Last week the final production Sportster rolled off the Harley-Davidson assembly line with grand fanfare including signatures by each member of the crew. I’m sure they were very proud.

So, what killed the iconic Sportster? Was it diminishing sales, technology, the EPA, a marketing push, Indian competition, what gives?

And will it ultimately die or be kept lively and vibrant with the current technology afforded the aftermarket?

Taking a look at the history from a couple of classic web sites paints a very interesting history from kickstart Sportsters, to electric start, to Evolution engines, disc brakes, rubbermounted drivelines, belt drives, you name it, the Sportster configuration was able to adapt with new technology right up until this year.

Here’s the lowbrow history report:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER HISTORY: EVOLUTION OF THE LEGENDARY MODEL BLOWING AWAY BIG TWINS SINCE 1957

The following was produced and written by Tyler M

Harley Davidson K Model
Harley-Davidson XL Series Sportsters

XL, Ironhead, 1957-1985
XLCH, Ironhead (“Competition Hot” Moniker) 1958-1971
XR-750 1971-1985
XL, Evolution, Since 1986
How Fast Are Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?
XLH Harley-Sportster
XLCH Harley Sportster – What’s The Difference Between XLH And XLCH Engine or electric start.

Right-Hand Shift Harley Sportster Years
Harley-Davidson Released The Sportster 883 In 1988
Belt Drive Made Standard On All Sportsters – 1993
All-New Frame Including Rubber-Mounted Engine For Decreased Vibration – 2004
Fuel Injection Replaces Carburetor On All Models – 2007
XR1200 Sportster – 2008
XL1200V “Seventy-Two” Model Sportster – 2015
Harley-Davidson Sportster: Tracing The Journey Of 60 Years

Check out Tyler’s full report on the lowbrow site. Tyler Malinky is the CEO of Lowbrow Customs, which he founded back in 2004. An avid vintage motorcyclist, Tyler builds and races 1950s Triumph motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats, in addition to building and riding both stock and custom Harley-Davidson’s on the street.

There’s also some terrific historic technical info on Classic Motorcycle Build: http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/sportster-history.html

Let’s look at the product description of the 1200 Sportster for 2021

The Iron 1200 starts with the 1200cc Evolution engine that gives loads of famous Sportster torque. It’s got a throwback look that goes right to the roots of Sportster motorcycle, thanks to ‘70s-inspired tank graphics. It also features a low-slung Café solo seat, mid-mount controls, and mini ape hanger handlebars for an aggressive, two-fists-in-the-wind riding position.

Length86.6 in. (2,200 mm)
Overall Width36 in. (915 mm)
Overall Height48.8 in. (1,240 mm)
Seat Height, Laden25.7 in. (653 mm)2
Seat Height, Unladen28.9 in. (735 mm)
Ground Clearance4.3 in. (110 mm)
Rake (steering head) (deg)30
Fork Angle (deg)30
Trail4.6 in. (117 mm)
Wheelbase59.6 in. (1,515 mm)
Tires, TypeMichelin Scorcher “31” front and rear
Tires, Front ModelScorcher “31”
Tires, Front Specification100/90B19 57H
Tires, Rear ModelScorcher “31”
Tires, Rear Specification150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity3.3 gal. (12.5 l)
Reserve Fuel Capacity, Fuel Injection (warning light)0.8 gal. (3 l)
Oil Capacity (w/filter)2.8 qt. (2.6 l)
Transmission Capacity1 qt. (.95 l)
Primary Chain Case CapacityN/A
Coolant CapacityN/A
Weight, As Shipped547 lb. (248 kg)
Weight, In Running Order564 lb. (256 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating1,000 lb. (454 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, Front335 lb. (152 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear665 lb. (302 kg)
Luggage Capacity -VolumeN/A

Engine

EngineAir-cooled, Evolution
ValvesPushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two-valves per cylinder
Bore3.5 in. (88.9 mm)
Stroke3.8 in. (96.8 mm)
Displacement73.4 cu in (1,202 cc)
Compression Ratio10:01
Fuel SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)3
Air CleanerPaper cartridge type
ExhaustBlack, staggered exhaust and headers with black slash-cut mufflers

Primary DriveChain, 38/57 ratio
Final DriveBelt, 29/68 ratio
ClutchMulti-plate, wet
Transmission5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th3.517
Gear Ratios (overall) 6thN/A

Chassis

FrameMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions

SwingarmMild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded

Front Fork39 mm

Rear ShocksCoil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels, Front TypeBlack, 9-spoke4
Wheels, Front Width2.15 in. (55 mm)
Wheels, Front Height19 in. (483 mm)
Wheels, Rear TypeBlack, 9-spoke4
Wheels, Rear Width3 in. (76 mm)
Wheels, Rear Height16 in. (406 mm)
Brakes, Caliper TypeDual-piston front, Dual-piston rear
Brakes, Rotor TypeSolid, uniform expansion rotors (Floating front)
Brakes, Front Diameter11.8 in. (300 mm)
Brakes, Front Thickness0.2 in. (5 mm)
Brakes, Front is dualNo
Brakes, Rear Diameter10.24 in. (260 mm)
Brakes, Rear Thickness0.28 in. (7.1 mm)
Brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)Optional
Suspension Travel, Front3.6 in. (92 mm)

Engine Torque Testing MethodJ1349
Engine Torque73 ft-lb (99 Nm)5
Engine Torque (rpm)3,500
Lean Angle Testing MethodJ1168
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)27
Lean Angle, Left (deg.)28
Fuel Economy Testing MethodEstimated City/Hwy

BatterySealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca (per Battery Council International Rating)
ChargingSingle-phase, 30-amp system (375W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/StopIncandescent
Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal LightsIncandescent bullet turn signals
Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator LampsHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (if equipped), ABS (if equipped)7
Lights, Rear Turn SignalsIncandescent bullet turn signals
GaugesHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Auxiliary LampsN/A
Electric Power OutletN/A
GPS SystemN/A

Warranty24 months (unlimited mileage)8
Service IntervalFirst 1,000 miles (1600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter9

Okay, so let’s take a look at the new 2022 Nightster technology:

NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHTSTER MODEL STARTS A NEW CHAPTER IN THE SPORTSTER MOTORCYCLE STORY

New Liquid-Cooled Revolution Max 975T Powertrain Tuned for Muscular Torque

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster model starts a new chapter in the Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle story – a leap forward in performance and design while remaining an accessible entry point to motorcycling and the brand.

This all-new motorcycle combines a classic Sportster model silhouette with the on-demand performance of the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain and a host of contemporary electronic rider aids and features. The 2022 Nightster model redefines the Sportster motorcycle experience for a new generation of riders.

New Revolution Max 975T Powertrain

At the heart of the 2022 Nightster model is the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain. It is a liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin with a torque curve that stays flat through the broad powerband – and engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration and robust power through the mid-range. The length and shape of the intake velocity stacks, combined with the airbox volume, are tuned to maximize performance across the engine speed range. The profiles of dual overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Timing phasing on the intake valves are designed to match the performance of this engine.

Revolution Max 975T Engine Specs

Displacement 975cc
90 HP (67 kW) @7500 RPM
70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm) peak torque @ 5000 RPM
97mm bore x 66mm stroke
Compression Ratio 12:1

Hydraulic valve lash adjustment ensures quiet operation and eliminates the need for costly, complicated service procedures. Internal balancers help reduce engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. The balancers are tuned to retain just enough vibration to make the motorcycle feel alive.

Powerful Agility

The Nightster model pairs a nimble, lightweight chassis with a powerful engine tuned for strong mid-range performance, an ideal combination for navigating urban traffic and charging along curving backroads. Mid foot controls and a low-rise handlebar put the rider in a centered, comfortable posture on the bike. Unladen seat height is 27.8 inches. The low seat height combined with a narrow profile makes it possible for most riders to confidently place feet down flat at a stop.

The Revolution Max 975T powertrain is the central, structural component of the Nightster motorcycle chassis, which significantly reduces motorcycle weight and results in a very stiff chassis. The tail section structure is lightweight aluminum. The swingarm is formed of welded rectangular steel tubing and is an attachment point for the dual rear shock absorbers.

Front suspension is 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks designed to provide improved handling performance by keeping the tire in contact with the road surface. The rear suspension features dual outboard emulsion-technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment.

Rider Safety Enhancements

The Nightster model is equipped with Rider Safety Enhancements* by Harley-Davidson, a collection of technologies designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Its three elements are:

Antilock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock.

Traction Control System (TCS) is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. TCS can improve rider confidence when available traction is compromised by wet weather, an unanticipated change in the surface, or when riding on an unpaved road. The rider can deactivate TCS in any Ride Mode when the motorcycle is stopped and the engine is running.

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) is designed to adjust engine torque delivery and reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt down-shift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.

Selectable Ride Modes

The Nightster model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions. A unique icon for each mode appears on the instrument display when that mode has been selected.

Road Mode is intended for daily use and delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a higher level of ABS and TCS intervention.

Sport Mode delivers the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. TCS is set to its lowest level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.

Rain Mode is designed to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise limited. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of ABS and TCS intervention are selected.

The 3.1-gallon lightweight plastic fuel cell is located below the seat – what appears to be a traditional fuel tank forward of the seat is a steel cover for the airbox. The fuel fill is reached by lifting the hinged locking seat. Locating the fuel cell below the seat optimizes the capacity of the engine intake airbox and moves the weight of fuel lower in the chassis compared to a traditional fuel tank location, which results in a lower center of gravity for improved handling and easier lift off the side stand.

The Nightster model features a round 4.0-inch-diameter analog speedometer with an inset multi-function LCD display mounted on the handlebar riser. All-LED lighting is designed to deliver style and outstanding performance while also making the motorcycle conspicuous to other motorists. The Daymaker® LED headlamp has been designed to produce a homogenous spread of light, eliminating distracting hot spots. Combination rear brake/tail/signal LED lighting is located on the rear fender (US market only).

 Fresh Design Based on Classic Form

All-new from the wheels up with a look that is lean, low, and powerful, the Nightster model conveys classic Sportster model styling cues, most obviously in the exposed rear shock absorbers and the shape of an airbox cover that evokes the iconic Sportster walnut fuel tank. The round air intake cover, solo seat, chopped fenders and speed screen recall elements of recent Sportster models, while a side cover that conceals the under-seat fuel tank has a shape similar to the previous Sportster oil tank.

The Revolution Max powertrain is the centerpiece of the design, framed by snaking exhaust headers and finished in textured Metallic Charcoal powder coat with Gloss Black inserts. A cover below the radiator conceals the battery and helps the radiator appear less prominent. The wheel finish is Satin Black. Paint color options include Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, and Redline Red. Gunship Grey and Redline Red color options will be applied only to the airbox cover; the front and rear fenders and speed screen are always finished in Vivid Black.

Harley-Davison Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories has created a range of accessories for the Nightster motorcycle, designed to enhance fit, comfort and style.

The Nightster model arrives at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally beginning in April 2022. US Base MSRP is $13,499 (Vivid Black) and $13,899 (color options).

And now for the new Sportster S model:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S MODEL POWER AND TECHNOLOGY DETAILS

Revolutio Max 1250T, Ride Modes, TFT Display with Infotainment, Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson®

 The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is an all-new performance custom motorcycle designed to give the rider exhilarating performance backed by contemporary technology. The Sportster S model will redefine the Sportster series, launching a new era of Sportster performance and design.

