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Hey,
Things are opening up. There’s hope for the future. Fandango is happening now in Texas. My list is getting more manageable regarding the move to South Dakota.
I tried to unload a couple of bikes, my ’46 Indian and a ’58 Triumph TR6. I offered them to only one guy, the owner of Century Cycles. Hell, he had the Indian sold at a sizeable profit before he bought it, but then he wanted to haggle. I made a reasonable counteroffer and he turned it down.
I was okay with it. I had already planned, with Haul Bike to ship the remainder of my bikes and the Salt Torpedo to Sturgis. Then I spoke to Dr. Hamster. He decided he had to have the Indian. Done deal. He will pick it up on Saturday. Haul Bikes is due to pick up any day now. My collection is small potatoes compared to the bikes listed below, hang on.
My grandson, Frankie, is taking over the 5-Ball leather line. He’s coming with his chopper buddy Charlie Monday or Tuesday. I need to get my ex, Nyla to pick up some of her memories. And finally, my cousin Bev is coming to pick up my mother’s family archives back to the civil war. That’s on the Warner side of the family, from Kansas City, Missouri.
My dad’s family blasted out of England after WWI. You’re going to stumble into more interesting facts about life and the human benefits to our planet and our species in the news. We are rapidly discovering that man’s use of fossil fuels may have saved life on earth. Hang on for the full report on Bikernet in the next couple of days.
So, when someone speaks of exhaust and doom, you will know the facts. We’re living in the best of times as soon as Covid is behind us. Read On!
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, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Restored exquisitely. One minutiae paint flaw that is extremely hard to even find. Seattle Concours winner. Invited to Pebble & Lake Cuomo Concours (I declined both). Handled with jeweler’s gloves.
$150,000
1911 Reading Standard. All original, unmolested. Original rear tire. Runs beautifully. Considered the nicest unmolested R/S Single in existence.
$150,000
1942 Crocker #310 . Last Crocker that left the factory. Steve Huntzinger Restoration. All real born at the factory, except obvious items like floorboard rivets and new brake cable, etc.
14.9 miles by Huntzinger.
$1M
1912 Hedstrum Indian Single. Of only 150 belt bikes built there are believed to be 12 remaining. Best original paint finish I have seen in decades. Great patina. New tubes in tires. Everything lubricated.
$150,000
The 1912 Bookend- Twin cylinder Hendee Indian. Terrific patina. Best original acetylene tank I’ve seen.
$55,000
1912 Pierce Big Head, Twin Cam. From the Otis Chandler Collection. Older restoration. I removed the motor and lightly polished it to remove burnt oil. Hand buffed the paint to freshen. New Coker tires and tubes. Carb is cleaned and rebuilt. Rides faster than anyone should ride it! Beautiful sounding motor with a cocky little Twin Cam Lope.
$175,000
1914 Pope OHV Twin
Purchased by Bud Ekins for Steve McQueen. Otis Chandler (Los Angeles Times owner) owned for the rest of his life. Older restoration with a handful of chips and skuffs. McQueen rode it often. Steve Huntzinger refreshed the motor recently. Just a beautiful example of a rare motorcycle.
$175,000
1904 ER Thomas Auto -Bi
Restored by Brad Willmarth from an all-real complete motorcycle. Rims are original willow wood. Original seat leather was missing and hand tooled recreated from photos. Three or four minutia skuffs on sides of rims from shipping. Can be air brushed and blended.
The first production motorcycle available in America in 1900.
$175,000
I have a lot of detail photos of all these machines on my computer. I would be glad to forward as many as necessary.
For The Love of The Sport;
–Steve Klein
Sierra Madre Motorcycle Company
If you are interested in any or all of these machines feel free to drop me an email: KBall945@gmail.com.
–Bandit
LATS & ATTS Spring Issue Now on Sale!
Get the current issue for free here!
(or sign up for the free online subscription here!)
Due to the loss of our warehouse in the Bear Fire last September, all of our back issues burned. BUT (I love that word!) some of our readers sent in their back issues, so we do have a limited supply of older back issues, and we have the issues we’ve printed since the fire, (#33 Winter 2020-and #34 Spring 2021!).
Subscribe to the print here!!!
& keep Latitudes & Attitudes going for another 20 years!
The Summer Issue goes on sale June 1st!
In subscriber homes around May 18th!
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Cantina Episode 93: 1VEGAS
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cantina_Episode_93_1VEGAS.aspx
I’m glad that Bandit is on his way to the Redhead. It’s a great way to end the episode and makes everything okay.
He’s been through a lot lately.
I remember a time, years ago, I had my Mercedes up to 180 mph on the freeway. That car ran like a top. I like the way Bandit flew past Vegas. Pretty colorful.
— Hal2
Long Beach, CA
Motorcyclists Deserve A Full Role In Road Safety Policies– FEMA wants motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers to be included in Europe’s road safety plans.
FEMA studied the European Commission’s latest road safety plans and wrote an extensive response, stating that the plans focus on cars only and do not sufficiently take motorcyclists into account. FEMA can and will not support an approach that is not safe for all road users, including motorcyclists.
