Hey,
This is one of those strange holidays. It’s at a time of the year when the party lamps are lite. On the other hand, it’s a time of thought and prayer for those who died in battle.
We have a tremendous amount to celebrate this weekend with the country reopening, more businesses reopening and the celebration of life. But take some time out this weekend, to ponder those who have died in any combat including our own motorcycle freedom fighters. And think about life and our good fortunes to be living in the best of times of life on earth.
Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM REOPENS–Governor Reynolds announced today that we can REOPEN!
The National Motorcycle Museum
will Reopen Friday, May 22
BEFORE you visit us,
please closely read the following safety procedures that will be in place at the Museum.
Following CDC standards:
Staff will be wearing face masks
and it is suggested that all visitors do as well.
Bring your own or you may purchase one from us at the door for a $1.00 donation to the Museum.
Temperatures of staff will be taken
at the beginning of each shift.
Hand sanitizer will be available for use.
Only half capacity will be allowed inside the Museum. (Including staff!)
ONLY Credit or Debit Cards will be accepted, NO CASH.
ONLY visitors 16 years of age and older will be admitted.
We will be reminding customers to maintain a safe distance of 6 feet apart.
High traffic areas in Museum including counter surfaces, door handles, and credit card machines will be cleaned and sanitized for your safety.
Normal hours will resume.
9am – 5pm – 7days a week
RIDING BACK FROM COVID-19
All 50 states are now in various stages of reopening, and along with restrictions being lifted and the COVID-19 curve flattening, hopes for more normalcy are high; and none higher than amongst the motorcycling community.
Most industries have been hit hard by the global pandemic, and motorcycle sales and production have been among the most impacted, with factories shut down, dealerships closed, events cancelled or postponed, and even ridership restricted in many parts of the world.
Rules around travel and mixing in groups are being relaxed because new infections of the Coronavirus are declining and within the capabilities of the health system to cope, and soon groups will be able to ride together again, and gather at their local watering holes, maintaining social distancing and observing other safety protocols, of course.
Around the globe, motorcycle manufacturers and the supply chain are reopening production, shops and dealerships are doing business within certain constraints, and bikers are realizing a late-Spring bloom amid the gloom.
Harley-Davidson is reopening its U.S. factories in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and will accelerate production in phases, launching a new five-year strategic plan to revive sales.
Looking forward, the landscape is changing, as major events are planning comebacks. Americade in Lake George, NY, after much deliberation, has decided to move their dates from June to July 21-25. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s spring Bike Week and Atlantic Beach Bikefest have been postponed, with Horry County leaders giving their blessing to a July motorcycle rally date.
Laconia Motorcycle Week, America’s “Oldest Running Motorcycle Rally,” has officially postponed their 97th annual event in Weirs Beach, NH, to August 22-30, following a unanimous decision by their city council. The 80th annual Sturgis Rally in South Dakota is still on track for August 7-15 as experts predict COVID-19 will have peaked and continue into decline before the end of the summer.
Speaking of ‘track’, the MotoGP World Championship racing calendar is expected to drop the checkered flag in July, adapting to a new format of hosting motorsports events with minimal staff and without spectators, while employing social distancing where possible.
–Bill Bish
Editor
NCOM Biker Newsbytes
See Bill’s entire legislative report in the next couple of days on Bikernet.—Bandit
BIKERNET TO SPONSOR--The 3rd Annual Ride for the Children, benefitting Olive Crest’s programs for abused children is to begin at Bartels’ and end at Sycamore Cove State Beach, Malibu, California.
The Ride for the Children has been a huge success over the last 2 years and this year, we expect ~500 motorcycle riders and another ~250 beach party attendees.
We are hoping Bikernet.com will join us as a media sponsor for the 3rd Annual Ride for the Children to be held October 4, 2020 beginning at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey and ending at Sycamore Cove State Beach in Malibu. This year in addition to the motorcycle ride, we are inviting non-riders to join us for the Beach Party!
We can offer incredible benefits and would love to have Bikernet.com as a sponsor for the event. We are planning an expansive traditional media campaign with our grand marshals, Lorenzo Lamas, Perry King, Sean McNabb, Dave Ekins and Jamie Elvidg. Our media sponsor will have our celebrity Grand Marshals plug your sponsorship on radio and television appearances and our publicity campaign will include extensive social media for the event.
