Hey,
It’s Sunday, I completed my trophy for the Broken Spoke Bike Show in Sturgis, and the 5-Ball Factory Racer parts are being pinstriped. Hell, I can go to the LA Calendar Show in Long Beach as soon as I’m finished with the news.
There’s a bunch I want to tell you about, but you know how it goes: Loose lips sink ships. I will mention that we are working on a couple of helpful services for our readers. I’m also working with Hiwayman to help promote new and old school shops during these trying times. If you know of a shop opening in your neighborhood, let me know and we’ll feature it. Let’s hit the news:
LATEST DUANE BALLARD TOOL BAG–Duane hand makes tool bags and will etch them to suit your artistic desires. Duane is currently working on the 5-Ball Factory Racer seat and he build the new seats for the Assalt Weapan.
Lisa Ballard, Duane’s wife, promised a tech article on both seats, but she’s working hard promoting guys around the industry and working for the Cycle Source Magazine.
Lisa Ballard
Cycle Source Magazine
Blog Editor
West Coast Contact
603-377-0517
www.cyclesource.com
www.cyclesource.com/newsblog
Duane Ballard Custom Leather
603-781-7505
www.dbcustomleather.com
RIGHT TO SELF DEFENSE IN THE SENATE– The U.S. Senate is now considering the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390). As a part of the consideration of that legislation, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and David Vitter (R-LA) will offer an amendment on Monday to provide for interstate recognition of Right-to-Carry permits. There is a very high likelihood of a Senate floor vote on this important and timely pro-gun reform on Monday or Tuesday.
While the right to possess firearms for self-defense within the home has long been respected under the law, for most of our nation’s history, state and local governments have prohibited ordinary citizens from possessing firearms for self-defense in many settings outside the home. Recently, however, most state legislatures have taken steps to reduce those restrictions. In the last twenty years, the number of states that respect the right to carry has risen from 10 to 40 — an all-time high.
BIKERNET VOCABULARY ADJUSTMENTS– What Do You Call Santa’s Helpers?
Subordinate Clauses..
What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand?
Quatro Cinco.
What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow?
Spoiled Milk.
New from JOKER MACHINE– Available in 3 styles! These mirror assemblies are inspired by aircraft structural design combined with the unique “road racer” or “cafe racer” styling.
Our mirror heads and mounting parts are completely CNC machined from billet aluminum, super light-weight, strong, and fully adjustable in a multitude of directions and settings. (ALL PARTS ARE ANODIZED FOR DURABILITY)
Mirror heads swivel (fold) a full180 degrees frontward & backwards,… a full 360 degrees rotational on the bracket arm,… and feature a ball bearing de-tent when they are in the extended position. Plus the bracket arm may be rotated up or down to your desired position on the bar mounting shaft.
All rotational tension of the parts may be set to your preference with an allen wrench, and all hardware is top quality heat treated alloy with plated with our “GOLDCAD” finish for strength and durability.
All moving parts feature super smooth pivoting action due to the use of nylon spacers between the mating parts.
These mirrors provide EXCEPTIONAL rear visibility due to the use of OUR EXCLUSIVE custom-made CONVEX mirror glass.
ACTUAL MIRROR GLASS SIZES ARE: (ROUND)= 3 1/4″(82.48MM) DIA. or 2 1/4″(57.1MM) DIA., (RECTANGLE)= 1 1/2″(38MM) X 3 1/2″(88.83MM).
Mounting is achieved with the use of our selection of expanding internal bar mounts: 1″ steel bars/…7/8″ steel bars/…and 7/8″ Renthal style aluminum “fat bars” (sold separately…..specify your application when ordering.)
BAR EXPANDER INSIDE DIA. EXPANDING RANGE SPECS: 1″ UNIT: .750″ TO .850″ – (19MM TO 21.6MM)
7/8″ UNIT: .650″ TO .750″ – (16.5MM TO 19MM)
FAT BAR UNIT: .550″ TO .650″ – (14MM TO 16.5MM)
NOTE: Each assy. IS UNIVERSAL and works on either left or right side of handlebars.
