“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”





Dear People of the United States, up to and including all the illegals which would be most of you: as a compositioner, or, to put it another way, as one of 55 authors of the Constitution, I have been asked by no one in particular to come back to Earth and to give a report, a finding, a resume’, a status update if you will, if if I may, or as it were, of how the statements issued by the Preamble have fared as to actually having been achieved. As it were. I did not receive this request without some bit of annoyance on my part. The Preamble is Sacred. It’s the introduction to Our Sacred Democracy. I personally think it is above reproach, above criticism, above discussion and off the table as a matter for any kind of analysis. It is perfection in compositional form. It is inspired by the God of the Bible with help from some of the lesser deities of the pantheon and the Great Architect of The Universe who is revealed only to the upper levels of the Craft, blessings and peace be upon him.




So, much as I hate to, this being basically an untouchable, unreproachable, un critique-able, unassailable, unsoilable, unerring 52 words of absolute shining and glorious perfection, in short the mightiest and most majestic sentence ever written and composed and put to paper, I will allow myself to give it this Job Performance Review. Much as it goes against my sense of resolute and anchored-to-this-hallowed-ground patriotism.




Ok. So regarding item number one, this matter of forming a more perfect union: we have as yet not formed a more perfect union. It is pending. We are looking at it. For one thing “we” are bureaucrats. We are the “we” being referred-to in that “We the people” thing in the Preamble that has a lot of Marxist overtones and reverberations to it, I think you would have to agree. Even though Marx was not belching and farting his way through an unemployed life as-yet when this was “written.” I say “written” but it was actually more of a collage of words cut and pasted together from a huge pile of suggested platitudes, actually. Anyway, we wrote “We” so that you would think “we” meant “You.” You in particular, which is not the case. You are not referred to in the Preamble. We are. Not you. Us. The people who concocted this, what would you call it, well, basically it’s a campaign promise. We concocted a campaign promise. It’s basically gas. From gasbags. But we are “enlightened” gasbags. We are the children of “the Age of Enlightenment” in which we discarded the nonsense of Christianity and substituted “Reason.” We then defined “reason” to mean “Whatever we decide.” Because we said so. Which seems MORE than reasonable to us.




Regardless, getting back to what I’m doing here, which is, giving a progress report on how the claims and intentions of the Preamble are faring, getting back to that….. as far as “establishing justice” is concerned?…..WE think we’re doing a good job of that. People we personally don’t like and maybe don’t even know are being jailed, laws are being proclaimed as “needing to be obeyed” almost faster than we can write them, and we do not have a bureaucrat in all of America in the poor house. We’re all doing ok. Which to us is fair and just.



I already know what you’re saying about the “forming a more perfect union” part. I know what you’re saying: “How can you know you are actually good at forming more-perfect unions when there are no examples of already-perfect unions that you have made more perfect and can use as examples of why you are qualified to more perfectly perfect the union that we already have?” That’s a very good question and not one that I am pleased to have asked of me. Because I don’t really have an answer that you would like, and I only have an answer that I like, and that would be, “Because we said so.”



Forming a more perfect union, you see, actually is not actually anything that makes any sense. For example, there is the implication that a perfect union is already in existence or in operation or in a jar somewhere, we don’t actually fucking goddamn know, and that we are going to take this union of perfection and gather it all together and after a great deal, or maybe even after a small deal, hard to say, since we don’t even know ourselves what the fuck we are talking about, after some period of time or period of construction or maybe of deconstruction or remodeling or something, we are going to make what is implied to be an already perfect union and make it MORE perfect…….. Well, I think you will agree, we might as well be talking Klingon as actually saying anything. I mean an idiot could see that we’re at Gavin Newsom/Justin Trudeau/Ocasio-Cortez level of shit on a shingle here.




However, “in order to FORM” this “more-perfect union”……that we don’t actually know how to do or even know what we are talking about……in order to do this…..we’ve written a blueprint. A Constitution. Or made-up rulebook, in other words. Or a manual. 4500 words long. Or instruction sheet. On how to do this. On how to accomplish The Preamble. Or, in other words, how to do this thing that actually can’t be made any sense out of. And even though we have no track record of having perfected perfect unions before…… we’re going to do this. We’re going to form a more perfect union. So that there will a unioned, or I should say a more or less perfected thing…. in the union. That we are forming and perfecting. We’re going to take a perfect union…..and More Perfection it. To where it will be more perfectly perfected. In unionable aspects. Throughout.



And the body of the Constitution will explain how the Preamble’s proclamation of goals and purposes and advisories and consents are to be made manifest, which will result in a more perfect Union. I know what you’re saying: how can something only 55 people created and only 39 people could bring themselves to actually sign bring itself into existence as a legal entity with the authority to create 10,000 more legal entities binding on people who not only were not there but were not even born yet? It’s called manifest destiny. Or historical necessity as I think Marx phrased it. That’s how. There are things that are bigger than your petty identity. And this is one of them.



Now, the Preamble not only proclaims the construction of a more perfect union, We The People are also going to do OTHER things! Oh, we’re not going to stop at just forming a more perfect union. No. That’s just the beginning, this business of forming a more perfect union. That’s just the start. Let me tell you what else we’re going to do. We are going to establish justice. How hard can THAT be? We’re going to just go right on out there and establish justice. I know what you’re saying: “That sounds like Greta Thunberg saying she is going to go right out there and lower the temperature of a planet. Specifically, the one she lives on. Whatever planet that might be.
Which has never been determined.”



I know that you’re saying that. I would have preferred that you had not said that, but I know that you said that, and I was more or less expecting you to say that. Which you did. But let me say this about that. That which you said. Then we will have both have said things. You remember earlier that we were, in order to, so that there would be, so that in the manner of, regarding unions, that we would have unions of a more perfect version of unions?….. you remember that, right? So why would you think, under the circumstances of THAT accomplishment, that we would not be able to establish justice? I don’t follow your logic! Because if you were to use ACTUAL logic, and certainly common sense, these two things would tell you that if we can make a perfect union more perfect…..establishing justice is, like, a step backwards in difficulty. Compared to forming a more perfect union. Wouldn’t you agree?



And, just for the record, as you can see, we have done that. We have established justice. As you can see. We have done that. Justice has been achieved. And established. As was foretold in the Preamble. That’s the reason we WROTE the Preamble: to establish justice. We wrote it: we did it. We established justice. It wasn’t just WORDS. We actually DID establish justice. As we said we would actually do in the Preamble. Did we say there were other things we would do in the Preamble? Yes. Yes, we did say other things in the Preamble that we would do. And I don’t mean to sound like Michael Scott here, but I DO think it’s important that you look at this matter squarely in the jaw and meet it head-on, spelled M-E-A-T. We’re going to MEAT it HEAD on. That’s what I think. And that’s what she said.



Ok, ok, haha, I admit, I’m having a little bit of fun with you here but let’s stop now and get back to business and let’s just get settled here and let’s just move along here and get to insuring, or ensuring, take your pick, the “domestic tranquility” part of this thing. Well: here I have you. I’ve got you right by the shorthairs if you are having a problem with the “ensuring the domestic tranquility” part of all this. Because we are TOTALLY domestically tranquil right here right now and thank you Jesus for THAT. Fuckin’ TOUCHdown. I got you, right? You’re with me on THIS one, right? Target acquired, Houston, target NEUTRALIZED! Tranquility Base, we are here!!! Whew!!! Not a bad achievement, right? Domestic tranquility. I just like saying it! We have this domestic tranquility thing NAILED.



Ok, let’s move on to the next one: promoting the general welfare. Now to any critics I would remind you that we DIDN’T say we would ACHIEVE the general welfare. We said we would PROMOTE it. Promote it, achieve it, go fuck a duck with it, either way I think you would agree, both are admirable endeavors. Promoting, achieving….two different things, I agree, or maybe they’re the same thing. I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure the Preamble knows. And I know what you’re saying, promoting the general welfare, that’s like a product “supporting heart health” which in legal terms means it’s not fucking poisonous: you eat it, your heart keeps beating. You don’t fucking die. So, it’s supporting heart health.