We have an incredible lineup of Grand Marshals; Lorenzo Lamas, Perry King, Sean McNabb, Jamie Elvidge and Dave Ekins. Also, joining us again will be the classic rock band, Aces & Eights and catering by JWolf Catering.
–Cherry
WISE WORDS FROM THE BIKERNET MONASTERY- By rousing themselves, by vigilance, by temperance and self-control, wise people make for themselves an island that no flood can overwhelm.
–Monk Bandit
Bikernet Monastery
Deadwood, SD
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!
THE MYSTERIOUS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for May 14, 2020
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_MYSTERIOUS_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_May_14_2020.aspx
Just read the ending to the Thursday news. Reminded me of me. I did a lot of shit when I was young that I am not proud of, it all came with a hidden cost.
Never had a problem with alcohol or drugs but I had BIG problems with women. They were my addiction. The one constant in my life, Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The women who have come and gone never understood this. Finally, I found my wife Vicki and she has never questioned my love for bikes
When I had my shop I learned about helping people, don’t expect anything in return. I have my memories, a lot of memories. If you asked if I could go back would I do it all over again– Yeah I would!
–Stealth
Charlotte, NC
Check out the Brand New NAMZ Website!
“We make it easy for you to do it Right!”
Keeping up with technology shouldn’t be an issue for a company in the technology business, right? Wrong! Time is always the biggest factor in trying to keep up with anything and our website is nothing different. The website was in need of a change and we feel that is what we did! Not only will you see the products robustly with our new white background but you will find the search for products easier, two fold.
As you will see, the website is now broken down into three main categories, NAMZ wiring products, Badlands lighting modules and Letric Lighting Co. LED’s. When you enter into these main categories, you are taken into these specific areas where you will only find these product offerings. Much easier to navigate for sure. You will also find a “year-make-model” type of parameter in the Badlands category, but not the typical, year-make-model you’re used to.
We like to do things differently and we really want to make sure customers get EXACTLY what they’re after! There was a lot of time and effort put into this new parameter and it takes ALL of the guesswork out of trying to determine what module you need. Once you enter into the Badlands category, you will see all of the sub-categories as normal, but when you chose the sub-category, you will find (4) drop-down menus, Manufacturer, Year, Make and Model.
So, let’s say you choose Harley Davidson as your manufacturer, this will eliminate of all the products that doesn’t pertain to your Harley. Second, simply choose the year which now eliminates any of the models that were not available based on the year. Third, the make section will show you the main makes of Harley Davidson, for example Softail. Now, the last drop down is Model, when the first three are chosen, this section will only show the Harley Davidson, Softails for that specific year that were available, for example, FXSTB. Now you don’t have to look through the entire listing of every model every made!
We hope you enjoy this added feature, like many things we do, I am sure it will catch on and others will begin to offer the same.
Check our our entire lighting lineup at www.letriclighting.com!
Check out our newest products!
–The NAMZ Team
namzcustomcycleproducts.com
MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK-– Description: Belgian custom bike builder Brice Hennebert’s 2018 Indian Scout Bobber LSR racer repurposed for ice racing at the Baikal Mile Ice Speed Festival. Maksimiha, Siberia, Russia. Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
Photography ©2020 Michael Lichter.
Mike is one of the best, most active photographers in out industry. If you’re ever looking for a high quality photo of a particular bike, event, or builder, don’t hesitate to reach out to him.—Bandit
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2019 Harley-Davidson® FLHTCU – Electra Glide® Ultra Classic for $18.995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8855593
California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock!!! We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!!! Choose from over 200 bikes in our inventory. To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or call us at (714)-490-0155. EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available!!! **Open 7 days a week**
ABOUT THIS BIKE…..
2019 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic Touring Milwaukee 8 107 ci
The Electra Glide Ultra Classic serves as Harley Davidson’s entry-level model for its full-dresser lineup. Updated for 2017, it sports improved suspension while reducing the heat felt by rider and passenger for greater all-around comfort.
Not only that, but the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine makes its way onto this ride for greater performance than ever before with 111.4 pound-feet of torque and six-speed transmission that comes geared for highway riding at a reasonable rpm. H-D’s GPS and Infotainment system makes an appearance as well, so the phrase “entry level? is obviously a relative statement.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED:
Twisted Cherry paint and raised tank logos is awesome and like new. Chrome strap with black accent. Chrome bars, mirrors, clear windshield and mid fairing wind deflectors. Chrome LED headlamp / passing lamps, chrome blinkers, fork shroud, polished lowers on Impeller Cast Aluminum wheels. Chrome engine guards and bag guards.
