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Hey,
What are you thinking about today? Are you pondering the fight over the wall, Korea and the punk who runs it, Syria, hurricane victims, or the latest government intrusion into our lives.
I donated to hurricane relief, and I quit watching commercial television, so I dodge much of the misery.
So, what am I thinking about? I’m chasing parts for my Panhead Project, trying to reach Lee Clemens about my 45 Engine build, working with the muralist on the side of the building, thinking about a sailing trip to Cuba, and pondering how we can help Wilmington on the Port of Los Angeles shine again.
There’s just one example of the diversity of our thinking and all the shit flying at us daily. So what’s the conclusion, what should you take away from the above. Two basic premises. First, you can see by the above lists a man can think about almost anything including about the Redhead next door and they are just thoughts.
Second, we can think about what could bring us down, negativity or all about creativity and positive outcomes. I like freedom and creative endeavors. There’s one you can help with in the news from the MRF. Let’s hit it.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom and postivie creative endeavors, including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown and BorntoRide.com, Sturgis Museum.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES— I might also need a jug of water and a big bag of trailmix.
–from Rogue
TRIUMPH Motorcycles India joins the race against Royal Enfield–
The huge growth of Royal Enfield is key to its branding and its branding is the key to a global sales fortune in past two years. Now fellow British brand Triumph wants to rattle and shake things in India and wherever possible by joining hands with Indian giant Bajaj which enjoys huge sales in two-wheelers in Asia and Africa and is a common name for the trike passenger vehicles known as autorickshaws. Triumph to take on Enfield at homebase – no not at Great Britain but in India.
Two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto in August 2017 announced a global partnership with UK-based Triumph Motorcyles. The tie-up is a strategic non-equity partnership “to deliver a range of outstanding mid-capacity motorcycles benefiting from the collective strengths of both companies,” Bajaj Auto said in a communication to the bourses.
Bajaj is the world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer, and India’s second largest manufacturer of motorcycles. Triumph on the other hand is an iconic motorcycle brand, established over 100 years ago in 1902. It is the largest British bike manufacturer in the world.
Analysts believe the alliance will help enhance the overall portfolio of Bajaj Auto which was missing a strong brand in the “easy riding” or cruiser bike space. Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj, himself at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) last month had admitted that the missing piece of the puzzle for the company lay in the “easy riding or lazy riding space”.
Bajaj Auto’s motorcycle portfolio is fairly large and starts with the 100 cc segment with brands such as Platina, Discover. In the middle there is big household brand names such as Pulsar and Avenger in the 150cc to 220cc range and goes up to 373 cc with Bajaj Dominar and the Duke from it’s Austrian acquisition KTM range.
“This new global partnership will enable Triumph to significantly expand its global reach by entering new higher volume market segments, especially within the emerging markets across the world. Bajaj will gain access to the iconic Triumph brand, and its great motorcycles, enabling it to offer a wider range of motorcycles within its domestic market and other international markets,” Bajaj Auto said.
So the way Royal Enfield pinched the business away from big horses such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles brands to establish a global demand for mid-segment bikes, now there is a challenger. Harley-Davidson could not exactly beat Enfield in mid-segment with its Street 750cc bikes but these Street 750 bikes have got a good volume sales globally including in Australia and South America.
Now Triumph wants a piece of that mid-segment pie. The objective of the partnership is to deliver a range of “outstanding mid-capacity motorcycles benefiting from the collective strength of both companies,” Triumph Motorcycles said.
Bajaj Auto already has a decade-long alliance with Austrian bikemaker KTM. The Pune-based Bajaj holds a 47 per cent in Austria’s KTM. One-third of KTM’s manufacturing happens at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant near Pune. However, for the Triumph alliance Bajaj Auto is not picking up any stake in the iconic UK bike brand. Bajaj Auto plans to manufacture Triumph bikes in India going forward which will bring down Triumph motorcycle prices drastically in India and probably reduce costs enough to compete globally in this segment against Royal Enfield.
It is expected that Bajaj Auto and Triumph will jointly focus on developing bikes in the 250-700 cc segment. Bajaj Auto’s plant in Chakan in Pune may turn into a manufacturing and export base for the UK brand.
Triumph may be seeking to follow the Bajaj-KTM model. Bajaj helped Austrian brand KTM increase its global volume to 200,000 units from 65,000.
Bajaj was in the race to buy Ducati from Volkswagen. The company is cash rich with Bajaj Auto holding free cash of about Indian Rupees 1,325,000,000.
“There is also a world of easy riding or lazy riding. It is a world of Harley-Davidson, the Indian motorcycle brand owned by Polaris, the world of Triumph–this segment so far has been missing from our puzzle. The only missing puzzle is the premium brand in this space,” added Bajaj.
