Welcome to the Bikernet Thursday News, big boy.
I had a slight glitch in my e-mail program and lost a handful of notorious e-mails. If you haven’t heard from me, instead of kicking the cat, drop me another line. I’ll make sure to get back to you.
We've followed this magnificent paint work from Perry Mallet in Australia. Reach out to him, if you're impressed. The guy is amazing.
Here’s another major Bikernet announcement. Toph has gone on to marketing an apparel line, and we wish him the best. Just the other day Buck Lovell, sequestered in the Black Hills, became the BikernetBaggers editor, and Gary Mraz is the esteemed Editor in Chief of BikernetTrikes. In fact the Bikernet board of directors called for a special editorial title conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.
We will endeavor to decide whether to nominate these prolific journalist to the height of Editor in Chief, Editor, Emperor Editor. Editorial Emperor, Supreme Editor, or Staff Jackass. We are open to input from Bikernet readers, or extreme Bikernet Readers, or radical Bikernet readers, or Tea Party Bikernet readers. Good god. I give up.
Let’s hit the news:
FROM THE BIKERNET BLONDE FILES--A Blonde, a Holden and a Mattress - true story !!!!
A Blonde ran over an innerspring mattress on the highway, and decided not to worry -- and kept on driving. It caught on the undercarriage etc of her Holden. The ensuing jumble finally whipped around enough to tear a hole in the fuel tank.
The subsequent lack of fuel is what finally brought her vehicle to its knees.
She had managed to drive 50 kms, with a 25kg tangle of “stuff” wrapped around her drive shaft.
She had it towed to her Holden dealership, and complained that the vehicle had a 'sort of a noise' when she was driving at high speeds.
--Robin Hartfiel
Coral, our blonde secretary lost the images.--Renegade
BADAZZ BEDROLL--The design of the original BADAZZ Motorcycle Bedroll came from the many travels of the open road on motorcycle. Whenever I would reach my destination or just a stop on the open road, I had no place to sit or lay down. A chair strapped on by a bungy cord was not an option. The BADAZZ
Motorcycle Bedroll was designed to handle many riders needs.
The bedroll is your quick nap pad, lawn chair, picnic ...table, extra blanket for those cold nights. This design also allows you to cover your bike on those hot summer days without touching the pipes. Foggy mornings are not a problem if your bike was cover with a waterproof bedroll. Just shake off the morning dew, roll up, head out. Check out our BADAZZ Apparel for Shirts, hats and more. Get your BADAZZ Product today....we've got you covered!!
http://www.bad-azz.biz/
Outside is waterproof. Inside is lined with a separate zip our fleece. It straps on to the front or the back of your bike. We use it when we just need a quick rest on long rides.
If you pick one up, tell them Bikernet sent you! ~Sin
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON--phatic \FAT-ik\, adjective:
Denoting speech used to create an atmosphere of goodwill.
We conduct phatic discourse indispensable to maintaining a constant connection among speakers; but phatic speech is indispensable precisely because it keeps the possibility of communication in working order, for the purpose of other and more substantial communications.
Umberto Eco, Travels in Hyperreality
They're just filling the air with noise. This is what's called phatic speech. "How are you?" they might ask.
Adriana Lopez, Fifteen Candles
Coined by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski, phatic was first used in 1923. It probably comes from the Greek word phatos meaning "spoken."
WILBUR SMITH NOVELS—I was recently introduced to the works of Wilbur Smith. I’m reading Eye of the Tiger. He’s the most popular author in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. You want action, Wilbur Smith is your guy.
Wilbur Addison Smith (born 9 January 1933 in Broken Hill, Northern Rhodesia, now Kabwe, Zambia) is a best-selling novelist. His writings include 16th and 17th century tales about the founding of the southern territories of Africa and the subsequent adventures and international intrigues relevant to these settlements. His books often fall into one of three series.
These works of fiction draw on history and help to explain the rise and historical influence of the Dutch and English whites in southern Africa that eventually claimed this diamond and gold rich and disputed territory as home.