So, I know what you’re saying: you’re saying the Preamble is starting to sound more and more like windbag, blithering, meaningless, bromidic 18th Century-potentate English Royalty level Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Brown Family utter and complete bilge from a commercial for “joint repair” or “brain support.” That’s likely what you’re saying. And let me tell you something: that’s extremely divisive. We need to come together here in agreement with me. Otherwise, there is strife. And there is also no domestic tranquility and certainly no justice, which means you are basically making a mockery of the Preamble because you are being unfair and untranquil. And there is no unfairness or untranquilness in justice. Justice is fairness. And tranquilizing. And justice is unhurtful. And you are being hurtful. You are not cooperating. As the first three words of the Preamble remind us, we are all in this together. So, let’s move on.



Provide for the common defense.

I know what you’re saying: the common defense was provided-for in the defeating of England, the most powerful nation on earth at the time…..without the Preamble.



Once again there is that unfairness rearing its ugly head. That defeat was a fluke. The common defense cannot be PROPERLY provided for without proclaiming it as a goal and that goal cannot be achieved without a proper statement of it AS a goal of what FOLLOWS the Preamble, which is, namely, the Constitution: which is the blueprint, the roadmap, the task force, the grand strategy, the 5-year-plan, the ray-zone day-tare, if you will, that will achieve, as it clearly has, all the goals stated in the Preamble. Including the common defense. It’s self-evident. And not only that but – it’s working.



The Constitution has achieved the goals and built back better the mandates and protocols and stay-safe precautions set-out by the Preamble PLUS it has secured the blessings of liberty for ourselves and for all those who will be born in America until the sun goes out. Meaning our posterity. People not even here yet. People not even conceived. People not even shot out of the semen shooter. We are in essence providing blessings for, dare I say?….all of mankind. Existing or not existing. Perhaps even deceased, motherfucker. Quite an achievement, I think you would agree. Jesus himself would be I think quite impressed with us here at Constitution Headquarters. I know what you’re saying: the body of the Constitution itself closely resembles Ancient Rome and the English Monarchy with a bit of Aleister Crowley and Madame Blavatsky thrown in.



Yeah, well, fuck you. Asshole. And where’s your goddamned fucking mask, prickface.



–J.J. Solari

Honda’s CBX blows past previous records
Having bought and sold a half-dozen Honda CBXs myself, I have observed the steady climb in values as well as what was once a clear hierarchy of traits that made for a valuable CBX.  The record-breaking sale of this modified black 1980 model for $49,500 suggests the CBX is in a changing world, however. Original, untouched examples of ’79 and ’80 models without fairings once topped the market.

At Mecum, it appears buyers expanded their horizons. Later bikes, even if modified, commanded just as much and sometimes more than earlier CBXs. The record breaker was especially surprising, extensively modified as it was with a bubble fairing, aftermarket seat, and exhaust (the original exhaust was included in the sale). Similarly, a Fair-condition 1980 CBX with aftermarket exhaust, seat, suspension, and grips sold for $17,600—a price that would have landed a perfectly-restored original example only four years ago.

Harley-Davidson’s Knucklehead punches toward six figures
A Knucklehead is no longer a $50,000 bike. It’s now a $100,000+ bike.

The sale of this 1936 example for an eye-watering $203,500 exemplifies the trends that put Knuckleheads on our “9 bikes we’re watching in 2021″ list. That sale was not the only one, either: on average, Knuckleheads at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction sold for 15% over the Hagerty Price Guide #2 or “excellent” value.

British bikes are a stronger value than ever
Despite headlines of record-breaking sales seemingly every week, not all trend lines shoot high and right. The line traced by British motorcycles has coursed laterally (and sometimes even a little bit down) more than most over the last seven years, and that represents an opportunity to get onto some great machinery at reasonable prices.

The 1959 Triumph T120R Bonneville got people excited about motorcycles and the British motorcycle industry in the same way the first Mustang sent Boomers to Ford dealerships in droves. As such, the Bonneville sits high in the pantheon of the most collectible British motorcycles. Despite that, trends have not treated the model well. In 2007, Bonhams sold a 1959 Triumph T120R Bonneville for $28,080. In 2016, one at Mecum crept higher, selling for $30,800 after fees. This January at Mecum Las Vegas, two examples of that same model in similar restored condition slid downward, selling for $17,600 and $26,400.

Similarly, At Mecum’s auction a 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star Spitfire sold for $23,650, barely inching up from one that sold for $19,750 over a decade ago at the 2011 Vegas auctions.

As Bonneville and other British bike prices languished, mass-produced Japanese bikes began to soar. A restored 1971 Honda CB750 sold for $9,000 at Mecum Las Vegas in 2016 while this year, a CB750 in perfect restored condition sold for $28,000. This dramatic shift in demand has occurred despite the massive supply differential—one year of CB750 production totals more than five times all motorcycles Triumph produced in 1959. The upside is that this represents a significant value proposition for fans of British marques.

Deals are out there, even at the auction block

At a time when Japanese bikes from the ’70s are some of the hottest machines around, this 1972 Honda CL175 sold for $990. Now, a decade ago complete, running bikes could be had for that price all day long. But at least they still exist.

“Limited edition BMW” is synonymous with desirable, but for only $5500 this 2004 BMW Boxer Cup Replika could have been yours. Auctions frequently outperform the private-sale market, but sometimes with a more niche-audience bike like this a seller is better off in the private market where they can wait for the right buyer to come along.  At auction, the seller must hope that two interested parties are ready to duke it out right there.

Heated 12V Jacket & Pant liners and Glove Liners

Review & Photos by Koz Mraz

This riding apparel offers comfort against the weather conditions on the road.

The apparel wiring connectors are a standard design and will work with other brands.

The Synergy Pro-Plus line of jacket, vest, pants, and gloves all work together.

CLICK HERE To Read this Review on Bikernet.com

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Please support Antiprofiling House Resolution 366 Call-to-Action to support Motorcycle Riders

Members of the House of Representatives left D.C. last week for two weeks of recess. While they are away their staff members are sorting through constituent mail and reviewing legislative priorities. Now is a great time to contact those congressional offices and have your voice heard!

H. Res 366 is a resolution focused on the profiling of bikers and it needs public support from all Members of Congress.

Click on the link below and you will be sent to a site that sends a letter to your Representative based on your zip code.

If your Representative has already signed on, your message will be a thank you note and ask them to push for a full vote on the House floor. If your elected official hasn’t signed on, the message will ask for them to cosponsor H. Res 366 and go on record supporting bikers.

So far this year over 70 Representatives have cosponsored the resolution, but that is just half of where we were in 2020. Let’s make sure the politicians in Washington, D.C. hear from bikers and act.

Click here to contact your Representative regarding H. Res 366.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.

Visit website http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983!
and Join the MRF!

We may be the bad apples of our society, but we respect freedom, fight for what’s right and never give up.

Ride fast and free forever,

–Bandit

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.

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Cabana Dan, another Hamster is back from St. Louis where he met with Carl Pussar and picked up a 2010 Crazy Horse engine and primary drive, plus a CV carb, intake manifold, voltage regulator and alternator. He’s going to show up here soon.

Took off the Sporty tank from the UL. Ordered some tabs to extend the rear tabs. They were metal tie-wrapped to the frame. I didn’t like that much. Going to have the tank painted, add a Paughco chain guard and make cool, classic, two-into-one pipes with a Paughco Dago muffler and maybe cut the sissybar down some. Hang on for reports.

In the meantime. Let’s hit the news:

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

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–OPEN MIND BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 10th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/OPEN_MIND_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_10th_2022.aspx

Dale Walksler was a tremendous historian. I’ve visited Wheels Through Time 3 times and each time Dale was an inspiration. I witnessed first hand when HD execs and dealers came through on a ride and Dale, with a glint in his eye, schooled these execs in the history of the company they worked for. A real gentleman and every American motorcycle owner owe themselves a visit to this wonderful museum.

And, let me state right here that Matt, whom I’ve met each time while visiting is truly the apple. He is extremely knowledgeable, passionate and carrying the torch to this fantastic piece of large history!

Keep up the great work Matt!

— Dangerous Dan
San Jose, CA

BANDIT’S BED ROLL AND DAYROLL COME TO THE TEXAS RESCUE–I used the Bedroll/Dayroll fairing again as it was 30 degrees when I left. However, I had an important mission for the bedroll this day. I needed to transport 15-20’ of large bubble wrap, but it suffered some causalities trying to stuff it inside and zip it up. But it was for jumping on, so it was okay.

The Kuryakyn lights are a final no at least the left side, but I still haven’t rebuilt the front master cylinder either as evident by the blue tape & bungee cord. Only the light was staying on and it serves as a reminder to behave! But I still want to Ricky Bobby, “I wanna go fast.” She’s still a baby 96 inches.

