Hey,
It’s almost 11:00 a.m. on a Thursday, and I haven’t finished collecting news. Ray Wheeler and I stumbled into our favorite watering hole recently, Iron City, in San Pedro. As we sat down in the comfortable booth across the dark dining room, away from the myriad of brilliant TV screens overshadowing the bar with streaming sports activities, the bubbly Polish Pistol danced across the bar and threw two coasters on our dark oak table. “Whatta ya have?” she squeaked.
“Jack Daniels on the rocks, a double,” I barked and looked down at the thick pressed paper coaster. Here’s what it said:
“Are you an Eternal Optimist?” I turned it over, and here’s the Blue Moon sponsored message: “You’re a glass-half-full kinda character. Heck, your glass overflows into sunny beams of positivity that can put a smile on the gloomiest face. When life hands you lemons, you ask for an orange. A whole slice of an orange. Because that’s how you garnish your Blue Moon beer. An optimistic is what you are.”
I am what I am, and that’s all that I am—Popeye. Where’s that Jack Daniels? Let’s hit the news.
FANTASTIC SHOW RESULTS FROM THE HOT-TO-TROT WASHINGTON D.C. ULTIMATE BUILDER CUSTOM BIKE SHOW–
C&C Cycle rolled 3 bikes into the DC edition of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and came out big with a FreeStyle win with Drug of Choice. Owned by Conrad Filbert, the 1996 Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy features a raked neck, custom made fenders, stretched gas tank, Custom made spotlight bracket, Ness massive front fork assembly, Wide tire kit and frenched in LED tailight.
1 – C&C Cycle – Drug of Choice, 1996 Fat Boy
2 – Rats Custom – Tadpole, ’73 CB 750
3 – Bruce Banks – Wish, 2010 Harley Road Glide
Adams Karns turned his shop-worn ’01 Sportster into a primo New School Board Tracker that rocks the 2012 J&P Ultimate Builder, DC Edition and features a Twisted Choppers Rear, Custom Gas Tank, highly modified DNA springer, powder coated engine and Karns Kustoms exhaust.
1 – Karns Kustoms -21, 2001 Harley Davidson Sportster
2 – GIO, Blacksmith Motoring – El Puro Vato, 2005 Deluxe
3 – Earl Laurie, C&C Cycles – Baltimore Bandit, 2008 H-D FLHX
Garwood Customs built Alex Quinones’ Old Skool, a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, to the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show in DC. It features Single Sided 300 Wide Tire Kit by C and S Custom, Performance machine wheels, Air FX Air Ride System and paint by Team Neyon. In addition, the bike runs CTS Race Front Rotor, Performance Machine Rear Braking System, Custom Spike Fork caps and yoke cap and a Custom Leather Seat.
1 – Garwood Customs – Old Skool, ‘06 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
2 – Speedworx – Saluda, 2006 Honda CBR
3 – JDA Customs – 2007 Suzuki GSXR
A 1982 Yamaha XS650 named Whiskey Tango rolled into the Retro MOD class in DC and rolled out Sunday night the winner. Devon Eckert’s bike features a 2 inch back bone drop, 5 degree rake and goose necked, 5 inch extended and hardtailed with 2 inch seat drop, xs400 front fork tree and wheel swap. Additional custom touches include air ride seat, custom jockey shift, custom gas cap, custom battery box, custom tail light and pamco ignition.
1 – Devon Eckert – Whiskey Tango, 1982 Yamaha XS650
2 – Steve Campbell – Tamaqua, 1979 Yamaha Xs650
3 – Two Wheel Mafia – White Noise , 1980 Yamaha XS 650
Blacksmith Motoring Co. took the MOD Street win with their 2008 Yamaha retroliner / roadliner that features a 255hp 120 CI stroker kit, Turbo and competition cam. Special features include Blacksmith Retroliner front-end conversion kit, Blacksmith front and rear 3 piece steel fenders and Houdini illusion beach bar setup. The bike sports an Engraved 26 inch front wheel, 240 rear, Bandito rear airride, race tuned front suspension, 13inch rotors 6 piston caliber.
1 – GIO, Blacksmith Motoring – El Vendetta, 2008 Yamaha Roadliner
2 – Andres Gutierrez , Karns Performance – 2000 TL1000R
3 – Victory of Southern Maryland – Drilled, 2004 Vegas
The Show Dog Winner is Mike Davis of SportWorx. The Ultimate Builder Show Dog award is given to the dealer or builder that has shown exemplary effort in engaging the audience and furthering their marketing goals and objectives. The award for the effort is a biker chain wallet from Rocking K Customs Leather, a $250 value.
Multiple event winners include Kyle Shorey of Shadetree Fabrications at $5,000, GIO of Blacksmith Motoring with $4,500 and Bruce Boldon at $3,000.
The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is produced by www.bikerpros.com.
HANDLING NEGATIVE FOLKS– This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade.. So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing, and cares less, tries to make your life miserable.
A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:
” Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?”
“We’re taking Continental,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!”
“Continental?” exclaimed the hairdresser. “That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?”
“We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome ‘s Tiber River called Teste.”
“Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it’s gonna be something special and exclusive, but it’s really a dump.”
“We’re going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.”
“That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. “You’re going to need it.”
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome .
“It was wonderful,” explained the woman, “not only were we on time in one of Continental’s brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old Flight Attendant who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They’d just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner’s suite at no extra charge!”
“Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “that’s all well and good, but I know you didn’t get to see the Pope.”
“Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me..”
“Oh, really! What’d he say?”
He said: “Who fucked up your hair?”
–from James Schnarr
GODS OF MISCHIEF: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (Touchstone Hardcover / Simon & Schuster; February 12, 2013) by George Rowe is the high-octane, no-holds-barred telling of history’s first private citizen to voluntarily infiltrate an outlaw motorcycle gang for the U.S. government.
These tales of murder, mayhem, and incredibly heroic acts of a bad guy turned good, feel more like a season of Sons of Anarchy or Breaking Bad than someone’s actual life. But George Rowe lived it and is now telling his story for the first time in this gritty and harrowing memoir.
Rowe is currently living in an undisclosed location and a part of the U.S. Witness Security Program. For a copy of GODS OF MISCHIEF, please be in touch with your mailing address. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
ADVANCED PRAISE FOR GODS OF MISCHIEF:
“Oh my God, what a story. This is a dangerous and emotional page-turner that’s going to leave you thinking to yourself, ‘My life’s not so bad after all.’ Reading Gods of Mischief is like sitting right next to George Rowe listening to him tell it.”
–William Queen, ATF special agent retired and author of the New York Times bestseller Under and Alone
“Most people wouldn’t dare lock eyes with a member of the Vagos. A few would look away, the rest would just run. America prefers to voyeur into the biker culture, hiding behind the safety of the television screen. Gods of Mischief cuts through the fear and Hollywood glamorization, puts you on a bike, and rides you right into the Green Nation.”
–Jay Dobyns, author of the New York Times bestseller
–Ashley Hewlett
Touchstone Publicity
Simon & Schuster, Inc
Our book about the Vagos is better, and doesn’t involve a snitch.–Bandit
BDL BALL BEARING LOCK-UP CLUTCH– Belt Drives LTD has made living with today’s high horsepower, big torque engines a lot less stressful. The company’s ability to stay on the edge of current technology and address rider demands is evident in their, “patented” BALL BEARING LOCK UP CLUTCH.
