MAKING STUFF HAPPEN BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 22, 2024

Hey,

What a whacky, wonderful week. Not sure where to start, but there’s a message here somewhere.

Berry Wardlaw is going to take the Assalt Weapan back to Bonneville if we can go at all. I’m trying to build a 3-5 mile track in the Badlands.

I’m now on the board of directors of the Sturgis Museum and I investigated expanding our footprint we have in downtown Sturgis. We could possibly take the building from 10,000 to a 70,000 square feet and 4.5 stories of world class museum.

I’m also working on the museum annual magazine. There’s so much we can do with it next year, but for now the deadline is just a month away.

Let’s hit the news. Way more to come.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM REPORT—

It is currently zoned General Commercial, which would allow us to build 4.5 stories high. There is little or no chance of a zoning change but variances to the rules are available.

For instance, if we don’t put a door on the back of the building, we might be able to push the size of the building closer to the alley. I measured roughly 50 feet behind the building and the requirement is a 15 foot setback.

There is also a special variance for buildings on Main and a portion of Junction. They can be built to the sidewalk. If you look across Junction, there are two commercial buildings built right to the sidewalk. That’s potentially 15 more feet to the west.

Regarding the flood plain, If we tear down the existing building, we may lose the basement. But we can build a building into the parking lot as long as it doesn’t break the no-rise rule. That means we can’t cause the flood to rise. To ensure flood waters are allowed to flow naturally we may need to include flood vents under the new structure.

Here are some numbers: The current museum is approximately 6,198 square feet with the addition of the basement it may be 10,000 square feet. The building is approximately 78 feet by 91 feet.

If we can expand 10 feet to the west, 35 feet toward the alley or north and 50 feet into the parking lot (east) the building will become 138 by 126 or 17,388 square feet. If we can go up 4 stories, that would make it 69,552 square feet and the tallest building in Sturgis.

I will look into costs and concept drawings. I would like to work with Ron Waldren and Jason Anderson, both local contractors. Ron has been very involved in all of Scott Jacob’s Deadwood buildings.

Ultimately, this would be a five-year plan to build a state of the art motorcycle museum in Sturgis for the city, for the Rally and for the Motorcycle Industry.

–Bandit

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

VLXAFL5 Part 7 Final Assembly Begins

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/VLXAFL5_Part_7_Final_Assembly_Begins.aspx

Looks sweet. Waiting on next installment and seeing finished product. Great work!

–Rhys
Daytona, FL

KICKING OFF THE QUOTES OF THE WEEK–

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
~ Harriet Tubman

THE DAV REPORT—

In just a few days, we’ll gather for DAV’s annual Mid-Winter Conference where we will discuss critical legislative priorities and share advocacy strategies and resources to improve the lives of veterans. And DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa will address lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the issues that matter most, including:

Bolstering funding for mental health services to reduce veteran suicide. Learn more >> Veterans Mental Health and Medical Benefits | DAV

Ensuring equity for health care and benefits for women and minority veterans. Learn more Women Veterans Issues: Latest Updates

Expanding the VA’s capacity to deliver quality, timely care for all veterans. Learn more >> https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/va-benefits-help/

Thanks to dedicated members like you, DAV is at the forefront of legislative victories for America’s veterans. But there’s still work to do.

We look forward to continuing to push these essential fights forward for veterans like you. Thank you so much for being a member of DAV and helping us improve the lives of all veterans.

–Joy J. Ilem
National Legislative Director

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM UPDATES—

Irish Rich’s custom gets voted in. The Sturgis Museum has a curation committee who decide which bikes are accepted into the museum where they are carefully display, documented and insured.

Currently the Museum is just around 10,000 square feet and contains almost 80 historic race, custom and antique bikes.

If you are interested in having your motorcycle displayed in the Sturgis Museum see below for the chairman’s info. He also operates a bike shop on the Chip property if you need repairs during the rally.

Paul Fosdyck
Fozzy’s Cycle Shop
563.949.9596
2108 Cooper Loop
Sturgis, SD 57785
http://fozzyscycleshop.com

Here’s info about Rich’s bike:

Built in 2014. Frame is 1 of 2 frames built in this configuration from West Coast Choppers. 6 over Harley springer. 21 & 15 in. wheels, rear wheel is Dick Allen. Oil tank wraps around rear fender, electrics are under transmission. ’79 H-D Shovelhead, 86 cu. in. all S&S internals. Delcron trans case, Baker 6 sp. gearset. All fabrication & assembly by Irish Rich (me).

Winner of 6 major shows during the Sturgis Rallys. Grand National Roadster Show Chopper Class winner. IMS Ultimate Builder Bike Show Custom Classic Class winner. Many radical custom class wins. Invited Builder Hot Bike/ Street Chopper 1,000mi. Tour. Black Hills Motorcycle Show Chopper Class winner. Feature bike Street Chopper magazine Spring/Summer 2017 issue.

Regards, Rich
–Bandit

NEW BILTWELL STRAPS—

We’ve used everything to strap gear to our bikes and settled on these rugged, made-in-Utah Voile straps as the best solution.

Durable as all hell and they work in all weather conditions. These are made of ultra-tough stretch polyurethane, including the UV-resistant additive that increases their lifespan. Their heavy-duty heat-treated aluminum or nylon buckles feature a slim profile for packing efficiency and extra durability.