–RFR
Texas Report
Bikernet.com™

SPEAKING OF WIRING: NEWS FROM THE NAMZ EMPIRE–“We make it easy for you to do it right!”

NAMZ continues to make it easy for the shops and do-it-yourselfers to make those necessary repairs or do a custom wiring project with our 100′ spools of OEM colored wire. These neat and tidy 18-gauge wire on 6? spools are available in ALL OEM Harley Davidson color codes. A perfect must have for any dealership or custom shop.

Our wire is UL-Rated and is the industry standard everyone refers to. This is the very same wire we use every day at NAMZ Custom Cycle Products to produce our Made in the USA wiring harnesses that create solutions and solve problems worldwide.

Check out our OEM Colored Wiring

Vance & Hines Launches Expanded Effort For 2022 Moto America King of the Baggers Championship— Company will field Two Riders aboard Harley-Davidson Road Glides Operating from its Racing Development Center 
 

Santa Fe Springs CA – February 15, 2022 – Vance & Hines today announced the details of the company’s involvement in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers (KOTB) racing series in 2022. The company will field a two-bike team featuring James Rispoli and Taylor Knapp riding, with technical support from the company’s Racing Development Center in Brownsburg, IN. Matt Hines, former NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion and son of the company’s co-founder Byron Hines, will be Crew Chief for the team. Mission Foods will be a sponsor of the Vance & Hines effort. 
 

This year, both riders will be aboard Harley-Davidson Road Glides which will feature “improvements throughout the whole bike, based on what we learned last year,” according to Matt Hines. “We’re excited that the series has expanded to six races and that so many of our customers are interested in seeing high-performance baggers on the track.” 
 
Rispoli has amassed a formidable resume of speed and winning in flat track and road racing, both here and abroad. After winning back-to-back AMA Pro SuperSport championships in the US, Rispoli made a name for himself competing in the prestigious British Superbike championships for five seasons. He followed that with a return to his flat track roots, winning the 2020 AFT Production Twins title in dominant fashion with seven wins aboard a Vance & Hines-built Harley-Davidson XG750R. This season, Rispoli will bring his signature #43 back to road racing in MotoAmerica on the Vance & Hines KOTB Harley-Davidson Road Glide.  
 

Knapp is one of the most seasoned veterans in the MotoAmerica paddock today, having competed for both factory and privateer teams in Daytona SportBike, AMA SuperBike, British Superbike and MotoAmerica 1000 SuperStock.  He has established himself as one of the most versatile riders in road racing, and currently works as a test rider for Dunlop Tire Company. In 2021, Knapp joined the Vance & Hines team for two rounds on its KOTB entry at Road America and Laguna Seca and will be running his trademark #44 for the 2022 season. 
 
Technical leadership for the team comes from the all-star combination of Matt Hines and road racing mainstay, Gene Burcham.  
 
Matt Hines has been working for Vance & Hines full time since 1994, but you can add another half dozen years to his seniority as he’s been working in the race shop since he was in high school. He is a three-time NHRA Pro Stock champion and was the NHRA’s Rookie of the Year in 1996. After stepping away from riding, Hines moved to the crew chief role for the company’s NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle efforts where he guided the team to ten championships with riders Eddie Krawiec and Matt’s brother, Andrew Hines, on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  
 
Burcham is a long-time racer who started in motocross and moved to road racing on a variety of motorcycles, including competing in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XR1200 Series. He’s a noted tuner and also served as team manager for the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson factory flat track team in AFT. Burcham recently turned his attention back to MotoAmerica road racing enabling young rider Hayden Schultz to earn a runner-up finish last season in the Twins Cup championship on a Vance & Hines built Yamaha YZF-R7.  
 
The King of the Bagger series is a racing class showcasing touring-style motorcycles with fairings and saddlebags offered by MotoAmerica, the premier road racing sanctioning body in the United States. KOTB races take place at six of the eleven events offered by MotoAmerica, with the first of the bagger races slated for March 11 at the Daytona International Speedway. 
 

NOMINATED FOR THE “BEST BANDIT’S CANTINA JOKE OF THE YEAR” So far–A Russian arrives in New York City as a new immigrant to the United States. It’s 11:00 AM on a Wednesday.

He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, “Thank you Mr. American for letting me come into this country, giving me housing, food stamps, free medical care, and a free education!”

The passerby says, “You are mistaken, I am a Mexican and here illegally.”

The man goes on and encounters another passerby. “Thank you for having such a beautiful country here in America.”

The person says, “I not American, I Vietnamese and here on a Green Card that expired two years ago.”

The new arrival walks farther and stops the next person he sees, then shaking his hand, and says, “Thank you for wonderful America!” That person puts up his hand and says, “I am from Middle East. I am not American. It was easy to get here via Arizona.”

He finally sees a nice lady and asks, “Are you an American?”

She says, “No, I am from Africa here on an Education Green Card that expired 10 years ago.”

Puzzled, he asks her, “Where are all the Americans?”

The African lady checks her watch and says: “Probably at work.”

–El Waggs

QUOTES FROM GREEN MURDER BY IAN PLIMER—Veteran international investor Warren Buffet does not mince his words, We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind farms. That’s the only reason we build them. They don’t make sense without the tax credit.”

In 1983, the American Wind Industry Association claimed that wind and solar would be “competitive and self-supporting on a national level by the end of the decade if assisted by tax credits and augmented by Federally sponsored R&D.” For 40 years there has been a bottomless pit of subsidies. Time to stop the rorts…

Even after 30 years and endless subsidies, no country is powering itself with wind or solar electricity. No industrialized country ever will. The idea of trying to run a modern industrialized society on sea breezes and sunbeams is complete nonsense.

Weather-dependent sources are simply no substitute for coal, gas and nuclear which are available 24/7 on demand. No amounts of battery storage or pumped hydro will create cheap reliable power 24/7. That doesn’t stop the political elites berating us if we ever dare to question the logic of throwing endless trillions of dollars of taxpayers’ money at something that already has proved to be a total failure.

–Ian Plimer

ROYAL ENFIELD BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH PARTS UNLIMITED

Parts Unlimited, the world’s largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in powersports, partners with 2022 BTR programs in American Flat Track and MotoAmerica.

Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 15, 2022) – Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program is delighted to announce a partnership with worldwide distributor of powersports aftermarket accessories Parts Unlimited. Both the BTR Road Race and Flat Track programs will be supported by Parts Unlimited throughout the 2022 season.

Parts Unlimited will be an essential part of the program providing a parts and gear allotment totaling over $100,000. Each BTR program participant will receive a credit to order parts needed in order to build their Royal Enfield INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles into proper race machines. On top of this generous stipend, Parts Unlimited is going a step further and providing all of the participants with Alpinestars boots and gloves.

“The Build. Train. Race. programs have both grown in size and attention since we started in 2019,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “The amount of resources needed to run these programs and for participants to build their motorcycles is more than what we alone can provide. Parts Unlimited took notice of the growth and popularity of BTR and stepped up with a big partnership. Their added support will not only help cover costs, but will allow the creativity and talent of the BTR women to truly shine in 2022. We couldn’t be happier to have them on board; this is going to be an incredible season.”

“We’ve had our eye on the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs for some time now and are very impressed with the progress and popularity they’ve seen in both American Flat Track and MotoAmerica,” said Paul Langley, Chairman, LeMans Corporation, parent company of Parts Unlimited. “The innovative concept is truly inspiring and reaches audiences that are very important to the powersports industry: women and amateur racers. Parts Unlimited is excited at the prospect of getting behind these inspiring participants and watching them develop on the track throughout the season. It’s a great opportunity to welcome new motorcyclists and show them the fun and passion of racing and that they, too, can aspire to get out on the track.”

PIRELLI Rider Kyle Peters Clinches 2022 Kicker AMA Arenacross Championship in Denver–Peters Takes his Third Title Aboard his SCORPION™ MX-Equipped Phoenix Racing Honda CRF250R

DENVER (February 14, 2022) – The Kicker AMA Arenacross Championship made its way to the Mile-High City over the weekend for Rounds 9 and 10 at the National Western Complex Arena in Denver, providing fans with plenty of bar-to-bar action across two nights of racing. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Kyle Peters was the standout rider by clinching the 2022 championship using Pirelli SCORPION™ MX32™ MidSoft tires aboard his Honda CRF250R. Peters would also take home the 250 and 450 Pro class wins on both Friday and Saturday night to cap off an incredible season.