MORE BIKERNET EXCELLENT GUN WISDOM– The purpose of fighting is to Win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The Final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.
1. Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to Fight, he’ll just kill you.
2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
3. I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.
–from Donna ONeal
LONER DOWN– Tom ‘Daddio’ Penrose a KMA member and President of the local chapter of the Loners M/C died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday in the Bowling Green area. I do not have the details of the accident at this time but wanted to pass along the info for all who knew him as he had been a member of both organizations and the COC for some time. Please keep Daddio’s family and friends in your prayers as they go through this tough time in their lives.
As new information comes in I will be glad to forward it on as well. Also if anyone has a nice picture of Daddio and would like to say a few words for the memorial page please email them to president@kmakba.com and I will get them posted as soon as I can.
==KMA
OP-ED REBUTTAL TO 7/14/09 ?Muffle Those Pipes? editorial– The author of July 14, 2009?s editorial entitles ?Muffle Those Pipes? made some valid points with respect to noise pollution and quality of life issues impaired by motorcycles with loud exhaust systems.
I commend him for his misguided efforts. However, the editorial is comprised of false claims and an obvious lack of research.
It misrepresents the American Motorcycle Association?s position on the issue, who have been advising riders the Justice Riders’ lawsuit against the Ordinance. I am a Life Member of the A.M.A. as are most of the co-defendants. The author pretends expertise, via his armchair psychotherapy, thus making comments as to his own unconfirmed reasons why motorcyclists modify their exhaust systems.
The author further misinforms readers that after-market manufacturers of motorcycle parts are villains and the perpetrators of his loud exhaust noise conspiracy. In fact, some after-market exhaust systems are quieter than original equipment systems, and offer better performance.
Many Americans go to Midas, when they need to replace their automobile?s exhaust system because Midas prices are more economical than having the same work performed at an automobile dealership. The same holds true with most after-market motorcycle exhaust systems. In this economy Americans expect to be able to shop around for the best prices.
The author proves he has absolutely no idea about the reasoning behind the Justice Riders? lawsuit against Boston?s new ordinance, which subjects motorcyclists to $300 fines if their exhaust system do not display a ?readily visible? EPA-stamp, nor did he take the time to even read the Ordinance!
The lawsuit has nothing to do with motorcyclists wanting to possess noisy exhaust systems.
Boston?s City Council did not perform adequate research into this EPA regulation. They did not seek any consult with motorcycling professionals before pushing this hastily-approved Ordinance through and only three of Boston?s City Councilors were present for a rushed, little known public hearing on the issue.
The EPA Approval procedure for all vehicle exhaust systems was designed as a consumer protection measure at the Federal level in an effort to protect the purchaser. It was never designed to be a law enforcement tool and is ineffective policy for same.
Because of components and styling in the production of many brands of motorcycling, the ?EPA Approval? Stamp cannot be ?readily visible? on 98% of all motorcycles, including most if not all Boston Police motorcycles. Also the EPA Stamp exempts motorcycles and motorcycle exhaust systems produced before 1982, and after 3730 miles and/or a year.
Many motorcyclists alter their original equipment exhaust systems on their motorcycles to make them louder by removing the baffles inside of their EPA stamped mufflers. Therefore, while their motorcycles are improperly loud according to Massachusetts? statutes, they would ?pass? this EPA stamp requirement under this Ordinance.
In 1995 I received an appointment by Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles to re-design Massachusetts? Motorcycle Inspections Procedures. Various motorcycles? exhaust systems were a well-discussed topic during that process. Massachusetts? Motorcycle Inspections Procedures mandate that motorcycle exhaust systems contain heat shields and most of those heat shields cover the ?EPA Approval? Stamps on a large percentage of motorcycles, requiring the dismantling to find the EPA stamp.
I further find this Ordinance immoral by the very nature of it?s exorbitant $300 fine. Boston lead the cry of ?Taxation Without Representation? in 1774 over the Stamp Act that motivated protestors to dump tea in the Boston Harbor. Citizens have a ?right to travel? from one community to another, and one state to another, with an expectation compliance with State Laws on their vehicles equals compliance with local laws.
