Hey,
This is an interesting one? George Christie has one more episode. Folks called me and asked me to watch the last one, because I was there. Holy buckwheat.
Bikernet is about to turn 20 and most folks don’t realize how tenuous running a business is. From day to day there are major ups and down, and one false move and you can be out the door. Hell, sometimes you don’t need to make any false moves. Technology, business, or world economy shifts can wipe out whole industries. We constantly see businesses come and go.
Hell, wars can wipe out whole societies. So, what does that tell you about life. You might have a union job and sing along between disputes with the business side. But look at your neighbor. He may not have the security you do. I guess I’m trying to say, make the most of everyday. It could all change tomorrow.
Let’s hit the news: The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and Iron Trader, the intelligent choice. What’s that say about Bikernet?
QUICK, OPEN THE BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. ”? Will Rogers
The woman’s husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day. One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, “You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. And you know what?”
“What dear?” she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
“I think you’re bad luck.”
–from Rogue and Jerry
STARTER BIKES AT STARTER PRICES– Beyond the undeniable cool factor, there are four awesome things about collecting vintage motorcycles. First, they are small compared to cars, making it easy to squirrel away one in the garage without your wife knowing. Second, they are generally inexpensive; for the price of new sneakers for your ’66 Bonneville, you can get into a needy vintage bike that will offer years of restoration fun. Third, the mechanicals are highly accessible, letting anyone with basic mechanical skills play. And finally, they offer a wonderfully unique travel experience.
The list of 10 bikes below is a sampler of affordable entry points to the collector-bike hobby from five great motorcycle nations. Ranging from under $1,000 for a fright pig to $10,000 or more for showboats, they provide great bang for the buck without ever breaking the bank. And more good news – although relatively inexpensive, none of the models listed is a “nerd bike”; each offers genuine street cred and historical relevance. The litmus test? On your first ride to cars and coffee, you’ll get both interest and respect from those in the know.
United States
1961-74 Harley-Davidson Sprint 250 & 350 – Although sold by Harley-Davidson, these one-cylinder bikes were built in Italy by Aermacchi. Smaller than Harley’s domestic V-twins, the Sprint’s robust OHV engine featured an unconventional horizontal cylinder. As such, today they represent a unique take on the “American bike.”
1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer – In a nod to period styling trends, Harley added the short-lived XLCR Cafe Racer to the lineup for 1977. It’s basically a period 997cc V-twin Sportster at heart, with the chassis cloaked in wicked black bodywork, low handlebars and aggressive black exhausts.
England
1960-73 Triumph T100 – The smallest of Triumph’s “unit construction” OHV twins, the 490cc T100 is also relatively simple, with a single carb on the Tiger model for easy tuning. However it is also pure Triumph, providing the DNA of the legendary 650cc Bonneville without that model’s higher price tag.
1968-70 BSA B25 Starfire – Displacing just 247cc, this OHV Single is the essential English motorcycle, just smaller. Attractive and workmanlike, the Starfire will go anywhere you want at a reasonable pace, and its engine is mildly tuned, making it agreeable for any riding you’d want to do.
Germany
1968-81 Maico 125 to 501 – One of the most revered (and feared) German bike companies, Maico built scooters sparingly, but was best known for its motocross racers. Most legendary was the Maico 501, an enormous 501cc two-stroke Single. More plentiful were 250, 400, 440, 450 and 490cc “Radials,” so named for their jutting cylinder-head fins.
1970-73 BMW R50, R60 & R75 – Known as “toaster tank” BMWs, these air-cooled opposed twins were a mainstay for enlightened touring riders for years. Superbly built and understressed, they were often outfitted with saddlebags and fairings, and so reliable their odometers would often surpass the 99,999-mile mark with ease.
Italy
1962-74 Ducati 250 & 350 – These iconic Singles were highly instrumental in Ducati’s rise to superbike status during the 1970s. They are rugged, undiluted mechanical devices, with sophisticated gear-driven overhead cams, racy suspension and some fickle qualities too. Names like Diana, GT, Mach 1, Mark 3 and Scrambler add panache.
1980-83 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza – Moto Guzzi is like the Harley of Italy, thanks to its long-term devotion to air-cooled V-twins. The smallest variant is the V50 Monza, a sweet little 490cc sportbike with jewel-like qualities. Often bypassed by enthusiasts looking for more performance, the V50 is nevertheless a wonderful classic ride.
Japan
1968-73 Honda CB350 & CL350 – During the motorcycle boom years of the late 1960s and early ’70s, Honda sold hundreds of thousands of twin-cylinder 350s, making them plentiful and affordable today. The CB350 street model has low exhausts while the CL350 has dual high pipes, identifying it as a street scrambler.
1968-79 Yamaha 90 to 400 Enduro – Built in seven sizes, these Yamaha two-stroke Singles changed motorcycling by being truly competent off- and on-road, thus offering riders their choice of adventure. They are also innately simple and lightweight, making them easy to own and maintain.
–By John L. Stein
–Haggerty Ins.
–from Jim Waggaman
TWEVO VS. EVO— We published a tech on Twevo engines and FXRS, but then discovered some problems with the Twevo configuration, and some major benefits to Evos. Below is a comment from Bruce Tessmer. Don’t miss the whole article on Bikernet.
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Tech_The_TWEVO_Configuration_or_Stay_with_and_SS_Evo.aspx
When it comes to cams and cam plates and oil pumps, let me say this about that!
You do need to remove that cam plate to check runout on the pinion shaft. A 2003 bike is probably not going to have a problem with run out, but you need to check it. Late model bikes have a much greater chance of having excess runout since the stock spec is currently .012”. Really! The maximum allowable run out for S&S gear drive cams is .003” When S&S sends out a flywheel assembly the runout specification is .0005” or less, so you know they are going to be fine. The less runout you have, the less problems you will have with vibration and damage to the oil pump and pinion shaft bushing in the cam plate. In fact, you can make more power with a truer flywheel assembly because you can rev the engine higher!
