I can't buy a motorcycle because....

New HD advertising....not bad. Never say can't.

(Click on photo below to read.)


.

Chi Town to Replace Some Squad Cars with Motorcycles

As I was cruising around the Net this morning, inputting key search words...You know, I'm always looking for some relevant material to blog about...When I came across this headline from The Chicago Flame.

“As squad cars deteriorate, state police turns to motorcycles”



Clicking on the story, I learn the Illinois State Police have designated $550,000.00 in Federal funds to be allocated to the lease of motorcycles. They are figuring they will be able to put about 35 motorcycles on the state highways by the summer of 2009. Illinois State Police officials have stated the motorcycles will be patrolling areas that are known to have high traffic accidents, as well as road rage (aggressive driving) incidents.

I guess that means most of the motorcycles will be in and around the Chicago-land area.


Cuz everywhere I have ever driven, with the exception of Chicago and it’s burbs can be looked at as fairly calm and secluded highways. Although, perhaps some of the drivers experience road rage from the miles upon miles of corn fields passing monotonously by their car windows.


Look at this guy...he brings his own heavy weapon of choice with him...Is that a Cruise missile?


It does get old…I went through a section of Illinois last summer, it was in the North West…heading South East…It’s corn country people, lots and lots of fricken corn. I decided to get off the Interstate and travel a 2 lane state maintained road, just to see some fricken towns and farmsteads in between the thousands of acres of fricken corn.

Even the farmers seem to be bored with their corn fields.

According to the news story, the great state of Illinois has been experiencing huge budget problems, leading to the State Police purchasing only 99 cars since 2001.



That can only be construed to mean, the majority of Illinois State Trooper cars are worn out by the constant use and abuse sustained by motor vehicles that see daily road time such as police units. The state feels a good use of the Federal Funds is to lease motorcycles, rather than buy them.



Now, the question is: which brand will they go for?

Chris Kallas V-Twin Artist

Hey y'all!

You guys like V-Twin art right? Most of you anyway? Well, a few years ago, when I first started following Bandit over at www.bikernet.com I was introduced to the art of Chris Kallas.



It's somewhat in the same vain as David Mann's work, but with noticeable differences...which is as it should be. The people appear more animated in Chris's work. I don’t infer that his art has a cartoonish quality to it, no not at all; there is just something about his characters that defies my descriptive abilities.

But, when you examine his drawings and finished work of the motorcycle, you will find his work to be a well drawn, factually detailed study of the motorcycle. Chris has the uncanny ability to capture the motorcycle and the human sprit that dwells within the confines of the motorcycle’s domain. In other words, Chris knows how to capture the biker spirit of joy and non conformity, as well as the motorcycles’ maverick and artistic inducements given to it by its owner/designer.








I believe Chris has studied the art form of the motorcycle, discovered its true beauty in structure, and is able to capture the character of the bike and those who will ride her with remarkable clarity.



Chris has started a new web site at http://motorcycleart.blogspot.com . You will find more of his really great efforts, as well as a thought or two from the man himself. He’s a real biker…a real artist, and I am very grateful for his consent allowing me to feature some of his art on my page. You can purchase Chris’s work at his web site as well!



I hope you will follow the link to his page! http://motorcycleart.blogspot.com/

More on Motorcycle Custom Builders Joining SEMA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUSTOM BUILDERS,
from the pages of www.BikerNet.com

MORE ON SEMA MOTORCYCLE COUNCIL EFFORT-- I got a return phone call from Will Woods head VP of Councils for SEMA. I told him about the interest of the motorcycle community in joining SEMA but that you wanted to have a MC council so that the motorcycle community would not feel left out in the cold. To advise on direction for bikes, etc. He said that he understood and that a MC council should not be a major hurdle. However he did say that talks would have to be conducted so that you all could express your thoughts and expectations of SEMA and they could do the same. Then both side could see if it was a positive move for all.

NONOBJECT Design Fiction : nUCLEUS

NONOBJECT Design Fiction : nUCLEUS

OK everyone, I just love the Internet. You know if not for this incredible media outlet, I would never find half the odd shit that crosses my path regarding motorcycles...or concept motorcycles.