Bajaj – This family owned family named company has shown spectacular resilience and growth. They are now also organizing motorcycle events and tours in India similar to the motorcycle tourism market niche carved out by Enfield in India. As said last week, nothing heard from Japanese brands, they are on snooze mode which may lead to an exit from the fastest growing market for motorcycles in the world called India.
Buffalo Chip TT American Flat Track Race– Airs on NBC Sports Network
Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. MDT
It’s been a little over a month since the nation’s top racing athletes went handlebar to handlebar around the brand new track in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater during the inaugural Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT American Flat Track Races.
Whether you were there on Aug. 6 to see it for yourself, or weren’t able to make it, you should know you’ve got another chance to see all the action when NBC Sports Network airs its one-hour encore telecast of the races on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. MDT.
We hope you’ll be able be one of the 90 million homes tuning in to see these amazing racers battle their way to the podium in the AMA PRO National Championship Series.
HOW TO WATCH THE RACES:
Tune in via the NBCSN cable TV channel, or with NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app on your desktop, mobile device or connected TV.
HOW TO WATCH THE OPENING CEREMONIES:
Click the link below to start off your evening of race entertainment with the opening ceremonies that include a beautiful performance of the Star Spangled Banner by South Dakota Department of Tourism Deputy Secretary Wanda Goodman.
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NEW SPORTBIKE MAGAZINE HIT THE STANDS–
Here are the features from the most recent issue! (click on the cover to read the entire magazine):
SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE, August 2017
• In this issue of SportBikes Inc Magazine, we begin a series that will take an in depth look at the STATE OF THE INDUSTRY. In Part 1, we talk with notable individuals from the professional side of the business of motorcycles.
• Adam Waheed enjoys cheap thrills and spills at the SOCAL SUPERMOTO SCHOOL.
• Team Butler Racing is featured in this month’s edition of ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY.
–Allan
Publisher, Editor in Chief
AMERICAN IRON VINTAGE FEATURE — The 1905/ ’06 NELK single.
Out now in American Iron, and ‘rarer than hens teeth’ says Don Whalen, owner, curator of this machine. A Carl Nelk fabrication, out of the Palo Alto, California. There are, apparently, no others.
Water cooled [see radiator under the top horizontal bike tube], rubber mounted, overhead cam. Beautiful wooden rims. Kidney shaped black metal piece at bottom is the battery.
–Markus Cuff
Bikernet Feature Bike Photographer
Also feature bike photographer for:
American Iron
Cycle Source
HORSE magazine
And Easyriders
DRIVERLESS VEHICLE LEGISLATION–
I wanted to share thoughts about DRAFT legislation from the Senate Commerce Committee on autonomous vehicles, aka driverless cars.
I have been in discussion with Senate staff over the last five weeks working to get this bill to a place we can support it as we have been asked to be listed as a supporting organization. I await your comments but overall, I think this is a positive step forward and legislation we can and should consider standing behind.
Here’s the quick and dirty after my analysis:
As with conventional vehicles, federal standards would be developed and set with regard to testing AVs to ensure safety. Happily, motorcycles are specifically listed as an integral part of the road population and therefore must be given consideration and accounted for in a safety report that would be required for all highly AVs.
The bill finds ways to preserve and improve safety while addressing incompatibility with old rules and regs that were not written with self-driving vehicles in mind.
Legislation is based on the existing relationship between federal and state regulators and their current separation of authority, but makes necessary targeted updates for new challenges posed by self-driving vehicles.
The bill also prioritizes and aims to strengthen cyber security in AVs
There is a section to educate the public about driverless cars calling for Government and industry to work together to ensure the public understands the differences between conventional and self-driving vehicles
Things that the MRF is working on getting to Committee to include in the final version:
Ensuring that any member of the public can request to review the AV safety report (so we can see HOW they are testing for motorcycle detection and responsiveness).
A dedicated seat on the Highly Automated Vehicle Safety Committee for a motorcycle rights organization (this committee would provide a forum to discuss, prioritize and make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation concerning the regulation of these vehicles).
Lastly, as it relates to consumer education, we are requesting to add a component that would require a working group that would consider other modes of transportation (i.e. motorcycles) to ensure we understand how we are safe when interacting with these vehicles
I’ll report as this develops….and if you read the biker bulletin that went out Friday, you’ll also see that tomorrow, NHTSA is going to release updated guidelines on self-driving vehicles. I’ll be in touch with more information and analysis shortly after the release.
–Megan J. Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
www.mrf.org
LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— The first custom seat I bought in 1969 was a Le Pera button-tuck Cobra for my next XLCH.
Now that Softails are back, they will be strong sellers again.
