by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com At the end of this month, the inaugural Drag Specialties King of the Baggers invitational at Laguna Seca Raceway takes place. The event is part of the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest, and will see a pack of 12 Harley-Davidson motorcycles competing against each other, and a single Indian Challenger. We’ve already talked once or twice about the bike Indian is cooking up together with S&S and Roland Sands, but what we got so far, officially, were only a few details and a slightly larger number of photos. But with just a couple of weeks left until the event, we finally get a video series detailing “work that both teams are doing behind the scenes as they prepare to take on the field.” You can find the first episode of this mini-series (we are not told how many of them there will be) attached below. It is more of a presentation of all the people taking part in the build, but we also get some interesting shots (also available in the gallery above) of the motorcycle itself, and some details on how the build is going. What we knew so far – things like the 122 horsepower, an inverted front suspension, and a hydraulically-adjustable FOX rear shock – are now put into context by the people at S&S, and Roland Sands himself. As for the one who will ride the bike during the Laguna Seca bagger race, that would be Frankie Garcia. The rider became the youngest athlete to compete in an X-Games motorcycle event in 2006, when he was just 15, and he is presently a member of the Indian Motorcycle-RSD Super Hooligan race team. “It’s a real honor to have the opportunity to not only participate in the inaugural King of the Baggers race, but to represent RSD on one of only two Indian Challengers in the field,” said Garcia in a statement back at the end of September when he was announced as the rider for the single Indian in the event.  

FLAT TRACK AMATEUR JILLIAN DESCHENES WINS BTR ROUND ONE IN ATLANTA

The four BUILD TRAIN RACE participants raced for the first time at Dixie Speedway

Milwaukee, Wis October 8, 2020: After months of building and training, the four participants of BUILD TRAIN RACE put their skills on display on Friday and Saturday of the Progressive American Flat Track event at Dixie Speedway. Minnesota amateur flat track racer Jillian Deschenes took the checkered flag for both races followed by Melissa Paris, Lana MacNaughton and alternate rider Kerry Sano.

During the weekend the participants were able to spectate the AFT classes and then test their abilities on the same track at Dixie Speedway. The women raced on custom INT 650 motorcycles that they themselves built as part of the year-long program. Under the mentorship of Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team owner and racer, Johnny Lewis, the four women were able to progress their flat track acumen during multiple training sessions leading up to the Atlanta Short Track event.

“Atlanta was an amazing experience to be part of with the BTR crew,” said amateur racer and hospice nurse Jillian Deschenes. “The track was well maintained and larger than anything I had ever ridden before. I was excited to debut my INT 650 build in front of a crowd that large. I’m grateful for the opportunities Royal Enfield has given me as an amateur female flat track rider and creating a program like BTR for myself and other female motorcyclists to participate in. I’m looking forward to the next AFT event in Daytona Beach.”

“The team at Royal Enfield is proud of the effort these women have put into the BUILD TRAIN RACE program,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing Lead for Royal Enfield Americas. “2020 threw many challenges at all of us and we’re pleased that the women were able to finally showcase the motorcycles they built in a racing environment. From everyone at Royal Enfield, we want to say thank you to American Flat Track for providing a venue and platform to highlight the power of female motorcyclists in a male-dominated industry.”

The results were similar for both Friday and Saturdays races with Jillian Deschenes’ district 23 flat track experience showed immediately, followed by road racer and Moto America team owner Melissa Paris. Women’s Moto Exhibit founder Lana MacNaughton finished third while Kerry Sano, New York repair shop owner and alternate rider for Canadian builder Andrea Lothrop rounded out the field in fourth. Throughout the weekend the ladies consistently increased their pace and made continuous improvements to their built INT 650 motorcycles looking for additional speed.

The participants of the BUILD TRAIN RACE program will compete again in two weeks during the AFT Finale at Daytona Beach in a similar format to Atlanta Short Track. Two new riders will be joining the BUILD TRAIN RACE team in Florida. Malary Lee of Texas will be riding Lana MacNaughton’s INT 650, while Trisha Dahl of Minnesota will be riding Andrea Lothrop’s motorcycle this round. Ahead of the event, the ladies will participate in a final training session with Lewis at his Center Hill, Fla. facility. Due to the immense interest in the program, Royal Enfield may consider adding four new riders to the program for 2021.

Stay tuned to the Royal Enfield social media channels for more information and updates on the BULD TRAIN RACE program in the lead up the AFT season finale in Daytona.

Hey,

This is tough. I’m lying in a VA hospital bed in Santa Monica. A doctor called me and told me of urgent concerns about my heart monitor results. “Your heart could blow up at any time.”

But first, I needed to ride over the new Darrel Desmond bridge out of long Beach, into the center of the Terminal Island, where it meets up with the unfinished Henry Ford Bridge from Wilmington and the Terminal Island suspension bridge into San Pedro. Zack and I rode choppers, his Root Beer Float built by Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil Metal works in Houston and I rode the Mudflap girl FXR.

False alarm at the hospital! I’m escaping the hospital and their miss-diagnosis tomorrow about noon and flying back to Wilmington to finish the news. So, it might be late.

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

SHOWS COMING BACK OUTDOORS-– International Motorcycle Shows Going All Outdoors for 2021

After nearly 40 years of showcasing new powersports products, mostly inside convention venues nationwide, the International Motorcycle Shows are getting fresh air in 2021.

“Progressive IMS Outdoors will be in unique outdoor venues, creating a festival-like atmosphere,” said Tracy Harris, senior vice president, IMS. “Each event will reflect the local culture and community through music, food, and other activities, a destination to be placed on your annual calendar of places you will go. Demo rides will be the cornerstone of the experience. Street demos, off-road courses for both two-wheel and side-by-side, e-bikes, children’s tracks, and even track-day experiences where it makes sense. These opportunities will be available for all ages and riding abilities.”

–MIC

NEW FROM LINDBY FLH FOOTRESTS–It is an adjustable footrest for the FLH models. (Patent pending)
The bracket will mount on the frame by the voltage regulator and the customer will be able to adjust the two footrests to a comfortable angle.

We will offer the part in 3 finishes
Part # 280000 chrome
Part # 281000 black
Part # 282000 chrome/black

The product will fit from 1994 to present so it will fit a lot of motorcycle on the market.
Retail price $449.95

We will have the part ready for shipping by the end of this month.
Please let me know it you have any comments or questions.
Have a great day.

CANTINA EPISODE #90 REVIEW–
Very nice, the flow keeps you engaged, and great writing!

This is almost poetry

His Evo chopper spit thunder at the surrounding 1000-foot canyon cliffs. He couldn’t let up. The breathtaking limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge was more ancient than the Grand Canyon but much closer together. Once accessible only by horseback, now motorcycles sliced through 20 miles from the crossing to the town of Spearfish like a knife through butter.