“This is what we have been working so hard for,” said Peters. “It’s an incredible feeling to win my third consecutive championship. We are not done yet and are already looking forward to defending again in 2023!”

As the defending champion, Peters consistently remained the rider to beat at each stop throughout the season and his efforts would see him capture his third consecutive Kicker AMA Arenacross Championship, putting him on a short list of riders who have been able to accomplish the incredible feat.

In addition to Peters sweeping both nights of racing, his Phoenix Racing Honda teammate Cullin Park put in a pair of impressive rides on Friday night to finish second in the 450 Pro class and third in the 250 Pro class.

“It was an incredible season for Kyle and the entire Phoenix Racing Honda team,” said Nicholas Walton, off-road racing manager, Pirelli. “The dominance that he was able to display each weekend was nothing short of impressive and he did it using the same SCORPION™ MX tires that come as original equipment on the CRF250R. Pirelli would like to congratulate Kyle on his championship and we look forward to seeing what he can do in the 2022 250 Eastern Regional Supercross Championship.”

For 2022, Honda produced an all-new CRF250R from the ground up and Pirelli’s SCORPION™ MX32™ MidSoft tires were chosen as the OE fitment in order to deliver championship performance right off of the showroom floor. With performance in mind, Phoenix Racing Honda would look to continue with that same performance on their teams race bikes in both the Kicker AMA Arenacross Championship and Monster Energy Supercross Championship. Pirelli remains committed to its motto “we sell what we race, we race what we sell” meaning that Peters machine was equipped with the very same tires found on the standard CRF250R and available to the public to purchase.

RESULTS

Denver, Colorado

Round 9 | 250 Class

Kyle Peters
Kyle Bitterman
Cullin Park

Round 9 | 450 Class

Kyle Peters
Cullin Park
Ben Lamay

Round 10 | 250 Class

Kyle Peters
Kyle Bitterman
Ben Lamay

Round 10 | 450 Class

Kyle Peters
Ben Lamay
Kyle Bitterman

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

Pirelli Communications Department
–Scott Roegner
Next Level Sports Management
Tel: 805.729.1078
scott@nextlevelsportsinc.com

TRIKES OF THE WEEK—And you thought choppers could be wild. Hang on for this week’s line-up.

–Bandit with Images from Sam Burns

DAYTONA CHOPPERS MAGAZINE SHOW ROCKS–Come join us for the first annual Choppers Magazine Bike Show presented by Harley-Davidson

When

Monday, March 19th, 2022 at Noon

Where

Daytona International Speedway

Why

Come see the best Choppers and FXR’s the East Coast has to offer. $1500 cash prize for Best Chopper and $1500 cash prize for Best FXR. We also rounded up some trophies and giveaways from our sponsors! Oh… Danger Dan will MC the event, so ya know it’s going to be outta control.

Choppers
2138 Royal Oaks Dr
Duarte CA 91010
United States

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Black Biker History

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

I’m truly grateful for this article and the friend that sent it to me. So much incredible insight! Thank you

–Kimberly Romes
PussN-Bootz aka ThatCaliKitty
Antioch, CA

NEW FROM THE PRESIDENT OF PRIME WORLD–The Equalizer Motor Plate from APM

A must for open belt drive applications on Big Twin 4-speed scoots, this critter has been absent from the market for far too long. Now, brought back to life from the folks at APM!

Available in polished or as cast with hardware or in the world-famous Equalizer kits which include the Motor Plate, Alternator Cover & Transmission Main/shaft bearing support (and hardware).

GET SOME!!!!

2122-0014 As cast Motor Plate with hardware $55.14 MSRP
2122-0056 Polished Motor Plate w/ Hardware $79.63 MSRP
2121-0046 As cast Equalizer Kit w/Motor Plate, Alt. Cover, Support & hardware $110.30
2121-0040 Polished Equalizer Kit w/Motor Plate, Alt. Cover, Support & hardware $157.04

RYAN MCQUISTON SUPPORTS A PAT LEAHY CHOPPER SHOW IN LONG BEACH THIS SUMMER—Stay tuned for updates. It’s a natural for Long Beach if the homeless don’t take over.

–Bandit

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES–Hall of Fame Class of 2022

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame seeks out the most influential people in the motorcycle industry to highlight their accomplishments and promote the future of motorcycling. On behalf of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Board of Directors, I am proud to announce our 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees (in alphabetical order by first name):

Bill Davidson
Bob Kay
Carlo & Emma Lujan
Karen Davidson
Robin Bradley
Tom Seymour

Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Don Emde

Freedom Fighter – Motorcycle Riders Foundation

Kickstand’s Down – Ben Hardy

Congratulations to each of these individuals! Stay tuned for Hall of Fame Highlights where we share info about each inductee leading up to the ceremony.

The induction breakfast ceremony will be held on August 10, 2022 at The Lodge @ Deadwood. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2022. For corporate tables, please call Emma at 605-347-2001.

[page break]

NASTY GUN NUT REPORT—SNITCH ALERT
“Got an ex who buys or sells guns illegally?”

The official Twitter account of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) suggested that Americans spend Valentine’s Day ratting out their former — or current — partners who may have violated firearms laws.

“Valentine’s Day can still be fun even if you broke up. Do you have information about a former (or current) partner involved in illegal gun activity? Let us know, and we will make sure it’s a Valentine’s Day to remember! Call 1-888-ATF-TIPS or email ATFTips@atf.gov,” the tweet read.

The responses began pouring in almost immediately — but instead of reporting their ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends, a number reported their ex-President Barack Obama and their ex-Attorney General Eric Holder for their involvement in the disastrous gun-tracking effort known as Operation Fast and Furious.

“I do. Ex president, actually. His name was Barack Obama. Ran a bunch of illegal guns to the Mexican cartels,” radio host Jesse Kelly tweeted. “That what you’re looking for? Or you just worried about hunting down some poor guy with a sawed off?”

“Yeah……… I like to report Barack Obama for the fast and furious operation!!!” Luke Rudkowski agreed, adding for good measure, “Also #AbolishTheATF.”

Tennessee Congressional candidate Robby Starbuck added President Joe Biden to the mix, tweeting, “Hi @ATFHQ — I’d like to report Barack Obama and Joe Biden who oversaw guns being run to Mexican Cartels who then used the guns to kill people. I’m sure you’ll knock their door down, right?”

Several reported President Biden’s son Hunter over his own alleged violations of federal firearms laws.

“Dear The ATF, I would like to report my ex, Hunter Biden who was involved in an illegal gun activity. Happy Valentine’s Day Hunter. Signed, The Second Amendment,” attorney Matthew Kolken tweeted.

“How about we discuss you guys doing nothing about Hunter Biden lying on his 4473 about habitual drug use and criminal behavior?” John Cardillo added.

“Hunter Biden lied on a Form 4473 to purchase a gun he wasn’t legally allowed to possess. Is that still a crime, or is it okay if you’re the corrupt, crackhead son of the president?” The Federalist’s Sean Davis asked.

Still others simply reported the ATF itself.

“What if it’s your own government for a gun-running op called Fast and Furious? Weren’t you guys involved in that?” nationally-syndicated radio host Dana Loesch asked.

“I know this person that massacred 70 people in Waco and ran illegal guns to Mexican drug cartels that were used to kill a US border patrol agent,” Greg Price added. “Her name is the ATF.”

And the mocking continued:

“The feds are out here trying to weaponize vindictive exes (pardon my pun),” Noam Blum tweeted.

“Can we fire everyone in the federal government and start over?” David Marcus asked.

“This is basically an invitation to SWAT an ex you don’t like. So incredibly dangerous,” Young Americans for Liberty pointed out. “Abolish the ATF.”

The Daily Wire’s first original film, Shut In, has made its cinematic debut, being met with rave reviews. The Daily Wire is building an alternative to the leftist entertainment industry, one gripping movie at a time. Join us in this mission and stream Shut In today by becoming a Daily Wire member.

BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2022 –Paving the Way for the Long Haul

Bikers Inside the Beltway – Since 2009 the MRF has brought over a thousand motorcyclists to Washington to meet with their members of Congress to promote a legislative agenda that continues to successfully become law on behalf of all street riding motorcyclists.