Overview
One of the original customs dating back to the ‘60s
Transforms the lines of your bike like no other
Available in a solo or full length: smooth, diamond or pleated
Fitment
FXST
All XL
06-UP DYNA
08-UP TOURING
82-94 FXR
RIGID
64-84 FX/FLH
BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR RETURNS FROM THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON TO TRAVEL AGAIN– Hi. From the dark side of humor. For those of you who do not do Facebook I am Here in Phnom Penh Cambodia on a S. E. Again tour. Started in Bangkok, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Singapore, to Saigon and now here on to Bangkok, Thailand again.
https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1001676-man-falls-off-bridge-and-dies-after-jumping-for-joy-when-girlfriend-said-yes/?utm_source=newsletter-20170912-0647&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news
–Art Hall
Bikernet International Editor
Overseas
SPRINGFIELD GUN OF THE WEEK– The world’s most elegant carry pistol family just added a new member – the EMP® 4 Concealed Carry Contour now in .40 S&W
The Concealed Carry Contour molds to the shape of the shooters hand and helps to prevent snags during the draw. It virtually eliminates the telltale bulge under a cover garment.
LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST NEWS— Big Bears Chopper to rock Las Vegas Bikefest again this year.
“We will be there just trying to decide where to set up,” said Mona, the Queen of the Bear.
UBM TOY RUN ACCIDENT–
In case any of you have seen reports of the crash that happened during the United Bikers of Maine annual Toy Run, I would like to share some information.
AT THIS TIME WE ARE AWAITING THE RESULTS FROM THE STATE POLICE INVESTIGATION.
During the 36th annual UBM toy run a pickup and approximately 12 bikes were involved in a crash resulting in two deaths of bikers and 4 others taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. This happened in the parade shortly after the run started. The cause is still under investigation. The run consisted of upwards of 3000 bikes and is the largest single day charitable event in the State of Maine. At this time we are offering no further information pending the results of the investigation.
–Eric Fuller Chairman
Maine Motorcyclists Political Action Committee
Maine State MRF Rep.
United Bikers of Maine Lifetime member and Area Rep.
A TOUGH ONE–
Three men have been charged in the Za’Layia Jenkins case. Nine-year-old Za’Layia was shot and killed in May 2016.
She was hit by a stray bullet while watching TV in her home and died one day before she would have turned 10.
Otha Jose Brown Jr., Damonta Jennings and Tony Powell Jr. have all been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the killing of Za’Layia.
The complaint states that the suspects returned to a home and fired shots at it after being reprimanded about an apparent drug deal.
Hupy and Abraham, S.C. president, Attorney Michael Hupy, is doing what he can to deter crime and bring closure to families like the Jenkinses. He has offered a $50,000 reward to the first person who provides the authorities information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Za’Layia’s killers. The FBI has offered an additional $15,000 reward.
Last year, Attorney Hupy paid a $25,000 reward to the first person who helped solve the shooting death of 5-year-old Laylah Petersen sitting on her grandfather’s lap in the living room of their house.
Offering rewards in gun violence cases is one of the ways Attorney Hupy has found to help the community. The firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has helped many organizations that assist the Milwaukee community, by donating time and money to these causes.
–Attorney Michael F. Hupy
Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
111 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Main: (414) 223-4800 Fax: (414) 271-3374
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– People often complain about the police, but you rarely hear about the positive things they do, such as this incident involving a biker and a frozen carburetor.
Last January on a bitterly cold winter’s day, a North Dakota State Trooper on patrol came upon a motorcyclist who was stalled by the roadside. The biker was swathed in heavy protective clothing and wearing a full-face helmet to protect the face from the cold weather.
“What’s the matter? asked the Trooper
“Carburetor’s frozen,” was the terse reply.
“Pee on it. That’ll thaw it out.”
“I can’t,” said the biker.
“OK, watch me closely and I’ll show you.” The Trooper unzipped and promptly warmed the carburetor as promised.
Moments later the bike started and the rider drove off, waving.
A few days later, the local State Troopers’ office received a note of thanks from the father of the motorcyclist.
It began: “On behalf of my daughter Jill…”
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FROM THE MOVIE PRODUCERS LOG–
Thursday night, we’ll all be at The Iron Horse Hotel for the giant Rebel on the Highway Bike Night. Come party with the cast and crew, enjoy the weather and special bike parking, groove to the southern rock sounds of Southbound, and enjoy a Milwaukee tradition; old skool bike party.
These are some of the cast you’ll be able to hang out with. Felicia Morgan of Thunder Press and Kevin Bean’re, Mayor of Fun. Dobe Vick, Cat Hammes, Cheryl McIntire and Gloria Tramontin Struck will be there too. Michael AC Ignacio, Booze Fighters MC, is riding in with some of his brothers, The Saints MC with Quinn Schmidt and Missy Fitzpatrick Covill are ready to get it on.