“JUST LIKE YOU” Lyric Video Premiered Exclusively on Music Crowns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville based singer/songwriter Paige King Johnson reveals ideals of luck and love with the release of her latest single, “Just Like You.” Redefining a new class of country music, “Just Like You” encapsulates the love of a boy and a girl who were made for each other.

The song details qualities that are ‘just like’ a love that is far from perfect, but more than enough for the pair. The single, produced by Bill McDermott and written by Johnson and Regan Rousseau, is Johnson’s first release with the distinguished PCG Artist Development Records based out of Nashville, Tennessee.

“Just Like You” is now available to download and stream on all digital platforms and with an exclusive lyric video premiered by Music Crowns.

“Just Like You” was written with a fellow Belmont student and dear friend, Regan Rousseau. I’m fortunate enough to have a man in my life who does nothing but treat me with the utmost respect and selflessness, and as a songwriter, I wanted to let him know that I don’t take it for granted the best way I know how – in a song. It’s a song about the beauty of two people showing up for each other through the good and the bad times of a relationship simply because they love each other more than anything else that takes up their time,” expresses Johnson.

“Paige King Johnson is in the new class of authentic country singer/songwriters. Her signature sound, heart, and soul are reflected in everything she does,” says Bernard Porter, CEO of PCG Artist Development Records.

Visit HERE and follow the socials listed below to keep up with everything Paige King Johnson.

Stream/Download/Purchase “Just Like You” at smarturl.it/PKJJustLikeYou.

SAYING GOODBYE TO RAY C. WHEELER–
Sorry to hear about Ray. He’s one of those guys that I really wanted to get to know better. He stopped into our shop a number of times and was always a treat to spend time with him.

–Dan Stern

LATEST FROM LOWBROW–Not sure how to change your own handlebars?

No problem.
We made a couple of videos…
They show, step-by-step, how to swap stock handlebars on a stock Harley Sportster for a set of Lowbrow Rabbit Ears or T-Bars. Scroll down to watch.
Want cool handlebars? We’ve got em..
You can be riding in style by the weekend. All you have to do is:

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—The old guy wing:
Cowboy: “Give me 3 packets of condoms, please.”

Cashier: “Do you need a paper bag with that, sir?”

Cowboy: “Nah.. She’s purty good lookin’…..”

***********

I was talking to a girl in the bar last night. She said,

“If you lost a few pounds, had a shave and got your hair cut, you’d look all right.”

I said, “If I did that, I’d be talking to your friends over there instead of you.”

***********

I was telling a girl in the pub about my ability to guess what day a woman was born just by feeling her boobs.

“Really” she said, “Go on then…try.”

After about thirty seconds of fondling she began to lose patience and said, “Come on, what day was I born?”

I said, “Yesterday.”

***********

I went to the pub last night and saw a FAT chick dancing on a table. I said, “Good legs.”

The girl giggled and said, “Do you really think so.”

I said, “Definitely! Most tables would have collapsed by now.”

–El Waggs
Supreme Editor in chief
Bandit’s Cantina™
Bad Joke Library

SUGAR BEAR FRONT END ARRIVES–
Andy Assel here. Got my front end from Sugar Bear yesterday. It is a beautiful piece. Of course, I have many other irons in the fire right now so it will probably be a couple of weeks before I can get it installed.

Transmission case broke on my FL case. Probably have a day before it is back together. Road King needs repaired as well. Am almost on foot.

That’s about all for now. Tickled about the front end.

–Andy Assel
King of the Wild Frontier

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GOES TO COURT–We Face Off with Newsom Next Week

After hundreds of pages of briefing, the parties will face off in Court on Oct. 7 in the case of Gallagher and Kiley v. Newsom. At issue: the legality of Newsom’s one-man rule.

Assemblyman Gallagher and I are representing ourselves, in pro per, and we have challenged Governor Newsom and Attorney General Becerra to likewise show up themselves for this important public debate.

With our Oct. 21 trial date looming, here’s what this hearing is about: As we long expected, Newsom filed a “Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings” based on “mootness.” He wants to get out of the case on a technicality.

That’s been his strategy from the get-go: delay, delay, delay; escape the legal reckoning he justly deserves and that the Constitution demands; then, go right on ruling California by fiat.

But here’s what he didn’t expect: We also filed a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. That means that we could win the case on Oct. 7 and get an Order restraining further abuses of power.

The Governor’s discombobulation is clear from the cynical, bizarre, irrelevant, and misleading arguments he made in his 20-page Opposition Brief filed on Monday:

Scare tactics: He claims our lawsuits threatens to “throw into chaos current efforts to combat the wildfires now burning across the State.”

Dishonesty: Repeatedly, his brief selectively quotes provisions of California law, editing out legal limitations on his own power in hopes that the Court won’t notice.
Diversions: He devotes much of the brief to refuting a legal theory we didn’t even advance.

Lawlessness: He describes Separation of Powers as “flexible” and “pragmatic,” some airy-fairy theory where anything goes, so that he can claim a roving one-man lawmaking authority that is foreign to the Constitution and republican government itself.

To head off Newsom’s delay tactics, we insisted on an accelerated schedule where we had just 48 hours to file a Reply Brief. Then he waited until the last possible moment to file his Opposition so we wouldn’t have a second more time.

But we still filed a blistering Reply Brief yesterday as our closing argument:

“Our Opening Brief warned of the dangers of an extended State of Emergency, with a Governor apt to ‘fall into the habit of acting unilaterally’ even for non-emergency purposes. As if to prove the point, on September 24 Governor Newsom issued a unilateral Executive Order banning gas-powered vehicles by 2035. In the Order, he did not cite the Emergency Services Act – a chilling sign that seven months into this emergency, lawmaking by decree has become normalized. The time for a judicial check has arrived, as has already occurred in numerous other states.”

If the Judge grants the relief we are seeking, it will restrict the Governor from further unconstitutional orders and serve as an important precedent for bringing this whole nightmare to an end.

If neither dispositive motion succeeds, then we proceed to trial on Oct. 21.

Support My Efforts to Fight Newsom’s One-Man Rule

Share this Post on Facebook

Kevin Kiley,
California Legislator

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CLASS WORD OF THE DAY–élan
[ ey-lahn, ey-lan; French ey-lahn ]
noun

dash; impetuous ardor: to dance with great élan.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF ÉLAN?
The still unnaturalized French noun élan, “dash, impetuous ardor,” originally applied to a military charge or rush. Élan comes from Old and Middle French eslan “a rush,” from the verb eslancer “to throw or cast a lance or dart.” Eslancer in turn comes from the Latin preposition and prefix ex, ex- “out, out of, from” and the noun lancea “light spear for throwing,” possibly a Gaulish or Spanish loanword in Latin. Élan entered English in the second half of the 19th century.

