Hey,
Life is whacked as you will see in the news. Half the world is at war. Our government can’t get along with anyone. Religions are constantly on the attack, when they are supposed to be compassionate and forgiving. And peace and harmony are constantly at our fingertips.
Bikers are the monks of the earth. As soon as you straddle a custom bike and hit the road your mental agility shifts to pure nirvana. Suddenly you think only of the rumble of a healthy V-Twin and the open road. Even in dense traffic you weave your way to freedom and that’s all you think about. Suddenly screaming kids and bad bosses are gone.
Think about looking at the earth from the moon. You can see all the fighting, bickering between 7.1 billion folks on this tiny little planet—suddenly all the conflict is ridiculous. If you look closer, you can see a monk mediating and a biker riding along an open road. There can be peace on earth. Have a great weekend.
The Bikernet News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and Iron Trader, the intelligent choice.
MICHELIN SCORCHER TIRES ON HARLEYS– Michelin and Harley-Davidson announced an agreement to sell the Michelin Scorcher, a co-branded motorcycle tire through all authorized Michelin and Harley-Davidson dealers.
The Michelin Scorcher 11, the Scorcher 31 and the Scorcher 32 tires, original equipment tires on Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, V-Rod and Harley-Davidson Street motorcycles, are now available more widely on the replacement market. These tire ranges previously were sold only through Harley-Davidson dealerships.
The wider availability of these tires as a replacement option allows Harley-Davidson owners to benefit from the outstanding grip, enhanced tread life, exceptional comfort and precise handling of the Michelin Scorcher tires.
Michelin Scorcher tires are currently being shipped to Michelin distributors and should be available shortly to all authorized Michelin motorcycle tire dealers.
MPN Staff Writers
For more information: www.michelin-us.com
SPECIAL FINANCIAL THOUGHT FOR THE DAY— From the concerned mind of John Reed. He’s always thinking about your safety.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE PERFORMANCE UPDATE— S&S is making cams. They also made a performance air cleaners. Rich Worley at the Indian Dealership in Charleston knows how to open the exhaust. The missing element was a tune-able ECM. Zipper’s is now putting their final touches on an ECM unit for Indians.
Hang on for a tech around my 2014 Chief Classic. I can’t wait to see how 111-inches feel with the gate open.
–Bandit
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Well spoken and good information, Humble. Good to see your name again, as many enjoy your words.
I think your new skooter is beautiful and the chrome wheels definitely make it pop.
I am curious though on the air cleaner. I recently added a similar high flow to my street glide and get horrible gas mileage now. Do you know if your heavy throttle hand is the only reason for your 40MPG?
And what are your thoughts on the breather?
–Sketti AZ
skettime@yahoo.com
Austin, AZ
We finally received a handful of shots of Humble’s Le Pera seat for a Dyna. Hopefully he’ll get back to us to answer your questions.—Bandit
RAY C. WHEELER CONFIRMS OHIO MILE – According to the supremo Bikernet Performance editor, he has a spot signed for at the upcoming Ohio mile. The 5-Ball Racer is tuned but his leathers are still in California under lock and key.
We are waiting on an address in Olive Branch, but we’re not sure which state. Hang on for more reports. The 5-Ball Racer may be sponsored by NGI Exhaust Systems, and Schneider Trucks.
–Renegade
REPORTS FROM THE TRIKE FRONT–
This is the worst case of all, the VICTORY Slingshot stays in motorcycle category, but doesn’t require a motorcycle license, HUH!
RALIEGH, N.C. – H.B. 6 WOULD DEFINE AN AUTOCYCLE AS A THREE-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE that has a steering wheel, pedals, completely enclosed seating and other features, but that does not require the operator to
straddle the seat, but which otherwise is manufactured to meet the federal safety requirements of a motorcycle. Autocycle drivers would not need a motorcycle license. The requirement for a completely enclosed
seating area excludes the Polaris Slingshot, leaving that vehicle in the motorcycle category.
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL AMA NEWS–
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-CALIF.) HAS ASKED
PRESIDENT OBAMA to bypass Congress to create three national monument areas in California encompassing more than 1 million acres between Palm Springs and the Nevada state line.
The senator wants the President to invoke the Antiquities Act of 1906 to make the designations for Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains. Two bills that she introduced during the past six years have not moved through Congress.
The AMA opposes the effort to bypass Congress on this issue. The AMA supports the creation of new national monuments only when the area meets the criteria for designation laid out in 16 U.S.C. § 431, which requires any monument to be “confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”
YUMA, ARIZ. – THE U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT YUMA FIELD OFFICE has announced that maps of the Imperial Hills Travel Management Plan are available for review. Comments on the plan are due by the close of business on Oct. 12. Comments may address any issues that should be addressed in the Imperial Hills TMP Environmental Assessment.
