Hey,
I cut across town on my Indian to attend a memorial for Paul Percell, a longstanding Hamster, who at 54 died of a heart attack, way too young.
I noticed a couple of things while weaving through traffic. First, we need to pass more lane splitting laws across the country. The traffic is ridiculous. Seems to me it has gotten seriously worse over the last five years. What gives?
I wore a beanie helmet, like we wore in the past, before cops started to harass our helmets. I also wore it because it had Hamster logos on the sides, to show support for my brothers. But I noticed something while riding. I had peripheral vision while changing lanes. With full helmets, even the old Bell, which I wear most of the time, my side vision is shit, and I’m in trouble most of the time while changing lanes. WTF?
Let’s hit the news.
THE AUSTRALIAN CLUB REPORT– Aussie clubs recruiting new members, Crime and Corruption head says.
In the Australian state of Queensland, outlaw motorcycle clubs are re-forming and recruiting, the head of the states Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has claimed, as the State Government plans to repeal anti-biker laws from the Newman government era.
CCC chairman Alan MacSporran told a budget estimates hearing that while intelligence indicates groups are recruiting and re-forming he believes authorities will stay on top of it.
Labor intends to repeal the anti-biker legislation later this year, including provisions that stop three or more club members gathering in one place.
“If there is ultimately a difficulty in controlling any part of organized crime including the outlaw motorcycle gangs with those powers – or the lack of them if that’s the perception or reality – we’d be the first to make that known to the attorney,” MacSporran said.
The Opposition’s shadow Attorney-General, Ian Walker, said the law changes would see the resurgence of crime in the state, and called on the Government to guarantee motorcycle club houses would not reopen.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the Government was determined to keep cracking down on outlaw motorcycle clubs when new organised crime laws are introduced later this year.
She told the estimates hearing current laws were not being repealed back to previous legislation with nothing in its place.
“The new regime will include targeted consorting laws, new organized crime control orders, additional jail sentences with mandatory provisions for serious organized crime,” she said.
“We have resolved to ensure that the outlaw motorcycle clubs remain closed and the wearing of outlaw motorcycle club colors in licensed premises to remain banned.”
Ms D’Ath said outlaw motorcycle crime only made up 1 per cent of crime in the Queensland.
She said it was equally important for authorities to look into other disturbing organized crime that distributes child exploitation material, and fraud and boiler room operations.
The Newman government’s anti-biker laws were broadly supported by police but drew heavy criticism from civil libertarian groups.
The VLAD law, introduced by the former LNP government, meant members or associates of criminal organizations convicted of a serious crime would have to serve an extra 15 to 25 years on top of any prison sentence.
Bikers and their associates were also charged if three or more gathered in one place.
In one case, seven men who were at the same Sunshine Coast pub were charged and spent time in custody.
Five Victorians who allegedly had links to the Hells Angels and Comancheros groups were also arrested while buying ice cream on holiday in Queensland.
Incredible: The only organized crime is the government. If anything clubs are dis-organized. They are not trying to organize against anyone. The government is trying to organize a criminal enterprise against clubs. It’s all illegal. It didn’t work here. It was just organized government crime against clubs and groups here. Freedom works.
If a biker robs a liquor store arrest him. If a politician robs his citizens through corrupt acts, arrest him. What do you think will happen and who is organized? –Bandit
VIGILANT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 21, 2016
The Oregon frog story was so good I laughed out loud..do yuh think they paid up?
When are they gonna change the ancient speed limits in this damn state? It’s not like cars weigh 4 or 5 thousand pounds and have drum breaks all the way around..fucking revenue collectors.
I-5 is the only freeway where the speed limit is 65…that’s right 65! But I digress, great frog story. Never heard of no yellow legged toad’s man.
–Danny MacDonald
Portland, OR
That Oregon story was a perfect example of how government organized crimes works against other. Perfect.
No windshield on my Indian. See you on the road to the Badlands.
–Bandit
NOT ON BOULDER!!!?
Grab your prayer rug, I’ll pick you up before sundown.
Please help? We are looking for this mosque! If you know where, please let me know a.s.a.p.
–from Vern
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN– Never slap a man who’s chewing tobacco.
Who says building a border wall won’t work? The Chinese built one over 2,000 years ago and they still don’t have any Illegal immigrants.
Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back into your pocket.
There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading; the few who learn by observation; the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
WATCH FOR BIKERNET REPORTS FROM BEVERLY HILLS– Here’s all the action from Beverly Hills…cool cars and bikes
and all the champagne and caviar you could eat….
