Hey,
It’s post 4th of July Sunday News, but it isn’t post freedom news. This issue will focus on freedom and what it means to several readers. So, let’s hit it.
May the desire to insure freedom and prosperity for all Americans grow in our hearts. And we do something about it.
BOSTON OUTLAWS PIPES, Boston outlaws all aftermarket exhaust systems!!– On June 3rd, the Boston City Council snuck in an ordinance that makes it illegal to have any motorcycle exhaust that does not have the EPA imprint on it. EVEN IF THE BIKE IS PARKED!
Nobody likes offensively loud exhausts. There are existing laws on the books at City and State level to enforce but the Council went overboard on this. The absence of the imprint does not mean that the exhaust is loud. It just means that the manufacturer did not certify that the original motorcycle/muffler combination met the EPA standard. Oh, by the way… the certification is only valid for one year or 3,750 miles.
A group of motorcycle advocates (myself included) are in the process of drawing up a lawsuit to have this law removed.
–from Jeff Najar
SUNSET POOL PARTIES AND FREE BEER!– Chillin? at the Broken Spoke Campground Pool in Sturgis.
Sturgis, SD: ?Free Beer Hour? is back by popular demand at the Broken Spoke Saloon and Campground on Highway 79 North in Sturgis. From 4-5pm daily, beginning Saturday, August 1st, the Spoke will be servin? up free drafts to all who purchase a Broken Spoke souvenir mug. As if that isn?t enough, the Tiki Bar at the Broken Spoke Campground Pool will be hosting FREE Sunset Pool Parties from Sunday, August 2nd thru Friday, August 7th. Each party will be from 6-7:30pm featuring different live bands and drink specials every night.
The ?World?s Biggest Biker Pool? is a 5,000 sq. ft. swimming pool with hot tubs, grills, bikini-clad bartenders, lounge chairs and cabanas. The pool is free to the public, and will feature live music from Country Artist of the Year Laura Lynn with Lucas Hoge, playing from 12noon to 5pm August 1st ? 7th. The pool also has restrooms, changing rooms and showers, plus a pool store in case you forgot your sunscreen, swimsuit or need to trade in your motorcycle boots for a pair of flip flops.
On saturday evening, August 1st the pool is reserved for a private ?1st 500? Pool Party for the first 500 people who booked the Broken Spoke Campground for the 69th Sturgis Rally. Those who made the cut will receive their souvenir invitations in the mail. The FREE Sunset Pool Parties kick off Sunday, August 2nd with The Ferrell Webber Band, followed by Straight Shooter, a Bad Company tribute band on Monday, August 3rd, Seven Bridges Road, an Eagles tribute band on Tuesday, August 4th, beach band ?Margaritaville? on Wednesday, August 5th, and Bob Seger tribute band ?Silver Bullet? on Thursday, August 6th ? leaving Friday?s band to the people to choose. Pool-goers can vote all week for their favorite tribute band, which will play the Sunset Pool Party on Friday, August 7th.
Continuing the hot lineup at the Broken Spoke Campground during the Sturgis rally is the FREE headline concert series beginning with the Kentucky Headhunters on August 2nd, followed by Foghat on August 3rd, Aultimate Ozzy on August 5th and Nashville Pussy on August 6th. .38 Special on Tuesday, August 4th is free for campers and only $10 for visitors.
The Broken Spoke Saloon & Campground is located on 79 North in Sturgis, just past Bear Butte State Park. The 600-acre campground complex has extended its $99/person camping rates through the 69th Sturgis Rally and has tent camping and RV spots still available. More private, air-conditioned cabins were built for the 2009 rally, and only two remain available. New for 2009, the Broken Spoke will be running a free shuttle between the Broken Spoke Saloon & Campground on 79N and the ?Original? Broken Spoke Saloon in downtown Sturgis, on Lazelle Street – appropriately called the ?Spoke 2 Spoke Shuttle?.
The Campground will also host the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, from August 1st ? August 8th with a patriotic opening ceremony on Saturday, August 1st and a Rolling Thunder Freedom Ride on August 5th. Sunday, August 2nd is a tribute to two legends of the motorcycle industry, with the Sugar Bear and Michael Lichter Ride.
More details are available, and reservations can be made, at www.BrokenSpokeCampground.com, or by calling 8-SPOKE-ON-79 (877-653-6679).