Maps may be viewed on the BLM website at www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/travel_mgmt/ih.html. The Imperial Hills TMP area is between Hidden Shores RV Park and the community of Martinez,with the Colorado River marking the western boundary and the Yuma Proving Ground on the east.
Comments should be sent to Ray Castro, BLM Yuma Field Office, 2555 E.Gila Ridge Road, Yuma, AZ, 85365; or through email to
blm_az_ym_trails@blm.gov.
SILVER CITY, N.M. – THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST’S TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
PLAN was released in June 2014 and the decision was upheld by the Southwestern Deputy Regional Forester in September 2014. The decision will be implemented when the motor vehicle use map is completed.
Forest Supervisor Adam Mendonca said the delay in implementation is due to the amount of administrative and field work needed to complete the map, including natural resource surveys and coordinating with the state Historic Preservation Office.
The goal is the implement of the rule in January 2016 to provide time to complete the map, erect signs, update databases, post information on the forest website and notify forest users. Until implementation occurs, there are no changes from the 2014 rules and guidelines.
HUGER, S.C. – THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE HAS RELEASED THE FRANCIS MARION NATIONAL FOREST’S Draft Revised Land and Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The plan will guide management of nearly 260,000 acres for the coming 10 to 15 years.
Francis Marion is the first national forest in the country to release a draft plan and DEIS under the Forest Service’s 2012 Planning Rule. The next step in the process is a 90-day public comment period, which began Aug. 14.
Copies of the documents are available at
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/scnfs/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb539314. Comments may be submitted electronically to http://bit.do/FMPlanComments or by mail to Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, Francis Marion Plan Revision, 4931 Broad River Road, Columbia, S.C. 29212.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYO. – THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HAS INSTALLED A SOUND METER at Grand Teton National Park to monitor real-time sound levels as part of the park’s noise reduction program.
Measurements include sound from vehicles, construction work, maintenance activities and other park operations. The meter displays the sound level in green, yellow, red or black to alert people to the sound being emitted.
In addition to the meter monitoring, park officials are providing visitors with information about ways to reduce the impact of their vehicles.
The roadside meter is on loan from the National Park Service’s Natural Sounds Program office and will be moved around the park for the rest of the summer.
–AMA News
TAKE A BREAK FROM LEGISLATION TO WELCOME BAD DAD’S TO BIKERNET AND BIKERNET BAGGERS– Bad Dad’s Competition Series Bag & Fender Kit is their latest hot Bagger accessory.
You may have all seen this awesome look on custom show bikes. Bad Dad’s new Competition Series Bag & Fender Kit features a more dramatic profile to really set your swept custom bagger apart.
This complete bolt-on kit is available for all 1997-current Touring models, including the new 2014-2016 Rushmore models.
We will bring you a bunch more on the Bad Dad series in the very near future.
– See more at: http://www.bikernetbaggers.com/pages/BAD_DADS_KICKIN_ASS_ENDS.aspx
STATE-TO-STATE AMA NEWS
EL DORADO HILLS, CALIF. – THE U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT HAS implemented additional fire restrictions on all public lands managed by the Mother Lode Field Office, including Nevada, Yuba, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Sacramento, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Sutter and Mariposa counties.
The restrictions affect about 230,000 acres and were put in place because of extremely dry conditions. They include no operation of
internal combustion engines, except on maintained roads; no open fires, camp fires or open-fire stoves, except lanterns and portable stoves
using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel; no welding or use of any torch; no use of explosives, except by special permit; and no
fireworks.
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 89 WOULD ASK PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adhere to the Congressional standards for Renewable Fuel Standards blending rules. The resolution is intended to demonstrate legislative support for the state’s corn growers and ethanol industry.
The EPA has recommended RFS blending rules for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that fall below the Congressional mandates, but still significantly increase the amount of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.
RALIEGH, N.C. – H.B. 6 WOULD DEFINE AN AUTOCYCLE AS A THREE-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE that has a steering wheel, pedals, completely enclosed seating and other features, but that does not require the operator to
straddle the seat, but which otherwise is manufactured to meet the federal safety requirements of a motorcycle.
Autocycle drivers would not need a motorcycle license. The requirement for a completely enclosed
seating area excludes the Polaris Slingshot, leaving that vehicle in the motorcycle category.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – A $100 ADDITIONAL FINE FOR DISTRACTED DRIVERS pulled over for a separate violation is part of S.B. 146, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati).
The bill’s provisions would apply to anyone found to be using a handheld electronic communications device or “engaging in any activity that is
not necessary to the operation of a vehicle and impairs … the ability of the operator to drive the vehicle safely.”
In lieu of paying the fine, the driver may attend a safety course for distracted drivers. The bill has passed the Senate.