HOW IS ÉLAN USED?
He then launched into the Gigue of Bach’s C-major Suite—robust, driving music that Ma brought off with his usual precision and élan.

ALEX ROSS, “YO-YO MA’S DAYS OF ACTION,” THE NEW YORKER, DECEMBER 10, 2008

With a certain élan, the San Francisco Chronicle has taken to publishing letters from readers who remark the diminishing pleasure or usefulness of the San Francisco Chronicle.

RICHARD RODRIGUEZ, “FINAL EDITION,” HARPER’S MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2009

NEWS FROM THE CYCLE SOURCE KINGDOM–Whoever your source is must be confused with Bonnier and Cycle World. Cycle Source has no intention of going digital only. As long as we are here will always offer a print edition.

We have however, temporarily gone to combined issues for the time being, until the world stops suffering from cranial rectal inversion. We are hoping to return to a normal production schedule soon.

We go to print with our next issue on October 14.

–Heather Callen
Managing Editor
Cycle Source Magazine
Office – 724-226-2867
www.cyclesource.com
Cycle Source on Facebook

DANGER ALERT–Copied from Southern Cruisers riding Club page but this is not just happening in the Blueridge GA area. It is happening everywhere in an attempt to alert sleepy or distracted drivers but it can be deadly for bikers.
This is a serious issue that must be addressed…

October 1, 2020
“It’s time to get pro-active!

I live in Blairsville. A LOT of people come up here to ride our incredible roads.

A few days ago the road dept has taken it upon themselves to create an EXTREMELY hazardous condition for motorcyclists. Today… I came across an unfortunate victim of this hazard.

The center lines of US 129 from close to Neel’s Gap all the way to the Blairsville City limit has just received a “rumble strip” treatment (like in the last three days).

Today an older gentleman riding a well kept Harley Davidson Ultra Classic (which itself was probably close to twenty years old) made a miscalculation in speed and ran slightly wide in right hand curve. When his front tire got to the center line… this “rumble strip” caused him to lose traction and he no longer had any control of the front tire.

He the slid into the oncoming lane and hit a car head on. Fortunately, he seemed to be relatively ok and may have broken a leg. I stayed on scene until paramedics had him secured to a back board and ready to load into an ambulance. His bike is clearly “totaled” and I suspect that the car will be deemed “totaled” as well.

A Sheriff informed me that this was not something that the county had decided to do, but rather, the state had ordered.

I noticed the same treatment on the Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy yesterday.

I will be contacting our county commissioner as well as the Governor’s Office of Hwy Safety and Governor Kemp himself time point out the danger that this poses to motorcyclists.

I URGE each of you to do the same. I cannot imagine how many more motorcycle accidents this will cause when compared to whatever the “benefit” of this road treatment is intended to yield.

I am adding a photo of the road treatment as well as a photo of the totaled motorcycle.

I can’t help but feel like he may have had an opportunity to avoid the collision if the road didn’t have these ground out divots present.”

~ Hunter Partridge

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION NEWS
Demand for Rider Training Stays Strong

Through statewide lockdowns and pandemic precautions, and months into the coronavirus crisis, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is seeing strong demand for rider education across the country.

New York State, which was completely shuttered for nearly three months, saw training volume this July exceed the July total of last year by 2 percent. August volume was up by 23 percent compared to 2019.

In Colorado, 2020 training numbers through September exceeded the same period last year by almost 8 percent, despite shutdowns and reduced student capacity.

“Last month, we beat our sales forecast for MSF curriculum materials, and that original prediction was made a year ago, before any of us had heard of COVID-19,” said Robert Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. “Also, we blew right through the forecast on log-ins for our eCourses, with many current and potential riders visiting us on the web and gaining some good motorcycle education through their computers and mobile devices.”

The MSF’s training site in Alpharetta, Georgia, saw a 26 percent increase in August and a 50 percent increase in September compared to the same months last year. The MSF’s New Mexico and West Virginia programs also rebounded from extended shutdowns, posting strong training numbers in August and September, despite operating under reduced capacity due to local rules.

“When the reality of COVID hit in March, the MSF reacted right away,” Gladden said. “We hosted our first vRETS webinar for RiderCoaches on April 7 and have conducted more than 25 of them. We’ve had more than 12,000 vRETS log-ins for these sessions, mostly conducted by our Dr. Ray Ochs, VP of training systems. In response to requests from the field, the MSF provided interim training guidelines in May that provided instructions for RiderCoaches on moving classroom activities to safer environments outside on training ranges. And in early June, we implemented a COVID-19 waiver and release that enabled many course providers to resume training at public facilities.”

“At every opportunity, the MSF searched for ways to serve our training community as sites and coaches worked through the pandemic,” Gladden said. “The fact that training volume remains high, with classes scheduled well into autumn, is a testament not only to the hard work and dedication of the MSF training community, but also to the popularity of motorcycling as hundreds of thousands of students seek out MSF RiderCourses. We’re pleased and proud to help them become riders and remain lifelong learners.”

–MIC

NEWS FROM DAVID UHL— We are happy to announce our Fall Cleaning promotion here at the studio/gallery. We haven’t done one of these in a while. After several shows last year (and the few we’ve done this year), we now have a room full of display art and would like to find homes for all of the pieces listed below.

In order to maintain the price/value integrity with David Uhl’s Fine Art program, this is a special offering for David’s prints. These particular pieces have traveled to various shows and/or have been on display in our gallery and, as a result, we cannot charge full price for them. The prints themselves are typically in great condition but some of the frames may be slightly imperfect, the paper on the back may need to be changed out, etc. Many of these pieces, however, are in great all around condition! They are all signed and numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Since there is only one piece available in many cases, we encourage you to act quickly if you’d like to put your name on one of these.

This is not a complete listing, so if you’ve had your eye on a particular piece not on this list, please let me know and I’ll see if we have one.

You can view all of the pieces below on our website, alphabetically, by title here
https://www.uhlstudios.com/fine-art/full-product-listing/

Or, you can view them by collection here
https://www.uhlstudios.com/fine-art/collections/

UPDATE FROM THE DIME BAG HEADQUARTERS--had so much time to think for myself bro, Goodtime Charlie keeps keeps coming to me. This whole idea can grow and expand with Dimebag Leather and bring back motorcyclism to new levels. He taught me so much and was my one best friend throughout my growth, just as you have and many others.

