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by Express Drives Desk from https://www.financialexpress.com/

In the best interest of their employees and customers, KTM AG will withdraw from global trade shows for the rest of the year, including INTERMOT in Cologne, Germany and the EICMA exhibition in Milan, Italy.

KTM AG have announced that the company will not participate in the motorcycle shows – EICMA and Intermot – this year due to continuing uncertainties prevailing because of the coronavirus pandemic. This means that both brands – KTM and Husqvarna – will be absent from the two very important motorcycle shows. Earlier this month, BMW Motorrad also announced opting out of the two shows as well. KTM AG has gone on to suggest event organisers, especially of EICMA, to move the dates to 2021.

The press statement from KTM AG reads that the company assessed their overall strategy for the rest of 2020 and have decided to make several key decisions in the wake of COVID-19 impacting public health, communities, the motorcycle industry and business on a global scale.

In the best interest of their employees and customers, the company will withdraw from global trade shows for the rest of the year, including INTERMOT in Cologne, Germany and the EICMA exhibition in Milan, Italy.

The proper planning of such events is currently at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding public gathering restrictions in most countries. The annual success of these indoor shows also sees hundreds of thousands of visitors gathering in enclosed spaces for a period lasting days and even weeks. For these reasons, KTM AG have identified their exclusion as a way to contribute towards a safe and strong return to normal activity.

Husqvarna Motorcycles will push ahead with current and future projects in order to provide the motorcycling market with exciting and innovative models and look for the best ways to show-off these developments. The KTM AG board of directors wishes to communicate that the coming months represent a small squeeze on the brake, but hands are very much poised on the throttle for the rest of 2020.

“Trade shows are key business milestones for the entire motorcycle industry but given the situation, public health and the welfare of our staff are higher priorities over the coming months. We have taken this course of action with a great deal of thought and, as a company, KTM AG would be pleased and interested if show promoters, EICMA in particular, would consider moving dates to 2021, where we hope and expect the situation to be settled and back to normal,” Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM AG CMO, said.

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com

Aprilia’s new Terra 250 adventure motorcycle is powered by the same power plant in CFMoto’s 250NK

Italian two-wheeler brand, Aprilia is apparently working on a new adventure (or dual-sport) motorcycle in the 250cc category, for the Chinese market. It was recently spied at Zongshen Aprilia’s manufacturing facility in a market-ready format. Zongshen Aprilia is the Italian automaker’s Chinese counterpart.

Aprilia already sells the Terra 150 in China. The 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle (which originally made its debut in a 125cc avatar) is relatively expensive and has not been able to perform well on monthly sales charts. Zongshen Aprilia aims to change this story with its new Terra 250. The motorcycle could be introduced in other Asian markets in phases but it is too early to make any conclusions.

The Aprilia Terra 250 is based on a split-cradle chassis frame with a box-section swingarm and a tubular handlebar. To aid off-roading characteristics, it gets 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels with knobby tyres. Reports state that this is the standard version and a more capable ‘Adventure’ variant could be introduced alongside (with longer suspension travel and 21-inch wheels at the front).

At the moment, a lot of details about the motorcycle remain unknown. However, it shares its power plant with the CFMoto 250NK which could be launched in India soon. The 249.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine makes around 26bhp @ 9,000rpm and 22Nm @ 7,500rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch. The CFMoto 250NK can hit a top speed of 140km/h.

The Aprilia GPR 250, which was introduced in China last year, is also powered by the same engine. In the Aprilia Terra 250, the output characteristics could be slightly tuned to suit its touring or off-roading trait. The Terra 250 is a potential product for Aprilia India considering the country’s growing interest in adventure-tourers and low-capacity off-roaders. If launched, it will directly lock horns with KTM India’s upcoming 250 Adventure while also being an interesting alternative to Royal Enfield’s Himalayan and Hero MotoCorp’s Xpulse 200.

However, Aprilia India had previously disappointed Indian motorcycle enthusiasts by stepping away from introducing the RS 150 and Tuono 150. The motorcycles were first showcased in India back at Auto Expo 2018. At the time, the Aprilia RS 150 seemed to be a compelling alternative to Yamaha Motor India’s YZF-R15 V2.0 (now YZF-R15 V3.0). If the Aprilia Tuono 150 was introduced by now, it could have been a strong rival to the Yamaha MT-15.

Hey,

Life is nuts and then you die. I find it crazy how some folks want to turn a recommendation into a law. They seem to want control. They want to find reasons for control, or maybe they want others to handle the issue for them. I wonder if a University ever took on the study of control? 

I suppose if you grow up surrounded by regulation, you might get accustomed to them. Maybe you use the regs to control others. Okay, so this virus is causing the regulators to surface again. It’s not enough to recommend that we stay 6-feet apart, some folks want that put into some kind of law, then enforced, fined and ultimately jailed.

On the other-hand I prefer suggestions, knowledge and choice. I experienced a 6-foot test over the last couple of days. Day one, social distancing was acutely administered and followed. Day Two, a friend had his art gallery broken into, a gate and four doors were damaged. I hauled ass over there to help with some welding issues and then called Kyle to fix the electrical. Zack showed up and Emilio’s brother, Mario helped with the wooden pieces. We worked almost 10 hours straight to secure the building. We were way too close throughout the day, but we had no choice. We had to finish the job in close quarters. As far as I know, we’re all still alive.

Day three, I stayed in the Bikernet Headquarters except to peel to the Post Office. I mailed a 5-Ball leather jacket, and then stopped to pick up the Salt Torpedo painted body from Mr. Vasquez. Okay, the post office was locked down in plastic barriers, and Mr. Vasquez and his wife never heard of Corona except the beer. Then I got home, Zack popped over and helped unload the Body, and later I met with an sharp investment guru who only rides a dresser, is an Iraq veteran, a 12-year Marine, and he immediately wanted to shake my hand. It’s all over the place. I’m not about to call a cop every time someone wants to get too close. Fuck it, let’s party.

After the news, I’ll tell you more about investments and opportunities in a down market.