–Paul Garson
Officially Certified Bikernet Supreme Senior Vintage Motorcycle Editor with the utmost power
Watch for Paul’s report in the next week or two.–Bandit
BIG DOG IS BACK AND THE NEW FXR MODEL WILL BE UNVEILED IN STURGIS AND THE FXR SHOW–
Matt Moore here at Big Dog. I thought I would send you a quick note before our press release goes out.
If everything gets out of paint on time, we will be debuting our new “Boxer” prototype at the FXR show in Sturgis this year on Sunday, Aug 7. This is a completely new direction in styling for our company.
After the show, we will be teamed up with S&S at their show truck and at the drag strip for their Demo day on Thursday 8/11. Let me know if you want to get together sometime during the week.
I will be at the Hamster block party on Saturday night if you are there and departing Sturgis on the 12th.
–Matt Moore
Big Dog Motorcycles
Cell: 316-371-3405
From: matt@kansasmotorcycleworks.com
NEW STATISTICAL NEWS FROM THE MRF– A quick note to alert you that today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) published an update to some key National Transportation Statistics (NTS) with 2014 data.
The tables serve as a reference guide to national-level transportation data. Some of the statistics are updated quarterly. Today’s announcement brought several updates related to motorcycles. Here is a quick look:
Motorcycle Fatalities: DOWN
2013: 4,668 2014: 4,586
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_01.html
Injured Persons by Motorcycle: UP
2013: 88,000 2014: 92,000
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_02.html
Motorcycle Accidents: UP
2013: 106,000 2014: 110,000
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_02_03.html
Also of note, the number of registered motorcyclists on the road increased from 8,404,687 in 2013 to 8,417,718 in 2014.
It would be interesting for one of our math whiz folks to compare the increase in bikers on the road to the increase in injured persons and accidents and see how they stack up.
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/html/table_01_11.html
Here is the link to the entire index of all studies with dates in bold of when they were last updated:
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/publications/national_transportation_statistics/index.html
The National Transportation Statistics as a whole consists of more than 260 tables of national data on the transportation system, safety, the economy and energy and the environment, of which 73 were updated today. The next quarterly update is scheduled for October.
—
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
www.mrf.org
KIEFER SUTHERLAND RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM ‘DOWN IN A HOLE’ AUGUST 19, PREMIERES “CAN’T STAY AWAY” ON CMT– DOWN IN A HOLE Available for Pre-order August 5
Kiefer Sutherland’s soulful baritone vocals and guitar licks continue to captivate audiences with his second music video, “Can’t Stay Away,” premiering exclusively this weekend during CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown. The track is the latest release from Sutherland’s debut album Down In A Hole, which will be released August 19 by Warner Music Nashville/Ironworks Music. Down In A Hole will be available for pre-order August 5. Click here to download “Can’t Stay Away.”
Sutherland, who co-wrote every song on the upcoming 11-track album with producer Jude Cole, including “Can’t Stay Away,” just wrapped up a North American tour that included sold-out dates across the U.S. and Canada.
“We wanted the biggest look for the premiere of Kiefer Sutherland’s new song and video!” said Leslie Fram, CMT Senior VP of Music Strategy.
“CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown has a weekly large, loyal base of country music fans who want to see what’s hot and new. “Can’t Stay Away” captures the live, intimate, real and raw essence of what Kiefer has been doing on the road, playing small towns and small clubs. Undeniable!’ Fram added.
CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown airs Saturdays and Sundays at 9a/8c.
Earlier this year Sutherland gave fans a taste of his songwriting notebook when he released the pedal-steeled “Not Enough Whiskey.”
“This record is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a journal or diary. All of these songs are pulled from my own personal experiences. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music. As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn’t counted on,” Sutherland said of Down In A Hole.
Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.
DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING:
Can’t Stay Away
Truth In Your Eyes
I’ll Do Anything
Not Enough Whiskey
Going Home
Calling Out Your Name
My Best Friend
Shirley Jean
All She Wrote
Down In A Hole
Gonna Die
KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– Many years ago during my married days, I accidentally overturned my golf cart.
Elizabeth, a very attractive and keen golfer, who lived in a villa on the golf course,
heard the noise and called out: “Are you okay, what’s your name?”
“It’s John, and I’m okay thanks,” I replied as I pulled myself out of the twisted cart.
“John, she said, (firm loose breasts undulating beneath her white silky robe) “forget your troubles. Come to my villa, rest a while and I’ll help you get the cart up later.”
