THE TWISTED SUNDAY POST for September 10th, 2017

Hey,

It’s interesting how life can twist. Sometimes we like it and others we don’t, but it never stops twisting and turning until the end. Then as we have discovered there isn’t an end…

You will see in this piece many twists and turns of the industry, motorcycling, you name it.

Many of us look at these elements and shrug our shoulders, like damn, that’s too bad. But behind each shift are the folks who relied on a paycheck. Often with magazines there are hundreds of contributors who also relied on magazines to survive.

Bikernet has done our best to help dozens of former staff members and contributors over the years, as time has changed and the industry shifted. Let’s hit the news and see how things pan out.

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPENED EARLY WITH COFFEE AND DONUTS– Perks of reaching 60 or being over 70 and heading towards 80!
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run–anywhere.
4. People call at 8 PM and ask, “Did I wake you?”

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 5 PM .
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
11. You can’t remember who sent you this list.
12. And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.
remember, never, ever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same evening!

–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry

RIDING FREE FROM DC– Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

NEWS FROM THE HILL – School’s Back in Session!

Congress returns from its August recess this week, but don’t count on much policy work getting done given a jam-packed to-do list on several ‘must do’ items including lifting the debt ceiling, funding the government (or, more likely, kicking the can until December) and funding Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

Still though, the House made some progress this week passing a bipartisan driverless car bill on Wednesday, advancing what could become the first set of federal laws for the emerging industry. The “Self Drive Act” (which your MRF has been closely following and weighing in on) aims to speed up the development of driverless technology as well as pre-empt states from implementing certain laws governing the new technology. It would also allow car manufacturers to deploy up to 100,000 self-driving cars a year that don’t meet normal safety standards. However, note that these cars would not be commercially available, but rather used for testing purposes.

Your MRF has been communicating to our federal lawmakers that robust testing must be required for manufacturers of autonomous vehicles, guaranteeing they have accounted for motorcycle recognition and responsiveness. In addition, we’ve been asking to have a guaranteed seat at the table as the Department of Transportation moves forward in its regulatory activities so that the voice of the rider is heard.

Recently, I met with staff from the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over this issue asking for the aforementioned points to be written into their soon-to-be-released legislation. Happily, we’ve had a positive dialogue, and I am cautiously optimistic that the Senate bill will be a step in the right direction taking our interests into account. Stay tuned on that…As soon as I get the green light, I will send the draft out.

In the meantime, for more information and resources on the SELF DRIVE Act, you can visit energycommerce.house.gov/selfdrive

EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES – New Studies Released on Helmets and the MRF Issues a FOIA Request on the MAC

This week, the Transportation Research Record reported abstracts of several new studies; two of which had to do with motorcycles and more specifically, the use of helmets in fatal crashes.

Not surprisingly, neither report even attempted to hide their predisposed bias. Both abstract descriptions of the studies each stated that repealing the universal helmet law had a negative effect on motorcyclists. One study looked specifically at helmet use in Colorado, while the other examined long-term effects of universal helmet laws. Shockingly, (::SARCASM::) both studies concluded that policymakers should rethink the universal helmet law. Though there is a charge to access the full studies, you can review the abstracts by clicking on the links below:

http://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/pdf/10.3141/2637-06

http://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/abs/10.3141/2637-04

In an attempt to continue to express our frustration with the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (and its lack of motorcyclists) this week your MRF issued a FOIA request to the attorney for the Federal Highway Administration. For those outside of the beltway, a “FOIA” request stands for Freedom of Information Act. This is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. Specifically, I requested that all documents/emails/communications having to do with the establishment of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and the determination of the selected individuals be turned over for my review.

Under the law, the appointed attorney has 20 days to respond to my request. I’ll keep you all in the loop as we try to unravel this ridiculous example of our government at its worst…..

Oh, and one more thing – this week I heard that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao indicated that the Agency will release an update to driverless car guidance next week. We’ll be watching, and I will send it out to you all once it’s in my hot little hands!

STATE NEWS –

Emails were flying back and forth over the last 10 days about school bus arms and motorcyclists. For reference, see the pic below:

The conversations over email was whether or not this posed any risk to riders as well as what states did to ensure the safety of children riding the school bus and different measures and approaches (cameras, extended arms, etc.). Generally, the sentiment from everyone was, the extended arms should not be a risk to riders provided they follow the law and don’t try and drive around a school bus at a bus stop. Then I came across this article from Idaho:

http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Motorcycle-runs-red-light-collides-with-school-bus-442933283.html

Though not exactly the situation we had discussed, I think it serves as an important reminder to everyone reading. Not only is “school” back in session for Congress, but also for our kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Let’s ride smart and respect any school buses we may encounter.