AUSSIE STATE OF VICTORIA, NO BIKER SWITZERLAND-- The head of the Victoria Police Crime Department has slammed suggestions that the state has become "bikie Switzerland", amid claims groups are seeking to move from states where governments are introducing anti-association laws aimed at breaking up outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer told The Australian's Adam Shand that Victoria Police's Taskforce Echo had not seen any significant increase in the state's bikie numbers in recent years.
There had been only moderate growth of club membership in Victoria and no influx of new clubs setting up in the state to escape new laws in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia, contrary to recent media reports.
Mr. Fryer would not comment on the need for new laws in Victoria, but said Taskforce Echo had "a handle on the club problem" under the existing legislation.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has flagged new anti-biker legislation but has backed away from earlier promises to introduce anti-association legislation.
...Mr. Fryer said sections of the media had incorrectly connected Victoria's groups with reports of open warfare between clubs following a spate of biker-related incidents in other states.
He highlighted the reporting of an alleged shooting of a member of the Bandidos in a Surfers Paradise shopping centre last month. Initial reports had indicated the alleged shooter had been a Victoria-based hitman sent to Queensland to assassinate the Bandido, a tattoo parlor owner named Jacques Teamo.
It later emerged the alleged shooter, Mark James Graham, was a members of the Finks motorcycle club and the shooting had been a spontaneous event when the pair had bumped into each other in the shopping centre.
Victorian bikers had deliberately limited the recruitment of members of ethnic groups linked to violent street crime in NSW, including a spate of drive-by shootings, Mr. Fryer said. "Clubs in Victoria have a desire to stay out of the headlines, unlike groups in other states."
He labeled as unhelpful reports suggesting all club members were involved in serious and organized crime: "There are pockets within the many clubs . . . involved in serious and organized crime but to suggest that church nights (weekly club meetings) are all about the members sitting around to organize crime is not correct."
He said organized crime in the clubs was non-hierarchical, with members often unaware of each other's criminal activities.
GARAGE LEATHERS CUSTOM SADDLEBAGS-- has the perfect set-up for your Harley-Davidson™, custom Softail, Sporty, Dyna, Bobber, Hardtail and Chopper. Also, new to the Garage Leathers line is our brand new FXR bag. If you need something to carry your stuff in and don't want to put on a set of bulky looking factory-style saddlebags, we have just what you need.
Manufactured in the U.S.A., our bags are made of hand selected heavyweight leathers with close attention to hardware detail. Our bags take only minutes to install on all model types.
For more information or to place an order contact Robert at 888-917-6789 or
www.garageleathers.com. We are also the proud brewers of Garage Coffee -
www.garagecoffee.com
Join the GARAGE LEATHERS page on FACEBOOK for up to the minute notifications of events, new products and specials!
http://www.facebook.com/garageleathers
--Penny Osiecki - Lucky Penny Marketing
MAN DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF A LAP DANCE--They say you should go out doing what you love. A 67-year-old Texas man may have taken that inspirational advice to heart Friday night when he died at a strip club while getting erotic lap dances.
According to a manager at the Red Parrot, Robert Gene White was face-deep in pelvic gyrations when it came time to pay the girls and he was found unresponsive. Staff attempted CPR before calling emergency responders, who took the man to the hospital. We can only guess White's final earthly sights, but we're pretty sure he passed on to the other side with pleasant visions in tow.
DANNY GRAY TURNS 25-- Thought you might like a pic from Danny Gray’s birthday bash. We had a great time without ya, you Caribbean sun-soakin’ lazy ass!
--Buckshot
CAN'T MAKE IT TO NEW YORK?
YOU CAN JOIN US ONLINE AT THE MIDAMERICA AUCTIONS MOTORCYLEPEDIA MUSEUMS ANTIQUE AUCTION ON OUR WEBSITE. CLICK OUR LINK AND BE THERE!--We're excited to tell everyone that if you can't make it to MidAmerica's Motorcyclepedia Auction with Special Guest Barbara McQueen, you can listen and view over 100 exclusive antique and special interest motorcycles available displayed against the backdrop of this amazing world class museum for free!