Rebel on the Highway and the Rough Boys movies have really been speaking to me to the soul. I am being flooded with amazing ideas and I need all the support I can get. I believe Monster Garage would be a great start.
All the Best,

–AC

City will pay gun-rights group about $150,000 for lawsuit over unconstitutional ordinance

A federal court ordered Los Angeles to hand over more than $100,000 to the National Rifle Association after ruling that the city had violated the gun-rights group’s First Amendment rights.

Federal district court judge Stephen Wilson struck down a city ordinance aimed at punishing prospective contractors with ties to the NRA as an infringement on the right to free speech and association. On Tuesday, he ordered city officials to pay for the Second Amendment group’s attorney fees, which totaled nearly $150,000.

“In this case, the text of the Ordinance, the Ordinance’s legislative history, and the concurrent public statements made by the Ordinance’s primary legislative sponsor evince a strong intent to suppress the speech of the NRA,” Wilson ruled in December. “Even though the Ordinance only forces disclosure of activity that may not be expressive, the clear purpose of the disclosure is to undermine the NRA’s explicitly political speech.”

The NRA filed suit against the ordinance shortly after it was implemented in April 2019. Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the NRA, told the Washington Free Beacon the rulings prove the city unfairly targeted the group because of its advocacy.

“Violations of any constitutional rights by government officials should carry consequences,” she said. “The courts have rightfully imposed those consequences upon Los Angeles. The NRA will continue our fight and, as always, work to hold politicians accountable.”

Neither Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti (D.) nor councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (D.), who sponsored the ordinance, responded to requests for comment.

Los Angeles is not alone in targeting the group. San Francisco’s Democratic mayor stopped a similar ploy in response to an NRA lawsuit. The group is still locked in a First Amendment challenge over a letter sent by New York officials that warned banks away from working with the group. The ruling may put a damper on enthusiasm for similar measures from other government officials opposed to the NRA.

Los Angeles Ordinance No. 186000 took effect on April 1, 2019, and explicitly stated it was intended to prevent the city from doing business with anyone who had ties to the NRA.

“The City of Los Angeles has enacted ordinances and adopted positions that promote gun safety and sensible gun ownership,” the ordinance reads. “The City’s residents deserve to know if the City’s public funds are spent on contractors that have contractual or sponsorship ties with the NRA. Public funds provided to such contractors undermines the City’s efforts to legislate and promote gun safety.”

City leaders publicly defended the ordinance. In interviews with NPR, Garcetti said he had confidence in the policy while O’Farrell charged that “the NRA’s First Amendment rights remain firmly in place.”

Judge Wilson disagreed, saying, “the City adopted the Ordinance ‘because of disagreement with the message’ of the NRA and with the explicit intent to suppress that message—the Ordinance should therefore be considered a content-based regulation of speech.” The city agreed in February to repeal the ordinance, stop any enforcement of it, and notify contractors they do not have to disclose ties to the NRA.

https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/l-a-ordered-to-pay-nra-six-figures-after-losing-first-amendment-case

–from El Waggs
Legal Counsel
Bikernet Law Offices

[page break]

I WAS A DEMOCRAT AS A KID, BUT--What Is with the Democratic Party? And the debates don’t cover the what’s truly important.

They hate freedom, it’s not safe. They want zero accidents, which means zero freedoms and never-ending control.

They hate individual liberty—they want mandatory health care, so they can control every aspect of your life Plus, you get to pay for free healthcare for anyone who doesn’t want to.

They hate taxpayers and home ownership. They want your home to go to the homeless. You don’t deserve it.

They hate your cars. They hate fossil fuels

They hate your guns and would love to take them all away. How will you protect yourself and your family? You can’t call the cops, they defunded them. They won’t come.

They hate mankind and will say or do anything to put climate change against your freedoms to do anything. By putting the planet first over liberty and freedom, they can control everything.

They hate immigration laws and want the country overrun with illegal immigrants. The taxpayer will be forced to pay for each one, educate each one, care for each one and house each one.

They hate America, the ability to learn, train, grow and build. They want it to become a socialist nation, but socialism almost always leads to a dictatorship, so no more America.

They hate the rich and want to take your funds and your ability to earn money.

They hate the 1st amendment or Free Speech. They don’t want anyone else to speak except themselves.

They hate veterans. They hate anyone who fights back.

They hate cops and want to defund them. Then what?

They hate jobs. They want to send you a check, so you don’t need to work. Who wants to accomplish nothing, grow nothing, build nothing or create nothing? Nuts.

Incredible. Don’t forget to vote.

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY-– A young couple moved into a new neighborhood.

The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the washing outside.

“That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.”

Her husband looked on, remaining silent.
Every time her neighbor hung her washing out to dry, the young woman made the same comments.

A month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, “Look, she’s finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”

The husband replied, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”

–EL WAGGS
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

ANOTHER BROTHER DOWN–I lost another friend this afternoon.

Oh, the conversations we had!
A true icon of the motorcycle industry.
Rest in Peace, in my prayers for his family and friends.
Vene “Skeeter” Todd 12/31/1949 – 10/08/2020

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION 36th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MINDS CONFERENCE— Indianapolis, Indiana. With the uncertainties brought on by a free flow of changing rules regarding restrictions on public gatherings, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation along with the able assistance from ABATE of Indiana, the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference blasted through the historic Indianapolis starter’s flag and ran WFO for an entire weekend in September 2020.

Six months of uncertainties brought on by COVID-19 did not preclude MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, from emphasizing and reinforcing the conference theme – Strong & Focused — in his opening remarks to the gathering of motorcyclists’ rights advocates from 40 states, and Liberia!

MRF lobbyist, Rocky Fox highlighted the recent success in D.C. with four MRF amendments attached to the House of Representative’s Infrastructure legislation (official title is H.R. 2- Moving Forward Act). The amendments (4 of the 19 are motorcycle related and most were added during the Committee Hearing on the Bill).

Autonomous Vehicle Technology: The Department of Transportation is directed to conduct a safety study on autonomous vehicles. Motorcycles must be one of the data points the study accounts for. Additionally, motorcycle groups will be included in policy groups on autonomous vehicles.

Motorcycle Advisory Council: The Motorcycle Advisory Council would be reestablished for another 6 years, with dedicated seats for 2 motorcycle rights groups and a motorcycle manufacture.

Motorcycle Safety Funds: Motorcycle state safety funds increased $1,488,285 or nearly 35%. In addition to retaining the prohibition on funding motorcycle only check points an amendment was passed that prohibits using federal funds to “profile and stop motorcycle operators or passengers using, as a factor, the apparel they are wearing or their mode of transportation.”

Racial Profiling: States were eligible for grants to track the race and ethnic of individual stopped by police during traffic stops. The MRF added via amendment, mode of transportation as something states would have to collect. Ideally this would help confirm our belief that motorcyclists are being stopped disproportionately to our numbers.