MRF NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Seriously Solid Line Up for MOTM

I know that many have been asking for the agenda for our upcoming Meeting of the Minds. The good news is that we are putting the finishing touches on this and I can tell you that we have a very good program this year.

One sneak peek I’ll give you is for one of our general sessions. We have secured Dr. Todd Akins, a rider and head honcho at the National Rifle Association, aka the NRA. Todd happens to have his law degree and Ph.D. and is an expert in state lobbying and is excited to speak to our group. Not only is he going to give us practical tips on how to get our grassroots motivated and get our issues front and center, but interestingly he is going to give his lawyer spin on some of the concerns touched on last year related to motorcycle profiling and gun ownership. It’s going to be good, no doubt.

So if you haven’t registered, it’s not too late. You can do so by calling Tiffany or I or by going on the MRF website by September 14th. And keep a look out for the conference agenda…you should have it shortly!

Until then….

RIDE FREE-

–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
#10436

$11,995
This “one of a kind” Vivid Gloss Black chopper with Hot Rod flames is truly a “Blast from the past” with modern day suspension! Starting with the Fat Bob rubber mount Dyna style frame to the 107 inch nostalgic looking S&S motor, 5-speed transmission and the Progressive rear shocks to the 60’s style West Coast Colorworks Hot Rod flames this bike is a “One of a kind” head turner that can be ridden coast to coast!

The project originally started with a vision to build a nostalgic chopper that incorporated all of the newest technologies and coolest parts with an old school look that would be both rideable and show worthy. The result is amazing!

Originally costing in excess of $40,000 to build, this bike was last offered for sale several years ago for $32,000 and now be purchased for only $12,995!

Fully documented, the bike comes with receipts for every nut, bolt, washer, part and accessory ever purchased!

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:

S&S 107-inch long block complete factory built engine then upgraded with J&E pistons, EV-81 cam and polished Mikuni 42mm carburetor and Wimmer air induction system, 200mm rear tire mounted on 60-spoke rear wheel, 21″ front wheel with chromed stainless 60-spoke front wheel, hi torque starter, polished brake rotors, Performance Machine front and rear brake calipers, Performance Machine forward controls and Performance Machine hand controls, PM hand grips, billet headlight, Crane single fire ignition, Harley Davidson 5-speed transmission, BDL 3″ open belt drive, handlebar mounted speedometer and tach, custom made handlebars, Independent all steel gas tank, steel rear fender, and much much more!

This bike is super cool and has all the right stuff on it!

This bike is immaculate! The paint, chrome and Powdercoat is in perfect condition with no dings, dents, scuffs or scratches! You will not find a nicer bike out there!

ONLY AT LIFESTYLE CYCLES IN ANAHEIM OR CALL US AT 714-490-0155

ACE CAFÉ FLORIDA ALERT– Due to Hurricane Irma we will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday to ensure our employees and guests are safe. Please stay tuned to the Ace on social media for updates on when we’ll Revv back up.

Please stay safe, everyone!

Sincerely,

Your Ace Cafe Orlando pit crew

New VA claims process promises decisions within 30 days–

Veterans Affairs officials unveiled their new Decision Ready Claims process on Thursday.

Veterans Affairs officials on Thursday unveiled a new disability claims process they promise will result in decisions within 30 days, potentially shaving months off some veterans’ current wait.

But that timeline doesn’t factor in advance work veterans must do on their own to collect relevant medical tests and service documents. And for now, the new process is only open to veterans looking to upgrade existing disability claims, not new cases.

Still, VA officials say the new Decision Ready Claims initiative could significantly reduce wait times and frustration for many veterans whose cases currently take an average of more than 100 days to reach a decision. VA Secretary David Shulkin praised the announcement as “a collaborative effort between VA and VSOs to help veterans.”

The DRC process, in a pilot phase since May, requires veterans to work closely with veterans service organizations to ensure all relevant medical evidence has been collected before submitting their claims. Officials said the advance work will allow the files to be assigned immediately to claims processors for a decision within 30 days.

The current process allows veterans to submit claims to VA with little advance paperwork, putting the burden on VA officials to collect military service records, medical documents and other relevant background information. If veterans opt for the DRC process, they’ll have to gather and submit those documents themselves.

It’s similar to the Fully Developed Claim process created by VA in 2013, where outside veterans groups can review and certify disability claims evidence to speed up VA processing.

