OFF THE WIRE
http://www.rep-am.com/articles/lifestyle/travel/503832.txt Imagining Milwaukee without Harley-Davidson
BY BUD WILKINSON | REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN Milwaukee without a Harley-Davidson plant for tourists to visit on their motorcycles would be like Boston without Fenway Park, San Francisco minus the Golden Gate Bridge or even Naugatuck without the Peter Paul candy factory. OK, bad example with Peter Paul — or maybe not.
When I was youngster, my parents bought me one share of Peter Paul stock to teach me about saving and investing. When the company announced a two-for-one stock split, I was thrilled. Even more enjoyable was an annual gift box assortment of Peter Paul confections that the company sent stockholders. I even once toured the factory with my parents, who were impressed by the efficiency and the cleanliness of the operation.
Although I grew up more than 20 miles up the Naugatuck River from Peter Paul, and had no connection to the company aside from my growing stock portfolio and a love of its candy bars, I had an emotional investment in the company and always felt pride in the folks at Peter Paul. When the factory closed, so did my loyalty to Mounds and Almond Joys. Sorry, Hershey.
Because of this, I can't help wonder what the reaction of Harley owners will be if The Motor Company suddenly stops producing bikes in Milwaukee, the city where the iconic brand began in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed in 1903? Harley seems serious about abandoning Wisconsin, except for keeping corporate headquarters and its museum in Milwaukee.
Employees got the word back in April that a move would occur if millions of dollars of savings can't be found. No doubt the threat is a negotiating tactic as the company seeks labor concessions to lower costs, but it's also a statement of the economic reality. The economy stinks and Harley's customer base is aging. Big bucks can be saved by moving elsewhere. Other places, notably Florida and Nevada, are openly courting Harley.
The crucial question is how will Harley owners and potential Harley buyers react if true "Milwaukee Iron" no longer exists? For most Harley owners, there is but one make of motorcycle. If there were a Mount Rushmore-type monument for motorcycles, Harley owners would expect it to display a bar and shield logo and nothing else.
Decades of operation and endless marketing have created brand loyalty beyond belief or reason. What will be the impact to Harley's image, reputation and bottom line if it abandons Milwaukee after 107 years?
"I think they're going to take a big hit. Public relations-wise, if they move out of Milwaukee, they're going to take a big hit," predicted Keith Bruno, who owns The Shop in Winsted. The Shop specializes in repairing Harleys. Bruno has been a Harley rider for 42 years and owned a Harley dealership in New York from 1973-77. His grandfather became a Harley dealer in 1911.
Lee Farley, general manager of Doc's Motorcycle Superstore in Waterbury, which also services and restores Harleys, was of two minds regarding Harley. "It's synonymous with Milwaukee. That might be a big issue," he said. "In reality, most of the bikes are built in York (Pennsylvania)." Moving the Harley factory elsewhere "might make the bikes a little cheaper. In the long run, public opinion might hurt a little bit," said Farley.
Besides York, Harley also has a plant in Kansas City. Moving manufacturing out of Milwaukee to another city or state won't alter one fact. "It is still 'the' American motorcycle," said Farley. "Better than being bought out by AMF again or something of that nature — an out of the country conglomerate."
Back in early August, Harley said a decision would be made regarding a move within two months and one month has nearly passed. Negotiations between Harleys and the unions began in late July, according to The Associated Press.
RIDE-CT's take is that if the company ultimately spits on its heritage, and says to heck with tradition and Milwaukee, which is Harley's strongest selling point, some Harley owners will spit back.
Bud Wilkinson may be reached by email at budw@ride-ct.com. He also writes a complementary motorcycle blog at budwilkinson. wordpress.com.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CA: Lawmakers pass bill to quiet motorcycles
OFF THE WIRE
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15943096 Lawmakers pass bill to quiet motorcycles By Robin Hindery
Associated Press
Posted: 08/30/2010 03:57:11 PM PDT Updated: 08/30/2010 03:57:12 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO -- California lawmakers want to put a plug in the earsplitting roar from modified motorcycles.
The state Senate today voted 21-16 to pass SB435. The bill makes it a crime to operate a motorcycle manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013, that fails to meet federal noise-emission control standards.
Motorcyclists whose vehicles lack the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency label would be subject to a fine.
Supporters say many motorcycle owners modify their bikes to make them much louder, which in turn creates a public nuisance. Those modifications also allow the motorcycle to produce more harmful emissions.
Opponents of the bill say many aftermarket exhaust systems meet emission standards but aren't labeled, meaning law-abiding riders could be unfairly ticketed.