Revolution Max 1250T Powertrain

The Sportster S model is powered by the Revolution Max 1250T engine, a liquid-cooled V-Twin tuned to make tremendous torque at low RPM, with a torque curve that stays flat through the powerband – engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration from a start with robust power through the mid-range.

Displacement 1250cc
Bore x Stroke: 4.13 in. (105 mm) x 2.83 in (72 mm)
121 horsepower
94 ft. lbs. peak torque
Peak 9500 RPM
Compression Ratio 12:1

The Revolution Max 1250T engine is similar to the Revolution Max 1250 engine that powers the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 models, with these key differences:

Cylinder heads have smaller valves and port dimensions, and a different combustion chamber shape, which increases the velocity of flow through the combustion chambers at lower RPM, and increases torque output at low and midrange RPM (providing up to 10% more torque from 3000 to 6000 RPM).
Pistons are shaped to match the combustion chamber dimensions of the cylinder heads.
The length and shape of the intake velocity stacks, combined with the airbox volume, are tuned to maximize performance across the engine speed range.
The camshaft profiles and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) phasing are also designed to match the desired performance of this engine.

Revolution Max 1250T Model Highlights

V-Twin Architecture: A 60-degree V-Twin design provides a narrow powertrain profile that centralizes mass to enhance balance and handling, and also provides ample foot/leg room for the rider. Separate throttle bodies are located between the cylinders, positioned to create minimal turbulence and impedance to air flow.

Optimized Design for Light Weight: Reducing the weight of the powertrain contributes to lower motorcycle weight, which enhances motorcycle performance experienced by the rider: efficiency, acceleration, handling, and braking.

The use of finite element analysis (FEA) and advanced design optimization techniques in the engine design stage minimized material mass in cast and molded components.

Single-piece aluminum cylinders with nickel silicon carbide-surface galvanic coating are a lightweight design feature.

Camshaft covers and primary cover are lightweight magnesium.

Stressed Member Powertrain

The Revolution Max 1250T powertrain is a structural component of the motorcycle chassis.

The engine serves two functions – providing power and acting as a structural element of the chassis.

Eliminating a traditional frame significantly reduces motorcycle weight and results in a very stiff chassis.

A front frame element, mid frame element and the tail section bolt directly to the powertrain.

The powertrain is designed to be both strong and very rigid so that it can effectively function as a chassis component.

Liquid Cooling: Liquid cooling maintains a stable and controlled engine and oil temperature for consistent performance in changing environmental and riding situations (cold to hot ambient temperatures, riding at speed or stuck in traffic, conservative or aggressive riding). The engine oil is also liquid cooled, which ensures that engine oil performance and durability will be maintained in challenging conditions.

Four-Valve Cylinder Heads: Four-valve cylinder heads (two intake and two exhaust) permit an expansive valve area. The flow of gasses through the combustion chamber is optimized to match the desired performance requirement and engine displacement.

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and Variable Valve Timing (VVT): The Revolution Max 1250T engine is equipped with separate intake and exhaust camshafts for each cylinder. The DOHC design permits independent Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the intake and exhaust cam, optimized for the front and rear cylinder. VVT can help broaden the overall powerband and improve torque management and efficiency. This allows the same engine to provide the rider with both low-end grunt for acceleration off the line as well as the thrill of high-RPM horsepower. Hydraulic valve lash adjustment ensures quiet operation and eliminates the need for costly, complicated service procedures.

Forged Aluminum Pistons

Piston crowns are machined for precise control of a 12:1 compression ratio. The engine is designed for use with premium-grade (91 octane) fuel to make maximum power, but will run on lower-octane fuel, protected from potential detonation by the knock sensor technology.

The piston skirt has a low-friction coating.

Low-torsion piston rings reduce friction, which improves performance.

The top ring land is anodized to enhance durability.

Two oil cooling jets are aimed at the bottom of the pistons to help dissipate combustion heat.

Balanced Powertrain: Internal balancers help cancel engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. The balancers are tuned to retain just enough vibration to make the motorcycle feel “alive.”

Max is a unitized powertrain, meaning that the engine and six-speed transmission are housed in a common case. The clutch is mechanically actuated with a large-diameter cable for smooth, consistent disengagement and minimal drag. A clutch slipper function enables the rider to downshift without over-speeding the engine or slipping or hopping the rear wheel.

Sportster S Model: Instrumentation

The Sportster S model features a round 4.0-inch-diameter TFT screen (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast) that displays all instrumentation and infotainment functions.

All display functions are managed using buttons on the left- and right-hand control array, when the motorcycle is at rest or when it is in motion.

The screen is covered with non-reflective glass to make it easier to view in most lighting conditions. Colors and the design of the display were selected to make the screen comfortable to view.

Base Screen display

Large digital speedometer display on center is surrounded by an arching tachometer graph.

Indicators and warning lights appear on the top edge of the display.

A space below the speedometer accommodates pop-ups for incoming phone calls and alerts such as “low fuel,” “side stand down,” and “low temperature.

Bike Status Screen display

The rider can select this display option to put bike status information in a prominent position on the screen, with a smaller speedometer on the upper screen. Status information includes front and rear tire air pressure, engine temperature and oil pressure, battery voltage, and diagnostic codes.

Sportster S Model: Infotainment

The Sportster S model display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device. The motorcycle does not have an on-board infotainment system, and it is not equipped with speakers. Most infotainment functions also require a Bluetooth headset and speakers worn within a helmet (sold separately).

Music

Music files stored on a mobile device or music streamed through a mobile device may be played through the system, as the rider listens through a headset. The artist and track name will appear on the display, and the rider may use the hand controls to scroll through music files and adjust the volume.

Calls 

 Using voice commands through the headset, the rider can receive or place calls through a mobile device. The caller ID of an incoming call may appear on the display.

 Navigation

 Navigation is supplied by the Harley-Davidson App for iOS or Android, which must be downloaded into the rider’s mobile device. When navigation is enabled, the rider may select a moving map display or turn-by-turn map, either of which are displayed on the screen, assisted by audio instructions through the headset.

When the moving map is displayed, the speedometer, turn signals and other key information is displayed above the map.

Using the hand controls, the rider may pan and zoom the map to see more detail.

The Harley-Davidson App helps riders get the most out of their time on the road with features including recommended rides, ride planning, ride recording, riding challenges and the ability to find Harley-Davidson® dealerships, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, motorcycle events and other attractions.

The Harley-Davidson App navigation system automatically updates, a convenient feature that can be utilized in place of adding updates to an on-board navigation system.

Sportster S Model: Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements

The Sportster S model is equipped with Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson, a collection of technologies designed to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions. Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking, in a straight line or while in a turn. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology.

The Sportster S model is equipped with a six-axis inertial measurement unit, or IMU, that measures and reports the lean angle as it navigates a turn. While cornering, available grip for braking or accelerating is reduced. Cornering enhanced technology takes this into account, and for optimal performance, intervenes differently when the motorcycle is leaned compared to when the motorcycle is upright.

Disclaimer: Available traction is determined by the road/tire interface. The systems are only able to adjust brake pressure or powertrain torque in an attempt to keep the forces at the tire from exceeding available grip. These technologies do not have the ability to increase grip, to intervene when the rider has not made a brake or throttle application, or to directly influence vehicle direction. This is a key difference between motorcycle systems and automotive stability control. The rider is ultimately responsible for steering, speed and path corrections.

ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock. Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of the motorcycle. While cornering, the available grip for braking is reduced and C-ABS automatically compensates for this reality. Rear-wheel Lift Mitigation utilizes the C-ABS sensors and the inertial measurement unit (IMU) to manage rear-wheel lift during heavy braking and further balance deceleration and rider control.

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

Traction Control System (TCS) is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. TCS can improve rider confidence when available traction is compromised by wet weather, an unanticipated change in the surface, or when riding on an unpaved road. Cornering Enhanced Traction Control (C-TCS) is a variant of TCS that accounts for the lean angle of the motorcycle. Each pre-programed Ride Mode has a specific level of C-TCS. In the customizable ride modes, the rider can select from three levels of C-TCS intervention.

The rider can deactivate C-TCS in any Ride Mode when the motorcycle is stopped and the engine is running. Changing to Rain Mode will automatically re-enable C-TCS, but C-TCS may be disabled again after Rain Mode has been selected. C-TCS can be re-activated with the push of a button on the right-hand control when the motorcycle is stopped or underway.

C-TCS is also designed to support Front-Wheel Lift Mitigation (FLM) to reduce the height and duration of front-wheel lift (wheelie). The height and duration of front-wheel lift is tied to the rider-selected Ride Mode, with Rain being the most-restrictive and Sport being the least-restrictive of the standard modes. Turning off C-TCS fully disables both C-TCS and FLM.

Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS) is designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip and help prevent rear-wheel lock under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt down-shift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.

When C-DSCS detects excessive rear wheel slip under powertrain-induced deceleration it will adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed to road speed. The action of C-DSCS is tailored when cornering, based on detected lean angle.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the rider to low tire air pressure. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life. The TPMS displays current front and rear tire pressure on the color display screen and displays an indicator to alert the rider when tire pressure is low, and the pressure should be checked.

Sportster S Model: Ride Modes

The Sportster S model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Three of the modes are pre-programmed, while two additional modes may be customized by the owner. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, C-ABS and C-TCS settings.

The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions. A unique icon for each mode appears on the instrument display when that mode has been selected.

With the exception of the Road Mode, the rider may disable Ride Modes through the settings menu on the instrument display. The Custom Ride Modes need to be enabled by the rider through this settings menu before they can be selected with the MODE button during operation.

Road Mode: Intended for daily use, Road Mode delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a higher level of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention. In some markets Road Mode is the default “key on” mode on the Sportster® S model, while in North America the bike will always default to the Ride Mode selected at the last “key off” event. If there is ever a Ride Mode fault issue, the system will automatically default to Road Mode.

Sport Mode: Sport Mode maximizes the rider connection to the motorcycle for a direct and visceral performance riding experience; the rider will experience the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. C-TCS is set to its lowest level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.

Rain Mode: This mode is designed to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise limited. The Rain Mode is also an appropriate setting for riders building confidence as they become familiar with the motorcycle. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention are selected.

Custom Mode: The Sportster S model has two Custom Ride Modes. Within each Custom Mode the rider may create a set of performance characteristics to meet personal preference or for special situations. To create a Custom Mode the rider may select their combined preference of engine torque delivery characteristics, engine braking, throttle response, and C-TCS and C-ABS intervention, within specific ranges. For example, the rider could create a mode with the Sport engine performance and maximum throttle response (as is pre-programmed Sport Mode) but with a lower level of engine braking than is offered in the pre-programmed Sport Mode.

Sportster Race History

Ask Lance Onan about milestone Sportster models during the past 50 years. His eyes light up and his words flow fast.

“The first XR750 is one of the great Sportster derivatives. The 1970 world speed record-setting streamliner, the 1958 XLCH, the 1977 Café Racer and of course the 1983 XR1000.”

When it’s pointed out that all of these Sportsters are performance versions of the model, he quickly retorts, “Well of course! That’s the heritage and foundation of this model.”

Onan should know. As the Platform Marketing Director for the Sportster line at Harley-Davidson, it’s both his job and passion to know every nuance of the motorcycle that celebrates its 50th birthday in 2007.

He’s the expert of the experts, the human encyclopedia.
“Sportsters were the original hot rod motorcycles, the first superbikes,” he says. “They remained that way until superbikes evolved into 15,000-rpm rockets capable of leaning so far that expert riders could drag their knees in the corners.

“Sportsters were and still are real-world hot rods for sane riders. They’re light. They’re nimble. They inspire confidence. And they’re pure.”