HARRISBURG, PA. – H.B. 471 WOULD REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT GASOLINE offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol. Under existing law, all gasoline sold in the state must contain at least 10 percent cellulosic ethanol by volume. The bill passed the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on a 23-3 vote. It was next to be heard by the Appropriations Committee before a vote by the full
House.
JASMINE CAIN WINS BEST ALTERNATIVE ROCK– Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone that voted for us to win this year’s NIMA Award for Best Alternative Rock band. We are beyond honored.
–Jasmine Cain
COSTCO AUTO PROGRAM AND POLARIS ANNOUNCE A SPECIAL OFFER– Featuring exclusive member benefits on new Polaris products for any model year
Costco Auto Program and Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) have teamed up to bring Costco members their biggest joint offer. Starting today, Costco members will receive promotional benefits on a selection of Polaris brands for all model years.
The promotion runs from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, 2015. The offer features Polaris side-by-sides, excluding the RZR XP Turbo EPS; all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, excluding the Indy 120; Victory Motorcycles; and GEM electric vehicles. Costco members must register for the offer on CostcoAuto.com/Polaris to be connected to a participating Polaris dealer to receive:
· Exclusive member pricing
· A $200 Costco Cash Card for submitting a redemption form and completing a Costco Auto Program member satisfaction survey after purchasing an eligible model
· Any applicable consumer incentives
Additionally, Costco members save 15 percent (up to $200) on regular-priced parts, service, accessories and apparel year-round, when they present their membership card at participating Polaris powersport dealers.
“The two previous Costco Auto Program and Polaris promotions helped boost awareness with Costco members. In fact, 81 percent of members who participated said it was their first Polaris purchase,” said Cory Benwell, executive general manager of powersports at Costco Auto Program. “Now that members have been exposed to the product, we’re excited to see how they will respond to receiving exclusive savings on nearly all models. Polaris features some of the industries’ cutting edge products, and we expect a great response to this offer.”
Visit CostcoAuto.com/Polaris or call 1-855-703-2559 to learn more about Costco Auto Program and the Polaris Special Offer.
SCOTT JACOBS MINI YOUTUBE SERIES-– First episode release – MONDAY, September 7th!
We are excited to announce the unveiling of our very own YouTube Mini Series!
We will capture every aspect of the business; from painting, to riding, to where the future of the business may take us!
EMERGENCY ALLAN GORMAN ART NEWS– I’m so-o-o-o sorry! The Belskie Exhibit opens this Sunday 1-5 (not Saturday).Please check your calendar, correct accordingly, and forgive my mistake.
AMA PRO FLAT TRACK roars back into Springfield, Illinois for the legendary Springfield Mile this Sunday, Sept. 6
To riders and fans alike, the Springfield Mile is the crown jewel of the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule every year, and this Labor Day weekend will be no exception. Top guns in the premier Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class will face off against one another at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the second time in 2015, only this time, the stakes will be much higher.
Bryan Smith enters the weekend with a boatload of confidence and a motorcycle full of horsepower. The No. 42 Crosley Radio Kawasaki pilot is coming fresh off of a Charlotte Half-Mile win and has planted himself well within striking distance of the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines points lead with only four rounds to go.
Smith, notorious for dominating his opponents on Mile circuits, will be licking his chops come Sunday when the lights go green in Springfield. Thanks to his stellar performance in Charlotte, he now sits just six points behind arch rival Jared Mees in the standings, 158-152.
As excited as Smith may be for this Sunday’s race, Mees might be even more amped for it. The No. 1 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson pilot and defending Grand National Champion tailed Smith by milliseconds for the duration of last weekend’s main event in Charlotte before his XR-750 let him down on the final lap. The resulting 17th place finish caused him to forfeit his stranglehold on the top position in the point standings. Adding fuel to the fire, Smith topped Mees in the first running of the Springfield Mile in May.
Although the rivalry between Smith and Mees is mouthwatering, there are a number of other GNC1 competitors putting together impressive seasons as well.
The name of the game for Sammy Halbert in 2015 has been consistency. The No. 69 Briggs Auto Kawasaki rider has finished inside the top nine in all 10 AMA Pro Flat Track rounds so far, including a fourth-place effort at Springfield in May. The Graham, Wash., product sits third in the standings heading into the weekend with 140 points.
Three-time Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth Jr. will look to put his No. 2 Zanotti Racing Harley-Davidson atop the box at Springfield on Sunday after running strong in Charlotte. The Morris, Conn., native sits fourth in the point standings and has performed well on the Mile throughout the course of his career.
Perhaps an underdog to wreak havoc this Sunday is Brandon Robinson. The No. 44 Latus Motors Racing Triumph rider will try to pick up where he left off last time he competed on a Mile, which was in Sacramento where he finished second behind Smith. Robinson sits fifth in the GNC1 point standings.
