Hey,
Crazy times. The healthcare bill passed the house. I’ll bring you some reader quotes as soon as Sin Wu puts some clothes on. I don’t know what to make of it, or anything else that’s going on in this world.
>Health Care Bill RAMMED thru by Dems tonight. WOW! Get ready for TAX HELL my friends. TAX HELL. Its a comin’.
–From Marc Beauleau
?And this is how democracy dies? to thunderous applause.?
–From Padm? Amidala & Richard Kranzler
Here’s a quote from Riding on the Edge, by Bill Hall, a book about the Pagans MC in the ’60s. “This was the glorious summer of ’67. There were no helmet laws. And there were no sexually transmitted deseases that a $5 trip to the doctor couldn’t cure. Nobody cared about drunk driving as long as you didn’t have an accident. And barroom brawling was as much a part of life as sex and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Does that say it all or what? Let’s hit the news:
Washington Update: House to Vote on Health Care Legislation– U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her intent to bring a massive 2000 page 1.3 trillion dollar health care overhaul package to the floor of the U.S. House for a vote.
The vote could come as early as this Saturday afternoon. In an effort to pass a bill prior to the Veterans Day recess, the House is working through the weekend. No matter how you feel about this bill, you should contact your Representatives prior to the vote to let them know your views on this important issue. The bill does not have any negative impact on motorcyclists, specifically, at this point. That could change as a rumor is circling that the Majority will be adding an 800 page amendment the day of the vote that will change every aspect of the printed bill. Unfortunately, the bill doesn?t have anything positive for motorcyclists either.
The MRF and the AMA attempted to include language similar to the HIPAA loophole fix in the bill. Both organizations were told the same thing by our rank and file Member of Congress champions, “Leadership is writing the bill, we don?t have any input.” This was confirmed when leadership refused to even listen to the MRF requests. “It’s never productive to write legislation in a vacuum,” said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the MRF. “Shutting out the other party and even members of their own party does a disservice to the American people and should raise questions and a few eyebrows about this legislation” he added.
FHWA MAC The Federal Highway Administration Motorcycle Advisory Council met Thursday November 5th, in Washington. The council convenes twice annually in the Nation’s Capitol to develop recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on road and highway infrastructure and how it can affect motorcyclists. The Council, formed under the SAFETEA-LU legislation, is in its third year of existence.
The council received an interesting briefing from a George Washington University Ph.D. on roadside hazards. Some startling statistics were shared with the group, here?s a few: Roadside hazards account for 50% of all motorcycle fatalities. The roadside itself accounts for 40% of all fatalities. If a motorcyclist lays the bike down and doesn?t leave the road they are more likely to survive the ordeal.
One of the NHTSA presenters had some less startling numbers for the group based off her work at the University of Massachusetts. Men make up 95% of all fatalities. Failure to yield by passenger cars accounts for about 25% of all fatalities in crashes involving motorcycles & four wheeled vehicles. Most crashes occur on dry pavement. 21-34 year old riders make up most fatalities (in MA). And lastly, most injuries and fatalities come from intersections or striking an object. Sounds like the Ph.D. community is finally catching up to what the motorcycle safety community has been saying for years.
The MRF will keep you updated on all issues from Washington D.C. as they affect motorcyclists.
BUFFALO CHIP BOSS, Woodruff, to Appear on Car Crazy Television– BUFFALO CHIP CAMPGROUND, SD (November 4, 2009) – Rod Woodruff, owner of the Legendary Buffalo Chip and purveyor of many Sturgis memories, will be featured on an episode of Car Crazy Television to air November 9. Car Crazy Television, the leading worldwide automotive enthusiast television show, visited Sturgis Bike Week this past August to get a behind-the-scenes peak of the yearly festival’s inner-workings.
Host of Car Crazy TV, Barry Meguiar, took a moment from the high-caliber good times to speak with Woodruff regarding the role of the Legendary Buffalo Chip in the success of Sturgis Bike Week and how it has become synonymous with the true Sturgis experience.