Steps towards Vision Zero’. The Commission sets new intermediate targets to halve the number of fatalities and serious injuries on European roads by 2030. According to Mrs Adina-Ioana Valean, EU Commissioner for Transport: “The Framework provides a comprehensive set of measures for priority areas such as improving the cross-border enforcement of traffic offences, modernizing driving licenses and preparing the safe transition to higher levels of automation), and links them with financing solutions. It also includes monitoring based on key performance indicators to assess progress. And it addresses the EU’s role in improving road safety on a global scale.”
FEMA calls upon the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council to include motorcyclists and other users of L-category vehicles in the road safety policy in a way that is not restrictive for these road users.
The EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 has a large impact on all road users. As an organization that represents the motorcyclists in Europe, FEMA considers this policy insufficiently tailored to motorcyclists and other users of L-category vehicles. Assumptions, plans and key performance indicators are very much focused on cars and do not sufficiently take other road users into account. In this view we follow the four pillars of the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030. Only KPIs (key performance indicators) that are relevant for motorcyclists are mentioned here.
1. Infrastructure – safe roads and roadsides
Motorcyclists need smooth roads, obstacle free roadsides and safety barriers that are fitted in a safe way. The KPI (key performance indicator) for infrastructure – Percentage of distance driven over roads with a safety rating above an agreed threshold – must include motorcycles.
2. Safe vehicles
In the plans for vehicle safety as formulated by the Commission, we miss powered two-wheelers. The KPI for vehicle safety – Percentage of new passenger cars with a Euro NCAP safety rating equal or above a predefined threshold (e.g. 4-star) – to be specified further -ignores vehicle safety for powered two-wheelers. We invite the European Commission to also develop a KPI for vehicle safety that is focussed on powered two-wheelers and other L-category vehicles.
3. Safe road use
We support the intention to update the UNECE regulation concerning safety belt reminders, a more effective cross-border enforcement on traffic offences, stricter limits on blood alcohol content for professional drivers and/or novice drivers. We are of the opinion that the Commission with the possible revision of the present European driving licence directive should abolish the stepped entry to the A-licence or at least set it up in such a way that it does not form an additional threshold and the focus must be on higher level skills.
The KPI for speed: Percentage of vehicles travelling within the speed limit. Speed limits have several functions and road safety is one of them. Other reasons to introduce a speed limit can be noise annoyance, air pollution, traffic flow, etcetera. Furthermore, different member states have very different speed limits on comparable roads. Finally, there is a difference between speed limits and safe speeds. The latter can be much lower, depending on the local situation, traffic situation, weather, vehicle.
To connect speed limit to safe speed and base a KPI on that is not logical for us.
The KPI for sober driving: Percentage of drivers driving within the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC). Although this seems a logical KPI, again legal limits differ per member state and per driver category.
The KPI for protective equipment: Percentage of riders of powered two-wheelers and of cyclists wearing a protective helmet. Although we have no problem with this KPI, we are of the opinion that the latter may not be the most logical KPI. Especially the combination of the (in most cases) mandatory crash helmet usage for riders of powered two-wheelers and the (in most cases) voluntary use of helmets for cyclists will give a distorted picture.
4. Emergency response
About the key performance indicator for post-crash care: Time elapsed in minutes and seconds between the emergency call following a collision resulting in personal injury, and the arrival at the scene of the emergency services, we would like to see this KPI to be used for crashes with all vehicles, not only for cars.
Written by Dolf Willigers
NEW FROM KLOCKWERKS--BMW Flare Windshield by Klock Werks provides Style and Function
The Klock Werks Krew does it again! The Flare™ Windshield for BMW doesn’t just add maximum style with those sexy hips and the flip, it improves the ride and makes it more stable in a variety of road conditions. In fact, function dominated the production and process of creating the Flare™ Windshield. Keeping function and performance at the forefront of the production process ensured a highly desirable piece.
“BMW motorcycles took my stepdaughters to 197 mph on a stock bike with only a gearing modification, at Bonneville,” said Brian Klock, President of Klock Werks. “I know they are great motorcycles. When the 1600 Series Riders reached out for a solution, we dove in. This is our first BMW accessory offering with the hopes of many more in the future.”
Hear from one of our customers on why you need a BMW Flare™ for your 1600 Series.
THE BELL BRAWL STUNT CONTEST–Bell Powersports is excited to announce the first stop of the 2021 Bell Brawl, a first-of-its-kind V-Twin specific motorcycle stunt contest, in sunny southern California on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at San Diego Harley-Davidson.
Now in its fourth season the “Brawl” stunt competitions continue to be the benchmark platform for professional V-Twin stunt riders to showcase what is possible on 600-plus pound motorcycles. The “Brawl” is invite-only, giving 20 highly talented stunt riders the opportunity to display their abilities, rewarding the top five riders of the day with a share of the $4,800.00 cash purse.
“We are beyond hyped for this one!” Brett Conley Brand Marketing manager for Bell Helmets says. “This is not only the start to another exciting season for the Brawl series, but it is also the first time we have held the event in California, the original heart of the V-twin stunt scene.”
The event will take place Saturday April 17th @ 1:00pm at San Diego Harley-Davidson located at 4645 Morena Blvd. San Diego CA. Preliminary rounds for all invited riders will occur, then the field will be narrowed down to a final round of five, where the top honors will be determined by a panel of judges consisting of FMX Legends Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and Lance Coury. Rounding out the team is a past Brawl champion Philip Hayes.