We recommend removing the oil pump any time cams are replaced because you should replace the scavenge port o-ring. Some guys don’t replace it, but we’ve had enough customers with scavenging problems and the resulting oil pukage after a cam change that we now include the o-ring in our cam installation kits. That o-ring gets stiff from heat and contact with oil, so it may not seal again if it is disturbed at all, so we recommend that you replace it. Of course it’s a good idea to inspect the oil pump for damage as long as you have the cam chest apart. At the end of the day, as long as you have the oil pump and cam plate out, why not upgrade the both?
–Bruce Tessmer
S&S® Cycle, Inc
Email bruce@sscycle.com
Good info thanks for your time.
— Douglas
Douglasparker51@yahoo.com
Natalia, TX
The comment isn’t exactly exciting, but it shows the strength of Bikernet archives. A reader can read about a bike we modified in 2003 today, 12 years later. Amazing. –Bandit
SPRINGFIELD XD MOD.2 4-inch Service Model 9mm– The long-awaited XD® Mod.2™ 4″ Service Model 9mm is in stores now.
The XD Mod.2 is now available in a 4-inch Service Model. The 4-inch Service Model is a slim and ergonomic pistol that packs even more amazing capacity. Featuring the GripZone, the XD Mod.2 Service Model is ready for duty, a day at the range and even concealed carry.
With high visibility low-profile sights and a slim-contour frame, the XD® Mod.2™ Service Model is a feature packed full sized double-stack pistol. At just two tenths of an inch wider than the industry’s slimmest single stack polymer frame pistols, the Mod.2™ offers 16+1 rounds of 9mm. The noticeably slim profile and other features combine to make the Mod.2™ Service Model a pistol that offers excellent ergonomics and serious firepower in a surprisingly concealable full sized handgun. Plus, you can choose between two attractive finishes – all black, or bi-tone.
– See more here at there website.
This week, you could win one by entering DUEL 3 here.
Check Out the XD® Mod.2TM 4-inch Service Model 9mm Announcement Video
On The Road 2015 Indian Chief Classic
Nice story, well written and a pleasure to read.
Keep it up.
–Timothy Remus
tim@wolfpub.com
Stillwater, MN
Motorcycle Industry Association in United States buys Orlando, Florida based American International Motorcycle Expo–
The MIC will be developing incentives for MIC member companies to invest in the 2016 show.
The show now becomes part of a new department titled ‘MIC Events’. The physical move to MIC offices in Irvine, California, will occur following this year’s show. All AIM Expo personnel, including V-Twin Director Bob Kay, remain in-post. Next year’s show – AIMExpo 2016 – is still scheduled for October and will remain in Orlando.
The MIC is quoted as saying that “owning our trade show fits perfectly within MIC’s mission. Trade shows intrinsically represent exhibitors (i.e., MIC Member Companies), facilitate communications among exhibitors, and help promote the goods and services offered by exhibitors to {dealers and] the public – all [of which are] normal day-to-day operations for the MIC.
“MIC was able to purchase the Expo without affecting membership dues. MIC’s ownership of a platform such as AIMExpo can help advance our business environment and allow the motorcycle industry to sustainably expand the riding community across generations.
“Larry Little, one of the founders of AIMExpo while a Director on the MIC Board, recused himself from all acquisition discussions and activities. As an MIC employee, Larry is ineligible to serve on the board and has resigned his board position. The open board position will be filled in the upcoming annual board election.
This news brings closure to a sequence of events that has not always worked to the benefit of the motorcycle industry, one that actually goes back some 30 years. When Advanstar acquired what eventually became the ‘Dealer Expo’ that was staged at Cincinnati, then Indianapolis, then finally and for one year only at Chicago in December last year, it had been mooted that the MIC was itself eying launch of its own industry expo.
To head-off competition from the industry’s trade association, Advanstar struck a sweatheart deal with the MIC that saw members score discounts, and a percentage of show income going into the trade association’s coffers.
When the V-Twin industry was under pressure from impending increases in the regulatory obstacles that motorcycle modification faced ten years ago, especially where aftermarket performance components and engines were concerned, this was an arrangement that backfired on both the MIC and the v-twin industry.
Endeavouring to create a forum for the sector through its then new V-Twin Committee, the MIC fell foul of restrictions that its deal with Advanstar placed on it in terms of being able to stage meetings for the sector at the rival V-Twin Expo at Cincinnati.
Now, however, all is changed. In addition to having severed its ties with ‘Dealer Expo’, the MIC changed its membership profile three or four years ago to start offering a dealer-membership program.
At the time of writing no information was available about whether or not MIC’s acquisition of AIMExpo will have a bearing on the show’s previously announced intentions of developing a series of regional consumer/industry events around the United States in what had been widely interpreted as an attempt to establish a network of shows to rival Advanstar’s Progressive Insurance sponsored multi-city International Motorcycle Show series.
–Posted by DealerWorld and American Motorcycle Design
Historically the MIC has not supported dealers or the aftermarket, but it looks as if they may change their focus, or not. They are basically funded by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.
Maybe the MIC will start to work with and support the Easyriders Cincinnati V-Twin show.–Bandit
Movie Mystery Bike Solved, the Mickey Rourke Black Death
I have been searching everywhere to purchase the EXACT tank decal from the Harley Mickey Rourke rode in the movie Harley-Davidson and The Marlboro Man. I cannot find one anywhere. There are several that are close but not exact.
If you could give me a link, phone number, email, or whatever to anyplace I can purchase this decal I would truly appreciate it. This site has to be one of the best I have come across relating to the bike itself.
–Krystal Thoene
krysthoene@yahoo.com
Deepwater, MO
Hey Krystal, I’m sure the original bikes didn’t sport decals. Reach out to Deb Black from Bartel’s Harley-Davidson. She will know or turn you on to Gene Tomasen, who built those bikes.—Bandit
Bartels’ 310- 823-1112
CAR AUCTION OF THE WEEK– Janis Joplin’s iconic Porsche 356C Cabriolet set for RM Sotheby’s New York auction stage.
RM Sotheby’s presents Janis Joplin’s beloved psychedelic Porsche at its exclusive New York City auction and exhibition, December 10. Offered for sale by the Joplin family, the wildly-painted Porsche was driven and actively enjoyed by the legendary singer in period, and has been a featured exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland for two decades.