Twin Cam 107″ motor with chrome stock exhaust and ABS anti-lock braking system. Chrome black accent 107 air cleaner cover. Chrome six speed with black accent / cam / horn covers. 2-up seat just 26.1″ laden from the ground, heat shields, floorboards, passenger floors and battery pigtail. Beautiful tourpak with luggage rack and foot guards. All bag / tourpack luggage inserts still new and inside. LED rear tourpak lighting, great tires and more… What a way to go, more power, less vibration and better heat disbursement.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
Just $18,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– One day while at the Veterinarians, two dogs, a Poodle and a Shepherd, started talking to each other.
The Shepherd asked the Poodle why she was there.
The poodle said, I’m here to be put down because I can no longer control myself and I piss and shit all over the house. And my owner can’t take it anymore.
She then asks the shepherd, ‘So why are you here?’
Well I have a problem humping people’s legs, and I can’t control myself either. As a matter of fact, just the other day I saw my female master in the shower.
She was bending over and I just couldn’t help myself.
The Poodle asks, ‘so then your here to be put down also’.
No replied the shepherd. I’m just here to get my nails done.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK—Things are getting a bit easier, but really you don’t need social distancing on an ‘87 Softail chopper.
Live free or die!
–Tom
Australia
QUESTION FROM A BIKERNET READER-– Bandit what in hell is going on in this country? Some of these mayors, governors and petty politicians have turned in to the Nazi party and the population doesn’t have the balls to stand up to them?
My family from my grandfather on all served in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I am disgusted that Americans are willing to give up their right so easily.
I feel as I did in 1967, where did my country go while I was gone, now I know, the hippies and draft dodgers became politicians and so-called public servants. it saddens me that my daughter won’t get the country where I grew up.
–A.J.
[page break]
ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE DOWN–Print media, apparently even electronic versions, are dying off. Since MCN had no advertisers to gain revenue from, subscribers were all they had. With the abundance of “stuff” available for free on the “interwebs”, I expect that subscriptions dropped off.
I suspect that finances were a major factor, but there had also been some back and forth (cease and desist, etc…) with the MSF about an article related to fatalities in the BRC.
–Jay Jackson
MRF
WHAT IS TWISTED ROAD?—Motorcycle Business concept of the week.
We match motorcycle riders with motorcycles. It’s that simple. In under 5 minutes, you can create a profile and list your bike or reserve a bike to rent.
Our motorcycle-sharing community gives you the chance to try new bikes, explore the open road when traveling, or earn money when not using your bike.
ANTI-CHINESE GOVERNMENT T-SHIRT OF THE WEEK–A classic black t-shirt with YOU COULD BUY A CHEAP CHINESE KNOCK OFF BUT YOU WOULD SUCK AND SO WOULD YOUR TOMAHAWK front and center. Yes of course, the shirt is made in the USA!
https://www.americantomahawk.com/the-store/YOU-COULD-BUY-A-CHEAP-CHINESE-KNOCKOFF-T-Shirt-p200129212
Florida Judge Calls for Review of Law Allowing ‘Absurd’ Traffic Stops Over License Plates–
“I believe it is time for the legislature to once again review this statute so that it properly serves the purpose for which it was intended,” Fourth District Court of Appeal Judge Melanie May wrote.
By Raychel Lean
A Florida traffic law that governs the visibility of license plates might be a bit too extreme, according to Fourth District Court of Appeal Judge Melanie May, who, in a special concurrence, urged legislators to review it.
–Law.com
ARE SMALL TOWNS ADDICTED TO TRAFFIC FINES–
Editor’s Note: This article was initially written for the Spring edition of Driving Freedoms magazine. The information here pertained primarily to life before the COVID-19 crisis. Still, we believe traffic fines and fees will be even more of an issue for small towns (and big cities) everywhere due to shortfalls in the budgets that have been decimated by the Coronavirus lockdown.
Significant dollars from different traffic fines and fees sometimes account for more than half of the revenue collected by small towns. Income from speed traps, poor/inadequate signage traps, automated traffic enforcement, and parking patrols all help prop up budgets, which often include the very department that is responsible for catching drivers—the police.
Last September, Governing.com released a national analysis on the extent small towns fund their budgets through traffic penalties. Researchers compiled data from thousands of annual audits and reports filed to state agencies.