Even with Congress marginally convened since March, the MRF is having a great year! The next step is to repeat our efforts in the U.S. Senate.

Keeping with Indiana’s public gathering guidelines, the 15 breakout sessions were held in rooms large enough to accommodate the demand. Each workshop reinforced the Strong & Focused theme and resonated with a quote from Hunter Thompson… “Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.” The workshop content repeatedly returned to the nuts, bolts, and tools needed to build and strengthen individual and SMRO advocacy. Workshop sessions included, but were not limited to, Strategic Planning, Public Relations, establishing effective PACs, With Freedom Comes Responsibility, plus bridging the gaps between motorcycle clubs and SMROs…

It has been over five years since a political meeting of motorcyclists in Waco, Texas, ended in the killing of nine individuals and the arrest of 177 motorcyclists and attendees at the gathering. Using their workshop as a venue to update the Waco shootings, MRF board member Russell Radke and U.S. Defenders representative, Paul Landers presented a first-hand and emotional update on the shooting, incarceration and subsequent dropping of the charges against all of the Waco defendants.

Reinforcing the event theme “Strong & Focused” and helping build the future of motorcyclists’ rights advocacy, the MRF and MRFAE recognized two very focused young activists for their efforts on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights: Haley Farmer, member of ABATE of Indiana and Christopher Beals, ABATE of Arizona. Their activism and dedication to motorcyclists’ rights are lessons to all of us that young motorcyclists are interested and actively working to protect our rights, willing to work toward the goals of the MRF, and willing to reach out to others to foster those goals.

Keynote speaker for the event was longtime friend of motorcycling and ABATE of Indiana, U.S. Senator Todd Young. Speaking to all Americans and all generations of motorcyclists, before answering a series of questions, Senator Young paraphrased the preamble to the Constitution with “Every generation has the responsibility to make America a more perfect union.”

Recognizing past contributions to the MRF and motorcyclists’ rights advocacy the following individuals were inducted into the MRF Hall of Fame as Legacy Inductees: Dick “Slider’ Gilmore and Charles Umbenhauer. The MRF Hall of fame class of 2020 Freedom Fighter Inductees include Dave Dwyer, “Farmer” John Eggers, Marc Falsetti, Wanda Hummel-Shultz, Michael “Boz” Kerr, Gary Klinker, “Radio” Bob Letourneau, “Biker” Jim Rhoades, Lee Ryan, and Charlie Williams. This year’s recipient of the MRF’s most prestigious award, the “Farmer” John Eggers Award—went to Mark Winslow.

MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail’ Willard summed the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference with one word – “Believe”. Given the accomplishments of the MRF leading up to and beyond March 2020, “Believe” is exactly what got the MRF to one of its most productive years and successful events in recent memory; and you ain’t seen nothing yet!

In July 1971 at the Fillmore East, the Allman Brothers Band introduced and performed one of their almost endless jams as they kicked into “Hot ‘Lanta”. The MRF promises not to get lost in an endless jam session, but we will deliver our noted brand of nuts, bolts & tools needed to build and strengthen motorcyclists’ rights advocacy and SMROs when the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference visits Atlanta, Georgia, and “Hot ‘Lanta” in September 2021. Stay posted for updates…

SPORTSTER DEAL OF THE WEEK–1975 one-owner, custom painted in 1975 by a local Helmut Hauschild (passed on R.I.P.). But it makes it a perfect piece of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas history.

From CENTRAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON before the franchise had rules on size of building. In the early ‘70s it was at 5th and central Kansas City, Kansas.
I bought my first new motorcycle from Central in 1972.

–Dav Frui
zbay57@gmail.com

ABATE OF TEXAS CONFEDERATION–Quick Facts:
Texas COC&I, moving forward, will be known as the Texas “Council of Clubs and Independents” (dropping all affiliation with AIM).

Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month for another consecutive year!

NHTSA released info in 2019 that Texas, Motorcycle Fatalities dropped 15%-the lowest number of fatalities in over a decade!!!!!!

(Nationally, motorcycle fatalities dropped 5%.)
Texas Legislature only meets every other year (odd years)

TEXAS 86TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION (Passed session)
SB616-rmoving the administration of the mc training course and the administration of the 0501- motorcycle safety fund away from the Department of Public Safety (TX DPS)-and moving all administration to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Effective Sept. 1, 2020.

HB1755-Relating to assembled vehicles and former military vehicles, including the titling and registration of those vehicles.

SB273-Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles on certain highways during periods of traffic congestion (lane sharing).

HB1270-Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles on certain highways during periods of traffic congestion (lane sharing).

HB646-Relating to the operation and inspection of mopeds.

HB3131-Relating to the classification and operation of mopeds and certain motorcycles

SB486-A new light-duty motor vehicle powered by an electric drive is eligible for a $2500 tax incentive

BILLS WE SUPPORTED-FILED, BUT NOT ADVANCED
HB1270 and SB273-Both house and senate bills addressed lane sharing

HB4265-Relating to the rules of the road regarding red signals at certain traffic-control signals.

BILLS FILED THAT WE DID NOT SUPPORT (AND DID NOT ADVANCE)

HB748-Universal Helmet bill authored by Rep Neave, HD 107

HB748-was totally inappropriate for Texas riders;
64% of motorcycle riders in Texas already wear a helmet.

We need to promote education in our state, not more legislation.

Texas ABATE had a petition ready with 2000+ signatures of Texas freedom fighters that choose to stand with liberty.

This petition was never necessary, as this bill never made it to a hearing.

It had 25% progression, and died in the transportation committee

OTHER NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR TEXAS FREEDOM FIGHTERS:

Oct 2019-TCOC&I confront Texas VFW in Austin to question General Orders 2019-2020, which included inappropriate motorcycle profiling language (motorcycle gangs, vests, etc. prohibited). Commander King promptly removed this statement.

Progress in being made with our statewide COC&I motorcycle “RideRecordReport” campaign-to report motorcycle profiling.

Texas ABATE attended the Texas Senate Sunset Advisory Board hearing in 2019-and testified for our Motorcycle Safety Funds.

Texas ABATE filed with the State Audit Board requesting investigation of the misappropriated spending by the TXDPS-misappropriating millions of dollars from our 0501-motorcycle safety fund

Gov Abbott proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety & Awareness month in Texas-again in both 2019 and 2020
2016-2019 Texas riders participated in the annual MRF Bikers Inside the Beltway-average ride: 3000 miles per trip

Motorcycle Legislative Day is being planned for January 25, 2021-at the Capitol, Austin, TX

Connecticut (CMRA)
We were successful in maintaining adult choice for helmet use

THE GREENER FRONTIERS ARE NOW OPEN—With Better Days Cannabis Sugar.

