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Hey,
I took my grandson to the Long Beach Swap Meet today, that’s why the news is running late. We didn’t find all the parts we needed for his ’05 Dyna repairs, but I did buy a beautiful new Kraft Tech Rigid frame. Do I need another frame, oh hell no. It’s nuts, but what a deal.
Frankie picked up a late model Dyna Swingarm from Terry the Tramp. And I ran into old pals like Grant from Born Free, Frank Kaisler and Chopper Dave. When we need shit or to get rid of shit, we still hit the swap meets.
Let’s hit the news.
NEWS FROM THE CHOPPERTOWN MOUNTAIN– Just a quick note to let you know that Dice Digital Issue 72 is ready to download HERE. Save a couple bucks and support Dice Magazine and Choppertown by becoming a yearly subscriber at Choppertown.com.
Stay independent.
–Zack and Scott
Hello everyone: I am the President of the Alumni Association of the Lyc?e Francais de New York (NYC French High School) and I am doing research on a person named Roger Chatelet who was a student at our school until 6th grade, in 1957.
The birth year (1944) of the Roger Chatelet who is the focus of this web site makes it appear to me that they might be one and the same.
I also have a photo from the 1957 yearbook, and there seems to be a resemblance. (I can email it to anyone who is interested.) Can anyone confirm whether Roger lived in NYC during his youth, whether he spoke French, or that he went to my school? Or anything else that would confirm that he is, or is not, the same person? Thank you.
— Roger Liwer
rogersanit@gmail.com
Paris, France
VIDEO OF THE WEEKEND—Get your car washed by Abigail Ratchford.
–from El Waggs
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A couple had two little boys, ages eight and ten, who were excessively mischievous. The two were always getting into trouble and their parents could be confident that if any mischief occurred in their town, their two young sons were involved in some capacity.
The parents were at their wit’s end as to what to do about their sons’ behavior.The parents had heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children in the past, so they contacted him, and he agreed to give it his best shot.
He asked to see the boys individually, so the eight-year-old was sent to meet with him first. The clergyman sat the boy down and asked him sternly, “Where is God?”
The boy made no response, so the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, “Where is God?”
Again the boy made no attempt to answer, so the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy’s face, “WHERE IS GOD?”
At that, the boy bolted from the room, ran directly home, and slammed himself in his closet. His older brother followed him into the closet and said, “What happened?”
The younger brother replied, “We are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and they think we did it!”
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
I was shocked that we lost Balls, he was a friend and confidant. Met him in 05 when I was at his studio/home, taking pictures of my knuck for Biker Magazine, later again my Panshovel again for Biker. We always found each other at events. A warm smile and strong handshake was always waiting. He will be terribly missed.
— Steve Bonk
Midlothian, IL
Michael Williams Farabaugh, 68, of Morgantown died Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in his home. He was born May 7, 1948 in Norwalk, CT to David Farabaugh and Dorothy Williams Farabaugh. He was a freelance photographer, and the director of the Lucas Oil Motorcycle Division.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Debby Crotty Farabaugh; a son Ryan Farabaugh and wife Holly of Morgantown; a sister, Nano Farabaugh of Elkhart, IN; a brother, David Farabaugh and wife Sherri of Thornton, CO; and a granddaughter, Phebe Lynn Farabaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His friends knew him for his honesty, integrity and loyalty. Family and Friendship were the most important things in his life.
Michael was one of the founding members of ABATE of Indiana and the Motorcycle Rights Foundation; he was instrumental in starting the motorcycle safety program in Indiana; he was inducted into three different Motorcycle Halls of Fame; was a board member of American Motorcyclist Association for 30 years; started the Miracle Ride which is a huge fund raiser for Riley Hospital for Children; started MDA motorcycle events; was a lobbyist for motorcyclist rights; his last endeavor was to author a book Freewheelin’, documenting his photographic inspirations of traveling on 2 wheels throughout North America.
His life could be summed up by saying he was the most avid motorcyclist in the world.
