Hey,

Every week changes. It's amazing. It's also amazing how hard folks work, and how many activities fill every week. Hell, just in our chromed cottage industry, the calendar is packed weekly. Just off the top of my head, Roland Sands is hosting a public open house at his new facility on Saturday.



Next week brothers all over the southland will ride toward Laughlin for the River Run. Hot Rods and bikes are currently headed to the Lone Star Roundup in Austin, Texas, and folks involved in support of freedom and motorcyclists' rights are planning to attend the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Beast of the East informative gathering in Atlanta, Georgia.

I better jump into the news before I receive another announcement. I'll discuss the Bikernet project list at the end.





LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK: Le Pera Inferno Inlay--
Let your imagination run wild with Le Pera’s killer custom seat inlays.  Take anyone of Le Pera’s legendary seats, from a touring to the barest of bone solo and create something completely original. Made the old school way (no computers, all by hand in the USA)!!

Le Pera offers a variety of inlay, exotics, colors, and stitch patterns for most of their seats.
Shown is the Inferno inlay with embossed Red Gator. This inlay pattern can be put on any of Le Pera’s seat styles.

145.00 (for inlay)

Contact your local dealer or www.lepera.com




RECEIVE DAILY BIKERNET UPDATES FROM BIKERNET--This is a first for us. Just click and enter you e-mail address. You can turn it off anytime you like. You will receive one e-mail a day from Bikernet, with a list of new content.

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/feedburner.aspx

--Bandit





NEW SHERIFF IN GALLUP--"Right now I'm in Gallup, heading toward Austin," said the Sheriff from Sweden.





Throughout the news today, we will feature shots of a Rod run from Los Angeles to the Lone Star Roundup in Texas. The Hamster Sheriff is one of the drivers.






You'll get a kick out of his shots of hot rods and vintage motorcycles.




--Wilburn Roach









BROTHER DOWN--  Your site is the only thing helping me keep my sanity. I had shoulder surgery last week and can't ride until Late July and we've had unseasonably warm weather and early spring here at the tip of lake Superior.

Love your site, keep up the good work.


--Rich Tyler Jr
South Range, WI



BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS--Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down
Finally, the man's side of the story.
(I must admit, it's good.)
We always hear 'the rules'
From the female side

Now here are the rules from the male side
These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered #1 ON PURPOSE!



1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1.. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us..

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both.

We best stop before we're in serious hot water. Read the rest in the Sunday Post, in the Cantina

--from Rogue




REQUEST FOR WOLFGANG BOOK ON HOW TO BUILD A BAGGER--Panhead: I think we have some of those left, sorry you missed the cutoff. I think we were offering them for $8.00 with free shipping to the lower 48.

Go ahead and contact us at info@wolfpub.com, Go ahead and send a credit card # and a mailing address (and phone # so we can contact you if we need to). We will get a book out to you within 24 hours of the receipt of your information.


--Timothy Remus


Wolfgang Publications
PO Box 223
Stillwater, MN 55082
NEW office/order number:
651-275-0194
Fax: 651-439-7052





BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON--cumshaw \KUHM-shaw\, noun:

A present; gratuity; tip.

Many had nothing to give, but the younger wives always brought a modest cumshaw—a gift—for whatever mysterious service Dr. Ransome provided.
-- J.G. Ballard, Empire of the Sun

No one in the filthy streets (but for the blessed sea breezes San Francisco would enjoy cholera every season) interfered with my movements, though many asked for cumshaw.
-- Rudyard Kipling, From Sea to Sea

You know, cumshaw is not really understood by Westerners. It is not a bribe in the Western sense. More accurately, it is like a tip that is given in advance.
-- David Desauld, Twilight in Tientsin

Cumshaw stems from the Chinese word gân xiè meaning "grateful thanks."



THE MUDFLAP GIRL RESPONSE--You know, seeing you on the bike and riding it made me understand it completely. It truly is made for you and looks perfect for yah!