(Click on the headline to see what I'm talking about here!)

Here we are boys and girls, the NONOBJECT! It appears boxy from the side, but...when you watch the video, you will have to agree, yes...it is a wind splitter. But damn, this thing is ugly. It's a concept bike kiddies, so let's not get into what engine it has...and all the really neat questions regarding frame construction, brakes used front and rear, transmission 4,5,6 speed? All those little nasty's are not important...what is at stake here is an advent guard design. Functionality be damned! Notice the turn radius of the front wheel and handle bars? Yikes!

OK guys and dolls...let's not get our undies or short hairs twisted...this is actually fiction, just some desk jocky's conception of what of...well God only knows what this guy had in mind when he designed this! Big thumbs down!!!!

I was born blond

Believe me, when it comes to dumb moments, I make sure to live up to the blond reputation.
It was warm today. After spending the morning taking care of my Mom's needs, come 1 PM I found myself out in the carport with my little lady (my bike). I rolled her out into the drive way, inserted the key...twisted the wick a few times..opps forgot to turn on the gas...OK now twist the wick...push that button and listen to her as she coughs and spits to life. She is a Florida bike, and really don't care for the cold. All in all though, I've had some pretty cold blooded bikes...she's better than some.

Got her cranked up, sat on her back and put on my helmet. Checked the choke..pushed it in a degree...and waited a moment longer. Couldn't wait anymore...kicked her into gear...and slowly let out the clutch...she spit at me...but with a little finesse, as always, she moved forward.

Once out on the road, I realized I was a bit chilly. I stopped at Jeff's work, he came out to greet me...I put on my jacket...he zipped me up...too many clothes I guess. Jeff asks me: "You have money?" "yup" says I, and he leans in to give me a kiss.

I have my helmet back on and I'm kickin down once more...off we go. I'm smiling from ear to ear. It feels really good. Jump onto 19E towards Bristol, which T's into 11E. Head east on 11E and ride up into Bristol. I decide to stop at the Speedway, and get some pics of my bike there at the huge stadium...or what ever you wanna call it. I got some good ones, but they are on the putor upstairs with Jeff, who is sleeping, so I will have to load them tomorrow.



Leaving the Speedway, I head into Bristol proper. I've been through here several times, and you know I realized I never got a picture of the famous sign which straddles Bristol TN and Bristol VA. so I made a slight detour to get that picture too.





Off I head, I'm jumping on I-81 North...gonna jump on 19 North. I'm on the interstate for less than a mile, get off at my exit, and I happen to see the HD dealership. I'm still cold, and I wanted to get something to cover my face. I stop at Black (something) HD (I think maybe it's Blackwater HD..???) Turn off the bike, swing my leg off the bike, take off my helmet and gloves. I then reach to readjust my purse...and that's when I realize...that I didn't have my purse with me...that wasn't my purse strapped over my shoulder, but my fricken camera...duh...I've had the camera off my shoulder several times, and never noticed I didn't have my purse. I didn't have my purse, my wallet, my driver's licence, or ANY FRICKEN MONEY! Freak-out...I look down at the speedo with my mileage...shit, I'm closing in on 47 miles on the speedo. That means, I don't have enough gas to get home. SHIT SHIT SHIT...
OK get back on, switch on the key...push the button, slap her down into first, let out the clutch and get the hell outta Dodge...heading back home.

All the way home...I traveled no faster than 45MPH. I wanted to squeeze as many miles outta her I could. I know when I'm traveling on the hiway, 74 to 78 miles completely drains her. So if I run real slow...maybe get close enough to not piss off who ever has to come to my rescue???? I hoped so.

OK, well I almost made it back to Jeff's work. I was less than 1/8 of a mile from him when the bike coughed and went empty. I turned the petcock up to reserve...and got another 25 feet. OK>>>>>>so now I realize the petcock is stuck...and I have no reserve. Damn it. OK, call Jeff, tell him where I am...and he tells me to wait it out. Yuppers, 45 mins later here he is with the fuel can. Good, I'm filled up and outta there...

I get home...and well...that's all folks!