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.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CLICK.DELIVER.RIDE PROGRAM–New Online Ordering & Home-Delivery Service Aims to Support Dealer Network & Riders Looking to Buy

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced its Click.Deliver.Ride program, providing riders with of the option of purchasing a motorcycle from the comfort of their own home. Riders have long had the ability to search for their desired model and customize it to their preference, but they can now work with their local dealer, either online or via phone, to complete their purchase and have their dream bike delivered right to their doorstep.

In the same way that Click.Deliver.Ride is providing Indian Motorcycle’s customers with convenience, it is adding value to its network of dealers as well. Dealers play a crucial role in their local communities and economies, which is why Indian Motorcycle has dedicated itself to help them navigate through this unprecedented business situation, with Click.Deliver.Ride at the forefront.

“Over the last month, we’ve all had to adjust to a new way of life and have had to alter the ways in which we conduct our business,” said Mike Dougherty, Indian Motorcycle President. “Our hope is that Click.Deliver.Ride. will help bring peace of mind to both our loyal customers and our network of dealers.”

Click.Deliver.Ride. is available for a limited time only at participating dealers based on applicable laws and is subject to change. To learn more visit: https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/click-deliver-ride/ and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER FINDINGS–Side affects of the virus threat. Some good some not so much but all great for a smile,

Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.

· I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe.

· I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

· Still haven’t decided where to go for Easter —– The Living Room or The Bedroom

· PSA: every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

· Home-schooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job.

· I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we’d go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone

· This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog….. and,we laughed our heads off.

· So, after this quarantine…..will the producers of My 600 Pound Life just find me or do I find them?

· Quarantine Day 5: Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business.

· My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet.

· Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat.

· I’m so excited — it’s time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?

· I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to ‘’Puerto Backyarda’’. I’m getting tired of ‘’Los Livingroom’’.

· Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

· Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year”…. I’m offended.

–from Bob Clark

WILD FROM WATHER BB GUN–PPS M2 CO2 BLOWBACK AIRSOFT PISTOL KIT

SKU: WA20A-A222

Practice at home! The Walther PPS M2 blowback airsoft pistol allows you a cost-effective way to maintain and sharpen your skills! This kit includes the Walther PPS Blowback Airsoft Pistol, 1 extra magazine, 2700 6mm BB’s, and 12 cartridges of Umarex CO2, enough for 2700 shots. Ships directly to your door! No FFL required! Legal in all 50 states! Note: Item Shipped Separately through FedEx!
$109.99

AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Idaho

The state Senate is considering a bill that would ban vehicle operators from using handheld devices while driving.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by five senators, is backed by the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety, police chiefs and United Heritage Insurance.

–AMA

NEW FROM THE BUCKLEGUY—Check Buckleguy.com with their new Collar Fastener!

We are excited to introduce our new Collar Fastener – AKA – quick release latch. This collar fastener can be used as a bag flap closure, for belts, saddles, etc. It was originally used for the saddlery trade by connecting both sides of the horse collar.

As always, we create our hardware with low lead brass. Check out our line-up of the current finishes and sizes you will find on our site:

B9571 Collar Fastener:
Antique Brass: 1 1/4″ inch
Natural Brass: 1 1/4″ inch
Nickel Matte: 1 1/4″ inch
Nickel Plate: 1 1/4″ inch
Thank you everyone, and stay safe out there!

The Buckleguy Team
WWW.Buckleguy.com

FROM THE BIKERNET EDITORIAL BOARD–Puma and Kehring? Yup that gives him the same cred and biker vision that the Willie G crew had when he took over-not!

My brothers, they are on the train to hell and soon being owned by Honda or BMW or some suits in NY.

Glad we have the memories.
Stay safe
Btw Did you see the latest models aimed at women and hipsters? Horrid man, horrid.
Bring back Lou kimsey and bandit.

–Geno

https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/04/07/why-harley-davidson-skidded-38-in-march.aspx

SMOKE SHIELDS FROM BILTWELL— Smoke Shields are in Stock Now
Easy Upgrade!

Replacement shields for Lane Splitter and Gringo S helmets are injection molded with highly scratch-and impact-resistant polycarbonate thermoplastic.

Our latest Gen-2 shields fit all Gringo S or Lane Splitter models because they ship with an all-new baseplate kit. These baseplates have an improved mechanism that results in firmer detents for three open positions. Anti-fog treatment included for maximum optical clarity.

AMERICAN TOMAHAWK STEEL–
80CRV2 Carbon Steel – Preferred steel by our customers for tomahawks and axes

Mini Jenny Family
Jenny Wren Family
S13 and Shrike
L13 and Loggerhead
Ragnarok
Snuggles
Kestrel
Kestrel Feather
Combat Africa (Knife)
Snowflake Throwing Star

Although mistaken to be the new kid on the block, 80CrV2 has actually been around for ages under the common nickname “Swedish saw steel.”A high carbon chrome-vanadium, 80CrV2 is a tough as nails workhorse steel. It provides the essential qualities of a 1080-series steel, with all the perks of a high chrome steel like 5160. 80CRV2 is a high-carbon spring steel, in basic terms it’s essentially a CS80 type steel with extra chromium, nickel and vanadium. This gives the material a higher hardness once heat treated. 80CRV2 is excellent for grinding and forging application.

52100 Tool Steel
Nomad (Knife)
Weezerker
Outpost
Knighthawk
Bushcrafter

This is high-carbon tool steel. It typically has .98-1.10% carbon. This steel is harder than many others, and consequently it holds an edge well. This is one of the best steels to use if you are worried about it holding an edge. This material is used often for hunting knives. Ed Fowler is owed some credit in popularizing 52100 as a knife steel in modern times. He has produced many knives in 52100 and wrote extensively about its virtues in Knife Talk columns in blade magazine.

Ed was introduced to 52100 in the form of ball bearings sent to him by Wayne Goddard [5], another influential knife-maker who regularly wrote for Blade magazine. Because bearings were a relatively common form of high-carbon scrap steel, its use in knives extends back much further, of course. Knives produced as far back as the 1940’s in 52100 have been reported, including knives by William Scagel.