If friends so desire, Memorial Contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Online condolences may be left at www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.com.
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– Subject: True Golf Buddies
A guy brings his best golf buddy home, unannounced, for dinner at 6:30, after enjoying a day of golf
His wife screams her head off while his friend sits at the kitchen table, open mouthed, listening to the tirade.
“My hair and makeup are not done, the house is a fucking mess and the dishes are still in the sink. I’m completely exhausted! I didn’t get enough sleep last night. Can’t you see I’m still in my fucking pajamas? I can’t be bothered with cooking tonight! Why the fuck did you bring him home without letting me know ahead of time, you stupid asshole!?”
“Because …he’s thinking of getting married…”
–from Kelli Dube
CONNECTICUT HELMET LAW–
With the help of House Chairman Tony Guerrera and Senator Len Suzio, we have succeeded in stripping the mandatory helmet law language from the omnibus DOT bill (HB 7055). This effort to embody the helmet law language in a bill certain to pass covering multiple DOT matters is a MAJOR CMRA victory and we thank all who made the effort to attend the public hearing, contact their legislators and contribute toward the fight financially.
Special thanks to our Chairman, Sandra Clark, our lobbyist Jim Duffy, Mya and Carmine Lombardi, Ryder Fitzgerald, Mariann Tangredi and everyone who worked tirelessly over the last 8 weeks to prepare and execute another winning legislative strategy.
We still must be wary of possible attempts to raise a helmet amendment on the floor of the House or Senate to HB 7055 or any other bill considered germane between now and June when the General Assembly recesses for the year. Nevertheless, we are one step away from the finish line.
Congratulations Freedom Fighters !!!!!
–Richard Paukner CPA
Richard Paukner & Associates LLC
469 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 204
Greenwich, CT 06830
Tele: 203-869-6062
Fax: 203-769-5036
rpaukner@pauknerassociates.com
THE ALERT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 23, 2017
I keep reading about all of this shit going on in California. I just can’t get it through my head why anyone would want to live there?
–Alex Jemery
Deland, FL
The weather.–Bandit
LATEST FORTUNE NOOKIE— from the Ming Dynasty Chinese Food Joint:
“The near future holds a fine gift of contentment”—Sin Wu
MRF REPORT RIDING FREE FROM DC–
Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway
NEWS FROM THE HILL – Motorcycle Caucus Back in Business, Profiling Discussions Underway
The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, first founded in 2009, acts as a forum for Members of Congress who ride or are interested in motorcycles to discuss relevant issues. The Caucus has been a huge help to the MRF in recent weeks as they helped to sound the alarm when the Federal Highway Administration announced their intention to move forward with the Motorcyclist Advisory Council but neglected to include adequate representation of motorcyclists! We continue to thank the Caucus for their support on that particular issue.
However, because it is a new Congress and new Administration, the Caucus is again soliciting elected officials to be included as Members of the Caucus. The group is run by Reps. Tim Walberg (Michigan) and Mike Burgess (Texas). They recently issued the solicitation below asking for new members. Please consider reaching out to your Member of Congress and ask them to join the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus! The letter currently circulating can be found below. Alternatively, for a copy, contact Megan Ekstrom (Megan@MRF.org)
As many of you know, in 2016, the MRF worked to get a bill addressing motorcycle profiling introduced in the House of Representatives. However, with the November elections, a new Congress and new Administration were ushered in and all legislative proposals from 2015 and 2016 expired. As such, the MRF is again working to get a similar measure regarding anti-profiling introduced in the coming months. The MRF and its supporters have been diligently working with both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate in the hopes of getting a bill introduced in EACH chamber that would be both bi-partisan and bi-cameral. This tactic will ultimately help the chances of passage.
Currently, the MRF has commitments from House Republicans and Democrats to introduce the bill, but we are still working on securing a Democratic co-sponsor in the Senate to help lead this effort. If you have a positive working relationship with a Democratic Senator in your state, please contact Megan Ekstrom ASAP.