Origins of a Hot Rod

Before there was a Sportster, Harley-Davidson produced the K (and later KR) as a small, lightweight performance motorcycle meant to do battle with the British and European motorcycles of the late 1940s and
early ’50s.

The Sportster era began with the introduction of an overhead-valve, 55-cu.-in. engine in 1957, which replaced side-valve motors (Flatheads)
used on the K. Overhead-valve cylinder heads delivered more horsepower and, integrated with a 4-Speed transmission, delivered a new level of performance for the time.

When describing the original 1957 XL Sportster, Willie G. Davidson (current H-D Senior Vice President & Chief Styling Officer) said: “This motorcycle was king of the street. Stoplight to stoplight, the Sportster
had a lot of power compared to other motorcycles of the time. As a higher-performance sport model, the Sportster was not loaded down with saddlebags, luggage racks or extra lights.”

While the ’57 Sportster marked a new direction for Harley-Davidson performance, it was a ’58 model that began the Sportster legend. It was called the XLCH, and the CH stood for “Competition Hot.”

Built in limited numbers for competition use with 12 percent more power and even more stripped of unnecessary weight than its predecessor, the XLCH was the exclamation point to the Sportster’s statement of purpose. It also featured two iconic visual treatments:
staggered dual exhaust and the classic Sportster fuel tank.

While the former would appear regularly over the next five decades, the latter became the Sportster’s signature styling cue. Thanks to its competition success in competition, the XLCH and a road-only XLH
saw full-production status in 1959, and a
generation of motorcyclists would come to
respect (and fear) the dominant American
sport bike.

Decades of Dirt Track Dominance

Harley-Davidson has a long history of
racing motorcycles, dating to the boardtrack
bikes at the turn of the last century
and continuing to the present day two-time
NHRA Pro Stock Drag Bike Championship winning
V-Rod. But suffice it to say, no motorcycle
is more closely identified with the
Motor Company’s success on the racetrack
than the XR750 dirt tracker.

Dirt track racing is the original form of
American motorcycle racing, and an arena
in which Harley-Davidson has competed
since its infancy. Ranging from 1/3 to 1-mile
long, these packed dirt ovals awe spectators
with competition that reaches 130 mph on
the straights and 80 mph in the corners,
while it rewards racers who can manage the
tenuous traction with their bike pitched
sideways, within inches of other racers.

Spectacular, dangerous and always dramatic,
dirt track racing has always been important
to Harley-Davidson, thus the company’s
dedication to building the XR.

Designed to compete in the AMA’s Class
C professional racing class, the first XR750
featured a de-stroked Sportster engine shoehorned
into a special racing chassis. One
look at this motorcycle and its functional
focus is unmistakable—it’s all business.

You see it in the minimal fuel tank, chopped
fender and right-side mounted shift lever. To
call the XR750 a legend is an understatement.
To call the original XR750 a Sportster
is a fact.

First offered as a 1970 model, the XR750 was a motorcycle built for one purpose: To dominate the dirt track.

Willie G’s description of the XR750
sheds important light on its connection to
the Sportster: “The relationship between the
750 and the Sportster shows up in its name:
‘X’ for Sportster and ‘R’ for racing. Like the
Sportster, the XR750 combines power,
weight, performance and handling, but in a
more extreme way.”

Often referred to as the “iron XR,” because
of its cast-iron cylinders, the original
Sportster-powered 750 was replaced in
1972 by an aluminum XR engine.

Nevertheless, the original XRs were a formidable
force on the track and set the stage for
dominance that continues to this day. The
character of the XR is reflected in the 883R
models of recent years, which share its simple
styling elements along with the orange
and black color scheme.

The year 1970 is important in Sportster
history for more than just the famed XR750.
In October of that year, Harley-Davidson
went to the salt flats of Bonneville near
Wendover, Utah, for an assault on the absolute
motorcycle land speed record, held
previously by twin-engine machines.

The vehicle they designed for the record
attempt was a monocoque streamliner measuring
19 feet long and a slight 25 inches
high, and was powered by a single, heavily-modified
Sportster engine. The driver, veteran
road racer Cal Rayborn, had to lay almost
flat on his back and look out side
windows to steer the machine down the sunbaked,
salt lakebed.

After several days of working out the kinks and detailing the machine, Rayborn blasted down the five-mile
course to clock a speed of 266.785 mph for
the measured mile. His return run of
264.200 mph was good enough for an average
of 265.492 mph, the fastest speed any
motorcycle-powered vehicle had ever attained,
and that stood for many years.

Café Racer and a Potent 1000

Street-legal, road racing-based motorcycles
have a long and popular history, particularly
in Europe where these machines are
called “café racers.” Willie G. was a fan of
the style and had the moxie to do something
about it, culminating in the 1977 XLCR
Café Racer.

“I had an idea to build a Sportster motorcycle
in a racerly mode,” he said. “The
Sportster bore the closest resemblance to
performance vehicles like our famous XR
racer. Although the engines differ in many
ways, they’re still cousins. The Café Racer
has that stripped-down, lean and mean look
of the XR, especially in the tail section.

“The Café Racer featured cast alloy
wheels, which was a first for us. We continued
with a very tight-fitting, minimal front
fender and short, drag-style bars. A small
quarter-fairing surrounds the headlight and
includes a dash panel around the speedometer
and tachometer.”

Dressed in various finishes of black and highlighted with a gold-toned Bar & Shield on the stretched fuel tank, the 1977 XLCR is the most uniquely styled motorcycle in the
history of the Sportster family. Produced for
just two seasons, the XLCR today is highly
collectible, with a strong cult following.

Equally as revolutionary as the XLCR
was the 1983 XR1000. Its engine was based
on the alloy XR750 powerplant, with dual
carburetors sporting pronounced air filters
hung out in the wind and upswept exhaust
pipes on the left side. Producing race-worthy
70 horsepower. The XR1000 was the
most powerful street machine Harley-
Davidson had ever produced, and another
legendary Sportster derivative.

Modern Era

With the arrival of the Evolution engine,
1986 marked what most consider the beginning
of the modern Sportster era and the
end of the line for the venerable Ironhead
V-Twin.

The first of the Sportster Evos were
available in 883 and 1100cc displacements,
and later the now-familiar 1200cc displacement. The model itself evolved during recent decades to satisfy the varied demands of different types of riders, including
those who tour, those who are new to the sport and even those who are vertically challenged.

Onan sums it up very succinctly, “It’s
the hardest working bike we’ve got.”
This shouldn’t be surprising, because
the attributes that defined its original
performance image—narrow architecture,
nimble handling and strong acceleration—
make it popular with so many different riders.

Yet the Sportster’s performance
image remains unblemished. No further
proof is needed than to attend any local,
sanctioned motorcycle drag race, where
the culmination of a powerful launch
and numerous Screamin’ Eagle performance
products converge with astounding
quarter-mile elapsed times.

Or look at the upper echelon of AMA Superbike racing, where racers like Nicky Hayden
and Ben and Eric Bostrom ply the trade
they learned competing on Sportsters in
the AMA 883 Racing Series. And while some may view the improvements like rubber engine mounting,
EFI and further narrowing of the chassis
components in recent years as a softening
of Sportster, those who have ridden the
latest examples know firsthand that the
result is a greater emphasis on rideability
and performance. You
can have your cake…and lay down some
rubber, too.

Guys like Willie G. Davidson, Lance
Onan and the other people at Harley-
Davidson who live and breathe these
bikes on a daily basis know better than
anyone the Sportster’s performance
pedigree. One ride on a 2007 model
and one look at the concept XR 1200
(see sidebar below) are proof they’re
intent to add to it.

Sportster XR 1200 Prototype

This burly, muscular motorcycle is neither an artist’s rendering nor an after-hours, “just-for-fun” engineering exercise. Nope, it’s a Sportster XR 1200 prototype built by Harley-Davidson and displayed at the INTERMOT Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. This stunning temptation screams “Build me and ride me!”

The inspiration for this bike is clearly the XR750, but the engineering is decidedly street-oriented. Downdraft fuel injection contributes to its 85-90 HP target. Massive 43mm inverted forks, dual four-piston front brake calipers and radial tires suggest that corners
be attacked, not negotiated. And the fact that a license plate bracket exists may mean that European H-D personnel will want to put it to the test at the Nu¨rburgring.

Prototypes aren’t new to Harley-Davidson, but showing them to the public is. Whether or not this XR 1200 prototype becomes reality depends largely on public reaction in Europe. Are they hungry for a Harley like this?

This article was written in 2006 for the Enthusiast Magazine by Reg Kittrelle

There’s a distinct passion around the Sportster. My first Harley was a new 1969 XLCH. At the time a Harley dealership looked like a garage or a backyard bike shop with two platforms available, the dresser and the Sportster. The Sportster stuck out like a Corvette in a pickup truck lot.

We’ve studied the changing technology challenging new platforms. But we can’t ignore the competition. Indian has made major inroads into the American motorcycle market, racing and new models.

Here’s the new 2023 Scout Platform

The Indian Scout was introduced at the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a 2015 model. The 2015 Scout is a cruiser with a 1,133 cc (69.1 cu in) liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft V-twin engine and a frame formed by multiple aluminum alloy castings bolted to each other and to the engine.

Powerful, RELIABLE, COMFORTABLE
& AGILE – NEW SCOUT ROGUE OFFERS
THE MOST AGGRESSIVE STYLE &
PERFORMANCE-MINDED EXPRESSION
OF THE ICONIC INDIAN SCOUT

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, unleashes the most aggressive iteration of its iconic Indian Scout model with the launch of the new Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty. Packed with attitude and edge, thanks to its aggressive styling and performance-minded features, Scout Rogue exudes performance, begs for more throttle and is ready for whatever
comes its way.

Combining iconic design with contemporary style, the Scout Rogue demands attention and inspires riders to express a bolder sense of self-expression.

A lineup of new features give Scout Rogue its edgy, hard-riding demeanor, including a quarter fairing, mini ape-hanger handlebars, sport style seat,
blacked-out fenders and valve covers, and a 19-inch front wheel. The proven Scout and Scout Sixty powertrains pack serious punch with loads of low-end
torque for snappy acceleration.

“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue
delivers that in spades,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “It’s an attitude that can only be found on a motorcycle, and it creates a
totally unique level of camaraderie and community, and that’s what Scout Rogue is all about.”

The introduction of the Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty add two more Scout models for riders looking to stand out from the crowd. Starting at $9,999, the Scout Rogue Sixty opens the door for even more riders to join
the crew. Each model inspires rider confidence with a low seat height and manageable wheelbase, while a lower center of gravity provides superior
handling for all riders – regardless of experience and skill level.

The 2022 Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in early 2022. Riders
can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership or by visiting
IndianMotorcycle.com.

Riders can also achieve a smoother, more comfortable ride with increased suspension travel from Adjustable Piggyback Rear Shocks. Using twist knobs,
riders can easily dial-in their compression and rebound damping settings.

For superior nighttime visibility, the Scout Pathfinder 5 ¾-inch Adaptive LED Headlight activates 15 individual beams based on the bike’s lean angle. The
upgraded headlight utilizes patented technology that projects light farther and improves the overall light spread in front of the bike.

STYLE ACCESSORIES

To add personalized, custom-inspired styling, riders can add Smoked LED Turn Signals and an Auxiliary Tachometer with Shift Light. Rather than amber and red turn signal lenses that can distract from the bike’s
style, the smoked turn signals feature clear lenses, but still provide bright, easy-to-see amber LED lighting in front and bright red LED lighting in the rear.

