Hey,
Christmas madness is upon us. Hang on, it will all be over in a week. What a marketing wonderment. Most of the world abides by this historic, Disneyland like holiday. It’s amazing, although it drives a few folks right outta their minds. What the hell, relax. You can always come to Bikernet and chill. We’ll do our damnest to rein you in from the glitter and snow, to the reality of biker lifestyle, of sunny days, custom bikes, women and whiskey. Ah, I feel better already. Let’s hit the news:
Ever Wondered Why People Don’t Know How To Drive?– Maybe it is because they were too damned stupid to even manage their own driving test. Over in England two characters, Ali Abdullah and Muktar Nuren, were convicted yesterday and sent to prison for illegally taking theory and practical driving tests for up to 43 cheat candidates in return for cash. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has welcomed the sentences.
Following a detailed investigation conducted by DSA investigators and Greater Manchester Police, Abdullah, 32, and Nuren, 22, were arrested at their homes in July 2008 and charged with conspiracy to defraud. The pair, both from Manchester, carried out the fraudulent tests across Cheshire and elsewhere between February 2006 and June 2008. They conducted theory tests at Salford, Runcorn, Preston, Stockport, St. Helen’s and Ilford in Essex, as well as practical tests in Sale, Oldham, Bury, Cheetham Hill, Failsworth, and Redditch in Worcestershire. A number of driving test candidates have been arrested in connection with the investigation and received police cautions. DSA will be seeking to revoke all licences obtained by illegal means.
Michelle Moston, Deputy Head of DSA’s Fraud and Integrity Team, said: “We are very pleased with today’s results because they reflect the seriousness of the crime. People like Abdullah and Nuren, who impersonate at driving tests, present a real risk to all road users, as they provide an entitlement to drive to those who have not been assessed to show that they are competent to do so. In addition to obtaining the qualification to drive, many people seek possession of a full UK driving license to establish proof of identity. Once obtained, that license may also be used as proof of identity in a variety of other circumstances, such as obtaining state benefits and accommodation, opening bank accounts, obtaining credit cards and even undertaking domestic air travel.”
– – C.S. Berg
AMERICAN IRONHORSE ASSETS ON THE AUCTION BLOCK– American Ironhorse Motorcycles, Largest Manufacturer of Chopper Motorcycles, Falls in Bad Economy. Michigan?s Liquid Asset Partners to Run Liquidation Sale Fort Worth, TX-based American Ironhorse Motorcycles, once the largest manufacturer of chopper motorcycles in the world, falls victim to a downdraft in the economy.
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Liquid Asset Partners to run liquidation sale starting July 15th. Circus-like liquidation event will be once in a lifetime opportunity for general public to see inner workings of a motorcycle factory in person, similar to chopper motorcycle shops seen on TV. Firm that handled liquidation of Circuit City?s headquarters & warehouses running the bankruptcy sale.
This is the Motorcycle Deal of a lifetime! For any Motorcycle Fan the deals are too cheap to miss. You can buy anything from a custom chopper gas tank or hand tools, and all the way to a sparkling custom chopper. We sell as such huge discounts– people fly in from all over the USA! Some people will start a new business just from buying these deals.
This will represent one of the largest sales of custom motorcycles ever sold directly from a manufacturing facility! These Custom Choppers, which are rolling art, are selling at enormous discounts, right off the factory floor. For anyone who has enjoyed the Chopper Builders on TV, it?s really quite a sight to see a chopper factory in person.
The Public is welcome. They can buy not only the motorcycles but also the tools and parts from which they were made. We have no illusions, the market is very soft and we are prepared to deeply discount everything It?s stacked high and we?re selling it cheap. Everything must be sold regardless of cost or Loss. The Public won?t want to miss these deals
The bankruptcy court order directs Liquid Asset Partners LLC to sell everything that would be excess to the new downsized operation.
Demon Says 114cci Performance Engine Has Proved Reliability– According to Demon’s Cycle down in Pompano Beach, Florida, their 114ci v-twin engine has proven its claim to be the most reliable custom motorcycle engine on the market. The Florida based custom motorcycle company announces that after 18 months of sales its 114ci performance motorcycle engine has lived up to the claims of durability and reliability. In partnership with Ultima, a manufacturer of high performance custom motors, Demon’s Cycles engine has, according to the manufacturer, less piston speed and consequentially less wear on the cylinder walls and pistons skirts for greater reliability.