“That’s mighty nice of you,” I answered, “but I don’t think my wife would like it.”
“Oh, come on now ” Elizabeth insisted.
She was so very pretty, very very sexy and very persuasive … I was weak.
“Well okay,” I finally agreed but thought to myself, “my wife won’t like it.”
After a couple of restorative Scotch and waters, I thanked Elizabeth.
“I feel a lot better now, but I know my wife is going to be really upset.
So I’d best go now.”
“Don’t be silly!” Elizabeth said with a smile, letting her robe fall open slightly.
“She won’t know anything. By the way, where is she?”
“Still under the cart, I guess” I said.
–from Rik Savenko
DEAL OF THE WEEK FROM LAS VEGAS H-D–
RAY WHEELER’S SPRINGER IS CLOSE TO READY FOR A BREAK-IN RUN–
The Springer is running and will take the first test ride today. Have to fill and bleed front brakes and seal and lube primary.
–DR. Willie
ACTION FROM– Walneck’s Inc., 7923 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, Illinois 60517 | Tel 630-985-2097
New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!–
HOW CAN THIS WORK ON A WIDE TIRE 200MM FXR ?
— PETE VANN
rockon2u@cogeco.ca
It can work fine, depending on the driveline alignment. Before the advent of the left side drive transmission, it would be nearly impossible, because you’re screwed with the engine and trans way out of alignment. I’m sure Mil, the master of this system, will send you his call on this.
–Bandit
CANTINA REPORTS COMING FROM STURGIS— Jack and his team will be all over Sturgis and the Black Hills covering the action.
–JACK MCINTYRE
Supreme, all powerful, Co-Editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM
MORE STATS FROM THE MRF–Okay Megan, I have nothing better to do on a Saturday morning so here goes:
Use 2013 as a base-
Bikes on the road increased by 13,031 or 0.2%
Fatalities decreased by 82 or 2%. They occurred at a rate of 1 in 1800 bikes in 2013 compared to 1 in 1836 in 2014. Death rate was 0.06% in 2013 and 0.05 % in 2014.
Injuries increased by 4,000 or 5% (I find these base number suspicious since they are very round). 1 in every 95 bikers were injured 20013 compared to 1 in every 91 in 2014. Injury rate for both year was 1% of all bikes.
Accidents increased by 4,000 or 3.8% (again with the round numbers). Rate is 1 in 79 for 2013 compared to 1 in 76 for 2014. Rate per bike constant at 1.3%.
Some fun side lights. In 2013 death rate per accident was 4.4% and 4.2% in 2014. Since there is no way to know about 2 up accidents this means roughly that in 96% of bike accidents you survive.
As to injuries, in 2013 83% of accidents result in an injury and for 2014 it is 84%. that means 16% of all motorcycle accidents result in no injury ( again with the two up caveat).
Always remember, statistics do not prevaricate but statisticians do. So you can spin these to any favorable light you see fit.
–from Frank Carbone
MRF
[page break]
WEEKEND PIRELLI TIRE REPORT– Peick Leads Pack of Pirelli Riders to his Season-Best Finish at Washougal
The ninth round of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship made its annual return to Washougal Motocross Park for the Peterson CAT Washougal National on Saturday. For the final time this season, racers lined up on West Coast terrain and were treated to perfect weather that featured temperatures in the lower 80’s with plenty of bar banging action on the track. The unique dark clay challenged riders and teams throughout the day, however, Pirelli’s SCOPRION™ MX32™ front and MX32™ PRO rear tires prevailed to capture five top-10 positions in the 450 Class.
Despite a hard crash that left him on the sidelines one week ago in Millville, Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Weston Peick bounced back in typical bulldog fashion for an inspiring performance. In 450 Moto 1, he found himself just outside of the top-10 to complete the opening lap and quickly went to work with a hard charge to seventh place at the checkered flag. The second moto witnessed him circulate the opening lap in eighth before making a couple of aggressive passes to claw his way into fifth. He earned his best finish of the season with fourth overall via 7-5 moto scores.
JGRMX rider Justin Barcia came into the day full of confidence after winning a moto at Washougal just one year ago, however, the first moto proved to be an uphill battle as he fell victim to carnage and started the opening lap in 20th position. The No.51 dug deep and fought-hard the entire race to finish 10th. When the gate dropped for 450 Moto 2, he got off to a much better start and was credited in fifth. He charged to fourth, placing him fifth overall (10-4) on the day.