I need to get my ass out and ride somewhere other than work!

--Buster Cates
Saddlemen


MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES CREATION OF A NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVEL; THE MRF INDUSTRY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP--  The leaders of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) believe that by engaging the leaders of the Motorcycle Aftermarket Industry we can work together to preserve the rights of the motorcycle riders and custom motorcycle builders in America, and thereby maintain the customer base for the aftermarket industry.

We can do this through our extensive network of grass roots lobbyists, representing the State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations across the country. We are the only national organization representing strictly street motorcyclists that can yearly put several hundred bikers in the halls of congress to lobby their legislators on motorcycle related issues.

Representatives of the MRF met with EPA officials during the writing of the latest set of motorcycle emissions regulations and were successful in having street motorcycles removed from the first round that included off road motorcycles and diesel power equipment. That allowed us more time to prepare for the final rules on street motorcycles where we were successful securing exemptions for custom motorcycle construction, the only group of vehicles that the EPA has allowed such exemptions for.

Two members of the MRF Board of Directors, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, MRF President, and Dave Dwyer, chairman of the Aftermarket Committee attended the V-Twin industry show in Cincinnati for several years following the emissions rule was finalized to brief industry insiders on the implications of the new regulations. Dwyer also authored the MRF’s “EPA for the Layman” that was published in American Iron Magazine, along with a survey of the aftermarket shops also published in American Iron Magazine. Dwyer and Willard along with Jeff Hennie, MRF VP of Government Relations also met with the EPA motorcycle rule authors at EPA headquarters in Michigan about problems with the rules and the need for an engine certification program to allow builders to produce street legal motorcycles without having to undergo the expense and time needed to certify each model they built.

Current MRF Aftermarket Committee members are; Dave Dwyer, (Chair), Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, (MRF President), Keith Ball, Jeff Hennie, (MRF VP Government Relations) and John Pierce (MRF Membership Director).





BILLY LANE PRISON BUILD--  No text this time, only photos. Notice how the engine drops down after loosening the bottom cradle? I think five bolts hold it up to the frame.



One issue of the HORSE just hit the stands this week. The next to feature Billy's build will be out the first week of May. In May we will wrap up the build and in June I will have the bike on the cover.



--Ralph
The Boss


BIKERNET/CYCLE SOURCE SWEEPS BUILD STORIES--I'm working with Cycle Source Mag on a series of articles about building a one-off chopper for a Subscription Sweepstakes--Yes, you could win this bike. I'm currently writing the third episode, and had the honor to meet the crew from 3Guyz. They are building the springer. The article will pop onto Bikernet next week. Here's the last one: http://www.bikernet.com/pages/BikernetCycle_Source_Sweeps_build_part_2_Sponsored_by_Xpress.aspx

While scouring the 3Guyz web site for info, I discovered a handful of tech. So here's a teaser:


How to Measure Transmission Sprocket Offset

You can measure the precise transmission sprocket offset you need, assuming you have a few things available:

1. Your rear wheel is in place, centered, and straight.

2. The engine and transmission are aligned to each other, and are aligned to the frame

(If these things are not done, please refer to the “Custom Drive Train Alignment Procedure” in our V-Twin Tech/FAQ’s Section)

3. You have a straightedge available that will reach from the rear axle to the transmission output shaft

4. You have a measuring device capable of measuring gaps to .001” (we recommend a dial or electronic caliper here)

Using the rear wheel as a guide, take a look from the rear of the motorcycle forward across the rear wheel hub to the transmission sprocket. Does the rear hub mounting flange extend out far enough for the chain width to clear the tire? If not, use spacer washers to move the drive sprocket away from the hub far enough to allow the chain to clear the tire by a safe margin (.150” Minimum).

Use a straight edge held to the outside face of the drive sprocket to project forward past the transmission output shaft.

Measure from the inside surface of the straight edge to the exposed surface of the output bearing spacer (The metal collar surrounding the transmission drive spline).