CPM-3V Tool Steel
Raider Dagger
Drake
Wyvern
Raven
Tusk Prybar
Quill Awl

CPM-3V made by the Crucible®Particle Metallurgy process, is designed to provide maximum resistance to breakage and chipping in a highly wear-resistant tool steel. CPM-3V offers impact toughness greater than A2, D2, Cru-Wear® or CPM® M4, approaching the levels of S7 and other shock resistant grades, yet it provides excellent wear resistance, high hardness and thermal stability for coatings. Intended to be used at HRC 58-60, CPM-3V can replace high-alloy tool steels in wear applications where chronic tool breakage and chipping problems are encountered. The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high-quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, “grindability”, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes.

1075 Tool Steel – Used for these models when we couldn’t get 80CRV2

Kestrel Feather
Kestrel Trail Light
Ragnarok
Kukri
Snuggles

1075 is frequently used for larger blades and swords, but used just as regularly in everything from Bowies to kitchen knives. 1075 is tough, durable, and hypo-eutectic, which means it is very forgiving during heat treatment across a wide range of quenching fluids employed by the knife community—a very convenient option when one does not have access to some heat treat equipment and materials that benefit hyper-eutectoid steels like 1095 or W2.

Nitro-V Stainless Steel – Used for the majority of our knives

Sparrow
Coho
UCAP
Unmei
Dragonfly
Jungle Combat
Korbin

Nitro-V is a stainless steel sold by New Jersey Steel Baron which was first released in 2017. The steel was designed and produced in collaboration with Buderus Steel as a version of Uddeholm AEB-L modified with nitrogen and vanadium. Another obvious comparison is with 14C28N which was designed as a version of 13C26 modified for improved corrosion resistance. 13C26 is nearly identical to AEB-L but produced by Sandvik. You can read more about the history of AEB-L, 13C26, and 14C28N.

–Agent Zebra
www.AmericanTomahawk.com

AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Maryland
State Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County, Hartford County) has reintroduced a bill that would allow lane splitting in Maryland, as well as require state agencies to create guidelines for safe lane splitting and ways to incorporate the practice into rider education.

This is just the second time a lane splitting bill has been introduced in Maryland. This bill would require that the state agencies, including the Motor Vehicle Administration and State Highway Administration, develop guidelines for safe and appropriate lane splitting for motorcyclists and other road users.

Also, in Maryland, S.B. 237 would make motorcycle helmets optional for riders and passengers if the motorcycle operator is 21 or older, has at least two years of riding experience and has completed an approved safety course.

Similar bills were introduced in each session of the General Assembly since 2016, but failed to advance out of committee.

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– A tender attorney story…

A tender-hearted attorney story

One afternoon a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.

He asked one man, “Why are you eating grass?” “We don’t have any money for food,” the poor man replied.”We have to eat grass.”

“Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I’ll feed you,” the lawyer said.

“But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there eating grass under that tree.”

“Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.

Turning to the second poor man he stated, “You may come with us, also.”

The other man, in a pitiful voice, then said, “But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!”

“Bring them all as well,” the lawyer answered.

They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine.

Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said,

“Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.”

The lawyer replied, “Glad to do it. You’ll really love my place.

The grass is almost a foot high.”

Come on . . did you really think there was such a thing as a heartwarming lawyer story?

Look at Congress — over 300 Lawyers!!!

–EL Waggs
Prominent Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Library

5-BALL RACING SALT TORPEDO UPDATE–Yesterday, the new axle arrived. I removed the exhaust system and took it to my guy at San Pedro Muffler. Tim called the next day. It’s finished.

I picked up the body yesterday. I need to find a place to fix the wheels and pick up the exhaust system tomorrow. These are essential items for our Bonneville effort.

Waiting on steering arms and rods from Eddie.

–Bandit

SADDLEMAN SEAT OF THE WEEK—
Selecting the proper Saddlemen seat should begin with the question, “How long in the saddle and riding style or preference?” Knowing the comfort a rider will need will aim them at the best type of seats for their intended use, and then they can further hone their choice by looking at seats that would that complement their motorcycle and styling preference.

Saddlemen seats are a result of Integrated Design Philosophy (IDP™), which focuses on putting as much comfort into the seat as possible. IDP™ then takes styling cues from each motorcycle and incorporates them into the contours and patterns of each new seat. The result is a seat that is as comfortable as possible but also looks and fits perfectly on the motorcycle. Saddlemen’s craftsmanship and quality assure you of an enjoyable ride – regardless of the distance.

By combining the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel and advanced Progressive Density Foam, we create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. While thick seat foams are usually more comfortable, Saddlemen’s Gel-Core technology is used in every seat to produce excellent comfort regardless of its thickness. That’s why a slammed-down Saddlemen seat, such as the Profiler, rides so much more comfortably than other seats of a similar thickness. So if a thin Saddlemen seat is comfortable, imagine how plush a thick seat like a Road Sofa or an Explorer will be.

When creating a new seat, additional attention is always devoted to overcoming deficiencies that exist in the stock seat or other aftermarket seats. Our designers use advanced engineering plus practical riding experience to forge seats that ride comfortably, look great, and fit perfectly. For example, rigid plastic or resin-based seat pans with plated brackets provide superior fitment for easy, hassle-free installation. Riders will need to carefully study the attributes of each Saddlemen seat so they can learn how it can improve their riding experience. These seat types are:

Seats for Long Distance or “Touring”

These seats are aimed at users who will lay down 500+ miles open road in a day. Large, plush double bucket seats designed to keep rider and passenger in supreme comfort during long-distance riding.

Day Cruising Two-up Seats

These seats are great for cruising and day trips (200-mile tours). Still a significant improvement in the comfort of the original saddle, these seats aim for a balance between style and comfort, making for an enjoyable journey.

Low Profile Two-up Seats

Low slung trim, stylish seats that include seating for a passenger. The lean and minimalistic approach significantly complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for (urban) boulevard cruising.

Renegade Solo & Pillions

These Rider-only seats are also great for cruising and day trips as they provide a superb level of comfort while looking great as only a solo saddle can. Matching pillion seats are available.

Slammed Solo’s (S3) Seats

Low slung trim, stylish seats for lone riders. The lean and minimalistic style complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for casual riding (no backrest options – see Universal Detachable Pillions Pad for passenger seating).

Pro Series Seats

Saddlemen’s seat artisans occasionally partner with leading bike builders to create special edition seats. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but very comfortable for urban cruising with a unique appearance.