“In just four short years, the Bell Brawl has become a foundation for the V-Twin stunt scene and its riders,” stated Max Kuszaj of Ride & Destroy. “After a long event hiatus in 2020, the riders and everyone involved in the Bell Brawl are eager to see what 2021 has in store. To kick the season off in Southern California is just an added bonus.”
Highlights from the competition will be uploaded to all social media outlets. (@Bell_Powersports and @Ride_and_destroy_com)
The 2021 “Bell Brawl” at San Diego Harley-Davidson is supported by: Bell Powersports, Ride and Destroy, Legend Suspensions, Feuling Parts, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, and Lexin Moto.
All event information and competition rules are available at: www.RideAndDestroy.com/BellBrawl
RawHyde Adventures Opens–
Zakar Overland Terrain Park and Event Center
RawHyde Adventures, the nation’s premier adventure motorcycle training & tour organization, is thrilled to announce the opening of its new Zakar Overland Terrain Park and Event Center. Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Zakar will serve the Powersports, Overlanding, and 4×4 industries as a venue for off-road oriented companies to host media events, product launches, corporate retreats, meetings, and more.
RawHyde founder Jim Hyde explains: “RawHyde’s mission is to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for our customers, whether it be in our adventure motorcycle training courses or on one of our guided tours in the backcountry of North and South America. With the opening of our Zakar Event Center, we can now help other companies in our industry create world-class experiences of their own.
Ideally situated just two hours north of Los Angeles in the magical Mojave Desert, RawHyde’s Zakar facility was designed to host off-road-themed events. From the professionally built terrain park to the full-service commercial kitchen and private guest accommodations, Zakar has everything needed to welcome a range of group sizes.
On-site accommodations (up to 32 people) *additional lodging hotels close by.
Zakar is near a major freeway with a dedicated offramp to our facility for easy drayage, shipping of equipment, and trucking services.
Full-service commercial kitchen with a team of chefs with food service for up to 400 people, plus a 60-person indoor dining hall, bar and lounge.
100-acre professionally built terrain park for product demos without need for permits or licenses.
Rentals available for motorcycles, ATV’s or Side X Sides.
To learn more about RawHyde’s new Zakar Event Center, visit www.zakar-events.com. For additional questions or to get a quote for your event, call (702) 209-8503.
RawHyde also organizes an annual adventure motorcycling rally called Adventure Days, with riders and companies coming together for a weekend of education, riding, and camaraderie. Learn more at www.RawHyde-OffRoad.com.
ALERT, Is This the Beginning of the End?—
Are we ready for the end of gas-powered cars? Internal combustion engines (ICEs) have been around for over 100 years. Are consumers ready to trust a battery solely to keep their vehicle’s engine running for the distances they want to travel?
In March, many automakers announced they would by a certain year no longer sell vehicles with ICEs. These companies are staking their future on the expectation that electric vehicles (EVs) will dominate sales in the coming years.
For that to happen, though, consumers need to get on board. Currently, EVs make up less than two percent of all new US vehicle sales and only three percent worldwide. China accounts for about 40 percent of all global EV sales, which have accelerated because ICEs have limited registration in six major Chinese cities. EVs are half of Norway’s new car sales. Tighter regulations on vehicle emissions have also accelerated EV sales in Europe as well.
In recent US opinion polls, a majority of respondents indicated they have an interest in EVs. Still, the costs for ownership need to come down, more charging stations with faster charging times are needed, and the vehicles themselves need to have a better battery range. In one poll, 29 percent of respondents indicated they had no interest in buying an EV at all. According to the US Department of Energy, there are only 1.5 million EVs registered out of 278 million passenger vehicles in the US. Currently, the US has 41,400 EV charging stations across the country, with fewer than 5,000 fast chargers.
All of this uncertainty has not deterred automakers. According to the industry trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, automakers plan to invest $250 billion in vehicle electromobility over the next three years. In March 2021, automakers seemed to outperform each other with announcements.
Volvo announced first in early March that it would only sell electric vehicles by 2030. Its parent company, China’s Geely, plans to roll out EVs under a new marquee, with branding and sales strategies to rival Tesla.
Audi CEO Marcus Duesman announced to the German-language Automobilwoche, “We will no longer develop a new internal combustion engine, but will adapt our existing internal combustion engines to new emission guidelines.” Audi plans to offer 20 EV models in the next five years to become fully electric by 2030. This plan is in line with its parent company, Volkswagen, which plans to go all-electric and rival Tesla in the bargain. VW expects half of its US sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.
VW stocks soared when the company also announced that it plans to launch by 2023 a unified cell technology, which will cut battery prices in half for entry-level electric vehicles.
BMW also expects at least half of its sales to be electric vehicles by 2030. The company announced that by 2023, around 90 percent of its market categories would include fully electric models. BMW also announced it would move the vast majority of its battery and gas-powered vehicles to the same platform in the 2020s.
The world’s fourth-largest automaker, Stellantis, plans to have fully electric or hybrid versions of all vehicles available in Europe by 2025. Jeep is center stage in the plan to go electric. Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said in an interview, “Our vision is to be the greenest SUV brand in the world. We have a very strong plan to deliver that through a lot of exciting product in the pipeline.” Jeep also announced that over the next 12 months, it would install level 2 charging stations at trailheads across the US. Electrify America, which Volkswagen runs, will administer the stations.