Titled ‘Driven by Disruption’, RM Sotheby’s highly anticipated Manhattan sale moves to new December date
She may have famously sung “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz”, but legendary singer Janis Joplin personally drove an unmistakably wild 1965 Porsche 365C 1600 Cabriolet. This December, Joplin’s iconic Porsche will be offered as a star attraction at RM Sotheby’s exclusive Driven by Disruption sale in New York City – just in time for the holidays!
“Janis Joplin’s 356C is without question one of the most important Porsches of all time,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Sotheby’s West Coast Division. “It’s a fantastic automobile that transcends art, pop culture and social movements, and is as groundbreaking and stunning as the renowned singer was herself.”
Joplin purchased the Porsche in September 1968 and decided that the original Pearl White finish was slightly too conservative for the Queen of Rock and Roll. She engaged Dave Richards, a friend and roadie with her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, to customize the car with a kaleidoscopic mural. Described by Richards to represent ‘The History of the Universe’, the dramatic artwork included such graphics as butterflies and jellyfish, as well as a portrait of Joplin with members of the band. The finished product was as colorful as the singer’s personality and certainly representative of the era – a one-of-a-kind flamboyant symbol of San Francisco’s psychedelic rock age. The car quickly became identified with Joplin, who was frequently seen driving it in period.
As Janis’s sister and biographer, Laura Joplin recalls, “Janis drove the car everywhere, all around San Francisco and down to Los Angeles when she was recording there. Wherever Janis went in the car, her fans recognized it. When she parked it and returned, there was always at least one fan note under the wipers.”
Following Joplin’s untimely death in 1970, the Porsche has remained in her family’s ownership, and was enjoyed by her manager, Albert Grossman, who drove it for several years, lending it to visiting family and friends. By the early 1990s, the car was treated to a meticulous restoration, preserving the integrity of the Porsche and presenting the car precisely as it was customized in period.
The Janis Joplin Porsche went on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1995, where it remained a permanent and popular display up until this week. Offered for sale by the Joplin Family, it is expected to bring in excess of $400,000 when it crosses RM Sotheby’s New York podium in December.
Michael Joplin comments, “Besides Janis’s music and legacy, her Porsche is the most visual and important piece of memorabilia that exists. Like most people and their car of choice, her Porsche is a direct link to Janis. She drove it everywhere – and with everyone that was anyone in the San Francisco music scene – with the top down and her feathers flying. Her music, life and car are a part of rock and roll history.”
For further information, or to view a frequently updated list of entries for the sale, please visit www.rmsothebys.com or call +1 519 352 4575.
For more News from RM Sotheby’s
Visit: www.rmsothebys.com
Follow: www.twitter.com/rmsothebys
Join: www.facebook.com/rmsothebys
Watch: www.youtube.com/rmauctionsinc
IMOGEN RETURNS TO 5-BALL— Imogen the boss of Great Frog Jewelry on Melrose in Hollywood came to Long Beach for a J&P, Cycle Source, and 5-Ball photo shoot. She’s amazing and just recently rode cross-country with a group of Harley women. Here’s the story:
Highway Runaways Ride: 5 Women, Their Harleys & a Camera
Harley-Davidson is celebrating 100 years of strong and confident women riders by supporting renowned photographer and motorcyclist Lana MacNaughton and the Highway Runaways Ride. Distinguished for her “Women’s Moto Exhibit,” MacNaughton is leading four of her closest female friends on a cross country Harley-Davison motorcycle journey, starting July 3, when she kicks off the ride in Brooklyn, New York. This four-week tour will end in San Francisco.
The Highway Runaways Ride is inspired by the infamous Avis and Effie Hotchkiss ride in 1915, when the mother and daughter became the first women to ride their Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the U.S. Many women have blazed their own trail in the sport of motorcycling, and MacNaughton leads a modern day celebration of how women riders are unleashing their rebellious spirit and living life on their terms. Like the Hotchkiss ride 100 years ago, the Highway Runaways Ride is also being powered by Harley-Davidson.
Specializing in the photography of the modern-day female motorcyclists, MacNaughton has dedicated her career to capturing and revealing the courageous and beautiful women who live to ride. During the 4,500-mile trek, MacNaughton will collect stories from women riders and take photographs of those who share her passion for the open road.
“This ride embodies the spirit of strong and powerful women. Riding a Harley is about escaping the authority and the structure of mundane life; running away is our dream and it has now become our reality,” MacNaughton says.
Through the Highway Runaways Ride, MacNaughton and her friends are exhibiting their freedom and independence on two-wheels, and they aren’t the only ones riding Harleys to exhibit their strong and powerful spirit. In a survey commissioned by Harley-Davidson, a majority of women riders said that motorcycling made them happier, more confident and feel sexier. MacNaughton is providing a glimpse into motorcycling on these terms, using her camera to capture experiences along way. The pictures will be posted on both Lana and Harley-Davidson’s social media channels at @womensmotoexhibit and @harleydavidson, using #hwyrunaways.
Once on the road, Lana and the others rode through the Southeast, then across the southern U.S. before heading west to their final stop. They will visit Atlanta, Nashville, Austin, Albuquerque, Denver, and Reno. Along the way, they stopped at Southern Devil Harley-Davidson, Cartersville, Ga. (July 5) and Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Denver (July 22). The Highway Runaways Ride concluded in San Francisco, after logging some 4,500 miles and hundreds of memories. MacNaughton’s Women’s Moto Exhibit is also being featured at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee during its Custom Bike Show Weekend, Sept. 4-6, 2015.
The Highway Runaways Ride showcases women’s spirit to break down barriers and ride in their style. Visit www.h-d.com/women for more inspiration and information about MacNaughton and the Highway Runaways Ride, and the many opportunities available for women to start their own riding experiences or take their motorcycling journey to the next level.
[page break]
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A local United Way office realized that the organization had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute.
“Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to give back to the community in some way?”
The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, “First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?”
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, “Um … no.”
The lawyer interrupts, “or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?”
The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology, but was interrupted again.
“-or that my sister’s husband died in a traffic accident,” the lawyer’s voice rising in indignation, “leaving her penniless with three children?!”