Café Seats

Specialty rider-only seats that feature the ubiquitous hump at the back of the seat. While aimed at style, the seat is very comfortable for urban cruising.

Above is the:
1996-2003 FXD Dyna Hog Killers Pro Series

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXD Dyna (excludes FXDWG)
Year Fitment: 1996-2003

[page break]

VA to retired federal health care clinicians– Help us fight COVID-19. After OPM action, VA invites retired medical personnel back to work

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved a request from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on March 19 to waive a section of federal law that governs retired VA workers.

The waiver makes it easier for the department to rehire retired VA health care workers and will help VA health care facilities bolster their medical staffs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VA is implementing the authority and could begin hiring actions as soon as this week.

As a result, VA is inviting interested retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals to register online.

VA is especially looking for health care providers with interest and expertise in:

Direct patient care/support (at a VA medical center and/or outpatient clinic)
As a re-employed annuitant, you receive your Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) annuities, as well as a paycheck as a federal employee. The waiver is in effect until March 31, 2021, according to OPM.

Choose VA
APPLY to work at VA as a reemployed annuitant.
For the latest VA updates on coronavirus and commonsense tips on preventing its spread, visit https://www.va.gov/coronavirus.
For more information about coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

FROM REVIVAL CYCLES–HOMEGROWN: BARRY WEATHERALL’S 1982 HONDA CB 900F, ELEANOR–When Barry Weatherall got his hands on a 1982 Honda CB 900F, two boxes of extra parts and a clean title for $500, he decided it was time to pay homage to the Eleanor Mustang, one of the most iconic American cars ever.

He grew up riding in the back of his Dad’s 1970 Mach 1, which eventually became his. He wanted to relive the experience he had as a kid in details, the seat leather, wood color of the steering wheel, and he referenced in the metalwork the Eleanor fastback lines.

He chased the mice out of the pipes and bugs out of the dark recesses by firing it up. Thankfully it did run, “…though it smoked like a backwoods barbecue shack.”

His initial budget was $3000, the final cost ran just under $3400, bike included. He spent the money where it mattered: engine, carbs and electrical were Barry’s priorities. “My main concern was making the bike run well, look right to me and fit my size well.”

He laid claim to a job-lot of sheet/bar/tube metal from a company that was just about to throw it in the dumpster. He fabricated the tail, headlight, side covers and cowling.

“At home, they joke about me: they say I build stuff in a cave with a box of scraps like Tony Stark.”

Barry modified the frame and existing swingarm for a mono-shock conversion. This was his first single shock build so he went to several sites to check math and angles. He eventually decided on a Hagon from a Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans.

He did a top-end rebuild. It’s a lower mileage bike but the valves and pistons were badly fouled. After clean-ups, he checked parts for spec. He fitted OEM Honda Rings, new seals and gaskets. He installed a new stator/rotor, a DynaTech ignition and coils, and replaced the clutch springs.

The new Mikuni RS34 carbs were fitted with Mikuni velocity stacks and were re-jetted, and these provided one of the high points of the build “Firing up the engine and hearing a smooth idle and snappy throttle response was great, I got the jetting correct.”

Barry came shopping at the Revival webstore and purchased the Revival Universal Starter Solenoid With Main Fuse, Revival Deluxe m-Unit Wiring Kit, a Motogadget m- Unit Blue, a Motogadget m-Button, Antigravity battery and reg rec, and Posh Factory Waffle Cafe Racer Grips.

Other key components were PX airfilters, NGK Spark Plug Wires, Dyna 2000 Ignition/Coil Kit, Tommaselli Clip-ons, a 7″ Hi-Low LED Daymaker Headlight for a Harley, Bridgestone Battlax BT45 110/80-18 58V Front, and a 150/70-18 rear, plus a bunch of inexpensive, made and recycled parts.

Barry asked his wife to sew the seat but everything else but tire mounting was done in the garage. “I really wanted to send it out for powder coating but the budget dictated I paint it myself.”

The low point of the build was having to rework the wiring, his first pass of fitting components in the electrical bay needed adjustments. He was dogged with grounding issues which he discovered 20 miles into a test ride with “…. the accompanying terror of a bike dying on a dark country highway with 18-wheelers barreling down on you.”

Overall Barry is satisfied with how it runs and feels. He’s 6′ 3″, so the bike is designed to sit up a little taller and works well for long rides, and he can tuck in nicely when going fast and cornering.

“As I was making parts most people didn’t “see” what I was going for, but as the bike came together it was great to have someone look and get the references to the Mustang.”

Eleanor is a keeper. As Barry explains: “I’ve never kept a permanent bike before: I usually build a bike, ride it for a year or two before selling it, but I think Eleanor is my first keeper. This one stays with me.”

BIKERNET BANDANA MASKS—Brother’s and sisters are using Bikernet Bandanas as masks. Sin Wu is actually making official masks using Bikernet Bandanas and elastic bands.

Let me know if you would like me to offer them for sale. They’ll be about 22 bucks which will include shipping. They will be hand made by Sin Wu.

–Bandit

FACTORY NEWS–Harley Accepts Investor Board Appointee Plan.

Harley-Davidson has resolved the dispute it found itself in with activist investor Bob Bishop’s Impala Asset Management (owner of more than 1% of H-D stock) and accepted a compromise, allowing Impala to propose one appointee of its choice to the board of Harley-Davidson.

Impala is said to have the backing of several other H-D private equity and institutional stockholders who share Bob Bishop’s/Impala’s disquiet at the recent management of the company and the direction it has been taking. Bishop had initially been lobbying for it to be able to appoint two new directors to the H-D Board.
Meanwhile, H-D has changed its company bye-laws to allow the annual meeting and its board of director meetings to happen remotely/virtually by video conference – which may well please German acting CEO Jochen Zeitz who, apparently, is scrabbling for a Green Card after stepping in to fill the breach left by the departure of Matt Levatich.
His position at the helm of Harley-Davidson, be it temporary or otherwise, is clearly not a career move he had envisaged and what appears to have been a side hustle unexpectedly moved center stage in his life.

Zeitz, a H-D board member since 2007, has agreed to stay on as Chairman of Harley-Davidson once an executive search has found them a new, permanent CEO.