Building electric vehicles certainly gives cache to automakers, but the bigger question has to be, will consumers buy them even if that is the only new vehicle engine design available?
Automakers and elected officials continue to exert pressure on the Biden administration to support the notion of US roadways dominated by electric vehicles in the next decade or two.
Major automakers and auto parts manufacturers in a coalition with the United Auto Workers union urged President Biden to support a comprehensive electric vehicle plan. They asked for government tax credits and numerous other financial incentives for manufacturing and buying EVs, including federal government fleet EV purchases.
The CHARGE Coalition called on the feds to use grants to expand public EV charging infrastructure to focus on traditionally underserved communities and to invest in electrifying public transit.
Both of California’s Senators sent a letter to President Biden, asking him to set a firm date to phase out gas-powered passenger vehicles. Car and Driver asked this question at the end of the article in a short poll: How do you feel about a ban on new gas-powered cars? Twenty-eight percent answered—Sure, someday, and seventy-two percent answered—No, Never.
Maybe this is not the beginning of the end after all.
However, on March 31st, President Joe Biden announced that building capacity for electric vehicles would be a priority in his $2 trillion infrastructure plan. He wants $174 billion to incentivize building electric charging stations nationwide (500,000 by 2030), retool factories, source domestic materials, and provide tax credits for buyers of American-made EVs.
Let us know what you think about these announcements and the future of ICE vs. EV vehicles by writing us at nma@motorists.org.
HEADLINE OF THE WEEK—
You have to do some reading of bad prose to discover that she also had throat, brain, and lung cancer.
–J.J. Solari
QUICK AMA ALERT–The American Motorcyclist Association is transitioning to a new advocacy platform, VoterVoice, which empowers AMA members and other motorcycling advocates to make their voices heard in the halls of governments across the nation. As we transition to VoterVoice, the AMA would like to ensure that we are engaging our members with the issues that are important to you.
As part of that effort, we are asking motorcyclists to complete this two-question survey to indicate what areas of motorcycling advocacy are most important to them. Please take a moment and click the link below if you would like to receive VoterVoice updates on street riding issues, dirt riding issues, or both. As this is platform is developed, we will seek information on specific issues you may be interested in advocating on to continue to deliver the most relevant advocacy content to you.
Take the survey here.
Once you complete the survey, you can explore the AMA’s new advocacy tools through the Action Center and Bill Tracking tool. Here you will find multiple options for communicating with legislators and administrative officials on the issues that matter most to the motorcycling community. Please note that if you select the “send me text alerts” option, you will receive a confirmation text message.
American Motorcyclist Association
13515 Yarmouth Dr
Pickerington, OH 43147
Email: grassroots@ama-cycle.org
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Phone: (800) AMA-JOIN
(800) 262-5646
(614) 856-1900
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Patients are in need, but donation spots are still empty. Can you help?
Schedule Now
Donors needed on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at:
The American Red Cross is testing all blood product donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from antibody-positive blood donations may be used to help current coronavirus patients in need. Only those feeling healthy should present to donate and appointments are strongly encouraged. Learn more.
You can help make this blood drive a success by filling one of the vacant spots. Make your appointment today! Visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, knowing the name of the manufacturer is critical in determining your blood donation eligibility. In most cases, there’s no deferral time if you receive a vaccine.
The American Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. These results may provide valuable insight into a donor’s potential past exposure to this coronavirus or an antibody response developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Only those feeling healthy and well should present to donate and appointments are strongly encouraged. Test results will be available to donors via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org within one to two weeks.
The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. In accordance with CDC guidelines, all donors are required to wear a face mask. Valve face masks are not permitted. Face shields can be worn in addition to face masks but not as a substitute.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
‘Scout 42’ 2015 indian Custom Scout By Dirty Bird Concepts
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Scout_42_By_Dirty_Bird_Concepts.aspx
Beautiful motorcycle how much did all changes cost? I’m surprised you never see a full chrome scout engine! Indian scouts are colored with too much blacked. Yes, it looks cool but need some color
— Kevin burns
Scottville, MI
John Shoppe knows his style and what to do to a motorcycle to bring out the best. Reach out to his shop for more info.–Bandit
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2017 Harley-Davidson® FLTRXS – Road Glide® Special for $25.995.00
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INFRASTRUCTURE BILL DOOMED–Biden Wants You Out of Your Car and on the Train
The president’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal boosts funding for buses and rail. It even envisions actually tearing down some freeways.
Its 4.1-million-mile road network is the world’s most expansive. It has more motor vehicles per person than any other major nation. Eighty-six percent of Americans drive to work (or did during the Normal Times), compared with 63 percent of English workers and 71 percent of Australian commuters. A pop song called “Driver’s License,” about the freedom and heartbreak that comes with a rite of young adulthood, has spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Only in America.
So, President Biden’s proposed $2 trillion infrastructure program is most notable for one fact: It allocates more money to transit and rail than to highways. Budgets may make for boring reading, but they’re also signaling documents, telling the public about their leaders’ priorities. The infrastructure proposal seems to say: Consider getting your butt out of your car.
“The plan seems to take seriously the idea that we need to be investing more in our transit and intercity rail system than we do in our highway system,” says Yonah Freemark, a senior research associate at the economic policy think tank the Urban Institute who studies land use and transportation. He says the proposal would double typical federal spending on transit and quadruple the government’s investment in rail.