The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, “I had no idea…”
On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again, “So if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any to YOU??”
–from Rik Savenko
I am looking for any and all help that I can get. I have a 2005 Fat boy FLSTFI EFI and I have the embossed addition with the 3D stamped flames.
I am in need of a new front fender ASAP!! Any help would be much appreciated would you guys have these in stock? If not how long would it take to get?
–Chad Hickman
ageofendchad@gmail.com
Salem, NH
We reached out to the all-knowledgeable owner of Departure Bike Works in Richmond, VA, Lee Clemens.
“Did H-D make a bike with embossed flames on the sheet metal?? We are not aware
of this–no one asked me if they could do this.
“Damn I wish the motor company would stop doing this shit on there own.
“I have been reading about the condition of the salt— things don’t look good for the long term. Have you been staying up on this??”
Yes, and another report is right here in the Bikernet news regarding the Salt.–Bandit
RICK’s Motorcycles, RICK’s Harley Days–LEADING German custom parts manufacturer and authorized Harley-Davidson dealer Rick’s Motorcycles is holding its annual “Harley Days” open-house from October 2-4, 2015.
Owner Patrick Knoerzer is celebrating 21 years since he started his own business making custom wheels. In that time his product line reflected the changes in the industry, taking in fat rear ends, single-sided swingarms, frames, wheels and a custom bike build program that eventually got Harley-Davidson’s attention with an invitation to become his region’s authorized dealer.
RICK’S Day is to become Rick’s Harley Days, as the 11th edition of the annual open day at the German dealership changes its name.
As Rick’s Motorcycles celebrates its 21st anniversary with the now three-day event from October 2nd – 4th, 2015, the shop will be offering among other things demo rides on the new 2016 H-D models, a stunt show by Buell riding Erdös Csabas, fashion shows and tours of the company’s custom parts manufacturing facility.
RICK’S MOTORCYCLES GMBH
www.ricks-motorcycles.com
–from AMD
TEASER FROM CYCLE SOURCE/BIKERNET FEATURE SHOOT– A little tease from the Cycle Source Andrew Ursich chopper shoot, Long Beach, California…the bike is 2 for 2 in contest top wins…
–Markus Cuff
Wire Plus also manufactures other round digital speedos that feature a backlit graphic overlay with axe design and are available in four colors (violet – blue – red – yellow) with electro-luminescent lighting to glow the selected color at night.
Color and mounting applications are selected by part numbers. On all round digital speedos, there are various riser and T-bar mounting options available…1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½” T-Bars and between 1” Risers. Suggested Retail $498.51.
Don’t forget that Wire Plus also manufactures rectangular models that can be mounted either on your handlebars or flush mounted in your gas tank or other areas of your sheet metal.
Wire Plus has been providing innovative high quality products for the V-Twin market for the past decade and continues to provide their customers with the most cutting edge technology needed to survive in the Harley-Davidson and custom bike markets.
Wire Plus also manufactures a complete line of self-diagnostic wiring systems to fit any stock or custom bike application. Some of the advantages that you get with products from Wire Plus include Solid State breaker technology (the breakers never have to be replaced) and a replaceable start relay that can be purchased at any auto parts store. Their power modules are submersible waterproof and very compact in size with harnesses that are engineered to be smaller than any other on the market. Wire Plus’ main focus is on the reliability of everything that they manufacture.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Wire Plus, you can reach them at (620) 221-2417 or check them out online at www.wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.
ROCK AND ROLL ROCKS ON— We like to feature the creative works of Rock and Roll Custom Paint SoCal. Randy is one creative soul.
BIKERNET BAGGERS RECENT TECH, BARNETT LOW PROFILE LOCK-UP PRESSURE PLATE–
When I installed my Barnett Scorpion Clutch I had numerous options on different pressure clutch springs to insure it would work for the type of performance and horsepower my engine produced.
An option that I did not discuss in that article was the Lock-Up Pressure Plate. We installed the latest from Barnett on Bikernet Baggers.
–Rogue
For more information on these parts and other fine Barnett products go to their website www.barnettclutches.com
BIKERNET ADVERTISING PITCH FOR THE WEEK— We ran with a company for just eight months, but here were the impressions and click to the customer’s website.
Bikernet
3810366 2224
46941 146
Baggers
390790 2001
Trikes
406887 777
Here are the numbers for 8 months with Bikernet:
The first number is impressions and the second is clicks. The total number of folks who came to their site from Bikernet was 5148 (in 8 months) or 643.5 folks a month. Not bad at all. Plus we posted anything newsworthy from this company on a weekly basis. That’s a helluva service.
If you are interest in this level of service for your company, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
–K. Ball
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– After my prostate exam my doctor left the room. Then the nurse came in. As she shut the door, she whispered in my ear the three words no man wants to hear, “Who was that?”
As I was nursing my baby, my cousin’s six-year-old daughter, Krissy, came into the room. Never having seen anyone breast feed before, she was intrigued and full of all kinds of questions about what I was doing. After mulling over my answers, she remarked, “My mom has some of those, but I don’t think she knows how to use them.”
–from Rogue and Jerry
NEW YORK MYKE RODE FROM DAGO TO NEW YORK FOR THE 9/11 TRIBUTE RIDE, BUT NO ONE ELSE SHOWED– It doesn’t feel right. I hope people do something, so the 15th anniversary is recognized. Just 14 years after Pearl Harbor was 1955! Maybe a big ride to wake the fuck out of this complacent politically correct country!
I’ll start talking it up soon, 15 years, I don’t think the Illiad lasted that long or Helen of Troy would have looked like Paris’ mother! No, nothing makes sense…helmet laws suck and I have go to a casino to smoke a cigar, but I can’t complain because I’ve had a life of ‘white privilage’, hahaha!
Na, really its just the disconnect we seem to have with the reality that we’re at war and that’s going to change one way or another!
–New York Myke
San Diego Harley-Davidson
FULL THROTTLE TRIBUTE FROM MICHAEL BALLARD– First off I would like to thank all of the local fire departments: Fort Meade, Sturgis, Vale, Whitewood, Piedmont for all their efforts and giving it their all while trying to fight the fire. They were able to save the main office and all of our cabins.