As a proud Massachusetts resident, I totally resent this new ?EPA Stamp Act? in the Capitol City of my home state. I again cry this is ?Taxation Without Representation,? for non-residents who work in Boston, visit the City and spend their money, while the City of Boston tries to enhance new revenue off the backs of motorcyclists.
Thus far this Ordinance has only been successful in the significant reduction of revenue for Boston Vendors because thousands of motorcyclists are offended by the prospect of receiving a $300 ticket.
The bottom line is that this is just another Boston Government?s folly, akin to other follies like the brown-out closing of Fire Stations rather than cutting the pork in municipal government.
Most motorcyclists, including myself, agree that offensively loud noise is a problem and it should be dealt with by enforcing Massachusetts existing noise laws. However, the real issue here is that almost every State compliant motorcycle is subject to a $300 citation in the City of Boston because the EPA Stamp is not ?readily visible.? Boston?s new Ordinance assails law-abiding motorcyclists who have almost no recourse to right the repugnant Ordinance — except through the Court with the success of the Justice Riders? lawsuit.
William E. G.
Co-Plaintiff
Quincy, Massachusetts
Quality of life issues: These statements bug the crap outta me. When motorist quit running motorcycles down then they can complain about the noise. Secondly, the Quality of Life prospective is bullshit. I want all the dirty 18-wheelers taken off the road, gravel spewing trucks and obese broads ’cause they disturb my sensitive nature–what bullshit. And lastly, I want straight folks to see loud motorcycles as a celebration of freedom in America. I want that exhaust crack to cause citizens to wave as if a veteran set off a fire-cracker. Keep up the fight.–Bandit
NEW PASSENGER PEG RISERS ENHANCE COMFORT — You?re sure to get more than just a smile once your passenger rests her feet on these Softbrake LEG RISERS from North County Customs. The updated, bolt on risers provide a secondary foot position which allows passengers freedom of movement, ride position and exceptional comfort without shifting their butt and your balance.
The secondary peg location is approximately 8 1/2? higher than and 4 ?? forward from the centerline of the stock passenger foot board. As eye appealing and rugged as they are functional, LEG RISERS are machined from a solid block of ?? billet aluminum and finished in flawless show quality chrome.
LEG RISERS bolt directly to the factory foot board mounting location and can be used with a wide variety of stock or custom foot pegs. The top rear of each riser is countersunk for flush mounting of pegs with supplied countersunk Allen head screws. LEG RISERS include mounting hardware but due to the variety of styles available, pegs are not included. LEG RISERS retail for $149.00 and can be ordered direct from North County Customs at 714-680-0911, email info@softbrake.com or visit www.softbrake
CALIFA IN TROUBLE AGAIN, AB962 Scheduled to be Heard on Monday, July 20 in Sacramento– Please Contact the Senate Appropriations Committee Today!
Assembly Bill 962 has been scheduled to be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, July 20.
AB962, sponsored by Assembly Member Kevin De Leon (D-45), would make it a crime to privately transfer more than 50 rounds of ammunition per month, even between family and friends, unless you are registered as a ?handgun ammunition vendor? in the Department of Justice?s database. Ammunition retailers would have to be licensed and store ammunition in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to purchasers. The bill would also require purchasers submit to fingerprinting, which would be kept in dealers’ records and subject to inspection by the Department of Justice. Lastly, mail order ammunition sales would be prohibited.
Please contact the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose AB962. Contact information can be found below.
Performance Machine Announces TEAM PM Sportbike Marketing Program– La Palma, CA- Performance Machine, the leading manufacturer of forged wheels, disc brakes, and accessories for motorcycles recently announced the introduction of Team PM, a unique sportbike marketing program for the 2009-2010 season. Performance Machine chose three of the nation?s top custom sportbike builders/retailers to showcase PM?s products on their custom builds as well as helping in the development of innovative, new products.