This unique clutch mechanism significantly lightens clutch pull at the lever while providing slip free lock up. Each unit incorporates a designated number of steel ball bearings set in a model specific diaphragm assembly. Replacing the factory pressure plate, springs, stock applications use the factory diaphragm spring, and associated hardware, the new ball bearing, diaphragm design provides feather light lever control, smoother operation and more positive lock up.
For racing applications BDL offers heavier carbide bearings that can be used to fine tune the clutch. The new BDL BALL BEARING LOCK UP CLUTH is standard equipment with new 2” BDL belt drives and is available for retro fit to most early BDL units, stock HD models from 1998 through 2007 and 1990 to 2007 Primo Pro-Clutch belt drives.
As shown the kit sells for $200.00. Installation is straight forward bolt on and benefits to comfort and performance are immediate. For complete details contact BDL at 714-693-1313.
EASYRIDERS KICKS OFF THE 2013 SHOW CIRCUIT IN ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA–This is the annual kickoff show for the Easyriders tour.
The new custom bikes for the year show up here and then go on to several other US cities. They pulled massive crowds with the Jax star of Sons of Anarchy signing autographs.
Their bagger book pulled a large showing of custom dressers. Bike entries were up and dazzling. The chopper world is alive!
CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEALS THROWS OUT RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKETS– By Stephen Frank
December 31, 2012 — Red light cameras are coming under increasing legal fire in the Golden State. On Friday, California’s second-highest court published a ruling that struck down red light camera evidence as insufficient to convict a motorist. On June 3, 2009, a camera belonging to the Australian firm Redflex Traffic Systems accused Annette Borzakian of entering the Beverly Hills intersection of Beverly Drive and Wilshire Boulevard 0.28 seconds after the light hand turned red.
Borzakian, a former deputy public defender, decided to fight the citation. During her January 2010 trial, Officer Mike Butkus provided the standard testimony that introduces Redflex evidence in all jurisdictions. Commissioner Carol J. Hallowitz ignored Borzakian’s objections, admitted the evidence and found Borzakian guilty, imposing a $435 fine plus a twelve-hour traffic school. Borzakian immediately appealed, citing the US Supreme Court case Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, which the traffic camera industry has feared since it was decided in 2009.
That case clarified that the Constitution’s Confrontation Clause gave defendants the right to question the actual technicians responsible for analyzing forensic evidence. Here, Officer Butkus played no role in the operation or maintenance of the red light camera system. He merely read the sheet of paper that Redflex handed him. Borzakian argued that this made the photo ticketing evidence inadmissible hearsay. The superior court’s appellate division insisted Melendez-Diaz did not apply.
“The people have never been required to have Redflex employees such as the custodian of records or the field service technicians present in court in order for the people’s exhibits to be admissible,” the three-judge appellate panel found. “Officer Butkus is perfectly capable of authenticating the documents and laying the necessary foundation for their admissibility and in the court’s opinion had done both in this matter. It was explained to [Borzakian] that she could have filed a discovery motion or issued her own subpoenas, as many motorists do, had she cared to do so.”
The three-judge Court of Appeal panel did not agree. Instead, it sided with the Orange County Superior Court’s Khaled decision. State law allows the use of red light camera evidence, but it does so only if certain standards are met. Among these is that the prosecution must establish the yellow light duration at the intersection meets the minimum state standards. Here, Officer Butkus concluded the light had been yellow for 3.15 seconds and that this was sufficient.
“Even assuming a 3.15 second interval meets the mandatory minimum yellow light interval as mandated by the legislature, according to Officer Butkus’s testimony then, he relied upon text typed across the top of two photos, stating ‘Amber: 3.15,’” Justice Fred Woods wrote for the Court of Appeal. “Accordingly, where the evidence was being presented to show the duration of the yellow traffic signal met the minimum interval mandated by the legislature — measured to the hundredth of a second — the record does not support the conclusion Officer Butkus was otherwise qualified to state that the representation was accurate.”
The three-judge panel did not find credible the argument that the red light camera photographs and maintenance logs were merely routine governmental business records that did not require authentication. The court noted that the records were created by Redflex, not the government. “Without the proper testimony, the maintenance logs (and therefore the photographs with text typed across the top) were not properly admitted,” Justice Woods concluded. “Without these documents, as in Khaled, there is a total lack of evidence to support the Vehicle Code violation in question.”
The Court of Appeal reversed Borzakian’s conviction in a decision originally handed down on January 26. The three-judge panel on Friday decided that the decision should hold precedential value and ordered it to be published. A copy of the decision is available in a 175k PDF file at the source link below.
Source: California v. Borzakian (Court of Appeal, State of California, 1/26/2012)
–from Rogue
NO STRADDLING MOTORCYCLES, PLEASE– Administration’s plan in Aceh to prohibit women from straddling motorcycles, arguing that it is improper in a province governed by Islamic law:
I don’t know if it is dangerous for me to express my opinion openly in Indonesia.
But I would say that there are more important things to do like erasing poverty, giving women equal rights, etc.
This is one of the reasons why I’m against the implementation of sharia law. Witty ulema (sharia lawmakers, whatever you call it) like to create silly laws that according to them, conform to Islam.
They might have a profound understanding of Islam, but they have a narrow vision of the world: Muslims can’t give holiday greetings to non-Muslims in Indonesia; women can’t drive cars in Saudi Arabia; women can’t straddle bikes in Aceh.
They’ve gone back to the Stone Age.
Ning Widjaja
Our brothers and sisters at the western most part of our Archipelago still prefer religious law over the safety of women.
It reminds me of the late Kesi and her husband, the late Suprapto, who became our ambassador to Perth, Australia. She told us about how furious her relatives in Yogyakarta were when she rode her brother’s Harley-Davidson.
Sri Mulyani Indrawati doesn’t straddle a Harley Davidson, but she is a powerful woman.
Do not underestimate our ladies!
Moeljono Adikoesoemo Jakarta
It is just another disgusting effort to discriminate against women.
Mei Bawotong Jakarta
The New Soviet Asylum
–by Fred Reed
WEEKLY GUN NUT REPORT–Today I’m going to explain why gun-control is not only entirely reasonable but also certain to be effective. Only the ignorant can deny this.
First, some orientation. Cement-headed NRA types need to recognize, and state manfully, that the illegalization of guns is in fact perfectly practical. History has shown this repeatedly. When the government outlaws something that huge numbers of people very much want, the outlawed items immediately disappear from society. This has been shown countless times.
When Washington outlawed alcohol, booze vanished overnight and everyone stopped drinking. Can anyone deny this? When Washington banned the use of cannabis, all of those of us made insane by Reefer Madness quit smoking dope, and today there is probably not a town in America in which one might buy a joint.
Similarly, Washington made illegal the downloading of copyrighted music – which also stopped immediately. No one now has illegal music. Ask your adolescent daughter.
So with guns. They are small, easily smuggled, of high value to criminals and will be of higher value when only criminals have them, so it is virtually certain that they will vanish when the government says so.
Mexico, where I live, has stringent laws against guns, which have proved at least a partial success. Criminals have AKs, RPGs, and grenades, while nobody else has anything. That’s a partial success, isn’t it?