Make note of the dimension, and subtract 0.350” to account for the width of the teeth on the sprocket, and you have the required offset to fit your final drive, as well as any shimming dimension required for the rear sprocket to hub fitment.

Sometimes you’ll have to extend the rear sprocket further, and select a greater offset at the transmission to get things sorted out at the rear wheel. Sometimes the frame or swing arm can get in the way.

In the end, you must position the rear sprocket and transmission sprocket within .050” for proper chain operation, the closer to absolute, the better.



--The GUYZ
www.3guyz.com







KENTUCKY RESPONDS TO INCREASED CRASH RATE-- KSP reports that 2012 has already shown a spike in motorcycle-related crashes with a 69 percent increase from 2011 for the same time period. For this reason, KSP has decided to utilize their best asset for reaching the public – social media. With over 40,000 followers on Facebook, 2,900 followers on Twitter and an active YouTube, Flickr and Blogger account, the agency plans to blast out motorcycle safety messaging via these platforms.

KSP Spokesman Lt. David Jude called on his staff to get ‘proactive’ about motorcycle safety when he reviewed the weekly FARS report (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) showing the spike in motorcycle crashes.

“With the unseasonably warm weather we are having, more bikes are out on the road earlier than what motorists are used to seeing,” says Jude. “With a nearly 70 percent increase in motorcycle related crashes already this year, we need to get in front of this trend and stop the unnecessary injuries and deaths on our roadways.”


“Our principle concern is to increase driver recognition of motorcyclists in traffic, while at the same time encouraging cyclists to engage in the overall safe operation of their bikes,” adds Jude.

“Being fiscally conservative, our agency does not have the financial resources to purchase media packages. We believe that by tapping into social media, we can still have a voice in proactive messaging, but at minimal expense.”

Through April 4, 2012, there have been 249 motorcycle related crashes resulting in 167 injuries and 9 deaths. When compared to crashes in 2011 for the same time period that calculates into a 69 percent increase in crashes; 75 percent increase in injuries; and 44 percent increase in deaths.

Jude said the increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities has stepped up the emphasis on the agency’s annual ‘Motorcycle Safety Day’ awareness program.

This will be the 5th year that the agency will host the event that includes safety exhibits, motorcycle vendors, a news conference and a police escorted ride through scenic Kentucky. This program is scheduled for Friday, June 22, 2012 at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort.

In addition to Safety Day, KSP will offer a free three-hour motorcycle safety seminar on May 17, 2012, taught by a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach.


Jude said that a motorcyclist is much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that motorcyclists are 34 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than passenger car occupants.

Jude offers tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways.
*Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.
*Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.
*Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
*Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
*Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
*Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
*Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
*Never drive while distracted.

The Kentucky Governor’s Commission on Motorcycle Education and Safety has a website with resources for riders including locations and dates for rider education classes. http://kentuckymotorcycleeducationandsafety.ky.gov/

For more information about the KSP ‘Motorcycle Safety Day’ program or the free motorcycle safety clinic please contact the Kentucky State Police at (502) 782-1780 or www.kentuckystatepolice.org.

SurfKY News
Information provided by Stu Recke






GARAGE BUILT CHOPPER RIDE-IN BIKER SHOW AT SMOKE OUT 13--
Ride-in bike show to showcase choppers, bobbers, Swedish Chops and Rock-a-Billy Chops at the June 23, 2012 Smoke Out 13.


On Saturday, June 23, 2012 the Smoke Out is host to the greatest ride in owner-garage-built-ride-in-bike-show in the world. This bike show has only one class: CHOPPER.

Choppers of all varieties are represented, bobbers, Swedish Chops, Rock-a-Billy Chops, etc. as well as various engine configurations such as Sportsters, metric engines, Shovelheads, Evos… everything.

The HORSE, BC staff picks TEN winners. There is no First, Second, Third etc. just TEN winners. All winners are featured in the pages of The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Magazine. These ten bikes usually represent a variety of styles and engine configurations, so every well-built chopper has a chance. One winner of 10 will receive a 3-Guyz Springer front end for their effort.