Mounting next to the standard instrumentation, the Auxiliary Tachometer with Shift Light keeps the rider aware of the engine speed (RPM) and enhances
the bike’s high-performance style. An LED shift light illuminates to indicate recommended shift points.

COMFORT ACCESSORIES

Whether riding solo or two-up, exploring a town or crushing some miles, Indian Motorcycle offers a host of comfort and touring accessories. Scout Rogue riders can personalize their ergonomics with the Rider Comfort Seat. The Syndicate 2-Up Seat and Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest adds comfort for passengers.

If packing for the long haul, riders can add the black Saddlebag. A Solo Luggage Rack and a black, water-resistant Solo Rack Bag are also available.

Specs:

Engine DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder, semi-dry sump
Transmission 5-speed, constant mesh / foot shift
Battery 12 volts, 13 amp/hour, 245 CCA
Bore x Stroke 3.661″ x 2.898″ (93 mm x 73.6 mm)
Charging System 35 amp max output
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Compression Ratio 11 : 1
Cooling System Liquid
Displacement 60 cu in / 999 cc
Exhaust Split dual exhaust with cross-over
Final Drive Belt drive, 141 tooth
Fuel & Capacity 91 octane recommended, 3.3 gal (12.5 ltr)
Fuel System Electronic fuel injection, closed loop / 54 mm bore
Oil SAE 15W60, 4.5 qts (4.3 ltr)
Primary Drive Gear drive wet clutch
Horsepower 78 hp at 7200 rpm
Peak Torque 65 ft-lbs at 5800 rpm (88.8 Nm at 5800 rpm)

Front Suspension Telescopic fork, 41 mm diameter, 4.7 in (120 mm) travel
Rear Suspension Dual shocks, 2.0 in (51 mm) travel, adjustable

CHASSIS

Dry Weight 520 lbs (236 kg)
Ground Clearance 5.1 in (129 mm)
GVWR 988 lbs (449 kg)
Length 87.5 in (2223 mm)
Rake/Trail 29° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
Seat Height 25.6 in (649 mm)
Wheelbase 62 in (1576 mm)

BRAKES

Brake System Type Individual front and rear control
Front Braking System Single 298 mm floating rotor with 2-piston calipers
Rear Braking System Single 298 mm floating rotor with 1-piston caliper

WHEELS & TIRES

Front Tire Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 61H
Front Wheel Cast Black 19″ x 3.5″
Rear Tire Metzeler Cruisetec 150/80R-16
Rear Wheel Cast Black 16″ x 3.5″

Black Metallic $9,999 US / $12,299 CAN
Black Metallic (ABS) $10,899 US / $13,199 CAN
Bronze Smoke (ABS) $11,399 US / $13,699 CAN
Titanium Smoke (ABS) $11,399 US / $13,699 CAN

Did you notice the passion infused into the Scout platform? But there’s more, when it comes to the Indian vs. Sportster line-up and the competition on the track.
We need to focus on the FTR750 or the FTR1200 in addition to the Scouts as upcoming competition to the Sportster platform.

The bikes used in the AFT series are actually FTR750s, which was introduced as a consumer bike back in 2018/2019 as the FTR 1200. The Scouts are all considered “cruiser” motorcycles with no affiliation to flat track.

The “new” 2023 addition to the FTR lineup is that the Sport trim is replacing the FTR S. While it’s not a completely new bike in itself, it comes in a sport-bike esque trim, with a new tank, number plate, etc. In addition to the new style of the Sport, the FTR R Carbon and Sport both are upgraded with the touchscreen display, featuring RIDE COMMAND technology, with imbedded navigation among other tech features. For the Scout, the only new-new addition to the lineup is the Scout Rogue, which we launched back earlier this year, around April. It complements the base Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Sixty, and Scout Bobber Twenty trims.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING DOMINATES NEW YORK SHORT TRACK, SWEEPS PODIUM WITH BAUMAN, VANDERKOOI AND MEES

Win Ties Briar Bauman for Second in Championship Points Chase

Jarod Vanderkooi Scores Second Podium Finish of Season

Reigning Champion Jared Mees Maintains Top Position on SuperTwins Leaderboard Following Third-Place Finish

The 2022 American Flat Track (AFT) season returned to action this past Saturday for the New York Short Track, where Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, swept the podium. Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman triumphed after a hard-fought battle with fellow Indian Motorcycle Privateer Jarod Vanderkooi, as Bauman’s second win of the season propelled him into a tie for second on the SuperTwins season leaderboard. Rounding out the all-FTR750 podium sweep in third was reigning Indian Motorcycle champion and current points leader Jared Mees.

When the 10-second card dropped on the main event, Mees launched off the line to a second-place start and quickly began challenging for the lead. Meanwhile, Bauman started the race in fifth place from the second line. On lap two, Mees took the high line to sneak into the front position and swiftly began pulling away from the field.

Unfortunately, a big mistake a few laps later saw Mees almost go into the fence, which allowed the competition to close in on his rear wheel. Vanderkooi took advantage, taking over the lead at the six-minute mark. Despite a slow start, Bauman was relentless in his pursuit to the front of the pack. In the final four minutes, Bauman crept to the inside of his teammate to take over second and tuck in behind Vanderkooi.

Throughout the late stages of the race, an intense game of cat and mouse ensued as Bauman and Vanderkooi diced back and forth and meticulously maneuvered their way around lappers. Bauman continued to ride masterfully, sliding to the inside of Vanderkooi to take over the lead with only 30-seconds plus two-laps remaining, ultimately taking the checkered flag and the win. This victory marks the former two-time champion’s second of the season.

“This is a huge win for Briar [Bauman]. He’s been struggling a bit over the past few rounds so it was great to see him fight through the pack tonight. This victory also puts him right back in the thick of the championship chase so hopefully he can continue to carry this momentum through the second half of the season,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “We could not be more proud of our team and all the Indian Motorcycle riders to come away with a podium sweep. I’m very impressed with Jarod’s [Vanderkooi] effort. He was so close to pulling out the win.”

Mees continues to lead the championship chase with a 16-point advantage, while Bauman’s win moved him up one spot in the standings, now tied for second overall with 140 points.

FTR: An American Original

Headlining the 2023 model year news is the introduction of a new FTR mid-range trim, the FTR Sport. Replacing FTR S, the FTR Sport sits just below the premium FTR R Carbon, but above of the FTR and FTR Rally – creating four distinct trim models for riders to choose from.

Designed for riders to cut loose and enjoy the pure sport of motorcycling, the FTR Sport’s bold aesthetics and sporty componentry, including a number plate, chin fairing and seat cowl, take the FTR’s energetic attitude to another level. A totally unique take on American V-twin performance with an unmistakable, muscular style, the FTR truly is an American original.

Indian with Polaris behind them is a powerhouse competitor to Harley-Davidson and specifically the Sportster platform. They have seven new Scout models, five FTRs and I was told some of the Chiefs (six models) can compete with the new Sportster line-up.

“New Sportsters are powerful but pricey,” Tom Motzko from Drag Specialties said recently. We spoke about keeping the Evo Sportster alive and he pointed out that the new H-D Sportster isn’t taking on the roll of an entry level motorcycle, but used Sportsters and the aftermarket will support that roll. “We still distribute everything needed to keep Sportsters alive, although the platform has always represented less than 20 percent of our market.”

S&S builds almost every engine component needed to keep an Evo Sportster alive, and Tom from Drag said it all, “We’re never giving up on Sportsters.”

Happy New Year, Goddammit

It Better Be!

Let’s head into this year determined to make a difference. We can do it by raising hell, joining all the rights groups we can, writing letters to elected representatives and demanding truth and integrity.

It was bullshit audacity to think anyone can break up our free country without a fight. This year we fight for reasonable borders, clean, crime-free cities, free speech and scientific transparency. Hell, oil didn’t come from fossils, it’s natural and we need all the CO2 we can get. It ain’t a pollutant!

Don’t be bullied, fight back! Let’s make a difference in 2023

— Bandit

Team www.Bikernet.com Wishes You A Very Happy New Year 2023

Buell® Announces Upcoming Job Openings for Q1 of 2023 based in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Buell Motorcycles, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles, is looking to add skilled and motivated individuals that have a passion for building exciting new products, contributing to a dynamic work environment, and becoming part of the Buell team.

“We are excited to take another big step forward in the continued growth of Buell. Today that big step forward is growing the Buell team here in West Michigan,” said Steve Laham, Chief Products, Development & Strategist Buell Motorcycle Co. “The Buell team’s expansion is in a multitude of areas of growth and will allow us to continue providing high performance motorcycles in the marketplace.”

Over the next three months, Buell will be hiring full and part-time employees across multiple areas within the company including:

• Engineering
• Manufacturing Operations
• Digital Marketing Specalist
• Production Staff
• Painting Professionals

Prior skills and experience are a plus, but not a must with the right enthusiasm, self-motivation and a willingness to contribute to a dynamic work environment, and becoming part of the Buell team.

“We’ve built out an excellent senior leadership team with deep experience across the motorsports and transportation industries that all have a passion for two-wheeled products.” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. “We are looking towards the future of the company and will continue to grow our team here in Grand Rapids to keep up with demand and develop some new exciting products.”

With formal job postings expected in Q1 of 2023, interested parties can submit their resume and position of interest to careers@buellmotorcycle.com.

Buell is back and delivering performance and excitement at every turn. For future Buell updates, follow our news page on our website and our social media pages.

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Parent Company of Royal Enfield, Eicher Motors Ltd, Announces Strategic Investment In Stark Future SL

The Board of Eicher Motors Ltd. (EML) has approved an equity investment of 50 million euros, and plans for collaboration with the electric motorcycle manufacturer.

Milwaukee, WI (Friday, December 29, 2022) – Eicher Motors Ltd., leading Indian multinational automobile company, and parent company of Royal Enfield, global leader in the middleweight motorcycles segment (250cc-750cc), today announced a strategic collaboration in the space of electric motorcycles with Spain-based Stark Future SL. As part of this collaboration, the Board of Directors of Eicher Motors Ltd. has today approved an investment of € 50 million for a close to 10.35% equity stake in Stark Future. With this investment, Eicher Motors Ltd., will have a seat on Stark Future’s Board, and will explore further opportunities to collaborate in the space of electric mobility.

This investment has strategic significance for both Royal Enfield and for Stark Future, as both companies are keenly invested in creating innovative and sustainable solutions in global mobility. Stark Future recently launched its first high-performance electric motocross bike, the Stark VARG, which received an exceptional response from global media, professional riders and dealers.

Speaking about Stark Future and this partnership, Eicher Motors Ltd Managing Director, Siddhartha Lal says, “We love the vision, passion and focus of the amazing team at Stark Future. Leisure motorcycles do not easily lend themselves to EV technology at this stage, due to challenges like the battery range, packaging, weight and cost. This has resulted in stunted growth of this segment till now. Stark Future has been able to understand and harness the potential of EV technology by dramatically outperforming ICE offerings, without compromising on range, weight, packaging and cost. They have created an absolutely astounding motocross motorcycle – the Stark VARG as their entry into the EV world. We believe that Stark Future has the highest potential for real breakout growth in the EV leisure space with this model, and the potential to use this strong base to extend into other contiguous segments and beyond.”

At the helm of affairs at Royal Enfield, B Govindarajan, CEO of the company, feels this is a perfectly symbiotic partnership, and says, “We are very excited to closely collaborate with Stark Future who are as focused as we are on challenging norms, pushing the boundaries and building uniquely differentiated offerings for riders. In addition to the sheer potential of Stark Future, we see immense synergies in this partnership. While they are scaling up and planning their market entry soon, we will support Stark in the industrialization process. While they are thought leaders in EV technology, particularly in lightweight components and innovative solutions, we at Royal Enfield will draw on these capabilities for developing our EV platforms and will also plan to share some EV platforms in the future.”