These straps are the definitive way to secure your gear, so toss those cheesy bungee cords! Available in black or orange and in 20″ or 32″ sizes.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–Stock# 12926

2008 FLSTN Softail Deluxe Cruiser with only 26,310 miles!

https://www.lifestylecycles.com/

Lifestyle Cycles can bring any bike back to life and one of the motorcycles we are most satisfied about bringing back to the floor is this 2008 FLSTN Softail Deluxe Cruiser, so do not miss the chance to purchase this beautiful work of art!

* Striking Red Orange Paintjob the just gleams in the sunlight!
* Very Clean and Polished!
* Polished 18-Inch Chrome Spoke Front and Rear Rims
* Chrome Front End
* 5-Inch Chrome Risers with a 2-Inch Pullback
* 4-Inch Chrome Handlebars
* Chrome Engine Guard
* Harley Two Seater
* Chrome Sampson Dual Fishtail Exhaust
* These tires are ready to rip! not cracks, no tread showing, absolutely well kept!
* There is still plenty of miles to gain on this motorcycle!

This bike is only $11,995.00

Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

THE SOUTH DAKOTA GUN NUT REPORT–

This week, two anti-gun measures, House Bill 1153 and House Bill 1174, were defeated in committee, stopping them from advancing this legislative session.

HB 1153 imposed a reporting requirement for lost or stolen firearms and provided penalties for failing to report the incident to law enforcement agencies within 48 hours. Failing to report within this time frame could result in a person being guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, any individual or entity who sells guns would have been required to provide the purchaser with a copy of the Act and a notice stating that failure to report a lost or stolen firearm could result in criminal penalties.

HB 1174 established new storage requirements for firearms, potentially forcing gun owners to spend more money on items like gun safes. Failing to satisfy the bill’s stringent storage requirements could result in someone being charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also imposed civil liabilities on gun owners if their firearms were used in a crime.

The NRA will continue to work with lawmakers, defending your Second Amendment rights by opposing bills like HB 1153 and HB 1174.

Continue to check your inbox and www.nraila.org for updates concerning your Second Amendment Rights and hunting heritage in South Dakota.

NEW FROM PAUGHCO—

The Paughco Team has developed a couple of systems to allow a brother or sister to run disc brakes on wheels without rotor flanges.

Custom ‘Narrow’ Star Hubs And 21-inch Front Wheel Assemblies

All new from Paughco with help from LA Speed Shop, these exclusive “Narrow” Star Hubs feature ¾-inch sealed roller bearings installed in a special narrower-than-stock hub for narrow fork applications. They have the old school look that custom builders want, but now have the ability to work on ¾-inch axles for most narrow Paughco Springers and narrow glide OEM forks.

Paughco also designed a simple billet disc rotor spacer that bolts on using stock brake drum lug nuts that permits the use of 2000-up 11.5-inch-diameter brake rotors and small custom calipers.

These Star Hubs are available separately in chrome or black paint as well as in 40-spoke 21 x 2.15-inch complete wheel assemblies with your choice of chrome or black finishes. A great finishing touch on any custom bike build.

236SH Chrome narrow Star Hub ONLY
236SHB Black narrow Star Hub ONLY
236-S40F Chrome 21″ x 2.15″ wheel assembly
236-S40FB Black 21″ x 2.15″ wheel assembly
236BRS Polished billet brake rotor spacer

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—

An elderly man in Louisiana had owned a large farm for several years.

He had a large pond in the back. It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple, and peach trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn’t been there for a while, and look it over.

He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!”

The old man frowned, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked.”

Holding the bucket up he said, “I’m here to feed the alligator. . . ”

. . . Never under-estimate the ability of us old folks to think fast . . .

–EL Waggs

NEW CLIMATE ANTI-DOOM MOVIE--“Climate: The Movie” in The Netherlands on March 14

The Clintel Foundation together with the American producer Tom Nelson proudly presents the Dutch premiere of Climate: The Movie (The Cold Truth) on March 14 in the Figi Theatre in Zeist, The Netherlands. Tom Nelson will be present and answer questions after the screening.

Dutch people can book their tickets (12.50 euros) online in our Clintel Webshop . If you are living outside The Netherlands and want to attend this event please contact Clintel director Marcel Crok at marcel.crok@clintel.org.

In 2007, the film The Great Global Warming Swindle was released (available online for free here), made by British filmmaker Martin Durkin for Channel 4. At the time, the film was the counterpart to Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

Podcast host Tom Nelson interviewed Durkin about his film twice last year and encouraged him to make a sequel. That movie is now finished and is called Climate: The Movie (The Cold Truth).

Almost all of the scientists interviewed in the film are also signatories of Clintel’s World Climate Declaration. In that respect, the film is a real Clintel film.

We understand that for most of you it will be quite some travelling (and cost) to attend this premiere. It would be a great opportunity to meet each other though. Zeist is near the city of Utrecht and about one hour from Schiphol airport by either train or car. Please contact us if you need any help with practical things like accomodations and/or transport.

For practical questions, please contact our relations manager Evert Doornh of, evert.doornhof@clintel.org.