“The Legendary Buffalo Chip provides its visitors an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities, charitable efforts, and countless memories,” explains Woodruff. “The Chip has truly earned its reputation as the best party anywhere.”
Entitled “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” this episode is expected to be a standout Car Crazy hit this season. Meguiar travels to the annual gathering to check out some of the amazing bikes that motor heads and car guys from across the county bring to Sturgis. This can’t-miss episode, airing on November 9 on SPEED TV at 8:00 p.m. PST/11:00 p.m. EST, also includes a rare peek inside the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
In addition to speaking with Woodruff, Meguiar chats with a number of exciting motorcycle celebrities that made it out to Sturgis this past year as well as the passionate guys and gals who flood the streets of Sturgis every year to see what emotionally connects them to their bikes. With over 500,000 attendees annually, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the best place to see extraordinary bikes of the past as well as cutting edge designs of the future.
For more than 69 years, passionate bikers from all corners of the globe have made their way to Sturgis in celebration of their need for speed. And anybody that has attended Sturgis in the past knows that the Legendary Buffalo Chip is an essential element of what makes Sturgis Bike Week the ultimate biker experience. Offering guests the complete and preeminent motorcycle rally scene for over 28 years, bikers converge on the Chip and camp on it’s over 500 acres of campground. They also enjoy the best food, vendors, and facilities that Sturgis has to offer. It is the epicenter of the yearly rally and provides bikers with the high-octane revelry that is expected of Rally Week.
Check out Car Crazy TV on November 9. Now in High Definition, new episodes of Car Crazy TV will air on SPEED TV on Mondays at 8:00PM PST and Sunday mornings at 7:00AM PST. Check local listings to confirm airtimes. Also make sure to visit HYPERLINK “http://www.buffalochip.com” www.buffalochip.com and make your reservations for Sturgis 2010.
–Sarah Wozniak
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR WOMEN RIDERS MONTH 2010– Milwaukee to Host Female Riders from Across the Country in May.
MILWAUKEE (November 5, 2009) ? Today Harley-Davidson announced plans to commemorate the 2nd Annual Women Riders Month in May 2010 by hosting women riders in its hometown of Milwaukee, Wis., on May 22 and 23, 2010. Women Riders Month is designed to celebrate the millions of women who have already grabbed life by the handlebars, as well as inspire more women to experience the freedom of the open road.
During the two day event, the Motor Company has planned a series of activities for women including demo rides at the Harley-Davidson Museum, new product displays and an opportunity to meet and speak with Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of one of the Motor Company founders. On Saturday, an independent ride featuring several stops throughout the city of Milwaukee and surrounding areas will give riders a taste of Wisconsin. An organized ride later that day will land at an evening block party featuring live entertainment.
?We are very excited to build upon the successful Women Riders Month events we hosted this past year in New York City and Milwaukee,? said Leslie Prevish, women?s outreach manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. ?Of course, we?re especially thrilled about the opportunity to welcome female riders from across the country to our hometown.?
The Women Riders Month event in Milwaukee is open to riders of all brands of motorcycles and non-riders alike ? women are encouraged to bring friends to join them in the various activities. A full schedule of activities and registration for the Women Riders Month 2010 event will be announced in early 2010 at www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders For more information about Women Riders Month or Harley-Davidson Motor Company, visit www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders
MOTORCYCLIST IMAGE UNDER FIRE– The following link to an episode of South Park was sent to me with comments about how it was making motorcycle riders look to the general public. I will have to admit in some cases motorcycle riders bring this on themselves BUT!!! http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/251889/
I do realize that South Park is supposed to be a comedy and that they pick on everyone But I can see this doing a lot of damage to motorcycle riders in general, prejudicing young minds and also it being used to influence new legislation.
There will always be a segment of society that believes everything they see on TV. There is also the Sons Of Anarchy TV Series which has come back for a second year because of its ratings. It is felt by my self and many others that this show has added to the motorcycle only check points being done around the country. Many in law enforcement and other branches of the government do not know the difference in back patches (COLORS) and in an effort to educate themselves are Profiling Motorcyclist.
