by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Harley-Davidson called the custom bike build competition for its international dealers King of Kings, but one shop from Germany wanted to top that, so they named their project Emperor. Chosen at the end of April, the King of Kings winner was crowned a Sportster-based Mexican creation by the name of Apex Predator. Over the past two weeks, we’ve talked at length about some of the other participants as well, because each had its own something unique to bring to the table. The Emperor we’re talking about today is of German origin, and has been designed by a Harley dealer called Thunderbike. It boasts, perhaps, the most radical changes compared to the base bike, which is a 1995 H-D Sportster. We’ve talked about Thunderbike before, and we know these guys are not messing around when it comes to customizing motorcycles or building their own frames. The same happened here. The Emperor probably boasts the most changes from all the 15 entries in the competition. It has been gutted and had some of the parts removed, some of them replaced, and the whole thing gifted with a very long list of custom parts, ranging from the wheels to the exhaust. The fork, handlebar, tank, oil tank, seat, fender, struts, exhaust and shifter, all have been added to the bike in custom form to give it this distinctive look, a more chopper-like appearance than Harley originally had in mind for the Sportster. Thunderbike went a little further than its competitors did, and even revised the stock engine of the motorcycle a bit, fitting it with an automatic clutch. In the end, the German Emperor, even in this extreme, chopperized form, did not manage to win the King Kings competition. Yet, given the budget limits imposed by Harley for each build (€6,000/$6,500) creating something like this must not have been easy.

by Faith Ikade from http://venturesafrica.com/

Mobility for Africa is empowering women in rural Zimbabwe with new electric powered motorcycles that can be used as a source of income generation.

The electric motorbikes known as “Hamba” gives women the opportunity to transport and sell their goods, while saving time and effort usually spent walking to pick up household goods for their families around the district of Wedza.

Shantha Bloemen, Mobility for Africa Director said the initiative is centred on women, following research done by the organization which shows that men always get priority on transport. “These are women that never thought they would drive anything. The whole intent was to focus on where the burden is greatest, but also the lowest rural women are on the lowest peg of the pyramid,” she said.

Assembled in Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare with parts made in China, Hamba is powered by a solar-charged lithium-ion battery and can travel up to around 60 miles per ride. Mobility for Africa is now in the second phase of the pilot project before it can go commercial.

The project was an adaptation to a similar bike used in China and was an important tool used to reduce poverty in the country. Several households and women could use the bike to transport items from their farm to a local market.

Hamba will be sold for $1,500 USD and changing the batteries at a solar-powered station costs between 50 cents and $1. However, Mobility for Africa is currently leasing the bikes to groups of up to five women for the equivalent of $15 a month, thereby making it affordable for poor women in Zimbabwe.

Women in Zimbabwe can now carry farm produce to markets further away from home, offer transportation services to villagers and use the motorcycle for domestic chores.

Small business owners like Mary Mhuka, who is leasing the Hamba with her daughter-in-law and a neighbour, can now sell vegetables at a business centre 15 km away for more money than she would get locally. “We used to carry firewood on our heads for very long distances but now it’s much easier as this motorcycle has taken away that burden,” she told Reuters

According to Fadzai Mavhuna, the Hamba pilot coordinator since February 2019, “Some of the women have increased their income because they have embarked on projects like baking, tailoring and horticulture.”

Hamba is also helping women in the health sector. Pamhidzai Mutunya, a farm health worker, said before the arrival of Hamba, many women gave birth at home while others had to walk 12 km to the nearest clinic because there was no transport.

More so, Hamba has proved to be an essential in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in Zimbabwe. It allows healthcare workers transport patients more easily, and helps rural communities receive essential supplies during a country-wide lockdown.

Although Zimbabwe has not recorded a large number of confirmed COVID-19 confirmed, the lockdown has affected people’s income, especially in the informal sector, which is commonly dominated by women.

Nevertheless, Hamba has given women in Zimbabwe an opportunity to earn and be empowered in a country faced with several sanctions alongside an economy which runs at a declining speed.

Hey,

What an interesting week. Someone said 100,000 folks have died of Corona, more than the Vietnam War, but that’s not a fair analogy. That’s actually one fifth of the number who die every year of cancer and about 1/5 of the people who die EVERY YEAR of heart issues.

There is no place for doom and gloom. I believe we’ve done a helluva job at containing something that could have been devastating. And you know Americans. We can do anything, and we will figure this bastard out and move on to party once more.

IMPROVISE, ADAPT, OVERCOME—See the MIC story later in the news.

The controversy continues regarding Sturgis. You’ll see an interview with Woody, the boss of the Buffalo Chip, right here in 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. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

FRED KODLIN LAUNCHES A US DIVISION—Starting with the Kodlin Lowering-Kit (K66024) for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee Eight Softail Models.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
•
Lowers the bike up to 40 mm
•
“Plug and Play”! Kit does not require to shorten the threated rod or to send back the suspension for
final assembly
•
Includes pre-installed new bearings
•
Includes instructions and TUV documents

Fitments for:

FLHC/FLHCS HERITAGE CLASSIC
•
FXBR/FXBRS BREAKOUT
•
FLFB/FLFBS FAT BOY
•
FLSB SPORT GLIDE
•
FXBS/FXFB FAT BOB
•
FLDE DELUXE
•
FXDR 114

In 1984, sparked by Fred Kodlin’s vision of creating custom bikes represented in a way the world hadn’t seen before, Kodlin Motorcycles was established.