Meanwhile, radio silence from Milwaukee about any planning being done for Harley to restart production and, at this stage, when they anticipate that might be – unless you count announcements about a line of Performance Bagger custom parts and Stage 4 SE 128/131 kits for 2017 and up touring models as valid and valuable contributions to the times in which we live!

Stop Press

Apparently Harley-Davidson staff were told that they would be informed “on or around April 19” about the next stage in lifting the production shut-down, or not.

Prior to shut-down, around 50 percent of the required MY2021 Touring launch production vehicle builds had been completed, but it is unknown about whether the launch of Softails, Sportsters, Streets or LiveWires are done yet, nor if any production Bronx or Pan America models have been built. It is reported that the Bronx and Pan America launches had already slipped to November 2020 at the earliest anyway, for non-coronavirus reasons.

The increasingly widespread assumption is that Harley (and Indian probably) will have to push back their usual late August new model year release announcement. The planned August 23-26 Dealer Convention slated for the Music City Center, Nashville, Tennessee, must also be in doubt – indeed while the online venue calendar is still showing planned events there from June onward, it is not listing Harley’s convention – though that may just be because it is not a public admittance event.

–from DealerWorld

DEAL OF THE WEEK–Paid $5.00 for the 2012 at the dealership, Service Manager was getting rid of extras. 2007 used off EBay was not $5.00, but better than the dealership price. Think I paid $75.00 for the ‘97 Softail manual I used with the Little Red Rigid.

–RFR
Tech Correspondent
Bikernet.com™

DIRECT FROM THE WHITEHOUSE–Telehealth Plays Big Role in Coronavirus Cure

“As our country responds to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, we are working rapidly to change the way we practice medicine to keep people safe,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams and CMS Administrator Seema Verma write in the Orlando Sentinel.

“One critical innovation is the use of telehealth, which allows patients to use smartphones, laptops, and other widely available technologies to connect with your healthcare team . . . For the duration of the pandemic, Medicare beneficiaries may now stay at home and use a commonly available interactive form of technology like FaceTime or Skype to have a telehealth office visit.”

BIKERNET COVID TASK FORCE FINDINGS–This is the first time in history we can save the human race by lying in front of the TV and doing nothing. Let’s not mess this up!!!

Wow… bars, clubs and gyms all closed. My life is about to be exactly the same!

Hey creative community! Just a reminder that Shakespeare was quarantined for the plague when he wrote King Lear. No pressure!!!

Also, highly contagious is kindness, patience, love, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Don’t wait to catch it from others…be the carrier!

Remember when we thought we were going to have a bad week because of the time change, full moon, and Friday the 13th? We didn’t have a clue!

Definition of irony: gas under three dollars a gallon and no place to go…

Home schooling going well – two students suspended for fighting, one teacher fired for drinking on the job!

Maybe now society will realize we can make it without celebrities and professional sports… but we can’t make it without farmers and ranchers!

Your grandparents were called to war. You’re being called to sit on your couch. You can do this!!

Stay inside, isolate or practice social distancing, keep yourself clean . . . I’ve become a house cat.

September morning 2050: John opened the last package of toilet paper bought by his parents in 2020.

If you need 144 rolls of toilet paper for a 14-day quarantine, you probably should have been seeing a doctor long before COVID-19.

Due to panic buying, Wal-Mart has opened register 3.

Pro tip: if you get pulled over, just start coughing.

All these kids who have been learning Common Core math are about to learn how to “Carry the One” from their new home school teachers.

That moment when you’re worried about the elderly and realize that you are the elderly…

Our cleaning lady just called and told us she will be working from home and will send us instructions about what to do.

I say we close down the media for 30 days and watch 80% of the world’s problems go away!

–from Sam Burns

Because of corona: LIQUI MOLY increases extra payment for all employees--Not really a bonus, but a “hardship allowance”

April 2020 – LIQUI MOLY is hiking its help for all employees. Ernst Prost, Managing Director of the German oil and additive specialist, describes this as a “hardship allowance”. Each employee will now receive an extra 500 euro, including temporary workers.

Because the daily work is currently taking place under such difficult conditions, “I am all the more pleased to be able to relieve you of at least some financial worries”. A few weeks ago, the company had already paid a corona consolation of 1000 euro to each employee.

In this letter to his colleagues, Ernst Prost explains that loyalty is not a one-way road. If a company wants their employees to be loyal, it needs to loyal to the employees, too.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ON-LINE STUDENTS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY– Jabberwocky
[ jab-er-wok-ee ]
noun,

An example of writing or speech consisting of or containing meaningless words.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF JABBERWOCKY?
Jabberwocky, “speech consisting of or containing meaningless words,” is a derivative of the name Jabberwock, a monster generally depicted as a dragon in a nonsense poem in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass (1871).

Concerning the etymology of Jabberwocky, Carroll himself wrote in a letter to students at Girls’ Latin School in Boston, Massachusetts (now Boston Latin Academy), “The Anglo-Saxon word wocer or wocor signifies ‘offspring or fruit.’ Taking jabber in its ordinary acceptation of ‘excited and voluble discussion,’ this would give the meaning of ‘the result of much excited and voluble discussion.’”

HOW IS JABBERWOCKY USED?
his face melts into a mask of sadness and despair, then sparkles with wit as he tells in a stream of jabberwocky the loopy story of a fop named Pongo Twistleton …

REX REED, “JOHN LITHGOW’S ‘STORIES BY HEART’ BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE ONE-MAN SHOW,” OBSERVER, JANUARY 16, 2018

AMA NEWS–South Dakota

The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club is opposing the annexation of its land by the city of Sturgis, saying the estimated $2,500-a-year increase in property taxes would spell the demise of the 82-year-old organization. The council approved the annexation by a 6-1 vote, with one abstention.

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MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK--The Cycle Zombies were rock stars as fans came up to have pictures taken with them at the Annual Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod and Custom Show. Japan. Sunday, December 7, 2014.

Photograph ©2014 Michael Lichter.

If you are looking for an event print, a photo of a particular builder or bike, don’t hesitate to cruise over to www.Lichterphoto.com. He has just what you need.–Bandit

USING TURN SIGNALS on a Roundabout; Reader Comments Part 1

Editor’s Note: One thing we do know about roundabouts (traffic circles or rotaries), every driver has an opinion. There is something fundamental about stopping, yielding, and signaling that seems to create as much conflict on the road and strong opinions as almost anything we tackle.

