Hey,
I’m like a Chopper World sponge. I absorb info, attitudes, notions and vibes weekly. When it comes to the Thursday news I squeeze the sponge and you witness what drips on the Panhead computer desk. Last week I noticed a dire direction toward the legislative/serious side. We all need to sit up and pay attention to our lifestyle and our freedoms once in a while, but I don’t like to over-burden you with the multi-law movement going on in this country.
We’ve been so fortunate over the last 40 years. We’ve experienced the best of the best, when it comes to the history of this country and freedoms. Picture this: We’re like the asphalt cowboys of the old west. We want to weld, ride and chase women, unencumbered by laws, the man and society. We’re like a guy with a cool pad and shop on the outskirts of Tombstone, Arizona. We can build and ride what we want. When the mood strikes we ride into town, party and attack the Brothel down the block.
Suddenly there’s a road block half way to town, across the highway from a high-rise building. They just built a track of homes and the wimpy residents are complaining about the highway noise, so of course they pinpoint you. You survive that only to be stopped by a number of signal lights, a radar cop and a sobriety checkpoint. When you arrive in town the brothel is closed down, you can’t park on the street and the bars have been replaced with a Wal-Marts that wiped out all the local businesses. Scary. Can we turn the clock back? Let’s hit the news and ride. She’s still out there.
GUNS IN MEMPHIS UNDER ATTACK– This little (YEAH!) tidbit of information is in effect in the Memphis area. You can type in a name and see if the individual has a handgun carry permit. http://www.commercialappeal.com/data/gunpermits/
My amigo from Tucson, Joey, advised me to buy rice, beans, and bullets.
I’m glad I moved ! ! !
–Capn Bill
A CUSTOM MOTOR FIT FOR A KING– Influenced by vintage and new, this handcrafted ring comprised of 19 separate components in 18k Gold is suited for a King.
Palm Springs, CA? From 35 year expert diamond jeweler Fred Betlach, known nationally for his attention to detail and technical flourishes such as moving parts or complex clasp mechanisms that would make any engineer pause, comes the all new Primal Motors v-twin ring. Handcrafted in either 18K gold or 18K Palladium white gold, the ring is comprised of nineteen separate components some of which are plated Black with Ruthenium. Each and every component is hand finished with breathtaking detail and precision then assembled by laser welding from inside the cylinder heads. The finished ring weighs impressively at over one ounce (1.15oz) and is also available with an optional .20 Gem quality diamond of perfect color, perfectly cut and flawless.
Fred Betlach, an established diamond jewelry designer for 35 years is well known for building and designing the highest quality platinum and diamond pieces, many of which contain technical flourishes such as moving parts or complex clasp mechanisms. Each piece designed by Betlach displays precision detailing internally and externally. Betlach?s design studio sits in the foothills of the Desert Mountains of Palm Springs and is a fully equipped state of the art facility blending high tech machines and old world craftsmanship in pursuit of the perfection. ?For over fifteen years I have worked on and off to envisage the perfect ?motorcycle? ring as both a tribute to my brother?s lifelong devotion to motorcycles and for my own desire to finally achieve a masterpiece? said jeweler Fred Betlach. ?With this ring, I believe I have not only achieved a true masterpiece any enthusiast would be proud to wear and own, but am also certain my brother Jim Betlach, motorcycle industry veteran, is impressed and can clearly see my passion for his motorcycle enthusiasm in this design? finished Fred.
Fred Betlach?s Primal Motor Ring is now available. To learn more about Fred Betlach and his Primal Motor Ring and other work, please visit: primalmotor.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD MUSCLE MOTORCYCLE APPEARS IN NBC’s “HEROES” EPISODE– On Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, NBC’s “Heroes” season three continued with “Volume 4 ? Fugitives.” Appearing in the episode entitled, “A Clear and Present Danger” was a black V-Rod Muscle? motorcycle, which is established with the character Ando.
“Heroes” is a science fiction drama series on NBC. The series tells the stories of ordinary people from around the world who develop superhuman abilities, and their roles in preventing disasters; usually foreseen in painted images from painters. The series emulates the aesthetic style and storytelling of comic books, using short, multi-episode story arcs that build upon a larger, more encompassing arc.
Harley-Davidson supplied the motorcycle to the production from its product placement fleet in Los Angeles. Watch the rest of the season for future appearances of the V-Rod Muscle motorcycle.