I would also like to thank the Meade County Sherriff Ron Merwin and all of his team and the Sturgis Police Department. And another thank you to the state of South Dakota Fire Marshall and the ATF. With all the joint efforts from each of these departments we were able to determine the exact cause of the fire. It was ruled accidental.
The Full Throttle Saloon was up to code on all electrical and building codes. The local electrical inspector did a walk through the Full Throttle two weeks before Rally. We also had two new buildings erected this year. We had engineer’s building plans and we got a building permit. We also passed three building inspections before Rally.
Protocol was followed on everything. The Full Throttle Saloon has been in business for 16 years. In the 16 years of business we have never had one violation or ticket. We take our business and the safety of our customers very serious.
When the fire broke out I was in Trimble, TN home in bed and it was around 1:30 a.m. central time. I immediately packed a suitcase and headed to the Memphis airport. I arrived in Rapid City at noon that morning. When I arrived at the Full Throttle, it was finished. Everything was on the ground. I personally gave the ATF consent to be on the property at that time and worked hand in hand with the lead investigator James Olson of the ATF throughout the entire investigation. The main thing is that no one was hurt.
I would like to express to everybody who has reached out to us with offers of assistance, that the outcry for this place has been humbling. Local businesses and local residents have reached out in the mass numbers to help us. We are getting calls and emails from around the world expressing concern for our loss.
Even though I owned the Full Throttle Saloon and it was my dream and my job, this bar belonged to everybody. There have been so many people that have made their way to the Full Throttle and have called this place their second home. Hundreds of people have been married here, hundreds of thousands of people have fulfilled their bucket list of come and see Full Throttle Saloon. Also ashes of loved ones have been spread on these grounds
Full Throttle Saloon has become and household name. The brand has grown to be alongside Harley-Davidson. If you ride a motorcycle no matter what kind of bike you ride, you’ve either been to the Full Throttle or you have heard about it.
It took us seven years to get our television production, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in shooting pilots and film footage, so that we could give presentations in New York and Los Angeles. Our show was picked up by the Turner Broadcasting group and placed on the TruTV network for six years.
TruTV got a new president of the network and changed the programming toward an all comedy network. Unfortunately, we got caught up in that transformation. We have spent the last year and a half trying to land a new network and we did it. Our new show will air this November on Discovery Channel’s Destination America. Whether you like our show or not; it has been a top advertisement platform for this Rally. You simply cannot buy this kind of marketing.
The TV show and all of years of dedication to building the Full Throttle and the years traveling around this country advertising this event has allowed us to become an anchor for this community.
We have invested millions of dollars into the Sturgis area and the Black Hills. We employ a lot of local people and we purchase a lot of local products. The success of the Full Throttle and the brand has allowed us to offer some of the top scholarships to Sturgis Brown High school and to give large donations to the local 4H Club, and the Western Junior Livestock show. It has also allowed us to make donations to local Fire Departments, and animal shelters.
Our insurance coverage does not look good for recouping the destruction that has happened. The majority of our insurance polices were geared toward the cabin area and the safety and well being of our customers. All of the vintage signs, a lifetime of me collecting vintage motorcycles even before I came to Sturgis, vintage cars, vintage machines, concert sound system, lights, sound boards, all the bar equipment, basically all the entire atmosphere of this bar and everything it takes to operate and most of all the structures are going to fall on my shoulders.
The number one question I am receiving is: Will I rebuild the Full Throttle Saloon. Today as I stand here, I cannot truthfully answer that question. It is a monumental task for me to tackle. When I first moved this area, it was 17 years ago and I was 33 years old. I am now 50. I’m still devastated about everything that has happened. My goal here is to clean this place up and go back to TN to be with my wife and daughter and to take time to figure out where we go from here.
The one good thing is that we still have all of our cabins in tact. They were completely untouched thanks to the fire fighters.
More to come…
–Michael Ballard
NEWS FROM THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, 25 Pistols. 25 Winners.
You want wild? We’ll give you wild.
NEWS FROM SAMSON AND STURGIS– I got James on the phone this morning ……he be busy …… he will be viewing the Samson Website get a visual on the part numbers I suggested for the 1999 FXDWG rehabilitation bike!
–Buck Lovell
Samson Exhaust
P.S. On the radio this morning. Several Sturgis City officials have voiced concerns about a downtown fire and the ability of the existing fire department’s staff and equipment’s ability to control or extinguish a major fire in the downtown area. Volunteer Fire Departments are the mainstay here.
But ……very slow to respond due the nature of the volunteer anything. Almost like a delayed reaction!
We are helping a local brother get his Twin Cam Dyna flying to Vegas Bikefest with a new set of Samson exhaust. You’ll see the installation shortly.
Maybe we need to reach out to any biker fire fighters to create a fast acting squad.–Bandit
UNCLE MONKEY MOVES TO A NEW MODE– Even though there should be quite a few good days of riding left in the year I’ve switch to building mode. As usual a deal too good to pass came along and depleted my bank account again. With no money to pay the extortion to the Saskatchewan Government Insurance bikes are getting shuffled here and there to make room for the cold season.
The latest project is an ElectraGlide which I hope to flip. The plus to it is most of the parts I was going to take off the Rat King will fit rather nicely to this new project. That means now I HAVE to buy those new trick parts I was hoping to put on the Rat King. In a few weeks I plan to have the ElectraGlide out on the road to make sure everything works. The challenge comes from Mrs. Monkey really liking the big wide touring seat on it and I have to admit I’m growing fonder of the color every day. I will be selling it right away. The bike is so OEM it still has the factory hand grips on it. To take that bike to the fancy smancy level I prefer would be an injustice to the bike.
I prefer building custom bikes, custom everything but that doesn’t mean I’ve lost my roots and the respect for what rolled off the assembly line. In a world of tubbed out ’57 Chevy’s and crush velvet Chevelles there comes a time when stock are no longer dime a dozen. Who among us would love to pull back a barn door to find an original unmolested Knuckle or Panhead? We’ve chopped and hacked so many that so few of the originals are left they are an endangered species.