Fines are the punishment for committing the offense, and fees are levied to support operational expenses. While both have increased in recent years, fees have risen the most. Very often, fee revenue has been tacked on to fund areas of government that have little to do with the justice system itself. Now with the COVID-19 crisis, the pressure for small towns to increase fees will only increase due to the pressure to raise funds for the town budget.
Here are some of the results before COVID-19 detailing how important this revenue source is to a small town’s bottom line:
Fines and fees account for more than 10 percent of general fund revenues in nearly 600 jurisdictions.
In 284 of those small governments, the percentage is at least 20 percent.
More than 720 towns reported that annual revenues exceed $100 for every adult resident. (The numbers would be even higher if the analysis didn’t exclude communities reporting less than $100,000 in fines.)
Rural areas with high poverty have the highest traffic-revenue rates as do communities with minimal tax bases and independent municipal courts.
Out-of-state drivers are often targeted.
Most of the states that stood out in the research were from the South: Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, with one exception—New York. Fifty-two Georgia localities collected penalties from drivers accounting for more than one-fifth of general annual revenue, while Louisiana had 49 local governments that met that dubious standard.
By contrast, states in the Northeast with high property taxes had no localities exceeding the 10 percent threshold.
President of Louisiana’s Public Affairs Research Council Robert Scott said recently that smaller tax bases contribute to the problem, but ingrained habits are the real culprit, “If I had to point to one reason why this happens, it’s because culturally you have (local) agencies who’ve grown dependent on these type of revenue sources. They don’t want to let it go.” Lisa Foster, co-director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, concurred, “There’s a culture that’s built up over time of tolerance and normalization of this idea that courts are there for revenue generation.”
New York is home to nearly 1,300 town and village courts, which keep most of their revenue from fines and fees. Judges have an incentive to earn back the money spent on courts since the town or village financially supports them. Fund for Modern Courts chair Amelia Starr recently said in an interview, “Almost any state that has courts that generate money for their locality in small towns is vulnerable to exactly these kinds of pressures.”
Actions taken by state lawmakers can also help compound the issue. In states with the most fine-reliant jurisdictions, local governments incurred deeper state funding cuts over the past decade. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, states that implemented caps on local property taxes starting in the late 1970s have many small towns with sharply increased fines and fees.
Of course, one of the biggest concerns with this devotion to fines is the tacit implementation of traffic ticket quotas. Many times, officers feel pressure either by the department or city managers to write more tickets to increase revenue.
Policing for profit should never be tolerated; it is not conducive to forming a bond of trust between law enforcement and the community. As one of our national issues, the NMA will continue to advocate against traffic ticket quotas and unfair traffic fines and fees.
–National Motorist Association
SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK—2018-2020 Scout Bobber Brown Renegade Solo LS Seat
Brand Fitment: Indian
Model Fitment: Scout Bobber
Year Fitment: 2018-2020
Selecting the proper Saddlemen seat should begin with the question, “How long in the saddle and riding style or preference?” Knowing the comfort a rider will need will aim them at the best type of seats for their intended use, and then they can further hone their choice by looking at seats that would that complement their motorcycle and styling preference.
Saddlemen seats are a result of Integrated Design Philosophy (IDP™), which focuses on putting as much comfort into the seat as possible. IDP™ then takes styling cues from each motorcycle and incorporates them into the contours and patterns of each new seat. The result is a seat that is as comfortable as possible but also looks and fits perfectly on the motorcycle. Saddlemen’s craftsmanship and quality assure you of an enjoyable ride – regardless of the distance.
By combining the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel and advanced Progressive Density Foam, we create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. While thick seat foams are usually more comfortable, Saddlemen’s Gel-Core technology is used in every seat to produce excellent comfort regardless of its thickness. That’s why a slammed-down Saddlemen seat, such as the Profiler, rides so much more comfortably than other seats of a similar thickness. So if a thin Saddlemen seat is comfortable, imagine how plush a thick seat like a Road Sofa or an Explorer will be.
When creating a new seat, additional attention is always devoted to overcoming deficiencies that exist in the stock seat or other aftermarket seats. Our designers use advanced engineering plus practical riding experience to forge seats that ride comfortably, look great, and fit perfectly. For example, rigid plastic or resin-based seat pans with plated brackets provide superior fitment for easy, hassle-free installation. Riders will need to carefully study the attributes of each Saddlemen seat so they can learn how it can improve their riding experience. These seat types are:
Seats for Long Distance or “Touring”
These seats are aimed at users who will lay down 500+ miles open road in a day. Large, plush double bucket seats designed to keep rider and passenger in supreme comfort during long-distance riding.