Dennis Sanfilippo, Charlie Brechteland co-writer Sabrina Mounkes are coming, and Charlie is going to perform a few songs with Southbound, including the title cut, Rebel on the Highway. My side kicks April Adams and Jim Jmedn Mead will be there with me and ready to rock the house.
And if you were one of the lucky ticket purchasers, you’ll enjoy the movie at the Majestic Cinema in total comfort in the new Dream Lounger seats. Take your vitamins, be kind to animals, smile at a stranger, and the stranger he is, the more he’ll like that, and get ready to party. No excuses.
–Charlie Brechtal
Most Magnificent Biker Movie Producer
CYCLE TRADER DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2017 TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER
New Cruiser Motorcycle In Brea, CA 92821
DESCRIPTION & COMMENTS
In the 1960s, far from civilisation and regular roads, stripped down desert bikes based on Triumph twins and fitted with high level exhausts, dirt bike tyres and suspension were being used for hard recreational fun and competition on tough terrain.
The Scrambler takes its inspiration from these very bikes.
Condition
Year: 2017
Make: Triumph
Model: Scrambler
Category: Cruiser
Type: Motorcycle
Location: Brea, CA
Mileage: 5
Stock Number: T250352
Primary Color: Matte Pacific Blue
Engine Size: 865 cc cc
Engine Type: DOHC, parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
TEXAS ABATE STATE RALLY– H’lo Freedom Fighters
Texas ABATE held their annual State Rally this past weekend in Decatur, TX, and we had the opportunity to invite the TxDOT motorcycle safety director, Jude Schexnyder, to join us.
Jude gave us a short motorcycle safety session—and he took the time to answer many of our questions–especially many of our Share The Road funding questions. Jude is also the traffic safety specialist for TxDOT, and appears to be very passionate about our mc riding rights; he offered to help motorcyclists any way he can.
Jude not only joined Texas ABATE at our rally, but he was also convinced that he should join the MRF (Jude really enjoyed reading the MRF reports that we had available)! IMO, this is a great opportunity for our organization!
Jude & I also had the opportunity to discuss Jane Lundquist’s position on the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). Lundquist is also with TxDOT, and is one of the 10 members on MAC; however, Jude mentioned that her position with TxDOT concerns road design, and nothing with motorcycles.
We are not very optimistic with her position on the council (or the council, in general)…
Go Cowboys!
~Skee Dodson
LOWBROW CUSTOMS DOES STURGIS— It has been a busy summer! I can’t believe it’s fall already. Check out a bit of what we have been up to, with Mikey’s coverage of his trip to Sturgis and Michael Lichter’s annual motorcycle and photography show.
More to come, as we raced at Bonneville Speed Week a few weeks back. Came close to a record (1.8mph away!) but didn’t close the deal.. headed back TOMORROW to get that record at World of Speed, so keep an eye at Lowbrow’s Facebook page and on Instagram @lowbrowcustoms for live video and updates.
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BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN FOR LUNCH– DID YOU EVER WONDER WHY EARRINGS BECAME SO POPULAR WITH MEN?
THE STORY:
A MAN IS AT WORK ONE DAY WHEN
HE NOTICES HIS CO-WORKER IS
WEARING AN EARRING.
THE MAN KNOWS HIS CO-WORKER TO BE A NORMALLY CONSERVATIVE FELLOW AND IS CURIOUS ABOUT HIS SUDDEN CHANGE IN “FASHION SENSE.”
THE MAN WALKS UP TO HIM and SAYS, “I
DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE INTO EARRINGS.”
“DON’T MAKE SUCH A BIG DEAL,
IT’S ONLY AN EARRING,” HE REPLIES SHEEPISHLY.
HIS FRIEND FALLS SILENT FOR
A FEW MINUTES, BUT THEN HIS CURIOSITY PRODS HIM
TO ASK, “SO, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WEARING ONE?”
“EVER SINCE MY WIFE FOUND IT IN MY TRUCK.”
I ALWAYS WONDERED HOW THIS TREND
GOT STARTED;
NOW I KNOW!
–Sam Burns
VINTAGE RAFFLE OF THE WEEK– Yep, it’s a trick question in a couple of ways. But yes, nickel plays a major part in the build and the opportunity to own it. Bottom line, for 200 nickels aka ten bucks you have a chance to take this tasty 100% nickel-plated 1950 Triumph home.
That’s thanks to a raffle offered courtesy of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club as part of the festivities celebrating their 10th Annual Rally and Bike Show, the event taking place on Saturday, September 16 in Venice, CA, of course.