The 114ci high performance custom motorcycle engine went into production last year and claimed reliability not seen in the high performance market before. All the major components of the motor are made of quality materials chosen with durability in mind. Sales of the motor are said to have exceeded expectations with only positive feedback from its buyers.
?When I read the engines specs and saw its price (note from the editor: from $3,999 in Natural Finish) I thought that it would be perfect for my custom built drag bike,? said Joe Siemose a 12 year veteran of motorcycle drag racing. ?I usually go through motors faster then I want, it?s the nature of my sport, but it has been just over a year with Demon?s 114 and I haven?t blown it yet. It?s amazing! It seems to be indestructible and it?s giving me all the torque I was looking for. Maybe I can blow it up next year, I will keep on trying.?
Demon?s Cycle and Ultima are planning to keep up the high level of production and sales to satisfy demand for their high performance custom engine.
You can check them out online at www.DemonsCycle.com or give them a call at 954-943-0000.
– – C.S. Berg
SUNDAY WORD OF THE DAY FROM THE BIKERNET ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, SPONSORED BY DANNI ASHE– palliate PAL-ee-ayt, transitive verb:
1. To make (an offense or crime) seem less serious; extenuate.
2. To make less severe or intense; mitigate.
3. To relieve the symptoms of a disease or disorder. I had held a hope that she would take my class, that I would have the chance not only to cope with but to help palliate her pain.
— Steven Polansky, “Pantalone”, Harper’s Magazine, February 1997
He was widely praised in both East and West as a humanitarian seeking to palliate the excesses of a cruel regime.
— Joseph Finder, “The Trade in Spies: Not All Black or White”, New York Times, June 22, 1993
The response to industrial decline was to cling even more to the British state, which had the resources to palliate its effects, and ease a transformation to a new economy — or, indeed, as many hoped, to prop up the declining industries.
— Allan Massie, “Scotland not so brave in push for home rule”, Irish Times, September 4, 1997
Palliate derives from Late Latin palliatus, past participle of palliare, “to cloak, to conceal,” from Latin pallium, “cloak.”
NEW WHISKERS ADJUSTABLE HIGHWAY BAR FOR SOFTAIL MODELS– Easily Adjustable Fore and Aft to Match Rider Leg Length. MILWAUKEE (December 18, 2009) ? The new frame-mounted Whiskers Adjustable Highway Bar (P/N 50855-09 chrome, 50865-09 black; $199.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories can be pivoted fore and aft to accommodate rider inseam length, and locks in place with a common Allen wrench. The easy-to-install bar features a three-point mounting system that grips both down tubes.
The Whiskers Adjustable Highway Bar accepts a variety of H-D-style, male-mount footpegs (sold separately). Available in mirror-chrome or gloss black finish to fit 2000-later Softail models. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.
For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.
EASY RIDER MOVIE NEWS, The Ride Back Update– After hearing a rumor flying around about the upcoming movie Easy Rider: The Ride Back having problems and canceling screenings (plural), we checked in with Phil Pitzer, co-writer and co-producer of the movie, to see how the project is coming along. There has indeed been a cancellation of a screening (singular), which was scheduled at the Harley-Davidson Museum up in Milwaukee some time back. Other than that, Phil assures us that everything is on track.
Following the screening in Las Vegas the team has made some minor changes to the movie, following input and suggestions from the audience. Currently the sound guys are huddled up in the studio, putting the final touches on the sound track of Easy Rider: The Ride Back which was still in the raw at the first Sin City screening.
And – we know you have all been waiting for this – the date and place for the official roll-out of the movie has been locked in: March 6, 2010 during Bike Week down in Daytona, Florida.
Keep it here on BIKERNET for further updates until then, and don’t believe every nonsense someone puts out there.
– – C.S. Berg
HARLEY-DAVIDSON OFFERS SPECIAL TWO-YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION– Harley-Davidson is offering customers extended warranty coverage on new, previously untitled 2009 and 2010 model year Harley-Davidson motorcycles purchased and delivered between November 20, 2009 and March 16, 2010. The offer extends coverage through April 2, 2012, and allows customers to gain additional time and benefits of the warranty, especially for motorcycles purchased in colder weather areas.