Day Cruising Two-up Seats
These seats are great for cruising and day trips (200-mile tours). Still a significant improvement in the comfort of the original saddle, these seats aim for a balance between style and comfort, making for an enjoyable journey.
Low Profile Two-up Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats that include seating for a passenger. The lean and minimalistic approach significantly complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for (urban) boulevard cruising.
Renegade Solo & Pillions
These Rider-only seats are also great for cruising and day trips as they provide a superb level of comfort while looking great as only a solo saddle can. Matching pillion seats are available.
Slammed Solo’s (S3) Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats for lone riders. The lean and minimalistic style complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for casual riding (no backrest options – see Universal Detachable Pillions Pad for passenger seating).
Pro Series Seats
Saddlemen’s seat artisans occasionally partner with leading bike builders to create special edition seats. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but very comfortable for urban cruising with a unique appearance.
Café Seats
Specialty rider-only seats that feature the ubiquitous hump at the back of the seat. While aimed at style, the seat is very comfortable for urban cruising.
MEMORIAL DAY 2020– I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for our veterans and their families, and all those still serving.
Memorial Day won’t be the same this year, but they are still in our hearts and minds!
–Rogue, Sam Burns, Joe Smith, Stealth, Barry Green,
DUAL OPTICS FROM CYRON–
Projector and Reflector in one device
Well suited for bikes with passing lamps….
A strong tight low beam augments the side-to-side coverage of passing lamps.
When switching to high beams, which turns off the passing lamps on most bikes, a super wide high beam fills the void.
Also works well with bikes without passing lamps and riders who want to make sure they see far down the road.
Three choices of colors:
CHROME for the “near stock” classic look
BLACK with DRL light to match your style
PITCH BLACK without DRL, All blackout look for the all blacked out bikes
For further information on this great new product, click here.
CYRON, Inc.
818-772-1900 (Phone)
818-772-1317 (Fax)
sales@cyron.com
www.cyronmotor.com
DIRECT FROM THE WHITEHOUSE–The Covid-19 Deregulation
“The Trump Administration’s long parade of deregulation—on everything from Title IX, to net neutrality, to environmental-impact statements, to joint employers—is among its biggest achievements. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, this work has thankfully continued,” The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes.
Yesterday, President Trump took another big step with “an executive order telling government agencies to ‘combat the economic consequences of COVID-19 with the same vigor and resourcefulness with which the fight against COVID-19 itself has been waged.’”
In the coming recovery, “deregulation will help the country get back on its feet.”
Operational Changes at Tucker--In a letter to dealers and vendors, Marc McAllister, the recently appointed President at Tucker Powersports, has announced a next stage in his plans to streamline the business.
“We are making changes at Tucker Powersports designed to strengthen our company and make us a better partner for you and your business,” he told dealers and vendors.
“Two weeks ago, we announced that we were closing our offices in California and Arizona and moving the product development and purchasing for our Apparel Group and Dragonfire Racing into our Texas office.”
On May 15, McAllister went further, announcing “an organizational change which realigns our product management staff and also eliminates two senior level positions – the COO position, which had been held by Danny Anderson, and the CCO [Chief Commercial Officer] position, held by Greg Blackwell.
“We wish Danny, Greg and the small number of other Tucker employees who will not be returning from furlough the best and we thank them for their contributions to our company.
“I’ve asked all of our team members to focus on being the company that adds value to our customers. We want to make our dealers better because they have chosen to purchase from Tucker. This is a complicated task, but my simplified recipe for doing it is to assemble and deliver the best collection of high-demand products in the industry and be operationally great in all aspects of our business.
“Our plan is to have employees return to work by mid-June, but obviously this is dependent on the country’s success in battling the virus and relaxing stay-at-home orders. We’ve already seen some positive signs reflected in recent order volume and optimism from our dealers.
“I hope you will see us getting better and stronger with the changes we have made. We will continue to provide great sales programs, great marketing for our products and consistent and efficient purchasing and payment to our suppliers.”
www.tucker.com
–from DealerWorld
NEW FROM BILTWELL–
Murdock O/S Pullback Risers
These bullet-proof risers are built to accept oversized 1 1/8” bars. Investment-cast top clamp, TIG-welded chromoly uprights and CNC lathe-turned mounting bases create a handlebar riser with unrivaled stiffness and strength for aggressive, technical and high-speed riding. The mandrel-bent uprights provide two inches of rearward bar offset.