Roundabouts, just like speed limits, are something that many drivers encounter every time they travel in their vehicles. Most understand the importance of making asset forfeiture laws fairer, but because it is more of an abstract idea for most people, they aren’t as opinionated or emotionally involved.

Last week we asked for your comments and received more comments on Newsletter #585, than any other. Over the next couple of weeks, the newsletter will be devoted to those comments.

Readers’ Comments Part 1

Turn signals should not be required in roundabouts. Why? Fundamentally, roundabouts have their own unique set of rules that make signaling superfluous. Follow the rules, and drivers are inherently safe.

But there’s another important issue to consider. Roundabouts require a great deal of concentration and focus on monitoring what other drivers are doing while negotiating where to exit and from which lane.

–Jim Garry, New York

In Switzerland and Germany, roundabouts are everywhere. But as I tell my friends about America, “If Americans don’t invent it, it’s not good.” Europeans signal in roundabouts just as DefensiveDriving.com describes. And they always do.

–James Crue, Minnesota

DefensiveDriving.com’s signaling guidelines for roundabouts (which is what the British call them – many Americans call them traffic circles and those in New England, call them rotaries) are, for the most part, sensible. Except for the third section, “When turning left (last exit/three-quarters around), signal left upon entering, switch to the right as you come to the exit” is illogical and sure to confuse other motorists. It is akin to signaling left then right at a typical intersection when you intend to turn right and then turn left down the road at the next corner.

–Michael Lawler, California

–James, Texas

–Pat, Arizona

In 1972, while driving in Mexico City on my way to Acapulco, I was trying to enter a large roundabout (that were all over the city) without success because it was so crowded, and nobody would let us in.

–Jeff Talbot, Oregon

I can find no viable reason for signaling before entering a roundabout since all vehicles need to reduce their speeds beforehand. Cars should uniformly enter each roundabout; that includes yielding to traffic from the left, enforced with the posting of a Yield sign at each point of entry.

I can find no other purpose for signaling at a roundabout, except to indicate an intent to exit a roundabout at a particular road, and that’s always to the right.

–Donald, Wisconsin

–Mike Siedlecki, Oregon

–Jim Ely, Virginia

This was an excellent article about how ticket-issuing police forces can exploit unclear laws. I think about this gap in the law every time I use the roundabout near my home.
I don’t know what “DefensiveDriving.com” is, but their advice is dubious. There is no reason to signal upon entering a roundabout, as traffic in the circle has the right of way, and there is only one place for an entering car to go. Signaling a left turn makes no sense.

–Aarne Frobom, Michigan, NMA Foundation Director

Join the NMA Today!
Support the NMA and the NMA Foundation

Our mailing address is:
402 W. 2nd Street
Waunakee, WI 53597
nma@motorists.org
www.motorists.org
608/849-6000

Comoto Holding Donates Thousands
of Goggles to Fight COVID-19– While waiting for supplies of medical personal protection equipment, dirt bike riding nurses from Central California reached out to Rodger O’Keefe, Cycle Gear’s vice president of retail store operations, and told him that doctors and nurses could actually use motorcycle goggles in the interim, to help protect them from the novel coronavirus.

That set things in motion at Comoto Holdings, parent company of Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and RevZilla. Ken Murphy, the company’s president and CEO, decided Comoto would donate $50,000 worth of inventory to hospitals and emergency management offices to help in the COVID-19 fight.

Not long after, Daniel Gómez with UCLA Health called the Cycle Gear store in Lomita, California, and asked about buying goggles in bulk – 2,000 of them. Store manager Anthony Thacker, who had heard about the donation plan, sent the request up the chain. A team quickly kicked into high gear to get the inventory picked, packed, and shipped, free of charge.

“Within 24 hours, I had spoken to Daniel and told him that we would send the 2,000 goggles he had asked about,” said Martina Mansell, Comoto’s communications & community relations specialist, who managed the donations. Anyone interested in getting involved with further assistance can contact Mansell at martina@revzilla.com.

GUN NUT REPORT, TOO MUCH OR NOT ENOUGH?–
You may have heard on the news about a Southern California man who was put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned 100 guns and allegedly had 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in his home.

The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.

By Southern California standards, someone owning 100,000 rounds is considered “mentally unstable.”

BUT…
In Michigan, he’d be called “the last white guy still living in Detroit.”

In Arizona, he’d be called “an avid gun collector.”

In Arkansas, he’d be called “a novice gun collector.”

In Utah, he’d be called “moderately well prepared,” but they’d probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.”

In Kansas, he’d be “A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend.”

In Montana, he’d be called “The neighborhood ‘Go-To’ guy.”

In Idaho, he’d be called “a likely gubernatorial candidate.”

In Georgia, he’d be called “an eligible bachelor.”

In North Carolina, Virginia, WV, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and Minnesota he would be called “a deer hunting buddy.”

AND OF COURSE

In Texas he’d just be “Bubba; who’s a little short on Ammo.”

–by Sam Atchley

–from Sam Burns

AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Connecticut

The Town of South Windsor was unprepared for the overwhelming opposition it faced in February when Mayor Andrew Paterna proposed a ban on ATVs.

Paterna said a small number of ATV riders had trespassed on and damaged some farms, and at least one resident complained about excessive sound from ATVs.

But, when word got out that the ban would be considered, motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts packed the meeting chamber. A report from TV station WFSB stated that, “Every town resident who spoke at the Monday night meeting spoke out against the proposal.”

Paterna confirmed to the AMA that the proposal will not be reintroduced.

–AMA

ARCH MOTORCYCLE OF THE MONTH–
The ARCH KRGT-1 sets a new benchmark for the performance cruiser category. Powered by an ARCH / S&S 124ci V-Twin and with a distinctive aggressive profile the KRGT-1 is equally at home cruising highways or carving canyon roads.

The ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1 features bespoke Ohlins / ARCH suspension front and rear, coupled with BST carbon wheels which reduce unspring mass. These elements work as part of a chassis architecture developed to deliver incredible feedback and control. An all new ARCH / Bosch ABS system is fitted as standard, working with ISR radial calipers for optimum response and safety.