The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who owns multiple motorcycles.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15943096 Lawmakers pass bill to quiet motorcycles By Robin Hindery
Associated Press
Posted: 08/30/2010 03:57:11 PM PDT Updated: 08/30/2010 03:57:12 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO -- California lawmakers want to put a plug in the earsplitting roar from modified motorcycles.
The state Senate today voted 21-16 to pass SB435. The bill makes it a crime to operate a motorcycle manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013, that fails to meet federal noise-emission control standards.
Motorcyclists whose vehicles lack the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency label would be subject to a fine.
Supporters say many motorcycle owners modify their bikes to make them much louder, which in turn creates a public nuisance. Those modifications also allow the motorcycle to produce more harmful emissions.
Opponents of the bill say many aftermarket exhaust systems meet emission standards but aren't labeled, meaning law-abiding riders could be unfairly ticketed.
The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who owns multiple motorcycles.
SPECIAL SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ,Attika7
Who: Attika7
When: Fri Sep 03 2010 @ 09:00 PM
Where: The Viper Room, West Hollywood, CA
This Friday September 3rd we wil be playing The Viper Room Hollywood Ca. Come join us for a night of great times and terrifying melodic METAL. This is our first show since returning home from our tour in the UK.
Be sure to also join us September 17th at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for the
"Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival"
where we will be sharing the stage with acts, Disturbed, Hellyeah, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold and many more.
Thank you so much for all the support and love, we appreciate very much.
We look forward to seeing you this Friday at the Viper Room. Be sure to show up around 9pm, we pack this venue to capacity everytime we visit.
Humbly,
-Attika7 Team-
When: Fri Sep 03 2010 @ 09:00 PM
Where: The Viper Room, West Hollywood, CA
This Friday September 3rd we wil be playing The Viper Room Hollywood Ca. Come join us for a night of great times and terrifying melodic METAL. This is our first show since returning home from our tour in the UK.
Be sure to also join us September 17th at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for the
"Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival"
where we will be sharing the stage with acts, Disturbed, Hellyeah, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold and many more.
Thank you so much for all the support and love, we appreciate very much.
We look forward to seeing you this Friday at the Viper Room. Be sure to show up around 9pm, we pack this venue to capacity everytime we visit.
Humbly,
-Attika7 Team-
B.A.D. w/Ink Magic - 2010 3-Day Music Fest & Labor Day Blowout!!!
OFF THE WIRE
Friends:
I just got word from Tim Spraker of Ink Magic that the legendary "Blackfoot" has specifically asked for some "biker action" at this 3-day event (of course, that's AFTER B.A.D. became its sponsor!)to be held this weekend (starting friday the 3rd!). The event hosts, Ink Magic and Tommy Guns Productions, are having a MAJOR CUSTOM BIKE SHOW on Sunday, September 5th with the first 25 entries to receive a complimentary trophy! There will also be a wet tea shirt contest AND THIS EVENT NOT ONLY FEATURES BLACKFOOT BUT 20 OTHER LOCAL BANDS, ENTERTAINERS and plenty more!!! Got any questions? Call Tim at (518)725-4871
Now, I know this is going to be a righteous party because many years ago Tim Spraker and I, spearheaded by Ina Kurtz and with the help of NORML, held the very first "HEMP FEST" in the state of New York! It was pure pleasure to sit 100 feet away from State Police while openly and literally EATING 420 from all over the planet like a connoisseur.
Good people from all walks of life will come together at this cool and local "1st Annual" event September 3rd, 4th and 5th. Tim knows how to work an event...
B.A.D. is one of the event sponsors because we believe a wide spectrum of the public needs to be aware of the biker rights issues while reminding the public to help us make the roads safer for the American Biker. So, We will have a Bikers Against Discrimination Informational Booth up to give folks of all ages and backgrounds some outreach on the spirit of the biker culture.
You can hear more about this event on BikerLowDown Radio LIVE on the web Wednesday night at 8pm with L.J. James and co-host, B.A.D.'s own - Chuck DeCost of AlphaBiker.com and in New York Rider Magazine!
Thanx for passing the word around and for your support to preserve and protect the culture and rights of the American Biker...Stay Free!