Better Days Cannabis Cane Sugar is a combination of 100mg of pure Deeper Green THC and cane sugar in a 50g tub, each teaspoon contains 10mg of sweet THC.

GOTTA KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN, MASK FREE–
He said…. I don’t know why you wear a bra; you’ve got nothing to put in it.
She said…. You wear pants don’t you?

He said….. Shall we try swapping positions tonight?
She said… That’s a good idea – you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart!

He said….. What have you been doing with all the grocery money I gave you?
She said ….Turn sideways and look in the mirror!

He said….. Why are married women heavier than single women?
She said….. Single women come home, see what’s in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what’s in bed and go to the fridge.

Wayfarer
Philosophy Teacher
Bikernet University International Campus

THE EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES–

Having been a subscriber to Easyriders since the late 1970’s, I was
very disappointed with their demise. As my subscription ran through
April of 2021, they offered a credit redeemable for overpriced vintage
merchandise or Easydollars to use at a future Easyriders Event. I
opted for the Easydollars. The request/order was mailed 10/11/2019
and even though several emails have been sent, nothing has been
received. Using your insight, can it be assumed that I and other
subscribers are SOL?

Needless to say – very disappointing for what once was the class of
biker magazines.

Thank you. A current subscriber of Cycle Source,

Sam McGunegle
Sandusky MI

Motorists Vote 2020 Ballot Initiatives: NMA E-Newsletter #612

October 4, 2020

The November 3rd election day is a month away, and mail-in voting has already begun in many states. If you have not cast your ballot yet, be sure to consider motorists’ rights issues in your decisions on which candidates and issues to support.

Check out the NMA’s Motorists Vote 2020 Guide (a slideshow with a progression arrow on either side) for information to help you do that. Here are some additional guides that have been published online by national media organizations designed to inform the electorate about performing the most vital of citizen responsibilities in a representative democracy:

How to Vote in Your State (interactive web portal from the Washington Post)
Early voting for Election 2020–When you can start to vote in-person in every US state (CNET)
Map: Mail-In Voting Rules By State (NPR)
How to prevent your mail ballot from being rejected (Washington Post)

Making mail-in voting free is a quick way to raise voter turnout (Quartz.com)

Voting on Election Day 2020:–Everything you need to have and do to vote (CNET)

How to track your election ballot online after you vote (CNET)

The nonpartisan voting website Ballotpedia has posted that voters in 32 states will decide a total of 120 statewide ballot measures on November 3rd. Here are the state ballots that involve motorists’ rights, or infrastructure/transportation funding.

Arkansas

Arkansas Transportation Sales Tax Continuation Amendment (2020)

The state wants to create a permanent sales tax that pays for infrastructure funding. Here are some of the editorials for and against the measure:

About that highway tax increase and what it will and won’t pay for (Arkansas Times)
Opposition formed to highway sales tax increase. Just say no to the legislature (Arkansas Times)

California

With the distinction of being the most populous state, California has many statewide ballot initiatives every election cycle. Here is a link to an interactive guide for all 12 measures before voters on November 3rd. Two of the ballot questions are transportation oriented.

The first is California Proposition 22, App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative (2020). Here are three recent articles that highlight this ridesharing/delivery company backed proposition:

Uber, Lyft Face Uphill Struggle for Gig-Worker Votes in California Ballot Measure (Governing)
A ballot measure backed by Uber and Lyft is now the most expensive in California history (Quartz)
California’s Gig Economy Ballot Measure Fails Workers, Labor Groups Say (Bloomberg)
The second is California Proposition 24, Consumer Personal Information Law and Agency Initiative (2020). Here are three articles that outline the issues of Proposition 24.

The Fight Over the Fight Over California’s Privacy Future (Wired)
Why the Electronic Frontier Foundation Doesn’t Support nor Oppose California Proposition 24 (EFF)

Georgia

The statewide ballot initiative, the Georgia Dedicating Tax and Fee Revenue Amendment (2020), will, if passed, change the state constitution to ensure that the legislature spends funds from fees or taxes on designated projects, rather than divert them. Here are two online articles that examine the initiative:

Decoding the Georgia Dedicating Tax and Fee Revenue Amendment (League of Women Voters of Coastal Georgia)

Maryland

Maryland Question 1, Legislative Authority over State Budget Amendment (2020)

If passed, Question 1 would change the state constitution to allow the Maryland General Assembly to increase, decrease, or add items to the state budget as long as those items do not exceed the total proposed budget submitted by the governor. We found this lone editorial on the measure.

Vote Yes on Question 1 to Restore a Healthier Constitutional Balance (Maryland Matters)
Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Question 1, “Right to Repair Law” Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative (2020) has received a great deal of national press because of its potential to establish a precedent for other states on crucial car ownership issues.

Automakers are lobbying hard against a car owner’s right to repair. Their position is that even if you own a vehicle, all the software is proprietary to them, and only licensed auto mechanics can work on your car (at greater cost to you). Local independent auto mechanics and do-it-yourselfers have worked hard to get this measure on the ballot. Here are some articles about Question 1:

Motorists Vote 2020 Massachusetts: ‘Right to repair’ battle heats up in Mass. (AutoNews)
Sorting fact from fiction on Massachusetts Question 1: Right to Repair (WCVB)
Motorists Vote 2020: Auto Industry TV Ads Claim Massachusetts Right to Repair Benefits ‘Sexual Predators’ (Vice)
Motorists Vote 2020 Massachusetts Right to Repair Ballot: Car manufacturers pool $25m to fight auto repair ballot question (Commonwealth Magazine)

Michigan

The outcome of the following initiative affect personal data protection standards, and might also set a direction for other states: Michigan Search Warrant for Electronic Data Amendment (2020).

A “Yes” vote supports the constitutional amendment to require a police search warrant to access a suspect’s electronic data and electronic communications. A “No” vote opposes the amendment to require a search warrant. We did not find any editorials in favor of a “No” vote:

Voters to decide whether to ban police use of electronic data without a warrant (Detroit News)

Virginia

This ballot initiative was brought forth by state lawmakers: Virginia Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans Amendment (2020). A “Yes” vote allows a permanently disabled vet to have an exemption from state and local property taxes on one car or truck. A “No” vote does not allow the exemption.

Local Ballot Issues

Many local ballot issues have been brought forth around the country that are too numerous to place here. Issues range from transportation funding to law enforcement reform. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about community issues, particularly those that can affect drivers, directly or indirectly, before casting your vote in the November 3rd elections.

Thank you for your support of motorists’ rights at the ballot box!