In the new DRC initiative those groups — which include well-known organizations like Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars — have more authority to examine those documents and mandate additional evidence collection.

Ryan Gallucci, VFW’s director of the National Veterans Service, said the new program provides another key option for veterans seeking disability compensation “but it may not be the best option for every veteran.”

More information on the new initiative, including lists of organizations certified to work with veterans on claims, is available on the department’s web site.

— By Leo Shane III

NATIONAL MOTORIST ALERT– Cashless Tolling – A Convenience or a Hassle?:

Last October the Massachusetts Turnpike switched to all-electronic tolling (AET). Now that Bay State commuters are several months into traveling a cashless turnpike, we asked members how that is working out. More states will undoubtedly be transitioning to AET in the coming years so it is a topic of interest for most NMA members.

There is the convenience aspect to cashless toll roads but there is also the potential for unpleasant surprises because the cost of the toll for each AET “gate” can vary and often is not known until after the vehicle owner has been billed. Some of the feedback we received:

It is a pleasure to zoom through the spaces where there used to be toll booths. It is also nice to think of all of the infamous waste, graft, and patronage that has been removed. (No more politician’s cousin’s wife’s brother getting a sweetheart toll booth job paying $30+/hour.) And, it creates the illusion the tolls have finally come down.

But all of these benefits are just that: illusions. The speeds are still artificially low and doubtlessly will remain so and will likely become perfect speed traps. And the tolls that were supposed to be eliminated when the Pike was paid off won’t likely become a ballot issue again. I suspect they will grow now outside the spotlight and go up at a faster and faster rate!
–Steve Rousseau

My experiences with automatic tolling in MA is very good. Traffic is noticeably better without the toll booths. Having used EZ Pass for years, the transition was seamless. For drivers without transponders, there are signs clearly posted before each electronic tolling location stating all the fees, including the higher tolls that will be collected by mail. The signs certainly incentivize drivers to get a transponder. So far MA hasn’t added any toll roads that were not already toll roads before the changeover. Adding toll roads would certainly be a sneaky way to get more revenue, as drivers who have transponders don’t really pay attention to tolls anymore.
–Dexter

My main concern about these tolls is that they are reading your speed and I don’t trust the state and the police with that information. I have not tried it yet, but I also wonder if my transponder will be read consistently when I am on my motorcycle and the transponder is in the clear map compartment on the top of my tank bag. In the past, they sometimes had trouble reading it there or in my jacket pocket. If a transponder is not read, I wonder if additional tolls that were charged will still be refunded with a simple phone call, as in the past.
–Steve Crawshaw

1. I am an occasional user of the Massachusetts Turnpike and the tunnels to and from Logan Airport, so I do not have a transponder, nor do I have a Pay-By-Plate account to which I deposit funds.

2. When I have used the Mass Pike or the airport tunnels, I receive a printed invoice via snail-mail. The invoices have been accurate, and I think the 60-cent service fee per invoice is reasonable.

3. I pay my toll invoices online via credit card. Very easy; no issues.

4. I appreciate the smoother entrances and exits on and off the Mass Pike and airport tunnels. The absence of toll booths has definitely reduced — if not eliminated — traffic congestion.

5. I’ve driven two different vehicles with different plate numbers, and the Pay-By-Plate readers appear to be 100% accurate. Plus, the system is smart enough to accurately detect my entry and exit points on the Mass Pike.

6. Overall, I am pleased with cashless tolling in Massachusetts.
–Dan

First, it should be pointed out that in response to drivers’ requests, each toll gantry has a sign nearby listing the toll rates. Initially they were small, almost unreadable at highway speeds, so they’ve been replaced with larger ones. They list the toll rates for E-ZPass MA, E-ZPass out-of-state, and toll-by-plate. There is also an informational sign as to how to sign up for MA E-ZPass. This tells me that at least someone at MassDOT is listening to drivers’ concerns.

It’s difficult to tell how much time will be saved by not having to slow down to pay tolls, because the toll plaza rebuilds are not done yet, but in general traffic seems to flow more smoothly now, even though some of the rush-hour bottlenecks haven’t gone away (due more to traffic volume than having to stop at a toll booth).
–Sid Schweiger

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the author.

Use this link to share this NMA E-Newsletter with others:
https://www.motorists.org/alerts/cashless-tolling-convenience-hassle-nma-e-newsletter-452/

[page break]

INDIAN RACE RESULTS–
Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Rider Jared Mees secures Indian’s first American Flat Track Championship and his fourth career Grand National Championship with first-place finish at the Williams Grove Half-Mile.