The 124ci S&S V-Twin engine is tuned to deliver high torque on demand with enhanced performance through a unique ARCH downdraft breathing system incorporated between the stunning billet aluminum tank halves.
www.archmotorcycles.com

IT NEVER ENDS—We will overcome and party again soon. Imagine the party in Sturgis this year!

Okay, I’ve had folks call me in a panic about the stock market. They see the market slipping and they want to sell. The Code of the West in the stock market is buy low and sell high. If you see the market sliding, buy more stock. It will come back and this is how wealthy folks get stupid wealthy. When everything goes to shit, they buy a ton of solid stocks and make out like Bandits.

I’ve been coaching kids around me to open stock accounts. One option is Charles Schwab. Charles doesn’t charge commissions. We’ve lived through strange times, when many young folks don’t know shit about building equity in their lives. Their folks, if they had any, were too busy drinking and getting divorced, and then struggling.

I tell kids (including my grandkids and local young riders), they can build equity in many ways, from artistic endeavors, like David Ulh, the master, building motorcycles, buying stocks, start a business, investing in real estate, you name it. Or getting involved in all of the above. It’s best to diversify because where one market slips another-one grows. The stock market is an easy one. You don’t need to sweat over trying to start a business, you just invest in someone else’s business and sit back and watch.

This Covid stumbling block is an interesting test and lesson in being prepared for hard times, retirement, illness or financial setbacks. We’ve been so lucky to live through exceptional times, but life has it’s obstacles and we need to be prepared as best we can.

So, we can ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

From American Tomahawk
by Bandit and the Agent

The Great and Grand Special Agent Zebra Survival List of Items Necessary to Repel Doom

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ON BIKERNET

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by KC Downey from https://www.wmur.com/

Organizers to decide by end of April

LACONIA, N.H. — Organizers of Laconia Motorcycle Week will decide by the end of this month whether to reschedule this year’s event because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

They are discussing a move of the event’s start from the weekend of June 13 to the weekend of August 22.

The head of the Motorcycle Week Association said it would be great for morale to keep to the original schedule, but safety must come first.

Still considered one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the country, the event is now in its 97th year.

For more information, visit https://laconiamcweek.com/.

by Satya Singh from https://www.rushlane.com/

A bike that appears to utilize advanced alien engineering, Vyrus Alyen easily qualifies as a formidable competitor to the likes of batpod

Vyrus is an Italy based innovation workshop that has been producing absolute masterpieces for more than thirty years. The workshop’s latest creation Alyen is a seamless blend of art, passion, performance and hi-tech innovation. The awe-inspiring motorcycle seems like a product from the future, with the idea probably being brought home by a time traveller.

While Vyrus Alyen appears to be quite heavy by its looks, its weight may be well below your expectations. That’s because the motorcycle utilizes lightweight carbon fibre for its wheels and bodywork. The forged carbon fibre wheels have been sourced from Rotobox, a firm that specializes in producing lightweight yet extra strong wheels. The uniquely shaped wheels also enhance the bike’s visual appeal and overall aesthetics.

As of now, Vyrus has released only some basic information about Alyen. The motorcycle is powered by a 1285 cc, water-cooled, Ducati L shaped 90° Desmo drive engine that produces max power of 205 hp at 10,500 rpm. Max torque is 144.6 Nm at 8,750 rpm. However, this also makes it a fuel guzzler. With its small fuel tank, Vyrus Alyen would be most appropriate for short rides. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and comes with wet clutch.

Vyrus Alyen sits on Magnesium double omega frame that is integrated with a self-supporting composite body. Suspension system comprises push rod twin pivot units at both front and rear. The hub-centre steering system works independently and does not interact with suspension functions.

Also known as hydraulic wired steering system, it was designed in 2004 by Vyrus project leader Ascanio Rodorigo. It was used for the first time in Bimota Tesi 2D superbike. As braking forces do not impact suspension movements, it makes Alyen a lot more agile when negotiating corners. Braking duties are performed by Brembo GP4 series.

To get an idea about Vyrus Alyen’s performance, we can look at the 1285 cc Ducati engine that can reach 0-60 kmph in just around 4 seconds. Top speed is 300 kmph.

Vyrus has not revealed how many of Alyen motorcycles will be produced. Vyrus motorcycles are usually manufactured in limited numbers and are meant for collectors and enthusiasts. You would be lucky to spot a Vyrus Alyen on the streets. Motorcycles created by Vyrus are also known to be priced astronomically. To know the price, you need to contact the Vyrus team.

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

For a while now, a Swedish electric motorcycle manufacturer by the name of Cake has been moving to position itself as a noteworthy adversary in this expanding segment. Its moves have been rather shy so far, but as of this summer the company is going head on into the segment with a brand new entry.

This week, Cake gave us a dose of optimism for an outdoor summer with the introduction of the Kalk INK SL, a vehicle meant to be used for off-roading and the casual trip to and from work in equal measure.

Cake says the new bike can be legally used on the road both in the U.S. and Europe. It is based on the same technology that underpins other Cake Kalk products (OR, &, and INK), but modified in such a way as to provide the performance required from a street-legal electric motorcycle.

Sharing the drivetrain, battery, and aluminum frame with the others from its family, the INK SL separates itself from the pack by making use of a non-linkage suspension at the rear and motocross suspension at the front, black fenders and bodywork made from polycarbonate and ABS, and two 19-inch wheels.

In addition, as a means to make it legal to operate on the road, the motorcycle received turn signals, front headlight, rear brake light, and a license plate holder.

Mechanically, the speed of the motorcycle has been increased to 62 mph (100 kph) to provide it with the required highway speeds. The range is of about three hours, which translates into anywhere between 22 to 53 miles (35 to 86 km), depending on how it is ridden.

“With the launch of the Kalk INK SL, we introduce the fourth model of street-legal CAKE bikes next to the Kalk& and recently released Ösa+ and Ösa Lite. Each of these models combines excitement with responsibility to inspire a turn toward zero emissions, whether that’s in remote or urban environments.” said in a statement Cake CEO Stefan Ytterborn.