I met people all the time that are planning to cut up a perfectly good Shovelhead to hardtail. People slicing into original Panhead frames to stretch and rake them out to the nines. It is almost sacrilegious considering how many are already out there, how easy it is to call up Spitfire or Paughco and order a new frame to your exact specs.
So, while I’m pushing the Rat King this way and that to achieve my desired look at the end of the day those parts had to be replaced – that is why I bought the bike in the first place. Twin Cam Road Kings and ElectraGlides are still dime a dozen so I don’t have a problem trick one out while I return another to the road in its OEM state.
-bad Uncle Monkey
SALT FLATS NEWS– The race community, BLM & Intrepid Potash join forces to save the Bonneville Salt Flats.
By KIMBERLY NELSON , NBC Salt Lake
WENDOVER, Utah (ABC 4 News) – For the first time members of the racing community, the Bureau of Land Management, the Department of Natural Resources and representatives of the potash mining industry came together Monday to come up with a plan to save the Bonneville Salt Flats…
More on Save The Salt Coalition
Registered as a National Landmark, the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) is a geologic phenomenon of international significance. For motorsports enthusiasts world-wide, it is hallowed ground. From the first speed record attempts in 1914 and through the present day, hundreds of records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes.
The BSF is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as an “area of critical environmental concern.” For over six decades, the land has been managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The racing community is working with a mine owner to restore the BSF. However, this partnership does not make up for nearly five decades of BLM
inaction during which time millions of tons of salt were depleted from the BSF.
Salt is now being pumped onto the salt flats every year and other forms of additional replenishment are being pursued. To ensure success, the racing performance industry and land speed enthusiasts must also join in the effort to return more salt to the BSF.
We need your help. We are currently pursuing a dry salt laydown project that will cover two miles near the international track with salt. We need money for equipment and transportation costs. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to “Save The Salt”, an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Please visit our donations page to make a secure donation using PayPal or to download the donation form to donate using cash, check or credit card. Bonneville needs your help!
Coalition contact:
Stuart Gosswein
Sr. Director, Federal Government Affairs
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
1317 F Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004
202/783-6007, ext. 30, stuartg@sema.org
[page break]
WHAT WACO COURT CONSIDERS PROBABLE CAUSE
Two things:
1. MPP has a web page with a few articles on it. If you kiss double d’s or whoever’s in charge of the page’s ass they’ll post your comment. If you call ‘em out on facts your comment never gets posted. It’s their page, but if you write shit be a man and post the detractions too. No respect sent.
2nd. Waco’s just-us system is beyond criminal. The day will come that their on the other side of the bench. I hope they rot in jail when that day comes.
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK 7-17-15– JIMS Hardware Organizers.
JIMS Hardware Organizers will keep your hardware organized during teardown, storage, and final assembly. They feature four specific organizers for top end, cam chest, transmission, and primary that include silkscreened hardware position art with torque specifications. When combined, they all nest within each other taking up very little space and can easily fit in a deep drawer of a tool box.
When preparing for final assembly, the stands can be turned on the side for easy cleaning and Loctite preparation.
JIMS Hardware Organizers are available in a complete kit of four stands or sold individually. Part Numbers and retail pricing as follows:
742-Cam Chest 1999 to present Twin Cam $79.20
743-Primary 1970 to present Big Twin $75.05
744-Top End 1999 to present Twin Cam $75.05
745-Transmission 2007 to present Big Twin, and 06 Dyna $77.85
742K-Complete 4 Piece Kit $276.60
For more information contact sales@jimsusa.com, visit www.jimsusa.com, or call (805) 482-6913.
POMONA OPEN HOUSE– I recently started working at Pomona Valley Harley-Davidson as the Marketing Director.
We are having our Open House Sept 26th. I have attached the flyer. Come on out!
–Dana Dencklau
Pomona Valley Harley-Davidson
www.pvhd.com
d.dencklau@pvhd.com
909.981.9500
8710 Central Ave.
Montclair, CA 91763
NEW LOCATION! Zipper’s Performance will be set up in a NEW location this year for Delmarva Bike Week! — Visit Zipper’s Performance Products at the Ocean City Convention Center September 17-20 for Delmarva Bike Week 2015!
(Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD – 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD)
Zipper’s booth will be set up at the Ocean City Convention Center, come visit us September 17th – 20th!
Talk to us about the latest in our engine kit development including Muscle Kits, Zipper’s CNC heads, Red Shift Cams, ThunderMax and more!
We will NOT have staff at either of the Salisbury locations.
Nobody Knows Your Harley Like We Do!
Since opening our doors in 1981, Zipper’s focus has been on one goal – to improve the performance and reliability of the Harley V-Twin.
We started in the era of Shovels and Iron Sportsters, progressed through the Evolution years and now continue this same mission with the latest Twin Cam platform. You can benefit from this unrelenting dedication to improving the Harley product by choosing Zipper’s when you decide to upgrade your Harley.
We employ the sharpest technical minds and have invested in the proper equipment to get the job done right. Get real results and everything you need from the most trusted name in the performance arena – Zipper’s Performance Products!
LATEST FROM KIYO CUSTOMS
This is a bike he just finished. He built that tank and painted that tank himself. The tank was pounded out a sheet metal.
Really well done. Kiyo is a true perfectionist.
–Kelly Dube
Kiyo – Kiyo’s Garage
1508 W. 134th St
Gardena, CA 90249
Phone: 714 414 3000
New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Would very much like to contact Duncan Keller to build both my 45 magnum projects (K model and Ironhead). Have bulk of components for both projects. Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Know Keller is most knowledgeable person on this subject. Please, please help me achieve my objective.
–Marty Gibson
marty.gibson848@gmail.com
Comanche, OK
Try calling 408-307-4714 or Duncan Keller
TODD’S CYCLE IS ALIVE AND WELL ON A SMALL ISLAND IN THE PACIFIC–
Todd’s Cycle was founded by custom bike builder and fabricator Todd Silicato in Huntington Beach, California and is now located in Kauai, Hawaii.
Throughout his professional career, Todd has worked as a race engine builder and has held the position as head of Research & Development for Performance Machine and as the Chief Mechanic for Performance Machine’s GP race team.