Ultimately, our goal is to get this bill introduced just prior to the Bikers Inside the Beltway Event and then use that lobbying event as the jumping off point to rally additional co-sponsors and supporters. Please help the MRF with the final piece of the puzzle if you think your Senator (who aligns with Democrats) would be willing to sponsor a Senate bill addressing motorcycle profiling.
Ride Free Forever
–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Did Chad Hickman ever find a stamped front fender ? ( 3-d flame embossed ) I have a front and rear fender new in the box, in primer.
–J. A MAY
jamay59@gmail.com
Lyle, MN
Not sure. We will try to reach out. Maybe Chad will read this.
–Bandit
ECONOMIC LESSON FROM THE MASTER AT THE BASE OF THE MOUNTAIN– Forbes Magazine suggests tough years ahead for Harley Davidson in home turf of USA where it holds a record 50+% and more market share in motorcycle sales.
Polaris Indian is growing fast and though nothing compared to present day sales figures of Harley Davidson, in a matter of few years, Polaris Indian will be a big player in USA motorcycle sales figures.
Harley-Davidson even had to lay off workers due to overall market for two-wheelers shrinking in USA.
Your Trike Editor and common sense fan Ujjwal Dey suggests that this is a institutional problem with brand Harley-Davidson. Yes, Triumph, Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Ducati, BMW, they don’t care where they manufacture their motorcycles as long as they can beat the competition in quality and pricing and service.
Whereas the entire branding of Harley-Davidson depends on “Made in America” tag which makes sales outside USA naturally more expensive due to import costs and other regulations relating to 800cc+ bikes. If Harley can’t make big exports and also starts losing home ground, then Indian and Triumph will be the biggest gainers outside USA and also within USA market.
Harley-Davidson lowered its guidance, after Q2, of shipping 269,000-274,000 motorcycles in 2016 to 264,000-269,000 units, down 1% to up 1% from 2015 levels, hurt by softer U.S. demand, which typically accounts for two-thirds the net shipments.
The U.S. forms a massive ~70% of Harley’s top line, and the company lowered its full-year guidance despite a 4.4% growth in international retail sales through the first half due to a 5.2% year-over-year drop in the U.S. retails — a decline worse than expected.
The silver lining for Harley here is that it managed to gain market share in the U.S. 601+cc heavyweight motorcycle market in Q2, as the overall market declined by a larger 8.6%. This growth for Harley mainly came on the back of the expected shrinking in the U.S. heavyweight motorcycle market, which was lapping the positive growth of 7.6% in the year-ago period, driven by the onset of aggressive competitive discounting, and due to weak anticipated sales in oil-dependent areas.
The incremental growth in the U.S. last year was due to the aggressive discounting by competitors, and the de-growth this year has also been due to lower sales for the competition. Harley’s performance has remained somewhat consistent, so not much can be made out of the increase in market share, one would think.
Another reason to enforce this is the continual rise in Polaris and its motorcycle division comprising the Indian and Slingshot brands. In Q2, Polaris’ motorcycle sales grew 23% year-over-year and gross profit increased by 63%.
Although Harley’s motorcycle and related parts revenue is more than 7x that of Polaris’, what is notable here is the trend. While the overall motorcycle industry retail sales for 901+cc were down mid-single digit percent in the second quarter, North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment was up mid-teens percent. This means that Polaris is growing much more than Harley.
This, however, isn’t surprising, since Polaris is much smaller and Harley already has a massive ~50% market share to protect. However, the growth levels that Polaris is managing are more than commendable and could hurt Harley’s market share — which is already under pressure from international manufacturers. While Harley lowered its full-year shipment guidance on tepid U.S. sales, Polaris announced that it expects its motorcycle sales to be up by a double-digit percentage this year.
On the back of the reduced shipment guidance, Harley is now laying off 200 or so workers across its U.S. plants. These layoffs will take place in the company’s assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania, and the manufacturing plants in Menomonee Falls, and Tomahawk.