TEAM PM consists of three of the top custom sportbike builders/retailers in the nation including Robert Fisher of Roaring Toyz, Jonathan Reed of Sport Chrome and Mike McCoy of McCoy Motorsports. Mark Finnie, President of Performance Machine added, ?We carefully picked our new marketing ?partners? based on the accomplishments and reputation of their organization and the character of the people involved. They have earned the support of our company and its people and we look forward to creating a successful marketing ?partnership?.
Summer Sands, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Performance Machine explained, “We have developed a dynamic advertising, marketing and PR plan to back this program. Each TEAM PM ?Partner? is building a custom sportbike with Performance Machine and RSD products and will be featured in our marketing materials including ads, PR Releases, website, and social media to promote our new ?partnership”. We will use our TEAM PM ?Partners? to showcase our company, our products and our emerging technologies. It is a pleasure to be working with the best in the industry? In addition, each partner has chosen to incorporate Team PM into their individual marketing programs. Each partner will receive a wheel design of their choice that will be sold exclusively through their company.
Robert Fisher, President of Roaring Toyz stated, ?We are very excited that Performance Machine chose our company to be part of their new sportbike program and have developed our marketing program to work hand-in-hand with theirs.? Robert?s custom sportbikes have been featured in dozens of national and international magazines and a season on the television show ?Metric Revolution? garnered him national attention among the masses. His customers hail from all over the world and include such notables as recording artist Ludacris, boxing champion Jeff Lacy and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Michael Pittman.
Robert has quite a diverse motorcycle background, began roadracing in 1995 and has earned literally hundreds of wins. He has raced the legendary Daytona 200 and now competes with Team RightsForBikers.com in AMA Pro Racing?s SunTrust Moto-GT series. ?His racing experience is invaluable in the future development of our racing series of wheels?, stated Finnie. Robert?s latest custom creation was unveiled on July 4th at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca: a custom Suzuki GSX-R1000 built to promote 6-Time AMA Superbike World Champion Mat Mladin?s new Australian based business?Bike Gear Warehouse.
Roaring Toyz-Mat Mladin Custom GSX-R1000
Jonathan Reed, President of Sport Chrome also had a bike unveiled at Laguna Seca in the American Suzuki display area on July 4th. Sport Chrome, in collaboration with Gregg?s Customs, were commissioned by Suzuki to build a new customized 10-year anniversary iteration of the fastest production Suzuki available?the Hayabusa. Jonathan Reed stated, ?We are proud to have been chosen by Performance Machine to become one of their TEAM PM ?Partners.? The 10th Anniversary ?Busa project went together smoothly and thanks to their great products, added dramatically to the overall finished look.? Sport Chrome?s custom builds have been featured in all of the leading magazines and have appeared on the covers of Cycle World, 2Wheel Tuner and Super Streetbike. This is Jonathan?s fourth custom bike that Suzuki has commissioned him to build and will be featured in PM?s ad campaign. Sport Chrome not only builds some of the nicest custom sportbikes in the world, they also dedicated to making unique quality metal finishes for customers searching for perfection.
Sport Chrome- 10th Anniversary ?Busa Built for Suzuki
Mike McCoy, Vice President of McCoy Motorsports announced that his latest custom creation will be unveiled early in August?a Yamaha R1. ?We?ve designed this bike to incorporate Performance Machine and RSD products into the overall feel of the bike?, stated McCoy. The McCoy Motorsports Team, a family owned and run business has won numerous awards for their custom builds including the prestigious Rats Hole Custom Bike Show in Daytona Beach, FL as well as taking first place out of over a thousand custom builders that were involved with the ESPN2 show called The Metric Revolution. Yamaha has had them build four different custom sportbikes for promotional purposes and they?ve built custom bikes for many celebrities, including an NBA legend, Michael Jordan. McCoy Motorsports custom sportbikes have graced the pages of all of the major sportbike magazines worldwide and have been given the title ?Bike of the Year? by both Cycle World and Super Streetbike Magazines.