With club officers Jeff Verges, Dayne Ashbaugh, Eddie Nicholas and Mel Clemens guiding the way, the rally has continued to grow in popularity, attendence and the quality and diversity of its showcased motorcycles… vintage, classic, custom, café racer, radical, you name it. And for the past several rallies, a one-off custom bike has give away to some lucky guy or gal.
–Paul Garson
Senior Bikernet Vintage feature contributor in charge of everything
See the feature on Bikernet right this second.—Bandit
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– No. 5821 Fork Cap Installation Tool
Installing the fork tube caps requires compressing the spring while rotating the cap. With the forks mounted on the bike, this task can become almost impossible due to limited work area, and the required effort needed to compress the spring and start the fine thread on the cap.
Priced at $142, this tool allows the technician to install the fork tube caps on the motorcycle without removing other parts, and can be done in minutes. See this tool in action on the JIMS YouTube Channel!
For more information contact us at sales@jimsusa.com or visit www.jimsusa.com.
If you have any questions, please call me directly at (805) 482-6913. Your time in reviewing this press release is greatly appreciated, as well as any past or future coverage. You have been BCC’d to protect email privacy.
–Greg Thiessen
JIMS
555 Dawson Drive,
Camarillo, CA 93012
Ph: 805-482-6913
www.jimsusa.com
NEW DIGITAL DISCOVERY HEADED INTO THE CANTINA–
A Brief History
The Maltese, or Iron Cross, is widely popular among bikers and has been so going back a number of decades. The original idea behind the use of it in those circles was to symbolize truth and brotherhood. Something found less and less in society as a whole by the often disillusioned fringe elements and drifters of that bygone era; not to mention the state of affairs in this regard in today’s “biker” environment. However, in time the cross unfortunately degenerated into just another “bad” or misunderstood symbol to many, and it sadly lost its original meaning except to those few who knew better. Let’s explore…
Read the whole story dating back to 1813 in Europe, in the Cantina next week.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUES Chinese to protect trademark– Harley-Davidson has the Chinese in its targets for its latest litigation of companies ripping off their trademark on fake products, including motorcycle parts.
And why shouldn’t they? The bar-and-shield logo, bald eagle and are among the world’s most recognized logos. As such, they are worth millions to the iconic American company.
In the late 1990s, the company even tried to trademark their distinctive “potato-potato” exhaust noise, but failed in US courts.
Harley has a 40-year history of suing small and large companies for unlawfully using their brand.
Now the Milwaukee company is suing a group of Chinese online counterfeiters for allegedly selling unauthorized products such as motorcycle parts, jewelery, apparel and other products.
We can understand people buying fake t-shirts, but motorcycle parts? That’s more than just a bit dangerous!
World Intellectual Property Review says the suit filed in the US District Court ion Illinois names the defendants as “interrelated groups of counterfeiters”.
The suit says:
Defendants facilitate sales by designing the defendant internet stores so that they appear to unknowing consumers to be authorized online retailers, outlet stores, or wholesalers. The unauthorized use of the Harley-Davidson trademark is likely to cause and has caused confusion, mistake and deception among consumers and is irreparably harming Harley-Davidson.”
Harley is seeking the domain names of the companies, profits derived from sales, $2 million for “each and every use of the ‘Harley-Davidson’ trademarks, plus legal fees.
Not many companies are brave enough to take on the C hi see who are notorious as ripoff merchants of popular and luxury brands.
But while others, such as Honda and German auto manufacturers have failed, Harley has succeeded.
Just three months ago, Harley sued another Chinese internet store, collecting all money paid into the company’s PayPal account.
Harley is certainly not shy of taking on the big guys!
Harley has twice sued American fashion giant Urban Outfitters for using genuine Harley products and altering them to create new products and designs, such as cutting off sleeves and shredding portions of the product.
Disputed Urban Outfitters clothing
They also took on international fashion company Forever 21 for allegedly selling jackets with a rip-off of their bar-and-shield logo and online retailer Gear Launch and associated companies for unlawful use of their logo.
But they also sometimes target the little guys.
Earlier this year, Harley had several small stall holders shut down at an American motorcycle rally for selling unauthorized products, showing it also seeks out the little guy.
There are so many rip-off Harley products in the world, Harley retains a group of lawyers who actively search for and prosecute offenders.
Most rip-offs exist online and eBay even has a page devoted to helping customers identify rip-off Harley products.
It advises customers that genuine Harley products carry a product number or official Harley-Davidson tags, product numbers and, if new, come in original Harley-Davidson packaging.
Harley-Davidson creative director and granddaughter of one of the company founders, Karen Davidson, says the logo is integral in their range of fashion and merchandise products.
She says Harley was probably the first motorcycle brand to offer branded bike clothing, starting in 1912 and adding a line of women’s riding jodhpurs in the ’20s.
In 1989, Harley created the Motorclothes division for apparel and accessories.