Pushing the boundaries of what a motorcycle can be, the Kodlin name has built a reputation for original bike building, cutting-edge product design and high-quality manufacturing.

Now available worldwide, Fred and son Len have created a hybrid of accessories and design – inspired by both American and European influences, Kodlin accessories have distinct fit, form and functional characteristics not found on the market today.

info@KodlinUSA.com www.KodlinUSA.com (North America, South America, APAC)
info@Kodlin.com www.kodlin.com (Europe)

NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD– NICK’S PICKS: MAY 2020

People are emerging from their homes and the country is slowly starting to open again. It is the perfect time to check out Nick’s Picks on the Twisted Road web site.

Nick is Twisted Road’s resident “all things motorcycle”. If you are part of the Twisted Road community, odds are you have “met” Nick and he’s taken good care of you. And now he’s sharing his love of bikes with us all—10 at a time.

Click each bike to learn more, or visit Twisted Road to explore even more bikes.

www.twistedroad.com

EXCLUSIVE, BOB CLARK NEWS--Know what you mean but I’m trying to get past worrying about projects. If they don’t get done before I croak so be it. Need to mount Lexus seats in my ‘57 Belair today but think I’ll binge watch NCIS or Law and Order.

Seats will still be there in the morning. Who am I kidding. Going home right now, design some brackets and get them mounted ASAP.

Never have been much of a couch potato when there are so many cool things to do.

Stay safe
–Bob Clark
Mastermind Motorcyclist

PS. Ah, but there’s always porn!

Generating Mainstream Media Coverage
in the Time of COVID-19– While media and influencer training and events have largely been stalled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Motorcycles.org has been able to get some help from high-profile friends to keep motorcycles in the public conversation. The industry’s mainstream media outreach program, based at the MIC, has shifted to efforts aimed at putting bikes on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Actor Ian Ziering, who has more than 520,000 followers on Instagram, posted a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month-themed image after speaking with Motorcycles.org staff. His post garnered nearly 9,000 likes.

RIDE IN STYLE FROM AN EARLY AGE WITH THE LIMITED EDITION
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRONe12 and IRONe16
Limited to 550 Units Nationwide and Available Now

MILWAUKEE (May 28, 2020) – Available now, the Limited Edition IRONe12 and IRONe16 electric balance bikes provide a custom ride for riders as early 3 years of age. Limited to 550 units nationwide, the Limited Edition IRONe12 and IRONe16 feature a custom graphic treatment and are painted in the same Yellow Fuse color that is also available on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle.

IRONe12 and IRONe16 electric balance bikes are electric-powered two-wheelers specifically designed for kids aged 3-7 years old and under 75 lbs., that can help catalyze the experience of riding for the first time. Balance bikes offer an early learning tool for hand-eye coordination and help children develop skills while having fun.

Help your child learn to push, balance, coast and brake in the non-powered mode before graduating to the powered mode – and the throttle. The Limited Edition IRONe12 and IRONe16 electric balance bikes are geared toward instilling a lifetime love for riding on two wheels from an early age.

“The Limited Edition IRONe12 and IRONe16 are impressively custom and extremely limited,” said Jon Bekefy, general manager of brand marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “No other Harley-Davidson shares the Yellow Fuse color exclusive to LiveWire, which is the halo of the H-D EV portfolio.”

The Limited Edition IRONe12 (from $699 MSRP) and IRONe16 (from $749 MSRP) and standard Harley-Davidson IRONe12 (from $649 MSRP) and IRONe16 (from $699 MSRP) are available in select Harley-Davidson dealers now.

Vietnam vets participating in ‘Rolling to Remember’ had their motorcycles vandalized

A group of AMVETS motorcycle riders from Ohio who were in the nation’s capital to mark the Memorial Day weekend by participating in the Rolling to Remember ride had an unwelcome sendoff from Washington, D.C.

And now AMVETS National Riders President Tom McNamara is speaking out about the incident which left the bikes with thousands of dollars in damage.

“One heinous act diminished a weekend of remembering and reflecting,” he said.

NBC4 reported that the group of Vietnam War veterans had their motorcycles beaten with a hammer outside an Alexandria, Virginia hotel on May 24 as they were preparing to return home to Ohio.

“As I’ve come to learn, the vandal beat their bikes with a hammer while the veterans were, shortly after visiting the Vietnam War Memorial, resting and preparing for their trip home,” said McNamara.

When veterans returned home from Vietnam decades ago, they were confronted with hostility and disdain by a nation that had sent them to war, he continued.

“Never before had American heroes been treated in such a way, and we vowed to never so again,” said McNamara. “However, nearly 60 years later, Vietnam-era veterans are been failed by numerous Americans they took an oath to defend, on a national holiday in commemoration to their fallen brothers and sisters no less.”