The justification is climate change. Biden said on Wednesday that the plan would “lead to a transformational progress in our effort to tackle climate change with American jobs and American ingenuity.” If the plan makes it into law—which won’t be easy; more on that later—it would count among the federal government’s largest pushes ever to combat greenhouse gas emissions. The president has promised to put the country on a path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Achieving that goal would mean lots of changes, starting with revamping the country’s transportation system. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have concluded that, sure, shifting to electric vehicles from ones powered by internal combustion engines would help a lot. So would convincing people to share electric robotaxis. But that will take decades.
In the meantime, they say, Americans will need to reduce the number of miles they drive, too. That means, in part, finding alternatives to the car: walking, biking, and public transit. The US Department of Transportation estimates that the typical city bus emits one-third fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile than the average single-occupancy vehicle, even though buses are usually only a quarter full.
“The plan seems to take seriously the idea that we need to be investing more in our transit and intercity rail system than we do in our highway system.”
YONAH FREEMARK, SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, URBAN INSTITUTE
Biden’s proposal would direct $85 billion over eight years to public transit for expansions and repairs. It would move $80 billion to intercity rail, both to fix today’s Amtrak and to connect new cities. It would direct $174 billion to electric-vehicle-related investments, including funding to replace 50,000 diesel transit buses with electric ones. Those would probably cost about $38 billion, says Jeff Davis, a senior fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation, a think tank.
By contrast, the proposal directs $115 billion to the “modernization” of bridges, highways, and roads. That would still raise the federal investment compared with previous plans, but only by 46 percent, according to Davis.
For transit agencies, the additional money would be significant. The US spends about $60 billion a year on public transit, with the feds covering 20 percent, states 20 percent, and local government about a third. (The other quarter comes from fares.) Doubling the federal contribution will allow many agencies to do things that make transit a more viable option, like fixing shoddy and outdated technology and equipment and running more frequent buses and trains. But even the billions promised would not be enough to fundamentally shift the country’s transportation system. New York’s four-year capital plan, for example, pledges $51.5 billion for maintenance, repair, and new projects—and that’s just one system.
Intercity rail, meanwhile, stands to get a serious shot in the arm, an appropriate proposal from Amtrak Joe. Amtrak responded to the proposal Wednesday by releasing a map of more than 30 potential new routes, including connections cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
–Wired
–from the Climate Depot
[page break]
HANG ON, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
SPORTSTER FUTURES
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SPORTSTER_FUTURES.aspx
The handwriting was on the wall when the Motor Company ceased offering Sports for sale in Europe due to emissions requirements. The same forces pushing similar restrictions that killed the Sportster in Europe were inevitable to strike here in the USA. Non-water cooled heads cannot easily be made to pass the smog requirements on Sportster-sized engines.
I hope that the future sees the Sportster name applied to a “Make the EPA happy” model with greater performance than the current model as a big FU to the regulators.
Something like say a Sportster-ized version of the PanAmerica with its 1250 that makes a lot more power than the current Sportster powerplant. Some intelligent styling to capture the classic Sportster look, with improved handling and the increased performance the PanAmerica’s 1250 offers could easily fill the hole in Harley’s lineup the current Sportster will leave.
That or the Motor Company’s engineering department needs to reengineer the current Sportster to accept a new engine based on the Milwaukee 8, possibly including water-cooled heads.
— Vern Moore
Kingsley, PA
RIGHT TO WORK--Already many are frustrated with computerized components in their daily cars and motorcycles – can’t repair vehicles themselves or by local mechanic – parts expensive to replace if not covered by insurance / warranty. Then there is electric vehicles and doubts on self-driving vehicles on the road.
Have a look at how bad it is. Industry Giants and Automotive Pioneers such as Ford or Volkswagen can’t make a single vehicle without this One Dollar chip.
It is a long article, but you will really appreciate reading and understanding it. This is from a Bloomberg Article run in the local Economic Times newspaper.
Why shortages of a $1 chip sparked crisis in the global economy
https://blog.bikernet.com/why-shortages-of-a-1-chip-sparked-crisis-in-the-global-economy/
–Wayfarer
Senior Reporter
Bikernet International News Bureau
India
NCOM CONVENTION IN DES MOINES WELCOMES RIDERS NATIONWIDE–
The 36th annual NCOM Convention is right around the corner, so plan now to be a part of one of the largest gathering of motorcycle rights activists in the world. This year’s NCOM Convention, to be held JULY 23-25, 2021 at the Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport, located at 6111 Fleur Drive in Des Moines, will draw hundreds of concerned motorcyclists to America’s Heartland to address topics of concern to all riders.
Agenda items will cover legal and legislative issues, with Special Meetings for Veterans Affairs, Women in Motorcycling, Clean & Sober Roundtable and World of Sport Bikes, as well as the Christian Unity Conference and Confederation of Clubs Patch Holders Meeting.
All motorcyclists are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the many meetings, seminars and group discussions that focus on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to protect our riders’ rights and preserve Freedom of the Road.
In the meantime, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have passed away over the past year, since last October’s NCOM Convention in Indianapolis, so that we may honor their memories with the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications should be e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com, or can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board.
Be sure to reserve your hotel room now by calling (515) 287-2400, and mention NCOM for our Special Room Rate.