We have a secure a live internet feed on our website at
www.midamericaauctions.com. The auction starts at 11 a.m. EST and live bids are available by telephone by calling 612-490-5420 or 612-282-0427. Check out all of our headliners! Join us in the event!
PROM-GOERS PICKED THE WRONG VENUE--Prom-goers surprised to find X-rated event in same building"Exotica" sounds benign enough to be a prom theme, but it was a public relations nightmare for administrators at Miami Beach Senior High School when they discovered that their big spring formal had been booked into the same convention center as "Exxxotica."
It's what organizer John Handy calls "the largest adult event in the country dedicated to love and sex," and what at least one parent called "terrible." The school avoids staging its prom at hotels to discourage drinking, but had to hire police officers to help keep the kids secure from the, uh, Exxxotics. "Police Presence" - now there's a modern-day prom theme for you.
Now available here on Bikernet!
We are running a 25% off sale at Motorbooks.com (Qbookshop.com) through the end of May. Please help us spread the word to your friends and family... announcements on facebook, twitter, etc. are very helpful!
The sale is Amazon-like. No promo codes needed. Original price slashed, sale price in red.
Our book is on sale at Motorbooks.com this month. Everything is 25% off during their spring sale. And you don't even need a promotion code. But hurry, the sale ends soon.
--Nichole Schiele
Marketing Manager
Quayside Publishing Group: CPI, Motorbooks, Zenith Press
400 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.qbookshop.com
You can buy Terry the Tramp on Amazon, from Motorbooks, or spend the big bucks and buy it from us, but I’ll sign it, and send you some Bikernet goodies.—K.Randall Ball
HEALING HEROES NETWORK COMES TO BIKERNET-- My name is Sarah Calabrese and I am the Development Manager for Healing Heroes Network. I know Bikernet.com is a valued motorcycle resource, so I am contacting you on behalf of our Harleys For Heroes campaign.
Healing Heroes Network (HHN) is a national self-funded 501(c)3 non-profit charity with headquarters in Palm Harbor, FL. HHN is committed to healing America’s heroes by providing financial assistance for quality care to military personnel injured in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11/2001.
Through a nationwide network of professionals willing to provide a wide array of therapies and services, and funding from generous donors, HHN aids these brave wounded warriors in receiving much needed therapies. While the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is diligent in providing treatments to our injured military, the scope of covered services can be limited, delayed, or unavailable. HHN fills in the gaps for these desperately needed services and aids those who sacrifice for our freedoms.
Our annual Harleys For Heroes campaign is a national fundraising and awareness effort. Harleys For Heroes is a national sweepstakes where 1 supporter will win two Harley- Davidson Motorcycles and a year’s worth of gas simply by donating. Please visit:
www.harleysforheroes.com for more information and to see our 2011 winner!
--Sarah Calabrese
Development Manager
Healing Heroes Network Headquarters
31640 U.S. HWY 19 N., Suite 2
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
T. 727.781.4376| F. 727.781.4386
E. Sarah@healingheroes.org
Visit Our Website:
www.HealingHeroes.org
LIKE us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/healingheroes
1915-STYLE FLAT TANK FROM PAUGHCO--This very Retro 3.5-gallon two-piece tank was originally designed for Paughco frame #128S5-USP and commissioned by U.S. Choppers for their Boardtrack Rolling Chassis’ project.
Each tank includes petcock fittings, crossover line fittings and threaded gas caps and bungs (not installed) which permits the builder to position them where he wants. The tanks can be used for all fuel, or half oil and half fuel, and are made from 16-gauge steel.
The 1915ST 1915 reproduction tank retails for $625.95 and can be ordered direct by calling 775-246-5738 or on line at
www.paughco.com
SADDLEMEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT-- I am still looking for a 1991-1995 Dyna Lowrider to resolve some issues we have with a new product. We need to borrow one, and the Saddlemen crew will take care of the owner.