This number represents around 3.5% of the 5,700 workers employed by Harley in its motorcycle segment till the end of last year. The company has always looked to keep supply in line with demand, and managed its inventory well in times of weaker demand. This step now is also in accordance with the trend of softer customer demand, which is expected to lower production levels at the iconic motorcycle maker’s facilities.
The question remains if this is Harley being at the top of its game and eliminating extra costs while production slows, or if this reflects signs of tougher times to come.
Motorcycle demand in the U.S. has slowed, meaning that companies will now look for growth in terms of increasing market share and incentives. Harley already faces stiff competition from the European and Japanese manufacturers, which have benefited recently from the stronger U.S. dollar, and domestic competition in the face of Polaris. This could pressure Harley’s operations and deter it from even reaching its revised target of 264,000-269,000 motorcycle shipments this year.
Look out this coming week for some statistics and numbers on Trikes Industry growth and market share from your SuperSan Editor Ujjwal Dey.
–Ujjwal Dey
Most Excellent Editor
Bikernet Trikes
I don’t agree with Udey on many fronts. I love it when the economic giants sniff a decline. They go after it like a small wounded dog dropped into a sea of great white sharks. Generally the assumptions are bullshit just feeding on any negativity for a headline.
First: Way more components on Polaris Indians are American made than Harleys. Second: We live in a vastly, rapidly changing motorcycle world. Did you know the largest selling motorcycle in the world is the Royal Enfield and they basically build one model, but sold over 500,000 last year.
The American market will explode once more as soon as economically we are dancing in the streets once more. The new administration knows exactly what to do. It’s call freedom.
Finally, it’s impossible to compare Indian and Harley. Indian is a start-up. I was told that they built only 10,000 2014 Indian Chiefs and I’m proud to own one, but there’s no comparison to almost 300,000 Harleys. Hell, if the sold 20,000 the next year that would be a 100 percent increase. Yeah, so what.
The economy is the critical factor and a world that quits fighting over hot, dry, sand. Let’s build them cool roads, where we can ride and share a beer at their restaurants…
–Bandit
[page break]
IT’S ALL NUTS– The Federal Trade Commission has started an investigation into the practice of auto lenders equipping new vehicles with GPS and other devices. A payment assurance device attached to a vehicle’s ignition allows finance companies to remotely and instantly disable the vehicle and prevent it from being driven. If a car goes missing, lenders can use GPS to locate the vehicle. The devices keep tabs on vehicles until loans are paid off.
Here is an example of an enthusiastic pitch to car dealers and lenders for “GPS tracking and asset management solutions.”
The practice is most commonly used on subprime borrowers who have little or no credit history and who have the highest risk of falling behind on payments and defaulting on loans. Borrowers feel they have no choice but to agree to the installation of these devices if they want auto financing.
The tracking/shutdown devices give auto lenders extra control over borrowers. Due to a lack of legislation on either a federal or state level, payment assurance devices allow lenders to:
–Set their own rules for installing these GPS devices on vehicles
–Track the vehicles
–Determine what kind of privacy data to gather from the devices
–Decide on how and when to dispose of the devices
–Develop rules when to disable the vehicle if the borrower stops payment
–Decide whether or not to have a system of appeals for borrowers whose cars have been disabled
This month, New Jersey lawmakers moved to restrict the use of payment assurance devices. Both the Assembly and Senate have passed A756 a second time after Governor Chris Christie made a number of recommendations in a conditional veto on February 13.
Bill sponsors say A756 would prohibit the activation of a payment assurance device while the vehicle is in motion. They explain that the bill would allow a creditor to install a payment assurance device if the following criteria are met:
–The installation of the device must be accompanied by an enhanced written disclosure acknowledged in writing by the consumer.
–The consumer cannot be charged a fee for installation of the device.
–The consumer receives at least a 48 hour warning before the vehicle is disabled.
