Hey,
This is going to be a good one. A couple of news items bring up the issue of Freedom and how it works. We don’t realize how important the custom motorcycle culture is to our nation. I’ll try to explain.
Biker’s Rights advocates have fought for helmet freedom for over 40 years. It’s worked and half our states are free. First off, why did helmet laws start? It was a notion someone kicked off to control bikers under the guise of safety. If they really wanted to save lives the law would apply to motorists and pedestrians.
The Biker’s Rights Community should have been able to walk into the first legislative chambers and say, “You guys goofed, you forgot why this government was formed, for Freedom.” The legislators would have apologized and dropped the issue.
Instead we were forced to prove helmets are dangerous in many situations, can cause accidents and injuries, and it’s really a roll of the dice if you wear one or not. We basically had to prove Freedom works.
Now, we are faced with two, maybe three more issues, which can ultimately prove how Freedom Works. These issues include loud pipe regs; the EPA and fluorescent vests are coming. We rode around with straight pipes in the ‘70s and were harassed by the cops. Control freaks wanted to fuck with us. Then we discovered how loud pipes lead to safety and preventing injuries. Especially now, with the problems of distracted drivers, loud pipes are more and more important.
Freedom Works, but we are living in a strange era. Folks want to complain about noise, while other countries are being bombed. They bitch about planes and shut airports down. They bitch about trains and train horns. Trains deliver our goods to market. They bitch about the factories that give us jobs, and they bitch about motorcycles. They are dictators of a sort.
And now we are faced with an agency bent on controlling anything that uses oil based products, no matter how small the impact on our climate. I was told recently about one cow emitting more carbon dioxide than a jumbo jet, yet someone wants to control custom motorcycles. Once more, we have the opportunity to prove Freedom works, and a few brothers are working on this project. Wish us luck.
Our weekly Bikernet News is sponsored in part by Iron Trader, Cycle Source, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, BorntoRide.com, and Choppertown.
THE MAGNIFICENT 2016 Legends RIDE–The Legends ride is always an interesting and fun ride it’s always held in the iconic historical Deadwood in South Dakota the history of this town is very cool and they are phenomenal in the support this community does for The Legend Ride but the week long events surrounding the area.
The money raised from the Legends ride goes to support the local community. They have partnered up the money raised from the legends ride to support the local community, including special Olympics.
They assist BMW of Ann to make sure they can haul the kids to and from the special Olympics, plus work with Strider, so they have appropriate bikes for special needs kids. They’re looking at setting up a gym to help work with the kids. I was actually very excited to hear about these efforts.
The cool thing to watch is some of the great names in the industry, who come out to support, but also all the bikers who volunteer to help make it a success!
–By Cat Hammes
Photo’s Amy Skaling
You’ll see the whole story on Bikernet next week.–Bandit
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2004 Harley Davidson Road King FLHRI
Anaheim, California
Our Price
$8,995
Was
$9,995
Mileage: 86,247 miles
Exterior: Red
VIN: 1HD1FWW324Y712572
Stock #: 9868
COMING TO BANDIT’S CANTINA 2016 STURGIS ACTION– Sturgis, there’s nothing like it anywhere and for those that have been, they will confirm that.
If it’s on your bucket list, you must go. With the heart of the rally centering in this tiny town, there is so much going around it between the Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle, Deadwood, Spearfish, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer Park, and on and on and on.
Enjoy the images in Bandit’s Cantina!
–JACK MCINTYRE
Co-Supreme-Editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– WTF!!… I just filled the car up with gas didn’t notice I spilled some on my sleeve. Going down the road I lit a roach, and my sleeve burst into flames, so I opened the window, and stuck my arm out, to try and blow out the flames, and the darn cops stopped me, and are now arresting me for having a fire arm without a license…
I got invited to a party and was told to dress to kill. Apparently a turban, beard, and a backpack wasn’t what they had in mind.
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
FIRST BIKERNET M-8 REVIEW– I took a Milwaukee 8 for a test ride while I was at work Friday. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I rode a Street Glide 107.
I rolled her out into traffic and I noticed how smooth the engine was at idle. Then I hit the Highway 485 loop and she really came to life. I loved hitting 2nd gear and going from 2nd to 3rd. The power reminds of an old hot rod car with a 4-barrel carb when it kicks in, it slams you against the seat!
I like the single cam set up. I own twin cams, but I still like the sound of the single cam better. Overall I was really impressed with the power, the smooth ride and the overall finish of the bike!
The only thing you need to change in my opinion are the mufflers. Do that simple thing and RIDE!
–Stealth
noun
1. acquaintances, friends, neighbors, or the like; persons living in the same general locality and forming a more or less cohesive group.
Quotes
… they endure hardships and privations of every kind–supported by the one thought of the day when they can return home again, and when … they can rest from wandering, and seated amidst their kith and kind, tell of the wondrous things they have seen in their journeyings.
— Charles Lever, The Dodd Family Abroad, 1854
Origin of kith
Kith hails from the Old English term c?th, which is ultimately derived from c?ththu, meaning “kinship, knowledge.” It is akin to the German Kunde meaning “knowledge.”
WEAR COOL COMFORT IN THE NEW PERFORMANCE VENTED PINSTRIPE FLAMES SHIRT FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON– Be cool and look cool on and off the road in the new Men’s Performance Vented Pinstripe Flames Shirt (P/N 99046-16VM, $75.00) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes Collection.
This 100 percent cotton twill short-sleeve shirt features the a color-blocked design in Harley-Davidson race colors. An action back with a back yoke mesh lining helps air circulate through the shirt for cool comfort. Features include a button front, snap-down collar, H-D® performance neck tape, two button-flap chest pockets and contrasting piping.
Detailed front and back graphics are embroidered. Available in S to 5XL sizes.
Harley-Davidson MotorClothes apparel is available at more than 750 authorized retail locations in the United States and online.
I want a trench knife also if homeboy still has any could you let him know?
Thanks
–David Dalmau
atowndeathsquad@gmail.com
Auburn, CA
THE BAD COP REPORT– Two St. Louis Cops Forced To Pay $600,000 To Man For Excessive Force.
According to Jeremy Kohler of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, A jury in federal court in St. Louis earlier this month ordered two St. Louis police officers to pay $600,000 for using excessive force in arresting a man in March 2013.
Kohler says, “In a lawsuit filed in 2014, Calvin Fletcher, now 39, alleged that the two St. Louis officers were among four police officers who targeted him for a false arrest because he is black, then repeatedly shocked him with a Taser and beat him, breaking bones in his face and damaging a kidney. He also alleged that video cameras in a police van at the scene were deliberately turned off so the attack would not be recorded.
After the arrest, Fletcher was held in the St. Louis Justice Center for nearly a week while his kidneys shut down, according to the suit. Police sought charges of possession of a controlled substance, assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, but the office of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce did not file anything.
The officers named in the suit were Joseph Tomlinson, Joseph Carroll, Nicholas Martorano and John Moton. Fletcher won a verdict against Martorano and Moton for $600,000, which included $200,000 in actual damages and $400,000 in punitive damages. No damages were awarded in the case against Carroll or Tomlinson.”
Tomlinson quit the police force shortly after the incident and left town. He could not be reached for comment. The others remain with the department.
Martorano admitted to using a Taser, and Moton testified he struck Fletcher in the leg.
Kohler also tells us:
The St. Louis Police Department refused to discuss the case or say whether an internal review was conducted. Susan Ryan, a spokeswoman for Joyce, said the police did not seek any criminal prosecution of the officers.
Henry F. Luepke, the assistant attorney general who represented the officers, said the officers acted with restraint and it was Fletcher who had caused his injuries by fighting them.
After a week in the city justice center, Fletcher was transferred to Perry County, where he was facing traffic charges. He had a seizure and convulsions there, and was taken to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with bleeding on the brain and kidney damage.
After his release from Perry County, Fletcher went straight by ambulance to St. Louis University Hospital, where he underwent dialysis.
The initial theory tried to explain away the kidney damage as too much medication rather than being beaten by police, but Corizon hired an expert who manages inmate health care for St. Louis, and he testified that the kidney damage was caused by injuries suffered during the arrest.