Andrew Short was full of excitement as he lined up at one of his favorite tracks for the final time in his career, nearly pulling the holeshot in the first moto as he crossed the opening lap in third. “Shorty” stayed strong the entire 30-minute plus two lap race to score his best moto finish of the season in sixth. Another start near the front of the field helped him finish seventh in Moto 2 for a season-best sixth overall (6-7). It marked the third consecutive race that the BTO Sports/WPS/KTM rider has finished inside of the top-10 and improved him to seventh place in the championship standings.
BTO Sports/WPS/KTM’s Benny Bloss continued his recent hot streak of impressive performances and came out swinging with a fifth place start when the gate dropped for 450 Class Moto 1. After losing a few positions in the early stages of the moto, the rookie regrouped to regain control of the fifth position for a career-best moto finish. A start outside of the top-20 in the second moto would be the ultimate test to the youngster’s fitness and ability to come through the pack, but he could not be stopped and charged to ninth at the finish. He tied his career-best overall finish with seventh overall (5-9) and moved inside of the top-10 in the championship standings for the first time this season.
Pirelli’s MX32™ PRO tire handled the slippery surfaces with ease as Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti found plenty of traction to capture the holeshot in 450 Moto 1. The New Yorker ran near the front to score fourth. Misfortune struck on the opening lap of Moto 2, forcing him to start at the tail end of the 40-rider field. A clutch performance guided him to eleventh for eighth overall (4-11).
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take a two-week break before returning to action on August 13 in New Berlin, New York for the Unadilla National.
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (2-1)
Ken Roczen, Germany, Suzuki (1-2)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (3-3)
Weston Peick, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha (7-5)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (10-4)
Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (6-7)
Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM (5-9)
Phil Nicoletti, Cohocton, N.Y., Yamaha (4-11)
Dean Wilson, United Kingdom, KTM (8-10)
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (15-8)
—
18. Justin Brayton Fort Dodge, IA., KTM – (13-34)
20. Dustin Pipes, Madera, Calif., Suzuki (23-17)
450 Class Championship Standings
Ken Roczen, Germany, Suzuki – 434
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 379
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 283
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 244
Christophe Pourcel, France, Husqvarna – 217
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki – 171
Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM – 155
Justin Brayton Fort Dodge, IA., – 152
Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda – 151
Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM – 151
EXCLUSIVE WYOMING RIDER REPORT— The mountain above Buffalo is on fire. Smoke is beyond a bike hazard. No traffic thru at all.
Have been rerouting fols to Shell Canyon Road or around to Casper for travel or tour.
Gillette has a big fire as well. The smoke here is bad. Extreme caution.
Heads up! Wyoming travel will have some of this. Bikers will need eye drops and extra coverage for face gear. If they have breathing troubles pack inhalers etc. Caution!
This one is the most extreme we have had. Will make travel tuff. Black Hills has a lot of heat and smoke.
–Deb Wood
TRAILER REVIEW COMING TO BIKERNET–
I found a motorcycle trailer manufacturer in South Carolina. They make a light-weight fold-up trailer called the “Alpha Sport” that looks like something I’d use and recommend to my friends.
google: “alpha sport motorcycle trailer,” and you can watch a you tube video that covers the high points of the thing.
It competes with the Kendon trailer for functionality but it is priced almost $1000 less.
–PJ
Bikernet Certified Contributor
adjective
Quotes
They loved one another. They would have children. Then let everybody and everything else fade into insignificance outside this connubial felicity.
— D. H. Lawrence, “The Blind Man,” England, My England and Other Stories, 1922
Origin of connubial
Connubial finds its origin in the Latin verb nubare meaning “to marry.” It entered English in the mid-1600s.
BOOK OF THE WEEKEND– A Journey of Adventure, Disaster, and Redemption Inspired by the Plight of At-Risk Girls
Authored by Sara Safari, Jeffrey Kottler
In Follow My Footsteps, Sara Safari and Jeffrey Kottler recount the thrilling tale of Sara’s climb to the top of Mount Everest for a cause: bringing awareness to the plight of marginalized girls and victims of child sex trafficking around the world.
As a young girl in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, Sara experienced firsthand the oppressive, restrictive environment that enables the sex-trafficking trade to thrive. She found herself with little personal freedom and few rights under the law, and she knew there had to be something better.
As an adult, Sara wanted to empower children who’d been cast aside by society, so she set out on a journey fraught with obstacles and life-threatening peril.
She’d never before understood the quest for the glory that came with standing atop the world. But what better way to show these young girls that they can do anything they put their minds to?