These checkpoints by singling out a specific vehicle are prejudicial to begin with. When the questions include where have you been, where are you going, what gang does the patch on your jacket represent and even taking photos in some incidents it is totally out of hand. This information is saved and put into a data base, many times with comments from the officer.
Many of those being stopped do not belong to any club and I do know of one incident where someone wearing a Sons Of Anarchy shirt had to explain to the officer it was a TV show and not a club or gang. Add to that the Military, Christian, Motorcycle Rights Groups all going into data bases. What is being done with this information is unknown as is its future use.
I have also seen what appears to be an increase in the bad guys in some of the police and or crime type shows being motorcyclist. There has always been a segment of law enforcement involved in profiling and in some cases they have been accused of trying to prejudice the public with fear of these people so that they can justify the massive amounts of money they are spending and of course making as a pay.
I feel that all of us should keep an eye on this and see if it is isolated or part of a bigger picture. Being a journalist I feel that everyone has a right to their opinion and the things mentioned above are included in that. What I would suggest is that all those involved in motorcycling do everything in their power to show the other aspects of motorcycling including TV shows.
–Rogue
BIKERNET SUNDAY VOCABULARY EXPANSION EXERCISE SPONSORED BY DANNI ASHE– fugacious fyoo-GAY-shuhs, adjective:
Lasting but a short time; fleeting.
As the rain conspires with the wind to strip the fugacious glory of the cherry blossoms, it brings a spring delicacy to our dining table.
— Sarah Mori, “A spring delicacy”, Malaysian Star
The thick, palmately lobed lead is lapped around the bud, which swiftly outgrows its protector, loses its two fugacious sepals, and opens into a star-shaped flower, one to each stem, with several fleshy white petals and a mass of golden stamens in the center.
— Alma R. Hutchens, A Handbook of Native American Herbs
I didn’t understand a word of that fugacious example.
–Snake, Bikernet literary giant
When he proposed the tax in May, Altman thought it would follow the fugacious nature of some flowers: bloom quickly and die just as fast.
— Will Rodgers, “Parks proposal falls on 3-2 vote”, Tampa Tribune, June 27, 2001
Fugacious is derived from Latin fugax, fugac-, “ready to flee, flying; hence, fleeting, transitory,” from fugere, “to flee, to take flight.” Other words derived from the same root include fugitive, one who flees, especially from the law; refuge, a place to which to flee back (re-, “back”), and hence to safety; and fugue, literally a musical “flight.”
New Ducati Multistrada to be Unveiled in Milan– Ducati has announced that it will unveil the Multistrada 1200 at the EICMA 2009 International Motorcycle Show in Milan on November 9. Rumoured on numerous websites and blogs ’til now to be called the Strada Aperta, the all new Multistrada is billed as a monster trailie in the realm of the BMW R 1200GS, with a power plant derived from Ducati’s championship-winning 1198 Testastretta superbike engine.
Ducati has a clock counting down on their website ’til the offiicial reveal, at which time we’ll bring you more details. In the meantime you can view their mystery shrouded Multistrada promotional video here.
— By Cycle Canada
Victory offers Full Throttle Salute to Military Personnel– Victory Motorcycles is honoring the US and Canadian military personnel for their dedication and commitment by extending a special offer to them: For a limited time, US and Canadian military personnel can take advantage of a $1,000 cash back offer on the purchase of any new Victory model during the Victory Full Throttle Salute. All active, National Guard, reserve and retired military personnel with proof of valid military I.D. are eligible.
?We at Victory respect and appreciate the sacrifice and service of our armed forces? said Victory General Manager Steve Menneto . ??The Victory Full Throttle Salute? is an opportunity for Victory to show that appreciation, and offer these men and women the chance to get on a new Victory and enjoy the escape motorcycling provides.?
Details about the Victory Full Throttle Salute are available from Victory dealers and online at www.victorymotorcycles-military.com.