Over the course of this season, Ando, who is Hiro’s best friend, begins to recognize his superpower abilities after idly watching Hiro’s journey’s to save the world from destruction. In this episode, Hiro is encouraging him to pursue his new found ability. Ando figures that Hiro wants to live through him, and his power is worthless. Hiro disagrees and says it’s his destiny to be a superhero. Ando disagrees and Hiro reveals the Ando-Cycle, a V-Rod Muscle motorcycle, complete with a communications link to their “lair.” Hiro can track his location with a GPS implant, and injects Ando with the implant. He explains he has a GPS as well, and the system is keyed to the password of someone he cares about. Ando insists he has had enough and rides away on the Ando-Cycle.
To view two clips featuring the V-Rod Muscle motorcycle, visit the following: http://www.hulu.com/watch/55856/heroes-a-clear-and-present-danger?c=278:348 http://www.hulu.com/watch/55856/heroes-a-clear-and-present-danger?c=1580:1629
1923 F-HEAD BY SCOTT JACOBS–The photo attached here is the actual limited edition giclee canvas of Scott?s latest Harley painting; 1923 F Head Twin. It is limited to only 50 regular and 5 AP and 5 HC signed and numbered canvases. This work is extremely detailed with the accuracy and intricacy that we have come to expect from a Jacobs painting. His bike paintings are getting much rarer as they are very tedious and time consuming to produce. In fact this is only the second painting with a bike as its subject since the beginning of 2007.
1923 F Head Twin with its nostalgic setting and early model rare Harley-Davidson would be an important addition to any art collection. If you respond to this email you will receive a $200 good client discount on the remaining canvases in the edition. A good many were picked up by HD dealers at the recent convention. Yours can be acquired for an attractive price of $850 INCLUDES CUSTOM FRAME AS SHOWN. (List price: $1050, 32? x 26? overall dimension). Please call or email if you have any questions or would like to add this work to your collection.
Cheers,
–Ron Copple
Scott Jacobs Studio
303-431-4453 www.scottjacobsstudio.com
NASCAR STAR RIDES 2009 INDIAN CHIEF– NASCAR Camping World Truck Series mega star Ron Hornaday just recently took delivery of a brand new 2009 Indian Chief Vintage motorcycle. The tenacious driver bought the bike at the Charlotte, North Carolina dealership. Hornaday is a 3 time Truck Series champion and has been voted the series Most Popular Driver twice. Ron says that one of his most favorite photographs is the one of his grandfather sitting on his Indian Chief prior to his entering the Army.
Being a racing fan I?d like to wish Ron good luck during the season and while riding his new Indian. I?d also like to give shout out to home town boy Matt Myers who was the rear tire carrier for the 88 Sprint Cup car last year. Both have a safe season.
–IronWorks Blog
Motorcycle Industry Print Magazine Goes Digital– MotoSports Retailer magazine transforms into www.MotoSportsBusiness.com Stamford, CT. January 31, 2009 ? The motorcycle industry now has free news & views updates at www.MotoSportsBusiness.com TAM Communications president Buzz Kanter recently announced MotoSports Business will become the first nationally circulated motorcycle trade magazine to replace its print edition with a website. ?There are so many new products and changes in business these days, it?s almost impossible to keep up with it all,? Kanter said. ?We are using the speed and power of the Internet to help keep the motorcycle industry current.? Unlike a print magazine, websites can be updated any time and there is no physical limit to the amount of space used to fully cover a topic. MotoSports Business features all aspects of the motosports industry from the latest products and distributor changes, to reviewing new approaches in marketing and motosports retailer issues. Please send all press releases and editorial materials related to motorcycles, Quads and scooters to http://www.MotoSportsBusiness.com in the ?Submission & Links? box. Contact: V-TWIN EXPO REPORT FROM BIKERNETMETRIC EDITOR– Extra extra?..I survived the V-Twin expo, a ONLY American V-Twins trade show. The European market and Japanese market still are considering this show a Harley-only show. However, I was slummin? in the W8less Rotors? booth (?cause Bandit was signing books and there was a very scantily dressed hard body and World Champ builder Jim Giuffra of AFT Customs there), and I have to say, a lot of the dealers there sold other stuff, from ATV to sports bikes. The dealers who seemed to do well were diverse in what they worked on. When asked, ?what do you work on?, they frequently said, ?ANYTHING!? I will be putting up a bunch of pictures from the show under events and showcasing some products in the blog section with a link back. Check back from time to time as I will be adding items as I find them. Ray Wheeler of W8less Rotors (who launched the ATV and sports bike line of forged MMC brake rotors at the show) has provided me a TON of pics from the Smoke Out West event put on by our brothers from the Horse Magazine. There were some bobbed metrics and lots of triumphs and other British bikes. I will publish them on Bikernet Metric as well. I am sitting in a hotel room acting like Cyril Huze typing this while waiting for tomorrow?s Dealer Expo show in Indy. This will be the show for the metric crowd. –Wacko out
Terry O?Brien, VP Sales
TAM Communications, Inc
203-425-8777 x112
TerryO@TamCommunications.com
http://www.MotoSportsBusiness.com 
THE TEXAS BUSINESS CARD ART TEST– So what do you think? This is one idea for my website and business cards (over 18) versions, what do you think, plain, simple and to the point? After I get the website tweaked some maybe I can link up to HQ?