Looking forward to meet you in Zeist on March 14.

–Guus Berkhout, President of Clintel
Marcel Crok, Director of Clintel

NEW FROM LOWBROW–

If the VANS Waffle Sole Pattern is perfect for your feet…

Imagine the grip it will give your hands, man!

The line of Vans Grips by ODI has been expanded from normal rubber grips to also include Lock-On Grips.

What are lock-on grips, you say?

Lock-on grips have a billet aluminum, clutch-side clamp, ensuring 100% slip-free performance, guaranteed!

They also feature an in-molded throttle tube – no more swapping new grips onto your old throttle tube!

Available for cable throttle applications, as well as TBW (throttle by wire) as found on late model bikes.

Made In The U.S.A.

DICE BRINGS YOU THE BORN FREE BOOK– Born Free 10 Book

Let’s fire up your weekend with a mega sale on these.

270 photos from the legends Ben Zales & Shane Markland from the 2018 Born Free show.

PLUS, it’s HALF PRICE too.
$24.95

NEWS FROM THE FACTORY, HAS LIVE WIRE FAILED-–

The Q4 numbers are in and LiveWire CEO Karim Donnez claims the eBike OEM is on a charge. “LiveWire concluded 2023 with a strong Q4 performance, delivering on units and operating loss guidance for the full year.” However it seems as if a net loss of nearly $110 million could be subject to interpretation.

“We saw the successful delivery to market of S2 Del Mar,” notes Donnez. “The first model built on our S2 platform continues to generate a positive response from the media, our retailers and our riders. We expect 2024 to be a year highlighted by product innovation, market expansion, and continued cost improvements.”

The company’s consolidated net loss was $109.6 million for the year ended 2023 compared to $78.9 million for the year ended 2022. The increase of $30.7 million was in line with expectations, driven by a provision for an obligation for excess inventory components, increased selling, administrative and engineering expense for product development costs relating to the S2 platform, delivery of Del Mar and additional costs to stand up the organization as a stand-alone public company.

The Company also had an increase of $9.1 million of non-operating mark-to-market expense resulting from the increase in the fair value of warrant liabilities year-over-year which was offset by an increase of $9.3 million in interest income. All of these expenses resulted in 660 units being sold around the world via a network of “retail partners” according to LiveWire’s SEC filings.

PRIVATE AUCTION COMING—

Led by a RevTech replica of Peter Fonda’s Easy Rider bike and a couple of original Denver Choppers customs, an eclectic array of vintage motorcycles, biker memorabilia, neon advertising signs and billboards will be auctioned off on February 29.

The motorcycle memorabilia is from the personal collection of French fashion designer Robin Chrétien, whose luxury denim brand Robin’s Jean is known as a cult classic.

–DEALER NEWS

[page break]

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF WYOMING—

This is an open letter to Governor Mark Gordon.

You stated that Wyoming “will be the first carbon negative state.” You say you will lead the initiative to “decarbonize[e] the West”.

Sen. Steinmetz and other legislators challenged you to support your claims of this supposed looming CO2-driven “climate crisis” in a debate represented with competent scientists from both sides of the climate issue.

Initially you accepted, then you reneged. You told the Legislature that a debate is “unfruitful.”

Clearly, you believe that your own views about CO2 can unilaterally commit our state to vast industrial and economic change and should not be questioned. The undersigned legislators and citizens, confident that we share the views of a large majority of Wyoming’s residents, disagree vociferously with you.

You owe us defense of the science behind your conclusions – unless you expect us all to accept your declaration as diktat because, in your words, “one side of that [CO2] argument currently holds most of the levers of regulation”. This is nonsense to us. The BLM similarly “holds most of the levers of regulation” over its radical RMP land use proposal. Do you plan to surrender with a whimper on this matter also?

Governor, the plain fact is that you made the Harvard statement on your own, without statutory authority, without economic or budgetary analysis, without revealing the technology, without knowing its cost, availability or practicality. And worst of all, without consulting Wyoming’s citizens or the Legislature.

You even stated, without any evidence, that “your views are “well respected” in Wyoming. We could not differ more strongly!

After your declarations about ‘carbon negative’ and decarbonizing, we ask what limits you do you see to your authority? In your November 20 letter to the Legislature reneging on your earlier agreement to debate, you dismissively labeled people like us as ignorant dissenters seeking “venal political gain.” This is not how we conduct our affairs in Wyoming.

Contrary to the assertion in your letter, CO2 as a driver of a climate crisis is NOT a settled scientific matter. See the attachment to this letter with graphs provided by CO2 Coalition researchers.

The data show slightly increasing temperatures in Wyoming since 1895, due solely to a slight rise in nighttime temperatures. High temperatures are slightly decreasing.

The data show slightly increasing precipitation. During these years, CO2 in the atmosphere increased — to levels which are still low when looked at in geologic time.

Adding to atmospheric concentration of the essential plant food CO2 has raised crop yields and led to a general greening of our planet, including in Wyoming.

During these 128 years, there have been warmer and colder periods, drier and wetter periods. The trends are benign, not alarming. This is not the crisis you claim it to be. We call this ‘cycles in the weather’! We assert that Wyoming (and the world) would benefit from more atmospheric CO2, not less.