According to the suit, Fletcher was walking north on 13th Street, at Cass Avenue, when three police officers — Tomlinson, Martorano and Moton — were parked in a police cruiser across the street at a gas station.
Naturally, a black man that touches near his waistband “has a weapon” by the police thought process.
The officers would later claim they suspected Fletcher of having a weapon because he adjusted his waistband. They confronted him and asked him about a weapon. But he didn’t have one.
Carroll arrived at the scene in a police van, and contrary to city policies, turned off the video camera, according to the lawsuit.
A five-second clip recorded before the video was shut off disproved any claim that Fletcher was fighting officers, Tatlow said. It captured the officers standing around, with Fletcher out of the picture, but presumably already cuffed and on the ground.
Luepke said Carroll turned off the video simply because there was nothing to record — Fletcher was under control when he arrived.”
Here we have another case of someone being beaten by cops because of traffic tickets. Three of the officers are still with the police force and did not have charges brought against them. Not for the abuse, and not for falsifying testimony, and not for suspiciously turning off a camera. Is this justice?
–By Jeremiah Jones
http://countercurrentnews.com
–from Rogue
BIKERNET REACHES OUT FOR FREEDOM— Just recently we reached out to Michael Hupy and Abraham a Milwaukee law firm. They have supported motorcyclists and bike clubs for decades. I had to give it a shot.
Hey Tony,
I may have written to you about this before, but it’s even more important now with the suit against H-D. Our aftermarket is under attack by the EPA. If they are successful we may no longer have any performance parts, neither will the auto industry. The custom industry could be toast.
I believe the climate is always changing whether we like it or not. I also believe man might have an impact, but I also believe freedom is a priority in all lives. The government should not be allowed to use assumptions to control everything and destroy our freedoms.
The real point is to make Freedom a priority and not let agencies grow into control freak monsters. You and Mike know the drill more than anyone. Not only is this article important but it could lead into a lawsuit against the EPA that would change everything. What if Mike could sue the EPA for destroying Freedom in the country over the EPA’s desire to grow and increase their budgets.
This lawsuit could impact any growing, control-freak agency and force them to make Freedom a Priority. This could impact the War on Drugs, Gun Laws, and the TSA. If it was possible, it would put control of all agencies back in the hands of our elected officials and not bureaucrats.
Besides, America is supposed to represent Freedom to the world, not the largest regulatory body on the planet.
Don’t get me wrong. Many of these agencies have a place in our lives but they don’t need to control things that don’t matter. They don’t need to over-control everything. Freedom needs to be a priority.
Maybe I’m a dreamer, but I believe Freedom works. Give it some thought and share this rambling with Mike. I’m sure other companies would support this effort. It could be the case of a lifetime.
–Bandit
Bikernet Certified
Janitor
THE EPA WAR ON FREEDOM– I’ll share your thought with Mike when he gets back to the office. Right now he’s speaking to the West Allis police about several profiling cases that I brought to his attention. We’ve filed complaints and the cops called and wanted to talk to Mike about the complaints…supposedly follow-up on the officer who has been hassling the riders (club members), but I fear it may only be appeasement and not amount to anything.
We can hope that at least it will slow down further profiling in that community.
As for the EPA, not sure about a case for a suit at this point, but certainly they are overreaching their authority in the manipulation and regulation of everything and everyone. The changing temperature of the planet and all the other claims seem to be based on theory and not actual science, since the changes have been occurring over thousands of years and yes, man-made carbons have an effect, but I don’t believe anywhere near what the fear mongers are spreading.
Instead of regulating motor vehicles, associated cottage industry company’s like exhaust manufacturer’s, etc., why are large companies that send millions of particles of pollution into the atmosphere every day allowed to continue to operate with nothing more than a pittance of fines. (Or don’t they just buy carbon credits from Al Gore?)
I used to work for Briggs & Stratton, the lawn mower engine people, Briggs was fined year after year for not fixing its pollutant emitting factories and foundries. Why? Because Briggs could continue to pay the amount of the fines every year for decades upon decades, and never come close to what it would cost to redo the factory to become compliant. So they get to continue to really affect the atmosphere, along with thousands of other huge companies, with no real consequence to them, while the EPA continues to shut down small companies and regulate citizens who own motorcycles or other so-called recreational vehicles, claiming we’re ruining the atmosphere.
I guess it’s easier to stomp on the little guys rights because most won’t fight back or have the resources to fight them in the courts. We’re being held accountable for the presumed global warming that countries like Japan, China, Russia and all of Europe are contributing to with their manufacturing plants.
–Tony Pan Sanfelipo
Investigator
Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
1-800-800-5678
LITHIUM BATTERIES RULE– This will blow your mind.
Bill Hayes and Jennifer got married at the Bikernet Headquarters. Of course the girls wanted me to move things around and we moved all the bikes out of the shop.
Recently, I had several conventional batteries go south. Some of them were virtually new, but unused sitting in bikes. They would not recharge. So, there I was with my FXR with a long girder and stretched frame by Paul Cavallo at Spitfire Motorcycles. It wouldn’t fit in the Patio area with the other bikes.
I needed to ride it around front, but had no battery. I went to my Clean Room to check for batteries, but I knew the score. There was one dinky Lithium batter maybe 3 by 4 inches and 3 inches tall. We used it at Bonneville three years ago to fire the Bonne Belle. At one point it was covered in salt and briny water.
It originally had 210 cranking amps and set in the clean room for three years after Bonneville. It had never been recharged. I grabbed it and the Twin Power lithium charger and found an outlet. I plugged it in and looked at the indicators on the Twin-Power charger. It indicated “Full.” How the hell could it be? It also indicated no charging. I was caught off guard, but I left it on the charger over night. The next morning it indicated the same, Full and No Charging.
I unplugged it and installed it in the FXR. Weighing less than a few ounces, it hung by the battery cables in the 6-inch long hole for the conventional battery. I grabbed my key with no confidence, it wouldn’t even blink, but it did and fired the FXR to life several times. Fucking incredible.
Check the new line of Twin Power Lithium Batteries. Here’s info on the Twin Power Charger, part number150906, Bikemaster Lithium Ion Battery Charger/Maintainer
The perfect combination for Bikemaster and Twin Power Lithium Batteries.
Features easy to read LED lights that indicate when power is on, charge is in process, reverse polarity and fully charged.
Over 11 feet of reach.
Quick disconnect and large alligator clips included for easy hookup
5 year warranty
39.95
V-TWIN SHOW IN CINCINNATI COMING— I mentioned this before, but I have two mandatory runs every year, Sturgis and the V-Twin Show in Cincinnati. It’s the only exclusively V-Twin show on earth.
It’s the only place on earth where I can meet with my many brothers from the industry in one building.
It’s the only place on earth where you can see all the new V-Twin products for the new year.
BIKERNET COVERS THE 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball– The Inside Scoop by Spitfire
With less than 2 weeks before the 4th Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run, the anticipation is building. This unusual event takes place every two years and is unique as Antique Riders take their 100 year old and older motorcycles out of their collections and ride them across North America. Who would do such a thing to an old and valuable motorcycle? Well only 100 people!!! The ride was capped at 100 in order to make the group size manageable. With the competitors and their support crews this massive moving event is quite the spectacle.
Bikernet will be covering the Motorcycle Cannonball through the eyes of Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo, RN/EMT and the Cannonball Medic. This is her 2nd Cannonball Run as a support person. Because her support comes at the back of each day’s course, breakdowns, impressions of town folk as the ride moves through rural America and features of riders will give you an intimate view of the reason for the term “Endurance Run”.
This year’s ride will start at the Atlantic Ocean on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ and travel 3304 miles, mostly off interstates, to the Grand Finale in Carlsbad, CA. More information about the route can be found on the Motorcycle Cannonball website at: http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/.
With that being said, the exact route is never revealed until the night before each “stage”. The riders are expected to follow “Rally” directions and are forbidden to use GPS or other modern day devices. They can look at maps after the route is given to them but must follow turn-by-turn instructions each day. Most days are about 250 miles with the first and last days being the shortest.
How does a person win an endurance race? Via points. Each day the participants are expected to leave at a certain time from a starting point and return before a pre-determined time at a specific location. The participants get points for miles. The goal is to get all miles in each day within the prescribed amount of time. Any deviation causes them to lose points. While they are out on the course they are not allowed to have help from their crew who many bring with them to help keep the motorcycle maintained each day.
Fellow participants can help and official support crew, even general public who stops to see if they can help are all allowed. If the competitor calls for help from their crew, their day is done and no more points can be accumulated. Following the entire ride is the Short Bus pulling a trailer. That bus has received the nickname “the bus of shame” and no one wants to ride on it because that often means that your motorcycle could not be fixed along side the road and you will be one of the last in at the end of the day, only able to take credit for the miles that were accumulated that day.
Every day is filled with drama, exhaustion, stories of the kindness of strangers and the frustration of having to give up for that day in hopes of getting that bike running again for the next day. Participants come from all over the world. The oldest bike registered at this time is a 1908 Indian.
To learn more about the Cannonball, rules, riders and history go to:
http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/ and be sure to bookmark this page so you can get and share, “The Inside Scoop by Spitfire”!
This Bikernet Blog editorial effort was sponsored by Hupy and Abraham and Bikernet.
[page break]
PIERS OF THE WEST COAST RETURNS– Two Wheels Travels in Search of all the Coastal Piers.
Koz Mraz is riding the coast of Washington and Oregon road-testing the all-new 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In honor of this historic occasion he is offering Piers of the West Coast Traveled on Two Wheels to Bikernet readers FREE for two days, Aug 31st and Sept 1st.
This picturesque travel book includes area history, vintage and current photos and information from a rider’s perspective: ease of access, available parking, restaurants, nightlife, lodging accommodations and overall rider-friendly vibes and attitude.
“As a Moto-journalist, I ride a lot of different bikes and just like each pier; every bike has its own personality,” said the magnificent Koz. “So I choose a different motorcycle for each part of the journey.”
Butler Maps provides small map insets of each Pier and QR codes provide up-to-date information. This journey is meant to be started from any pier, then pick a direction and enjoy.
Downloadable Kindle Version FREE
Limited time offer for Bikernet Readers
In response to the increase, DOT, NHTSA, and the White House are issuing an unprecedented call to action to involve a wide range of stakeholders in helping determine the causes of the increase.
NHTSA will share its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) with safety partners, state and local officials, technologists, data scientists, and policy experts. According to NHTSA, job growth and low fuel prices were two factors that led to increased driving, including increased leisure driving and driving by young people. More driving can contribute to higher fatality rates.
You can see the Call to Action here.
You can access the data here.
Undoubtedly, the increase in motorcyclist fatalities will result in an increase of pressure for tougher stances on universal helmet laws and mandatory safety wear. We’ll need to come together to address the increase and be prepared to discuss the findings.
As a start, I have also attached a press release from earlier this summer where the MRF refutes similar findings from the Governors Highway Safety Administration and ‘digs in’ as to how a universal helmet law is not the solution. Hopefully, this can serve as a starting point.
–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: (202) 725-5471
Fax: (202) 546-0986
www.mrf.org
WATCH OUT FOR THE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 25th, 2016
Another week banging the keys I see! I am excited about the new motor, a little less excited about having to come up with a nickname. I do like the suggestion of Gatorhead…just sounds cool.
Congrats on the upcoming 20 years, as I have been a fan for most of it, I think I started following in 2003. My babies have grown up right under my nose while I feel like I’ve lost a decade to chasing the dollar.
Looking forward to another motorcycle adventure soon, but until I can swing it I will live vicariously through Bikernet. Keep up the great job.
Oh, and I have been looking at your other pages as well, you need more cool trikes to be featured…I like them all!
–Johnny
Humble, TX
GHSA REPORT ADVOCATES FOR UNIVERSAL HELMET LAW…AGAIN–
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released its preliminary data and findings regarding motorcycle fatalities in 2015. The GHSA represents the state and territorial highway safety offices that implement programs to address highway safety. Although GHSA’s primary mission is to improve traffic safety, their latest report appears to be more focused on thinly veiled demands for nationwide universal helmet laws despite their failure to provide real data demonstrating the effectiveness of such laws.
While the report highlights that the preliminary data suggests a 10% increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2015, it fails to connect the presence or lack of universal helmet laws to the projected increase. In fact, there are a number of other factors that may explain the projected increase, including the climate, education and experience of the motorists involved, and the inclusion of faulty data in the making of this report.
How about distracted driving? Read the entire report in Bikernet Special Reports.–Bandit
NEW HARLEY ENGINE M-8 REPORT–
In the Sunday Post you question H-D’s choice of a chain driven cam for the M-8 and ask why would they go in that direction?
The Motor Company’s statement on this is:
“To make sure this thing was silent and without resonance, we went to a hydraulic tensioner for silence. And so with one cam, a precise chain, and that tensioner, we have a cam drive system that has lower friction, less moving parts, and that’s very silent.”
Chain driven cams are not inferior to gear driven cams for the most part providing – and this is key – that the chain tensioners are well engineered. Which these ones no doubt are, given the lessons the Motor Company no doubt learned from problems with the TCs.
Gear driven cams are very noisy and mechanical engine noise is a big factor in trying to eliminate excessive noise in order to be able to market Harley-Davidsons world wide.
I think they are on the ball this time around.
–Doc
Associate/Technical Editor
Heavy Duty Magazine
Australia
K. RANDALL BALL BOOKS FROM 5-BALL– Some 20 years ago you (k. Randall Ball) started writing fiction paper backs. I have 3 Prize Possession, Outlaw Justice, and Chopper Orwell. In the last pages you had mentioned another book about 5 bikers going on a cross-country party/adventure. I do not recall ever seeing this book for sale. Did you ever finish it? At the end of Outlaw Justice you mention that Danny got into it with Eddy and Hank, but that’s all. That portion should have been developed, not just skimmed over.
The other comment is that I enjoyed those books and you should have kept at it. You didn’t stay at it long enough to develop a following. Selling the books in retail outlets like Walmart or even bike shops surely would have helped sales.
I truly hope you try your hand at fiction again. You were good at it and I for one would have purchased additional books as they came out !
–Tom Amann
I did write other books. I wrote Sam “Chopper” Orwell, Harbor Town Seduction (Chance Hogan 1) and World Run (Chance Hogan 2) which are all for sale on Bikernet. I also wrote a book about building our Assalt Weapon for Bonneville and I wrote Terry the Tramp for Motorbooks. They are also for sale on the 5-Ball site on Bikernet.
On two points you are right. First, I had lots of notions for books, but never got to some of them. Two, like many authors, we love to write and when a book is complete, which is a lot of work, we think about the next one, not the marketing. My bad.
–Bandit
LEGISLATIVE OPPORTUNITY FROM THE MRF– Friends & Partners of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation-
As you’ll recall, I contacted you 29 days ago asking you to seek out your elected officials over the August break and ask them to co-sponsor House Resolution 831; the bill that addresses motorcycle profiling.
We’ve had mild success in that we have received commitments from 2 other members of Congress since then: Rep. Collin Peterson from Minnesota who will serve as our lead Democrat and Rep. John Kline, also from Minnesota. This brings our total of co-sponsors to FOUR – Reps. Ribble (Wisc.), Walberg (Mich.), Peterson (Minn.) and Kline (Minn).
Though this is a good start, it is far from what is needed to advance this measure.
This week is the last week your elected officials are in their home and district offices. It offers you the opportunity to meet with them personally and shore up support for the measure when Congress reconvenes Tuesday, September 6.
I urge you to contact your Member of Congress THIS WEEK and ask them to co-sponsor H.Res.831. To help you in your discussion, attached are talking points.
If you need assistance contacting your Member of Congress, please reply directly to me megan@mrf.org and I will get you set up ASAP.
–Megan
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
HERE’S THE MRF PROFILING BILL– A Bill to Address Motorcycle Profiling, Sponsor/Support H.Res.831.
Background & Overview
On July 13, Congressman Reid Ribble of Wisconsin introduced House Resolution 831 which addresses the issue of motorcycle profiling. Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan is also an original co-sponsor.
o As a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, we support legislation that would define and attempt to limit the practice of profiling of motorcyclists by law enforcement.
Two States (Maryland and Washington) have already passed similar measures into law.
Why This Issue is Important
Increasingly, motorcyclists feel singled out by law enforcement because of their appearance, apparel, or because they are simply riding a motorcycle.
According to a recently conducted national survey, over 30% of respondents felt they had been profiled by law enforcement despite not committing any traffic infractions.
The stereotype of the “criminal biker,” has been exacerbated by television shows like, “Sons of Anarchy” that depict motorcyclists as dangerous and unlawful citizens; responsible motorcyclists are suffering the consequences.
Riding a motorcycle or wearing related attire is an individual’s chosen form of expression and is protected under the First Amendment.
Further, the Fourth Amendment requires that law enforcement have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed before stopping a suspect and yet, over 30% of survey respondents believe they have been pulled over with no apparent reason and are victims of a “stop and frisk.”
Riding a motorcycle or wearing motorcycle apparel does not equate bikers to criminals. We believe that through education and awareness, this issue can be addressed and mitigated.
What Can Be Done?
House Resolution 831 is the first step in addressing the profiling of motorcyclists at the national level.
The Resolution promotes public awareness of motorcycle profiling and encourages collaboration and communication between law enforcement and the motorcycle community.
Further, it urges state law enforcement officials to condemn motorcycle profiling in written policies and training materials.
o As H.Res.831 gains additional co-sponsors and advances through the House, it makes motorcycle profiling a national discussion and helps to raise awareness for those states considering the perusal of similar laws like those in Maryland and Washington.
***Please consider co-sponsoring H.Res.831.
You can contact Megan Ekstrom, Vice-President of Government Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation at megan@mrf.org if you have any questions, comments or concerns.***
MAJOR STURGIS LOT FOR SALE ON LAZELLE— Across from the Iron Horse Saloon. Great location. Open Lot, no buildings.
Reach out to Rob Scroggie, but only if you are seriously interested.
This is just the tip of the problem.
When people finish their sentence and try to get their rights restored there is another complete set of hurdles to jump through.
— Rogue
rogue@bikernet.com
Master Magnificent Editor of Bikernet Baggers
Melbourne , FL
COUNTRY WESTERN NEWS– Dolly Parton’s Pure & Simple Debuts At #1 Worldwide!
The Superstar Tops Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart.
For The First Time In The 25-Year History Of SoundScan!
World-renowne singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton has a worldwide #1 album to celebrate this week. The superstar’s new release Pure & Simple debuts at #1 not only in the U.S., but, also on the national country charts in Canada, U.K. and Australia.
Dolly’s 43rd studio recording and the first release of her recently-announced joint venture between Dolly Records and Sony Music Nashville, achieves #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with first-week sales of 20,000 units! This marks the first time Dolly has topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in the 25-year history of SoundScan.
The new album which released August 19th on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville lands the #11 slot on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with a first-week total consumption of 21,000. On Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, the disc debuts at #1. In the UK, Pure & Simple enters the all-genre album sales chart at #2, behind Frank Ocean’s Blonde.
Upon hearing the news, Dolly Parton, who co-produced and wrote every song on Pure & Simple, enthused, “Boy, it’s a good day for me. I am a happy girl!” She continued, “It feels great to be #1 as it’s been a long time and it feels so good to still be in the game after all this time.”
CTK Management CEO Danny Nozell said, “There is nobody more deserving of this tremendous success. Having worked with Dolly for the past 13 years, I have never met any person that works harder than her.” Nozell added, “She is a businesswoman that understands her brand and knows exactly what to do and when to do it, and once again, she proves it with a #1 album.”
Last week, Dolly Parton made appearances on NBC’s Today and Tonight Show, among other TV shows.
Fans can link to purchase Pure & Simple and the various versions available by exclusive partners below:
Cracker Barrel: smarturl.it/dollycbps
Amazon Music: smarturl.it/amzmusicdolly
Amazon Physical: smarturl.it/amazondolly
Apple Music: smarturl.it/dollypartonps
Google: smarturl.it/gpdolly
Spotify: smarturl.it/spotifydolly
PAUGHCO RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST– BikeFest as Sponsor of Artistry in Iron, Master Builders Championship
PAUGHCO, the industry leader in cool parts for Harley-Davidson, returns as 2016 sponsor for Las Vegas BikeFest – Artistry in Iron, Master Builders Championship. For the second year Paughco will provide prizes for 2nd and 3rd place in the build off as well as additional prizes for the “People’s Choice” category.
“We are so lucky to have Paughco back this year as a sponsor of Artistry In Iron, Master Builders Championship. With them providing these amazing prizes for our 2nd and 3rd place winners, they have just upped the game that this bike competition brings to the entire motorcycle community and other bike build-offs around the world”, states Mindi Cherry, Event Manager
Paughco has been the industry leader in American made aftermarket parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson bikes since 1969. Paughco makes over 4000 custom parts including Springer front ends, frames, handlebars, risers, gas and oil tanks as well as exhaust systems and early tin inner and outer primaries. These are the very first parts they made in ’69 and still proudly make today with the same tooling right here in the USA. Starting in 1958, Paughco continues today to make complete trike conversion kits for all Harley models. Paughco even does all their own chrome plating in-house in the 160,000 sq.ft. factory, located in Carson City, NV.
The lucky 2nd place finisher will receive an extremely cool complete rolling chassis featuring Paughco Black Special Springer front end, 4-speed black powder coated frame and swing arm, red 40 spoke wheels, axles, tires, oil tank and new Z-style handlebars with built in LED lights all topped off with a cool Paughco exclusive Mini-Style Sportster gas tank.
The lucky 3rd place winner will receive a beautiful Chrome Paughco Wish Bone Springer front end. This front end features half-round rear legs and new wish bone style front leg topped off with a chrome shock.
For the “People’s Choice” winner, Paughco will give away an exhaust system and gas tank of the winner’s choosing from its parts offering.
Make sure to stop by the Paughco Display Booth in the South Lot right outside the Artistry in Iron display at this year’s 2016 Las Vegas BikeFest.
More information regarding vendor space, schedule of events, event registration and official hotels can be found at www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, or by calling (1-866-245-3337).
–Candice Cooley
702-216-5845
eMail: ccooley@convexx.com
www.LasVegasBikeFest.com
RELAX IN COZY STYLE WITH THE NEW WOMEN’S SCROLL SKULL HOODED HENLEY FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Enjoy a worn, laid-back vibe in the new Women’s Scroll Skull Hooded Henley (P/N 99131-17VW, $60.00*), a long-sleeve top from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Collection. This waffle-knit cotton/poly blend top features studded neck lacing for an unexpected accent on the placket. Distressed printed graphics adorn the sleeves and left chest, while a printed skull graphic with mixed stud embellishment highlights the back. Available in XS to 2XL and Plus sizes.
Harley-Davidson MotorClothes apparel is available at more than 750 authorized retail locations in the United States and online.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), excluding taxes and shipping. Prices at local dealerships may vary.
[page break]
BIKERNET INTERVIEWS Bill Davidson— We had the opportunity to interview William Davidson, the grandson of the Davidson founder this week. Here are my questions. You’ll see his response in a couple of days on Bikernet.
Bill, I would love to handle this in person, but you’re not down the street from me, so another time. Just a handful of questions:
What’s your primary role at Harley-Davidson? I’m the janitor of Bikernet, and I don’t see any promotions in the near future.
What are you riding now? I’m sure it’s a new model, but what do you plan to do with it—custom, styling or performance wise?
Any major adventures coming up for you, riding wise?
I’m sure the engine will be picked apart at the press launch, but I find the motorcycle ergonomics to be a key issue with Harleys. Is this aspect being addressed?
As you know, I’ve been involved in motorcycling freedom most of my adult life. To my way of thinking the EPA and performance regulations could be a critical factor for our future, the future of all performance products and the aftermarket, both for us and the auto industry. What can we do?
We are all being challenged by rapidly changing technology and social media. We are faced with a myriad of new questions about our industry. On the other side of the coin new enthusiasts are flying into our industry and headed in more directions than ever before from the bobber builder, the chopper builder, flat track racing, touring, adventure touring, outlaw clubs, Sons of Anarchy fans (Dyna riders), café racers, HOG members, drag racers, you name it. These are all opportunities for Harley to shine. Is there a mantra there somewhere?
One final question. My grandson recently bought a late model Dyna. He told me he needed to ride daily to escape the trials of life, but he surprised me with his conclusion. He said, “When I ride I think of only one thing, not getting hit.”
I was blown away. It made me think of my mantras over the years, the search for action, adventure, love, and escape on the road. Sure, I thought about the threats of dense LA traffic, but that was never my priority.
It brought to life my concerns about our brethren of the road and our relationship with the general public and motorists. We have always been challenged with this delicate relationship. Recently lane-splitting has been discussed and immediately a general press article attacked lane-splitting as a cause of many accidents. It was way off base. When the topic of lane splitting emerged in other states last year I was concerned. I felt we needed a major awareness campaign directed to the public on the benefits of lane-splitting for motorists and motorcyclists. As you probably know there are many.
This is just one example of how we need to address public concerns regarding motorcycling issues about helmets, loud pipes, you name it. I guess my question is. Should H-D, and or motorcyclist rights groups take an active role in educating the public about the many aspects of riding? Could we inspire the public to become riders and open the door to Freedom of the road and the notion that Freedom matters?
–Bandit
THE DEER HUNTING CHRONICLES– There is beautiful country up in Northern Cali and the daytime is very serene. It is the later evening that deer move . You being an avid dear hunter you know that, though.
Oh my mistake again, I mean deer.
— Gearhead
I’ve had better luck “Dear” hunting over “Deer.”
–Bandit
KLOCK WERKS DEVICE MOUNTS FOR HONDAS– Klock Werks is proud to announce that the most universal, secure, and forward-compatible device mounting system is now in stock and available for Honda riders!
Since Klock Werks launched its Device Mounts, powered by iOmounts, for Harley, Indian, and Victory, this modern choice for mounting your phone, GPS, and more has taken over the market!
With the powerful magnetic iOcore at the heart of the iOmounts system, and Klock Werks custom brackets in chrome or black, feel free to replace that plastic grabby thing with a system that allows you to move from your bike to car to home and office.
“Honda Riders are known for touring and Klock Werks is happy to provide not only the Flare Windshield, but now our Device Mounts to make the touring experience more enjoyable,” said Vice President Laura Klock. “We believe Honda riders will love our new Device Mounts and have made the system available to install on either the left or right controls.
The first chance to see
them will be at Wing Ding 38, but they are also now available on our website, GetKlocked.com!
This revolutionary system is currently up for awards for innovation, and you’ll love the simplicity of the design. There’s absolutely no fuss, and the whole system can be installed in minutes. Once you adhere the stainless steel iOadapt to the back of your device(s), you can connect seamlessly to ANY iOmount or Klock Werks Device
Mount product.
You want the best for your ride, and now the touring Honda riders can join the #anydeviceanywhere revolution!
Fitments are available for ‘97+ GL1800
and F6B. If you are registered for Wing Ding 38 in Billings, MT, you will have the first chance to grab this new mount! Use your Blazin Saving$ promo for a special discount at the event, and have it installed for Free.
BIKERNET.COM 2016 REVAMP AND CELEBRATES 20TH BIRTHDAY— It was time. Bikernet.com turned 20 this year and internet technology changes rapidly. Bikernet was one of the first efforts at custom motorcycle entertainment on the Internet in 1996. It grew from a library of Fiction to featuring full bike features, news, techs, legislation and so much more. It currently houses over 15,000 pages of content.
“It was as if we created one issue of a magazine and kept adding pages,” said Keith R. Ball, the publisher. “And each page is available to readers all over the world, 24/7.”
Recently a number of technological opportunities were offered to the Bikernet team. They could make the entire library of Bikernet.com content mobile friendly, and offer advertising opportunities like never before. Currently, sponsor ads run on the home pages of Bikernet.com, Bikernet Baggers, Bikernet Trikes and the Bikernet.com Blog. Recently a new program was added to allow those adds to run on 90 percent of the department pages boosting the number from four to over 100 pages.
“We always had a code,” said Keith, “We wanted the content or article pages to be clean and easy to enjoy.” That code remains except for a couple of Google ad spots at the top and bottom of content pages. “The articles will remain clean for the most part.” But now advertising will be available on over 15,000 content pages.
Between social media, mobile friendly, continued content growth, industry activities, and advertising opportunities this will be Bikernet’s biggest year.
BONNEVILLE MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS WRAPS UP TODAY–
Thought your readers might like to see a few pics from Bonneville. Valerie did a 286 this morning in the old BUB 7 and several sit on bikes have been over 240. Later in the week Valerie made several passes over 300 mph. Amazing
Mark Block Lab did 205 on the twin engine Ducati and Jason Omer did 134 mph on the lay down Panhead. Weather has been great and the course is surprising good.
–Scooter
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NEW KURYAKYN PRODUCT RELEASE: CLEAR TRAP DOOR FOR HYPERCHARGERS– We certainly can’t leave well enough alone. Case in point; the new Clear Trap Door for one of our most iconic products: the Hypercharger air cleaner.
Standing the test of time for nearly 25 years, now owners can give the Standard or Blood Groove Hypercharger an all-new 21st century appearance in minutes.
This direct replacement for the included trap door provides a fresh look for a timeless classic, along with a glimpse at the inner workings of the air cleaner and throttle body.
The trim ring is cast from quality aluminum available in chrome or gloss black finishes. A durable shatterproof polycarbonate trap door and included gasket secure easily via bolt-on installation to existing holes in the outer cover.
Further enhance the effect with the addition of Kuryakyn’s seven-color L.E.D. Lighted Velocity Ring (P/N 5068). The Lighted Velocity Ring mounts in the existing backing plate, replacing the original velocity ring included with all Hypercharger air cleaner kits.
Clear Trap Door for Standard or Blood Groove Hyperchargers
•P/N 8746 – Chrome
•P/N 8747 – Gloss Black
MSRP: $39.99
www.kuryakyn.com/products/5106/clear-trap-door
OC BIKEFEST CUSTOM BIKE ARTISAN SHOW– OC BikeFest’s The Artisan Bike Show rolls into the Inlet in Ocean City, Maryland on Thursday September 15th through Saturday night, September 17th.
Showcase award-winning custom bikes with jaw-dropping designs from nationally-recognized East Coast builders.
The show will highlight three competition classes including: FreeStyle, Custom Retro and Custom Street.
Bikes will be on display Thursday September 15th – 17th, 2016 in Ocean City, Maryland at the INLET. Load in on Wednesday, September 14th.
ROCK IT OUT….
It’s a cornucopia of rock and roll for our 2016 event including 3 Doors Down, Red Sun Rising, Pop Evil, Styx, Slaughter and Candlebox. CUSTOM RIDES, ROCK’N ROLL & HOOCHIE KOO
But Wait,
there’s more…
WANT TO COMPETE AT THE WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS IN GERMANY?
If you win OC Bikefest, we send you to AIMExpo in Orlando. If you win at AIMExpo then we send you and your bike to World Championships in Germany.
(Note: Four Builders are going over to Germany this year and are part of TEAM USA).
REGISTRATION – This is how the process works. Go here and register. After you register we will follow up directly with you to confirm your participation.
CLASSES – The following are the class definitions for the 3 classes:
Freestyle – One-off, ground-up built custom bikes, on all or any chassis platforms or drivetrains. Must run and stop
Custom Retro – Any modified bike with a Harley Davidson pre-1984 engine or other OEM manufacturer with an engine over 25 years old
Custom Street – One of the most popular platforms – limits builders to major OEM engine and chassis configurations
“THE” EVENT – This is an exciting event and all the bikes will be in the entertainment area and right next to the ocean.
Details at http://custombikeshows.com/ocbikefest/
NEWS FROM THE PERFORMANCE GIANT, S&S– We’re on the gas with new parts! See below:
Whether you’re Hooligan racing or just want more power, the S&S Hooligan kits for 2000-’16 Harley-Davidson Sportster models will give you an edge on the competition. Boost that 883 to 1200cc or your 1200 to 1250cc. Bolt on big bore kits mean easy installation with no machining and no rebalancing. S&S bolt-in cams and premium tappets make the most of the added displacement.
· Easy installation – Bolt-on parts – no machining, no rebalancing
· Use stock heads, pushrods, and fuel system
· Available in silver or black powder coat that matches stock finish
DISCLAIMER: FOR CLOSED COURSE COMPETITION USE ONLY. NOT INTENDED FOR STREET USE.
For more info – https://www.sscycle.com/hooligan-kits/
–Patrick Garvin
Lighten Up, Man, WITH REVIVAL CYCLES–
We both know that your left turn signal is out but go through the effort of hand signaling anyway. No need to do that when these simple LED replacement bulbs will shine brighter and longer while being a smaller drain on your motorcycle’s electrical system. We call this a win win.
1156-led-turn-signal-replacement-bulb – REVIVAL CYCLES
LED Turn Signal Replacement Bulb
$5.00
More Details
1157-led-brake-running-light-replacement-bulb – Revival Cycles
LED Running Light Replacement Bulb
$5.00
More Details
led-gauge-cluster-bulbs – Revival Cycles
LED BA9S Gauge Bulb
$3.00
More Details
Revival Cycles is the balance of passion and pragmatism. It is our belief that the motorcycle should be more than a machine; it is an aesthetic expression that demonstrates the beauty of purposeful form. Support us by purchasing from our online store.
it was goo
–Dennis
hddef@comcast.net
Gilbertsville, PA
WATCH OUT, Government Study Announced on Motorcycle Conspicuity– The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) held its annual meeting this week in Seattle, WA. The theme for this year’s event emphasized the importance of safe driving behavior in an era of rapid technological advancement.
More than 500 state highway safety officials and advocates were in attendance including government officials from the Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as representatives from State Motorcycle Rights’ Organizations and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
During the course of the conference, plans regarding an upcoming motorcycle study, funded by money in the highway bill passed by Congress late last year, were announced. Though in the early planning stages, the study is aiming to address motorcycle crash prevention. This is a pivot from previous positions from government officials whose sole focus appeared to be geared towards “safer crashing” through the practice of universal helmet laws.
Though details of the upcoming study remain limited, it appears that it will examine the impact of high-visibility clothing and effects on motorcycle crashes. The project is in the solicitation process but the details suggest a hypothesis aiming to prove high visibility clothing can prevent motorcycle accidents. Details including available data, the entities or contractors conducting the study and when the study will be released will be available in the coming months. Depending on the outcome and findings of the study, legislative and regulatory activity by states and the federal government could follow.
I am concerned about this.
I think it should be a matter of choice and need to see it does not become Mandatory
Presently military and others have to wear reflective vests.
This will also have a Serious Impact on people who wear vests and colors as it would have to be worn over them.
A few years ago there was an attempt in Florida to make a law about making reflective vests mandatory BUT it was beaten before it got out of committee.
Hopefully the MRF and others will work actively to see that NO Mandatory Clothing Be Required By Anyone Riding A Motorcycle.
–Rogue
This is so nuts. If the death rate goes up, it amounts to an increase from 5,000 to 5,050. These agencies will use a 10 percent increase to increase their budget by 10 percent, which might amount to 10 million bucks. It’s an incredible game.
SHOVELHEADS FOREVER by EASYRIDERS— the all-time best. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
SOME 116 PAGES Easyriders Magazine’s all-time Best Custom Shovelheads!
NO ADS – EVERY PAGE FULL OF KILLER CUSTOM RIDES!
IRS doesn’t tell 1M taxpayers that illegals stole their Social Security numbers–
The IRS has discovered more than 1 million Americans whose Social Security numbers were stolen by illegal immigrants, but officials never bothered to tell the taxpayers themselves, the agency’s inspector general said in a withering new report released Tuesday.
Investigators first alerted the IRS to the problem five years ago, but it’s still not fixed, the inspector general said, and a pilot program meant to test a solution was canceled — and fell woefully short anyway.
As a result, most taxpayers don’t learn that their identities have been stolen and their Social Security files may be screwed up.
“Taxpayers identified as victims of employment-related identity theft are not notified,” the inspector general said.
The report alarmed lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who were shocked that the IRS had gone for so long without fixing the issue.
“It is stunning that the IRS has chosen to aid and abet identity thieves for so long instead of protecting the innocent victims of the theft,” said Sen. Daniel Coats, Indiana Republican.
Victims’ numbers are stolen by illegal immigrants who need to give employers a valid Social Security number in order to get a job. Employers are prohibited from probing too deeply into numbers, even when they suspect fraud.
But the IRS learns of the scam when the illegal immigrants file their taxes using a special Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) the agency doles out chiefly to illegal immigrants as a way of making sure they’re paying taxes even if they’re not supposed to be in the U.S.
Between 2011 and 2015 the agency flagged nearly 1.1 million returns where someone appeared to have stolen a valid Social Security number, the inspector general said.
The IRS did not have any new comment on the findings, instead referring reporters to an official response filed with the inspector general, in which the agency insisted it’s making progress.
Karen Schiller, commissioner for the IRS‘ small business and self-employed division, said the 2014 pilot program was helpful, even if it didn’t completely solve the notification problem, and said the agency will try to alert all taxpayers beginning next year.
“As we continue to battle and make progress against all strains of identity theft in the tax ecosystem, we recognized that we were missing an important partner in this effort — the taxpaying public,” said Ms. Schiller, who had the task of answering the inspector general.
She also vowed to figure out a system to let the Social Security Administration (SSA) know if someone’s number has been stolen.
Under the 2014 pilot program, the IRS did notify some 25,000 taxpayers whose SSNs were pilfered. The notice they received told them to contact credit-monitoring agencies to try to head off any more damage to their personal finances.
But the IRS said it’s prevented by federal law from telling taxpayers who stole their identity.
The IRS says its role is not to enforce immigration laws but rather to collect taxes. The agency issues ITINs to ensure that unauthorized workers can still file tax returns, even if they aren’t supposed to be working in the U.S. Taxpayers who use an ITIN are eligible for some tax credits, particularly for their children who are U.S. citizens.
Congressional Republicans have long complained to the IRS that it is protecting illegal immigrants from discovery by allowing the use of ITINs but failing to share the information with other agencies.
Mr. Coats, who has written legislation requiring victims to be notified, even confronted IRS officials about their lax behavior at a hearing in April.
“All of us can agree that victims need to know that they’re victims, and need to know that an agency of the federal government, whether it’s IRS or whether it’s SSA, or both, ought to have some ability to talk to each other,” Mr. Coats said.
IRS Commissioner John G. Koskinen told Mr. Coats at the hearing that in many of the cases, friends or relatives lent their Social Security numbers to the unauthorized workers, and already know their information is being fraudulently used.
He also said the agency struggled to come up with a solution that wouldn’t chase illegal immigrants away from filing their taxes altogether.
“Obviously, priority for taxpayers and the IRS is collecting those taxes,” he said.
Mr. Koskinen testified at the time that it may take new legislation from Congress to let his agency inform taxpayers they’d been the subject of identity theft.
But the hiccup in communicating with the Social Security Administration seems like it should be easier to solve. The inspector general, however, said the IRS didn’t have a system set up to make sure SSA always knew of the fraud.
In some cases IRS employees said they sent a notice, but the Social Security Administration had no record of it. In other cases, it appears the IRS didn’t even bother to make a notification.
“The lack of a formal process to ensure that the SSA is notified of income not associated with an innocent taxpayer is problematic because this notification is essential to ensure that victims’ Social Security benefits are not affected,” the inspector general said.
–By Stephen Dinan – The Washington Times
–from Rogue
[page break]
GMA BLACK-OUT LEVERS TO BE USED ON BIKERNET BAGGERS PROJECT BIKE– GMA has just released these super sanitary, rugged, high performance BLACK OUT lever controls.
The master cylinder has a 5/8-inch bore and integrates a threaded ball end plunger. This design provides positive engagement and, precise movement of the piston and rubber cup reservoir seal for positive, smooth stopping performance.
GMA controls are secured to bars with camlocks and the switch housing blends in for an exceptionally clean profile. Available hydraulic clutch master features a 9/16-inch bore to match common aftermarket slave cylinders.
The team at Paughco recommended GMA controls for our Bikernet Bagger Build. This puppy will be amazing with many new Paughco products for a classic vintage look coupled to GMA brake calipers and controls.
Designed for use with 1-inch bars the super clean GMA/BDL levers start at just $180.00.
For complete details call GMA direct at 714-693-1313. www.beltdrives.com
NOT AGAIN, FBI recovers 30 more Clinton emails on Benghazi– The State Department announced Tuesday that the FBI had recovered 30 more emails on the 2012 Benghazi attack from the private email server Hillary Clinton used as secretary of state.
Republican Donald Trump’s presidential campaign harshly criticized Clinton, now the Democratic presidential nominee, over the revelation.
Trump’s senior communications adviser Jason Miller said the disclosure “raises questions about the more than 30,000 emails she deleted.” Clinton has said she turned over all of her work emails, deleting only personal messages. Her lawyer was not immediately available for comment.
Source: Politico, The Associated Press
DANNY GRAY LAUNCHES “Design Your Own” Custom Seat Program–
Make a truly individual statement…create your own personalized cover for your seat. Choose your stitch design, thread color, and even add inlay materials to compliment your bike, style, and personality. The hardest part is making up your mind.
Danny Gray seats are handmade, with old world craftsmanship built into each one. But you’ve got to ride one to really experience what makes Danny Gray Seats so special. So start your journey today online or at your local dealer. It’s 6 steps and five minutes that will change your bike from ordinary to extraordinary! Create your own personalized cover for your seat and we will drop ship it to your dealer for pick up.
All you have to do to design your own seat is:
• Go to www.dannygray.com/designyourown and select your Harley-Davidson model and year
• Choose your perfect seat from many styles depending on your needs
• Optionally choose to add integrated AirHawk and/or rider backrests
• Choose you own stitch design from our library of styles
• Select your stitch color…choose the color thread that compliments your bike
• Select your inlay material including Faux Alligator, Ostrich, and more to make your seat one-of-a-kind
Every seat is sculpted to maximize anatomical support:
• Soft nose and hard rails assure a perfect integrated fit to your motorcycle
• Narrow leg pass assures you have a flat foot position when stopped
The materials matter…from the bottom to the top:
• Proprietary seat pans provide torsional stability
• Specially formulated foams are seat specific for balance, compression, float and response
• Seats feature top grain cowhide leather, high-grade automotive vinyl, and/or breathable tech space mesh material
Check out the Design Your Own options at http://online.fliphtml5.com/Irae/dnxt#9=1
For those interested in obtaining more information on Danny Gray, you can reach them at 888-443-5516, email them at info@dannygray.com or check them out online at www.dannygray.com.
BIKERNET BAD JOKES CONTINUE–
Seven wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Para-Olympics after they tested positive for WD40.
A teenage boy asks his granny: “Have you seen my pills? They were labeled LSD?” Granny replies: “To hell with your pills, did you see the dragons in the kitchen?”
I’ve accidentally swallowed some Scrabble tiles. My next crap could spell disaster.
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
HERO FROM LAS VEGAS HARLEY GOES DOWN AT 230 MPH— Walks away, sorta. Two broken hands. That’s the quick and dirty report from Ray Wheeler, 5-Ball Racing Member on the salt preparing to make a pass today.
Apparently Hero lost control of his sleek black monster at over 230 mph. The bike flipped, split and came to rest in a pile of rubble, but after some time in a prone position Hero was revived.
He was taken to the hospital, but later in the day he returned to wander through the pits with two broken hands and a shaken heart. We wish him well and quick recovery.
–Ray Wheeler and Bandit
HARLEY PLANS TO LAY OFF 200 employees– New engines come off the production line at Harley-Davidson’s plant in Menomonee Falls.
(Photo: Journal Sentinel files)
Approximately 200 Harley-Davidson Inc. employees could face layoffs this fall as the company adjusts motorcycle production following recent slower sales.
Union sources said many of the layoffs will take place at Harley’s assembly plant in York, Pa., but that a handful will occur at the engine plant in Menomonee Falls, where the company employs approximately 1,000 people, and there will be approximately 35 layoffs at the plant in Tomahawk.
The York Daily Record reported that 117 of the layoffs will occur at the York plant, in Springettsbury Township, Pa., that employs approximately 950 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 75.
Harley-Davidson and other makers of cruiser and touring motorcycles have seen their sales fall in recent months. The U.S. market was far weaker than expected, Harley CEO Matt Levatich said following the company’s recent second-quarter earnings announcement.
The company declined to give specifics on the layoffs Wednesday. But in an email, spokeswoman Maripat Blankenheim said: “The company continually reacts to industry and market changes to provide the best products and services to our customers.
To that end, as we adjust our production plan to align with 2016 guidance, we are making the necessary changes to right-size the company. As a result, approximately 200 regular and casual union employees will be impacted across our U.S. plants. The majority of impacts are scheduled for the fourth quarter.”
–By Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
–from Rogue
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– No. 968 Gasket Locator Tool
Have you ever tried to install a primary cover only to have the gasket sag down and not seal, or be unable to install a screw because the gasket blocks the hole? JIMS No. 968 Gasket Locator Tool is designed for situations just like this.
The tool consists of three ¼-20 knurled locator tools that thread into screw holes to support and align the gasket when installing the cover. Then, just remove the locators one at a time and replace with the original screw. Such a simple tool makes gasket installation jobs much easier.
JIMS No. 968 has a suggested retail price of $34.50, is made in the USA, and features JIMS lifetime tool warranty.
noun
Quotes
We are approaching the true nodus of our business, difficulty of difficulties …
— Thomas Carlyle, History of Friedrich the Second, Called Frederick the Great, 1858–65
Origin of nodus
Nodus stems from the Latin nodus meaning “knot.” It entered English around 1400.
RAY WHEELER OF 5-BALL RACING ON THE SALT— Ray’s plan included installing a new Barnett clutch, filing his paperwork and taking his monster twin cam for a spin on the Salt.
This will be his first attempt as a speed pass, but once more he ran out of time. He’s now headed to the Colorado Mile, which is happening this coming weekend.
After the Colorado meet, he is headed this direction to meet with Billy McCahill of STD, who is forming a team effort for 2017. Keith Ruxton, who was the crew chief on the Easyriders streamliner effort and ultimately set the world land speed record at 321 mph for 16 years, will be apart of this team, along with Dr. Willie.
We will bring you more reports in the near future.
STRICTLY HAWGS NEW TOURING STEERING DAMPER—I can smell a tech tip coming from Strictly Hawgs. This is something new from the mastermind of Performance Baggers.
Hang on for more reports.
–Bandit
OUTLAW MC PATCHES SEIZED–
Seizure Of Outlaws MC Patches Upheld by Appeals Court–An Illinois Court of Appeals in affirmed a lower court ruling in People v. Black in Color Leather Vest with Attached Outlaws Motorcycle Club Patches, 2016 IL App (2d) 150495 (February 23, 2016), saying that 3 Outlaws Motorcycle Club patches were properly seized under the state’s Street-gang Prevention Act after defendants pled guilty to aggravated battery and mob action.
This decision does not say that the government can take all Outlaws MC patches. This decision does say that motorcycle club colors may be seized from individuals wearing them during the commission of a crime.
This Decision Does Not Apply to All Outlaws MC Patches, BUT There is Always a Catch:
People v. Black in Color Leather Vest with Attached Outlaws Motorcycle Club Patches, 2016 IL App (2d) 150495 (February 23, 2016) McHenry Co. (SCHOSTOK) Affirmed.