THE BIKERNET CODE COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON OUR OFFICIAL FREEDOM CODE OF THE WEST– What happened to America? I watched a movie from the early ’50s recently in which a tearful prosecutor reach into his heart to explain how important freedom was to America. I wondered what happened. Do we forget history so quickly? Are bureaucratic dictators acceptable in America? Did we forget the McCarthy era and the devastation it wrought?
Initially, each effort to curb something ? be it motorcycles, firearms, or abortion – may seem beneficial. But then laws are passed, bureaucracies established and freedoms restricted, ostensibly for the public good. Then the effort slips out of control until freedoms are lost, and people are hurt, jailed and fined, and ultimately, we lose sight of the original goal. Power and control supplant freedom and personal liberty, the latter discarded to history?s refuse heap.
And what happened to an educated, resourceful population? They can no longer learn how to repair their vehicles because of anti-tampering laws. They no longer learn how to use and respect equipment such as firearms, because ?possession by law-abiding citizens is outlawed. What happened to education over legislation, personal choice and rights?
We are a society of individuals with a government elected to serve the population. It’s not meant to be us against them, an acrimonious relationship. We’re supposed to be working together, sharing and supportive. Why don’t we look at issues from three vantage points, instead of a single restrictive one? The failed War on Drugs is a case in point. Instead of a war, why can’t there be education, training, legal aspects and freedoms in the mix?
Gun laws are equally ridiculous. What happened to training, education and the Second Amendment? That’s what made America a strong resilient country. Guns are tools. And how about the EPA? Why can’t restriction apply to major manufacturers, and the people learn how to reduce emissions and still be allowed the freedom to work on their vehicles?
If we keep this up, how will it reflect on the rest of the world? Who will want a democratic dictatorship, where you can’t smoke on the sidewalk, drink on Sundays, rev your motorcycle or start a business without being fined, jailed or sued out of business?
–Da Committee
NEW SOLO LUGGAGE RACK FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROCKER C– A Detachable Aluminum Rack that Stows Below the Seat.
MILWAUKEE (June 26, 2009) ? The new Detachable Solo Luggage Rack (P/N 53989-09, $199.95) for the Rocker C from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories is designed to mount in the same location as the Trick-Seat on that model. Machined from aluminum and plated with brilliant chrome, the rack features slots and beveled edges for a simple but stylish look. The Solo Rack can be stored in place of the passenger pillion in the pocket under the hinged rider’s seat, and can be installed in seconds without tools. Fits 2008-later Harley-Davidson Rocker C models. 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.
CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE WHEELS FROM COASTALMOTO.COM– Coastal Moto has just launched a brand new website that you have to be sure and check out. Their new site let?s you check out all of the products that they manufacture as well as thousands of products from other manufacturers.
The site is being updated daily so be sure to check back regularly. Coastal Moto?s products are available directly from the manufacturer as well as through your local dealer. Coastal Moto?s retail outlet also carries products from most of the major aftermarket brands and can get you a sweet deal on almost any product that you need.
Check them out at coastalmoto.com or give them a call today at 888-899-MOTO to get the best deal on any items you need for your ride. 888-899-MOTO www.coastalmoto.com
–Jason Spillers
Coastal Moto
p 386-676-1079
f 386-676-1579
myspace – www.myspace.com/coastalmoto
official website – www.coastalmoto.com
Custom Motorcycle Wheels – Coastalmoto.com
SPEAKING OF CODES– Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
–from Shattuck
NEWS FROM OUR INDIAN SCOUT– Here is an advance spy picture of the new Indian. This one just might be a hit. Doesn’t look like an expensive model
Mike (Kiwi) Tomas
Kiwi Indian MotoCycles
www.KiwiIndian.com
ph 951 788 0048
The Ultimate Rat Rod!!–From the REAPERS MC.
–NOMAD
www.preignitioncc.com/R0015
–from Rodan
NRA Members Must Oppose Sotomayor– Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Barack Obama’s first nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, has a narrow view of the Second Amendment that contradicts the Court’s landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. A heated debate has started in the U.S. Senate over her opposition to the right to keep and bear arms. This issue, which has decided the fate of presidential elections, could also decide her nomination. Gun owners, and especially the members of the National Rifle Association, must aggressively oppose Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.