In your world, science flows from your policy opinions. In our world, policy flows from the science. Respectfully, you have the policy backward because you have the science backward.

You say your real energy policy is “all of the above”, implying that current fossil fuel industries can stay viable while you ‘decarbonize’. These are fundamentally contradictory positions.

They are no defense of our fossil fuels industries, instead they are an attack! We know as well as you that ‘carbon-negative’ requires either shutting down (or vastly limiting) our fossil fuel extraction industries or saddling them with the ruinous financial burden of deploying unproven new technology to isolate CO2.

It’s time for you to be honest with citizens of Wyoming.

–From Cowboy State Daily:

You can see the complete Letter to the Editor in Cowboy State Daily.

ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
~ Anne Frank

From the Epoch times

TRIKE REVIEW OF THE WEEK–Polaris Slingshot vs. Morgan Super 3

Aaron Robinson and I took to the streets in and around Los Angeles to spend three days with two of the most polarizing vehicles on the road today: The Morgan Super 3 and the Polaris Slingshot.

The Morgan Super 3 has a longer history and more charm. This 2023 model traces its lineage back over a century to 1909 when Henry Fredrick Stanley Morgan first put a vehicle of his own design into production. The design was born from thrift. After learning that cyclecars were not taxed the same as motorcycles, his plan to construct a bike utilizing the 7-hp Peugeot twin-cylinder morphed into a plan to build a trike, with two wheels up front and a backbone frame to support the single rear wheel.

The latest version of the Morgan is the Super 3, and it changes the form a bit by tucking a Ford-sourced, 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine behind a small, semi-circle grille and under the low and sleek hood that establishes the very aeronautical shape of the body. A Mazda-sourced five-speed manual transmits the engine power to the rear wheel using a bevel gear and belt drive. The whole shape would be even more fuselage-like if it weren’t for the sideboards attached to each side behind the front wheels that are designed to hold luggage. Even your spare socks get the open-air experience.

It shakes a little at idle. The steering wheel is small and inputs all feel quick no matter how many times I tell myself “slow hands” while diving through corners in the Malibu canyons. Within the narrow body shape, the pedal box is cramped. There is no room for a dead pedal, leaving me to try and brace myself against the floor and the sideboard, which drives my left knee into the metal eyelets that create a kitschy bungee-cord storage system. Maybe I just need a pair of driving gloves to wedge in there. It would fit the aesthetic, but a seemingly better solution is for the car to gain an inch at nearly every measurable point. Interior, exterior, and suspension travel all would benefit from a little more space or travel.

Since the Morgan is registered as a motorcycle, helmet laws do apply depending on your jurisdiction, and while behind the wheel we often prefer the additional insulation a helmet provides. The small windshield bumps the current of air up (but not completely overtop) the occupants, and the wind buffeting we experience is just like what we feel in a motorcycle. The H-pattern five-speed hails from the NC-generation (2005–2015) Mazda Miata and makes freeway entry or just motoring about engaging and fun.

Expect attention everywhere you go, but understand that attention meets you from a thinly padded, narrow, and non-adjustable seat that gives a perfect angle to inspect the inner fenders of a stock full-sized truck.

Here are the specs.

Specs: Morgan Super 3
Price: $53,937.98/$79,028 (Base/as tested)
Powertrain: 1.5-liter three-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission
Horsepower: 118 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 110 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Layout: rear-wheel-drive, no-door, two-passenger roadster
0–60 mph: 7 seconds

Polaris Slingshot

The Slingshot has been sold since 2009 and has experienced few changes in those 14 years. The largest is the switch from a Chevrolet-sourced Ecotec inline-four to an in-house, Polaris-sourced Prostar 2.0-liter inline-four. This engine is part of what makes the Slingshot charming. It pulls strong from low rpm and continues to sweep smoothly up the tachometer to a 10,000-rpm redline. Said engine is mated to the same Miata transmission as you’d find in the Morgan.

the Slingshot is no laughing matter. Compared with the Morgan, it is relatively luxurious: There is power steering hidden under the clamshell, which was welcome when swapping from one to the other. The “interior” has simple vinyl bucket seats with good bolstering that feature both heating and cooling for the back and bottom. It’s clear that Polaris has powersports experience because the fit and finish is nice despite everything needing to be some form of plastic to handle the exposure that comes when you ditch a roof. Close your eyes while sitting in the driver’s seat of the Slingshot, and it all feels like a car. Open your eyes, though, and the sounds and smells of the world come through stronger than ever. Once out of traffic, the sounds and smells of the wild canyons permeate your senses and create an escape. The front wheels are out in the wind and so are you.

Specs: 2023 Polaris Slingshot R
Price: $33,999 ($34,299 in California)/$33,999 (Base/as tested)
Powertrain: 2-liter inline four-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission
Horsepower:203 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque: 144 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Layout: rear-wheel-drive, no-door, two-passenger roadster
0–60 mph: 5.3 seconds

— Kyle Smith
See the whole story on Hagerty Media

SAWICKI NEWS—

The Full Throttle Custom Bike Show in Greensboro, NC was a huge success on all fronts! Met some great people at the booth, sold some merch, and even a few exhaust systems. Honestly, our biggest takeaway was the level of custom and vintage motorcycles that were a part of the attraction. Lincoln and his team really outdid themselves on this one.