Her own heartbreaking past makes the story of her determination all the more inspirational. The trials she faced changed her forever and helped her discover a strength she didn’t know she had.
Publication Date: May 25 2016
ISBN/EAN13: 0692725806 / 9780692725801
Page Count: 232
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 6″ x 9″
Language: English
Color: Black and White
Related Categories: Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering
MORE FROM AUSTRALIA– South Australian cops look at outlawing a street gang
SA Police say they are targeting a street gang understood to be acting as a recruiter for an un-named motorcycle club, a year after the State Government outlawed 10 motorcycle clubs. Under the controversial laws, the 10 clubs were declared criminal organizations, meaning it is illegal for three or more members to meet in public, enter pubs or wear club colors.
The focus on the street gang is believed to be the first time the laws have been considered for a group other than an established motorcycle club.
Police say it signals a widening of their net to try to crack down on ‘organized crime’.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said police were “currently doing some work on a street gang that we believe may meet the threshold”.
“But we are in the relatively early stages on that one,” Stevens told a recent parliamentary committee.
“We will continue that work and, if we are satisfied that it meets the threshold, we will be putting forward a submission that they be considered for inclusion.”
The draconian laws introduced last August have caused heated debate because they handed politicians, rather than the courts, the power to make a decision about which groups would be outlawed.
To add to the list of 10, police must prepare a brief for the Attorney-General to assess and determine whether to take a regulation to State Parliament.
The Government initially intended to declare 27 motorcycle clubs as criminal organisations but, in a deal with the Opposition to pass the laws, the list was reduced by removing interstate clubs with no known presence here.
At the time, Attorney-General John Rau said the new powers would make it easier to “crack down” on bikers.
Stevens admitted the laws may not have “reduced their (motorcycle club) involvement in organised crime” but that it had “disrupted their capacity to exert influence over the community”.
“We were well aware going into this regime that, if successful, it would essentially drive those overt activities underground,” Stevens said. In the year since the laws came into force, there have been nine arrests including two cases before the courts relating to anti-association laws. Eight people have been charged over the two cases.
Both incidents occurred in December and involved members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows told the committee the first case was set for trial in September and the second was at pre-trial conference.
“SAPOL considers the legislation as being extremely successful in restricting groups of OMCG (outlaw motorcycle gang) members from congregating,” she told media.
“There is a noticeable absence of OMCG members in public, which contributes to public safety.
“Also an absence of organised tours – ‘runs’ – which has had positive public safety outcomes as well as freeing up police resources.”
In addition, one person has been charged with wearing club paraphernalia (a belt) in a licensed premises – believed to be a member of the Gypsy Joker motorcycle club.
No one has been charged over consorting laws but 131 people had been warned, including people who were not members of the declared clubs but considered likely to have connections.
The laws also banned club entry to 10 properties, including clubrooms, which Fellows said had all now been vacated.
In August last year, there were 305 club members in SA. Police believe numbers have dropped to about 274.
A Queensland taskforce into that State Government’s organised crime legislation recommended establishing an independent research body to collect and publish regular analysis of Queensland crime data, particularly relevant to organised crime in the state.
Opposition MLC Andrew McLachlan, a member of State Parliament’s Crime and Public Integrity Committee, said SA should establish a similar body to work out, using statistics, which laws worked and which did not.
“This will help to formulate appropriate policy responses,” he said.
McLachlan, who crossed the floor to vote against the laws, said given the “extraordinary powers” extended to police, the public should expect “extraordinary results”.
“Otherwise the price for giving up our civil liberties was too high,” he said.
DUCATI OMAHA CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH DEMO EXPERIENCE AND RALLY– Weekend-Long Event At Nebraska Crossing Includes Prize Giveaways And Riding Opportunities
Nebraska’s exclusive Ducati motorcycle dealership will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in Omaha with an exciting weekend packed with riding events for motorcycle enthusiasts, local families and brand executives.
From July 22–24, Ducati Omaha will be on-site at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets with their one-of-a-kind “Demo Experience and Rally.” The Italian brand’s representatives will be creating three days of competitions and riding opportunities that will include Ducati’s newest motorcycles.
Ducati Omaha Demo Experience and Rally
Dates and Times: Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Preview Day with Demo Rides
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / “Motorcycle Rodeo” Slow Race
Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / MotoGP Video Game Competition
Location: Nebraska Crossing Outlets
21209 Nebraska Crossing Dr, Gretna, NE 68028
The Demo Experience and Rally will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. from Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24. In addition to a Slow-Race “Motorcycle Rodeo” and a MotoGP Video Game Competition, the event will also feature a weekend-long Social Media Scavenger Hunt. Prizes for the different activities will include various Ducati accessories, apparel, and gift certificates.