While I am in favor of illegalizing guns and thus ending crime, I think the principle should be democratically applied. Let us begin by disarming the Pentagon. If this seems unreasonable, ask yourself: who kills more children in a month, Ritalin-addled little boys in America, or the US Air Force in every Muslem country? All I ask is an honest body count. I will accept your numbers.
But let’s ask the question: Why have American school boys, who in my rural Virginia high-school of 1964 were armed to the eyeballs with deer guns and varmint rifles, never shot anybody intentionally or accidentally?
–from Joe Teresi
I have a notion and it involves education. When I was a kid, I couldn’t have a gun without taking an NRA course. If you’re going to make anything mandatory, make gun courses mandatory. Make trade courses available in every High School, and make child rearing courses available, if not mandatory. Open the door to education which builds mental strength. Over and over they prove that motorcycle riding courses prevent accidents. –Bandit
IT’S MANDATORY, HAVE AN ADVENTURE IN 2013– We are very excited to be making the final arrangements for our Greek Adventure. Some of you are booking travel. Let’s get you some info.
The Fly in airport is Athens. The airport code for booking air is ATH.
A recommended simple Hotel by the charter base for early arrivers: Hotel Poseidon
You can arrive as late as May 11, by 3pm. Without any unplanned delays, that should get you to the boat by boarding time at 5pm.
You can depart as early as May 18 late afternoon. The boats are scheduled to be at the dock by 9am, putting you at the airport before noon. Do consider arriving early for adjusting to the time change, or staying after our Adventure. As long as you’ve come this far, you might want to see more of Greece, or add another European destination.
Tania and I are making pre-sail arrangements for those that are interested. We fly in Thursday and stay at the Hotel Poseidon, by the base. The link is above, book soon to get a room. Friday we will bus into town to check out the Acropolis if it is a good time for it. Saturday, we are setting up a van tour to Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. We board the boats Saturday evening. We spend the rest of the week cruising the amazing Saronic islands.
Still to come … more travel tips, our What to Bring email and Crew Questionaire for putting like minded Voyagers together.
As we do with all of our Adventures, there will be a bunch of information posted to the site and you will get emails notifying you of updates.
Questions? Fire away.
–Woody and Tania
The Greece Intro webpage is here:
http://adventurevoyaging.com/sail-greece/
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING FROM BIG BEAR CHOPPERS—They are working feverishly on a new model to be released in Daytona. It’s going to rock the industry, and we will be road-testing one in the near future.
In the meantime the Bikernet Crew interviewed Simon Scott, the new owner, and you will read what he had to say about Big Bear Choppers, and their plans for the future next week.
In the meantime they gave us this bad ass Redemption chopper to ride, road test, and look wicked on. This is a 10.5-foot monster with a 145-inch S&S engine. This bastard is a freight train. Hang on for more reports. Watch for the feature in the upcoming issue of Easyriders.
INTERNET CHOPPER TV SERIES JUST RELEASED–Action Lifestyle Network, RogueFlix Releases iKuztom motorcycle TV series January 7, 2013.
RogueFlix.com releases iKuztom on January 7, 2013 featuring the world of custom motorcycles written, directed, and produced by award winning producer, Erik Lundmark and his partner Timothy G. Ledford, an innovator in the custom motorcycle industry.
“CINE Golden Eagle Award Winner, iKuztom takes you up close and personal through smoke, fire, and steel as elite custom motorcycle artisans ply their trade behind the scenes to design and create one-of-a-kind bikes for the ultimate discerning bike enthusiasts,” stated Erik Lundmark, CEO of Leomark Studios which created the series together with Grip Ace Industries. “The 13 half-hour episodes also feature a bevy of bikini models and comedy sketches, in a fun, fast paced thrill ride.”
“We are very excited about teaming up with Erik and his team at Leomark Studios to bring our RogueFlix audience a truly amazing motorcycle TV series,” stated Bryan Duran, co-founder, CEO and General Counsel of RogueFlix. “I was very impressed with the quality of the award winning iKuztom TV series and I knew right away that I wanted it on RogueFlix. Erik and I met poolside at the Loews Hotel during the American Film Market and quickly realized we wanted to work together and are collaborating on more productions.”
“This is an exciting time for our growing Action Lifestyle Network. We are also currently expanding our acquisition of TV shows, Webshows, and feature length movies to be released exclusively on RogueFlix,” stated Larry Rodriguez, co-founder and COO of RogueFlix. “The majority of the people visiting the site are young males between the ages of 13 and 34 and that is the primary focus of our action genre content.”
Prior to RogueFlix, Bryan had worked as an entertainment attorney for Starz Media / Anchor Bay Entertainment and as a senior financial analyst at Warner Bros. and NBC Universal. He also worked in creative development at Fox Studios.
And here’s the link to the actual show episodes:
http://www.rogueflix.com/iKuztom.html
Bikernet’s Mudflap Girl FXRs will be featured in a upcoming episode. Hold on, that bastard Bandit will be on TV again.–Renegade
[page break]
WHEN IS WAS 13– I hoped that one day I would have a girlfriend with big tits.
When I was 16, I got a girlfriend with big tits, but there was no passion, so I decided I needed a passionate girl with zest for life.
In college I dated a passionate girl, but she was too emotional. Everything was an emergency; she was a drama queen, cried all the time and threatened suicide. So I decided I needed a girl with stability.
When I was 25, I found a very stable girl but she was boring. She was totally predictable and never got excited about anything. Life became so dull that I decided I needed a girl with some excitement.
When I was 28, I found an exciting girl, but I couldn’t keep up with her. She rushed from one thing to another, never settling on anything. She did mad impetuous things and made me miserable as often as happy. She was great fun initially and very energetic, but directionless. So I decided to find a girl with some real ambition.
When I turned 30, I found a smart ambitious girl with her feet planted firmly on the ground, so I married her. She was so ambitious that she divorced me and took everything I owned.
I am older and wiser now, and I am looking for a girl with big tits.
Thought of you when I read this…NMB
BUFFALO MOTORAMA COMING–On March 22-24, 2013 the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, NY will host the largest indoor custom car and bike show in Western New York. This is the third year of this show and a continuation of a 58 year Buffalo indoor car and bike show tradition.
–Buffalo Motorama Crew
show@buffalomotorama.com
I Want to be in the Show!
The Buffalo Motorama is open to almost anything with wheels. We feature circuit cars, classics, muscle cars, hot rods, tuners, motorcycles, truck, and exotics. If you feel your ride is worthy of being in the show, then don’t delay, register today!
MOTORCYCLE ESCORT PROGRAM–I Need your need help please. On the link below is the Memorial of our Motorcycle Escort Program we introduced in 2012. It got through the senate committees but we ran out of time, But it did get all the way to the Senate Floor.
http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/12%20Regular/memorials/senate/SM035.pdf
A few weeks ago we meet with DOT, State and City Police and MRF to discuss this piece of legislation. DOT and the police dissected it and gave us cons concerning the project.
Some Cons discussed.
Who would be responsible for training the escorts, what program would they attend.
Police currently attend 180 hours of motorcycle escort training in our state, would civilians be willing to undergo that time and type of training if not more. What would be the cost to the participant be.
What government agency would be responsible for the certification.
There is also the extra cost of equipment to the bike who is the escort and additional liability insurance.
Police made it clear they are never going to give a civilian the authority to block traffic. Many times people in vehicles don’t even respect the police and at least the police have the authority to arrest or to give a citation, but civilians do not have that option.