– – C.S. Berg
Yamaha U.S. Retail Sales Drop 40% in In the third quarter– U.S. retail unit sales of Yamaha motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides fell 40 percent compared to the same period last year. But the decline was an improvement over the 54 percent fall recorded for the second quarter.
The numbers were released today by Yamaha Motor Corp. in its financials for its third quarter ended Sept. 30. The company approximated retail sales in the U.S. by unit type:
* Motorcycles and scooters: 22,000 units retailed in 3Q, a decline of 41 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first quarter, 21,000 were retailed (down 30 percent). In the second quarter, 32,000 (down 59 percent). This sharp 2Q decline likely reflected last year?s spike in small-displacement sales due to gas prices, which provided a high summit from which to fall. For the first nine months of 2009, Yamaha dealers sold 75,000 units, a drop of 48 percent.
* ATVs: 14,000 units retailed in 3Q, a decline of 33 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first quarter, 17,000 units were retailed (down 26 percent). In the second quarter, 19,000 units (down 32 percent). For the nine months, Yamaha dealers sold roughly 50,000 units, a 31 percent fall.
* Side-by-sides: 4,000 units retailed in 3Q, a decline of 56 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first quarter, 4,000 units were retailed (down 56 percent). In the second quarter, 2,000 units (down 78 percent). For the nine months, Yamaha dealers sold roughly 10,000 units, a drop of 63 percent.
Yamaha?s sales to U.S. dealers fell greatly in the third quarter. Yamaha wholesaled 5,000 two-wheelers, 6,000 ATVs and 1,000 side-by-sides, which correspond to year-over-year declines of 78 percent, 74 percent and 91 percent, respectively.
At the end of September, U.S. motorcycle inventory (at Yamaha warehouses and dealerships) stood at 101,000 units. Last year at this time, Yamaha reported 96,000 units.
ATV inventory was 13,000 units at the end of September, a sharp fall from 28,000 last year.
For the nine months ending Sept. 30, Yamaha Motor Co. had net sales of 859 billion yen ($9.04 billion), a decline of 33 percent. But here?s the kicker: During the period the company suffered a net loss of 159 billion yen ($1.67 billion), or about 19 percent of net sales. In comparison, the company posted a slight profit of 43 billion yen during the same period last year.
The large net loss led to the resignation this month of Yamaha Motor?s president. The company?s chairman took over the position.
Reduced sales led to Yamaha?s operating income to decline by 45 billion yen. But even more important to the bottom line was an ?extraordinary loss? of 74 billion yen attributed to ?business structure improvement expenses.? Through Yamaha?s ongoing ?Urgent Action Program,? the company has been aggressively cutting expenses, and has temporarily suspended production at its Japanese factories to reduce inventories in the U.S. and Europe.
–Arlo Redwine
Dealernews
BLONDE ARCHIVE BREAK-IN–Three blondes are walking down the street. Two of them walk into a bar.
The third one ducks.
–Bruce Snyder
Big Bear Choppers to display at EICMA in Italy– Big Bear Choppers from California will have their 2010 European lineup on display during this year’s EICMA, one of the major trade shows in the motorcycle industry, running from November 10 to 15 in Milan, Italy. We spoke with Big Bear’s Italian dealer, Good Vibrations over in Milan to confirm while they were making the final preparations for the show and were getting ready to push the bikes around the corner to the convention center. Flipping through this year’s EICMA catalogue, Big Bear Choppers appears to be the only American custom motorcycle manufacturer present at the show.
In cooperation with the Swiss company Midland Choppers that functions as the umbrella importer for Big Bear in the old country, Good Vibrations offers eight Big Bear models in Italy, all in full compliance with Euro 3 standards.
– C.S. Berg
BIKERNET REPORTER ON ASSIGNMENT IN BOGOTA– I’ll fill ya in on this shop when I get back to the US next week.
–Hiway on the road
ROADRUNNER MAGAZINE RELEASES NEW TRAVEL BOOK RIDING AMERICA?S BACKROADS: 20 TOP MOTORCYCLE TOURS– Over the last ten years, the team at RoadRUNNER has taken readers on countless motorcycle adventures through the pages of their magazine. Riding America?s Backroads features more of the same evocative story lines and first class photography that RoadRUNNER is known for, but with updated maps, travel information, and attractions included.