Registration fees for the NCOM Convention are $85 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $50 for the Convention only. For more information, or to pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
–Bill Bish
NCOM Board of Directors
They might discuss Vision Zero, Net Zero Emissions and Climate Change Doomsday. –Bandit
NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–Member Spotlight: Discovering Twisted Road with Hugh C.
Rider & owner, William C (aka, Hugh), wrote in to tell us about his experience renting his bike on Twisted Road — and along the way, we learn about some great roads near him in Glacier National Park.
I first found out about Twisted Road in the summer 2020. I was riding the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route with my brother-in-law.
We stopped at the Washington Pass Overlook on Rt. 20 in the North Cascades and a guy pulled up on a bike he had rented. We got to chatting, as motorcyclists want to do, and he told me he was out visiting from Brooklyn and had rented the bike. I was intrigued and when I got back to Montana from that trip, I immediately looked up Twisted Road and decided to list my Road Glide.
I live about 30 minutes from Glacier National Park and one of the most stunning roads, Going to the Sun Road, in the world. So far, I have had one rental to a young couple on their honeymoon, and it was a treat to be able to provide them with a once in a lifetime experience of riding through some of the best scenery anywhere.
I have been riding motorcycles since I was ten years old. My first bike was on old 70’s Yamaha enduro that would only start about half the time. My first new bike was a Kawasaki KX80 that I would ride nearly everyday after school. Since then, I’ve owned and ridden a number of bikes, a Kawasaki KDX250, Honda Shadow, Honda V65 Magna, Harley Softail Springer, Harley Road Glide, KTM 500EXC. I’m really into long distance touring and have ridden all around the country a number of times.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve been getting more into dual sport riding and adventure touring. Last year I rode the length of the Baja peninsula on my KTM, riding mostly dirt and moto camping along the way.
My biggest trip so far was a 10,000 mile trip around the U.S. touring as many national parks as I could along the way. I hit Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite, Olympic, North Cascades, Glacier, Yellowstone, Teton, Badlands, and many other state parks as well.
I love the concept of Twisted Road and have been pitching it to all my riding buddies. Everyone is skeptical at first and much like it says on the website, everyone’s first question is always about Twisted Road’s Insurance. I’ll keep promoting it and I can’t wait to get out and rent some other bikes.
Check out W. Hugh’s motorcycle available for rent on Twisted Road:
SCORE OF THE WEEK– Hey Bandit, I just scored this for $800. A ‘79 750 5-speed. Someone started to make a cafe racer a few years ago. It turns over smooth and has compression. Do I build a Chopper or continue with the cafe racer theme?? Decisions decisions.
I could ride it, but it just isn’t me. I was in Vegas hanging around Bones and Paul Ponkow about the time they got acquainted. I loved Paul’s early Brit customs. I loved everything Bones did. His name was William Coddington. He was a truck mechanic by trade. So was I for a while. I think I’m going to channel his spirit and build something cool.
All the stuff I have done lately has been to make money. This one I can take my time. I am currently getting my Grand Prix ready to paint. I got 7 grand out of the Evo chopper. People here have money. I’m going to send you a story about my ‘34 Ford soon.
–Bill May
ANOTHER, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE FOOLS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 1st, 2021
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_FOOLS_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_1st_2021.aspx
Finally got a chance to ride with my new vest from you this morning. It’s perfect. Haven’t tried to carry with it yet. Great product brother!
— Paul Aiken
Huntersville, NC
We have them for men with black and brown trim and redesigned for women.–Bandit
THE VINTAGENT– A Motorcycle Arts Foundation Production
Slinger, Wisconsin – April 6, 2021 – The Edge Ltd., producer of “Walter: The Missing Link” is honored to have The Vintagent, a Motorcycle Arts Foundation production, announce the release of the “Walter” documentary.
The Motorcycle Arts Foundation (MAF) is the world’s largest 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the creation, preservation, and distribution of motorcycle arts. The MAF champions the cultural importance of motorcycles and the impact they have on various art-forms around the world.
“Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” is the story of the last-known Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck in existence, affectionately known as Walter.
This documentary chronicles the life and times of Walter the forecar from its early days of service on the streets of old Milwaukee, through many decades of desolation stored in a horse barn, and then decades of restoration to eventually become the most valuable service motorcycle in the world.
Along the way, the producer explores the history of three-wheeled motorcycles; the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s development of commercial service and delivery motorcycles, and most importantly documents one man’s adventure in restoring a motorcycle that had been in his family for nearly a century. Independent producer James Cutting considers the discovery of Walter to be the most extraordinary barn-find of our times. In the end, Walter delivers a lesson to embrace our past and forge the relationships that shape our future.
“Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” documentary will be released in 2021. A late-summer premiere is planned in Milwaukee. For more information please contact executive producer James Cutting.
Please visit The Vintagent “Walter” announcement at the following link/
https://thevintagent.com/film/
RIP’S SOFTAIL “DARLIN’”–My name is Danny Dunn, I am the bike builder for Jesse James at West Coast Choppers in Austin TX.
I am currently restoring Rip’s Softail, “Darlin.” I need photos of how the original saddlebags mount. We are trying to keep it as close to original as possible. Are there any photos in existence, of the bike with the bags off and the brackets mounted?
Any help you could land to this project would be greatly appreciated.