On June 24, senators began speaking on the floor of the Senate expressing grave concerns over Judge Sotomayor’s Second Amendment record. Senator Jeff Sessions R-AL, the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pointed out that although her record on the issue is “fairly scant,” she has twice stated that the Second Amendment is not a fundamental right. Senator Sessions also noted that in Second Amendment and other constitutional cases, Sotomayor’s analysis of important constitutional issues has been lacking suggesting “a troubling tendency to avoid or casually dismiss difficult Constitutional issues of exceptional importance.” Sotomayor’s view on the Second Amendment clearly reflects an extreme anti-gun philosophy, and some Democrat senators from pro-gun states are justifiably nervous.
Last year, the Supreme Court held in Heller that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual Americans to keep and bear firearms. But that ruling was a fiercely-contested, 5-4 split decision. Justice Kennedy joined the four conservatives on the Court to make the majority, with the four liberal justices writing passionate dissents about how the Second Amendment does not apply to private citizens.
Bluntly speaking, the Second Amendment survived by a single vote. Had one justice voted differently, the Second Amendment would have been erased from the Bill of Rights forever. Today in the Supreme Court, the right to bear arms hangs by a single vote.
We already know where Judge Sotomayor stands. It’s time to tell the Senate, “Vote No! on Sonia Sotomayor.”
by Sandy Froman
RED LIGHT CAMERAS MAY CHECK FOR INSURANCE– Drive without insurance? Then you’d better stay out of Ohio, where the state is considering a program that uses red-light cameras and insurance company databases to check passing traffic for uninsured motorists. The system would use license plate numbers to verify driver insurance. According to the Columbus Dispatch, officials in Chicago, who are considering the same system, from InsureNet of Novi, Michigan, think that such a program could generate $200 million in additional revenue for the Windy City.
When the system identifies an uninsured motorist, the driver would be sent a letter instructing him to take care of the problem. If he doesn’t, a fine will soon follow. In Ohio, that fine is $125 for a first offense, $300 for a second and $550 for a third.
The system is already being provided to law enforcement, free of charge, so even those uninsured drivers who managed to dodge the cameras can be busted if they catch the attention of a local gendarme. The system can also provide them lien reports in real time.
I’m all for requiring drivers to carry insurance, but I’m not pleased by the prospect of insurance company databases being opened for InsureNet’s searches. I can see how this would be a good deal for the insurance companies, because it will drive business their way. For the general public, however, this feels like another step toward a Big Brother future.
–by Tom Barlow
–from Rogue
BEENCIA BACKS BILL TO INSPECT MOTORCYCLE PIPES IN CALIFORNIA–Carlos Chavez, a mechanic at Harley Davidson of Vallejo, shows the stock legal exhaust on a motorcycle in the shop. The Benicia City Council is considering a resolution to support a bill working its way through California’s legislature that could require smog inspection of motorcycle exhaust systems, and detect illegal (louder) modifications. (Mike Jory/Times-Herald) BENICIA — Most bikers cherish the freedom to replace factory-installed mufflers with louder pipes. Louder motorcycles, after all, draw more attention on the road, and that makes motorcycles less prone to collisions — or so the argument goes.
Others, however, disagree. Including Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson. Patterson is asking the City Council to go on record in support of proposed state legislation to require smog checks for motorcycles.
A major aspect of the controversial legislation is that it would require bikers to have their exhaust systems checked every two years for illegal, “after-market” parts. But the bill — which narrowly passed the state Senate on June 1 — must go through the Assembly, where it is expected to be heavily amended and changed.
The smog-check requirement may never see the light of day, said an aide for the bill’s author. Nevertheless, Patterson sees the fight as something worth backing — at the risk of raising the ire of a powerful motorcycle industry. “Noise is a public health issue and it gets really short shrift,” Patterson added. “The (bill’s) angle on air-pollution is going to solve two problems.”
–By Tony Burchyns/Times-Herald staff writer
DAVE ZIEN OUT TO SET ANOTHER IRON BUTT RECORD–Dave Zien the Million Mile Harley Rider left Rogue?s house in Palm Bay, Florida Friday at 11:15 AM headed for Key West Florida where he will start his trip to Alaska on July 4th from the southern most point in the United States.
You can follow his travels on http://www.hupy.com/
–Rogue
Publisher’s Note – WE JUST PRINTED THE 100th ISSUE OF QUICK THROTTLE– I know, that’s pretty cool. We’re in our 9th year of publishing month in and month out, one of the best sources of motorcycle news, event coverage, road test and new product information in the country. But what’s even cooler to us is that along with our other regional editions of QT, like the Northwest, Rockies, Midwest, California and Southwest editions, almost half a million riders will see our mag, website and e-newsletter, and use it to make their riding experience even better.