Hank McGrath, Exec. Director
B.A.D. {Bikers Against Discrimination}
http://bad.alphabiker.com/
Friends:
I just got word from Tim Spraker of Ink Magic that the legendary "Blackfoot" has specifically asked for some "biker action" at this 3-day event (of course, that's AFTER B.A.D. became its sponsor!)to be held this weekend (starting friday the 3rd!). The event hosts, Ink Magic and Tommy Guns Productions, are having a MAJOR CUSTOM BIKE SHOW on Sunday, September 5th with the first 25 entries to receive a complimentary trophy! There will also be a wet tea shirt contest AND THIS EVENT NOT ONLY FEATURES BLACKFOOT BUT 20 OTHER LOCAL BANDS, ENTERTAINERS and plenty more!!! Got any questions? Call Tim at (518)725-4871
Now, I know this is going to be a righteous party because many years ago Tim Spraker and I, spearheaded by Ina Kurtz and with the help of NORML, held the very first "HEMP FEST" in the state of New York! It was pure pleasure to sit 100 feet away from State Police while openly and literally EATING 420 from all over the planet like a connoisseur.
Good people from all walks of life will come together at this cool and local "1st Annual" event September 3rd, 4th and 5th. Tim knows how to work an event...
B.A.D. is one of the event sponsors because we believe a wide spectrum of the public needs to be aware of the biker rights issues while reminding the public to help us make the roads safer for the American Biker. So, We will have a Bikers Against Discrimination Informational Booth up to give folks of all ages and backgrounds some outreach on the spirit of the biker culture.
You can hear more about this event on BikerLowDown Radio LIVE on the web Wednesday night at 8pm with L.J. James and co-host, B.A.D.'s own - Chuck DeCost of AlphaBiker.com and in New York Rider Magazine!
Thanx for passing the word around and for your support to preserve and protect the culture and rights of the American Biker...Stay Free!
Hank McGrath, Exec. Director
B.A.D. {Bikers Against Discrimination}
http://bad.alphabiker.com/
NEW ZEALAND, Police raid Red Devils
OFF THE WIRE
By SALLY KIDSON -Police who made a major raid on the Red Devils' headquarters in Nelson say the gang is a front for organised crime and it won't be tolerated in Nelson.
Patched Hells Angels members and Wellington gang Head Hunters were at the Red Devils' headquarters when armed police stormed the Natalie St address shortly before midnight on Saturday.
They had come to Nelson for the cage fighting event held at the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday night, and "a gathering" was taking place at the headquarters after the event, police say.
The Red Devils are a junior franchise of the Hells Angels gang.
There are believed to be five patched members in Nelson.
"I've been saying for quite some time the Red Devils are nothing more than a front for organised criminal activity and the fact they've got members of organised criminal gangs from Auckland and Wellington at their headquarters in Nelson on Saturday night would tend to confirm what I'm saying," Nelson Bays area commander Inspector Brian McGurk said.
Armed police from Nelson and Christchurch charged the building with a search warrant issued under the Sale of Liquor Act.
Mr McGurk said police entered the gang headquarters from both the front, at Natalie St, and from the south, through a neighbouring property, by cutting down part of the high fence that surrounds the property.
"I think we were in the property and inside the house within 20 seconds."
A bar was set up in the kitchen area with a cash till, fridges packed with alcohol and glassware.
Mr McGurk said police also found evidence of illegal drugs and drug use, including methamphetamine point bags inside the house.
A large amount of alcohol, the cash till, more than $12,500 in cash, two refrigerators, five laptop computers, assorted documents, and substances believed to be illicit drugs were seized.
A truck was needed to take away the alcohol, mainly beer and spirits.
Eight people were arrested following the raid.
Five people were charged with allowing an unlicensed premises to be used for the sale of liquor, two people were charged with possession of methamphetamine and one woman was charged with obstructing police.
A further 45 people are likely to face charges of being found on unlicensed premises being used for the sale of liquor.
Mr McGurk said those at the headquarters ranged in age and were from around the country.
He said amongst those at the headquarters were patched Hells Angels members from Auckland and Whanganui, and patched Head Hunters members from Auckland and Wellington.
Mr McGurk said after police got into the headquarters those at the address were "corralled" outside into a contained area.
Ad Feedback Police then questioned and dealt with everyone one by one.
A special police processing unit was set up in Natalie St.
Police were at the site for about three hours, he said.
"We spoke to people from Auckland, Whanganui, Wellington, Motueka and Nelson."
All those charged have been remanded on bail to appear in the Nelson District Court on September 28.
Mr McGurk said Saturday night's raid was part of police's ongoing efforts against criminal gangs, and police did not "want them in Nelson".
"Just because it's Nelson doesn't mean we are immune to other problems sweeping around the country," he said.
"I've always expressed concern that the Red Devils and the Hell's Angels are getting a strong hold in the South Island."
Darryl Pyres of Pyres Services, which is next door to the house, said his only interaction with the gang was when a member came over to borrow a crescent wrench.
"It wasn't really chit chat, he just asked to borrow a crescent and then he brought it back."