Scenes from the 2024 Full Throttle Custom Bike Show

Next up on our road schedule is Mama Tried Show – NOT TO BE MISSED. This is one of the best of the best gathering of motorcycle people and the horses they road in on. Located at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI February 24th & 25th.

Amazing bikes from your favorite known and unknown builders bookended by Flat Out Friday flat track races and crazy parties all over the city. You really gotta be there to know.

We’ll be setup with a booth and Dumptruck will be on the mic as the emcee so come party! Check out scenes from last year’s Mama Tried Show & Flat Out Friday in the video below.

Plus, we’ll be at Daytona Bike Week spreading the love – stay tuned for where to find us!

–Sawicki exhaust

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WEEK—

I just finished a book by Bret Baier, “To Rescue the Constitution”. Good read. It dealt with the early challenges and the tensions between the north and south that existed before the country was born.

The book focused of George Washington’s part in guiding the new country in its infant stages of being. At the end of the book is the farewell message which was the precursor to the peaceful transfer of the office. Should be a must read for many of those seeking office today.

Also just finished the book by Willie G. “Born Free”. I saw you mention this book the other day on your site and saw it at the book store and grabbed it. Since it was a shitty weekend weather wise sat down and knocked it out in a day. It is an easy flowing style which maps his journey from college through art/design school and finally landing back home at the company his grandfather, his brothers and a friend started. A tour that spanned fifty years and counting. He is a very lucky guy who lived the cliché, “If you loved what you are doing as a job you don’t work a day in your life.” Terrible paraphrase but the idea is there.

It shows he is truly a humble man of exceptional talent and vision. He was certainly a driving force from designing many now classic bikes to being in the group the essentially saved the H-D brand from fading away and after tough times came out on top.

–Rhys

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT-–

How I spent my Saturday morning, when I’m the youngest of all 3 of us and I have a bad kicking knee. A ‘59 that doesn’t want to start, but the roller battery was dead, hanging out at MC Creations makes me appreciate that little button!

I did learn the individual I got the RP turn signals from are off his FXR. He sold it when he moved to Vermont and bought a KTM, which is a bit more adaptable to the Vermont weather.

Yesterday had the AC on, today and tomorrow highs in the mid 40s, with a possible light freeze tomorrow morning and then back to back to the eighties next week.

Looks like I have signals and the lower mount in route from Vermont and he was cool and gave me a package deal! And even sent a response saying the shipping was $20 less than eBay charged. He doesn’t have a lot of sales or a lot of anything on his page, so I was unsure about proceeding? Yet when I inquired about the edges of the signals, almost immediately sent me pictures! It’s difficult to tell if he rides and this was his fairing parted out or he is just a purveyor of parts?

Going up to MC to see if he has the shifter arm, thankfully the shaft splines are okay. Yet I’m back to the same dilemma on the RP as I was on the since 2019 now leaking Dyna, as there is no budget left! To “Properly” replace ”the transmission shaft bushing on the now removed inner primary. The pulley has to be removed and if you’re that far in, then you might as well replace the transmission seal and put a chain conversion on it! Because you know that primary seal, isn’t going to do its job, even new, now that you’ve disturbed it!

The FXRD King sent this below, so it at least it increases the odds of finding the gauges for my friends 86-92 T-fairing.

***In 1986 they made just over 1000 FXRD’s in three colors, 278 in candy burgundy slate gray, 318 in blackberry metallic & 396 candy blue slate gray.

The fairing and lowers however are the same from 1986-1992 when they discontinued the FXRT. 1986 was the redesign of the fairing and the introduction of the one year only FXRD. The motor company used that fairing on the FXRT as well from 86-92

The FXRT and FXRP fairing are the same from 83-85 only the FXRP continued to use that fairing after 86.

–RFR-FXR Life

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE DAY–

“Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don’t want..to impress people that they don’t like.”
~ Will Rogers

CLIMATE TRIAL–How Things Stand

Mann vs Steyn: The Judgment
February 12, 2024

As many of you know, late on Thursday a Washington, DC jury found that

a) plaintiff Michael E Mann had suffered no actual damages from Steyn’s National Review post; but

b) ordered defendant Steyn to pay him one million dollars anyway.

Late on Friday, the otherwise lethargic District of Columbia Superior Court entered the jury’s verdict in final judgment.

What happens now? Well, in the next few weeks, there will be certain “renewed” motions from defendants that one is obliged to do, although they are highly unlikely to find favor with Judge Irving. After that, the case will be appealed by all parties – loser Steyn because he wants the decision overturned, and winner Mann because he wants the original corporate defendants, National Review and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, put back in the dock. (Irving, the “fifth trial judge”, dismissed them from the case a couple of years back.)

The DC Court of Appeals, being the way it is, is likely to accede to Mann’s wishes, but not Steyn’s. How long that will take is hard to say, but, given the length of the last merely “interlocutory” appeal, it’s unlikely to be quick. At that point, Mark will go to the US Supreme Court. A minimum of four out of nine judges is required to grant a writ of certiorari and hear the case. As Amy K Mitchell noted on Friday, one of them, Samuel Alito, grasped the implications of Mann vs Steyn half-a-decade back:

The petition in this case presents questions that go to the very heart of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and freedom of the press: the protection afforded to journalists and others who use harsh language in criticizing opposing advocacy on one of the most important public issues of the day. If the Court is serious about protecting freedom of expression, we should grant review.