--Buster
Saddlemen Seats
UNCLE MONKEY ON THE VERGE OF PROJECT COMPLETION--That tingling anticipation of the finishing a project. My bike build has stretched years longer than expected, sometimes sitting idle for a year, while I save up for parts, made plans or was riding one of my other bikes. I am now facing the final run down, the final assembly of my hard work.
It hasn't always been easy but it has been rewarding. It is a slow process, as I make sure everything is just right, everything is LocTite protected. I am in a holding pattern waiting for the last few parts to arrive. I wonder around like a lost puppy, unable to proceed, unable to ride. I pass my time finishing up other projects, cleaning the garage of the many, many accumulated cardboard boxes. But it’s hanging right there within reach, the end of the build. Will it be tonight, this weekend, next weekend, did I forget anything? A whirlwind of excitement engulfed me, as I look forward to the motor firing for the first time, to those first few miles out of the garage like a newborn fawn as the bike finds its legs.
I'm really happy with the way the bike turned out, exceeding my wildest dreams. My mind races to the runs I will ride on, the days to be spent out on the highway, back in the wind. I’m a bundle of nerves, anticipating the reveal of my creation. For now, I burn daylight reading over the initial start-up sequence, memorizing the suggested break in procedures, calculating how long it will take, where it will take me, where I will be when I can finally un-harness the 120 horses constrained within the V-twin. In the meantime I wait semi-sorta patiently.
-bad Uncle Monkey
MURPH SENDS Greetings from the Netherlands-- I'm going to be attending The Superrally in Germany this weekend. I may send a report. Hang on.
--Murph
WhereTheHellisMurph.com
Click to JoinThursday, May 17th, 2012 was the 4th annual Michael "Boz" Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway event in Washington, DC. The event is a national lobby day, sponsored by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, for motorcyclists to come to Capitol Hill to meet with their elected officials and brief them on all issues affecting motorcyclists at the federal level.
This year's event drew hundreds of motorcyclists from 17 States and they met with almost 250 elected officials.
One of the top issues the attendees were lobbying for was asking their members of Congress to work the HR 904 language into the now conferenced highway legislations. HR 904 is the bill to prohibit federal funding of motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.
During the Congressional Panel portion of the day, the group of riders gathered in a Ways and Means Committee room to hear from a select group of Members of Congress. Addressing the group was Congressmen Burgess, the Motorcycle Safety Caucus co-chair, along with his colleagues in the House of Representatives: Alan West-FL, Scott Rigell-VA, Jon Runyan-NJ, Bob Dold-IL, Todd Young-IN, Richard Hanna-NY, Erik Paulsen-MN, and Adam Kinsinger-IL. The MRF thanks all of the Members of Congress who attended the event.
Coinciding with Bikers Inside the Beltway week, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner ran an op-ed in the daily paper, "Roll Call" urging conferees on the highway bill to include language from HR 904.
Sensenbrenner said "May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we welcome motorcyclists from across the country to Washington for 'Bikers Inside the Beltway' week. During this week, Congress should be reminded that effective motorcycle safety can help keep all of us safer on the road, but efforts to expand a government program that arbitrarily roadblocks law-abiding motorcyclists are a misguided, ineffective use of taxpayer funds."
This year's event received media attention in both the print and online editions of "Politico", a Washington, DC daily paper and website.
Thanks to all who attended and to those who helped support those who attended. This year was a tremendous success.
THE TALIBAN TIE--A fleeing Taliban, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in the distance.
Hoping to find water, he hurried toward the oasis, only to find a little old Jewish man at a small stand, selling ties.
The Taliban asked, "Do you have water?"
The Jewish man replied, "I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5."
The Taliban shouted, "Idiot! I do not need an over-priced tie.I need water! I should kill you, but I must find water first!"
"OK," said the old Jewish man, "It does not matter that you do not want to buy a tie and that you hate me. I will show you that I am bigger than that.If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will find a lovely restaurant. It has all the ice cold water you need. Shalom."