Also speaking about this partnership, Stark Future Founder and CEO, Anton Wass says, “We aimed to challenge and inspire the motorcycle industry with the creation of the Stark VARG and by bringing our electric technology from the drawing board to reality. To now partner with one of the very first motorcycle brands in history and be part of their journey towards sustainability is a huge inspiration for us at Stark. We have now worked closely with Sid, Govind and team for a few months, and have been deeply impressed by what they have created in the past 25 years, as well as the mindset and focus to continue to build and develop Royal Enfield into the future of sustainable motorcycling. With the Stark VARG we believe we have a launch model that will reset benchmarks, so to know that the bike’s technical basis will spread much further and filter into more machinery and products is another source of pride for us. It has been a short, intense and incredible journey for us so far but our link with Royal Enfield and what lies in store in the coming years are brilliant signs for the future.”

Stark Future is a European electric motorcycle manufacturer with specific focus in the area of performance electric motorcycles. With a vision to inspire the motorcycle industry towards sustainable mobility, Stark Future endeavors to build sustainable products that are superior to traditional technology in performance, emotion and design. Stark Future has deep understanding in the EV space and connected technology, with several patents on its newly developed Stark VARG.

Royal Enfield has made huge strides on its EV journey over the last few years. The company’s R&D programs have included a major focus on sustainable mobility technologies, and there are several ideas in advanced stages of testing. The company has been aggressively building a sharp and insightful understanding of the EV space with an intention to create uniquely differentiated electric motorcycles with strong Royal Enfield DNA, in the middleweight segment. Royal Enfield has been building several thoughts and approaches towards design and development and also towards bringing in the right talent and resources.

About Stark Future: Stark Future is a multinational company, established in 2020 with Swedish roots, located on the fringes of Barcelona. Making the most of Catalunya’s reputation as the European capital of motorcycling, Stark Future was able to construct a dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable team from the elite of both the motorcycle and power electronics industries, in order to build the first electric motorcycle to be the performance leader within its category, Motocross.

About Royal Enfield: The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles.

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Hey,

It’s that time of the year, when we reflect on what we’ve done in 2022 and what we plan for 2023.

I’ve had discussions with my 28-year-old grandson about next year. He’s a magnificent tattoo artist taught by his father Frank Ball who is Austin Texas at All-Saints Tattoo on 6th street. He is a master. Frank senior is going to buy his first home in 2023, but the location isn’t set just yet.

Back to Frank Jr. who has several possibilities laid carefully at his feet at this juncture of his life. He may open a shop in a Harley dealership, expand 5-Ball leathers and or go to Bonneville with me. I’m going to pick up his dad on the way to test runs at the Texas mile.

Now get this. I just received an email from my 93-year-old father-in-law, Ralph, who lives in Lacy Washington next to homeless, war-torn, crime ridden Olympia, Washington (with his wife Betty). He explained how the politics have shifted in Lacy and homelessness is down 70 percent. He’s in the process of studying Bonneville racing. On a personal note, while her folks visited this summer, Ralph complained that he couldn’t work out because of Covid restrictions. Betty complained about him using gallon-jugs of water.

When they left, I gave him two 10-pound, hand-made by Bandit dumbbells. Since he’s been home, he started working out four days a week with only these dumbbells. He’s noticed significant improvement and in 2023 he will continue to fight against his old-guy bending posture.

Think about all of the above and the sheer potential of life in America. Like I told my grandson, it’s time to dream a little. Anything is possible.

Let’s hit the news. At the end I will outline my goals for 2023. Hang on.

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.

STRIDER BIKES CONTINUES THEIR MISSION–We’re on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class!

There are just 2 days left to make your 2022 tax-deductible gift to All Kids Bike!

Please consider a gift to support the kids in your community and across the United States before the year is out. Everything we do at All Kids Bike is aimed at enhancing children’s lives, starting with their journey on two wheels. Our All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program ensures that every child gets to experience the joy and confidence that comes along with learning how to ride a bike!

“The All Kids Bike program has been one of my favorite additions to our P.E. program. The kids absolutely love getting on the bikes and so many kids have now had biking experiences who, otherwise, had not or would not have had the opportunity to learn to ride. Joy, confidence, and grit. You can’t beat those experiences and lessons being learned at school!” – PE Teacher Kenny Cope, Fredstrom Elementary

Our program has been implemented into more than 800 schools in America, but we have so much more to go! We hope you will help us finish the year strong so we can continue our mission…until every child in America has experienced the joy, confidence, and wellness that two wheels can bring!

Make My 2022 Tax-Deductable Gift Today!

Allkidsbike.org

THE BIKERNET PHILOSOPHY CLASS IS STILL OPEN–The road is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.

Happiness is not having to set the alarm clock.

When I get a headache I take two aspirin and keep away from children just like the bottle says.

Just once, I want the prompt for username and password to say, “Close enough.”

Becoming an adult is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.

If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I’m self-employed. We’re having a meeting.

“Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40-minute flute solo.”

Does anyone else have a plastic bag full of plastic bags, or is it just me?

I hate it when I can’t figure out how to operate the iPad and my tech support guy is asleep. He’s 5 and it’s past his bedtime.

Today’s 3-year-olds can switch on laptops and open their favorite apps. When I was 3, I ate mud.

Tip for a successful marriage: Don’t ask your wife when dinner will be ready while she’s mowing the lawn.

So, you drive across town to a gym to walk on a treadmill?

I didn’t make it to the gym today. That makes five years in a row.

I decided to stop calling the bathroom “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning. Old age is coming at a really bad time.

If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would’ve put them on my knees.

Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven’t met yet.

Why do I have to press one for English when you’re just going to transfer me to someone I can’t understand anyway?

Now, I’m wondering . . did I send this to you, did you send it to me or have I only sent one copy?

–Sam Burns
Senior Philosopher
Bikernet Thought Temple
Pillar Peak
Sturgis, SD

CULTURAL NEWS–Motorcyclist Who Identifies As Bicyclist Sets Cycling World Record

NEW YORK, NY – In an inspiring story from the world of professional cycling, a motorcyclist who identifies as a bicyclist has crushed all the regular bicyclists, setting an unbelievable world record.

In a local qualifying race for the World Road Cycling League, the motorcyclist crushed the previous 100-mile record of 3 hours, 13 minutes with his amazing new score of well under an hour.

Professional motorcycle racer Judd E. Banner, the brave trans-vehicle rider, was allowed to race after he told league organizers he’s always felt like a bicyclist in a motorcyclist’s body.

“Look, my ride has handlebars, two wheels, and a seat,” he told reporters as he accepted a trophy for his incredible time trial. “Just because I’ve got a little extra hardware, such as an 1170-cc flat-twin engine with 110 horsepower, doesn’t mean I have any kind of inherent advantage here.”

Banner also said he painted the word “HUFFY” on the side of his bike, ensuring he has no advantage over the bikes that came out of the factory as bicycles.

Some critics say he needs to cut off his motor in order to make the competition fairer, but he quickly called these people bigots, and they were immediately banned from professional cycle racing.

—BabylonBee.com

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

HANG ON FOR THIS–One way to hoodwink the populace into accepting ever-increasing control by the omnibenevolent and all-seeing federal government is to convince them that freedom and autonomy are bad for you. But surely Leftists wouldn’t stoop that low, would they? Sure they would.

PJM’s Ben Bartee had the story on Saturday: the American Journal of Medicine has published a preposterous new study warning that “distrust of the government” and “a belief in freedom” are liable to get you killed. Get back in line, sheep! Don’t put your lives on the line chasing after freedom! Slavery is so much safer!

This arrant nonsense was actually published this month in the American Journal of Medicine, proving yet again that academic study in the United States has become irremediably politicized and open to cultural and intellectual fads. Honest investigation of a controverted issue, leading to the acknowledgment of unwelcome truths, is vanishingly rare. The pretext for pushing slavery on Americans is, once again, the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Fortune magazine, this study claims to prove that “if you passed on getting the COVID vaccine, you might be a lot more likely to get into a car crash.”

The study asserts that “unvaccinated people were 72% more likely to be involved in a severe traffic crash — in which at least one person was transported to the hospital — than those who were vaccinated. That’s similar to the increased risk of car crashes for people with sleep apnea, though only about half that of people who abuse alcohol.”

Does the vaccine somehow improve your eyesight and coordination, so that you can more easily get out of scrapes while driving? Oh, nothing like that. Unvaccinated people are more likely to wreck their cars because they’re the sort of people who don’t obey the rules. The study speculates that people who are so headstrong and stubborn as to resist getting a vaccine that is causing young people in perfect health suddenly to drop dead might also “neglect basic road safety guidelines.”

Now, who in his right mind would get behind the wheel and neglect basic safety guidelines? Incorrigible lovers of freedom, of course: “Why would they ignore the rules of the road? Distrust of the government, a belief in freedom, misconceptions of daily risks, ‘faith in natural protection,’ ‘antipathy toward regulation,’ poverty, misinformation, a lack of resources, and personal beliefs are potential reasons proposed by the authors.”

So actually, the study is all about why you should be a good conformist and do whatever the government tells you to do, no matter what the obvious risks may be.

This ridiculous and superstitious propaganda is frankly fascist in its warning against “a belief in freedom,” and it’s all designed to sell a shoddy and dangerous product to the weak and gullible.

—JIHADWATCH.ORG
–PJMEDIA
–from J.J. Solari

“If you leave out enough data you can come up with any conclusion.”
–The Redhead

2023 EVENTS FROM BILTWELL–Here’s a heads-up on the motorcycle events we’ve got on our schedule for 2023. It’s gonna be a busy year and we hope to see ya at least one of these shindigs!

GET OUT AND STAY OUT-SIDE THAT IS…

JAN 13, 14 PARTS & LABOR
Del Mar, CA
www.partsandlaborexpo.com

JAN 19-22 BRODOWN
Louisville, KY
www.biltwellinc.com

FEB 18, 19 MAMA TRIED
Milwaukee, WI
www.mamatriedshow.com

MARCH 18, 19 THE PROWL
Bisbee, AZ
www.instagram.com/theprowl_bisbeeaz

APRIL 1 BILTWELL 100
Ridgecrest, CA
www.biltwell100.com

APRIL 27-30 GOAF MOJAVE
Mojave, CA
www.revzilla.com/adv-fest

MAY 4-7 EL DIABLO RUN
San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
www.eldiablorun.com

JUNE 23, 24, 25 PEOPLES CHAMP/BORN FREE
Oak Canyon Ranch, CA
www.peopleschampshow.com

JULY 20-23 GOAF STURGIS
Sturgis, SD
www.revzilla.com/adv-fest

JULY 29-30 FUEL CLEVELAND
Bath, OH
www.fuelcleveland.com

AUG 4-13 STURGIS
Sturgis, SD
www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

AUG 25, 26 VIRGINIA CITY ROUND-UP
Virginia City, NV
www.instagram.com/virginia_city_round_up

SEPT 1-3 FOUR CORNERS
Durango, CO
www.fourcornersmotorcyclerally.com

SEPT 16 INDIAN LARRY BLOCK PARTY 20TH
Brooklyn, NY
www.indianlarry.com

OCT 5-8 KERNVILLE KAMPOUT
Kernville, CA
www.kernvillekampout.com

–Biltwell Crew

QUICK, KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN— An armed thief entered a house mid-afternoon and found two people there.