There suggestion was, if there is a toy run, why does it have to be parade like and all travel together through all intersections. If we all know the start location and end location, they suggested persons just go to the event and follow the laws of the road,
Concerns were a person blocking an intersection, than having to speed ahead of all the other bikes to block the next intersection ahead, which is very dangerous due to the high rate of speed to get ahead.
After listening to all this Con the NMMRO has decided to hold off on submitting this piece of legislation from our organization. The person who wrote the memorial may still pre file it.
I am concerned about the safety of the escorts at this time, and until I can compile more information of how to make a program like work I prefer to wait.
I ask for your input to assist us all since many of us are discussing and suggesting similar legislation in our separate states, and for those state who have implemented a program as such please share with us us your accomplishments and failures.
If we are promoting safety awareness to all who share the road and ask that we all be treated equally on our roads, doesn’t this go against what are we are trying to accomplish so others will still respect motorcyclist. Please I request your suggestions, feedback positive or negative and idea. Thank you.
–Annette Torrez
NM MRF Rep
BURLY SCRAMBLER BARS–Burly’s Scrambler style bar is the beginning of the transformation that turns your asphalt bound Harley into a fire road terror. A mild rise is just enough height to fit your reach and on most H-D’s still use stock cables and brake line.
The Scrambler bar measures out at 33.5” wide, with a 6” rise and 3” of pullback making it comfortable ripping up asphalt as well dirt. Drilled for internal wiring and available in black powder coat or chrome finish.
Check out the Burly web site or contact your local dealer to get a set.
Burly Brand
6911 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
Phone 888-367-1871
info@burlybrand.com
http://www.burlybrand.com
Did you know ABATE of Wisconsin was not recognized, authorized or approved to operate in Wisconsin by the National ABATE headquarters in Sacramento, California? Dick Smith of the BBA made that inquiry, and it’s absolutely true…we were not recognized by the National ABATE.
Did you know our helmet law here was first challenged by a 1% biker and it went all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court? That was almost six years before ABATE of Wisconsin was born. I think you’ll find our history facinating. There will be lots of archival materials to view. Hope to see you there.
–Tony Pan
Early Times: The Birth of ABATE of Wisconsin
Learn our organization’s history, the turmoil and distractions we faced and how we joined forces with the WBBA to make an unforgettable statement on the political scene in Wisconsin.
Excecutive Director Dave “Chubby” Charlebois will welcome everyone to Marshfield and invite people to spend the night in town and attend the Board Meeting on Sunday. He’ll also report on the State of ABATE today and how the early groundwork of ABATE pioneers built the foundation of the best ABATE chapter in the country.
Tony Pan will describe the outlaw biker culture and how it evolved into the rights movement. Are you an outlaw biker? You might be surprised by the answer. The intricate ballet that was danced between the BBA and ABATE lead to the historic helmet rally of 1977, but do you know what was going on behind the scenes? Do you know what else we accomplished during that same time period?
Dave Zien will bring his passionate story-telling technique to Marshfield as he describes the atmosphere surrounding the huge helmet rallies. He’ll also describe how much of what we did in the 1970’s led to some very interesting, sometimes non-motorcycle accomplishments of the ’80s and ’90s.
Ron “Tick” Leonard was an early district director (we only had 3 back then) and he’ll be talking about what it was like organizing in those early years.
Don’t miss out on this epic event. There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit ABATE and ABATE products will be on sale also. Region 4A is hosting the event, and it’s absolutely free to anyone attending. I hope non-ABATE members come also so they can see why ABATE is so important to support. This event is open to the public. I know there will be ABATE members from California and Illinois present at this event, and they are very much interested in our history. We’re going to attempt to video tape the program and hopefully, if the video is of good quality, Attorney Mike Hupy said he would produce the tape and make it available to ABATE to use as another PR tool.
See you there at the Marshfield Eagles Club.
–from Tony Sanfelipo
BIKERNET DUCK TESTIFIES–A duck walks into a pub and orders a pint of beer and a ham sandwich.
The barman looks at him and says, ”You’re a duck.”
“I see your eyes are working,” replies the duck.
“And you can talk!” exclaims the barman.
“I see your ears are working, too,” Says the duck.
“Now if you don’t mind, can I have my beer and my sandwich please?”
“Certainly, sorry about that,” Says the barman as he pulls the duck’s pint. ”It’s just we don’t get many ducks in this pub. What are you doing round this way?”
“I’m working on the building site across the road,” explains the duck. ”I’m a plasterer.”
The flabbergasted barman cannot believe the duck and wants to learn more, but takes the hint when the duck pulls out a newspaper from his bag and proceeds to read it.
So, the duck reads his paper, drinks his beer, eats his sandwich, bids the barman good day and leaves.
The same thing happens daily for two weeks. Then one day the circus comes to town.
The ringmaster comes into the pub for a pint and the barman says to him ”You’re with the circus, aren’t you? Well, I know this duck that could be just brilliant in your circus. He talks, drinks beer, eats sandwiches, reads the newspaper and everything!”
“Sounds marvellous,” says the ringmaster, handing over his business card…”Get him to give me a call.”
So the next day when the duck comes into the pub the barman says,“Hey Mr. Duck, I reckon I can line you up with a top job, paying really good money.”
“I’m always looking for the next job,” Says the duck. “Where is it?”
“At the circus,” Says the barman.
“The circus?” Repeats the duck.
“That’s right,” Replies the barman.
“The circus?” The duck asks again. With the big tent?”
“Yeah,” the barman replies.
“With all the animals who live in cages, and performers who live in caravans?” says the duck.
“Of course,” the barman replies.
“And the tent has canvas sides and a big canvas roof with a hole in the middle?” persists the duck.
“That’s right!” says the barman.
The duck shakes his head in amazement, and says “What the f*** would they want with a plasterer??!”
–Geno
IRONWORKS SHOP DEAL OF THE CENTURY—For a measly $150 you get an ad in a year’s worth of Iron Works magazine and ten copies of each issue for a year. You can sell them for $5.99 an issue and keep the profits.
They even have a free counter display available. Just e-mail Rhonda and she’ll take care of it: Rhonda@hattonbrown.com
NEW ISSUE OF CAR KULTURE DELUXE– I attached our CKD 56 issue.
A great issue it is too.
Bonneville rats and kustom racers, a wicked Ford built by Josh Mills and coverage of Gilby Clarke’s Knuck.
–Geno
www.koolhousepublishing.com
HOLLISTER RALLY APPROVED– On Monday, January 7, the Hollister City Council unanimously and enthusiastically voted to bring back the world renowned Fourth of July motorcycle rally for the 2013 season. The re-born event, which has been on hold since 2009, is set to take place on July 5th & 6th.
The American Biker image was born in Hollister Fourth of July weekend in 1947 when a group of rowdy bikers in town for the annual Gypsy Tour event reportedly terrorized the town. The story was picked up by Life magazine who published the iconic photo of a drunken biker sprawled on his bike amid a sea of beer bottles. The exaggeration was further sensationalized in the Marlon Brando movie “The Wild One”. The image stuck and has become an icon of Americana that lives to this day.