We thought you’d like to share this with your audience across your social media channels. Attached is a series of podium and #1 plate photos from Williams Grove.

A more detailed press release will be available on Monday. You’ll see it Thursday in the Bikernet Weekly News.

Indian Motorcycle Social
Facebook – @indianmotorcycle
Instagram – @indianmotorcycle
Twitter – @indianmotocycle

–Zach Kadletz

Photo by Spurgeon Dunbar.

HOW TO FIX MOTORCYCLING: THE HARDEST HOW-TO YET FROM REVZILLA–
“Previously-fertile Xennials are now immune to engagement strategy. Secular erosion of core customers has shifted paradigms slightly, and in response we recommend a renewed emphasis on engagement by marketing our heritage and authenticity to outreach markets.”

Sadly, buzzword bullshit like this has infiltrated motorcycling. Motorcycle sales are hurting in the USA, and terms like those are being bandied about by marketing and advertising gurus. (I am pretty sure half of ‘em are non-riders and all of ‘em are attempting to sell this dress-up fantasy of becoming a different person only by climbing on a Brand X Motorcycle.) Both the jargon and the fantasy are shopworn. Worse yet, they are ineffective at moving units.

Ah, those Millennials. If only they’d save motorcycling, rather than buying up all the junky old Hondas.

Hand-wringing and attempting to categorize, analyze, and monetize a group of people who just all happened to be born in a given time period is a total waste of time. I recently read an article entitled “Millennials are killing the napkin industry.” That’s right, folks, the cloak-and-dagger 20-something cabal has decided to end paper products.

Really, guy?

I’ve kept out of this fray for a long time (Common Tread is as guilty of publishing this stuff as any other publication), but I’ve had enough. Can we all please step back and inject some sanity into the business end of selling motorcycles? It’s time motorcycling got off its ass, pulled itself up by the bootstraps, and saved itself. That does not begin with another assessment of Millennials or another retro-themed bike.

I think making non-riders aware that riding a motorcycle can be fun and rational is a good start to creating more demand for motorcycles. Even better would be taking some concrete steps to help people understand the practical portion of riding a motorcycle — and enabling them to find their own emotional impetus, rather than trying to package one up for them.

The responsibility of repairing motorcycle sales in the United States unfortunately falls to a lot of people. The American Motorcyclist Association and Motorcycle Industry Council could certainly up their games, and so could the manufacturers. Retailers like RevZilla and media outlets like Common Tread aren’t off the hook, either. And to some degree, individual riders (you and me, Buck-o) need to be motorcycle ambassadors. If you’re reading about motorcycles on the internet, odds are good you can influence someone you know who’s not as moto-crazy as you are.

I’ve always been intrigued by public relations pioneer Eddie Bernays. Some of his schemes to sell stuff were pretty underhanded, but a few were downright genius. (Read the one about the bookshelves.) I don’t style myself much of a marketing guru, but I have some ideas that I think Eddie would have conjured up to bring motorcycling to its former dominant glory. I’m gonna float a few out there, and who knows, maybe we can turn this ship around and get some asses in saddles.

Read the whole tamale on Revzilla:
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-fix-motorcycles-the-hardest-how-to-yet?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9/09/2017%20-%20CT&utm_term=Common%20Tread%20%7C%20Combined

–from Rogue

AT THE FRONT WEATHER REPORT– Right Now it is raining pretty heavy, some wind.
The direction it is coming at my house is okay.

The house is secure as well as it can be, have plenty of food and water, generator and gas, even Jack Daniels – For after. Survival party – do not want to be impaired while it is going on.

Daughter and son-in law here as it is safer than their house.

Staying in touch with others and some getting more wind and rain – Tornadoes in some areas.

Have a system we check on each other and ready to help those who need it.
Good opportunity for me to work on some articles LOL

I have been in touch with my darling Dee and she has moved to higher ground at friend’s house.

–Rogue
Supreme Bikernet Florida Weather Correspondent
Ultimate Commander Editor
Bikernet Baggers

WOMEN’S VINTAGE RIDE IN INDIA—

SPEAKING OF WOMEN, A SOFTAIL REVIEW BY THE QUEEN OF WOMEN RIDERS NOW– Harley-Davidson’s 2018 Softail Models are Lighter, More Powerful
First photos of a female journalist test riding the eight new motorcycles with details women care about them.

To celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary year, the Motor Company is launching eight all-new Softail models that merge the hard-riding performance of the Dyna line with the unparalleled custom look of the Softail line.