Sponsored by AMVETS, Rolling to Remember replaced the canceled Rolling Thunder. The motorcycle demonstration was.s sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, AMVETS urged bikers to ride 22 miles in their local communities, one mile for each of the 22 veterans who dies by suicide each day in this country.

President Donald Trump welcomed a small group of AMVETS riders to the White House on May 22.

McNamara said he recognized those responsible do not represent American society as a whole.

“I ask that Americans remain respectful of the less than one percent who sacrifice for this country, especially those who gave their lives for it, and remain ever-vigilant of those who choose not to,’ he said.

Alexandria police have identified a suspect in the case and are continuing to investigate the incident, according to NBC4.

By Julia Ledoux, Radio.com

Motorcycle Cannonball Chronicles Launches Tonight–Motorcycles From The Past Race Into The Future!

The Motorcycle Cannonball has been well documented with racers riding age old machines, dressed in full regalia from a time gone by. This year, however, this living breathing monument to motorcycling past moves years into the future with a new live broadcast: The Cannonball Chronicles.

Stemming from an interview series started by Open Road Radio’s Gina Woods, this new weekly program will primarily feature the trials, tribulations and stories of the race teams as they prepare for the upcoming Motorcycle Cannonball Race.

Join host, Jason Sims, promoter of MCR, along with his co-host Rob Nussbaum, of Retrocycle as they deliver Cannonball news, talk about its history, and introduce us to the competitors. Going under the same name Gina Woods had for her interview series was just too good of a fit and you can expect that Open Road Radio will be working in concert as this show develops.

Additionally, each episode will feature the incredible work of renowned motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter. Michael will feature one image per show that he captured during previous historic races and provide an in-depth description of who, what, when, where, and why before opening it to group discussion.

You can participate in these discussions through the comment section of your favorite social media platform; Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch and Periscope. Motorcycle Cannonball, Retrocycle and Choppertown will also be carrying the feed so be sure to tune in on Wednesday nights at 9pm EST for the Cannonball Chronicles.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK--2019 Harley-Davidson FLHC Softail Heritage Classic for $18,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8797811

TRADITION IS GOOD, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN SITTING STILL
A DARK CLASSIC WITH MODERN EDGE
Dripping with gangster-era style and vintage details. If Bonnie and Clyde rode a Harley®motorcycle, this would be the one.

SOFTAIL®FRAME
The reinvented frame retains the classic Softail®lines, but its lightweight design and stiffness translate to a responsive ride unlike anything you’ve felt before.

MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® BIG TWIN ENGINE
A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. Available in 107 and 114 engine displacements.

SIGNATURE LED FORWARD LIGHTING
Darkness-defying lighting that gives you great visibility at night.

LOCKABLE AND SEALED SADDLEBAGS
A sleek look on the outside and roomy on the inside with enough space to stash your riding essentials. The lids open with one touch.

DETACHABLE WINDSCREEN
Go from touring to cruising in a heartbeat. Leave the screen on for a clean envelope of air over the long haul. Or remove it in seconds for a completely new look and ride.

HIGH PERFORMANCE FRONT SUSPENSION
Sophisticated suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork for reduced weight with linear damping characteristics.

HIGH PERFORMANCE REAR MONO SHOCK
Easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension allows for dynamic cornering capability while preserving the hardtail look.

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK– Description: Terry Richardson with his 1946 Harley-Davidson FL Knucklehead and other fellow Kansans during the Cross Country Chase motorcycle endurance run from Sault Sainte Marie, MI to Key West, FL (for vintage bikes from 1930-1948).

Photographed at the end of Stage 3 from Milwaukee, WI to Urbana, IL. USA.

Sunday, September 8, 2019. Photography ©2019 Michael Lichter.

Go to Mike’s web site and order prints of your favorite builder, event or bike.–Bandit

T’s Ride, 2020, moved to September 13th and now to be at the Marlboro Moose . . . click on https://www.facebook.com/events/178715303369720/ for all the 4 1 1 and to like, share, invite your buddies . . . thanks !

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

BEAUTIFUL BIKERS RIDER PREP WORKSHOP IS ONLINE TODAY, 6PM PST!–We are excited to announce our second Beautiful Bikers Spring/Summer Online Rider Prep Workshop!

Join our featured speaker Robyn “RoKo” Kocienski, along with Porsche Taylor of the Beautiful Bikers Conference& Black Girls Ride Magazine for a workshop to gear you up for your upcoming Spring/Summer Long Distance Rides. Robyn will cover Riding to Alaska. Learn long distance tips and tricks to plan and save for your ride! Raffle Giveaways are provided courtesy of Indian Motorcycle! All are welcome! Registration is FREE!

IFRD 2020: Ride to Calico Ghost Town
This year’s International Female Ride Day takes us from Long Beach, CA to Calico Ghost Town, in honor of our sisters: Runway, Stilletto, Granny, Buttercup, SJ Harris, and all of our Fallen Female Riders. We’ll start the day with a beautiful ride, and end with a poolside celebration! Save the Date, August 22, 2020, 9:30am. More info coming soon! If you have a rider you would like us to honor, email blackgirlsridemag@gmail.com.

