
NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said it was wrong for the Human Rights Commission to be aligned with bikers: “Tony Abbott needs to explain why the person he appointed Human Rights Commissioner is standing up for bikers while removing protections from victims of racism and bigotry.
“We should be protecting the vulnerable in the community, not criminal gangs.”
Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson said last night: “It’s before the courts and for that reason the commission can’t comment.”
Federal Attorney-General George Brandis, whose department oversees the administration of the Human Rights Commission, was last night unavailable for comment.
NSW Attorney-General Brad Hazzard said the laws were designed to stop bikers planning crime: “Convicted criminals should not be free to consort with other criminals and plan their next offence.’’
THE BIKERNET TRIKING VIKING REVIEW–This is pretty cool, I was not familiar with penton,
I’ve already gotten a response from the first email about the upcoming Penton movie: “Send them that movie preview. I was not totally sold until I watched the preview.” So, here it is: http://pentonmovie.com/see-the-penton-john-penton-story-trailer/
For those of you that know Penton, no introduction is needed. For those that don’t know the name or accomplishments of this man visit this link: http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=84
There will be a screening of the full length movie Penton: The John Penton Story at the Market Place Stadium 10, 13782 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA on July 10, 2014 at 7:30 PM. 65 people need to ante up before the date is confirmed. Go to this link to reserve your tickets: http://gathr.us/screening/8179
Join Nancy and me for a fun evening.
–Walt Fulton
Product Specialist
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U. S. A.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, California 92618-2084
949/770-0400 Ext. 2681 / Fax 949/460-5601
Ryan burnt the midnight oil preparing customer bikes for the Ink and Iron Show at the Queen Mary this weekend, and to finish this bike. Then we will submit his copper monster to the bosses of Easyriders for careful consideration.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE SPECIAL SUMMER OFFER– Now is the time to become an Indian Motorcycle rider/owner with the Summer To Ride Sales Event with 5 year coverage and financing as low as 1.99%*. Don’t miss out on these competitive offers – offer expires July 27.
U.S. Marshals Seize Cops’ Spying Records to Keep Them From the ACLU–
By Kim Zetter
A routine request in Florida for public records regarding the use of a surveillance tool known as stingray took an extraordinary turn recently when federal authorities seized the documents before police could release them.
The surprise move by the U.S. Marshals Service stunned the American Civil Liberties Union, which earlier this year filed the public records request with the Sarasota, Florida, police department for information detailing its use of the controversial surveillance tool.
The ACLU had an appointment last Tuesday to review documents pertaining to a case investigated by a Sarasota police detective. But marshals swooped in at the last minute to grab the records, claiming they belong to the U.S. Marshals Service and barring the police from releasing them.
ACLU staff attorney Nathan Freed Wessler called the move “truly extraordinary and beyond the worst transparency violations” the group has seen regarding documents detailing police use of the technology.
“This is consistent with what we’ve seen around the country with federal agencies trying to meddle with public requests for stingray information,” Wessler said, noting that federal authorities have in other cases invoked the Homeland Security Act to prevent the release of such records. “The feds are working very hard to block any release of this information to the public.”
Stingrays, also known as IMSI catchers, simulate a cellphone tower and trick nearby mobile devices into connecting with them, thereby revealing their location. A stingray can see and record a device’s unique ID number and traffic data, as well as information that points to its location. By moving a stingray around, authorities can triangulate a device’s location with greater precision than is possible using data obtained from a carrier’s fixed tower location.
The records sought by the ACLU are important because the organization has learned that a Florida police detective obtained permission to use a stingray simply by filing an application with the court under Florida’s “trap and trace” statute instead of obtaining a probable-cause warrant. Trap and trace orders generally are used to collect information from phone companies about telephone numbers received and called by a specific account. A stingray, however, can track the location of cell phones, including inside private spaces.
The government has long asserted it doesn’t need a probable-cause warrant to use stingrays because the device doesn’t collect the content of phone calls and text messages, but instead operates like pen-registers and trap-and-traces, collecting the equivalent of header information. The ACLU and others argue that the devices are more invasive than a trap-and-trace.
Recently, the Tallahassee police department revealed it had used stingrays at least 200 times since 2010 without telling any judge because the device’s manufacturer made the police department sign a non-disclosure agreement that police claim prevented them from disclosing use of the device to the courts.
The ACLU has filed numerous records requests with police departments around the country in an effort to uncover how often the devices are used and how often courts are told about them.
In the Sarasota case, the U.S. Marshals Service claimed it owned the records Sarasota police offered to the ACLU because it had deputized the detective in the case, making all documentation in the case federal property. Before the ACLU could view the documents Sarasota had put aside for them, the agency dispatched a marshal from its office in Tampa to seize the records and move them to an undisclosed location.