–Danny Dunn
979-253-8103 or 512-956-5567
speedcult24@gmail.com
Alisa Clickenger Announces New Dates and Route For the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride–
This ride is an AMA-sanctioned nationwide women’s motorcycle ride celebration that celebrates the centennial of the signing of the 19th amendment – women’s right to vote.
The dates of the event are July 31 – August 20, 2021.
NORTH CAROLINA, APRIL 7, 2021: The Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride cross-country riders will kick off the three-week celebration in beautiful Portland, Oregon on July 31, 2021. Riding East to the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference, the event will gain momentum as the women’s motorcycle event crosses the United States.
The group will travel along scenic two-lane roads, visit historical sites and dazzle riders to the many splendors of riding across America. There are three places where Women Motorcycle riders can join the event: Portland, Sturgis, or Knoxville, and ride to the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference in Arlington, VA.
To learn more about the ride, how to participate, and to see the full itinerary, visit https://bit.ly/CRPortland.
“Last year I was extremely disappointed that COVID-19 interrupted our 2020 plans for the Centennial Ride, but now I see that as a blessing,” said Clickenger. “I am quite certain that our 2021 celebration will be even more spectacular because I am now able to take the ideas collected from two years of planning and development, plus a scouting ride in August of 2020, and put them all together in an event that will leave an even more indelible mark on the history of women and motorcycling.”
The riders who start at the beginning of the event in Portland will travel along the North Cascades Highway crossing the Bridge of the Gods, then experience must-ride motorcycle roads like Lolo Pass and the Needles Highway.
The event offers a two-day visit in the Black Hills area visiting Mt. Rushmore, riding the Black Hills, seeing Devil’s Tower, and attending the Biker Belles Group Ride and Celebration at the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The riders will also have a chance to ride through the striking Badlands National Park as well as have a full day to ride inside Yellowstone National Park.
Another full day will be spent in Knoxville, TN, where on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was signed and Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, making women’s suffrage legal in the United States. A full day will be spent in downtown Knoxville. After participating in the Knoxville celebration, the event will continue towards Arlington, Virginia, where riders can participate in the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference.
Concurrent nationwide Centennial celebrations will take place on August 20-21, 2021, coinciding with the Women’s Motorcycle Conference and the live presentations will be broadcast to Celebration Cities around the world. Celebrations are scheduled in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando and New York. Those parties interested in hosting a City Celebration are encouraged to contact Clickenger for more information.
Join the adventure and register today! https://bit.ly/CRPortland.
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–Feuling History Book:
Oceanside, California based Feuling Parts, the continuing iteration of industry legend Jim Feuling’s business, has this hardcover book available – ‘Engineering the Future’ – detailing the history of the business and of Jim Feuling’s enduring legacy to the performance motorsport industry.
Described as a “gear-head’s coffee table book” it tells the history and timeline of Feuling over the past 47 years. The book is full of cutting-edge internal combustion engine technology covering Jim Feuling’s many patents and the world class crew’s achievements.”
The book also showcases future projects and is a fascinating and definitive dive into a singular gear-head’s obsession, achievements and legacy.
Also new from the Feuling Team: 472 Grind Camshaft:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u2jgn2p8hj8l6vk/AAAz1Drq4MuGc5OCP38yu0fsa?dl=0
2021 POWERSPORTS FESTIVALS–
Progressive IMS Outdoors
Runs July Through October
The 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoors tour is billed as “an interactive, outdoor, festival-like experience showcasing the exciting world of motorcycling/powersports, electric mobility, and more through a series of immersive activities.” The newly rebranded tour – previously known as the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows – is designed to attract enthusiasts and potential riders of all ages and skill levels. The three-day events in major U.S. markets will feature hands-on experiences unique to each venue.
FivePoint Amphitheater
Irvine, California – July 9-11
Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, California – July 16-18
Goebbert’s Farm
Pingree Grove, Illinois – August 20-22
Brooklyn Army Terminal
Brooklyn, New York – September 3-5
Carlisle Fairgrounds
Carlisle, Pennsylvania – September 10-12
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth, Texas – October 1-3
James E. Ward Agriculture Center
Lebanon, Tennessee – October 8-10
SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus
Lakeland, Florida – October 15-17
Georgia International Horse Park
Conyers, Georgia – October 29-31
QUOTE OF THE WEEK–It was here in Crichton’s lecture that he made a statement that everyone in the world today should read and learn.
He said, “I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.” Sound familiar.
He went on to say, “The work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science on the contrary requires only one investigator who happens to be right, which means that he or she has the results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science consensus is irrelevant. In fact, the greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with consensus.”
–Climate Depot
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SCREAMIN’ EAGLE FACTORY TEAM TO CONTEND KING OF THE BAGGERS SERIES —
H-D Announces Contingency Program for Independent Bagger Teams
MILWAUKEE (April 8, 2021) – A new Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team will compete in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers, a road racing series held in conjunction with the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Series.
The team is preparing a Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Special powered by a race-modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engine for pro rider Kyle Wyman. In addition to its factory team effort, Harley-Davidson will offer a nearly $30,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the three-race King of the Baggers series.