Putting together his finest season yet is 20-year-old Briar Bauman. The young gun has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to run with the big boys, as he has recorded two podiums so far in 2015 and sits sixth in the GNC1 point standings. Bauman will navigate through traffic on Sunday aboard the No. 14 Hart Racing Kawasaki.
Filling in for the injured Brad Baker aboard the No. 5 Factory Harley-Davidson, Jake Johnson looked great at Charlotte all the way up until the night’s main event. The two-time champ finished eighth in his first race back on a twin since 2014. The main event didn’t tell the full story, however, as Johnson finished second in his heat and third in the Dash for Cash. Look for the New Jersey native to put together a strong performance at Springfield this Sunday.
Two-time DAYTONA 200 winner Danny Eslick is expected to be the wildcard of the bunch in Springfield. The multi-discipline rider with extensive road racing accolades earned his national number after qualifying for the GNC1 main event at Charlotte. The Oklahoman plans to enter the Springfield Mile aboard a Kawasaki from the Bill Werner Racing stable.
An unfortunate occurrence happened last weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Championships when Troy Bayliss crashed and suffered an injury that will sideline his AMA Pro Flat Track aspirations once again. The three-time World Superbike Champion was planning to ride the No. 21L Lloyd Brothers Ducati at the Springfield Mile on Sunday, but due to his injuries, he will not make the scheduled trip across the pond.
The 25-lap Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines Main Event from the Springfield Mile is slated for a 4:00 p.m. CT start time on Sunday, September 6.
GNC2
The future of AMA Pro Flat Track competition rests in the talent pool developing in the GNC2 ranks, and the current ace of this class is none other than 17-year-old Davis Fisher.
In just his second year competing professionally, Fisher has taken the competition by storm. Not only is he leading by a whopping 27 points in the GNC2 standings after 10 rounds, but he is doing so despite a few miscues that have resulted in three main event finishes outside the top 10. Fisher won the Memorial Day running of the Springfield Mile earlier this year and will be looking for his third win of the season when he mounts his No. 67M Parkinson Brothers Racing Kawasaki at Springfield on Sunday.
After edging out Fisher and earning his first-career AMA Pro Flat Track win last round at Charlotte, Bronson Bauman now sits second in the GNC2 point standings. The 18-year-old has landed on the podium in three of the last four rounds and will look to carry over that momentum to Springfield aboard his No. 30Z Lombardi’s Harley-Davidson machine.
Dan Bromley, entered to ride the No. 54A Bill Werner Racing Kawasaki, Jamison Minor, pilot of the No. 27U Roy Built Kawasaki, and J.R. Addison, No. 24F Smith Racing Kawasaki rider, round out the top five in points in the GNC2 class, respectively.
The Springfield Mile on Sunday, Sept. 6, will be the fifth of six scheduled events that GNC2 riders are to compete on twin-cylinder motorcycles, with the last one being the Roar on the Shore in Delaware on Sept. 19.
Tickets and Tune-In
For tickets and information regarding this Sunday’s Springfield Mile, fans are encouraged to call 217-632-0277 or 217-753-8866 and like the Springfield Mile Facebook page. The Springfield Mile will honor Neil Keen and his tuner, Dennis Mahan, during Opening Ceremonies. Keen’s race bikes will also be on display at the event.
Live streaming action from the Springfield Mile will begin with practice and qualifying at 11:15 a.m. ET (8:15 a.m. PT), followed by the Pre-Race Show at 1:15 p.m. ET (10:15 a.m. PT). Opening Ceremonies will kick off the day’s racing action at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) with the GNC2 Main Event scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) and the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines Main Event slated to go green at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT). Fans that can’t make it to the event can catch all of the live streaming action on FansChoice.tv at http://www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track.
–photo by Brian J. Nelson
BIKERNET HAS FRIENDS & VIEWERS ALL OVER THE WORLD– This wallet was made for me from a friend in SERBIA by the name Sloboban Stefanovic who is a member of the WIND and FIRE MC
It is very well made and I am proud to own in.
–Rogue
BIKERNET BAGGERS
Supreme Editor and Emperor
ARCH MOTORCYCLES FEATURE IN WESTWAYS MAGAZINE— Just this month Keanu Reeves and ARCH Motorcycles was featured in WestWays travel magazine.
Westways is a travel publication produced by the Autoclub of Southern California received by over 8 million AAA members.
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BIKERNET STAFF GOES GREEN–With all this talk about saving our planet, I thought I would share this email on going green with you.
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Awwww, sorry, I think I got my Green emails mixed up!!!
I hope you don’t mind.
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–from Jim Waggaman
BLAST FROM THE PAST— Bandit and Avon Tyres hooked up in the ‘80s. His boss, Joe Teresi was pissed off. Jesse James tried to get him fired. “Fuck it,” Bandit said, “I like Avon Tyres. They supported me through bunches of bike builds. I was always impressed with their products, and their tires are on all over our Bonneville bikes. Least I can do would be to stand still for a photo.”