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN— Rudeness vs Kindness

I was in the McDonald’s drive-through this morning and the young lady behind me honked at me; very upset because I was taking too long to pay.

Wow. “Take the high road,” I thought to myself. So I paid for her food.

As I moved up, she leaned out the window looking all crazy at me, because the cashier told her I paid for her food. She felt embarrassed.

When I got to the second window to get my food, I showed them both receipts and took her food too. I paid for it — it was mine!

Now she has to wait even longer.

She’s gonna learn today you just don’t mess with us old people.

–Joe Smith
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

[page break]

HAL ROBINSON BANDANA IN THE MAKING—The girls are negotiating on the final design of what might become the next Bandana effort to hit the Covid world.

The example above is cool, but way too defined for a bandana effort. Marie is trying to simplify the skull and Ann is looking for alternative Hal art, like the example above.

We currently sell some Tees and Hal prints in the 5-Ball Racing or the Bikernet Shop. Check ‘em out.

–Bandit

VA NEWS–Open Registration for the 2020 Endeavor Games

Strap on your gear and register now for the 2020 Endeavor Games on June 4-7! The Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical Disabilities is a fun and safe adaptive sports competition as well as sports clinics. Registration is now LIVE, and it’s FREE! 9 sport challenges, team challenges, e-sports, virtual welcome party, 12 live virtual sport clinics – don’t miss this resource. Veterans are encouraged to join!

COMPETE

3 Live Events on May 28 (Thursday)
May 28, 1 p.m. ET – Lunch N Learn: Memorial Affairs Overview and Spiritual Resilience (VA Chaplain Service Resources) JOIN
May 28, 2 p.m. ET – Promoting Veteran Mental Health with VA, Boulder Crest Institute, and Cohen Veterans Network JOIN Audio: 1-800-767-1750, access code 52655#
May 28, 4 p.m. ET – Money 101: Financial Wellness for Military Families with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project REGISTER

THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO CHIP INTERVIEWED–Every day folks like you who are planning a trip to Sturgis ask all sorts of questions about the Buffalo Chip and plans for the upcoming rally. With an event like the Best Party Anywhere® there’s a whole lot to learn, so we’re taking you right to the top and getting you the low down straight from the source.

Read on to get answers to some of the common (and not so common) questions you’ve been asking recently from Sturgis Buffalo Chip® President and Founder Rod “Woody” Woodruff.

1.Is the Buffalo Chip festival postponed because of COVID-19?

The rally has NOT been Postponed. The president has announced a plan to safely reopen the country and its businesses. The Governor of South Dakota has said that we can continue to plan for rally. Experts predict the virus will die down during summer. The rally is in late summer, so we’re staying on the gas. See our full statement on COVID-19 here.

2. What will happen if the Sturgis Rally is postponed?

Things continue to change daily, if not hourly, as the world comes to grips with the COVID-19 virus. We know that you are anxious to know all the details of what will happen, just like the rest of us. At the time of this writing, our first show is 114 days out, and we are optimistic there’ll be substantial improvements that will allow you to be able to attend as planned. We don’t want to get the cart before the horse or be premature. We’re all figuring this out together. Thank you for your patience as we monitor the situation and work out the details.

3. What do I do if I made a reservation, but now I can’t come? Do you offer refunds?

If you’re unable to attend, you can transfer to someone else prior to July 1. Once you have found a person to transfer your passes to call (605) 347-9000 and we will help you make the transfer. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 8-5 Mountain Time.

4. I’ve been working really hard on my beer gut lately. How can I get entered into the Beer Belly Contest?

It can be way more fun to drink a six-pack than to have six-pack abs. If you wanna participate and show off what you got, all you have to do to is show up to our Fan Fest Event at the Big Engine Bar on Wednesday of rally week. The bar sits in the center of our free-access CrossRoads area, so you won’t need to have a wristband to participate or watch.

5 .I heard the Buffalo Chip is sold out. Are you?

Absolutely not. If you want to come party with us, we’ve got room for you. However, RV sites are limited and selling fast, so if your style of camping includes an RV, motor home, camper or trailer, the time to reserve your passes is now!

6. When will you start announcing more bands?

We are confirming more bands as we speak. When they sign on the dotted line, you’ll know.

7. Can we get concert passes if we’re not camping at The Chip?

Concerts are free with camping, but it’s up to you whether you camp or not. Camping at The Chip is an experience you and your friends will never forget, but if you don’t want to camp, you’ll still need to reserve a pass online, over the phone at (605) 347-9000 or at the box office upon arrival.

8. I lost ________ during the Rally. Was it turned in?

If you lost something and it was turned in, we can help you reconnect with it. Check out this list of the items left behind after the 2019 Sturgis Rally, and if you see something that’s yours call (605) 347-9000 to claim it.

9. Can I bring my pet raccoon? It’ll use the toilet in my RV and stay inside the whole time.

For the safety of the pets and in consideration of other campers you’ll need to make arrangements for your pets to stay home or board them locally while you’re at the Chip. Even if your pet knows how to fetch you a beer, the answer is we’d be happy to recommend some good places you can board your pets while camping in at the Chip.