King of the Baggers successfully debuted as a one-off MotoAmerica invitational exhibition event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca last October and, after an exciting race, received a positive reception by fans and racers. MotoAmerica will host a three-round King of the Baggers series in 2021 for race-prepared, American V-Twin touring motorcycles equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The series is open to all qualified AMA license holders, with championship points being tallied at each round and a National Champion crowned at season’s end.
“Competing in the King of the Baggers series gives Harley-Davidson an opportunity to showcase our Screamin’ Eagle performance products in the heat of competition,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO Harley-Davidson. “Nobody knows more about building Harley-Davidson performance than our Screamin’ Eagle engineers. Harley-Davidson created the first factory hot rod baggers, the Road Glide Special and Street Glide Special models, for riders craving performance and touring comfort.”
The Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engine is the most-powerful street-compliant performance engine offered by Harley-Davidson. Built from the bottom up in Milwaukee, this street-tuned, 131-cubic-inch (2147cc) Screamin’ Eagle crate engine delivers 131 ft-lb of torque to the rear wheel as soon as the throttle is cranked, and may be installed in 2017-later Harley-Davidson Touring models.
Veteran road racer Kyle Wyman, 31 from Macedon, N.Y., formed Kyle Wyman Racing at the age of 21 to compete at the highest level of professional road racing in the United States. He started racing Harley-Davidson XR750s in flat track at the age of 15. Wyman was a contender and won six races in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XR1200 series, he won the Daytona 200 in 2019 and placed seventh overall in the 2020 HONOS Superbike series, the premier MotoAmerica road racing class. Wyman is the son of Kim Wyman, owner of Harv’s Harley-Davidson in Macedon.
“I am very excited and honored to be the rider of the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Road Glide Special,” said Wyman. “To be a Factory rider for Harley-Davidson is something I’ve dreamed of since I was little, watching my hero Scott Parker win Grand National Championships on the Harley-Davidson XR750. I look forward to our first race at Road Atlanta and competing aboard this amazing machine.”
The MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series kicks off April 30-May 2 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, and continues June 11-13 at Road America Elkhart Lake, Wis., and July 9-11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Calif.
WORD FROM THE BIKERNET CULTURAL CENTER–
“I looked around the world, and there was too much to see. So, I closed my eyes, looked inside myself, and there was again too much to see.”
“Scars aren’t flaws; in fact, they are the only legitimate certificate of survival issued by none other than life itself.”
–Wayfarer
Monk in training
Bikernet Cultural Center
At the base of the gray mountain
India
LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2021 – The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region honored Pasadena resident Sherry Moller for saving her young son’s life by applying the Pediatric First Aid/CPR training she received from the Red Cross.
In January 2020, Sherry was shopping with her mother and four-year-old son at a party supply store when she noticed her son started choking and had stopped breathing. As curious shoppers gathered around the incident, Sherry dropped her items and ran to help her distressed son. The commotion confused and frightened Sherry’s autistic boy, who fought against his mother’s repeated efforts to enwrap his waist and begin abdominal thrusts.
The frantic mother then heard her instructor’s voice in her head to stay calm. Sherry knelt before her son and calmly explained, “I’m going to help you, but you need to help me.”
While lifting his arms, Sherry explained what she was going to do and though he still fought her off, she had enough time to wrap her arms around him. After three abdominal thrusts, a piece of candy flew out of his mouth and Sherry’s son was able to breathe again.
Thanks to her training through the Red Cross Training Services course, Sherry had the confidence and skills needed to save her son’s life. This action exemplified the highest degree of concern of one human being in a time of distress.
SEE: Lifesaving Award Certificate of Merit Sherry Moller (Facebook)
For this act, Sherry was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who save or sustain a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross.
Award recipients embody the spirit of the Red Cross, by using action to help alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency. Since the Lifesaving Awards revival in 2018, the Red Cross has proudly awarded 1,384 individuals worldwide who have collectively helped to save 640 lives.
GET TRAINED Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.
NOMINATE SOMEONE People can go to LifesavingAwards.org to nominate and recognize an individual or group of individuals who have used the skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain a life.
For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.
FANS WILL RETURN TO IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 1OTH–To kickoff the spectator season, fans in attendance will be treated to a record night of racing. Eight divisions will take to the speedway for ten main events, a record amount of racing for a spectator event.
The feature events on the card will be the SPEARS SRL Modifieds, SPEARS Pro Lates and the west coast’s premier Super Late division, SPEARS Southwest Tour. The SPEARS SRL divisions will be joined by the Irwindale Speedway’s NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series divisions.
In accordance with local and state guidelines, capacity will be reduced and masks will be required.
THE QUESTION OF THE ERA—I’ve asked this question several times. Most organization won’t answer. Just the other day a brother in the motorcycle rights community responded. And one other European motorcycle rights group responded, but they were afraid to go on record.
My question is simple. Bikers have always questioned authority. So, why don’t they question the Climate Doomsday scenario, especially when there is so much scientific evidence against it. Hell, fossil fuels are saving life on earth as we speak.
So, maybe they are afraid and don’t want to upset the guys on other side. Maybe they are scared of being called a skeptic or a denier?
Here’s one response: I dunno for sure. I believe, like I think you do, that climate change is basically cyclical and besides that modern manmade “pollution” has little if any effect on weather or climate. I have not come right out and called climate change a hoax, which I think it largely is, because too many people think it’s real, that man causes it. 
We are living in the best of times. Ride fast and free forever.
–Bandit