He tied up the woman and ordered the man to hand over the family jewellery and other valuables.

The frightened man started sobbing, and said:

“You can take anything you want, and even beat me up, but please, untie the rope and free her.”

“You must really love your wife” said the burglar.

“Not particularly,” replied the man, “but she will be home soon.”

–from Micah

NEW FROM LE PERA— We have new Trucker hats. Sorry was the only thing I could think of… running out the door to party my ass off with Cory Ness in some faraway location.

We will be closed December 23rd returning January 3rd. Happy Holidays!

–Christine Le Pera

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2010 Harley-Davidson FXD – Dyna Super Glide FOR $13.995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13004446

2010 Black/Red flame Harley-Davidson DYNA SUPER GLIDE with only 8597.00 miles!

This bike is a FULL CUSTOM DYNA with every thing done top notch and some of the features/Add-ons on this bike are

* High Performance 96c.i. Motor with a thunder header exhaust and 6-Speed trans.
* Digital Speed-O
* 14 inch T-bars
* Adjustable front forks and rear shocks
* Steering stabilizer and fork stabilizer
* Color Matched hard bags
* MX front floor boards, rear pegs, and shifter
* Custom paint with Flames
* Upgraded-grips,levers

This bike is only $13,995.00

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

EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

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

NHTSA Put on Notice Regarding the Profiling of Motorcyclist

This week, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed to a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that funds the federal government through September 2023 and avoids a government shutdown. Attached to that 4,155-page bill is a request by Congress to learn more about the profiling of motorcyclists.

Within the funding section for the Department of Transportation, language was included that states: The Committee is concerned that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders. The Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency works with states on motorcycle passenger policies within 120 days of enactment of this Act.

For years the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has worked to address the profiling of motorcyclists. We believe this action by Congress is an important step that will continue the dialogue on this topic. We cannot thank Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada enough for her leadership on this issue. Her willingness to seek answers from NHTSA is why this language was included in the final bill.

We hope that when NHTSA responds to the request from Congress, we will have more information to share with you.

Thank you for your continued support of biker rights and the MRF.

As always Ride Safe and Ride Free.

LETTER TO RETIRING SENATOR JAMES INHOFE—

Sorry, not from your state, but I have much respect. So, we’ve uncovered election fraud, Covid fraud, climate fraud and Biden crimes in this country, in Afghanistan and at the border. So, is anything going to be done about anything?

–Bandit

TWISTED ROAD TRAVEL ADVICE—They can hook you up with a bike while you’re in the City of Los Angeles.

If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, here are some of the best motorcycle rides, hangouts, and travel tips. And Twisted Road is your source for motorcycle rental in LA—rent a bike from owners in our rider community!

The Los Angeles area is expansive and has a little bit of everything. For riders, that means a motorcycle tour of Los Angeles can include long stretches of superslab, cool beachfront cruises, and exhilarating mountain twisties. And the Southern California motorcycle scene is quite vibrant, with all styles of bikes and characters. So being able to rent a motorcycle in Los Angeles that fits your riding style, and where you want to go, is huge. Read on to learn about:

• Renting a Motorcycle in Los Angeles
• Best Motorcycle Rides in Southern California
• Los Angeles Motorcycle Rules & Tips
• Preparing For Your Los Angeles motorcycle trip

Where to Rent a Motorcycle in Los Angeles

The good news is, with Twisted Road your Los Angeles motorcycle rental options are virtually unlimited. You can search our site and rent whatever you feel like riding during your trip; a touring motorcycle, a sportbike, a cruiser… our community of riders have all sorts of bikes listed. And no need to rent just one bike while you’re in town; you can check out a different one every day or two if you want to!

Best Motorcycle Rides in Southern California

Some of the best motorcycle rides in Southern California are in Los Angeles County. You’ve got a wide selection of neighborhoods and iconic sights to explore—DTLA, the Hollywood sign, and Beverly Hills, just to name a few. Some of the best motorcycle routes and roads to scope out in the area are:

• Angeles Crest Highway
• The Snake (a stretch of Mulholland Highway)
• Big Bear
• Sunset Boulevard to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
• Ortega Highway

Every Twisted road motorcycle rental includes unlimited miles, so you can ride from Los Angeles to San Francisco if you feel like it! (Check out our Twisted Road review page to hear from our riders, and see why we’re your best source for a motorcycle rental in Los Angeles!)

Motorcycle Hangouts in Los Angeles

When you’re out exploring a new area, there’s nothing cooler than connecting with the riding community at the local bike spots. Los Angeles and the surrounding area have some interesting places to stop off during your ride.

The Rock Store

There’s no place quite like the Rock Store, and a visit there is likely to be memorable for any number of reasons. It’s been there since 1963, and it’s built entirely out of volcanic rock. But the really interesting part is the people. There’s a mix of modern and vintage bikes of all types, and a range of riders to match. And the regulars include prolific car and bike collector Jay Leno, who frequently rides up on his latest toy. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, and Tommy Lee are also among the celeb moto aficionados who frequent the Rock Store. (Please note that it’s only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.)

The House of Machines

The House of Machines is a biker bar with locations all around the world. The LA installment has an artisanal, slightly hipster (in a good way) aesthetic, and offers bikes, bites, and beer, and frequently live music. During the day, you can get your caffeine fix at Clutch, the in-house espresso bar.

Cook’s Corner

Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon is one of the most famous biker bars in Southern California. It’s in a rustic cabin where it’s resided since 1884 (and hosted miners back in the gold rush days) and offers food and drink, a pool, and horseshoes. There’s even live music, and sometimes country dancing. Cook’s Corner is the real deal—an OG biker bar that’s authentic down to its floorboards. A lot of Los Angeles motorcycle events are hosted here, too!

There’s more. Go to Twisteroad.com to find out.

POLITICAL NEWS–J6 committee waves the white flag, quietly withdraws Trump subpoena: ‘They knew I did nothing wrong!’

Despite constant and overwhelming media hype that its work would bring an end to former President Donald J. Trump, the vaunted House select committee to investigate the so-called “insurrection” of January 6, 2021 is going out with a whimper.

Days before House Democrats are forced to surrender control of their committees to Republicans, the uber-partisan panel said that it would be withdrawing its subpoena of Trump, a document that was greeted with jubilation by Resistance Twitter when it was issued in October with many seeing it as the elusive silver bullet that would finally bring about the end of their hated enemy’s political career.

On Wednesday night, committee chairman Rep. Benny Thompson acknowledged that it was over in a letter to Trump’s attorney that was obtained and reported by CNN.

“In light of the imminent end of our investigation, the Select Committee can no longer pursue the specific information covered by the subpoena,” he wrote.

“Therefore, through this letter, I hereby formally withdraw the subpoena issued to former President Trump, and notify you that he is no longer obligated to comply or produce records in response to said subpoena,” the Mississippi Democrat added.

NEWS FROM THE PRISM GANG— Our Mini Spoon Footpegs are made from stainless steel while our Heritage Footpegs are machined from aluminum. Both footpegs are designed to mount to any 5/8″ diameter foot peg including our 4″ Mid-Peg as well as our Sportster Mid-Control Kit. Watch as Mitch shows you how to install them.

AGING AND EXERCISE–Ok. So, that’s how sports can benefit Senior Citizens?

* it boosts the morale
* it soothes muscle aches and therefore allows you to cut down on medication
* it stimulates your immune system, so you have stronger defences against viruses
* it helps to fight against arthritis: no exercise = muscle wastage = the joints are no longer supported
* it trains your memory: doing sport means you must use different zones of your brain.
* It boosts your self-esteem.

In a nutshell, exercise allows you to maintain a healthy lifestyle (and this applies to all ages).

So, What about Combat Sports?
Coordination, laterality, proprioception, muscle tone, flexibility, and increased balance.

These are just some of the benefits of combat sports.

The increase in balance is particularly helpful for older people. Unfortunately, senior citizens are prone to falls.

The benefit of combat sports, notably judo, is the dual workout: physical AND mental exercise.

Learning to fall without hurting yourself is also a significant advantage.

—Blog.decathlon.in

 

[page break]

ART PROJECT OF THE WEEK—Custom vintage taillight engraved by Bruzz.

–Sam Burns
Tech Editor
Bikernet.com™

The U.S. Supreme Court declared New York’s “good-cause” requirement for the right to bear arms outside the home unconstitutional, but the struggle for freedom is hardly over.

The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated New York’s “good-cause” requirement to exercise the right to bear arms in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in a 6-3 decision on June 23, 2022. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing the opinion for the Court, ruled that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home. Every law-abiding citizen is now eligible for a carry permit.

The lower courts have been waging massive resistance to the Supreme Court’s decisions in D.C. v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago—decisions more than a decade old. In those cases, the Court held, respectively, that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right and that it prohibits local, state and federal infringement. The Court read the Second Amendment to mean what it says and to say what it means, according to its original public understanding. In other words, Justice Thomas wrote, “[W]hen the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct.” To justify a restriction, “the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.”

To get around this clear ruling, many lower courts invented a second “balancing test” to deconstruct the right and to thus uphold each and every restriction. Also called “intermediate scrutiny,” it was nothing more than a version of the deferential interest-balancing test Justice Stephen Breyer advocated in his Heller dissent, which the Heller majority rejected. “Despite the popularity of this two-step approach, it is one step too many,” wrote Justice Thomas in Bruen. What this means is that courts should consider the Second Amendment’s text and early history, not the “means-end scrutiny” that allows the supposed government interest to negate the natural right; as a result, virtually every lower-court ruling based on part two of the supposed test is now up for grabs.

As to the merits, nothing in the text of the Second Amendment restricts the right to “keep” arms in the home, as this would obliterate the other half of the liberty: the right to “bear arms.” As noted in Bruen, “Most gun owners do not wear a holstered pistol at their hip in their bedroom or while sitting at the dinner table.”

As to the “good-cause” requirement under which New York has limited permits to celebrities, the wealthy and those who paid the right bribes—and yes, that did happen—this amendment’s status as a constitutional right precludes mother-may-I-schemes. “We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need,” wrote Justice Thomas.

Clarence Thomas

“[We] hold, consistent with Heller and McDonald, that the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home.” — Clarence Thomas

History was Set Straight

To get its way, New York appealed to historical sources from medieval times through the twentieth century to argue that precedents exist for its carry ban. Yes, oppressive kings sometimes disarmed subjects, but isn’t that why we have the Second Amendment? New York neglected to include as a precedent the actions of George III, whose attempt to disarm the Americans sparked our Revolution. As Justice Thomas wrote, “[W]hen it comes to interpreting the Constitution, not all history is created equal. ‘Constitutional rights are enshrined with the scope they were understood to have when the people adopted them.’”

Instead of looking at the intent of James Madison and the other Founders in drafting the Second Amendment, New York would rely on the intent of King Edward III in passing the Statute of Northampton of 1328. “Notwithstanding the ink the parties spill over this provision, the Statute of Northampton—at least as it was understood during the Middle Ages—has little bearing on the Second Amendment adopted in 1791,” wrote Thomas.

Spilled ink is right. For over a decade, Bloomberg-financed research has promoted a revisionist history of an all-pervading Northampton rule that peaceably carrying arms without “the king’s license” has always been illegal. As Justice Thomas correctly points out, in Sir John Knight’s case of 1686, the English court ruled that going armed was an offense only if done in a manner “to terrify the King’s subjects.”