10. Where is the nearest place to buy _________?

You name it, and we probably carry it at the Buffalo Chip General Store. When you’re camping at the Chip, there’s no need to leave to buy the necessities. The General Store is open 24/7 and is located inside the amphitheater.

11. Can you hook me up with a woman while I’m there?

There are plenty of beautiful women at the Chip, and many relationships DO get their start here. Sorry, but all we can do is point you towards a good book called “How to Pick Up Women in Sturgis.” 😉

RIDER TRAINING UPDATE--Illinois is supposed to start June 1. Will see with the governor shutting us down for another 30 days.

–Paulette Korte
MRF.org

Subject: Rider Training in Pennsylvania

On a conference call (Colorado rider training) and was just informed all training in Pennsylvania has been suspended for the rest of this year.

I am told PA is a Total Control state — Lee and the State have come to an agreement to end this year’s contract.

–Deb Craig
MRF Corporate Secretary

Le Pera Seat of the Week–LePera Bare Bones Seat

Overview

Our thinnest production seat

Slammed to the ground and simply, Bare Bones

Perfect for any style bike: stock or custom
Fitment

All FXST
82-up XL
ALL DYNA
97-UP TOURING
82-94 FXR
RIGID
64-84 FX/FLH

BIKERNET INSIDER SHARES HIS VIEWS--Remember the bike-build off series. It would be cool to show where some of the featured builders are today?

I know some are no longer with us but for the ones that are it would be interesting to see where they are, are they still building bikes etc? Just a thought!

–STEALTH
East Coast Correspondent
Bikernet.com™

ACLU of Maryland launches ad campaign against the Baltimore Police surveillance plane program–

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland has launched an ad campaign against the controversial Baltimore Police surveillance plane that began flying last month.

The campaign includes radio ads, print and digital ads in the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper, and digital billboards against the planes that began flying over city skies collecting video of wide swaths of the city, which proponents believe will help police solve violent crimes.

But the ACLU and other critics have fought against the project, which has been untested anywhere else. They argue the planes are an invasion of privacy, unfairly target minority neighborhoods that are already over-policed, and should not be operated by a police department that continues to reel from fallout of one of its largest corruption scandals in history and under a consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department.

“In a majority Black city, the Baltimore City Police Department has once again found a way to target its residents and violate their rights,” said Dana Vickers Shelley, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maryland said in a statement. “This invasive search into people’s constitutionally protected movements is an unprecedented attack on civil rights. This program never should have gotten off the ground, and we’re dedicated to ending it on behalf of the people of Baltimore.”

The ACLU is currently representing three plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed in April against the city, claiming the planes violate residents’ constitutional rights. The ACLU sought unsuccessfully to have the planes grounded by filing an emergency injunction, but a federal judge ruled that the program does not violate privacy rights of city residents and allowed the plane’s sixth-month trial run to proceed.

Police have said the plane will fly around 9,000 feet above the ground. But in recent days, data from Flightradar24.com, a site that displays flight tracking information including altitude, showed that the plane was hovering at 4,300 to 5,300 feet when the sky appeared generally clear. A police spokeswoman said the plane has lowered altitude on cloudy days.

Some residents have complained about noise caused by the plane.

Critics have said the six-month-long program, which is paid for through private donations, is the wrong approach to reducing the city’s violence.

“With numerous killings and countless stories of police brutality and excessive use of force against Black people by officers with the BPD, it is bewildering that this department even entertains the notion that spy planes are an answer to end violence in Baltimore,” ACLU senior staff attorney David Rocah said in a statement.

“Instead of investing in Black communities and effective, grassroots-based solutions to attack the root causes of violence, the city is jeopardizing the trust of residents with a military based tool that will be used to target Black people, who are already over policed.”

By Jessica Anderson, Baltimore Sun

DIME BAG NEWS–Clipper Lighter with DimeBag art included with a 3-piece DimeBag Leather Wallet and Timecover would be cool.

–Adam Croft

T-SHIRT OF THE WEEK--As a vet who fought the commies last time, you (and the Bikernet readers) might appreciate some of these new T-shirts from American Tomahawk. They’re creating quite a stir. In a good way.

–Z
https://www.americantomahawk.com/

DIRECT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES–Dr. Ben Carson: How America will beat this virus

During his career as a pediatric neurosurgeon, HUD Secretary Ben Carson saw firsthand how resilient Americans are in times of crisis and personal difficulty.

Time and again, his patients—along with their families—showed grace and resolve despite the obstacles being thrown in their way. “I am seeing exactly the same thing in our country with the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.

“People coming together—this is the way that we will win.”

Fortunately, that light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view. After months of sacrifice by Americans of all backgrounds to slow the spread of Coronavirus, all 50 states are in a position to begin reopening now or very soon. Many states already have.

Before Coronavirus, America was in the midst of an economic rejuvenation. Historically marginalized communities, including African-American and Hispanic Americans, were witnessing near-record-low unemployment and poverty rates just a few months ago. The same was true for women and Americans without a college degree.