THE ARTISTIC MASTER PIZZ IS GONE—
A farewell to The Pizz, Long Beach’s ‘zeitgeistically poignant’ artist
By Tim Grobaty, Long Beach Press Telegram
The Pizz’s last artistic statement was a bleak black and white photo of an unmade bed in a Long Beach hotel room near the airport. Its sheets and blankets twisted and bunched, a sign of a restless sleep, perhaps, or maybe just staged to look like it.
On the wall behind the bed the artist spray-painted the word “Ozymandias,” the title of a Shelley poem about the hubris of kings and the inevitable turning-to-dust of their magnificent works and empires.
The Pizz posted the photo on Instagram on Sunday and then wrapped a towel around a .357 handgun and shot himself. The Long Beach artist was 57.
He was born in Orange as Stephen Pizzurro — “but don’t use his real name,” a friend urged. “He hated it” — The Pizz left home at 17 and launched himself into a career in punk rock, art, and punk-rock art and eventually became one of the most important artists in the so-called lowbrow art movement, using the familiar themes of the movement — hot rods, surfing and tikis — the holy trinity of Kustom Kulture.
He came up fast, working for the epic cartoonist Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and others. One of his first supporters was Long Gone John, the legendary founder of the Long Beach record label Sympathy for the Record Industry, who signed such acts as the Geraldine Fibbers and the White Stripes.
Long Gone John, who now lives in Olympia, Washington, hired The Pizz in the late 1980s as his art director to turn out album covers and posters.
“I saw that photograph on Instagram as The Pizz’s last artistic endeavor,” said John. “His last exclamation mark. I’m just thankful that he had the presence of mind at the end to go to a hotel where his wife wouldn’t discover his body.”
The Pizz’s mentor and idol was artist Robert Williams, now 72, one of the pioneers of the underground comic movement as part of the Zap Comix collective with R. Crumb, Rick Griffin and others. Williams was also at the vanguard of the punk-rock art movement, which is where he met The Pizz more than 30 years ago. The two were part of the Art Boys club, a raggedy group spoofing San Francisco’s snooty Artistes club, with such members as Matt Groening, Gary Panter, Mark Mothersbaugh and Neon Park.
“You look for a word for The Pizz that means cool or hip or with it. My pedantic word for him is zeitgeistically poignant,” said Williams by phone from his home in Los Angeles. “He was a fountainhead of style. I liked him the moment I saw him.
“ I dug him,” said Markus Cuff, premier photographer for Bikernet and Tattoo Magazine. “I have many pictures of The Pizz from a shoot I did with him in 1993 at his home in Orange County, Ca. for TATTOO Magazine’s sister publication TATTOO SAVAGE. Also loads of shots of him at lowbrow Kounter Kultural art openings, like The La Luz de Jesus Gallery, and The Kustom Kulture show at The Laguna Art Museum. He was the shit.”
BIKERNET BLOG EXPANSION— Joe and his team rebuilt the Bikernet blog to improve security, and story layout. Hell, I don’t know. I just pay the bills and hope we stay afloat on the sea of metal flake tranquility. Let me know what you think?
And make sure to sign up for our e-mail reports. It’s no charge, and you can turn ‘em off at any time.
–Bandit
YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES EXPAND– Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., introduced several more of their 2016 motorcycles yesterday, including off-road playbikes, dual-sport models and scooters. The balance of the 2016 Yamaha motorcycle line-up will be introduced later this fall.
2016 Yamaha Off-Road Playbikes
Yamaha’s off-road playbikes are legendary for their versatility, durability, and easy-to-ride, low-maintenance features.
For 2016, the PW50 returns to continue its important mission to introduce young riders to the sport of motorcycling. The TT-R50E is also back with its convenient electric-start feature and auto-clutch transmission, as is the larger-capacity TT-R110E. All three bikes are the perfect starting point for young riders.
Big fun for the whole family, the YZ-styled, easy electric-start, four-stroke-powered TTR125LE begs to be ridden by everyone from bigger kids to adults, and returns for 2016.
A great choice for beginner and intermediate riders, the TT-R230 also returns for 2016, with its YZ-inspired handling and looks, stout 223cc engine, and handy electric start.
The 2016 PW50, TT-R50E, TT-R110E, TT-R125LE, and TT-R230 will each be available in Team Yamaha Blue/White.
The PW50 will retail for $1,440 and arrive in dealerships beginning in September; the TT-R50E will retail for $1,540 and arrive in dealerships beginning in November; the TTR-110E will retail for $2,240 and arrive in dealerships beginning in September; the TT-R125LE will retail for $3,290 and arrive in dealerships beginning in January; and the TT-R230 will retail for $3,990 and arrive in dealerships beginning in November.