–Mark Steyn

S&S NEWS — Dyna Qualifier 2-into-1 Exhaust

The H-D Dyna platform has a cult-like following with people constantly working to push more performance out of their bikes. S&S has thrown gasoline on their fire with the launch of this ‘King of the Baggers’ race-inspired Qualifier 2-1 exhaust.

Available in brushed stainless and Guardian Black finishes, these exhausts feature full heat shields, equal-length head pipes and a stepped header to “make power and rattle cages. Like all of our exhausts, these are designed and made in the USA.”

If you are looking for the perfect ‘dance-partner’ for this Qualifier 2-into-1, S&S recommends its Air Stinger – “take the existing high flow Stealth air cleaner and replace the air smoothing Stinger with a similarly shaped filter element. The increased filter surface area equates to a +55% gain in airflow over a factory filter in an M-8.

S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com

PRO STOCK Motorcycle’s WAR Introducing Reddy Parts to NHRA—

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle’s White Alligator Racing (WAR) is making big moves, as the popular team recently changed ownership. Today the team announces Alabama-based Reddy Parts as its first ever primary partner.

“Reddy Parts is a resourceful company whose product line is perfect for the NHRA drag racing community,” said WAR owner/tuner Tim Kulungian. “They provide rubber tracks, teeth, and undercarriage wear parts for construction and mining vehicles, so they’re the perfect match for the hard working, enterprising NHRA audience.”

Alabama-based Reddy Parts sources and sells the best rubber tracks, steel undercarriage components and high quality hardware for buckets and blades from all around the world inside the USA.

“We couldn’t be more excited to represent Reddy Parts or more proud that they chose us to do the job,” added Kulungian.

Reddy Parts continues a focus that WAR has established, representing industrial partners that are tailor-made for NHRA. While Reddy Parts will be the primary sponsor of the team, WAR’s bikes will continue to feature their own individual sponsors, including the Trick-Tools Suzuki ridden by 2023 NHRA Rookie of the Year Chase Van Sant.

“NHRA racers, crew, and fans are a perfect sampling of our core customers,” said Chase’s father Bruce Van Sant, the founder and owner of Trick-Tools. One small example of the benefits of NHRA exposure occurred when recently retired Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson came to the Trick-Tools booth at PRI this year looking for tools for his team.

The WAR bike of Chris Bostick is still available for sponsor representation, so join the team!

White Alligator Racing is now known as WAR powered by TK Motorsports.

Find out more about Reddy Parts at https://www.reddyparts.org/

Keep up with WAR at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteAlligatorRacing

–Tim Hailey

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QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—

THERE’S HOPE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 15th, 2024–click here to read.

I have been carrying a S&W #642 for five years now and have been happy with it. The grip is a little small. I have kept it on mine as it fits nicely in a jacket pocket. Have you had a chance to shoot it yet?

— Paul J Reeves
Henderson, NV

CALIFA ANTI-HELMET RELIEF BILL—

California bill would offer motorcyclists religious exemptions from wearing helmets

Turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists would be free to ride helmet-free in California if Assembly Bill 2392, proposed by Fresno Assembly member Esmeralda Soria, becomes law this year.

California’s helmet law for motorcyclists was passed in the 1990s as a public safety issue, but for former Fresno City Councilmember Soria the measure violates the right to religious freedom for Sikhs.

In advocating the measure, Soria said: “Many Sikhs are motorcycle enthusiasts and they deserve to continue their privilege to ride while at the same time, respecting their freedom of religion in a way that supports safety.”

As Soria noted, California is home to half of the Sikhs in the United States — an estimated quarter million people. Sikhism is a monotheistic faith with origins in 15th-century India.

The right of Sikhs to wear turbans is gaining a growing recognition in the United States, with the Marine Corps recently granting members of the religion to do so in boot camp.

“AB 2392 ensures we safeguard our Sikh community’s right to practice their religious expression freely, while also protecting their and other motorcyclists’ safety on California’s roads” Soria said.

–By Jim Guy

Sacramento Bee

BANDIT QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

All Americans are suffering disproportionately from Climate Alarmism and Doomsday predictions over free countries that believe we’re living in the best of times not the worst.

–Bandit
Janitor
Bandit’s Cantina

YOU CAN ADVERTISE IN THIS ANNUAL RALLY PUBLICATION–

We are excited to offer you the opportunity to promote your business in the 2024 – 2025 Official Sturgis Publication, a project presented by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. and the city of Sturgis.

This annual publication provides information to people visiting our area all year long by featuring stories, photographs, and advertisements from local businesses. Beginning in May, we will distribute 20,000 complimentary copies to 100’s of locations across South Dakota.

Your ad will not only promote your business but also support the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, a 501(c)3 non-profit and the City of Sturgis.

To showcase your business, please complete the information requested via the attached link or email us at Magazine@sturgismuseum.com and request your spot. The deadline is April 1, 2024.

https://form.jotform.com/240356732803151

To see the previous magazines https://sturgismuseum.com/pages/magazine

Rate sheet attached.