Todd has custom built motorcycles and a line of motorcycle parts and accessories that have been featured in countless motorcycle magazines and events. With a style all his own, Todd blends old school craftsmanship with modern, state of the art technology, with an end product resulting in custom motorcycles and USA made parts that look and perform like no others in the industry.
We are about to feature one of his coolest bikes. Here’s one of Todd’s recent product offerings:
Todd’s Cycle Tall Bone Bar Risers For Harley
High-quality billet aluminum construction with a one-piece riser top clamp. Available for bars with 1″ diameter in the clamping area. Risers are tapped for 1/2″-13 riser bolts that are sold separately. Risers are 3 1/2″ apart on center.
Features:
Available in black or chrome finish
8″ high
Made in the USA
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/todds-cycle-tall-bone-bar-risers-for-harley
METALSPORT INC IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE 4 NEW DESIGNS IN ITS NEW POLISHED LINE OF WHEELS– Once again Metalsport has come up with a line of wheels to show that Metalsport is one of the leaders in the billet motorcycle wheel industry with four new designs in full polish and with the quality that Metalsport has always put out in the market place.
Thanks to our in house engineering, and complete machine shop and now that we have added our in house polishing shop we can control the lead time and quality on our wheels.
We will offer these wheels at an introductory price so our customer can be competitive in the retail market place.
So your first call for your Motorcycle Wheels should be Metalsport Inc.
Trillion
This Trillion has the brilliance of a diamond for that elegance taste that will stand out on any build
sizes: 26″, 30″ & 32″
Roxxy 7 Torque
The Roxxy 7 Torque is a wheel that combines the cutting edge of 2 of our top wheels Roxxy 7 and the Don Juan Torque
sizes: 26″, 30″ & 32″
The Deposit
The Deposit is a wheel that is a clean cut wheel that has a flare to it that will dress up any motorcycle
sizes: 26″, 30″ & 32″
M-3
The M-3 is a wheel that comes from our M-2 wheels with some space age holes to give it a new century look
sizes: 26″, 30″ & 32″
METALSPORT INC
10112 MILLER WAY
SOUTH GATE, CA 90280
P# 562-7769594
F# 562-7769635
www.metalsportwheels.com
Call for pricing
CV Performance Introduces Harley-Davidson Main and Pilot Jets– CV Performance, specializing in tuning and improving Harley-Davidson CV carburetion for over 25 years. They now offer these new brass pilot and main jets for Harley CV and CVK carburetors. If you want your bike to run as good as new or better, re-jet your Harley carburetor with these new brass main and pilot jets from CV Performance.
These jets are machined to perfection so they can be installed without a problem and you can enjoy a well-tuned engine immediately!
These precision American made Pilot Jets for Harley CV and CVK carburetors are a perfect fit and are available in sizes #42, 44, 45, 46, 48, and 50.
The precision American made Main Jets for Harley CV and CVK carburetors are available in sizes #170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, and 200. CVP jet quality exceeds OEM and imported carburetor jets. CVP sells these as single jets so there’s no need to buy 4 jets at a time like some competitors offer their products.
CVP Pilot Jet
If you want your bike to run as good or better than when you first bought it, replace your jets with these new all brass pilot and main jets from CV Performance Products. They’re machined perfectly to exacting specifications. The CVP Harley Main and Pilot Jets installation instructions are available on our site. CVP tech support is also available on our Tech Forum: http://www.cv-performance.com/forum
Note: Main jets supplied by CVP are sized to original OE specifications from H-D and Keihin. Always use an OE holder/tube or the CVP emulsion tube with CVP brand jets.
For more information, please contact us at: info@cv-performance.com or visit our website: www.cv-performance.com. New Dealer Inquires Requested.
–Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing
New Bikernet Bagger Reader Comment!–
Thanks for the article…
It was very interesting and I will hang onto it for reference as I have my primary off right now for some work related in this area, and I’ll be re-installing the entire primary as soon as the other work is finished.
— Craig
PrecisionIdeasProductions@gmail.com
Missoula, MT
LRS IS FEELING GOOD VIBRATIONS!!!–
STREET VIBRATIONS is just around the corner and we want to do something special for our customers. LRS will host a light breakfast the morning of Friday, September 25, 2015 at 8 am.
CLICK HERE to RSVP now. Stop by to enjoy some food and an exclusive tour of our factory.
NEWS FROM Abate of Brevard–
The former BCC, now the Eastern Florida State University has decided after a very long relationship with Abate of Florida, Brevard County Chapter, to deny our use of their facilities for the Annual Toy Run that is now the Christmas Bike Fest.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers clean up the Pavilion area to ready it for the event.
Every year the park and parking lot are left in better shape than how we arrived. Every year there are no incidences of rude behavior, intoxication, fighting or other negative acts.
Every year Abate gathers thousands of toys, over 10,000 last year.
Every year this is done with the help of sponsors and volunteers in the community.
Not this year.
This year we will be looking to host this great event elsewhere.
Not due to anything we have done, but what the college must believe will happen.
I believe the heads of EFSU should have watched less Sons of Anarchy and become more involved in a Brevard tradition that has been going on for over 30 years.
FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR INDIAN– Nightrider.com Introduces AF-XiED EFI Fuel Management System for All Indian and Victory Models
Oldsmar, FL – Nightrider.com, manufacturers of EFI fuel management systems, introduces 2 new applications for all 2015 Indian and Victory models. The AF-XiED is Nightrider’s most sophisticated adjustable fuel management design for Victory and Indian Motorcycles. With a wide 14.6-13.6 fuel mixture range and an integrated air fuel indicator led’s, the VI-AF-XiED-15 provides the highest degree of control over closed loop fuel mixtures possible.
Our simple plug-n-play fuel management upgrade for your bike works with your existing OEM O2 sensors and ECM allowing richer fuel mixtures than any of our other products. Riders can quickly and simply richen the closed loop fuel mixture on your Indian engine from the stock 14.6:1 to 14.6-13.6:1 adjustable AFR.
The adjustable AFR settings step in 0.1 AFR steps, set with a small screw driver. The AF XIED integrated Air Fuel indicator simplifies exhaust readings to 4 ranges, proving LED feedback based on the actual air fuel ratio in your exhaust.
