The farmer

Non biker, but this video is too good not to share.

Great Italian Motorcycle Police Video

Check out Bikes in the Fast Lane.
Great video of some really cool motorcycle coreography.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/video-italian-motorcycle-police-display.htm

or see the original video at: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1497846/great_italian_motorbike_display/

Tech. Tip # 7 ..... Protect your paint.

3M makes a clear film, I'm sure you've all seen it on the leading edge of car hoods, etc. It's commonly referred to as Clear Guard, clear protection film, or Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film. It is specially designed to be almost invisible, and protects the paint from getting chipped by flying deris such as stones, etc.

Most companies who do mobile decal striping do this service. Contact them in the yellow pages, on-line, or get a hold of your local body shop. I'm sure they can hook you up.

I bring this about, because there are many needs for motorcycles to have the leading edges protected as well. Such as the fronts of gas tanks, frame down tubes, fairings, hard bags, etc.

Heck, there are even specialized do it yourself kits out there for a wide variety of motorcycles. see: http://www.empireclearshield.com/site/1325795/page/667887 . This site has a place where you can find your particular ride, and order a kit made especially for it.

Keep the paint shiny, and keep the shiny side up!

2008 Harley-Davidson FXCWC Softail Rocker C

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My friend, Jeff just went out and bought a Rocker C.

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This red Rocker is a pretty cool ride. We went out on Friday last week and put on a couple hundred miles together. He had no problems keeping up, or cornering with the fat wide tire like He and I had anticipated, except for a couple of turns. I think part of this is just a learning curve with the new bike though. I took him on a ride of many twisting roads, and sharp turns, and was certain every time I looked back that I would find him in my dust, but he was always right on my tail. It's a pretty fancy ride for a stock bike. It has a wide rear tire, cool handlebars, nice long rake, and goes pretty fast. After his breaking in period, when he can really get on it, I'm sure it will really go fast then. There's only two things I'm not a huge fan of; the space between the rear fender and seat bottom is a little bigger than I'm used to looking at, and the stock pipes are super quiet. But I know Jeff. He will change the pipes out eventually. Over all, I have to say this is a very nice motorcycle. I told him he could park it in my garage, and leave the keys, "just in case I needed to move it or something."

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Check out http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/Reviews/2008_Harley-Davidson_fxcwc_Softail_RockerC.htm for a pretty good review of the motorcycle, and quick video.

Noah's Ark 2008 joke

In lieu of Friday 7-11-08's post Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Inc.,
I give you a Noah's Ark Funny, or in this case kinda not so funny!

NOAH’S ARK 2008

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah,
who was now living in the United States , and said: 'Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans.'He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: 'You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.'
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.'Noah!' He roared, 'I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?''Forgive me, Lord,' begged Noah, 'but things have changed.
I needed a building permit.
I've been arguing with the inspector
about the need for a sprinkler system.
My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.
Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
Getting the wood was another problem.
There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive,
and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark
until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.
The trade unions say I can't use my sons.
They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.
To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets,
claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark. '
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine,
and a rainbow stretched across the sky.Noah looked up in wonder and asked,'You mean you're not going to destroy the world?'

'No,' said the Lord.'The government beat me to it.'

Noah's Ark Animal Wellfare Association, Inc.

Remember way back about, Oh, I'd say..... exactly Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 when I posted Do You Feel Like We Do? http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/04/do-you-feel-like-we-do.html
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Well the theme of this post was a photograph of a dog with his head sticking out the SUV's window, and the dog was loving life riding in the wind. I figured that particular dog, and most other's who stick out their heads while riding in cars, can surely relate to the way bikers think and feel. There's a burning desire to be in the wind.

Anyway; Via the power of the internet, an organization called Noah's Ark Animal Wellfare Association, Inc., found my picture that I took of this dog, and e-mailed me to ask if they could use my picture for an upcoming newsletter that they were putting together. Of course I said, "Sure". "Use it how you see fit, and thank you for asking!"
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Noah's Ark is a pet rescue organization. I feel strongly about encouraging people to get their pets from places like these. There are millions of animals that need good homes at adoption centers, and using these organizations to find a pet of your own is one way to help the fight against puppy mills. I'm not going to go into detail about how awful puppy mills are. You can find that out on the internet if you wish to.
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As far back as I can remember, every pet my family has ever had since I was a child has been from the humane society, or an animal rescue center of some sort. My wife and I have kept that tradition going. Pet adoption is the way to go. There are even organizations that have specific breeds, if that's what you're into.


Enough preaching.
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Check out my picture in their newletter. The link to the Summer 2008 Newsletter is the one including my photo. You will find it right on the front page! http://noahsarknj.org/ArkNews.asp


I'm proud to associate myself with folks like these. As a matter of fact, one of my best friends in the world, is a regular member, and volunteer at a dog rescue center, and I support him too.

For any local motorcycle riders - (Minnesota, Wisconsin); there is a charity motorcycle ride coming up to benefit the Home For Life Animal Sanctuary. http://www.homeforlife.org/ .
Details are as follows:
The 5th Annual Ride for Their Lives will be at noon on Saturday, August 23. After a delicious free breakfast for pre-registered riders or $5 dollars for non-registered persons no riding. The ride will depart from the Twin Cities Big Ten Tavern 4703 Highway 10 Arden Hills, MN 55112, and will be escorted through the St. Croix Valley and arrive at HFL around noon. (If you want to ride. You must pre-register!!!!) Cold drinks and a complimentary lunch will await all riders at the sanctuary. Drawing for trips and other fun stuff will follow lunch. All bikers participating in the ride will receive a t-shirt and pin. All bikes are welcome! Registration is $25 per rider. Pre-Register here. https://secure.visi.com/homeforlife/rideform.htm . If you aren't planning on riding, the Open House is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required (1-800-252-5918).
Read here for more specific event details: http://www.homeforlife.org/events.htm .

Torch's Recommended Vendors

Torch's Rcommended Vendors:
American Throttle

Barons Custom

Bates Discount Cycles #2

Batteries Plus

Bikers Bay

Black Diamond Motorcycle Hearse

CBXMan Motorcycles

Christian Motorcycle Parts

Clocks 4 Bikes

Cody Trading Post

Custom CLassic Saddlebags

Cycle Gear

Flying Tire Motorcycle

GPE Customs

Helen 2 Wheels

Hellriser Customs

IcaCycle

Jardine Perfomance Products

K & N Filters

Life Is A Road

Maxair Engineering

Metric Magic

Metric Thunder

Oakley

Phat Performance Parts

Riders Discount

Road Captain USA

SS Custom Cycle

TWFG Insurance Services

Twisted Throttle

Value Accessories

White Horse Press