We would love to have your business highlighted this year. If you have any questions, please contact us using the information provided below.

Warm regards,
–Heidi Haro / Donna Baird
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, a 501(c)3 non-profit
Magazine@sturgismuseum.com
605-347-2001/ 999 Main Street/ Sturgis Sd, 57785

GREASY KULTURE– It’s never cost less to complete your collection

Nudge! Our back issue bundles now let you CHOOSE the copies of Greasy Kulture Magazine you want to buy, so you can make big savings on the back issues you’re missing.

Get three brand new digest (A5 size) back issues of your choice (any available issues 1-30) for just £5! Shop the Digest Issue Bundle.

And three bigger, more recent back issues (any available issues 31-78) for just £10! Shop the Big Issue Bundle.

Remember to fill out the issues you want in the customer notes box when you check out of our webstore! Or we’ll send you a random selection.

You can see which back issues are available and which are sold out, HERE.

WE ARE WORKING ON A STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM AD—

And I picked the following images to be considered. We will make a decision, so give me your suggestions, quick.

(I think this one is my favorite, above)

Wall of Death rider Rhett Rotten racing an old bike on the Sons of Speed banked oval track at the Full Throttle Saloon during the Sturgis Black Hills Motorcycle Rally. Sturgis, SD, USA. Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Photography 2019 Michael Lichter.

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OceanBlu is a handmade Speedway race bike built by Samuele Reali of Abnormal Cycles, Milan, Italy was built as a Tribute to Franz Langher. The one speed NSU SSR 500 CC Langher Monocilindrico is a powerful yet simple bike with no brakes, lights or electronics and is made to only go left! What’s the Skinny? 2019 exhibition artwork from the Motorcycles as Art series at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Sturgis, SD, USA. Monday, July 29, 2019. Photography ©2019 Michael Lichter.

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Carey Maynell racing his Harley-Davidson in the Sons of Speed vintage racing at the Full Throttle Saloon during the 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Sturgis, SD. USA. Thursday August 9, 2018. Photography ©2018 Michael Lichter.

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Passion Built exhibition artwork in the Buffalo Chip’s Motorcycles as Art gallery during the 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Sturgis, SD. USA. Friday August 10, 2018. Photography ©2018 Michael Lichter.

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–Bandit

SPEAKING OF THE MUSEUM

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Announces 2024 Inductees to Hall of Fame

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame today announced the museum’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This distinguished lineup is composed of individuals with a diverse range of accomplishments … from Hollywood fame, to racing championships, to business success. Honorees this year have supported veterans and the elderly, advocated for motorcyclists’ rights, and have shown artistic talent on canvas as well as on two wheels.

“The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is notable for its deep roots in the culture of motorcycling,” said Museum Board President Craig Bailey. “Each one of the honorees has uniquely touched our sport and the riding community. We couldn’t be happier to recognize these truly special individuals.”

The class of 2024 includes both Hall of Fame inductees and three special award winners.

James Gregory – James an honored Vietnam Veteran served our country in the Marines for over 20 years before creating and leading the first Run For The Wall in 1989. This annual cross-country run and its arrival in Washington DC on Memorial Day Weekend are the country’s most visible support for POW’s and those Missing in Action.

Roger Goldammer – Roger gained fame as the three-time winner of both the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building and the Las Vegas Artistry in Iron Show. A post-high school apprenticeship, time studying at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and tutoring by a Harley performance guru helped him hone his craft. A fellow bike builder introduced him to land speed racing, which influenced his bike building style and has driven his passion for performance at the salt flats.

Ed Kerr – Ed discovered early in life that he had a passion for motorcycling and a talent for building award winning custom motorcycles. Many of his two-wheeled creations won shows and were featured on the covers of popular motorcycle magazines. Ed is a founding member of Hamsters USA and is proud of the organization’s numerous charity events, including his efforts to raise nearly $100,000 for Meals on Wheels.

Christine LePera and Bob LePera Jr. – This sibling duo carries on the legacy of success at motorcycle accessory manufacturer LePera Industries, which was started by their father in 1972. Bob Jr., the design visionary, and Christine, the marketing and business development guru, keep their company at the top of the industry and both are proud of their company’s support for all types of riders.

David Uhl – David started his career as a commercial illustrator, producing hundreds of best-selling apparel designs for a Harley-Davidson licensee. In 1998, he began creating fine art based on historic motorcycle imagery and became the first licensed oil painter for Harley-Davidson. His portfolio includes several iconic paintings, including a commissioned work presented to the Pope Francis at Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary celebration in Rome.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Pete Hill. Hill, who owns a shop in South Carolina, has mastered the creation of race-winning performance motorcycle engines and serves customers from around the globe. He is also an accomplished motorcycle drag racer earning numerous wins and championships, including nine Top Fuel wins in Sturgis.

The 2024 Freedom Fighter Award goes to Jiggs Cressy for his tireless leadership of ABATE of South Dakota, where he served as State Coordinator for fourteen years. Cressy has advocated for South Dakota’s riders in the State Capital countless times and has made eight trips to do the same in Washington as well. Cressy has also received the John “Farmer” Eggers Award, the most prized honor from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, in 2018.