NOW WHAT?—I wish I knew. It’s too bad the media doesn’t get it. Covering one side of any issue shows their distain for the freedom of speech. If we go socialists, that’s one of the first elements to go. In fact the media will most likely be taken over by the government. So much for those jobs.

Okay, enough politics. I can’t wait for the election to be over. I just want to ride and be free. I just want to move to South Dakota and write another book, build a shop and study the history. There’s so much to be said there.

Let’s ride, create cool shit and be free!

–Bandit

People graduating in 2020 may have a much different graduation experience than those who came before. Still, they’re putting on their graduation masks, caps, and gowns, and moving down their new paths in life. Take Paris McGowan, a brand-new graduate of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute of Orlando, with a specialization in Harley-Davidson.

She’s a Black woman motorcyclist who grew up in a family of riders in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mom rides, her dad rides, and other members of the family do, too. Watch this video and you’ll see an adorable photo of tiny, eight-year-old Paris sitting on a GSX-R, grinning so big it almost hurts your heart. She’s clearly having the greatest time any eight-year-old ever had, so is it any surprise she became a rider when she got older?

Not just any rider, though—a history-making one. With her graduation, McGowan is now the first-ever Black woman to graduate from MMI as a Harley-Davidson technician. It’s a barrier she’s very proud to have broken. When people see her, she may be a lot of things they’re not expecting. However, she says that people soon learn that with bikes, she definitely knows what she’s doing.

“There are a lot of Black female Harley riders, or just Black female riders in general,” McGowan said. “We need to be shown more. My mother, who is a strong, proud Black woman, rides her own motorcycle. I have aunts and cousins who all ride together. I mean, we just did a female unity ride for Labor Day. I believe there were at least 300 or more female riders out there, and it was incredible.”

More than anything, McGowan says, she wants women and girls—especially women and girls of color—to see her, and also hopefully see themselves. Motorcycling is for everyone—and wrenching is for all of us, too, if we want it to be.

There’s a difference between just seeing or saying these words and actually seeing someone living that life. McGowan did it for herself, but she also hopes to help normalize the idea that women of color can do absolutely anything, from working on the quintessential American motorcycle to anything we put our minds to. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. Ride away, achieve your dreams, and prove them wrong.

 

by Silvian Secara from https://www.autoevolution.com

Senhor Motorcycles’ spells made this fatigued CB900F regain its former youth.

Back in the day, Honda’s fearsome CB900F, or the Bol d’Or, was a force to be reckoned with. Quite frankly, to say that it was ahead of its time would be an understatement! This glorious piece of Japanese machinery is powered by a vicious four-stroke DOHC inline-four colossus, with four Keihin carbs and a compression ratio of 8.8:1. The air-cooled beast prides itself with a humungous displacement of 901cc.

At approximately 9,000 rpm, CB900F’s fiendish powerplant will generate up to 95 hp. On the other hand, ruthless torque output of 57 pound-feet (77 Nm) will be accomplished at around 8,000 revs. A five-speed gearbox channels this force to the rear 18-inch wheel via a chain final drive. Ultimately, the whole ordeal leads to a respectable top speed of 135 mph (217 kph).

Without going into any other details, it’s safe to conclude that Honda’s iconic two-wheeler is no toy. However, even a gem like Bol d’Or will begin to show its age after spending as many as four decades on the tarmac. Thankfully, the moto industry was blessed with countless customization workshops that’ll be more than happy to work their magic on a weary creature.

Nacho Fernández’s Senhor Motorcycles is one such enterprise, and their one-off CB900F does a neat job at demonstrating their abilities. The transformation began with the removal of its outdated suspension modules. In their stead, the Spanish firm installed Suzuki GSX-R1100’s forks at the front, along with dual YSS shock absorbers on the other end.

Next, the crew replaced Bol d’Or’s stock hoops with a pair of 17-inch six-spoke wheels from a Honda VTR SP-1. These bad boys wear GSX-R1100’s brakes up front, while VTR’s rotor takes good care of stopping power at the rear. Additionally, the rims are hugged by high-performance Roadtec Z8 rubber from Metzeler’s catalog.

After experiencing a comprehensive restoration, CB900F’s inline-four monstrosity was treated to a majestic four-into-four exhaust system, retuned carburetors and a set of pod filters. The Senhor team even went as far as crafting an array of unique components inhouse, such as one handsome front fairing and a new subframe that supports a hand-shaped tail section, to name a few.

Lastly, you will find several aftermarket items that round out the fresh aesthetic, including a Motogadget Chronoclassic gauge, LSL clip-ons and a Lucas taillight kit.

Personally, I’m aching to see what other projects Senhor Motorcycles is planning to tackle in the future!

As you may have heard, Indian Motorcycle will have a strong presence at the inaugural Drag Specialties King of the Baggers invitational at Laguna Seca Raceway. Competing against a field of 12 modified Harley-Davidsons, the S&S Cycle and Roland Sands Design teams have each decided to go against the grain by entering their very own modified versions of the Indian Challenger.

Ahead of the weekend-long event taking place on October 23-25, we wanted to provide you with part one of a mini-series highlighting the work that both teams are doing behind the scenes as they prepare to take on the field.

We thought you may be interested in sharing this video with your audience and have provided a direct link along with an embed code below.

YouTube Link:

 

by Kris Holt from https://www.engadget.com

The Multistrada V4 has several rider assistance features.

Ducati has started production on what it claims is the “world’s first motorcycle equipped with front and rear radar technology.” The company worked with Bosch on the radar system, which allows the Multistrada V4 to offer some rider support features.

Each radar weighs 190 grams and is about the size of an action camera, so the system won’t add too much weight or bulk to the motorcycle. The front radar enables adaptive cruise control, which helps the Multistrada V4 automatically adjust its distance from other vehicles while riding at between 30 and 160 km/h.

The rear radar can detect vehicles that are in the rider’s blind spot. The system can tell you when vehicles are approaching at high speed.

Ducatti hasn’t revealed much more about the Multistrada V4, save for the fact it has a “new, light and compact V4 engine.” The company has yet to reveal what the motorcycle even looks like. It’ll show off the Multistrada V4 for the first time on November 4th.

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Production Starts – 1st Motorcycle With Radar Tech

by Nithyanandh Karuppaswamy from https://www.rushlane.com

The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 is the first production motorcycle to be equipped with front and rear radars for rider assistance systems

The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 has entered production at the Audi-owned sportsbike marque’s Borgo Panigale facility near Bologna, Italy. In its fourth generation, the popular adventure tourer ditches the L-Twin motor in favor of Ducati’s new V4 unit. The all-new adventure tourer will make its world premiere on November 4.