After “The Invasion of Hollister”, the annual Gypsy Tour event went dormant for decades. In preparation for the 50th anniversary of the historic event, Sonny Barger presented the idea of a rebirth to the city of Hollister and local business people. It took a lot of effort by many people, but it didn’t take long for the Hollister Independence Day Rally to become the largest Motorcycle Rally on the West Coast.
This year, attendees can expect motorcycle-only parking filling downtown Hollister with side streets devoted to a wide variety of rally vendors. Two large entertainment areas downtown will offer live entertainment and local beer gardens. On Saturday, center lane parking on the main drag will be occupied by the official bike show which is a part of the World Championship of Bike Building. Motorcycle manufacturers will be in attendance at multiple locations offering demo rides.
Riders will receive an enthusiastic welcome back from local businesses, eateries and taverns for this annual town highlight. Around the area there is excellent scenic riding, wine tours and a summer concert series at a local vineyard’s outdoor amphitheater.
As always, Corbin will be running factory tours throughout the day and will also be offering a 10% discount on all Corbin products throughout the week.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com.
See you in Hollister July 5th & 6th 2013!
V-Twin Marketing
Rick Raus
The Hollister Rally was shut down due to demands from the Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol to the tune of $385,000. Like gangsters they demanded payment before they would allow the event to proceed. “It’s the largest check I ever wrote,” said Seth Doulton the Hollister Rally promoter in 2007 and 2008. “The Chief of Police in Pasadena, California pulled the same number when I attempted to establish a show at the Rose Bowl. They demanded a check for $20,000 the night before the event, because some Mongols might attend.” I never had an issue at either events.
Unless the city of Hollister can curb law enforcement extortion, the Hollister Rally will have a tough time. Seth Doulton was forced into bankruptcy after his second rally.
POST CARDS FROM DAYTONA CHOP DOCS– Check out our new website www.chop-inblock.com. Stop and see us at novi /cinci /columbus/indy/daytona/michigan. Check out the events on the new web site
–The chop-in block team misfits
SADDLEMEN SADDLEGEL COMFORT PADS–Saddlemen SaddleGel Comfort Pads are a convenient and cost-effective solution to improving your ride’s comfort.
•These pads feature Saddlemen’s medical grade SaddleGel to absorb shock and disperse weight for long lasting comfort.
•Available in a variety of cover materials and sizes, there is sure to be a pad to fit your seat.
Searching for a new motorcycle seat can be exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting. Replacing your OEM seat (or even your old and worn down aftermarket seat) is truly an investment. One cost-effective solution to improving the comfort of your seat without springing for a full replacement is to enhance your setup with a SaddleGel Comfort Pad.
Saddlemen SaddleGel Comfort Pads will immediately increase your riding comfort and turn any seat into a luxurious touring seat. Featuring our advanced technology medical grade SaddleGel, these pads are designed to absorb shock and evenly distribute the rider’s weight across the full surface of the pad, thereby eliminating hot spots and improving comfort.
SaddleGel Comfort Pads are offered in different cover materials and a variety of sizes to match your seat and your preferences. Available in the original cover, breathable fleece cover, plush pillow, and our G-Tech memory foam, there is sure to be a SaddleGel Comfort Pad to meet your needs. All SaddleGel Comfort Pads include a quick-disconnect strap system to secure the pad on your bike or anywhere else you might use it.
Features include:
•A convenient and cost-effective way to improve your riding comfort.
•Medical grade SaddleGel reduces vibration and distributes weight for prolonged comfort.
•Available in medium, large and extra large sizes to fit your seat’s shape.
•Available in original, fleece, tech memory foam and pillow versions.
•Lifetime guarantee against freezing, cracking, drying out, leaking or melting.
•Made in the U.S.A.
Product details:
•Original – MRSP $74.95 – $99.95
•Fleece – MSRP $84.95 – $109.95
•Tech – MSRP $89.95 – $109.95
•Pillow – MSRP $85.95 – $109.95
2013 DRAG RACE SCHEDULE- REMEMBER as always, verify dates w sanctions BEFORE leaving for the event 😉
–ML
Adjustments have been made, updates include Manufactures Cup, Bradenton, and AMRA Hagerstown 1/8/13
March 1-3 NHRA Royal Purple Raceway, Houston, Tx
March 9-10 AHDRA Florida Nitro Nationals Auto Plus Raceway Gainesville, FL
March 10 Little River Dragway Motorcycle Sunday-Texas Scooter Times, Little River Dragway, Temple, TX
March 23-24 AMRA State Capitol Raceway, Baton Rouge, LA
April 5-7 The Manufacturers Cup Motorcycle Drag Race, Bradenton, Fl
April 12-13 NHRA Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, Va.
April 20- 21 AHDRA Carolina Spring Nitro Nationals Rockingham Dragway, NC
April 27-28 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway,NO TF or Nitro Funnybike, Bowling Green, KY
April 26- 27 Vintage Motorcycle Racing in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Texas Hot Rod Reunion -Little River Dragway, Temple, TX.
May 17-19 NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk Oh
May 30-June 2 AMRA Mason Dixon Dragway, Hagerstown, Md.
June 8- 9 AHDRA Ohio Bike Week Natls Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH
June 14-16 NHRA Bandimere Speedway, Denver, Co
June 21-22 NHRA Cordova Dragway Park, Cordova, Ill.
June 29-30 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY
July 19-21 NHRA New England Dragway, Epping, N.H.
July 27-28 AMRA Kil-Kare Raceway, Xenia, OH
August 2- 3 AHDRA Thunder in the Valley Nationals Bristol Dragway, Bristol, TN
August 5-6-7 WMDRA STURGIS Drag Race
August 17-18 42nd Annual Truett & Osborn-Wichita, Kn
Aug. 17-18 NHRA Pacific Raceways, Seattle, Wa
August 24- 25 AHDRA Northwest Nitro Nationals Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, OR
Sept. 20-21 NHRA Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tn
Sept. 28-29 AMRA Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY
Oct. 12- 13 AHDRA Jim McClure Nitro Natls Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, NC
Oct 12-13 Texas Harley Racers Reunion Drags -Little River Dragway, Temple, TX.
Oct. 31-Nov. 3 NHRA The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nv
DIGITAL GUARD DAWG COMING ON BOARD—We spoke to the boss of Digital Guard Dawg the other day. What an interesting line-up of products, from key fob ignitions, keyless, to low-jack styled security systems for half the cost of lowjack, with more capabilities. We have two tech installs planned.–Wrench
BATTISTINI IS BACK–The legendary bike builder, Rikki Battistini of Battistinis Custom Cycles (Orange County California), has created a new line of product that is literally the best in the industry.
Check out the latest “WireFrame Series” commerical spot that we tailor made for Rikki Battistini. www.wanderlustindustries.org store.battistinisusa.com/wireframe/ www.theamericandollar.info/
http://vimeo.com/channels/wanderlustindustries/
–Rikki Battistini
Battistinis Custom Cycles
1011 West Barkley Ave
Orange CA 92868
925 719 5941
Rikki@battistinisusa.com
IRONWORKS INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENETS COMING TO V-TWIN EXPO–To be presented at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 2-3, 2013
Montgomery, AL, (January 7, 2013) – IronWorks magazine announced today the winners of the 2012 IronWorks Innovation Awards. The awards—also known as the “Stempys” in honor of the magazine’s founding editor Dennis Stemp—have been presented since 2003 specifically to recognize leadership and positive momentum in the motorcycle industry.