Outside the MRF’s legislative game plan, top MRF legislative agenda items went unaddressed and fell short of reaching our goals as the 2021 infrastructure legislation moved forward. The MRF is in the fight for the long haul and is paving the way beyond 2021.

The MRF’s legislative agenda – beyond the three items listed below — was recommended and approved by SMRO leaders at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, is not all-inclusive. The following items are at the top of the MRF’s legislative agenda as we move toward Bikers Inside the Beltway:

Profiling: Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promotes awareness and prohibition of motorcyclists profiling.
Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Support the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10 percent ethanol by volume. Ensure that consumers are educated on proper fuel usage.
Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles (AV) including endorsing rulemaking to set new standards specific to seeing, detecting, and properly reacting to motorcycles. Ensure motorcycles are part of all testing and development procedure.
The pandemic, and the events of January 6, 2021, did not deter the MRF. More than one hundred motorcyclists attended the first in-person meeting in 2021 with members of Congress last May. The above items are the missing pieces of the 2021 infrastructure legislation, and they are driving the MRF’s need to return to Washington when Bikers Inside the Beltway meets on May 17.

Ongoing security restrictions necessitate visitors to Congress establish appointments before arriving in D.C. The MRF will provide members with contact information to begin the process of setting your meetings with your congressional representatives.

Flexibility with appointments and expectations are essential. Some congressional offices will welcome in-person meetings within the Capitol Complex. Other offices may seek meetings outside the official government buildings. Still others may only conduct meetings over the phone or via Zoom.

Bikers inside the Beltway will be dual-faceted to accommodate in-person visits to Congress plus visits to local offices.

To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress does not fail, please consider the following:

Make your appointments locally or in Washington.
Familiarize yourself with the briefing points.
Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.
Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting.
Share your meeting notes with the MRF.
A meeting of the MRF Board of Directors will take place on May 16 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF.

You do not want to miss the pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress, scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 16. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be available during the briefing.

Making appointments with your members of Congress, attending the MRF board meeting, briefing session, and you are encouraged to make appointments with your members of Congress, and attending Bikers inside the Beltway are essential elements of grassroots activism at its best. Thank you for your commitment.

Bikers Inside the Beltway 2022 – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation — paving the way for the long haul.

Yours in Freedom,

–Fredric Harrell

QUAIL WHY WE RIDE COMING–There are only a limited amount of tickets available for the 6th Invitation Why We Ride to the Quail

You’ll enjoy three days of breathtaking country, picturesque locations, making life long friends while savoring great food and supporting a life saving cause that helps kids and their families through the challenges and hardships of battling pediatric brain cancer. This experience is for you!

The money raised by those who attend our annual Why We Ride to the Quail charity ride goes directly to the medical researchers searching for a cure and the kids and their families dealing with this unimaginable disease.

Some of the ways we’re making a direct impact are:

Sponsor a child’s participation in a lifesaving clinical trial for new therapies.

Help fund an Early Career Development grant to develop the best research talent in the field.
Send families to a weekend camp where they will meet and learn from other families who have children suffering from brain cancer.

Helping pay utility bills so families have one less worry during treatment and can focus fully on their child’s needs.

Providing gas cards for a child’s trip to treatment.

Dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those facing life’s challenges and hardships. Our charitable efforts were born by the hit documentary Why We Ride and have have grown to a wide reach of beneficiaries, including children fighting cancer, survivors of sex-trafficking, and honoring our military veterans.

MOTOvational, Inc.
1230 Madera Road, Suite 5-220
Simi Valley, California 93065
USA

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REVEALED–In a collaborative effort to raise awareness of key issues and opportunities facing the motorcycle industry, riders and motorcycle safety, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) joined forces to share industry priorities with United States Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg.

“With the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, DOT has been equipped with resources to address decades of infrastructure needs as well as formulate a transportation system for the 21st century,” said MIC president and CEO Erik Pritchard. “Today’s meeting was a great start to ensuring that the motorcycle community has a seat at the table. The Department has the tools to improve road infrastructure and design, improve awareness and safety, and ensure evolving automated technologies recognize and react to motorcycles.”

Following the recent passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the MIC, AMA and MSF voiced strong support for the investment in education, awareness, highway infrastructure, and the reauthorization of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) to further inform the DOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) about ways to improve infrastructure to make roads safer for motorcyclists. They emphasized that actions required under the IIJA must include motorcyclists.

“We are very thankful for Secretary Buttigieg placing a priority on increased safety for the motorcycling community,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president of government relations, Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “We look forward to working closely with him and his teams at NHTSA and FHWA as they work to reduce traffic deaths through education and awareness as well as improved infrastructure and technologies.”

The meeting also included a discussion around the need to ensure that both recognition and reaction to motorcycles are fully integrated into the developing crash avoidance and autonomous vehicle technologies in order to ensure safety for motorcyclists and drivers.

Industry leaders on the call noted that Secretary Buttigieg was very engaged in the discussion. He expressed a keen awareness and interest in ensuring that motorcyclists and the motorcycle safety community are part of safe roadway development, additionally, he conveyed a clear understanding of the limitations and challenges autonomous vehicles present. The industry leaders expressed great appreciation for the Secretary’s desire to include the motorcycle community in the implementation of infrastructure improvements and rollout of provisions in the highway reauthorization bill.

“Secretary Buttigieg was very receptive to our concerns regarding autonomous vehicles and the potential dangers they pose to motorcyclists,” said Rob Dingman, president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association. “The Secretary was familiar with the work of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council, chaired by AMA Director of Government Relations Mike Sayre, and conveyed his intention to reconstitute the MAC as soon as possible. We are eager to build on the work of the MAC and work with the motorcycling community to implement the MAC’s recommendations to make our roads safer for motorcyclists.”

–Dealernews

Oops, they forgot to mention the efforts curb use of fossil fuel vehicles, sound, like the Paris ban of all motorcycles or climate doom which could destroy motorcycling as we know it.

–Bandit

5-BALL RACING ACTION—It’s all happening fast, with a new shipment of leathers in Los Angeles. My Grandson is rocking on Instagram.

YOUTH CENTER— Lost Angels Children’s Project

The Lost Angels Children’s Project (LACP) is a Southern California based non-profit organization with a mission to provide low-income, foster and at-risk youth with a safe, educational after-school program that promotes critical thinking and team building through vocational skills training in Classic Car Restoration
www.lostangelscp.org

The Lost Angels Children’s Project is an organization that is very near and dear to me. PLEASE donate if you can.

Thanks in advance.

–El Waggs

Hardcore Indian FTR AMA by Workhorse Speed Shop–First reveal of two special Indian FTR builds by Brice Hennebert

Creator of Appaloosa, the Indian Scout based Sprint Racer, brings hardcore 1980s edge to the Indian FTR

Indian Motorcycle and Workhorse Speed Shop today revealed the FTR AMA, the first of two long-anticipated Indian FTR builds by Brice Hennebert. Well known for his unique creations and with two iterations of Appaloosa, the Indian Scout based sprint racer, already under his belt, Brice was commissioned to create two very special FTRs for two brothers, Black Swan and the FTR AMA.

While Black Swan is yet to be revealed, it was the commissioner of Black Swan who asked Brice to design a second build for his brother. The result is the FTR AMA, a bright and imposing motorcycle with a hardcore, 1980s edge.

“The brief was pretty open, something colourful and as sharp as a war tank. The only restriction was that the paint be inspired by the Martini Racing livery. After some research and brainstorming with myself, I based the look around AMA SBK racers from the 80s and the Rally cars from the same era. The main influences were the Lancia Delta HF mixed with Bol d’Or 750s and some muscle bike DNA,” said Brice.

Starting work in early February 2021, Brice’s first decision was to retain an upright riding position, something close to the original FTR and using the original handlebars. From there, a lot of changes were about to happen.

“While Black Swan was a clay shaped build, I decided to go in another direction in terms of design process with this bike. I used direct CAD design based on a 3D scan of the FTR chassis. Then, all the body parts were 3D printed and reinforced with carbon fibre.”

The 3D printed front plate houses a PiAA race light and supports the Setrab oil cooler beneath. Nestled behind the front plate sits the OEM dash from the new Indian Chief, a design more in keeping with the retro racing mood, but with all the options of a modern machine, such as phone connection and charging.