Now, the Trump Administration is working hard “to bring that renewal back again and make it even stronger and better than it ever was before,” Secretary Carson says.

DID YOU KNOW THESE THINGS HAD NAMES?
1. The space between your eyebrows is called a glabella.
2. The way it smells after the rain is called petrichor.
3. The plastic or metallic coating at the end of your shoelaces is called an aglet.
4. The rumbling of stomach is actually called a wamble.
5. The cry of a new-born baby is called a vagitus.
6. The prongs on a fork are called tines.
7. The sheen or light that you see when you close your eyes and press your hands on them is called phosphenes.
8. The tiny plastic table placed in the middle of a pizza box is called a box tent.
9. The day after tomorrow is called
overmorrow.
10. Your tiny toe or finger is called minimus.
11. The wired cage that holds the cork in a bottle of champagne is called an agraffe.
12. The ‘na na na’ and ‘la la la’, which don’t really have any meaning in the lyrics of any song, are called vocables.
13. When you combine an exclamation mark with a question mark (like this ?!), it is referred to as an interrobang.
14. The space between your nostrils is called columella nasi.
15. The armhole in clothes, where the sleeves are sewn, is called armscye.
16. The condition of finding it difficult to get out of the bed in the morning is called dysania.
17. Illegible hand-writing is called griffonage.
18. The dot over an “i” or a “j” is called tittle.
19. That utterly sick feeling you get after eating or drinking too much is called crapulence.
20. The metallic device used to measure your feet at the shoe store is called Bannock device.
HOW MANY OF THE ABOVE DID YOU ALREADY KNOW?

–from the Wayfarer
Special Investigator

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—Like beautiful flowers full of scent are the fair and fruitful words of those who speak of the Code of the West and act accordingly.

Ming Ball
Minion Monk
Bikernet Monastery
Deadwood, SD

MIC SYMPOSIUM SERIES– Episode 1

The Motorcycle Industry Council will be hosting a series of monthly webinars to address the immediate needs and challenges facing the powersports industry today.

The first episode, “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” Took place today, May 28.

–MIC

THE LOWBROW SISSYBAR– It’s definitely not your sister’s favorite watering hole.

Our latest article is all about sissy bars.
The history, uses and different styles of sissy bars along with lots of photos of killer bikes with them in action.

And…
We want your opinion! Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the article. Let us know:

Do you have a sissy bar on your bike? If so, how do you find it most useful? Or, if you don’t like sissy bars, tell us why!

MELLOW OUT—A couple of brothers got sorta edgy over the last couple of weeks. Staying locked down got to them in a bad way.

Now, as we get back to it. We need to take a breath, meditate, and know that your wildest thought is just that, a thought.

I don’t know if Dr. Hamster’s paint will arrive from the master, Deny 925 or not. I still need to work out the throttle cable. I’m wrapping up a Sportster project for a friend. We are adding a Mini S&S air cleaner to this 1200 SE kit. I fixed his Thunderheader bracket yesterday and rewired his bars.

I’m making a metal frame for the Deadwood fireplace just below the cool mantle Adrian made and installed. Carpeting is going in this week.

I want to put the belly on the Torpedo and we need to roll it down the block and check the handling once more. Mike suggested a steering damper. I have one.

I need to check with Lee Clemens, at Departure Bike works about our new rebuilt 45 flathead for the Bonne Belle. Where is that puppy?

It’s never dull around here. I don’t know what gets into me, but Buster, from Saddlemen, wants to help, and I would like him to focus on K. Randall Ball books, but I need to reprint the first two again. They sold out. I’m working with David Barnett on getting them reprinted. Hang on for the story about the first one, “Prize Possession.”

Have a terrific weekend and ride fast and free forever, goddammit.

–Bandit

by Sajan C Kumar from https://www.financialexpress.com

The EUIPO invalidity division annulled the registration since it was “incapable of eliciting a different general impression” with respect to the registered design of the Vespa Primavera, and pointed out that the registration was an unlawful attempt to reproduce the scooter’s aesthetic elements.

Italian two-wheeler and commercial vehicle manufacturer Piaggio Group, which has significant brand equity in India, has won a battle against the Chinese copy of its iconic scooter Vespa by getting the design of the ‘lookalike’ invalidated by the invalidity division of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The Group’s Baramati facility in Maharashtra produces 3- and 4-wheel cargo vehicles for the the Indian market and export, Vespa scooters for the local market, Aprilia scooters as well as diesel and turbocharged diesel engines for the Group’s commercial vehicles.Piaggio Group, in a statement, said that a design registered by a Chinese party, used to justify the production of scooters similar to the Vespa exhibited at the EICMA 2019 two-wheeler show in Milan, had been declared invalid by the invalidity division of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The alleged copycat has also been removed by the authorities of the Fiera exhibition centre, after a complaint was lodged by Piaggio.