KILLER RIDES SHOW IN AUGUST–
We’re hosting our 5th Annual Killer Rides Show on July 31st from 11am to 2pm in the parking lot of Killer Shrimp in Marina del Rey. We have everything from classic cars to hot rods to muscle cars to motorcycles.
We’re partnering with Bartels’ Harley-Davidson and Carroll Shelby who are both exhibiting one of their classics at our show. Shelby is actually bringing their Daytona Coupe for this show! We’re serving free food from the iconic hot dog stand Tail O’the Pup, we’ll have music, prizes and all around fun!
WEEKEND GUN NUT REPORT– Pending Governor’s Consideration.
One anti-gun bill remains on Governor Brown’s desk awaiting his consideration, Assembly Bill 857. Time is running out for the Governor to take action. Continue to contact Governor Brown and urge his veto of Assembly Bill 857.
Governor Brown can be reached at (916) 445-2841, at https://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php or by using our TAKE ACTION button on the NRA site.
Assembly Bill 857 would require an individual to request a serial number from DOJ for home-built firearms. Anti-gun advocates are under the impression that criminals who are already ignoring the law will apply for a serial number issued from DOJ prior to use. This bill would do nothing but entrap law-abiding citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. Governor Brown vetoed similar legislation in 2014.
KAWASAKI NEWS, Flight of the Lightning Bolt– For over 100 years, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah have attracted riders and drivers in search of world land speed records in a variety of classes.
Until the 1970s most motorcycle records had been set by American, British and European powered machines – and then Don Vesco arrived from El Cajon, California. Over several years, the self-taught engineer and racer raised the record again and again with Japanese power, finally achieving 318.598 mph on a twin Kawasaki KZ1000-powered streamliner named Lightning Bolt.
Measuring 21 feet long and weighing 1,100 pounds with Vesco aboard, the turbocharged KZ1000 engines of this aerodynamically streamlined machine were enveloped in a steel chassis, which was outfitted with special high-speed Goodyear racing tires. Displacing 1,016cc and producing 300 horsepower apiece, the engines were nearly stock except for their custom-made turbocharger systems. The front and rear engines were connected by a toothed belt and drove Lightning Bolt through the rear engine’s gearbox. The liner was slowed by twin parachutes from near top speed to about 150 mph, after which a rear disc brake took over. In case of mishap, there was also a steel roll-cage built from 1 ½-inch chrome-moly tubing.
On the afternoon of August 28, 1978, Vesco set out to make the back-to-back runs required to claim a new record. With the twin KZ1000 engines running 27 pounds of turbo boost, Vesco completed the first run at 318.330 mph, after which he and his team turned Lightning Bolt around, refueled and repacked the parachutes for the necessary return run. With the winds still favorably calm, Vesco and Lightning Bolt sped across four miles of salt before clicking into top gear and hustling through the measured mile at 318.952 mph to claim the new FIM world record.
Always hungry for more speed, in September Vesco made an official one-way run at 333.117 mph. But there were still more surprises in store. He disconnected the front KZ1000 engine and put stuntwoman Marcia Holley into Lightning Bolt, where she broke the record for a single-engine, two-wheel vehicle, averaging 229.361 mph over two runs to become the “fastest woman on two wheels.”
Today Lightning Bolt is being restored by Don’s brother Rick Vesco, elegant in its retirement and a reminder of the tremendous performance bandwidth of the original engine design of the Z1 motorcycle. From streetbikes to AMA Superbikes, and from police bikes to custom cruisers, drag racers, touring rigs and even world land speed record runs, the Z1 and the KZ900 and KZ1000 models that followed were simply out of this world for Kawasaki. And world-championship power for terrestrial heroes like Don Vesco.
STRAP IT ON— It’s getting time to ride. Next week we have exciting shit flying your way.
I’m going to start with the Born Free Report.
Markus Cuff will fly out to Monrovia to feature this super-rare Indian racer. I met the owner a couple of years ago. He was hiding out in his shop. His wife cheated on him then sent thugs to fuck him up.
He built a fortress in his shop and took care of business. See, don’t get married unless you are seriously (I mean very seriously) considering starting a family. Otherwise don’t even think about it. Read the statistics if you don’t believe me.