–The consumer has the ability to start the vehicle for 48 hours after it has been disabled (in case of emergency).
Currently, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia are considering similar legislation. An estimated two million devices have been installed nationwide.
Since auto sales are poised to remain strong, vehicle financing will continue to be a growth industry, often attracting borrowers with little or no credit history and emboldening lenders to subject their clientele to invasive monitoring.
–NMA
BIKERNET FOURTH OF JULY THURSDAY NEWS
I have a question? What is the name of this girl right?
http://www.bikernet.com/docs/stories/10030/rfr1.jpg
–Mehdi
mehdi_sabahi@ymail.com
los angles, CA
We are checking with the photographer, who is located in a small valley town in Texas reporting on a wagon train.–Bandit
NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT– No One Knows America Like Truckers
No one knows America like truckers know America. All across America every day, they see every hill, valley, and pothole in our roads that have to be redone in every town and forest from border to border and ocean to ocean.
America depends on truck drivers. They work very hard for every citizen of our country. That’s why President Trump held a meeting with truckers this week to address the many issues facing their industry.
Paying Back Our Veterans
President Trump held a listening session with Veteran Affairs Secretary David Shulkin and veterans. As Commander-in-Chief, President Trump will not accept sub-standard service for our great Veterans. Every member of our government must do their utmost to ensure our Veterans have the care that they earned. That’s the way they’re going to be treated.
Yamaha Named An Official Manufacturer Partner Of MotoAmerica– For the third consecutive year, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has been named an Official Manufacturer Partner of the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.
“Yamaha is proud to support the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, as an Official Manufacturer Partner, and also with the continued, active involvement of our official factory and Yamaha bLU cRU-supported racing teams and riders,” said Mike Doughty, General Manager of Motorcycle Operations, Motorsports Group, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. “We’re passionate supporters of road racing in the U.S., and we’re proud to have been partnered with MotoAmerica since its inception. We’re looking forward to the upcoming MotoAmerica road racing season, to the opportunity for our Yamaha bLU cRU professional road racers to compete for more Championships, and to the debut of our refined, redesigned, and remarkable 2017 YZF-R6 with the big #1 on it!”
In 2016, and for the second year in a row, Yamaha won season Championships in all four of the MotoAmerica race classes in which its motorcycles were eligible to compete. Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha rider Cameron Beaubier won the 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship aboard his #1 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike, successfully defending his 2015 title; Wheels In Motion/Meen Yamaha rider Josh Herrin won the Superstock 1000 Championship aboard his #2 Yamaha R1; Yamalube/Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha rider Garrett Gerloff won the Supersport Championship aboard his #31 Yamaha YZF-R6; and Riders Discount/Tuned Racing/Yamaha rider Bryce Prince won the Superstock 600 Championship aboard his #74 Yamaha R6.
“We’re happy that Yamaha is on board for year number three with MotoAmerica,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “They have proven to be a championship-winning team for our first two years, and they know how to win. We appreciate the support they give us not only with the teams they support on the track, but with the commitment they’ve shown to MotoAmerica through the marketing, promotional, and commercial effort they put into the series.”
Yamaha’s bLU cRU teams and riders will participate in the MotoAmerica Preseason Test powered by Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, which will be held at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, TX, on March 28 and 29. On Monday night before the Test, Yamaha’s 2017 full-factory and factory-supported bikes–including the brand-new 2017 R6–will make their public debut during the MotoAmerica Livery Reveal Party at Container Bar in Austin. Yamaha’s bLU cRU teams and riders will return to COTA on April 20-23 for the opening round of the 2017 MotoAmerica road racing season.