The bike goes on sale this summer, and sells for $10,500 in the U.S and €10,500 in Europe.

by Bill Roberson from https://www.forbes.com

It’s raining and I’m sheltering in place with my family, which sadly means no motorcycle riding as spring weather imminently arrives in the Northwest. Thankfully, Kawasaki just broke the boredom by holding a model reveal online, as is the sudden new norm, and the new bike is the 2020 Ninja 1000SX. It looks to be another fine machine from the always capable Kawasaki. But after the presentation, I found myself wandering down memory lane (and through digitized photos) to the first and only Ninja I personally owned. In the early 1990’s, I happened across a pristine first-gen Top Gun era 1986 GPz 900 Ninja in bone-stock, unblemished like-new condition (below). Resplendent in original red, white and blue livery, it was by that time somewhat of a performance relic, but I bought it anyway because, well, I had always wanted one and the price was right. Compared to the back-road-strafing Suzuki GSX-R 750 I was riding at the time, it was heavy, a bit wobbly when pressed in the curves, and big. But still, it was just so cool. It still is.

One weekend, a riding buddy and I saddled up our respective bikes with some soft bags and headed out to parts unknown in the wide-open (and very lightly patrolled) reaches of eastern Oregon. Midway into a long leg of the trip, my cohort was complaining about the uncomfortable riding position of his mount and tried everything from using the rear pegs to sitting on towels to soothe the pain. But I had made an unexpected discovery: That big, heavy GPz Ninja was a near-perfect sport-touring machine, with a supple yet sporty suspension, a comfortable seat, a near-perfect bar-seat-peg triangle (for myself at least), and a willing, powerful engine. That was the first of many long trips on the Ninja.

Over 30 years later, Kawasaki’s now-venerable Ninja nameplate has gone through numerous iterations and generations, ranging from sword-sharp track attack weapons to the beyond-bonkers 300+hp H2R supercharged exotic. But sitting in the sweet spot in the lineup is the great, great grandchild of that first GPz machine, the 2020 Ninja 1000SX. It still looks fast, with rakish, geometric bodywork and a mean, purposeful stance. And it is Ninja fast, with a new 1,043cc inline-four that puts out triple-digit horsepower and is tuned for more torque than your typical sportbike screamer. But best of all, this modern Ninja calls out to me like my old friend, with more focused capabilities that weren’t readily apparent in my sturdy GPz.

The $12,399 2020 Ninja 1000SX is both a sport-riding and a sport-touring platform with a definite emphasis on sport, but Kawasaki has also embraced and expanded its touring acumen. Hard bags that use a slick low-profile mounting system are an OEM option, the quick-release windscreen adjusts across four settings, there are four seat options, and the SX has been retooled digitally for open-road riding including, at long last, electronic cruise control (the real kind, not the plastic throttle lock I used on my ‘86 Ninja). But it’s also designed to be a competent back-roads tool, including a new clutchless quick shifter and slipper clutch, giving riders the ability to scratch an itch in both worlds.

For 2020, Kawasaki has also upped the tech quotient to a large degree over the 2019 model. The KIBS ABS smart braking system is now standard, and a new Bosch inertial module adds more safety options to the braking and acceleration parts of the ride, including a novel new cornering management system. For pilots wanting less tech intervention, certain aspects of the system, such as the three-level traction control, can be set to “off.” Incredibly, the Bosch IMU doing all that thinking for you only weighs a scant 40 grams, or about as much as a handful of paperclips. There are also expanded ride modes including Sport, Rain and Road, as well as a custom Rider mode where you can set up your own favorite profile. Parameters within riding modes can be adjusted as well and everything can be set up on the bike’s new 4.3-inch TFT color cockpit display, or through the Kawasaki Rideology smartyphone app. As I recall, my Top Gun Ninja had a gas gauge, which I thought was pretty damn trick at the time. I taped an LCD clock from the dollar store to the tach to really take things to the next level. Ah, the carbureted days…

To be sure, the 2020 NinjaSX is a smart-looking bike, and Kawasaki’s engineers have tweaked the fairing for better airflow, as well as moving from a two-pipe muffler layout to a more sporty (and lighter weight) single-sided affair more in tune with its pure sportbike brethren.

Probably my only complaint is the color scheme, which is a natty grey and black scheme with Kawi-green accent stripes (as above) as the only option, at least so far. Come on, Kawasaki, find some old cans of Ninja red, white and blue paint already!

Once the world starts turning again, the new Ninja 1000SX should be available in Kawasaki showrooms, and it’s only a $200 bump over the old model.

By NIKKI WENTLING from https://www.stripes.com

WASHINGTON – A motorcycle rally in the nation’s capital, designed to replace the popular Rolling Thunder event, won’t happen on Memorial Day weekend because of the coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Tuesday night.

AMVETS took over plans for a motorcycle ride through Washington after Rolling Thunder organizers announced that 2019 would be their last event. Rolling Thunder, a 32-year-old tradition, attracted hundreds of thousands of participants every Memorial Day weekend.

AMVETS planned a similar event, Rolling to Remember, for the weekend of May 23.

“As always, the health and safety of our riders and the veteran community is our top priority,” AMVETS said in a statement. “Due to the federal and state restrictions on public gathers and the guidance of the public health officials amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rolling to Remember motorcycle demonstration will not take place in Washington, D.C.”

The goal of the three-day event was to focus on raising awareness for prisoners of war and troops still missing in action, as well as the issue of veterans suicide.

Instead of the in-person ride and rally, AMVETS asked motorcyclists to ride 22 miles on May 24 in their local communities, while following social distancing guidelines. The 22 miles recognizes an often-cited statistic that 22 veterans die by suicide every day. Participants can download a phone app titled “REVER” to track and share their ride.

The weekend Rolling to Remember activities were expected to kick off May 22 with “Blessing of the Bikes” at the Washington National Cathedral. AMVETS was working with the National Park Service to have a stage on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with speakers and other programming. Then, on May 24, motorcyclists were scheduled to ride past the White House, the Capitol Building, around the National Mall and stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

The estimated cost of the weekend event, which was free for participants, was $400,000.

AMVETS said they would continue planning an event in Washington for 2021.

“We appreciate your support and flexibility during an unprecedented time in our nation’s history,” AMVETS said. “We look forward to coming together, even stronger than before, to continue this important tradition in person in 2021.”