2016 Yamaha Dual-Sport
The TW200 is known for its unique terrain-conquering tires, low seat height, electric starting, and on-/off-road capabilities. For 2016, the TW200 remains one of the most distinctive-looking dual-purpose motorcycles in the market. The 2016 TW200 will be available in Mineral Blue/White.
Also offered in Mineral Blue for 2016 is the fuel-injected XT250, with its long-travel suspension and powerful front and rear disc brakes for superb stopping power on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
Descended from Yamaha’s YZ-F motocross bikesand off-road WR models, the dual-sport WR250R puts a little more emphasis on “sport.” The WR250R is the pefect choice for enthusiasts who want to continue riding when the road ends.
The 2016 TW200 will retail for $4,590 and arrive in dealerships beginning in October; the XT250 will retail for $5,190 and the WR250R will retail for $6,690, and both will arrive in dealerships beginning in September.
2016 Scooters
For fun and frugality, nothing beats Yamaha’s lineup of four-stroke scooters. For 2016, the Vino Classic returns with its 49cc, fuel-injected engine and a new Rosewood Brown color.
The Zuma 50F also returns for 2016, with its dirtbike-influenced styling, aggressive tires, and the triple-digit fuel economy of its thrifty 49cc four-stroke engine. The Zuma 50FX, which kicks things up a notch with its supersport-inspired colors and graphics, is also back for 2016. The Zuma 50F is available in either Raven or Vanilla White, while the Zuma 50FX is offered in Stardust Silver or Radical White.
The 155cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 2016 Smax returns with its combination of fuel efficiency, excellent acceleration, and sporty power for commuting or riding on the highway, even with two riders on board. It will be available in Candy Red and Gun Metal Gray color schemes.
The 2016 Vino Classic will retail for $2,290, the Zuma 50F and the Zuma 50FX for $2,590, and the Smax for $3,690. All four scooters will be available in dealerships beginning in January.
For more information on all Yamaha models–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com. Also, check out “YamahaMotorUSA” on your favorite social media sites.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
I just bought a 2007 Saxon Scepter. Where could I find a owners manual? I would first like to know how do you know when your oil is low since there is no dip stick.
— Marvin Halsey
mclayhj@gmail
Trenton , OH
I would bet it’s under the seat. Saxon went out of business several years ago, and then resurfaced in Europe for awhile.
Gard Hollinger, from ARCH motorcycle was their main designer. Go to his web site and drop him a note. I’m sure he can help.
BATES FOOTWEAR RELEASES THE TASER–
Bates Footwear has released the “Taser” as part of their new line of PowerSports footwear, offering a new choice for motorcyclists looking for a casual riding boot. The Michigan based shoe manufacturer utilizes premium components and construction to offer a new high performance riding boot that offers equal parts protection and comfort.
The Bates Taser is a perfect blend of quality components and construction to create a riding boot that not only offers protection but is also stylish and comfortable to wear on and off the bike. Ideal for motorcyclists that prefer to wear gear that matches their style, the Taser is available in three different color combinations including all black, grey with black highlights, and black with red highlights.
The Taser is constructed of high performance leather and features molded heel protection, PORON® XRD® ankle protection and an internal midsole. This waterproof riding boot also has a hidden lacing system that allows riders to quickly and easily cinch up the laces, and also keeps them out of the way of moving parts. The oil and slip resistant rubber outsole provides firm footing both on the pegs and on the ground.
Bates Footwear “Taser” | $175
Waterproof
High Performance Leather
PORON® XRD® Side Impact Foam
Molded Heel Protection
Internal Midsole
Hidden Lacing System
Oil and Slip Resistant Rubber Outsole
Colors Available: Black, Black/Red, Grey/Black
The Taser by Bates Footwear is now in stock and available for purchase online and through select PowerSports dealers. Visit www.BatesFootwear.com to learn more, and join the conversation by following them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
ZIPPER’S HOLIDAY DEAL– Save 10% today through Monday, Sept. 7th! Use the code LABOR10 on ZippersPerformance.com! (Offer only valid 9/2/2015 thru 11:59 PM EST on 9/7/2015, excludes S&S products and gift certificates.)
Zipper’s Performance will be Closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day! We will reopen Tuesday, September 8th at 9 AM EST, our web store is always open! Use the code LABOR10 and save 10% on your web store purchase!
Offer is only valid 9/2/2015 – 11:59 PM EST 9/7/2015. Excludes S&S products and gift certificates.
Zipper’s Zip Kits
Red Line® Power Packs
Red Line® Oil’s Big Twin Power Packs are a complete kit for motorcycles equipped with Evolution® and Twin Cam® engines. Power Packs include 5 quarts of ?Motorcycle Oil, 1 quart of V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof®, 1 quart of Primary Chain Case Oil, 1 bottle of Motorcycle Fuel Injection Cleaner, Red Line® stickers, a Red Line® embroidered hat, and a versatile funnel.
LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST NEWS–Well it’s just about upon us, the 2015 Las Vegas Bikefest. New venue, amazing concerts, and the world famous Artistry in Iron.
A group of the most amazing custom motorcycle builders in all the world. This gallery is just a teaser of images from the past, the bikes, the bands, the wet-t contests, and so much more. Enjoy it exclusively in Bandit’s Cantina, or hell, ride to Vegas for the event.
Coming soon to the Cantina!
STRANGE DEALER NEWS OF THE WEEK–
DC Harley-Davidson Dealership sponsoring Nation of Islam rally. A Harley Davidson dealership in the Washington DC area is sponsoring the Nation of Islam [NOI] rally in Washington DC. Louis Farrakhan will be leading the rally on October 10th. It is called “Justice Or Else.”
The dealership is located in Fort Washington, MD and owned by Joyce & Thomas Moorehead. The couple also owns a BMW/MINI dealership in Sterling, MD. Thomas Moorehead is the Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.
The Harley-Davidson dealership’s official website lists the dealership as a rally point for black motorcyclists attending the NOI rally. Louis Farrakhan has launched an effort to attract black bikers that he named “Ride For Justice.”
The GM of the dealership is a black man named Anderson Morgan. The Nation of Islam conducted a nationwide conference call for black bikers on July 30th. Morgan was one of the speakers during the conference call.
The national black motorcycle club Afro Dogs has called on all their members to try to participate. The DC Area Chapter of the Road Wolves is in charge in coordinating activities for bikers.
In the past few weeks, Louis Farrakhan has given speeches green-lighting violence against white people. In Miami, Florida, Farrakhan called on 10,000 black men to launch violent retaliation against the white man. In Milwaukee, WI, Farrakhan declared that “white people deserve to die.”
The NOI teaches that all white people will be exterminated in the future. The say that North America will be the first continent where all white people will be killed off. The theology of the NOI holds that white people are biological devils created by an evil scientist six thousand years ago.
The Fort Washington Harley Davidson Dealership sent us this e-mail:
We at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC support our family community of riders. We promote a riding culture that is free of political or polarizing boundaries and stand against these types of agendas. We welcome the gathering of our riding community and endorse an environment that is free of agendas born to separate us from who we truly are – a family that comes together who loves to ride. All riders will always be welcomed here at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC to an environment that is free of cages.
Sincerely,
Your family at Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC
METALSPORT RUNS ” 11 FEET ” SO METALSPORT WHEELS HAS DECIDED TO SELL “THE 11 FEET.”
A 120-inch Patrick Billet engine, custom seat, hidden touch controls, custom orange paint, plus much more.
One of the timeless classic motorcycles.
All this for only $30,000.00 obo call us to come and see it 562-776-9594 .
CUSTOM CYCLE ENGINEERING BUILDING NEW DYNA RUBBERMOUNTS– I am about 2 weeks out on finishing the front and rear motor mounts. All the parts are made but I still need to do the outside processing: plating, anodizing and a few other processes.
Let me know if we can hook up for an installation in about two weeks.
–Rick Whitehead
Custom Cycle Engineering
760-941-6466
HELMETS— I’ve tried full face helmet and hate them. The younger crowd grew up with them and seem to delight in the latest styling. When a ride rolls by wearing a new full-face they look like an alien being, not a human being. I’m curious about statistics.
I started getting jacked for beanie helmets so I shifted to the cool retro, old bell type helmet. Almost bearable but I almost got smacked three times on the way to Half Moon Bay with Billy Lane, Jeremiah, and the former Sucker Punch owner. I lost my peripheral vision and changed lanes too soon.
Recently, I noticed DOT approved beanie, or jockey styled helmets by Harley-Davidson. I was intrigued. They good and I decided to test a couple. One for me and one for the Redhead of Redheads.
They are the Men’s Skull 1/2 Helmet, Part Number 98258-08VM. We will let you know how they pan out.
–Bandit
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–
No. 740 JIMS® Vacuum Fed Fork Filling Tool
Changing the fork fluid on models with fairings can be intimidating and take hours.
This tool will eliminate the need to remove the fairing on all 2013 and earlier touring bikes to change the fork oil. It’s like magic! With this tool it should take about 30 minutes to perform the service compared to 2.2 hours.
To fill the fork, simply insert the tapered fitting into drain hole and create a vacuum using a standard Mityvac hand pump. Once you reach approximately 23 in lbs of vacuum pressure, rotate the valve and instantly the vacuum will draw the pre-measured amount of fork fluid into the fork tube.