James Sherwin “Bud” Ekins is the 2024 honoree for the Kickstands Down Award. Bud was widely regarded as one of the film industry’s most accomplished stuntmen and was famous for his work in films like “The Great Escape” and “Bullitt.” Before venturing into the film industry, Ekins had success in off-road racing, participating in notable events including the International Six Day Trial, the Mint 400 and the Baja 500. (Kickstand’s Down is a posthumous award presented to an individual worthy of additional recognition.)

The induction breakfast ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at The Lodge at Deadwood.

ABOUT THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Founded in 2001, the non-profit Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is located at the heart of the world’s largest motorcycle event, the annual Sturgis Rally. It is a top year-round tourist destination in South Dakota and is considered a “must see” experience for visiting riders. The museum’s collection features over 80 vintage and custom motorcycles, which is one of the world’s largest permanent collections of custom and modified motorcycles. The exhibits also feature an extensive collection of art, including paintings, illustrations, and sculptures. The Museum’s Hall of Fame, which precedes the opening of the museum, includes nearly 280 noted individuals from the motorcycle industry and motorcycle culture around the world. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place during the Sturgis Rally each August.

Tickets sales open March 1, 2024. For corporate tables, please call Heidi or Penny at 605-347-2001.

— by Steve Piehl, Authentic CX, LLC,

ONE MORE QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, “Certainly, I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt

Epoch Times

SOUTH DAKOTA GUN NUT REPORT– Enhanced Conceal Carry Bill Passed in the Senate– Yesterday, February 21st, Senate Bill 203 was passed in the Senate with a vote of 31-3 and will move to the House. The bill allows gun owners with enhanced concealed carry permits and with written permission by the school’s principle, to conceal carry on public school grounds.

Please contact your representative and ask them to SUPPORT SB 203 by using the Take Action button below.

Today, February 21st, Senate Bill 203 was passed in the Senate with a vote of 31-3 and will move to the House. The bill allows gun owners with enhanced concealed carry permits and with written permission by the school’s principle, to conceal carry on public school grounds. Please contact your representative and ask them to SUPPORT SB 203 by using the Take Action button below.

SB 203 amends current law, by allowing an individual with an enhanced concealed carry permit and written permission from a school principal or individual with control of supervision of the grounds, to carry at a public primary or secondary schools. This bill recognizes the ongoing effort to protect our most vulnerable by securing our schools.

Additionally, House Bill 1228 is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. HB 1228 will allow sportsmen and women to wear fluorescent pink as an alternative to hunter orange, providing additional choices in the field while maintaining the spirit of the law. Please contact your senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 1228 by using the Take Action button below.

Stay tuned to your inbox and the NRA-ILA website for updates concerning your Second Amendment Rights and hunting heritage in South Dakota.

FLORIDA VULNERABLE ROAD USERS ACT BEING CONSIDERED—

General Bill by Judiciary Committee and Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Redondo and Smith (CO-SPONSORS) Lopez, V.

Violations Against Vulnerable Road Users: Requires person who commits infraction that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes death of, vulnerable road user to pay specified civil penalty; requires person’s driver license to be suspended for specified period; requires person to attend specified driver improvement course.

Rogue is watching this bill. Motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road user and could be impacted. It also could lead to additional regulations against bikers to make them less vulnerable. Be careful.

–Bandit

ROGUE’S THOUGHTS–

I’m not really in favor of it, as I personally believe that it can open a can of worms that could lead to making motorcyclist less vulnerable if they wore all the gear all the time.

I have not contacted my legislators to ask they vote for it, But I have not spoken out against it either.

This is an ABATE of Florida thing and I do believe a majority of people involved voted to go this way. This was already well in the works before I started attending meetings again.

I found out about it because I am signed up with the Florida Legislature to inform me of any bills pertaining to motorcycles and some other items. Of course, now that ABATE has put me back on their mailing list, I am getting daily reports and requests to contact my legislators.

I have already seen court cases where the lawyers are trying to use the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet so he or she did not do everything they could to prevent the seriousness of the injury. Thus, asking for a lower settlement. I should note this even happened in cases where there was no head injury.

The lawyers are using the if you can’t baffle them with your brilliance baffle them with your bullshit defense and get away from Their Client Caused The Collision.

–Rogue

LET’S ROCK, IT’S BUSY OUT THERE—

It’s dinner with Ron, a contractor tonight at Scott Jacob’s Brewhouse in Deadwood. Then tomorrow it’s back to the museum to work with the staff on the magazine.

I want to congratulate Randy Simpson, formerly of Milwaukee Iron and his wife Ronda, their son just got his Phd. See, even grubby bikers can have cool kids.

Randy celebrated and bought this busted wishbone Panhead roller. “I’ve got to dust off the old frame table to straighten this one,” Randy said.

My brother in Long Beach sent me some of my dad’s stuff including this Seabee knife he used in Guadalcanal during WWII.

My grandson couldn’t resist and bought this rebuilt by Ryan McQuiston, Panhead engine this week. He had to show it off.

Between Museum projects, including a major project with Grease & Gears TV, I’m working on the Knucklehead. I fought the exhaust system in place and the oil tank with Sturgis leather straps. I’m a little concerned about vibration with this bike.