–BY MARK HINCHLIFFE
Motorbike Writer
SPEAKING OF THE CANTINA— New Sturgis Galleries coming.
My good friend Rick from Philly submitted these images from Sturgis 2017. It’s a well
rounded gallery, a little bit of everything. Bar girls, buffalo, bikes, people, and so much more.
–JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER
IRON TRADER NEWS
Co-Editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM
NEW SOFTAIL NEWS–
Check out this hardcore Aussie moto journalist I found flogging the heck outta the new 2018 Fat Boy out in the canyons above L.A. Like making a massive bulldog run for his life. Or better yet, making the dog run after someone else’s life, haha.
Hmm…yeah, I do kinda like that bike now more and more. Feel like they shoulda gone with a 210 max out rear, though, and with a fuller, more traditional fender, not the 240 with the bobbed fender aka the old Deuce maybe.
Then again, that new rear does look good. Woulda liked seein a 130/60-21 like what I’m running front or even the 140/70-21 instead of the 160/60-18, but this is the decision they made and I imagine they don’t arrive at them lightly given the potential market impact one way or the other. Plus, reasonable men will differ as to style and what the aim of X bike is. Also, we haven’t ridden one and so need to withhold judgment till such time, I recon.
In any event, damn inspirational pics, wouldn’t you say?
That bike is a fouling steamroller and this bastard is pretty much pushing the outer limits, LoL. This is the kind of shit I pull sometimes when out by myself and no one’s lookin’. More so, in my younger days but still in recent years when the mood strikes and I’m feelin’ it.
Sometimes I even take her up to a 100 miles per hour on small two laners like the straightaways out on the Ortega highway when few cages are present and there ain’t no cross traffic.
Once as a 13 year old back home and on the back of my big brother Mike’s 450 Honda, chasing after my other bigger brother Manfred on his 750 Honda …Mike took a curve too fast (only at around 35mph) that he ran out of lean angle and hit hard parts (peg brackets) and the bike and the both of us just went flying. I scraped my knee up through my jeans and was a bit busted up but nothing bad really. Good thing there was no oncoming traffic that afternoon. That was the only time I’ve ever gone down on a bike on asphalt aside from the many tumbles I took later on my light weights out in the woods running motocross as a young teen.
Anyway, these sumbitches are supposed to be insanely better handling than the old H-D Softails due to the totally new, much stiffer frame and far better ground clearance. It sure looks like it’s a new day and that these are indeed very well designed and capable motorcycles in experienced hands.
Ride with the wind,
–Andreas
Midnight Express Motorcycle Company
NEW BARNETT Scorpion Billet Clutch Basket- 2017-18 Harley Davidson FL Touring Models– Got a broken clutch basket in your 2017-18 FL?
The fix is in with the latest Barnett Scorpion “bolt-on” clutch basket! This billet basket is the highest quality and most cost effective replacement for your broken stock basket. Precision machined from tough 2024-T3 billet aluminum and hard anodized, this basket is superior in quality and durability to the stock basket.
To install, simply remove the stock basket from the ring gear/primary sprocket and bolt on the new Barnett Scorpion basket. All hardware and instructions are included and, like all Barnett products, it’s proudly made in the USA.
Part # 321-30-02017
MSRP: $399
Barnett Clutches & Cables
2238 Palma Dr
Ventura, CA 93003
Ph. 805-642-9435
www.barnettclutches.com
MRF ALERT TO Friends and Supporters-
Today I sat in a congressional hearing that considered the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (or ‘RPM’ Act).
As you all know, the RPM Act is critical legislation that became necessary after the EPA attempted to sneak in language that would make it illegal for you to make modifications to your motorcycle even if it is for the purposes of racing. Though the Agency withdrew the language, even today they still maintain they have the authority to enforce this.
We MUST get this legislation passed which would ensure our right to modify our motorcycles as we see fit and ensure the EPA can’t fine us for doing what WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE.
This legislation is broadly supported by both Republicans AND Democrats. The only thing it needs now is a chance at a vote.
PLEASE CLICK/SHARE/SEND/POST the following link that will take you to a pre-drafted letter to your elected officials asking them to consider the RPM Act for a vote.
Let’s not just be SAY-ERS, let’s be DO-ERS!
http://cqrcengage.com/mrf/app/write-a-letter?2&engagementId=396073
Megan J. Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
2221 S. Clark Street, 11th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: (202) 725-5471
www.mrf.org
[page break]
THE UNCLE GIVES AN EARLY THANKS–
What a month it has been. The President of the United States said that neo-Nazis are some of the best and finest people in the US, Harley killed Dyna, major earthquakes and hurricanes devastated Mexico, southern US and the Caribbean were also hit by major hurricanes.