The EUIPO invalidity division annulled the registration since it was “incapable of eliciting a different general impression” with respect to the registered design of the Vespa Primavera, and pointed out that the registration was an unlawful attempt to reproduce the scooter’s aesthetic elements. The Vespa Primavera is protected by the design registered by the Piaggio Group in 2013, by the three-dimensional trademark of the Vespa scooter and by the copyright that safeguards the artistic value of the shape of the Vespa, a style icon since 1946.

The invalidity proceedings were part of the wider activities against counterfeiting undertaken by the Piaggio Group for years. This includes continuous monitoring of the databases of internationally registered designs and trademarks, which, as a result of the opposition proceedings initiated by Piaggio, has led to the cancellation of more than 50 trademarks registered by third parties in the last two years.Piaggio Group, on May 11, said that all its production facilities around the world have resumed operations after the shutdown due to the Covid-19 virus. Production also started up again this morning at the Indian factory in Baramati. In India, the lockdown among dealers ended last week, with the re-opening of around 190 commercial vehicle and two-wheeler dealers, and the subsequent resumption of commercial activities. Piaggio Group’s Italian factories went back to work on May 4, whereas the Vietnamese facility experienced slowdowns in operations due to suppliers but always continued production.

Releasing the first quarter results on May 8, Piaggio Group chair and CEO Roberto Colaninno, said: “Despite the dreadful emergency created by the world pandemic, the Piaggio Group has successfully passed the first-quarter test and is investing in the future in terms of sustainable, technologically advanced mobility for people as well as for goods transportation. 2020 is obviously a complicated year and it is difficult to have any certainties, but every decision is and will be considered very carefully to ensure we maintain adequate capital ratios. I am confident, it couldn’t be otherwise.” Piaggio Group reported a net profit for the first quarter of 2020 of €3.1 million against €7.8 million in the first quarter of 2019. In India in the first quarter of 2020 the Piaggio Group sold 37,400 commercial vehicles, with a reduction of 14.4% in net sales. Piaggio Vehicles Private (PVPL), the Indian subsidiary had an overall share of 24.3% of the domestic three-wheeler market and confirmed its leadership in the cargo segment with a share of 47.2%, up from 44.8% in the first quarter of 2019.

The tanks and fender are out to Deny 925, the master of patina paint, for a scallop classic paint job.

In the meantime, I needed to install the Morris Mag, decide on a carb, install the front brake, finish a handful of welds, work with the guys at Bates on a clutch cable, make an old clutch lever work, hell, make the brake lever work and find a brake cable, take the springer apart and add Paughco inner springs, install the headlight and taillight, make a muffler bracket and mo’.

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

Technically, this modified Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight has been designed to be incarnation of a bunch of Japanese myths. Looked at from afar and in a totally superficial manner, it looks more like something the Yakuza would ride around on.

The bike is the creation of Harley-Davidson’s dealer in Shizuoka. It has been the shop’s entry in the King of Kings competition whose winner, the Mexican Apex Predator, was chosen by the public in April. Called Melville, the motorcycle was once a stock Forty-Eight that received both a serious makeover and a bunch of new parts.

The shop had to stay true to the rules of the Harley competition, and that meant taking at least half of the custom parts from the Harley inventory. A long list of such hardware, including things like the rocker covers, the saddle, or the fuel cap, are also of Harley origin, but new to this Forty-Eight.

What strikes the eye the most when looking at the bike is the way it looks. The pitch-black apparition lacks the chrome parts others are so in love with and use extensively on their builds, and even the fork is black. The only thing that breaks the trend is the extensive drawing on the fuel tank and some of the other new parts on the motorcycle.

According to the people behind this build, the tattoos displayed in a silver that perfectly offsets the dark tone of the bike are supposed to separately represent things like “prayer,” “death,” and “awe,” and combined to form some type of myth that is easy to understand if you’re Japanese.

Of course not all those who voted in March and April were Japanese, and many of them probably didn’t get the message the builder tried to send, so the bike did not climb at the top of the charts when it all ended.

Still, even without completely grasping the myth thing, the Melville is a nice build to rest our eyes upon.

by Fraser Addecott from https://www.mirror.co.uk

With rumours of the launch of a new Hayabusa doing the rounds among insiders, we take a look back at the history of this unique bike which came to define the supersports sector

Iconic is a word that is bandied around a little too easily these days, but in the world of motorcycling there are one or two which do fit the bill.

Suzuki’s GSX1300R – the Hayabusa – is surely one of those.

With its love-it-or-hate-it silhouette and simply awesome power, the Busa caused shockwaves when it was introduced in 1999.

Since then, there have been a number of overhauls and relaunches.

Production ceased in 2018, but, with rumours of a new model swirling, let’s look back at the development of the bike.

The design brief for the Japanese engineers at Suzuki in 19999 was simple – wade into the supersport market… and come out on top.

And the Hayabusa – which means peregrine falcon, a bird of prey with a top speed dive of 200mph – did just that when it was launched at the Catalunya circuit

The Busa made an impression the moment you set eyes on it, with its flowing lines and distinctive rear end aimed at making it as aerodynamic as possible.

Head of design on the original project Yoshiura san told Mirror Motorcycling: “The concept of the first Hayabusa was to create an original and dominating impact with superior aerodynamics, as well as being the most powerful sports motorcycle.