THE MIND VIDEO LESSON OF THE WEEK– Dear friends please watch and enjoy this video
Namaste’
–Yale
Sarah Dunn Band Releases New Single “Figure It Out”– Single Debuts on Billboard in Second Week of Being Released, Hits Top 20 Play MPE List for Downloads and Streams
Fans Can Enter to Win VIP Tour Bus Experience Through Social Media Campaign
Country newcomers the Sarah Dunn Band released their latest single “Figure It Out.” The single debuted on Billboard the second week of being released. The power ballad also made Top 20 Play MPE list for downloads and streams. CLICK HERE to download “Figure It Out.” Sarah Dunn Band is currently visiting radio stations across the U.S. Here is what radio is saying about the single…
“Sarah Dunn is the real deal, Country singer, songwriter and a musician with a huge heart and love for Country music! Wait until you see her live! #Blownaway!”
– KFLG Bullhead City, AZ Craig Powers VP of Operations
“Sarah rolled through town just before Christmas She made believers out of each of them, and me and Pepper too with her golden voice and fiddle playing! Her song has been doing well since we added it. We can’t wait to have her back!”
– KSNI Santa Maria,CA Jay Turner PD/Mornings
To celebrate the release of “Figure It Out” fans of the Sarah Dunn Band will get a chance to enter to win a VIP Tour Bus Experience. Winner will get to have lunch or dinner with the Sarah Dunn Band, a personal private acoustic VIP performance on the bus, limited edition duffel swag bag, a personalized Sarah Dunn Band guitar, VIP tour laminates and a personal photo with the Sarah Dunn Band. CLICK HERE to enter to win. Contest will run through April 24. Winner will be announced on April 28.
To learn more about the Sarah Dunn Band visit sarahdunnband.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN– Farmer Petrovich is whipping and slapping his sheep when the local minister comes walking around the corner. The minister says, “My, Farmer Petrovich, you’re certainly giving that sheep a beating. You wouldn’t do that to your wife, would you?”
The farmer says, “I would if she farted and jumped sideways every time I tried to mount her!”
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
FOREIGN FILM EFFORT–Support this movie via Kickstarter – I’ve gotta’ see it.
Watch the trailer above.
ENGAGED TO DEATH ON KICKSTARTER–
Bikers and cinema lovers, ‘I fidanzati della morte’ is back! Help us to restore and distribute this 1957 motorcycling film masterpiece!
–Joshua Placa
Severe Contributing Editor
Bikernet.com
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– An almost blind man walked into a sexy lingerie shop to purchase their most see-through item for his wife.
After receiving some help from the store clerk, he bought a lace garment for $600 and brought it home for his wife to try on.
She took it upstairs and realized that it didn’t quite fit. But, she figured, since it was supposed to be see-through and he was practically blind, she might as well wear nothing at all.
So she came downstairs completely naked.
“Huh,” said the man, hugging her. “For the amount I paid, they could’ve at least ironed the dam thing.
–Sam Burns
LIFE’S SCRAMBLES— We are working on Frankie’s Dyna and slipping in several directions. He’s not sure what he wants and how to get there. That’s where printed magazines come in handy.
I told him to go through lots of books and tear out photos of bikes he likes. Once we have a plan, we will bring you an initial report. Dr. John saved his frame.
I’m working on finalizing his FXR registration with Spitfire motorcycles, the manufacturers of his custom FXR frame. I’m in the process with Paughco to turn the 1928 Shovelhead into a chopper 1984 Shovelhead. I’m prepping my 2014 Indian for a dry run to Arizona.
We are about to receive a new order of Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Leathers and shipments will depart tomorrow.
I need to write my first Bronze Sculpture tech as if I knew what I was doing. It’s a challenge everyday, but I keep going. I may meet with a professional sculpture who is an imaginer at Disney. Hopefully he doesn’t tell me I’m all wrong.
I need to work up a report on Hugh King’s Biker Build-off Chopper, and we have some wild trike stories headed your way. I may have roughed out another Cantina Episode. Hang on.
Ah, but I did repair my mismatched fire-damaged motorcycle table. The story is too crazy, but it had a softail transmission matched with the Panhead engine. Finally, years later the burnt 4-speed arrived. It is now in place.
Ride Free Forever
–Bandit