?With regards to form and functionality, we know that as custom builders, our bikes have to look good, but are equally at home on the show rack or at the track. That?s why we are so excited to be part of TEAM PM?they have by far the best products in the market?, added McCoy. ?We are looking forward to working with them on the development of new ?trend setting? products for the sportbike market.?
?This joint marketing venture is not only an integral part of our marketing program, but also a valuable engineering tool that will help us develop new technologies for future use in our aftermarket product line. In many cases, we will give our ?partners? access to experimental R&D type products that are still in the development stages?. Finnie concluded.
Kelli Murrow, Marketing and Sales Manager of Performance Machine concluded, ?We are also developing many other new and exciting programs aimed at the various niches found within the sportbike market including, clubs/associations promotions, WERA Sponsorship, professional and amateur stunt teams, track day promotions, Superbike/Roadracing Schools and the support of amateur Superbike teams.? Performance Machine is very serious about their involvement with the sportbike market and will be announcing many other new and exciting programs in the near future.
For more information, contact: Performance Machine, Inc., 6892 Marlin Circle, La Palma, CA 90623, 714-523-3000 www.performancemachine.com
2009 STURGIS MASTERPIECE BY DAVID UHL– We are pleased to announce the official release of David Uhl’s 2009 Sturgis image, titled “Whiskey Business”. T Delivering whiskey to the untamed gambling towns of the west during Prohibition was certainly not a job for everyone. Most of us can only imagine the courage and firepower necessary to ensure delivery of this precious cargo.
Try not to laugh too hard at my choice of models, none of the guys I chose showed up for the job. ORIGINAL 30X40 Oil on canvas
POLICE CRACK DOWN ON MOTORCYCLE NOISE– Police Chief Gary Chamberland has had many complaints come in from residents recently regarding noise caused by motorcycles in the Route 62/140 intersection and surrounding area. Chamberland said police will not tolerate the loud noise generated by illegal exhausts.
“Once spring and summer start and people come out of hibernation we inevitably get complaints of loud motorcycles. The noise emitted by some motorcycles is not reasonable and is quite irritating to the general public,” said Chamberland.
The chief set up a police enforcement checkpoint at the crossroads on June 24, but because of bad weather no motorcycles passed by. Chamberland plans on setting up more checkpoints in the future.
“The checkpoint was set up in response to many citizen complaints, especially along the 140 corridor in both Sterling and Princeton. We will do the checkpoints when the noise is at its highest level, weekends, and nice summer evenings,” he said.
Chamberland said it is not unusual for complaints to rise as soon as the temperature does, as motorcycle traffic, and traffic in general, increases during the summer months.
“We are going to target loud exhaust and cite all violators. Any motorcycles with altered exhaust will receive a citation. We want motorcyclist to enjoy themselves but not at the expense of peace and quiet to our residents,” said Chamberland.
Agents from the Registry of Motor Vehicles will be on site to conduct the actual inspections and advise officers of any violations, said Chamberland. The officers will then issue a ticket if a violation has occurred.
“On a nice weekend I would estimate hundreds of bikes travel 140. It is a beautiful road and many bikers use it to get to [Route] 2 or just ride in this area of the state. You will see everything from the single motorcyclist on a motor scooter to large groups of motorcycle clubs traveling this road,” said Chamberland.
The officiers will also be checking inspection stickers, registration and license, display of plates, Department of Transportation-approved helmets, and other safety equipment.
“I have also been in touch with registry officials and Rep. Lew Evangelidis with some suggestions on how to tackle this problem from a state level. We realize that Sterling cannot stop this problem alone; it has to be attacked from all levels. Law enforcement is just one approach. We need oversight of the inspection process and cooperation from motorcycle dealers,” said Chamberland.
“Maybe we can help the neighbors enjoy their summer more.”
BY DANIELLE RAY
–from Rogue
REPORT FROM SIN WU CLEANERS– A Blonde drops off a shirt at the cleaners. The Asian lady behind the counter thanks her, and says “Come Again”.
The Blonde says “No, it’s toothpaste this time, you nosey bitch”
–from Buckshot
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