SHOP MURDOCK O/S RISERS at https://www.biltwellinc.com/collections/murdock
BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS OPEN WITH UNLIMITED RESTRICTIONS—Fuck the masks and get as close to the screen as you like.
With which of the following names are you familiar?
1. Monica Lewinsky
2. Spiro Agnew
3. Benito Mussolini
4. Adolf Hitler
5. Jorge Bergoglio
6. Alfonse Capone
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Linda Lovelace
9. Saddam Hussein
10. Tiger Woods
You had trouble with #5, didn’t you?
You know all the liars, criminals, adulterers, murderers,
thieves, sluts and cheaters, but you don’t know the Pope?
Lovely, just lovely.
Sometimes I worry about you!
–Joe Smith
Guest Lecturer
Bikernet University
History Department
[page break]
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY–
I want to thank all the brothers and sisters, who are front line emergency support people. This is going to be a Memorial weekend that will be different than any other we have participated in before.
Enjoy the music marathons and television shows that acknowledge the loss this country has gone through. Put in a prayer all those who are front line responders, still working or home sick. We thank you!
I am also want to thank our fathers and forefathers for what they have done for us and our freedoms. I want to also thank guys like Bandit, Texas Fred, Pegger, Nacho and etc. , etc. Just you fill in the blank and be thankful for all those Freedom Fighters who sat in that jungle or sat on that wall, while we slept in our warm beds.
God bless America.
–Gearhead
Federal Court Says Every Drug Dog In Utah Is Unreliable–
(Mis)Uses of Technology from the so-much-for-‘probable-cause-on-four-legs’ dept
For as long as people have been driving, cops have been imagining reasons to pull them over and coerce them into “voluntary” searches. The Supreme Court’s Rodriguez decision (sort of) put an end to extended stops — the ones that start with a perceived violation that’s dragged out until a drug dog arrives. Unfortunately, that decision only removed part of the equation. The Supreme Court’s Heien decision made it possible for cops to rely entirely on pretext to engage in fishing expeditions by saying cops only had to think they witnessed a traffic violation, rather than actually be accurate about the laws they’re tasked with enforcing.
Cops are still trying to bring drug dogs to routine traffic stops. The Rodriguez decision is generally taken to mean cops just need to be quicker about rustling up a K-9 unit. Cops love drug dogs because they allow cops to perform the warrantless searches they want to perform. The drug dog’s handler can call literally any movement by the dog an “alert,” turning normal dog behavior into “probable cause” for a search. It doesn’t help that the dogs are rewarded for every alert and given no positive reinforcement for failing to find anything interesting.
Courts have historically been willing to cut drug dogs as much slack as they cut their law enforcement officer handlers. Subjective interpretations of anything an animal does to please its master is considered close enough to Fourth Amendment compliance to justify warrantless searches. Every so often, a court will question the reliability of the dog or the intent of its handler, but those are anomalies.
This case, via FourthAmendment.com, is an amazing anomaly. Not only did the court choose to hear from experts on drug dog training and handling, it actually went so far as to call into question the reliability of every drug dog in the state.
The suppression order contains a subheading rarely seen in federal court decisions:
A. The court has serious concerns about Tank’s training and reliability.
Tank is Officer Moore’s drug dog. Officer Moore handled the training in accordance with Utah’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines. Unfortunately, those guidelines do nothing to prevent officers from turning drug dogs into subservient partners with a desire to please and a willingness to respond to handler cues.
Officer Moore claimed he worked with Tank regularly to improve both obedience and “drug locating.” The court says this simply isn’t true — not from what’s on the record.
Notwithstanding Officer Moore’s testimony, evidence at the Hearing raised serious questions about the sufficiency and veracity of Tank’s training. First, the police training records supported that between July 2018, when Tank was certified, and November 2018, Officer Moore only conducted four narcotics trainings with him. Moreover, from October 20, 2018 through March 1, 2019, a period that enveloped the search of Mr. Jordan’s vehicle, Officer Moore only performed one narcotic training exercises that involved searching an area that did not contain narcotics, compared to 27 “normal” exercises where there were narcotics present to be found.
The defense brought in an expert witness, Dr. Mary Cablik, who has two decades of drug dog training experience working with POST units in Nevada and California. Cablik said the absence of “blind” training is a real problem. If the dog is only tested in areas where the handler knows drugs will be found, the dog carries this knowledge on to the real world and will continue to search for nonexistent drugs until it gives its handler what they want: an “alert.”