Additionally, effective December 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010, customers who purchased a vehicle that is still under factory warranty through February 28, 2010 are now eligible to have street-legal Parts & Accessories installed at their selling dealer and added to their 2-year factory vehicle warranty as an extension of the Custom Coverage program.
Highlights of the extended warranty include:
? Eligible motorcycles sold during this timeframe will have the manufacturer?s limited warranty coverage extended through April 2, 2012.
? The extended manufacturer?s warranty will also apply to street-legal Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories installed by the dealer on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle prior to retail delivery.
? New, previously untitled 2009MY and 2010MY Harley-Davidson motorcycles are included in the extended warranty offer with the exception of company owned vehicles (COVs), FLHP and FLHTP police units, and rental or leased motorcycles.
HEARTLANDS/V-TWIN MARKETING SOFTAIL TRANSFORMATION– Check out how my bike is coming along. I?ve been taking tons of pictures and will send them to Ben when complete. Bike should be finished by next week. Look at the before and after so far?still doesn?t have the CCCS T-Bar handlebar system yet or Headwinds headlight and PM forward controls.
Will have 4 articles when done:
1. PM Platinum Edition Bike-Wheel and parts install
2. Heartland USA 200 Conversion Kit
3. CCCS-SAS (Simplified Air Suspension)
4. CCCS- T-Bar Handlebar System w/Wire Plus Digital Speedo
–Rick Raus
V-Twin Marketing/Performance Machine
714-280-8537/Office
714-280-8547/Fax
Rick@vtwinmarketing.com
Sweethearts Strip For Heroes– With the holiday season approaching and the thoughts of many going to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces, 13 gorgeous girls have stripped for a racy Help For Heroes calendar, in association with sexy underwear retailer, Wickedelic Lingerie over in England.
The Wickedelic Sweethearts calendar features 13 girls who joined 10,000 other hopefuls in submitting photos for a competition to win the chance to become a Forces Sweetheart. The lucky ones were chosen for their appearance and their caring attitudes towards the Armed Forces, with many either having an Armed Forces background or an Armed Forces spouse.
One such girl, Susie Hutson won the overall competition when she received the most public votes after becoming a Forces Sweetheart in the East Midlands, where she met an officer, who has now become her partner. Susie appears on the calendar cover, and becomes the face of Wickedelic Lingerie.
Wickedelic Lingerie boss and ex-Royal Marine, David Hildrew said, “I understand the physical and emotional strain the brave men and women of our Armed Forces go through, and it’s a great source of personal pride for me that we are able to do our small bit, and raise funds for these two vital charities.”
The Wickedelic Sweethearts 2010 calendar is available now at www.wickedeliclingerie.co.uk, and costs BP7.99. All profits go to Help For Heroes and Combat Stress.
– – C.S. Berg
BIKERNET INSURANCE ALERT, ATTENTION EXHIBITORS!– Going to the 2010 V-Twin Expo in February 2010?
If you are going to be an exhibitor at EasyRiders’ V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio, you are required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate.
You’ll need a Certificate of Insurance with a 10 day cancellation notice, policy dates from 2/4/2010 to 2/9/2010 and the following “additional insureds” showing on your Certificate and added to your policy:
1. 2010 T-Twin Expo
2. Duke Energy Center, Cincinnati, OH
3. Trade Show Management: Reaction Management, Inc.
4. Paisano Publication, LLC
Important: The V-Twin Expo must have your Certificate of Insurance by Friday, January 15, 2010.
So, don’t delay. Go to: www.bikernet.com/insurance and click on theEvent Insurance Liabilitytab and get the needed insurance for about $100 bucks. Right there on-line. So easy. So convenient. Go Ahead! Its the best insurance deal in town.
Once you get/print your Certificate of Insurance, simply fax it to Reaction Management, Inc at 763-416-4347, then mail a copy to them at:
Reaction Management, Inc.
9040 Foxline Drive
Corcoran, MN
55340
Enjoy the 10th Anniversary V-Twin Expo by Easyriders’ . ACT NOW. Get covered today.
GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW COMING TO POMONA– The GNRS is now in its 61st year. Once known as the Oakland Roadster Show, it is the longest running indoor car show in the world! Produced at the Fairplex in Pomona for the 7th consecutive year.