And since Harley-Davidson leads market share among female riders, we at Women Riders Now anticipate that these updated models, with their lighter weight and more modern look, will appeal to a many women, young and old, looking to get into motorcycling for the first time.

Harley-Davidson 2018 cruiser models are lighter more powerful softails
The eight motorcycles of the 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail family comprise the best of the Dyna platform (which is no longer being produced), with the best of the Softails.

Designed under the largest product development project in company history, the new bikes compared to prior year models, feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the pulse-quickening torque of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight 107 and 114 engines. With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear mono-shock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter, and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.

“The new Softail models are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history,” said Paul James, manager of product portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage, and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”

–By Genevieve Schmitt, Editor at Large

Read the whole Tamale here.

NEW CLASSIC FEATURE COMING TO BIKERNET– I just interviewed the builder and put this together….

–Paul Garson
Senior Bikernet Feature Contributor

Harley-Davidson announces massive discounts– Fat Boy and Heritage Softail Classic cheaper by upto Rs 2.5 lakh

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and Heritage Softail Classic have just gone cheaper by a large margin. The Fat Boy, earlier priced at Rs 1,701,000, will now be available for Rs 1,499,990. The Heritage Softail Classic, earlier priced at Rs 1,850,000 will now be available for Rs 1,599,990. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

The revised prices are applicable on the Model Year 17 Softail models and have been effective 1st September 2017, till stocks last. To assist customers further Harley-Davidson has come up with a new financing scheme – Bullet EMI. The new scheme involves reduced monthly payments (in terms of EMI amount) and an increased lump-sum paid once or multiple times each year, as per terms of the loan availed.

EMIs for the 2017 Fat Boy start at Rs 14,999 per month and that for the Heritage Softail Classic start at Rs 15,999 per month. With this, Harley hopes to reach out to a wider pool of customers, making its motorcycles more affordable.

Harley-Davidson plans to introduce the 2018 model range with updated engines and this cut down in prices will help it clear the 2017 stocks and make way for the new ones. Harley-Davidson India has dealerships across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, Goa, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Indian Motorcycles announces price cut
Indian Motorcycles has announced a price cut for the Scout, Chief Dark Horse and the Chief Classic, following the implementation of GST in the country. The benefits range from Rs 1.76 lakh to Rs 2.21 lakh on the ex-showroom price.

The drop in price ranges from nine per cent to 12 per cent. The price of Indian Scout has been dropped from Rs 14.75 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh. The Chief Dark Horse now retails at Rs 21.25 lakh instead of Rs 23.4 lakh. The Chief Classic on the other hand now sports a price tag of Rs 21.99 lakh as opposed to Rs 24.2 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

While this drop is just in the ex-showroom prices, we can expect a bigger impact on the on-road price of these motorcycles.

THERE YOU HAVE IT–
But there’s much more I can’t disclose at this juncture of the ever-changing road. Hell, I wish I knew what moves this road is going to make, and even if I knew today, it might shift tomorrow.

Maybe that’s the issue with our society. Motorcycling doesn’t have a problem the world does, with too many uncertainities constantly flooding our senses. What you eat today might be poison tomorrow. The climate, the traffic, the population, the bullshit.

It’s been interesting hanging with my grandson. We hauled his Dyna to Bennett’s yesterday. I spoke to Bob Bennett about my Panhead engine and made a list of what I need to make it complete. I was in the shop machining parts right up until I had to take the Redhead of redheads to her birthday dinner.

Dr. Feng hauled ass to Costa Mesa for the hooligan flat track races. He’s got a Jones to race again and we would like to see him riding a Harley maybe a Sportster or and Indian Scout. We will keep you posted.

I’m working on another Cantina Episode, number 77, can you believe that. I will touch on another bullshit thing our society faces. Paul Garson sent me a super-cool classic Triumph, which we will feature immediately next week. We have Josh’s H-D Gin article, and an article about Lion’s Drag Strip. There are guys from a street rod association fighting the Port to reopen Lions on Terminal Island. More and more government agencies use the TSA and terrorists threats to turn down anything in their way. Bullshit, we need to ride, race and party. And we’ll fight terrorist anywhere, just don’t stop the fun and freedom.

I’m going to hook up with Ryan McQuiston and start his bike feature for Bikernet. He’s come along ways. I’m also going to have lunch with the Supreme King of Biker Build-Offs, Hugh King and start to work on another story about his chopper, built by all the greats from Cory Ness, his dad, Arlen, Eddie Trotta, Billy Lane, Russell Mitchell, you name it. He would like to sell it, although I think he should place it in his living room, if he isn’t riding.