The printed module that incorporates the seat pan and taillight is also the battery holder, the battery having been moved into the rear as nod to endurances bikes. With the saddle upholstered in a smooth brushed leather by long-time collaborator, Jeroen from Silver Machine, the tail section is complemented by an old school taillight adapted to take LEDs

To accommodate the DNA performance air filters, the intake was redesigned and 3D printed, while two aluminium fuel cells were fabricated to fit the new bodywork, one under the tank cover and the other hung under the seat unit. Connected by AN10 connectors, the capacity matches the 14 litres of the original bike.

The chassis plates were redesigned for a more race-like look and machined from Brice’s CAD designs by Vinco Racing in Holland. Vinco Racing undertook all the machining on the project including the swingarm components, braking brackets, yokes, fuel cell components, the front brackets for oil cooler and more.

“Vinco Racing spent a lot of time on the machining which saved me a lot of time to focus on other areas.”

The fork yokes are replicas of Bol d’Or 750cc yokes adapted to the 43mm Öhlins forks. And at the rear the tail section was modified to use twin piggyback Öhlins shocks mated to a bespoke swingarm built from 7020 aluminium Tubes. The swingarm design was inspired by the same era and is 40mm longer compared to the original with a 3D printed chain slider protecting the tubing.

“The wheel set is a total eye catcher. I collaborated with Fabio from JoNich Wheels in Italy, the design is based on his Rush wheels, machined from billet aluminium, but without the carbon flanges. The design makes me think about the turbo fans wheels used on the racing Lancia. So that was a perfect choice for me. They are completed by a Dunlop GP tyre set with this mad 200 rear tyre.”

Clearance for the braking system was a concern with these wheels, so Brice called on another long-time collaborator, Etienne at Beringer Brakes.

“I called Etienne to get their 4D braking system the same system I used on Appaloosa. Etienne is always motivated for technical challenges. So, we played with different colours on the components to work with the AMA mood. And then, because I removed the ABS module, I had to find another way to get the speed signal on the bike and the solution was a Motogadget Moto Scope Mini.”

To create the swoop of the exhaust, it was fabricated from stainless steel pie cuts and beautifully welded together, capped off by a couple of modified slip-on S&S Cycle Grand National mufflers.

“The amazing paint job designed by Axecent in Japan has been applied by my friend Fabian who’s near to my workshop. This build is aggressive, massive and a real pleasure to ride. I had a lot of fun testing this ride.”

Follow Brice on Instagram at @workhorse_speedshop and Facebook at @workhorsespeedshop.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

–Ian Austin
EMEA Press Indian Motorcycle
press@indianmotorcycle.media

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR–Congratulations to Kansas’s Leo Delperdang,

Kansas Representative Leo Delperdang was introduced as the annual winner of the Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award at the 2021 SEMA Show. Representing the 94th District, Representative Delperdang was recognized for his efforts in the Kansas legislature to promote policies and legislation that support the automotive hobby.

Representative Delperdang is proudly counted among the over 700 pro-hobby lawmakers comprising the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and has routinely demonstrated his commitment to the industry. The award is bestowed to the state lawmaker who has gone above and beyond to support the industry in their home state and was named for SEMA’s late Vice President of Government Affairs Stephen B. McDonald, who was the driving force behind the founding and growth of the Caucus.

–SEMA

NEW FROM ALEX EPSTEIN’S NEW BOOK–Nature doesn’t give us a clean environment

Human environmental impacts can be positive, not just negative. In fact, they can be vitally positive.

Not all impacts are negative

Notice this is not discussed when we talk about environmental impact. There’s this assumption that all impacts are negative. Even when we think that an industry or an energy source is overall good for human beings, we think it’s definitely making our environment worse. This is certainly true for fossil fuels.

I want to question that from this perspective. Was our environment better 300 years ago before we started using fossil fuels to generate energy or is it better today? Now, if you had a time machine that could bring people from that period to today to any city in the US, even next to a coal mine, it doesn’t matter.

Ask them, “Who has a better environment, you from 300 years ago or us today?” What do you think they’d say?

Our environment is cleaner than ever before

They would think it was an insane question because today’s environment would be so much better. They would look at our water and they would compare it to theirs and say, “Your water is so clean. Our water is filthy. It’s hard to get clean water. We don’t know what kind of dangerous substance it’s going to be contaminated with and it just makes us sick all the time. We have to go to huge lengths to get any kind of water and you can just have clean water on demand.”

Then they’d look at the air. “Your air is so clean. People in my time are constantly burning wood and dung and they’re burning it indoors.” Compare that to even living next door to the dirtiest power plant in the US, which is very clean by historical standards. We only call it dirty today because, in a sense, we’re spoiled by how good the technology has gotten. Our environment is way better.

The takeaway from this thought experiment is this:

Nature doesn’t give us the environment we need to flourish.

It doesn’t give us clean air. It doesn’t give us clean water. It does not give us good sanitation. We have to impact nature if we want to have a clean environment.

–Alex Eptsein

[page break]

CHIC on 66 Welcomes Harley-Davidson as Title Sponsor—

February 17, 2022—The Riveter Chapter of the AMCA warmly welcomes the Harley-Davidson Motor Company as the title sponsor for the Chix on 66 event to be held June 10-26, 2022. The event will be known as Chix on 66, presented by Harley-Davidson.

Chix on 66 is an event centered around a 14-day cross-country ride that follows Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. As a result of Harley-Davidson’s title sponsorship, Chix on 66 participants will be afforded some fabulous perks, such as the ability to bring on Athena “Vagabond Chickie” Ransom and Vivian “Gypsy” Charros as the all-women motorcycle tech crew. Athena and Gypsy will be joining us for the entire length of the trip, and providing support for the ride along the route.

Another exciting perk: the event will now start a day early, on Friday, June 10, when Harley-Davidson hosts Chix on 66 at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The day’s schedule will include rider registration, motorcycle tech check, meet and greet, dinner, riders meeting, and optional Museum tours. On Saturday, June 11, riders will depart for Chicago, setting forth on Route 66 on Sunday morning.

Riveter Chapter President Karan Andrea says, “Harley-Davidson is the iconic motorcycle manufacturer. There is nothing more American than a Harley, and there is no road that is more American than Route 66. When Harley-Davidson agreed to be our title sponsor, we were thrilled—not just because of what the sponsorship brings to us financially, but what it does to deepen the journey.

“Harley-Davidson has supported women throughout the company’s history—from women-owned dealerships, to advertising and events directed at women riders, as well as women riders featured in their Enthusiast magazine. This sponsorship is but one facet of the depth of the company’s support for women riders.”

Andrea adds, “Chix on 66 will be a rolling history of Harley-Davidson and the evolution of the American Big Twin. Those who travel Route 66 while we are passing through will feel as if time has compressed when they see historic landscapes populated by motorcycles from bygone eras. But the best part? The power and strength of those classic V-twins piloted by thoroughly modern women.”

If you’d like to be part of Chix on 66, applications may be submitted at www.chixon66.com/apply. Registration is limited, so don’t delay!

www.harley-davidson.com @harley-davidson @harleydavidson

www.chixon66.com @chixon66 @chixon66

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I write these words I Pause and think about what is behind this Life. I look out to nature and observe at the magnificence of It All. I marvel over a tree I see, who draws it Life from its roots which are entirely invisible. I believe that I draw My Source from the Invisible Spirit that lies within. I Know that the Creative Spirit that is the Source of All flows through me. I Trust in the Power that was in the seed that the tree came from, is the same Power in me, ever present and manifesting at the level of my Consciousness.

The Spirit in me lights my path brightly and dissipates all darkness. I see clearly in this moment. I now move to that place that I believe that every person is born to be creative and live Life to the fullest and to be happy and joyful, to recognize the infinite possibility that they are.

Today I feel the Love of Spirit Within, Guiding, Protecting and Supplying me with The Gift of the Good Life and I say Thanks!

And So It Is
Namaste’

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
–Helen Keller

–Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

HAL ROBINSON’S ART FOR SPIDER—Hal Robinson was one of the finest line artists in the world and was discovered by Lou Kimzey, who introduced him to Easyriders magazine. That was a shot in the arm for a struggling artist.

I worked with Hal for years and still have some of his original art. This is a piece he did to celebrate his relationship with Spider and the Easyriders crew. His ex, Ann Robinson is working hard to keep the Hal Robinson legacy alive and she printed a handful of these T-shirts with this special art in only XL size.

If you buy anything Hal Robinson we have available, we will toss in one of these XL T-shirts and a Hal bandana.