In addition to 20 full length touring articles, this book features six motorcycle service pieces covering topics like ?packing a bike? and ?riding in the dark?. Readers can also download RoadRUNNER?s signature tankbag maps and GPS files, for each tour, from their website.
Although Riding America?s Backroads is especially geared to motorcyclists, it?s entertaining and informative for any traveler, whether on two wheels or four.
Riding America?s Backroads: 20 Top Motorcycle Tours
192 pages, 8-3/8″ x 10-7/8″, 4-color
Soft-cover price: $27.95
Hard-cover Limited Edition Price: $75.00
(Numbered and signed by RoadRUNNER Publisher Christa Neuhauser)
Available at www.roadrunner.travel/shop or by phone 866.343.7623
Harley-Davidson narrows factory options– Harley?s desire for central spot knocks out Tosa Harley-Davidson tells Kansas City it won?t get second plant Harley-Davidson Inc. management said Wednesday that Shelbyville, Ky., now is the only location being considered for a new factory should the Milwaukee heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer decide to close its assembly plant in York, Pa.
Harley-Davidson has been conducting an assessment of how best to achieve long-term competitiveness and sustainability for its Touring and Softail motorcycle production operations, either through restructuring and maintaining the operations in York, or relocating them to an alternate location in the United States.
The company has now narrowed the focus of its alternate site analysis to Kentucky, and expects to make a final decision on whether to relocate or remain in York by the end of the year, Harley-Davidson management said.
Company representatives met this week with Kentucky officials to further explore plans and options. At the same time, Harley-Davidson management said that a joint union-management task force has developed a plan to restructure the York operations that provides a ?viable path to competitiveness,? pending the ratification of a new contract that aligns with restructured operations.
Company management and the union representing hourly workers at the York plant are currently engaged in contract negotiations.
Harley-Davidson initially had considered four alternate locations: Kansas City; Shelbyville, Ind., near Indianapolis; Murfreesboro, Tenn., in suburban Nashville; and Shelbyville, Ky., near Lexington.
Shelbyville, Ky., has a population of 10,000 and is located in the north central portion of the state.
–from Rogue
THE VIKING DELIVERS THE SUNDAY GIRLS– Maybe you like this cute blonde with a metric highnecker better, with private (!!!) built Star XV 1600? Her name is Gina Blonde.
–Andreas
BIKERNET POLICE DEPT OFFICERS REPORT– In the fun world of the administration of justice, not all the laughs are in the court-room. Indeed, giggles and guffaws can erupt at almost any time or place. For example: On a bitterly cold winter’s day several years ago in northern British Columbia, a RCMP constable on patrol came across a motorcyclist, who was swathed in protective clothing and helmet, stalled by the roadside. “What’s the matter?” asked the policeman.
“Carburetor’s frozen,” was the terse reply.
“Pee on it. That’ll thaw it out.”
“Can’t.”
“OK, Watch me and I will show you.”
The constable lubricated the carburetor, as promised.
The bike started and the rider drove off, waving.
A few days later, the detachment office received a note of thanks from the father of the motorbike rider.
It began: “On behalf of my daughter, who recently was stranded ……”
–from Rogue
NOSTALGIC BOBBED PAUGHCO FENDERS– Building a Bobber? Check out these very cool, nostalgic ?old school? style Bobbed fenders. Manufactured right here in the US of A by Paughco, they reflect the company?s tradition for precision fit and superior quality. Paughco Bobbed Front Fenders are specially designed for use with Paughco and early OEM springers with brackets repositioned for correct clearance and Bobbed look.
Bobber Rear Fenders come pre-cut with that early style rounded design for an unmistakable Bobbed appearance. Rear fender struts include integrated chain guard mount and chain splash shield.
Paughco Front Bobber Fenders go for just $152.95 and the rear retails at $157.95
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