Here’s how a drug dog should be trained, according to the defense expert:
Dr. Cablk opined that in order to properly train a K9, a program must take steps to prevent handler bias and cuing, namely through blind training. Singleblind training occurs when the handler does not know how many, if any, quantities of narcotics are hidden in a scenario, but someone else present does. The third person may be present to judge whether the dog passed the test.
Such a procedure is important because when a handler knows how many hides are present in a scenario, he will continue to search with his dog until the dog finds them all, which does not create a “realistic scenario that mimics what happens on the street.”
Single-blind testing is important to train a dog to work independently and in turn gives a handler confidence in his dog. Nevertheless, single-blind training is insufficient to prevent bias and cuing. Even if the handler does not know how many hides are present in a scenario, research shows that anyone who is present for the training and knows the quantity and/or location of the hidden narcotics, even the judge, can inadvertently cue the K9.
Thus, in Dr. Cablk’s opinion, the “only means that you can use to demonstrate the reliability of a K9” is to have no one who is present during the training know how many, if any, hides are present. This is considered double-blind training.
Utah’s training can barely be called “training.”
Utah POST does not use double-blind training or testing, and its certification testing is not even done single-blind, as the handler knows exactly how many hides will be present.
Tank’s performance at this traffic stop left a lot to be desired.
Tank did not perform a trained final response while conducting a sniff of Mr. Jordan’s vehicle. He never demonstrated any clearly objective behavior communicating that he had detected a target odor. Rather, Tank demonstrated the innate natural behaviors of a dog going through the paces of sniffing the vehicle.
Officer Moore relied on Tank’s natural behaviors, which he perceived as “alerts,” to conclude that Tank had detected the odor of narcotics emitting from Mr. Jordan’s vehicle. […] There is nothing on the video of the sniff from which a third person can objectively conclude that Tank had performed to respond as he had been trained to do when he detected a target odor.
Fortunately, there was some video. But none of it came from Officer Moore. The court points out Moore was required to wear a body cam but was not wearing one during this traffic stop. The recording was captured by another officer on the scene and much of that recording of the stop was obstructed by the officer’s vehicle.
Allowing a dog to give a cop permission to perform a warrantless search raises serious Fourth Amendment questions. The court here says the training processes and dog behavior observed here aren’t nearly enough to elevate Tank above his unofficial position as Officer Moore’s personal Clever Hans.
Then the court goes further, suggesting the state’s lax standards for drug dog training make every drug dog in the state unreliable…
The state POST training has produced little more than handy Fourth Amendment circumvention tools for officers to use at will. This court is having none of this and refuses to condone the deployment of dogs that are basically trained to please their handlers, rather than actually detect narcotics.
–byTim Cushing
Tech Dirt.com
BARNETT TO SPONSOR CHRIS–I am excited to announce that Barnett has stepped up to sponsor my 1937 EL Knucklehead, dubbed “Redemption” that I am building to raise awareness of narcissistic abuse.
Barnett is a family owned and run business making the world’s finest American-made motorcycle & ATV clutches and cables since 1948. I have never owned a Barnett clutch before so I can’t wait to get this installed in my Knucklehead.
My husband runs a Barnett clutch in his 1946 UL Flathead and he raves about it. As my build progresses, Barnett will be supplying me with custom cables as well.
–Chris Gibbany
Moto-journalist/Event host/Bike builder
Old Iron Never Dies!
MORE FROM THE WHITEHOUSE– President Trump works across party lines to reopen America
Americans have done an incredible job listening to local health authorities, heeding social distancing guidelines, and helping to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our citizens stepped up and made incredible sacrifices. Now, it’s time to get them safely back to work.
“We’re going to safely reopen our country and our economy, and it’s happening very rapidly,” President Trump said at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
President Trump: America is transitioning to greatness!
A safe, strong reopening requires close partnership between federal and state leaders. That work continued today, as President Trump hosted Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) at the White House. Vice President Mike Pence, meanwhile, traveled to Florida to meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
FEMA and others are helping ensure each state is stocked up with critical resources. “In our drive to crush the virus, the U.S. has completed nearly 12 million tests,” President Trump said yesterday. “What has been done with testing, what’s been done with ventilators, what’s been done with the distribution of product has been incredible.”