EFI Fuel Management Controller
The richer fuel mixture results in benefits that can include:
* Cooler exhaust temperatures
* Reduced engine temperatures
* Improved throttle response
* Less engine ping
* Reduced low RPM engine surge
Recommended for rider with bone stock bikes, or those with upgraded exhaust, converter removal and/or air cleaner changes.
The VI-AF-XIED-15 is available for all Victory Motorcycles with OEM O2 1-wire Bosch sensors. The IN-AF-XIED-14 – advanced closed-loop ECM manager is for all 2014+ Indian Motorcycle Models. Both are Easy-to-Install or Remove.
Nightrider.com offers the most cost effective fuel management systems on the market and are also available for Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as BMW, Ducati, Buell and a host of other OEM’s.
For further information on Nightrider.com and their products, please call: 313-444-9433 or shop online at http://sales.nightrider.com/. Dealers and Distributors Wanted!
–Rick Raus
The notorious sinners? You must not know the definition of the word notorious because the sinners are just a bike club. NOT a biker gang.
Just a bunch of guys who build cars and bikes, hang out drink some beer and play music.
— Rob L.
guitarslinger48@gmail.com
Lanover, PA
DON’T MISS LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST– More Bikes on Display Than Ever Before – Don’t Miss these Bike Shows on Fremont East at Rally Central.
Ride In Bike Show
Thursday, October 1
Enter your ride in the Full Throttle Florida ride in bike show. Registration will be open from 2:30pm-6:00pm with the awards presentation at 7:30pm. $20 Entry Fee.
Bike Show Classes:
Bagger – Antique – Ladies – Stock – Trike
Chopper / Bobber – Metric – Paint – Custom / Pro Build
Anything Goes
1st and 2nd Place Trophies
1 – Best in show
1 – Judges Choice
Must be registered for Las Vegas BikeFest or have a Rally Central wristband to enter.
Las Vegas BikeFest Custom Bike Show
Friday, October 2
Sponsored by:
The winner of the Radical Class will win $2,000 in cash PLUS an automatic invitation to the 2016 Artistry in Iron, Master Builders Championship. There will be $500 in prize money and a custom trophy for the Semi-Custom and Custom class winners. Trophies will also be awarded for the Best Bagger, Best Metric, Best Sport Bike, Best Paint, and Best Bobber. You must be registered with an Ultimate or VIP Pass to enter the Custom Bike Show.
Registration: 9:00am – 11:00am
Show Display: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Awards: 5:30 – 6:00pm
Winners in each category will win a trophy and other prizes. Categories: Radical Class, Pro Class, Stock Class and Modified Class. Specialty Awards: Baddest American Bagger, Baddest Urban Bagger and Baddest Bagger Las Vegas (Best in Show). Awards Ceremony will take place at 5:00pm. Must be registered with a Party, Ultimate or VIP Pass to enter a bike.
Stock Class: Stock wheel size (up to 21″) with bolt on body modifications but no frame modifications
Modified Class: 23″ wheel with mild frame and body modifications including wide front tire
Radical Class: 26″ wheel with moderate frame and body modifications
Pro Class: 30″-32″ wheel with extreme frame and body modifications
Registration: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Display: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Cycle Source Custom Bike Show
Saturday, October 3
Sponsored by: Bikernet.com
Cycle Source Custom Bike Show
Show ’em what you got for the Cycle Source Best Bike on the Strip Custom Bike Show.
Prizes for Sportster, Big Twin, Bagger, Bobber, Chopper, Asian Import, European Import, Antique, Cafe, Best Pan, Best Shovel, Best Knuckle, Best Paint, Best Trike, and FXR.
PLUS: Best of Show gets a Full Feature in Cycle Source Magazine.
No Entry Fee.
Registration: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Display: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Awards: 5:00pm
Must be registered for Las Vegas BikeFest or have a Rally Central wristband to enter.
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NEVER CLOSES– I miss Bill …
It doesn’t matter what party you belong to – this is good naturedpolitical humor from a show on Canadian TV, where a black comediansaid he misses Bill Clinton.”Yep, that’s right – I miss Bill Clinton!”
*He was the closest thing we ever got to having a real black man as President.*He played the sax.
*He smoked weed.*He had his way with ugly white women.*Even now? Look at him … his wife works, and he doesn’t! And, he gets a check from the government every month.
*Manufacturers announced today that they will be stocking America ‘shelves this week with ” Clinton Soup” in honor of one of the nations’ distinguished men. It consists primarily of a weenie in hot water.
*Chrysler Corporation is adding a new car to its line to honor Bill Clinton. The Dodge Drafter will be built in Canada.
*When asked what he thought about foreign affairs, Clinton replied, “I don’t know, I never had one.”
*The Clinton revised judicial oath: “I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know.”
* Clinton will be recorded in history as the only President to do Hanky Panky between the “Bushes”.
–from
I’M ALWAYS IN A HURRY— Life is a non-stop adventure everyday. I wish I was a better writer. Hell, I wish I was a better bike builder, but that doesn’t bother me. I like to promote and celebrate true motorcycle genius. I love to help folks in the industry, and I love to get my hands dirty on my next project. I keep working on the writing aspect. It will be a consuming battle for the rest of my life, along with the fight for motorcycling freedoms.
Lee Clemens called with progress about the Bonne Belle and his Bonneville Sprint effort. Maybe this will be the year, if they and start to save the salt. If you’re a Cantina member I will cover it on Sunday.
I’m in the process of saving my pennies to buy a rebuilt ’54 Oldsmobile painted with 5-Ball Racing colors. This bastard will be too cool. Wait, I will bring you reports shortly. It will blow you away, but the builder impressed me most. Domenic (I can’t spell his last name) is a Long Shoreman who grew up around bikers. He builds bikes and cars with his son Dillan. These two guys are absolute masters with anything mechanical.
I’ll bring you more reports on every project in the near future. The redhead of redheads moved in and we finally sorted out her stuff. We were married 30 years ago, and she finally came to her senses. It’s too interesting to fathom. I need to start drinking whiskey again to figure it all out. Everyday is an adventure.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit