Hey,
This is a year to think out of the box. I just watched a George Clooney movie, “Michael Clayton,” which I enjoyed tremendously. So many movies follow the same story line, like Bright. I’m losing interest. The bad guy kills everyone but the good guy throughout the movie. He’s cunning and ruthless and can kill anyone and everyone, except the good guy and his side kick. Movie after movie follows the same premise.
I also noticed lots of movies about weak women. One wink and a glance and her clothes fall off. How about a movie about a woman who is true?
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown and BorntoRide.com, Sturgis Museum. And the Smoke Out.
HOT NEWS FROM JASMINE CAIN–
Hey there, Cainiacs!
I’m taking a New Look at how I can stay more in touch. We want you to know that we genuinely love you all and appreciate your mad support for our music!
We will be starting our New Album on February 26 with non other than world famous producer, Michael Wagener! I know you can feel my excitement as I type this. So many of the songs we covered last year were made famous by this very same man! Amazing! (Skid Row, Alice Cooper, Metallica…just to name a few)
With 2018 finally here, we are changing a great deal of things about our live shows as well. You’re going to see us in quite a few more headlining positions, and possibly even more fairs and festivals as well. We are also excited to announce we will be breaking into the European market this year! It’s a dream come true!
I know, you know, but I’ll say it again and again….WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU! You are as much of a part of this team as anyone is. Thank you for buying our t-shirts and music, ordering our coffee online, sending messages of encouragement and support, and showing up with rock fists in the air at every show! We love you guys. Happy New Year!
Make sure you visit us on our website for updates on all things Jasmine Cain!
Peace, Love, and Rock n Roll!
–Jasmine Cain
http://www.jasminecain.com
DRAMA IN COLORADO– As with every story there are two sides, sometimes even more. I had a chat with Jeff from Colorado Motorcycle Expo (CME) in hopes of seeing the other side of this story. The CME is a large event with a noticeable effect on the Colorado biking community.
I have been attending for years and see it as a place to not only see great bikes from all over the US but a great place for some winter fellowship with like-minded people. The show being canceled in 2017 had an impact on the whole community. I know small bike shops that use this to help make it through the winter months. That said, it will be good to see the expo back in full swing this year.
When you put on an event as large as the CME there are a lot of details to consider, a lot of hoops to jump through, and a lot of people to make happy. Looking at the concessions the CME made to the National Western Stock Show Complex and the City of Denver, this is minimal impact to the biker community.
Yes, the Mongols are banned this year and it sounds like the Iron Order may get a permanent banning. But when violence breaks out with thousands of civilians in firing range someone will need to suffer the consequences. The COC needs to accept that and move on.
This event is put on for the whole biker community, everyone from vintage buffs to 1% MCs. I have seen them all come together and enjoy a day. I hope this year can continue on the tradition established by Jack Portice and Jim Arnett and the thousands of attendees that have enjoyed the show over the years.
From my interview with Jeff Brown:
Jeff: was the banding of the Mongols to appease Denver, and what does the future of 1% MCs look like at the expo?
As a condition to letting the show return in 2017, the facility required that the Mongols and Iron Order could not attend. Their reasoning was that the police determined that the Iron Order acted in self-defense. By definition that means the official story is that the Mongols attacked the Iron Order.
I think it’s clear the Iron Order are troublemakers and went there looking to cause problems.
Of course the Mongols did not cooperate with the police, which didn’t help things. Therefore the only official side of the story is from the Iron Order. So both clubs are banned this year.
Personally, I will never allow the Iron Order back. As for the Mongols, I am not against allowing them back next year, but it will depend on how things go this year and how the facility feels about it. They have indicated they are open to discussing it after this show.
Jeff: Any comment on the COC swap meet being held at Mile High Harley on the same weekend in protest of the Mongols being banned from the event ?
Mile High Harley had that same event back in 2016 on the same day as our show. So it is not something new they are doing to support the clubs. It is an outdoor swap meet at the end of January in Denver. I wish them the best of luck.
It did not affect our attendance in 2016. In fact, we were on pace for record attendance in 2016 before the unfortunate incident between the Mongols and the Iron Order.
It is disappointing the COC has chosen not to attend this year, especially after we fought to continue to allow colors.
Jeff: What is the response from the rest of the MC community?
The response from the rest of the motorcycle community has been very positive. We will be sold out or near sold out of vendor booths for the upcoming show and online ticket sales are on pace with 2016.
I want to thank Jeff for his honest comments and hope the show goes well.
–David “Dangerous Dave” Campbell
Earl’s Garage – Motorcycle, Hotrod, and Event Photography
LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— Cherokee, Red Metal Flake Diamond Sportster Seat. This is how a plain black scooter can come to life inexpensively. Add a classic Le Pera Metal Flake seat and some Atomic Bob Pinstripping and suddenly an ordinary scooter has flash and personality.
Overview
With its pure Bobbed & Chopped, King/Queen lines and incredible lower back support for the driver, the Cherokee offers the throwback look your Forty-Eight was born to have. Now available with our bitchen Diamond stitch! Rider seating area is 11″ wide, with 4.5″ of back support. Passenger seating area is 6″ wide
Specs
Driver Seating: 11″ Wide
Passenger Seating: 6.5″ Wide
MSRP:
$503.00
Part Number:
LK-026REDMFDM [’10-’18] 3.3 Gal Tank
LK-026REDMFDM [’10-’18] 4.5 Gal Tank
NEW LINDBY SOFTAIL BAR– Lindby Custom, Inc. now has the LINBAR available for the 2018 Harley Davidson Softail models.
The LINBAR is made from 1 1/4” high strength steel and is offered in 3 different finishes, chrome, gloss black powder coat and flat black powder coat.
The LINBAR has the most comfortable foot rest placement of any highwaybar’s.
The retail price for the LINBAR is $369.95
Please let me know if you have any questions.
–Per Lindby
HAMSTER MOVES TOWARD MEXICO–
THIS is just one of the reasons I wanted to move. ONLY in Lakeside will you see a Mercedes with exhaust like this. I’m still waiting to see what Vista has to offer…hahahaha
–El Waggs
GUN NUT REPORT– Are Ammo Prices Ready To Drop?
When I first started shooting, the rule of thumb was that practicing with .22 LR was the cheap, easy way to go about it. The round was plentiful since you could find it almost anywhere, and with the light recoil, it made practice easy.
Then we hit the dark times of no .22 almost anywhere, at least around my neck of the woods, and from what I was seeing, we weren’t alone in that. Today, ammo is there, but it costs more than it used to, that’s for sure. However, those days just might be over with.
The Obama-caused bubble in ammunition prices seems ready to bust. Over the last few years gun owners have seen ammunition prices double or even triple. Handgun and rifle ammunition has been hard to find at times and .22 long rifle ammunition tripled in price over the last 18 months. People would line up to buy ammunition at prices two and three times the level that they were just two years ago. But all of that is about to change . . .
Ammunition supply looks as though it is ready to catch up with demand. Centerfire pistol and rifle cartridges are available on most store shelves. When I walked into a local Wal-Mart this morning, their were over 30 signs on the ammunition case indicating a rollback of prices by 10-15%.
In classic economic fashion, the bubble was fueled by actions of the federal government. Many federal agencies bought enormous quantities of ammunition. The Obama administration’s actions fueled fear of coming shortages, gun bans, registration of ammunition sales, even potential low level warfare. All of this led to the current bubble of ammunition sales.
In response, the economy reacted the way free markets are supposed to work. Ammunition suppliers started running their manufacturing plants day and night, adding additional shifts. Importers scoured the world markets, trying to buy everything they could to satisfy the insatiable demand. Foreign manufacturers bumped up their production to try to fill the desire for more and more ammunition. Ammunition production was at the highest level ever for small arms, short of war.
However, as the post adds, this manufacturing won’t just stop. It’ll keep going until there’s a glut of ammo on the market. At that point, the Law of Supply and Demand kick in, and prices drop.
There are two ways to look at this. As a consumer, this is a good thing. Prices dropping means I can buy more ammo for the same money. That means more shooting. In other words, I’ll get more bang for my buck. Literally.
On the flip side, however, are the companies that make this ammo. Federal Premium is already having difficulties, after all, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other companies having similar difficulties. After all, if their current budgets are based on selling ammo at X price, but they can only sell it at X-Y price, that’s going to play merry havoc with the revenue stream.
The question then becomes whether they can weather that storm.
Not that there’s much we can do except buy ammo and shoot a lot. Still, as a consumer, I’ll consider it my sacred duty to create as much spent brass as humanly possible.
You know, for the children.
–by Tom Knighton
https://bearingarms.com/tom-k/
–from Rogue
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PAUGHCO!!– Hope all is well …..Just thought I would send you a few pics of the new XL chopper we are building. I call it the “Chopster.”
Big twin Chopper with a cut off old Sportster engine…Panhead 4-speed- foot clutch-hand shift- mechanical read drum….all from the Paughco hand book…..
I think it is cool….
We will paint it LOUD metal flake orange- early 1970s style……
.JPG)
It’s basically a kit bike from our catalog..
–Steve Massicotte
Paughco, Inc.
MOTIVATIONAL MOTORCYCLE STORY OF THE WEEK– Harley-Davidson teaching whole town to ride motorcycles.
Teaching an entire town to ride motorcycles is an ambitious goal, but that’s what Harley-Davidson is attempting this summer in Ryder, N.D., a farm community known for its grain mill, not bikes.
Today, Harley is trying to introduce every willing Ryder resident to motorcycling – with the goal of making it the first town in America where everybody has a motorcycle license.
Ryder is small, with only 85 residents, but the rural town in the middle of North Dakota has a feisty spirit that’s kept it alive through hard times, not to mention North Dakota winters, for more than a century.
In a nod to Harley’s goal, Ryder officials have changed their town’s name to “Riders” for the 2017 motorcycle season. Riding lessons, free to residents, will take place this summer.
“We are all fired up to give it a whirl,” said Mayor Jody Reinisch.
“I got everybody interested … from ages 16 to 75,” he said.
Ryder is about 40 miles south of Minot, not far from the Missouri River. Harley-Davidson executives were smitten with the town’s name and its water tower that’s a dead ringer for one that Harley has at its Juneau Ave. headquarters in Milwaukee.
The company looked at towns with names like Freedom and Independence but chose Ryder for the goal of getting everybody in a town enrolled in rider training through the motorcycle group ABATE of North Dakota.
“We looked at the town and said, ‘Why don’t we turn Ryder into Riders?’ It sealed the deal when we saw their water tank,” said Anoop Prakash, Harley’s U.S. marketing director.
Harley-Davidson has repainted Ryder’s water tower, with the company name on it now, and the town is having a street dance and motorcycle riding demonstrations this weekend as part of the celebration.
Harley will have a stationary motorcycle in Ryder for learning what it’s like to climb aboard a big bike and run it through the gears, without going down the road.
The last big event the town had was in 2006 during its Centennial celebration.
“Everybody’s pretty excited about this one. We had the boys paint some of the fire hydrants Harley-Davidson orange,” Reinisch said.
Ryder symbolizes rural America that hasn’t been touched by urban sprawl. The town is surrounded by farms growing wheat, canola and soybeans.
Ryder doesn’t have streetlights, and some of the streets are unpaved, but it has the heart of a farm town with a grain elevator, a cafe and tavern, a gas station and a roustabout business that provides workers for oil rigs.
“We are a nice little town, a nice place to be,” said Charlotte Smette, bookkeeper at the grain elevator.
A trike, rather than a two-wheel motorcycle, caught Smette’s eye.
“I just saw a little three-wheel thing coming down the street and thought, yeah, I would be able to get on that,” she said.
Some older residents are nervous that Harley’s efforts, and the newly painted water tower, will make their town a beacon for bikers.
They don’t want a lot of partying and noisy motorcycles rumbling through town.
“They’re afraid of the destructive part of it. … But I know the Harley-Davidson people are very good. My cousin was one of them,” said Faye Karna, manager of the town’s museum.
Ryder once had nearly 400 residents, multiple banks, hotels, restaurants, machine shops and its own newspaper. Most of that was in the early 1900s when the town was on a busy rail line with passenger service.
In more recent times, people moved to Minot or Bismarck, and businesses folded.
Ryder officials are hopeful that the attention from Harley-Davidson, the world’s largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles, and a marketing powerhouse, could rekindle interest in their town.
About 50 town residents are eligible to take the rider training. After they get their motorcycle licenses, Harley-Davidson might take them on a group ride and bring them to Milwaukee for what many tourists do here: tour Harley’s manufacturing plant and museum.
“It would be a wonderful way to end the summer,” Prakash said.
–By Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Photo: Nick Roth)
[page break]
If there are other questions, contact Judy at (909) 226 6038 cell, (951) 780 1978 home or mctrailblazers01@gmail.com.
PROGRAM ADS AND SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES–
If you would like to place and ad, or congratulate an inductee, we offer two page spreads to business card ads in the souvenir program. Associate Sponsor packages are also available. These include a table for ten, a full page 4-color ad and identified on screen as a banquet sponsor. For more information contact Don Emde (949) 632 4668 OR donemde@me.com
CHECK OUT TRAILBLAZERS WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE
Information about the upcoming banquet and the inductees will be posted on our website and on Facebook. In addition, you can read the newsletter on both. www.trailblazersmc.com
JARED MEES CYCLE NEWS RIDER OF THE YEAR
Jared Mees is the 4th flat tracker to win Cycle News Rider of the Year since it was started in 1992. The previous were Ricky Graham, Scott Parker and Chris Carr. His record for 2017 is impressive. He won the American Flat Track Twins Championship with 10 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third, riding an Indian.
It was the first championship win for Indian in 60 years. Jared has the record for the most podiums in a single season and won on Short Track, Half Mile and Mile. This was his 4th Grand National title. Wow, what a year. What a rider! Congrats Jared
NOBBY CLARK R.I.P.
Legendary mechanic, Nobby Clark died December 18 at 81 after a long illness. He was originally from Zimbabwe and then Rhodesia. He spoke at least 7 languages, including self-taught Japanese.
Some of the riders he wrenched for were Mike Hailwood, Jim Redman, Gary Hocking, Bill Ivy, Jarno Saarinen, Kel Carruthers, Barry Sheene, Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts and Marco Lucchinelli. Read about his career online.
http://amcn.com.au/editorial/racing-legend-nobby-clark
GENE HARTLINE R.I.P.
Gene Hartline past away in his sleep unexpectedly. He was at his ranch in Paonia, Colorado. Gene was 72 years old. He was originally from the Midwest and rode flat track with plate #68S. He followed the races around the country and was frequently at Ascot.
On short tracks he rode a Benelli 4 stroke with a Trackmaster frame. On the ½ miles he rode Harley’s, Yamaha’s or whatever was available. Gene had a fantastic memory and told great stories about racing in the 60’s and 70’s and of his remarkable life. He became one of the world’s top stunt men and received many awards.
A funeral was held in Paonia and a memorial is in the planning somewhere in the L.A. area. Gene, a Trailblazers member, was a wonderful person and many of us are going to miss his frequent calls just to check on us. God Speed to you Gene. You have left your mark on this world. www.imdb.com/name/nm0366905/
ALLEN (AL) GOSLEE R.I.P.
Long time industry guy, and early Kawasaki employee, Allen (Al Goslee, passed away in November. He was a Trailblazers member and attended the banquets. Al was living in Nebraska and Palm Springs.
LIVE TRACES OF L.A.’S BYGONE RACING DAYS
Any of these familiar? Click on the Gilmore station.
9th ANNUAL RACER PARTY IN ST. LOUIS
Saturday, January 27th is coming up quick. The Donelson’s put on a great party at their shop in Saint Ann, Missouri. It is from 10am – 4pm. We are staying at the Embassy Suites on Lone Eagle Dr. To reserve your room, call (314) 739 8929 and let them know you are with the Donelson Cycles group. There is a shuttle from Saint Louis Lambert Airport to the Embassy. Arrive Friday and head home Sunday. You won’t regret
it.
Lots of tire kicking, good food, great hosts, plus a super Flat Track Museum. For more info contact Kim Keen (314) 427 1204 or (314) 369 8342. See you there.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE 2018 RACE SEASON?
Norm Bigelow is the Race Team Manager for the Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki team, and the 2018 racing starts soon. Norm, a long time Trailblazers member, was with Kawasaki Motors for 33 years as Race Team Supervisor and Machine Shop Supervisor. He has been with Pro Circuit for over 8 years. Sounds like a dream job to me.
CYCLE NEWS ISSUE #50
50 YEARS AGO IN CYCLE NEWS
New Grand National Champion, Gary Nixon, was on cover. Photo of Dan Haaby and Mel Lacher racing at Ascot. They looked at two new companies that were trying to resurrect the Indian brand.
40 YEARS AGO
New 1978 models from Honda. Roger DeCoster won the Motocross de las Americas in Peru. The one (and only) American was 15 year old David Bailey, who came in 6th. Bernie Schreiber won Trial de Espana at Saddleback. Larry Roeseler won the Desert Donkey Hare and Hound
30 YEARS AGO
Looking back over 25 years. On the cover were Bob Hannah, Jay Springsteen, Kenny Roberts, Roger DeCoster and Dick Mann. Interviews with Kevin Hines and Wayne Gardner. Randy Hawkins won the Tecate 250 Enduro
INDUSTRY ARTICLE IN LA TIMES
Sent by Craig Williams
Craig says “We (elders of our sport) need to encourage young people to enter the sport, racing, riding or street riding”
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-secret-motorcycle-summit-20171117-story.html
AMERICAN FLAT TRACK RACING ON FANS CHOICE
You can watch every thrilling minute of the 2017 season on you smart TV, computer, tablet or mobile phone. To relive 2017 go to http://www.fanschoice.tv/american-flat-track.
Tune into FansChoice on March 15, 2018 to watch the Daytona TT live. All 18 of the AFT races in 2018 will be available live.
AFT CONTINGENCY NEAR TWO MILLION
Kind of makes you want to zip up those old leathers and strap on your steel shoe. The 2018 season starts soon and the competition is going to be unbelievable. What an incentive. Never thought I would see the day.
AMA RAFFLE AND CALENDAR
The AMA 2018 calendar features beautiful photos, and histories of motorcycles in their museum. The proceeds go to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation.
On sale for $15.00
You can win a restored 1941 HDWL, civilian version of a WWII army bike or a 2017 URAL Gear Up “Adventure together” 2 wheel drive sidecar from URAL motorcycle. The raffle is early in 2018. Proceeds go to AMA Hall of Fame. www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hof/raffle-bike.
AMA at 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, Ohio 43147, 1 800 AMA JOIN, 1 800 262 5646, 614 856 1900
RIDES, RACES AND SUCH
Sunday, December 31st SoCal Norton ride. “Run for the Roses” to Newcomb’s Ranch. Contact www.socalnorton.com for information.
Saturday, January 6 Supercross at Angel Stadium in Anaheim
Saturday, January 13 Supercross at NRG in Houston Texas
Saturday, January 13 Speedway at Perris Raceway, Gates open 2pm, Racing 5pm dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net (951) 443 7622
Sunday, January 14 BSAOCSC “Toluca Loop” Singles street ride, Meet at 9am Griffith Park Zoo parking lot, ride 10am. All British welcome. Route is short, designed for BSA “441” & smaller. Info: (818) 843 2892 (951) 440 3521
Sunday, January 14 Vintage Bike O.C. meet at Castenada Mex Food, 19071 Brookhurst, Huntington Beach 2 – 4
Sunday, January 14 23rd Annual Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, 2844 W. Deer Valley Rd. Phoenix, AZ (602) 763 2013
Sunday, January 14 SoCalotMX Comp Edge Hillside Track, Hesperia socalotmx.org
Saturday, January 20 Supercross at Angel Stadium in Anaheim
Sunday, January 21 www.SoCalNorton.com Rockin BBQ at Dan Shoenwald’s in Camarillo
Saturday, January 27 SCFTA Awards 12pm -4pm Perris Raceway
Sunday, February 11 Old School TT Scrambles racing at Glen Helen www.oldschoolscramblesracing.com
March 15 Daytona TT AFT season opener
April 13-15 MotoAmerica season opener Road Atlanta, Georgia
May 19 Pro MotoCross Season opener Hangtown Motocross, Prairie City
GLEN HELEN SCHEDULE
www.GlenHelen.com
Sat. Dec 30 REM/MX / MX Practice
Sun. Dec 31 MX Practice/
Thu. Jan 4 MX Practice
Sat/Sun Jan 6-7 Sprint Hero Enduro Race
Sat. Jan 13 MX Practice
Sun. Jan 14 TWMX 2 Tracks
Sat. Jan 20 REM MX
Sun. Jan 21 SRA GP
Sat. Jan 27 MX Practice/ REM MX
Sun. Jan 28 American RetroCross-Vet/REM Track/ OTHGMX
THE GEARHEAD DIARIES–
Went out and shot a couple hours of pool along with bud backers. TJ reminded me about a time when he had to go to northern Cal. to do a little county time. That was many years ago, back in the ‘80s, way back back (before kids).
He came over to the house before he took the buss out of town. I made homemade biscuits and gravy. The wife said, “You want help?”
“I got this,” I said. Yeah right! What was suppose to be biscuits turned out to be rocks.
The joke since then is where are the good biscuits. That will teach me about feeding a biker brother with my cooking. I can grill with the best of them, but don’t let me mix anything in the kitchen.
Happy New Year to you your family and the staff.
–Gearhead
VIDEO OF THE WEEK–
Donald Trump should just televise this Bill Clinton speech from 1995 and then simply state, “I’m Donald Trump and I approve this message.”
Very short video about 84 seconds
–El Waggs
SUZUKI GOES TO JAIL– DETROIT – A former employee of American Suzuki Motor Corp. was sentenced to one day in prison in federal court in Detroit for violating the Clean Air Act when he submitted a false end-of-year report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Justice Department announced.
Wayne Powell was a government relations analyst for Suzuki and was responsible for submitting documents to the EPA regarding Suzuki’s compliance with motorcycle emission standards.
Powell submitted Suzuki’s 2012 application to the EPA for a “certificate of conformity,” which allows a vehicle manufacturer to sell vehicles in the United States. At the end of the model year, Suzuki was required to submit to the EPA an end-of-year report to show that it was in compliance with emission standards.
The first end-of-year report Powell submitted in 2013 purported to claim “banked credits” to offset excess emissions. However, because Suzuki had not participated in the banked credit program, it had no credits to use.
The EPA informed Powell it could not accept that report. On March 28, 2014, Powell submitted an amended end-of-year report to the EPA which resulted in a calculation that was within the emission limit, but was subsequently determined to include falsified numbers of four motorcycle engine families.
I am hopeful that we will see some changes made at the EPA soon that will soon be favorable to motorcycles.
–Rogue
Supreme Commander Editor
Bikernet Baggers
5-BALL RACING SPECIAL— Check out the line of Jak Shirts. We have them in long sleeve, 5/8 sleeve and no-sleeve. They are made with tough buffalo hyde and are designed for the rider who wants longer tails on his leather.
They all come with two deep gun pockets, hidden side pockets, classic styling and each order will receive two signed copies of K. Randall Ball books.
Chance of a lifetime. Receive “Sam ‘Chopper’ Orwell” about the future of motorcycling and our Bonneville book about how we built the World’s Fastest Panhead.
THE HAPPINESS DOCTRINE–
“Happiness”
They’re not happy in Gaza ..
They’re not happy in Egypt ..
They’re not happy in Libya ..
They’re not happy in Morocco …
They’re not happy in Iran ..
They’re not happy in Iraq ..
They’re not happy in Yemen …
They’re not happy in Afghanistan ..
They’re not happy in Pakistan …
They’re not happy in Syria ..
They’re not happy in Lebanon …
SO, WHERE ARE THEY HAPPY?
They’re happy in Australia ..
They’re happy in Canada ..
They’re happy in England ..
They’re happy in France ..
They’re happy in Italy ..
They’re happy in Germany ..
They’re happy in Sweden ..
They’re happy in the USA ..
They’re happy in Norway ..
They’re happy in Holland ..
They’re happy in Denmark ..
Basically, they’re happy in every country that is NOT MUSLIM and unhappy in every country that is!
AND WHO DO THEY BLAME?
Not Islam.
Not their leadership.
Not themselves.
THEY BLAME THE COUNTRIES WE ARE HAPPY IN!
AND THEN; They want to change those countries to be like
THE COUNTRY THEY CAME FROM WHERE THEY WERE UNHAPPY!
Excuse me, but I can’t help wondering…
How damn dumb can you get?
Everyone seems to be wondering why Muslim Terrorists are so quick to commit suicide.
Lets have a look at the evidence:
– No Christmas
– No television
– No nude women
– No football
– No pool tables
– No pork chops
– No hot dogs
– No burgers
– No beer
– No bacon
– Rags for clothes
– Towels for hats
– Constant wailing from some idiot in a tower
– More than one wife
( More than one mother-in-law)
– You can’t shave
– Your wife can’t shave
– You can’t wash off the smell of donkeys
– You cook over burning camel dung
– Your wife is picked by someone else for you
– and your wife smells worse than your donkey
– Then they tell them that “when they die, it all gets better”??
Well No Shit Sherlock!….
–Sarge
Veteran
NEWS FROM THE AMA— PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY BANNED DIRT BIKES, ATVS AND MORE.
This law became effective in November, ’17. The Mill Hall, PA Borough Council banned dirt bike and ATV riding.
The ban also covers the use of motorscooters, mopeds, snowmobiles and other recreational motorized vehicles, according to the news reports.
The ban applies to all use, whether on public streets or private property.
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO CONSIDER MOTORCYCLISTS’ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS— AMA files a brief.
Should motorcyclists have fewer rights under the U.S. Constitution than non-motorcyclists?
Of course not. But the Supreme Court of Virginia seems to think so, and now the U.S. Supreme Court is taking up the case.
On Nov. 20, the AMA filed an amicus brief with the highest court in the land defending the rights of motorcyclists against unlawful search and seizure as protected by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Case is scheduled to go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in mid-January.
COLORADO— The Archuleta Board of County Commissioners is considering a proposal that would allow OHVs to operate on public roads.
FLORIDA— S.B. 346 would require motor scooter riders younger than 21 to wear helmets while on public roads. The bill applies to motorcycles and scooters of 50cc or less.
MISSOURI— The city of Columbia is considering an ordinance banning all texting while driving. State law prohibits texting for drivers younger than 21 and for commercial truck drivers.
Efforts to enact a statewide ban have proved unsuccessful.
UNCLE MONKEY ON WINTER COLD–
As the cold blasts against the hatches it is easy to let your mind wonder to warm summer days.
We all have that favorite section of road, that favorite ride that wonders in and out of our minds. Maybe it was the first day you met the old lady, blasting down the road as she squeezed you tighter.
The quick loop quickly devolved into an out of the way, long way around. You’re convinced that was the day she fell in love with you, at least the day she fell in love with your Shovelhead.
Others think back to jumping out of work, miles from home early. You got the go- ahead from the boss to start the time-off early. A warped pool table waited at the end of a long road. The bros would be surprised to see you. Happy Hour kicked off earlier than usual.
A little smoke, a little romance from a pretty young thing dancing on the wild side. You twisted the throttle to the stops hoping to get the party started sooner rather than later.
For some, it is the sweet smell of pine of the Black Hills, meandering your way along the Iron Mountain Road. All year you thought about that section where the roads diverge. Glancing through the trees to see the forest, you estimate slithering through the curve, your speed, lean angle and the rush of the next turn. It’s a time when you shed the shackles of this civilization, when you can be yourself with the elements.
The rumble of an idling diesel outside takes others to blasting through the industrial park skirting the harbor. Salt and diesel mixture fill your lungs. Your bike is happy in the heavy air.
Clamoring 18-wheelers force turbulent winds across concrete streets. You cut the throttle just before a black and white pulls to the corner. You flash them a smile as you rumble by. They only follow for a couple of blocks before something more interesting takes them down another side street.
Yet for many, it is that first real ride on the bike they built; that first ride when all the checks and worry melt away. Glimpses of that perfect profile in the shadow cast to your side. The wanton glances from the women as you pass by. Years of hard work living paycheck to paycheck bruising and bloodying your knuckles. A couple of kids speed out of their yard pedaling as fast as they can to catch up to the thunder that passed them by. They could be the next family or riders.
Finally, for others it is those midnight blasts in concrete jungles, even the moving breeze can’t push away the smell of aerosol paint, the muffled clanking of spray cans in your backpack.
Three more blocks to the next perfect canvas. Your heart still pumping from the security guard who almost caught you. You wonder if the art will still be there in the morning. You twist the throttle as your marauding compadres keep pace.
It’s the rush of an ambitious project that will need everyone to finish before sun break. Your steel steeds offer the perfect get away.
The microwave beeps and brings you back to the here and now. It’s just a hot tamale and a steaming cup of green tea to help with the cold in your garage. The cold chrome shivers and sweats the chill as you check off your to-do list and wait for the warm open road to call once more.
-bad Uncle Monkey
AMAZON REVIEW FOR SAM AND CHANCE— You could do us a favor. If you have an Amazon account find K.Randall Ball books and if you read one, write a review.
Thanks,
–Bandit
VINTAGE NEWS– Dear AMCA Member,
The current issue is in the mail now. If you have not yet received your copy in the mail, you can JOIN THE ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA and receive the new issue on your computer, laptop or cell phone.
If you’re a New Member or a member who’s membership expired before December 1st, your first (next) printed issue will be the following issue but please enjoy this digital issue this month.
For those in the U.S. you will receive your copy within days. Members in Canada and Mexico in a week or so and overseas in several weeks. That’s the main reason for this email. Regardless of your postal worker’s speed, everyone gets this version at the same time.
The digital edition is an invaluable tool for members who want to find a story from an old magazine. As new magazines are posted, we are building up an archive of past issues you can refer to anytime, without fumbling through that stack of printed magazines in the corner of your shop.
All you’ll need to take advantage of this new benefit is your AMCA number and your last name. Just fill in that information on the login page and start reading.
In the January/February 2018 issue of the Antique Motorcycle, you’ll get:
A chance to ride along on an AMCA National Road Run into Colorado’s spectacular High Country.
A look at some of the great old motorcycles to be found at the massive Wauseon National Meet.
The story behind Ducati’s 1974 750 Super Sport, the motorcycle that launched the Italian brand’s performance reputation.
And much more!
So go ahead to our web site and experience The Antique Motorcycle Digital Companion Edition.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS, INDIA–
All Indians in USA love Trump and now all Indians in India love Trump.
In the first tweet of New Year Trump has questioned why billions of dollars of financial aid is paid by USA to Pakistan which gives refuge to the world’s most well know terrorists including Osama bin Laden.
Today Trump said Palestine aid by USA needs to be reconsidered as it is basically aiding terrorism.
I wish I could donate both my kidneys to Trump but hopefully he will never need them.
I posted a political post on Facebook Page of Bikernet. Let me know if it crossed a line and I will restrain myself in future:
Post
Two Americans walked into a cafe.
One asked for coffee. The other asked for proof of equality, minimum financial remuneration, display of tits, unisex urinals, declaration of sharp butter knives and rights of the illegals.
–Ujjwal Dey
Most Magnificent Editor
Bikernet Trikes
[page break]
MORE FROM THE GUN NUT REPORT– California: Ammunition Dealer Regulations Approved
The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has approved the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed ammunition vendor regulations after failing to meet the statutorily mandated deadline of July 1, 2017 and the effective date of January 1, 2018.
As previously reported, recent changes to California law require ammunition vendors, businesses that sell ammunition but who are not licensed to sell firearms, to be in possession of a valid ammunition vendor license by January 1, 2018 in order to continue selling ammunition in California.
The NRA is currently preparing a lawsuit to challenge the ammunition restrictions to compliment the already pending challenges against the “gunmagedon” package of gun control bills. Click here for more information on NRA’s legal efforts in California.
Continue to check your inbox and the California Stand and Fight webpage for updates on issues impacting your Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage in California.
DRAG RACING SEASON OPENER– 2018 Bracket Season Opener
Saturday January 6
Click flyer for updated info.
TOP ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES of 2017–
The world is fast changing. No, not Governments and definitely those Senators never leave or change. While the more Hollywood movies change, the more they remain the same.
Generations change and the new millennials have different priorities and preferences. Climate is supposedly (“allegedly”) changing.
Demand and Supply of big bikes have changed. There are again more British motorcycle brands in the market than American bikes with the return of Enfield, BSA, Norton and the veteran Triumph.
Roads have changed with new taxes tolls on rush hour routes. The year has changed to 2018. My underwear has changed from boxers to briefs. Bikernet.com has changed and become mobile friendly.
Last year, Germany voted to ban the internal combustion engine by year 2030, and this just this year the UK government announced plans to ban the sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040. China is leading the way with maximum ownership of electric vehicles in the world.
But the future is bright. In the four-wheel world Elon Musk is leading the way with his innovative Tesla brand, and over here in the two-wheel world there are a host of different manufacturers all looking to the future.
Challenges have popped to the surface regarding electric vehicles. They might be more emission prone than petrol based vehicles. Batteries are nasty. We will see.
Here are the best electric bikes of 2017.
Energica Ego
The Energica Ego will impress you on both on road and track, as well as around the TT course. It is widely voted as the best Electric Motorcycle in 2017.
Super Soco
While the Energica Ego is an uber-cool sportsbike capable of three figure speeds, the Super Soco is designed with urban mobility in mind.
It can be ridden by 16-year-olds on a provisional license, so it can’t top 30mph. It’s incredibly light and easy to use, and the batteries can be removed so you can charge them inside. It doesn’t have the glamour as some of the bikes on this list, but it’s cheap and practical.
Zero S
The Zero S makes a claimed 30.6bhp and 79.7ft lbs of torque. Those figures aren’t really that much to shout about, but what’s interesting is the fact that the Zero is actually A1 licence compliable, which means 17-year-olds can ride one on L-plates. If, at 17, you choose to stick to a petrol bike, you’ll be limited to bikes that make roughly half the power. So get Zero.
Gogoro Smartscooter 2
Not available for sale everywhere yet but they’re perhaps the future of urban transport. The Gogoro Smartscooter 2 has a top speed of 55mph and a range of 68 miles.
The interesting part is that the Gogoros are part of a ride sharing scheme in Taiwan, Paris and Berlin. Using an app, you find your nearest one and then use it to get where you need to go. If it needs charging you just swap the battery with a charged one at a charging station.
Vespa Elettrica
Vespa is a major two-wheeler brand going electric. Electric bikes are only becoming better and more common, so it’s no surprise that there’s more to come in 2018, and maybe beyond.
Think of Vespa and you probably think of classic scooters propelled by polluting two-stroke engines. At the recent Milan Show Vespa announced their own electric scooter, bringing the historic Italian brand firmly into the 21st century. The Elettrica has a guaranteed range of 62 miles, which is more than enough in the city.
BMW Concept Link
BMW already have an electric scooter in the C Evolution and something like the Concept Link could be the next step. The interesting thing about the Concept Link is that it also acts as a communication device, connecting to your online accounts and calendar.
.jpg)
Zero Motorcycles
Zero S launched in 2017 but Zero has a bigger better version for next year and the entire range might be worth a mention. For 2018 every Zero model has received 10% more range and faster charge times. Not terribly exciting on the face of it, but another step towards an electric future.
Confederate Motorcycles
The American company behind bonkers bikes such as the Hellcat and P51 Combat Fighter, have announced a partnership with electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles. The partnership means Confederate’s latest bike, the Combat Bomber, which costs $155,000 (£118,372), will be their last machine with an internal combustion engine.
SILENT HAWK AMERICA
American special-forces could be moving silently through the battlefield in the future, as the Pentagon is currently developing a silent electric motorcycle for them to use called SilentHawk.
The SilentHawk isn’t your bog standard electric bike, though, it’s a hybrid – much like a Toyota Prius, and can run on petrol, diesel, and even jet fuel. Much like the Prius the SilentHawk recharges its own batteries when it’s running on fuel.
The SilentHawk is a collaboration between Logos Technologies, who build military equipment such as drones, and American electric motorcycle manufacturer Alta Motors.
“They could go 50 miles, and when they get within 10 miles of an objective, they could shut off that multi-fuel engine, and go all-electric—the only noise [they] will produce at that point will be the noise of the tires on the surface and or the chain of the motorcycle.”
When the electric motor is used noise level drops to just 55dB, about the level of a conversation. “Literally the loudest thing is the chain, and it’s possible for us to outfit a belt, though there’s a whole host of reasons for why you wouldn’t want a belt on a dirt bike,”
SilentHawk also has two-wheel drive to help with traction over rough terrain. The aim now is to make the bike lighter. It currently weighs 350lb (158kg). Logos Technologies and Alta Motors are toying with the idea of removing the liquid-cooled engine and replacing it with an air-cooled item to shed a few pounds.
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT. Spooks and G-Men sneaking up on you on electric two-wheel drive. Loud pipes save lives. Now the future highway seems silent like a cemetery
Can I get an electric girlfriend? Living with one loud mouthed talkative blonde right now. She is good in bed and bad in debt. We all can wish for the good old days but the truth is horses are too lovely to be ridden into a battlefield and combustion engine is too common to make profits for the big corporates and bankers.
So the thrust is on new tech, to outlaw the common, to make things complicated so as to benefit the few, to make new sales to existing customers and bring in cash flow on a global scale with stuff like the Paris Accord (bravely refused by President Trump).
Happy New Year – be merry, kick ass and ride forever!!!
–Compiled by Ujjwal Dey
Electric Mastermind Editor
Bikernet Trikes
The Wisdom of Age…
Lying around, pondering the problems of the world, I realized that, at my age, I don’t really give a rat’s ass anymore.
If walking is good for your health, the postman would be immortal.
A whale swims all day, only eats fish, and drinks water, but is still fat.
A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years, while a tortoise doesn’t run and does mostly nothing, yet it lives for 150 years. And they tell us to exercise? I don’t think so.
Now that I’m older, here’s what I’ve discovered :
1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
2. My wild oats are mostly enjoyed with prunes and all-bran.
3. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.
4. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.
5. If all is not lost, then where the heck is it?
6. It was a whole lot easier to get older than it was to get wiser.
7. Some days, you’re the top dog, some days you’re the hydrant.
8. I wish the buck really did stop here; I sure could use a few of them.
9. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
10. Accidents in the back seat cause kids.
11. It is hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.
12. The world only beats a path to your door when you’re in the bathroom.
13. If Mother Nature wanted me to touch my toes, she’d have put them on my knees.
14. When I’m finally holding all the right cards, everyone wants to play chess.
15. It is not hard to meet expenses . . . They’re everywhere.
16. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
17. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter . . I go somewhere to get something, and then wonder what I’m “here after?”
18. Funny, I don’t remember being absent-minded.
19. It is a lot better to be seen than viewed.
20. Have I sent this message to you before…or did I get it from you?
–Bobby Stark
THE RFR UPDATE– My Shovelhead workshop, for this week I guess? Probably be 80 next weekend? Texas Weather Rocks!
I’m gonna see if I can fit a Fab Kevin jockey shifter in amongst the coil, solenoid, and a super short foot clutch cable?
–RFR
Feds stiff-arm taxpayers’ requests for information
The federal Freedom of Information Act was supposed to give the public relatively quick and easy access to the very government documents their taxes paid for — but the system is increasingly broken, with some agencies still working on requests filed some 20 years ago.
At least five federal agencies have unfulfilled FOIA inquiries spanning more than a decade, according to a Washington Times review of two dozen of the largest agencies.
Despite recent initiatives to prevent FOIA requests from piling up, watchdogs who rely on it to hold the government accountable say nothing has changed.
“It is about the same, which is to say terrible,” said Nate Jones, director of the Freedom of Information Act Project for the National Security Archive, a nonprofit that researches international affairs and stores declassified government documents.
The most recent annual FOIA reports filed by 24 large agencies show even routine records requests can take years to complete. The reports, issued last year, collect data through the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 2016.
The National Archives and Records Administration’s report showed it had an unprocessed FOIA request from 1993. However, Gary Stern, NARA’s general counsel and chief FOIA officer, said that request has since been resolved. Now the agency’s longest pending inquiry dates back to 1998.
The Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense have outstanding requests from 2006. The Department of Energy, a smaller agency, has a backlog that stretches to 2007, and the Department of Commerce, which received only 454 requests in fiscal 2016, has yet to process one from 2011.
Overall, the government received a record 789,000 requests last fiscal year but processed only about 760,000, according to the Department of Justice. Of the 24 reports reviewed by The Washington Times, 16 agencies processed fewer requests than they did in 2015.
“We have FOIAs that go back to our existence as an entity in 2011,” said Lee Steven, assistant vice president at the Cause of Action Institute, a limited-government advocacy group. “We just decided to stop pursuing them because they’ve never been answered.”
On average, it took the 24 agencies about 42 days to process requests they designated as simple. But 11 agencies needed more than 1,000 days, or roughly three years, to fulfill some of the simple records searches. Complex requests were completed in an average of 189 days, but 12 agencies spent 1,000 days for some inquiries and four agencies took as long as four years for others.
Trump upholds Craig memo
It’s not just the delays. The government has been censoring or outright denying access to files at a furious pace. In each of the past three years, the Obama administration set a record for rejecting and redacting documents, according to an Associated Press study.
Materials were censored or denied in 466,165 cases in 2014; 596,095 cases in 2015; and 607,352 cases in 2016, the AP found. The administration also spent a record $36.2 million in 2016 to fight FOIA requests in court.
The 24 agencies reviewed by The Washington Times fully denied 240,901 requests but fully granted only 144,379 inquiries.
“The Obama administration was terrible,” Mr. Steven said. “They were not really forthcoming and obstructed FOIA in a number of ways.”
A murky 2009 memorandum sent by Obama administration attorney Greg Craig encouraged agencies to deny rather than release documents. It required agencies to consult with the White House before releasing any documents that might involve “White House equities.” The letter never fully defined “equities.”
Government watchdog groups, including Cause for Action, demanded that President Obama clarify the policy, but he never did.
Some had hoped President Trump would reverse this policy, but Ashley McGowan, a spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, confirmed the Craig memorandum will remain in effect. Ms. McGowan said it is a long-standing practice for agencies to consult with the White House on requests that involve its equities.
The Trump administration, like its predecessor, has yet to define what “equities” means in the FOIA context. But the effect is clear: Journalists and citizens face new hurdles in learning what their government is up to.
Less than two weeks into the Trump administration, the Department of Agriculture removed from its website thousands of documents detailing animal welfare violations at zoos, breeders and farms. The Environmental Protection Agency no longer posts climate change information on its home page.
“The agencies could save themselves time and effort by proactively posting information they know people are going to request,” Mr. Llewellyn said.
As backlogs and redactions accumulate, so do appeals and court cases. In some cases, appeals take longer than the FOIA request itself. Some agencies have administrative appeals dating back to 2006.
By Jeff Mordock – The Washington Times
BIKERNET READER COMMENT ON FACEBOOK– Strange weird small world we all live in. You had posted the photo of a girl on a chopper in Thursday News last week.
She is real and alive and riding. She dropped us a message on Facebook asking where we found the photo and introduced herself. I asked her to email me to get some of her biker adventures for Bikernet.com She is from France and was surprised to see her photo on American site bikernet.com
Here is her message from Facebook Page of Bikernet.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006920419085
CARO PACAUD says
Hi everybody!
Just a little message that I’m the chick and the owner of the chopper on this photo.
Where did you find this picture?
My name is Caro, I’m 28 years old and I’m French.
My Witchy Chopper is not over yet but it’s a great machine, with which I travel a lot of kilometers.
It’s nice to be on your site.
I hold the page Choppers Ride Hard if you want to take a look.
See you soon and have a nice day
— Caro Pacaud
–from Ujjwal Dey
IN THE HOPPER— We are always scrambling to keep up with Bikernet Content. We are in the process of working with Klockwerks on a few of their products on my Son’s Road Glide plus a new Lindby Crash Bar.
We have another set for a very late model Road Glide. Let us know if you’re interested.
I will speak to Taber Nash about his bike feature tomorrow and wrap it up the first of next week, then go to work on my Las Vegas Bikefest story.
In the next couple of days we will post The Stealth’s report on last year’s SmokeOut. Hang one for the great shots and all the action.
Shit, I forgot the piece about the FXR frame company. I’ll try to handle it tomorrow.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