This is a ride-in show. The quickest way to discredit your chopper is to tow it in. Registration for the show will be during the Smoke Out at the Smoke House. The location and times for registration will be shown on the event schedules that are handed out at the event.

There is a small entrance fee for registration. Some contact information and pictures of your bike will be taken as part of the registration process. Your bike will need to stay in place Saturday afternoon so you might want to plan on having lunch on the grounds if your bike is your only source of transportation.

Good luck to all the Chopper Jockeys. The Smoke Out information is located at http://www.smokeoutrally.com



SHARPFINGER FILMS ANNOUNCES SONNY BARGER FILM PROJECT-- Sharpfinger Films announces that American legend Sonny Barger is producing an independent feature film adapted from his successful novel, Dead in 5 Heartbeats.

In the film, the Infidelz MC´s former President, Patch Kinkade, is dragged back into his prior life when the peace accord between the clubs is broken. The fictional motorcycle clubs will be portrayed by several authentic MC´s, including members from Arizona and California.

The movie will be shot on location in the Phoenix metropolitan area, using an innovative 3D shooting method to provide for all kinds of viewing entertainment.

The film will be directed by accomplished filmmaker, Jeff Santo (This Old Cub, Jake´s Corner, Off the Boulevard), and produced by Sonny Barger, Fritz Clapp and Santo. The film is slated for a fall release; casting and pre-production are underway.

Direct press inquiries to: info@sharpfinger.com


EUROPEAN SMART Road Restraint Systems Project Final Event --

April 23-25th - European Parliament - Rue Wiertz 60, 1040 Brussels


The SMART RRS Project Final Event will take place from Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th of April, 2012 at the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by MEPs Corien Wortmann-Kool (The Netherlands) and Ines Ayala-Sender (Spain).

Co-funded by the European Commission, the SMART RRS project has developed an innovative road restraint system taking the safety of vulnerable road users into account. The new intelligent barrier brings several substantial improvements to today's EU standardized roadside barriers by proposing solutions addressing motorcyclists' safety issues such as shock absorption, traffic information, and emergency response, three of Europe's key road safety priorities 2011-2020.

At the occasion of the SMART RRS Final Event, MEPs Wortmann-Kool and Ayala-Sender will address the problem of roadside barriers and motorcycle safety.



You are therefore kindly invited to:

- Visit the Information Stand "Safe roadside barriers for motorcyclists, an urgent need in Europe

- How to effectively protect vulnerable road users improving the EU standard for roadside barriers"; which will showcase the SMART RRS prototype, a motorcycle friendly road restraint system using integrated sensors able to transmit data on road conditions and accidents;

- The Opening Reception of the Information Stand, will take place on April 24th at 6:00pm - ground floor ASP Area Galerie Cafeteria;

- A Lunch Debate at the Parliament's Members Salon, on April 25th at 12:30pm, which will address the problems of motorcyclists are facing with regard to European standard roadside barriers and discuss possible solutions;

The exhibition will be open from April 23rd through April 25th.



SIC CHOPS ON BIKERNET--Just heard from the Sic Chops guys re the posted Nitemare/Nasty story.  They thought it was great.

By the way, they just told me about the new bike they're finishing. They've upped the
bar big time, even over their preceding bikes. Now a film crew is following them around.

I believe I will have a story for you regarding it.

--GPG



CUTTING EDGE PRINTS FOR SALE-- I put prints up for sale. I'd never done it before and Uncle Monkey PM'd me and said to give you a shout and let ya know. I was super appreciative and of his helping me out and so here I am.



Here's what I posted:

So I had an art show a few weeks back. I sold out of what I had, but I've got more from my show up for presale here: http://GSB.BIGCARTEL.COM

My URL on Chopcult is: http://www.chopcult.com/dozen

Thanks man, hope you dig the stuff!


--Garrett S. Bryant
Huntington, WV 25701