Cursing, the Taliban staggered away over the hill.
Several hours later he staggered back, almost dead & said,
"Your brother won't let me in without a tie!"
--from Dr. Willie
BIKERNET TECH QUESTION OF THE WEEK-- I have a S&S 93-inch ShovelHead, and I can only use a open end wrench to tighten the cylinders down, how do you suppose to torque these nuts down to 35 to 40 foot pounds, how do you torque yours down. By the way thanks for the articles about this build.
--Michael
We gave him our best advice and reached out to Bruce at S&S: You can use an open end torque adaptor (crows foot) on your torque wrench with no modifications. Since we do a lot of these, we use a modified 12 pt torque adaptor. Our engine assembly guys had to do a little grinding to thin the walls a little bit, but it was not enough that they are breaking the adaptors at that torque level. Be sure to allow for the extra length of the adaptor because it does increase the torque applied. Here's a link to a website that will calculate it for you.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Bruce Tessmer
Marketing Manager
S&S Cycle Inc
608-627-0283
Illustration by John Towle. Click on it for Cantina Info.
CANTINA COMPLAINT-- Damn! Enough with the girl on girl stuff, been there, done that. It was great, but like everything else is better enjoyed in moderation. More with the Biker customers and the scoots please! I mean you have created my dream biz in the Cantina, so let's get on with the drinking, riding, & wrenching that is the average Brothers life. (All respect intended of course)
CSN
J'ville, Tx
I’m currently working on another episode. It involves a restored mid ‘70s FLH, custom bikes, drunks, and pissed off alcoholics. How’s that?—Bandit
EVO SPORTSTER HARDTAIL KITS FROM BARE KNUCKLE CHOPPERS--After constantly receiving requests to build a better hardtail kit for Sportsters, Bare Knuckle Choppers has finally finished the ultimate rigid frame conversion kit, bringing their brand of design, engineering, and quality to the XL market!
The guys started with the idea that the frame should look like it came from the factory as a hardtail, not as a hacked up afterthought. Bare Knuckle made the new section flow smoothly from the axle plates to the original cradle, creating a seamless, factory-like appearance. The backbone also makes a fluid transition to the seatpost.
The entire unit is constructed of US made DOM tubing, and is 100% TIG welded by qualified welders. The section is also pre-drilled for rosette welds. Included with the kit are new rear motor mount, proper slugs for the cradle and backbone, 3/4" stainless steel axle, hardware, and adjusters. Ride height options are 3 1/2" or 4 1/2".
Priced at $499 and in stock RIGHT NOW! Call the crew at Bare Knuckle Choppers at 1-888-240-NUKL or check them out at
www.bareknucklechoppers.com and on Facebook
BIKERNET BOOK REVIEW FROM KEVIN THOMAS—Kevin is the official grand emperor of Bikernet Book Reviews. He either writes a glowing review or burns the book and tosses it out his Bikernet Chicago based high rise office building.
The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado
Whitehorse Press hits another one out of the ballpark with The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado. Subtitled The Definitive Reference for ALL the Best Roads, Rides, and Tips author Steve Farson brings the roads and scenery of Colorado to life in 448 pages. Filled with maps and more than 300 illustrations in a 6” x 9” paperback you can take this book along on your Colorado adventure. Steve breaks the state into seven sections that are color coded to make them easy to find in the book. There is a regional overview for each section, followed by a list of numbered, named recommended rides with a small map for each ride. The end of each section covers recommended rides and ends with a list of favorite rides broken down further into more specific interests.
The only drawback is the maps are small. A smart rider could load these routes into a GPS and ride to their hearts content.
Publisher Whitehorse Press -Pages 448- Illustrations b/w/c- ISBN 978-1-884313-92-9-Format 6 x 9 in. -Binding Paperback -Author Steve Farson
So, the maps are small, the publishers at WhiteHorse Press offer this complete guide with an official rider Butler Map. Problem solved.