–RFR
P.S. doctor said all the discomfort I have been feeling since surgery will probably go away once I start living my life again and riding my bike! Been OK’ed to ride; now to find out what the Devil has done to the FLH. I better not see any Sawzalls near her!
SUPER NUT TRANSMISSION SPROCKET SEAL KIT– James Gaskets, the gasket godfather, has been providing Harley enthusiasts with fluid leak solutions for decades. Their latest problem solver, the SUPER NUT kit, is a reflection of the experience, creativity and use modern manufacturing techniques and materials that make up each product from this legendary company.
A must have for any shop or home builder, the unique SUPER NUT was developed to address those pesky oil leaks common to 1970 through 1986 4-speed transmissions.
Super Nut is precision machined for a simple and straightforward replacement fit and incorporates a replaceable seal that eliminates leaks around the sprocket. Additionally each kit includes 2 clutch push rod seals and complete instructions.
James Gaskets SUPER NUT kit retails for just $32.37. To order or for the dealer nearest you call James direct at 775-246-2220. Better yet visit them on the Web at www.jamesgaskets.com
DON’T FORGET THE 2009 DONNIE SMITH BIKE SHOW SEASON IS HERE– February 21, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rochester Minnesota Mayo Civic Center Meet Donnie Smith…see amazing bikes, check out great vendors. This show is quickly becoming one of the best days in Southeastern Minnesota
March 28-29, 2009 at the St. Paul Minnesota River Center Meet Donnie Smith, Brian Klock, Tim Remus, John Kosmoski and your host Neil Ryan. This is a weekend you can’t explain without being there. Want to see what a group of mid-western riders look like as spring is about to break through, hit this show. The bikes will blow your mind, the event makes a great article and the community is warm and inviting.
Phone: 952-746-7786
Fax: 952-746-7788
www.donniesmith.com
HELP Protect Youth OHVs! Stop the Ban of Youth Motorcycles and ATVs! Take Action!– Write your Representatives and the Consumer Product Safety Commission Today!
On August 14th, 2008, Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Intended to make children’s everyday toys safer, the rule governing implementation of the act threatens to end youth off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding entirely.
According to section 101(a) of the enacted legislation, all youth products containing lead must have less than 600 parts per million (ppm) by weight. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has interpreted the law to apply to various components of youth OHVs including the engine, brakes, suspension, battery and other mechanical parts. Even though the lead levels in these parts are small, they are still above the minimum threshold.
The unavailability of youth OHVs will devastate family OHV recreation and cripple amateur competition, creating a domino effect across all aspects of motorized recreation.
In order to assure continued availability and access to youth OHVs, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and Specialty Vehicle Industry Association (SVIA) submitted petitions to the CPSC asking that certain vehicles be excluded from the final rule governing the law.
It is critical that Congress and the CPSC know the petition exists and that they act on it to maintain a vital form of recreation for American families, preserve youth racing and protect the thousands of jobs associated with this industry.
Please write or call your Representative and the CPSC today and ask them to approve the petition to exclude youth OHVs from the CPSIA lead content requirements.
STIMULUS: How it may affect your wallet– Congress has finalized the $787 billion economic recovery plan. Here’s a look at some of the provisions geared at financial relief for individuals.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The final topline price of the economic recovery package: $787 billion. That’s below both the $820 billion House-passed version and the $838 billion Senate-passed version.
The compromises that the House, Senate and White House struck to finalize legislation changed the scope of a number of provisions, including those affecting individuals directly. In some cases, they either reduced or expanded a benefit relative to what appeared in the Senate or House versions of the bill.
on individuals in their paychecks, on their tax returns, and with regard to their unemployment benefits and health insurance if they’ve lost a job.
Making Work Pay Credit: The bill provides a $400 credit per worker and a $800 credit per dual-earner couple. The full credit would be paid to people making $75,000 or less ($150,000 per dual-earner couple). A partial credit would be paid to those making above those amounts but no more than $100,000 ($200,000 for couples).