Over 500 show vehicles will compete for awards inside all of the Fairplex buildings. Another 400-800 vehicles will join the event Saturday & Sunday for the GNRS Drive In parked in between the buildings and walkways. See vehicles owned by stars such as James Hetfield of Metallica (built by Rick Dore) and actor Tim Allen from Home Improvement (built by Steve Moal) and Chip Foose of Overhaulin’.
Meet Lorenzo Lamas, star of hit TV shows Leave it to Lamas, Falcon Crest, Renegade, and The Bold & the Beautiful. Meet bombshell, Erika Eleniak of Baywatch and The New Gilligan?s Island. Meet actor, singer, songwriter John Schneider from The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville and Superman.
Live Music all three days inside Bld 10 and on our outside courtyard stage on Saturday and Sunday outside in the center courtyard.
The GNRS Awards Ceremony starts at 4:00pm on Sunday night where The 2010 America?s Most Beautiful Roadster will be crowned along with many other awards.
Show Move In
Vendors
Wednesday January 27, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday January 28, 2010 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Vehicles
Thursday January 28, 2010 by apt. 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 2:00 pm
Hotels
The Sheraton Suites Fairplex
601 West McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 622-2220
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/fairplex
The Shilo Inn Hilltop Suites Hotel
3101 Temple Ave, Pomona, CA. 91768
(909) 598-7666
www.shiloinns.com
MOST AMAZING BIKER OPPORTUNITY OF 2009 SPONSORED BY BIKERNET AND THE AMCA–Matt Olsen and his Dad, deserve the lion share of the credit. They offered this opportunity to help support the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s membership drive. Any new member could join a raffle to win a 45 flathead. But another opportunity was coupled with this raffle. The winner could come to Matt’s shop and experience a complete restoration of the winner’s bike, from the frame up. What an amazing opportunity.
You can follow Ryan’s build on the AMCA web site, and we will bring you teasers from time to time as the bike comes together, such as this one:
Sight in the top tube with the straight one behind it. This is messed up. We will replace a lot of this tube too. We found some d.o.m. tubing at a supply house in the next county and should have the material for the repair tomorrow.
Here is the rough check for the front leg. It was bent, so we bolted our fixture between the bottom rocker holes and straightened it out. Ryan and his new fork.
We are going to work hard on getting everything assembled and fit up before we worry about painting things. This will give Ryan good practice on assembling and disassembling his bike.
We will keep you posted.
RENEGADE ?YUKON? WHEELS FROM THE RENEGADE MASTERS– Renegade is on the warpath once again and their new ?YUKON? is certainly shaking things up in the custom wheel market by taking wheel styling to a whole new level. At a dead stop or in full motion the unique slotted 5-spoke spoke pattern makes a distinctive and lingering visual impression.
Whether rolling on a full house chopper or pure bred bagger, the ?YUKON? is nothing short of stunning. As with the company?s other precision crafted custom one piece billet wheels, the ?YUKON? is offered in diameters ranging from 16? to 26? and widths from 2.15? up to a massive 14?!
Finishes include Renegade?s legendary mirror like Chrome, Black Ebony, Black Powder Coat and a wide variety of custom colors on special request.
With prices starting at just $1150.00 the ?YUKON? gives a lot of bang for your buck. For complete details call Renegade direct at 714-998-7241 and be sure to visit their awesome site at
www.renegadewheels.com
OFFICIAL BIKERNET YOUTH SERVICES CHARITY– As you may know from my past requests, I am a strong supporter and friend to Youth Services Network, a very remarkable non-profit agency in our community, which has been providing housing, care and services to neglected, abused, and abandoned boys since 1985.
The holidays are here. It?s the time of year when I wish for some way to offset some of the tragedy of these boys? lives. This year is going to be especially difficult for them. Public funding has fallen far short of the actual cost of providing basic services, let alone extras such as holiday celebrations.
I know everyone has been hit in some way by the recession and the California budget crisis. But these kids are among the hardest hit. Please open your heart and find a way to make a donation to Youth Services Network, so they can enjoy some of the wonderful holiday spirit and joy that we almost take for granted.
It?s easy – just visit youthservicesnetwork.org to make a secure on-line tax-deductible donation. Or, you can make a donation by check mailed to Youth Services Network, 11336 Camarillo Street, Suite 306, W. Toluca Lake, CA 91602. You will receive a thank you letter and tax receipt.
–Christine Masters
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