BIKERNET TELEVISION SERIES EXCLUSIVE—I don’t watch commercial television, so we were surprised to learn a motorcycle tidbit from one of the most popular series finale: 'House' series finale: Hugh Laurie says don't expect a last-minute change-- By Jay Bobbin
How does one of the edgiest, most antagonistic characters in series television history say goodbye?
Pretty much in the same fashion he said hello.
Anything else would ring false for Dr. Gregory House, and title star Hugh Laurie and series creator and executive producer David Shore are determined to see him end true to form as the FOX medical drama "House" wraps up its eight-year run Monday, May 21. Don't expect major reassessments or revelations by the central figure, then, just a final and familiar round of sass and snark. And, very probably, one last swath of professional brilliance.
"It would almost be one of House's many mantras that people don't change, generally speaking," Laurie tells Zap2it as a two-time winner of Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Television Critics Association Awards who also became a producer as the series proceeded.
"It's certainly true in television drama. They can't change, actually. If they do, you wind up with a different show from the one you started with, and that gets economically and logistically difficult.
"I've always felt that one of the distinctions between film and television is that in film, by and large, the main characters change, and the world doesn't," Laurie adds. "In television, the main characters stay the same, and the world changes, and I think it's important that House remains uncompromised. There is a defiance about him that's a kind of strength, and even though it might be belligerent at times, I find it inspiring. He will not suddenly give into the sentimental, even at the end of the show. I find that uplifting, in a twisted and dark way."
So does Shore, who admits "my mind's refusing to wrap itself around the idea" that the series is ending, though the February decision and announcement gave him the time to write a final "House" script the way he wanted to.
"I really have lived with this character. It's a very strange thing. It has affected me in ways that I won't really know until I'm completely done with it, and I think Hugh is likely having a similar experience."
The way an actor plays a part can add that extra something that makes it classic, and clearly, Laurie as House is such a case. "That was a beautiful moment for me," Shore recalls of his creation first being brought to life so indelibly. "We had met with a lot of people, and nobody got it, at least not the way I did. And I was starting to get scared that maybe I'd written someone who doesn't, or can't, actually exist.
"Then Hugh came in and read, and it was so radically different from everybody else, and the interpretation was exactly what I'd hoped for. I'm not even sure I'd seen it in my head quite that way. When he read it, all you could do was go, 'Yeah. That's it.' I'd loved his comedy, so I had very much a preconceived notion of him, and I was very surprised."
In the home stretch, Laurie gave himself an extra challenge by also directing the fourth-to-last "House" episode. Over the show's eight years, he's seen various co-stars come and go: Jennifer Morrison (now on ABC's "Once Upon a Time"), Lisa Edelstein, Olivia Wilde (who returned in the next-to-last story), Kal Penn, Peter Jacobson, Amber Tamblyn (an extended guest in season seven), Odette Annable and Charlyne Yi.
Knowing it takes more than one character to make a series - particularly one built around somebody so relatively unsympathetic - Laurie credits his acting colleagues as major elements of the longevity and success "House" has had.
"The last five episodes featured a lot of extremely powerful stuff for Robert Sean Leonard (alias Dr. James Wilson), to which he rose magnificently. One of the great things about being in a scene with someone is that you get the best seat in the house, and I got to see him doing his thing ... and I came away thinking I didn't know of a film or another television show where I've watched an actor that good do something that well. And I can say the same about the other regulars who have been in the show. It's been amazing to work with them."
The finale, in which a drug-addicted patient (guest star James LeGros) triggers memories for House, will be preceded by an hourlong retrospective. Laurie says he'll be "immersing myself, possibly to the point of drowning" in a worldwide music tour in the immediate aftermath of "House," starting literally the next day in San Diego.
While he wouldn't rule out a return to American series work some day, Laurie realizes any other project will have a mighty task to match what he's spent the better part of the past decade on.
This is Television lingo, but if you watched the last episode the stars ride off into the sunset on Harleys. That’s all that counts, right. --Bandit
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