The U.S. Marshals Service declined to comment, saying it “does not discuss pending litigation.”
Florida public records law requires that even if a dispute over records occurs, the Sarasota Police Department was legally obligated to hold onto the records for at least 30 days once it had received the ACLU’s request. That period would have given the ACLU a chance to argue its case in court to obtain the records.
“We’ve seen our fair share of federal government attempts to keep records about stingrays secret, but we’ve never seen an actual physical raid on state records in order to conceal them from public view,” the ACLU wrote in a blog post today.
The ACLU filed an emergency motion seeking a temporary injunction preventing the police department from releasing additional files to the marshals. The motion also asks the court to find the department in violation of state law for allowing the U.S. Marshals Service to seize the documents. The ACLU wants the court to order the police department to retrieve the documents. Because the issue is a state matter and the ACLU filed the motion in a state court, the judge cannot directly order the U.S. Marshal Service, a federal agency, to return the documents.
–from Rogue
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR INVESTIGATES MELAKA MALAYSIA—In front of hotel – the guy on the bench is from Indonesia.
He and I were judges at the bike show.
He is a master builder in his own right.
www.retroclassics.com
I’m headed back to Los Angeles tomorrow.
–Art Hall
Supreme Bikernet International Editor in Charge
MEET BANDIT AT SMOKE OUT 15–Keith “Bandit” Ball, Editor of Bikernet.com, is heading out to “the” East Coast Chopper Event: Smoke Out 15. The Smoke Out is about choppers. It is about builders, from professional builders to those bloody-knuckled guys (and gals) burning the midnight oil. It’s just a couple of weeks away in Rockingham, NC on June 27 – 28, 2014. Details at http://www.smokeoutrally.com/
Bandit plans to steal a new Indian at an undisclosed dealership and see how far he can ride it without getting caught. If you see him dial 911, I’m sure there’s a reward.
–Renegade
BOOK OF THE WEEK, SCOOTER MANIA! – Recollections of the Isle of Man International Scooter Rally.
By Steve Jackson
A complete history of the event including competitor’s and organizer’s personal experiences, the controversies and difficulties experienced by the Rally Committee in what became a remarkable 20-year chapter in the history of Scootering Sport.
Events included Endurance and Navigational trials, Hill Climbs, Scrambling, Gymkhana Competitions, Circuit and Closed Road Racing, Assembly Rallies and Sand Racing.
25×20.7cm • 128 pages • 180 pictures
ISBN: 978-1-845846-48-0
£ 14.99 (for eBooks this varies and delivery is free)
Features
• Year-by-year account of the Manx International Scooter Rally
• Ex-competitors and officials interviewed
• Exclusive images from the Manx Press pictures archive
• Content from Tourist Board press releases, programmes and Rally ephemera
• Origins of the Isle of man Scooter Club
• Research covered every column inch of the Manx Press on the subject
• Features Rally reports with results, standings and awards
• Created with the involvement of Works teams and officials, including Vespa and Lambretta
• Many images researched from private photographic archives
• Concise history of Scootering’s longest running closed road event
A unique history detailing the biggest closed-road and competitive scootering event, which drew crowds and competitors from around the World.
In-depth coverage of the Rally and the organization behind one of the most spectacular chapters in Manx automotive history.
Contains interviews with organizers and competitors, press and amateur photographs from multiple sources, and images from official programs, entry cards and route maps.
OKAY, I KNOW I’M FORGETTING SOMETHING—Still waiting to hear from Matt Hotch regarding two features, one for Bikernet Baggers on his thoughts regarding big MetalSport wheel modifications to touring frames, and a feature on his Vincent for Bikernet.
I recently heard from Yaniv from Power Plant on Melrose regarding his classic P-16 café custom feature for Bikernet. Did make headway this week on the JIMS 135-inch tech, and a story for American Iron on Andrews sporty is long gone. You’ll see it here in the future.
We are looking at a handlebar install for Biker’s choice and they asked us to evaluated these two aluminum curved ramps. We owned another one for a few years, but one of the tailgate tabs broke off. No problem, we welded it back on and supported it with additional welds.
These Quadboss ramps address the tabs with wider stronger straps welded securely in place, but we will put them to the test this year. In addition they come with security straps to hold the ramps in place during loading and unloading. Yes, I have experienced ramps departing the vehicle or trailer before the job was finished. If you’re alone it can be a severe bitch.
We are also considering adding gloves to our fine line of 5-Ball Racing Apparel. So, of course I had to take a shot of my favorite gloves, by Lee Parks. These amazing deerskin gloves are the best and come with two sets of Velcro straps for cinching the palm and the gauntlet. Of course I cut them off. I’d modify my toaster if I could.
Have a helluva weekend.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