Perhaps misled by the revisionists, Justice Breyer suggested in his dissent that Knight was acquitted because he “based his defense on his loyalty to the Crown, not a lack of intent to terrify.” That disregarded what the English court actually said and the further fact that the Crown had Knight prosecuted because he opposed the Crown’s policies. The Crown was none other than James II, whose disarming of the protestant subjects sparked the Glorious Revolution in England. That resulted in the adoption of the Declaration of Rights of 1689, which declared that “Protestants … may have Arms for their Defence,” and so became the predecessor of the Second Amendment.

In the colonial and founding periods, peaceably going armed was lawful. In the early republic, a minority of states banned concealed carry, but that was upheld because open carry was legal. For a current restriction to be valid, it must be analogous to regulations that were generally accepted as constitutional when the amendment was adopted, as that is the will of the people. When slavery was abolished and the “Black Codes” sought to disarm the freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified in 1868 in part to protect Second Amendment rights from state infringement, which were aimed primarily at African Americans. The scope of the right was considered basically the same in that period as in the Founding.

But New York’s Sullivan Law, enacted in 1911, teaches us nothing about the original public understanding. Not to mention that “to the extent later history contradicts what the text says, the text controls.” Consider that rule, oh mighty Ninth Circuit! In Peruta, you upheld discretionary licensing because you said the Second Amendment doesn’t protect concealed carry. And in Young, you upheld Hawaii’s carry ban because you said the Amendment doesn’t protect open carry, either. Bruen pulls the rug out from under your anti-textual “reasoning.”

Justice Samuel Alito

“The police cannot … provide bodyguard protection for the State’s nearly 20 million residents or the 8.8 million people who live in New York City … . — Justice Samuel Alito

The Fight Over the Details

The Court does recognize “longstanding” laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in “sensitive places,” such as schools, government buildings, legislatures, polling places and courthouses. But such places must be narrowly defined: “Put simply, there is no historical basis for New York to effectively declare the island of Manhattan a ‘sensitive place’ simply because it is crowded and protected generally by the New York City Police Department.”

But, as this was being written, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who, like all public officials at her level, is protected by armed bodyguards, was already working to negate the “frightful” Bruen decision by planning to ban firearms in places, like subways, where they are most needed by law-abiding citizens and to jack up permit-qualification requirements.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who is reluctant to prosecute violent criminals, stated that “my office is analyzing this [Bruen] ruling and crafting gun-safety legislation that will take the strongest steps possible to mitigate the damage done today.” Does Bragg want to victimize the victims all the more? As the amicus brief in this case from the Black Attorneys of Legal Aid exposed, many otherwise law-abiding black and brown residents of New York have been incarcerated for attempting to defend themselves.

This U.S. Supreme Court decision does not address bans on modern rifles (the political term “assault weapon” does not appear), but it reaffirms the Heller rule that the Second Amendment “protects the possession and use of weapons that are ‘in common use at the time.’” AR-type rifles are indisputably in common use. After Heller was decided, in Heller II, we challenged the District of Columbia’s ban on semi-automatic rifles. Ruling that they are in common use and therefore protected by the Second Amendment should have been a no-brainer, as the majority admitted these firearms are commonly owned. But the court nevertheless upheld the ban based on part two of the “two-part” test that Bruen now rejects. Then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh dissented on the basis that the ban violated the Second Amendment.

All of the circuits to uphold rifle bans conceded that the banned firearms passed the first part of the test—they are, after all, “bearable arms” per Heller—except for the Fourth Circuit in Kolbe v. Hogan. That court made the absurd claim that AR-15 semi-automatics are “like” M-16 full automatics and thus may be banned. They saw no legal difference between a rifle that fires only one shot per trigger pull and a machine gun. This was truly an “emperor has no clothes” moment.

So, while Bruen doesn’t go into that issue, Justice Thomas did write that while “the Second Amendment’s definition of ‘arms’ is fixed according to its historical understanding, that general definition covers modern instruments that facilitate armed self-defense.”

This is a National Ruling

While the specific ruling is against New York, the Court called out the other five states with equivalent restrictions that are now invalid—California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. All six states must now consider their “good-cause” factor to be crossed out and issue carry permits according to the other existing procedures. No need exists to wait until their legislatures repeal portions of laws now ruled to be unconstitutional.

The California attorney general released an alert that “issuing authorities should no longer require proof of good cause for the issuance of a public-carry license.” However, he said, they should thoroughly investigate an applicant, including a search of social media, to decide if the person has “good moral character.” New Jersey’s attorney general announced that “justifiable need” would no longer be a reason to deny a permit, but “good moral character” is still required. The danger exists that ideological tests may follow, which would violate both the First and the Second Amendments.

As of the time of this writing, the attorneys general of Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York had issued terse denunciations of the decision.

As the Court notes, some 43 states have “shall-issue” permit systems. Three of those states—Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island—have discretionary language in their laws, but in practice they operate as “shall-issue.” Vermont does not issue permits, but neither does it require a permit for open or concealed carry. So that makes a total of 44 states that recognize the right of law-abiding citizens in general to bear arms.

Bruen does not question the various other requirements for carry permits, such as background checks, which were not challenged; however, “because any permitting scheme can be put toward abusive ends, we do not rule out constitutional challenges to shall-issue regimes where, for example, lengthy wait times in processing license applications or exorbitant fees deny ordinary citizens their right to public carry.” Left unsaid is that New York allows up to six months to act on a carry-permit application, which requires a fee of hundreds of dollars.

The Concurring Opinions

Concurring opinions were written by three justices, all agreeing with the opinion by Justice Thomas but adding further points. The dissent argued that the case should be remanded to the lower court for trial, to find out whether it is really so hard for a New Yorker to get a carry permit.

As Justice Samuel Alito responded, the record “tells us everything we need on this score.” The very words of the New York law and judicial decisions thereon make clear that “proper cause” does not include living in a high-crime neighborhood. He noted that amicus briefs were filed “by members of groups whose members feel that they have special reasons to fear attacks,” including the brief for the National African American Gun Association that counsel Nezida Davis and I filed.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, with whom Chief Justice John Roberts joined, pointed out that “43 States employ objective shall-issue licensing regimes,” such as fingerprinting, a background check and training. That word “objective” will gain added significance if rogue states try to substitute ideological tests for “good moral character,” a covert way of reviving the subjective “proper-cause” criteria.

In her concurrence, Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted the scholarly debate on whether the scope of the right to bear arms should focus on when the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 or when the Fourteenth Amendment, which made the Amendment applicable to the states, was ratified in 1868. She cautioned that the Bruen decision “should not be understood to endorse freewheeling reliance on historical practice from the mid-to-late 19th century to establish the original meaning of the Bill of Rights.” That’s good advice, because more restrictions began to appear late in the 19th century, and they were inconsistent with the original public understanding.

The Dissents and What’s to Come

Predictably, Justice Stephen Breyer, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, dissented. The dissent goes on and on about criminals who murder victims with firearms, as if that didn’t prove the need for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Justice Alito asked “how does the dissent account for the fact that one of the mass shootings near the top of its list took place in Buffalo?” The dissent also makes the frankly weird argument that Bruen is in conflict with Heller, from which Justice Breyer also dissented.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has fully recognized the right to bear arms, much work lies ahead. When Heller threw out the District of Columbia’s handgun ban, the District defiantly enacted new, arbitrary restrictions to get revenge against gun owners. Some of them were invalidated in the case known as Heller III. As we go to print, the six nanny states whose “may-issue” laws are now declared to be unconstitutional are already scheming new restrictions on the right to carry, not to mention other rights basic to gun ownership. Americans must remain ever-vigilant to stop violations of their rights from every quarter.

Stephen P. Halbrook (stephenhalbrook.com) is a senior fellow with the Independent Institute and the author of 10 books, including The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class?

–by STEPHEN P. HALBROOK

LETTER TO TIME MAGAZINE—

Hey guys Noel, Noel,

This gets better by the day. Almost a joke, but not funny. Oil doesn’t come from Fossils. CO2 is not a pollutant. And you don’t want to question a guy who will destroy civilization because he wants to force you to pepper the landscape with solar panels and wind turbines mostly made with the help of oil-based products?

And you call yourselves journalists. When you walk home and the lights won’t come on, you can’t fire up your computer and you can’t get warm because you can’t burn wood, will you say Yippee, we won?

–Bandit

VINTAGE ENGINE DEAL OF THE WEEK—Grant, from Born Free is willing to sell this rebuilt UL, 80-inch flathead H-D motor with title for $11,000. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll pass it on.

–Bandit

MOTORCYCLES AS ART Exhibit–Changes Format and Michael Lichter Moves to Advisory Role

Sturgis Buffalo Chip to Remodel Event Center Gallery and Expand Exhibit

The Motorcycles As Art showcase and gallery will continue to be the home of the industry party, slated for Saturday, August 5th, 2023. Artists and sponsors can inquire directly to info@BuffaloChip.com

 For more information, visit MotorcyclesAsArt.com

Bird’s eye view of Oxford, the West’s newest prison city. Public domain.

PRISON CITY, UK–Oxford residents will soon be prisoners of their own neighborhoods

This is one of those stories that you’re certain is from the Babylon Bee, and that is stunning in its implications when it turns out to be the truth. In this case, the truth is that, in accordance with UN and WEF climate recommendations, the city of Oxford (home to the famed university) approved plans mandating that citizens may not drive more than 15 minutes distance from their homes without permission. It’s called the “15 Minute City” and is intended to reduce auto emissions. Mostly, though, it will reduce liberty, which is what climate change madness has always been about.

In many ways, the 15 Minute City (which the WEF and UN approvingly tout) is an old, unexceptional idea: Even in big cities, people like vibrant neighborhoods that allow them to travel very short distances (walking, riding a bike, or driving) to fulfill their daily needs (food, clothing, haircuts, etc.). Indeed, there are lots of people who pick homes based on their proximity to amenities. They don’t want to spend their lives in their cars or on public transportation chasing from one thing to another. And that’s fine. Making choices based on lifestyle preferences is a perfectly sound, market-based way to go through life.

But the marketplace is not what globalists want. They want control. Certainly, that’s the case in and around Oxford, England. Word is trickling into America that both the leftist Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxford City Council have plans. Big plans.

Spiked got wind of the planned changes in October. The ostensible push behind the plan is to end traffic problems, which certainly makes sense, but the plan will be implemented with the chain and jackboot:

… Oxfordshire County Council, which is run by Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, wants to divide the city of Oxford into six ‘15 minute’ districts. In these districts, it is said, most household essentials will be accessible by a quarter-of-an-hour walk or bike ride, and so residents will have no need for a car.

On the surface, these 15-minute neigbourhoods might sound pleasant and convenient. But there is a coercive edge. The council plans to cut car use and traffic congestion by placing strict rules on car journeys. Under the new proposals, if any of Oxford’s 150,000 residents drives outside of their designated district more than 100 days a year, he or she could be fined £70.

Run by a Labour administration, Oxford City Council takes a similar line.

Since Spiked wrote the above, the Oxford City Council went from theory to fact by a council vote on November 29 to implement trial traffic filters as of January 2024 that will require residents to get permission to leave their neighborhoods, all in the name of saving the planet:

Oxfordshire County Council yesterday approved plans to lock residents into one of six zones to ‘save the planet’ from global warming. The latest stage in the ’15 minute city’ agenda is to place electronic gates on key roads in and out of the city, confining residents to their own neighbourhoods.

Under the new scheme if residents want to leave their zone they will need permission from the Council who gets to decide who is worthy of freedom and who isn’t. Under the new scheme residents will be allowed to leave their zone a maximum of 100 days per year, but in order to even gain this every resident will have to register their car details with the council who will then track their movements via smart cameras round the city.