–Bandit

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

A Lasting Legacy: Determination, Dedication, and Distinction

During the first World War Ralph Lindsey, my great grandfather, kept a journal of his service on the front. He wrote about the front, his travels, his wounds, but the thing that came up most often – the mail. Fast-forward 100 years. Even in the digital age there is something uniquely personal about a written letter – it creates a connection that digital communications simply cannot match. Anyone who has served in the military knows – no mail equals low morale.

In early 1945 as the Battle of the Bulge concluded Army officials reported that a lack mail was hurting morale. Warehouses were filled with millions of pieces of mail destined for the seven million Americans serving in the European theatre. The task of getting that mail to its intended recipients fell on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Except for a few smaller units of nurses, the “Six Triple Eight” was the only all women, all black unit from the Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during WW2. In response to the attack on Pearl Harbor our entire nation was mobilized to support the war efforts. While the war largely united Americans in a common purpose – the military remained segregated with the ability to serve being restricted based on race and gender. The women of the 6888th not only served – they had to fight for their right to serve. The unit’s commander, Major Charity Adams – became the first black women to hold a commission in the.Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.

The Six Triple Eight confronted warehouses stacked to the ceiling with letters and packages. These buildings were unheated and dimly lit, the windows blacked out to prevent light showing during nighttime air raids. Rats sought out packages of spoiled cakes and cookies. As it was a cold winter, they wore long johns and extra layers of clothing under their coats while working in these warehouses. The unit members were organized into three separate shifts daily, so work continued around the clock, seven days a week. They tracked individual servicemembers by maintaining about seven million locator cards including serial numbers to distinguish different individuals with the same name.

They dealt with “undeliverable” mail which was sent to their location for redirection. They investigated insufficiently addressed mail for clues to determine the intended recipient, and they handled the sad duty of returning mail addressed to servicemembers who had died.

As the war concluded the legacy of the 6888th was already being formed. Three members of the 6888th are buried at Colleville-Sur-Mer Normandy American Cemetery (there are only four women buried there). Like so many of the greatest generation, the women of the 6888th returned from the war determined to make up for lost time – while some remained in the military, others used the GI Bill to further their education and create new opportunities for themselves.

They became teachers, nurses, and businesswomen. One of the most important aspects of their legacy was their contributions to civil rights. The accomplishments of the 6888th in Europe contributed to a study regarding the contributions of women to the war efforts which concluded: “[T]he national security program is the joint responsibility of all Americans irrespective of color or sex” and “the continued use of colored, along with white, female military personnel is required in such strength as is proportionately appropriate to the relative population distribution between colored and white races.”

This is not a story about the mail. This is a story about 855 black women, who found a way to serve when the nation needed them most. In 2019 a bi-partisan effort was started to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th. As of the writing of this article that bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the U.S. House of representatives.

Joseph Reagan is the Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for Wreaths Across America. He has almost 20 years’ experience working with leaders within Government, non-profit, and Fortune 500 companies to develop sustainable strategies supporting National Security, and Veterans Health. He served 8 years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He is a graduate of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

–Sean Sullivan
Wreaths Across America – Public Relations Liaison
ssullivan@wreathsacrossamerica.org
207-230-4599

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2017 Harley-Davidson FXDB – Street Bob for $15,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=11668441

2017 Custom Painted Harley-Davidson DYNA FXDB

ONLY 4479.00 Miles !!!!!

This bike is a full custom Dyna with lots of extras

Some of the features/Add-ons on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed trans.
* SHorty Stainless exhaust
* Diamond cut two-up seat
* Tall sissy bar with pad
* Fairing
* T-Bars

Just $15,995.00

Plus, license, and a $85.00 documentation fee and your local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like dealers. We have no reconditioning or prep fees.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety and mechanical/structural inspection.

You can fill out an online application with EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available to purchase!!! and you can ride today!

Lifestyle Cycles located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806 NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE ******SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!******

Call today (714) 490-0155. **Open 7 days a week**

To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/

SAM BURNS BIKERNET BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—From Rock N Roll Cycles.

Interesting detail work.

–Bandit

ANOTHER, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Bandit’s First Bike Feature

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

Great piece. Brought back memories and no doubt enlightened a lot of the younger guys. You’ve always been a powerhouse in the industry in many respects. Stay well!

Doc Robinson
Senior Tech Editor
Heavy Duty Magazine
SOMERTON PARK, SA, Australia

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS—
In the first place should be upbringing, and then education.. Otherwise….. ?

?One day, a professor at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, with the intention of teaching students a lifelong lesson, wrote a large number 1 on the board and, looking at the students, explained: “This is your humanity.” The most necessary quality in life … ?

?Then, next to the number 1, he wrote 0, and said: And these are your achievements, which with humanity increased you 10 times ..
?
?Another 0 is the experience with which a person became “100”… ?

?And so, added 0 for 0 – caution, love, success … ?

?Each added 0 to 10 times ennobles a person, said the professor … Suddenly.. he erased the number 1 standing at the beginning of the series of digits … On the board, there were worthless, meaningless zeros … ?

?Professor said: If you don’t have humanity, the rest is worthless.?

–from Sam Burns

ACTION REQUIRED: Virginia Introduces Bills to Reform Exhaust Noise Laws
Overview: Virginia has introduced several proposals (HB 632, HB 79) in the 2022 legislative session to reform enforcement of its exhaust noise laws. However, the underlying laws are fundamentally flawed. Currently, Virginia prohibits mufflers that use an “excessive or unusual level of noise” and mandates that mufflers must be identical to their factory setting. The current law is unenforceable as it is vague, subjective, and unfair.

Virginia needs to implement a fair testing procedure and decibel limit for vehicle owners accused of unreasonable exhaust noise violations. Other states have adopted a decibel limit of 95 decibels when tested under and SAE International procedure, which provides a fair and reasonable working system. This SAN-supported SAE test is conducted in a controlled environment using objective methodology. This solution offers Virginia a clear standard with a proven record of success.

–SEMA

MIKE PULLIN DOWN—A Bikernet Contributor passed at the young age of 65. He was a lifelong biker, worked at several H-D dealerships on the east coast and supported kids with asthma through charity rides.

He will be missed forever!

–Bandit

THIS JUST IN, A New Bikernet Reader Comment!–OPEN MIND BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 10th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/OPEN_MIND_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_10th_2022.aspx

Bandit , glad you are adapting to the ” chilly ” Dakotas
Still a better bet than California!
Agree with you on the Lot rental …..
Write a book , we love em and far more satisfying.

–Capt Ed Hardison
Corolla, NC

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–Artist David Uhl

Last year, David Uhl completed “Live Free or Die”, his tribute to Laconia Motorcycle Week. At a customer’s request, a few months ago David altered the image slightly, incorporating the Canadian flag.

Given recent events, the timing seems appropriate to offer a VERY limited canvas print edition of this version for our friends north of the border. These will be offered in a 24-hour flash sale. At the end of the day tomorrow, we will close the edition.

Canadian version

David Uhl 2022

Each piece will be hand-signed by David and numbered, with the appropriate Certificate of Authenticity.

** Image size 24 x 24, $950 framed.

** Image size 30 x 30, $1,895 framed.

Shipping is additional.

Please let me know ASAP if you want one of these. They are only offered through the end of the day tomorrow (Wed, Feb 16).

Thanks for your time!

Best regards,

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art

303-913-4840

NEWS FROM MAMA TRIED–Here’s a heart-warming repost from our pal Bear Haughton at www.oldbikebarn.com about his right-hand man, Zane Cook, and how Zane came to be a Born Free Builder. This bike will be on display at the next Mama Tried show March 4-6th 2022.

From the desk of Bear Haughton:
I’m always stoked when friends that run shows seek leads on builders from me. Especially when it’s one of the best shows in the country. I’m just a regular guy that loves every kind of motorcycle and runs parts slinging business, but one of the biggest joys of my career is when I get the opportunity to shine a light on deserving souls.

Having been an independent and an underdog for most of my career, I have a soft spot for the under-appreciated. So, I was delighted when Mike and Grant asked me my thoughts for Born Free builder selection in 2019. Mike was interested in getting some more names out of the Midwest and I used the opportunity to make my pitch for small displacement Japanese builds.

“Not everyone can afford a knuckle or a Panhead, I said. Japanese bikes are a part of chopper past, as some of my heroes like Mondo of Denvers choppers chopped bikes like the CB750 when they were new in the ’70s, right off the showroom floor or when only a few years old.

Don’t miss Mama Tried!