The July issue is hitting the streets right now! Check out some of what’s inside….
We’ll see ya out there,
— CD
Southeast Asia Bike Week– While attendance is certainly slowing down at most local events, there are growing crowds at Thailand’s largest bike week rally, Burapa.
It was only about five years ago when I attended my first one; I was able to visit every vendor and greet them with a magazine, business card and key fob courtesy of Anaheim Harley-Davidson. Well, this year there were over 6000 bikes registered and guesses at 20,000 to 40,000 spectators.
While next year it will grow even larger with the already-confirmed official participation of six countries. There are of course people from a multitude of foreign nations that attend as spectators or club members.
By Art Hall – Photo By Ningrat Photography,Malaysia
Progressive Suspension ? 412 Series? Ride More, Pay Less! — The Progressive Suspension 412 Series shocks are the ideal combination of High Performance and Value Price, which translates to an improvement in your motorcycle?s ride quality without a big dent in your wallet! The double-wall steel body construction combined with nitrogen charged, multi-stage velocity sensitive valving provides smooth, consistent damping.
A five position cam style preload adjuster allows the rider to tune the shock for their weight and cargo. Available in Standard or Heavy-Duty, and lengths from 11? to 14.2?, there is sure to be a 412 Series that?s right for you and your bike.
Check it out on the Progressive website, or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.
412 Series MSRP: from $299.95
Progressive Suspension
6900 Marlin Circle
La Palma, CA 90623
877.690.7411
info@progressivesuspension.com
www.progressivesuspension.com
RevTech ‘Midnight Series’ Billet Wheels– From RevTech comes a new line of black anodized and forged billet wheels, dubbed the ?Midnight Series.? The three styles range from simple to intricate, with all made of aluminum alloy that?s been polished and chromed.
Contact: Custom Chrome, 800-729-3332, www.customchrome.com
BIKERNET READER PORTS HEADS– Hi Keith this is a picture of the vintage 1954 Corvette at Laguna Seca a few years ago that I ported the head for and thermal coated the intake, exhaust and rebuilt the carbs for.
It is oldest Corvette invited to run at the Monterey Historics, you must be invited to participate, this is the cars thirtieth year of participation and unfortunately its last.
–Don
Wheels Through Time Special Opening July 11-12– This coming July 11-12, 2009, the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC will be opening its doors for a special weekend opening in celebration of the museum’s 7th Anniversary in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The museum, which closed its day to day operations in December 2008, will be in full operation that Saturday and Sunday from 9a.m.-5p.m., showcasing the world’s largest collection of American motorcycles and significant automobiles.
As part of the celebration, the museum will be giving the first ever demonstrations of several of our countries rarest two- and four-wheeled machines, including several new and unseen pieces housed within the museum walls, to provide visitors a deeper glimpse into their purpose, usefulness, and capabilities. Countless military and veteran machines will be running and on display, as well as dozens of machines from our countries motorcycle racing past. The museum staff has even specially prepared a genuine 1970 Harley-Davidson Evil Knievel Jump Bike for the weekend festivities.
“We’re expecting a fantastic turnout,” says museum curator Dale Walksler. “The museum collection has continued to grow larger than ever, with many new machines on display unseen to the public eye for nearly half a century.”
Although Maggie Valley’s transportation history mecca is not open daily, the museum has continued to strive to fulfill its mission to educate and inspire multi-generational audiences as to the history of American transportation. Currently, the museum houses over three hundred of America’s rarest and most significant two-wheeled marvels, and has continued to add to its collection over the past several months. This summer, the museum hosted special events for both CycleSource Magazine and The Horse Magazine, two of the motorcycle industries leading publications, as well as a ride-in, museum tour and barbeque for the American Legion Riders during their national convention. The museum’s video website, located at www.WheelsThroughTime.com has also continued to flourish, with new historical, technical, human interest, and event shows released regularly.
Other special events at the museum this summer include openings July 24-26 during the Motorcycle Mama’s Smoky Mountain Ride-In in Maggie Valley, as well as August 14-16, 2009 from 9a.m.-5p.m.
Wheels Through Time Museum, located at 62 Vintage Lane, across from the fire station in Maggie Valley, shares the unique history of American motorcycles and automobiles in a fascinating ambience for visitors of all ages to enjoy. For more information on the museum and special summer and fall openings for 2009, visit their website, located at www.WheelsThroughTime.com, or call (828) 926-6266.
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