“The IW Innovation Awards honor efforts that represent a fresh, forward-looking approach to our industry through creative action that advances interest or fills a need,” said IronWorks Editor Marilyn Stemp. “Especially now, when ‘wait and see’ is the prevailing attitude in business, we feel it’s appropriate to identify and acknowledge those companies and individuals who exhibit the courage to keep motorcycling not just viable but thriving.”
Five awards are being conferred this year. The winners are:
• Roland Sands Designs for their Clarity Line.
• Lonnie Isam for the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run.
• Performance Machine for their relentless product development and unparalleled industry support.
• Vance & Hines for their Shortshots and Stainless Hi-Output lines and steadfast support of racing.
• The Sturgis Buffalo Chip for their Crossroads Venue.
Congratulations to the winners!
For further information contact:
Dianne Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer
Hatton Brown Publishers, Inc.
Dianne@hattonbrown.com
334-834-1170
www.ironworksmag.com
[page break]
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE TAKES CENTER STAGE WITH HOMETOWN CROWD AT 2013 INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW IN MINNEAPOLIS– ‘Indian Motorcycle Experience’ Exhibit Features Historic Sights and Sounds from the Past plus the Inspired Power and Rumble of Upcoming, Completely Reengineered Indian Motorcycle Engine
MEDINA, Minn. — January 7, 2013 — Indian Motorcycle, the original American motorcycle company, today announced its plans and participation at the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis, taking place January 11-13 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Representatives from Minneapolis-based Indian Motorcycle and parent company Polaris Industries will be on-hand to showcase the entire lineup of 2013 Indian Motorcycle models, including the just announced Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition, which commemorates the previous era of Indian Motorcycle. The display also features a sound booth where attendees can experience firsthand the rumbling power of the upcoming, all-new Indian Motorcycle engine.
“Motorcycle enthusiasts around the world have been eagerly anticipating our plans for the new, completely redesigned Indian Motorcycle coming later this year. We’re delighted to share our progress and vision of the Polaris era with our hometown fans and members of the press,” said Polaris Vice President of Motorcycles, Steve Menneto. “Our team is committed to charting an inspired new future for this brand that fuses the iconic elements of its legendary past with state-of-the-art technology and engineering prowess. We’re proud to display our passion and excitement this week in Minneapolis.”
The all-new “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit chronicles some of the brand’s most important and historic achievements and highlights select vintage motorcycles and military vehicles. It includes a 1942 Indian Model 741B Army model on loan through the National Motorcycle Museum representing the company’s commitment to the military in WWII, and an MV 850 militarized ATV representing Polaris Industries’ current products built for the U.S. Military. Also featured will be the 1935 Indian Chief purchased by Polaris in 2012 on the HISTORY Channel program “American Pickers.”
The company will also showcase an exact replica of the Floyd Emde Indian “Big Base” Scout that dominated and won the Daytona 200 beach race in 1948. The perfectly restored motorcycle represents exactly how the machine would have appeared on the starting line of the race. The sound of history will reverberate throughout the convention hall as this extremely rare motorcycle will be started up several times over the weekend (Friday – 6:30 p.m., Saturday – 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Sunday – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.).
Motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the “Indian Motorcycle Experience” in Minneapolis (January 11-13), New York City (January 18-20) or Chicago (February 8-10). For tickets and more information on specific shows visit www.motorcycleshows.com.
To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Bill Clinton Named ‘Father of the Year’
By Newsmax Wires
“We are extremely honored to have President Clinton accept this award for Father of the Year,” said Dan Orwig, Chairman of the National Father`s Day Committee. “With the profound generosity, leadership and tireless dedication to both his public office and many philanthropic organizations, President Clinton exemplifies the attributes that we celebrate through the father of the year award.”
The awards will be presented at the 72nd Annual Father of the Year Awards in New York City on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. With proceeds benefiting Save the Children`s U.S. Programs, the awards luncheon will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel. For tickets and sponsorship, please contact the Council office at 212-594-5977 or www.momanddadday.com.
As part of its commitment to support meaningful philanthropies dealing with issues affecting mothers, fathers and children, the National Father`s Day/Mother`s Day Council, Inc. has donated more than $30 million to date to meaningful charities nationwide.
http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/clinton-named-father-of/2013/01/09/id/470760
–from Rogue
BRAND NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT–
Welcome to Zeel Design
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=297
I have a new vrod muscle and I would like to get the black bars and riser I have seen.
Please provide me details pricing….and any install issues. Also do the mirrors hit with these bars when flipped.
Standard speed fits …..
Look forward to your response.
–Karl
–Wrench
GUN NUT INVESTIGATION– Because newspapers are publishing maps of gun owners in NY, I thought it only fair to do the same in Texas. Attached is a map of Texas gun owners.
–from Sarge
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT–
Adrenaline Junky File:
2nd Grandchild, June
*Dry Lakes Racers Australia* D R L A Speed Week Feb. 18-22
*Texas Mile* March 22-24
*Ohio Mile 2013* April 27-28 June 8-9 July 6-7 Sept. 28-29
*Loring Maine* The Maine Event July 12-14
*Bonneville, SCTA* ….210 Days….August 10-16, 2013*
*BUB Speed Trials* August 24-29, 2013*
*Mojave Mile* T B A
It’s all about being in the right place at the right time? Tuesday afternoon witnessed the worlds first 16-inch composite rotor roll out of a precision 5-axis machine in Anahiem, Ca. at the shop of NHRA drag racing legend, Mark Susman. Mr. Susman and his crew design and machine a full line of motorcycle wheels and rotor carriers at www.ccmotorcyclewheels.com. The fit and finish is spot on or the part will not leave the shop. These rotors are designed and made available exclusively through www.metalsportwheels.com for their latest 26 and 30-inch wheels. You can expect a full in depth report in the near future. Bandit is meeting with Ron, the owner, on Monday.
In yesterdays e-mail received images and reports from Smitty Verl and Paul Morris. Both are dedicated drag racers running in the same class. Street Pro.This is Smitty’s story.
Portland, OR:
Verl “Smitty” Smith VSR4VETS had a very good year in 2012; testing, developing & running consistent 8 second passes at well over 150 mph! And they are ready for some racing in 2013. After some serious thought, they are excited to announce their 2013 schedule of events. “This will give us an opportunity to promote our sponsors and soon we’ll be confirming our Vet Shows from Coast to Coast,” said Smitty.
“We won a couple of races in 2012 and have spent the last few years developing our bike & team so VSR4VETS will be a force to be reckoned with in 2013. WE ARE READY TO GO RACING. C:YA N:DA WNRS:0!”
Smitty and his team make a point to visit VA hospitals wherever they race. We attended one of their gatherings in Sturgis at the VA hospital on the edge of town. I made friends I will never forget.—Ray and Bandit
“I would like to thank our sponsors, associate sponsors, & contributors,” said Smitty. “Also thanks to my crew Mo, Lori, Rick, Katie, Shawn Bear, Stanley, Mary Lou, & Toby. I am so very grateful for everyone that is a part of VSR4VETS by their contribution of their time & money.”