A true whirlwind of activity that it can be hard to stay on top of it all. But time marches on. People are slowly returning to their homes and communities, returning life back to sometimes a new normal. The President is still the President and nothing has come across my desk about the reintroduction of the FXR.
It is in this moment that I want to thank all of my readers. Without you, well, the editors would just forward my emails straight to the junk folder. I always appreciate hearing from you whether it is an email, a counter article or correction, or saying hi out on the road.
It is because of you that I have my own little corner staked out at the Iron Horse to watch concerts. It is because of you that the coffee shop at the Chip keeps extra tea for Mrs. Monkey. It is because of you that riding takes on a special meaning.
It keeps me focused on task, allows me to express myself whether the editors agree or disagree. So whether you’re a keyboard warrior, a shy person who can only muster a hello, some good old boys from Alabama sharing a tree in a down pour, or someone itching to share their stories with me a most sincere thank you.
-bad Uncle Monkey
ABATE OF WISCONSIN ON WHO OWNS YOUR INFORMATION–
Who owns the information in your vehicle’s computer?
That is the question currently being answered in a bill drafted by Wisconsin Senator Duey Stroebel and Representative Jesse Kremer. Wisconsin SB196/AB254 is a bill currently proposed in the legislature that defines who owns the information and who can access it.
Right now, anyone with the technology and the desire can access your information including where you have been traveling, what time of day you travel and what speed you travel at. This bill gives the vehicle owner the right to control who can access their information.
It is not the intent to deny anyone access, just require the permission of the vehicle owner. It should be the vehicle owner’s right to know who is collecting the information and why. Who is collecting information on a persons’ travel habits and what are they doing with that information?
At a recent Public Hearing on the bills, representatives from General Motors, Ford and the Automobile Alliance testified that the information collected is valuable to them, and strongly encouraged the committee members to vote against it.
Why is it valuable? Are they selling the information about where you stop for gas or where you choose to eat? They say that the information collected is private but who else is collecting the information besides them?
On September 26, 2017 General Motors has offered to sit down with the bill authors and all interested parties to discuss what information they collect from your vehicles computer, how it is collected and what they use it for. Concerned Wisconsin citizens should contact Senator Stroebel (Sen.Stroebel@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-7513)
and Representative Kremer (Rep.Kremer@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-9175)
Tell them that you support SB196/AB254. If you are a member of a social group, poll your members and ask them to send a letter to the Legislators saying that your group is concerned with their privacy and that you support this bill. Or contact Senator Stroebel and ask for more information on how you can have a voice on this important piece of legislation.
— Steve Panten, ABATE
of Wisconsin Legislative CommitteeChair
stevepanten@yahoo.com
ABATE of WI State Office
438 N Water Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
715-284-7415
abatewis@abatewis.org
TOP GEAR AMERICA EPISODE 8 NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON
TOP GEAR AMERICA– It’s a blast from the past when the hosts revisit their first car in all new episode of Top Gear America on Sunday, September 17 at 8/7c on BBC AMERICA
Plus, Wookie celebrates 50 years of AMG by carving the canyons in some of the auto company’s classics!
Photo by: Aaron Curtis/© BBC Worldwide Ltd. All Rights Reserved
EPISODE EIGHT – Airs Sunday, September 17 at 8p/7c
Our hosts revisit the past and share with us their first… love. Or do they?
Can you take a classic and give it a heart transplant that revitalizes the soul? This, an alternative to making it greener, makes it go faster with electrifying results.
Magician Penn Jillette tries his magic against the clock, and the Stig proves that going green can be faster.
Watch the episode now:
TOP GEAR AMERICA Digital Press Site & Screening Room: http://www.bbcapr.com/epk/top-gear
Username: thestig
Password: morethanwords2017
http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/top-gear-america
LOVE JUGS SOLVE THE PROBLEM
Humor is the best way to get a point across. Your point is clear and the reference to the source of hot flashes puts the funny icing on the cake. Thanks for the follow up.
— Steve West
steve@love-jugs.com
Delray Beach, FL
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THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– Only 24 Hours Left
Morris returns from the doctor and tells his wife that the doctor has told him that he has only 24 hours to live.
Given the prognosis, Morris asks his wife for sex. Naturally, she agrees, so they make love.
About 6 hours later, the husband goes to his wife and says, ‘Honey, you know I now have only 18 hours to live. Could we please do it one more time?’
Of course, the wife agrees, and they do it again.
Later, as the man gets into bed, he looks at his watch and realizes
that he now has only 8 hours left.
He touches his wife’s shoulder and asks, ‘Honey, please… just one more time before I die.’
She says, ‘Of course, Dear,’ and they make love for the third time.
After this session, the wife rolls over and falls asleep.
Morris, however, worried about his impending death, tosses and turns until he’s down to 4 more hours.