“I designed it with the intention of getting attention…

“It needed to be the ultimate road-legal motorcycle with the highest performance from mass-produced bikes.”

It immediately became the fastest production bike on the market.

At the launch, top speeds were clocked at the same point on the track as they were for the 500cc GP race the year before.

Suzuki test rider Yuichi Nakashima, said at the time: “The Hayabusa’s engine feels so overwhelmingly powerful and finely tuned that there is nothing like it.

“After riding it, you won’t want to ride another motorcycle.”

But, it wasn’t just the phenomenal power.

The smooth, 1299cc inline-four engine provided masses of torque, making the Hayabusa more than just a road-legal missile – a user-friendly, real-world motorcycle.

With an extensive list of aftermarket parts and interchangeable components, the Busa was also easily customisable.

The first proper overhaul came in 2008, with a more powerful 1340cc engine, a redesigned gearbox and broader torque throughout the rev range.

There was also extensive wind-tunnel testing.

Chief engineer Hiroshi lio said: “The team placed top priority on improving its already legendary aerodynamic efficiency.”

Once again the Hayabusa redefined the supersport category.

Brembo monobloc front calipers and all-round ABS were added five years later, as the Busa became known as a fast, comfortable, long-distance sports tourer.

However, with ever-tightening emissions regulations coming into force, the Hayabusa disappeared from European model ranges in 2018.

Whispers of its return have never gone away and are currently at a peak among insiders.

Will there be a new one? Watch this space…

New from Ventura, California based Barnett Clutches & Cables, these hydraulic clutch line adapters for 2002 and up Harley-Davidson Big Twins and 2009-17 V-Rods allow you to adapt any brake line with #3AN fittings for use as a clutch line. They are chrome plated and made with steel tubing and fittings.

Barnett Clutches & Cables, USA, www.barnettclutches.com

 

Motorcycle registrations across Europe dropped steeply in March and April in comparison to the same period in 2019 as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. With dealerships closed and economies under lockdown, commercial activity has been virtually paralysed.

 

Total registrations in the 5 largest motorcycle markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) fell by 39.6% in March 2020, compared to the same month of 2019. The situation deteriorated even further in April 2020, when combined registrations in the largest markets fell by 74.9%, with some countries contracting by 84% to 96%.

 

The moped segment was equally impacted. The largest European moped markets (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain) fell by 37.9% in March 2020 on a year-on-year basis. In April 2020, moped registrations in the same markets decreased 55.1%.

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the market with sales concentrated in the spring, this impact of the outbreak in March and April has placed European dealerships under considerable financial pressure. In addition, dealers are now holding an excess of Euro 4 vehicles, which were being readied for the Spring season but which may become unsellable due to regulatory changes.

 

Europe’s motorcycle industry welcomes the various economy wide support measures that Member States and the Commission have put in place. The only additional request from the sector is for the Commission to extend the period in which Euro 4 vehicles can be sold, to avoid dealers being left with hundreds of thousands of unsellable products.

 

Quote

Commenting on the current situation of the sector, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:

 

“With the progressive restart of activity, data for the next three months will give us a clearer overview of the final impact of the COVID-19 virus. Nevertheless, it is already clear that 2020 will be a very difficult year for the sector, with extraordinary disruptions on the activity of manufacturers, dealerships and suppliers”.

 

“ACEM and its members are working together with EU and national administrations to find a solution to the problem of hundreds of thousands of Euro 4 vehicles excess stock. This will require reviewing relevant legislation to ensure that motorcycle dealerships across Europe can recover from the effect of the COVID-19 crisis as soon as possible”.

 

from https://www.reuters.com

TOKYO (Reuters) – Suzuki Motor (7269.T) posted its lowest annual operating profit in four years on Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic hit demand for its cars, but the earnings beat estimates and the Japanese automaker raised its dividend, sending its shares surging.

Profit came in at 215.1 billion yen ($1.99 billion) for the year to March, down 34% from a year ago and its lowest since the year ended in March 2016. But it was higher than an average estimate of 201 billion yen profit drawn from 15 analysts polled by Refinitiv.

Suzuki, the country’s No. 4 automaker, declined to give an earnings forecast for the current business year, citing uncertainties about the longer term impact of the coronavirus on its operations and sales.

It announced a year-end dividend of 48 yen per share, up from 37 yen a year ago, which included a special dividend to commemorate the centenary of the company’s foundation.

Suzuki shares soared as much as 9% on Tuesday.

The automaker sold 2.85 million vehicles globally in the year to March, down 14% from a year ago.

In India, where it sells roughly one in every two cars sold through its majority stake in Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MRTI.NS), the automaker sold 1.44 million units, down 18% on the year. India accounts for just over half of Suzuki’s global car sales.

Suzuki has largely resumed full production of cars and motorcycles in Japan this week, while Maruti, India’s top-selling car maker, has also restarted domestic output, after a drop in demand due to the coronavirus and orders to curb movements of people forced manufacturers to shut factories in March.

($1 = 107.8300 yen)