Arkansas, Kansas, and Florida are no exceptions—each state has received the full support of President Trump’s Administration. In terms of testing and masks, for example:
Arkansas is receiving over $78 million in testing assistance funding, along with more than 660,000 N95 masks.
Kansas is receiving over $80 million in testing funds, along with 860,000 N-95 masks.
Florida—one of our most populated states—is receiving over $420 million in testing funds, along with over 5 million masks N95 masks delivered.
YOU DID IT!–There has been an incredible response to the Handlebar Hustle 7k Virtual Event and we reached our initial goal to get one school off the waitlist.
Because of all those who have hustled and the success of the event so far, we have an anonymous donor who would like to match all additional registrations and donations through the end of the month dollar-for-dollar! That’s right: your gift will be doubled in hopes to move TWO schools off the waitlist.
Let’s get active for ALL kids’ health.
Whether you walk, run, or bike, you can participate in this virtual event AND support bringing two wheels to schools across America when that school bell rings once again!
Between May 1 and May 31, choose a sunny day and complete a 7k! By going the EXTRA distance, you will get some good, old fashioned exercise, and directly support bringing the complete Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Program to schools on the All Kids Bike waitlist. Every $4,000 raised together as an active community moves a school off the waitlist, and teaches kids to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.
We suggest running/ walking/ biking/ hiking a 7k. WHY?
On average, kids under the age of 18 spend over 7 hours a day on an electronic device. We are on a mission to encourage children to spend more time with friends and family outside and being active! By embracing the 7k distance, you are going the extra mile for kids’ health.
Not interested in a 7k? No worries! Choose the distance and activity of your choice — it’s all about getting active and having fun!
All participants will receive a swag bag complete with the All Kids Bike Spring 2020 Handlebar Hustle shirt, virtual race bib, and virtual finisher certificate.
Be sure to tag @AllKidsBike and #HandlebarHustle to show your support of getting bikes in schools!
All Kids Bike® is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.
LATEST NEWS FROM TWISTED ROAD--Free Ride: How can you and all of your friends rent motorcycles for free?
We’re all familiar with referral programs; companies hope your like-minded friends will enjoy the same things you do—and are willing to give away gifts and money to find out. We’re pretty sure you have some moto-loving friends who would be happy that you’ve introduced them to the phenomenon that is Twisted Road. And we’re willing to ante up to find out.
Everyone likes a discount, right? At Twisted Road, we wanted to offer a gift that every rider would love to give—and also one that every rider would be stoked to receive.
The Twisted Road referral program enables you to give away free days of riding to all of your friends. Got 10 friends who ride? Give away 10 free days.
You’re on a Moto Guzzi forum? Give all of the posters and lurkers a free day. You’ve got 200K followers on facebook? Thank them with a free day. You will quickly become the Oprah of the moto-world: “You get a bike and you get a bike and you get a bike!”
There are two, and only two, rules:
1. The free day can only be applied to your friend’s first rental with Twisted Road
2. Their ride must be at least two days long, and we throw in an additional day—for free. If your friend only has one day to ride, not to worry, shorter rides get 25% off.
It’s fast and easy! Go to our website and in the upper right corner, click the image of your face. You’ll see an option to “Give a free day, get $25.” You’ll want to click on that.
From there, you’ll see a bunch of ways to share your code. You can enter friends’ email addresses, or announce the program on Facebook. Or you can provide friends with your link or referral code, and they can use any one of those to claim their free day of riding.
So start sharing this now to give the gift of free riding — to your friends and to yourself. Then start planning your free rides. Anchorage anyone?
One last thing. Here’s a link to my referral code. If you’ve never rented with us before, click it and sign up to get your free ride (and I’ll earn $25). See how easy that was?
–Austin Rothbard
STUFF FROM THE PAST–
Keith Ball, Hot Bike, Freelance Photographers Agreement – Primedia Check Stubs (apparently I moved) & Goth’s information from when I met her at the Smoke Out. Nice, talented young lady, sorry we lost her.
WHAT’S COMING UP ON BIKERNET—We are working on a couple of Lindby Multibar techs. I’ve seen these puppies save paint jobs and legs.
Chris Gibbany reviewed a pair of Kevlar jeans and I’m working on another Pandemic Panhead project report. This weekend we hope to balance and align the Salt Torpedo. Then I’ll write another Torpedo report.
This morning Edge sent me another World’s shortest tech and it involved Suspension Technologies and Crown Royal, crazy.