March 23-24- AMRA State Capitol Raceway-Baton Rouge, LA
April 20-21- AHDRA Carolina Spring Nationals- Rockingham, NC
April 27-28- AMRA Beechbend Raceway- Bowling Green, KY
May 30-June 2- AMRA Mason Dixon Dragway- Hagerstown, MD
June 14-16- NHRA Bandiere Raceway- Denver, CO
August 2-10- Sturgis Race and Rally, Sturgis, SD
August 17-18- NHRA Pacific Raceway- Seattle, WA
August 24-25- AHDRA Northwest Nationals- Woodburn, OR
October 31-Nov 3- NHRA The Strip at Las Vegas Motorsports Park- Las Vegas, NV
Monday morning Bandit and a known associate rolled out of the Harbor at the crack of ten or so after the mandatory road trip coffee. Destination Big Bear to retrieve a stretched out chopper called, Redemption. Some 30 minutes from headquarters the call came in: Performance Editor Line One…This is Ray….Incoming call, Stand By we have the 10.5 foot long Big Bear Redemption strapped mercilessly to a Kendon trailer for you test ride and report on. Are you ready for Redemption?
Hell Yes. Bring it on. Sounded like they we’re chuckling in the background?
In rolled a hot rod designed for a man at least 6 foot tall with long arms and the desire to look too cool for school. Hop on and we’ll see how ya look. Sit still we’ll take a picture. Well WTF? After picking the crew up off the dusty driveway. They were rolling around with the two black guard dogs howlin’ and laughin’ their asses off. The bike is not reachable for an old guy that’s barely 5 foot 6 on a sunny day, imagine that? Looks like the tall guys lucked out? Or did they? Time will tell..
Hey Big Bear, How about an FXR type hot rod built for speed, handling, stopping and agility? Mid controls? Flat tracker bars? Serious suspension and Horsepower? Now we’re talkin’ my language. How about a cross country ride? East coast to the west coast sounds like a nice ride in March after the Daytona show?
What a crazy week and its all good.
With a little help from my friends….Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.
Aerocharger, All Balls Racing, Kent Rich, Dutch and the Crew@Air Tech Streamlining, Arai Helmets, Keith Ball and the Crew@Bikernet, Bikers Choice, Bred Beach@Beach Racing ,Cometic Gaskets, Dan Thayer@vtwinfuelinjection, Allen Alvarez@Daytona Twin Tech, ERC Race Gas, George The Wild Brush, ET Krankvents (Thanks Ted Shrode, Ph.D—- R. I. P.), Fisher Harmonic Damper, Dan Stern@House of Thunder H-D, Horsepower Inc., Ron Williams, Jeff, Kevin@Hardtailz, Randy, Michelle and the Crew@Hyperformance, Jim’s Machine USA, K&N Air Cleaner, Paul Kittrell@Lyndall Racing Brakes, Marc Susman@Colorado Custom Cycle Wheels, Ray Whitehead@Pegasus, Pingel, Jim @Sharp Eye Transmission, Reggie and Crew@R&R Cycle, Ben Kudon@Rivera Primo, Matthew Wiley@Race Tech Suspension, Rick Tedder@ R/T Performance, Schnitz Racing, Mr. McCahill@Spyke, S&S Cycle, Matthew Negherbon@Thunder Motorcycles in San Jose, Guy Caputo@Tiger Racing, Steve The Turbo Doc, Tsubaki Chains, Vanderbeck Race Cars, Vanson Leathers, Dr. Willie, World Wide Bearings, Duncan Keller, Yankee Engineuity in San Jose, Ca..
See ya Sunday in the Cantina with a report about Paul Morris and his addiction.
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Fukin Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
UNCLE MONKEY LETS A STAFF MEMBER GO–We had to let go one of our new employees. He seemed to be a great employee and a great guy. In the short time he was with us he proved himself more then capable but as time wore on it started to fray around the edges.
We didn’t question the week he missed when he said his son was sick though rumors were circulated about personal drug abuse. It all ended a couple weeks later when he came into work and said he needed to run home to get his cell phone. He never returned.
Even when one of my other techs seen him later that day and told him to phone into work we didn’t hear from him. We let him go the next day. In cleaning out his workspace the small empty packets of white powder began to shed some light. It literally was a straw that broke the proverbial camels back.
Drugs are in everyday life. Some are acceptable like caffeine and nicotine. Others are allowed in moderation like alcohol and marijuana. Some people can function everyday, even in positions of trust veiling their substance abuse to everyone. Others like my brother cannot function any more.
Alcohol consumes his life to the point he is living off welfare in our mother’s basement whining that society just won’t give him a break. For our dismissed employee cocaine was part of his every waking moment, and while he had been able to keep his house of cards up, the winds of change were sweeping in. His world is closing in around him, cornering him. He can lash out it, crumble between the rock and a hard place or reach for help.
I hope he finds a way out, a way to get out from under the weight of addiction. It is something I wish for everyone who suffers from addiction, any addiction whether it is drugs, gambling, women, or shopping. It clouds your judgement and drives those that love, care, are concerned, and employ you away. There is help. Everyone is extending their hand to help you. It isn’t an easy road or even a path you can travel down by yourself. Reach out before your life lets go.
-bad Uncle Monkey
LIFESTYLE DEALS OF THE WEEK—2001 HERITAGE SOFTAIL
WE CUT A GRAND OFF! Was $12,995.00, now $11,995.00
This is an awesome Heritage! It’s got Samson dual exhaust with fishtail tips, chrome beach bars, luggage rack, fender rails, deluxe solo seat, H-D nostalgia floorboards, and much much more!
Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.
Bumpy Credit History? Smooth roads could be ahead for YOU!……….Call Lifestyle Today!
2000 ULTRA CLASSIC
Was $11,995.00, now $10,500.00
This sweet Ultra Classic has chrome highway pegs, chrome and rubber floorboards, bag rails, tour pack, luggage rack, lighted saddlebag guards, and much, much, more.
Come see this bike today! Like all of LifeStyle Cycles pre-owned Harleys, this bike has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a LifeStyle Cycles technician after undergoing a rigorous 38-point motorcycle inspection.
BELL HELMETS TAKES POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY INTO UNCHARTERED TERRITORY WITH NEW ROGUE– The innovators at Bell that pioneered the first racing helmets in 1954, are blazing yet another new trail for the industry with the company’s latest category-defying product introduction. Today, Bell unveiled “Rogue,” a totally unique open-face helmet, designed to provide facial coverage from the elements that previously had not been provided by any other open-face helmet on the market.
Designed with the cruiser market in mind, but appropriate for a wide variety of motorcycling applications, Rogue addresses a long-standing gap in the market for an open-face helmet that provides increased coverage against the elements. Particularly useful in cold-weather conditions and for long-distance touring, Rogue is equipped with a first-of-its-kind, adjustable and detachable “muzzle” system, allowing riders increased comfort and protection against the elements. The muzzle benefits are also aesthetic, creating an ominous-look to the Rogue, ideal for the attitude and lifestyle synonymous with the cruiser category.
“For years, our sales reps and dealers have had cruiser riders lamenting about the need to lose their bandanas for an open face helmet that’s got the attitude and style that they seek, but also provides some facial coverage for wet, cold or other harsh riding conditions,” said Chris Sackett, General Manager, Bell Powersports. “Rogue fulfills this need from both a standpoint of function and form, with an edgy design that makes it hands down the meanest-looking helmet we’ve ever made. So far, pre-orders from our dealers have been extremely strong, and we’re excited to see the consumer reception for this unique new design.”