In 1992, Rush Limbaugh appeared on ABC’s Nightline to engage in a debate with Al Gore regarding Gore’s charge, in his then-new book Earth in the Balance, that the earth was facing imminent climate death. After Gore blathered on “a global ecological crisis that is more serious than anything human civilization has ever faced,” Rush cut to the heart of the matter:

The environmental movement as fueled by the militants who lead it, I think, is the new home of socialism. I think it is. They’ve adopted a constituency here which can’t speak — that is trees and rocks and so forth — and can’t reject the so-called help and concern that the advocates are giving it, and gives them a stage from which to constantly launch attacks at capitalism.

Rush was right, of course. Socialism is totalitarianism, which exists under many names (theocracy, military junta, fascism, communism) but, no matter the name, the goal is always the same: Completely control a population for the benefit of a small, well-defined group of elites. In Oxford, England, with its new plan to trap people near their homes and spy on them wherever they go, we’re seeing the latest phase in the socialist crackdown that Rush identified 30 years ago.

–American Thinker

Song: “Eye of the Tiger”
Music by: Survivor
Songwriters: Frank Sullivan / James
Album: Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Rising up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive

So many times it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Face to face, out in the heat
Hanging tough, staying hungry
They stack the odds ’til we take to the street
For the kill with the skill to survive

It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Rising up straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I’m not going to stop
Just a man and his will to survive

It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger

INSTAGRAM CUSTOMS FROM TWISTED ROAD—Here’s number one: 1. Mike Le

Mike Le had a vision and that vision became a reality in Kinetic Motorcycles. This team aims to create art on wheels through innovation, creativity, and function.

And number six: 6. Colt Wrangler
Defining the future of cool in custom bike building throughout Texas, Colt Wrangler is known affectionately as the rasta-redneck-Yoda of custom motorcycle building.

–Twisted Road
www.twistedroad.com

CLIMATE QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

Those who oppose economically destructive “climate” policies – like those promoted by the Biden administration and at the recent United Nations COP27 conference – will continue to fail to stop the advance of these policies so long as they continue to accept the false claim that warming of the planet and carbon dioxide emissions are harmful.

They are not. On balance, global warming and CO2 emission are beneficial.

–David Simon
Realclearmarkets.com

BAKER DEALER OF THE MONTH–Dream Rides of Tennessee. BAKER Dealer Since 2021

The name Dream Rides may sound familiar to you because of their reputable shop in California, but in 2021, Dream Rides opened their Tennessee location and have had nothing but success. Their experienced team of techs have made it easy for Dream Rides of Tennessee to make a name for themselves as one of the leading independent shops in eastern Tennessee.

Dream Rides of Tennessee is a reliable “alternative solution to a Harley-Davidson dealer”. The shop specializes in everything from simple service work to extreme performance upgrades. They even sell parts, apparel, and used bikes.

They contribute to the motorcycle community with many events year-round, but their newest and most popular event is the BAKER-sponsored Drag Races.

Michelle talked to John Jessup, the owner of Dream Rides of Tennessee, and learned more about their success in this industry.

Baker will be closed until January 3rd, next year.

HOLIDAY NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–Final Reminder

Holiday greetings to all! And welcome to our new subscribers. We are looking forward to a fantastic New Year and are eager to see what 2023 has in store for us!

This is your final reminder on David’s 2022 Holiday piece, “Arctic Express”. We do have one of each of the embellished pieces left, so please let me know if you’d like to acquire one of those (see specifics below). We’ll be closing this edition on Sunday.

Thanks for your time and Happy New Year!

Greg
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
303-913-4840

REDUCING SPEED LIMITS to 20 mph has little Impact on Driving Behavior—

UK research found that cutting speed limits on urban roads does not significantly improve safety. The likely reason—motorists will drive the speed limit they feel most comfortable with based on road design, weather conditions, and traffic.

Belfast officials changed the speed limits to 20 mph on 76 roads in 2016. Researchers analyzed data from before and after the 20 mph limit was introduced on the same streets and compared that data with other Northern Ireland roads that retained 30 to 40 mph. They did not find any statistically significant differences in average traffic speeds and the number of accidents. One change they did find: the 20-mph roads experienced a reduction in traffic.

These findings from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Edinburgh were published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

The researchers also recommended that to change driver behavior, the 20 mph limits should be combined with other measures such as:

• Driver training
• Community engagement
• Community interventions (speed watch)
• Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) and other surveillance
• In-car Interventions such as speed limiters
• Police enforcement
• Social media marketing to increase awareness

They also stated in the report that bringing the speed limit down to 20 mph would help facilitate a culture change from the car-dominant paradigm by putting people before cars.

Cutting speed limits to 20 mph has been increasingly popular in the UK and Europe. The Welsh government has even committed to lowering speeds on all roads where cars mix with cyclists and pedestrians.

In an interview with the UK’s Evening Standard, Royal Automobile Club (RAC) road safety spokesman Simon Williams said, “The findings of this study are surprising as they appear to suggest that drivers on 20 mph roads in Belfast hardly slowed down at all, despite the lower speed limit.”

He added, “It seems there is a serious problem with compliance as we would expect that even without enforcement, average speed would drop. Consequently, the study may demonstrate a need for councils to find other ways to get drivers to slow down, whether that’s through the enforcement or modifying road design with traffic islands, well-designed speed bumps, or chicanes.”

“Our research shows drivers are less likely to comply with a lower limit if they don’t believe it’s appropriate for the type of road.”

The same paradigm has already made it across the pond. The US is not exactly at 20 mph yet, but many cities have reduced default speed limits to 25, and Detroit, Motor City itself, has become the speed hump capital of the country.

Feel free to send your comments to nma@motorists.org.

TRIKE OF THE WEEK—from a fan of the LA Dodgers.

HOLIDAY TESTIMONIAL—

I would like to share a personal experience with my friends about drinking and driving. This might save you the cost and embarrassment of being arrested for DUI.

As you know, people have been known to have unexpected brushes with the authorities from time to time, often on the way home after a “social session” with family or friends.

Well, this year, it happened to me. I was out for the evening to a party and had more than several margaritas coupled with a bottle of rather nice red wine.

It was held at a great Mexican restaurant. Although relaxed, I still had the common sense to know I was slightly over the limit. That’s when I did something I’ve never done before…I took a taxi home.

On the way home there was a police roadblock, but since it was a taxi they waved it past and I arrived home safely without incident. These roadblocks can be anywhere and I realized how lucky I was to have chosen to take a taxi.

The real surprise to me was I had never driven a taxi before. I don’t know where I got it, and now that it’s in my garage I don’t know what to do with it.

If you want to borrow it, give me a call.

–Joe Smith
Peachtree County
West Netherlands

THERE YOU HAVE IT—Okay, so what’s Bandit, Bikernet and 5-Ball going to do next year? You can bet we’re going to do something, even if it’s wrong…

I discovered I had five Chapters of Chance III in my file. I’m working on slipping them into the Cantina over the next couple of months. We are working with a couple of producers to get Bandit’s Cantina turned into a TV series and one of our books made into a movie.

In March we will roll with Micah, Cabana Dan, and Luke with the Salt Torpedo to the Texas Mile for some test passes. I will either pick up my son on the way down or stop by on the way back in Austin. Markus Cuff, our staff photographer just passed away. Austin was one of his favorite places on the planet.

The Redhead is looking into dash mount GPS speedometers. We only have a tach, but Micah will need a speedometer as he goes through the certification process in August, in Bonneville.

 

Of course, I’m building another motorcycle, the VL, XA, S&S FL and received the wheels from Black Bike yesterday in the snow.

The other book involves Rogue a freedom fighter from the beginning. We are both still active in the fight for freedom and truth in our industry. We know folks are after our freedoms constantly and motorcycles could be banned if we don’t keep fighting.

A major goal for 2023 is to eliminate Climate Doom and replace it with Scientific Transparency. We have some plans and research continues daily.

Remember the guy who has the 45 for sale? Sam found this inspirational image. If he cleaned it up, blacked out the tires and added some pinstriping, it could be a sharp puppy.

I’m working with the Hagerty guys on a shop organizing and storage article. Coming up shortly.

Ordering a Sprotor kit from Hawg Haulters through Randy and Dakota V-Twin for the brakes on our project bike.

It’s going to be a very exciting year. Hang on, join your local or national motorcycle rights group and keep up the fight for freedom.

–Bandit

Click Here to Read this week’s News only on Bikernet.com

Hey,

It’s that time of the year, when we reflect on what we’ve done in 2022 and what we plan for 2023.

Think about all of the anecdotes and the sheer potential of life in America. Like I told my grandson, it’s time to dream a little. Anything is possible.

Okay, so what’s Bandit, Bikernet and 5-Ball going to do next year? You can bet we’re going to do something, even if it’s wrong…

It’s going to be a very exciting year. Hang on, join your local or national motorcycle rights group for freedom to ride.

Let’s hit the news.

–Bandit

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Roll up your 5/8 Jak shirt sleeves & stuff those stockings into the New Year, get some books to inspire your next adventure or stash it all in a Bandit’s bedroll. Visit: https://5-ballgarage.com/

And what happened, then?

Well, the kindergartners they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.

For our supporters who bring endless joy to thousands of kids across America each year, All Kids Bike is wishing you a very happy holiday season!

Website: https://allkidsbike.org/

Want to make the biggest impact? Like, share, retweet, favorite, and tag us on your social media platforms!

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Get all news on two-wheels to get you moving or when you are on the move. Click to view Free Weekly Newsletter subscription.

I pray for a world that harbors no hate,

Where hunger, poverty, homelessness has been eradicated and greed, fraud, likes and deceit have been replaced with kindness, sharing, giving, trust and love,

Where animals all have enough space and the school playground is a safe place and All can live and work together as one and enjoy nature’s simple beauty that’s around everyone,

Where all disease is under control and health care is available for all,

Where zealots, tyrants, war bullies, thugs no longer thrive,

Where all are free, healthy, happy to be alive,

So give thanks for that in which you love and believe,

For us it’s God, family and friends,

We all need love, friendship and a home,

Peace be with you,

May your holidays be truly blessed,

— Love, Lana and Wayne Cobb

December 23, 2022 House Passes Motorcyclist Profiling Resolution!

In one of the final actions before the 117th Congress dissolved the House of Representatives passed, H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution.

The resolution, which was first introduced in 2016, failed to receive a vote on the House floor until today. In the six years since it was introduced motorcyclists have spent countless hours educating lawmakers and raising awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling.

The 2016 version of the resolution had just 18 cosponsors, but that number grew to 103 this month. These 103 cosponsors represented a diverse set of political beliefs and geographic interests, but all were committed to supporting bikers.

It has been a long journey to this point and many parties are responsible for this victory. Former Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin originally introduced the resolution and after his departure from Congress Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan picked up the baton. The Motorcycle Profiling Project provided important data that helped inform lawmakers about the extent of motorcyclist profiling. Motorcycle clubs and independent riders all invested time and resources in the battle on Capitol Hill. State motorcyclist rights organizations leveraged their relationships with home state lawmakers and increased cosponsor numbers dramatically. Most importantly all these groups remained committed and focused despite setbacks and disappointments.

With this action, the House joins the Senate, which passed a similar resolution in 2018 standing against motorcyclist profiling and asking for collaboration between law enforcement and bikers to prevent profiling. Additionally, five states, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, Idaho, and New Hampshire all have state laws against the profiling of bikers.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation hopes that this demonstration of support from the United States Congress will provide other states a foundation to enact legislation.

To see a full version of H. Res 366 click here.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Website: http://mrf.org

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