This tool is designed to be used in conjunction with a Mityvac tool, which is sold separately. JIMS No. 740 retails for $250.20 and works on all conventional damper tube type fork assemblies. (Not for use on cartridge type or inverted fork assemblies.)
For more info, contact sales@jimsusa.com, visit www.jimsusa.com, or call (805) 482.6913.
ASCOT MOTOR SPEEDWAY IS ALIVE— We met Chris Agajanian recently, and he’s doing a bang-up job of keeping the Ascot name alive.
Check out his growing clothing line.—Bandit
http://ascotmotorsports.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/checkered-flags-tee-white
THE BAD COP REPORT– It seems that more and more people are unhappy with police and showing that dislike in many ways.–ROGUE
FLA. OFFICER REFUSED SERVICE AT ARBY’S DRIVE THRU
Arby’s said it has apologized to Florida’s Pembroke Pines Police Department after an employee at one of the fast-food chain’s locations allegedly refused to serve one of the department’s police officers.
Pembroke Pines police says one of their officers was initially refused service at an Arby’s location in town on Tuesday evening when trying to order food at the restaurant’s drive-thru. The officer was in uniform and in a police vehicle, according to a police report filed on the incident.
The drive-thru clerk, who was identified as Kenneth Davenport, 19, sounded “short” with the officer when he or she was ordering, the police report says. Police would not divulge the name of the complaining officer.
Store manager Angel Mirabel told the officer that the clerk “doesn’t want to serve you because you are a police officer.” Mirabel had to order Davenport to process the officer’s credit card. — Aamer Madhani
–from Rogue
Bikernet Baggers
Never-Say-Die Editor
AMA INDUSTRY NEWS–
TOOLE, UTAH – CHINA-BASED MITIME INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP PAID
$20 MILLION for the Miller Motorsports Park, with the intention of
continuing operations and improving the facility.
The property became available when Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
did not renew its lease on the 511-acre property.
Mitime is a subsidiary of Geely Group of Companies, the largest independent automotive group in China.
EAST TROY, WIS. – ERIK BUELL RACING’S REMAINING ASSETS were bought by New Jersey resident Bruce Belfer, who says he intends to restart motorcycle production with Erik Buell at the helm.
Belfer, owner of Atlantic Metals Group LLC, paid $2.25 million for EBR’s machinery, inventory and other manufacturing assets in a court-supervised sale on Aug. 5. There were no other bidders.
HMCL Americas Inc. and HMCL NA, Inc. – both wholly owned subsidiaries of Hero MotoCorp Ltd. – paid $2.8 million for EBR’s intangible assets
and intellectual property, including its technology and consulting operation.
When EBR filed for protection from creditors in April under Wisconsin’s Chapter 128, the company listed liabilities of $20.4 million and assets of $20.8 million.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
MAGDEBURG, GERMANY – SCHUBERTH AIR & ACOUSTICS LAB IS THE NEW WIND TUNNEL facility built to test the aerodynamics of Schuberth’s motorcycle and Formula 1 helmets.
The company has operated a wind tunnel in Braunschweig, Germany, for more than 30 years, but decided to move the testing to a new facility at
Schuberth’s main campus.
The new facility allows Schuberth to determine how user comfort is affected by changing weather, including temperature and humidity.
PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO RIDE! Volunteering is easy, and it’s rewarding. To
learn how you can help, visit online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com
NEVER THE END— We never stop around here. We are always reaching out to help any aspect of the industry we love, custom motorcycles. Just about 24/7 we’re on the phone, making shit, sharing info, shipping stuff, or writing stories.
We just love what we do and always wish we could do more for our brothers and sisters who build, ride, or dream about custom motorcycles.
Next week, we will work on another Peter Linney feature. I’m working with Jack on something special for Cantina Members. He’s going to dig around all the used motorcycle sites for special deals, and I’m going to look for special exclusive deals for our Cantina Members.
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I’m working on a special FXRs Forever tech with Bennett’s Performance. We will cover Twevos, but as always, the Evo is first in our hearts. Evos represent the best pure V-twin ever built We will bring you new Evo news from S&S.
Don’t miss the Chuck Palumbo story, just launched yesterday.
We’re shooting several wild chops for Cycle Source Magazine in the next couple of weeks. This is one from McQuiston’s in Long Beach. I get a kick out of it. Choppers are back, big time.
We should bring our Bagger readers an update on the Krash Kranzler Bagger rebuild by Paughco next week.
Oh, and Kent promised to bend Salt Torpedo steel this week and bring us a report. Ray Wheeler called yesterday and said the Bonneville Salt Flats are toast. No racing, no more, but I don’t believe it. Let’s cross our salty fingers and pray for a briny recovery. Remember, someone told me there are 65 square miles of salt. It can’t all be gone.
Hang on for more reports.
–Bandit