Rogue is based on a lightweight composite shell that looks like a half helmet, but is actually a three-quarter design, thanks to an EPS that extends from the rear portion of the shell into a comfortable neck roll pad.
The innovative muzzle is constructed from molded thermoplastic polyurethane, featuring air vents and a removable fleece liner for added comfort and protection. The muzzle fastens to the helmet through a FidLock magnetic connection system, easily fastened directly into the system’s magnetic receptors and removed by simply sliding the muzzle piece in an upward direction. Length is also adjustable through straps on either side of the muzzle that ratchet into the helmet shell.
The helmet’s shell and EPS are available in three sizes for more expansive size range and maximum comfort, with the liner being removable and washable. Rogue is DOT certified, and available in Solid Black, Solid Matte Black, Army Green and Solid Gunny finishes. Rogue is priced for retail at $249.95 and will be available at Bell dealers in March.
–Jeff Millard
The Brand AMP
(562) 546-6018
jeff@thebrandamp.com
BOREAL TOUCHTEC GLOVES FROM BIKER’S CHOICE– With TouchTec technology, you can text, call, or tweet without ever removing your gloves! Boreal gloves feature Dry Techno technology to keep water and wind out, and includes TouchTec® leather in the palms. Thinsulate™ thermal insulation traps in and holds body heat, while a hook and loop closure provides a secure fit.
Suggested Retail: $89.95
Includes a 1-year manufacturers warranty.
YOUR KIDDING ANOTHER VOCABULARY LESSON FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT–pseudomorph SOO-duh-mawrf, noun:
— David L. Norton, Personal Destinies
— Tom Sharpe, Porterhouse Blue
VOTED BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER TWICE IN 2012–Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has been voted by the public as Best Personal Injury Law Firm in the 2012 A-List on WISN.com. The law firm category was a new addition to this year’s ballot. The law firm is pleased that consumer confidence voted them first, once again, in the Milwaukee area.
Each year Milwaukee consumers join together to vote for their favorite local businesses on the WISN A-List. The results are decided exclusively by local consumers. Winners and finalists are showcased throughout the year on the WISN website.
WISN verified more than 124,000 votes to determine this year’s winners. The 122 winners competed with more than 3,700 nominees to be named the BEST of WISN A-List.
In addition to this recognition, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. was also selected as Best Personal Injury Law Firm in the 2012 Shepherd Express Poll for the second year in a row and as one of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel‘s 2012 Top Workplaces.
Attorney Michael Hupy Recieves Community Service and Professional Leadership Awards Throughout December 2012
Attorney Michael Hupy has received numerous awards throughout the month of December for his contributions to the community and his clients. His legacy of leadership and highest standards of services are what help to make Hupy and Abraham, S.C. what is is today.
ORDER BOOKS AND GET A RACK– Available FREE to you with a qualifying order of 48 total books is our 16-Pocket Wire Floor Spinner Display. This rack holds 8.5 x 11 in. books and is 18 x 15 x 65 for dimensions. It’s a great tool for reselling books while talking up very little floor space.
If your wishing to add it to a Purchase Order, simply add item # 200221. Freight is not included in this offer and typically runs between $10 – 15. The Spinner is Non-Returnable and only one rack is available per order.
–Wes Eisenschenk – National Accounts Manager
Motorbooks
400 First Ave No, Suite 300
Mpls, MN 55401
Visit our website at www.motorbooks.com
OFFICIAL S&S OIL NOW AVAILABLE–(Viola, WI) S&S Cycle announces the introduction of a new line of premium drive train lubricants for Harley-Davidson and other American v-twin motorcycles. This S&S premium line of lubricants was developed by a collaborative effort between S&S and Spectro Oils of Brookfield, CT.
S&S company president Steve Iggens explains, “The relationship between S&S Cycle and Spectro is a natural. The similarity in the approach that both companies take to product quality and customer satisfaction is striking. Both companies and their products are highly regarded in the market, and we both offer solid value to our customers. All S&S products are backed by 55 years of Proven Performance in the v-twin high performance industry and now we are also drawing on Spectro’s 47 years of experience in the lubricant business.”
When asked why S&S no longer recommends Mobil 1 20W50 for their engines, Iggens had this to say. “First of all let me say that we regard Mobil 1 as an excellent product, and the decision to bring out our own product line is in no way related to any dissatisfaction with quality of the oil or our business relationship with Mobil 1. It was a strategic decision based on our desire to offer a more comprehensive line of lubricants to our customers.”
Scott Sjovall, S&S VP of Product Development adds, “Working with Spectro has allowed us some more flexibility in our product offering. We are striving to offer improved protection for our high performance engines and the transmissions that all that power goes through. We believe our new products are better to anything currently available on the market today. Of course you don’t have to be a racer or a performance enthusiast to benefit from a superior product. Our new lubricants will work great in your stocker too. You can’t get an oil that’s too good for your machine. It’s like having too much fun.”
“The question has already come up about why we offer both petroleum and synthetic engine and transmission oils, so let’s address that.” says S&S Marketing Director Pete Amenda. “While we at S&S are convinced of the value of synthetic lubricants, not everybody believes that they are worth the higher price. Rather than have those consumers resort to using an inferior automotive-type engine oil in our engines, we are offering a more economical way for them to get the correctly formulated lubricants they need to adequately protect their machines.” Amenda went on to talk about promoting the S&S dealer network. “Another thing that’s important to know is that these products will not be available from auto parts chain stores or from so called “big box” stores. We intend to sell this oil through motorcycle specific channels.
You’ll be able to get it from your local S&S dealer or other shops who may source it through one of our motorcycle parts distribution partners. We like to support our dealers, and hope more consumers will too.”
•Complete drive train protection!
Engine
Transmission
Primary
•Superior Lubrication
Exceeds S&S® and Harley-Davidson® warranty requirements
Reduced wear – Enhanced levels of zinc and phosphorous for longer engine life
Protects against oxidation from moisture build up associated with ethanol fuels
Smoother shifting and less noise
Safe for catalytic converters
•Multiple grades and formulations
Petroleum or full synthetic
•Easy pour “long neck” bottle
No funnel needed
•Made in the USA by two names you can trust
The new S&S lubricant line currently includes the following products:
•S&S Premium Synthetic 20W50 engine oil
•S&S Heavy Duty Petroleum 20W50 engine oil
•S&S Premium Synthetic 75W140 GL5 transmission oil
•S&S Heavy Duty Petroleum 85W140 GL5 transmission oil
•S&S Extreme Duty Petroleum 85W primary oil
•S&S Quick Oil Change Kits which feature 4 quarts of S&S 20W50 engine oil and a premium oil filter – available with synthetic or petroleum based engine oil.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK—Do you want to read about automobile history and road racing wars? This book is a trip through the ‘40s and ‘50s and a battle between Ford and Ferrari. It’s an easy entertaining read, and packed full of history and inspiration to anyone trying to make a motorcycle or car business survive during tough times. It’s Go Like Hell by A.J. Baimes.
Don’t miss this puppy. I can hardly put it down.
I’VE GOT TO KNOCK OFF–Find a bite to eat and a shot of whiskey. Lots of tech and features coming your way. We installed a new S&S cam into my son’s Mudflap Girl FXR. It’s ready to ride.
You’ll see the tech next week. But for now, I’ve got to peel out.
Check back often.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