Claimant, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, appeals from circuit court judgment ordering that 3 black leather vests with attached Outlaws’ patches be forfeited. Time frame in Section 40 of Illinois Street-gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act to initiate forfeiture proceedings begins to run when trial court enters a conviction in underlying criminal proceedings.
Defendants pled guilty to aggravated battery and mob action, and agreed to forfeit their jackets. As State initiated forfeiture proceedings within 60 days of date that Defendants pled guilty, State’s action was timely. Wearing vests facilitated Defendants’ goal of intimidation, to be achieved by violent means, if necessary, to show their dominance to others. Thus, court properly found that vests and patches were derivative contraband subject to forfeiture.(ZENOFF and SPENCE, concurring.)
Although this is not the same as seizing a club’s trademark, the court says, “Wearing vests facilitated Defendants’ goal of intimidation, to be achieved by violent means, if necessary, to show their dominance to others. Thus, court properly found that vests and patches were derivative contraband subject to forfeiture.”
This and other action taken by law enforcement proves they are continuing to seize motorcycle colors.
If they are not as successful with this they will try to make Reflective Vests Mandatory so that Colors will have to be covered up.
–Rogue
IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR NEW WHEELS AND TIRES–SO HERE IS A SPECIAL DEAL
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UNCLE MONKEY ON STURGIS NIGHTS–
It is something you can’t put your finger on at first. You rumble up and down main street Sturgis making sure everyone sees you. Find a spot and watch the weird and wacky go by. As night rolls in many seek out the comfort of their makeshift homes, others roll into any one of the many nightly concerts.
But after the bands, the commotions, after the last drunk biker built up his courage to make a run for it a silence come over the land. I know it is hard to believe but there are quiet places to lay your head. It is something you don’t notice right away.
Some crickets chirping, some trailer springs creaking but silence covers the Black Hills. In the morning you are awake and pumped to get on the road and ride, just ride man.
The early dawners are gone already, the rest of you mill around brushing teeth, lathering on the sunscreen, but it is there hanging in the air – a constant rumble. You can pick out the odd set of drag pipes ripping up the air, but they too are quickly swallowed up into the droning sound of hundreds of thousands of bikes.
Where ever you go in the Black Hills and the Badlands it is always there. Parked on the side of the road in a canyon watching a babbling creek wash away your sins of the day before the sound of Harleys surround you, envelope you, resonating the tuning fork stabbed into your soul.
I’ve watched new riders move around uneasily, not quite sure, unable to put their finger on it. Bikes on the streets, bikes on the highways, bikes in the campgrounds. The thunder of thousands of iron steeds running free across the countryside. The thing is that there really isn’t a beginning or end, not with one bike or two.
It is a chorus of revving engines, whining open primaries, clacking clutches and chains. It is mourner of rubber on asphalt, leather snapping in the wind, pinging exhaust along the street, genuine laughs, authentic words.
You quickly notice the missing rumble of Freedom in the dark, while smoking the last cigarette of the day in the middle of the night. In that silence you come to realize the blanket of sound that lies over the area during the day.
-bad Uncle Monkey
LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES–
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A federal lawsuit over loud motorcycles at rallies in Fayetteville and Fort Smith was tossed out of court because the plaintiff lacked legal standing.
Ricky Holtsclaw, a former Texas police officer and self-proclaimed motorcycle-sound crusader, sued the cities and city officials for failing to enforce existing sound ordinances during the motorcycle rallies. He was seeking $500,000 from each defendant and an injunction prohibiting all motorcycle rallies until the state adopts a policy to protect residents from “the audible assault perpetuated by illegally equipped, illegally loud motorcycles.”
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes said that Holtsclaw failed to state a plausible claim. The judge also wrote that Holtsclaw has no claim because he was not prosecuted and only seeks to challenge the decision not to prosecute others, so he lacks legal standing in the case. Fayetteville stages the Bikes, Blues & BBQ event, and Fort Smith hosts the Steel Horse Rally.
–from Rogue
SPECIAL HOURS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30!– Make note that the museum will be CLOSING at 1pm on Friday, 9/30 for a taping of the TV show, Fireball Run.
Will reopen for regular museum hours on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2.
Coming Soon!
The Diane & Fay Finkelstein Memorial Park
The memorial park is on land donated to Motorcyclepedia by Howard Finkelstein.
Located in the Town of Newburgh on Rt. 9W, the park has about 10 acres of land to be used to promote conservation and environmental awareness. In addition to such installations as fish ponds, live bee hives, and bird watching facilities, there will be picnic areas and trails for hiking and biking within the park (No motorized vehicles will be permitted). The trail to the summit has already been cleared, and a memorial stone has been placed awaiting a plaque, commemorating it as the “Diane & Fay Finkelstein Memorial Park”.
A parking lot paving contract has been awarded, and will be completed this fall. The park is expected to open to members in late Spring of 2017. Information about membership will become available in January of 2017.
The Velocipede Museum
Formerly located in New Castle, Delaware, The Velocipede Museum will be bringing its collection of velocipedes, tricycles, boneshakers and bicycles dating from the 1860s to the mid 1960s to Newburgh!
The Velocipede Museum has been featured on the now-cancelled TV series, “small wonders”.
This subsidiary of Motorcyclepedia will feature the predecessors of the modern motorcycle, from the earliest examples of bicycles up to the last motorized bicycle before the advent of motorcycles. In addition to the bikes, the collection includes books, pamphlets, posters, license plates, bells, lamps, wheels, and more.
With the historic building that will be its future home currently under renovation, look for The Velocipede to open at 109 Liberty Street, Newburgh in Summer of 2017.
Give it a like on Facebook and keep up with upcoming news!
1884 Howe Adult Tricycle
Fall Swap Meet is Finally Here!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th
Retail vendors & dealers are welcome.
Tickets are to be reserved only if you are setting up as a vendor.
Vendor spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Motorcyclepedia will provide one 6-foot table and two chairs upon request, also assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Please only register for a vendor space if you will be selling or swapping motorcycle related parts and accessories. We are not looking for any other types of vendors. Payment for vendor spaces will be accepted at the door on the day of the event!
Time: 10:00am -3:00pm
Setup for Vendors: 9:00am
No items containing any type of fuel or oil will be permitted inside the building.
Volunteers Needed!
Motoryclepedia is always on the lookout for courteous and reliable volunteers to help us out. Positions available include:
•Greeter
•Tour Guide
•Educator
•Archivist
•Public Relations
•Preservationist
•Housekeeping
•Cosmetic attention to motorcycles
Do you have 2-4 hours to spare during a weekday to help our museum coordinator?Duties will include filing, arranging the gift shop, cleaning display cases, and assisting with reordering stock, as well as keeping our newsletter contact list up to date.
Come in and fill out a volunteer application!
For more information call Christy, our volunteer coordinator (Mon-Friday 8:30-5) at (845)569-9065 x 502
250 Lake Street Newburgh NY 12550 (845)569-9065
www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org
Museum Hours: Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Admission:
Adults: $11
Children under 12: $5
Under 3: Free
Interested in hosting an event at Motorcyclepedia Museum?
Motorcyclepedia has space available inside the museum for parties and events of all sizes!
School field trips are welcome as well! Call to schedule a school trip with us.
BIKERNET FACEBOOK TEAM—Are you a facebook addict. We need a handful of Bikernet facebook managers to help us keep up. Let me know if you’re interested.
Drop me a note to Bandit@Bikernet.com
TIME to ROCK— My first wife complained that I didn’t like to sleep, because I wanted to do so many things. I was just learning how to build motorcycles and never wanted to stop.
Even today, at 68, I try to pack as much as possible into everyday, and I don’t like to spend time doing frivolous bullshit. Time is critical.
I like to help anyone with any project, but I don’t like to stand around shooting the shit about it. Let’s get ‘er done and move on.
I apologize for all the political shit in the news. It seems simple to me. Let freedom ring and we can all be contented, that is except for the control freaks.
Just let us ride Free Forever,