The credit would also be refundable, which means that even very low-income families who don’t make enough to owe income tax would be able to claim it.
For most working individuals, the credit will be paid over time at roughly $15 per period, assuming 26 pay periods in a year. Estimated cost: $116 billion.
One-time payments to those who don’t work: For retirees, disabled individuals and others who don’t work, the bill provides a one-time $250 payment. Estimated cost: $14.2 billion.
Break for higher income families: The bill includes a one-year provision to protect middle- and upper-middle-income families from having to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax. The AMT was intended primarily for high-income taxpayers but has in recent years threatened to engulf those lower down the income scale. Estimated cost: $70 billion.
Temporary deduction for car buyers: The bill would let those who buy a new car, light vehicle, recreational vehicle or motorcycle in 2009 deduct state and local sales taxes as well as any excise tax charged in the purchase. The deduction would be available to those earning less than $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). It will be an above-the-line deduction, meaning even taxpayers who don’t itemize may take it in addition to the standard deduction. Estimated cost: $1.7 billion.
Temporary credit for home buyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit’s expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.
The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers). Estimated cost: $6.6 billion.
New temporary college credit: The bill introduces the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which would be in effect for 2009 and 2010. It expands the existing Hope Scholarship tax credit and would be worth as much as $2,500 for higher education expenses, up from $1,800 currently.
The full credit would be available to those making less than $80,000 ($160,000 for joint filers). Those making between those amounts and $90,000 ($180,000 for joint filers) would get a partial credit. And the break would also be partially refundable, meaning lower income families with little or no tax liability could now claim some of the credit. Estimated cost: $13.9 billion.
Temporary Pell Grant increase: The bill increases the maximum Pell Grant by $500 to $5,350 in 2009 and $5,550 in 2010. Estimated cost: $15.6 billion.
Temporary expansion of child tax credit: The bill increases eligibility for the child tax credit by lowering the income threshold that must be met for the credit to be refundable. The threshold would be lowered to $3,000 for this year and next. That will allow lower income families to claim more of the credit than under current law. Estimated cost: $14.8 billion.
Temporary increase in earned income tax credit: The credit will be temporarily increased to 45% from 40% of qualifying earnings for low-income families with three or more children. It also includes a marriage penalty relief provision for couples who qualify for at least a portion of the credit. Estimated cost: $4.6 billion.
Direct lifeline benefits
Health insurance help for the jobless: The bill includes provisions to help eligible jobless workers pay for health insurance under Cobra. Cobra coverage allows newly unemployed workers to keep health insurance provided by their former employers for a period of time.
For workers who have been laid off between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, the government will subsidize 65% of their premiums under Cobra for up to 9 months.
Those people laid off between Sept. 1, 2008, and the day the stimulus law goes into effect, and who did not sign up for Cobra, will get an additional 60 days to do so and receive the subsidy.
The subsidy will be limited to those whose income for the year is $125,000 or less ($250,000 for couples filing jointly). Estimated cost: $24.7 billion.
Another provision provides states funding to help pay for expanded Medicaid rolls for workers who’ve lost their jobs and can’t afford health care on their own or can’t get Cobra coverage because their former employer doesn’t offer a health care plan. Estimated cost: $87 billion.
Unemployment benefits: The bill provides jobless workers with an additional 20 weeks in unemployment benefits, and 13 weeks on top of that if they live in what’s deemed a high unemployment state, of which there are now about 30. Estimated cost: $27 billion.
In addition, the weekly unemployment benefit will temporarily increase by $25 on top of the roughly $300 jobless workers currently receive. Estimated cost: $8.8 billion.
Plus, the first $2,400 of benefits in 2009 would be exempt from federal income taxes. Estimated cost: $4.7 billion.
Food stamp payments: The bill includes a provision would increase food stamp payments by 13.6%, so a family of four would see an additional $80 on top of the $588 per month they receive currently. Estimated cost: $19.9 billion.
The bill also provides assistance to help local groups providing food and shelter, elderly nutrition services such as Meals on Wheels, and a program to help food banks re-stock their shelves. Estimated cost: $350 million.
Other help for needy families: The bill provides funding to states to create a contingency fund through 2010 for the welfare program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which provides cash assistance to the needy. Estimated cost: $2.4 billion.
–CNN
ON A LIGHTER NOTE, NASCAR NEWS– Did you hear about the strawberry douche NASCAR team? A friend got to go to the Tampax 500 – he had to pull a few strings to get tickets, but….
–from Bruce S.
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