LET’S HIT THE MOVIES– Did you see the new James Bond movie? It’s on streaming platforms now. Titled “No Time To Die” it’s the 25th Bond movie.

Triumph paid to feature its new motorcycle model prominently in the movie – great action on motorcycles. Triumph Tiger 900 and Scrambler 1200 are seen in well-executed stunts

It’s worth it for Triumph because it’s the 25th Bond movie from the EON Productions / Broccoli family series – and clearly this is Daniel Craig’s last Bond movie – at his age he can’t do another – especially with the delay in this latest movie – the directors changed, then Covid, then limited capacity cinema hall for audiences, etc.

So even though he had said that he won’t do another Bond movie and then changed his mind to get into playing it again in this latest movie – even fans would agree they don’t want a WWE pro-wrestler type of muscular Grandpa as James Bond whenever another one is planned.

The poor reactions to Spielberg’s Indiana Jones movie (2008) with a much older Harrison Ford in action again – a movie made a generation after the original success – stalled the franchise revival.

Comparatively, reboot of a franchise such as the Captain Kirk, et al played by new actors in the Star Trek (2009) conceptualized by J J Abrams became a money-spinner.

–Wayfarer
International Film Critic
Bikernet.com™

Well, I guess that means Keanu Reeves can’t make Sam “Chopper” Orwell into a movie and feature the magnificent ARCH motorcycles?
–Bandit

IMS SHOW SCHEDULE–Progressive IMS Outdoors announced the dates and locations of its 2022 tour. Produced with Progressive Insurance as the title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year, the eight-city series will revisit three markets that hosted the indoor version of the International Motorcycle Shows (Colorado, Arizona and New York) and return to five markets that IMS Outdoors visited last year (Chicago, Pennsylvania, Atlanta and Northern and Southern California).

Vespa Club of America (VCOA) has announced that Amerivespa 2022 will be held in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, June 22-26. Jointly hosted by the Twin Cities Scooter Collective and supported by multiple sponsors, Amerivespa 2022 is scheduled to feature five days of scooter related fun for registered enthusiasts as well as the general public.

HANG ON—Every week is a rush of action between snow storms.

About 10 days and they will pour the slab in the shop. Propane tank and gas stove coming next week.

Paul Aiken stumbled across Born to Ride on Netflix. I played a role in it as a grubby biker journalist.

There’s a car show in Rapid this weekend. This year they allowed us wild outlaw chopper builders inside, so we’re going to check it out. Hang on.

We may be the bad apples of our society, but we respect freedom, fight for what’s right and never give up.

Ride fast and free forever,

–Bandit

Good Vibrations & the Road to Wellness

by Gary Mraz

Naysayers are quick to spout the dangers of motorcycling but friends, countrymen lend me your helmetless ears.

The psychological and emotional benefits of riding are real.

Motorcycle riding also has physical health benefits.

CLICK HERE To Read this article on Bikernet.com

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The Latest Biker Fiction featuring Chance Hogan and his adventures on two-wheels

by K.Randall Ball with illustrations Tim Condor and images from Barry Green

Chance loses his Chinese love and is left alone in the harbor district in Los Angeles.

He needs to pull his grubby biker life back together near the struggling Port of Los Angeles.

Read it Now by Clicking Here

Hang on as this book comes together before your very eyes, chapter by chapter.

CLICK HERE To Read all the Novels written by Bandit – anytime, anywhere

Join the Cantina – Subscribe Today

Monster Energy® Kawasaki and Jason Anderson Perfect in Anaheim

February 12, 2022 | Angel Stadium of Anaheim | Anaheim, California

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (February 13, 2022) – Round 6 of Monster Energy Supercross returned to Angel Stadium of Anaheim for the final time this season where Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson claimed a decisive win over the the 450SX field leading start to finish. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda qualified second and was battling for the win in Heat 1 when an untimely crash forced a premature end to his night. Shimoda will receive further medical evaluation and additional updates will follow.

The third stop in Anaheim, California presented a new set of challenges for Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Anderson and his competition, as the venue hosted several notably demanding obstacles. While the extended section of sand moguls served as the most readily detectable challenge on the track, the real separator was sure to be the peaky set of 14 whoops that headed toward home plate. From the outset of practice, Anderson capitalized on his prowess in the whoops by quickly mastering the section and jockeying for position at the top of the leaderboard. Building in intensity as the track wore in, Anderson rivaled for the fastest lap each time he took to the track. When the 450SX qualification sessions concluded, Anderson earned Pole Position with a fastest lap time of 56.700.

In 450SX Heat 2, Anderson placed his KX™450SR out front right from the drop of the gate. Leading into the first turn and through the green flag lap, Anderson took control of the six minute plus one lap race from the front. Anderson eluded pressure from the competition by setting the fastest times of the race in the opening laps and quickly established a comfortable lead. With clear track ahead, the No.21 Kawasaki rider extended his gap to five seconds over the competition and secured a commanding heat race victory, his second of the season.

The start of the 450SX Main Event was a carbon copy of his heat race with Anderson grabbing the holeshot and out to an early lead with the current championship point leader in close pursuit. The battle for the lead position drew roars from the fans in Anaheim as an exceptionally high pace met with a particularly challenging racecourse. As the track deteriorated and the front two racers separated themselves from the rest of the field, Anderson proved his mettle with each progressing lap. The New Mexico native overcame the trying conditions to steadily stretch the distance between him and his closest competitors.

In the latter half of the race, faced with arguably the most treacherous whoop section so far in the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross season, Anderson built his lead to over five seconds. Anderson blitzed across the whoops nearly every lap on his KX450SR and displayed his ability to charge forward with precision through the technical rhythm lanes. When the checkered flag flew, Anderson relished the heat from the Monster Energy fire cannons, having claimed a decisive win in the 450SX Main Event. Anderson’s win at Anaheim 3 marks his second win of the season and moves him to second in the overall point standings.

“From the fastest qualifying time to leading every lap of the heat race and the Main Event, we had a great day. In the Main, I grabbed my second holeshot of the night and immediately had pressure from Eli [Tomac]. The track was demanding and our speed was fast so I knew it would be a tough race but, my KX450SR took everything I threw at it and battles like that are what supercross is all about. While it was tough for us on the track, I had a blast fighting for the win and it sounded like the fans were absolutely loving the race. All things considered; I think that was one of my best main events ever.” – Jason Anderson

When it comes to electric vehicles, there is something about energy production that people who think this is all a good idea need to contemplate for a minute: electric energy production is in the hands of the State. And I mean it’s in the hands of the State from the get-go, right out the gate.

Oil production is in the hands of private enterprise. The oil companies, despite what the hippies say, are not in the business of “giving orders.” Unlike the State. And by “State” I mean the Feds, the States, the Counties and the Cities.

Americans live – if you can call this living – under FOUR States. All of which control your lights, your gas heating, and if they get their way, your cars. As it is, they already can’t keep up with electrical demand. For two reasons: 1 – the State is incompetent, and 2 – the State doesn’t care.

Just so you know. Electricity…..COMES FROM THE GOVERNMENT! They can jack up prices to infinity. They have no competition. They have no rules. They have no goals. They have no incentive. And they are manned by lunatics, sociopaths and incompetents.

Just so you know. It gets worse: incompetent as they are they know they have enough competence to know they can’t keep up with demand because they don’t know how to do things, but they DO know how to get you to drive less: claim oil is destroying the earth, get you forced into electric vehicles and then laugh as they cut the power and raise your rates.

And they WILL have to cut the power because dam construction is considered harmful to the dirt and getting water from the sea is beyond their limited imaginations and they are afraid of nuclear power because all bureaucrats are basically at a Justin Trudeau level of arrested emotional development and arrested brain function altogether and arrested levels of courage.

And speaking of water, the State also controls the water supply. The State can kill you in three days if it decides to, and based on the last two-plus years of fake health emergencies and declaring that your life is a threat to others…..you think they’ll balk at killing people by the millions in three days? Remember: the State controls the water supply. You have three days and the second two are miserable. By day 4, mercifully, you’re fucking deceased.

The weather and your greed are being blamed by every bureaucrat on earth as the reason there is no water, better cut back, and there is no power, don’t do anything during the day, citizen, we have to conserve. Do you see the oil companies – that you have been trained to despise – suggesting you drive less? Be a cold fucking day in Hell, sparky.

The State will run out of idiots to go into politics before the oil companies run out of oil.