He taps his wife, who rouses. ‘Honey, I have only 4 more hours. Do you think we could…’
At this point the wife sits up and says, ‘Listen Morris, enough is enough I have to get up in the morning… you don’t.’
–from Bob Stark
VIDEO OF THE WEEK— Awesome weapons—melting cans with the mini metal foundry.
–from El Waggs
STORM HAS PASSED AND THE ACE IS OPEN— Don’t miss stopping by the Ace Café in Orlando.
HEALTH ALERT FROM THE WEEK MAGAZINE— You’re going to love this.
Falls are one of life’s great overlooked perils. We fear terror attacks, shark bites, ebola outbreaks, and other minutely remote dangers, yet more than 420,000 people die worldwide each year after falling.
Falls are the second-leading cause of death by injury, after car accidents. In the United States, falls cause 32,000 fatalities a year (more than four times the number caused by drowning and fires combined). Nearly three times as many people die in the U.S. after falling as are murdered by firearms.
Falls are even more significant as a cause of injury. More patients go to emergency rooms in the U.S. after falling than from any other form of mishap, according to the centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly triple the number injured by car accidents.
Think about those stats for a minute and about all the laws folks try to pass against vehicles and guns. And what about the 150,000 annually who die because they had the poor fortune to enter a hospital and are misdiagnosed or haphazardly medicated.
Think about the helmet laws and the bicycle helmet laws. The article in the week talked about training folks how to fall. Think about that for a minute. Couldn’t we train folks rather that pass restrictive laws in a supposed Free society. Oops.
–Bandit
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob
Our Price
$15,995
Exterior: Black
Transmission: Automatic
VIN: 1HD1GXM31GC310565
Mileage: 11,750 miles
2016 Harley-Davidson FXDB Street Bob
This 2016 Harley Davidson “Club Style” Street Bob (FXDB) is possibly the nicest Street Bob we have had for sale! This Satin Black beauty has only 11750 miles on it!
Inspired by the bobber scene this stripped down, all Blacked-out 103″ monster will take you anywhere at blinding speeds! The newly restyled Street Bob features a powerful 103 cubic inch engine, 6-speed transmission, electronic sequential port fuel injection, 4.7 gallon fuel tank, 49mm front forks and chopped bobber style rear fender!
All this and it still gets nearly 50 miles to the gallon!
As the Harley-Davidson advertisement say’s “This bike comes from The Factory as naked as the law allows”!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
Santoro 12 inch Black powder-coated T-style handlebars ($550), Rowland Sands RSD Black Ops “Blunt” high flow air cleaner kit ($459) RSD 2-into-1 exhaust with carbon fiber cap ($895) RSD 2-up Dyna “Boss” seat ($439) Progressive 970 series adjustable “Piggyback” shocks ($1199) Memphis Shades front fairing with tinted wind screen ($369) 40-spoke Black powder-coated wheels with chrome laced spokes, blacked out and forward controls, all black powertrain, Avon hand grips, sissybar docking hardware, Smart Security system with proximity FOB, rear fender license relocating kit, and lots lots more! This bike is super cool!
Fresh oil and filter, serviced and ready to ride anywhere!
This bike is totally Blacked-Out! It looks, runs and rides amazing!
The paint has one minor scratch on the gas tank, the Powdercoat is perfect. This bike is a dream come true! Why buy new when you can get this SUPER UPGRADED bike with all of the right stuff on it, ready to ride for so much less!
****STILL COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY****
Save on DMV. Registration paid thru 2/18. Only $15 transfer fee
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!
Only $15,995 at Lifestyle Cycles Anaheim California (714) 490-0155
COULD IT BE?— It takes work to change your thinking, but it also takes effort to change what elements disturb you. You’ll find this odd, but I’m odd.
I quit watching commercial television and listening to commercial radio, check KJazz. Hell, I started to watch a football game the other night. They went to commercial and I watched five commercials, and then it came back to two minutes of game announcements (sorta self-commercials) then back to commercials. I shut it off.
I’ll wait for a Tevo box to arrive or won’t watch games until the playoffs. I try to ignore email ads and about half the time I answer the phone it’s a commercial. I try to hang up immediately if there’s any hesitation. I figure all of these ads and commercials cost me time and in some respects money. That’s why we set up Bikernet the way we did. No pop-up ads and no ads directly attached to editorial, unless it’s a tech tip.
Remember the code: Don’t let anything disturb your piece of mind. That’s actually apart of the optimist’s creed.
Like working out, your brain needs exercise and peace. All my efforts allow me to focus on Bikernet, motorcycle projects and riding Free. And of course, the Redhead.
Keep in mind and keep focused on the important shit.
Rider Free Forever,
–Bandit