The fourth-gen Multistrada V4 is claimed to be the first production-spec motorcycle to be equipped with front and rear radar technology. In 2016, Ducati worked in collaboration with the department of electronics, information and bio-engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s leading technical university, on rider aid systems. Four years down the line, Ducati has brought a comprehensive radar-based rider assistance systems to the market in association with Bosch.

Ducati radar technology

The radar system on board the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 involves two compact radar units 70 x 60 x 28 mm, roughly the size of a modern action camera. Each unit weights around 190 grams and integrates neatly into the motorcycle’s bodywork.

The front radar unit is responsible for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) just like in the cars. This system modulates the motorcycle’s braking and acceleration to automatically regulate the distance from the vehicle ahead. Designed to function in 4 configurable stages between speeds of 30 to 160 kmph, the radar-based ACC has been tuned to suit the dynamics and ergonomics of a motorcycle. Of course, the rider will be able to maintain constant control of the vehicle in any scenario even when the ACC is operational.

The rear radar unit functions as a blind-spot monitor to warn the rider of vehicles that are not visible on the rear-view mirrors. The rear unit also warns the rider of a fast approaching vehicle from behind. The control algorithms related to Ducati Radar Technology have been the subject of a patent which was filed in 2017.

2021 Ducati Multistrada Design

Along with the production announcement, Ducati has also teased the motorcycle through a set of images. While the entire motorcycle is not visible, we can observe that the 2021 Ducati Multistrada retains its instantly recognizable styling but sports sharper elements. The front radar module is located between the twin LED headlamps while the rear unit is nestled below the taillight.

The exact specifications of the new lightweight V4 engine on board the Multistrada still remain under the wraps. So far, the V4 unit is available in two displacement configurations on board the Panigale and Streetfighter models.

The new flagship adventure tourer will be launched in India sometime next year. Expect the prices to start well above INR 20 lakh (Ex-showroom).

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Few motorcycle builders out there have enough products in their portfolio as to feel comfortable to reference older builds as soon as new ones pop up. Thunderbike is one of them, with the Germans having released into the wild over the past 25 years literally hundreds of custom bikes, all of them based on or heavily related to Harley-Davidson two-wheelers.

Back in 2019, Thunderbike built a special machine for Harley’s Battle of the Kings competition. It was called Roar, and came as a heavily modified FXDR sporting tons of custom parts, a Stage 3 tuning kit to increase the Screamin’ Eagle engine’s displacement to 117ci and give it more power, and a devilish, dragster-like appearance enhanced by the orange-black-silver paint scheme used on it.

Thunderbike’s most recent project is dubbed Ice-Cool Brother. Not exactly a cool name for a Harley custom bike, but it does send across the message Thunderbike wants sent: this could be the brother of the Roar, and because its painted grey-green, it’s Ice-Cool.

Childish reasoning, we know, but the machine itself is far from that. Commissioned by one of the garage’s customers, it comes with a lower stance owed to fork modifications, breathes easier thanks to a new air filter kit, and packs a bigger punch thanks to the fitting of a Stage II torque kit.

Thanks to the changes made, Thunderbike says there’s a 5 percent increase in torque right from the start, and at 4,500 rpm it even squeezes 14 percent more than before.

You can find the entire list of modifications made to the bike at this link. What you’ll not find is the final build price for the Ice-Cool Brother, but after some digging (Thunderbike lists most of the parts used in the project) we came up with around 5,000 euros ($5,800), not including, of course, the bike itself and the labor.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING WINS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MANUFACTURER’S CHAMPIONSHIP WITH WRECKING CREW SWEEP AT ATLANTA SHORT TRACK I

Wrecking Crew Rider Jared Mees Narrows the Season Standings with Back-to-Back Wins

ATLANTA (October 6, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, and its championship-winning FTR750 clinched its fourth consecutive Manufacturer’s Championship. Fittingly, Indian Motorcycle secured the championship with a Wrecking Crew podium sweep at Atlanta Short Track I.

Wrecking Crew Rider Jared Mees narrowed the season standings with back-to-back wins at the Atlanta doubleheader. Joining Mees on the Atlanta Short Track I podium was reigning AFT Grand National Champion and Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman and Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman. The bar-to-bar battle between Briar and Mees saw Mees take a final pass on the final lap through turn four to cross the finish line just .308 seconds before Briar. Bronson completed the Wrecking Crew sweep as he earned his first podium of the 2020 season by charging his way from the middle of the pack and making several passes in the final laps of the Main.

“It’s been incredible to see our team compete at a consistent level and again bring home the Manufacturer’s Championship for the fourth straight year,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “With four races remaining, we’re excited to see who can walk away with the No. 1 plate. Briar’s been hot and Mees hates to lose, so we should be in a dramatic and entertaining finish to the season.”

Atlanta Short Track II continued the dramatic, bar-to-bar racing from the night before, as Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Price held Mees off as long as he could, coming up just short as Mees made his pass with only a few laps remaining. Price’s second-place finished earned him his first podium of the season, while Briar rounded out the all-FTR750 podium with a third-place finish.

With 244 points, Mees is firmly in second and now just 12 points back from Briar, who has 256 points on the year. With a pair of fourth-place finishes in Atlanta, Indian Motorcycle Privateer Sammy Halbert remains in third with 193 points, while Bronson Bauman and Price are fourth and fifth with 153 and 148 points, respectively.

The 2020 American Flat Track season will continue on October 9-10 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Progressive Charlotte Half-Mile I & II. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

There’s no actual statistic on how many garages attached to homes are in the States. A report called American Housing Survey claimed that in 2015 about 63 percent of all occupied housing units have a garage or carport, so that would mean a lot. And in a great deal of such garages, magic of one type or another happens.

Of particular interest for us is the magic that has to do with motorized vehicles, no matter the number of wheels, wings, or whatever. The magic that ends up in things like this here Harley-Davidson Mantis being created.

The bike is about three years old, and if it hadn’t been for Harley-Davidson’s The No Show online event, we probably wouldn’t have found out about it. The Youtube series took place earlier this year and brought to light the creations of 60 builders from 10 countries, works that would otherwise have not been shown anywhere this troubled year.

The Mantis is one of them. It is the creation of a Nevada man by the name Josh Sheehan. It was literally built, like many other great American things, in a garage (he likes to call that a shop). It started life as a 1968 Shovelhead and, as the first bike of the builder, it managed to push him at the forefront of the custom motorcycle circuit.

Sheehan doesn’t give too many details on the changes made to the bike (watch the video below for more), but the visual upgrades that make the Mantis stand out are more than obvious. From the light orange on the tank and rear fender, to the wheels (21-inch front and 18-inch rear) and the hand-engraved rocker boxes and cam cover, the entire build is a testimony to how good-old fashioned imagination, a correct set of tools, and an unassuming garage can make the magic happen.