Mr Pyres said the house was usually quiet during the day with only the odd motorcycle or person being seen.
"The gates went up and you might see the odd person walk in and out.
"I suppose it's after 4.30pm and on the weekends when things happen."
RED DEVILS
Getting established in Nelson Red Devils are a feeder gang for the Hells Angels. April last year: Red Devils form chapter in Nelson, four members publicly display their patches during a biker "poker run" ride. It is the first time the group has been seen in New Zealand. March this year: Red Devils set up house in Natalie St, a commercial area off St Vincent St, Nelson, as their base. Hells Angels ride into Nelson to join the annual poker run and the police shadow them in Operation Joker 2. Saturday night: Police raid Red Devils headquarters, charge five people, 45 more likely to face charges. Police say the gang now has five patched members.
By SALLY KIDSON -Police who made a major raid on the Red Devils' headquarters in Nelson say the gang is a front for organised crime and it won't be tolerated in Nelson.
Patched Hells Angels members and Wellington gang Head Hunters were at the Red Devils' headquarters when armed police stormed the Natalie St address shortly before midnight on Saturday.
They had come to Nelson for the cage fighting event held at the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday night, and "a gathering" was taking place at the headquarters after the event, police say.
The Red Devils are a junior franchise of the Hells Angels gang.
There are believed to be five patched members in Nelson.
"I've been saying for quite some time the Red Devils are nothing more than a front for organised criminal activity and the fact they've got members of organised criminal gangs from Auckland and Wellington at their headquarters in Nelson on Saturday night would tend to confirm what I'm saying," Nelson Bays area commander Inspector Brian McGurk said.
Armed police from Nelson and Christchurch charged the building with a search warrant issued under the Sale of Liquor Act.
Mr McGurk said police entered the gang headquarters from both the front, at Natalie St, and from the south, through a neighbouring property, by cutting down part of the high fence that surrounds the property.
"I think we were in the property and inside the house within 20 seconds."
A bar was set up in the kitchen area with a cash till, fridges packed with alcohol and glassware.
Mr McGurk said police also found evidence of illegal drugs and drug use, including methamphetamine point bags inside the house.
A large amount of alcohol, the cash till, more than $12,500 in cash, two refrigerators, five laptop computers, assorted documents, and substances believed to be illicit drugs were seized.
A truck was needed to take away the alcohol, mainly beer and spirits.
Eight people were arrested following the raid.
Five people were charged with allowing an unlicensed premises to be used for the sale of liquor, two people were charged with possession of methamphetamine and one woman was charged with obstructing police.
A further 45 people are likely to face charges of being found on unlicensed premises being used for the sale of liquor.
Mr McGurk said those at the headquarters ranged in age and were from around the country.
He said amongst those at the headquarters were patched Hells Angels members from Auckland and Whanganui, and patched Head Hunters members from Auckland and Wellington.
Mr McGurk said after police got into the headquarters those at the address were "corralled" outside into a contained area.
Ad Feedback Police then questioned and dealt with everyone one by one.
A special police processing unit was set up in Natalie St.
Police were at the site for about three hours, he said.
"We spoke to people from Auckland, Whanganui, Wellington, Motueka and Nelson."
All those charged have been remanded on bail to appear in the Nelson District Court on September 28.
Mr McGurk said Saturday night's raid was part of police's ongoing efforts against criminal gangs, and police did not "want them in Nelson".
"Just because it's Nelson doesn't mean we are immune to other problems sweeping around the country," he said.
"I've always expressed concern that the Red Devils and the Hell's Angels are getting a strong hold in the South Island."
Darryl Pyres of Pyres Services, which is next door to the house, said his only interaction with the gang was when a member came over to borrow a crescent wrench.
"It wasn't really chit chat, he just asked to borrow a crescent and then he brought it back."
Mr Pyres said the house was usually quiet during the day with only the odd motorcycle or person being seen.
"The gates went up and you might see the odd person walk in and out.
"I suppose it's after 4.30pm and on the weekends when things happen."
RED DEVILS
Getting established in Nelson Red Devils are a feeder gang for the Hells Angels. April last year: Red Devils form chapter in Nelson, four members publicly display their patches during a biker "poker run" ride. It is the first time the group has been seen in New Zealand. March this year: Red Devils set up house in Natalie St, a commercial area off St Vincent St, Nelson, as their base. Hells Angels ride into Nelson to join the annual poker run and the police shadow them in Operation Joker 2. Saturday night: Police raid Red Devils headquarters, charge five people, 45 more likely to face charges. Police say the gang now has five patched members.
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